Introduction: Adansonia digitata (AD) is a multipurpose tree species widely used for food and non-food products and medicine. Every part of the baobab tree is reported to be useful. However, exposure to high concentrations of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (including vapor) had been reported to be injurious to human health. Aim: The present study investigated the effects of AD fruit pulp extracts on CCl₄-induced testicular toxicity. Materials and Method: Twenty (20) adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with five rats in each group. Group A received distilled water, group B received a single oral dose of CCl₄(2.5 mL/kg) for two days, group C received 500 mg/kg body weight aqueous extract of Adansonia, and group D received 2.5 mL/kg of CCl₄for two days followed by 500 mg/kg body weight Adansonia aqueous extracts for 14 days. The animals were autopsied 3 weeks after CCl₄and AD extracts injection. Results: Result showed that CCl₄induced oxidative damage in testes and decreased the hormonal level of testosterone (TT). AD extracts normalized the testicular damages caused by CCl₄. Pretreatment with AD ameliorated the testicular content of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Similarly, AD treatment attenuated the CCl₄-induced increase in hormonal level. In conclusion, AD ameliorated and protected the testes against CCl₄-induced oxidative damages and deranged sperm characteristics in adult Wistar rats.

Background: It is noted that the head and face shapes of humans from different ethnic groups vary markedly. The cause of these variations has been attributed to several environmental factors. Measurements of these indexes become a necessity to prove that individuals from a particular ethnic group have similar head and face forms. Aim: The present study was aimed at measuring the cephalic and prosopic indexes of Ukwuani indigenes of Delta State. Materials and Method: A total of 315 subjects (165 males and 150 females) were selected by simple random sampling and were measured for their cranial and facial lengths and breath and the respective indexess were calculated. Results: Males had a mean prosopic index of 99.15 whereas females had a marginally lower mean prosopic index of 94.54, both belonged to the hyperleptoprosopic facial group and observed differences between both genders were statistically not significant (P = 0.25) The mean cranial index in males and females was 80.21 and 79.04, respectively, both belonged to the mesocephalic cranial group and observed differences between both genders were statistically significant (P = 0.01). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant gender difference with regards to prosopic index but with regards to cephalic index the observed gender difference was statistically significant.

Background: The study of palmar flexion creases such as simian, Suwon, and Sydney creases is important since they have strong medical implications. Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of simian, Suwon, and Sydney creases in acquired idiopathic blindness. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 (36 blind and 36 nonblind) participants were recruited for the study that comprised 22 blind male and 14 blind female participants, 18 male and 18 female nonblind participants. The sampling technique used was convenience purposive sampling. Fingerprints and toeprints were obtained using print. Results: The prevalence of palmar creases in blind and nonblind male and female participants showed that the blind participants had 0% prevalence of simian crease, 3.8% prevalence of Suwon, and 0.6% prevalence of Sydney crease, whereas the nonblind participants have 0% prevalence of the creases. In the female blind participants, there was 0% prevalence of simian crease, 1.2% prevalence of Suwon, and 0.6% prevalence of Sydney crease, whereas the nonblind participants have 0% prevalence of the creases. The total prevalence of palmar creases of the blind and nonblind participants was shown, and the simian crease had 0.0% prevalence in the blind and in the nonblind participants. Suwon crease had 2.8% prevalence in the blind and 0.8% in the nonblind participants. Sydney crease had 0.6% prevalence in the blind, but 0.0% prevalence in the nonblind participants. Comparison of the prevalence of the Suwon and Sydney creases in the blind and nonblind was shown to be statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05), whereas it was significant for simian crease on comparison with the blind and nonblind (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study has shown that there is no significant difference in the prevalence of Suwon and Sydney crease (P < 0.05), whereas there is a significant difference in the simian crease between the blind and nonblind compared. This study has provided information on the prevalence of palmar creases in people with idiopathic blindness and the nonblind people in Nigeria and by extension the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: The characteristics of a tooth can differ among races and species and can constantly alter due to natural selection and the genetic changes. Therefore, the study of the morphological properties of the dental structures could aid in phylogenic and genetic studies including gathering information about intra- and inter-species variations. Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence of cusp of Carabelli among three different Indian (Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka) populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 casts (50% each of males and females) were evaluated for the presence or absence of Carabelli trait among the study population according to the scale of Dahlberg's (1963) scale. Casts of participants having maxillary first permanent molars bilaterally without gross damage to morphology by caries, attrition, or any other trauma were included in the study. Chi-square test with a significance level of P< 0.05 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of Carabelli cusps was 57% (61% in males and 53% in females). The various groups showed a prevalence of 58.7%, 50%, and 61.7% in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka population, respectively. The differences in the observations between groups and also gender were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The small vertical ridge and groove form were observed most commonly (31%), and small pit with minor grooves diverging from a depression form was the least prevalent (1.5%). Conclusions: The findings on the maxillary first permanent molar demonstrate that there was no significant difference in the prevalence of Carabelli cusps among the study populations.

