bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A serviceable Research Biobank model: Charter of Principles and Biobank Ethics Consultation Service (BECS) as a formal toolkit to promote an expert ethical guidance to biobank research
Authors: Ferioli Elena
Published: April 2021

The complexity of biobank research has recently increased generating a number of novel ethical issues. In recent years the University of Insubria is committed to provide specific training programs in Bioethics, Applied Ethics and Clinical Ethics aimed to face to critical topics related to medicine, research and biobanking. Actually we design the Insubria Biobank as a research infrastructure with an appropriate Ethical Framework and responsible for the custody of biospecimens and data according to a model of Charitable Trust. So to answer certain questions is crucial: How could biobank respect the trust placed in it? What resources could promote the goals of the biobank? Do professionals require a specific ethical training? This credit of trust must be fed and confirmed by the ethical choices of the biobank and ensuring maximum transparency and traceability of decisions. The aim of the Insubria Biobank is to become an ethical subject to secure the public trust and to define the ethics criteria to be made public and to which the biobank will comply. In our model we propose the prospective involved parties that could guarantee the achievement of this goal: Informed Consent, Charter of Principles and Biobank Ethics Consultation Services (BECS). Our purpose is to offer a Charter of Principles and BECS to help scientists, health care professionals, patients, donors, institutional review board and policymakers, better navigate the ethical issues in biobanking. An exploratory survey to identify the willingness to use BECS represent our future research plan.
La Medicina Narrativa, pratica comunicativa che orienta la cura verso la persona
Authors: Marinelli Massimiliano
Published: April 2021

È urgente dirigere la relazione medico paziente verso la persona, per evitare che essa scada in senso riduzionistico e tecnicistico e che si concentri sugli aspetti biomedici della malattia, mettendo a repentaglio la dignità stessa del paziente. Tale direzione, tuttavia, non può essere avviata senza strumenti in grado di rispondere alle esigenze di questo rinnovato rapporto. Questo saggio ritiene che la Medicina Narrativa disponga di tali strumenti in quanto pratica comunicativa che orienta la cura verso la persona. Secondo tale definizione la Medicina Narrativa si pone ontologicamente in ogni relazione di cura, in quanto la cura si dà attraverso atti comunicativi in una determinata atmosfera etica. Il riconoscimento della narrazione come elemento essenziale in ogni relazione di cura è un’operazione densa di implicazioni epistemologiche. Attraverso l’ermeneutica e la fenomenologia, il saggio analizza le implicazioni legate al significato del narrativo per la persona, al carattere riflessivo del sé e all’identità personale. L’analisi effettuata fa emergere uno statuto epistemologico di una pratica comunicativa che riconosce il primato della persona e il fine della cura, da realizzare attraverso il dialogo interpersonale, alla ricerca di una concordanza. La Medicina Narrativa, inoltre, presenta un punto di vista particolare sull’altro, che non è mai un estraneo, sia perché è necessario conoscerne la prospettiva, sia perché la sua presenza entra costitutivamente nella identità stessa del medico. Infine, la dimensione narrativa induce a considerare la relazione come un valore da perseguire e da difendere e, di conseguenza, fa approdare la Medicina Narrativa verso un’etica della cura.
Le dimensioni dell’intenzionalità nel dialogo tra neurodinamica funzionale e fenomenologia. Un confronto tra Freeman e Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Di Bernardo Mirko
Published: April 2021

Il contributo intende indagare la nozione di intenzionalità nella sua multidimensionalità, mettendo a confronto la prospettiva neurobiologica di Freeman con alcune geniali intuizioni filosofiche di Merleau-Ponty, con particolare riferimento ai concetti di arco intenzionale e di tendenza ad ottenere la massima presa. Tali analisi consentono di interpretare i più recenti dati sperimentali all’interno di una cornice epistemologica in grado di spiegare lo sviluppo delle strutture del comportamento umano mediante il ricorso ad uno specifico approccio genealogico ispirato ad un naturalismo evoluzionistico non riduzionista.
Il rispetto per la persona come fondamento dell’etica della relazione tra medico e paziente
Authors: Premoli De Marchi Paola
Published: April 2021

L’articolo si propone di riflettere sul rispetto per la persona, come fondamento dell’etica della relazione tra medico e paziente. Il dibattito bioetico ha rilevato, negli ultimi cinquant’anni, l’importanza del rispetto nelle relazioni proprie delle professioni della salute, tuttavia è stato influenzato da nozioni riduzionistiche del rispetto, che lo limitano al rispetto dell’autonomia del paziente, dei suoi diritti o della sua integrità. Attraverso un’analisi dell’essenza del rispetto come risposta della persona e della dignità umana come fonte del dovere di rispetto per la persona, ci si propone di mostrare che il rispetto comprende molte forme, che il rispetto degli altri si deve conciliare con il rispetto per sé stessi, e che la piena comprensione del rispetto per la persona nella relazione tra medico e paziente implica tenere conto, accanto alla sua dignità, anche della sua vulnerabilità. Si potrà concludere, allora che il rispetto richiede l’acquisto della virtù della reverenza, che ci permette di cogliere i valori profondi della realtà e degli altri, ed è la soglia dell’etica, perché ci permette di agire con giustizia.
Origanum vulgare L. leaf extract alleviates finasteride-induced oxidative stress in mouse liver and kidney
Authors: Sun Qi-Feng , Chen Shi-Xiang , Tang Zhang-Feng , Song Xiao-Yi , Jing Fa , Wu Hao-Tian , Ding Zhong-Yang , El-kott Attalla , Massoud Diaa , Khalifa Heba
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To investigate the hepatorenoprotective effects of Origanum vulgare L. against finasteride-induced oxidative injury in the liver and kidney of mice.

