BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Isotretinoin (Accutane), a retinoid widely used for severe acne, has been reported to induce hippocampal toxicity through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, which can impair prenatal development. The hippocampus, being particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, may contribute to learning and memory deficits when exposed to Isotretinoin during gestation. This study evaluates the protective efficacy of Vitamin E, and quercetin against Accutane-induced hippocampal toxicity in prenatal Wistar rats. Four groups were examined in this: control, Accutane only, Accutane + quercetin + vitamin E, and Accutane + vitamin E. Administration was carried out from GD 14-21 of pregnancy. After littering, the neonates were left until PND 31 (postnatal day 31) before sacrifice. Histological analysis of hippocampal integrity, and developmental parameters in offspring (birth weight, neurobehavioral testing) were assessed. Results showed that Accutane exposure led to reduced birth weight and brain weight, along with neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal cells. Co-administration of vitamin E and quercetin significantly improved hippocampal morphology and restored neurobehavioral activity. Neurobehavioral results revealed that Accutane increased transfer latency and reduced exploratory activity, whereas combined antioxidant treatment improved behavioral performance. Offspring from the co-treated group also exhibited higher body weight and brain weights compared to the Accutane-only group. In conclusion, quercetin and vitamin E effectively counteracted Accutane-induced prenatal toxicity in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. The synergistic antioxidant action of both compounds preserved neural architecture and improved developmental outcomes, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents against retinoid-related neurotoxicity in pregnancy.

This study developed functional anti-diabetic snack bars using composite flours from Bambara groundnut, Cardaba banana, beetroot, guava leaf, and cinnamon, and assessed their mineral and antinutrient compositions in relation to blood glucose regulation. Three formulations (Samples A, B, and C) were analyzed for key minerals magnesium, zinc,calcium, iron, and Phosphorus and antinutrients such as phytates, oxalates, and cyanogenic compounds. Results revealed significant variations among samples. Sample B contained the most favourable mineral profile, with the highest levels ofmagnesium, zinc,and phosphorus, alongside low phytate content, indicating strong potential to support insulin activity and glucose metabolism. Sample A had high calcium but elevated antinutrients, while Sample C showed low antinutrient levels but reduced mineral density.Overall, Sample B demonstrated the best balance between nutrient richness and minimal antinutrient interference, highlighting the potential of indigenous crops in formulating functional foods for glycaemic management.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) plays an important role in the diagnostics and evaluation of infertility. Patients, however, face significant levels of anxiety and fear concerning the procedure which may be attributed to discomfort. This Study evaluated the levels of anxiety, understanding of HSG, clinician-patient communication, and the effect of music therapy as a distraction on anxiety in women undergoing HSG in Benin City Nigeria. The study design was a prospective cross-sectional design within the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Raytouch Diagnostic Center. A total of 113 women undergoing HSG procedure were administered a structured questionnaire that included a demographics questionnaire, HSG knowledge test, and hysterosalpingography related anxiety levels, communication and interaction with health care providers, along with music experiences integration. The data were analysed using a descriptive statistics and chisquare test. The mean age was 34.6 years, with 72.6% married and 85.8% having tertiary education. While 85.0% received preprocedural information and 80.5% understood HSG's objectives, moderate to high anxiety levels were reported by 68.2% of participants regarding tension and 73.5% regarding pain concerns. Patient-provider communication was rated positively by 84.1%, and 70.8% felt it reduced their fears. All participants (100%) received music intervention, with 85.8% reporting increased relaxation and 77.9% experiencing reduced anxiety. Pain was the primary concern (38.1%), and 82.3% would recommend music to others. Although there was sufficient knowledge with women undergoing HSG, there is significant anxiety. Music intervention is an effective way to reduce anxiety and increase patient comfort supporting its integration into standard HSG protocols.

Hypertension is closely linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) availability. Traditional medicinal plants are widely used for its management, yet scientific evidence supporting their efficacy remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro antihypertensive potential of a polyherbal indigenous tea prepared from Justicia carnea (Hospital too far), Moringa oleifera (miracle tree), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Gongronema latifolium (Utazi), Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo). The formulation was assessed for nitric oxide scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), two key mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation. Nitric oxide scavenging ability was determined using sodium nitroprusside as the NO donor, while percentage inhibition values were used to estimate the IC₅₀. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the phosphomolybdenum assay. The polyherbal extract demonstrated strong NO scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.313 mg/mL, indicating consistent and concentration-dependent inhibition of NO radicals. The TAC results also showed a clear increase in antioxidant activity with rising extract concentration, confirming the presence of potent bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and anthocyanins that can neutralize reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that the polyherbal tea possesses significant in vitro antihypertensive potential through its ability to preserve nitric oxide and reduce oxidative stress. The study provides scientific support for the traditional use of these plants in managing hypertension and highlights the formulation as a promising complementary remedy. Further in vivo studies and clinical investigations are recommended to establish its safety and therapeutic applicability.

