Background to the Study: Where natural or man-made disasters present bone fragments as it occur in forensic cases, regression equations derived from measurement of these bones fragments have been used to determine the length of the intact long bone. This study reports on the morphometry of the radius and the estimation of its length using regression equations in a Nigerian population. Methods: The maximum length of the radius was measured using an osteometric board. The distal breadth, sagittal diameter at mid-shaft, transverse diameter at mid-shaft (TDM), vertical radial head height (VRHH), maximum head diameter (Max. HD), and minimum head diameter (Min. HD) were measured using digital vernier caliper while the circumference of the radial head and the circumference at the radial tuberosity were measured using an anthropometric tape. Pearson correlation and Persian regression were used to derive the linear regression equations for the measured parameters that showed a correlation with the length of the radius. Result: Estimation of the length of the radius from the measures of Max. HD, VRHH, and TDM were achieved with relative accuracy. In deriving regression equations for the length of the radius of the right and left sides, irrespective of sides, the Max. HD and TDM were both significant in estimating the length of the radius; on the right side only the Max. HD exhibited significant correlation while on the left side, both the Max. HD and VRHH exhibited significant correlation. Conclusion: These findings may help in anthropometric, forensic, and archaeological investigation for the estimation of the stature of the remains of unknown bodies using regression equations and could serve as the basis of comparison for future studies in a Nigerian population.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aim: The use of botanical remedies as adjunct therapies in the management of diabetes mellitus is on the increase. Anacardium occidentale has been reported in the literature to possess anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties. This study evaluated the effects of acute treatment of A. occidentale on blood glucose and epididymis histopathology of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups of 10 rats each. A group served as the normoglycemic control and was administered 1 ml/kg bw/day citrate buffer. Hyperglycemia was induced in 30 overnight-fasted rats with a single i.p injection of STZ (70 mg/kg bw/day). Hyperglycemia was confirmed 48 h later and thereafter allowed to stabilize for 5 days. 300 mg/kg bw/day of ethanolic extract of A. occidentale was administered orally to a group of diabetic rats (n = 10). Insulin was also administered subcutaneously at 10 I.U/kg bw/day to another group (n = 10). Another group served as the hyperglycemic control and received 1 ml of citrate buffer/kg bw/day. Treatment after a 5-day stabilization of hyperglycemia lasted for 17 days. In each group blood glucose and epididymal histology were assessed. Results: By the end of the experimental period, all hyperglycemic rats in the extract-treated group had become normoglycemic. Moreover, extract-treated rats showed improved epididymal morphology and luminal sperm aggregate within the duct comparable to normoglycemic and insulin-treated rats. Conclusion: We conclude that A. occidentale proved valuable in mitigating the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia on the epididymis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Telfairia occidentalis is a leafy vegetable consumed commonly for its nutritional and medicinal effects. However, few studies have been carried out on its fertility effects in males with most of such studies offering conflicting results. The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of T. occidentalis on male fertility in adult wistar rats. The thirty rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B and C. Rats in groups B & C were treated with 500 and 1000mg/kg.bwt of the leaf extract respectively by gavage for 56 days while group A served as control. The sperm characteristics, male hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis hormones and histological studies were carried out according to existing laboratory methods. Results from all the parameters studied showed that the aqueous extract of leaves of T. occidentalis exhibited profertility properties in adult male wistar rats. Further research to determine the components of the leaf extract implicated in the outcomes observed and the mechanism of action would be necessary.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is an aromatic perennial tall grass with rhizomes densely tufted fibrous root. The aim of the study was to determine the histological effect(s) of the hydro- methanol leaf extract of lemon grass HLELG) on Albino Wistar rats kidney. The objectives were to: (a) Determine the LD50 of HLELG. (b) Determine if there is any effect(s) of HLELG on the kidney. (c) Determine whether the histological effects of the HLELG is dose-dependent (d) Determine whether the histological effects of the HLELG is time-dependent. Twelve (12) male albino wistar rats were used to determine the LD50 of HLELG. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five albino wistar rats were recruited for this experiment. After 2 weeks of acclimatization, they were divided into three experimental groups (A, B and C) of 10 rats per group and a control group of 5 rats. Experimental groups (A, B and C) ingested 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg of HLELG respectively once daily. Two rats from each experimental group were sacrificed at the end of each week for three consecutive weeks. Two rats were sacrificed from the control group at the end of the third week. Kidneys from each rat were collected and fixed in 10% formal saline. They were processed for routine staining with Heamatoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Results: The LD50 “intraperitoneal” of HLELG was found to be higher than 10,000 mg/kg. Obliteration of the Bowman's capsule was seen in; experimental group C at the end of week one, experimental groups A-C at the end of week two and experimental group C at the end of week three. Discussion: The obliteration of Bowman's capsule is as a result of hypertrophy of the glomerular tufts and it is likely to be due to essential oil of lemon grass which has been reported to be toxic against mice. Conclusion: The index study concluded that: (a) The LD50 of the HLELG is above 10,000 mg/kg. (b) HLELG distorts the histology of albino wistar rats' kidneys. (c) The effects of HLELG on albino wistar rats' kidneys are both time and dose-dependent.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Aim: This study aimed to examine the histopathological effects of acetaminophen (ACMP) abuse in select organs of male Wistar rats. The second goal was aimed at determining the prevalence of ACMP abuse in human subjects. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design (structured questionnaire and oral interview) was used for data collection from 1911 male to 1009 female subjects, aged (15–72) years in Benin City, Nigeria, between June, 2014 and April, 2015. The animal study was done using 60 adult male Wistar rats with a mean weight of (228.34 g). ACMP was orally administered to 10 Groups of rat in the following order: Groups A₁and A₂ (400 mg/kg), B₁and B₂ (800 mg/kg), C₁and C₂ (1200 mg/kg), and D₁and D₂, (1600 mg/kg) body weight in rat. Water and feed were provided ad libitum for the duration of ACMP administration that lasted for 21 days (sub-acute exposure) in Group A₁, B₁, C₁, and D₁. The administration lasted for 42 days (sub-acute and acute exposures) in Groups A₂, B₂, C₂, and D₂while Groups E₁and E₂served as the control. At termination, all rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, grossed, and processed histologically. Results: The prevalence of ACMP abuse within the study population (males and females, in Benin City, Nigeria) stood at 97.3% and was significantly affected by contributory factors like: Age-group, income, profession, etc. Grossly, renal and hepatic necrosis were observed in the high-dose/acutely exposed treated rats (C₂ and D₂). Histopathology findings revealed hepatocellular distortion at the central vein of the liver tissue and tubular expansion and increased glomerular space in the kidney. Decrease in body weights of the rats in Groups C₂ and D₂were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a high incidence of ACMP abuse in the males and females population in Benin City, Nigeria. Prolonged oral consumption of ACMP in animals resulted in hepatocellular and renal deleterious effects and may be of a similar hazard in humans.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Menarche is the first menstrual period. The increasing incidence of overweight/obesity and decline in the median age at menarche had led investigators to hypothesize potential associations of age at menarche with body mass index (BMI). We assess these associations between reproductive and nonreproductive age females. Aim: The present study assessed the relationship between BMI and the timing of menarche among contemporary Nigerian girls. Methods: The present cross-sectional anthropometric study was performed in 2014 using 600 menstruating and 200 nonmenstruating girls aged 11–18 years in Nigeria. We classified the menarcheal age of our participants into early, ideal, and late. Participants were also categorized based on their nutritional status into underweight, normal, and overweight. Results: Mean age at menarche was 13.54 years. Age at onset of menarche was inversely associated with BMI. Precocious menarche (<12 years) when compared to ideal (12–13 years) or late (≥14 years) menarche was found to be associated with a higher BMI (F = 10.64, P < 0.05). Overweight girls also reach maturation earlier than their contemporaries with moderate to lean body status (F = 15.32, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Girls with high BMI or overweight reach menarche earlier in life than their lean or low BMI counterparts.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: The prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight are increasing worldwide and have posed a significant public health concern over the last decade in developed and developing countries. Monitoring the weight status of children and adolescents is paramount in assessing for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight among school children and adolescents in Ebonyi state, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted, 1620 subjects (849 males and 771 females) 5–18 years of age, were randomly sampled. Anthropometric measurements include height and weight, body mass index (BMI) was derived from the ratio of weight per height squared. BMI-for-age <5^th, 85^th to <95^th, and ≥95^th percentile were classified as underweight, overweight and obese respectively, according to the International Obesity Task Force reference. Results: The prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight were 12.6%, 11.9% and 7.6%, respectively, in the urban subjects and 1.5%, 2.3% and 20.3%, respectively, in the rural subjects. Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight among rural school children and adolescents is high, thus a need for nutritional intervention.