COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent presenting complaints in emergency departments (EDs), with a wide differential diagnosis ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. These conditions include gastrointestinal pathologies such as appendicitis, peptic ulcers, and bowel obstructions, as well as non-gastrointestinal disorders like myocardial infarction or aortic aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate evaluate the common findings of emergency abdominal x-rays at university of Benin teaching hospital. A retrospective design was adopted and a convenience sampling was used to select 200 sample size. The results revealed that abdominal pain (30.0%), and bowel obstruction (26.0%), were the most common clinical signs. Normal study (40.0%) was the most common radiography appearance, and the most common abnormal results were dilated bowel loops and pneumoperitoneum. Demographically, young adults (20-39 years old) constituted the largest percentage (52.0) with majority of them being females (58.0) as compared to the males. The chi-square showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between age or gender and radiography findings. The conclusion of the findings was that the most common requests of an emergency abdominal X-ray at UBTH are related to patients presenting with abdominal pain with suspected bowel obstruction. Despite a large percentage of tests with normal outcomes, the modality is still applicable in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, pneumoperitoneum, and foreign bodies.

Background/Aim of study: Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease due to lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. This stigmatization stems from the fact that the traditional African belief views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. There had been studies to assess the Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy. However, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitude and perception of undergraduates of the University of Benin towards epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude of Undergraduates of University of Benin towards Epilepsy. Methods: This cross sectional study recruited 398 participants via purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mann- Whitney and spearman correlation tests was used to assess the variables. The alpha level was at 0.05. Results: The findings revealed 68.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of epilepsy, 250(71.4%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. A positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the attitude (rho=0.310, p=<0.001), a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the age of the respondents (rho=0.355, p=<0.001*). There was also a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the level of the respondents (rho=0.896 p=<0.001*). Conclusion: The good knowledge of epilepsy demonstrated by the respondents has translated to a positive attitude towards patients with epilepsy. The finding may have reported good knowledge and positive attitudes among the respondents, however, there is still an obvious need for an improvement in knowledge and attitude among the respondents. Further studies are misconception

Annona muricata (also known as Soursop) is a tropical fruit which belongs to the annonaceae family, native to tropical countries, it is a small evergreen tree that can be slender and upright or low spreading and bushy and become straggly as it matures. Different components of Annona muricata are extensively applied in traditional medicine of many countries to cure various ailments and diseases. This study examines The Effect of Annona muricata on the hearts of adult Wistar Rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 180-200g which were acclimatized for two (2) weeks, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with feed and distilled water, Group B were administered with 200mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (low dose), Group C were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (intermediate dose), Group D were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (high dose). After administration (twenty-seven (27) days), the animals were sacrificed, organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods. Data from the animals were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad prism version 8.1 statistical package and relevant statistical values were obtained. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and data were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Least significant. Difference (LSD) post-hoc test was used. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The statistical values obtained were converted into graphical representation in form of bar charts. Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed heart tissue with normal architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces. Group B, also showed heart tissue with architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries filled with blood (active vascular congestion) and normal interstitial spaces. Group C showed heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles with active coronary vascular congestion and mild perivascular infiltrates of plasma cells. Group D, showing the heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces, all normal. In conclusion, across the graded doses, Annona muricata had no damaging effect on the heart tissue, it proved to have vasodilative properties as it increased blood flow in the coronary vessels in the heart tissue.

This study comprehensively examines the phytochemical composition and physiological effects of Glycine Max extract on Wistar rats, shedding light on its potential therapeutic applications. Through qualitative analysis, the extract was found to contain a diverse array of phytochemicals, including reducing sugars, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, eugenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and proteins. Three (3) groups (A-C) of six (6) each were created from the eighteen (18) juvenile Wistar rats (PND 42) that ranged in weight from 35g to 69.5g and were the offspring of DAMS. Group A served as the reference point (control) while B and C were the therapy groups, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Glycine max aqueous extract, respectively, were administered to them as treatment. With the aid of an orogastric tube, the DAMS was fed orally for the duration of its four-week treatment. At the conclusion of six (6) weeks, the juveniles were fed, weighed, and slaughtered. Detailed physiological assessments, including animal weights and organ weights, were conducted, revealing dose-dependent changes in body mass and
relative organ weights. Histological analysis of tissue samples provided insights into the extract's impact on tissue morphology and integrity. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was evaluated through assays measuring catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels, indicating the extract's potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways. The findings underscore the multifaceted biochemical and physiological effects of Glycine Max extract, suggesting its promising role as a therapeutic agent. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and explore its clinical applications in treating various pathological conditions.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Allium sativum aqueous extract on KIT and FLT3 in male Albino Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male adult Albino Wistar rats were selected into four groups of 5 rats per group. The groups were control (group 1), group 2 (administered 0.2ml intravenous injection of benzene:2-propanol: water mixture (2:5:5 v/v) per body weight), group 3 (induced+400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract) and group 4 (400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract only). The mRNA expressions of KIT and FLT3, Haematological parameter and Cell morphology was carried out using Polymerase chain reaction, ERMA Haematology Auto analyser PCE-210N and peripheral blood film using Leishman staining technique. Data generated was analyzed using graph pad prism (version 8.02, California, USA). The findings revealed that there was significant increase (p<0.01) in FLT 3 expression in group 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. Also, group 3 had a significantly higher (p<0.001) FLT 3 mRNA expression when compared to group 2 and 4. There was significant increase (p<0.01) in cKIT mRNA expression in groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. In addition, group 2 had a significantly higher (p<0.01) cKIT when compared to groups 3 and 4. For the haematological parameter, neutrophil count was significantly higher in the control group (10±0.5774) compared to group 2 (3.5±0.2887), group 3 (2.667±0.3333), and group 4 (3.333±0.333). Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in the control group (0.122±0.00706) compared to group 2 (0.03885±0.0029), group 3 (0.02754±0.0058), and group 4 (0.03663±0.004)., Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the control group (82±1.528) compared to group 2 (90±1.414), group 3 (91±1), and group 4 (91±0.5774) (p<0.00). Cell morphology showed relative lymphocytosis and RBC abnormalities including macrocytic cells and target cells in the benzene + isopropanol and A. sativum extracttreated group and Normal leukocyte count with absolute lymphocytosis and normocytic normochromic RBCs, with some polychromatic cells in the A. sativum extract-only treated group at 400mg/kg dose. In conclusion, Allium sativum can influence leukemogenesis by modulating genes like FLT3 and KIT implicated in the development and progression of leukaemia

