Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone radiation and exercise on testicular function in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 150–198 g were used for this experiment. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 5). The first group was the control group, the second group was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 6 h daily, the third group was subjected to swimming >three times a week and >30 min each session or >90 min a week, and the fourth group containing five rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 6 h daily and was subjected to swimming for >three times a week and >30 min each session or >90 min a week. This experiment lasted for 30 days. A Nokia 1280 cell phone was used to emit electromagnetic waves, and the cages of Groups 2 and 4 were surrounded by aluminum foils to focus and limit the waves to the interior of the cages, with the phone being placed 0.5 cm under the cage. A radiofrequency radiometer was kept close to the cages to detect the cell phone radiation. Results: Short-term exposure of male Wistar rats to mobile phone radiation (6 h/day × 30 days at 1.6 W/kg specific absorption rate) led to a statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular weight, whereas exercise (> three times a week and >30 min each session or > 90 min a week) in male Wistar rats led to statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05) increase in the testosterone levels and testicular weight. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that short-term exposure of mobile phone radiation leads to a statistically nonsignificant decrease in serum testosterone levels and testicular weight, whereas regular exercise leads to a statistically nonsignificant increase in the testosterone levels and testicular weight.

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Background: Despite being identified as a serious health concern, effective means of managing chronic LBP with SIJ disorders based on sound evidence still remains controversial. Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of combined treatment (acupuncture, manipulative therapy, AMG) with manipulative therapy (MTG) and standard physiotherapy (STG) alone based on Flyn et al.'s clinical prediction rule (CPR). Methods: Eighty-one participants with disorders of lower back pain and Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) were randomised into the 3 treatment groups. Outcome measures of pain intensity, functional disability and quality of life were carried out at baseline, after 6 weeks of treatment and at 3-month follow up. Participants were treated according to the treatment in the group to which they are randomised. Results: Participants in the AMG showed grater improvement than the others after six weeks of treatment. Paired t – test showed significant difference (t = 3.142, P = 0.004) in the mean percentage improvement between those who met the CPR (64.39 (13.0)) and those who did not (49.44 (7.89)). In the AMG, 21 (77.8%) participants recorded treatment success while 6 (22.2%) recorded treatment failure. One of the hip having more than 350 of internal rotation showed significant predictive value in association with treatment success (Wald test score = 37.887, P = 0.035 with an odd ratio value of 0.857). Conclusion: A combined treatment consisting of acupuncture, manipulative therapy and exercises will offer greater benefits to patients with lower back pain and SIJ disorders. The presence of at least 35 degrees of internal rotation in one of the hip joint is predictive factor of treatment success with manipulative therapy and acupuncture in patient with lower back and SIJ disorders.

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Background: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of freeze–thaw and storage time on stability of some specific human hormones. Materials and Methods: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone were carried out immediately after sample collection, after undergoing freeze–thaw at −4°C, −20°C, and −70°C, at day 0 and after 7-day storage at −4°C, −20°C, and −70°C. A total of 100 healthy participants (50 males and 50 females) were used for the study, and blood serum was used for the analysis. Results: From our results, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between FSH, LH, prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels obtained after freeze–thaw at −4°C, −20°C, and −70°C at day 0 when compared with the control for both males and females. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels obtained after freeze–thaw at 7-day storage at −4°C, −20°C, and −70°C in both males and females when compared with the control. Conclusion: The results showed that the specific hormones studied were most stable when stored at −70°C for 7 days assuming sample analysis is not carried out shortly after sample collection.

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Background: Maternal obesity has been found to be associated with increased risk of macrosomia and other birth defects in new born. The aim of the study was to determine the role of body mass index on birth weight. Methods: Antenatal and labour records of 200 women were randomly selected and reviewed. Data including maternal height and weight, last menstrual period, gestational age at booking, parity, highest and lowest maternal blood pressure, sex and weight of their babies were collected. Maternal body mass index (BMI) and other variables collected were compared with the corresponding birth weight of the offspring. Data was analysed by cross tabulation and percentages. Result: The result showed that irrespective of BMI, 90% of the women had normal birth weight babies (2.5-3.5 kg). Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that maternal BMI alone is not an effective marker for the evaluation of birth weight of offspring.

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Background: Adolescent primigravidae have increased risk of pregnancy associated complications and this is compounded by placental malaria in endemic areas. Placental weight is an acceptable marker of placental functional capacity and it correlates closely with birth weight which is recognized as an indicator of intrauterine growth. Methods: The study was done on primigravidae with uncomplicated singleton term pregnancy who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Malaria parasites were tested for by microscopy of Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films on the matched pairs of mother and placental blood samples. Results: The total number of participants was 106 with mean age of 26 ± 0.553 years. Heavy weight placenta defined as placenta weight >750 g, accounted for 6.6% of which 42.8% had malaria. The mean placental weight, birth weight, and placenta weight ratio were 580.5 g, 2.87 kg and 0.207 respectively. Placental malaria accounted for 25% of the low birth weight. Conclusion: The maternal age at first pregnancy and delivery has significant impact on the placental weight ratio even more so among the adolescent primigravidae. Malaria induces placental hypertrophy with high placental ratio and reduced availability of nutrients to the growing foetus.

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