Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Time-restricted Eating and Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review

2026-08-31T11:13:39+00:00

Background: Time-restricted eating confines daily energy intake to a recurring eating window without necessarily prescribing foods or calories. It may reduce energy intake, align eating with circadian physiology, or both, but its added metabolic value beyond calorie restriction remains uncertain. Objective: To assess the effects and safety of time-restricted eating on body weight, glycaemic regulation, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, lipids, liver fat, inflammation and related metabolic outcomes in adults. Methods: Randomised comparative human studies published from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2026 were sought through openly accessible PubMed-indexed and publisher pages, ClinicalTrials.gov, citation checking and exact-title or identifier verification; the final search was completed on 23 August 2026. One reviewer screened records, extracted data and applied outcome-focused RoB 2 principles. Studies were grouped by comparator and outcome, and findings were synthesised by direction, magnitude, precision, study size and risk of bias without statistical pooling. Results: Sixty-two records were captured, 19 duplicates were removed, 43 records were screened and 33 full reports were assessed. Twenty-nine reports representing 29 randomised studies were included. Against unrestricted or usual timing, time-restricted eating commonly produced modest weight loss when it reduced energy intake and sometimes improved HbA1c or continuous-glucose-monitoring measures. Against active calorie restriction, dietetic care or isocaloric feeding, additional weight and glycaemic benefits were generally small, absent or inconsistent. Small controlled-feeding studies suggested that early schedules can improve short-term glucose regulation and blood pressure without weight loss, but larger and longer trials did not establish consistent schedule-specific superiority. Liver fat improved mainly alongside weight loss, and inflammatory evidence was sparse. No consistent serious safety signal emerged, although harms ascertainment was incomplete. Conclusions: Time-restricted eating is a feasible dietary-timing option that may simplify energy reduction and produce modest metabolic improvement for some adults. Current evidence does not show that timing alone reliably outperforms matched calorie restriction or isocaloric eating. Certainty ranged from moderate for weight-related comparisons to low or very low for liver, inflammatory and safety outcomes.

Urinary Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors in Ondo State, Nigeria

2026-08-12T13:19:20+00:00

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with substantial health and socioeconomic consequences. Nigeria bears a disproportionate burden because of socioeconomic and geographical factors, particularly in communities located near streams and rivers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and the factors predisposing residents of riparian communities in Ondo State, south-western Nigeria, to infection. A total of 210 participants aged 9-62 years (mean, 30.5 ± 0.8 years) were enrolled; the median and modal age group was 21-30 years. There were more males (77.1%) than females (22.9%), and 53.8% were married. Most participants had no formal education (53.4%) and were engaged in fishing (52.9%). Sixty-two participants (29.5%) relied on rivers or streams as their main household water source, and domestic chores were the most common reason for visiting the river (42.9%). A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioural data. Urinalysis, urine microscopy, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on the urine samples. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 19.1%. Infection was significantly associated with age (p = 0.029), sex (p = 0.031), marital status (p = 0.022), occupation (p < 0.001), duration of residence (p = 0.002), household water source (p < 0.001), purpose of river contact (p < 0.001) and frequency of river contact (p < 0.001). It was also associated with proteinuria (OR = 13.981, CI: 5.030-38.862, p < 0.001), leukocyturia (OR = 20.944, CI: 9.916-44.241, p < 0.001), haematuria (OR = 31.246, CI: 15.738-62.036, p < 0.001), nitrituria (OR = 2.535, CI: 1.5501-4.144, p < 0.001), ketonuria (OR = 5.935, CI: 1.176-29.94, p = 0.031) and bilirubinuria (OR = 4.779, CI: 1.255-18.197, p = 0.022). Prevalence increased significantly with increasing urinary pH (p = 0.001), but was not significantly associated with glucosuria or urobilinogen levels. These findings indicate a substantial burden of urinary schistosomiasis among riparian residents of Ondo State. Health policymakers should strengthen community education, screening, free treatment and preventive measures in the affected communities.

Effect of Culinary Practices on Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Activity of Organically and Conventionally Grown Onion Bulbs

2026-08-13T12:32:32+00:00

Onions are a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, which can help to prevent and treat chronic diseases. However, if not properly applied, culinary practices can compromise this nutraceutical potential. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of cutting and cooking versus immersion on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of onions from organic and conventional farming. Standard spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in onion samples of various sizes (thin, medium, large and diced) from both types of cultivation. Analysis of these data showed that total phenolic levels ranged from 108.08 ± 7.4 to 507.21 ± 31 µg GAE/g during immersion in water, with the maximum level obtained after one hour in the conventional sample with a medium cut. The highest flavonoid content (75.46 ± 6.6 µg EQ/g) was obtained after one hour's immersion of the thin-cut organic onions, whereas the conventionally grown onions showed an increase in flavonoid content over the course of the experiment for all cut types. Conversely, when boiled, phenolic compound levels decreased substantially. Therefore, the optimal boiling time would be 10 minutes to ensure the maximum total phenolic and flavonoid content. DPPH inhibition decreased during boiling and immersion. However, the FRAP antioxidant activity increased, reaching its highest value in organic onion bulbs. Therefore, in addition to protecting the environment, organic onion bulbs are more effective at protecting consumers' health.