Background: Home-based exercise programs (HBEPs) play a crucial role in physiotherapy rehabilitation by promoting recovery beyond clinical settings. Despite their proven benefits, patient adherence remains inconsistent. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and adherence to prescribed home- based exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 184 physiotherapy outpatients selected through purposive sampling, across the following units (Orthopeadics, Neurosurgery, Neuromedicine, Geriatrics and Cardiopulmonary). Data were obtained using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) and a structured Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics, while inferential tests (Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA) assessed relationships and differences between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Participants had a mean age of 60.8 ± 21.3 years, with 95 (51.6%) females and 89 (48.4%) males. Most respondents were married (65.8%) and self-employed (46.7%). The most common conditions managed were neurological (44.6%) and musculoskeletal disorders (43.5%). The predominant home exercise prescribed was strengthening exercises (75.0%), followed by stretching (58.7%) and balance training (28.3%). Nearly all participants (97.3%) received one- on-one exercise instruction from physiotherapists. Findings showed moderate levels of knowledge, attitude, and adherence to HBEPs. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and adherence (p < 0.05), and between attitude and adherence (p < 0.05). However, age showed a significant negative correlation with adherence (r = –0.189, p = 0.01), while gender, marital status, occupation, and health condition had no significant relationship (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Adherence to home exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at UBTH was moderate and significantly influenced by patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and age. Enhancing patient education, improving motivation, and developing age-tailored intervention strategies may strengthen adherence and rehabilitation outcomes. Keywords: Home-based exercise, physiotherapy outpatients, knowledge, attitude, adherence.

Background/Purpose of Study: High-heeled shoes are widely used among females for aesthetic, social, and cultural reasons. However, empirical studies examining the effects of high- heeled shoes on biomechanical alterations and energy expenditure of different body somatotypes are scarce. Aim: The study investigated the effect of 3-inch high-heeled shoe on selected biomechanical parameters (lumbar flexibility (LF), quadriceps angle (QA), limb length discrepancy (LLD), quadriceps muscle length (QL) and gastrocnemius muscle length (GL) and aerobic capacity (total lap covered (TLC), oxygen saturation rate (SPO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR)) in female undergraduate's body somatotypes (ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph) in the University of Benin. Method: A single-blind randomized controlled trial of 75 female undergraduates recruited through consecutive sampling and blocked randomized into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph using Sheldon’s body types classification questionnaire. Participants biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) were measured using standardized procedures. Aerobic capacity of TLC was assessed using the 6-minute walk test, while SBP, DBP, SPO2 and PR were measured using Omron digital blood pressure. All measurements of biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of participants were taken under two footwear conditions: normal heel and 3-inch high-heeled shoes. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were used to summarise data. Inferential statistics of Wilcoxon’s test, paired t-test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney-U, ANOVA were used to analyse data at p<0.05. Results: Biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) and aerobic capacity of TLC were significantly (p<0.001) reduced following the application of 3-inch heel shoe in the three body types, whereas aerobic capacity of SBP, PR, and SPO2 were significantly (p<0.001) increased. Only DBP of mesomorph was significantly (p<0.001) increased. Conclusion: This study indicates that 3-inch high-heeled shoe has significant effects on biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of female undergraduate’s body somatotype. Keywords: High-heeled shoes, biomechanical parameters, aerobic capacity, body somatotypes, female undergraduates