Methods:

Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) analysis was utilized to yield a fingerprint of Origanum vulgare polyphenolic constituents. Thirty BALB/c mice received 0.5 mL/day distilled water, finasteride (25 mg/kg/day for 10 d), and 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day finasteride + Origanum vulgare extract with 6 mice per group for five weeks. On day 36, liver and kidney function as well as pro- and antiinflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) cytokines were measured. The total antioxidant status, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde levels as well as the activities of NO synthase and catalase were also evaluated. Histopathological study was conducted to assess the effect of Origanum vulgare extract on finasteride-induced renal and hepatic toxicities.

Results:

Twenty-five major polyphenolic compounds were identified in the Origanum vulgare extract by LC-ESI/MS. Origanum vulgare extract, especially at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day doses, significantly improved liver and kidney biochemical indices, decreased inflammatory cytokines, increased total antioxidant status and NO synthase and catalase activities, as well as decreased plasma NO and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the finasteride group. Histopathological results further confirmed the protective effect of Origanum vulgare extract.

Conclusions:

Origanum vulgare extract ameliorates finasteride-induced hepatic and renal biochemical and histopathological alterations, and restores antioxidant/oxidant balance.
Homotopy ribbon concordance, Blanchfield pairings, and twisted Alexander polynomials
Authors: Friedl Stefan , Kitayama Takahiro , Lewark Lukas , Nagel Matthias , Powell Mark
Published: April 2021

We establish homotopy ribbon concordance obstructions coming from the Blanchfield form and Levine–Tristram signatures. Then, as an application of twisted Alexander polynomials, we show that for every knot K with nontrivial Alexander polynomial, there exists an infinite family of knots that are all concordant to K and have the same Blanchfield form as K, such that no pair of knots in that family is homotopy ribbon concordant.
Volume integral means over spherical shell
Authors: Karapetrović Boban
Published: April 2021

We investigate integral means over spherical shell of holomorphic functions in the unit ball

$\mathbb {B}_n$
of

$\mathbb {C}^n$
with respect to the weighted volume measures and their relation with the weighted Hadamard product. The main result of this paper has many consequences which improve some well-known estimates related to the Hadamard product in Hardy spaces and weighted Bergman spaces.
Tau-functions à la Dubédat and probabilities of cylindrical events for double-dimers and CLE(4)
Authors: Basok Mikhail , Chelkak Dmitry
Published: April 2021

Building upon recent results of Dubédat [7] on the convergence of topological correlators in the double-dimer model considered on Temperleyan approximations

\Omega^\delta

to a simply connected domain

\Omega\subset\mathbb C

we prove the convergence of probabilities of cylindrical events for the
double-dimer loop ensembles
on

\Omega^\delta

as

\delta\to 0

. More precisely, let

\lambda_1,\dots,\lambda_n\in\Omega

and

L

be a macroscopic lamination on

\Omega\setminus\{\lambda_1,\dots,\lambda_n\}

, i.e., a collection of disjoint simple loops surrounding at least two punctures considered up to homotopies. We show that the probabilities

P_L^\delta

that one obtains

L

after withdrawing all loops surrounding no more than one puncture from a double-dimer loop ensemble on

\Omega^\delta

converge to a conformally invariant limit

P_L

as

\delta \to 0

, for each

L

.

Though our primary motivation comes from 2D statistical mechanics and probability, the proofs are of a purely analytic nature. The key techniques are the analysis of entire functions on the representation variety Hom

(\pi_1(\Omega\setminus\{\lambda_1,\dots,\lambda_n\})\to\mathrm{SL}_2(\mathbb C)

and on its (non-smooth) subvariety of locally unipotent representations. In particular, we do
not
use any RSW-type arguments for double-dimers.

