Development and Validation of Cannabis Use Disorder Scale among University Undergraduates in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive substance use continues to be an important public health issue among the populace, most especially in adolescents and young adults. Cannabis is one of the commonly used substances with associated health complications, hence the necessity for its screening among at-risk people. Thus, our study set out to develop and validate a screening inventory, the Cannabis Use Disorder Scale (CUDS) for cannabis use detection among undergraduate students in Nigeria. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of selected undergraduate students in a Nigerian University, the Cannabis Use Disorder Scale (CUDS) was developed by the authors and validated against a standard instrument, Cannabis Use Problem Identification Test (CUPIT). RESULTS: The mean age of the 306 participants was 21.9±2.69 years, made up of 70.6% males and 29.4% females. The mean score on CUDS was 41.00, and a score above this indicates a positive screen for cannabis use. In terms of validity, there was a strong correlation between CUDS and CUPIT scores, with Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient, r=0.722** at p=0.01 on concurrent validity; and with construct validity, the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) test yielded a KMO of 0.900, while the Barlett's tests of sphericity yielded an approximate Chi-Square of 2820.00,df=300, at p<0.01.Again, Cronbach's alpha for CUDS was found to be 0.906**, and Guttman split-half reliability to be 0.862** at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: In this study, the newly developed cannabis use screening inventory, CUDS was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for use in Nigeria.

CONTEXTE: L'utilisation de substances psychoactives continue d'être un problème de santé publique important parmi la population, en particulier chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes. Le cannabis est l'une des substances couramment utilisées avec des complications de santé associées, d'où la nécessité de le dépister chez les personnes à risque. Ainsi, notre étude visait à développer et valider une échelle de dépistage, l'Échelle des Troubles Liés à la Consommation de Cannabis (CUDS) pour la détection de la consommation de cannabis chez les étudiants universitaires au Nigéria. MÉTHODES: Dans le cadre d'une étude transversale menée auprès d'étudiants universitaires sélectionnés dans une université nigériane, l'Échelle des Troubles Liés à la Consommation de Cannabis (CUDS) a été développée par les auteurs et validée par rapport à un instrument standard, le Test d'Identification des Problèmes Liés à la Consommation de Cannabis (CUPIT). RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des 306 participants était de 21,9±2,69 ans, avec une répartition de 70,6 % d'hommes et 29,4 % de femmes. Le score moyen au CUDS était de 41,00, et un score supérieur à cela indique un dépistage positif de la consommation de cannabis. En termes de validité, il y avait une forte corrélation entre les scores du CUDS et du CUPIT, avec un coefficient de corrélation de Pearson de 0,722** à p=0,01 pour la validité concurrente ; et en ce qui concerne la validité de construit, le test Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) a donné un KMO de 0,900, tandis que le test de sphéricité de Barlett a donné un Chi-Carré approximatif de 2820,00, df=300, à p<0,01. De plus, l'alpha de Cronbach pour le CUDS s'est avéré être de 0,906**, et la fiabilité en demi-split de Guttman était de 0,862** à p<0,05. CONCLUSION: Dans cette étude, la nouvelle échelle de dépistage de la consommation de cannabis, le CUDS, s'est révélée être un instrument valide et fiable pour une utilisation au Nigéria. Mots-clés: Consommation de cannabis; CUDS; Validation Nigéria.

Raffia hookeri Ethanolic Pulp Extract Ameliorated Neuronal Damage and Brain Oxidative Stress Following Mechanical-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex process resulting into structural brain damage and functional deficits as a result of an external mechanical force. This study aimed to investigate the possible ameliorative effect of Raphia hookeri ethanol extract (RHEE) on induced acute traumatic brain injury in rats. The choice of the plant was based on its reported anti-oxidative property. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. I: CONTROL - distilled water orally; II: RHEE - 100 mg/kg RHEE; III: Sharp trauma brain injury (STBI); IV: STBI+RHEE; V: Blunt trauma brain injury (BTBI); VI: BTBI+RHEE.  Brain injury was inflicted using modified weight drop technique on experimental day 1 while RHEE was given orally by gavage for 7 days post-injury. Blood was collected serially 24hrs, 72hrs and 7 days post-trauma for full blood count and differentials of the white blood cells. On day nine, rats were euthanized and brain harvested for biochemical and histological analyses. Trauma significantly (p<0.05) reduced the relative brain weight of rats compared with the control. Lymphocyte count increased while neutrophils reduced in all traumatized rats compared with control group. Both BTBI and STBI significantly (p<0.05) elevated MDA and significantly (p<0.05) reduced the level of GSH, the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes compared with control group. Histologically, the extent of haemorrhage into the subarachnoid and brain parenchyma in STBI and BTBI groups was reduced in the BTBI+RHEE and STBI+RHEE groups. Administration of RHEE reduced oxidative damage and ameliorated neuronal damage in sharp and blunt brain injuries.

