Awareness and prevalence of stress induced oral ulcers among clinical medical and dental students in university of Benin:a cross-sectional study

Background:Awareness of clinical medical and dental students towards stress induced oral ulcer,to determine the most prevalent stress induced oral ulcers among the study population,and the relationship between perceived stress level and prevalence of stress induced oral ulcer.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study,involving clinical Medical and Dental students in College of Medical Sciences,University of Benin.Participants were in their 400,500,and 600 levels respectively with a sample size of 226 calculated using the Cochran formula for sample size determination.Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire.Results:Two hundred and twenty-six respondents were interviewed in this survey.The age of the participants varied from 21-30 years,with mean age of 25.5%.Majority of the respondents(66.4%)were aware of stress induced oral ulcer.The prevalence of stress induced oral ulcer in this study was 12.8% with recurrent aphthous ulcers accounting for a prevalence of 35.5% of all stress induced oral ulcers.Conclusion:Findings from this study shows about 66.4%of clinical Medical and Dental students were aware of stress induced oral ulcer.The prevalence of stress induced oral ulcer in this study was 12.8%and was seen more in males than females,with recurrent aphthous ulcer been the most prevalent stress induced oral ulcer among the study population with a prevalence of about 35.5%.

Assessing the reasons for increase in self‑medication and control measures among student nurses in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria

Background:Self‑medication among student nurses is the use of medicines without doctor’s prescription.This practice is a global phenomenon and potential contributor to human resistance to most drugs,associated with different types of health challenges.Despite the high knowledge on the complication of self‑medication,studies showed that most student nurses still practice self‑medication.Aims:The aim of this study was to assess the reasons for increase in self‑medication and and find ways on how to curbing the menace among student nurses in the School of Nursing,University of Benin Teaching Hospital,Edo State,Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross‑sectional survey was conducted with stratified simple random sampling technique to select ninety student nurses from three different levels in the School of Nursing,University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City,Edo State.A self‑structured questionnaire with open‑type and Likert‑type scale questions used as instrument to assess the reasons for increase in self‑medication and the possible control measures.Data collected were analyzed using tables,percentages,means,standard deviation,and t‑test for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance,through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.Results:The result showed the reasons for increase in self‑medication and how to reduce its occurrence.It also showed that the gender of the student nurses is statistically related to the reasons why they practice self‑medication(t=6.82,P≤0.001).Conclusion:Self‑medication can be reduced among student nurses by empowering the law enforcement agencies against self‑medication,improving the availability of essential and quality drugs in school clinics,and inclusion of all student nurses in National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS)program,where they can enjoy the benefit of paying only 10%of the treatment charges.

Assessment of the Water Quality of the Benin River, Southern Nigeria, Prior to the Seaport Development Project

Water resources in the form of rivers, oceans and seas are prime natural resources that man has either explored or exploited. The need for clean water is on the increase and water degradation due to industrialization and development has further exacerbated the state of water bodies’ degradation. The need to assess the quality status of the Benin River prior to the seaport development was inherent to document the baseline of the physicochemical parameters of the study stretch. Four stations were studied from Ajoki to opposite Young Town between January 2019 and December 2020. Physicochemical parameters and heavy metals for water were collected and analyzed adhering to quality assurance/control measures and standard procedures. Significant spatial variations (P < 0.001) were observed in water physicochemical parameters, except pH across the four stations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Pollution Load Index and Water Quality Index (WQI) were used to establish a relationship among water quality parameters and determine the water quality status. The first six components of PCA accounted for 87.77% of observed variations. WQI for sampling Station 2 was very poor for drinking (90.46) and Stations 1, 3 and 4 were unsuitable (113.13 - 188.21) for human consumption. PLI showed turbidity as the major pollutant across stations. The concentrations of heavy metals in the Benin River stretch are within background concentration level, except Fe and Cd. The mean dissolved oxygen was below the recommended level of 7 mg/l for aquatic life. The continuous monitoring of this stretch of the River during the seaport development activities and during operational stage is very paramount to prevent further degradation of the environment.