Background: Burnout is a significant occupational health challenge, especially among educators, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Teachers in Nigeria a Low and Middle Income Country, facing economic hardship, are increasingly exposed to these stressors due to large class sizes, inadequate resources, and poor work-life balance. Burnout affects both teacher well-being and student performance, necessitating urgent intervention
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and prevalence of burnout among school teachers in Benin City, Nigeria, and to identify key factors influencing burnout.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 562 teachers from public and private schools in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas, Benin City. Participants were selected through multistage sampling, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages. Univariate and bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out for all outcome variables.
Results: About two-thirds of the respondents (68.7%) were aware of burnout, and of these a little over four-fifths (84%) had good knowledge overall, however, knowledge of the components of burnout was poor as only 33.9% and 48.3% correctly identified Depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment respectively as dimensions of burnout. An estimated three quarters (76%) had a positive attitude towards burnout. The prevalence of burnout was 64.1%. Age (OR: 0.023, CI: 0.827-0.903), years of experience (OR: 0.017, 95% CI: 0.898-0.959), number of subjects taught (OR: 0.259, 95% CI: 1.213-3.341), average work hours(OR: 0.013, 95% CI: 1.005-1.058), and Attitude towards burnout (OR: 0.595, 95% CI: 0.045-0.468) were identified as significant predictors of burnout. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of burnout among teachers in Benin City, driven by both personal and organizational factors. Teachers' limited knowledge of burnout suggests a need for increased awareness and training programs to address burnout proactively. Schools should implement targeted interventions, including stress management training, mental health support, and workload reduction.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a common viral infection and a major source of health concern worldwide, including Nigeria, that can be responsible for a spectrum of diseases, ranging from late miscarriages and premature births, anemia in pregnancy, chronic placental insufficiency, labor anomalies, early neonatal complications and localized skin rashes. The aim of
this research is to explore the current knowledge, awareness, and seroepidemiology of HSV-1 infection among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. In this study a total of ninetysix (96) participants were recruited, consisting of ninety-one (91) number of examined samples and five (5) samples which served as controls. About four (4) milliliters of blood was obtained
from each participant using standard venipuncture technique, dispensed into sterile plain containers, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain serum. The sera obtained were homogeneously mixed and screened for HSV-1 IgM antibodies using ELISA Diasino HSV1 Test Kits according to manufacturer’s instructions. A questionnaire was used to collect data to assess
their knowledge and awareness of HSV-1 infection. The prevalence of HSV-1 infection among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria obtained among 91 participants in this study was 7.69%. The prevalence was highest among the age range of 25 - 29 years (57.14%), followed by age range 30 - 34 years (28.57%), and then 20 - 24 years (14.29%). In this study, a total of 91
participants studied, 40 (43.96%) have previously heard and know about the HSV-1 infection, 51 (56.04%) had never heard of HSV-1 and are not aware of the risks. This study showed the need for enhanced education, screening, and management programs to reduce the burden of HSV-1 infection during pregnancy. Integrating HSV-1 education into school curriculums, conducting public awareness campaigns about HSV-1, and Make HSV-1 testing and treatment more affordable and accessible are recommended to improve knowledge and awareness of HSV-1 among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, NigeriaHerpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a common viral infection and a major source of health concern worldwide, including Nigeria, that can be responsible for a spectrum of diseases, ranging from late miscarriages and premature births, anemia in pregnancy, chronic placental insufficiency, labor anomalies, early neonatal complications and localized skin rashes. The aim of
this research is to explore the current knowledge, awareness, and seroepidemiology of HSV-1 infection among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. In this study a total of ninetysix (96) participants were recruited, consisting of ninety-one (91) number of examined samples and five (5) samples which served as controls. About four (4) milliliters of blood was obtained
from each participant using standard venipuncture technique, dispensed into sterile plain containers, and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain serum. The sera obtained were homogeneously mixed and screened for HSV-1 IgM antibodies using ELISA Diasino HSV1 Test Kits according to manufacturer’s instructions. A questionnaire was used to collect data to assess
their knowledge and awareness of HSV-1 infection. The prevalence of HSV-1 infection among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria obtained among 91 participants in this study was 7.69%. The prevalence was highest among the age range of 25 - 29 years (57.14%), followed by age range 30 - 34 years (28.57%), and then 20 - 24 years (14.29%). In this study, a total of 91
participants studied, 40 (43.96%) have previously heard and know about the HSV-1 infection, 51 (56.04%) had never heard of HSV-1 and are not aware of the risks. This study showed the need for enhanced education, screening, and management programs to reduce the burden of HSV-1 infection during pregnancy. Integrating HSV-1 education into school curriculums, conducting public awareness campaigns about HSV-1, and Make HSV-1 testing and treatment more affordable and accessible are recommended to improve knowledge and awareness of HSV-1 among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neuropathological changes. Emerging evidence suggests that AD may also influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition and plasma rheology, which could play a role in disease progression. This study aimed investigatigating possible alterations in CSF cellular composition
and plasma rheological properties such as plasma fibrinogen concentration and plasma viscosity in a rat model of AD. Twelve (12) healthy adult wistar rats weighing between 170-190g were used for this study. The rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 as control (n=6) received water, Group 2 (n=6) were induced with Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum chloride salt (Alcl3) was used to induce Alzheimer’s disease, 100mg of Alcl3 salt was dissolved in 10ml of distilled water to achieve a concentration of 100mg/ml. 1ml of this solution was administered intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. Weight of rats were taken weekly, at the end of the
experimental period, the rats were sacrificed, blood and CSF samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was performed using microscopy cell counting method, plasma fibrinogen concentration was determined by the clot-weight technique of Ingram and plasma viscosity was determined using the simple viscometer technique. All statistical analysis were mean (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of tests and control value and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed that Alzheimer's disease did not cause significant changes in CSF cellular components. Plasma viscosity remained unchanged between the Alzheimer-induced group and the control. However, plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly increased in the Alzheimer-induced group, Increased fibrinogen in this study may indicate early-stage neuroinflammation but not enough to alter plasma viscosity. This may lead to hypercoagulability increasing the risk of
blood clots, potentially reducing cerebral blood flow and raising the likelihood of stroke and vascular dementia. Additionally, impaired circulation from elevated fibrinogen may decrease oxygen and glucose delivery to the brain, contributing to neuronal stress and cognitive decline. This highlights a crucial link between systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration. In conclusion, this finding suggests that in this Alzheimer’s model systemic inflammation was present due to elevated plasma fibrinogen but the lack of CSF cellular changes and stable plasma viscosity indicate minimal neuroinflammation and an intact blood-brain barrier.

