and pedicle length (PL) were measured while ratio of MSD to APD was calculated. Results showed gradual increase from L1 to L5 for mean APD and IPD, and a decrease for mean PL from L1 to L5. Mean MSD was observed to present a "U" curve pattern from L1 to L5, while MSD/APD ratio decreased from L2 downwards. We report that certain lumbar dimensions also showed significant correlation with age at distinct lumbar levels. The present data provides a baseline of lumbar vertebral morphology for the South African adult cohort and requires further investigations with larger cohort.
This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves on the histologyof liver and hepatic reticular fibres integrity of adult Wistar rats following lead-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty four adult Wistar rats, weighing 180-220 g, randomly assigned into four groups of six animals each were used for the study. Lead and Moringa oleifera were given orally to the rats. 24 hours after the last administration, animals were sacrificed, blood obtained by cardiac puncture and liver excised, fixed in 10% phosphate buffered formalin for histological and histochemical analysis. The activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used as markers of hepatotoxicity and catalase (CAT) activity were used as marker to evaluate the anti-oxidant status of the tissue. Result showed that lead treatment increased markers of hepatic damage (ALT, AST and ALP) and decreased CAT activities. Histological studies reveal alterations of hepatic structure including hepatocytic vacuolations, sinuosoidal congestion and loss of reticular fibres following lead treatment. Treatment with MO prevented and reversed lead induced hepatic damage. In conclusion, this study shows that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has an appreciable ability to prevent hepatotoxicity caused by lead, partly as result of its chemical constituents which has hepatoprotective properties.
Collodiaphyseal angle (CDA) is the angle formed between the femoral neck axis and the diaphysis axis. The aims of this study were to determine the normal range of collodiaphyseal angle in adults and to determine any difference in the collodiaphyseal angle between right and left femur and also between sexes. 340 subjects consisting of 170 (50%) males and 170 (50%) females were included in this study. Plain radiographs were taken with the patients lying supine and the medial malleoli touching each other to prevent the hips being laterally rotated. Films were shot at a film focal distance (FFD) of 90 cm to minimize magnification. Measurements were taken with calibrated ruler and the collodiaphyseal angle was measured using goniometer. Results showed a normal range of CDA among Nigerian males as mean ± SD of (133.2° ± 7.6) for the right and mean ± SD of (131.1° ± 7.3) for the left. In females, it was (125.1° ± 6.9) on the right and (123.0° ± 6.9) on the left. Based on the study, coxa vara and coxa valga could be diagnosed on the normal range of collodiaphyseal angle in Ile-Ife (118°-145° in males and 110°-138° females). There is also sex variation and difference in CDA between right and left femur.
Pedicle screw is employed in several cases of spine disorders such as fractures, pseudarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes among others. Its essence is to fix the vertebral body in position until fusion is complete. The success of this technique depends on factors like choice of size of screw for a particular pedicle size and shape. Thus, adequate knowledge of the morphometry of lumbar pedicle may avert intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with this technique, especially, neurological impairments. In this study, we determined the vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance and gender differences of 180 lumbar vertebral pedicles (140 male, 40 female pedicles) using digital vernier calipers. Results revealed a significant increase in pedicle height and width from L2 to L5. Interpedicular distance increased significantly down the vertebrae from L2 to L5. Mean vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance were not significantly different in both sexes. This study recommends a thorough check of individual's spinal anatomy in pre-operative assessments.
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