Programme: Applied Biology

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A possible role of urinary genotoxic Escherichia coli in prostate cancer in Nigerian patients
(BMC Research Notes, 2025) Akinpelu, Sharon O.; Olasehinde, Grace I.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.
Objective Infection and inflammation are potential initiating factors for the development and progression of prostate cancer. This study investigated the presence of bacterial genotoxins; colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) in Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as those with benign prostatic hyperplasia. E. coli was isolated from urine samples from prostate cancer patients (cases, n = 30) and men with benign prostate hyperplasia (controls, n = 40). The presence of colibactin (clb) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) genes was evaluated in E. coli isolates using polymerase chain reaction. Results The frequency of E. coli was 36.0% of prostate cancer patients and 30.0% of controls, respectively (p = 0.557). Furthermore, there was a higher occurrence of the clb gene in cases compared to controls (36.4% vs. 8.3%). Cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) gene was absent in all isolates examined. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between the selected genotoxins and prostate cancer (p = 0.104). The Gleason grade of the cancer was not a major determinant in the occurrence of clb within the cancer cases. The present study is the first report investigating bacterial genotoxins in urine samples of Nigerian prostate cancer patients. Our findings showed no association between bacterial genotoxins and prostate cancer. Additional investigations are warranted to further investigate the role of bacterial genotoxins in prostate cancer development.
Anaerobic biodegradation and activities of methanogens, acetogens, sulphate and nitrate reducing bacteria in aged oil wells from low sulphate oil producing environment
(Biodegradation, 2026) Okoro, Chuma; Ekeng, Effanga; Ohwo, Sylvester; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka
Analysis of microbial communities associated with corrosion in low Sulphate/saline oil bearing environment
(Science of The Total Environment Volume 986, 2025-07-15) Okoro, Chuma; Ekeng, Effanga; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Ohanu, Ursula Chidinma; Ali, Margaret; Ohwo, Sylvester
ANALYSIS OF PHYTATE CONTENT VARIABILITY AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF GENES IN COWPEA LANDRACES
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) OMODIAGBE, David Eromosele; Covenant University Dissertation
Phytate is a naturally occurring phosphorus-storage compound in seeds, but it reduces the bioavailability of iron, zinc, and calcium in human diets. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), an essential dietary protein source widely consumed in Nigeria, contains notable phytate levels, which may hinder micronutrient absorption with regular consumption. This study investigated phytate content in Nigerian cowpea accessions and explored candidate genes involved in its biosynthesis to guide future efforts for nutritional improvement. Thirty (30) cowpea landraces were obtained from the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). Phytate concentration was quantified using acid digestion followed by filtration and titration. To explore the genetic basis of phytate accumulation, protein sequences of known phytate biosynthetic genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, and Phaseolus vulgaris were retrieved from Phytozome 14.0. These sequences were used for BLASTp searches to identify putative homologues in cowpea. Homologous cowpea sequences were aligned and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the Neighbour-Joining method in MEGA v12.0.11 with 10,000 bootstrap replicates to assess evolutionary relationships. The results showed significant variation in phytate content, 3.96‒30.94mg/g (p < 0.001) across cowpea accessions. The cowpea sequences displayed strong homology to known phytate biosynthetic enzymes in seed, MIPS (Myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase), ITPK (Inositol 1,3,4-triphosphate 5/6-kinase), IPK2 (Inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate kinase), MRP (Multidrug-resistance-associated protein ATP-binding cassette), IMP (Inositol monophosphate phosphatase), MIK (Myo-inositol kinase), and IPK1 (Inositol 1,3,4,5,6 pentakisphosphate 2-kinase), with low E-values and high identity percentages. Phylogenetic clustering of cowpea sequences alongside those from related legumes suggests potential functional conservation, although expression-level validation is necessary. Quantitative gene expression profiling to further clarify the roles of these genes in phytate biosynthesis and accumulation is needed. These identified genes could be prioritised for reverse genetics or transcriptomic studies, provided that tissue-specific expression and off-target impacts are carefully evaluated