Effect of Substrate Formulation on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Growth in Greenhouse Conditions

2026-08-17T11:23:08+00:00

Vegetable crops contribute significantly to the supply of essential food staples to urban markets. Cucumbers are among these crops because of their nutritional properties, which are valued by consumers. They are generally grown on the outskirts of cities. Thus, agricultural production is constrained by the availability of arable land, which is limited by rapid urban expansion. To compensate for this shortage of arable land, farmers have turned to soilless cultivation. The success of this method depends on the growing medium used.

In this context, this study aims to determine an appropriate growing medium for cucumber production in a greenhouse.

Three growing media were used to conduct this study : potting soil, a mixture of soil and coconut fibre, and natural soil. The plants were obtained by germinating cucumber seeds in à nursery using the formulated growing media. After ten days of germination, the best seedlings were transplanted into pots containing the various growing media. The plants were grown in a greenhouse established at the experimental site. Various growth and fruiting parameters were measured during cucumber cultivation on the tested substrates.

The experimental results showed that seed germination rates and cucumber plant height were highest in potting soil. Cucumber flowering and fruit ripening occurred earlier and were more abundant in potting soil than in the other growing media. Thus, yield per hectare was highest in potting soil. This medium is therefore an effective growing medium for cucumber production in soilless cultivation under greenhouse conditions.

Response of Selected Soil Enzyme Activities to Pulverized Costus afer Stem and Cow Dung Augmentation in Crude Oil–contaminated Soil

2026-08-18T10:03:33+00:00

Crude oil contamination can alter soil biochemical functioning, and enzyme activities provide indicators of treatment-related microbial responses. This study investigated the combined effects of pulverised Costus afer stem and cow dung amendments on selected enzyme activities in crude oil-contaminated soil. Non-polluted soil samples were obtained from farmland at Mini Orlu Road by Ada George, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and the soil was divided into nine (9) experimental groups of five kilograms (5 kg) each, placed in polypropylene bags (20 cm in diameter × 30 cm high). Group 1 served as the control (unpolluted group), while Groups 2 to 9 were contaminated with 1000 mL of crude oil each. Fresh whole stems of Costus afer were pulverised using an electric blender, measured, and inserted into the polluted soil samples, ensuring adequate depth for rooting. The polluted soil was mixed thoroughly with cow dung to introduce nutrients and hydrocarbon-degrading microbes, as described in the table containing the experimental design.

Each bag was subsequently tied with masking tape. All bags were incubated at 28 ± 2°C for 60 days prior to laboratory analysis. The findings from the analysis of enzyme activities clearly show that laccase activity was significantly higher in treated soil samples than in the control. Oxygenase levels were generally low across the various groups, with Group 7 (Polluted soil (5 kg) + Costus afer (200 g)) showing the highest activity. Peroxidase activity fluctuated, with Group 3 (Polluted soil (5 kg) + Triton X-100) showing the highest activity compared with the control. The increase in treated soil samples indicates an enhanced oxidative capacity of the soil microbiome stimulated by the amendments.

Design and Synthesis of 1-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-one Derivatives as a Selective Inhibitor for Acetylcholinesterase and Butyryl Cholinesterase

2026-08-25T10:38:40+00:00

Quinoxaline-based heterocycles are of interest as potential cholinesterase inhibitors, and this study evaluated a substituted 1-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-one series against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The objective was to synthesize and characterize derivatives with different aromatic substituents and compare their inhibitory activities against both enzymes. Substituted (E)-3-(2-benzylidenehydrazinyl)quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones were cyclized in thionyl chloride to obtain derivatives 2a–2h, and the products were characterised spectroscopically. Cholinesterase inhibition was assessed using the reported modified spectrophotometric assay, with eserine as the reference compound. The reaction was monitored at 412 nm, and the test compounds were evaluated in triplicate under the assay conditions described in the manuscript. The AChE assay showed IC₅₀ values of 0.20±0.01 µM for 2b, 0.30±0.01 µM for 2f, 0.80±0.01 µM for 2h, and 0.88±0.01 µM for 2c. For BChE, compounds 2e, 2a, 2c, and 2b gave IC₅₀ values of 1.10±0.01, 1.30±0.01, 1.50±0.01, and 1.51±0.10 µM, respectively. Eserine showed IC₅₀ values of 0.37±0.10 µM against AChE and 2.70±0.03 µM against BChE. The results indicate differential dual cholinesterase inhibition across the synthesized series. Compounds 2b and 2f showed lower AChE IC₅₀ values than eserine, while several derivatives showed lower BChE IC₅₀ values than the reference. Overall, the findings demonstrate substituent-dependent inhibitory activity and support further evaluation of this triazoloquinoxalinone series for cholinesterase selectivity and structure–activity relationships.

