The kidney is one of the target organs of mercury toxicity. Mercuric chloride produces oxidative damage by enhancing peroxidation of membrane lipid. Studies have shown that Solanum gilo has nutritional and medicinal features such as high level of antioxidant compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of Solanum gilo fruits on mercuric chloride- induced kidney toxicity. Thirty adult Wistar rats were purchased from the animal holding of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria. The rats were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks. They were allowed free access to food and water throughout the duration of the experiment. They were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Animals in group A served as control animals. Those in group B were administered orally with 5 mg/kg body weight of mercuric chloride only; those in group C were administered 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract Solanum gilo fruits only; those in group D were administered 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Solanum gilo fruits only; those in group E were administered 5 mg/kg body weight of mercuric chloride and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract Solanum gilo fruits while those in group F were administered 5 mg/kg body weight mercuric chloride and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Solanum gilo fruits. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The experimental rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia, kidneys were harvested and immediately subjected to antioxidant or histological analyses. The results showed that there was a significant decrease (P...
This study was aimed at determining the effects of moringa oleiferia aqueous leaf on phenylhydrazine-induced anemia and bone marrow toxicity in adult wistar rats. Twenty adult wistar rats weighing between 190 – 230g were used for this study. The animals were obtained and nurtured at the animal house of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. Group A animals served as the control and were given normal marsh feed. Anemia was induced to animals in groups B, C and D by oral administration of phenylhydrazine for eight (8) days. Animals in group B were left untreated throughout the duration of the experiment while those in groups C and D were treated with 350 mg/kg body weight and 700 mg/kg body weight of the Moringa oleifera leaf extract respectively once daily for 28 days. After the completion of the treatment, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed to collect blood for hematological analysis. Bone marrow aspirates were collected from the pelvis of the animals for histological analyses using hematoxylin and eosin stains. The results showed that phenylhydrazine induced anemia by reducing red blood cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume. It also induced bone marrow toxicity by decreasing the cellularity and myelo-erythroid percentage. Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf reversed these effects in a dose-dependent manner. In concentration. In conclusion, this study showed that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf has dose-dependent reversal capacity against phenylhydrazine bone marrow toxicity....
Vernonia amygdalina is used as nutraceutical and in many cultures as edible vegetable, and phytomedicine in the management or treatment of a myriad of ailments including malaria, breast cancer and hypertension. This study was aimed at determining its histomorphological effect on the liver, kidney and pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fifteen female Wistar rats divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each were used for the study. Treatment was through oral route and lasted for two weeks. Diabetic test group was treated with 200mg/kg body weight extract, diabetic control group was treated with 0.2 ml distilled water and the non-diabetic (normal control group) was treated with 0.2 ml distilled water. Diabetic control animals showed significantly (p?0.05) raised blood levels of glucose (387.40±8.67mg/dl) while in the diabetic rats treated with the extract, the level of blood glucose was reduced significantly (p?0.05) to 266.32±5.00mg/dl when compared to the non-diabetic control animals. Histomorphological studies revealed severe diffuse degeneration of hepatocytes and marked congestion of portal areas, deposition of eosinophilic hyaline materials in the glomerular tufts and degeneration of islet cells in diabetic control group. Diabetic rats treated with 200mg/kg of extract revealed moderate diffuse fatty degeneration of hepatocytes, mild congestion of portal areas, eosinophilic hyaline deposits in some glomeruli and no significant lesion in pancreatic islets. The normal control rats showed no histomorphological changes in the sections of their liver, kidney or pancreas. It is possible that the antidiabetic action of Vernoniaamygdalina is probably mediated via insulin production from the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells in diabetic subjects and it may be a potential source of recovery for degeneration of tissue owing to oxidative injuries from chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus....
The reality of a dwindling era of abundance of cadavers is beginning to stare at all of us as anatomists in Nigeria. This is an era where the spirit of prosection needs a rebirth; an era complexed with the growing need for plastination; an era faced with an unprecedented increase in the number of Science graduates of Anatomy who obviously, may not be completely accommodated in the academic cadre. These factors have together, triggered the need for a balance; a balance that will inspire graduates outside “the career/job horizon of Anatomy” to key into fading business of artistic prosection; a balance that can create a distinct career path where graduate prosectors grow in a cadre separate from those of conventional technologists. By that, the artistic spirit of prosection is rejuvenated and married with the modernism of plastination, and a wider horizon for job creation is established in the already existing thinned world of opportunities for graduate Anatomists; One which was caused by the training exigencies of yesteryears. This paper tries to develop a career path for these Science graduates in Anatomy- one that needs an urgent consideration in the council of Anatomists in Nigeria....