Application of Nanobiofertilization for Bioremediation and Ecorestoration of Polluted Soil/Farmland
(2024) Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Chimbekujwo, Konjerimam Ishaku; Oniha, Margaret; Omoregie, Isibor Patrick; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun; Mathew, John Tsado
Nanotechnology is a novel field of research that solves issues in relation to environmental contamination. It opens doors for an environmentally friendly substitutes without altering the ecosystem. The combination of the two methods, nanobiofertilization and bioremediation is a recently developed approach which gives hope for decontamination of the environment and restoring a livable future. It has proven to effectively absorb contaminates in a short period of time and in a friendlier manner. Microorganisms in nanobioremediation play an important role in the removal, detoxifying, degrading, and immobilization of pollutant into less toxic form. Bio- and phytoremediations are exclusively preferred approaches because of the edge it has over numerous methods like high waste cleaning abilities, its cheap, ecofriendly, and generally acceptable. This approach has exceptionally added to the tolerability and ecorestoration of the environment based on the upper hand it has over other innovations. More so, its efficacy signifies high level of pollutant removal and has lay out new prospect to tackle problem within the environment.
Application of Nanochitosan in the Detection of Pesticide Residues and Degradation
(2020) Yakubu, Japhet Gaius; Oyewole, Oluwafemi Adebayo; Ilyasu, Ummulkhair Salamah; Ayanda, Opeyemi Isaac; Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun
Chemicals called pesticides are used to manage pests like weeds, rodents, and insects. They are commonly used in agriculture to safeguard animals and crops from pests and illnesses. The usage of pesticides, however, can potentially have detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Pesticides can harm non-target creatures and contaminate the soil, water, and air. In addition, exposure to pesticides can result in a variety of medical issues in people, such as cancer, neurological conditions, and reproductive issues. Chitosan is a natural polymer formed from crab shells. Nanochitosan is chitosan in a nanoscale form. It has several distinctive qualities that make it a potential material for a variety of applications, including the detection and degradation of pesticides, such as large surface area, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. There are numerous ways to detect pesticides using nanochitosan. Utilizing sensors made of nanochitosan is one typical strategy. Usually, nanochitosan is immobilized onto a substrate, like a gold electrode, or nanochitosan-based colorimetric assays are used to create these sensors. Because there is currently no environmentally benign method of pesticide remediation, scientists have looked for other ways to prevent pesticides from having a negative impact on the ecosystem. In order to degrade pesticides, nanochitosan has been used in a variety of ways. These include the usage of nanochitosan-based adsorbents, which are typically created by adding a functional group with a strong affinity for pesticides to nanochitosan. The pesticide is subsequently removed from the environment by the functional group after it attaches to it. Because nanochitosan can be impacted by environmental factors including pH and temperature, there are restrictions on its usage for bioremediation. Nanochitosan provides a number of benefits over other materials used for the detection and degradation of pesticides, notwithstanding its limits. As a result, it may be investigated to reduce the effects of pesticides on the environment.
