Background: The human nose differs in its anatomy and morphology among different ethnic groups. The nasal index is a vital measurement for classifying the ethnic groups and sex of an individual. The study aims at determine the nasal index of adult male and female Ikwerre natives in relation to age and to show its interest in forensic anthropology. Materials and methods: Three hundred and thirty subjects (160 males and 170 females) aged 20–59 years were recruited for this study. Nasal height and width were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. The nasal index was calculated as nasal width/nasal height ×100.  Results: The mean nasal index of females aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years were 87.45±0.85, 94.69±1.30, 93.90±1.71, and 93.94±1.39 respectively. The mean nasal index of males aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years were 94.22±0.8, 90.46±1.45, 90.24±1.10, and 99.46±1.68 respectively. The nasal index of overall males and females was 77.22±2.11 and 94.23±0.90 respectively. The higher nasal index was observed in males within the age groups 20–29 and 50–59 years, as compared to the females, who had a higher nasal index within the age groups 30-39 and 40–49 years. The result revealed sexual dimorphism.  Conclusion: This study showed that males in the Ikwerre ethnicity fall within the Mesorrhine nose type while females have the Platyrrhine nose type.

Purpose: Few articles have linked the consumption of some medicinal plants to certain liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda on the liver of Wistar rats. Methodology: 30 adult  female Wistar rats were grouped into 6, with each group consisting of 5 rats.The 1st group was on a normal diet and distilled water while the other groups received  250mg/bodywt, 300mg/bodywt, 350mg/bodywt, 400mg/body wt, 450mg/ body wt of ethanolic extract Justicia secunda for 42 days respectively . Their blood samples were analyzed for total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, Lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Findings: The liver tissues were also processed for histological examination. There was a statistically significant increase in ALT, AST, and ALP in group 4, and a statistically significant decrease in conjugated bilirubin seen in groups 5 and 6. The Histology revealed that the extract produced moderate but insignificant degeneration of hepatocytes. Unique contribution to policy, theory, and practice: Long-term administration is likely to contain toxic effects; caution should be taken in consuming this plant.

Purpose: The kidneys serve as the excretory organ of the body. The assessment of serum creatinine, urea, and electrolytes (Na+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-) are crucial and sensitive biochemical markers that are usually involved in the diagnosis of renal impairments (Agbasi et al. 2010; Tietz, 2008; Yakubu et al. 2003). Methodology: Thirty-six animals were grouped into 6, with 6 rats in each group. The animals were housed at room temperature in metal cages. Animals in each group had access to clean water and commercial standard rodent pellets. Group 1 (control group) received distilled water, Groups 2-6 were treated orally with low, middle, and high doses of ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda leaves daily for 42 days. Findings: A significant increase in the level of urea concentration was observed compared to the control. From the present study, Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3 increased significantly in the moderate and high dose groups. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: In conclusion, this study indicates that ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda increased the serum level of urea, creatinine, and electrolytes.