bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Assessments and Sexual Dimorphism of the Visual Pathway Structures of Cricetomys gambianus (African Giant Rats Waterhouse-1840)
Authors: Amuzor S.O. , Agbon A.N. , Musa S.A. , Umana U.E. , Ayo J.O.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cricetomys gambianus (African Giant Rat (AGR) a nocturnal rodent has recently been a choice model for several areas of neuroscience research. This study assessed sexual differences in the morphometric parameters of visual pathway structures of the AGR.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy adult AGRs (n=5; Male (M) and Female (F)) were captured from the wild and used for this study. The ARGs were sedated and body weight obtained before perfusion and decapitation. The weight and dimensions of the brain, eyeballs, optic nerve, optic chiasma and optic tract were obtained using digital weighing balance and Vernier caliper, respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) version 23. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM.
RESULTS:  Average body weight of AGRs was 787±208.6 g for males and 926±133.0 g for females; Brain weight was 6.7±0.6 g for males and 6.9±0.6 g females; while eyeball weight was 0.23±0.02 g for males and 0.22±0.02 g for females. Significant (p<0.05) sexual differences were observed in the dimensions of eyeball antero-posterior diameter (M=7.19±0.24 mm; F= 6.56±0.17 mm); Eyeball right-left diameter (M=6.12±0.11 mm; F= 5.27±0.19 mm); Optic nerve length (M=2.18±0.18 mm; F=1.42±0.13 mm); Optic tract length (M=1.21±0.16 mm; F=1.02±0.08 mm); Optic chiasma antero-posterior length (M=1.02±0.24 mm; F=0.66±0.05 mm) and Optic chiasma right-left length (M=0.80±0.07 mm; F=0.73±0.05 mm).
CONCLUSION: There exists sexual dimorphism in the morphometric parameters of visual pathway structures in the AGR. These differences are suggestive of evolutionary advantage in males compared to females as they go out in search for food and easy escape from predators within their natural habitat.
Cucurbita maxima Seed Oil Pre-treatment Ameliorates Ovarian Oxidative Stress-mediated dysfunction Associated with Diclofenac therapy
Authors: Nwafor J.A. , Okposhi F.T. , Anyigor O.O. , Nnama T.N. , Ukah I.C. , Ezeuko V.C.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Frequent use of diclofenac provokes oxidative stress that may compromise reproductive health. Anti-oxidants present in Cucurbita Maxima Seed Oil (CMSO) may offer therapeutic relief.
METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four randomized rats were used. Group A was control. Group B received only 100mg/kg of Diclofenac sodium intraperitoneally (day 22 to 24). Groups C and D were pre-supplemented with 2ml/kg and 4ml/kg of CMSO respectively (day 1-24) before toxic dose of diclofenac at specified days. The rats were sacrificed; blood samples were used for assay of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT), Progesterone (PROG) and ovaries processed for H and E histology.
RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was significantly (p< 0.05) increased in Diclofenac alone treated rats (group B) when compared to Control. This elevation in MDA suggests excessive lipid peroxidation. Similarly, Progesterone (PROG) level was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in Group B compared to control. Hyper secretion of Progesterone may inadvertently affect conception via negative feedback pathway by inhibiting endometrial receptivity and decidualization. It was observed that rats given high dose CMSO (Group D) showed significantly decreased MDA with a reduction in Catalase (CAT) level after scavenging reactive metabolites of diclofenac when values were compared to group B at p< 0.05. This is believed to be due antioxidants and poly saturated fatty acid content in CMSO which preserves ovarian cellular membrane from free radical attack by inhibiting spontaneous cell membrane depolarization and minimizing amount of drug reactive metabolite reaching ovarian tissue by nourishing endothelial membrane barrier. Group B rats showed degeneration in corpus luteum (CL), compared to control and high dose CMSO pre-treated rats.
CONCLUSION: CMSO is of therapeutic benefit against diclofenac-induced ovarian dysfunction.
Relationship between somatotype categories and musculoskeletal discomforts among Nigeria school students: A case study of selected secondary schools in Lagos State
Authors: Omotayo H.A. , Opoola F.O. , Omotayo M.T. , Kusemiju T.O. , Duru F.I.O.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dimethyl There are rare study on the impact of somatotype on musculoskeletal discomfort in young and adolescence students. This aim of this study was to investigate the association between musculoskeletal discomforts and somatotype (body form) of students in secondary schools.
METHOD: A cross sectional study of total sample size of 640 students from age 10 to17 was taken across privately operated schools and government operated schools, and were categorised into age group of 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-17. Anthropometry data of the students was collected using International Society for Anthropometric Analysis of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) model and Musculoskeletal discomfort (pain) level was taking using Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRPS) which ranges from No Pain to Severe Pain. The student’s somatotype category was determined using the Heath Carter method and the frequency for the pain analysed. A Descriptive Statistics and Chi-Square (χ2) Test Analysis was done between the two categorical variables to ascertain association and it significance. Statistical significant set at p< α=0.05.
RESULTS: The results shows variation in frequency of pain outcome for students across age groups and schools, however, in totality the frequency of students that reported no pain is low compared to other categories of pain. There is noticeable difference in the frequency somatotype categories of students in private school and public schools across age groups. The ectomorph in private school is high (117) as compare to public school (97), the mesomorph is 95 and 111 for private school and public school respectively while endomorph is 106 and 114 for both school category. The Pearson Chi-Squared test Analysis shows an association between somatotype categories and pain outcome, and there is statistical significance.
CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the analysis, we therefore conclude that, Somatotype of any category does have association with any form musculoskeletal discomforts being experience by students. Other factors may also be an influence to the discomforts either internal or environmental.