The limits

P_L

of the probabilities

P_L^\delta

are defined as coefficients of the isomonodromic tau-function studied in [7] with respect to the Fock–Goncharov lamination basis on the representation variety. The fact that

P_L

coincides with the probability of obtaining

L

from a sample of the nested CLE(4) in

\Omega

requires a small additional input, namely a mild crossing estimate for this nested conformal loop ensemble.
Semiclassical study of shape resonances in the Stark effect
Authors: Kameoka Kentaro
Published: April 2021

Semiclassical behavior of Stark resonances is studied. The complex distortion outside a cone is introduced to study resonances in any energy region for the Stark Hamiltonians with non-globally analytic potentials. The non-trapping resolvent estimate is proved by the escape function method. The Weyl law and the resonance expansion of the propagator are proved in the shape resonance model. To prove the resonance expansion theorem, the functional pseudodifferential calculus in the Stark effect is established, which is also useful in the study of the spectral shift function.
Statistical Regression Model of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; Treatment Coverage; and Environmental Influences on School-Level Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosome Prevalence in Kenya: Secondary Analysis of the National Deworming Program Data
Authors: Okoyo Collins , Campbell Suzy J. , Owaga Chrispin , Onyango Nelson , Medley Graham , Mwandawiro Charles
Published: April 2021

According to the Kenya National School-Based Deworming program launched in 2012 and implemented for the first 5 years (2012–2017), the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis substantially reduced over the mentioned period among the surveyed schools. However, this reduction is heterogeneous. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with the 5-year school-level infection prevalence and relative reduction (RR) in prevalence in Kenya following the implementation of the program. Multiple variables related to treatment, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and environmental factors were assembled and included in mixed-effects linear regression models to identify key determinants of the school location STH and schistosomiasis prevalence and RR. Reduced prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence, seven rounds of treatment, high (50–75%) self-reported coverage of household handwashing facility equipped with water and soap, high (20–25°C) land surface temperature, and community population density of 5–10 people per 100 m2. Reduced hookworm prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence and the presence of a school feeding program. Reduced Trichuris trichiura prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence. Reduced Schistosoma mansoni prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence, three treatment rounds, and high (> 75%) reported coverage of a household improved water source. Reduced Schistosoma haematobium was associated with high aridity index. Analysis indicated that a combination of factors, including the number of treatment rounds, multiple related program interventions, community- and school-level WASH, and several environmental factors had a major influence on the school-level infection transmission and reduction.
Vehicle Display System Light Efficiency
Authors:   Vehicular Flat Panel Display Standards Committee
Published: April 2021

This SAE Recommended Practice provides test protocols with performance requirements for vehicular flat panel display systems efficiency. The standard help determine vehicle the display system light efficiency vector KDS = (K50, Knight, Kdaytime, Khigh-ambient) with the highest optical performance (such as luminance, contrast) and lowest power density (defined as total power divided by active area of the display), based on typical automotive usage such as ambient lighting.

In this standard, we are measuring Lamb to determine Eamb value such as 1.592 cd/m2 measured off a 0.99 standard diffuser equivalent to 5k lux illumination environment, same as in SAE J1757-1.
Editorial: Lessons from a case of tubal twin pregnancy
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius
Published: April 2021

No Abstract.
Unilateral spontaneous tubal twin ectopic pregnancy: A rare occurrence
Authors: Pulei AN , Muga PA , Ongeti KW , Kinuthia J , Ogutu O
Published: April 2021

Unilateral tubal twin pregnancy remains rare despite a rise in the incidence of singleton ectopic pregnancies. A 27-year-old  Gravida 1 Para 0+0 at 12 weeks gestation, presented to our institution with a 1-month history of lower abdominal pain, that  progressively worsened and became very severe. An abdominal ultrasound revealed an extrauterine gestational sac that looked like a single viable fetus in the right adnexa at about 12 weeks by crown rump length. Free fluid was noted in the right iliac fossa and Morrison’s pouch. A conclusion of a right-ruptured ectopic pregnancy was made. The patient underwent laparotomy and a diagnosis of twin right-sided fimbrial ectopic pregnancy was made. The crown rump lengths of the twins were 6cm and 4cm. We present this case because unilateral tubal twin pregnancy is still a rare phenomenon, and clinicians as well as clinical  embryologists need to acknowledge its existence considering the diagnosis of this case was not made pre-operatively.Key words: Twin Tubal, ectopic pregnancy, unilateral
Reappraisal of the structure of arterial Tunica adventitia and its involvement in atherosclerosis
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius , Ominde Beryl S. , Ongeti Kevin , Olabu Beda , Obimbo Moses , Mwachaka Philip
Published: April 2021

Tunica adventitia was previously considered an inert fibrous layer only involved in nutritional and physical support of the arterial wall. Recent studies reveal that it is an important dynamic layer actively involved in the regulation of vascular structure, function, response to injury and disease processes especially atherosclerosis. Many anatomical studies on arteries, however, still make only peripheral reference to it, without elucidating its detailed structure. Knowledge of the latter is important in understanding pathobiology and interventional approaches to atherosclerosis. This review, therefore, aims at consolidating contemporary literature on the structure and clinical significance of the arterial tunica adventitia. Google literature search was done using the key words tunica adventitia combined with: artery, aorta, cells, cell types, collagen, elastic fibres, vasa vasora, lymphatics, nerves, atherosclerosis. There is overwhelming evidence that the tunica adventitia comprises multiple types of collagen and elastic fibres arranged in various directions, a wide variety of cells including fibroblasts, smooth muscle, pericytes,  myofibroblasts, leukocytes, mononuclear phagocytic, defence, mesenchymal stem and mast cells; vasa vasora including  microvasculature, lymphatics and neural elements. The exact cellular, fibre composition and orientation vary between various arteries and regions of the same vessel. Its components are involved in the initiation, progression and complications of  atherosclerosis. In conclusion, the tunica adventitia is an active dynamic layer which, besides mechanical and nutritive  functions; has metabolic, regulatory and defence roles that are critical in arterial homeostasis and  atherosclerosis. Vascular studies should always include detailed analysis of the biology of the tunica adventitia.Key words: Tunica adventitia, cells, fibres, vessels, nerves, atherosclerosis
Excessive oral intake caffeine altered cerebral cortex histoarchitecture and cell morphologies in adult mice
Authors: Yinka Olatunji Sunday , Oladele Owolabi Joshua , Olanrewaju Afees John
Published: April 2021

