SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant health issue in Nigeria, particularly in areas with scarce resources. In these settings, delayed diagnosis often leads to wider disease spread and patients presenting with more severe symptoms. In this study, we reviewed the records of 350 adult PTB patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to identify patterns in their demographics, presenting symptoms, and chest Xray findings. We also aimed to compare doctors’ clinical suspicions with radiographic evidence. The average age of patients was 47 years, with men accounting for roughly two-thirds of the sample. Cough was the most frequent symptom, affecting just over half of the patients. Doctors suspected TB in about one-third of cases, while fever was present in around a quarter. On chest X-rays, fibro-cavitary changes were most common (31.1%), followed by cavitations (17.4%) and fibro-nodular opacities (16.9%), typically located in the upper lung lobes. Clinical suspicion by doctors detected most cases (sensitivity 79.1%), but was less effective at excluding non-TB cases (specificity 34.8%). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between clinical suspicion and X-ray findings (p = 0.005). These results highlight the need for improved early detection strategies. Integrating clinical assessment with radiographic and microbiological testing will enhance TB control efforts and lead to better patient outcomes.

Iron dysregulation remains a critical global health challenge, affecting billions through conditions ranging from iron deficiency anemia to hereditary hemochromatosis. This study investigated the effects of Piper guineense (Uziza) leaf extract on HFE gene, TFRC gene and survival rate of Drosophila melanogaster. Fresh Uziza leaves were collected, authenticated and extracted using 70% ethanol maceration. Five experimental groups (n=60 flies per replicate, three replicates each) were established: Control, 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 400 mg/mL Piper guineense extract treatments. Survival was monitored over 21 days, followed by molecular analysis using conventional PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and quantitative realtime PCR with Gpdh as the housekeeping gene. Results revealed a striking hormetic response pattern, with 100 mg/mL treatment significantly enhancing survival (66.67% ± 4.67%) compared to controls (48.33% ± 3.06%), representing 30.3% mortality reduction. Higher concentrations (300-400 mg/mL) demonstrated dose-dependent toxicity. HFE gene expression showed significant dose-dependent upregulation, peaking at 300 mg/mL (2.65-fold increase, p < 0.001), with progressive increases at 100 mg/mL (1.42-fold), 200 mg/mL (2.08-fold), and 400 mg/mL (1.98-fold) compared to controls. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, F(4,10) = 6.82, p < 0.05) confirmed significant inter-group differences. The dissociation between optimal survival (100 mg/mL) and maximal gene expression (300 mg/mL) indicates that moderate transcriptional activation represents beneficial adaptation, while robust upregulation signals cellular distress. These findings demonstrate that Piper guineense bioactive compounds modulate iron metabolism gene expression through mechanisms likely involving iron chelation and oxidative stress signaling. The narrow therapeutic window emphasizes the critical importance of dose optimization for potential therapeutic applications in iron-related disorders.

