SUMMARY: A comparative study of the skull morphology was conducted using 270 prenatal and 750 postnatal skull samples from three breeds of sheep in Nigeria namely, Balami, Uda and Yankasa. A unique bone peculiar to the Yankasa breeds of sheep was found consistently at the centre of the anterior fontanelle in the young (day-old to 1 year). At two years of age and above, the bone was fused and disappeared completely. This brings the total numbers of the neurocranium bones of the skull in the Yankasa breeds to 8, as against the 7 bones documented in the ovine species. Due to the fact that this bone has not been described in the literature, we venture to name it the anterio-fontanelle bone (of Atabo).

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la morfología del cráneo utilizando 270 muestras de cráneos prenatales y 750 postnatales de tres razas de ovejas en Nigeria, Balami, Uda y Yankasa. Un hueso único peculiar de las razas de ovejas Yankasa se encontró consistentemente en el centro de la fontanela anterior en las crías (de un día a 1 año). A los dos años de edad o más, el hueso se fusionó y desapareció por completo. Esto eleva el número total de huesos del neurocráneo en el cráneo en las razas Yankasa a 8, frente a los 7 huesos documentados en la especie ovina. Debido a que este hueso no ha sido descrito en la literatura, nos aventuramos a denominarlo hueso antero-fontanela (de Atabo).

In this paper I investigate the state of Hausa children's folktales and play-songs in Gombe, Nigeria to ascertain whether they (folktales and play-songs of children) are still alive and active in this culturally important town in northern Nigeria. My specific objectives are to examine how much parents and their children know of Hausa children's folktales and play-songs and argue that folktales and play-songs are to some extent infused with modern technologies because of globalisation and that mass media has taken over the dissemination of such cultures. To achieve this aim, I employ questionnaires as the instrument of data collection. The subjects for the research are 150 parents and their school-going and out-of-school children aged 20-above and 0-10 respectively. Arguing that globalisation impacts the oral transmission of cultural knowledge more than ever, I adopt technauriture and cultauriture as the theoretical models. Analysis of the data reveals a more than 90% awareness of folktales and play-songs from all respondents. However, some school-going children prefer to watch such oral traditions via satellite rather than listening to a narration as it enhances their language development and nurtures and preserves culture using the paradigm of technology with audio-visual media. The out-of-school children, on the other hand, listen to the narration but are not captivated by it because it only uses the oral means of dissemination. They prefer to watch television and play video games as this educates and entertains using technology, orality, and visuals.

RESUMEN ''Anemia macrocítico-normocrómica en el bagre africano Clarias gariepinus (Siluriform: Clariidae) expuesto a Paraquat en laboratorio'' Introducción: Los plaguicidas agrícolas se encuentran entre las principales causas de contaminación en los ecosistemas acuáticos y pueden provocar cambios fisiológicos en los peces. Por ejemplo, la alteración de la sangre y el daño al tejido hematopoyético pueden estar asociados con condiciones patológicas relacionadas con el agua. Objetivo: Describir los efectos de ciertos niveles de plaguicidas en una especie de pez de Nigeria. Métodos: Se indujo anemia macrocítico-normocrómica en C. gariepinus a intervalos de 1, 7 y 14 días (concentraciones subletales de Paraquat: 0; 0,03; 0,05; 0,07 and 0,09mg/l). Resultados: Hubo discrasias sanguíneas con una disminución significativa (p <0,05) de hemoglobina, hematocrito, glóbulos rojos, glóbulos blancos, linfocitos y monocitos, el volumen corpuscular medio (MCV), la hemoglobina corpuscular media (MCH), los neutrófilos, eosinófilos y basófilos aumentaron significativamente (p <0,05) con concentraciones crecientes del tóxico, mientras que la concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media (MCHC) se mantuvo normal. Conclusión: Las concentraciones subletales de paraquat generaron anemia macrocítico-normocrómica en el bagre C. gariepinus.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Agricultural pesticides are among the main causes of pollution in aquatic ecosystems, and they can lead to physiological changes in fish. For example, blood alteration and damage to haemopoietic tissue can be associated with pathological conditions related to water. Objective: To describe the effects of certain levels of pesticide on a Nigerian fish species. Methods: Macrocytic-normochromic anaemia was induced in C. gariepinus at intervals of 1,7 and 14 days (sub-lethal concentrations of Paraquat: 0; 0,03; 0,05; 0,07 and 0,09mg/l). Results: Blood dyscrasias was observed with a significant (p<0,05) decrease in haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Neutrophils, Eosinophil and Basophil increased significantly (p<0,05) with increasing concentrations of the toxicant while Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) remained normal. Conclusion: Sublethal concentrations of paraquat induced macrocytic-normochromic anaemia in the catfish C. gariepinus.