Caffeine is commonly consumed in an effort to enhance speed in performance and wakefulness. However, little is known about the deleterious effects it can produce on the brain, this study aimed at determining the extents of effects and damage that can be caused by excessive consumption of caffeine on the cerebral cortex of mice models with a view to examining caffeine effects on cerebral cortex histoarchitecture and cell morphologies. Twenty adult mice were used for this study. They were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Control rats were administered normal saline, experimental groups received caffeine through oral cannula at 10, 50 and 120 mg/kg body weight for 28 days to determine effects of graded doses of caffeine administration. The dosage of the caffeine selection was based on  previously published work. The result indicates that at low and medium doses of caffeine administration, features of prominent eosinophilic cytoplasm with or without shrunken nuclei was observed in plates 1B, 1C, and 3B, 3C. And at high dose, features of degenerating neurons such as pyknotic nuclei and sparse neuronal population were observed in plates 2D and 3D when compared to the normal appearance of the neurons and the glial cells. In conclusion, low and medium doses of caffeine induced mild changes in cortical neuron morphology and at higher dose of caffeine administration,  neurodegenerative changes were observed in cerebral histoarchitecture. This shows that at high dose, caffeine consumption can produce detrimental effects on brain structure as well asfunction in adult mice models.Key Words: Caffeine, histoarchitecture, neuropil, cortical neurons
Sex differences in diameter of the coronary sinus ostium: Correlation with weight of the heart
Authors: Ominde Beryl S , Ogeng’o Julius A.
Published: April 2021

Diameter of the coronary sinus ostium is important in the designing of cannulation devices used in cardiac resynchronization  therapy and percutaneous mitral valve annuloplasty. Population variation of the diameter may account for the failure rate of these procedures. Studies of the coronary sinus ostium from African populations are scarce and altogether absent for Kenya. Therefore, this study aimed at determining sex differences in the diameter of coronary sinus ostium and its correlation with the weight of the heart. Seventy-four hearts of adult black Kenyans [43 male, 31 females; age range 20 – 70 years] obtained during autopsy at the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya were weighed. The coronary sinus ostium was identified and its   transverse and supero-inferior diameters measured in millimeters. The measurements were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Sex  comparison was established using student’s t test. Association between diameter and heart weight was established using  Pearson’s correlation test and considered significant at a p-value of ≤0.05. Data were presented using scatter plots. Transverse and supero-inferior diameters of the ostium were 11.04±1.88mm and 9.50±1.80mm respectively. The mean diameter was 10.27 mm. These correlated positively with weight of the heart. When corrected for weight of the hearts, the transverse and supero-inferior diameters were larger in females (0.042 and 0.036 respectively) than in males (0.034 and 0.03 respectively). The diameter of coronary sinus ostium is larger in females and shows positive correlation with weight of the heart. These data should be considered during design and use of cardiac devices introduced through the coronary sinus.Key words: Coronary sinus, ostium, diameter, sex difference.
Ulnar nerve contribution in the innervation of the triceps brachii muscle ulnar nerve to the triceps brachii
Authors: Silva DLR , Barros MP , Freire TGS , Firmino Júnior L , Almeida Filho WRB , Correia Cadeira JSL , Silva NO
Published: April 2021

The ulnar nerve is considered the thickest terminal branch of the medial cord in the brachial plexus and most authors does not mention the possibility of this nerve emitting branches to the arm. However, some studies reported that the ulnar nerve could supply the medial head of triceps brachii muscle. The main objective in this study was identifying the presence of ulnar nerve branches in triceps brachii muscle. Sixty upper limbs of adult Brazilian corpses of both sexes were used. The estimated age was between 25 and 80 years old. Every studied piece had the nerves and their branches quantified and measured with a manual mechanic caliper. The branches were photographed and had the data registered in individual files. Were found ulnar nerve branches for all the heads of triceps brachii muscle: 1 branch (9,1%) to lateral head, 2 branches (18,1%) to long head and 8 branches (72,7%) to medial head. Thus, we can conclude that the contribution of ulnar nerve to triceps brachii muscle constitutes an important anatomical variation.Key words: Ulnar nerve; Triceps brachii muscle; Innervation.
Histology and ultrastructure of the adrenal gland of the greater cane rats (Thryonomis swinderianus, Temminck 1827)
Authors: Igbokwe Casmir Onwuaso
Published: April 2021

