bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
The anatomy of the Lamina terminalis and Cisterna Chiasmatica: A cadaveric study at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Syamuleya Vivienne Nambule , Sing’ombe Isaac , Mutalife Fridah , Mutemwa Sikhanyiso , Kafumukache Elliot , Erzingatsian Krikor 
Published: April 2021

The Lamina Terminalis represents an important neuroanatomical structure by which third Ventriculostomy could be performed into the subarachnoid space through the Cisterna Chiasmatica. Recent studies have indicated a role for Lamina Terminalis fenestration in approaching pathologies of the third ventricle. However, there is limited knowledge on the anatomical features, variations and the vasculature of the Lamina Terminalis in a Zambian population. This study was aimed to explore the anatomy of the Lamina Terminalis, the Cisterna Chiasmatica and its neurovascular relationships as seen in a Zambian population and compare with the findings in the literature. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design in which 32 post-mortem human cadaveric brains were systematically sampled. The Lamina Terminalis region was examined in 27 male cadavers and five female cadavers of age range between 25 and 66 years (mean 34.1 ± 9.2years). Data was collected using a data collection form, entered and analyzed by descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Mean and standard deviations were used to describe variables. The base of the brain was detached from the floor of the cranial cavity and the Lamina Terminalis exposed fully by retracting both optic nerves and the optic Chiasma posteroinferiorly. Thetriangular Lamina Terminalis measurements were performed as the distance between the midportion of the upper aspect of the chiasma and the lower aspect of the anterior commissure (height), which averaged 8.6 ±1.0mm. The distance between the medial edges of the optic tracts (base) averaged 13.1 ±1.1mm and the area averaged 56.9 ± 11.6mm2. The Lamina Terminalis membrane showed variations in appearance; 20 were transparent with a large dark midline gap and 10 were less translucent with a slender midline gap and two were indistinct. The Cisterna Chiasmatica was observed as a dilated subarachnoid space adjacent to the Optic Chiasma. For neurovascular relationships, 24 cadavers showed arterioles arising from the posterosuperior aspect of the anterior cerebral artery to perforate the anterior perforating substance(s), supplying the chiasma, and optic tracts; whereas, eight cadavers showed arterioles arising posteroinferiorly and ramifying on the Lamina Terminalis. The Lamina Terminalis membrane is variably developed. There are variations in the membrane appearance, measurements and neurovascular relationships. These findings will supplement a knowledge gap in neuroanatomy and help prevent complications during Lamina Terminalis fenestration in approaching pathologies of the third ventricle.Key words: Lamina Terminalis, Cisterna Chiasmatica, Third Ventriculostomy
The use of reflective practice to promote pharmacy students’ metacognition in a foundation anatomy course
Authors: Wessels Quenton , Du Plessis Anneli , Du Plessis Adéle , Bouman Denise 
Published: April 2021

Students’ ability to characterise their learning approaches has the potential to enhance their overall educational experience and guide educators to tailor their pedagogical approaches. The aim here, through students’ reflective practice, is to promote their metacognition. Also, to gain insights to pharmacy students’ initial approaches to studying anatomy and their perceived value of anatomy as a subject. The study also aimed to contextually capture students’ perceptions on their transition from secondary to tertiary education. This cross-sectional study entailed the use of reflective practice to promote metacognition in first year pharmacy students (Bachelors of Pharmacy students (n = 67)), at the University of Namibia’s School of Pharmacy. Results of this study indicate the initial learning approaches of most students to be haphazard. Students used varied, non-departmental resources to guide their learning whilst a few followed structured learning approaches. Results further indicate that students’ gradual transition and evolving metacognition appear to start during the initial few months of tertiary education. This transition appears to include feelings of apprehension, uncertainty and distress. Reflective practice creates awareness amongst students of possible gaps in their learning approaches and promote the value of anatomy as an undergraduate subject. Data suggests that the formal incorporation of reflective practice as a metacognitive learning activity promotes students’metacognition by elucidating possible gaps in their learning approaches.Keywords: Learning approaches, anatomy, pharmacy students, reflective practice, metacognition
Retracted: Supracondylar Osteochondroma in a Black South African Population
Authors: Ofusori David A. , Komolafe Omobola A. , Ajayi Sunday A , Abiodun Adeleke A. 
Published: April 2021

This journal has been retracted by the Editor.Osteochondroma is a condition characterized by a benign outgrowth of bone on the surface of another bone. The present study reports the presence of osteochondroma in the supracondylar region of the right femur of a Black South African during a routine osteological study. The diameter of the exostosis measured 15.7 mm at the tip and 26.3 mm at the base. The exostosis is about 30.8 mm from the base of the epicondyle. It is 24.8 mm in length. Gross examination suggests a feature of osteochondroma.Keywords: Femur, Osteochondroma, South Africa, tumor
An incidental case of uterus didelphys and fibroids: Right sided myomectomy and left hemi-hysterectomy
Authors: Mashala J.N. , Wekesa D. , Chemwey R. , Pulei A. , Kihara A. 
Published: April 2021

