HISTOCYTO-ARCHITECHTURAL CHANGES OF WISTER RATS SPLEEN EXPOSED TO PHOTOGRAPHIC FIXER EFFLUENT

ABSRACTWe investigated the effect of sub chronic low dose of radiographic fixer effluent on the cyto-architecture of Wister rat spleen. Objective: The extensive use of fixer chemicals in radiographic / radiological laboratories and the attendant discharge in to the environment of the fixer effluent especially in the developing world necessitated this study. Methods: Twentyfive (25) Wister rats that have not been used for any experiment were divided into three groups namely group 1 with 5 rats which served as control and received only water, group 2 had 10 rats and received 200mg/kg (8% LD50) of fixer effluent, while group 3 with 10 rats received 400mg/kg (16% LD50) of fixer effluent. The fixer effluents were orally administered daily for the 28 days study period. The rats were given free access to feeds and water. Two weeks study: mid way, on the 14th day of the study period (short term), 5 Wister rats each from group 2 and 3 which received (200mg/kg) and (400mg/kg) administration of fixer effluent respectively were anaesthetized, sacrificed and their spleens were harvested fixed in 10% formalin saline solution awaiting further histological preparations for short-term investigation. Four weeks study: On the 28th day of the study period (medium term), the rats in control group, and the remaining 5 rats each from groups 2 and 3 were anaesthetized and sacrificed while their spleens were collected fixed in 10% formalin saline solution for histological preparations and analysis. Results: Short term administration of (200mg/kg) fixer effluent showed inflammatory cells in the red and white pulp. The Medium term administration of (200mg/kg) fixer effluent showed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the red and white pulp and equally in the venous sinuses between the sinusoids and the parenchyma of the red pulp. Also, necrosis was recorded in the red pulp parenchyma. Short term administration of 400mg/kg fixer effluent to the rats showed slightly enlarged red and white pulp with inflammation and moderate necrosis of parenchyma of the red pulp. There was also distortion in the germinal center and trabecular. Medium term administration of 400mg/kg fixer effluent to the rats caused moderately enlarged red and white pulp with severe necrosis and lymphocytic infiltrations in the red pulp parenchyma and also infiltrations in the venous sinuses between the sinusoids and parenchyma of the red pulp. Conclusion, the fixer effluent caused deleterious effects to the cellular structure of the rat spleen. Key words: Fixer effluent, Wister rats, Sub chronic, Sinusoids, Inflammation, lymphocytic infiltration

Development and Optimization of Surface and Volume Radiofrequency Coils Suitable for Fast-Field-Cycling Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FFC-MRI)

  Objective: To evaluate a modelling and design methodology employed in constructing and optimizing radiofrequency (RF) coils suitable for use with the whole-body fast-field-cycling Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FFC-MRI). It is also aimed at comparing the sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the various types of surface RF coils constructed at the initial and final stages of this research. Methodology: An experimental study carried out at Biomedical MRI Laboratory at University of Aberdeen. Various designs of RF coil were constructed, optimized and tested with network/signal analyser for use with an experimental FFC - MRI scanner, operating at a detection magnetic field of 0.2 T (proton Larmor frequency of 8.5 MHz). The coils comprised circular loop (CL) RF – receive surface coil and a birdcage RF – transmit volume coil.  The intrinsic parameters of the CL coils were measured using a search-coil field probe and a network/signal analyser. Results: The CL surface coil constructed with copper wire had resonant frequency of 8.46 MHz and Quality factor (Q – factor) of 47.1 while the resonant frequency of the one constructed with litz wire was 8.54 MHz and Q - factor of 85.4 MHz. The intrinsic parameter of the birdcage volume coil was 8.48 MHz and Q - factor of 102. Conclusion: Bench testing of the coils showed promise as receiver and transmit coils for the FFC-MRI system &nbsp

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina Ethanolic Root Extract on the Hepato- and Nephro-Protective Properties of Albino Rats (Rattus novergicus)