The adrenal glands of domesticated greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus), were studied using histological and ultrastructural techniques. A total of seven (7) adult male greater cane rats, aged from 10-14 months, with an average weight of 1.89 kg (range: 1.6 -2.2 kg) were used in this study. The results showed variations in the thickness of the zones of the cortex and medulla. Histological detail did not differ significantly from that of other rodents. Ultrastructural features showed typical adrenal gland zonation with capsule, cortical cells and medulla. In the cortex copious lipid droplets and myelin bodies were present. The cortical cells of the zona fasciculata contained concentric whorls of rough endoplasmic reticulum that enclosed2-3 mitochondria. Adrenaline storing (A) and noradrenaline-storing (NA) chromaffin cells along with few vesicular ganglion cells were identified in the medulla. The functional significance of the present observation is discussed.Keywords: adrenal gland, cane rats, histology, ultrastructure
Behavioural, biochemical and neurocytoarchitechural impact of MDMA in male adolescent mice
Authors: Oloruntola B.J , Adeniyi P.A , Ishola A.O. , Ogedengbe O.O. , Olatunji B.P , Olabiyi A.A , Shallie P.D
Published: April 2021

Neurotoxicity of 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is still controversially discussed. MDMA is an amphetamine derivative that has gained significant popularity in recent years and has become the recreational drug of choice for many young, adolescents and adults. This study sought to investigate that MDMA causes a behavioral, biochemical and neurocytoarchitechural change in male adolescent mice. Fifteen adolescent male mice were used for this study. They were randomly divided into 3 groups, of five mice each, control group received normal saline (Ctrl), 5 mice received 10 mg/kg of MDMA, s.c (LoD) and another 5 mice received 20 mg/kg of MDMA, s.c (HiD). The animals were subjected to behavioural tests to check their motor activity. Biochemical analysis to test for the level of catalase and monoamine oxidase activity was also done. The motor activity of animals treated with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of MDMA was significantly (p < 0.05) lower when compared with the control. Likewise, there was a reduction in the catalase and monoamine oxidase activity in the treated groups. In the cerebellum, cellular distortion was seen in the treated group. It could be concluded that MDMA affects the motor activity of the treated animals and thus cause an alteration in the neurocytoarchitechure, catalase and monoamine oxidase activities of the animals.Keywords: MDMA, Motor function, Hippocampus, Cerebellum, Biochemical.
Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus terminal branches in Ethiopian cadavers
Authors: Demis Edengenet Guday , Bekele Asegedeche
Published: April 2021

Anatomical variations are clinically significant, but many are inadequately described or quantified. Variations in anatomy of the brachial plexus are important to surgeons and anesthesiologists performing surgical procedures in the neck, axilla and upper limb regions. It is also important for radiologists who interpret plain and computerized imaging and anatomists to teach anatomy. This study aimed to describe the anatomical variations of the terminal branches of brachial plexus on 20 Ethiopian cadavers. The cadavers were examined bilaterally for the terminal branches of brachial plexus. From the 40 sides studied for the terminal branches of the brachial plexus; 28 sides were found without variation, 10 sides were found with median nerve variation, 2 sides were found with musculocutaneous nerve variation and 2 sides were found with axillary nerve variation. We conclude that variation in the median nerve was more common than variations in other terminal branches.
Editorial
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius A.
Published: April 2021

Gallstone disease: a call to awareness in Subsaharan Africa
Unilateral high bifurcation of brachial artery: a case report
Authors: Auwal Ahmed M. , Zagga Adaudu D. , Asala Samuel A.
Published: April 2021

The Brachial artery usually begins as the continuation of the Axillary Artery at the inferior border of the Teres Major muscle and terminates by bifurcating into radial and ulnar arteries in the cubital fossa. A case of unilateral bifurcation of the artery 7.5 cm distal to the inferior border of the Teres Major muscle in the proximal half of the right arm was identified in a northern Nigerian cadaver that was dissected by medical students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The Profunda Brachii, Superior Ulnar Collateral and Inferior Ulnar Collateral arteries arose from the relatively short brachial arterial trunk. Although the documented incidence of this anatomical variation is low in Nigeria, its concomitant widespread documentation in other parts of the world makes it a sufficiently important anatomical variation of the Brachial Artery, to warrant its being taught to students of Anatomy and Medicine. The knowledge of anatomical variations of the brachial artery and its branches is also important in radiological and clinical practice.Keywords: Anatomical variation, brachial, artery, Nigeria
Involvement of multiple cell lineages in atherogenesis
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius A. , Ongeti Kevin W. , Olabu Beda O. , Ominde Beryl S.
Published: April 2021