Comparative Neuroprotective Effect of Celosia argentea Linn. and Vitamin E on Mercury-induced Oxidative and Histological Parameters of Rat Brain.

Mercury contamination of our environment in Nigeria is increasing as mining activity increases. Its exposure causes human toxicological effects which include neurotoxicity through reactive oxygen species. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of the flavonoid-rich aqueous extract of Celosia argentea (AECA) and vitamin E (VitE) in the brain of rats treated with mercuric chloride (HgCl2). Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomized into five treatment groups (n=5). Group 1- control; Group 2- HgCl2 (4 mg/kg); Group 3- AECA (400 mg/kg); Group 4- HgCl2 (4 mg/kg) + AECA (400 mg/kg); Group 5- HgCl2 (4 mg/kg) + VitE (500 mg/kg). All items were administered using an oral cannula daily for 14 days. Behavioural studies were carried out on the 16th day of experiment after which rats were euthanized. Thereafter, gross, haematological and biochemical parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] were assessed. Mercuric chloride significantly (p<0.05) reduced body weight of rats, SOD activity and GSH level but increased MDA level, CAT activity and the number of degenerated neurons in the cerebral cortex relative to control group. Microscopically, HgCl2 induced degeneration of cerebral cortical neurons and Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum. Treatment of HgCl2 and AECA and VitE caused a reversal of these HgCl2-induced alterations. The behavioural and haematological parameters were not significantly affected through the groups. The results suggest Celosia argentea Linn and vitamin E protected against mercury-induced gross, oxidative, cerebral and cerebellar damage. Both AECA and Vitamin E demonstrated neuroprotection in this experiment.

Ameliorative Effects of Raffia hookeri Pulp Extract on Cisplatin-induced Brain Damage and Consequent Neurobehavioural Changes in Wistar Rats.

Cisplatin (CIS), a known anticancer drug, has side effects initiated by oxidative damage which hinders its use.Raffia hookeri pulp extract (RHPE), reported to possess antioxidant activity should mitigate cisplatin toxicity. The presentstudy examined the potential of RHPE to reduce brain damage in rats exposed to cisplatin. Forty eight female rats (150 g -220 g) were randomized into four groups (n = 12) viz: Group 1 served as control received distilled water daily, Group 2received 100 mg/kg body weight of RHPE, Group 3 received CIS (7.5 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) as single dose,Group 4 received 100 mg/kg body weight of CIS+RHPE. The RHPE was given orally via gavage for 14 days while the singledose of cisplatin was administered on the eighth day of experiment. Behavioral tests namely: transitions, rearings, groomingsand forelimb grip strength were carried out on 15th day of the experiment after which rats were euthanized followed byhistology and histomorphometry. Cisplatin significantly (p<0.05) reduced the percentage body weight changes, transitions,rearings, groomings and forelimb grip strength compared with the control group, whereas treatment with CIS+RHPEsignificantly (p<0.05) increased these parameters compared with Cisplatin treatment. Cisplatin also caused histologicalalterations of Purkinje neurons, pyramidal neurons of Cornu ammonis3, granule cells and cerebral cortex neurons. Itsignificantly (p<0.05) reduced the diameter of Purkinje (9.1±0.59 µm) compared with control (14.41±0.31 µm) andpyramidal neurons (11.32±0.05 µm) compared with control (17.03±0.54 µm). Rats in the CIS+RHPE had their histologyconsiderably improved compared with those of cisplatin. In conclusion, RHPE reversed the behavioural changes anddemonstrated neuroprotection against CIS-induced behavioural changes and microanatomical alterations of cerebellar,hippocampal and cerebral neurons.

