SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with the spleen playing a crucial role in both parasite clearance and disease pathogenesis. This study investigated the histopathological effects of malaria parasites on the spleen using albino Wistar rats infected with varying concentrations of Plasmodium berghei. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (n=4), low infection (10² parasitized red blood cells, n=4), medium infection (10⁴ parasitized red blood cells, n=4), and high infection (10⁶ parasitized red blood cells, n=4). Animals were observed for 14 days before sacrifice and histopathological examination.All infected groups experienced significant weight loss compared to controls, with the high infection group showing the greatest reduction (-25.5±2.5g vs +17.0±0.0g in controls, p<0.001). The most striking finding was the paradoxical relationship between infection dose and spleen enlargement. The low infection group demonstrated the most pronounced splenomegaly (1.4±0.1g vs 0.7±0.1g in controls), representing a 100% increase in spleen weight. The splenic-somatic index confirmed this pattern, with the low infection group showing a two-fold increase (0.91% vs. 0.44% in controls, p<0.05). Surprisingly, histopathological examination revealed preserved tissue architecture across all groups, with normal white and red pulp organization despite significant organ enlargement. This suggests that early malaria-induced splenomegaly involvesprimarily functional rather than structural changes. The inverse dose-response relationship indicates that moderate infections may trigger optimal splenic activation, while severe infections may overwhelm the organ's adaptive capacity. These findings contribute to understanding malaria pathogenesis and emphasize that even low-level infections can have substantial physiological impacts, supporting the need for early intervention regardless of apparent infection severity.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that tends to get worse gradually, and the symptoms can differ in how serious they are from one person to another. It mostly affects people who are over the age of 50 and has a major impact on their quality of life. One of the most effective ways to manage it is through exercise therapy, which helps reduce pain and
improves how the joints work. Strength exercises focus on building weak muscles, while aerobic workouts can help lessen discomfort. Recently, more attention has been given to non-surgical approaches like resisted active exercises (RAEs). These exercises help stabilize the joint, make the muscles stronger, and improve how well older adults can move around and stay independent. Methods: 19 participants with knee osteoarthritis 60 years and above were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using the Functional independence measure (FIM) and patient specific functional scale (PSFS) before and after the intervention was given. Resistance exercises were given to the participants 2-3 times a week for the next 6 weeks. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while Paired T test was used to determine the correlation between variables. Significance was set at an alpha level of 0.05. Result: The mean FIM (functional independence measure) score improved from 114.68 ± 7.72
to 118.26 ± 5.85, and PSFS(patient specific functional scale) score from 5.21 ± 1.99 to 7.47 ± 1.26 post-intervention. Paired t-test showed significant improvement in functional status (FIM: p = 0.001; PSFS: p = 0.001) following six weeks of resisted active exercises. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated significant improvements in both general, functional status functional independence and task-specific abilities, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in FIM and PSFS scores. These results support the effectiveness of resisted active exercises as a simple, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention for improving functional
status in older adults with knee OA.

Title: Obesity and Overweight among Students and Faculty in the University of Benin, BeninCity, Edo State, Nigeria. In response to the escalating global prevalence of obesity and overweight, this cross-sectionalstudy investigates the extent and determinants of these health concerns among the University ofBenin community. Our study encompassed 600 participants, including students and facultymembers. By employing structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, weevaluated the distribution of Body Mass Index (BMI) and examined various aspects of lifestyle, including dietary habits, physical activity, health perceptions, and knowledge sources. Thefindings indicate a substantial prevalence of obesity and overweight, totaling 63%. Lifestylefactors, such as physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary practices, play a significant role in theobserved prevalence. Additionally, our study reveals a concerning lack of awareness amongparticipants regarding the health implications associated with obesity. As a response to thesefindings, we propose a series of evidence-based recommendations. These encompass theimplementation of health promotion programs, an enhancement in access to healthy food options, the establishment of physical activity initiatives, the provision of mental health and stressmanagement support, and academic assistance. This multifaceted approach seeks to create ahealthier campus environment and, in turn, enhance the overall well-being of students andfaculty within the University of Benin. Keywords: Obesity, overweight, prevalence, students, faculty, cross-sectional study.