Assessment of knowledge and practices towards the diagnosis of arboviral infections amongst healthcare workers in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory: a cross-sectional study
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2024-12-17) Ipadeola, A. F.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Kolawole, Olatunji Matthew; Isere, Elvis Efe; Attah, Timothy Adejoh; Omenyi, Lazarus Onyema; Oladokun, Odunola Dorcas; Oyewunmi, Kafayat Olabisi; Ekun, Oyeronke Olufemi; Oparaocha, Stellamaris Uche; Obazee, Dorcas Yetunde; Ndaks, Comfort; Ewa, Egwu Emmanuel; Olasehinde, Grace Iyabo
CHARACTERISATION OF THE GUT MICROBIOME AND FUNCTIONAL PROFILE IN ESTROGEN RECEPTOR-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-10) WILLIAMS, Moyosoreoluwa Mary; Covenant University Dissertation
Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most prevalent molecular subtype globally, yet its association with gut microbial composition, functional potential and inflammatory drivers remains uncharacterised in sub-Saharan Africa. Employing the intersection of microbiology, oncology, and genomics, this study investigated the gut microbiome, predicted functional profiles, and systemic inflammatory markers in treatment-naïve ER+ breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls in Lagos, Nigeria. Faecal DNA samples from participants were extracted and analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform using the QIIME2 pipeline. Microbial diversity was assessed through alpha (Shannon index) and beta diversity (NMDS, PCoA) metrics, and the group differences were tested using the Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis, while PICRUSt2 predicted functional pathways with on focus on β-glucuronidase. Concurrently, systemic inflammation was evaluated through the quantification of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) from blood serum. Analysis revealed no significant differences in alpha diversity between groups (p > 0.05). However, beta diversity demonstrated substantial compositional divergence (PERMANOVA R²=0.11, p=0.02), with cases showing an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and depletion of Actinobacteriota, including Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Functional prediction indicated heightened β-glucuronidase activity in ER+ cases, suggesting enhanced estrogen reactivation potential. Inflammatory markers displayed a complex profile, with significantly reduced IL-6 levels in patients despite stable CRP concentrations. These findings characterise distinct gut microbial dysbiosis and functional alterations in Nigerian ER+ breast cancer patients, revealing an estrobolome configuration potentially contributing to pathogenesis. The results underscore the necessity of population-specific microbiome studies and highlight potential biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions in this understudied population.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GUT MICROBIOME AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN TREATMENT-NAIVE TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER (TNBC) PATIENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-10) OGUNLEYE, Oluwanifemi Omodara; Covenant University Dissertation
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbial imbalance and chronic inflammation may contribute to breast cancer progression. This study investigated the gut microbiome profile and circulating inflammatory markers in treatment-naive TNBC patients compared with unknown subtypes and healthy controls to understand the microbiome–inflammation relationship in TNBC pathogenesis. Fecal DNA from TNBC, unknown subtype, and healthy control groups was extracted and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing through the Nephele QIIME2 pipeline. Alpha diversity was evaluated with the Shannon index, and group differences were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were quantified using ELISA, and correlations were assessed using Pearson and Spearman analyses. Alpha diversity analysis revealed no statistically significant difference among groups (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.298), though TNBC samples exhibited lower and more variable Shannon index values compared with controls. TNBC samples showed unstable high levels of Firmicutes, and Bacteriodota, and varying low levels of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, indicating microbial imbalance. IL-6 and TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between TNBC and controls (p > 0.05), though TNBC patients displayed higher variability. A moderate positive correlation was found between IL-6 and TNF-α in TNBC (r = 0.5982), indicating co-regulated inflammatory activity. The PICRUSt functional prediction revealed altered microbial metabolic pathways in TNBC patients compared to controls, particularly a reduction in butyrate and propionate metabolism associated with short-chain fatty acid production. The findings suggest early gut dysbiosis and immune imbalance in TNBC despite the absence of significant statistical differences. Reduced microbial diversity, altered phylum-level composition, and cytokine co-regulation indicate biological perturbations in treatment-naive TNBC. These findings collectively support a potential link between microbial dysbiosis, altered short-chain fatty acid metabolism and elevated inflammatory activity in TNBC pathogenesis. It also highlights the need for larger, longitudinal studies to validate microbial and inflammatory biomarkers for early disease characterization.
Dataset on characterisation of microbiome of prostate tissue and expressed prostatic secretions
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2025) Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Samuel, Abosede E.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men, particularly affecting those of Black African descent. Nigeria currently has the fourth highest risk for PCa mortality in the world. The microbiome of the prostate has emerged as a critical factor in understanding the aetiology and progres- sion of prostate diseases, such as prostate cancer (PCa), be- nign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) , benign stromal hyperpla- sia (BSH) and prostatitis (PRO). This study to comparatively characterise the microbiome present in prostate tissue and expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) from 30 study subjects diagnosed with PCa, BPH, BSH and PRO and sampled from the urology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja. Bacterial species community composition and diversity were analysed based on 16S rRNA metagenome nucleotide data to ensure the accuracy, reproducibility, and broader ap- plicability of microbiological and genomic research. Data in- formation allows for precise identification of organisms at the species or strain level, essential for verifying experi- mental results and comparisons of the isolated organism’s genome with related strains, providing insights into genetic diversity, virulence factors, and metabolic pathways of the sample population microbiome.