The medicinal plant investigated in this study was Luffa aergyptiaca Mill. The leaves of the plants were collected from their natural habitat in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.The plant sample was identified by a Herbarium, in the department of Plant Science,University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.The harvested leaves were washed with water while still fresh and cut into small portions. The materials were then air –dried under a tree shade at room temperature for one week, but in the sun when the humidity was too high. Phytochemical screening was carried out. Aqueous extract of the leaves of Luffa aegyptiaca was screened with the aim of assessing the presence of some biologically active compounds. Pulverized leaves sample of Luffa aegyptiaca was extracted with water; the filtrate was concentrated on water bath and then air-dried at 25oC. The plant was found to contain, saponins , tannins, flavonoids , triterpenes ,Caridiac glycosides, carbohydrates and reducing sugar. The significance of this plant in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these constituents were discussed with respect to the role of these plants in ethnomedicine....
The neuro-behavioural responses to luffa aergyptiaca mill on mefloquine-induced seizure was investigated in rats. Thirty (30) Albino Wistar rats Weighing (190-250g) were randomly assigned into 5 groups with five rats in each group. Group one was control. Group two was induced with mefloquine only (4.28mg/kg). Group three were Induced with mefloquine (4.28mg/kg) & treated with diazepam (5ml/kg). Group four were Induced (4.28kg/kg) with mefloquine & treated with low dose luffa aergyptiaca mill (400mg/kg). Group five were Induced with mefloquine (4.28mg/kg) & treated with high dose luffa aergyptiaca mill (1200mg/kg). Doses of mefloquine and aqueous luffa aergyptiaca mill leaf extract were administered to the adult Wistar rats according to their individual body weight. After thirty (30) minutes of administration, the rat was placed subsequently in the center platform of the maze then observed for five (5) minutes. Open arm entries, closed arm entries, time spent in open arm, time spent in closed arm, grooming and frequency of rearing were recorded with a video camera. Precaution was taken to ensure that no external stimulus evokes anxiety in the rat. From the experiment, it was observed that control only has a steady task performance, mefloquine only has low entry into open arm indicating high level of anxiety, while mefloquine plus high dose luffa aergyptiaca mill has high entry into open arm indicating decreased in anxiety activity, hence P 0.05 is significant for open arm entry. It is observed that there was no significant difference across the groups in time spent in closed. There was significant difference for time spent in open arm. Mefloquine plus high dose luffa aergyptiaca mill has the highest time spent in open arm indicating decreased anxiety while mefloquine only has the lowest indicating increase in anxiety, hence P 0.05 is significant. Grooming was high in mefloquine only compared to control and treated groups. There was significant different between control and mefloquine plus high dose luffa aergyptiaca mill for frequency of rearing.The results suggest that aqueous extract of leaf of luffa aergyptiaca mill causes neurobehavioral responses in rats. ...
An abnormal uterine bleed is an indication of a possible hormonal or structural defect in the reproductive system. This anomaly may be evident in examination of the endometrial extracts and knowing the common gynecological disorders associated with abnormal uterine bleeding may aid prompt management. To determine the histological pattern from biopsy specimen of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.Retrospective descriptive study of endometrial biopsy specimen for a ten year period at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Histological records of patients were examined, information on age and histological diagnosis were collated. Data was analyzed and presented in frequency table and percentages. A total of 408 endometrial samples are examined. The mean age was 25.1 ± 7.1yearswith an age range of 16-72 years. Abnormal uterine bleeding was commonest in age group 30-39 years. The commonest histopathological diagnosis was products of conception (67.9%). Endometrial polyps were identified as the commonest benign neoplastic lesion in women of reproductive age while malignancies accounted for 3.2% of endometrial pathologies with endometrial adenocarcinoma being the commonest. Products of conception are very common in women of reproductive age in our environment while malignant lesions should be considered in perimenopausal/menopausal women with features of abnormal uterine bleeding....
