Abakaliki women generally identify in three major occupations, which are stone crushing, meat selling and market dealings. Every occupation plays a significant role in determining an individual’s level of physical activity, and this impacts their overall health. The aim of this study was to compare the upper limb anthropometry of women of various occupational groups: stone crushers, meat sellers and market women. For this research, 259 women, of age between 18 to 60 years, were recruited from the three different occupational groups. Their stature, body mass and upper limb anthropometry, which includes two arm skinfold thickness, arm and forearm girths of both upper limbs, humerus lower end breadth and wrist breadth were measured following the international standard procedures of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, (ISAK). Within the groups, right and left arm girths, right and left forearm girths, right and left biceps skinfold thickness (SKF), right and left triceps SKF, right humerus breadth and left wrist breadth varied significantly (P0.05. Paired t-test indicated that right parameters were significantly greater than their corresponding left parameters. Every occupation has an inherent level of physical activity, which affects general health outcomes and specifically, shape, volume and fat content of the body. Upper limb anthropometry can be used for routine surveillance of body composition since it has a direct relationship with general body composition. ...
Morgue workers in resource-limited settings face hazards, with the availability of personal protective equipment, risk exposure, and safety training as key determinants of safety. This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design to systematically evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment, the prevalence of risk exposure, and the accessibility of safety training among morgue workers in public and private mortuaries within the Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), Benin City, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to recruit a total of 60 morgue workers, and data were collected via structured questionnaires. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The findings revealed a statistically significant disparity in personal protective equipment availability, with workers in public mortuaries reporting access to a significantly lower range of personal protective equipment compared to their counterparts in private facilities (p=0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of public morgue workers (53.8%) reported exposure to physical risks compared to private morgue workers (0.0%) (p=0.001). Access to safety training also demonstrated a statistically significant difference, with 84.6% of public morgue workers reporting a lack of training compared to 45.5% in private mortuaries (p=0.022). This study underscores inter-institutional disparities in personal protective equipment availability, risk exposure, and access to safety training. Public mortuaries exhibit heightened vulnerability due to inadequate provisions, while private mortuaries demonstrate better safety measures. These findings necessitate targeted interventions - financial investment and safety training programs in public mortuaries - to enhance the occupational health and safety of this essential workforce. ...
Every orthopedic procedure requires the restoration of normal limb anatomy, function, and prevention of rotational malalignment. This can be predicted using indices on the lesser trochanter (LT), as it shows geographical and racial variations. No unified morphological classification system for LT exists in literature, and information on LT morphology in Nigerians is scanty. This study aimed to fill this gap and develop a morphological classification system with groups I, II, III, IV, and V representing oval, round, triangular, shield-like like and irregular LT shapes, respectively. Using 100 dry adult femurs, lesser trochanter height (LTH), lesser trochanter width (LTW), LT-Fovea distance (LT-F) and greater to lesser trochanter (GT-LT) distance were measured with digital vernier calipers. The LT shape and presence of retrotrochanteric groove were noted. The mean LTH, LTW, LT-F and GT-LT were 1.42 ± 0.32 cm, 2.15±0.39 cm, 7.2 ± 0.75 cm and 6.03 ± 0.76 cm, respectively. We observed a groove behind the LT in 85 femurs - shallow in 63 and deep in 22. The LT shapes observed were oval (54%), round (19%), triangular (5%), shield-like (21%) and irregular (1%). Following our novel classification system, class Ib was the most frequent (35%), followed by class IVb (16%), while others were absent. The various LT shapes reflect varying patterns, force and direction of pull exerted by ligaments in pre- and post-natal development, which depend on human occupational activities. Introduction of a unified morphological classification system provides a common standard for comparing the LT morphology in different populations. ...