Dataset on rbcL gene intra and inter-specific diversity and phylogenetic relationship of eggplants ( Solanum species) in Southern Nigeria
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2025) Ajiboye, Babafemi I.; Popoola, Jacob O.; Eni, Angela O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.
Eggplant ( Solanum sp.) is the third most widely cultivated solanaceous vegetable globally, and it is commonly con- sumed in Nigeria, particularly in Southern Nigeria, for its nutritious and medicinal fruit, leaves, and seeds. The taxon has recorded array of ethnobotanical uses ranging from food, medicine to cultural interactions in ceremonies. Despite the enormous range of a value, studies have shown decreas- ing eggplant varietal diversity, directly linked with cultiva- tion preferences and activities, such as exchanging propag- ules within and between agroecological areas and farms. Ad- ditionally, the wide range of accessions in the taxa, mor- phological plasticity, and genetic similarity among acces- sions have resulted in the ambiguity and inconsistent phy- logenetic classification of the taxa. The dataset consists of partial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit ( rbcL ) gene sequences, nucleotide compositions and amino acid profiles of 75 accessions of eggplants collected from across Southern Nigeria. The genetic information pro- vided by the dataset offers insight into the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the eggplant accessions, which could serve as a baseline for designing effective strate- gies for sustainable cultivation, conservation, utilisation, and improvement of the taxa.
Dataset on rbcL-based intra-specific diversity and population structure of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) in Nigeria
(Data in Brief (Elsevier), 2024) Omonhinmin, Conrad A.; Taiwo, Nchedo S.; Okonkwor. Paul B.; Ajayi, Israel M.; Akinduti, Paul Akinniyi; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi S.; Ajiboye, Ibukun; Taiwo, Olugbenga S.; Adekeye, Bosede Temitope; Oziegbe, Olubukola; Bello, Adetutu O.; Ahuekwe, Eze Frank; Oyekanmi, Joshua; Olufowobi, Olanrewaju; Oniha, Margaret Ikhiwili; Oshamika, Oyewumi; Ejoh, Samuel A.; Adewale, Adeyemi G.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Oranusi, Solomon U.; Popoola, Jacob O.
African locust bean ( Parkia biglobosa ) is a multipurpose legu- minous tree species of nutritional and pharmacological value. The plant is widely distributed in Africa and across Nige- ria’s major agroecological areas (AEAs). Amidst declining cul- tivation and production, P. biglobosa is genetically threatened in its natural habitats due to overexploitation, deforestation, wildfires and lack of improved tree management practices. Consequently, concerted research efforts directed towards germplasm collection and assessment of genetic relation- ships are imperative for conserving its genetic resources, sustainable management and selecting promising landraces for breeding programmes. The dataset presents rbcL in- traspecific genetic diversity and population structure of 62 P. biglobosa landraces in Nigeria. A relatively high level of diversity and a low degree of nucleotide variability was observed among the landraces. Relatively high values of 642 total allele sites, 601 polymorphic sites, 504 parsimony information sites, 883 total number mutations, 9 haplotypes and 0.55 gene diversity were recorded for the sequence dataset. Low values of 0.35 nucleotide diversity and 5 InDels events were also recorded for the dataset. The gene flow in this dataset demonstrated an extensive exchange of genes between the three populations of P. biglobosa, which influenced the level of genetic differentiation (Gst) between the populations. Significantly low Gst (-0.01) was recorded between the Guinea and Sudan savannah populations, a moderate value (0.03) was recorded between the Sudan savannah and Rainforest populations and a higher Gst value (0.05) was recorded between the Guinea and Rainforest populations. The dataset highlights potential evolutionary dynamics that might influence variations relevant to the breeding and conservation of P. biglobosa in Nigeria and across its range in West and Central Africa.