Resumo Objetivo Diversos modelos animais têm sido usados em estudos sobre enxertos ósseos e o tratamento de fraturas, mas as respostas hematológicas são raramente relatadas. Este estudo descreveu as alterações hematológicas observadas em coelhos submetidos a xenoenxertos de matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Métodos Vinte e quatro (24) coelhos machos (2,5 0,5 kg) foram adquiridos para este estudo e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: enxerto ósseo autólogo (EOA); controle negativo sem preenchimento (SP) e matriz óssea desmineralizada caprina (MODC). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por punção cardíaca sob anestesia com xilazina-quetamina no dia 0 (para estabelecimento dos valores basais) e aos dias 28 e 56 após a cirurgia; essas amostras foram submetidas à análise manual em até 2 horas após a coleta. A análise estatística foi composta por análise de variância (ANOVA) de dois fatores com medidas repetidas, e o valor de p< 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Houve uma diferença geral significativa nos números de leucócitos totais (p¼ 0,0043), neutrófilos (p< 0,0001), monócitos (p¼ 0,0184) e hemácias (p¼ 0,003), na concentração de hemoglobina (p< 0,0001) e no hematócrito (p< 0,0001) ao longo dos dias e entre os grupos de tratamento. No entanto, não houve diferença global significativa no número de linfócitos (p¼ 0,4923), basófilos (p¼ 0,4183) e eosinófilos (p¼ 0,4806) entre os dias. Conclusão A resposta ao enxerto de MODC em coelhos é, portanto, caracterizada por leucocitose intensa com neutrofilia, linfocitose e monocitose no 28° dia após o procedimento. Esses dados podem basear a utilização da hematologia no monitoramento da resposta corporal em modelos animais de enxerto ósseo.

Abstract Objective Several animal models have been used in fracture healing and bone graft studies, but hematological responses are seldom reported. Therefore, the present study reported the hematological changes observed in rabbits that underwent xenografting of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Method Twenty-four (24) male rabbits (2.5 0.5kg) were acquired for the purpose of this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: autologous bone graft (ABG), unfilled (NC), and caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM). Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia on day 0 (baseline), and on days 28 and 56 postsurgery and were analyzed manually within 2hours of collection. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and a p-value< 0.05 was considered significant. Result There was an overall significant difference in the values of total white blood cell count (p¼ 0.0043), neutrophil count (p< 0.0001), monocyte count (p¼ 0.0184), red blood cell count (p¼ 0.003), hemoglobin concentration (p< 0.0001) and packed cell volume (p< 0.0001) across the days and the treatment groups. There was, however, no overall significant difference in lymphocyte count (p¼ 0.4923), basophil count (p¼ 0.4183), and eosinophil count (0.4806) within days. Conclusion Response to CDBM grafting in rabbits could, therefore, be said to be characterized by marked leukocytosis with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis by day 28 of postgrafting. This could form the basis with which hematology can be used to monitor body response of bone graft animal models.