The burden and psychosocial impact on immediate caregivers of patients with spinal cord injury in a tertiary health facility,Edo State,Nigeria

Objective:This study aimed to assess the burden and psychosocial impact of spinal cord injury on the immediate caregivers at a tertiary health facility in Benin City,Edo State.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted among 73 family caregivers in the neurological ward of a tertiary health facility using a structured questionnaire as instrument of data collection.Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.Results:Findings revealed that an overall mean of 2.73 indicates that the burden on the caregivers was moderate with a moderate psychological impact(m=2.88)and a high sociological impact(m=3.12).Factors affecting the caregiving provided by immediate caregivers include social and household responsibilities(94.5%),financial situation(89.0%),family support(83.6%),and health status of the caregiver(80.8%).Age(odds ratio[OR]=5.67,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.23-27.17,P=0.027),education(OR=3.75,95%CI:1.05-13.39,P=0.041),and“others”(spouses,siblings,friends,or extended family members)(OR=3.167,95%CI:1.583-6.337,P=0.001)were predictors for high psychological impact while education(OR=0.074;95%CI:0.015-0.370,P=0.001)and caregiving role(OR=3.167;95%CI:0.1.583-6.337,P=0.001)high sociological impact.Conclusion:Majority of the caregivers experience moderate burden,moderate psychological impact,and high sociological impact.Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions and support services to address the unique needs of caregivers and mitigate the burden of caregiving on their psychosocial health.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Migraine Frequency and Severity in Neurology

Objective: This systematic review examines the impact of lifestyle factors on migraine frequency and severity through a comprehensive analysis of lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, stress, mental health, and environmental influences. Methods: We thoroughly searched Google Scholar, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords related to migraines and lifestyle factors. Keywords incorporated the Boolean operator “and” to narrow search results. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified, screened, and evaluated studies for inclusion, resulting in nine studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 4917 records were initially identified from Scopus (2786), PubMed (854), and Web of Science (1277). Following deduplication, 3657 records underwent title screening, with 382 additionally screened by abstract. Ultimately, 88 full-text articles were assessed, resulting in 9 studies meeting eligibility for qualitative synthesis: 7 prospective and 2 retrospective studies. Our findings highlight the multifaceted role of lifestyle factors in migraine pathophysiology and management. Dietary habits, such as high-calorie, high-fat, and gluten-containing diets were linked to migraine triggers. Moderate physical activity showed beneficial effects on migraine management, while intense exercise could exacerbate symptoms. Poor sleep hygiene and insomnia were strongly associated with increased migraine frequency and severity. Chronic stress and poor mental health significantly contributed to migraine exacerbation, with stress management techniques proving beneficial. Environmental factors, including light, sound, weather changes, and allergens, were also identified as significant migraine triggers. Conclusions: Personalized lifestyle modifications, tailored to individual patient profiles, are crucial in managing migraines. Evidence-based recommendations include balanced diets, moderate physical activity, improved sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and environmental adaptations.

Impact of the emigration of nurses on health care delivery system in selected hospitals,Benin‑City,Edo State,Nigeria

Background:Globally,there is a high demand for nurses,resulting in migration from low‑to high‑income countries.The emigration of nurses is the act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another country,leading to a shortage in the number of nurses in their home countries.Consequently,this study aims to assess the impact of the emigration of nurses on the health‑care delivery system in Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross‑sectional survey was conducted with a stratified sampling technique to select 270 nurses from three selected hospitals in Benin‑city Edo state.A self‑structured questionnaire with open and Likert scale questions were used as an instrument to assess the Impact of the Emigration of nurses on the Health Care Delivery System.Data collected were analyzed using tables,percentages,means,standard deviation and t‑test.Results:The result showed a mean score of 1.59±0.92 impacts of the emigration of nurses on health‑care delivery system and identified how to reduce it.The study also showed that there is no significant difference between gender and reason for emigration among nurses(t=3.84,P≤0.001).Conclusion:The emigration of nurses is severely affecting the health care delivery system in the country.Recently,the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria gave the directive for training schools to increase their training capacity and number of students’intake to cushion the effect,and this study shows that this palliative can only be a short time measure,and however will encourage more nurses traveling abroad on the long run.Therefore,the hospital managers and government should provide a conducive working environment,better remuneration,attractive retirement benefit,and other incentives as a push in factor for nurses to stay back in their home countries.

Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Their Relationship with Age in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition which occurs as men get older. Aim: We aimed at investigating the reproductive hormone profile of men with BPH and the relationship of these hormones with age. Methods: Twenty-nine men of age > 40 years were screened for prostate symptoms. The prostate examination included digital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The serum levels of Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL) were measured using ELISA method. Results: Our study indicated that age and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), LH and FSH were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men with BPH compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the control group indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher Te level compared with the BPH group. In patients with BPH, age was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones (LH, FSH and PRL), but not with the sex hormone, and testosterone. Majority (62.1%) of the patients with BPH indicated they had poor libido, while none of them indicated regular sexual activity with their spouses. Conclusion: This study suggests that the rise in serum levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in BPH patients as demonstrated by the present findings may be age-related since testicular dysfunction in aging men is associated with the decrease in androgen production which may stimulate an increased production of gonadotropins by negative feedback.

Gully Erosion Study and Control： A Case Study of Queen Ede Gully in Benin City

This paper presents findings from studies carried out on the Queen Ede gully erosion site in Benin City, in the south-southern zone of Nigeria. The studies involved detailed topographical, geotechnical, meteorological and hydrological data acquisition. The data were processed and analyzed to determine catchment size, gully morphology, soil characteristics, rainfall pattern and hydrological pattern. These were then interpreted and used to determine the method of control to be adopted. The adopted control measures is a combination of structural and non-structural methods. The structural method involved the use of gully control structures to divert the runoff entering the gully from the head, while the non-structural method involved the use of boulders and vegetation to stabilize the gully walls around the head region.

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Self Breast Examination (BSE) amongst University Students

Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) amongst students in the Department of Nursing Science of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State towards self breast examination (SBE). Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted in the nursing department of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo state. The age range of the study population was between 17-31 years. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 200 female students. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections: i) Bio-data;ii) knowledge of self breast examination;iii) practice self breast examination;iv) factors affecting SBE. Results: The results of this study indicated that majority of the students were knowledgeable about self breast examination and majority of them practiced self breast examination. The alternate hypothesis which stated that there was a significant difference between factors affecting SBE was retained and the mean values revealed that “forgetfulness” as a factor had the highest mean value. This meant that “forgetfulness” was a potent factor to SBE among the respondents studied. Conclusion: The students in this tertiary institution were aware of self breast examination and they did practice it. Studies like these could enhance the knowledge regarding BSE among nurses and other health professionals.

Operations of school health program assessment at selected secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area,Benin City,Nigeria

Background:School health program(SHP)is the most cost-effective investment a nation can make to simultaneously improve education and health conditions of her citizen.In spite of this,the adoption of SHP in developing countries is still below set standard.Therefore,this study assesses the operations of SHP in secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area(LGA),Benin City,Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with accidental sampling method to select 56 school health teachers from secondary schools in Egor LGA.A self-structured instrument was used to collect data based on the research objectives.Data collected were analyzed using percentages,means,and standard deviation.Results:This study showed that despite high level of the program awareness,the actualization of its objective was found to be poor,and this was found to be related with the lack of government support,lack of needed personnel and materials,lack of effective supervision of the program and inappropriate funding.Conclusion:In-service training on SHP should be provided to enhance the skills needed for implementation of SHP.The government should provide needed materials and equipment and employ competent health personnel to take charge of the school health services,and other policymakers should mobilize and strengthen SHP and education activities at the state.

