bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Unified Communication and Collaboration Technologies on Productivity and Innovation
Authors: Bolton Anthony , Goosen Leilani , Kritzinger Elmarie
Published: April 2021

Against the background of promoting inclusive growth in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the purpose of this chapter is to introduce Industry 4.0 in terms of the impact of Unified Communication and Collaboration (UC&C) technologies on productivity and innovation within a global automotive enterprise. To provide readers with a further overview of, and summarize, the content of the chapter, issues, controversies, problems, and challenges related to Industry 4.0 adoption, including, for example, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), are discussed. Solutions and recommendations for dealing with the issues, controversies, and/or problems are presented, and the chapter will also discuss future research directions and emerging trends, together with providing insight about the future of the book's theme from the perspective of the chapter focus on the impact of UC&C technologies on productivity and innovation. The last section will provide discussion of the overall coverage of the chapter and concluding remarks.
Chinese SMEs in Industry 4.0
Authors: Shi Hu , Iqbal Qaisar
Published: April 2021

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the economic development of the People's Republic of China. SMEs contribute to the total of 60% gross domestic product (GDP) and 80% employment. Chinese SMEs contribute to the more than 50% of the country tax. In 2015, China released the Made-in-China 2025 plan to response to the German Industry 4.0, which focuses on knowledge-, innovation-, and quality-intensive manufacturing for cutting-edge technology, new materials, key parts of major products. The chapter aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in China in the context of Industry 4.0 and Made-in-China 2025. This chapter has used SWOT analysis to explore the challenges and opportunities of Chinese SMEs. Presently, SMEs are facing limited credit facilities, low innovative human capital, sustainable performance as a challenge, and ineffective performance appraisal. This chapter has presented as internationalization, coastal outsourcing, rising middle-class (high consumption), ‘one belt, one road' opportunities for SMEs in Industry 4.0 context.
Project Procurement Method Decision-Making With Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient Under Uncertainty Circumstances
Authors: Su Limin , Li Huimin
Published: April 2021

A project procurement method (PPM) defines the roles and responsibilities of the participates involved in the construction project. Selecting a suitable PPM is one of the critical issues to achieve the success of a construction project. The selection of PPM is a typical multi-criteria decision-making problem under uncertainty. Moreover, interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) is a useful tool for depicting uncertainty of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. In this paper, the authors consider the PPM selection under IVIFS circumstance. Firstly, they introduce the concept of Spearman rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between two IVIFSs and then calculate the SRCC between the ideal alternative and each alternative. The ideal option of PPM is determined according to the computed value of SRCC. Overall, the proposed method can avoid the calculation of the criteria weights, and the selection process is simple and straightforward. Finally, a real-world infrastructure project PPM selection has been illustrated the applicability and effectiveness of this methodology.
Recognizing the Style of Artistic Painting via Information Entropy for Smart City Construction
Authors: Du Xiaojie , Wang Wenhao
Published: April 2021

Digitalization is conducive to the protection and inheritance of culture and civilization. The artistic painting recognition is an essential part in digitalization and plays an important role in smart city construction. This paper proposes a novel framework to recognize Chinese painting style by using information entropy. First, the authors choose the ink painting, pyrography, mural, and splash ink painting as the known artistic styles. Then, this article uses the information entropy to represent the paintings. The information entropy includes color entropy, block entropy, and contour entropy. The color entropy is obtained by a weighted function of Channel A and B in the lab color space. The block entropy is the average information entropy of blocks which are a small part of the image. The contour entropy is obtained from the contour information which is obtained by contourlet transform. The information entropy is input into an oracle to determine the style. The oracle includes a one-class classifier and a classical classifier. The effectiveness is verified on the real painting set.
Zero-Shot Feature Selection via Transferring Supervised Knowledge
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Qiao , Zhao Tingzhang , Wang Chaokun , Ye Xiaojun
Published: April 2021

Feature selection, an effective technique for dimensionality reduction, plays an important role in many machine learning systems. Supervised knowledge can significantly improve the performance. However, faced with the rapid growth of newly emerging concepts, existing supervised methods might easily suffer from the scarcity and validity of labeled data for training. In this paper, the authors study the problem of zero-shot feature selection (i.e., building a feature selection model that generalizes well to “unseen” concepts with limited training data of “seen” concepts). Specifically, they adopt class-semantic descriptions (i.e., attributes) as supervision for feature selection, so as to utilize the supervised knowledge transferred from the seen concepts. For more reliable discriminative features, they further propose the center-characteristic loss which encourages the selected features to capture the central characteristics of seen concepts. Extensive experiments conducted on various real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
The Relationship and Impact of Communication on Change Management
Authors: Albuali Murtadha
Published: April 2021

