SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES,

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting adults all over the world. It often leads to disability, reduced quality of life, and high health care costs. In the absence of a specific pathological cause, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor posture, stress, and unhealthy habits have been identified as key contributors. Lifestyle interventions targeting these factors are increasingly recognized as effective, non-invasive approaches to managing NSCLBP and improving overall well-being. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to synthesize the best available evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of lifestyle and related non- pharmacological interventions for improving pain, disability and functional outcomes in adults with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Methods: A systematic online search was conducted on PUBMED, Cochrane, PEDro, PsychInfo, Science Direct and Google Scholar. All steps of the process followed the recommendation of the PRISMA guidelines. The review included RCTs that evaluated lifestyle interventions such as exercise (e.g. core stabilization, strength training, Tai Chi), complementary and alternative medicine e.g. acupuncture, cupping therapy and biopsychosocial/behavioural approaches, manual therapy and technological based interventions for adults with NSCLBP. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the JADAD scale. Results: A total of 27 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The majority (88.89%) were of high methodological quality. Exercise-based interventions (51.85%) of studies including core stabilization and high intensity training consistently demonstrated significant improvements in pain and disability. Complementary/alternative medicine (33.33%) of studies such as acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation showed promising results for pain relief. Technology based and biopsychosocial interventions were also effective with the latter particularly successful in addressing fear-avoidance behaviours. However, a significant geographical skew was noted with 70.37% of the evidence originating from high income countries. Conclusion: A diverse range of lifestyle and non-pharmacological interventions are effective for managing NSCLBP, with exercise serving as a corner stone of care. Biopsychosocial and Technological based approaches represent promising, modern strategies. To optimize patient outcomes, a personalized, multimodal management plan is recommended. Future research should address the identified evidence gap in low and middle-income countries and focus on longer term outcomes. Registration: A review protocol was developed and registered with the PROSPERO database, with the ID: 1123743

C. albicans remains a major opportunistic pathogen implicated in superficial and systemic infections, often exacerbated by antifungal resistance. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ethanolic turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) extract and its combination with Lactobacillus bulgaricus secondary metabolites against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Fresh turmeric rhizomes were authenticated and extracted using ethanol, yielding 3.43% dried extract, while secondary metabolites of L. bulgaricus were prepared from probiotic cultures. Standardized clinical isolates of C. albicans (n = 5) were obtained from wound swab, high vaginal swab (HVS), ear swab, catheter tip, and urine samples collected at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assays. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, ANOVA, and independentsamples t-test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results revealed that ethanolic turmeric extract inhibited C. albicans growth in a concentration-dependent manner, with 40.0% inhibition at 25mg/0.25mL and 60.0% inhibition at both 50mg/mL and 100mg/0.25mL (p < 0.05). Combination with Lactobacillus metabolites enhanced inhibition to 60.0% at 25mg/0.25mL and 80.0% at both 50mg/0.25mL and 100mg/0.25mL, though overall differences between extract alone and the combination were not statistically significant (p = 0.749). Fungicidal activity was more at higher doses, with ethanolic extract achieving 100.0% inhibition at 200mg/0.25mL, while the combination exhibited earlier fungicidal effects, reaching 100.0% inhibition at 100mg/0.25mL. Isolate source influenced susceptibility, with High vaginal swab isolate showing highest sensitivity (MIC: 75.0%), while urine isolates were most resistant (MIC: 0.0%) (p = 0.044). These findings demonstrate that ethanolic turmeric extract possesses antifungal activity against C. albicans, which is further enhanced when combined with L. bulgaricus secondary metabolites. The dose-dependent inhibition observed suggests potential synergistic effects, though statistical comparisons did not reveal significant superiority of the combination over the extract alone. This highlights the therapeutic promise of plant–probiotic synergy as a natural alternative to conventional antifungals in the management of candidiasis. Further in vivo studies and mechanistic investigations are recommended to optimize dosage and evaluate clinical applicability.

