Background: The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body is derived from the sacral plexus. It is composed of tibial and common fibular nerves; the division of this nerve varies; it may occur within the pelvis, gluteal region, upper, mid and lower part of thigh. Injury of the nerve may lead to loss of sensation in posterior thigh, whole leg and foot. The anatomical variations of the level at which the sciatic nerve divides is considered important by clinicians during neuromuscular diagnosis and treatments of the lower limb. Objective: To determine the level of sciatic nerve bifurcation and its side symmetry. Materials and Methods: Observational based descriptive study was conducted to determine the variation of sciatic nerve level of bifurcation on 25 human preserved cadavers. The data were analyzed manually using numbers, frequencies and percentages. Results: The findings of this study states that in 4 limbs (8%), the nerve divided in the pelvis region; in 2 limbs (4%), in the gluteal region; in 12 limbs (24%), at upper, middle and lower part of the posterior. The highest incidence of division occurs in 32 limbs (64%) in the popliteal fossa; in addition 8 (32%) of the 25 cadavers were asymmetrical between right and left sides. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that the majority of sciatic nerve divisions occur in the popliteal fossa while some divided into other regions such as pelvis, gluteal and thigh regions.

Introduction: The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus. Cattle egret is popular for its role in the bio-control of cattle parasites and land pests. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on five adult, apparently healthy, cattle egrets. The birds were euthanized and the skeletons were prepared by the cold maceration method. Results: The appendicular skeleton of the cattle egret consists of the pectoral (shoulder) girdle and appendage, and pelvic girdle and appendages. The pectoral girdle comprises the long flat scapula, coracoid bone, and the united paired clavicles. Canalis triosseum is a canal formed by the attachment of the three bones of the pectoral girdle. The furcula formed fi brous connection with the sternum. The radius and ulna have the same length. The wrist comprises two carpal bones, carpometacarpus and three digits. The pubic bones are not fused ventrally. The pes consists of tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus and four pedal digits. The tibiotarsus is longer than the femur. The spur is not found in the male bird. Conclusion: The skeleton of the cattle egret has a unique conformation that accommodates its ability to flight as well as being an insectivorous animal.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Mormodica charantia leaves on lead-induced toxicity on bone marrow. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 adult Wistar rats weighing between 180 g and 220 g were grouped into four groups of eleven rats per group. Animals in Group A (control group) were placed on normal diet for 40 days whereas Group B animals received only 300 mg/kg body weight/day of ethanolic extract of M. charantia for 40 days via orogastric tube. Group C animals received only 50 mg/kg body weight lead nitrate via orogastric tube for 40 days. Group D animals received 50 mg/kg body weight of lead nitrate and 300 mg/kg body weight/day of ethanolic extract of M. charantia for 40 days via orogastric tube. Results: The result showed that oral administration of lead nitrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days significantly induced marked bone marrow injury as revealed by reduction in the activity of the serum erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration . The extract also normalized erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte and monocyte count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration while the neutrophil count level was decreased. Histologically, lead treated group showed increased fat vacuoles along with significant reduction in primordial blood cell inside bone marrow. Concurrent administration of both lead and the extract caused a restorative effect on the cytoarchictectural structure of the bone marrow. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has shown that the ethanolic extract of M. charantia at 300 mg/kg body weight has an ameliorative effect on lead nitrate-induced bone marrow toxicity.

Background: The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ, concerns with immunological reaction and filtration of blood. Diabetes mellitus is a primary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that cause depletion of oxidant defense system. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-apoptotic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and potent antioxidant activities. Aim of the Work: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of induced type I diabetes on the spleen of albino rat and whether these changes could be prevented by curcumin. Materials and Methods: Eighteen albino rats were divided randomly into three groups; control nondiabetic rats; untreated diabetic rats and curcumin-treated diabetic rats. After 8 weeks of treatment, animals were sacrificed; spleen was dissected, processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry for activated Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 . Results: Diabetes caused decrease in the body weight, degeneration of splenocytes, increased Caspase-3, and reduced Bcl-2 activity. Treatment with curcumin decreased the blood glucose level, prevented the loss of body weight and protected the spleen against diabetic induced structural changes. Conclusion: The current results suggested that consumption of curcumin protected the spleen against diabetic induced changes, reduced Caspase-3, and improved Bcl-2 expression. Thus, curcumin may attenuate the pathologic effects observed in the spleen of diabetic rats.