Exploring the impact of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria: a scoping review of current research, government policies and programs
(Climatic Change, 2025) Niyi-Odumosu, Faatihah; Ozoh, Obianuju B.; Ope, Victor Oloruntoba; Ale, Boni M.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Iseolorunkanmi, Alexander; Adeloye, Davies
Climate change significantly impacts health globally, especially in densely populated, rapidly industrialising and ecologically diverse countries like Nigeria. We analysed climate change policies, studies, programs, and events at the national and subnational levels in Nigeria and explored their effects on public and respiratory health. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR) checklist, we searched PubMed, African Journals Online (AJoL), Google Scholar and government data repositories on January 10, 2024. We synthesised results using an adapted sector-level framework based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Our searches returned 262 items, of which 32, including research studies, reports and grey documents, were retained for synthesis. Although some policies and programmes, like the Climate Change Act and Nigerian Climate and Health Observatory, exist, implementation is limited across many settings. Key reported respiratory pollutants in Nigeria include particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), gaseous emissions (CO, SO₂, NOx), agricultural by-products (NH₃, H₂S), greenhouse gases (CH₄, CO₂), and microbial contaminants, which collectively increase the risk of respiratory inflammation, infections, and exacerbations of chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases. Our findings underscore a clear link between climate change and worsening respiratory health in many Nigerian settings. The current policies and programmes’ have limited impact, calling for comprehensive reforms, including improved enforcement and targeted action against major pollution sources, recognition of environmental rights, and stronger public health initiatives and community action.
EXPRESSION PROFILES OF CYTOCHROME P450 GENES ASSOCIATED WITH PERMETHRIN RESISTANCE IN Anopheles gambiae s.l. IN ADO-ODO OTA, OGUN STATE
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-10) AINA, Motunrayo Oluwabunmi; Covenant University Dissertation
Malaria remains a significant tropical public health threat, where resistance to insecticides constitutes a severe hindrance to the efficacy of its primary vector control methods. Routinely applied pyrethroid insecticides are increasingly facing resistance associated with the overexpression of cytochrome P450 genes in the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, underscoring the urgent search into these associated genes. This study assessed the expression profile of cytochrome P450 genes associated with permethrin resistance in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato collected from three localities in Ado-Odo, Ota. Ethical approval was obtained from the Covenant Health Research Ethics Committee (CHREC). Based on the WHO standard, female adult An. gambiae larvae (n=300) were collected using the dipping method and reared into adults in the Insectary Laboratory. These laboratory-reared mosquitoes were phenotypically identified using microscopy and genotypically characterised using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on species-specific primers. Thereafter, a WHO susceptibility bioassay was conducted in vivo for mosquitocidal activity against these adult mosquitoes in four replicates at a 0.75% permethrin concentration each on day 3 post-adult emergence. The relative expression of the cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6M2 and CYP6P3) was carried out using the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Higher occurrence rate of An. gambiae sensu lato. was recorded in Nestle (80%)), Chelsea (78%)) compared Gasline (30%) localities of Ado-Odo. In vivo insecticide susceptibility testing revealed consistently low mortality rates across all the replicates, ranging from 20% to 32% indicating increased resistance to permethrin. Results of relative expression of cytochrome P450 genes showed higher fold changes in CYP6M2 ranging from 0.63 to 122.4 than in CYP6P3 0.63 to 34.39 across the tested mosquito replicates. Thus, this study has further emphasized the prevalence of An. gambiae sensu lato members in Ado-Odo, Ota. Additionally, the results of higher permethrin resistant and upregulation of CYP6M2 and CYP6P3 genes inform the imminent need for integrated resistance surveillance with newer vector management for improved malaria control.