Stature estimation is a fundamental component of human identification in forensic anthropology, particularly in cases of fragmented remains, natural disasters, or mass casualties. Anthropometric methods provide a reliable means of predicting stature from body dimensions. This study examined the relationship between mandibular, hand, and foot measurements and human stature, with the aim of developing regression models for adult indigenes of Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 600 participants (300 males and 300 females), aged 18 – 45 years and of Cross River parentage, were recruited through random sampling. Anthropometric parameters measured included height, mandibular arch length, hand length, hand breadth, wrist breadth, foot length, foot breadth, and ankle breadth. Data were analyzed using the XLMiner Toolpak (Google Sheets). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and linear and multiple regression analyses were employed. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in all parameters, including stature (p < 0.01). Hand length (R = 0.603) and foot length (R = 0.582) demonstrated the strongest correlations with stature. Regression models generated mean estimated statures ranging from 164.813 to 164.854 cm, closely approximating the mean actual stature of 164.831 cm. Therefore, mandibular, hand, and foot dimensions are reliable predictors of stature among adults in Cross River State. These findings provide population-specific regression models that can be applied in forensic anthropology, medico-legal investigations, and related anthropometric studies in Nigeria. ...
Sensory information for vision is transmitted from the eye (retina) through the optic nerves to other brain regions, in mammalian species including rodents. The Cricetomys gambianus (African giant rat, AGRs) share several structural morphological similarities with higher mammals including humans, particularly in their nervous system and sensory processing mechanisms. This study assessed the histomorphological features of visual pathway structures in AGR. Four male AGRs (926 ± 133.0 g) were captured from the wild and used for this study. The AGRs were sedated, perfused transcardially, decapitated, and dissected to expose the intact eyeball and brain for histological processing and assessment. The AGR eyeball and brain sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and assessed at varying magnifying powers using a light microscope. Sections of AGR eyeball demonstrated three distinct layers: the sclera-corneal, uvea, and retina layers. The retina revealed laminarizations with different cellular orientations and densities. Brain sections revealed a tear-shaped, pseudo-laminarized structure, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, with transversing fasciculi through its parenchyma oriented mediolaterally. The midbrain section revealed a rostrally-situated superior colliculus (SC) that relates caudally with the inferior colliculus. The SC parenchyma revealed two distinct layers; narrow superficial (dorsal) and wide deep (ventral) layers. The primary visual cortex revealed a laminar organization having six cellular layers. Histomorphological features of structures of the visual pathway showed similarity with that of other rodent species providing evolutionary advantage for survival in its natural habitat. Hence a potential neuroscience research tool. ...
The widespread neurotoxic impact of lead (Pb) continues to pose a threat to global health, primarily due to its ability to disrupt oxidative balance and induce neuroinflammatory effects. In response, the need for natural therapeutic agents is pressing. Honey is a well-known natural product with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of honey against lead-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Male rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 7): the control, the Pb-treated, and the Pb + honey groups. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and three-chamber sociability test to examine the anxiety and social behavior. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed to determine the levels of interleukin-1? (IL-1?) and tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hematological indices. The results revealed a significant increase in anxiety and a decrease in social behavior in the Pb-only group. Biochemically, there was a marked elevation in IL-1? and TNF-?, with a significant reduction in TAC in these rats. Rats co-treated with Pb and honey demonstrated reduced anxiety and improved social behavior, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, restored antioxidant capacity, enhanced lymphocyte levels, and increased Neutrophil to Lymphocytes Ratio (NLR). These findings suggest honey has a neuroprotective effect against lead-induced neurotoxicity, via restoration of oxidative balance and suppression of inflammation....
Nigeria is currently facing severe security challenges, often resulting in dismembered bodies that are difficult to identify due to limited relevant data and guiding research. This study evaluated the radiogrammetric features of the femur and humerus to estimate Body Mass Index (BMI) in a Yoruba population. It specifically sought to obtain linear and angular measurements from radiographic images and assess their correlation with BMI. A total of 195 Yoruba participants (61 males and 134 females), aged 21 to 65 years, were recruited from the Radiology Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, using a purposive convenience sampling technique. Digital radiographic linear and angular measurements of the proximal humerus and femur of subjects were obtained using Radiant DICOM viewer (2025c). Subjects’ weights and heights were recorded to calculate BMI. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 29), and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between bone measurements and BMI. The results revealed that the correlations between the bone measurements and BMI were generally weak, negative, or average. The study concluded that radiogrammetric analysis of the femur and humerus is not significantly reliable for BMI estimation in the Yoruba population of Nigeria, even though it had proven useful in some other ethnic groups for profiling. ...