Due to the fast pace of life, advent of new factors may affect the flow of project management processes from the first step of project initiation to final step of project closure. Examples of these factors are the advent of new technology, the emergence of new competitors, and the need for quality improvement. As a result, the implementation of change management is crucial to overcome the negative aspects of these new factors. During the time of change management implementation, a certain level of communication management must exist. So, it is imperative to find the relationship and impact of communication on change management to ensure how to effectively choose the appropriate communication strategy, level, and channels in implementing a change in project environment. This study uses the PMI 2017 body of knowledge book to ensure that the change management process includes the planning, managing, and controlling phases of communication in the change processes.
Do CEO Political Connections and Firm Social Responsibility Affect Debt Level?
Authors: Azouzi Mohamed Ali
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to describe the effect of CEO political connection and firm social responsibility on debt access. These constructions have been evaluated in Tunisian firms. The results showed the presence of a positive relationship between political connection, corporate social responsibility, and the debt level. The authors also verified the presence of a negative relationship between political connection and the social responsibility of Tunisian companies. This research has shown how political connection and social responsibility improve the image of the company and facilitate their access to external funding methods. Tunisian companies are advised to know the importance of political connection and social responsibility in the selection of their leaders.
Clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with chikungunya fever
Authors: Mesquita Lucas Lobo , Macedo Ênio Simas , Filho Sérgio Luiz Arruda Parente , Beserra Francisca Lillyan Christyan Nunes , Girão Evelyne Santana , Ferragut Juliana Mandato , Neto Roberto da Justa Pires , Júnior Geraldo Bezerra da Silva , Daher Elizabeth De Francesco
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To describe the prognostic and clinical profile of hospitalized patients with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection focusing on renal outcomes.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study including all patients with confirmed chikungunya fever (CHIKF) admitted to 3 different high-complexity hospitals in Fortaleza, Brazil between January 2016 and June 2017. Data analysis was carried out to evaluate correlation between clinical profile and outcomes.

Results:

Fifty-five patients were included, with a median age of 77 (IQR=21) years, and 23 (41.82%) were male. Twenty-five patients (45.45%, 25/55) developed acute kidney injury (AKI), and 15 (60.00%, 15/25) were classified as KDIGO 1, 1 (4.00%) as KDIGO 2, and 9 (36.00%) as KDIGO 3. The overall mortality was 34.54% whilst AKI-related mortality was 64.00% (16/25). Both AKI and encephalitis were associated with higher mortality. Patients who died were significantly older [82 (IQR=12) years vs. 70 (IQR= 28.75) years, P<0.001)]. In the multivariate analysis, abdominal pain was associated with an increased risk of severe AKI (OR=5.33, 95% CI=1.11–25.64, P=0.037) and AKI was an independent risk factor of death (OR=12.06, 95% CI=2.55–57.15, P=0.002). Recovery of renal function was similar among the different age groups.

Conclusions:

AKI is present in half of the study population and is an independent risk factor of death. Thus, renal function should be carefully monitored in hospitalized patients with CHIKV infection.
Mobilizing a COVID-19 Contact Tracing Workforce at Warp Speed: A Framework for Successful Program Implementation
Authors: Celentano Jessica , Sachdev Darpun , Hirose Mivic , Ernst Alexandra , Reid Michael
Published: April 2021

To effectively control the spread of COVID-19, it is essential that all jurisdictions have the capacity to rapidly contact trace all close contacts of each and every case. We describe the early experience in the City and County of San Francisco, where contact tracing capability was rapidly expanded to respond to COVID-19. Important prerequisites to scale up included rapid expansion of the COVID-19 contact tracing workforce, a comprehensive training and onboarding program, and the institution of effective performance management metrics. The San Francisco model for contact tracing, including focusing on rigorous training, recruiting, and partnering with community-based organizations from diverse, affected communities, is an inclusive approach relevant to other jurisdictions and settings.
Measurement and Characterization of Electronically Controlled Driveline Clutch Systems
Authors:   Drivetrain Standards Committee
Published: April 2021

This SAE Recommended Practice covers the most common applications of electronically controlled on-demand clutch systems used in passenger (car and light truck) vehicle applications. This practice is applicable for torque modulation devices used in transfer cases, electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) cross-axle devices, rear drive module (RDM) integrated torque transfer devices with or without disconnect capability, and other related torque transfer devices.
Differential effects of chronic iron deficiency anaemia on junctional and labyrinthine zones of placenta in Sprague dawely rat
Authors: Awad Omer , Malek Abdel , Ogeng’o Julius
Published: April 2021