Congenital anomalies of the uterus occur due to agenesis or lack of fusion of the Mullerian ducts. The incidence of these anomalies is largely unknown since they are unlikely to be diagnosed in asymptomatic women. Uterine didelphys or double uterus occurs when the two Mullerian ducts fail to fuse resulting in duplication of the uterus and cervix. This report discusses a case of a 38-yearold woman who had presented with a longstanding history of abnormal uterine bleeding and cyclical pain. She had had two successful vaginal deliveries prior to presentation to our unit. Sonographic findings revealed large uterine myomas and was consented for open myomectomy. Intraoperatively she was found to have two uteri, both of which had intramural fibroids and two cervices.
Keywords: didelphys uterus, fibroid.
Gross anatomical features and osteometric variables of the scapula of the african tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus), house (Rattus Rattus) and wistar rats
Authors: Kazeem Ekeolu Oyetunde , Oyewole Omirinde Jamiu , Ifukot Usende Levi 
Published: April 2021

This study comparatively investigated gross features and osteometric variables in scapula of three rodents: tree squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus ), house (Rattus Rattus ) and Wistar rats. A total of thirty three animals (11 per rodent species) were used for the study. The rodents were anaesthetized using ketamine and xylazine combination (80 mg/kg: 10 mg/kg body weight), sacrificed and processed for scapular bone extraction by burying method. Grossly, the scapular bones are flattened in all the rodents and have various shapes; semicircular in squirrel and roughly triangular in both Rattus rattus and Wistar rats. The scapula of the squirrel bears a hook-like acromion process and a distinct subscapular spine. Osteometric variables; scapular width and length of scapular neck are significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the squirrel relative to other rodents. While the length of glenoid and diameter of infra spinatous fossa in Rattus rattus as well as the scapular spine length in squirrel respectively show marked increase when compared to other rodents.
Keywords: Funisciurus anerythrus, Rattus rattus , Wistar, scapula, morphology, osteometry, comparative
A review of telocytes in cardiovascular tissue and their role in angiogenesis
Authors: Ongidi Ibsen , Abdulsalaam Fadhila , Otieno Harry , Odero Noel , Pulei Anne , Obimbo Moses , Ongeti Kevin 
Published: April 2021

Telocytes are interstitial cells characterized by small cell bodies with very long and slender processes extending from them. They are present in most tissues and are most commonly found in close association with nerves, smooth muscle and microvascular networks in tissue interstitial space. Telocytes maintain tissue homeostasis in various ways including modulation of electrical activity, regulation of stem cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The role of telocytes in blood vessels stems from a structural and functional coupling to vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This review explores the distribution of telocytes in cardiovascular tissues, their mechanisms in angiogenesis and application of this property in tissue regeneration. The literature search was conducted on PubMedTM, Science directTM and African Journals Online databases as well as Google ScholarTM search engines. The keywords used in the literature search included ‘telocytes’, ‘cardiovascular telocytes’, ‘blood vessel’, ‘cardiac tissue’, ‘(neo-)angiogenesis’ and ‘tissue regeneration’. Articles which contained the keywords and relevant citations from their reference lists were included in the study. In conclusion, telocytes display close structural relationship with cardiovascular tissues. They play an angiogenesis inducing role which may be explored as a therapeutic target in tissue repair and regeneration.
Keywords : cardiovascular telocytes, interstitial Cajal-like cell, regeneration, angiogenesis
A rare case of anatomical variation of the femoral artery and vein
Authors: Ba B. , Touré T. , Kanté A. , Koné M. , Kouamenou K.D. , Koné M. , Guissé F. , Coulibaly T. , Ongoïba N. , Koumaré A.K. 
Published: April 2021

During a dissection of the two femoral trigons in a female corpse, about 14 years old, we discovered on the right side, the deep artery of the thigh arising from the medial side of the femoral artery and passed in front of the femoral vein above the mouth of the great saphenous vein; on both sides, there was the presence of a collateral canal which communicated the external iliac vein with the femoral vein on the right, on the left, it communicated the external iliac vein with the quadricipital vein. The lower part of the femoral vein was duplicated on both sides, but on the right, there was an interconnecting channel between the two trunks of the duplication. Variations of the femoral vessels are very frequent and can be responsible for an incident during the practice of certain gestures at the level of the femoral trigon such as: catheterization of the femoral artery or vein, the treatment of femoral hernias.
Key words: Deep thigh artery, collateral venous canal, external iliac vein, anatomic variations.
FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH FINANCING IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL REVIEW
Authors: Tayo-Ladega Oluwadamisi , Abdullahi Taye Mohammed , Islam K. M. Anwarul 
Published: April 2021

