Knowledge, perception, and interest regarding biotechnology among secondary school students in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

A survey was carried out to investigate the knowledge, perception and interest of secondary school students about biotechnology. A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed to students in Senior Secondary 3 classes from eight secondary schools within Calabar metropolis. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 7.5. Results revealed 105 (34.21%) of students had limited knowledge of medical biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified products. 91 (30.03%) of the students agreed that biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services while 102 (33.41%) accepted that biotechnology is a new technology based on biology 62 (20.39%) were willing to embrace the applications of biotechnology. 152 (50.03%) do not agree that biotech will improve services for mankind; 90 (29.51) had no idea about the applications of biotechnology; 31 (10.24%) students disagreed that cloning results in perfectly identical individuals while the highest positive responses; 92 (30.31%) was recorded for questions regarding in vitro fertilization. The students also showed a very low interest 76 (25%) in pursuing biotechnology as a degree in the University. Generally students' knowledge, perception, and interest in Biotechnology were low among Secondary School students in Calabar. There is a need to immediately increase enlightenment and emphasis on the applications of biotechnology among Secondary school students to enable them appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.

Efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Telfairia occidentalis in the attenuation of CCl4-mediated oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) and Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis) extracts in the attenuation of CCl4-mediated oxidative stress.@*METHODS@#Seventy-two healthy matured male albino rats weighing between (120±20) g were divided into 6 groups (A-F) in a 2×6 factorial experiment using completely randomized design. Rats in Group A received only water, B received 1 mL/kg CCl4, C received 300 mg/kg, D received 600 mg/kg, E received CCl4+300 mg/kg while F received CCl4+600 mg/kg for each of the extract, respectively. Semen from epididymes was obtained for sperm analysis while blood was obtained through cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis, after the treatment regimen.@*RESULTS@#Our results showed that CCl4 induction elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, globulin levels significantly (P<0.05) while albumin was reduced. For sperm profile after CCl4 induction, sperm count, viability and motility were significant (P<0.05) reduced while sperm head abnormality increased. However, administering H. sabdariffa and T. occidentalis extracts at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg caused the reversal of these effects significantly.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Implicitly, the implication of our results is that H. sabdariffa and T. occidentalis extracts might be ted and optimized for the management of oxidative stress-related organ injuries, including infertility, though further researches are needed.

Efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Telfairia occidentalis in the attenuation of CCl

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) and Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis) extracts in the attenuation of CCl