Study of the Nasal Indices and Bialar Angle of the Ibo and Yoruba Ethnic groups of Nigeria

This study was designed to determined and compare the nasal indices and bialar angles of the Ibo and Yoruba ethnic groups in order to classify their nose types and to analyze the presence or absence of sexual dimorphism, also to provide base line data for anthropologists, aesthetic and reconstruction surgeons. The current study sample consists of 384 subjects, 228 Ibo subjects and 156 Yoruba subjects were measured for nasal length and nasal breath thereafter nasal indices were calculated from the measurements while bialar angle was measured in 220 Ibo subjects and 143 Yoruba subjects. Results obtained showed that Ibo males and females had a mean nasal index of 10762+ 1-09 and 98-89+1.30, bialar angle of 107.12+ 1.08 and 100.57+ 1.35 respectively while Yoruba males and females has a mean nasal index of 110.30+ 1.92 and 97.07+ 2.11, bialar angle of 99.29+ 1.12 and 95.48+ 1.05 respectively. Sexual dimorphism was observed with significantly higher values of all parameters measured in males compared to females of both ethnic groups. The data of this study have shown that both ethnic groups have platyrrhine nose type (Broad nose) and an obtuse bialar angle with Ibos having broader nose than the Yorubas. Keywords: Bialar angle, nasal index, sexual dimorphism, platyrrhine, Ibo, Yoruba, ethnic groups

Effect of Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of Anacardium Occidentale (Cashew) on the Histology of the Pancreas of Diabetic Wistar Rats

This study was designed to investigate the effect of aqueous ethanolic bark extract of Anacardium Occidentale (Cashew) on the histology of the pancreas of streptozotocin induced diabetic wistar rats. Twenty-four wistar rats weighing 150-170g were grouped into four (A, B, C and D) of six rats each. Streptozotocin was used in the production of diabetic models in groups B, C and D by subcutaneous injection of 65mg/kgbwt after an overnight fast. Groups A and B served as the normal and diabetic controls respectively and received 0.5ml of normal saline, twice daily. Groups C and D are the treatment groups that were treated with 300mg/kgbwt and 500mg/kgbwt of plant extract pre os respectively, twice daily. All the rats were given growers’ mash and water. The experiment lasted for 28 days.  After the expiration of extract administration, rats were anaesthetized using chloroform and the peritoneum stripped open to excise the pancreas which were prepared for histological studies using haematoxylin and eosin staining technique. The result of this study showed regeneration of beta cells, but it was more significant in the group that received 500mg/kgbwt of the extract. The extract is therefore dosage dependent. Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Pancreatic (beta) Cells, Diabetes mellitus, streptozotocin, wistar rats and Histology

Cephalofacial Indices of the Ibo and Yoruba Ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria

Cephalofacial analysis is an important parameter useful anthropologically to ascertain racial, ethnical and sexual differences. This work aimed at determining cephalic and facial indices and the anatomical types of head and face found among the Ibo and Yoruba tribes. Study was cited in two geographical locations in southern Nigeria depending on the ethnic group. Five hundred human subjects were randomly selected,  comprising 300 and 200 subjects of the Ibo and Yoruba ethnic groups respectively with age range of 18-35 years. Results obtained showed that Ibo males and females had mean cephalic indices of 81.79±0.43 and 81.68±0.52 respectively and facial (prosopic) indices of 75.49±0.50 and 73.76±0.54 respectively while the Yoruba males and females had mean cephalic indices of 80.40±0.49 and 78.47±0.66 respectively and facial indices of 77.60 ± 2.82 and 73.72±1.05 respectively. Based on the Cephalic Index, the dominant head form found among the Ibo ethnic group was brachycephaly while the Yoruba ethnic group had a head form ranging from brachycephaly to mesocephaly. Facial indices showed dominant hypereuriprosopic face type for the two ethnic groups. The cephalic index only showed sexual dimorphism  in the Yoruba ethnic group but the facial index  showed significant gender difference in the two ethnic groups studied.Data got from this research could be useful in forensic medicine and reconstructive surgeries. Keywords: Cephalic index, facial index, sexual dimorphism

The Carrying Angle of the Ibo and Yoruba Ethnic Groups of Nigeria and its Relationship with the Height of Individuals

The  carrying angle of  five  hundred and four students (275 males and 229 females) of the Ibo and  Yoruba  ethnic group of Nigeria were measured  using an improvised  goniometer. The age range of the subjects was  between 18 and 35 years so as to minimize changes  due to aging. Carrying angle was measured  from both upper limbs, right and left. Height was measured  using a mechanical measuring  rod. Results showed a mean carrying  angle 17.630± 0.25 and 15.050 ± 0.24 for right and left sides respectively  in males and  18.670 ±0.35 and 16.640 ± 0.33 for right and left sides respectively  in females of  Ibo ethnicity. The mean carrying angle for the Yoruba ethnic group is 15.350 ± 0.35 and 13.250 ± 0.35 for right and left sides respectively for the males and 17.570 ± 0.39 and 15.550 ± 0.37 for right and left sides respectively  for the females.  There were significant differences   between the different sides of the upper limb, between the two ethnic groups and also between  the two sexes at P< 0.05. The Ibo ethnic group had higher carrying angles than the Yoruba ethnic  group. The carrying angle  of the right upper limb was significantly higher  than the left upper limb at p<0.05 and the females had significantly  higher carrying angles  at P<0.05 than their male  counterparts. The mean height for the Ibo males and females is 1.71m ± 0.01 and 1.62m ± 0.01 respectively and for the Yoruba males and females, 1.69m ± 0.01 and 1.59m ± 0.01 respectively. There was no particular relation between the height of an individual and the carrying angle. Keywords: Carrying angle, height, gender, ethnic group.