We carried out a study on the exit pattern of the Sciatic nerve in a sample of Nigerian cadavers. Two hundred and eighty two (282) gluteal regions from one hundred and forty one (141) cadavers were dissected using the protocols designed in Cunningham's dissection manual (15th Edition) and Finley's Interactive Cadaveric Dissection Guide. There were no significant differences in the exit pattern of the Sciatic nerve between the left and right gluteal regions. However the nerve showed significant variations in exit pattern between cadavers. In two hundred and sixty five limbs (94%), the Sciatic nerve emerged as a single trunk at the inferior border of the Piriformis muscle. While in one (1) limb (0.4%), it emerged divided at the inferior border of Piriformis muscle. Patterns were found to be symmetrical in most cadavers, while it was asymmetrical from one gluteal region to the other in other cadavers. Findings from this study will be relevant in many areas of medical and surgical practice including Orthopaedics, Neurology, physical therapy, Anaesthetics and pain management. Data from this study will also assist as baseline for further research on the clinical anatomy of the Sciatic nerve in Nigeria....
Stature of an individual is an important parameter of personal identification. This study was carried out to device a method of estimating stature of subjects of Igbo origin using 2nd and fourth digit lengths. In this study stature was estimated in Igbos from the bilateral measurement of length of the 2nd and 4th digit. 400 subjects (200 male and 200 female) of ages 18years and above were studied. Heights of the subject in standing position, length of 2nd and 4th digit were measured using standard procedures. Regression formulae for estimation of stature were derived for both genders in both hands. The results showed mean values of left 2nd and right 2nd digit lengths in males as 7.5187± 0.5341 and 7.44703±0.5483 respectively while those of females were7.0759±0.6219 and7.0834±0.5979respectively.The mean lengths of right and left 4th digits in males were7.9370±0.5810 and 7.9552±0.5786 while those of females were7.0759±0.6219 and7.0834±0.5979. Eight(8) regression equations for estimation of stature from 2nd and 4th digits of Igbos were derived as follows: Male: Equation 1: height(cm) = 126 + 6.72 left 2nd digit length(cm);Equation 2: height(cm) = 140 + 4.60 left 4th digit length(cm); Equation 3:height(cm) = 139 + 4.80 right 2nd digit length(cm); Equation 4: height(cm) = 139 + 4.80 right 4th digit length(cm); Female: Equation 5: height(cm) = 142 + 3.34 left 2nd digit length(cm); Equation 6: height(cm) = 135 + 4.09 left 4th digit length(cm); Equation 7: height(cm) = 135 + 4.39 right 2nd digit length(cm) Equation 8: height(cm) = 134 + 4.28 right 4th digit length(cm). The digit length will be helpful to forensic expert when digits are only available for forensic investigation for the estimation of stature and in anthropological studies....
This study was carried out to determine the average value for the stature, thigh length and thigh length to stature ratio of the Yoruba ethnic group. It was also carried out to determine the correlation between the stature and thigh length, and to establish a formulae for estimation of height using thigh length of the adult Yoruba ethnic group, as well as to determine if there are sexual dimorphism in these parameters. Seven hundred and twenty subjects (720 Yoruba's) 360 Yoruba males and 360 Yoruba females were used for this study, between the age range of 18 to 50 years.The location where this study was carried out were: University of Lagos Yaba, Lagos State College of Education Isolo, Ikotun Community and Ijegun Community Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and university of Port Harcourt.The morphological measurements were stature (height) and thigh length. The mean and standard deviation of the stature, thigh Length and Thigh length: Stature Ratio for males were 172.78±7.01cm, 43.82±2.68cm and 25.35±0.955cm and while for the females, it was 167.22±6.19cm, 43.62±2.75cm and 26.07±1.11cm .It was observed that the Yoruba males had a significantly higher height than the Yoruba females (p0.05).There was a significant difference between the thigh length to stature ratio of the Yoruba males and female subjects. The Yoruba females had a significantly higher thigh length to stature ratio than the Yoruba males (p...
A falling tree makes no noise in the forest when nobody is there to hear it; it's high time we spoke out for the overall development of our profession, Anatomy. For any person to come up with correct diagnose of a medical condition, he must have good knowledge of Anatomy. In as much as the roles of anatomical science and education in the nation building cannot be over emphasised and for anatomists to assume their rightful places/roles in nation building, all branches of anatomy must be given proper attention both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Many young anatomists are outside there without job. Many of them do not know what they can do with their certificates. Some of them love Anatomy but they don't want to be teacher/lecturer. We need to begin to focus on producing scientists/biomedical scientists that will be relevant in other aspect of biomedical science and education. This presentation will focus on how Anatomy can be rebranded to take its rightful place in the nation building, especially in areas of medical/health science and education for the promotion of sound health care delivery for our growing population in Nigeria and Africa in general....