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The thyroid gland is among the most commonly imaged glands using ultrasound due to the limitation of clinical examination. During pregnancy, thyroid volume responds physiological to the increased demands for iodine and energy. An enlargement of the thyroid gland during gestation is, therefore, not abnormal. However, this may be confused for goiter, which the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders have recommended to be investigated through ultrasound. Objective: To establish a local reference volume of the thyroid gland in asymptomatic pregnant women that could be used to define goiter in the context of iodine deficiency disease monitoring. People and Methods: A total of 430 volunteers made up of 399 pregnant women and 31 nonpregnant female control were recruited prospectively and purposively. After obstetrics scan with a 3.5 MHz curvilinear transducer, the subject's thyroid gland was subsequently scanned with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The cranio-caudal, antero-posterior, and transverse diameter of each lobe represented the length, height, and width, respectively. These were subsequently multiplied with a WHO-recommended correction factor (0.479) to derive the volume. A summation of the volumes of both lobes gave the total thyroid volume for each subject. Results: The mean thyroid volumes (±standard deviations) in pregnant women and nonpregnant controls were 8.26 ± 4.17 cm³ and 2.54 ± 0.46 cm³, respectively. The mean for the first to third trimesters were 5.17 ± 1.83 cm³, 7.81 ± 2.44 cm³, and 11.81 ± 4.53 cm³, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in the mean thyroid volumes within the three trimesters (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The wide variation in thyroid volume between pregnant women and nonpregnant controls points to the possibility of deficient dietary iodine intake during gestation in our locality. Special attention on daily minimum iodine intake for gravid women as recommended in other countries is advised.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Fractures of the distal humerus constitute between 0.5% and 2% of all fractures, and about one-third of fractures around the elbow joint. This study was aimed at classifying the patterns of distal humeral fractures among Nigerians. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively at the Department of Medical Records, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos State, Nigeria. Plain films of X-ray (both anteroposterior and lateral views) that were taken between 2007 and 2012. The films were from a total number of 144 patients of ages ranging from birth to 100 years (0–100 years), comprising of 88 males and 56 females. Distal humeral fractures were classified according to Müller's classification for the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation. Comparisons of the patterns of distal humeral fractures were made between the sexes, sides affected, age groups, and causes of the fractures. Results: The results showed that the most frequent type of distal humeral fractures was extra-articular fractures (50.7% [73/144]) followed by partial articular fractures (31.9% [46/144]), while the least frequent was complete articular fractures (17.4% [25/144]). Conclusion: This study shows to a great extent that there is a pattern for distal humeral fractures among Nigerians. This type of epidemiologic studies offers important data that contributes to improvement in fracture management and treatment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Objective: This study aimed to discover the emotional reactions, attitudes and beliefs of undergraduate medical students of University of Jos medical school to 1^st time encounter with human cadaver. Materials and Methods: A structured pretested and validated questionnaire was administered to 450 students of 200 to 500 levels all at the same time in May 2012. The age of the students ranged from 21 to 26 years with mean age of 23.1 years. Results: 26.1%, 15.6%, 32.3%, and 15.2% of the 200, 300, 400, and 500 level students, respectively, indicated great anxiety as their reaction to the first experience with cadaver. The fear of infection was the most common cause of worry for the studied population (71.4%, 70%, 49.3%, and 87.3% for the 200, 300, 400, and 500 levels, respectively). A number of students had no symptoms on their first encounter with cadavers (40.5% of 200, 34.4% of 300, 27.7% of 400, and 51.9% of 500 levels) however; dizziness was a common symptom experienced. Conclusion: Overwhelming majority were of the opinion that cadaver dissection should not be substituted with visuals because cadaver dissection gives the students better appreciation of the three-dimensional. Assessment of the attitudes and reactions of medical students could help medical tutors to formulate better strategies to develop academic and clinical competences.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Wastes are mainly unwanted products from domestic and industrial sources, which increases due to accelerated industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Open refuse dumping is the predominant form of waste disposal method in Nigeria and presents huge environmental and health challenges. Hence, this study investigated the effects of long-term exposure of rats to refuse dump sites on histological and serum analysis in three organs; kidney, lungs, and spleen. Materials and Methods: Twelve Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into two groups made up of 6 rats in each group. Group A was the controls and group B was the experimental. The experimental rats were exposed to refuse dump fume by keeping them in a research hut built in a refuse dump site for 8 months while the control rats were keep in the Department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. Results: There was loss of the elastic tissue support for bronchioles, alveolar wall and coalescence of adjacent alveoli as compared with the control. Serum urea concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (9.08 ± 1.58) compared with control rats (5.00 ± 0.32). Similarly, serum creatinine concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (106.20 ± 14.94) compared to Control rats (53.67 ± 5.68). All measured serum electrolytes were significantly altered (P < 0.05). Sodium ions (Na⁺) (90.17 ± 7.68) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) (2.33 ± 0.33) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while potassium ions (K⁺) (61.83 ± 6.70) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) (117.2 ± 3.08) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed histological distortion in experimental animals due to exposure to refuse dump site.