Evaluation of common ultrasound findings in female patients who present with pelvic pain at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ujaddughe O.M. , Eseine-Aloja C.E. , Aimua H.I. , Eigbedion A.O. , Ujaddughe M.E. , Okodaso H.A. , Eseine C.O. , Ebhojaye K.I. , Izunya A.M.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pelvic pain is the abdominal pain located below the level of the umbilicus including lower back pain with or without radiation into the thighs. It may be acute, intermittent or chronic. This usually affects women more than men possibly because of genetic, hormonal, sociocultural, reproductive organ differences, and anthropological reasons. In women, pelvic pain can be an indication that there may be a problem with one or more of the organs within the pelvic region such as the urogenital and reproductive organs. This study aimed to evaluate the common causes of pelvic pain in females using the ultrasound findings of patients presenting at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study adopted a retrospective non-experimental design to obtain and analyze data from the Radiology Department, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua over eighteen months. 1599 cases were obtained using a convenience sampling method. The resulting data was analyzed using SPSS software version 28.01.1.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Findings from this study showed that females aged 15-49 accounted for 52.60% of the cases whose ages were specified. The transabdominal scan was the dominant ultrasonographic technique used for pelvic evaluation. Uterine fibroid, pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cyst were responsible for the majority of the pelvic pain in the cases where pathology was identified, while ovarian adenocarcinoma, hepatitis, and leiomyosarcoma were least implicated in pelvic pain aetiology.
Histological and biochemical effects of Lutein on the liver of adult Wistar rats following Paraquat-induced toxicity
Authors: Edward T.A. , Ajibade A.J. , Edward S.S. , Umeaku U.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Paraquat is a common herbicide worldwide with potentials for human poisoning through the generation of reactive oxygen species. There is presently dearth of evidence-based cure for paraquat (PQ) poisoning, which is associated with significant hepatic injury and a high mortality globally. Lutein is a carotenoid with free radical-scavenging and antioxidant effects. The study is aimed at investigating the mitigating effect of lutein on paraquat-induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 150-180 g were randomly grouped (A to E) for this study. Paraquat (PQ) toxicity was induced in groups B to E, at a dose of 5mg/kg through oral route. Lutein was administered at graded doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg to groups C to E through oral route for twenty-one days respectively. Group A (negative control) was given only normal saline, while group B (positive control) had only paraquat. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, blood samples were collected for the biochemical analyses of plasma aspartate and alanine transaminases; thereafter, the animals were sacrificed before the excision of the liver for histological examination.
RESULTS: There was significant increase in the plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p=0.01) in group B when compared with the treated groups. The concentrations of catalase and glutathione in group B were significantly lower (p=0.01 and 0.009 respectively) relative to the negative control and lutein-treated groups, especially at higher doses. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in group B than others (p=0.043). There was marked histological distortion with a reduction in hepatocyte count through the use of image J software in group B, which was given PQ only. However, the lutein-treated groups had dose-dependent improvement in hepatocyte count similar to the control. Group E, which had the highest dose of lutein, had remarkable similarity in histo-architectural and biochemical findings when compared to the negative control.
CONCLUSION: This study showed significant alteration in the hepatic biochemical analyses and histo-architecture following paraquat toxicity. However, the groups treated with high doses of lutein showed remarkable similarity with the control group. Hence, study underscores the potentials of lutein to mitigate paraquat-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.
Neuroprotective effects of lycopene on lipopolysaccharide-induced cerebellar damage in rats: Implication for Alzheimer’s disease therapy
Authors: Adeyeye T.A. , Shallie O.F. , Saula T.R. , Afolabi S.A. , Shallie P.D.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The alarming rise in Alzheimer's disease prevalence, projected to affect 153 million people by 2050, underscores the urgent need for effective treatments. Previous research implicates oxidative stress in the neuronal death mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's. Lycopene, a carotenoid, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, reduced oxidative damage, and minimized histopathological changes in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of lycopene in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cerebellar toxicity in rats.
METHODS: Fifty adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups: A (control; non-pelletized rat feed, oil, and water), B treated with 150 mg/kg body weight of LPS only intraperitoneally, C treated with (LPS 150 mg/kg intraperitoneally + 15 mg/kg lycopene orally), D (15 mg/kg lycopene orally + 150 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally), and E (15 mg/kg lycopene orally). The rats underwent neurobehavioral protocols, and post-sacrifice brain sections were processed and stained using H&E, Silver, and Luxol fast blue counter-stained with Nissl stain.
RESULTS: The LPS treatment group exhibited significant body weight loss and motor coordination impairments, indicated by increased orientation and transit times. Lycopene-treated groups showed mitigated weight loss and improved motor coordination. Histopathological analysis revealed mild neuronal damage in the LPS group, while lycopene-treated groups exhibited milder lesions.
CONCLUSION: Lycopene demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects in LPS-induced cerebellar damage in rats, improving motor coordination and reducing neuronal damage. These findings suggest lycopene's potential as a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Comparative study on the contraceptive effects of butanol and dichloromethane fractions of Carica Papaya male tree bark in male Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Adeoya O.F. , Bakare A.A.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: The use of Carica papaya extract in traditional medicine suggests that it might have contraceptive effects on reproductive indices. Traditional healers in Nigeria have used male tree bark of Carica Papaya as a source of antifertility agent. . However, there are few information in scientific literature concerning the male tree bark extract of Carica papaya and media of preparation.
AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the contraceptive effects of butanol and dichloromethane fractions of male Carica papaya tree bark.
METHODOLOGY: The male tree bark of Carica papaya was dried and blended into powdery form, then dissolved in water. The solution was fractionated by column chromatography with petroleum ether and further fractionated using butanol and dichloromethane to isolate butanol (CPFB) and dichloromethane (CPFD) fractions respectively. A total of fifteen animals were divided into three experimental study groups A, B and C. Groups A and B received moderate doses of 75 mg/kg body weight of CPFB and CPFD for 28 days respectively while group C received distilled water. Animals were euthanized after 4weeks of administration, the testes were removed, and used for sperm count and motility evaluations. Blood sample were collected via left ventricular cardiac puncture and used to assay testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels.
