AIM： To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy （IMRT） and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. ME...AIM： To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy （IMRT） and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. METHODS： A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients who were definitively treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who did not receive IMRT radiation and concurrent chemotherapy were not included in this analysis. IMRT plans were evaluated to assess the tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance. Treatment response was evaluated and toxicities were assessed. RESULTS： Five- to nine-beam IMRT were used to deliver a total dose of 59.4-66 Gy （median： 64.8 Gy） to the primary tumor with 6-MV photons. The minimum dose received by the planning tumor volume （PTV） of the gross tumor volume boost was 91.2%-98.2% of the prescription dose （standard deviation [SD]： 3.7%-5.7%）. The minimum dose received by the PTV Of the clinical tumor volume was 93.8%-104.8% （SD： 4.3%-11.1%） of the prescribed dose. With a median follow-up of 15 rno （range： 3-21 too）, all 6 evaluable patients achieved complete response. Of them, 2 developed local recurrences and 2 had distant metastases, 3 survived with no evidence of disease. After treatment, 2 patients developed esophageal stricture requiring frequent dilation and 1 patient developed tracheal-esophageal fistula. CONCLUSION： Concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy resulted in an excellent early response in patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. However, local and distant recurrence and toxicity remain to be a problem. Innovative approaches are needed to improve the outcome.展开更多
Despite substantial efforts at early diagnosis, accurate staging and advanced treatments, esophageal cancer(EC) continues to be an ominous disease worldwide. Risk factors for esophageal carcinomas include obesity, gas...Despite substantial efforts at early diagnosis, accurate staging and advanced treatments, esophageal cancer(EC) continues to be an ominous disease worldwide. Risk factors for esophageal carcinomas include obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hard-alcohol use and tobacco smoking. Five-year survival rates have improved from 5% to 20% since the 1970 s, the result of advances in diagnostic staging and treatment. As the most sensitive test for locoregional staging of EC, endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) influences the development of an optimal oncologic treatment plan for a significant minority of patients with early cancers, which appropriately balances the risks and benefits of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. EUS is costly, and may not be available at all centers. Thus, the yield of EUS needs to be thoughtfully considered for each patient. Localized intramucosal cancers occasionally require endoscopic resection(ER) for histologic staging or treatment; EUS evaluation may detect suspicious lymph nodes prior to exposing the patient to the risks of ER. Although positron emission tomography(PET) has been increasingly utilized in staging EC, it may be unnecessary for clinical staging of early, localized EC and carries the risk of false-positive metastasis(over staging). In EC patients with evidence of advanced disease, EUS or PET may be used to define the radiotherapy field. Multimodality staging with EUS, crosssectional imaging and histopathologic analysis of ER, remains the standard-of-care in the evaluation of early esophageal cancers. Herein, published data regarding use of EUS for intramucosal, local, regional and metastatic esophageal cancers are reviewed. An algorithm to illustrate the current use of EUS at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is presented.展开更多
Gastric cancer represents a serious health problem on a global scale. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Novel therapeutic targets are desperately needed because the meager improvement i...Gastric cancer represents a serious health problem on a global scale. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Novel therapeutic targets are desperately needed because the meager improvement in the cure rate of about 10% realized by adjunctive treatments to surgery is unacceptable as > 50% patients with localized gastric cancer succumb to their disease. Either postoperative chemoradiotherapy (United States), pre-and post-operative chemotherapy (Europe), and adjuvant chemotherapy after a D2 resection (Asia) can all be regarded as standards of care in the localized gastric cancer management. In metastatic disease the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy is standard of care in Her2 positive disease. In the HER2 negative population, the treatments remain limited. In the first line setting, the standard of care is a combination of fluoropyrimidine and platinum containing chemotherapy, with or without epirubicin or docetaxel. The results of targeted therapy trials have by and large been disappointing, but none of these trials looked at an appropriately enriched population. Finally there is a meager overall survival benefit in treating patients with metastatic disease in the second line setting, with either irinotecan, docetaxel or ramucirumab however none of these drugs have been compared head to head in a well-powered randomized controlled trial.展开更多
Surgical management of gastric cancer improves survival.However,for some time,surgeons have had diverse opinions about the extent of gastrectomy.Researchers have conducted many clinical studies,making slow but steady ...Surgical management of gastric cancer improves survival.However,for some time,surgeons have had diverse opinions about the extent of gastrectomy.Researchers have conducted many clinical studies,making slow but steady progress in determining the optimal surgical approach.The extent of lymph node dissection has been one of the major issues in surgery for gastric cancer.Many trials demonstrated that D2 dissection resulted in greater morbidity and mortality than D1 dissection.However,long-term outcomes demonstrated that D2 dissection resulted in longer survival than D1 dissection.In 2004,the Japan Clinical Oncology Group reported a pivotal trial which was performed to determine whether para-aortic lymph node dissection combined with D2 dissection was superior to D2 dissection alone and found no benefit of the additional surgery.Gastrectomy with pancreatectomy,splenectomy,and bursectomy was initially recommended as part of the D2 dissection.Now,pancreas-preserving total gastrectomy with D2 dissection is standard,and ongoing trials are addressing the role of splenectomy.Furthermore,the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy are well established.Survival and quality of life are increasingly recognized as the most important endpoints.In this review,we present perspectives on surgical techniques and important trials of these techniques in gastric cancer patients.展开更多