The Application of Geophysical Techniques in Tracking Leachate Plumes Migration in a Typical Cemetery within the Sandy formation in Benin City, Nigeria

The survey aim is to track leachate plumes within the sandy formation which is below the surface laterite layer.It investigates the presence and migration of leachate plumes in the sandy region in a typical cemetery(Third Cemetery),in Benin City,Nigeria.The research engaged Vertical Electrical Sounding(VES),2-Dimensional computation of migration in both the vertical and horizontal directions.The electrical resistivity data collected in parallel equidistant lines was processed to obtain geoelectric models using Res2dinv.The leachate plumes in the cemetery migrate vertically and horizontally at different rates.The maximum and minimum rates of vertical migration are 4.1 and 0.2 cm/day respectively,while the maximum and minimum rates of horizontal migration are 32.8 and 1.7 cm/day respectively.Volumetric analysis of the plume zones indicates that of the 75,231m3 of the subsurface imaged,6,322 m3 is the zone contaminated by leachate plume,that is,8.4%of the earth volume investigated contained leachate plume.The research also showed that repeated ERT surveys can track movement of leachate plume emanating from decomposed dead bodies over time in active cemetery.The average travel time for a leachate plume to transverse a vertical distance of 6.6 m in coarse sand is 366.7 days at constant migration speed of 1.8 cm/day.

Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18 - 60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

Assessment of Cement Dust Deposit in a Cement Factory in Cotonou (Benin)

In order to assess the cement dust levels at the factory of the Beninese Cement Industry (BCI), at Xwlacodji, seven sampling stations (numbered 1 to 7) were set inside the industry and nine (numbered 8 to 16) were set around the factory in January, February, August and December. With the method of stainless steel plate according to NFX 43-007 AFNOR Standard, the different stations were monitored daily for dust collection all month long. The results revealed that the mean values of cement dusts inside BCI in g/m2/day ranged from 1.608 to 8.752 in January, from 1.13068 to 6.14924 in February, from 0.9654 to 5.2502 for August and from 1.7220 to 9.3620 for December. With regard to outside BCI, the mean values of dusts rose from 8.8760 to 18.9620 in December. The lowest mean values 3.2719 and 4.4124 were respectively recorded in February and August whereas the highest values 17.7309 and 18.9620 were respectively recorded in January and December. Our study revealed month variation in cement dust deposition with the highest values in December and January and the lowest values in February and August. It was observed that the content in cement dusts recorded outside the cement industry were extremely higher than those recorded inside the cement industry. The values in the present study have far exceeded all the international safety values (1 g/m2/day for AFNOR and 350 mg/m2/day TA-Luft) and could pose health hazards. Therefore protective measures are suggested to mitigate the risk of occupational hazards for the cement industrial workers.

An Assessment of Seasonal Variation of Air Pollution in Benin City, Southern Nigeria

This study determined the effects of seasonality on air pollution in a tropical city of Southern Nigeria. This was with a view to acquiring data that would be useful in policy formulation and planning for proper management of ailments that result from seasonal variation of air pollution in the study area. Sampling for the study covered a period of six months, between mid-October 2013 and mid-April 2014. Air pollutants, taken into consideration, include particulate matter (PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm) and carbon monoxide (CO). Particulate matter was measured using a hand-held particle counter, while CO was measured with a single gas monitor (T40 Rattler). Five sampling points were selected based on stratified sampling technique, which represented five land use types monitored in the study area. Sampling was carried out twice in a week in accordance with the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi India. Sampling height was two meters above ground level. The student T-test was used to determine significant differences in monthly mean concentration of air pollutants across dry and wet seasons. The results revealed the dry season with mean values of 248568.19, 64639.04, 11140.21, 2810.39, 665.84, 320.80 particle counts for PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 3.01 ppm for CO concentration, was characterized by higher concentration of pollutants, while the rainy season with a mean values of 94728.24, 24745.69, 4338.29, 1158.11, 262.69, 131.36 particle counts for PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 2.70 ppm for CO concentration was characterized with less concentration of pollutants. The study concludes that seasonality significantly influences the concentration of pollutants in the city.

Iron Status of Multiple Transfused Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients Attending a Sickle Cell Clinic in Benin City, Nigeria

This study was aimed at evaluating the iron status of multiple blood transfused sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 86 subjects participated in the study, comprising of 30 multiple transfused SCA subjects, 30 of rarely transfused SCA subjects and 26 of age and sex matched healthy control subjects. Serum ferritin was determined by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay technique. Serum iron and Total iron binding capacity was determined by spectrophometric method. The mean serum ferritin concentration was elevated in the sickle cell anaemia patients whose multiple transfusions (MT) are more than those who were rarely transfused (RT) as compared with the control groups (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the serum ferritin and the number of units of blood transfused (r = 0.719, p = 0.000). This study revealed that a high level of serum ferritin, percentage transferrin saturation and a reduction in total iron binding capacity were observed in sickle cell anaemia patients who received ≥3 units of packed cells in one year.