Sport participation and injuries among undergraduate students of a Nigerian University.

Backgroud: Sports participation is a healthy behaviour but it is not without the risk of injuries. Information on the extent of sport participation and sport injuries among Nigerian Unversity students is sparse. Objeclive: To determine the prevalence and types of sport participation and injuries among university.students in Nigeria. Factors associated with sport participation among students were also examined. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on the frequcncy and types of sport participation and sport-related injuries among a representative sample of undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Resuts: A sport participation prevalence of 64.2% (95%CI: 59.5 - 68.7) was recorded among students. Football (soccer) (53.2%) had the highest participation rate. Male students (78.4% vs.41.2%) participated more frequently in sports (p <0.001). Overall injury rate was 52.5 injuries/100 students/ year (95%CI: 46.5 - 58.5). The prevalence of injury was 45.7% in male and 12.7% in female students. About half (49.3%) of reported injuries resulted in time loss. The leg and ankle were the most frequently injured body parts for all injuries and most serious injuries. Football recorded the highest prevalence of injury (73.8%). CONCLUSION: Sport participation among students was fair and injury rate was considerably high, mostly affecting the lower extremity and most injuries resulting from football participation. This study suggests the need for improved sport participation support among students and the need for the initiation of injury prevention initiatives by stakeholders.

Work related stress and coping mechanisms among bankers in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed knowledge, prevalence, associated factors and mechanisms of coping with stress among bankers in Lagos State. METHODS: It was a descriptive cross sectional study. A two stage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and twenty seven (227) respondents. Data was collected using a structured self administered questionnaire. The analysis was done using Epi-info version 2002 software and Chi Square was used to determine association between variables at p value 0.05. Fischer's Exact test was used where Chi-square was not valid. RESULTS: The age range of respondents was between 20 and 49 years while the mean age was 31.3 +/- 5.0 years. Only 3.6% had good level of knowledge about stress, 42.2% had fair level while more than half of the respondents had poor level of knowledge about stress (54.3%). Majority (67.0%) of the respondents were moderately stressed while one quarter (24.7%) were highly stressed. Majority (92.4%) of the respondents used good coping mechanisms though 69.5% of the respondents also used bad coping mechanisms. A greater proportion of those who had poor knowledge about stress were stressed or highly stressed (p = 0.002). A statistically significant association was also found between the departments in the bank and level of stress of the respondents (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The prevalence of stress was high among the bank workers studied. It is recommended that effective stress management programmes are implemented to address the problem of stress among bank workers.

Physical activity profile of senior civil servants in Lagos, Nigeria: need for effective strategies for improvement.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the profile of physical activity (PA) among Lagos State senior civil servants (LSCSs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey in which 305 LSCSs (163 men, 142 women) with age range 25 65 years, in five ministries of the LSCS was carried out in May of 2011. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess respondents' PA at work, for transport, and during leisure time during the last 7 days. RESULTS: Overall, 56.7% of the respondents (58.3% men and 54.9% women) were active; equivalent to 43.3% inactive respondents (41.7% men and 54.9% women). In spite of the high prevalence of physical inactivity in the women, gender was not significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.718). However, the educational status and cadre of respondents were significantly associated with PA levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that close to half of LSCSs were physically inactive. There was no significant difference between the PA levels of men and women but educational status and cadre were associated with the PA levels of respondents. The results provided by this study suggests the need for the Lagos State government and stakeholders to formulate polices, plan programmes and interventions for LSCSs to get more physically active.