Esophageal cancer(EC)generally consists of squamous cell carcinoma(which arise from squamous epithelium)and adenocarcinoma(which arise from columnar epithelium).Due to the increased recognition of risk factors associa...Esophageal cancer(EC)generally consists of squamous cell carcinoma(which arise from squamous epithelium)and adenocarcinoma(which arise from columnar epithelium).Due to the increased recognition of risk factors associated with EC and the development of screening programs,there has been an increase in the diagnosis of early EC.Early EC is amenable to curative therapy by endoscopy,which can be performed by either endoscopic resection or endoscopic ablation.Endoscopic resection consists of either endoscopic mucosal resection(preferred in cases of adenocarcinoma)or endoscopic submucosal dissection(preferred in cases of squamous cell carcinoma).Endoscopic ablation can be performed by either radiofrequency ablation,cryotherapy,argon plasma coagulation or photodynamic therapy,amongst others.Endoscopy can also assist in the management of complications post-esophageal surgery,such as anastomotic leaks and perforations.Finally,there is a growing role for endoscopy to manage end-of-life palliative symptoms,especially dysphagia.The growing use of esophageal stents,debulking therapy and dilation can assist in improving a patient’s quality of life.In this review,we examine the multiple roles of endoscopy in the management of patients with EC.展开更多
Cancers derived from the gastrointestinal(GI)tract are often treated with radical surgery to achieve a cure.However,recent advances in the management of GI cancers involve the use of a combination of neoadjuvant radia...Cancers derived from the gastrointestinal(GI)tract are often treated with radical surgery to achieve a cure.However,recent advances in the management of GI cancers involve the use of a combination of neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy followed by surgical intervention to achieve improved local control and cure.Interestingly,a small proportion of patients with highly sensitive tumors achieved a pathological complete response(pCR)(no residual tumor cells in the resected specimen)to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy(nCRT).The desire for organ preservation and avoidance of surgical morbidity brings the idea of a nonoperative management(NOM)strategy.Because of the different nature of tumor biology,GI cancers present diverse responses to nCRT,ranging from high sensitivity(anal cancer)to low sensitivity(gastric/esophageal cancer).There is an increasing attention to NOM of localized GI cancers;however,without the use of biomarkers/imaging parameters to select such patients,NOM will remain a challenge.Therefore,this review intends to summarize some of the recent updates from the aspect of current nCRT regimens,criteria for patient selection and active surveillance schedules.We also hope to review significant sequelae of radical surgery and the complications of nCRT to clarify the directions for optimization of nCRT and NOM for oncologic outcomes and quality of life.展开更多
An improvised auger sediment sampler was used to collect sediments at shallow depths from two wetlands in the Northern Bida Basin for laboratory studies in order to ascertain the impact on the chemical quality of grou...An improvised auger sediment sampler was used to collect sediments at shallow depths from two wetlands in the Northern Bida Basin for laboratory studies in order to ascertain the impact on the chemical quality of groundwater within these two studied locations. The dissolved organic carbon content of water is an important component of the geochemical cycling of elements capable of affecting groundwater quality. The sediments which serve as a conduit and pathways for the elements’ transport depending on the characteristics of the particle sizes are to be considered in the evaluation of contaminant mobility within the pathways. Representative cored sediment samples were collected and their particle size characterization and chemical analysis for Organic Matter (OM), Organic Carbon (OC) and Moisture Content (MC) were carried out. The hydrometer results show that the sediment particle sizes are in the order of sand > clay > silt in both locations with few exceptions. This represents the geology of the area (sandstone). The Mean values of 1.14% and 1.98% of OC and OM respectively were recorded in the sediment samples collected in parts of Ebgako. In contrast, 1.72% and 2.97% mean values were recorded in sediments collected in part of Bida for OC and OM respectively. The values of the OC and OM in the sediments from the two wetlands are low and may have been dissolved along the groundwater pathways to the aquifer. Other physicochemical parameters analysed in the sediments showed poor correlation. OM and OC were strongly positively correlated and showed an R<sup>2</sup> value of 1 and 0.9 respectively for parts of the Bida and Egbako sheets. There is low acidity of the sediments from the two study locations with a mean pH value of 5.64 and 5.13 respectively for Egbako and Bida. The low acidic nature of the sediments and the OM and OC composition have the potential to influence biogeochemical processes in the sediments and can affect the chemical quality of the groundwater in these two study locations.展开更多
