ANATOMY

Introduction: Momordica charantia has been investigated for its effect on various organs and its numerous indications have been cited in literature. There are, however, scanty publications on its effect on the male reproductive system. Objective: To evaluate the effects of methanolic seed extract of M. charantia (MC) on the sperm production (sperm number and motility), testicular volume and testicular testosterone in Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. Materials and methods: Twenty adult male S-D rats, weighing 106-200 g allotted randomly into four main groups (A, B, C and D). Groups A, B and C received 15, 25 and 50 mg/100 g b.w/oral of MC, respectively, daily. Group IV rats (control) were fed equal volume of physiological saline. The duration of treatment for both extract and physiological saline was 56 days. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Testicular volume, sperm count and motility and testicular testosterone estimated.

Momordica charantia plant is quite common in Africa and Asia, known in folkloric medicine to affect adversely the reproductive system by mechanism yet to be fully understood. The aim is to determine the effects of M. charantia with and without testosterone administration; on hormonal levels and sperm production (number and motility) in rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, divided randomly into six groups (MC, TP-MC, MC-TP, MC+TP, TP and DW for group I, II, III, IV, V and VI, respectively). Groups I to V were fed daily for 16 weeks, with either 50 mg/100 g body weight (b.w) /day M. charantia seed extract (MC) or intramuscularly injected with 0.05 mg/kg b.w testosterone propionate (TP) thrice/week. Group VI (negative control) were administered daily with distilled water (DW). Serum gonadotrophins, prolactin and testosterone concentrations and sperm production were measured. M. charantia extract resulted in significant reduction in serum gonadotrophins and testosterone concentrations, with an increase in prolactin level. Sperm production was decreased significantly compared to control. It produced responses that were rather modulatory when concurrently administered with TP. M. charantia seed extract suppresses the pituitary-testicular axis and sperm production in male rats. Thus, it could be developed to a contraceptive drug for men.

Introduction: Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) grows in tropical areas including parts of the Amazon, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It has an array of biologically active plant chemicals including triterpenes, proteins and steroids. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the effect of methanolic seed extract of M. charantia (MC) on ova count, implantation and the fetus of Sprague-Dawley rats. Methodology: Thirty adult cyclic female Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats divided into three groups (A, B and C) of 10 rats/group were used for the study. The female rats in Groups B and C were made pregnant by cohabiting with male S-D rats. In all the groups, MC extract was administered in the morning (9.00 a.m.) at a dose of 25 mg/100 g b.w./oral. In Group A, rats (in proestrous phase) were treated with a single dose and sacrificed the following day (estrous phase). Rats in Group B were fed once daily from day 1 to 10 of gestation and sacrificed on the 12th day. Rats in Group C were fed once daily from day 6 to 19 of gestation and sacrificed on the 20th day of gestation. The * Corresponding author. Address:

The Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a benign (hamartomatous) noninvasive lesion but progressive growth, constituting only 3% of all odontogenic tumors. Most common site of AOT is maxillary anterior region especially canine region. Most common variety of AOT is Follicular variety (73%) which is associated with impacted tooth (maxillary canine). Females are most commonly affected than males. We report on a rare case of follicular AOT in the mandibular anterior region seen in an 18 years old male patient. Diagnosis of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor should be considered when the clinician is presented with a corticated radiolucency in the anterior lower jaw, especially in teens and young adults.