Introduction: Caffeine is a Psychostimulant consumed as natural components in chocolates, coffees and teas, and as added components to soda, energy drinks, and some drugs. It has been reported to impair the brain in several ways that might lead to activity breakdown. Aim: The present study therefore investigated the potency of caffeine on the neurobehavior and histomorphology of the frontal cortex of a murine model. Materials and Methods: Thirty albino mice were divided into five groups (n = 6), administered intraperitoneally 0.2 ml distilled water, 25, 30, 40 and 60 mg/kg body weight (bw) of caffeine, respectively for 14 days, while the bws were measured prior and after the experiment. On day 15, the dark and light field behavioral test was carried out and the animals were sacrificed by, perfusion method, and the frontal cortices excised from whole brains and routinely processed for histological studies. Results: The mice gained bw in the 25 and 30 mg/kg bw caffeine groups, but lost weight in the 40 and 60 mg/kg bw caffeine groups. No difference was observed in the entire light and dark field test parameters, while histological studies showed significant (P < 0.05) hyperplasia of the frontal cortical cells in the caffeine test groups, all compared with the control and among the test groups. Conclusion: Consumption of the given low dose of caffeine, caused gain in weight while high dose of caffeine caused bw loss, but did not affect the dark and light field behavioral parameters, but stimulated frontal cortical cell hyperplasia possibly as a protective measure.

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an anthropometric variable that is affected by a number of factors including age, gender, and body size. Aim: This study was designed to determine the gender differences in HGS and hand dimensions of secondary schools students in Kano metropolis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out on Hausas of Kano Metropolitan. Seven hundred and ten (340 males and 370 females) participated in the study. The hand dimensions were measured using digital vernier caliper. The HGS of right and left hands were measured using a standard adjustable digital hand grip dynamometer at sitting position. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) was used to express the data. Independent sample t-test was used to find differences. Statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IMB, Corporation, NY, USA) version 20. Results: A significant difference was observed among 17–18 and 19–20 age groups in the right-handed female participants with no such differences in the left-handed female participants. For 17–18 aged groups, the significant difference exists between the sexes in HGS and hand dimensions. In 19–20 age groups, similar pattern of significant difference was noticed in HGS and hand dimensions. Conclusion: It was concluded that function of HGS is the function of good hand dimension and body variable and vice versa. Age provided to be a factor that may influence the grip strength and hand dimension among Hausas.

Aim: The present study was carried out to assess the relationship between nutritional status and academic performance of primary school children in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: School children from primary 3 to 6 were enrolled for the study and they were selected from three randomly selected primary schools within Zaria in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 759 pupils made up of 385 girls and 374 boys were assessed. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, and self-administered questionnaires were completed by the parents or guardians of the children. Body anthropometrics such as height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured using a stadiometer and a measuring tape from which the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The nutritional status of the children was determined using the Centre for Disease Control standard for BMI percentile, while the academic performance of the children was determined by finding the mean of five subjects taken during term examination. Results: The results of the present study showed that overweight children performed better academically when compared to the other children with a mean academic score of 66.19 ± 17.00; underweight was observed to be more prevalent among the males than the females, while on the other hand, overweight was more prominent in females than males. Conclusion: The present study showed that a high percentage of the population has healthy weight, while only a small proportion was obese. This could be a result of imbalance in the food intake of the population, and from the results, it was observed that the total number of children who were overweight performed better academically than the others, which could mean that the children who were well fed and well nourished tend to do better academically than those who are not.

Introduction: Utrasonographic imaging has been demonstrated as the fastest and safest modality in the evaluation of localized diseases in the spleen and prostate gland. Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the splenic length and prostate volume dimensions of the Urhobos with the use of ultrasound. Materials and Methods: 317 healthy Urhobo subjects aged between 18 - 60 years at the radiology department of Central Hospital Warri and Capitol Hill Hospital Oleh, Delta state were used for this study. Splenic length and prostate volume were ascertained using a Sonoace 1500 ultrasound machine according to standard radiologic technique. Data obtained were subjected to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) and were analysed using Pearson's correlation at a probability of 0.01 % (99% confidence limit). Results: It showed a higher splenic length in males compared to females and also recorded an increase in prostate volume with increasing age. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated no gender differences in splenic length dimensions and has also revealed a positive correlation between age and prostate volume in the Urhobos.