Damage to the cellular components of the cerebellum, altered motor coordination and ataxia has not been reported as findings in studies addressing lead-induced toxicity in experimental studies. This study aimed at finding out the effects of lead exposure on the cellular profile of the cerebellum and also tests for motor coordination in juvenile male rats. 20 juvenile male rats were randomly assigned into control (A) and lead-exposed (B) groups. The rats in group A were exposed to normal saline, while rats in group B were exposed to 100 mg/kg body weight of lead- nitrate. The duration of exposure was for 30 days. At termination of administration, motor coordination in the lead- induced group was significantly altered when compared with control group, while the histological section showed marked distortion with evidence of necrosis in the morphology of the Purkinje cells in the cerebral profile of the rats in the lead-induced group. The neuronal cells in the cerebral profile of the rats in the control group was well preserved. There was no marked changes in the motor coordination of the rats in the control group.It was observed that exposure to lead conferred neurodegenerative effects on the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and also alter motor coordination....
The effect of ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia vomituria on the histology of the testes of adult male wistar rat was investigated. The experiment was carried out using thirty (30) male wistar rats weighing between 180g to 220g. The animals were divided into 5 groups with 6 rats in each group. Groups A, B, C, and D served as experimental groups while group E was the control group. Group A, B, C and D animals were given 50mg/kg,100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria respectively while group E animals was given distilled water. Administration was done orally and it lasted for twenty-one (21) days and a watchout period of seven (7) days was observed to determine if the effect of the plant extract could be reversed. Rats were sacrificed at various intervals, day 8th, 15th, 22nd and finally at day 29th . Testes from various groups were carefully harvested, fixed immediately in formal saline and sent to the laboratory for tissue processing and histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also collected and sent to the laboratory for testosterone analysis. Results obtained showed behavioural changes, body weight, histopathological effects and increased testosterone level. Behavioral changes revealed generalized body weakness, drowsiness, laboured breathing, anorexia and death. The final body weight of experimental groups increased insignificantly (P...
This study determined which central adiposity measure can better predict percent body fat (PBF) and Body mass index and the incidence of obesity, overweight , normal weight and underweight in women from Rivers and Kaduna, Nigeria.A total of 788 (Rivers state, n=401 and Kaduna, n=387) apparently healthy females participated in this study. Weight and height were measured using weighing scale and stadiometer respectively. Subjects were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, obese using WHO standard. Participants were grouped into ages 18- 20, 21-23, 24-26, 27-30 years. Minimum waist circumference (WC) and maximum hip circumference (HC) were measured to the nearest 0.1cm using a non stretchable tape. Percentage body fat (PBF) was measured using bio impedance analyser (Tanita, Japan).This study showed the incidence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity were (38) 9.8%, (249) 64.3%, (78) 20.2%, and (22) 5.7% respectively for women from Kaduna; (40) 10%, (253) 63.1%, (80) 20% and (28) 7.0% respectively for women from Rivers. Results also showed that age had a significant association with BMI (River: ÷2=38.585, p=0.000; Kaduna: ÷2=19.323, p=0.023). WC showed the strongest significant (p < 0.001) partial correlation with BMI and PBF (r= 0.83 and 0.83, respectively) among Kaduna women, while in Rivers women WC had a partial correlation with BMI and PBF (r = 0.69 and 0.74 respectively). The correlation coefficient of WC with BMI and PBF was higher than the correlation coefficient of other central adiposity measures with BMI and PBF.WC should be preferred over other measures of central adiposity in clinical assessment of obesity among Kaduna and Rivers women, since it had the highest correlation coefficient with %BF and BMI. Population validated equations were constructed using WC,WHR or HC to assess percentage body fat and BMI....