An effective and quality health care service is one of the fundamental visions of every government to its citizenry because it is only the healthy people that can be governed and will value developmental projects. Citizens having access to quality health services translate to significant development in modern society. Therefore, the provision of adequate funds for the sector is essential. However, the Nigeria health care sector is currently confronted with colossal issues that should be surmounted to enhance effective and quality health care delivery to the citizens. This study is rooted in the evidence of appropriate works of literature in the financing of public health care services in Nigeria. From the extant works of the literature surveyed, it was revealed that public health care services in Nigeria are financed by revenue that is accrued from public tax, funding from donors, health insurance, and direct payments made by individuals. Furthermore, public health service is mostly financed by direct payments made by individuals with the government. The most perturbing issues combating public health care financing are direct payments made by individuals, poor government funding, health care policy defects in implementation, and corruption scandals. On this note, the study recommended an effective and robust government funding of public health, implementation of sound health care policies, efficient monitoring of public funds utilization, and discouraging foreign medical trips.
JEL Classification Codes: A19, B10, B25, C10, C53.
Isolation and Characterization of Secondary Metabolite from the Stem Bark Extract of Allophylus africanus Beauv (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Kwekowe C.G. , Johnbull E.O. , Otuokere I.E. 
Published: April 2021

Isolation of secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Allophylus africanus Beauv (Sapindaceae) was carried out. The plant has a wide distribution in West Africa, with Nigeria (Mambila Plateau, Calabar) inclusive. It has been used in communities for both its medicinal and economic importance. The stem bark of A. africanus was extracted by percolation using chloroform as solvent and concentrated by evaporation at room temperature. Single spot with an Rf value of 0.87 was obtained at a solvent mixture of hexane: chloroform at ratio 2:8 from finger column chromatography . Characterization using spectra analysis which include FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, H-H COSY, H-C COSY, 135 DEPT and mass spectroscopy. Spectroscopic studies of A. Africanus stem bark extract led to the elucidation of the structure of the compound. FT-IR spectrum indicates that the compound is an aromatic derivative. Aromatic protons where seen at the 1H-NMR chemical shift values of 7.25 ppm. Olefinic protons at 5.124, 5.146 and 6.162 ppm appeared as doublets of doublets of doublets. The compound 1-((E)- 7(((1E,5E)-6-((2,3-dimethyl-4-(((E)-3,4,5,6-tetramethyldeca-7,9-dien-2-yl)oxy)pentyl)oxy)-3,4- dimethylhexa-1,5-dien-1-yl)oxy)hept-4-en-1-yl)-4-propylbenzene was isolated.
AN ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF VIOLENCE REDUCTION PSYCHOEDUCATION PROGRAM ON COMMUNICATION, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND EMPATHY SKILL LEVELS OF ADOLESCENT STUDENTS
Authors: Akan Yunus 
Published: April 2021

<p>The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the "Violence Reduction Psychoeducation Program (VRPP) for Students Aged 11-18" on the levels of communication, conflict resolution and empathy skills of secondary school students. This research was designed as a semi-experimental design defined as "Pretest-Post-test Control Group Model". The study group of the research consisted of 120 students studying in the Selçuklar secondary school affiliated to the Mersin Provincial Directorate of National Education in the 2018-2019 academic year. "Communication Skills Evaluation Scale", "Empathy Scale for Children and Adolescents" and "Determination of Conflict Resolution Behavior Scale" were used as data collection tools. The program was applied to the experimental group for 8 consecutive weeks with 1 60-70-minute session per week at 11 o'clock on Mondays in the conference hall of the school. Independent sample t-test and ANCOVA were used to analyze the data of this research. As a result of the research, it was found that program increased the students' level of communication, empathy and conflict resolution skills in the experimental group. In line with the results obtained, suggestions such as systematic and planned implementation of the developed program at certain hours as part of the curriculum within the scope of the psychological counseling and guidance services were made.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0610/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KAGARKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Magaji Peter John , Magaji J. Y. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to of investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among school children in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Methodology: Random sampling was adopted in selecting a sample of five schools with a population of 235 pupils was used for the study. The instrument for the study was the questionnaire used to elicit in information on the risk factors. Also 50 pupils were randomly selected, 10 each from the five selected schools for the stool investigations. The saline/iodine wet mouth procedure was used in the analysis of the stool samples.
Findings: Results showed that poor sanitary conditions, inadequate potable water supply, lack of personal hygiene education and lack of de-worming of children enhanced the spread of intestinal parasitic infection. An overall prevalence of 66% was recorded. A total of 6 species of intestinal parasites were recorded in this study. This includes Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Entamoeba coli respective prevalence rates of 33.3%, 24.2%, 18.2%, 12.1%, 9.1% and 3.0%. The highest prevalence of 27.3% was recorded in Kutaho, followed by Kushe and Jere with 21.2% each while the least prevalence of 12.1% as recorded in Kagarko. The 11-13 years age group had the highest prevalence of (45.5%), followed by the 8-10 years age group (36.4%), and then the 14 years and above with the least (6.1%). Sex-specific prevalence was higher in males (57.6%) than females (42.4%).
Recommendations: The results suggests that Children should be taught on regular personal hygiene. There is also need for Public Health Education on personal hygiene practices in the communities, large scale de-worming campaigns in all primary schools in the area and the host communities.