RESULTS: The fractions from both media have contraceptive effect, however the semen analysis of CPFB group showed significantly decrease (p<0.01) in reproductive hormones and corresponding decrease in sperm count and motility when compared with the CPFD group. Hence the CPFB group showed more contraceptive potential than the CPFD group when compared with the normal state of the control group.
CONCLUSION: The findings from this present study showed that the butanol fractionation of male sex Carica papaya tree bark demonstrated more contraceptive effects than the dichloro methane fractionate, making Butanol a better choice for fractionation in the contraceptive usage of male sex Carica papaya tree bark.
Effects of Vernonia ambigua on testicular histology, selected semen profiles and serum oxidative stress biomarkers of Wistar rats
Authors: Igwe E.C. , Besong E.E. , Esomchi C.N. , Nwofia J.O. , Okoche M.C. , Onigbo E.O.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infertility has become an ever-present growing reproductive concern worldwide, with male factors evading required scrutiny due to entrenched cultural beliefs, in lieu of scientific proofs. Though researchers’ contribution is palpable, there is still persistent need for more study in this area. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vernonia ambigua on testicular histology, selected semen profiles and serum oxidative stress biomarkers of Wistar rats
METHODOLOGY: Twenty rats weighing 200-220g were grouped into four. Each group had five rats. Group A received feed and water. Groups B, C and D received 100mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight of Vernonia ambigua respectively for 2 weeks. On the 15th day, blood (serum) samples were collected for oxidative stress biomarkers estimation. Histology of the testis and semen parameters were examined. One way Analysis of Variance in Statistical Package for Social Science was used for data analysis with significance difference set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS: Mild testicular distortion was observed in group D. The levels of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in groups B, C and D showed no significant difference when compared to levels of the variables in group A. The same outcome was observed in the comparison of sperm viability, morphology and count of groups B, C and D to group A.
CONCLUSION: Vernonia ambigua at lower dose, shows promising antioxidant and reproductive effects especially when sperm viability is preferred to sperm count.
Evaluation of linear facial photogrammetry of the Ibibio Ethnic Group of Nigeria, resident in Port Harcourt
Authors: Amadi M.A. , Fawehinmi H.B. , Oghenemavwe L.E. , Olugbenga M.A. , Ezeuko V.C.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The face plays a major role in identification of every individual. However, variations exist in facial features of various races and ethnic groups. This study aimed at using photogrammetry to assess the linear facial features of the Ibibio ethnic group of Nigeria resident in Port Harcourt.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study utilized a total of 500 subjects of Ibibio origin residing in Port Harcourt comprising 250 males and 250 females aged between 21 - 45 years. Linear anthropometric parameters were evaluated using a computer aided facial analysis programme, the WinImager®. Statistical analysis was done using XLSTAT software for Windows, version 2021.50. Continuous variables were presented as mean±SEM.
RESULTS: Results showed mean values for forehead height (54.48±0.13mm), midface height (57.24±0.12mm), lower face height (59.55±0.12mm), Facial width (130.62±0.05mm), eye fissure width (30.34±0.05mm), outer canthal distance (103.36±0.12mm), inner intercanthal distance (33.3±0.13mm), Nasal height (48.15±0.14mm), Nasal tip projection (12.65±0.08mm), Nasal width (38.78±0.1mm), Ear length (55.73±0.1mm) and Mouth width (52.95±0.12mm) for both sexes. For the males, the forehead height was 54.74±0.18mm, mid face height (57.50±0.18mm), nasal height (48.40±0.20mm), lower face height (59.81±0.17mm), outer canthal distance (103.60±0.16mm), inner intercanthal distance (33.54±0.18mm), nasal width (39.01±0.14mm), mouth width (53.18±0.09mm), eye fissure width (30.58±0.07mm), face width (130.83±0.07mm), nasal tip projection (12.79±0.11mm), ear length (55.95±0.13mm) while for the females, the forehead height was 52.23±0.18mm, mid face height (56.98±0.17mm), nasal height (47.90±0.20mm), lower face height (57.29±0.17mm), outer intercanthal distance (102.12±0.16mm), inner intercanthal distance (31.90±018mm), nasal width (38.54±0.14mm), mouth width (52.72±0.10mm), eye fissure width (28.10±0.08mm), face width (128.40±0.08mm), nasal tip projection (12.50±0.11mm) and ear length (53.51±0.13m). z-test was used to compare the difference in means. There was sexual dimorphism with male values being significantly higher (p<0.05) in most parameters except for nasal tip projection (p>0.05). Racial variation was observed when compared with studies in other populations.
CONCLUSION: These parameters are a good source of normative values that can be used in gross anatomical modeling, surgical as well as in forensic science.
Testicular histology and seminal assessments following codeine-containing cough syrup administration in male Wistar rats
Authors: Ibeabuchi K.C. , Gbotolorun S.C.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Studies have shown that given its sedating and euphoric effects and the development of tolerance within a relatively short time-frame on repeated use, codeine and codeine-containing products carry identified abuse potential both in pill and syrup forms. Its use, misuse and dependence have become an emerging global public health concern. Accordingly, this study investigated the effect of codeine containing cough syrup on the testes of adult Wistar rats.   
METHODOLOGY: Twenty rats (110-200g) were divided into four groups A-D of five rats each. Group A (control) received only feed and water. Group B (low dose group) received 10.95mg/kg body weight, group C (medium dose group) received 21.90mg/kg body weight while group D (high dose group) received 43.80mg/kg body weight of the syrup daily via an oral cannula for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testes were harvested, weighed and processed for seminal and histological assessments.
RESULTS: Only the low dose group had significantly (P<0.05) lower values of seminal analysis when compared to the control. No deleterious effects were observed in the histological profiles of all the testes.
CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results provide preliminary evidence from seminal analysis and histology that codeine-containing cough syrup had no adverse effect on the testes.
Fixed point theory with partially ordered metric spaces and homotopy
Authors: Issaka I. , Obeng – Denteh W. , Bainson B.O. , Dontwi I.K.
Published: January 2025

