Introduction: This study was made to evaluate and compare the age at menarche among Nigerian schoolgirls from Hausa and Igbo ethnic groups, and to examine whether ethnicity, demographics, and selected anthropometric characteristics of the studied population influence age at menarche. This was a retrospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: Data pertaining to menarche, ethnicity, and demographics were collected using questionnaires from 800 secondary schoolgirls of Nigeria, in 2014. Six hundred (600) were postmenarcheal, while 200 were premenarcheal. Among the schoolgirls, 300 postmenarcheal and 100 premenarcheal girls were of Hausa and Igbo descent, respectively. We compared the mean age at menarche of girls based on ethnicity, demographics, and the anthropometric parameters of menstruating and nonmenstruating girls. The relationship between anthropometric indices and age at menarche was determined. Results: Mean age at menarche among girls from Igbo ethnicity is lower than that of girls of Hausa ethnicity. Compared to rural girls, girls from urban centers reach menarche earlier. The mean age at menarche of the entire sample population was 13.54 ± 0.90 years. Mean ages at menarche of Hausa and Igbo girls were 13.65 ± 0.92 years and 13.44 ± 0.87 years, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) values in postmenarcheal and premenarcheal age were 20.50 ± 2.13 kg/m² and 17.64 ± 1.40 kg/m², respectively. The mean weight and height of menstruating girls were 49.02 ± 3.85 kg and 154.92 ± 0.05 cm, respectively, while those of nonmenstruating girls were 38.83 ± 2.60 kg and 147.56 ± 3.54 cm, respectively. Conclusion: Ethnicity, demographics, and selected anthropometric measurements have influence on age at menarche. Girls of Igbo ethnicity reach maturity earlier than those of Hausa descent, girls in urban centers have lower age at menarche, and the anthropometric measurements of menstruating girls are higher than those of nonmenstruating girls.

Background: Human nose differs in its anatomy and morphology among different racial and ethnic groups. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish and compare the nasal parameters of male and female subjects in a student population. Materials and Methods: Five hundred (500) subjects were selected at random comprising 250 males and 250 females. The ages of the subject ranged from 18 years to 25 year. Nasal heights, breadths, and pronasal distances were measured using a Mitutoyo manual vernier caliper. The nasal indices were calculated. Result: The mean heights of the nose in males and females were 4.61 ± 0.58 cm and 4.30 ± 0.54 cm, respectively. The mean breadths of the nose in males and females were 4.12 ± 0.52 cm and 3.68 ± 0.46 cm, respectively. The mean pronasal distances of the nose in males and females were 1.86 ± 0.23 cm and 1.72 ± 0.22 cm, respectively. The mean nasal index of the nose in the males and females were 89.95 ± 11.26 and 85.71 ± 10.76, respectively. The result showed sexual dimorphism, with significantly higher values of all the parameters in males compared to the females (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The result of the study showed that the mean nasal index of the subjects irrespective of their ethnic groups falls within the nose type platyrrhine.

Introduction: Stature estimation occupies a relatively dominant position in anthropometric research. It is believed that standards for identifying skeleton differ from population to population and the method for one population may not be applicable for another population. Materials and Method: This study was carried out to determine the reliability of hand dimensions in estimating stature in an adult Cross River State population. The subjects comprised 1050 adult indigenes (540 male and 510 female) of Cross River State between the ages of 18 and 45 years drawn from the three senatorial districts South, Central, and North. Results: Stature in male had a mean value of 168.49 ± 5.53 cm whereas in females it was 162.99 ± 5.91 cm. Also, hand length in male subjects was 19.47 ± 2.00 cm while in females, hand length measured 18.35 ± 1.03 cm. In addition, the mean handbreadth in males was 8.47 ± 0.54 cm while in females, handbreadth was 7.91 ± 0.64 cm. Statistical analysis indicated that the difference in hand length and handbreadth between male and female was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Also, a positive correlation coefficient was observed between hand dimensions measured and stature in both sexes. Conclusion: However, hand length was more reliable in estimating stature in both male and female subjects. These results will be of immense benefit to forensic studies and bioanthropology.

Background: Body height is a vital measure of body size and gives an assessment of the nutritional status of an individual. But, the precise body height cannot always be determined by the normal method because of several malformations of the extremities, or in patients who have undergone amputations or similar injuries. In such cases, an estimation of body height can be derived from other reliable anthropometric indicators, such as hand length, foot length, and arm span of the individual. Objective: The aim of this study is to observe the body height in both sexes of the South Indian population and the relationship between arm span and body height. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on of 30 postmortem cases that came for autopsy. Their height and arm span was measured using a measuring tape. The data was statistically analyzed by computation to find out its normative value. The relationship between body height and arm span will be determined using simple correlation coefficients. Results: There was a significant correlation between the height of an individual and the arm span, in males (P value: 0.000) as well as in females (P value: 0.009). Conclusion: This study will be significant to forensic experts, human biologists, and physical anthropologists for the determination of stature from the arm span of the individual.