Atherogenesis is a multicellular event. Early reports concentrated on the role of endotheliocytes, monocyte - macrophages and smooth muscle cells. Recognition of the immuno-inflammatory nature of the process, however, expanded the scope of cellular involvement and more recent reviews emphasize the role of immune and inflammatory cells. In addition, recent studies reveal that other cells are also involved. Elucidation of all the types of cells involved is valuable to inform therapeutic interventions for this disease, but most accounts concentrate on cells which are the target of the study and may fail to include other cells. This review therefore aimed at consolidating information on the various cells involved in atherogenesis. Review of contemporary literature was done for cells in the vessel wall and in blood to check for their potential role in atherogenesis. It has been shown that atherogenesis involves all the cells present in the various coats of the vessel wall – endotheliocytes, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, stem cells, pericytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and immigrant cells usually found in blood, namely monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and red blood cells. These cells promote atherogenesis by secreting several products which influence inflammation, migration, proliferation and secretory activity of each other in a manner that synergises their activities. Therapeutic interventions should target the various cell types.Key Words: Cells, arterial wall, blood, atherogenesis.
Gross morphological study of placenta in preeclampsia
Authors: Wubale Yibeltal , Tolera Amenu
Published: April 2021

Placenta is a fetomaternal organ that structurally and functionally connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall during pregnancy. Pregnancy is usually complicated by preeclampsia, which in turn will alter the macroarchitecture and functions of the placenta as well as health of the pregnant mothers. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the macroarchitectural changes of placenta in preeclampsia mothers as compared to normotensive mothers. A cross-sectional study was carried out on preeclampsia mothers who gave birth at Gandhi Memorial and Black Lion Specialized Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 100 fresh placentas from normotensive and preeclampsia mothers were implemented. The macroarchitecture of placenta were examined by inspection and measuring. The data were analyzed by independent- samples t-test and chi square. Accordingly, the finding showed that the shape of placentas was circular in 80% of normotensive and 72% of preeclamptic. Placental weight, diameter, thickness and number of cotyledon in preeclamptic mothers were 456.2 gram, 17.66 centimeter, 1.72 centimeter and 17.24; in normotensive 499.4 gram, 19.4centimeter, 1.96 centimeter, and 18.66 respectively. According to the present study most of macroarchitecture (diameter, thickness, weight and number of cotyledon) of placenta were significantly decreased in preeclamptic mothers.Key words: placenta, weight, diameter, cotyledon, preeclampsia.
Embalmment: a veritable source of human body preservation
Authors: Abayomi Ajayi , Odiri Edjomariegwe
Published: April 2021

Embalmment is the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, in order to retard organic decomposition and restore acceptable physical appearance. This paper presents a synopsis of the historical aspect of embalming and the various documented techniques of embalming in ancient and modern times.Keywords: Embalmment, mummification, techniques, death
A rare bifurcation pattern of the sciatic nerve
Authors: Huq Emranul , Bailie Paul
Published: April 2021

Variations in branching patterns of the sciatic nerve are thought to be clinically significant because of the nerve’s extensive distribution area. Here we report a rare and unusual branching pattern of the sciatic nerve which was observed in a male cadaver. Sciatic nerve underwent a high division inside the pelvic cavity, and entered the gluteal region as separate tibial and common fibular nerves. Subsequent distal courses of both nerves into the leg were normal. Knowledge of sciatic nerve variations is useful in treating lower limb neuropathies, such as piriformis syndrome, which tends to be caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.Keywords: Sciatic nerve bifurcation; sciatic nerve anomalies; piriformis syndrome
Histomorphological features of atherosclerosis in the left anterior descending coronary arteries among black Kenyans
Authors: Ogeng’o Julius , Ominde Beryl S. , Ongeti Kevin W. , Olabu Beda , Maseghe Philip , Machira Judith , Murunga Acleus
Published: April 2021

The pattern of coronary artery atherosclerosis is valuable in informing mitigation strategies for coronary heart disease. Histomorphological data on this disease among Africans living in Sub Saharan Africa are, however, scarce. The left anterior descending is one of the most commonly afflicted arteries. This study, therefore, examined the left anterior descending artery of 213 black Kenyans [Mean age 36.8 years, range 5 – 82 years] who had died of non cardiovascular causes for features of atherosclerosis. The individuals were divided into male and female, then into 10-yr age groups. Specimens were obtained from the proximal segment of the artery during autopsy at the Department of Human Anatomy University of Nairobi, Kenya. They were processed routinely for paraffin embedding andsectioning. Five micron sections were stained with Haematoxylin/Eosin and Mason’s trichrome and examined with light microscope. Micrographs of representative features were taken using a high resolution digital camera. At least one feature of atherosclerosis was present in 54 (25.4%) of the individuals. The features observed included severe intimal hyperplasia (34; 63%), disintegration of the internal elastic lamina [30; 55.6%]; atherosclerotic plaque (20; 37%), adventitial thicknening (14; 26%) and mural neovascularization (10; 18.5%). The mean age of those with features of atherosclerosis was 38.4 years, range 6 – 62 years with 25 (46.3%) being aged 40 years and below. Of these, the male: female ratio was 1.7:1. In conclusion, features of atherosclerosis are present in over 25% of the population studied. The disease affects young people, including women. Proactive preventive measures including follow – up should commence early, and involve both men and womenKeywords: Atherosclerosis, coronary, young, men, women, Kenya
Variant root morphology of third mandibular molar in normal and impacted teeth
Authors: Bokindo Isaac Kipyator , Butt Fawzia , Macigo Francis
Published: April 2021