<b> Background: </b> Despite years of Paediatric Antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was only rece ntly launched. Viral load determina...<b> Background: </b> Despite years of Paediatric Antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was only rece ntly launched. Viral load determination is the most important indicator of ART response. <b>Material & methods:</b> First viral load samples were collected from 663 children living with HIV between December 2017-Decemb er 2019 aged 0 - 18 years on highly active antiretroviral therapy from 4 states within Nigeria. Samples were analyzed at a Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. <b>Results: </b>Males were 311 (46.9%) and 352 (53.1%) female. Children aged 0 - 9 years constituted 44.9% (298);55.1% (365) were aged 10 - 18 years. This first viral load was primarily routine in 94 .2% (625);2.9% (19) of children respectively had suspected clinical or immunological failure. ART combination was AZT/3TC/NVP in 78.1% (518/663) of CLHIV;TDF/3TC/EFV in 21.2% (141);AZT/3TC/LPV/rtv in 4 (0.6%). Prior to initiation of routine viral load testing $0.55 (366/663) CLHI V had received HAART for 1 - 5 years;7.8% (52/663) for 6 months but < 1 year;32.8% (218/663) 6 - 10 years and 4.1% (27) for >10 years. The most recent CD4 count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 24.7% (164) of CLHIV;500 - 999/μL in 42.9% (285);350 - 499 μL in 11% (73) and <350 μL in 21.3% (141) of children. Viral load was ≥1000 c/ml in 51.3% (340/663) of children. Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 59.9% (174/311) males and 47.2% (166/352) females. Viral load was significantly lower among females (P-value 0.02). Of children aged 0 - 9 years 50.3% (150/298) had viral load > 1000 c/ml and 10 - 18 years 52.1% (190/365) (P value 0.660). Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 38.5% (20/52) of children on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 52.2% (191/366) after receiving HAART for 1 - 5 years. 52.3% (114/218) and 55.6% (15/27) CLHIV had viral load > 1000 c/ml after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively (P value 0.29). <b>Conclusion:</b> About half of childr展开更多
Introduction: Transitioning to more efficacious Antiretrovirals for HIV infected pregnant women and infant prophylaxis has reduced Mother to child transmission of HIV significantly. This study aimed to determine HIV i...Introduction: Transitioning to more efficacious Antiretrovirals for HIV infected pregnant women and infant prophylaxis has reduced Mother to child transmission of HIV significantly. This study aimed to determine HIV infection status in HIVexposed infants who had their first DNA polymerase chain reaction test in our molecular Laboratory. Subjects, Materials and Methods: Dried Blood Spots for HIV DNA results from 5 states between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed in the PCR laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Results: Nine thousand eight hundred and twenty-three Human Immunodeficiency Virus Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase Chain Reaction results were analysed;4937 (50.2%) were males. During the study period, there was an overall declining trend in the mother-to-child transmission rate from 3.8% in 2009 to 1.0% in 2020. 6120 (62.3%) of HIV + mothers received Highly active antiretroviral therapy HAART before pregnancy. 7845 (76.2%) of the infants received Nevirapine prophylaxis. Dried blood spot samples were collected from 4077 (41.5%) at 6 - 8 weeks. 8438 (85.9%) received cotrimoxazole. 9469 (96.4%) were ever breastfed. Of the 9823 HIV DNA PCR results, 255 (2.6%) were positive while 69/4077 (1.7%) and 109/2662 (4.1%) were positive for HIV DNA at 6 - 8 weeks and > 12 weeks respectively. (p = 0.001). 86/747 (11.5%) of infants whose HIV-positive mothers received no ARVS were HIV DNA positive. (p = 0.001). 106/884 (12.0%) of infants who had no Antiretroviral prophylaxis had positive HIV DNA results;7/413 (1.7%) with Zidovudine/Nevirapine prophylaxis had positive results. (p = 0.001). 246/9469 (2.6%) of infants that were ever breastfed were positive for HIV DNA;11/354 (3.0%) that never breastfed had positive HIV DNA. Conclusion: Lack of maternal/infant ARVs and prolonged breastfeeding increased the risk of infant HIV infection.展开更多
Background: Obesity is rising globally, independent of ethnicity, race and age, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity especially in persons living with diabetes. The effect of...Background: Obesity is rising globally, independent of ethnicity, race and age, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity especially in persons living with diabetes. The effect of adipokines such as leptin, resistin and adiponectin which are secreted by adipose tissue factors has been linked to the increased risk of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study aims to assess the levels of serum leptin and serum adiponectin in obese type 2 diabetes subjects, and their relationship with cardio-metabolic component (using lipid profile). Method: This is a cross-sectional comparative hospital-based study in which one hundred and fifty participants grouped into 60 obese, 60 non-obese none diabetic and 30 non-obese non-diabetic adults with similar age from the Endocrinology outpatient’s clinic, General outpatient department (GOPD) and staff clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). Anthropometric parameters and other relevant clinical details of all subjects were obtained. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin levels (HbA<sub>1C</sub>), fasting serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Twenty-eight (46.7%)) subjects were males while 32 subjects (53.3%) were females (in obese groups). There was no statistical difference between these two groups for both sexes (p = 1.000). The age range for all subjects was 34 to 64 years with their mean age being 52 ± 7.3 years, and for type 2 subjects and the obese non-diabetic 50.7 ± 7.3 years respectively. The mean body mass index of the non-obese and non-diabetic was 23.7 ± 4 Kg/m<sup>2</sup> while the anthropometric measurements of the obese two groups were similar. The lipid profile, serum leptin and adiponectin in both the obese groups showed no difference. The relationship betw展开更多