Soybean is an annual herbaceous legume plant that has diverse applications, serving as animal feed, fodder, and human food and beverage, including flour, starch, oil, spices, and culinary herbs. Soybean have been reported to have a variety of pharmacological properties including hepatoprotective activity. It’s effect on the fetus is rather relatively unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of soybean (Glycine max) on the histology of fetal liver in Wistar rats. Eighteen (18) adult juvenile Wistar rats with an average weight of 60 g were randomly assigned into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A served as control; Group B was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max; Group C was administered 250 mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max.The administration lasted for 21 days and was done orally using an orogastric tube. After the duration of administration, the animals were weighed, anaesthetized and sacrificed, with the liver processed for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining for histological evaluation. From this study, results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight change in the groups administered lycine max when compared to control. There was also a significant decrease (p<0.05) in fetal weight and Crown-rump length in the group given 500mg/Kg body weight of Glycine max when compared to control. Histological findings showed relatively normal liver architecture in the groups given Glycine max when compared to control as evidenced by developing hepatocytes radiating from central vein, and sinusoids. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that Soybean resulted in significant alterations in maternal and fetal health outcomes (especially at 500 mg/Kg body weight dosage). However, the observed effects may be primarily physiological as there were histological alterations.

Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 424 undergraduate students. The study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2024. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties. Data were collected via a pre-tested, adapted questionnaire distributed through Google
Forms. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p = < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured by omitting personal identifiers. RESULTS
The study found that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) were between 16 and 20 years old, with an average age of 21.42 years. Most participants (86.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its preventive strategies, with a significant correlation between knowledge and both their academic faculty and year of study. A strong positive attitude towards hypertension prevention was observed in 421 (99.3%) of respondents, and a significant link was found xiii between attitude and marital status (p = 0.029). Additionally, 409 (95.5%) of respondents practiced effective hypertension prevention, and all those with poor practices expressed willingness to change their behavior.
CONCLUSION
Most University of Benin students demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its prevention, correlated with their year of study and faculty. The majority had a positive attitude towards prevention, linked to marital status. Most practiced effective prevention strategies, and those with poor practices were eager to improve.