The rise of chronic diseases among young adults underscores the imperative need to investigate the intricate relationships between personality and dietary habits. This study investigates the relationship between personality traits and dietary habits among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State, utilizing a quantitative descriptive design. A total of 244 questionnaires were distributed, achieving a 100% response rate. The study found that 32.8% of respondents identified as extroverted, while other traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness each accounted for 16.4%.The results revealed disturbing trends in students dietary habits including frequently missed breakfast (77.5%), consumed fast food (65.25%), and regularly drank carbonated or sugary beverages (85.2%), with only 20.5% eating fruits and vegetables often. Key factors influencing these habits included loneliness, academic stress, lack of cooking skills, and limited nutritional knowledge. Results highlighted a significant association between the students' personality traits and their dietary habits (p<0.05). The findings underscore critical implications for nursing practice and education, emphasizing the need for improved nutritional education and health promotion strategies among nursing students. Tailored nutrition education which takes into account individual trait differences to modify the dietary habits. Limitations included potential biases in self-reported data. Future studies are required to identify persons who are at risk of diet related diseases to inform the development of appropriate dietary interventions bearing the mind the personality traits they exhibit.
Keywords: Personality Traits, Dietary Habits, Nursing Students, Health Promotion

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of Urinary Tract Infection and its associated risk factors among among pregnant women in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The study employed a Non-experimental survey research design. The target population for this study consisted of 250 women with a minimum sample size of 169 pregnant women (calculated using Taro Yamane formular) which comprises of outpatients who are currently attending Ante-Natal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State. The researcher used convenient sampling technique in selecting the respondents into the study. A self-designed simple questionnaire was used to elicit data. The questionnaire was made up of four sections (A, B, C and D). Section A was made up of patients Bio-data while the other sections comprised of Simple structured questions used to elicit information on the knowledge and behavioural practices regarding Urinary Tract Infections among pregnant women in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The data was presented using tables and were analyzed using simple percentages, while research hypotheses was tested using Chi-square test of association. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The procedure was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for windows. The result shows that majority of the respondents had sound knowledge of UTI and its associated risk factors. Thus, this study recommends achieving the optimum goal of improving health in UTI, by creating effective strategies and active involvement of patients in the management of their health. This was a study that added to the body of knowledge on UTI among pregnant women in this part of Nigeria.

Vesico-vaginal fistulal(VVF) is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, in which urine leaks into the vagina. Sometimes this type develops as a result of obstructed labour in childbirth. This abnormality is rampant among adolescents and as such many young adolescent students still do not have good knowledge about the causes and implication on health. On this note this study was designed to investigate perception of vesico-vagina fistula among adolescent students in selected secondary school in Ovia northest Local Government, Edo state. A sample size of 230 adolescents was selected through random sampling techniques. A well structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection based on the research objectives. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The data analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 for windows. The result shows that the Adolescents have good knowledge about vesico-vagina fistula and have high (positive) perception towards VVF and the prevention mechanism.

Sida acuta commonly known as wire weed possesses several therapeutic properties that can be
recognized in traditional medicine. Sida acuta has been found to contain several photochemical
(flavonoids, tannins, steroids), antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was
to determine the in vitro antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Sida acuta on α- mylase
and α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the result on the α-amylase assay shows that the standard
(acarbose) has better in vitro antidiabetic properties on α-amylase enzyme by inhibiting α-amylase
at IC50 of 29997.9µg/ml when compared to the inhibitory properties of the aqueous Sida acuta
extract which had an IC50 of 42966.9µg/ml. The result obtained from the α-glucosidase assay
showed that the IC50 of the standard (acarbose) had better in vitro antidiabetic properties on the α-
glucosidase enzyme by inhibiting α-glucosidase at an IC50 of 10120.52µg/ml when compared to
that of the extract (IC50 of 14333.29µg/ml). In conclusion the extract displayed its medicinal
properties by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme and could be used as a possible anti
diabetic therapeutic agent.