The interaction between molecules of gametes is intricate, as fertilization is a highly regulated process in humans. With recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, it has become possible to investigate these events in unprecedented detail, though some mechanistic steps remain unclear. This systematic review followed PRISMA rules. Peer-reviewed literature was searched through major scientific databases between 2015 and 2025, limited to human studies. The initial search yielded 89 records. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 53 full-text articles were assessed, with 35 deemed eligible. Molecular mechanisms, experimental methods, and translational implications were highlighted in data extraction and synthesis. The included studies shed light on sperm–oocyte recognition, interaction with the zona pellucida, signaling pathways in the acrosome reaction, and cortical reaction dynamics after fertilization. New methods, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomic screening, and human embryoid models, have enhanced the understanding of gamete processes. However, unanswered questions remain on the role of sperm protein SPACA6, heterogeneity of species in zona pellucida binding, and ethical restrictions in human fertilization studies. Implementation of advanced molecular techniques has significantly increased understanding of human fertilization, but essential information is still lacking. Addressing these gaps will require ethically sound advances to translate fundamental research into clinical applications. ...
Underweight among children and suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remain two prevalent public health issues in developing and low to middle-income countries like Nigeria. Traditional statistical techniques have limitations in modelling complex relationships among maternal sociodemographic elements that pertain to infant nutrition. This study aimed to propose the application of machine learning (ML) models to predict underweight status and the practice of EBF based on maternal sociodemographic characteristics. This approach aimed to improve the identification of at-risk groups and inform targeted public health interventions. Random forest machine learning models were developed to predict non-exclusive breastfeeding mothers and infant underweight status. The models demonstrated high predictive performance, with testing accuracies of 77% and 88%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of machine learning tools for early identification of at-risk infants and targeted maternal-child health interventions. Strengthening breastfeeding promotion programs and integrating predictive analytics into healthcare systems may enhance child health outcomes in similar resource-limited settings. ...
This study evaluated the effects of anthocyanin fractionates from maize seed (Zea mays) extracts on the microanatomy of the testes and Epididymis of male Albino Wistar rats. Twenty-one (21) adult male Wistar rats were assigned to 3 groups randomly (n = 7). Group 1 (control) received water and food only, Group 2 received 200 mg/kg of the anthocyanin fraction of maize seed extract, and Group 3 received 400 mg/kg of anthocyanin. At the end of treatment, rats were euthanized and the testes and epididymis excised for histological analysis. Body weight results showed a significant increase in final mean body weight across all groups (P < 0.05). Testes of control rats displayed normal seminiferous tubules with intact germ cell layers and organized spermatogenesis. Low-dose anthocyanin induced mild germ cell regeneration, while the high dose caused mild to moderate germ cell degeneration. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining demonstrated intact basement membranes and glycogen-rich Sertoli cells in control tissues. In contrast, the high-dose group showed disrupted tubular integrity and reduced PAS-positive material, reflecting glycoprotein depletion. Epididymal sections in all groups revealed intact pseudostratified epithelium with normal stromal architecture, without inflammation or fibrosis. These findings suggest that maize-derived anthocyanin fractions exert dose-dependent effects on spermatogenesis, with minimal influence on epididymal maturation. ...
Managing diabetes and its complications, including infertility, necessitates crucial approaches such as dietary and lifestyle modifications. Research has shown that diabetic men face a heightened risk of reproductive dysfunction compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. This study investigated the effects of berberine on reproductive function in male rats induced to become diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ). Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6 per group): Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Diabetic) received a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Group 3 (Diabetic + Berberine) received STZ and berberine (200 mg/kg, orally), and Group 4 (Berberine only) received berberine (200 mg/kg, orally) daily. Diabetes was confirmed by fasting blood glucose (FBG) >200 mg/dL, and berberine was administered for 4 weeks. FBG was monitored weekly. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical assays (lipid profile, oxidative stress, testosterone level), the testes were harvested for histological analysis, and the caudal epididymis was assessed for sperm analysis. Results indicated that STZ-induced diabetes significantly impaired sperm count, motility, morphology, and testosterone levels (p...