The mandibular third molar poses a challenge to dental surgeons due to it’s unpredictable morphology which leads to increased difficulty during its extraction. The root morphology of the third molar is considered to be the most variable in the human dentition. The study aims to document these variations which will be useful while undertaking procedures on the third molar. Three hundred and fifty nine panoramic views of the mandible were obtained from the Radiology division for patients seeking treatment in the School of Dental Sciences since 2010. The prevalence of third molar impaction was found to be 27%, with mesioangular being the commonest at 21.9% using the Winter’s classification. Dilacerations of roots was recorded at 44%, with a ratio of normal to dilacerated of 1:1 seen in impacted teeth while, non impacted teeth had a ratio of 1.3:1. Most teeth had 2 roots (85.5%), with one root seen in 12.1%. Partially fused roots was also observed in 2.4% of cases with only one case showing three roots. The total mean distance from the tips of roots to the mandibular canal was -0.5mm. Higher negative means of -1.5mm was recorded in impacted teeth than in normal teeth (-0.2mm). Teeth with dilacerated roots also showed closer proximity to mandibular canal than straight rooted teeth. The left side of the jaw also showed higher negative means. Present findings suggest that careful considerations should be made on impacted teeth. In addition to the type of impaction, proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), number of roots and shape of the roots should be assessed. Similar considerations should also be made to non impacted teeth due to the high unpredictability observed in root morphology.Keywords: Third molar, root morphology, impaction
Study on the macrometry of gastrointestinal tract of wild west African Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus versteri)
Authors: Wanmi N , Sulaiman M.H. , Gosomji I , Maidawa S.M. , Plang N
Published: April 2021

Parrots are ornamental birds that are found in the wild and those in domestication end up in animal units of schools and houses of the wealthy individuals. The wild African Senegal parrot population is at risk of extinction due to its high popularity with urban dweller. Despite their high popularity, there is scanty documentation of the anatomical features of its gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The Wild West African Senegal Parrots were caught around forested area of a farm settlement in Shika, Zaria, Kaduna state, in the Northern part of Nigeria. The mean body weight of the wild Senegal parrot was observed to be 120.50 ± 5.42 g. The mean weights of the GIT with content and without content were 18.01 ±4.80 g and 13.54 ± 5.51 g respectively which accounted for 12.95 % and 10.24 % of the total body mass. The mean weights (small and large intestines) were 2.10 ± 1.09 g and 0.70 ± 0.27 g. The caecum was not noticed and gall bladder had the least mean weight 0.17 ± 0.007 g. while the gizzard the highest of all mean weight 4.28 ± 2.25 g. The mean lengths (GIT, small and large intestines) were; 82. 61 ± 2.36 cm, 41.75 ± 2.97 cm and 18.06 ± 2.01 cm. The glandular area of the proventriculus was longer than the non glandular portion and the left liver was longer compared to the right 3.03 ± 1.53 cm. The ileum is the longest segment of the small intestine which constituted 22.90 ± 2.92 cm.Keywords: Macrometry, Gastrointestinal Tract, Senegal Parrots
Neuroprotective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve
Authors: Elna Owembabazi , Izo Ninsiima Herbert , Diaz Mario Edgar Fernandez , Isaac Echoru , Monima Lemuel Ann , James Ahimbisibwe , Edmund Bukenya
Published: April 2021

Ethambutol is an anti-tuberculosis drug important in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis which is on a rise due to emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. However, it has been associated with side effects on optic nerve histology leading to severe neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to establish the protective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. Twenty five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were used. These were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. Group A received distilled water only. Group B was treated with 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. Groups C, D, and E were treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day of Trifolium Extract respectively, one hour before administering 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. After five weeks the optic nerves were excised, processed and stained for histological studies. It was observed that Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract had a dose dependent protective potential against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. The histology of the optic nerve showed that the numbers of vacuoles were significantly few in group A (2.2±0.37), D (6.2±1.07), and E (5±0.71) when compared against the positive control group (37.4±1.54). Axons were mildly demyelinated in group D and E compared to group B and C. The protective potential of Latana trifolium is possibly present due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Studies to determine the exact phytochemical component and mechanism of action responsible for the neuroprotective potential of Latana trifolium should be conducted.Keywords: Ethambutol, Optic Nerve, Lantana Trifolium, Optic Neuropathy
Uncomplicated bifid Meckle’s diverticulum mimicking recurrent appendicitis
Authors: Ravishankar N , Thulasi V
Published: April 2021

Meckel’s diverticulum is the rare congenital anomaly in children. When inflamed it can mimic acute appendicitis. The distal end of the Meckel’s diverticulum is usually rounded and narrow. We present a case of partially bifid Meckel’s diverticulum in a young boy who presented with features of recurrent appendicitis. During appendectomy, a bifid Meckle’s diverticulum was found in therein the distal ileum. It was excised with V shaped ileal wall. Histopathology showed features of Meckel’s diverticulum without any Gastric or pancreatic tissue in mucosa. Clinicians should be wary of a bifid meckel’s diverticulum as a very rare anomaly that can be symptomatic mimicking appendicitis.Keywords: Bifid, Meckel’s, Diverticulitis
Renal artery morphology and anatomical variations among Sudanese subjects
Authors: Salih Mugahid A. , Hasan Mohamed A.
Published: April 2021

