Variability of the morphology of gastrocnemius muscle in an African population

Gastrocnemius morphological status is often designated as being bipennate. Its robustness in humans is a feature that accompanies the human mode of locomotion. The three-headed variant has often been reported, but paucity of information exists within the Nigerian population as regards gastrocnemius morphological variability. We therefore currently aim to determine the pattern of occurrence of variations of the muscle in both legs of thirty cadavers in four Anatomy laboratories of Universities in Southwestern part of Nigeria. Our current study shows that the multi-headed variants (three and four-headed) are more dominant. A minority (35%) of the legs had two-headed gastrocnemius muscle, 13.3% had three-headed gastrocnemius while 51.7% had four-headed gastrocnemius muscle. This study provides a careful description of the gastrocnemius muscle in the studied population and also sheds light on the embryological and clinical implications of the findings. The knowledge of variant gastrocnemius anatomy will aid understanding of popliteal surface anatomy, palpation of popliteal arterial pulse, popliteal nerve block and the assessment of gastrocnemius muscle for autografting. The additional variant heads also bear evolutionary importance.Keywords: Gastrocnemius; Multi-Pinnate; Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome; Variations; Four-Headed, Third Head Of Gastrocnemiu

A five-year review of burn injuries in Irrua

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The management of burns remains a challenge in developing countries. Few data exist to document the extent of the problem. This study provides data from a suburban setting by documenting the epidemiology of burn injury and ascertaining outcome of management. This will help in planning strategies for prevention of burns and reducing severity of complications.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 72 patients admitted for burns between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st, 2006 at the Irrua specialist teaching hospital were studied retrospectively. Sources of information were the case notes and operation registers. Data extracted included demographics as well as treatment methods and outcome</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results revealed male to female ratio of 2.1:1. Over 50% of the injuries occurred at home. There was a seasonal variation with over 40% of injuries occurring between November and January. The commonest etiologic agent was flame burn from kerosene explosion. There were 7 deaths in the series.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Burns are preventable. We recommend adequate supply of unadulterated petroleum products and establishment of burn centers.</p

Simultaneous removal of cadmium and nitrate in aqueous media by nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) and Au doped nZVI particles

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) has demonstrated high efficacy for treating nitrate or cadmium (Cd) contamination, but its efficiency for simultaneous removal of nitrate and Cd has not been investigated. This study evaluated the reactivity of nZVI to the co-contaminants and by-product formation, employed different catalysts to reduce nitrite yield from nitrate, and examined the transformation of nZVI after reaction. Nitrate reduction resulted in high solution pH, negatively charged surface of nZVI, formation of Fe3O4 (a stable transformation of nZVI), and no release of ionic iron. Increased pH and negative charge contributed to significant increase in Cd(II) removal capacity (from 40&nbsp;mg/g to 188&nbsp;mg/g) with nitrate present. In addition, nitrate reduction by nZVI could be catalyzed by Cd(II): while 30% of nitrate was reduced by nZVI within 2&nbsp;h in the absence of Cd(II), complete nitrate reduction was observed in the presence of 40&nbsp;mg-Cd/L due to the formation of Cd islands (Cd(0) and CdO) on the nZVI particles. While nitrate was reduced mostly to ammonium when Cd(II) was not present or at Cd(II) concentrations&nbsp;≥&nbsp;40&nbsp;mg/L, up to 20% of the initial nitrate was reduced to nitrite at Cd(II) concentrations&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;40&nbsp;mg/L. Among nZVI particles doped with 1&nbsp;wt. % Cu, Ag, or Au, nZVI deposited with 1&nbsp;wt. % Au reduced nitrite yield to less than 3% of the initial nitrate, while maintaining a high Cd(II) removal capacity

Major Placenta Previa with Assisted Vaginal Delivery and Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage

An unbooked 20 year-old primigravida presented at 36 weeks gestation with severe antepartum hemorrhage due to major placenta previa in shock. She fell into labour during resuscitation prior to emergency caesarian section. She had outlet forceps delivery of a fresh still birth and developed primary postpartum hemorrhage. She was managed with uterotonics, anti-shock garment and uterine packing with blood transfusion and antibiotics

Barrier analysis for adequate daily fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income residents of Hanoi, Vietnam and Ibadan, Nigeria

Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake is a risk factor for malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the determinants of daily fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income households in urban and peri-urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam and Ibadan, Nigeria. We used the barrier analysis rapid assessment tool to assess the influence of psychosocial and individual factors and perceived characteristics of the food environment. In Hanoi, determinants were family preferences and habits, home production, and perceived benefits and action efficacy. In Ibadan, consumption was determined by affordability. Gender- and neighbourhood-related differences were found to be influential factors. As results are contextual, we recommend that interventions promoting fruit and vegetable consumption assess local determinants