Solar energy: A panacea for the electricity generation crisis in Nigeria.

In assessing the status of solar energy in Nigeria, efforts have been made to review researchers' works. This review article presents the status of solar energy in Nigeria. Also, it provides an all-inclusive contemporary analysis of the extensive research carried out in this field by Nigerians and renewable energy researchers in general. With her large population, Nigeria requires enormous energy for sustainability; this has caused somewhat an overdependence on crude oil and natural gas for energy. This overdependence constantly puts the country in an energy consumption crisis when these resources are not readily available. It has its disadvantages as it affects climate change and her economy. Solar energy growth and application/adoption from the global, African, West African, and Nigerian perspectives were expounded with that of Nigeria buttressed on to bring into view the contrast between her adoption of this technology and the world. Albeit, the electricity generation from solar energy in Nigeria has also been estimated from solar radiation data, results of this analysis showed some areas in Northern Nigeria as the regions with the highest electricity generation capacity; the estimation using 1 kWp (Kilowatt-peak) PV (photovoltaic) modules were made from obtained data for possible electricity generation in kWh. The challenges to adopting these technologies were noted together with some recommendations/policies on how to curb these challenges and their implications. This review article will be of massive benefit to both the government and researchers in this research area and scientists who are currently working on renewable-related projects.

[Vascular relationships of the right great splanchnic nerve in the thorax]. / Rapports vasculaires thoraciques du nerf grand splanchnique droit.

AIM: The surgical assumption of responsibility of the pancreatic pain requires either a truncular coelioscopic or radicular neurectomy of greater splanchnic nerves (gsn). The goal of our work is to describe the way and relations of the right gsn which are variable and rarely described. This constitutes an undeniable peroperational hemorrhagic risk during splanchnicectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a double side thoracotomy and a bilateral sterno-clavicular desarticulation on 15 adult cadaveric subjects preserved by method of Winckler we removed the sterno-costal drill plate as well as the ventral rib arch and proceeded to a mediastinal evisceration of the thorax. Then we respected only the thoracic aorta and the oesophagus, the azygos venous system, the thoracic duct and the thoracic sympathetic chain. In some of the subjects, the azygos vein was injected (after catheterization of its stick) using gelatine coloured with blue paint. We studied the way and vascular relations of the right gsn. We measured the transverse distances between the origin of the gsn on one hand and the longitudinal axes of the azygos vein and the thoracic duct on the other hand. RESULTS: The relations of the right gsn trunk during its way related to the azygos vein in particular its constitutive origin and its affluents: ascending lumbar vein and twelfth intercostal vein. Sometimes the thoracic duct even a lymphatic node was near the gsn in the posterior infra-mediastinal space. A classification of the way and vascular relations of the right gsn in the thorax identified 3 anatomical types. The average distances separating the right gsn on one hand from the azygos vein and the thoracic duct on the other hand were respectively 5.7 mm and 11.2 mm. CONCLUSION: The vascular relations of the right gsn are very variable from one subject to another but primarily venous, sometimes lymphatic. They concerned the great thoracic vessels whose respect is essential in particular at the time of mini-invasive access procedure for a cœlioscopic splanchnicectomy.

Large congenital transmesenteric hernia: a missed small-bowel atresia?

Internal hernias are uncommon diagnoses and represent rare causes of intestinal obstruction. Diagnoses are frequently made perioperatively. We present herein an illustrated case of transmesenteric hernia diagnosed in a pregnant woman who consulted for severe abdominal and dorsal pains. As CT scan was not possible because of the obstetric history, a decision to perform surgery was made because of acute pain, no history of previous surgery, and a plain erect X-ray disclosing early signs of intestinal obstruction. Perioperative findings were an ileal volvulus through a transmesenteric fossa circled by a unique ileocolic branch. This particular vascular disposition suggests transmesenteric hernias may be the first step in the constitution of congenital small-bowel atresia.

Lumbar hernia: anatomical basis and clinical aspects.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy of the two orifices of the abdominal posterior wall where lumbar hernias could appear. They may protrude through the superficial lumbar triangle (JL Petit) or the deepest superior orifice (Grynfeltt). METHODS: The exact limits were precised by dissections in cadavers to explain the main differences of these two locations. We report two cases of spontaneous lumbar hernias discovered in outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis was difficult and both the patients were sent for lumbar lipoma but a meticulous examination gave us a clue. MRI was useful to confirm the defect in the posterior abdominal wall under the 12th rib. Only one patient was operated by a direct approach with a reinforcement of an unabsorbable mesh. No recurrence appeared during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Thanks to clinical and anatomical knowledge, these rare superior lumbar hernias were diagnosed and a correct surgical treatment permitted a quick recovery.

[The common celiacomesenteric trunk: about one case]. / Observation d'un tronc artériel coeliomésentérique commun.

