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Modic changes in the endplates of the vertebral bodies have been associated with low back pain. There is however paucity of information on the pattern of Modic changes in the lumbosacral spine in Nigerians with low back pain.To determine the prevalence of Modic changes in patients with chronic low back pain in our environment.Cross-sectional longitudinal study.University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.A total of 147 consecutive adults who had MRI of the lumbosacral spine for chronic low back pain were examined for the presence of Modic changes.35(23.8%) individuals had Modic changes present out of I47 patients with low back pain evaluated.Out of the 735 lumbar vertebral endplates evaluated, 90(12.2%) had Modic changes present. Among the endplates with Modic changes, 36(40%) were type I, been the most common in our sample, while 27(30%) were type II and type III each.This study has shown that Modic changes occurred more frequently at the end plates of lower lumbar vertebrae(L4/L5, and L5/S1) and Type I was the most common while Type II and III had equal prevalence; the changes occurred more frequently with increasing age suggesting these changes are degenerative in nature.

Flour was produced from germinated and ungerminated maize grains, and cookies were subsequently produced from the flours. Functional properties of the flours and degree of gelatinization of the cookies were determined. The pH decreased significantly (p≤0.05) as the germination time increased. pH values ranged between 5.67 and 6.56. Bulk density (loosed and packed) showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) between ungerminated sample and sample that germinated for 24 h, but there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) between ungerminated sample and samples that germinated for 48 and 72 h. The values ranged between 0.50-0.58 and 0.70-0.79 g/mL for loose and packed density, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) among the samples in water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity with the ungerminated sample having the least values of 0.94 and 1.03 ml/g for water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in swelling power of the samples with the ungerminated maize having the highest value of 19.81 mg/g. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the forming capacity with the sample that germinated for 48 h having the least value. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the forming capacity with the sample that germinated for 48 h having the least value. There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) between the ungerminated flour and the sample that germinated for 48 h and foaming stability time of 15, 30 and 60 s. Degree of gelatinization of the samples ranged between 74.50-93.10, 86.20-97.40 and 30.00-84.30 at baking temperature of 140, 160 and 180°C, respectively. Key words: Germination, gelatinization, functional properties, maize flour.

Every nation desires to achieve a state of development because of the benefit therein to be enjoyed within and outside the state. Yet, many nations are undergoing the process of development because of all that it entails for nation building and national development. The rapid societal transmission with its positive and negative effects is enough of a scenario for the stimulation of global reorientation of education and reduction of apathy especially in the developing world. Hence, this paper focused on the Importance of Environmental Education to secondary education level. It also discussed Environmental Education (EE) as a key to creating environmental consciousness/awareness, empowerment and participation in decision-making regarding some of the world‟s vital environmental issues and challenges at secondary school level. Simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 400 respondents. Relevant data were collected using a self-made questionnaire titled “Environmental Education Questionnaire” (EEQ). Two research hypotheses were formulated. The findings showed that, there was no significant relationship among the respondents in their perception based on gender and class level (JSS and SSS). Based on these findings, some specific recommendations were made for implementation. Key words: Environmental Education (EE), gender, nation building, empowerment, societal transitions global challenges.

Aim/BackgroundThis is an audit of number, nature, sites of impaction and methods of removals and treatment outcome of upper aero-digestive foreign bodies among children in an urban University hospital in Nigeria.Patients and MethodsThis is an 8year retrospective review of foreign body in upper aero-dgestive tract of children (January 2001 to December 2007) was conducted at the ENT department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Case notes of the patients were retrieved and the following were data extracted: demographic, clinical, operative and outpatient visits outcome.Results81 children aged 9months to 16years were seen (mean 4.28, SD 2.95) with 49 males and 32 females and a male: female ratio of 1.5: 1.0.The commonest age group was 9months to 4years (76.5%). Most common of impaction sites were nasal cavity in 31 cases (38.3%), oesophagus in 23 cases (28.4%), oropharynx in 16 (19.8%) and larynx in 6 (7.4%)).The commonest FBs was coins in 33 (40.7 %) in the oesophagus and 37.5% of pharyngeal FBs .Inanimate FBs in the nose constituted 31(38.3%) [Non vegetative 27(87.1%), vegetative 4(12.9 %)]. Fish bones were seen in 11 cases (13.6%) [6 in the larynx and 5 around the tonsillar fauces] and miscellaneous objects in 6 cases. ConclusionUpper aero-digestive foreign bodies are common especially among the under fours', commonest sites being the nose and pharyngooesophageal region with coins and inanimate FBs constituting about four-fifth. There is the need for parental health education on object placements, and a high index of suspicion among practitioners to facilitate early referral and avoid preventable complications.Key Words : Upper aero-digestive, children, inanimate, coins, nose, Oesophagus

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), is a structural anomaly, of the lumbosacral spine which has been variably associated with, low back pain (LBP) and its presence can also result in a level being wrongly identified pre-operatively.To determine the incidence, pattern of LSTV and its relationship with LBP in our tertiary hospital.A retrospective review of lumbosacral spine radiographs of 561 one consecutive patients with history of LBP was done from January 2006 to January 2008. The presence or absence of LSTV and degenerative changes were documented.Fifty-one ((9.1%)) out of 561 patients had LSTV. Type II (incomplete) LSTV was the commonest type, occurring in 86.3% of patient with LSTV. Patients less than 30yrs with LBP and LSTV had no degenerative changes, while all patients with LSTV above 50 yrs had degenerative changes.Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae type II was the commonest seen in this study, furthermore, LSTV appears to be a causative factor of LBP in young individuals. Careful evaluation of spinal radiographs of patients with LBP belonging to this group is advocated to assess for the presence or absence of LSTV.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disease where the basic pathology is of defective collagen. It is a rare disorder with a reported incidence of 1/25000-1/30000. Four variants are recognized clinically, of which type II is the most severe form. Clinically the hall marks of the disease are multiple fractures and osteopenia.This case is being presented because of its rare incidence, and to highlight the radiological features distinguishing it from battered baby syndrome occurring from child abuse.An eight day old Nigeria neonate, with clinico radiological features highly suggestive of type II osteogenesis imperfecta is presented.Emphasis on the radiological features, especially those distinguishing it from battered baby syndrome which has a similar appearance are discussed.

Urethral diverticulum is a localised out pouching or fusiform dilatation of the urethra. It is an uncommon clinical entity affecting both males and females. Although, the diagnosis could be straightforward in the males, it may present as a diagnostic puzzle in the female because it often presents with non-specific symptomatology and diagnosis may not be easily made with common investigation techniques. Two cases of urethral diverticulum are presented to highlight the aetiopathogenesis of urethral diverticulum.