The medical screening of new students into the Nigerian universities includes a routine chest radiograph which aims at identifying infectious processes mainly and other abnormalities. The important question -is how relevant is this practice?. This study aims at evaluating the relevance of the routine chest radiography as a part of the pre admission medical screening examination. A retrospective review of 7056 chest radiographs taken in the x ray unit of the Health centre of the University of Port Harcourt for the 2014/2015 session was done. All abnormalities noted were recorded. A total of 7056 radiographs were analysed. 74 (1.05%) had features of pulmonary tuberculosis, 39 (0.55%) had cardiomegaly and 30(0.43%) had Idiopathic scoliosis. 20(0.28%) had various congenital bony abnormalities such as cervical bifida 15(0.21%) while 1 (.014%) had dextrocardia. The use of routine chest radiographs as a part of the medical screening examination for new students in Nigerian universities has a low positive .It is recommended that the chest radiograph should be done when necessary after proper history and clinical examination has been carried out....
Vitamin A is a commonly consumed vitamin in raw foods and in form of supplement. Previous researches showed that single doses of this vitamin when administered at targeted gestation periods produced varying degrees of congenital malformations in different organs in the pups of rats including the brain. This study intends to evaluate the teratogenic potentials of vitamin A. A total of twenty (20) female Wistar rats weighing an average of 150g were randomly separated into four groups of five rats each. The rats were mated and given increasing doses of vitamin A- 400mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 600mg/kg for groups B, C and D respectively. Group A was the control group and received only food and water like the rest of the groups. Administration lasted for 14days, after which the rats were allowed to deliver. Most of the rats in the experimental groups displayed various signs of toxicity, ranging from significant weight loss, well reduced activity, reduced food and water consumption, peeling of hairs, obvious signs of spontaneous abortion as well as death. Physical examination was carried out on the pups using a magnifying hand lens to check for any form of physical malformation on the limbs, face and other morphological parameters. This was done on days 1, 7 and 16 post- partum. The pups were then sacrificed. The histology of the cerebellum showed no significant differences between the experimental groups and the control. However, the results of the oxidative stress markers showed significant levels of oxidative stress in the homogenized brain samples as compared to the control. Oxidative stress is a possible indication of underlying tissue damage. Our results revealed that the damages done to the pup tissues were better appreciated at the molecular levels than were seen in H&E preparations...
Hypertension is a medical condition that does not have specific clinical manifestations until organ damage is set-in and its prevalence is said to be highest in Africa. The objective of this study is to assess and compare vascular reactivity in normotensive male and female Nigerians in order to screen for those at risk of developing hypertension.Thirty-six apparently healthy, young normotensive male and female subjects, aged 18 years – 37 years were exposed to cold pressor test (CPT). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured before and after exposure to the CPT. Blood pressure was determined by auscultatory method. Subjects were instructed to immerse one foot up to the ankle into ice slurry maintained at 4°C for 1 minute2. 11Vascular hyper- reactivity was determined as an increase in the subject's systolic or diastolic blood pressure 15 mmHg after exposure to the CPT. In the parameters measured, SBP and DBP increased significantly (p< 0.0001) after exposure to CPT. There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in SBP and DBP responses to the CPT between the male and female subjects. However, Systolic hyper-reactivity was observed in 56% of the male subjects while 50% of them demonstrated diastolic hypereactivity. On the other hand, 50% of the female subjects showed systolic hyper- reactivity while 56% of them demonstrated diastolic hyper-reactivity, indicating vulnerability of these individuals to development of hypertension in the future. Since at least,half (50%) of the study population were hyper-reactive in their SBP or DBP, drastic action on preventive measures should be targeted at those at risk of developing hypertension, so as to stem the rising incidence and prevalence of hypertension in Africa. ...
This study is aimed at establishing standards for the inner and outer intercanthal distances, documenting the anthropometric variation with advancing age and determining the extent of sexual dimorphism of these parameters among the Bura ethnic group of North Eastern Nigeria. This was a cross sectional study involving 300 volunteers consisting of 150 males and 150 females aged 7 to 40 years. Measurement of the intercanthal distances was performed with a sterilized Vernier calliper after Ethical clearance and Informed Consent had been obtained. The data was entered and analysed in statistical software (SPSS version 17). The comparative tests were conducted using the independent student's -t-test at significant level of 0.05. The mean Inner and outer Intercanthal distances for the studied population was 34 ± 2.4 mm and 100 ± 4.1 mm respectively. There is a strong correlation between advancing age and the mean values of inner and outer intercanthal distances in all age groups and among both sexes. There is also demonstration of significant sexual dimorphism among inner and outer intercanthal distances. In conclusion these findings would be of benefit in the diagnosis of craniofacial syndromes associated with hyper/hypotelorism, management of posttraumatic cranial and orbitofacial deformities, in the manufacture of spectacle frames and lenses and as a guide for dentists in selecting denture teeth....