A hallmark of a well-managed radiology department is minimizing the time patients spend before accessing radiology services. Timely access to diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Prolonged wait times can lead to patient dissatisfaction, delay diagnoses, extend hospital stays, and negatively affect clinical outcomes, especially in time-sensitive conditions such as trauma or cancer. This comparative cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate and compare patient wait times in the radiology departments of two selected hospitals in Benin City: one utilizing a scheduling system (University of Benin Teaching Hospital) and the other operating without a scheduling system (University of Benin Healthcare Centre). A total of 249 participants were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique combined with purposive sampling to ensure adequate representation of patients attending the selected radiology departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Socio-demographic findings revealed that the majority of respondents (24.5%) were aged 36–45 years, followed by 46–55 years (22.5%), 26–35 years (20.9%), and 18–25 years (15.7%). Of the participants, 58.2% attended the hospital with a scheduling system, while 41.8% attended the hospital without a scheduling system. Additionally, 58.2% of respondents had scheduled appointments, while 41.8% did not. Distribution of imaging procedures among participants included X-ray (29.7%), MRI (26.1%), CT scan (24.1%), and ultrasound (20.1%). Regarding wait times, patients attending the hospital with a scheduling system were typically attended to within 10–20 minutes. In contrast, patients at the hospital without a scheduling system waited more than 45 minutes on average. Overall, 78.3% of respondents considered the waiting time acceptable, whereas 21.7% deemed it unacceptable. Communication about waiting times was rated as excellent or good by 77.2% of respondents, fair by 11.2%, and poor by 11.6%. In terms of overall satisfaction, 72.3% reported being very satisfied or satisfied, while 17.4% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Hypothesis testing revealed that comparisons between the two groups yielded p-values < 0.05, indicating statistically significant differences. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the alternate hypothesis was accepted, confirming a significant difference in patient wait times between radiology departments with and without a scheduling system. These findings underscore the importance of implementing scheduling systems to reduce patient wait times, improve satisfaction, and enhance overall efficiency in radiology departments. Hospitals without scheduling systems are recommended to adopt computerized or manual appointment protocols to better manage patient flow and minimize waiting times

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern worldwide. In modern universities, students rely heavily on technology for their studies, which leads to long hours spent on computers. This extended use, especially when combined with bad posture, contributes to MSK pain. Engineering students face an even greater risk as they often need to use specialized software for long hours. However, research on how this issue affects university students in Nigeria is still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the interdependence of prolonged computer usage and musculoskeletal pain among University of Benin Engineering students. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 378 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Benin was conducted. Data was collected using adapted versions of the NMQ and SLUMP Questionnaire. Descriptive of frequency and percentage were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents while inferential statistics of Spearman’s rank correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test and Chi square were used to test the hypotheses. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The findings showed that there was a high level of MSK pain among engineering undergraduates. Most symptoms were reported in the neck and lower back, with severe pain being most common in the lower back. Conclusion: MSK pain is very common among engineering students at the University of Benin, primarily affecting their necks and lower backs. The importance of taking breaks indicates that behavioral habits play a crucial role in managing this issue among this population.

Seasoning cubes such as Tasty Cube (Chicken Flavour) are widely consumed in
African households for flavor enhancement. While generally regarded as safe, their
content of monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium, and preservatives has raised
concerns about potential biochemical effects, particularly oxidative stress. Previous
studies have implicated MSG and sodium-rich additives in the alteration of
antioxidant enzyme activity and lifespan reduction in animal models.The aimof this
study was to investigate the modulatory effects of Tasty Cube on survival rate andselected antioxidant enzymes Sodiundismutase,Catalase and Gluthathione Peroxidase(SOD, CAT, GPx) in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult flies of about 525 in total were divided into four (5) groups;A,B,C,D, and E representing
Control,0.3g,0.15g,0.10g,and 0.05g group and fed diets supplemented with these
concentrations of Tasty Cube alongside a control diet. Survival assays were conductedover a defined period, while biochemical analysis of antioxidant enzyme activities
was carried out using standard spectrophotometric methods.The results showed a mildreduction in survival rate, with flies exposed to higher concentrations of Tasty Cube
exhibiting significantly reduced lifespan compared to controls (p<0.05). Antioxidant
assays revealed that while low to moderate doses caused a mild increase in CATactivity (p<0.05), higher doses significantly suppressed SOD and GPx activities
(p<0.05), indicating oxidative imbalance.In conclusion, Tasty Cube seasoning exerts
measurable toxicological effects in Drosophila melanogaster, characterized by mildlyreduced survival and disruption of antioxidant defense mechanisms. These findings
highlight the potential risks associated with chronic seasoning cube consumption andunderscore the need for public health awareness regarding moderated dietary use.