The importance of fixed point theory and for that matter metric spaces have significantly manifested in sciences and in many branches of mathematical analysis over the years. The paper presents fixed point theory on a complete metric space with contractive mappings. Provision of some fixed point results of contraction mappings on a partially metric spaces with example. However, generalization of findings using the contraction mappings on partially metric spaces with application to Homotopy theory is provided.
Field survey of insect pests associated with sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas l.) genotypes planted in Otobi Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibediugha B.N. , Ukpai O.M. , Ehisianya C.N. , Nwankwo I.I.M.
Published: January 2025

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plays a major role in human and animal nutrition and enterprise. The production of sweetpotato in the world has been low due to several abiotic and biotic factors. The aim of the study was to determine theinsect pests associated with sweetpotato genotypes planted in the open field in Otobi Benue State, Nigeria. The research was carried out in a plot of land (9m2 )at National Root Crops Research Institute substation in Otobi, Benue State from July to November, 2021. Three months old sweetpotato vine cuttings of between 25 and 30cm long, with 3 to 4 nodes were planted on the ridges made in the plot of land. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 1,575different insect species were collected in Otobi, Benue State. The insects represent fourteen species of five orders at different stages of development were found to be associated with sweet potato crop in the study area. The grasshopper recorded the highest number of 214(13.59%) while the Hawk moth recorded the least number of 18(1.14%). The result has provided a comprehensive list of important pests of sweet potato and beneficial species that can be exploited as components of future integrated management approaches.
Effects of Carica papaya seed extract on the electrical and microstructural properties of mild steel in 0.1m nitric acid
Authors: Ameh B.J. , Osarolube E. , Avwiri G.O.
Published: January 2025