The objectives of this study were to determine the level of origin of the renal artery on both sides of the body, to describe its course and branching pattern on both sides, and to detect the Supernumerary renal arteries (SRA) and their course. Both cadaveric and radiological descriptive studies were conducted from July 2015 to July 2016.The morphology and variations of the renal arteries were documented in 50 formalin fixed cadavers that were dissected in different faculties of medicine in Khartoum state. This was followed by assessment of 150 computerized tomography angiographies of the renal transplant donors who presented to three major transplant centers in Khartoum in the period between 2012 and 2015.The most common vertebral level of origin off the aorta was between the first and second lumbar segments. A supernumerary renal artery was detected in 25.5% and it was the most common anatomical variation. This was followed by early prehilar bifurcation in 6.5%. Supernumerary renal arteries were commonly hilar and lower polar, and they were more frequent in males. Bilateral supernumerary arteries were found in 4% of cases. The most common anatomical variation of the renal artery was supernumerary renal artery.Keywords: Renal artery, supernumerary, anatomical variations
Cerebral cortex damage induced by acute oral alcohol intake is associated with oxidative stress in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Olawale Eweoya Olugbenga , Shunom Ayuba Lolo , Abayomi Ajayi
Published: April 2021

The prefrontal cortex undergoes functional and structural changes due to binge or chronic alcohol consumption. This study examines alcohol-induced cerebral cortex damage and the association with oxidative stress in an animal model. Twenty-four Wistar rats (12 males and 12 females) weighing 150g to 250g were divided into four groups, A, B, C and D according to their weights. The rats in groups B, C and D were administered with 2mls of 52.5%, 16.5% and 4.3% v/v aqueous alcoholic solution respectively for 21 days. While rats in group A (control group) were given distilled water only, for the same period. The brain of each rat was excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological analysis while others were immersed in ice cold 30% sucrose solution, homogenized and analyzed for superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase activity. Results indicate chromatolysis of Nissl bodies, cortical necrosis, and uneven neuronal loss with varying range of vacuolations in the prefrontal cortices of the alcohol treated rats in a dosedependent manner when compared with the control group. Cerebral cortex damage due to acute oral alcohol intake is associated with oxidative stress.Keywords: Brain, cerebral cortex, alcohol, Wistar rats, oxidative stress
Khat distorts the prefrontal cortex histology and function of adult Wistar rats
Authors: Echoru Isaac , Bukenya Edmund E.M. , Masilili Godfrey , Owembabazi Elna , Lemuel Ann Monima , Ahimbisibwe James
Published: April 2021

Khat is a psychoactive herbal drug of pronounced ethno-pharmacological significance often abused due to its unregulated use. It affects many brain centers including the prefrontal cortex which is the anterior most part of the frontal lobe. The prefrontal cortex modulates working memory, planning complex cognitive behaviors however; it is linked to many psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and memory loss. We studied the effects exerted by khat on the PFC cytoarchitecture and functions since this part of the brain is highly interconnected with various cortical regions. This was an experimental study of 6 weeks. A total of 24 male adult wistar rats of 130g-155g were divided into four groups of 6 animals that received respective khat doses of 2000mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 10ml/kg of distilled water for the controls. Brain to body weight ratio was determined at week 6 using an analytical balance (Fisher Science Education™, RS232C; USA). Histology of the brain was determined using H and E and Kulvers staining technique. Khat exhibited features of prefrontal cortex disorientation such as necrosis, vacuolations, chromatolysis, demyelination, cortical degeneration and hemorrhage in a dose dependent manner. Selective attention and working memory were impaired well as brain to body weight ratio was reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Repeated exposure to khat distorts the prefrontal cortex cytoarchitecture and impairs selective attention and working memory accuracy due to ischemia and cell exhaustion by khat toxicity.Keywords: Khat, prefrontal cortex histology, working memory, selective attention
Role of heterogeneous astrocyte receptor expression in determining astrocytic response to neuronal disorders
Authors: Amuti T , Ouko I , Mukonjia S , Cheruiyot I , Munguti J , Mwachaka P , Malek A
Published: April 2021

Following neuronal disorders, astrocytes carry out either neuroprotection or neurodegeneration. Previous authors suggest that favoring of neurodegeneration or neuroprotection by astrocytes can be due to many factors such as the influence of cytokines following their binding on their receptors on astrocytes. These receptors have however been shown to be region specific and heterogeneous. Further, research exploiting their role and influence in determining astrocytic response remains partly elucidated. A review of previous and ongoing research on these receptors would be helpful in the disclosure of astrocytic responses to neuronal disorders.Keywords: Astrogliosis, Heterogenous astrocyte expression, Antagonistic astrocyte reaction, Nervous injury, Astrocyte mediated neurodegeneration