Introduction: Although unrelenting attempts have been made during the past five decades in understanding the three-dimensional morphology of the rats' testis and the organizational arrangements of the seminiferous tubules, the findings have remained ambiguous relating the structure to its function. Objective: This article investigates the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) on the testes of Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats using stereological tools. Methodology: A total of 50 male S-D rats, weighing 110-214 g were allocated randomly into three main groups I to III. Groups I and II were further divided into 10 subgroups of five rats. The duration of 6, 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks of extract treatment represented 5 subgroups in Group I. While 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks were 4 subgroups in Group II. Groups I and II received daily oral doses of 50 mg/100 g body weight of MC seed extract for the respective duration. Group III, (control) rats were fed an equal volume of physiological saline. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and the testes were processed for cytometry. Stereological parameters estimated include: Testicular volume and weight, tubular diameter, cross sectional area of seminiferous tubules, number of profiles per unit area, length density and numerical density of the seminiferous tubules.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in children and adolescents even in resource-poor countries. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in a group of Nigerian school children using triceps skin-fold thickness (SFT) and body mass index (BMI). The subjects were 1235 randomly selected primary and secondary Lagos school children aged 5-18 years, triceps SFT was measured with Harpenden® calipers and BMI calculated from weight and height. Using BMI, overweight and obesity were defined as values of 85th to 94th percentile for age and sex and Ն95th percentile, respectively. Using triceps SFT, obesity was defined as SFT > 85th percentile of the NHANES III study. Fifty-seven subjects (15 boys and 42 girls) had SFT > 85th percentile with a higher prevalence in girls than boys (6.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.001). The prevalence of BMI-defined overweight and obesity were also higher among girls (11.9% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001 and 4.7% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.02, respectively). Females of upper socioeconomic class were more likely to be overweight (16.2% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.0001), obese (6.3% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.03) or have elevated SFT (8.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.03) than those of low socioeconomic status. Forty-seven of 57 subjects (82.5%) with elevated SFT also had high BMI. The prevalence of obesity is low in the study population but the much higher prevalence of overweight suggests that steps should be taken to control fatness before the figures worsen. In more than 80% of subjects, elevated SFT co-existed with elevated BMI.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in children and adolescents even in resource-poor countries. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity in a group of Nigerian school children using triceps skin-fold thickness (SFT) and body mass index (BMI). The subjects were 1235 randomly selected primary and secondary Lagos school children aged 5-18 years, triceps SFT was measured with Harpenden® calipers and BMI calculated from weight and height. Using BMI, overweight and obesity were defined as values of 85th to 94th percentile for age and sex and Ն95th percentile, respectively. Using triceps SFT, obesity was defined as SFT > 85th percentile of the NHANES III study. Fifty-seven subjects (15 boys and 42 girls) had SFT > 85th percentile with a higher prevalence in girls than boys (6.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.001). The prevalence of BMI-defined overweight and obesity were also higher among girls (11.9% vs. 5.7%, P < 0.001 and 4.7% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.02, respectively). Females of upper socioeconomic class were more likely to be overweight (16.2% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.0001), obese (6.3% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.03) or have elevated SFT (8.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.03) than those of low socioeconomic status. Forty-seven of 57 subjects (82.5%) with elevated SFT also had high BMI. The prevalence of obesity is low in the study population but the much higher prevalence of overweight suggests that steps should be taken to control fatness before the figures worsen. In more than 80% of subjects, elevated SFT co-existed with elevated BMI.

Ethanol liver disease is a major health problem worldwide. One aspect of ethanol toxicity that has received increasing attention in recent years is the role of free radical species in the etiology of liver injury. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that scavenge for free radicals. The effect of 200mg Vitamin C + 200mg Vitamin E as food supplement administered for 7 days was studied on hepatic damage induced by ethanol (40% v/v, 2.0ml/100g body weight per oral for 21 days) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The supplements were administered for the last week of 21 days administration of ethanol. Serum transaminases, Lipid peroxidase and Bilirubin were estimated to access liver damage. Our results showed that ethanol induce increased serum Transaminases, Lipid peroxidase and Bilirubin levels. The biochemical findings were supplemented by histopathological examination of the liver sections. The study confirmed the hepatoprotective effects of Vitamins C and E on the hepatocytes of rats as demonstrated by previous investigators.