The impact of Carica papaya seed extract on mild steel's electrical and microstructural characteristics in an acidic media (HNO3) is examined using a weight loss technique at room temperature. Based on the results obtained, coupons with18ml extract immersion in an acidic environment yielded an efficiency of 58.38%. Also, the micrographs displayedprimarily pearlite (dark) and ferrite (light) structures, with more ferrite on the first day that gradually reducing with time and more pearlite from the seventh dayupwards. Finally, there was also a drop in the mild steel's electrical conductivity after immersion and increased in electrical resistance with an increasein inhibitor concentration, at the same time impedance remained the same before and after the immersion.
Onychogryphosis of the finger: A case report
Authors: Ibraheem G. H. , Kadir D. M. , Babalola O. M. , Salau O. N. , Ahmed B. A.
Published: January 2025

Onychogryphosis is a disorder of nail growth characterized by  thickening and increase in length and curvature of the nail plate either upward (ram's horn dystrophy) or downward (oyster like onychogryphosis). It is mostly found in the feet of elderly, invalid patients due to neglected self-care behaviours. It may however occur following trauma to the nail bed. The presence of onychogryphosis in elderly patients may contribute to difficulty in using appropriate footwear and restriction of use of the hands. We managed an elderly man with finger onychogryphosis following trauma to the nail in a background of limb paresis. Excision of the nail plate and matricectomy was done as a definitive surgical treatment for the condition. This enabled better function of the hand and allowed easier performance of activities of daily living.
Pattern And Presentation Of Acute Abdomen With Ultrasonography And Surgical-Pathological Correlation In A Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Obirija S.E. , Orji M.O. , Rasheed M.W. , Eze K.C. , Eni U.E. , Okonkwo J.E. , Oji C.C.
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Review On The Role Of Nitric Oxide On Reproductive Function
Authors: Adunmo G.O. , Oyewopo O.A. , Stephen D.A. , Ajao I.D. , Mohammed H.H. , Abdulazeez I.M.
Published: January 2025

No Abstract
Determinants of self-medication among undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano
Authors: Micah D. , Yunusa U.
Published: January 2025

In Nigeria, most drugs can be obtained from pharmacies without a professional prescription, and despite the prevalence of self-medication, few comprehensive studies have been conducted to assess this practice. This study was carried out to evaluate the determinants of self-medication among undergraduate students of Bayero University Kano.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 undergraduate university students using a self-administered questionnaire from February to March 2024. Simple random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using the self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Chi-square test was employed in data analysis, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant.
The prevalence of self-medication within the study period was 52.6% among the respondents (54.9% among males and 50.0% among females). Results of the study further showed that being a medical student (p< 0.001), department of study (p < 0.001), level of parent education (p = 0.023) and the type of health insurance coverage (p = 0.006) were the significant factors shown to be associated with self-medication practice. Antimalaria (76.9%), antibiotics (60.2%) and analgesics (53.3%) were the most common drugs used in self-medication. Headache (69.2%), Malaria (63.4%), Cough and flu (44.5%) were the most common indication for self-medication among the students.
More than half of the respondents engage in self-medication, highlighting the necessity of raising public awareness on the subject. The weak enforcement of medicine regulations, as well as easy accessibility to prescription-only medicine, needs to be addressed by the appropriate authorities to prevent potential harm.
Case Report - Giant Lipoma in the thigh managed in a rural Nigerian hospital and a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Nottidge T.E. , Onwuka C. O. , Nottidge B.A.
Published: January 2025

Lipomas are located in any location in the body in which lipomatous tissue is located, the commonest site being in the subcutaneous area and more commonly in the trunk and neck. These are the commonest benign tumours of the mesenchyme and they are composed of mature lipocytes. The age affected is usually in the fifth or sixth decade of life. They are usually small in size, often less than 2cm. They are defined as giant lipoma's when they have a diameter longer than 10cm or a weight more than 1kg. They can be single or multiple – the multiple lipomas are more common in women. The symptoms of a lipoma are usually those of pressure, often related to giant lipomata and depend on the location in the body – pain, nerve compression and lymphoedema are common. Lipoma rarely become malignant, but this complication is more common in the giant variants.
Giant lipomas are uncommon, usually present in the upper part of the body and often require advanced imaging in the preop workup to aid in the detection of any malignant transformation.
This unusual case is reported because it is scarce in the Nigerian literature, occurred in the lower limb and the patient presented at a rural hospital, where advanced imaging was not available.
A 64-year-old man who had a giant lipoma in the left thigh measuring 30 x 20 x 18 cm, was successfully treated at a rural hospital in Southern Nigeria, without the benefit of advanced imaging. He had serial sections of the huge mass, none of which revealed any sarcomatous change. Furthermore, this report highlights the need for contextually relevant treatment algorithms regarding resource constraints and a pay-from-pocket structure of health care and thus also has a patient advocacy framework.
The evolving international law standards governing restrictions of economic, social, and cultural rights during public health emergencies
Authors: Forman Lisa
Published: January 2025