Introduction: Viral load suppression is a key determinant of successful anti-retroviral therapy. The study aimed to determine virologic response to Antiretroviral therapy in the large cohort of children and adults liv...Introduction: Viral load suppression is a key determinant of successful anti-retroviral therapy. The study aimed to determine virologic response to Antiretroviral therapy in the large cohort of children and adults living with Human Immune deficiency Virus. Materials and Methods: Viral Load results from the HIV Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase Chain Reaction register of 10,887 children and adults on cART in 4 states in Northern Nigeria between 2017 and 2019 were retrieved and analyzed in the PCR Molecular Laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Results: 10,887 children and adults were analyzed. Males were 28.4% (3094) and 71.6% (7793) females. 2.9% (311);3.5% (386);7.3% (797);65.2% (7098);14.5% (1583);5.2% (562) and 1.3% (150) were aged 0 - 9 years, 11 - 18 years;19 - 25 years, 26 - 45 years;46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and 10 years. The most recent CD4count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 7.4% (810/10887);500 -999/μL in 39.0% (4240);350 - 499 μL in 22.7% (2466) and 1000 c/mL in 26.5% (821/3094) males and 24.1% (1876/7793) females. Viral load was significantly lower among females (p-value 0.007). 50.5% (157/311);52.1% (201/386);28.5% (227/797);23.5% (1670/7098);19.9% (315/1583);17.8% (100/562) and 18.0% (27/150) aged 0 - 9 years, 11 - 18 years;19 - 25 years, 26 - 45 years;46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and 1000 c/mL respectively. Viral load was >1000 c/mL in 28.2% (229/811) for those on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 23.6% (1243/5275) after receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for 1 - 5 years. 26.3% (1072/4075) and 21.1% (153/726) had viral load > 1000 c/mL after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: HIV viral suppression was below the WHO recommended threshold.展开更多
Power-electronic devices are widely used in various applications, such as voltage and frequency control for transmitting and converting electric power. As these devices are becoming increasingly important, there is a ...Power-electronic devices are widely used in various applications, such as voltage and frequency control for transmitting and converting electric power. As these devices are becoming increasingly important, there is a need to reduce their losses and improve their performance to reduce electric power consumption. Current power semiconductor devices, such as inverters, are made of silicon (Si), but the performance of these Si power devices is reaching its limit due to physical properties and energy bandgap. To address this issue, recent developments in wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), offer the potential for a new generation of power semiconductor devices that can perform significantly better than silicon-based devices. In this research, a green synthesized copper-zinc-tin-sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticle is proposed as a new WBG semiconductor material that could be used for optical and electronic devices. Its synthesis, consisting of the production methods and materials used, is discussed. The characterization is also discussed, and further research is recommended in the later sections to enable the continual advancement of this technology.展开更多
LED-based moving-message displays are becoming appreciated among the general public for transmitting information to groups of people quickly. This work presents a simple design and implementation of a microcontroller-...LED-based moving-message displays are becoming appreciated among the general public for transmitting information to groups of people quickly. This work presents a simple design and implementation of a microcontroller-based electronic moving message display system. The design involves the arrangement of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and the programming of a microcontroller that controls and determines the pattern and session of the display. The implementation of a moving message displays a text containing 22 characters (i.e. WELCOME TO DEPT. OF PHYSICS). The electronic message display helps to pass information, educates, enlightens, facilitates commercial activities through the advertisement and marketing of goods and services, description of places, etc. The ease in which it displays information makes it a veritable, suitable, and excellent tool for passing information fast and pleasurable to the public. Furthermore, it enhances the response to information in an attractive way and manner in which it displays messages. The microcontroller used in this work is the PIC16F84A. It belongs to a class of 8-bit microcontrollers of RISC (reduced instructions set) architecture. Its output controls the switching of the relays through a transistor switching stage that switches its socket. The LED matrix (array) is arranged in parallel and soldered to a Vero board with the microcontroller and other electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, relays, LEDs, diodes, and transformers. In view, this work served as a means of digging into the technology involved in the use of a microcontroller and some other basic electronic components and enhanced visualization of message display.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> Viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge that requires an urgent response. Reducing mortality requires major scale-up in prevention, testing and treatment access;co...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge that requires an urgent response. Reducing mortality requires major scale-up in prevention, testing and treatment access;coverage in HBV vaccination, testing and treatment is low and must accelerate massively to achieve the 2030 targets. Less than 1% of HBV-infected individuals are diagnosed in Sub-Sahara Africa, despite the availability of rapid tests with good diagnostic accuracy. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> This was retrospective cross sectional study conducted in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, in North East Nigeria. All children and adults who presented to the out-patient departments, and those that were admitted irrespective of their HIV and or Hepatitis C virus status and had Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis B envelope antigen test were conducted between 2000 to 2015. All children and adults were tested using the Hospital standard for Hepatitis B surface antigen test strip. <strong>Results:</strong> Between 2000 and 2014, 739,456 children and adults were admitted and reviewed in the outpatient units of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe;there were 685,552 adults and 53,904 children. Children constituted 7.3% (53,904/739,456) of admissions and outpatient consultations. 2.8% (210/7570), 3.3% (773/23,783), 3.6% (1145/32,142), 5.2% (1694/33,043), 3.3% (986/29,216), 1.9% (661/3321), 0.1% (53/41,626), 0.2% (113/46,634), 2.6% (1418/54,423), 5.4% (3717/69,696), 3.7% (2332/62,086), 3.5% (3241/90,623), 3.2% (2881/89,398), 3.8% (2428/62,687), 2.8% (1835/63,208) of children and adults were tested for HBsAg in 2000, 2001, 20002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. 23,487 children and adults were tested for HBsAg with a cumulative testing rate of 3%. Overall 4465/23,487 children and adults were seropositive for HBsAg giving a cumulative prevalence of 19%. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> HBV screening in our health facility is very low. Massive scale up in awareness and HBV vaccinat展开更多