The discovery of a coeliacomesenteric trunk is often fortuitous in a context of morphological or vascular exploration. About one case of this rare arterial remind us of its characteristic and different type. We emphasize the interest of not being unaware of this variation in radiological practice and vascular pathology. In our observation, the coeliacomesenteric trunk's ostium is oval with a tall axis of 14 mm; its route of 8mm is median and its arterial ending divide into hepatosplenogastric trunk and superior mesenteric trunk. It is a type I coeliacomesenteric trunk which is the most frequent type of this arterial variation in Higashi's classification.

Internal hernias: anatomical basis and clinical relevance.

The aim of this study was to present and discuss the anatomical basis of internal hernias thanks to our clinical experience of 14 cases. Internal hernias are uncommon cases of acute intestinal obstruction when a viscera protrudes through an intraperitoneal orifice, remaining inside the peritoneal cavity. It excludes iatrogenic post surgical hernias. From an anatomical point of view, three kinds of orifices may be interested. The orifice may be normal: epiploic or omental (Winslow's) foramen, or abnormal through a pathologic transomental hole realizing an internal prolapsus or procidentia, without sac. Or this orifice may be a paranormal peritoneal fossa (para duodenal or retrocaecal) acting as a trap for the bowel: these hernias possess a sac and are considered as true hernias. The clinical diagnosis is always difficult. CT scan can be useful confirming the obstruction and leads to an urgent operation. This retrospective study evaluates diagnosis, management and follow-up according to the type of anatomical orifice and delay of surgery.

[Anatomoradiological correlation of the hypothenar hammer syndrome]. / Corrélation anatomo-radiologique du syndrome du marteau hypothénarien.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is all the clinical ischemic secondary manifestations in a stenose even one occlusion of traumatic origin of the distal portion of the ulnar artery. Our objective was to underline anatomical substratum of this lesion and to emphasize the interest of the angio M.R.I. in the diagnosis of this syndrome. The radioanatomical study of the distal portion of the ulnar artery were on 10 fresh corpses of both sexes free of traumatic hurt of upperlimb. On 6 anatomical details injected with latex colored with red Congo, three were dissected to the fresh state to the anterior faces of the distal third of the forearm, the wrist and the palmar face of the hand. The three others were subjected to transverse anatomical cuts of carp after freezing. An arterial opacification by injection of lead minium with radioscopic control followed by a radiography in face incidence was realised on 12 upperlimb. The 3 modes of this anatomoradiographic analysis objectivized the nearness of the carpal distal segment of ulnar artery and the hook of the hamate bone. On 7 carps the ulnar artery passed in the balance of the hooked bone, in 5 cases it followed the radial hillside and in twice the artery was mediale. Four details were not exploited for quality reasons of injection or radiographic incidence. By the fact that the carpal portion of ulnar artery be situated in the sagittal plan of the hook or that it be medial or lateral it always passed near this osseous anvil. This anatomical arrangement objectivized well in a transversal plan by the angio magnetic resonance imagering predisposes this arterial segment to the parictal hurts of traumatic origin responsible of stenose in the long-term.

[Update on lateral and medial spaces of the dorsal wall of the axillary fossa]. / Mise au point à propos des espaces latéral et médial de la paroi dorsale de la fosse axillaire.

Lateral and medial axillary spaces (also named quadrilateral and triangular spaces) correspond to orifices of the posterior wall of axillary fossa communicating with deltoid and scapular areas. We attempt to become clear the anatomic boundaries of these spaces and the structures passing through. We studied by dissection 18 fresh and embaulmed human upper limb of both sex. Lateral axillary space was limited by lateral edge of the long head of the triceps muscle medialy, the medial edge of the surgical neck of the humerus lateraly. The tendon of teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles constituted lower limit and the superior boundary was the scapulohumeral capsule rather than the teres minor muscle. Structures passing through the quadrilateral space where the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex vascular pedicle. Boundaries of the triangular space where, lateraly the medial edge of the long head of the triceps, superiorly the inferior edge of the teres minor and the axillary border of the scapula; the upper edge of the teres major corresponded to the superior limit. Abduction of the upper limb is a movement which increase the risk of entrapment phenomenon of the axillary nerve in relation to rigid anatomic structures like the surgical neck of the humerus, the scapulohumeral capsule and the tendon of latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles. Neverless genetics cause of anatomic predisposition is evocated in the quadrilatere space syndrome.

[Techniques, indications and early results of splenic preservation during left pancreatectomy]. / Techniques, indications et résultats précoces de la conservation splénique dans les exérèses pancréatiques gauches.