While COVID-19 lockdowns extensively disrupted health services, food supply, and education, such disruptions are rarely framed as human rights restrictions or derogations. I argue that this silence is rooted in contrasting limitations regimes that arose from Cold War disputes framing these rights as progressive, programmatic, and non-justiciable. In this paper, I analyze the evolution of standards on restrictions of social rights during a public health emergency. First, I compare legal regimes in the two primary covenants, and what drafting history illuminates about the reasons for these differences. I then compare these to the regional human rights systems. Second, I consider interpretations of restrictions under both covenants, focusing on the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights’ general comments and emerging Optional Protocol jurisprudence. Third, I analyze what these interpretations indicate about the international law standards for restrictions of these rights during a public health emergency. I find that these legal criteria increasingly recognize their evolving nature as justiciable rights that impose clear obligations. However essential components like core obligations and public health crisis must be further developed as key dimensions of economic, social, and cultural rights-related proportionality.
Exportación de vidrio de Bohemia a España y Portugal en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Nový Petr
Published: January 2025

La invención del cristal de Bohemia fue un requisito previo para el comercio mundial de este surtido de moda, que dentro de Bohemia se concentraba en la región de Nový Bor-Kamenický Šenov, en el norte de Bohemia. Se trataba de vidrio hueco, candelabros y, más tarde, espejos. En el siglo XVIII, las empresas comerciales de Nový Bor y sus alrededores establecieron sucursales permanentes en el extranjero, las llamadas fábricas, desde donde gestionaban los mercados locales y lejanos. Al mismo tiempo, además de las ciudades hanseáticas del norte de Alemania, se centraron principalmente en la Península Ibérica, desde donde también exportaban a las colonias. En España se establecieron en Cádiz, Sevilla, Alicante y La Coruña, y trabajaron en Lisboa u Oporto en Portugal. ¿Sobre qué principios funcionó este negocio? ¿Cómo era la vida cotidiana en las fábricas? ¿Qué tipo de personas estaban involucradas en este negocio? Estas son las principales preguntas a las que dará respuesta el estudio.
Relojería de sobremesa francesa en la colección del Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas. Los estilos Regencia, Luis XV y Luis XVI
Authors: Bernal Sánchez Pablo
Published: January 2025

El Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas guarda una importante colección de relojería de sobremesa realizada en Francia. Desde el origen de esta tipología en el Renacimiento, las características formales y técnicas han sufrido una evolución notable. En este artículo se recogen los ejemplares más representativos de los estilos Regencia, Luis XV y Luis XVI fabricados durante los siglos XVIII y XIX y se presentan datos inéditos en torno a su autoría, procedencia, fecha
Hacer nuevo el vidrio o el nuevo vidrio no es nuevo
Authors: Silbert Susie
Published: January 2025

This essay focuses on the transformational project New Glass at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, a series of exhibitions and publications (1959 – present day) that has significantly shaped the landscape of glass as an artist’s material. New Glass offers an excellent case study of the interactions between institutions and artists, demonstrating a mode of collaboration that places the museum at the center of creative change, ultimately building opportunities both for the institution and the artists. This essay discusses the origins of New Glass as a concept, the four major New Glass undertakings and their impacts, along with the characteristics of the special New Glass process. It concludes with a vision of applying the artist-centered approach of New Glass to museums across genres that are attempting engage with communities of all sorts.
Checkpoint-based rollback recovery in session programming
Authors: Mezzina Claudio Antares , Tiezzi Francesco , Yoshida Nobuko
Published: January 2025

To react to unforeseen circumstances or amend abnormal situations in communication-centric systems, programmers are in charge of "undoing" the interactions which led to an undesired state. To assist this task, session-based languages can be endowed with reversibility mechanisms. In this paper we propose a language enriched with programming facilities to commit session interactions, to roll back the computation to a previous commit point, and to abort the session. Rollbacks in our language always bring the system to previous visited states and a rollback cannot bring the system back to a point prior to the last commit. Programmers are relieved from the burden of ensuring that a rollback never restores a checkpoint imposed by a session participant different from the rollback requester. Such undesired situations are prevented at design-time (statically) by relying on a decidable compliance check at the type level, implemented in MAUDE. We show that the language satisfies error-freedom and progress of a session.
An Alternate Proof of Near-Optimal Light Spanners
Authors: Bodwin Greg
Published: January 2025

In 2016, a breakthrough result of Chechik and Wulff-Nilsen [SODA '16] established that every $n$-node graph $G$ has a $(1+\varepsilon)(2k-1)$-spanner of lightness $O_{\varepsilon}(n^{1/k})$, and recent followup work by Le and Solomon [STOC '23] generalized the proof strategy and improved the dependence on $\varepsilon$. We give a new proof of this result, with the improved $\varepsilon$-dependence. Our proof is a direct analysis of the often-studied greedy spanner, and can be viewed as an extension of the folklore Moore bounds used to analyze spanner sparsity.