The depletion of world petroleum reserves and the increased environmental concerns have stimulated the search for alternative sources for petroleum based fuel. The possibility of using vegetable oils as fuel has been ...The depletion of world petroleum reserves and the increased environmental concerns have stimulated the search for alternative sources for petroleum based fuel. The possibility of using vegetable oils as fuel has been recognized, however, due to its high viscosities and low volatilities makes it inefficient for most combustion engines and thus the need to get them chemically altered or transesterified to obtain fatty alkyl esters of the oil (biodiesel). In this study, binary and ternary blends of biodiesel were produced and the effect of temperature on their viscosity and density was investigated. Biodiesel was produced from soybean oil by transesterification of the oil with methanol using potassium hydroxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 60℃ in a batch reactor. Binary and ternary blends of the soy-biodiesel were prepared with soy bean oil and petroleum diesel fuel, respectively. Viscosities and densities of the binary and ternary blends were measured at different temperatures of 20℃ to 90℃ as to determine the effect of temperature on viscosities and densities of the blends. The properties of the soy-biodiesel produced were compared with ASTM standard and found to be within the limits. The results show that the viscosities and densities of both the binary and ternary blends are temperature dependent. The viscosities of binary and ternary blends decreased nonlinearly with temperature, while their densities decreased linearly with temperature. The variation of temperature with viscosity and density of the blends was correlated and the polynomial equation offered the best correlation between temperature and viscosity, while linear equation gave the best correlation between temperature and density. In conclusion, the efficiency of binary and ternary blends of biodiesel in combustion engines is dependent on the viscosity and density of the blends which are invariably temperature dependent.展开更多
<strong>Background</strong>: The adult ART (antiretroviral therapy) programme started in Nigeria in 2002. After many years of ART in the country, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral ...<strong>Background</strong>: The adult ART (antiretroviral therapy) programme started in Nigeria in 2002. After many years of ART in the country, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was launched in 2016. Viral load estimation is the most important indicator of ART response. <strong>Aim</strong>: To describe viral suppression in adults on the HIV ART programme <strong>Material & methods</strong>: Viral load blood samples of 9450 adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy living with HIV from 4 states within Nigeria were analyzed for HIV RNA in Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe between December 2017 and December 2019. <strong>Results</strong>: Males were 2577/9450 (27.3%) and 6873 (72.7%) females. Adults aged 26 - 45 years constituted 69.5% (6572). Viral load test was primarily routine in 96.3% (9098). ART was AZT/3TC/NVP in 52.5% (4962);TDF/3TC/EFV in 46.3% (4375). 48.3% (4568/9450) adults had received HAART for 1 - 5 years;7.4% (699) for 6 months but <1 year;37.6% (3551) 6 - 10 years and 6.7% (632) for >10 years. The most recent CD4 count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 6.5% (612) of adults;500 - 999/μL in 38.6% (3651);350 - 499 μL in 23.2% (2195) and <350 μL in 31.7% (2992). Viral load was ≥1000 c/ml in 22.9% (2167/9450) of adults. Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 22.8% (587/2577) males and 23.0% (1580/6873) females. Of adults aged 19 - 25 years, 28.4% (211/743) had viral load >1000 c/ml;23.5% (1544/6572);20.0% (294/1473);17.8% (93/523) and 18.0% (25/139) aged 26 - 45 years, 46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and >65 years also had viral load >1000 c/ml (p value < 0.001) Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 26.0% (182/699) of adults on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 21.3% (975/4568) after receiving HAART for 1 - 5 years. 24.9% (885/3551) and 19.8% (125/632) adults had viral load > 1000 c/ml after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively. (p value < 0.001) <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Over all viral suppression of 77% 展开更多
Introduction: Inflammation has been implicated as a major reason for the higher morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the diseases that commonly precedes it. The neutrophil lymphocyte rat...Introduction: Inflammation has been implicated as a major reason for the higher morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the diseases that commonly precedes it. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has increasingly been reported to be a marker of systemic inflammation. We studied the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and its relationship with kidney function and other markers of inflammation in health and in CKD. Methods: Two hundred and forty four participants in three cohorts: healthy, CKD stage 1 - 2 and, stage 3 - 4, were studied. Data of clinical, NLR, uric acid, urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), electrolytes were documented and independent associates of NLR were determined. Results: The NLR was higher in the CKD cohorts, P Conclusion: The NLR as an inflammatory marker is elevated in chronic kidney disease, and increases with disease severity hence it can be a useful tool in determining the presence and severity of inflammation in CKD.展开更多