Plasmid Profiling and Curing Analysis of Fluoroquinolone Multidrug Resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>in Benin City, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the Plasmid DNA profile of the multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the clinical isolates. Materials and Methods: Of the 150 clinical samples (Ear swab, Urine, Wound swab, Sputa and Semen) received at Lahor Research Laboratory and Medical center in Benin City, between January 2010 and December 2012, 36 (24%) yielded significant growth of P. aeruginosa. Samples were cultured on MacConkey and Blood agar. Clinical isolates were identified using standard method. Antibiotics susceptibility test employing agar disc diffusion method was used. Clinical isolates were subjected to Plasmid DNA profiling and curing test was carried out at Lahor Molecular Laboratory. This was followed by a post plasmid curing susceptibility test. Agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out to separate the Plasmid DNA using standard method. Bands were visualized using UV illuminator. Results: Wound swabs had the highest numbers of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa (55.6%) followed by Urine, Semen, Sputa and Ear swab (19.4%, 11.0%, 8.3%, and 5.6%) respectively. Before the isolates were cured of their plasmid, 39% of the P. aeruginosa strains were found to be resistant to Ciprofloxacin (CPX), 47%, Ofloxacin (OFX), 44% Pefloxacin (PEF) and 56% Sparfloxacin (SPX). After plasmid curing, the new antibiogram of the isolates showed that some clinical isolates that hitherto were resistant to a given Fluoroquinolone became susceptible, 36% to CPX, 12% to OFX, 12.5% to PEF and 15% to SPX. Agarose gel electrophoresis carried out on the Plasmid DNA revealed that there was detectable Plasmid DNA in 13.9% of the clinical isolates analyzed. Conclusion: There is an alarming increase of clinical infections caused by multidrug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa.13.9% of the multidrug resistance strains of P. aeruginosa in Benin City were Plasmid mediated. Treatment should be based on current Laboratory Susceptibility Test results of the isolates.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters among the Exposed Workers at Generator Servicing Centres in Benin City

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and highly toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel. This gas has capacity to bind with haemoglobin to compete for oxygen uptake when inhaled, thereby altering the blood physiology. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on haematology and haemostasis parameters among the exposed workers at gasoline generators service centre in Benin City. Methodology: Eighty-eight participants (workers n = 44 and;controls n = 44) took part in this study. Carbon monoxide used for this study was sourced from the smoke being emitted by gasoline generators during repairs. The participants’ haematological parameters were analysed using haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex Poch 100i model, Germany), while PT and PTTK were assayed using standard methods. Results: The mean values of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width coefficient variation (RDW-CV) observed in both the workers at generator service center and their controls fell within normal ranges, but the mean red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of workers at generator service center fell below normal as against the normal value for controls. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of lymphocytes (p = 0.134), and granulocytes (p = 0.584). In contrast, significantly (p Conclusion: In this study, carbon monoxide emitted during repairs has no deleterious effects on haematological and haemostasis parameters of the exposed workers at generator service centre in Benin City. However, PT and PTT exceeded normal value in the workers at the generator service centre compared to the controls. More work needs to be done especially on longer duration of exposure and at various concentrations of carbon monoxide exposure.

Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Their Relationships with Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer after Rapid Prostatectomy in Benin City

There are limited studies examining the relationship between serum reproductive hormone levels and sexual functions among prostate cancer (PCa) patients after rapid prostatectomy (RP). Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the correlation between post-operative serum levels of some male reproductive hormones of PCa patients and their sexual functions in the months following RP. A total of 20 male patients with clinically localized PCa who had undergone RP within the last 12 months prior to commencement of the study, were invited to participate. The postoperative serum levels of their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (Te) were measured. They also completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic characteristics and detailed medical history. Our data indicated normal mean levels of post-operative Te (4.34 ± 4.38 ng/ml) in the patients following RP, while the mean levels of FSH (39.24 ± 34.12 miu/ml) and LH (21.67 ± 25.73 miu/ml) were on the increase and far above normal ranges for healthy men. Data indicated a significant positive correlation between Te and frequency of sexual intercourse (r = 508;p < 0.05), libido (r = 0.429;p < 0.05) and penile erection (r = 0.494;p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between FSH or LH and any of the sexual function parameters. The present study indicated that radical prostatectomy affected reproductive hormones by increasing LH and FSH concentrations above normal ranges for healthy men, while Te concentrations remained within normal range in the months following RP. The postoperative serum total Te concentrations of the patients were significantly associated with their postoperative sex drive, penile erection and frequency of sexual intercourse.

Geomorphology and Hydrology of the Benin Region, Edo State, Nigeria

This paper examines the geomorphology and hydrology of the Benin Region, Edo State, Nigeria. The major landform features and processes of the region are highlighted. This region is a strategic and significant landscape in Nigeria. Information was gathered on the various aspects of the landscape, including the Geology, Physiography (Relief) and Geomorphology, Geomorphic processes, Weathering, Drainage processes, Landforms, Surface Water Hydrology and Water Resources. The Benin Region is underlained by sedimentary formation of the South Sedimentary Basin. The geology is generally marked by top reddish earth, composed of ferruginized or literalized clay sand. Geologically, the Benin Region comprises of 1) the Benin formation;2) alluvium;3) drift/top soil and 4) Azagba-Ogwashi (Asuba-Ogwashi) formation. Several parts of the region are surrounded by the Benin historical moats. The region has been described as a tilled plain in the south western direction. The local relief of the region is 91 m. Boreholes records in the Benin Region show evidence of deep chemical weathering overtime. Soil profile reveals that the region is composed mainly of reddish brown sandy laterite. Intermittent layers of porous sands of sandy clays may reach a large depth as found in the borehole drilled in the region. These are products of deep chemical decay of the original parent rock materials. Three river systems drain the Benin Region. They are the Ikpoba River, the Ogba River and Owigie-Ogbovben River systems. The mean annual discharge of Ikpoba River for 1982-1983 and 1993-2002 was 1411 mm/yr, which was 1.019 × 109 m3 with a mean annual baseflow of 1256.23 mm (0. 907 × 109 m3). This constitutes 87.65% of the total flow. It has a mean annual surface runoff of 225.18 mm (0.112 × 109 m3) or 24.4 % of the total discharge. The water resources of the region include surface water and underground water.

The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Serum Carboxyhemoglobin and Calcium Levels in Apparently Healthy Male Smokers in Benin City, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of cigarette smoking on carboxylhaemoglobin (COHb) and calcium levels in apparently healthy male cigarette smokers in Benin City, Nigeria. Thirty active cigarette smokers and thirty healthy, non-smokers within the same age range participated in this study. Serum COHb level was estimated using ELISA reagent from Calbiotech, USA, while calcium concentration was estimated spectrophotometrically with commercially purchased kit from Randox, UK. Results showed higher concentration of COHb but lower concentration of calcium level among the cigarette smokers when compared with the non-smokers. There were no statistically significant differences observed in COHb levels between smokers with regard to smoking duration (<5 yrs vs. ≥5 yrs;p = 0.893) and number of sticks of cigarette per day (<5 sticks/day vs. ≥5 sticks/day;p = 0.256). In contrast, significantly higher mean COHb level was found in subjects who smoked “always” compared with those who smoked “occasionally” (p = 0.04) and those who smoked “rarely” (p = 0.006). On the other hand, the smokers’ serum calcium level was not affected by smoking duration, frequency and number of sticks consumed. In conclusion, the present study confirms that cigarette smoking contributes to abnormally high COHb levels, which is associated with adverse health consequences from carbon-monoxide poisoning in the body. In addition, cigarette smoking may interfere with the mechanisms responsible for the absorption of calcium in the gastro-intestinal tract, thus leading to poor absorption as well as low levels of calcium in the body.