Nitrogen use efficiency of open-pollinated maize cultivars and topcrosses under low nitrogen soil.

The study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of open-pollinated maize cultivars under low nitrogen soil conditions. It took place at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Nigeria, during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The nitrogen treatments (0, 45, and 90 kg N ha⁻) were assigned as the main plots, while the genotypes were designated as sub-plots in a split-plot design.

Effectiveness of Self-Management Programs Among Athletes With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a highly prevalent overuse knee injury in athletic populations associated with pain and functional limitations, exacerbated by activities such as running, pivoting, cycling, and jumping. Self-management programs empowering athletes to take an active role in controlling their symptoms for chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome have grown in popularity. However, the efficacy of self-management programs specifically for athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome is unclear due to limited and heterogeneous evidence.

Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description.

Purpose: To explore the meaning of community reintegration and strategies for promoting community reintegration based on the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria.

Material And Methods: Using a qualitative description, we purposively recruited people with spinal cord injury residing in Kano, Nigeria. Eight focus groups were conducted to gather relevant information about the meaning and strategies for community reintegration, based on the lived experiences of the participants.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Quality of Life Index Among Hausa-Speaking People with Spinal Cord Injury in Northwest Nigeria.

Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome that is used to measure the success of healthcare interventions. Valid and reliable instruments are required to assess QoL. Hence, we conducted this study to adapt and validate the QoL Index (QLI) among Hausa-speaking people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in northwest Nigeria.

Exploration of Gut Microbiome Research in Africa: A Scoping Review.

The crucial role of the gut microbiome in various diseases has led to increased interest in interventions and therapeutics targeting the human microbiome. Accordingly, the current scoping review analyzed the diseases and interventions involved in gut microbiome research in Africa. The electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 2021.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of low back pain and activities that may prevent it among adolescents in Nigeria.

Background: Awareness of activities that may result in low back pain (LBP) among adolescents is fundamental in preventing adulthood LBP.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate adolescents' knowledge, attitude, and perception of LBP and activities that may prevent LBP in Kano, North-western, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 400 school-going adolescents recruited using a multistage random sampling technique.

Effectiveness of school-based CPR training among adolescents to enhance knowledge and skills in CPR: A systematic review.

Background:  Cardiac arrest is responsible for 5% - 10% of all deaths among children age 5-19 years; therefore, strategies to prevent poor outcomes post cardiac arrest among children are critical within schools.

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on CPR knowledge and skills among adolescent school children.

Method:  This systematic review was conducted and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.

Prevalence of chronic non-specific low back pain among caregivers of stroke survivors in Kano, Nigeria and factors associated with it: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) may have a specific or non-specific cause such as abnormal posture or repetitive tasks. For instance, lifting and transferring patients during caregiving for stroke survivors may predispose the caregivers to LBP.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of chronic non-specific LBP and factors associated with it in caregivers of stroke survivors.

Early Functional Outcome of Hemiarthroplasty in the Elderly with Neck of Femur Fracture: A Single Centre's Experience.

Introduction: Neck of femur fractures in the elderly population are common and often a devastating condition. The optimal treatment has been a subject of debate. Arthroplasty has been shown to be the most viable treatment option.

Effectiveness of physical activity programs in enhancing sleep outcomes among adolescents: a systematic review.

Background: Adolescence is a developmental period characterised by rapid physical and psychological changes that heighten the risk for inadequate sleep. Fortunately, physical activity programs (PAPs) are an easy-to-do intervention that has been associated with improved sleep outcomes in different population groups. This systematic review aimed to provide evidence to support the effects of PAPs on sleep outcomes among apparently healthy adolescents.

Nigerian physiotherapists' knowledge, current practice and perceptions of their role for promoting physical activity: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Nigeria has the highest rates of physical inactivity in Africa. As physical inactivity is a leading global risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD), physical activity promotion is a strategy for their mitigation. Physiotherapists are already ideally situated to undertake this role and can assist in the reversal of NCD.

Correction: The Hausa Back Beliefs Questionnaire: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment in mixed urban and rural Nigerian populations with chronic low back pain.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

A REVIEW ON EMERGING PATHOGENESIS OF COVID-19 AND POINTS OF CONCERN FOR RESEARCH COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA.

Background: COVID-19 remains an emerging pandemic that continuously poses an alarming threat and challenge to economic, social and well-being of the people throughout the world. It also remains an evolving disease which complete pathogenesis that translates into clinical features is only just emerging by each second of the day. There have been observations about the emerging trends of the disease in Nigeria like in any other country in the world where there is outbreak.

The Hausa Back Beliefs Questionnaire: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment in mixed urban and rural Nigerian populations with chronic low back pain.

Introduction: Negative attitudes and beliefs about low back pain (LBP) can lead to reduced function and activity and consequently disability. One self-report measure that can be used to assess these negative attitudes and beliefs and to determine their predictive nature is the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ). This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the BBQ into Hausa and assess its psychometric properties in mixed urban and rural Nigerian populations with chronic LBP.

Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial.

Context: Evidence has shown that spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and progressive inhibition of neuromuscular structures (PINS) are individually effective in the management of lumbar radiculopathy. However, previous evidence reported data for only a short-term study period and did not investigate the effect of the combined manual therapy techniques.

Objectives: To compare the combined effects of two manual therapy techniques (SMWLM and PINS) with the individual techniques alone (SMWLM or PINS) in the management of individuals with lumbar radiculopathy.

Epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVD-19) outbreak cases in Oyo State South West Nigeria, March-April 2020.

Introduction: On March 17th, 2020, Oyo State recorded her first case of COVID-19 through a United Kingdom returnee. Oyo State Ministry of Health with the support of technical and development partners responded quickly and effectively to contain the outbreak. The outbreak was characterized by place, person and time.

COVID-19: Are Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors for Its Severity?

Objective: To identify and describe the mechanisms of lifestyle characteristics-obesity, DM, hypertension and physical inactivity-that may lead to the severity of illness among individuals with COVID-19.

Data Source: A scoping review was conducted by searching electronic databases of PubMed and Scopus from December 2019 to August 2020.

Inclusion/exclusion Criteria: inclusion criteria were studies that explicitly describe the mechanism of COVID-19 in relationship with either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM), obesity and/or physical inactivity.

A Comparison Between the Effect of Combined Chain Exercises Plus Kinesio Taping With Combined Chain Exercises Alone in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of Kinesio taping as an adjunct to combined chain exercises compared with combined chain exercises alone in the management of individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: A total of 60 (27 male, 33 female) individuals (age range = 50-71 yrs and mean age = 54.26 ± 8.

Patients' Experiences About Exercise Prescription and Education in the Physiotherapy Management of Nonspecific Low-Back Pain.

Low-back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in the society, and its socioeconomic consequences are quite evident. Physiotherapists play a prominent role in the management of individuals with this condition, and it is, therefore, of utmost importance that physiotherapists engage in the most efficient and effective management practices available. For perceptions of good performance and quality health care, patient experience is an important indicator of effective care and management.

Pattern and outcome of management of Fournier's gangrene in a resource-constraint setting.

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia and perineum but may involve upper thigh and anterior abdominal wall.

Patients And Methods: This is a retrospective study of 47 patients managed for FG at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital from January 2001 to June 2017. Data were entered into a semi-structured pro forma and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Comparative Effectiveness of 2 Manual Therapy Techniques in the Management of Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Dowling's and Mulligan's manual therapy techniques on pain and disability in the management of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy (LDHR).

Methods: A total of 40 individuals with LDHR were randomly allocated into 2 groups, 20 participants each in PINS and SMWLM groups. Each participant was assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks postintervention.

An evaluation of the nature and level of musculoskeletal imaging training in physiotherapy educational programmes in Nigeria.

Background: Deficiency in musculoskeletal imaging (MI) education will pose a great challenge to physiotherapists in clinical decision making in this era of first-contact physiotherapy practices in many developed and developing countries. This study evaluated the nature and the level of MI training received by physiotherapists who graduate from Nigerian universities.

Methods: An online version of the previously validated Physiotherapist Musculoskeletal Imaging Profiling Questionnaire (PMIPQ) was administered to all eligible physiotherapists identified through the database of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria.

Profile of practitioners, and factors influencing home care physiotherapy model of practice in Nigeria.

The present study investigated factors that influenced home care physiotherapy (HCP) services and profile of the practitioners in Nigeria. It also investigated if the service was registered with the Regulatory Agency. Three hundred and thirty conveniently sampled physiotherapists in Nigeria participated in the cross-sectional survey.

Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Hausa Versions of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Global Rating of Change Scale in a Low-literate Population With Chronic Low Back Pain.

Study Design: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing.

Objective: To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) into Hausa language.

Summary Of Background Data: The NPRS and GRCS are commonly used patient-reported outcome measures in a variety of pain-related conditions including low back pain.