Synthesis of (Z)-2-((2-(Benzylideneamino)ethyl)Amino)-3-Methylquinoxaline-6-Sulfonyl Azide Derivatives and Their Acetylcholinesterase and Butyryl Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

2026-08-31T11:20:33+00:00

Aims: This study synthesized a series of (Z)-2-((2-(benzylideneamino)ethyl)amino)-3-methylquinoxaline-6-sulfonyl azide derivatives and evaluated their inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).

Methods: The derivatives were prepared by reacting 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)-3-methylquinoxaline-6-sulfonyl azide with substituted aromatic aldehydes in glacial acetic acid under reflux conditions. The synthesized compounds were characterized using infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities were determined spectrophotometrically using acetylthiocholine and butyrylcholine chloride as substrates, with eserine as the reference compound.

Results: All tested derivatives showed inhibitory activity against both enzymes. Compound 1g showed the lowest AChE IC₅₀ value (10.8 ± 0.01 µM), followed by compound 1f (18.9 ± 0.01 µM). Against BChE, compound 1g showed the lowest IC₅₀ value (13.6 ± 0.03 µM), followed by compound 1e (16.9 ± 0.03 µM) and compound 1b (18.5 ± 0.03 µM). The observed activities varied across the substituted Schiff base derivatives, indicating that structural substitution influenced cholinesterase inhibition. The assay results also showed lower IC₅₀ values for the tested derivatives than for eserine under the reported conditions.

Conclusion: The synthesized quinoxaline sulfonyl azide Schiff bases demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE. The results support further investigation of these derivatives, particularly compound 1g, as chemical scaffolds for the development and optimisation of cholinesterase inhibitors.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Character Association for Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes

2026-08-31T11:27:03+00:00

The study assessed the magnitude of genetic variability and character association for seed yield and its contributing traits in urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) genotypes. Thirty-five genotypes of urdbean were evaluated in a Randomised Block Design with three replications, and observations were recorded for thirteen quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied traits, confirming the presence of substantial variability among the evaluated genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was highest for seed yield per plant (33.62%), followed by harvest index (28.53%) and number of pods per plant (21.87%). Broad-sense heritability ranged from 55.20% for pod length to 89.72% for seed yield per plant. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for seed yield per plant, harvest index and number of pods per plant, indicating better prospects for selection. Seed yield per plant showed significant positive genotypic correlations with harvest index (0.949), number of clusters per plant (0.885), number of pods per plant (0.877), biological yield per plant (0.661), number of seeds per pod (0.590) and pod length (0.505). Harvest index had the highest direct effect on seed yield per plant, followed by biological yield per plant. These results indicate that traits with high genetic variability and strong associations with seed yield can be prioritised in selection to improve urdbean productivity.

From Grill to Plate: Socio-Economic Factors and Hygiene Practices Associated with Microbiological Safety of Koura koura Skewers in Burkina Faso

2026-09-09T13:56:51+00:00

Aims: To assess the hygiene practices, socio-economic determinants, and microbiological quality of Koura koura skewers sold in three cities of Burkina Faso, and to examine the relationships among vendor knowledge, socio-economic status, observed hygiene practices, and product contamination.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study combining a vendor questionnaire survey and direct observation of hygiene practices with microbiological analysis of product samples.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three cities of Burkina Faso: Kaya and Korsimoro (Kuilsé region, in the north-central part of the country) and Ziniaré (Oubri region, in the central part of the country), between August and September 2025.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire and observation grid were administered to 78 Koura koura skewer vendors (36 in Kaya, 18 in Korsimoro, and 24 in Ziniaré) using a convenience sampling approach. A total of 34 samples of ready-to-eat Koura koura skewers were analysed for Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Yeasts and Moulds (Y&M), Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), and Staphylococcus aureus (SA).