The hepato- and nephro-protective potentials of Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic root extract was evaluated for 14 days using standard bioassay in 45 normal male albino rats. The rats were divided into four treatment groups I – IV and a control group V. Groups I – IV were given 100mg.kg-1, 200mg.kg-1, 400mg.kg-1 and 600mg.kg-1 body weight, respectively while the control (group V) was given equal volume of feed and water. The extracts were administered orally to the animals for 14 days. Blood samples were collected using the ocular puncture method before and weekly after administration to evaluate the extracts’ effects on aspartate transaminase (AST), acid phosphatase (ACP), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The mean serum levels of the liver marker enzymes AST, ACP, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin ranged from 10.00±0.53 to 11.44±0.44, 31.29±0.64 to 33.14±0.56, 27.22±0.94 to 29.67±0.37 and 37.83±0.59 to 40.57±1.02, 3.42±0.08 to 3.61±0.07 and 2.06±0.11 to 2.51±0.05 respectively. The mean levels of the nephrotic enzymes, creatinine and BUN also ranged from 39.87±1.79 to 43.04±1.57 and 6.62±0.21 to 15.98±0.17 accordingly. Although no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the serum levels of the liver marker enzymes and creatinine when compared with the control, a dose and duration dependent significant increase (p<0.05) occurred in the BUN level. This tends to suggest that the ethanolic root extract of Vernonia amygdalina on a short term basis has some hepato-protective property while its nephro-protective ability is still doubtful. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Ethanolic root extract, Liver maker enzymes, Nephrotic enzymes, Albino rat

Academic achievement among radiography students in a Nigerian university: Does program interest count?

This research assessed the relationship between the level of interest and academic achievement among Radiography students in a Nigerian University, and implications for career counseling. From the population of all the Radiography students (65) in the third, fourth and fifth (final) years, a sample size of forty students was drawn through stratified sampling technique. The ex-post facto research survey method was adopted. The program interest inventory (PII) was developed, validated and used for the study. Data analysis was done through descriptive, correlation coefficient and t-test statistics at 5% level of significance. A significant relationship between students ’ academic performance and the level of interest in Radiography program was revealed. Consequently, students with higher interest levels performed better in cognitive test than their counterparts with low interest level. Gender is considered an important factor, as this study revealed a significant difference in the interest levels of female and male students. The study confirms that the interest level of students in a Radiography program significantly influences their academic performance. The study recommended a targeted counseling service to help students develop genuine interest and love for their chosen careers and to avoid academic failure

Pattern of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Lumbar Spine Pathologies and its Correlation with Demographic Variables in Rivers State

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) currently is an excellent imaging modality of choice for the demonstration of pathologies of the lumbar spine and the intervertebral disc. A sound knowledge of the common pathologies of the lumbar spine in our setting will assist clinicians and radiologists in making accurate diagnosis. Aim: To determine the type and distribution of MRI findings in lumbar spine pathologies and its demographic correlation in Rivers State. Materials and Methods: This was an observational crosssectional study carried out among all symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who were referred for lumbar spine MRI at some selected Imaging Diagnostics Centres in Rivers State, from May 2020 to November 2020. The lumbar spine MRI examinations were performed using 0.35 Tesla MRI machines with both planar surface and multicoil phased array. The patients were evaluated for disabilities using the Nurick grading classifications. Data obtained were analysed using both descriptive (mean, deviation, frequency and percentage) and inferential (Pearson’s Correlation) statistical tools. The level of statistically significance was set at p <0.05. Results: Out of 151 patients that were included in this study, majority 78 (51.7%) of the patients were within the age group of 40-59 years with an overall mean age of 52.51±14 years. The majority 114 (75.50%) of the patients had single pathology. Among those that had single pathology, a greater proportion had spondylosis 65 (43.05%). A greater proportion 73 (48.34%) of the patients had single level of spinal involvement with lumbar vertebra four (L4) commonly affected in 26 (17.22%). Out of 151 patients, majority 49 (32.45%) had Nurick grade II and the least 7 (4.64%) had Nurick grade V. Conclusion: Lumbar spine pathologies frequently involve the fourth lumbar vertebra and middle-aged males are commonly affected