Comment: 26 pages. This is the TheoretiCS journal version (invited paper from SOSA 2024)
Teachers’ Autonomy in Adapting Pedagogical Practices for Effective Implementation of the Secondary School Competency-Based Curriculum in Uganda
Authors: Teophira Ocheng Kagoire Mary , Wambi Moses , Buluma Alfred , Edwin Tusiime Wycliff , Humphrey Gusango Emmanuel , Senkumba John
Published: January 2025

This study intended to explore teachers' opinions on how much they used their autonomy to adapt their pedagogical practices as they implement the competency-based curriculum. The study used an online snowball sampling strategy, which involved sharing an online survey questionnaire with teachers on the authors' social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and emails, requesting participants to further share it in their networks. One hundred ninety-three nationwide secondary school teachers for seniors one to four volunteered to participate in the study. The study adopted the cross-section design, grounded in the positivist paradigm, using quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The study findings led the researchers to conclude that although teachers’ autonomy positively triggered their intrinsic motivation to innovate and contextualize the curriculum during the pre-active phase, they are yet to adapt to new pedagogies expected in implementing a competency-based curriculum. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and Sports as well as school administrators institutionalize the teachers’ use of their autonomy to adapt the competency-based curriculum in their school context.
The Use of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Climate Change adaptation in Zimbabwe
Authors: Takazira Liberty , Dzingirayi Prince
Published: January 2025

Climate change is a topical issue that poses threats to human development. Climate change has economic, social and ecological consequences to agriculture and food security. Therefore, incorporating Indigenous Knowledge System is an important strategy in promoting climate resilient innovations, enhancing African identity and ensuring food security in communal farming communities. This study dealt with strategies of incorporating and aligning the African indigenous knowledge systems to adapt and mitigate climate change effects. The study used a case study design, collecting data through interview and focus group discussions. Data analysis involved the thematic approach. Based on the findings, the study concludes that investing in the African Indigenous Knowledge system provides solution to mitigate environmental weather patterns. The indigenous measures are critical in empowering farmers to embrace and align their farming activities to indigenous knowledge. Therefore, the study recommends farmers to embrace their traditional farming identity through training and awareness engagements.
Verification of the method for reconstruction of individualized external exposure doses to persons living in a contaminated territory with radionuclides.
Authors:   Gomel State Medical University, Kulikovich Dmitry B. ,   International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University, Vlasova Natalie G. ,   Republican Research Center for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology, Visenberg Yuliya V. ,   Gomel State Medical University, Kuznetsov Boris K. ,   Gomel State Medical University
Published: January 2025

Correct assessment of individual exposure doses to the population is an integral component for conducting radiation epidemiological studies to establish the dose-effect relationship and identify the most exposed groups of the population. At the same time, difficulties in assessing individual external exposure doses arise when there is a lack or absence of individual dosimetric control data. In this regard, the assessment of external exposure doses of persons living in areas contaminated with radionuclides is carried out by reconstructing the latter on the basis of official methodological documents. Due to the over conservative nature of exposure dose reconstruction methods, many of them simply don’t correspond to the task of dose individualization, since they only allow estimating average values within a locality, and many lead to significant errors of 300 % or more. Based on the above, we have previously developed and proposed a new method for reconstructing individualized external exposure dose, which allows us to take into account not only the direct factor of dose formation – the surface contamination density by 137Cs, but also «indirect» factors, such as occupation, gender and age of the individual. To assess the adequacy of the method we developed and the possibility of using it to reconstruct individualized external radiation doses we carried out its verification. A research sample was formed based on individual dosimetric control data of residents of the Mogilev region for 2005 and 2006. The sample was formed taking into account the representativeness by type of occupation of the rural population, by gender and age, which have a statistically justified influence on the formation of the individual external exposure dose. The result of a comparative analysis of reconstructed doses with IDC data showed that for the sample as a whole for each year and for occupational groups, the estimated data and IDC data are completely comparable, the estimation error did not exceed 11 %. Thus, verification of the developed method for reconstructing individual external exposure doses to persons living in a radioactively contaminated area showed that the proposed method can be used when there is insufficient amount of IDC data or, in their absence, to predict individual external exposure doses to persons living in a radioactively contaminated area.
Hubungan Lama Hemodialisis Dengan Kualitas Hidup Pasien Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Yang Menjalani Hemodialisis Di Rumah Sakit Panti Rapih Yogyakarta
Authors: Angelina Nindi Cahyani  , Pujiastuti Theresia Tatik , Kristanti Fittriya
Published: January 2025