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a recurrent health concern among university students and can be facilitated by ergonomic and environmental factors, including sleeping surfaces. Poor mattress quality, inappropriate firmness, or prolonged use may expose individuals to spinal discomfort and reduced sleep satisfaction. Despite the significance of this relationship, limited research has explored the role of sleeping surfaces in MSP among Nigerian university students. Aim: This study investigated the correlation between sleeping surfaces and musculoskeletal pain among residents of campus hostels within the University of Benin.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted involving 346 participants (60.2% females, 39.8% males) selected through stratified random sampling from five hostels. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Boston Mattress Satisfaction Questionnaire (BMSQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 26. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The most frequently reported regions of pain were the lower back (50.7%), neck (47.3%), and upper back (43.6%). Foam mattresses were predominantly used (95.7%) with a mean thickness of 7.12 ± 2.61 cm and average sleep duration of 5.76 ± 1.31 hours. Significant associations were found between mattress type and pain in the wrist/hands, upper back, and ankles, and between duration of mattress use and pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, upper back, and hips/thighs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that the type and duration of mattress use significantly influence musculoskeletal pain among hostel residents. Prolonged use of substandard or worn-out foam mattresses contributes to pain and reduced sleep satisfaction. It is recommended that students and hostel management prioritize ergonomic education, regular mattress replacement, and physiotherapy-led interventions to improve spinal health and sleep quality.
Keywords: Sleeping surface, Musculoskeletal pain, Hostel residents, Mattress, University of Benin.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health problem globally and are particularly common among individuals in physically demanding professions. Hairdressers are at increased risk due to prolonged standing, repetitive hand use, awkward postures, and poor ergonomic practices, which often lead to pain, disability, and reduced productivity. Despite these risks, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among hairdressers in semi-urban areas of Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and to examine the sociodemographic, occupational, and ergonomic risk factors among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area of Benin City.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants included hairdressers registered under the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NASHCO), Egor chapter. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire addressing musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposures, and ergonomic practices. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, occupational/ergonomic risk factors, and the prevalence of WMSDs.
Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among hairdressers, with 78.4% of respondents reporting musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region over the past 12 months. The lower back (76.3%), shoulders (62.1%), and neck (58.7%) were identified as the most commonly affected sites. Significant associations were observed between WMSDs and occupational factors such as prolonged standing (p < 0.05), daily work duration exceeding 8 hours (p < 0.05), and poor postural habits (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic variables, including gender and work experience, were also found to influence the occurrence of WMSDs.
Conclusion: In conclusion, WMSDs are highly prevalent among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area, largely due to occupational and ergonomic risk factors. Preventive strategies such as ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and increased awareness of occupational health risks are recommended to reduce the burden of WMSDs and enhance the well-being and productivity of hairdressers.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, hairdressers, occupational risk factors, ergonomic risk factors.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) seeds, a primary by-product of the global cotton industry, are often underutilized but represent a potential source of valuable bioactive compounds. This study was designed to quantify the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of dried cotton seeds to evaluate their potential for value-added applications. An aqueous extract was prepared from dried, powdered seeds, and the presence of phenols and flavonoids was confirmed using standard qualitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu method with tannic acid as the standard, while total flavonoid content was measured via the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay using quercetin as the standard. The quantitative analysis revealed a substantial total phenolic content of 82.35 ± 0.40 g of tannic acid equivalents per kilogram (g TAE/kg) of the dried sample. The total flavonoid content was also significant, measured at 9.15 ± 1.24 g of quercetin equivalents per kilogram (g QE/kg). These findings demonstrate that dried cotton seed is a rich source of natural phenolic antioxidants, highlighting its potential for valorization as a value-added ingredient in functional food, nutraceutical, and animal feed industries and promoting a more sustainable circular economy in cotton production.

BACKGROUND: Keyboard instrumentalists are highly susceptible to Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs). PRMDs affect keyboard players, especially in the wrists, hands, and neck. Despite existing global research, data on hand dimensions and hand grip strength (HGS) among keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City remain limited, necessitating further study.
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints, hand dimension and HGS of keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City. METHODS: Consecutive technique was utilized to select Participants, and 115 keyboardists participated in this research. Data collection involved completing the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) which was used to assess their musculoskeletal complaints and physical measurements were also conducted. Hand dimensions, including length, span, width, circumference, and shape, were measured using a measuring tape. While HGS was assessed using a digital hand grip dynamometer. Body weight, height, and BMI were also measured. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used to summarize the data. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between variables at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in the neck (86.1%). Hand grip strength showed significant correlations with hand length (r=0.817 p=0.000), hand span (r=0.813, p=0.000), hand circumference (r=0.782, p=0.000), hand width (r=0.852, p=0.000), hand shape (r=0.306, p=0.001), and wrist circumference (r=0.765, p=0.000) for dominant hand. Then for the Non dominant hand HGS showed significant correlations with hand length (r=0.840 p=0.000), hand span (r=0.823, p=0.000), hand circumference (r=0.808, p=0.000), hand width (r=0.862, p=0.000), hand shape (r=0.296, p=0.001), and wrist circumference (r=0.792, p=0.000). Participants reported poor ergonomic practices, including awkward postures (73%) and prolonged playing (93%), contributing to physical strain. symptoms like fatigue and stiffness were alleviated by rest (98.2% and 98%).
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City, with neck pain being the most common. Hand grip strength showed significant correlations with Hand dimensions.
KEYWORDS: Musculoskeletal complaints, Hand dimensions, Hand grip strength, Keyboard instrumentalists.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Male reproductive toxicity induced by BPA is a major public health concern due to its widespread presence and endocrine-disrupting capabilities. Although antioxidant and Phyto therapeutic agents have shown promise in mitigating general oxidative damage, there is insufficient scientific evidence on the immunohistochemical profiles of testicular tissues treated concurrently with BPA and Phyto therapeutic agents like Ginkgo biloba and Tribulus terrestris. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound that's known to induces reproductive toxicity in males characterized by oxidative stress, impaired spermatogenesis, and decreased testosterones levels. This research was aimed to assess the Morphological and Biochemical effects of Ginkgo biloba and Tribulus terrestris on BPA- induced reproductive toxicity in male wistar rats. A total of 40 healthy adult male wistar rats, initial body weight -150-250 g, were used for this work and were divided into five separate groups (Negative control, BPA- exposed, BPA + Ginkgo biloba, BPA + Tribulus terrestris and BPA Phytotherapeutic (Ginkgo biloba Tribulus terrestris). Parameters evaluated were sperm analysis, the following parameters were measured as indices of oxidative stress (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase, Malondialdehyde. Immunohistochemical analysis/ histological techniques on testes, prostates, epididymis and seminal vesicles, was performed to evaluate markers of apoptosis and tissue integrity. Findings clearly demonstrated that BPA exposure induces significant reproductive toxicity, primarily targeting the testes and epididymis, while phytotherapeutic intervention especially combined Ginkgo biloba and Tribulus terrestris-attenuated many of these adverse effects, One of the most striking findings of this study was the significant reduction in sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology in the BPA-exposed group, alongside a corresponding increase in non-motile and non-progressively motile spermatozoa, Superscript letters (a,b,c) indicates significant difference between groups based on Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p<0.05, groups sharing the same subscript letter are not significantly different from each other, F- values are from one-way ANOVA. P<0.001 indicates highly significant difference among groups. Immunohistochemical detection of y-H2AX revealed increased DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in germ cells of BPA-exposed rats, predominantly localized to the basal germinal epithelium. DNA DSBs are among the most severe forms of genetic damage and can lead to meiotic arrest or germ cell loss if unrepaired. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that bisphenol A induces significant male reproductive toxicity, primarily affects the testes and epididymis through oxidative stress, histological degeneration, and DNA double-strand breaks, leading to impaired sperm quality. Although endogenous antioxidant defenses were upregulated following BPA exposure, they were insufficient to prevent tissue damage, Treatment with Ginkgo biloba and Tribulus terrestris, particularly in combination, significantly attenuated BPA-induced reproductive toxicity, preserving tissue architecture, reducing DNA damage, and improving sperm parameters.