Background: Evaluation of facial symmetry in a given population may help in understanding the level of environmental stress exposed by the population. Within the same population, males and females may respond differently to environmental stressors, which can be manifested as deviation from perfect symmetry. Objectives: The study seeks to investigate the sex differences in three asymmetry indices and to also determine the side dominance and type of asymmetry in facial features among Hausas of Kano state, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out on Hausas of Kano state. A total of 283 individuals comprising 147 males and 136 females of age range 18–25 years were selected using simple random sampling technique. Photometric methods were used to capture the face. Three indices, signed asymmetry (SA), absolute asymmetry (AA), and composite asymmetry (CA), were used to assess asymmetry in facial dimensions. Independent sample t-test was used to test for sex differences in the variables, and one sample t-test was used to determine fluctuating asymmetry. Results: The result showed that females tend to have statistically significant mean value only in orbital width. For zygon to gnathion facial distance, the statistically significant higher mean was observed in males. For the three indices asymmetry, no significant sexual dimorphism in SA index was observed. However, males tend to have leftward SA in orbital width and zygon to gnathion distance. In AA and CA, a significant sexual dimorphism was noticed only in zygon to gnathion distance. Females had higher mean value in AA than the males; however, CA tended to be higher in male population. The facial variables exhibited fluctuating type of asymmetry. Conclusion: There are sex differences in AA and CA indices. Left warded type of SA was exhibited in male of Hausa origin. The facial asymmetry in Hausa ethnic group of Kano is more of fluctuating type of asymmetry.

Introduction: Skeletal muscle mass represents about 30%–40% of the total body weight, and total body skeletal muscle mass plays a significant role in both health and disease states such as maintaining and changing posture, protein synthesis, and metabolism. This study is aimed at deriving predictive equations for estimating total muscle mass from simple anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, mid-arm circumference (MAC), and triceps skinfolds (TSF) for the Igbo ethnic group of South East Nigeria. Materials and Method: Anthropometric measurements of body weight, height, MAC, and skinfold measurement were carried out on 3000 adults of the age range of 18–40. They comprised 1500 each of males and females. A prediction equation for the measurement of muscle mass was derived using the measured anthropometric parameters which include the MAC and TSF. Result: The prediction equation obtained for muscle mass (kg) using MAC alone irrespective of age and gender for the Igbo ethnic group was (0.6731× MAC + [−5.407]). Conclusion: The result of this study is relevant to medical practitioners in the evaluation and detection of depletion of muscle mass that has occurred either physiologically or pathologically in adults; it will also prove useful in the field of medical anthropology, nutrition, and sports anatomy.

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics has been well established as a diagnostic aid in a number of diseases having hereditary basis. The aim of this study is to determine if dermatoglyphic patterns can be used to identify myocardial patients in Southern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total number of 130 patients comprising 85 patients with hypertension (44 males and 41 females) 45 patients with diabetes (21 males and 24 females) were recruited for this study. All patients were selected from the general outpatient departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital. The parameters studied were the A-B ridge count and ATD and DAT angles on the palms. Results: Results revealed that for patients with hypertension, the mean A-B ridge counts, ATD angle, and DAT angle of the left hand in males were 25.92 ± 0.52, 43.56 ± 0.81°, and 63.89 ± 1.00°, respectively, while in females, they were 25.12 ± 0.49, 39.82 ± 0.91°, and 61.20 ± 1.06°, respectively. In the right hand, the mean A-B ridge count, ATD angle, and DAT angle were 26.39 ± 0.56, 42.13 ± 0.96°, and 62.06 ± 0.89°, respectively, in males while the females had 24.29 ± 0.51, 39.85 ± 0.62°, and 64.32 ± 0.81°, respectively. The mean A-B ridge count, ATD angle, and DAT angle of the left hand in male diabetics were 26.75 ± 0.76, 41.81 ± 1.21°, and 62.69 ± 1.15°, respectively, while in female diabetics, they were 25.43 ± 0.90, 42.74 ± 1.27°, and 61.64 ± 1.42°, respectively. There was no significant difference observed in all three parameters. The mean value for A-B ridge count, ATD angle, and DAT angle in the right hand of male diabetics was 26.63 ± 0.64, 41.88 ± 1.30°, and 62.19 ± 0.89°, respectively, while in female diabetics, it was 24.71 ± 0.99, 42.00 ± 1.13°, and 60.79 ± 1.16°, respectively. There was no significant difference observed in both sexes. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study would serve as an important aid in early diagnosis and etiology of myocardial disease.