FUNGAL-MEDIATED VANILLIC ACID PRODUCTION THROUGH BIOCONVERSION OF GALLIC ACID OBTAINED FROM RICE BRAN
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) OGUNBAJO, Oluwafemi Omolade; Covenant University Dissertation
Gallic and vanillic acids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries due to their antioxidant properties. Rice bran is a nutrient-rich agro-industrial by-product. However, there are challenges of improper disposal and underutilization as a substrate for the production of valuable bioactive compounds. This study investigated the fungal-mediated bioconversion of rice bran into gallic acid under solid-state fermentation (SSF) and its subsequent transformation into vanillic acid through submerged fermentation (SMF) using Aspergillus niger. It was inoculated into a fermentation medium containing pre-treated rice bran and mineral salts and incubated for 5 days at 30 °C. Fermentation was monitored for pH, temperature, UV-Vis absorbance (276nm), and titration. The produced gallic acid was characterized using HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR. Thereafter, 1% Methanol was introduced into a mineral salt medium containing the produced gallic acid as the substrate, and inoculated 1ml of the inoculum and incubated at 30 °C for 5 days. This was monitored and characterized as in the gallic acid production. During fermentation, the temperature ranged 28-33 °C, pH decreased from 6.5 to 5.2, the absorbance rose from 0.205 to 0.681 nm, and titration increased from 0.016 to 0.075 mol (p<0.05). HPLC quantified 6552.2 mg/L total phenolics, with gallic acid at 2569.8 mg/L. FTIR revealed gallic acid functional groups such as O–H, C=O, and C=C, while GC-MS identified volatile compounds including O-toluic acid, 2(1H)-naphthalene derivatives, and 3H-Cyclodeca[b]furan-2-one. For the vanillic acid production, fermentation filtrate temperature stayed at 29-30 oC, with the pH increasing in acidity from 6.5 to 4.3 through the 5-day period. This corresponded with the results of the titration, showing 0.016 to 0.079 mol results.The GC-MS showed volatile organic compounds present in vanillic acid, including protocatechuic, catechol, and syringic acids. HPLC quantified a total of 15,31203 mg/L of vanillic acid. FTIR revealed vanillic acid functional groups such as OCH₃, OH, and C=O. The results of this study provides strategic insights for sustainable bioprocess approaches in support of SDGs 3 and 12.
Heavy metal and genetic diversity studies in three populations of Snail (Achatina achatina Linnaeus, 1758) from Southwest, Nigeria
(Brazilian Journal of Biology,, 2024-07) Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Popoola, J. O.; Inyanga, S.
Environmental pollutants may often alter the genetic components of natural populations. In this study, heavy metals and genetic diversity in land snail (Achatina achatina) from three populations of south-western Nigeria were investigated, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and DNA Sequencing technology respectively. Metal analysis revealed that the snails accumulated lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in high concentrations in two of the three states, while cadmium (Cd) was the least detected. Editing and alignment of the sequences of all snail accessions generated a range of 384bp to 419 bp. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) in all 18 accessions was low at only 16%. The query coverage (QC) ranged between 96% and 100%, with 14 (77.8%) of the 18 accessions showing 100% identity. Pairwise comparison of the accessions studied also showed a high genetic similarity. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) generated two main clusters. Cluster I was unique and contain one sample (AaOy06) while the other cluster are very closely related and can be further subdivided into sub-clusters. The similarity index of between the clusters is 0.5357. The close similarity among the accessions may be due to the geographical proximity of the three states. The uniqueness of accession AaOy06 in comparison to other accessions might be due to the negative influence of heavy metal, particularly lead. The determination of evolutionary relationships among snail populations may be useful towards the breeding efforts of the species in Nigeria
Improved poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production by new strain of Bacillus paramycoides AAR-6
(International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Volume 319, 2025-08-03) Akinwumi, Adetutu Ruth; Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Ayeni, Augustine Omoniyi; Olatope, Samuel O.A.; Fadipe, Temitope O.; Mohan, S. Venkata
In vivo Evaluation of Plant Extracts against Common Phytopathogenic Fungi Isolated from Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.)