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. People living in vulnerable and poor places such as slums, rural areas and remote locations have difficulty in accessing medical care and diagnostic tests. In addition, given the COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing an increase in the use of telemedicine and non-invasive tools for monitoring vital signs. These questions motivate us to write this point of view and to describe some of the main innovations used for non-invasive screening of heart diseases. Smartphones are widely used by the population and are perfect tools for screening cardiovascular diseases. They are equipped with camera, flashlight, microphone, processor, and internet connection, which allow optical, electrical, and acoustic analysis of cardiovascular phenomena. Thus, when using signal processing and artificial intelligence approaches, smartphones may have predictive power for cardiovascular diseases. Here we present different smartphone approaches to analyze signals obtained from various methods including photoplethysmography, phonocardiograph, and electrocardiography to estimate heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart murmurs and electrical conduction. Our objective is to present innovations in non-invasive diagnostics using the smartphone and to reflect on these trending approaches. These could help to improve health access and the screening of cardiovascular diseases for millions of people, particularly those living in needy areas.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the educational experiences of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the Kenyan Coastal context. OBJECTIVES: We examined the diagnostic and placement procedures used in education on the Kenyan coastal region. In addition, we investigated the education-related challenges faced by children with ASD. METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 21 participants, including teachers, clinicians and educational administrators. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic framework on qualitative data analysis software, NVIVO 10 RESULTS: The findings from this study indicate that there were no systematic approaches to diagnosing children as having ASD. Teachers reported experiencing many challenges, including a lack of specialised training, inadequate resources and difficulty in managing children with different functional abilities in one class. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need for contextually relevant evidence-based identification, placement and management services to be put in place to meet the educational needs of children with ASD.

Abstract The genus Banisteriopsis (Malpighiaceae) comprises 77 genera and 1,300 species. Despite efforts to provide detailed information about the chemical wealth of B. laevifolia, this article provides the identification and characterization of compounds from the ethanolic extracts of the leaves and flowers using advanced methodologies which include high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, which contribute to the knowledge about compounds present in the genus Banisteriopsis. The dereplication aided by Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking afforded the identification of seven compounds reported for this species for the first time. A mixture of two known flavonoids and a diterpenoid, 18-hydroxy-ent-halima-1(10),13-(E)-dien-15-oic acid, were isolated by conventional separation methods. The elevated 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity observed in some samples was attributed to either the type of extract, the presence of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, or the influence of the substitution pattern and the synergistic effect of the compounds present. Principal Component Analysis was applied to correlate mass spectrometry data with the antioxidant activity of the samples. The high diversity of metabolites found in this study and those which have been reported for Banisteriopsis strongly recommends further investigation into the chemical and biological properties of these species.

L'insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle demeure une préoccupation importante en Afrique, reflétant l'incapacité des gouvernements à respecter les obligations internationales et régionales en matière de droits de l'homme pour assurer la disponibilité, l'accessibilité, l'utilisation, la stabilité, la durabilité et la responsabilité alimentaires. Selon des données récentes, plus d'un tiers des personnes confrontées à une grave insécurité alimentaire dans le monde vivent en Afrique. Ces chiffres pourraient continuer à augmenter en l'absence de solutions délibérées et axées sur les droits de l'homme. Le deuxième rapport d'examen biennal de l'Union africaine sur la Déclaration de Malabo sur la croissance agricole accélérée et la transformation pour une prospérité partagée et l'amélioration des moyens de subsistance a indiqué que le continent n'est pas sur la bonne voie pour atteindre les objectifs fixés dans la Déclaration en vue de mettre fin à l'insécurité alimentaire et améliorer la nutrition. Cette contribution étudie et plaide pour une approche de la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle fondée sur les droits de l'homme. Il souligne les liens essentiels entre les six principaux éléments de la sécurité alimentaire, à savoir la disponibilité, l'accès, l'utilisation, la stabilité, la responsabilité et la durabilité, et les obligations normatives des États en matière de droit à l'alimentation et son interdépendance avec d'autres droits humains fondamentaux. Il analyse de manière critique les cadres juridiques disponibles pour faire face à l'insécurité alimentaire et à ses défis, et propose une approche fondée sur les droits de l'homme.

Food and nutrition insecurity remain serious African concerns, reflecting government failure to meet global and regional human rights obligations to assure food availability, accessibility, utilisation, stability, sustainability, and agency. According to recent data, more than one-third of people facing severe food insecurity around the world live in Africa. The numbers may continue to rise in the absence of deliberate and human rights-centred solutions. The second biennial review report of the African Union on the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods conceded that the continent is not on track to meet the targets set out in the Declaration to end food insecurity and improve nutrition. This article investigates and advocates for a human rights-based approach to food and nutrition security. It highlights the critical links between the six main elements of food security, namely, availability, access, utilisation, stability, agency, and sustainability, and the normative obligations of states on the right to food and its interdependence with other fundamental human rights. It critically analyses the available legal frameworks on addressing food insecurity and its challenges, and proposes a human rights-based approach.

Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) is a typical species from the Brazilian cerrado that presents medicinal properties. The plant is distinguished by its large white flowers which produce a pleasant fragrance. X. aromatica is characterized by a wide range of medicinal application. These characteristics have motivated us to investigate the flowers volatile organic compounds (VOCs) via in vivo and in vitro protocols by a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Four different fibers, extraction times and temperatures were the parameters changed to lead to the maximum profiling of the volatile constituents. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 77 VOCs were extracted from the floral scent, with 52 and 68 extracted from in vivo and in vitro sampling, respectively, of which 48 were reported for the first time in the literature as volatile constituents from X. aromatica flowers. The extraction and identification of VOCs were successfully performed through HS-SPME/GC-MS. The PCA data allowed the identification of parameters that led to the maximum number of VOCs, which were polyacrylate (PA) and carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) fibers, 60 min extraction time and temperature of 29.0 °C. Among the volatile constituents identified, sesquiterpenes predominated, comprising about 61.04%.

Abstract The boundary layer flow of temperature-dependent variable thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity on flow, heat, and mass transfer of magnetized and dissipative Casson fluid over a slenderized stretching sheet has been studied. The model explores the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux paradox instead of the Fourier’s law plus the stratifications impact. The variable temperature-dependent plastic dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity were assumed to vary as a linear function of temperature. The governing systems of equations in PDEs were transformed into non-linear ordinary differential equations using the suitable similarity transformations, hence the approximate solutions were obtained using Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Method (CSCM). Effects of pertinent flow parameters on concentration, temperature, and velocity profiles are presented graphically and tabled, therein, thermal relaxation and wall thickness parameters slow down the distribution of the flowing fluid. A rise in Casson parameter, temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, and velocity power index parameter increases the skin friction thus leading to a decrease in energy and mass gradient at the wall, also, temperature gradient attain maximum within 0.2 - 1.0 variation of Casson parameter.