The study investigated the genetic variation of Parachanna obscura from five rivers(Anambra,Ibbi,Imo,Katsina-Ala and Ogun)in Nigeria using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene.DNA was extracted from 19,22,16,18...The study investigated the genetic variation of Parachanna obscura from five rivers(Anambra,Ibbi,Imo,Katsina-Ala and Ogun)in Nigeria using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene.DNA was extracted from 19,22,16,18 and 21 fin clips per river population,respectively and subjected to polymerase chain reaction.A total of 96 sequences,each with 671 bp were obtained with 38(5.6%)polymorphic,27(3.8%)parsimoniously informative and 659(98.2%)conserved sites.Mean nucleotide composition was C=28.07%,T=29.43%,A=22.18%,G=20.32%.A total of 40 haplotypes with 38 unique sequences as well as 24 substitutions with 22 transversions and two transitions were obtained.Nucleotide diversity among populations ranged from 0.00184 to 0.00888 representing Ibbi and Imo,respectively while haplotype diversity ranged from 0.77056 to 0.95000 also,from Ibbi and Imo,respectively.Analyses of molecular variance showed that the intra-population variation accounted for 50.05%.Topology from phylogenetic analyses revealed that P.obscura from Imo River was distinctly different from the rest.展开更多
Gluten,the protein responsible for the superior viscoelastic properties of refined wheat flour dough over glutenfree cereals,causes celiac disease in people susceptible to gluten-allergy.Moreover,the sustainability of...Gluten,the protein responsible for the superior viscoelastic properties of refined wheat flour dough over glutenfree cereals,causes celiac disease in people susceptible to gluten-allergy.Moreover,the sustainability of using wheat flour in baked foods is threatened by its high cost,especially in countries that depend on imported wheat for their bakery industry.Research has shown that hydrocolloids serve as gluten replacements in baked foods,in response to these challenges.Food hydrocolloids are a class of high-molecular weight polysaccharides and proteins,which serve as functional ingredients in the food industry that modify the foods’rheological and textural properties.They function as stabilizers,viscosity modifiers,gelling agents,water binders,fibres,and inhibitors of ice crystal in foods.Further,food hydrocolloids have also been reported to possess health-promoting properties,such as lowering of postprandial blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations,colon cancer prevention,and modulation of intestinal transit and satiety.They are obtained from plants,animals or microorganisms,and can be used in their natural or modified forms.The aim of this paper is to review the functional benefits of natural and modified hydrocolloids as gluten replacements in baked foods,emphasizing their physicochemical,nutraceutical,and sensorial importance.The application effects of food hydrocolloids as gluten substitutes in gluten-free baked products’quality were discussed.Also,some practical approaches to improve the quality of gluten-free baked products,in response to an increasing consumers’demand and the rising cost of refined wheat flour were highlighted.展开更多
基金Supported by Radiology Society of Northern America Researh and Education Program, Grant to "Teach the Teachers" from Emerging Nations
文摘AIM： To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy （IMRT） and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. METHODS： A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients who were definitively treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who did not receive IMRT radiation and concurrent chemotherapy were not included in this analysis. IMRT plans were evaluated to assess the tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance. Treatment response was evaluated and toxicities were assessed. RESULTS： Five- to nine-beam IMRT were used to deliver a total dose of 59.4-66 Gy （median： 64.8 Gy） to the primary tumor with 6-MV photons. The minimum dose received by the planning tumor volume （PTV） of the gross tumor volume boost was 91.2%-98.2% of the prescription dose （standard deviation [SD]： 3.7%-5.7%）. The minimum dose received by the PTV Of the clinical tumor volume was 93.8%-104.8% （SD： 4.3%-11.1%） of the prescribed dose. With a median follow-up of 15 rno （range： 3-21 too）, all 6 evaluable patients achieved complete response. Of them, 2 developed local recurrences and 2 had distant metastases, 3 survived with no evidence of disease. After treatment, 2 patients developed esophageal stricture requiring frequent dilation and 1 patient developed tracheal-esophageal fistula. CONCLUSION： Concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy resulted in an excellent early response in patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. However, local and distant recurrence and toxicity remain to be a problem. Innovative approaches are needed to improve the outcome.
文摘Despite substantial efforts at early diagnosis, accurate staging and advanced treatments, esophageal cancer(EC) continues to be an ominous disease worldwide. Risk factors for esophageal carcinomas include obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hard-alcohol use and tobacco smoking. Five-year survival rates have improved from 5% to 20% since the 1970 s, the result of advances in diagnostic staging and treatment. As the most sensitive test for locoregional staging of EC, endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) influences the development of an optimal oncologic treatment plan for a significant minority of patients with early cancers, which appropriately balances the risks and benefits of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. EUS is costly, and may not be available at all centers. Thus, the yield of EUS needs to be thoughtfully considered for each patient. Localized intramucosal cancers occasionally require endoscopic resection(ER) for histologic staging or treatment; EUS evaluation may detect suspicious lymph nodes prior to exposing the patient to the risks of ER. Although positron emission tomography(PET) has been increasingly utilized in staging EC, it may be unnecessary for clinical staging of early, localized EC and carries the risk of false-positive metastasis(over staging). In EC patients with evidence of advanced disease, EUS or PET may be used to define the radiotherapy field. Multimodality staging with EUS, crosssectional imaging and histopathologic analysis of ER, remains the standard-of-care in the evaluation of early esophageal cancers. Herein, published data regarding use of EUS for intramucosal, local, regional and metastatic esophageal cancers are reviewed. An algorithm to illustrate the current use of EUS at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is presented.