This study evaluated the effects of Yoyo cleanser bitters on male Wistar rats fed with a high fructose diet. Yoyo Cleanser Bitters, a traditional herbal preparation, is purported to possess potential therapeutic properties for metabolic disorders. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing
an average of 220grams each were randomly divided in four groups of five. The rats were fed ad-libitum with the feed and clean tap water during the entire course of the experiment (56 days). A basal diet of a standard pelleted grower’s marsh was given to the control group (group1), while the treatment diet of 60% high fructose diet along with 20% fructose water was fed to the other three cages. Atorvastatin (0.57mg/kg) was administered daily to group 3 and Yoyo cleanser bitters (1200 mg/kg) was administered to the rats in group 4. The treatment were administered using an oro-gastric gavage. Using standard methods, the weekly weight of the rats, their daily food consumption, feed efficiency were determined at the end of the 56days of study. Comprehensive biochemical assessment of lipid profile was performed. The data was analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s test of significance. A p value of less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was accepted as statistically significant (p<0.05). The results of the study revealed that High Yoyo cleanser bitters posses preventive properties related to metabolic disorders in male Wistar rats when compared with both control and Atorvastatin groups as it significantly reduced (p<0.05) the levels of Triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein, Very Low-density Lipoprotein levels yet increasing the high density lipoprotein levels. This is an indication that the mechanism of action of Yoyo Cleanser Bitters can be added as a preventive intervention for individuals at the risk of dyslipidemia

This study investigated factors influencing undergraduate nursing students perception of their clinical learning environment (CLE). The study assessed the knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards CLE and factors influencing students’ attitude of CLE. The population of the study comprised of three hundred and sixteen (316) students in the department of Nursing Science. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A representative sample of 195 respondents were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was established to be 0.79. Analysis of data was carried out using frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results showed that students had positive attitude (mean score of 3.20) and high knowledge (67.2%) of their CLE. Effective supervision and assessment, active participation during ward rounds, integration of theory into practice, lack of self-confidence, communication between nursing staff and students and intellectual abilities of students were identified as factors that influence students’ utilization of CLE. However, receptiveness of nursing staffs in the ward and difficulties in orientation for clinical teaching were observed not to significantly influence students’ attitude of CLE. Furthermore, it was indicated that there exists a significant relationship between attitude of nursing students towards their CLE and students’ level of study at 0.05 level of significance. The study therefore concluded that the CLE is an important avenue for students to develop their professional skills and at such must show commitment. It was recommended that clinical instructors must sustain effective supervision and assessment of nursing students on clinical placement, nursing students should ensure they develop a strong commitment towards learning in the clinical environment by asking questions about procedures not clearly understood and curriculum planners in nursing science should ensure that instructions in clinical learning are constantly improved upon

The major components of petroleum are hydrocarbons which are toxic and have been implicated in a number of human diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxicity, oxidative stress and haemato – inflammatory markers among petroleum products exposed workers at NNPC Limited facilities at Abuja and environs. A total of two hundred and fifty adult males participated in this study. this research was a cross sectional study; a multivariable questionnaire was designed to provide answers to some questions. The questionnaire was divided into different sections comprises of social demographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking etc. Others were awareness of hazards caused by occupational exposure to petroleum products and awareness of various ways of protection against the petroleum products with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ethical approvals were obtained from Ministry of Environment, Abuja and Ethic committee of NNPC Limited. Under aseptic conditions, ten millimeter (10mls) of venous blood sample was obtained from each participating individuals at the end of the work shift on the day of exposure. The samples were processed according to each parameter requirement. Parameters such
benzene and its derivatives (phenol, styrene, butanoic acid, benzene, benzene chloro, o – xylene, toluene, benze 1, 3, dimethyl, p – xylene, naphthalene and ethylbenzene), oxidative stress markers (CRP, total oxidative capacity, glutathione reductase), inflammatory and immunological markers (IL1, IL3, IL4, IL6, IL9, IL10, IFN gamma, Human LT beta, IgG and IgM), haematological parameters and deoxyribonucleic acid damage marker (8 hydroxyl 2 deoxylguanosine) were analysed using standard methods according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results showed significantly higher phenol in tanker drivers compared with petrol
attendants, auto mechanics and NNPC staff.