ABSTRACT Objective: Toanalyze the technical quality of endodontic treatment carried out at the undergraduate dental clinics. Material and Methods: Random radiographic records of 92 patients’ were selected who received endodontic treatment by the undergraduate students from June 2018 to July 2019. The quality of root canal filling was determined in relation to the adequate density, length, and taper. Statistical analysis was performed by using GraphPad (Prism 5), and to determine the association between different variables Chi-square test was used. Results: Adequate technical quality of canal obturation conducted by the undergraduate students was found in less than 65% of the cases. The frequency of adequate root canal taper was significantly greater in maxillary teeth (75%) as compared to mandibular teeth (33%); however, adequacy of acceptable density was found more in maxillary teeth (62%) as compared to mandibular teeth (55%).A statistically significant difference was seen in the quality of root canal fillings between anterior and posterior teeth (p=0.001). Conclusion: The root canal therapy performed by undergraduate students was less than optimum in terms of technical quality. Hence, it is suggested that the endodontic training courses delivered at pre-clinical and clinical levelsfor undergraduate students must be thoroughly revised.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever dois casos de variantes raras da hemoglobinopatia falciforme. Descrição do caso: Apresentamos aqui dois casos de hemoglobinopatias variantes das células falciformes, de famílias não relacionadas, no estado do Baluchistão (Paquistão), sendo um diagnosticado como doença da hemoglobina SD na eletroforese de hemoglobina, enquanto o outro com doença da hemoglobina SE. Ambos foram diagnosticados a partir da apresentação de osteomielite. Comentários: Hemoglobina SD (Hb SD) e hemoglobina SE (Hb SE) são hemoglobinopatias raras no mundo. A escassez de literatura disponível sugere que ambas são variantes da doença falciforme (DF) com natureza heterogênea. A prevalência de hemoglobinopatia falciforme com heterozigosidade composta foi encontrada com frequência variável na população do sudeste asiático. A frequência de osteomielite na DF é de 12 a 18%, mas sua ocorrência entre as hemoglobinopatias falciformes variantes é pouco relatada. Os dois casos reportados apresentaram osteomielite como característica de apresentação da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe two cases of unusual variants of sickle cell disease. Case description: We present two cases of sickle cell disease variants (haemoglobinopathies), from unrelated families, in the state of Balochistan (Pakistan). One was diagnosed with sickle cell disease in the haemoglobin electrophoresis, whereas the other was diagnosed with sickle cell SE disease. Both were diagnosed based on the presentation of osteomyelitis. Comments: Haemoglobin SD disease (Hb SD) and haemoglobin SE disease (Hb SE) are rare haemoglobinopathies in the world. The lack of available literature suggests that both are variants of sickle cell disease (SCD), with heterogeneous nature. The prevalence of sickle cell disease with compound heterozygotes was found at a variable frequency in the population of the Asian Southeast. The frequency of osteomyelitis in SCD is 12 to 18%, but its occurrence among variant haemoglobinopathies is little reported. Both reported cases presented with osteomyelitis as a characteristic of the disease presentation.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in exclusively breastfed infants at the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Kenya (AKUHN). The relationships between 25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), maternal vitamin D supplementation, and sunlight exposure were also determined. Subjects and methods: Blood from 98 infants was assayed for 25OHD, calcium, phosphate, and PTH. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of VDD (25OHD <12 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (VDI, 25OHD 12-20 ng/mL) and vitamin D sufficiency (VDS, 25OHD >20 ng/mL) was 11.2% (95% CI 8.0%-14.4%), 12.2% (95% CI 8.9%-15.5%), and 76.5% (95% CI 72.3%-80.8%) respectively. There was no difference in the mean age, head circumference, length, or weight of infants in VDD, VDI, and VDS groups. PTH was elevated when 25OHD was <12 ng/mL and normal when 25OHD was between 12-20 ng/mL. 25OHD and PTH were normal in infants whose mothers received vitamin D supplements. Infants who received <30 minutes/day of exposure to sunlight were 5 times more likely to have VDI than infants who received ≥30 minutes/day (p = 0.042). Conclusions: The prevalence of VDD in exclusively breastfed infants at AKUHN is low. The current national policy that recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants in the first 6 months of life appears to be effective in staving off vitamin D deficiency but those infants with < 30 minutes sunlight exposure may benefit from low dose supplemental vitamin D during times of low sunlight exposure.

Background: Occupational Violence is prevalent among healthcare workers, including pharmacists, and poses a big threat to their job satisfaction, safety, and social wellbeing. Objective: This study seeks to assess the incidents and factors associated with occupational violence towards pharmacists in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists practicing in Nigeria, using an online survey (Google Form™). Occupational violence was assessed using a validated questionnaire. The survey was conducted and reported based on the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Participants were recruited by sharing the survey link via social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Results: A total of 263 respondents returned the online questionnaire, with a completion rate of 99.2%. The prevalence of occupational violence was 92.7% (95% CI, 90 to 96). Violent events occurred among 48.7% of pharmacists with at least six years of experience, and 68.4% of hospital pharmacists. The commonly reported factors associated with the violence include long waiting times in the pharmacy (36.5%), refusal to fulfil aggressor's demands (22.1%), and counseling/poor communication (21.7%). Events related to verbal abuse were reported among 95% of the participants. The prevalence of violence was significantly higher among hospital pharmacists, compared with those practicing in administration/regulatory, and in community pharmacies (chi-square=10.213 (2); p=0.006). Similarly, physical aggression was higher among hospital pharmacists (chi-square=10.646 (2), p = 0.005). Conclusions: The prevalence of occupational violence towards pharmacists practicing in Nigeria appeared to be high. Major factors associated with the violence were refusal to fulfil aggressors' demands and frustrations due to long waiting times at pharmacy. Recommended strategies to slowdown the incidences of violence were improved pharmacists' workforce, interprofessional harmony, and penalties against perpetrators.