Iron deficiency anaemia causes adverse pregnancy outcome. Studies reveal its generalized effects on histomorphometry of the placenta, without details on specific zones nor effect of gestational age. These data are important for planning  intervention. This study was, therefore, designed to describe the histomorphometric changes associated with iron deficiency anaemia on placenta of albino rat. Fourty nine (49) Sprague – Dawely albino rats were randomly separated into experimental and control groups. The  experimental group was rendered anaemic by removing 1.5 ml of blood per bleed on five alternate days. Placentas were collected on gestational days 17, 19 and 21. Five cubic milimetre segments were fixed in 10 % buffered formaldehyde solution; dehydrated in ethanol and embedded in paraffin wax. Five micron thick sections were cut, deparaffinized and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Micrographs were taken using Leica ICC 50 digital photomicrographic camera attached to a computer at magnification x40 and the thickness of the labyrinth and junctional zones measured. Student t- test was used to compare values for the   experimental and control groups. The labyrinth in the chronic anaemia group was thinner than in the control group at gestational days 17, 19 and 21. The junctional zone, on the other hand, was consistently thicker in anaemic than in the control animals. The difference in thickness of junctional zone varied with  gestational age. At gestational day 17, the zone was significantly thicker in the anaemic group (628.9 μ) than in the control (381 μ). On day 19 and 21, however, the difference was not statistically  significant. In conclusion, the effects of chronic iron deficiency anaemia on the labyrinth differ from those on the junctional zone of the placenta. This differential effect appears to depend on the function and gestational age. The decrease in thickness of the  labyrinth may be designed to maintain placental diffusion capacity while increased thickness of the junctional zone constitutes a compensatory physical and nutritional adaptation to hypoxia.Key words: placenta, labyrinthine, junctional zones, thickness, anaemia.
Some effects of simultaneous administration of crude aqueous extracts of Mangifera indica leaves and tetracyline on the liver of adults wistar rats
Authors: Peterson M.S. , Ajibade Adesina J. , Olaitan Peter B.
Published: April 2021

This study was designed to determine the simultaneous effect of Mangifera indica crude aqueous extract and the therapeutic dose of tetracycline on some hepatic enzymes (ALT and AST) and histology of the liver of adult wistar rats. 25 wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Group A was untreated and served as control group, group B was treated with only 2mL of mango leaves decoction, group C was treated with only 5.4mg/kg of tetracycline, group D was treated with 1mL of mango leaves decoction and 4.8mg/kg of tetracycline and group E was treated with 3mL of mango leaves decoction and 7.7mg/kg of tetracycline simultaneously. The administration period lasted for only 14 days which was given gavagely and the rats were sacrificed on the 15th day by cervical dislocation. The liver was removed, fixed in 10% formal saline and stained in H and E. The transaminase enzymes (the AST and ALT) were measured to determine possible changes in their hepatic leaves. The result shows that the crude aqueous extract of mango levels has adverse effect on the morphology and some hepatic enzyme (ALT and AST) of the liver (such as enlargement of the central vein, reduction in the size of sinusoids), the therapeutic dose of the tetracycline have no detrimental effect on the morphology and the hepatic enzymes of the liver. In conclusion, the extract of mango leaves decoction has adverse effect on the liver histology and the therapeutic dosage of tetracycline has no adverse effect on the histology of the liver.Keywords: Mango leaves, Tetracycline, Liver histology, Liver enzymes (AST and ALT)
Amlodipine besylate impairs the morphology of bone marrow in adult male wistar rats
Authors: Adelaja AA , Ghazali OK , Ayantunji LB , Omotoso GO
Published: April 2021

Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension and angina. In adult man, the treatment regimen is 5 or 10 mg daily. This study evaluated the effects of prolonged oral administration of Amlodipine Besylate on the morphology of bone marrow in adult male Wistar rats. Sixteen rats (140 - 190 g) comprising of four groups were employed in the study. Rats of Control Group I received physiological saline orally while rats of Experimental Groups II - IV received oral administrations of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg bodyweight of Amlodipine Besylate respectively for nine weeks. Histo-pathological examinations of the bone marrow showed normal cytoarchitecture of erythrocytes and leukocytes in rats of Control Group I. However, dose-dependent degeneration and lyses of erythrocytes and leukocytes were observed in amlodipine-treated rats. In conclusion, impaired morphology of the bone marrow were observed in amlodipine-treated adult male Wistar ratsKey words: Amlodipine Besylate, bone marrow, morphology, rats.
Developmental changes in frontocortical morphology and neurochemistry of neonatal rats following gestational nicotine exposure
Authors: Omotoso Gabriel Olaiya , Alabi Adeolu Stephen , Akinola Oluwole Busayo , Enaibe Bernard Ufuoma
Published: April 2021

Exposure of the embryo or foetus to nicotine during development results in some forms of neurological deficits later in life. The current study aimed at determining the effects of prenatal nicotine administration during the 1st and 2nd gestational weeks on the frontal cortex of neonatal Wistar rats. For each week of gestation, pregnant Wistar rats were assigned to 3 groups: a control group (1), and two treated groups (2 and 3), and were given intra-peritoneal nicotine at 6.88 mg/ kg and 13.76 mg/kg doses respectively. The weights of the litters were taken at birth and at postnatal day 4; the whole brain and frontal cortical weights were also assessed. Tissues for histological demonstration were fixed in freshly prepared formol calcium, while specimen for biochemical studies were homogenised and processed for the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities. Findings in the treated animals showed low birth weights, raised ALP but reduced MDA, with corresponding alterations in the cortical cytoarchitecture, which could explain some of the pathological basis for the neurobehavioural problems associated with offspring of women smokers.Keywords: Prenatal nicotine, Frontal cortex, Morphology, Histology, ALP, MDA
Testicular artery arising from an aberrant right renal artery
Authors: Suluba H.E. , Otieno E
Published: April 2021