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) exposure remains a major public health concern due to its hepatotoxic effects, which are largely mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Natural bioactive compounds such as Fisetin, a flavonoid found in strawberries, apples, onions, and cucumbers, and curcumin, the principal curcuminoid in turmeric (Curcuma longa), are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their combined protective role against arsenic-induced liver injury has not been well established. This study evaluated the combined effects of Fisetin and curcumin on As2O3-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty male rats (150–200 g) were divided into six groups (n = 5): control, As2O3 only (20 mg/kg), Fisetin only (100 mg/kg), curcumin only (100 mg/kg), Fisetin + curcumin (100 mg/kg each), and As2O3 (20 mg/kg) + Fisetin (100 mg/kg) + curcumin (100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally. Liver weight, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory marker were measured and liver histology. Arsenic trioxide exposure significantly increased Malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein levels, while decreasing liver weight, superoxide dismutase and catalase (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed extensive hepatic alterations, characterized by hepatocyte abnormalities, sinusoidal dilation, vascular congestion, and steatosis resulting from arsenic trioxide exposure. Treatment with the combination of Fisetin and curcumin after arsenic trioxide exposure significantly improved antioxidant status, reduced inflammation, and restored hepatic architecture. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Fisetin and curcumin in combination exert strong restorative effects against As2O3-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity, suggesting their potential as complementary agents for preventing arsenic-related liver injury. ...
Dermatoglyphics, the study of dermal ridge patterns, remains a valuable tool for understanding genetic variation and population-specific characteristics. This study investigates the frequency distribution and sexual dimorphism of fingerprint pattern indices among Hausa populations in Kano and Zaria, Nigeria. Fingerprints from 600 participants (300 males and 300 females) were collected using systematic random sampling and analyzed for Dankmeijer’s Index (DI), Furuhata’s Index (FI), and the Pattern Intensity Index (PII). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations (p...
The study aimed at testing the null hypothesis that body mass index (BMI) is not associated with higher risk of prehypertension. This was a cross-sectional study of a group of workers enrolled in a part-time degree program at Bayero University Kano, Kano State Nigeria. Body weight was measured using a digital weighing scale, body height was measured using a portable stadiometer, and waist and hip circumferences were measured using an inelastic measuring tape. All anthropometric measurements were done based on standardized protocols. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data analysis was done using R software. Null hypothesis was rejected only if its probability was less than 0.05. Four hundred subjects had their data analyzed. There were 200 prehypertensive cases consisting of 125 males (mean age = 38 years, ±7.8) and 75 females (mean age = 35 years, ±8.6). The 200 normotensive subjects consisted of 118 males (mean age = 39 years, ± 7.0) and 82 females (mean age = 32 years, ±8.6). Among the female subjects, the probabilities of null hypotheses comparing BMI with the three measures of central obesity i.e. waist circumference, waist to-height ratio and weight-to-hip ratio were 0.83, 0.57 and 0.4 respectively. The corresponding probabilities among the male subjects were 0.53, 0.62 and 0.2 respectively. In conclusion, the null hypothesis was accepted and thus generalized obesity was not associated with greater risk of prehypertension than central obesity among the study subjects. ...
Alpha-synucleinopathy, characterized by the abnormal clumping of alpha-synuclein, is associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Lead, a widespread environmental contaminant, intensifies oxidative stress and promotes alpha-synuclein aggregation. Oleanolic acid (OA), a biologically active triterpenoid, is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, yet its effectiveness against lead-induced neurotoxicity remains largely unexplored. This research investigated the protective capacity of oleanolic acid against lead-triggered alpha-synucleinopathies within a Drosophila melanogaster model. Drosophila melanogaster (Harwich strain, 1 -3 days old) were initially subjected to oral exposure of lead nitrate (10, 20, and 30 ppm) and oleanolic acid (50, 100, and 200 µM) under controlled conditions for 14-day survival assessments. Subsequently, oleanolic acid (100 µM) was selected to evaluate its therapeutic impact on lead (10 ppm)-induced alpha-synucleinopathies in D. melanogaster following 7 days of oral administration. Neurobehavioral tests, including crawling, climbing, and reproductive rates, were used to assess impairments in locomotion and development. Biochemical analyses quantified oxidative stress markers, enzyme activities, and antioxidant levels. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted to evaluate brain morphology and alpha-synuclein aggregation. The findings indicated that lead exposure significantly diminished survival, locomotor activity, and reproductive success. Biochemical indicators revealed elevated oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant levels, and increased enzymatic dysfunction. Histological studies demonstrated extensive neurodegeneration, while immunostaining confirmed alpha-synuclein aggregation. Conversely, OA treatment alleviated lead-induced effects, leading to improved survival, enhanced motor functions, and better reproduction. OA also re-established oxidative balance, reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation, and maintained brain histology. Oleanolic acid exhibits neuroprotective attributes by mitigating lead-induced alpha-synucleinopathies. ...