Results: All vendors were men (100%); 56% had no formal education, and 63% earned less than 50,000 XOF (~$83) per month. The activity was the primary income source for 75% of vendors, supporting an average of 4-6 dependants. A critical gap was observed between declared and actual practices: 90% declared handwashing, but only 32% were observed doing so. Microbiological analyses of 34 samples revealed frequent contamination with faecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria, exceeding ICMSF limits in a majority of positive samples for total and faecal coliforms and S. aureus. APC ranged from 3.30±0.00 to 6.76±0.06 log CFU/g. Faecal coliforms (FC) were detected in 21% of samples overall and were absent from all Korsimoro samples (up to 4.85±0.00 log CFU/g where detected), indicating localised faecal contamination. S. aureus was detected in 59% of samples (up to 5.08±0.02 log CFU/g). We found no statistically significant differences in microbiological contamination between the three cities (P > .05 for all inter-city comparisons), indicating that poor hygiene is a widespread issue across the study sites.

Conclusion: The presence of faecal indicators and pathogenic bacteria in Koura koura skewers constitutes a public health concern. The gap between knowledge and practice co-occurs with economic constraints and low education levels and may contribute to contamination; however, the cross-sectional design cannot establish causality. Context-specific interventions are needed to improve vendor training, infrastructure, and regulatory enforcement while preserving the livelihoods that depend on this sector.

Field-scale Variation in Infective Potential and Root Colonization of Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Plantain in Central-West Côte d’Ivoire

2026-09-11T11:51:18+00:00

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important plant symbionts, yet the infective potential and field-scale variability of indigenous AMF associated with plantain remain poorly documented in Côte d’Ivoire. We characterised AMF in three major plantain-producing fields (Site 703, 704, and 708) in Central-western Côte d’Ivoire using 40 rhizosphere samples collected at 0–30 cm depth. Soil physicochemical properties, most-probable-number (MPN) infective propagules, trap-culture spore density and viability, root colonisation, and morphology-based richness were quantified. Independent MPN estimates were compared on the logarithmic scale using standard errors reconstructed from their 95% confidence limits, followed by Holm adjustment. Site 703 had 5,400 infective propagules per 30 g of soil and exceeded site 704 by 19.29-fold (95% CI for the ratio 3.56–104.36; Holm-adjusted p = 0.0018) and site 708 by 10.00-fold (1.85–54.11; p = 0.0150); sites 704 and 708 did not differ (p = 0.4458). Total trap-culture spore density varied only from 88.23 to 100.35 spores g⁻¹ (between-site CV = 6.52%), and 56.3–60.0% of spores were viable. Root colonisation frequency remained high (90.91–100%; CV = 5.41%), whereas whole-root intensity (24.73–76.36%; CV = 52.92%) and whole-root arbuscular abundance (18.05–68.82%; CV = 60.63%) were substantially more variable. Eleven pooled morphospecies representing four genera were identified, with Glomus accounting for six taxa. The convergence of high MPN, colonisation intensity, and arbuscular abundance identifies site 703 as the strongest candidate source for inoculum isolation. The data demonstrate the presence of infective indigenous AMF but do not establish plant growth effectiveness or identify causal edaphic drivers.

Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Malaria among Consulting and Community-Based Individuals in Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon

2026-09-12T08:18:18+00:00

Background: Malaria remains a public health concern in Bamenda, and the detection of Plasmodium vivax alongside the predominant Plasmodium falciparum supports local assessment of species-specific infection patterns.

Aims: This study assessed the prevalence and density of Plasmodium parasites among consulting and community-based individuals in Bamenda.

Study Design: This was a hospital- and community-based cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Bamenda I, II, III, Tubah and Santa Health Districts from January to September 2024.

Methodology: Pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and clinical characteristics. Two (2) mL of venous blood was collected from each participant. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared, Giemsa-stained, and examined for parasite detection and speciation. The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 28.0. Geometric mean parasite densities (GMPDs) were compared using the student’s t-test. The significance level was set at P <.05.

Results: Of the 1133 participants, 183 (16.2%) tested positive for malaria parasites (MP). The prevalence of P. falciparum mono-infection (14.5%, 164) was higher than that of P. vivax mono-infection (0.2%, 2). P. falciparum/P. vivax co-infections were also recorded (1.5%, 17). P. falciparum prevalence among consulting and community-based individuals was 19.6% (122/623) and 8.2% (42/510), respectively. Higher P. falciparum prevalence was recorded among participants presenting with fever (OR = 6.83, 95% CI: 4.03-11.55, P < .001) and headache (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 2.7-5.7, P < .001). The highest geometric mean parasite density (GMPD)/µl of blood (1391) was recorded in participants aged 24-34 years, whereas the lowest (332) was recorded in those aged ≥35 years; however, the difference was not statistically significant (t = 0.91, P = .06). GMPD was also higher in males (1110/µl) than in females (408/µl), but the difference was not statistically significant (t = 1.17, P = .31).

Conclusion: P. falciparum and P. vivax species were detected both as mono-infections and as co-infections. Malaria management in the study area should consider both species.