Testicular arteries usually arise from the abdominal Aorta; however they may rarely arise from other arteries of posterior abdominal wall. Variations of the testicular arteries and renal vessels are common. Awareness of these variations is very important to surgeons to increase their surgical precision and therefore avoiding iatrogenic injuries as well as useful in diagnostic procedures. This case report we discovered the rare variation of the origin of the right testicular artery arising from the right aberrant renal artery with double renal artery irrigating both left and right kidneys. These variations in the testicular arteries and renal arteries have implication to surgical procedures such as orchidopexy repair for undescended testis, renal transplantation and nephrectomy. Thus with the introduction of novel surgical and invasive diagnostic procedures understanding of these rare variations becomes significantly important. Currently these procedures are of increasing in our settings as such the information on variations is of prime importance.Keywords: Testicular artery; renal artery, variation, abdominal aorta
Prevalence and anatomical pattern of the median artery among adult black Kenyans
Authors: Cheruiyot Isaac , Bundi Brian , Munguti Jeremiah , Olabu Beda , Ngure Brian , Ogeng’o Julius
Published: April 2021

Knowledge of the anatomy of median arteries is important in the diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel and pronator teres syndromes, reconstructive surgery in the forearm, minimizing inadvertent vascular injury as well as in limiting operative complications due to unexpected bleeding. The anatomical pattern displays ethnic differences but there are few studies on black Africans. This study therefore sought to describe the anatomy of median arteries in an adult black Kenyan population. A total of sixty two (62) upper limbs from thirty one (31) formalin-fixed cadavers were studied at the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya. The prevalence, origin, types, relationship with median nerves and termination were determined. Median arteries were observed in 37 (59.7%) cases. Of these, the palmar type comprised 12 (32.4%) and antebrachial type 25 (67.6%) cases. It occurred bilaterally in 14 (45.2%) cases. The most common origin was the common interosseous artery (21; 56.8%) followed by anterior interosseous (13; 35.1%) and ulnar 3 (8.1%) arteries. The artery pierced the median nerve in 7 (18.9%) cases. The palmar type terminated by uniting with the ulnar artery to form a median-ulnar type of superficial palmar arterial arch in 8 (21.6%) cases and directly gave rise to the first, second and third common digital arteries in 4 (10.8%). In conclusion, the median artery occurs in nearly 60% of the population, much higher than in prevailing literature reports. Prevalence of the palmar type of median arteries and that of median arteries piercing median nerves are also higher than in other populations. Accordingly, presence of median artery and consequently other vascular and median nerve variations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of forearm entrapment neuropathies and due caution taken during forearm surgical procedures. We recommend preoperative ultrasound evaluation of the forearm and hand vascular system.Keywords: Median artery, origin, prevalence, median nerve, Kenyan
Anomalous left anterior cerebral artery with hypoplastic right anterior cerebral artery
Authors: Mahajan A , Goel G , Das B
Published: April 2021

We report an extremely rare anomalous variation of left anterior cerebral artery arising from the contralateral Paraclinoid Internal carotid artery with Hypoplastic right Anterior cerebral artery in a 56 years old female which was incidentally detected on computed tomographic angiography of cerebral vessels. Angiographic identification and characterisation of this anomaly is very important in developing a differential diagnosis and when planning a surgery and endovascular procedure.Keywords: Anterior cerebral artery, Paraclinoid Internal carotid artery, Anterior communicating artery Computed tomography angiography
Histomorphormetric studies on lactational lead intoxication in testes of Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Olajide B.N. , Odukoya S.A. , Komolafe O.A. , Saka O.S. , Odukoya A.O.
Published: April 2021

Childhood lead poisoning has been established to cause a lot of health challenges, of which reproductive health perturbation is not least. This research work was designed to investigate the impact of lactational lead exposure on the developing testes in Sprague-Dawley rat pups. 12 female rats were used in the experiment and 23 offspring for the analysis of lactational lead intoxication. The offspring were divided into four groups. Groups B, C and D were administered 10 mg/dL, 30 mg/dL and 70 mg/dL of lead acetate respectively, via drinking water for 21 days while group A was control. The animal was firstly sedated using a chloroform-damped cotton wool in a vacuum (air-tight chamber). The sedated animal was weighed on a weighing balance and figure recorded. The animal was then perfused to clear blood from the organs before the organs were harvested, the testes of the pups exposed via lactation were observed via histological methods. Statistical analysis showed the total body weight and left testicular weight appeared to be significantly (p <0.05) lower in groups B, C and D when compared to the control group. Right testicular weight, tubular diameter, tubular radius and luminal area were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups B, C and D when compared to the control. Testicular distortion was observed during histological findings. Care must be taken by a lactating mother to avoid being exposed to lead during gestation and lactation.Keywords: Histomorphormetry; Lactation; Testes; Lead-intoxication
Expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 2 alpha in mouse bronchiolar epithelial cells: anatomical and functional implications
Authors: Luziga Claudius
Published: April 2021