Hemodialisis salah satu metode terapi yang digunakan untuk mengeluarkan produk limbah berupa zat-zat yang terlarut dalam darah dari dalam tubuh dengan proses penyaringan. Berdasarkan data nasional berkisar 713.783 jiwa dan 2.850 yang melakukan hemodialisa. Prevalensi hemodialisis di dunia meningkat 8% setiap tahunnya. Data Riskesdas tahun 2013-2018, terjadi peningkatan sebesar 0,18% penduduk Indonesia yang menderita penyakit Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Sejak tahun 2007 sampai 2018 terdapat 132.142 jiwa pasien aktif dalam terapi hemodialisis di Indonesia. Tahun 2018 jumlah pasien hemodialisis di DIY sebanyak 2.730 pasien. Salah satu masalah yang terjadi pada pasien hemodialisis adalah penurunan kualitas hidup. Kualitas hidup memiliki banyak faktor yang mempengaruhinya, salah satunya yaitu lama hemodialisis. Semakin lama seseorang menjalani hemodialisis, maka kualitas hidupnya akan semakin buruk. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis hubungan antara lama hemodialisis dengan kualitas hidup pasien Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Di Rumah Sakit Panti Rapih Yogyakarta. Penelitian dilakukan dengan jumlah 99 responden dengan metode non random convenience sampling, pengumpulan data menggunakan kuisioner data demografi dan KDQOL SF versi 1.3. Hasil uji statistik gamma, didapatkan hasil p-value 0,869 (>0,05). Lama hemodialisis tidak berhubungan dengan kualitas hidup dikarenakan terdapat faktor lain yang mempengaruhi kualitas hidup dari responden.
Kata kunci : Hemodialisis, Kualitas Hidup, Lama Hemodialisis
Elemental composition of acacia honey samples from Serbia
Authors:   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Petrović Stefan , Nikolić Jelena S. ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Nikolić Milica D. ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Milenković Katarina ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Mitić Violeta ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Živković Jelena M. ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biology and Human genetics, Serbia, Stankov Jovanović Vesna ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia
Published: January 2025

This study examines the concentration of essential minerals and toxic heavy metals in acacia honey samples collected in Serbia, highlighting their health implications and environmental influences. Among the 23 elements analyzed, calcium levels ranged from 38.35 to 1148.5 mg/kg, averaging 411.5 mg/kg, higher than previous findings for acacia honey, underscoring its nutritional value. Potassium averaged 208 mg/kg, consistent with the literature, whereas Na content was notably higher than the values reported in the literature. Zinc levels were higher than typical (average 11.57 mg/kg), likely due to pollution of acacia plant. Lead was the only detected toxic metal, with concentrations below the European safety threshold of 1 mg/kg. The findings highlight honey’s nutritional benefits and emphasize the need for monitoring environmental contaminants to ensure honey’s safety and quality.
The content of heavy metal(oid)s, total phenols, total flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and antioxidant activity of lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis L.) 2024Chemia NaissensisVolume 7Часописи
Authors:   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Mitov Denis , Milenković Katarina ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Petrović Stefan ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia, Mrmošanin Jelena ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Serbia
Published: January 2025

Lemon balm is a plant widely used across various industries worldwide, and it contains a significant number of phenolic compounds that can positively affect human health. Given its extensive use today, this study determined the total polyphenols and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, rosmarinic acid content, and heavy metal(oid)s levels in the leaves of the pot-grown lemon balm. The heavy metal(oid)s content was compared with the maximum permissible concentrations for medicinal plants, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended. The results showed that all analyzed elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni and Pb) concentrations were within the recommended limits. The phenolic compound content of lemon balm was compared with literature data for wild-grown lemon balm samples.
Glossary or Dictionary of Terms for the 2024 Global Standards of Internal Auditing
Authors: Beke-Trivunac Jozefina , Jeremić Nebojša
Published: January 2025

Consistent terminology is essential for the internal auditing profession, ensuring a shared understanding of terms and concepts among internal auditors, as well as audit clients and other participants in corporate governance. The 2024 Global Internal Audit Standard introduce an updated glossary aimed at enhancing clarity and consistency in the profession. This paper analyzes changes in terminology compared to the Glossary of the 2017 International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards), examining the impact of new, removed, and revised terms on internal auditing practices. The research highlights how a common glossary contributes to global standardization, effective implementation of standards, enhancement of professional practice, and the facilitation of training and development for internal auditors. It also emphasizes the importance of consistent terminology in improving reporting, accountability, and compliance with IIA requirements. The paper concludes that the adoption of the updated Glossary from the 2024 Global Standards of Internal Auditing represents a significant step toward further professionalization and enhancement of the auditing profession on a global level.