STUDY AIM: Splenic preservation is rarely performed during left pancreatectomy. We compared retrospectively the early results of left pancreatectomy with and without splenic preservation to define the place of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1979 to 1997, among 54 left pancreatectomies for another indication than adenocarcinoma, 13 were performed with and 41 without splenic preservation. The technique used for splenic preservation was prograde dissection of the left pancreas with (n = 4) and without (n = 9) preservation of both splenic artery and vein. The preoperative characteristics of the patients, peroperative data, postoperative morbidity and length of stay were compared. RESULTS: Mean operative time was longer with splenic preservation (262 +/- 67 min versus 215.6 +/- 59 min, p < 0.05), particularly in case of splenic vessels preservation (295 +/- 38 min, p < 0.02) whereas no difference was noted with splenic vessels ligation (240 +/- 76 min, p > 0.05). No mortality occurred. Prevalence of preoperative or postoperative haemorrhage, morbidity, or length of stay (intensive care unit and whole hospitalisation) did not differ with or without splenic preservation. Five patients developed pancreatic fistula without influence of splenic preservation: 1/13 (7.7%) versus 4/41 (9.7%); conversely, surgery following acute pancreatitis was associated with an higher risk of pancreatic fistula: 3/5 versus 2/49 (p < 0.005). No splenic necrosis occurred after splenic preservation. CONCLUSION: During left pancreatectomy, splenic preservation increases the operative duration (only in case of preservation of splenic vessels) but does not increase morbidity. This technique should be used whenever possible to allow long term immunological benefits of splenic preservation.

[The inferior rectal nerve. Anatomical bases of perineal pain]. / Le nerf rectal inférieur. Bases anatomiques des algies périnéales.

MATERIAL: 4 corpses (1 fresh, 3 formoled) without preliminary injection; age: 84 to 90. METHOD: a front access enabled us to show the origin of the inferior rectal nerve from the pudendal plexus, its course across the Alcook canal and the ischiorectal fossa. Then a posterior transgluteal access showed the short intragluteal course across the "biligamentary tunnel" (between sacrospinal and sacrotuberal ligaments) of nerves and vessels related to the anus, in particular the inconstant Morestin's nerve. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: the compression of nerves causing perineal pain can occur at different places. Depending on the localisation of the origin and the course of the inferior rectal nerve (which change) in relation to the place of that compression, and also the existence or not of Morestin's nerve, the changing topography of these pains can be explained.

Arterial vascularisation of the atrioventricular node.

The aim of this study was to define the anatomic characteristics of the principal arterial source of the atrioventricular node, known as the artery of the atrioventricular node. Forty hearts were studied by various anatomic and radiologic methods: dissection, injection-dissection, injection-corrosion and injection-radiography, but only 23 results were interpretable. The right coronary artery represented the commonest arterial source of the atrioventricular node (21/23 hearts) but numerous variations in the origin and topography of the nodal artery were found.

[Complicated colonic diverticulosis. Results of surgical treatment between 1981 and 1998 in 370 patients]. / Les diverticuloses coliques compliquées. Résultats du traitement chirurgical entre 1981 et 1998 chez 370 patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze case reports of all the patients with complicated diverticular disease of the colon admitted in the same surgical center during an 18-year period and to report the postoperative results in patients operated on in emergency and in patients operated on electively. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1981 to 1998, 501 patients were admitted for complicated diverticular disease. There were 233 men and 268 women. Mean age was 66 years (range: 27-96). One hundred and thirty-one patients were only treated medically and 370 patients were operated on, either as an emergency (n = 211) or electively (n = 159). The complicated diverticular disease was located on the left colon in 362 cases and in the right colon in 8 cases. RESULTS: In the emergency group, 103 patients were operated on for pelvic (n = 24) and generalized purulent (n = 67) or stercoral (n = 12) peritonitis, mainly with Hartmann procedure (n = 80) with 14 postoperative deaths; 67 were operated on for pericolic abscess with 6 deaths, 19 for colonic obstruction with two deaths and 22 for profuse hemorrhage with 4 deaths. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 12.3%, and morbidity rate 38.7%. Intestinal continuity was restored in 74% and eventrations were present in 10%. In the elective group, there were two postoperative deaths in patients with a colic fistula (n = 30), no mortality and a 10.8% morbidity rate in the other patients (n = 129). CONCLUSION: This series of an 18-year duration emphasizes the severity of surgery for acute complications in diverticular disease of the colon and the advantages of elective surgery. Large progress in the management of peritonitis and pericolic abscesses has made possible the improvement of their prognosis.

Interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos termination associated with congenital absence of portal vein.

The authors report an exceptional and well-documented case of interruption of the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava with an "azygos continuation", combined with absence of the portal vein. The only known combination of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava and the portal vein was that of an "azygos continuation" and a preduodenal portal vein. The double interruption, portal and inferior caval, may be associated with a disturbance of preferential flows induced by the left umbilical thrust. According to hemodynamic theory, the left umbilical flow is the determining factor in organogenesis of the portal vein and the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava.