Gastroparesis is a neuromuscular disorder whose hallmark is delayed gastric emptying. It is a global challenge to the healthcare system because of poor treatment satisfaction for both the patients and clinicians, eventually leading to a reduction in the quality of life, with antecedent anxiety and depression. Although it is multifactorial in origin, diabetic, idiopathic, and drug-induced gastroparesis are the major risk factors. Disrupted interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and gastric dysrhythmia are pivotal to the pathogenesis, with most of the investigations targeted toward assessing gastric emptying and accommodation usually affected by distorted ICC and other neural networks. The treatment challenges can be overcome by a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, biomedical engineers, nutritionists, psychologists, nurses, radionuclide radiologists, pharmacists, and family physicians. The exploration of the fundamental physiological processes underlying gastroparesis with the use of biomechanical materials should be given more attention by biomedical engineers to integrate innovative engineering with medicine for solving complex medical issues.

IntroductionHepatitis B and C viruses can result in both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild acute disease to a serious, lifelong manifestation including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of medical doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria, to hepatitis B and C as well as their practice for prevention and treatment of the same. We also assessed their practice of universal precaution, provision, and use of personal protective tools. MethodsOne hundred and fifty doctors in both the private and public sectors were interviewed using selfadministered questionnaires on viral hepatitis B and C. The questionnaire explored their knowledge and status of vaccination, viral hepatitis treatment, and their practice of universal safety precautions. Their responses were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Data was expressed in means and percentages. ResultsOut of all participants, 96% were aware that viral hepatitis B is preventable, while 46% erroneously believed that there is vaccination against the hepatitis C virus. Only 50% of the respondents were aware of the availability of a cure for hepatitis C infection, and 16% of the participants knew about drugs used for its treatment. While 76% of the doctors had been vaccinated against hepatitis B virus, only 4% had received treatment after testing positive for hepatitis B. Furthermore, nearly all respondents admit practicing universal precaution, especially during venipuncture; however, protective measures such as disposable gloves were not readily available to 20% of our respondents. There was a statistically significant association between sex and duration of practice with knowledge of hepatitis B and C, as well as between practice type and vaccination status. ConclusionThis study shows that knowledge of the treatment of viral hepatitis amongst healthcare practitioners such as doctors is poor, and although universal safety precautions are practiced, personal protective equipment is not readily available for use in our healthcare setting, placing healthcare workers at risk of infections. There is also a need to encourage vaccination amongst healthcare practitioners to protect them against contagious diseases like hepatitis B and C infections.

Introduction: Low back pain is common in health workers with deleterious effects on their work and quality of life. Aims: This study aimed to identify work related disabilities and risk factors for low back pain amongst doctors in Nigeria. Methodology: One hundred and fifty-four doctors were recruited and a structured proforma was administered using the Aberdeen low back pain scale, revised Oswestry and Quebec pain scales as guides. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social sciences version 25. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to calculate the odds ratios for the independent risk factors for LBP. Level of significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.8:1 and 70(45.50%) doctors were in the age range of 31-40years. Half (50%) of the respondents were obese while 21.9% were overweight. The duration of an episode of back pain was less than a week in 130 (84.40%) persons. A few doctors- 22(14.29%) reported that low back pain had prevented them from coming into work, of these, 12 had been absent for a day, four for 2-7 days and six for 1 to 4 weeks. Anesthetists were ten times more likely to develop low back pain than any other medical specialty (OR=10.99, 95%CI=1.336-90.545, p=0.026) and increasing age and BMI were also identified as predictors of low back pain. Conclusion: Low back pain is associated with poor productivity among doctors and can impact health care delivery.