The cerebrum, vital for cognition and motor control, is highly susceptible to toxic injury. Excess manganese chloride exposure induces oxidative stress, mitochon drial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, resulting in cerebral degeneration. Vanillin, a natural antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, may counter these effects. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the activity of vanillin against manganese chloride–induced cerebral toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Forty-eight (48) Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A rats served as the control group; Group B rats were administered 10 mg/kg body weight of manganese chloride; Group C rats were administered 20 mg/kg body weight of vanillin and 10 mg/kg body weight of manganese chloride; Group D was administered 40 mg/kg body weight of manganese chloride and 40 mg/kg body weight of vanillin; Group E was administered 20 mg/kg body weight of vanillin; Group F was administered 40 mg/kg body weight of vanillin. All administrations lasted for twenty-eight (28) days. Neurobehavioural activities were evaluated using the Y-Maze Test. Results from the study showed manganese chloride-exposed rats showed significant (p<0.05) weight loss, cognitive deficits, decreased antioxidant enzymes activity, and increased lipid peroxidation with vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei observed in the cerebrum histology

The rising prevalence of Hypertension has increased the search for functional foods that provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study focused on the production and evaluation of functional biscuits made from selected plant materials including Cardaba Banana, Beetroot, Tigernut, Justicia carnea, and Soybean. The aim was to determine their antioxidant scavenging abilities and evaluate their potential as a natural antihypertensive snack.

Composite flours were prepared from the selected plant materials and incorporated into biscuit formulations. The resulting products were analyzed for phytochemical profile, mineral content, and proximate composition to determine their nutritional value and bioactive components. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power methods.

The findings revealed that the formulated biscuits contained appreciable levels of dietary fiber, potassium, nitrates, betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemical compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant evaluation demonstrated notable free radical scavenging activity, suggesting that the biscuits possess significant functional potential.

The study concludes that the developed biscuits have considerable antioxidant capacity and may serve as a functional snack with potential antihypertensive benefits. Their consumption may therefore contribute to dietary strategies aimed at the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

The study focused on the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry of phenolic compounds and antioxidant related constituent in the aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum stem, a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional healthcare across Nigeria. The stem samples were sourced from Iwo Market in Osun State. The analysis was carried out using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) at LEEDEX Laboratory in Lagos to identify the major bioactive constituents responsible for antioxidant activity. A total of 33 compounds were detected in the aqueous extract. Among these, four major compounds were identified due to their relevance to phenolic and antioxidant properties. Peaks 2 and 4 were confirmed as phenolic compounds—Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy- and Phenol, 3,4,5-trimethoxy—indicating the presence of significant phenolic content in the extract. Peaks 32 and 33 were identified as Squalene and di-α- Tocopherol, respectively. Although non-phenolic, both compounds are well-documented antioxidants that contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity of the extract. The presence of both phenolic and non-phenolic antioxidant compounds suggests that the aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum possesses strong antioxidant potential. These findings support the medicinal value of the plant and align with its traditional use for managing oxidative stressrelated conditions. The results highlight the importance of further research to explore additional therapeutic properties, optimize extraction methods, and understand the stability of its bioactive constituents.

The persistent burden of malaria in sub-Sahara Africa despite different interventions spanning decades makes it a major public health concern, especially in this region. The study was aimed at investigating how malaria infection affects these hemorheologic factors (haematocrit, fibrinogen and whole blood viscosity) and understand their implications in the severity of the disease. This research was conducted at the University ofBenin, Benin City, on a a total of 35 students within the age range of 18-25 years. Blood samples were collected from the participant and tested for haematocrit, fibrinogen and whole blood viscosity using a micro hematocrit centrifuge, the clauss method, reid and ugwu method respectively. Twenty five students who had no traces of malaria infection were used as control. Results showed a non-significant decrease in Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in the test subjects when compared with the control subjects. There was also no significant increase in fibrinogen level and whole blood viscosity between the test subjects and the control subjects. However, on the basis of sex, the malaria-infected males showed marked difference in their haemorrhegic factors when compared to the non-infected control male subjects. While the haemorrhaegic factors of the malaria-infected female subjects did not differ significantly from the haemorrhaegic factors of the female control subjects. Thus, implying that the male subjects were responsible for the significant difference observed in the overall number of malaria-infected subjects in this study, due to slight changes in PCV Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the haemorrhaegic factors between the groups of control subjects overall and on the basis of sex. It can thus, be concluded that malaria infection does have an impact on haemorrhegic factors. In view of the attempts at eliminating malaria in sub-sahara Africa, everyone in the region must contribute their quota to its elimination.