The abdominal circumference of neonates at birth and established ultrasound values in relation to gestational age

Background: Accurate estimation of Gestational age is important in obstetrics. The abdominal circumference is a tool in foetal biometry used to predict gestational age with ultrasound.Objective: To determine the accuracy of established ultrasound values in estimating Gestational age of foetuses in Nigeria by comparing with the abdominal circumference of neonates measured at birth.Design: A cross-sectional study.Setting: The labour ward of Central Hospital Warri, in Delta State of Nigeria.Subjects: Newborn Neonates who were up to term.Results: Significant correlation between the abdominal circumference and gestational age was reported. A regression model for prediction of gestational age using the foetal abdominal circumference was deduced from the study. The study showed a Mean ± SD of gestational age and abdominal circumference of 38.18 ± 2.35wks and 29.87 ± 2.36 respectively for Nigerian population and 27.74 ±7.45wks and 23.25 ±7.87 for the established ultrasound values. There was also a significant difference (P<0.05) between the abdominal circumference of Nigerian neonates and the established ultrasound values.Conclusion: The abdominal circumference of Nigerian neonates in relation to gestational age was higher than that of the established ultrasound values. Therefore the established ultrasound values should not be generalised for obtaining gestational age in Nigeria

Histomorphological Effect of Zidovudine on the Testes of Adult Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Novegicus)

Background: Zidovudine (ZDV) also referred to as azidothymidine (AZT) was the fi rst approved treatment for human immunodefi ciency virus, although, its impact on the reproductive system has not been clearly understood.Aim: The aim is to analyze the eff ect of dose dependent administration of ZDV (AZT) on the testes of adult Wistar rats was carefully studied.Materials and Methods: The rats (n=20), with an average weight of 150 g were randomly assigned in to a control group (Group 1) (n=5) and three treatment groups (n=5). The control Group 1 received distilled water while the treatment groups divided into Group 2, (subnormal), Group 3 (normal) and Group 4 (excess) were administered 0.3 mg/ml, 1.3 mg/ml and 2.3 mg/ml of AZT respectively (in line with the recommended dose of 600 mg/70 kg) dissolved in distilled water daily for 30 days, using an orogastric cannula. The rats were fed with growers mash and given water liberally. The rats were euthanized under chloroform vapor on the 31st day of the experiment, and the testes were carefully harvested and fi xed in 10% formol saline for histological studies.Results: Histological results of treated group revealed signifi cant changes in testes histoarchitecture (the control showed normal histoarchitecture). Conclusion: ZDV may cause structural abnormalities to testicular tissues. Keywords: Hypospermatogenesis, structural abnormalities, testes, zidovudin

A study of some morphogenetic traits among the Esan ethnic group of Nigeria

Background: Genetic variability is a common feature of many organisms. The existence of genetic variation in man is caused by many factors along with selection, migration, gene flow and genetic drift. Human genetics are known as hereditary traits, these hereditary traits include the dominant and recessive traits in humans. Most of the genes are transmitted in the Mendelian pattern and a few are transmitted through the non-Mendelian pattern.Objective: To show variation pattern in earlobe attachment, hair line distribution and presence or absence of cheek dimples and to determine prevalence of these traits among the Esan ethnic group of Southern Nigeria.Design: Descriptive study.Setting: The target populations for this study are the Esan ethnic group of Southern Nigeria.Esan land is bordered to the south by Benin City, to the east by Agbor City, to the north byEtsako and to the west by River Niger.Subject: A simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 volunteered subjects (176 males, 224 females).They were between the ages of 17-60.Their parents and grandparents were from Esan backgrounds. Data on cheek dimple (present or absent), widow’s peak or straight hairline and earlobe attachment was gathered.Result: Results showed 12.5%of Males and 21.3%of females had cheek dimples while 31.5% of males and34.7% of female had no dimple.29.0% Males and 40.0%females had unattached earlobe while 15.0% Males and 16.0% females had their earlobes attached. Results for widow’s peak showed 14.7% males and 16.5% females had widow’s peak while 29.3% males and females 39.5% didn’t have a peak.The chi-squared analysis of variance showed that there is a no significant difference between gender for earlobe attachment, hair line variation and cheek dimple (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study concluded that these traits varies in the population but do not vary with gender

HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS CASSIA OCCIDENTALISON THE LIVER AND KIDNEY IN ADULT WISTAR RATS

Cassia occidentalis is a plant found mostly in the southern, middle belt and northern parts of Nigeria. It is a herb that belongs to the family of plants called leguminosae. It is commonly known as “coffee senna” and used widely for the cure of many ailments. In this research, the histological effects of cassia occidentalis extract on the liver and kidney of wistar rats as well as its effect on the organs weights were carefully studied. The rats (n=24) with an average weight of 150g were randomlyplaced into 4 groups. Each group consisted of six (6) rats. Group one served as the control group while groups 2, 3 and 4 were given 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg of cassia occidentalis extract respectively for 29 days. The rats were fed with growers mash and givenwater liberally. On the thirtieth day, the rats were sacrificed and the kidneys and liverswere carefully harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological examination. Weight measurement showed non-significant increase in organ weight in the treated groups compared to control animals. Histological examination revealed some changes in the livers and kidneys of treated rats. The changes are vascular congestion and dilatation and infiltrates of mild chronic inflammatory cells leading to an activation of the immune cells of the liver. The results from this research showed that cassia occidentalis extract had a hepatoprotective function. Conclusively from this research, the consumption of cassia occidentalis could have a possible positive effect on the liver and kidney