Background. Exposure to competitive football is increasing among male youth football players in Nigeria. However, medical support to abate the impact of injuries appears inadequate and there is limited literature to show whether youth football players are knowledgeable about, and practise effective measures for injury prevention in football (IPF). Objective. To assess the knowledge and behaviour of male youth football players regarding IPF and the availability of medical care for players. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among all registered first-division players of a male youth football league in Lagos, Nigeria. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we assessed players' knowledge regarding IPF, awareness of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ injury-prevention programme, injury-prevention behaviour and availability of medical attendants during training and competitive matches. Results. The mean age of the players was 18.5 years (standard deviation (SD) ±1.7; range 12-19). Their overall mean knowledge score regarding IPF was 4.40 (SD ±1.92) from a total score of 9, with the majority falling into the poor (39.1%) and fair (43.9%) knowledge categories. Most (79.3%) players were not aware of the FIFA 11+ programme. Less than half (40.5%) wore shin guards during training sessions, while 52.5% reported wearing shin guards during matches. Less than two-thirds always warmed up or cooled down at training or matches. About three-quarters (73.1%) and over half (52.1%) reported not having medical attendants working with their teams during matches and training, respectively. Conclusion. There is a clear deficiency in the knowledge and behaviour of injury-prevention measures among Nigerian male youth football players, and adequate medical care is lacking. There is a need for injury-prevention advocacy and implementation of effective interventions to bridge the identified deficiencies in youth football in Nigeria.

Introduction: Limited information is available about the skeletal frame size of urbandwelling adolescent female West African children. Aim and Objective: This study assessed variations in skeletal frame-size as estimated from the truncal breadths of adolescent female Nigerian children from two different socioeconomic backgrounds in Lagos. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements of biacromial, bi-iliocristal, bitrochanteric, and chest breadths were taken from 320 adolescent female school children aged 10-17 years selected from public and private schools in Lagos using a systematic random method. The socioeconomic status (SES) of the subjects was classified on the basis of attendance at either fee-paying private or non-fee-paying public schools. Results:The range of skeletal breadth measurements were as follows:

Introduction: Growth studies among children are important in health planning and policy making, as it has been observed that the interaction between environmental and genetic constitution is manifested in physical growth. The aim of this work was to investigate the variation in growth patterns of adolescent girls from different socioeconomic status attending schools (a private and public schools) in urban Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was undertaken on 320 adolescent female schoolchildren in Lagos, Nigeria. Six anthropometric measurements, such as weight, stature, sitting height, waist circumference, biacromial breadth, and biceps skinfold were taken into consideration observing ISAK protocol for measurement. Results: The results revealed that the private school girls had consistently higher values than the public school girls. Conclusion: This indicates that a consistent variation pattern in growth exists among the girls studied. Therefore there is need for adequate health monitoring during adolescence.

Background/ Objective: Recreational Physical Activities (RPA) in primary schools enhances the cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, skeletal and metabolic systems of children. RPA is however declining in these institutions, portending a threat to community and public health. Aim: To compare the effect of RPA on body composition among pupils in public and private primary schools in Surulere Local Government area (LGA), Lagos, Nigeria .Methodology: A total of 400 apparently healthy pupils (200 males and 200 females) aged 7-11 years and recruited from 12 randomly selected public and private schools participated in the study. Availability of RPA facilities was documented in the various schools. Anthropometric variables including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC), triceps, subscapular, and calf skin fold thicknesses were also measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), sum of skinfold thickness (SFT) and percentage body fat (%BF) were calculated and used to determine their body composition. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and analysed using independent t-test and level of significance was set at p< 0.05.Results: There was significant difference in height, weight, WC, HC, BMI, SFT and %BF (p<0.05) between male and female pupils of both public and private schools and no significant difference in WHR (t=-0.15,p=0.88; t=-0.04,p=0.97) between male and female pupils of public and private primary schools respectively in Surulere, Lagos. 66.7% of the public schools had open fields with no RPA facilities, while 83.33% of the private schools had adequate space with well equipped RPA facilitiesConclusion : The pupils in private schools had a greater proportion of overweight and obesity, even though they had better RPA facilities than those in the public schools.

Background: The determination of living stature is a key component of personal identification of individuals. In this study, we developed predictive regression models and multiplication factors to reliably estimate living stature from foot length and breadth in adult Nigerian undergraduate students at the University of Lagos. Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 400 subjects (200 males and 200 females) of Nigerian parentage, aged 18-36 years who volunteered and satisfied the inclusion criteria. Following institutional approval, anthropometric measurements of stature, foot length, and foot breadth were taken with a stadiometer, a large sliding caliper and a small sliding vernier caliper respectively according to the protocol recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS statistical package version 20. Results: Mean stature values of 176.44 ± 6.47 cm, 164.71 ± 6.70 cm, and 169.80 ± 8.79 cm were recorded for the males, females, and the pooled sample respectively. The mean values of the foot dimensions (right and left) in the males, females, and the pooled sample ranged from 9.49 ± 0.73 to 27.29 ± 1.30 cm. Independent t test exhibited statistically significant gender differences (P < 0.05) for all the parameters except age, with the males having consistently higher values than the females. Paired t test revealed the existence of bilateral asymmetry between right and left foot dimensions, except for the foot length in the males (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation coefficients of stature with the foot length and breadth dimensions were found to range from 0.344 to 0.832 in the study. The multiplication factors computed for stature prediction from foot length and breadth ranged from 6.465 to 18.301 in the males, females, and the pooled sample. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that stature can be predicted from foot dimensions, with the foot length showing more accuracy and reliability than the foot breadth. The prediction models established from this study will be very useful in disaster victim identification from mutilated human remains in Nigeria.

Anthropometric databases are essential in biological profiling. Stature reconstruction could play an integral role in helping forensic anthropologists in establishing the identity of human remains at crime and/or disaster scenes. This study aimed to derive simple and multiple linear regression equations for reconstruction of stature from upper limb segments in a living adult Nigerian population. The sample included 230 adult medical students at the University of Lagos, Nigeria (100 males and 130 females), aged 18 to 36 years. Direct anthropometric methods were employed to measure all variables. Stature, arm and forearm lengths were measured. Results showed a strong positive correlation between long bones and stature (p < 0.01). Both simple and multiple regression equations were derived and showed low standard errors of estimate and high coefficients of determination (R 2). This study presents a simple and reliable approach to predict stature, which may help forensic scientists in disaster victim identification and in medico-legal jurisprudence.

Background: The determination of living stature is a key component of personal identification of individuals. In this study, we developed predictive regression models and multiplication factors to reliably estimate living stature from foot length and breadth in adult Nigerian undergraduate students at the University of Lagos. Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 400 subjects (200 males and 200 females) of Nigerian parentage, aged 18-36 years who volunteered and satisfied the inclusion criteria. Following institutional approval, anthropometric measurements of stature, foot length, and foot breadth were taken with a stadiometer, a large sliding caliper and a small sliding vernier caliper respectively according to the protocol recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS statistical package version 20. Results: Mean stature values of 176.44 ± 6.47 cm, 164.71 ± 6.70 cm, and 169.80 ± 8.79 cm were recorded for the males, females, and the pooled sample respectively. The mean values of the foot dimensions (right and left) in the males, females, and the pooled sample ranged from 9.49 ± 0.73 to 27.29 ± 1.30 cm. Independent t test exhibited statistically significant gender differences (P < 0.05) for all the parameters except age, with the males having consistently higher values than the females. Paired t test revealed the existence of bilateral asymmetry between right and left foot dimensions, except for the foot length in the males (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation coefficients of stature with the foot length and breadth dimensions were found to range from 0.344 to 0.832 in the study. The multiplication factors computed for stature prediction from foot length and breadth ranged from 6.465 to 18.301 in the males, females, and the pooled sample. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that stature can be predicted from foot dimensions, with the foot length showing more accuracy and reliability than the foot breadth. The prediction models established from this study will be very useful in disaster victim identification from mutilated human remains in Nigeria.