The liver performs many vital functions to eliminate toxins and harmful substances from the body. Hepatotoxic agents can react with basic cellular components and consequently induce almost all types of liver lesions. This study aimed to investigate the possible hepatoprotective role of sesame oil against permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats from the histological and biochemical perspectives. In this study, forty adult male Wistar rats were used. They were grouped into four groups: the control group, the permethrin-treated group, which received feeds mixed with feed (1000 mg/kg permethrin), the sesame oil group, which received (5 ml/kg body wt), and the permethrin + sesame oil group. This treatment was done for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized, the liver harvested, weighed, and either homogenized for biochemical studies or fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis. The findings revealed notable microarchitectural changes in permethrin-treated animals, elevated liver enzymes, and depletion of oxidative markers. These changes were mitigated by sesame oil supplementation to a good extent. The study suggests that sesame oil supplementation has hepatoprotective effects against permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity. ...
Diabetes is linked to cognitive decline via cholinergic neurodegeneration, and while neuronal loss cannot yet be halted, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors remain central to therapy. Glibenclamide, an antidiabetic sulfonylurea, was recently reported to potently inhibit acetylcholinesterase in vitro, suggesting potential for treating cognitive impairment. However, its in vivo activity on this enzyme remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of orally administered glibenclamide on the peripheral and central cholinergic system in a diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single, intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic animals were orally administered vehicle (distilled water) or glibenclamide (1.2, 5, or 20 mg/kg) for fourteen consecutive days. A normal, non-diabetic group also received the vehicle. Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were monitored. After training, memory was tested using the Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM). On day 15, following the MWM probe trial, animals were euthanized, plasma and hippocampus homogenates assayed for acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and insulin concentrations. STZ-induced hyperglycemia was associated with an increase in plasma AChE activity (control group, 0.15 ± 0.02 U/L vs diabetic control 0.4 ± 0.04 U/L, p =0.02), which was reduced by glibenclamide 20 mg/kg, p = 0.0319. Correspondingly, plasma ACh concentrations increased significantly in the glibenclamide 20 mg/kg group (p=0.004) without changes in brain cholinergic signalling despite improvement in short-term spatial memory as assessed in the Y-maze. Glibenclamide demonstrates a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on plasma acetylcholinesterase; further studies should assess its therapeutic potential for diabetic neuropathy. ...
Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is a simple, affordable, and non-invasive radiographic measure used to estimate the heart size, particularly useful in settings with limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. Ethnic and age-related factors can influence thoracic and cardiac morphology, yet data on CTR variations among specific Nigerian ethnic groups like the Berom are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on CTR among non-hypertensive and hypertensive Berom adults in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 third-generation Berom adults aged 22–70 years, with equal representation of non-hypertensive and hypertensive males and females. Participants were recruited through consecutive sampling in the Kabong district of Jos North local government area. Posterior-anterior (PA) chest radiographs were taken, and CTR was computed as the ratio of transverse cardiac to transverse thoracic diameter. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. The results showed a progressive increase in mean CTR with age in both the non-hypertensive and hypertensive groups. However, the hypertensive participants consistently exhibited significantly higher CTR values across all age categories (p < 0.01). Pearson correlation revealed a strong positive relationship between CTR and age among hypertensives (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), while no significant correlation was found among non-hypertensives. These findings suggest that CTR increases with age, particularly in hypertensive individuals. Incorporating age-specific CTR evaluation may improve cardiovascular risk assessment and early diagnosis of cardiomegaly in this population using basic chest radiography. ...