Background: The search for suitable parameters that defines handedness from skeletal remains a concept yet to be achieved. This has created postulations and theories of guess and noninvestigative proofs. Anthropometric parameters provide insight on the variation that exists between anatomical structures. Such variations may also exist between the two sides of a bone. Aims: This study was therefore aimed at determining the anthropometric relationship and variation between the right and left sides of the glenoid cavity of the scapula and its implication in forensic medicine. Materials and Methods: This study drew samples from 173 nondeformed, well-macerated scapulae bones comprising 75 right (R) and 98 left (L) of undetermined sex and age; obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy at various institutions in South-South Nigeria. Two anthropometrical parameters were measured from the glenoid cavity using sliding digital caliper calibrated to 0.00 mm. The measured dimensions included maximum glenoid height (MGH), maximum glenoid width (MGW), and the glenoid index (GI) was calculated by dividing MGW by MGH. SPSS Version 20 was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the MGH was 36.87 ± 3.94 mm (R = 37.71 ± 4.24 mm, L = 36.22 ± 3.58 mm); MGW was 25.15 ± 3.60 mm (R = 26.20 ± 3.30 mm, L = 24.35 ± 3.64 mm). Statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-test showed the MGH (t = 2.444, P = 0.016) and MGW (t = 3.941, P< 0.01) were observed to be significantly greater in the right side. The GI was calculated as 0.682 ± 0.059; the right side (0.696 ± 0.055) was significantly smaller than the left (0.671 ± 0.060). Conclusion: The evidence from this study can be an indication of kinanthropological application of the scapula; in which a side is most frequently used than the other (handedness). The result of this study can aid in decision making; in the reconstruction of damaged skeletal part, an identification which can be partial or complete and biological profiling. Recommendation: We believe that the validation of this finding is vital; hence, a larger sample from different regions should be studied as to reach significant conclusions.

Introduction: Stature is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameters that determines the physical identity of an individual. Aim: This study was carried out to estimate stature using second and fourth digit (2D and 4D) of the right hand and right foot length (RFL) of the Annangs in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Method: Two hundred adult Annangs were used for the study. They comprised 100 each of males and females with the age of 18 years and above, exclusion of those with hand and foot deformities. A digital Vernier caliper was used to measure the length of the right 2D (R2D) and right R4D from the basal crease to the tip of the finger. A measuring tape which is calibrated in centimeter was used to measure the RFL. The height was also measured with a measuring tape for each subject. Results: There was a strong correlation between RFL, R2D, and R4D with stature. Regression equation showed that stature can be estimated accurately from the RFL, R2D, and R4D. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a means of identification of individuals among the Annangs in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Introduction: Hallux Valgus is defined as a deformity characterized by abduction contracture in which the great toe is turned away from the mid-line of the body. The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate the prevalence of hallux valgus among the Medical Students of University of Jos, Nigeria in age and gender subgroups. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross sectional and observational study involving 200 volunteers (100 females and 100 males) aged between 18 and 30 years with mean age of 24.6 years and standard deviation of 3.4 years. Informed consent was obtained and subjects were examined and assessed for the presence or absence of hallux valgus adopting a standard photograph. Data obtained from this research study was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: An overall prevalence of hallux valgus deformity in the studied population was 16% with a higher prevalence in females (11%) than their male counterparts (5%). There is a higher prevalence of hallux valgus deformity in the older age group than can be seen in the younger age group. Conclusion: Young women and indeed the general public need to be more aware of the Hallux Valgus deformity and its relationship to footwear and therefore take proactive measures to prevent this deformity.

Background: Academic performance is a term used for students based on how well they are doing in their studies. It is the outcome of education; the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals, while 2D:4D is the ratio of second (Index) to fourth (Ring) digit length. Aim: The study aimed to determine the relationship between 2D:4D and cheiloscopic pattern with academic performance. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 362 junior secondary school students age ranging from 9-20 years, and without obvious abnormality on their lips and digits. Their academic records from the first and second term results for a given session were taken and classified into high, average and low academic performance. The obtained data were analyzed using a chi square test. Results: The association between lip print patterns with academic performance was significant for both sexes with low academic performance being high with decrease in reticular lip print pattern, while the long vertical and branched type lip print pattern increased with decrease in academic performance in females. In males, the percentage frequency of the reticular lip print pattern increased with higher academic performance while the percentage frequency of undifferentiated type lip print pattern decreased with higher academic performance. There was no association between the 2D:4D and academic performance; however, there was sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: In conclusion, cheiloscopic patterns could be used in identification and as a predictor of students' academic performance for better academic planning and success while 2D:4D has no association with academic performance.