Effects of dance movement therapy on selected cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Objective:Arterial hypertension is a medical condition associated with increased risks of of death, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular morbidity including stroke, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and renal insufficiency. Regular physical exercise is considered to be an important part of the non-pharmacologictreatment of hypertension. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dance movement therapy (DMT) on selected cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Fifty (50) subjects with hypertension participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups; A (DMT group) and B (Control group). Group A carried out dance movement therapy 2 times a week for 4 weeks while group B underwent some educational sessions 2 times a week for the same duration. All the subjects were on anti-hypertensive drugs. 38 subjects completed the study with the DMTgroup having a total of 23 subjects (10 males and 13 females) and the control group 15 subjects (6 males and 9 females). Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics of paired and independentt-testwere used for data analysis. RESULTS: Following four weeks of dance movement therapy, paired t-test analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the Resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) (p < 0.001*), Resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) (p < 0.001*), Resting heart rate (RHR) (p = 0.024*), Maximum heart rate (MHR) (p=0.002*) and Estimated oxygen consumption (VO2max) (p = 0.023*) in subjects in group A (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference observed in outcome variables of subjects in group B (p > 0.05). Independent t-test analysis between the differences in the pre and post intervention scores of groups A and B also showed statistically significant differences in all the outcome variables (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: DMT was effective in improving cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients.

Elevated plasma homocysteine in association with decreased vitamin B(12), folate, serotonin, lipids and lipoproteins in depressed patients.

OBJECTIVE: Increased plasma homocysteine, decreased vitamin B(12) and folic acid levels have been implicated in depressive mood. Plasma homocystine, vitamin B(12), folic acid tryptophan, lipids and lipoproteins were determined in depressed patients and controls. METHOD: Sixty subjects consisting of 30 depressed patients and 30 apparently healthy volunteers, who served as controls, were selected for this study. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were determined using standard procedures. RESULTS: The results showed a significantly higher plasma homocysteine level amongst depressed patients when compared with the corresponding controls (p < 0.001), the percentage increase was 116%, while the plasma vitamin B(12) (p < 0.01), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) were markedly lower when amongst depressed patients when compared with the corresponding controls; the percentage differences were 21%, 42% and 42% respectively. Plasma triglyceride, folic acid and tryptophan levels amongst depressed patients were not significantly different from the controls. The male subjects had significantly higher plasma tHcy levels than the female counterparts ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed a significant increase in plasma tHcy coexisting with a decrease in plasma vitamin B(12) TC, LDLC and HDLC, in depressed patients. Increased plasma homocysteine could be a sensitive indicator of plasma B vitamin deficiency.

Incidence and characteristics of injuries during the 2011 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Nations' Cup.

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on football injuries and their risk factors in the African setting are sparse. Such studies are needed to understand the peculiarities of injuries and hence proffer appropriate intervention for injury prevention in the region. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of match injuries during the 2011 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) cup. METHODS: Team physiotherapists from the participating teams documented all newly incurred injuries on standardised injury report forms using the Federation of International Football Association's (FIFA) Medical Assessment and Research Centre protocols. RESULTS: An overall of 89 injuries were sustained during the tournament, resulting in 9.9 injuries per match or 289 injuries per 1000 player hours. Seventeen (19.1%) of these injuries resulted in loss of competition activity (time-loss), equivalent to 1.9 injuries per match or 55.2 injuries per 1000 player hours. Over three quarters (73; 82%) of injuries were incurred through contact with another player. The lower leg accounted for almost a quarter of all injuries (21; 23.6%) while the knee recorded the highest number of time-loss injuries (5; 29.4%). The most frequent types of injury were contusion (61; 68.5%) and strain (13; 14.6%). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of injuries during the WAFU cup was much higher than those of other tournaments ever documented but the characteristics of injuries were similar. In order to fully define the nature of injuries and more reliably identify the risk of injury for the establishment of injury prevention strategies that will be appropriate for this region of the world, it is imperative that further systematic injury recording and analysis in African players are carried out.

Physical activity level, nutritional intake, functional status and quality of life of geriatric individuals in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria: a cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Participation in physical activity (PA) and healthy nutrition are important factors that affects muscle and bone strength and the resultant functioning in the activities of daily living (ADL) skills including the overall quality of life (QoL) of geriatric individuals. However, the relationships between all these parameters are yet to be fully documented and studies from developing countries are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the relationships between PA level, frequency of nutritional intake of food rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D and the basic ADL, instrumental ADL and QoL of geriatric individuals in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 394 geriatric individuals. A combination of standardized questionnaires which assessed the socio-demographic parameters, PA level, frequency of intake of food rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, ADL skills, and QoL of the geriatric individuals was used. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square. RESULTS: The highest proportion (35.5%) of participating geriatric individuals was at the active PA level. PA level was statistically associated with QoL, basic and instrumental ADL, (X2 = 199.57, p = 0.001; X2 = 87.07, p = 0.000; and X2 = 164.53, p = 0.001 respectively). There was also an association between frequency of intake of food rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D and the basic ADL (X2 = 97.43, p = 0.001), instrumental ADL (X2 = 151.56, p = 0.001) and QoL (X2 = 250.21, p = 0.001) of the studied geriatric individuals. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that an increase in PA level and regular intake of food rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D were associated with optimal functional status and better QoL in geriatric individuals. Educational programmes on the importance of participation in regular PA and healthy nutrition are imperative and recommended for geriatric individuals.