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of uterine myoma, its variations, location, size and uterine anteroposterior diameter. Materials and Methods: The study utilized transabdominal ultrasound to assess myoma in 2,575 female patients. Results: Investigation showed 176 cases of myoma, representing a prevalence of 6.83%. 25% of the cases were associated with pregnancy, with solitary myoma accounting for 79.55%. Solitary myoma was noted in 59.09%. Analysis for multiple fibroid showed that 56.94% had 2 myoma; 18.06% had 3; 25% had more than 4 fibroids in-situ. Only 3.41% showed calcific degeneration. Conclusion: While higher values have been obtained in Europe, the prevalence of myoma in this study is similar to that documented for other parts of South-Western Nigeria. Results showed the preponderance of solitary myoma both in pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. Findings also showed that increased uterine anteroposterior diameter is correlated with the existence of myoma and could serve as a predictive index for the presence of fibroid.

Objectives: Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs are medications used for the treatment and management of retrovirus infections. Stavudine, one of the commercially available ARVs, is a synthetic ARV agent active against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. In this study, the effect of stavudine on reactive astrocytes on the motor cortex of albino Wistar mice was investigated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four albino mice weighing 30 g on the average were equally assigned into three groups, A, B and C (i.e., eight mice in each group). Group A served as the control, while Groups B and C were the experimental groups. Group B received 0.6 mg/kg of stavudine, while Group C received 1.2 mg/kg of stavudine by orogastric tubes twice a day for 21 days. No treatment was given to the control group, and all the animals received feed and water ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Results: Light microscopic study of the reactive astrocytes in the motor cortex of mice revealed few astrocytes stained black in the control group, Groups B and C revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher reactive astrocytes population, with Group C (P < 0.05) having higher reactive astrocytes population compared to Group B. Conclusions: These results revealed that stavudine caused hyperplasia of astrocytes in the motor cortex of albino mice, and this may affect astrocyte activity and consequently impair motor functions. The effect was dose dependent.

Introduction: Liver is the main organ in vertebrates that is responsible for metabolism of substances ingested. Cassava is a rich source of carbohydrate that provides calories for many Nigerians. It is grossly deficient in protein, fat, some minerals and vitamins. The effect of consumption of the different cassava components on the liver function of Wistar rats was studied. Material and Method: Male rats (n=28) with weights between 165g-260g were randomly selected and assigned into three experimental groups and one control group of n=7 per group. The rats in the experimental groups were fed with normal rat chow with inclusion of 50% different cassava components thoroughly mixed with the feeds on a daily basis for eight weeks. The control group received equal amount of normal rat chow daily without the inclusion of any cassava components for the same period. All the rats had access to water ad libitum. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for estimation of liver function. Result and Discussion: Average values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), conjugated bilirubin (CB) and total bilirubin (TB) were recorded for each group and compared among the groups. It was observed that there were no statistically significant differences in the parameters investigated except the level of AST which increased in the experimental group fed with inclusion of 50% popo gari and starch in their diet but decreased in the other experimental group, conjugated bilirubin decreased in the experimental groups and the total bilirubin level decreased statistically in the experimental groups fed normal chow with inclusion of 50% popo gari and gari in their diet but no statistically significant difference in the group with inclusion of 50% starch in their diet when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This percentage used may not have adverse effect on liver function.

Introduction: Training of anatomists began in Nigeria in 1963, when the Faculty of Medicine of University of Ibadan approved a program of intercalated B.Sc anatomy simultaneously with B.Sc (medical science) in such disciplines as anatomy, physiology, chemical pathology and microbiology. Many Nigerian universities now offer degree programs in anatomy as a biomedical science. It is, however, important to investigate the interest of students who are being admitted to study anatomy as this would most likely affect their performances, motivation and commitment to making a career in anatomy. This investigation was designed to determine the newly admitted students' interest in anatomy B.Sc program in South-Western Nigerian Universities. Materials and Methods: A total of 209 newly admitted students (year 1) into the B.Sc/B.Tech Anatomy program in the six universities in South-Western Nigeria accredited to run the undergraduate program completed structured questionnaires. Data from the retrieved copies of the questionnaire were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods primarily. Collated data were calculated in percentages for easy comparison, and interest of respondents was determined generally and taking gender into consideration. Result and Discussion: Results show that students had their interests in anatomy affected negatively by initial lack of knowledge of the course and lack of proper career counseling, yet, many students upon admission hoped to work with their skills and knowledge as Anatomists upon graduation. Efforts should be channeled toward proper pre-university career education and counseling relative to the anatomy.

A 2-year-old male child presented with a complaint of bleeding from umbilicus every 15 days since birth on and off. Child was managed successfully by exploratory laparotomy and local umbilectomy. Histopathology showed gastric mucosa from the excised tissue.

Persistent cloaca is a severe form of malformation of the anorectum. A distal colostogram is important in the planning of its treatment. We report herein a case of a girl who had barium stone formation within her vagina following a distal colostogram. Water soluble contrasts are recommended for this procedure.