Histomorphological Effects of Xylopia aethiopica on the Liver and Kidney of Albino Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the effect of Xylopia aethiopica on the histology and morphology of the liver and kidneys, using Albino Wistar rat as experimental model. Twenty-four rats irrespective of gender were used for the study and were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control and were fed with rat chows and distilled water, groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 300mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica alongside rat chow and distilled water for 21 days. The result shows significant decrease in total body weight, liver weight, and kidney weight of the three Xylopia aethiopica treated groups. Histopathological findings examination of liver reveals a mild to acute hepatitis in treated rats. On the other hand, that of the kidney reveals a dose dependent intersti tial nephritis in the treated rats. Findings of this study revealed that aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica possess some toxic effect on the liver and kidney. Indiscriminate ingestion of the extract of Xylopia aethiopica should be avoided

A Comparative Study of the Canine Tooth as a Tool in Gender Determination in Nigerian Population

Dental evidence has been demonstrated as a major forensic tool for the identification of individuals and sex determination. The objective of the research was to determine sex in Delta Ibo ethnic group of Nigeria using the mandibular and maxillary canine teeth. Materials and methods. The study comprised 201 (100 males and 101 females) subjects of Delta Ibo ethnicity at the age of 17 – 25 years. The mesiodistal crown width and intercanine distance of both the maxillary and mandibular canines were measured intraorally using a pair of dividers and a ruler. Unpaired T-test at a probability value of p<0.05 was used to ascertain the mean significant differences between the male and female canine indices.   Results. Study results showed a statistically significant difference between male and female mandibular and maxillary canine mesiodistal width. This implied a sexual and reversed sexual dimorphism in the studied population.        Conclusions. The study confirmed that the canines of Delta Ibos exhibit sexual dimorphism like other populations and the maxillary canine indices give the most accurate prediction in sex determination

The effects of aqueous extract of ocimum gratissimum on the cerebellum of male wistar rats challenged by lead acetate

Objectives: Lead acetate (LA) is a known toxicant, and its exposure in the environment has been on the increase in recent times, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Based on this background, we investigated the role of the antioxidative properties of Ocimum gratissimum (OG), a potent medicinal plant, in ameliorating and protecting the brain from lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage via the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and brain histology. Methods: Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 145e200g divided into five groups were used for this experimental study. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as positive and negative controls and were administered sterile water, 252.98 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaves extract of OG and 120 mg/kg of LA for 21 days. Furthermore, following the administration of LA, rats in groups 4 and 5 were treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight of OG. OG and LA were administered orally for 42 days. Oxidative stress parameters, as well as histoarchitectural investigations following LA and OG treatment, were analysed. Results: Results showed normal histoarchitecture of the cerebellum in control and group 2 animals (OG only). In group 3 animals that received LA only, we observed severe stages of neurodegenerative features in the Purkinje, granular cell molecular cell layers of the Cerebellum. Also, results from groups 4 and 5 rats that were co-administered with LA and OG revealed regenerative tendencies and an increase in the neuronal cell density of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, we recorded an increase in the brain content of malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant status (catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and sodium dismutase (SOD)) following LA administration. OG attenuated this heightened MDA activity and depletion of the antioxidant status. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of OG improved cerebellar neurotoxicity and degeneration in rats exposed to LA by modulating oxidative damage

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and Toxicology

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including ‘Diabetes’ ‘Gabon’ ‘Toxicity’ ‘Constituents’ ‘hyperglycaemia’ were used. Results: A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver. Conclusion: An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Anthropometric study of ischiopubic index of the Isoko and Benin in Nigeria

Background : The ischiopubic index is calculated by dividing the pubic length by the ischial length and multiplying by 100. It has been said to be one of the parameters affecting the pelvic inlet and this is of interest to obstetricians and anatomic anthropologists.Objectives : To determine and compare the pubic length, ischial length and ischiopubic index among the males and females of Isoko and Bini ethnic groups of Nigeria.Design : A retrospective cross sectional study.Setting: University of Benin teaching hospital (UBTH), Irrua Specialist teaching hospital (ISTH) and Eku Baptist Hospital.Subjects: Four hundred antero-posterior radiographs ; two hundred for the Isoko (males 105 and females 95) and two hundred also for the Bini (males 110 and females 90) adult pelvis in the age range of 18 – 65 years were evaluated.Results : Pubic length, ischial length, and ischiopubic index were measured. The mean pubic length, mean ischial length and mean ischiopubic index of Isoko males are respectively (mm) 78.42±3.40,69.41±5.10, 75.2-97.5, 87.52 ±1.30. The range and point of demarcation are (mm): 75.2-97.5, <86.22. For Isoko females, the mean pubic length, mean ischial length and mean ischiopubic index are (mm): 81.20 ±5.0, 74.30±6.10, 106.21±9.10. The range and demarcation point are (mm): 87-125.10, <97.11. The mean pubic length, mean ischial length and mean ischiopubic index of Bini males are respectively (mm): 74.32±5.40,82.71 ±7.20, 88.72±2.40. The range and point of demarcation are (mm) 70-98,<86.32. For Bini females they are (mm); 86.48±4.20, 78.61±7.41, 112.21±7.71. The range and point of demarcation are (mm): 84.1-132.50, <104.50 respectively.Conclusion: The study showed sexual dimorphism in the ischipubic index of the study population and a significant difference in actual mean values and demarking points between the two population groups studied. This contributes growing database of anthropologically and obstetrically significant data for ethnic groups in Nigeria and could help in identification of skeletal remains in the hitherto restive Nigerian Niger-Delta region

Anomalous lobar pattern of left lung: A case report

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