Gross morphometric reduction of rats' cerebellum by gamma irradiation was mitigated by pretreatment with Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract.

The methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina (M) or "bitter leaf" is known for its antioxidant activity, and antioxidants are noted to mitigate radiation damage in tissues. The aim of the present study was to observe the radioprotective effect of M on the cerebellum of gamma irradiated rats using alpha-tocopherol (TOCO) as a reference antioxidant. Forty-two male Wistar rats (n=42) weighing 200-240 g were taken for the study. The study comprised of seven groups, with each group comprising of six (n=6) rats i.e. control, M at 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, radiation only, radiation plus M at 250, and 500 mg/kg/day, and TOCO. After 14 days of treatment administered via oral gavage, rats were irradiated with a single dose of 2.0 Gy of gamma rays on the 15-th day and euthanized the next day. Rats cerebella were removed, fixed in 10% formalin saline, weighed and vernier caliper used to obtain cerebellar dimensions as follows: (i) maximum width, (ii) rostrocaudal dimension, and (iii) dorsoventral extent. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post-test. Gamma radiation caused a statistically significant reduction of the relative weight of the rats' whole brain, relative weight of the cerebellum, the maximum width, rostrocaudal dimension, and dorsoventral extent of the cerebellum. However, pretreatment with M and TOCO significantly mitigated these effects. This study demonstrated that administration of M and TOCO before 2.0 Gy gamma irradiation reduced significantly the radiation induced gross morphometry changes in rats' cerebellum, suggesting that M may qualify for consideration as a medicinal radioprotector.

Effect of adrenaline on glucose uptake in the rabbit small intestine.

OBJECTIVES: Previous study had shown that nicotine acts on blood glucose through release of adrenaline. While there are reports on the hyperglyceic effect of adrenaline in rabbits, there is no information on the effect of adrenaline on intestinal glucose uptake of rabbits. The present study was carried out to find out if adrenaline has any effect on glucose uptake in the rabbit small intestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out on fasted anaesthetized male rabbits. Five groups of rabbits (6 rabbits per group) were studied. A vein draining a segment of the upper jejunum was cannulated for blood flow and venous glucose measurements. The left femoral artery and vein were cannulated for arterial blood sampling and drug infusion respectively. Glucose uptake was calculated as a product of jejunal blood flow and the glucose difference between arterial (A) and venous (V) blood. RESULTS: The fasting venous blood glucose levels were 151.8 +/- 4.4mg/dl and 164.0 + 2.3mg/dl in Groups I and V that were not given adrenoceptor blockers. The upper jejunum had a resting (or basal) glucose uptake of 38.3 +/- 1.6mg/min in the control group. When adrenaline (2ug/kg) was injected intravenously, arterial blood glucose rose from a basal value of 245.5 +/- 4.6mg/dl to 307.5+4.7mg/dl at the peak of response while venous glucose rose from 151.8+4.4mg/dl to 275.8 +/- 4.2mg/dl at the peak of response. Glucose uptake increased to 107.4 +/- 2.5mg/ min at the peak of response. The hyperglycaemic response to adrenaline injection was abolished by propranolol but not by prazosin indicating that this effect of adrenaline is mediated through beta adrenoceptor. Both prazosin and propranolol reduced considerably adrenaline-induced increase in blood flow and glucose uptake, prazosin being more potent in flow reduction. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the resting small intestine of rabbits took up large amounts of glucose. The intestinal glucose uptake was markedly increased by adrenaline injection. The response to adrenaline was mediated through alpha and beta adrenoceptors. The responses to adrenaline are different in many respects from those induced by nicotine in rabbits in our earlier study. The reason for the differences is obscure.