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Von Economo neurons (VENs) are large bipolar neurons found in the anterior cingulate, fronto-insular, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices of great apes and the humans. VENs are defined by their thin, elongated cell body, and long dendrites projecting from the apical and basal ends. These neurons are mostly present in particularly high densities in cetaceans, elephants, and hominoid primates mainly, humans and apes. VENs have been shown to contribute in the specializations of neural circuits in species that share both large brain size and complex social cognition due to their location. This could possibly be due to the adaptation to rapidly relay of socially-relevant information over long distances across the brain. The VENs have been shown to be recently evolved cell type that may be involved in the fast intuitive assessment of complex social situations. As such, they could be the part of the circuitry supporting human social networks. The VENs emerge mainly after birth and increase in number until 4 years of age. The presence of VENs in the fronto-insular cortex has been linked to a possible role in the integration of bodily feelings, emotional regulation, and goal-directed behaviors. Some studies have shown decreased number of VENs in neuropsychiatric diseases, in which social cognition is markedly affected. Some researchers have shown that selective destruction of VENs in the early stages of frontotemporal dementia implies that they are involved in empathy, social awareness, and self-control which are consistent with evidence from functional imaging.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Intoxication of nitrites mainly from food and water constitute a potential hazard with a resultant hypoxia. Aim: The aim was to study the effects of ethanolic leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)-induced cerebellar toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats weighing 150–250g were divided into six groups of four rats each. Group I was the control and received distilled water, Group II received 54 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of NaNO₂, Group III received 750 mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54 mg/kg bwt of NaNO₂, Group IV received 375 mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54 g/kg bwt of NaNO₂, Group V received 54 mg/kg bwt of NaNO₂and 2 ml/kg bwt of olive oil, and Group VI received 2 ml/kg bwt of olive oil. The administration was by oral route and lasted for 21 days, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for analyses, and the tissues were processed for histological studies. Results: The result showed a decrease in the mean bwt of the animals in Groups III and IV, a significant increase in serum levels of malondialdehyde and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in Group II. The result of the hematological analysis showed a significant increase in red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P < 0.05). The result of histological studies showed degenerative changes in Group IIwith less degeneration in Group IV. Conclusion: The result showed that O. gratissimum in a controlled manner may be useful in the management of neurodegenerative conditions that involve free radical generation and reduction in brain energy production.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to ascertain laterality functions in randomly sampled population of 400 preclinical students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Frequency in use of limbs in physical activities categorized as: Always if (>80%), usually if (>50–80%), or equally if (50%) of cases was used in grading this perception. Three hundred and sixty-three questionnaires with well-generated data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 16.0, Chicago IL, USA). Results: Results revealed significant difference (P < 0.05) in the choice of limbs, but there was no significant (P > 0.05) influence from gender, physical disability, or indoctrination on the choice. 43.86% males, 33.86% females claimed to use the right-hand always; 1.38% males, 0.83% females use the left-hand always; 0.55% males, 0.84% females use the left-hand usually; 8.54% males, 5.23% females use the right-hand usually; and 3.84% males, 2.75% females use both hands equally. On use of the foot, 26.45% males, 19.83% females initiate staircase climbing with the right foot always; 6.34% males, 4.13% females do the same with the left foot always; 14.69% males, 11.30% females use their right foot usually; 4.13% males, 4.96% females use the left foot first usually; and 5.79% males, 0.03% females use the right and left foot equally. Conclusion: The majority of the respondents were right-handed and right-footed, thus suggesting left cerebral hemispheric laterality in the population.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]