(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Oniha, M. I.; Eni, A. O.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Omonigbehin, E. A.; Adegboye, B. E.; Taiwo, O. S.; Odetunmibi, O.A.; Oyejide, S.O.; Aina, M.O.; Isibor, P. O.; Ahuekwe, E.F.
Plants possess various efficacious natural products to curtailing various problems associated with man and his environment. Fungi cause significant postharvest losses to global pawpaw (Carica papaya) production, particularly in Africa. Current control methods focus primarily on synthetic fungicides that are hazardous to the environment, while plant-based fungicides are characterised with biofriendly and costeffective potential. In this study, three plant extracts were investigated for their in vivo antifungal property opposed to three phytopathogenic mycoflora isolated from Carica papaya post harvest. Aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera, Telfaira occidentalis and Bauhinia monandra leaves were evaluated at aaglomerations of 150 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml for their antifungal properties in papaya fruits for 7 days. In vivo antifungal evaluation revealed that the three plant extracts showed varying degrees of inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae. Of the three evaluated plants, B. monandra showed higher antifungal activity during the post-inoculation period. The concentration of 150 mg/ml of aqueous extracts of the plants preserved the fruits and inhibited fungal growth in a range of 3-5 days, while the 75mg/ml concentration of Moringa oleifera, Telfiaria occidentalis and Bauhinia monandria inhibited fungal growth for 3, 2 and 3 days after inoculation, respectively. Significant weight loss was observed in fruits inoculated for both treatments and controls at both concentrations (p-value <0.05). This experimentation has ssubstantiated that the aqueous leaf extracts of M. oleifera, T. occidentalis, and B. monandra possess the potential as natural antifungals for the control and management of fungal diseases
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS ON ARBOVIRAL INFECTIONS AND DIAGNOSTICS APPROACH IN OGUN STATE, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
(Open Journal of Medical Research, 2024) Ipadeola, A. F.; Akinnola, Olayemi O.; Kolawole, O. M.; Isere, E. E.; Attah, T. A.; Omenyi, I. O.; Afekelu, O. D.; Oreoluwa, A. A.; Oludare, I. T.; Adediran, A. S.; Olasehinde, G. I.
Arboviral infections pose significant public health challenges in tropical and subtropical regions like Nigeria. However, these diseases are often undetected by healthcare workers (HCWs) due to the similarity in the presentation to other febrile illnesses like malaria. This study assessed the knowledge and diagnostic practices of HCWs on arboviral infections in Ogun State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in selected secondary and tertiary health facilities in Ogun State from October 2022 to September 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of arboviral infections, and diagnostic practices. Stata was used to analyze the data at a 5% level of significance. Of the 96 participants included in the study, 59.4% were female, and 40.0% were ≥35 years old. Nurses constituted the largest cadre (41.7%) while medical doctors (24.0%) were the least represented. Most respondents (68.8%) had never heard of arboviral infections, and 81.3% demonstrated poor knowledge about arboviral infections and diagnosis. Only 6.3% of HCWs had previously suspected or diagnosed an arboviral infection, with clinical diagnosis being more common (66.7%) than laboratory testing (33.3%). Notably, 92.7% of all respondents had no prior training in arboviral infection diagnosis. Good knowledge and previous training received were significantly associated with the diagnosis of arboviral infections among HCWs (p<.05). There is a gap in the knowledge and diagnostic practices of HCWs in the detection of arboviral infections in Ogun State. Thus, comprehensive training programs may be significant in improving awareness, and diagnostic capabilities and enhancing prompt detection and management of arboviral infections in Ogun state
Marine Greens as Nutritious Healthy Foods
(2025) Akinhanmi, Fadekemi O.; Aworunse, Oluwadurotimi S.; Ayanda, Opeyemi I.; Agiriga, Emmanuel