文摘Gastric cancer represents a serious health problem on a global scale. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Novel therapeutic targets are desperately needed because the meager improvement in the cure rate of about 10% realized by adjunctive treatments to surgery is unacceptable as > 50% patients with localized gastric cancer succumb to their disease. Either postoperative chemoradiotherapy (United States), pre-and post-operative chemotherapy (Europe), and adjuvant chemotherapy after a D2 resection (Asia) can all be regarded as standards of care in the localized gastric cancer management. In metastatic disease the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy is standard of care in Her2 positive disease. In the HER2 negative population, the treatments remain limited. In the first line setting, the standard of care is a combination of fluoropyrimidine and platinum containing chemotherapy, with or without epirubicin or docetaxel. The results of targeted therapy trials have by and large been disappointing, but none of these trials looked at an appropriately enriched population. Finally there is a meager overall survival benefit in treating patients with metastatic disease in the second line setting, with either irinotecan, docetaxel or ramucirumab however none of these drugs have been compared head to head in a well-powered randomized controlled trial.
基金supported by multidisciplinary grants from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centersupported in part by the National Cancer Institute,National Institutes of Health(No.CAl 38671, CAl72741,and CAl50334 to JAA)the Biostatistics Resource Group(No. P30CA016672)
文摘Surgical management of gastric cancer improves survival.However,for some time,surgeons have had diverse opinions about the extent of gastrectomy.Researchers have conducted many clinical studies,making slow but steady progress in determining the optimal surgical approach.The extent of lymph node dissection has been one of the major issues in surgery for gastric cancer.Many trials demonstrated that D2 dissection resulted in greater morbidity and mortality than D1 dissection.However,long-term outcomes demonstrated that D2 dissection resulted in longer survival than D1 dissection.In 2004,the Japan Clinical Oncology Group reported a pivotal trial which was performed to determine whether para-aortic lymph node dissection combined with D2 dissection was superior to D2 dissection alone and found no benefit of the additional surgery.Gastrectomy with pancreatectomy,splenectomy,and bursectomy was initially recommended as part of the D2 dissection.Now,pancreas-preserving total gastrectomy with D2 dissection is standard,and ongoing trials are addressing the role of splenectomy.Furthermore,the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy are well established.Survival and quality of life are increasingly recognized as the most important endpoints.In this review,we present perspectives on surgical techniques and important trials of these techniques in gastric cancer patients.
文摘Esophageal cancer(EC)generally consists of squamous cell carcinoma(which arise from squamous epithelium)and adenocarcinoma(which arise from columnar epithelium).Due to the increased recognition of risk factors associated with EC and the development of screening programs,there has been an increase in the diagnosis of early EC.Early EC is amenable to curative therapy by endoscopy,which can be performed by either endoscopic resection or endoscopic ablation.Endoscopic resection consists of either endoscopic mucosal resection(preferred in cases of adenocarcinoma)or endoscopic submucosal dissection(preferred in cases of squamous cell carcinoma).Endoscopic ablation can be performed by either radiofrequency ablation,cryotherapy,argon plasma coagulation or photodynamic therapy,amongst others.Endoscopy can also assist in the management of complications post-esophageal surgery,such as anastomotic leaks and perforations.Finally,there is a growing role for endoscopy to manage end-of-life palliative symptoms,especially dysphagia.The growing use of esophageal stents,debulking therapy and dilation can assist in improving a patient’s quality of life.In this review,we examine the multiple roles of endoscopy in the management of patients with EC.
基金National Natural Science Foundation(No.81773214)Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospital Medicine Development of Special Funding Support(No.ZYLX202116)+2 种基金Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Incubating Program(No.PZ2020027)Beijing Talent Incubating Funding(No.2019-4)Science Foundation of Peking University Cancer Hospital(No.2023-10)。
文摘Cancers derived from the gastrointestinal(GI)tract are often treated with radical surgery to achieve a cure.However,recent advances in the management of GI cancers involve the use of a combination of neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy followed by surgical intervention to achieve improved local control and cure.Interestingly,a small proportion of patients with highly sensitive tumors achieved a pathological complete response(pCR)(no residual tumor cells in the resected specimen)to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy(nCRT).The desire for organ preservation and avoidance of surgical morbidity brings the idea of a nonoperative management(NOM)strategy.Because of the different nature of tumor biology,GI cancers present diverse responses to nCRT,ranging from high sensitivity(anal cancer)to low sensitivity(gastric/esophageal cancer).There is an increasing attention to NOM of localized GI cancers;however,without the use of biomarkers/imaging parameters to select such patients,NOM will remain a challenge.Therefore,this review intends to summarize some of the recent updates from the aspect of current nCRT regimens,criteria for patient selection and active surveillance schedules.We also hope to review significant sequelae of radical surgery and the complications of nCRT to clarify the directions for optimization of nCRT and NOM for oncologic outcomes and quality of life.