Effect of nicotine on glucose uptake in the rabbit small intestine.

A technique for measuring glucose uptake in the small intestine of rabbits was developed. Using this technique, the glucose uptake in the resting jejunum of rabbits and the effect of nicotine infusion on glucose uptake were studied. Experiments were carried out on fasted anaesthetized male rabbits. Four groups of rabbits (6 per group) were studied. A vein draining segment of the upper jejunum was cannulated for blood flow and venous glucose measurements. The left femoral artery and vein were cannulated for arterial blood sampling and drug infusion respectively. Glucose uptake was calculated as a product of jejunal blood flow and the (A-V) glucose difference. The fasting blood glucose levels were 101.0 +/- 8.4 mg/dl and 127.0 +/- 11.3 mg/dl before and after anaesthesia respectively. Basal blood glucose was much higher than this following surgery. The upper jejunum had a resting glucose uptake of 24.1 +/- 7.0 mg/min. When nicotine (50 ug/kg) was infused intravenously, blood glucose rose from a basal value of 253.8 +/- 9.5 mg/dl to 379.8 +/- 20.3 mg/dl at the peak of response. Glucose uptake increased to 73.1 +/- 11.3 mg/min at the peak of response. These effects of nicotine are mediated through both beta and alpha adrenoceptors. Comparison with previous studies in dogs and rats showed that different adrenoceptors are involved in nicotine hyperglycaemia in fasted dogs, rats and rabbits.

Treatment of sports injuries referred for physiotherapy at a national sports medicine centre in Nigeria: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are important members of the sports medicine team and are involved in the prevention and management of injured athletes right from the acute stage of injury to the stage of rehabilitation. However, the type of treatments rendered to injured athletes and level of physiotherapy utilisation in terms of injury referrals for physiotherapy in sports medicine in Nigeria is not fully known. OBJECTIVE: To find out the extent of referral of sports injuries for physiotherapy and types of treatments rendered to injured athletes referred for physiotherapy at the National Sports Medicine Centre (NSMC), Lagos, South-West, Nigeria. METHODS: All case files at the general records unit from January 1995 to December 2002 were investigated. Information on athlete's sport, body part treated and physiotherapy modalities used between January 1997 and December 2002 were also extracted from the treatment register at the physiotherapy department of the sports medicine centre. RESULTS: A total of 171 sports related injuries were reported at the general records unit of the NSMC, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Of this number, 121 (70.8%) were referred for physiotherapy with strain (n = 57, 33.3%) constituting the majority of physiotherapy referrals. At the physiotherapy department, the knee (n = 43, 30.1%) and the thigh (n = 33, 25.4%) were the most treated body parts. Track and field events (n = 48, 36.9%) recorded the highest number of injuries treated. Exercise therapy (n = 81, 25.5%) was the most frequently used modality, followed closely by transcutenous electrical nerve stimulation therapy (n = 73, 20.3%). CONCLUSION: The frequency of referral of sports injuries for physiotherapy at the NSMC was high. Exercise therapy was the most frequently used treatment modality and injuries affecting the lower limbs were mostly treated. Emphasis should therefore be laid on prevention of lower limb injuries.

Treatment of Sports Injuries Referred for Physiotherapy at a National Sports Medicine Centre in Nigeria: a Retrospective Study