The maturation of a child's bones as it grows to adulthood can be viewed radiological. The skeletal age (bone age) is the average age at which a particular stage of bone maturation is achieved. The Greulich and Pyle standard is the commonest method used to assess the skeletal age using the hand and wrist radiograph throughout the world. This atlas was composed solely from Caucasian children and made use of the orderly sequence of carpal ossification to determine the skeletal age. Several authors have faulted this at/as for not being suitable for other races. The aim of this study is to determine if the Greulich and Pyle At/as is applicable to Nigerian children when compared to their chronological ages. The total number of 78 normal radiographs of the hand and wrist of Nigerian children were used for this study from several hospitals. These radiographs were compared with the atlas and their skeletal ages noted from the atlas. The child's chronological age in each was also recorded. The result shows a mean increase of two months in the skeletal ages of the Nigerian children compared to the at/as. This difference however was not significant. The skeletal age (in months) was greater in 77% of the children than the expected age in the atlas. The mean skeletal age of Nigerian children though more than the standard in the atlas is not statistically Significant, as a result the study finds the radiographic atlas of Greulich and Pyle atlas applicable to Nigerian children....
The morphometry of the cervical spine is of clinical importance in traumatic, degenerative and inflammatory conditions. For example a small diameter has been associated with an increase of injury mainly in athletes who participate in contact or collision sports. Before abnormal spinal morphometry can be determined, it is first necessary to establish normal values for the specific patient population being evaluated. Subjects (300) were randomly chosen from the various hospital radiology imaging data bank alongside their medical report in only those reported as normal were utilized. The typical cervical vertebrae C3-C5 were utilized for this study. Subjects demographic variables which include age and sex were recorded alongside the anthropological variables which include the length and width of the vertebral body, the size of the spinal canal. The mean values obtained in all the variables (vertebral body length and breadth, the saggital and transverse spinal canal) showed a decrease as descends the vertebrae C3, C4, C5 with the vertebral length (20.44 + 2.12mm, 19.7 + 2.43), the vertebral body's width (12.89+1.78mm,) and transverse spinal canal (11.74 + 1.53mm, 11.21+1.47mm, 11.19 + 1.31). This study has indeed showed that the gender difference, decrease in vertebral body size form C3 to C5. The Torg Pavlov ratio is however applicable to Nigerians. The result of the present work may help in better understanding of morphological parameters of cervical spine region of Nigerian population. It may be further useful in designing spinal implants which would be biomechanically compatible to the anatomy of Nigeria people....
This study assessed the cyanide induced thyrotoxic state by oxidative stress on the thyroid gland. Twelve (12) first filial (F1) generation in bred adult male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into two groups. Group I received 0.25M sucrose while Group II received 20mg/KgBW of potassium hexacyanoferrate III solution both for the duration of 14 days. Animals were sacrificed by chloroform ether anesthesia, blood samples collected to determine the serum Free Tri-iodothyronine (FT3), Free Tetra-iodothyronine (FT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentration and thyroid gland excised and processed for light microscopic examination and histomorphometry while the activities of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed from the thyroid tissue homogenates. Light microscopic examination of the thyroid gland from the treated group showed enlarged hyperplastic thyroid follicle lined by degenerated columnar follicular cells while the control group showed normal thyroid follicle architecture. Maximum diameters of the follicles from the slides of thyroid tissues of both groups of animals were measured and data acquired were analyzed using Image J software and student's T-test. The result obtained showed a highly significant difference in the diameters of follicles of the two groups of animals on comparism. Increased activities of MDA and SOD with increased serum FT3 and FT4 and decreased serum TSH concentrations were observed in the treated group. Results obtained from MDA, SOD, FT3, FT4 and TSH activities were highly significant (P?0.05) on application of one-way ANOVA statistical analysis when compared with those of their control. The study showed that acute cyanide exposure effectively induced thyrotoxic state by oxidative stress....