The lung is one of the major sites of cathepsins (B, H, and L) expression where they are involved in several functions including degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, remodelling of the lung tissue and processing of the invariant chain of the MHC class II complex. Under pathological conditions, cathepsins have been observed in inflammation, tumour progression and metastasis. The enzymatic activity of cathepsins is regulated by changes in pH and their interaction with inhibitors. One of the potent and specific inhibitors of cathepsin L is the Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2α (CTLA-2α) which was originally expressed in mouse activated T-cells and mast cells. However, the cellular localization and distribution pattern of CTLA-2α in the lung is not known. In this study, CTLA-2α expression in the lung was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Strong immunoreactivity was specifically detected in the bronchiolar epithelial cells of primary, secondary and terminal segments; moderate in the lymphoid nodules and scanty in the lung parenchyma. The distribution pattern implicates an important role of this inhibitor protein in relation to matrix remodelling, immune response and their relationship to lung development and diseases.Keywords: CTLA-2α, immunofluorescence, mouse, lung
Effects of shea oil on the histology and enzymes of the liver
Authors: Gadzama Madu Nom
Published: April 2021

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of Shea oil on the histology and enzymes of liver of Albino Wistar rats. Twenty-five adult Albino Wistar rats weighing between 98.8g to 348g were randomly grouped into five groups of five rats each. Group I served as control and was given water and feed only ad libitum. Groups II, III, IV, and V were given 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 1500 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg of Shea oil orally for the duration of 28days. Groups I-IV were sacrificed after 28days while Group V was left for additional 14 days post treatment after the rats in the group were sacrificed. Liver tissues were harvested for histopathological observations and blood samples were collected for liver function tests (Asparate aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and Alkaline phosphate (ALP)). Cell morphological changes seen under light microscopic level the rats in the control group have normal liver architecture while steatosis, fatty changes, inflammation, and necrosis where observed in the experimental groups. The hepatocytes were becoming irregular with narrowing sinusoid showing sign of recovery in group V. There was no significant effect on serum level of ASAT, ALP, total protein and urea while the change in ALAT and albumin level was significante (p>0.05). We therefore recommended that people consuming Shea oil should do so with care. Further investigations should be carried out.Keywords: Vitellaria Paradoxa, Enzymes and Liver
Effects of Moringa oleifera on the developing cerebrum of young wistar rats
Authors: Abijo A Z , Adeeyo O O , Komolafe O A , Saka O S , Abodunrin V K
Published: April 2021

The study evaluated the effects of moringa oleifeira on the histoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex, the body weight and brain weight of young wistar rats. Fifteen (15) young wistar rats of both sexes weighing 20-30g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B and C) of five rats each. Group A served as control and received distilled water, group B and C received 100 mg/kg and 200mg/kg of moringa oleifera respectively. Treatment lasted for a period of 6 weeks (orally). Rats were weighed and sacrificed under ketamine (30 mg/kg) anaesthesia. The cerebrum was harvested and fixed immediately in 10% formolcalcium, for further histological processing. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze data, followed by Newan-Keuls (SNK) for multiple comparisons. The results showed that there was significant increase in the feed intake of animals in groups B and C starting from the 4th week of administration. There was no significant difference in the relative brain weight and the mean weight of the rats in group B and C when compared with group A. Histological findings revealed that there was slight distortion in group B and more distortion in group C when compared with the normal histoarchitecture in control group A. The results obtained from this study showed that high doses of Moringa oleifera caused damage of some parts of histoarchitecture of the frontal cortex of developing wistarKey words: MORINGA OLEIFERA; Cerebrum; Frontal Cortex
Hibiscus extract mitigates salt induced carotid adventitial changes in rats
Authors: Gwala Fidel O , Olabu Beda O , Pulei Anne N , Ogeng’o Julius A.
Published: April 2021