Introduction: Rauwolfia vomitoria (RV) and Gongronema latifolium (Gl) are herbs with closely related and diverse medicinal properties. The combination of both plants is reported to have the potentials for brain functions and structure protection. Aim: This study therefore investigated the interaction of these herbs on the histomorphology of the cerebral cortex of mice. Materials and Methods: 24 male Wistar mice of body weight 15-26 g were divided into 4 groups. The mice were administered respectively, 0.5 mL of Tween 20, 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria, 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium, and a combination of 150 mg/kg of R. vomitoria and 200 mg/kg of G. latifolium (RV+GL), orally, and daily for seven days. On day 8, the animals were sacrificed and their brains preserved, and the cerebral cortices were excised for routine histology. Cellular densities were quantified using ImageJ™. Results: All the groups gained body weight, which was however lower in the test groups compared with the control group. No difference was observed in whole brain weight in all the experimental groups, while histomorphological studies of the cerebral cortex showed higher cellular density and smaller cellular sizes in the RV, GL and RV+GL groups. The RV+GL group also showed slightly larger cells in the cortical plate compared with the control group. The mean cellular population of sections of the cerebral cortex were also higher in test groups RV and GL, but not the RV+GL group. Conclusion: This study showed that R. vomitoria root bark and G. latifolium leaf extracts either singly or in combination may stimulate cellular proliferation at the given dose, which may serve a protective or deleterious role.

Context: Renal length which can be determined with ultrasonography is a reliable singular renal dimension for the assessment of the kidney size both in normal and pathologic conditions. Aim: This study aimed at determining renal size by evaluating length in healthy adult Nigerians in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. It also aimed to correlate the renal length with age, sex and weight of this group and determine the variation in size in both kidneys. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Radiology Department of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Four hundred healthy adults comprising of two hundred and eighty four females (71%) and one hundred and sixteen males (29%) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Biodata was obtained and the length of the kidneys was measured using real time gray scale ultrasound scanning via the transabdominal route. Data Anaysis: Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago IL, USA). Results: The mean renal length in males (10.6cm) was slightly higher than in females (10.5cm). The left kidney (10.8cm) was longer than the right kidney (10.4cm) in both sexes. There was a positive correlation between the mean length of both kidneys and body weight, but no correlation between the mean length of the kidneys and the age of subjects. A decline of renal length after the age of sixty years was seen. Conclusion: Normal values for length and variations in size of the kidneys in healthy adults in south-south Nigeria have been established.

Background: Studies on human identification by stature from combined width of maxillary anterior teeth and head dimensions have been carried out for forensic reasons. Materials and Methods: Body height, head circumference, head length, and width were measured in centimeter. Mesiodistal crown widths of central and lateral incisors, as well as canines of both sides, were also measured in centimeter. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was carried using descriptive statistics, t-test, linear multiple regression analyses where P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In general, body height, head dimensions, and combined width of maxillary anterior teeth showed males had significantly higher values than females (P < 0.05). In the majority of data studied, the correlations between stature and head dimensions; stature and combined teeth dimension were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Coefficients of correlation were very low and reliability of the models were on the low side in the majority of the data studied. Conclusion: Based on the poor reliability of the models, these parameters can be employed only as supportive tools in stature estimation using regression analyses.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to establish standard for the interpupillary distance, document the anthropometric variation of this parameter with advancing age and determine the extent of sexual dimorphism of this parameter among the Bura ethnic group of North Eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: 300 subjects comprising of 150 males and 150 females of Bura ethnic group with ages ranging from 7 to 40 were recruited for this study. Data were analyzed in statistical software (SPSS for Windows, Version 17.0, Chicago: Inc.) and comparative tests were conducted using the independent student's -t-test at significant level of 0.05. Results: The mean Near Interpupillary Distance was 63 ± 6.2 mm while the mean Far Interpupillary distance was 69 ± 6.4 mm. The mean values for the Near and Far Interpupillary Distances were 63.2 ± 6.5 mm and 69.6 ± 6.7 mm for males and 62.6 ± 5.9 mm and 68.0 ± 5.9 mm for females respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings would be of benefit in the diagnosis of craniofacial syndromes associated with hyper/hypotelorism, management of posttraumatic orbitofacial deformities, the manufacture of spectacle frames and lenses and as a guide for dentists in selecting denture teeth.