SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE

Background: Workflow efficiency is critical to the quality and timeliness of radiological services. In many healthcare institutions, inefficiencies such as staff shortages, equipment downtime, and poor coordination negatively impact productivity and patient satisfaction. Optimizing workflow ensures better service delivery, faster turnaround times, and improved staff performance.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate workflow optimization and efficiency in the Radiology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), identifying the major factors affecting workflow and assessing how existing work processes and staff interactions influence
efficiency.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Structured questionnaires
were administered to 41 respondents (radiographers and radiology staffs) at UBTH. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: The findings revealed that 60% of respondents perceived the departmental workflow as moderately efficient, while 26% rated it as highly efficient and 14% considered it inefficient. Major factors affecting workflow included equipment breakdown (72%), inadequate staffing
(68%), and delayed report generation (64%). Conversely, 74% of participants agreed that teamwork and proper task coordination improved workflow, and 70% affirmed that the use of digital imaging systems enhanced overall efficiency.
Conclusion: Workflow efficiency in radiology can be enhanced through improved communication, staff training, adequate resource allocation, and the adoption of automation and digital technologies. Regular workflow evaluations and continuous quality improvement
initiatives are essential for sustaining efficiency in radiological services.
Keywords: Workflow Optimization, Efficiency, Radiology Department,

Male infertility is a prevalent and distressing condition affecting millions of couples globally, with significant psychosocial consequences. While conventional semen analysis, particularly sperm count, remains the cornerstone of male fertility evaluation, it frequently fails to fully explain reduced fertility or predict successful conception, especially in idiopathic male infertility. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between seminal plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity and sperm quality indices among males investigated for infertility in Benin City. The seminal plasma CK activity, and semen analysis were evaluated in 75 men investigated for infertility and 50 men with proven fertility using spectrophotometric and microscopic techniques respectively. Chi square, Student –t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used compare and correlate the variables. The mean age of men investigated for infertility (40.32 ±1.51)years was not significantly different from the control subjects (41.20 ± 1.20)years (p>0.05). When the age was stratified, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (X2=0.036). Seminal plasma CK activity of men investigated for infertility (756.45 ± 23.7)IU/L was markedly higher (p=0.001) compared with the controls (412.60 ±19.56)IU/L. The sperm count (18.30 ± 11.04 vs 38.18 ± 9.60)x106/ml, volume (2.20 ±0.02 vs 2.75 ±0.06)ml, total motility (14.30 ± 3.10 vs 42.20±2.40)%, viability (18.32 ± 0.20 vs 59.18 ± 2.5)%, progressive motility (11.60 ±2.20 vs 34.22 ±2.60)% were markedly lower in men investigated infertility compared with controls. Conversely, the abnormal morphology (27.89 ±1.50 vs 7.30±2.50)% was markedly higher in infertile men than controls. Sperm count, total motility, viability and progressive motility correlated negatively with CK, while abnormal morphology correlated positively with creatine kinase activity (p<0.05). High CK activity suggests poor sperm quality among men with infertility.

Pericardial adipose tissues are combined fats from pericardial sac and surrounding external surfaces of the pericardium. Excess deposits often lead to cardiovascular disorders and other heart related diseases. There are claims that an herbal decoction called Aju Mbaise (a combination of medicinal plants wrapped as a combo pack) can be used to treat heart related diseases including obesity which affects many people world-wide. Despite the existing information on Aju Mbaise and its healing claims, there is paucity of scientific data on the effects on pericardial adipose tissues. Therefore, this study was to examine histopathology changes in pericardial adipose tissues of lard-palm kernel cake (L-PKC) diet-fed rats treated with Aju Mbaise herbal decoction. The specific objectives were to investigate the effects of the present herbal decoction on body weight, adiposity indices and lipid profile of experimental rats. Samples of fresh L-PKC were obtained from Uselu market, Benin City while Aju Mbaise was purchased online. Each component was identified and authenticated by an expert taxonomist in the University while voucher numbers were issued for each constituent. Sixteen (16) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, weighing (149-175g) were obtained from a research animal farm in Benin City. Animals acclimatized for 2weeks in Anatomy department University of Benin with ambient temperature (26±3°C), humidity (50% - 60%) and photoperiodicity (12:12hr). They were kept in clean steel gauzed cages and c conut husks used as beddings in a light and humid environment. Rats were fed on standard pellets and water provided adequately.

Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative in processed meats and poultry products across the country. Though, production of nitric oxide and nitrite may prevent various types of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
However,health concerns relating to cancer andleukaemia have not been ruled out. Therefore, this project was to examine histological changes inliver and kidney of white rats treated withsodium nitrate salt. Other objectives were to determine its
effects on liver enzymes, and electrolytes and urea.Twenty (20) in-bred white rats of both sexes, aged: 2-4 months and weighed 160-200g were randomly picked to form five (5) groups (n=4) labeled A to D as test while E served as control. Rats were
housed in plastic cages with saw dust as beddings and acclimatize for 2 weeksat temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (54-59%) and periodicity (12:12hrs) in a clean environment while Standard top feed® and water were provided regularly. Five gram
(5g) of nitrate salt was measured with a weighing balance into a sterile conical flask while 1L of distilled water was added with a standard measuring cylinder and agitated vigorously with the GFL shaker for 5minutes until all dissolved. Rats in groups A to
D were treated orally for 30days at 2days interval in this order: 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 15mg/kg and 20mg/kg body weight. Each rat was picked with a hand towel and administeredadequate dosages using the oro-gastric tube. After experimentation,
animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation while 4mL of blood was collected from the cardiac region for liver and kidney function test. The corresponding parameters were assayed with a spectrophotometer at varying wavelengths. The liver
and kidney were excised, grossedand processed histologically.Sections were cut at 3 5um and stained according to H&E method. Sections were examined using Swift(R) binocular microscope with an in built light system and photographed with an Olympus
photomicroscope. Data were presented as Means ± SD and analyzed with one way ANOVA and Duncan post hoc test whiletest of significance was set at p <0.05 withSPSS version 16. All animals showed signs of partial anorexia, dullness and
developed reduced activities but were pronounced in high dose treated rats (C and D) for the 30 days treatment. High dose treated ratslost more weight than those on lesser treatment regime while the control gained more weight. All parameters (K, Na, CL, HC03, urea and creatinine) for renal profile were within normal range. They were significantly expressed (P ≤ 0.003) across all groupsincluding liver function test (TB, CB, TP, ALB, AST, ALT and ALP)indices (P ≤ 0.05). No variation in colouration by
gross examination while and histopathology findings were in keeping with normal histology of the liver and kidney. From the results so far,sodium nitrate has no deleterious effects on histology of the visceral organs studied but daily intake abuse of
the salt particularly in a large concentration may be injurious to human health

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant comorbidity among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending ART clinics at a secondary health facility in Benin City. A total of 150 patients were recruited and stool samples were examined microscopically.Sociodemographic,clinical,andhygienerelated data were also collected using structured questionnaires, and associations were analyzed using chi-square tests.. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 28.7%. The most frequently detected species were Entamoeba coli, followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura. Prevalence was higher among females than males in both hospitals, with a statistically significant association (p = 0.042). Rural residence was also significantly associated with infection (p = 0.001). Other factors, including age, marital status, education, occupation, and hygiene practices, showed variations but no significant statistical associations. Widows and patients with tertiary education recorded disproportionately higher prevalence, while inconsistent hand washing, irregular deworming, and animal contact were linked with increased infection risk,though not statistically significant.IPIs remain common among HIV/AIDSpatients in Benin City despite ART availability. Gender, rural residence, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities contribute to the persistence of infection. Routine stool screening, targeted deworming, gender- sensitiveinterventions, and improved sanitation in rural areas are recommended to reduce the burden of parasitic co-infections and improve HIV treatment outcomes.

This study evaluates the hematoprotective effects of ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on Wistar rats exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a carcinogen. The experiment involved nine groups of rats with varying treatments: normal control, positive control with DMH and Xeloda (Capecitabine), and several groups receiving different doses of Acalypha wilkesiana extract both before and after DMH exposure. Hematological parameters analyzed included Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Results demonstrated significant changes in these parameters among treated groups. Rats treated with Acalypha wilkesiana extract exhibited increased MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels compared to controls, indicating potential hematoprotective properties. Specifically, groups receiving the extract showed improvement in red blood cell indices affected by DMH, suggesting its efficacy in mitigating DMH-induced hematological damage. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic application of Acalypha wilkesiana in managing hematological disorders caused by carcinogenic agents. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize dosage for clinical use. Overall, this research opens promising avenues for utilizing natural remedies to enhance patient well- being and combat hematological abnormalities

his study elicits self –management of hypertension among elderly patients in a tertiary health institution in Benin City, Edo State. The aim of this study is to ascertain the self-management behaviors the elderly hypertensive patients in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. It employed a cross-sectional survey design by administrating a well structured questioner to two hundred and sixty nine (269) hypertensive patients in university of Benin teaching hospital. The respondents were selected using random sampling and subjected to statistical analysis. The data set from the administered questionnaire was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. Analysis of the data was presented with descriptive statistics using tables and means to represent information. The result of the findings revealed that 30% had poor knowledge, majority 50.7% had fair knowledge, 38.1% had good knowledge of hypertension. 20.9% of respondents had poor level practice of hypertension self management, 23.1% had a fair level of practice while majority 56% had good knowledge of hypertension self management. This study recommends that good knowledge of hypertension help in self management therefore health providers should create awareness to enlighten hypertensive patients on their self management.

Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem globally. The aim of the study was to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibodies in apparently healthy individuals in Gabia and Chike communities of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Out of the 228 respondents of the questionnaire served, 205 (89.9%) acknowledged that they heard about tuberculosis. Two hundred and twenty eight (228) samples of human serum were examined for Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibodies using a one step TB IgG/IgM flow chromatographic immunoassay. The prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in
the study areas was 19.7%. The prevalence in the inhabitants of Chinke was 10.5% while that of Gabia was 9.2%. The females in the study population had a prevalence of 12.3% while the males had 7.5%. The prevalence was more in individuals in the age brackets of 40 – 49 years (7.9%) and 50 – 59 years (3.5%), while individuals within the age brackets of 70 – 79 years in Chinke and 80 – 89 years in Gabia did not present with Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibodies. Considering active and inactive (Latent) infection, a total of 18 (7.9%) individuals had IgM antibodies, with males constituting 4.7% and females with 3.1%, indicative of recent infection while 27 (11.9%) had IgG antibodies showing previous infection. Considering active and inactive (Latent) infection, a total of 18 (7.9%) individuals had IgM antibodies, with males constituting 4.7% and females with 3.1%, indicative of recent infection while 27 (11.9%) had IgG antibodies showing previous infection. The sputum of IgM positive cases were further examined for acid fast bacilli and the result was statistically significant (p>0.02), showing 2.6% with 2+, 5.2% with a +. The high prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the study areas is worrisome as the positive individuals are not only at risk of having full blown tuberculosis in the future but are also sources of spreading the bacteria to the populace.

Aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium was examined for its hepatoprotective properties. For a week, 98 male Wistar rats—which weigh between 120 and 150g each—were kept in orderly, quiet cages and given access to grower mash as needed to aid in their acclimatization. Groups of rats were separated out. The weight range of each group member was typical for the entire group. As a result, at the start of the experimental period, the rats had reached an average weight of 150–200g. Animals in Group 1 just got food and water as a standard control. In groups 2, 3, 4, and 5, diabetes was produced. Streptozotocin was used to stimulate the group 2 rats, however they were not given any medication. Streptozotocin was used to stimulate group 2 rats, but they were not given any further treatment, making them the negative control group. Metformin was used to initiate and treat the group 3 rats. Group 4 rats received 200mg/kg body weight of the bvaqueous fraction, and group 5 received 400mg/kg of the aqueous fraction. The results of the fasting blood glucose levels (mg/dl) of the rats in each group were: group 1, 84.40±2.50a, group 2, 348.10±10.20d, group 3, 108.50±6.20c, group 4, 160.20±1.25d, group 5, 150.12±2.50d, for each group respectively. The average body weights of the rats in each group were: group 1, 13.99±0.14, group 2, -21.44±0.11, group 3, 18.13±0.18, group 4, -13.72±0.11, group 5, 11.91±0.22. Gongronema latifolium significantly (p0.05) decreased fasting blood glucose level, raised albumin level, decreased ALT and AST level, and increased body weight in rats when administered at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg aqueous fraction, respectively.

The main purpose of teaching is to bring about change in the learners’ behaviour. This change is the major responsibility of the teachers. The aim of this study is to assess effective teaching methods as perceived by undergraduate Basic Medical Sciences students, University of Benin, Benin City as there is a scarcity of information on the perception on effective teaching methods
and their choice of teaching methods for effective learning. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and used multistage sampling technique to select 387 participants in Basic Medical Sciences Students, University of Benin, Benin City. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instruments of data collection Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for data analysis with p<0.05 level of significance. The result from the study shows that students perceived that all clinical teaching skills and behaviours are important with demonstration overwhelmingly favoured with 99.9% of students agreeing that the method is
effective, and the teacher’s ability and preference are the most influential factors that affects the choice of teaching methods. Lecturers should utilize effective teaching strategies via continual improvement and updating of their teaching strategies.