The tunica adventitia is an active vascular compartment that actively participates in modulation of vascular structure, function and pathophysiology. Adventitial thickness has recently been accepted as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. The effects of salt and chemicals that ameliorate those effects are important in understanding vascular structure, function and pathology. There are few studies on hibiscus and high salt induced vascular pathology. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of hibiscus on salt induced vascular changes on rat carotid artery. The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each – (i) controls; (ii) high salt diet alone and (iii) high salt + hibiscus extract for a period of eight weeks. At ages 2, 5 and 8weeks 2 – 3 animals were sacrificed for study. They were anaesthetized with ether and perfused with formal saline. Specimens were then obtained from the middle of common carotid artery, fixed in 5% formaldehyde solution, processed routinely for paraffin embedding and 5-micron thick sections stained with Hematoxylin / Eosin and also with Mason’s Trichome/ Aniline blue. Adventitial thickness and volumetric densities of collagen were measured using morphometric techniques. High salt consumption induced statistically significant increase in adventitial thickness from 297.45μm at week 2 to 659.4μm in week 8. In hibiscus fed rats, this increase progressively reduced to 482.55μm in week 8. Volumetric density of collagen was 57% in high salt fed rats but reduced to 45.66% in hibiscus fed rats (p<0.001). The increase in tunica adventitial thickness and collagen density which is induced by high salt can be mitigated by hibiscus extract. This implies that hibiscus has potential to restore salt induced vascular injury. Further studies are recommended to refine the extract.Keywords: adventitial thickness, high salt, hibiscus, collagen, density
The effects of singeing on the histological appearance of some visceral organs in the red Sokoto goat (Capra hirrcus)
Authors: Henshaw E , Nlebedum U. C. , Ibe C.S. , Nnadozie O. , Agbakwuru I. , Ikpegbu E.
Published: April 2021

The histology of visceral organs from singed Red Sokoto goats were assessed for reliability for use as histopathological samples from singed abattoir specimen. This becomes important as samples for histopathology and histology of goats in Nigeria have been sourced from singed carcasses, with no available literature reporting on the effect of singeing on the histological appearance of tissues from such sample. Hence, this study will fill this knowledge gap. The unfixed samples post-singeing were grouped into time periods of an hour interval up to 3 hours. They were subsequently fixed after allocated tie framed and processed for histological observation. The slides were graded on a scale of 1 to 3, where 1 referred to highly distorted, 2 referred to moderately distorted and 3 referred to mildly distorted. The samples from unsigned viscera that were fixed immediately served as control. Most of the visceral organs showed moderate distortions, except the intestines which degenerated to highly distorted architecture after 3 hours. The stomach compartments displayed normal organ structure similar to the control samples. Blood extravasations were observed in most of the organs. This project shows that samples from singed carcasses that are fixed within 2 hours post-singeing are stable for histology or histopathological studies. It also implied that abattoir samples for histopathogy should be sent to the nearest laboratory about 2 hours radius for fixation and processing to generate reliable data.Key words: Singeing, organ architecture, fixation, histology, histopathology, Nigeria
Assessment of the morphological development of the caecal tonsil in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Nnadozie Okechukwu , Ikpegbu Ekele , Nlebedum Uchenna Callitus , Agbakwuru Isaiah
Published: April 2021

The post hatch (PH) development of the caecal tonsil in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) was studied from day (D) 1 post-hatch to D 140. The tonsils appeared as nodular structure on the surface of the proximal part of the caecal base. The caecal wall of all ages was composed of four histological layers. The mucosa consisted of simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. At D 1 PH the tonsil was composed of minute aggregates of proliferating lymphoid cells. By D 7, Leiberkuhn glands were observed in the stroma of the tonsil, and at D 28, nodules packed with lymphocytes and some plasma cells were observed. Between D 28 and D 133, there were gradual increase in dimension of the tonsils and proliferation of lymphatic nodules. At D 140, there was depletion of lymphatic nodules especially at the apical regions bordering the caecal lumen, and increase in thickness of the intervening connective tissue was very obvious.Key words: caecal tonsil, turkey (Meleagris gallopavo ), morphology, post-hatch, development
A cadaveric study on variations of the cystic artery in the department of pathology, at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Sing`ombe Isaac , Nambule Vivienne , Mutalife Fridah , Mutemwa Sikhanyiso , Kafumukache Elliot , Erzingastian Krikor
Published: April 2021