Background: Physiotherapists are important members of the sports medicine team and are involved in the prevention and management of injured athletes right from the acute stage of injury to the stage of rehabilitation. However; the type of treatments rendered to injured athletes and level of physiotherapy utilisation in terms of injury referrals for physiotherapy in sports medicine in Nigeria is not fully known. Objective: To find out the extent of referral of sports injuries for physiotherapy and types of treatments rendered to injured athletes referred for physiotherapy at the National Sports Medicine Centre (NSMC); Lagos; South-West; Nigeria. Methods: All case files at the general records unit from January 1995 to December 2002 were investigated. Information on athlete's sport; body part treated and physiotherapy modalities used between January 1997 and December 2002 were also extracted from the treatment register at the physiotherapy department of the sports medicine centre. Results: A total of 171 sports related injuries were reported at the general records unit of the NSMC; with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Of this number; 121 (70.8) were referred for physiotherapy with strain (n= 57; 33.3) constituting the majority of physiotherapy referrals. At the physiotherapy department; the knee (n=43; 30.1) and the thigh (n=33; 25.4) were the most treated body parts. Track and field events (n=48; 36.9) recorded the highest number of injuries treated. Exercise therapy (n=81; 25.5) was the most frequently used modality; followed closely by transcutenous electrical nerve stimulation therapy (n=73; 20.3). Conclusion: The frequency of referral of sports injuries for physiotherapy at the NSMC was high. Exercise therapy was the most frequently used treatment modality and injuries affecting the lower limbs were mostly treated. Emphasis should therefore be laid on prevention of lower limb injuries

Radiation nephritis: anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone in adult Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) / Nefritis por radiación: efecto anti-inflamatorio de la dexametasona en ratas Wistar adultas (Rattus norvegicus)

The anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone on the irradiated kidneys of adult Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) was studied. Eighteen adult Wistar rats were, after acclimatization, randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals per group. The control group had normal saline, receiving neither drugs nor radiation. The second group received normal saline and radiation. The third group received pretreatment with dexamethasone at 1mg/kg body weight/day for 2 days followed by radiation. Radiation was delivered to the animals as a single fraction of 2.5 Gy of gamma rays from Cobalt-60 source, using an AECL Theatron 780-C Teletherapy machine. After exposure to the different interventions, the animals were sacrificed on the 14th post-irradiation day and the kidneys dissected out from each animal. The renal tissues were subjected to histological processing, and then studied using an eyepiece objective ruler calibrated with a 2mm stage micrometer for histomorphometric studies. The result of the study showed that all irradiated animals suffered weight loss by the 14th day post-irradiation (p<0.05) irrespective of the additional treatment with dexamethasone and this was statistically significant. Histomorphometry showed that the maximum width of the glomerular capsule was significantly greater in the radiation groups than in the control at p<0.05. The maximal glomerular diameter was significantly greater in irradiated animals compared with the control animals at p<0.05. The outcome of this study showed that the intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone at 1mg/kg body weight/day for 2 days prior to treatment with irradiation did not prevent weight loss nor ameliorate the swelling of the nephrons resulting from the effect of radiation injury to the Wistar rat.

Fue estudiado el efecto anti-inflamatorio de la dexametasona en riñones irradiados de 18 ratas Wistar adultas (Rattus norvegicus). Luego de la aclimatización, aleatoriamente se dividieron en 3 grupos de 6 animales por grupo. El grupo control recibió una solución salina normal, sin recibir drogas ni radiación. El segundo grupo recibió solución salina normal y radiación. El tercer grupo recibió tratamiento previo con dexametasona con 1 mg / kg de peso corporal / día, durante 2 días, seguido de radiación. Los animales fueron expuestos a radiación con una fracción independiente de 2.5 Gy de rayos gamma por una fuente de Cobalto-60, usando una máquina de teleterapia AECL Theatron 780-C. Después de la exposición a las diferentes intervenciones, los animales fueron sacrificados el día 14 post-irradiación y los riñones de cada uno de los animales fueron disecados. Los tejidos renales fueron sometidos a procesamiento histológico, y luego se estudiaron utilizando un objetivo ocular milimetrado calibrado a 2mm para el estudio histomorfométrico. Se demostró que todos los animales irradiados sufrieron pérdida de peso 14 días después de ésta (p <0.05), independientemente de los tratamientos adicionales con dexametasona , siendo estadísticamente significativo. La histomorfometría mostró que el ancho máximo de la cápsula glomerular fue significativamente mayor en los grupos irradiados que en el control en p <0.05. El diámetro máximo del glomérulo fue significativamente mayor en los animales irradiados en comparación con los animales control p <0.05. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que la administración intraperitoneal, de 1 mg / kg de peso corporal / día durante 2 días, de dexametasona antes de comenzar el tratamiento con irradiación, no impide la pérdida de peso ni permite aliviar el edema de los nefrones, injuria producto de la radiación a las Ratas Wistar.