Background/Purpose of Study: High-heeled shoes are widely used among females for aesthetic, social, and cultural reasons. However, empirical studies examining the effects of high- heeled shoes on biomechanical alterations and energy expenditure of different body somatotypes are scarce. Aim: The study investigated the effect of 3-inch high-heeled shoe on selected biomechanical parameters (lumbar flexibility (LF), quadriceps angle (QA), limb length discrepancy (LLD), quadriceps muscle length (QL) and gastrocnemius muscle length (GL) and aerobic capacity (total lap covered (TLC), oxygen saturation rate (SPO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR)) in female undergraduate's body somatotypes (ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph) in the University of Benin. Method: A single-blind randomized controlled trial of 75 female undergraduates recruited through consecutive sampling and blocked randomized into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph using Sheldon’s body types classification questionnaire. Participants biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) were measured using standardized procedures. Aerobic capacity of TLC was assessed using the 6-minute walk test, while SBP, DBP, SPO2 and PR were measured using Omron digital blood pressure. All measurements of biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of participants were taken under two footwear conditions: normal heel and 3-inch high-heeled shoes. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were used to summarise data. Inferential statistics of Wilcoxon’s test, paired t-test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney-U, ANOVA were used to analyse data at p<0.05. Results: Biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) and aerobic capacity of TLC were significantly (p<0.001) reduced following the application of 3-inch heel shoe in the three body types, whereas aerobic capacity of SBP, PR, and SPO2 were significantly (p<0.001) increased. Only DBP of mesomorph was significantly (p<0.001) increased. Conclusion: This study indicates that 3-inch high-heeled shoe has significant effects on biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of female undergraduate’s body somatotype. Keywords: High-heeled shoes, biomechanical parameters, aerobic capacity, body somatotypes, female undergraduates.

Anxiety stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, is a well-established pathophysiological factor implicated in the development and progression of anxiety disorders. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative due to its high oxygen consumption and lipid rich content. Watermelon juice (Citrullus lanatus) is rich in antioxidants like Lycopene and L-Citrulline, offering a potential natural intervention. This study investigated the effects of watermelon juice on anxiety-related behavior in oxidative- stressed Sprague Dawley rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into four groups: a control, an oxidative stress-induced group, a group treated with Vitamin C, and a group receiving watermelon juice intervention. Oxidative stress was induced with phenyl hydrazine. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results indicate that watermelon juice supplementation significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors, demonstrating its potential as a functional dietary intervention for mitigating the effects of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using Grad Pad Prism version 10, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. The results showed that watermelon juice reduced anxiety performance and reduced oxidative stress levels compared to the untreated induced rats.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, and caring for stroke survivors often places a significant burden on family members or informal caregivers. This burden may adversely affect their physical health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Aim: To assess the level of caregiving burden among caregivers of stroke survivors and to examine its association with their quality of life and depression level. Method: A purposive sampling technique was used. Data were collected from caregivers of stroke survivors in the wards and out-patient departments in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) using standardized questionnaires such as the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for caregiver burden, Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire (AC-QoL) to measure quality of life and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression. Results: Females constituted 57.6% of the informal caregivers, whereas males accounted for 42.4%. 75.2% of the caregivers had significant level of burden, and 59.5% had depression, with demonstrable association between the two conditions (χ2 = 99.3, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the scores for caregivers’ burden and depression (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). The severity of caregiver burden correlated positively with the severity of depression (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The caregiver burden among caregivers of stroke survivors in Benin City is moderate. They also have moderate overall quality of life and experienced mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Jatropha tanjorensis (JT), commonly known as "hospital too far," is widely consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like anemia and diabetes. However, scientific evidence regarding its impact on male reproductive health is limited and conflicting, with some reports suggesting potential antifertility effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Jatropha tanjorensis methanol leaf extract on fertility hormones and the testes in male Wistar rats. Fourteen (14) male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (n=7), which received distilled water, and a test group (n=7), which was administered 500mg/kg of the methanol leaf extract of J. tanjorensis orally for four (4) weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin were analyzed. Testicular weights were also measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Compared to the control group, administration of the J. tanjorensis extract resulted in a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels (2.350 ± 0.132 U/L vs. 3.225 ± 0.312 U/L, p=0.0416). Concurrently, the extract caused a significant increase in both serum LH (9.450 ± 0.595 µg/l vs. 5.975 ± 1.217 µg/l, p=0.0426) and FSH (15.65 ± 0.307 µg/l vs. 9.075 ± 2.04 µg/l, p=0.0190). There were no significant differences in prolactin levels or mean testicular weight between the groups. The findings demonstrate that the methanol extract of Jatropha tanjorensis disrupts the reproductive hormonal profile in male Wistar rats. The combination of low testosterone with high levels of LH and FSH is indicative of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on testicular steroidogenesis (primary hypogonadism). These results indicate that the consumption of J. tanjorensis leaves may pose a potential risk to male reproductive health by impairing testicular function