The main source of blood supply to the gall bladder is the cystic artery which is a branch of the right hepatic artery. Anatomical variations of the cystic artery are frequent. Thus, careful dissection of the Calot`s triangle is necessary for conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The  knowledge of variations of the origin, course, and length of the cystic artery is important for the surgeon as bleeding from the cystic artery during  cholecystectomy can lead to death. Thirty-two post-mortem human cadavers at the University Teaching Hospitals, Pathology Department, Lusaka were dissected and examined over a period of five weeks, to establish the origin, length and course of the cystic artery. And to establish the relationship of the cystic artery to the cystic duct. Out of the 32 human cadavers, the cystic artery was found to be originating from the right hepatic artery in twenty-eight (87.5%), from hepatic artery proper in three (9.4%) and from the left hepatic artery in one (3.1%). In the twenty-nine (90.6%) cadavers dissected, only one cystic artery was identified and in three (9.4%)others there were two arteries detected. The cystic artery length ranged from 2 – 6 cm (mean 3.56± 1.0285 cm). The cystic artery was found to be inside Calot`s triangle in twenty-seven (84.3%) while in three (9.4%) cadavers it was outside the Calot`s triangle. The cystic artery was found to be passing supero-medial to the cystic duct in thirty (93.7%) cadavers while in two (6.3%) the cystic artery was passing anterior to the cystic duct. Demographic characteristic (gender and age) had no statistically significant association to variations of cystic artery (p>0.005). Five (18.5%) of males had variants of cystic artery and no females had variants of the cystic artery. Variations of the cystic artery origin, length, its course through the Calot`s triangle and its relation to the cystic duct are common. Knowledge of these variations is important and helpful in preventing and controlling haemorrhage or avoiding other complications during conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Key words: Cystic artery, Variations, Cholecystectomy, Calot`s triangle
Micronucleus evaluation of exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from automobile spray painters – A preliminary study
Authors: Azubuike Nkiruka Chinonyelum , Onwukwe Okechukwu Steven , Onyemelukwe Anulika Obianuju , Maduakor Uzoamaka Charity , Udoh Iniekong Philip , Ikele Ikenna T. , Ogu Cornelius O. , Okafor Valentine Chinwendu
Published: April 2021

Automobile spray painters in the Mechanic village at Coal Camp, Enugu State, Nigeria are exposed to genotoxic agents such as the automobile paints and spent engine lubricants which contaminate the soil of their working environment. The present study applied the micronucleus (MN) test on exfoliated oral mucosal cells as a means to assess the genotoxicity risk associated with occupational exposure to genotoxic agents. Two (2) groups of subjects which comprised 30 automobile spray painters and a control group of 30 apparently healthy unexposed volunteers were enrolled in the study. The study participants were all males. Moistened wooden spatulas were used to obtain buccal smears of the participating individuals, and the smears were stained. The presence of MN was assessed under light  microscopy and a total of 1000 cells per individual were scored. The results obtained showed that statistically significant increase in MN frequency in buccal epithelial cells of automobile spray painters when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Elevated MN frequency was also observed withincreased age, smoking and alcohol consumption habits. MN frequency was significantly affected by the duration of working experience (years) of the spray painters whereas no difference was observed with number of workinghours/day. In conclusion, the present study has revealed that automobile spray painters in the Mechanic village of Coal Camp, Enugu State could be under risk of cytogenetic damage from exposure to genotoxic chemicals.Key words: Micronuclei frequency; Exfoliated buccal cells; Smoking;  Alcohol consumption, Spray Painters; Genotoxicity;
Anatomical variations of the vertebral artery in a Zambian indigenous adult population undergoing computerised tomography angiography at the university teaching hospitals Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Fridah Mutalife , Isaac Sing'ombe , Vivienne Nambule , Mutemwa Sikhanyiso , Elliot Kafumukache , Veronica Sunkutu , Erzingastian Krikor
Published: April 2021

Vertebral artery is an important source of blood supply to the brain which arises from the subclavian arteries. Anatomical variations have been incidentally reported during autopsy and angiograms. These variations predispose to development of aneurysms, dissections and may lead to vertebrobasilar ischaemia and posterior circulation stroke. Knowledge of variations of the great vessels of the neck is important for endovascular interventionists and diagnostic radiologists, more so in the era of new therapeutic options for intracranial interventions. Forty-two computerised tomography angiograms at the University Teaching Hospitals, Radiology Department Lusaka were examined to investigate vertebral artery variations in a Zambian population and determine the origin of the vessels. These paired vessels were examined thoroughly individually. Eighty-four arteries were examined eighty one (96.4%) had origin from the subclavian artery while three (3.6%) left took origin from the aortic arch. Variations found were two (2.4%) right vertebral arteries had fenestrations, ten (11.9%) had dual origin and one (1.2%) left was hypoplastic. The age ranged from 18 and 81 with mean age of (42.5±) of these seven females and four males had variations. Demographic characteristic (gender and age) had no statistically significant association to variations of vertebral artery (P>0.05). Variations of the vertebral artery are common. Knowledge of these variations is important and helpful in preventing iatrogenic injuries and haemorrhage during endovascular intervention and diagnostic procedures.Keywords: Vertebral artery, duplication, fenestrations, hypoplasia
Comparative effects of ethanol extract of Talinum triangulare and ascorbic acid on Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate induced undescended testis in Wistar rats
Authors: Ogundoyin Olakayode Olaolu , Sanwo Anne Fiyinfoluwa
Published: April 2021