An assessment of emotional pain among subjects with chronic dermatological problems in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In dermatology, it is known that there is a significant co-morbidity between dermatological disorders and psychological complications, and it has been estimated that in at least one-third of patients with skin diseases, their effective management involves consideration of associated emotional factors. In Africa, particularly Nigeria, despite the prevalent dermatological disorders with their possible attendant mental health complications, little or no work has been done in the field of psycho-dermatology, hence the rationale for this study. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in the dermatology/venerology clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Ethical clearance and consent were obtained to conduct the study. The subjects were selected by simple random sampling from adult patients that have had their dermatological disorders for at least six months before presentation in the clinic. Those with other co-existing chronic medical illness such as hypertension, diabetes, or haemoglobinopathy were excluded from the study. Controls were obtained to match for age and sex from apparently healthy workers in a nearby general hospital. Each subject was evaluated with a questionnaire to obtain necessary socio-demographic data: Psychache scale (PAS), and subscales C, D, and J of Symptom Check List (SCL-90). The data generated was analyzed to obtain means, and t-test was used to compare the means; p = 0.05 was taken as being significant. The analyses were done using SPSS version 10. RESULTS: Eighty subjects with dermatological disorders, and of equal sex distribution, were evaluated, with mean age of 33 +/- 12.1 years. Equal number of controls matched for sex and mean age of 34.6 +/- 7.3 years were also evaluated. Among the subjects, 16.3% had Acne, followed by Urticaria (13.8%), Vitiligo (12.5%), Tinea (11.3%), Hansen's disease (5%), and others (41.1%). From assessment with PAS and SCL subscales, the mean scores by the subjects were much higher than those of the controls and in each group the males scored slightly higher than their female counterparts. On assessment with PAS, the subjects had much higher mean score of 28.94 +/- 12.61 and the controls: 18.92 +/- 7.1 with "t" of 6.19*; and the difference was statistically significant at p < 0.05 and critical "t" of 1.66. On SCL; subscale C, the mean scores for the subjects and controls were: 7.89 +/- 7.69 and 5.02 +/- 5.23 respectively and the difference was statistically significant with "t" of 2.75*. For subscale D, the mean score by the subjects was 11.09 +/- 10.56, and the controls had 4.84 +/- 6.08; and statistically significant difference with "t" of 4.59*. On subscale J, the subjects' mean score was 4.68 +/- 5.44, the controls: 1.98 +/- 3.19 with statistically significant "t" of 3.83*. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that subjects with dermatological disorders suffered from significant emotional pain when compared to the healthy controls; the males had higher mean scores on PAS and SCL subscales, hence more likely to suffer emotional pain than their female counterparts. Finally, the need to have consultation-liaison psychiatry in the dermatology facilities in Nigeria was emphasized.

Reduction of hippocampal CA 1 neurons in Wistar rats following the administration of phenytoin for seven days.

This study evaluated the neurotoxic effect of parenteral Phenytoin on the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA 1) region of the Hippocampus in Wistar rats.Twenty wistar rats were randomized into two groups of ten animals each with the experimental group receiving intraperitoneal Phenytoin at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight per day for seven days while the control group had sham injection of normal saline at equivalent volume for the same period. Hippocampal sections were processed for histology using routine paraffin sectioning followed by Heamatoxylin and Eosin staining. There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean body weight of the experimental group compared to the control group. The cell density in the stratum pyramidale (per 0.11 mm2 area of the CA 1 region of the Hippocampus) was reduced in the experimental group when compared to the control group. (P<0.05). The mean brain weight in both groups did not differ significantly. Our findings reveal that the administration of parenteral phenytoin at a dose of 25mg/kg body weight per day for seven days in Wistar rats resulted in reduction of the cell density in the stratum pyramidale of the CA 1 subfield of the Hippocampus in Wistar rats and a reduction in the mean body weight.

Blood transfusion in an emergency paediatric unit in Owerri, Nigeria: pattern and outcome.

The increasing number of patients presenting with severe anaemia and who invariably receive blood transfusion is of concern. This retrospective study reports the pattern of presentation and the outcome of management of patients who were transfused in the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, between September 2002 and August 2004.