This study investigates the effects of Dendropanax trifidus, a traditional medicinal plant, on kidney function and morphology in Wistar rats. The aim is to evaluate the potential nephroprotective and therapeutic properties of Dendropanax trifidus extract through a series of experimental assays. Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, receiving varying doses of Dendropanax trifidus extract over a predetermined period. Biochemical analyses were conducted to assess kidney function, including serum levels of creatinine, urea and electrolytes. Histological examinations of kidney tissues were performed to evaluate morphological changes and structural integrity. Results demonstrated that administration of Dendropanax trifidus significantly improvedrenal function markers in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its potential nephroprotective effects. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in tubular injury and preserved glomerular architecture in treated rats compared to controls. These findings indicate that Dendropanax trifidus may possess beneficial effects on kidney health, potential offering a natural therapeutic option for the management of renal disorders. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to explore possible clinical applications in nephrology

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways of the lungs, characterised by bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Standard asthma therapies such as salbutamol, montelukast and prednisolone are effective in alleviating symptoms, yet their histological impact on lung tissue remains incompletely understood. This study evaluated the effects of salbutamol, montelukast and prednisolone on lung tissue histology in Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic female Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=8); negative control, positive control, salbutamol treated, montelukast treated and prednisolone treated. Asthma was induced in Groups 2–5 using a modified ovalbumin (OVA) protocol. Rats were sensitized via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 1 mg OVA emulsified in 20 mg aluminium hydroxide on days 1 and 7. From day 14, sensitized rats were challenged by exposure to aerosolized 1% OVA solution for 15 minutes per session, twice weekly for 28 days. After confirmation of asthma treatment, at end of the experiment, lungs were excised, fixed in 10% formalin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Histological changes were assessed using light microscopy at 400x magnification. The negative control group exhibited normal pulmonary architecture with intact bronchi and alveolar sacs. The OVAinduced positive control group showed hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and follicular bronchiolitis. In contrast, lungs from rats treated with salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone demonstrated preserved histoarchitecture with minimal inflammatory infiltration and normal alveolar and bronchial structures, comparable to those of the control group. Conclusion: Treatment with salbutamol, montelukast, or prednisolone effectively ameliorated histopathological alterations associated with OVA-induced asthma in female Sprague-Dawley rats. These findings confirm the protective and restorative effects of these drugs on lung tissue integrity in experimental asthma.