This study compared the effects of Talinum triangulare extract and Ascorbic acid on the oxidative stress caused by Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) induced undescended testis (UDT) in Wistar rats. Twenty-four pregnant rats were randomly divided into six groups of four animals each. Group 1(Control) received 2.5ml/kg corn oil for 21 days, Group 2 received 750mg/kg DEHP on gestational days (GD) 14-18, Group 3 received 200mg/kg ascorbic acid for 21 days and 750mg/kg DEHP from GD 14-18 and Group 4 received 200mg/kg Talinum triangulare extract for 21 days and 750mg/kg of DEHP from GD 14-18. The dams were delivered, the resulting pups weighed and sacrificed on postnatal day (PND) 28. Gross examination of the pups, biochemical and histological changes were recorded. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Group 2 pups had UDT and low birth weight compared to other groups. The mean testicular weight and anogenital distance (AGD) were low in Group 2 pups compared to pups in Groups 3 and 4. The mean values of all the antioxidant enzymes and serum testosterone were low in Group 2 pups compared to other groups. Histological examination of the testes of Group 2 pups revealed moderate vascular congestion within the tunica albuginea and severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules with degenerated Sertoli cells compared to normal findings in other Groups. Although the ameliorative effects of Talinum triangulare is not as potent as that of Ascorbic acid, preconceptional and continuous intake of this vegetable by pregnant women would help to prevent UDT and other associated problems.Keywords: Oxidative stress, Talinum triangulare , testosterone, Undescended testis, Ascorbic acid
Sex variations in thumbprint ridge count of a Nigerian population in Calabar Municipality
Authors: Usang Iso Iso , Mesembe O.E. , Ewunonu E.O.
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed at determining the association between thumbprint ridge count and sex variation among Nigerians in Calabar Municipality. A total number of 300 subjects (150 males and 150 females) aged between 12-35 years participated in the study. Conventional method of using ink pad was used to collect thumbprint of both hands and analysed using magnifying lens. The study confirmed the results of some earlier works done by other researchers on fingerprints. It further established the distribution proportions of thumbprint for both hands in both sexes for the population. The uniqueness of fingerprint to individuals was reaffirmed as no two thumbprints were identical among the 300 subjects under study. These results show that the order of prevalence are as follows; among males, in whatever combination of thumbprint pattern, whorl is the most occurring, followed by loop and arch. Among females, in whatever combination of thumbprint pattern, loop is the most occurring followed by whorl and arch. The result equally showed the mean thumbprint ridge count of females to be lower than that of males (20.91 as against 27.85 respectively). The difference in pattern between left and right hands in females was significant. In conclusion the thumbprint ridge count shows gender dysmorphism in the Nigerian population.Keywords: Fingers, epidermal ridges, thumbprint ridge count
Ovarian profile of Wistar rats treated with Theobroa cacao extract.
Authors: Obeten Kebe E. , Fischer Victor A. , Jennifer Ugwuja O. , Bonaventure Akim
Published: April 2021

The study was aimed at determining the effect of aqueous extract of Theobroma cacao on the histology of the ovary of female albino wistar rat. Twenty-four (24) adult wistar female rats weighting about 100- 160g were used for this research work and were divided into three (3) groups of eight (8) animals each. Group A; control, Group B; low dose and Group C; high dose with eight (8) animals in each group. Control group received vital feed; the low dose group was administered 240mgkg body weight of Theobroma cacao extract and the high dose group was administered 500mgkg body weight of the test substance. Extract was given daily by oral gavage method for twenty-one (21) days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, all animals in each group were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia. The ovaries were harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histological studies. Results showed that following administration of extract of Theoboma cacao at these doses, an insignificant decrease in organ weight was observed. Histological observation showed few follicles as well as loss of the substance of granulose cell this could possibly suggest decrease in production of sex steroids in the ovary.Keywords: Theobroma Cacao, Ovary, Histology
Amelioration of lead induced changes in the testes of sprague-dawley rats, by methanol extract of Telfaria occidentalis
Authors: Falana B.A. , Adekeye W.M. , Adeleke S.O.
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of infertility due to industrial, environmental and pharmaceutical toxins induced by lead in Nigeria and in developing countries is alarming. The use of medicinal plants as fertility enhancer in human is now in the increase because of the shifting of attention from synthetic drugs to natural plants. Thus, this study investigated the effect of methanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis on (Pb) lead-induced testicular damage in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four (24) Sprague dawley (SD) rats with average weight of 130g were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. Group A served as the control group administered normal saline. Group B received 75mg/kg body weight of lead (Pb) as Lead nitrate only. Group C received 75mg/kg body weight of lead (Pb) and 300mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Telfairia Occidentalis, while Group D receive 300mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Telfairia Occidentalis only. Administration was via oral canula and the animals were sacrificed on 15th day. Blood samples were obtained via the left ocular sinus for haematological and hormonal studies while the testes and epididymis were removed and fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histological analysis. Administration of Telfairia Occidentalis improves testicular testosterone and PCV levels and also restored the histoarchitecture of the testes in SD rats. It is therefore suggested that the antioxidant potential of this wonder plant may have beneficial effects in treating male factor infertility as shown in this present study.Keywords: Male infertility, Telfairia occidentalis, Lead (Pb), Antioxidants