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The pervasive infiltration of microplastics (MPs) into biological systems has raised global concerns due to their potential to induce systemic toxicity, especially in vital organs. This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. The physicochemical properties of PET MPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming the structural integrity and stability of the microplastics. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups and exposed to various combinations of PET MPs and green AgNPs. To assess hepatic and renal toxicity, serum biomarkers including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and cystatin C were analyzed. Molecular analysis via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeted genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis, elucidating the mechanistic pathways of toxicity and protection. Reproductive toxicity was evaluated through sperm morphology assays, while genomic instability was assessed via micronucleus assay. Additionally, histological examinations of liver, kidney, and testes tissues provided morphological insights into organ-level alterations. Results revealed that PET MPs induced significant biochemical, molecular, and histological alterations, evidenced by elevated liver and kidney function markers, distorted gene expression profiles, increased sperm abnormalities, and genotoxic effects. Conversely, co-administration of green-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated a protective effect, normalizing biochemical parameters, restoring gene expression balance, and ameliorating tissue damage.<br><br> This study underscores the toxicological risk posed by microplastics and highlights the promising ameliorative role of green nanoparticles, potentially paving the way for eco-friendly nanomedicine interventions in environmental toxicology.

The study examined the examined the effect of intrinsic reward system on employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State. The study specifically evaluated the impact of employee recognition exert a significant impact on the employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State; assessed the effect of employee promotion on the employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State; examined the effect of employee responsibility on employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State and determined the relationship between employee welfare and employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State. The cross-sectional research design was adopted in the study. Primary data was gathered using a well-structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and ANOVA regression analysis. Findings from the study indicated employee recognition has significant impact on the employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State; employee promotion significantly affect employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State; employee responsibility exert significant effect on employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State and employee welfare has significant relationship with employee satisfaction among university workers in Ekiti State.

Smoked catfish is a common protein source in Nigeria, but its handling and post-processing conditions can introduce pathogenic microorganisms, including yeasts. This study aimed to isolate and characterize yeast strains present in smoked and live catfish samples obtained from the same vendor at Odore Market, Ilorin. Samples were plated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and after incubation, a single, viable yeast isolate was subcultured and preserved on Yeast Extract Agar (YEA) slants and broth. Molecular identification was conducted through PCR amplification of the ITS region, followed by sequencing and BLAST analysis, which identified the isolate as Saccharomycodesludwigii. Pathogenicity assessment involved two assays. In the first, an antagonistic assay was carried out using circular filter paper discs soaked in yeast broth was placed on nutrient agar plates pre-inoculated with bacterial lawns. Zones of inhibition ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm were observed around the discs, suggesting antibacterial activity. In the second assay, haemolytic activity was tested on blood agar prepared using human blood. The yeast did not produce clear (β) or greenish (α) zones of haemolysis, although slight darkening of the surrounding agar was noted after incubation. The results indicate that Saccharomycodes ludwigii isolated from smoked catfish may exhibit antibacterial properties but lacks evidence of haemolytic ability.

This research investigates the connection between gender, educational background, and the management efficacy of SMEs in the University of Abuja market in Nigeria. This study investigates whether gender disparities and educational attainment have a substantial impact on SME management success. Data was gathered from 72 respondents using a structured questionnaire as part of a descriptive research survey design. Demographic details and opinions regarding management efficacy were compiled using descriptive statistics, and the hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics such as independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Based on educational background, the results showed no discernible variations in management effectiveness. Even though those who responded with more education (e.g. A. reported somewhat higher mean scores (above Master's level), but the differences were not statistically significant, suggesting that other factors and real-world experience might play a bigger role in SME management than formal education. Similarly, there were no discernible gender differences in the effectiveness of management; male and female entrepreneurs performed similarly. These findings imply that operational skills, flexibility, and market experience—contextual factors—may be more important in determining the success of SME management in this context. Education qualifies, the study concludes.

This study investigated the protective effects of an immune booster against lead induced biochemical and growth alterations in Wistar rat. 36 rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups the control group, immune booster group, lead group and lead + immune booster group. Lead acetate was administed orally for 28 days to induce toxicity while immune booster was given concurrently to the combination group. Biochemical parameters Total protein,Albumin, Bilirubin and body weight gain were assessed across the three treatment replicate <br><br><br> These findings suggest that the immune booster effectively ameliorates lead induced hepatic stress and growth suppression, potentially through enhanced detoxification and metabolic resilience

This analysis explores how Nigeria and its neighboring countries collaborate to combat transnational crimes through collective defense strategies, highlighting challenges and regional cooperation efforts.

The impact of lead exposure on pain sensitivity is a significant concern due to its potential to alter neurological and sensory functions. This study investigates the effects of lead exposure on pain sensitivity in male Wistar rats using the formalin-induced paw licking test, a well-established method for assessing pain responses in rodents. The formalin test involves injecting a small amount of formalin into the paw, which causes a biphasic pain response characterized by an initial acute phase followed by a prolonged inflammatory phase. Lead, a neurotoxic heavy metal, has been shown to interfere with various physiological processes, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent studies have indicated that lead exposure may alter pain perception, but the mechanisms remain unclear (Journal of Pain Research, 10, 1275-1291). In this study, male Wistar rats were exposed to lead acetate through their drinking water for a period of four weeks to simulate chronic exposure. Following lead exposure, the formalin-induced paw licking test was conducted to evaluate changes in pain sensitivity. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the neurotoxic effects of lead on pain sensitivity, highlighting the potential for lead to exacerbate pain conditions through multiple pathways. These results underscore the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which lead alters pain perception and to explore potential therapeutic interventions for mitigating lead-induced pain hypersensitivity. The formalin-induced paw licking test serves as a robust model for studying these effects, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interplay between environmental toxins and pain regulation in the nervous system.

The comparative study of heavy metals reduction of crude oil contaminated soil from Ologbo village in Edo state was investigated. Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) were analyzed in the crude oil contaminated soil after treatment with powdered Moringa seed powder for a period of four weeks. Moringa oleifera seeds powdered had capacity to making these heavy metals analysed bioavailable during the early period (weeks one and two of remediation. However, after the fourth week treatment, Lead (Pb) recorded a maximum of 0.250 mg/kg, Nickel (Ni) 0.245 mg/kg, Chromium (Cr) 0.250 mg/kg and Cadmium (Cd) 0.015 mg/kg from an initial concentration of Lead (Pb) (0.188 mg/kg), Nickel (Ni) (0.05 mg/kg), Chromium (Cr) (0.116 mg/kg) and Cadmium (Cd) not detected for the untreated soil sample. The pseudo-first and second order model kinetic model was used to study the data obtained in this study. The kinetic study revealed that the rate-limiting step is chemisorptions involving valence forces through sharing or exchange of electrons between sorbent and sorbate as covalent forces which was pseudo-second order that fitted more for the data analysed.