Anatomy” – Act Cap 17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria is an act made in 1933 to regulate Schools of Anatomy in Nigeria. It is arranged in twelve (12) sections, makes room for the practice of anatomy in Nigeria and makes lawful for anatomy practitioners to be licensed by the Minister of Health to practice but limits anatomy practice solely to possession of cadavers and carrying out of anatomical examination on such cadavers for the purpose of learning and research. This study assessed the need for advancement of strategies for amendment of Anatomy act in the Laws of the Federation. We dissected Anatomy act looking into its provision for establishment of machinery for constant execution of the act, training, discipline, registration and licensure of anatomy practitioners in Nigeria. We compared these with what are obtainable in seven (7) other similar and health related laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Despite the fact that Anatomy act was the first health related act made into Laws of the Federation, it is the least developed and most neglected law among its peers. While all related laws made provision for establishment of regulatory bodies with full power and adequate funding from the government, Anatomy act does not even have any link to the Ministry of Health. Even with the provision that anatomists in Nigeria will be licensed to practise their profession, not the eldest anatomist could provide an old copy of a license to practice, let alone talking of the fields of practice.We wish to recommend that strategies should be worked out on amendment of the current Anatomy act....
Injury to the Sciatic nerve as a result of intragluteal injections is quite common but avoidable. This study aimed to provide a safe alternative to the traditional dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal injection sites. Eighty four (84) gluteal regions from forty two (42) cadavers were dissected following guidelines described in Finley's Interactive cadaveric dissection guide and the 15th Edition of Cunningham's manual of practical anatomy. The course of the Sciatic nerve in the gluteal region as well as the distance between relevant surrounding structures were examined. The Sciatic nerve was observed to have a normal course through the Ischio-trochanteric path in all the cadaveric specimens dissected. An anatomical space approximately 6cm, and free from major neurovascular structures was observed to exist between the medial margin of Sciatic nerve at exit point and the gluteal cleft at the midline. We suggest that this space, 5.77cm; 6.09cm long in male and female cadavers can be used as a safe site for intragluteal injections especially when the usual injection sites for some reasons are not available. This study will also be helpful in the management of certain categories of surgical patients and other individuals with special needs...
Ovarian tumours continue to be one of the leading gynaecological conditions in Nigeria. These are associated with late presentation and poor outcome in the event of malignancy.To ascertain the prevalence, clinical and pathological features of ovarian tumours at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from medical records over eight years was conducted. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features and histological variants was collated and analyzed. The prevalence of ovarian tumours was 4.3%. Benign tumours constitute 79.6% of all ovarian tumours with physiological ovarian cysts being the commonest variety. Malignant tumours make up 19.3% of all ovarian tumours with mucinous cyst adenocarcinoma been the commonest (50%). Ovarian tumours are more with nulliparous patients and bilateralism is associated with malignancy (P=0.06,OR 3.54,95% CI 0.81-15.65). Most patients are asymptomatic but pelvic pain was the commonest presentation when symptomatic. Patients with abdominal swelling are more likely to have ascites (P=0.00) and abdominal mass was associated with pelvic pain (P=0.00). The ovarian tumours seen in the Port Harcourt are mainly benign. Most patients are asymptomatic, tumours are more in nulliparous women and bilateralism is suggestive of malignancy....
This study investigated the national health status of adults in Owerri Municipal L.G.A. Imo State, Nigeria, as indicated by their body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). 100 subjects comprising 50 male and 50 female adults were recruited for the study. Using standard procedures, their systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, age, height, weight and waist and hip circumstances were measured and recorded for BMI and WHR determination. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 for Pearson correlation and t-test. Results showed significant difference (p...
This study was carried out to determine the average value for the stature, arm span and arm span stature ratio of the Esan ethnic group. It was also carried out to determine the correlation between the stature and arm span, and to establish a formulae for estimation of height using the armspan of the adult Esan ethnic group, as well as to determine if there are sexual dimorphism in these parameters. Six hundred subjects ( 600 Esan's) 300 males, 300 females(between the ages 18-50years), were used for this study. The location where this study was carried out were: College of Education Igueben, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic Auchi, Ekekhen Community, Uromi Community and New Benin City. The morphological measurements were stature (height) and arm span length.The mean and standard deviation of height of the males and females were 176.19±7.09 cm and 167.36±6.92cm. It was observed that the Esan males had a significantly higher height than the Esan females (p...