This study examined the protective effects of honey on permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control) received 0.1 ml of normal saline, Group B (permethrin only) was administered permethrin at 1000 mg/kg, Group C (honey only) was administered honey (0.7 ml/kg) and Group D received a combination of permethrin (1000 mg/kg) and honey (0.7 ml/kg) daily for 28 days. Following the administration, the rats were anesthetized, and liver tissues were harvested for histological, biochemical, and oxidative stress analyses. Key biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase, were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and liver functions. Results revealed that permethrin exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation and depleted endogenous antioxidant levels. Co-administration of honey mitigated these effects, as evidenced by improved antioxidant status, reduced lipid peroxidation, and restoration of hepatic architecture. Honey exhibited a protective mechanism by counteracting oxidative damage and preserving liver morphology in permethrin-induced hepatotoxicity. This study highlights the potential of honey as a natural therapeutic agent against xenobiotic-induced liver damage. ...
The relationship between human genetic diversity and ethnicity is a complex and multifaceted subject that offers insights into human history, migration patterns, and biological variation. Genetic diversity is significantly greater within ethnic groups than between them, with approximately 85-90% of variation occurring within populations. This challenges simplistic notions of racial or ethnic genetic determinism. Historical processes, such as the "out of Africa" model of human migration, have influenced genetic diversity, with some ethnic groups experiencing limited gene flow and increased endogamy. Cultural practices, such as geographical or cultural isolation, have also influenced genetic diversity. Recent demographic changes, such as rapid population growth or decline, have also impacted genetic diversity patterns. Understanding this relationship has practical implications, particularly in medicine, forensic science, anthropology, and conservation biology. However, challenges remain, such as the definition of ethnicity, ethical considerations, and the changing landscape of human genetic diversity. ...
Religiosity and spirituality promote good mental health and prevent mental illness but can sometimes become risk factors for substance abuse. This study aimed to assess the associations between religiosity, spirituality and psychoactive substance use among in-school adolescents in Ilorin. The data collection tools used includes a proforma test, WHO students drug use survey and the religiosity and spirituality index. A total of 2001 participants were included in the study using a proforma test, WHO students drug use survey and the Religiosity and Spirituality index, with 1083 being males between the ages of 15 - 19. Among them, 53% were Christians, 46.6% were Muslims, 0.2% practiced Traditional African Religion while three students had no religion. It was discovered that alcohol and analgesic use were more common among Christians, while organic solvent use was more prevalent among Muslims, with one of the four Traditional African Religion students also reporting organic solvent use. Our findings highlighted the impact of religiosity and spirituality in the prevalence and patterns of adolescent substance use. ...
Accurate stature estimation is a critical component of human identification in forensic, medical, and anthropological contexts, particularly in situations involving mass disasters and fragmented remains. Body dimensions have been widely applied in stature prediction, given their relative robustness and measurability. This study investigated growth patterns and developed regression models for stature estimation among children and adults in Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 900 participants (450 males and 450 females), consisting of 300 children (5 – 11 years), young adults (18 – 30 years), and adults (31 – 45 years), were recruited. Anthropometric parameters measured included height, weight, body mass index, sitting height, biaxillary length, demispan length, hand length, thigh length, leg length, and foot length, following standard procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 to generate sex-specific and age-specific regression models. The findings demonstrated that demispan length was the most reliable single predictor of stature across both children and adults, yielding the highest coefficients of determination in regression models. Conversely, biaxillary length consistently exhibited the weakest predictive accuracy, highlighting its limited usefulness in stature estimation. Comparative analysis between children and adults indicated distinct growth patterns, particularly in the proportional contributions of limb lengths to overall stature. These results provide valuable population-specific baseline data for stature estimation in Cross River State and reinforce the utility of demispan length as a robust and practical anthropometric parameter. The study holds significant relevance for forensic identification, clinical assessments, and anthropological research within the Nigerian context. ...