文摘An improvised auger sediment sampler was used to collect sediments at shallow depths from two wetlands in the Northern Bida Basin for laboratory studies in order to ascertain the impact on the chemical quality of groundwater within these two studied locations. The dissolved organic carbon content of water is an important component of the geochemical cycling of elements capable of affecting groundwater quality. The sediments which serve as a conduit and pathways for the elements’ transport depending on the characteristics of the particle sizes are to be considered in the evaluation of contaminant mobility within the pathways. Representative cored sediment samples were collected and their particle size characterization and chemical analysis for Organic Matter (OM), Organic Carbon (OC) and Moisture Content (MC) were carried out. The hydrometer results show that the sediment particle sizes are in the order of sand > clay > silt in both locations with few exceptions. This represents the geology of the area (sandstone). The Mean values of 1.14% and 1.98% of OC and OM respectively were recorded in the sediment samples collected in parts of Ebgako. In contrast, 1.72% and 2.97% mean values were recorded in sediments collected in part of Bida for OC and OM respectively. The values of the OC and OM in the sediments from the two wetlands are low and may have been dissolved along the groundwater pathways to the aquifer. Other physicochemical parameters analysed in the sediments showed poor correlation. OM and OC were strongly positively correlated and showed an R<sup>2</sup> value of 1 and 0.9 respectively for parts of the Bida and Egbako sheets. There is low acidity of the sediments from the two study locations with a mean pH value of 5.64 and 5.13 respectively for Egbako and Bida. The low acidic nature of the sediments and the OM and OC composition have the potential to influence biogeochemical processes in the sediments and can affect the chemical quality of the groundwater in these two study locations.
文摘<b> Background: </b> Despite years of Paediatric Antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was only rece ntly launched. Viral load determination is the most important indicator of ART response. <b>Material & methods:</b> First viral load samples were collected from 663 children living with HIV between December 2017-Decemb er 2019 aged 0 - 18 years on highly active antiretroviral therapy from 4 states within Nigeria. Samples were analyzed at a Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. <b>Results: </b>Males were 311 (46.9%) and 352 (53.1%) female. Children aged 0 - 9 years constituted 44.9% (298);55.1% (365) were aged 10 - 18 years. This first viral load was primarily routine in 94 .2% (625);2.9% (19) of children respectively had suspected clinical or immunological failure. ART combination was AZT/3TC/NVP in 78.1% (518/663) of CLHIV;TDF/3TC/EFV in 21.2% (141);AZT/3TC/LPV/rtv in 4 (0.6%). Prior to initiation of routine viral load testing $0.55 (366/663) CLHI V had received HAART for 1 - 5 years;7.8% (52/663) for 6 months but < 1 year;32.8% (218/663) 6 - 10 years and 4.1% (27) for >10 years. The most recent CD4 count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 24.7% (164) of CLHIV;500 - 999/μL in 42.9% (285);350 - 499 μL in 11% (73) and <350 μL in 21.3% (141) of children. Viral load was ≥1000 c/ml in 51.3% (340/663) of children. Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 59.9% (174/311) males and 47.2% (166/352) females. Viral load was significantly lower among females (P-value 0.02). Of children aged 0 - 9 years 50.3% (150/298) had viral load > 1000 c/ml and 10 - 18 years 52.1% (190/365) (P value 0.660). Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 38.5% (20/52) of children on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 52.2% (191/366) after receiving HAART for 1 - 5 years. 52.3% (114/218) and 55.6% (15/27) CLHIV had viral load > 1000 c/ml after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively (P value 0.29). <b>Conclusion:</b> About half of childr
文摘Introduction: Transitioning to more efficacious Antiretrovirals for HIV infected pregnant women and infant prophylaxis has reduced Mother to child transmission of HIV significantly. This study aimed to determine HIV infection status in HIVexposed infants who had their first DNA polymerase chain reaction test in our molecular Laboratory. Subjects, Materials and Methods: Dried Blood Spots for HIV DNA results from 5 states between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed in the PCR laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Results: Nine thousand eight hundred and twenty-three Human Immunodeficiency Virus Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase Chain Reaction results were analysed;4937 (50.2%) were males. During the study period, there was an overall declining trend in the mother-to-child transmission rate from 3.8% in 2009 to 1.0% in 2020. 6120 (62.3%) of HIV + mothers received Highly active antiretroviral therapy HAART before pregnancy. 7845 (76.2%) of the infants received Nevirapine prophylaxis. Dried blood spot samples were collected from 4077 (41.5%) at 6 - 8 weeks. 8438 (85.9%) received cotrimoxazole. 9469 (96.4%) were ever breastfed. Of the 9823 HIV DNA PCR results, 255 (2.6%) were positive while 69/4077 (1.7%) and 109/2662 (4.1%) were positive for HIV DNA at 6 - 8 weeks and > 12 weeks respectively. (p = 0.001). 86/747 (11.5%) of infants whose HIV-positive mothers received no ARVS were HIV DNA positive. (p = 0.001). 106/884 (12.0%) of infants who had no Antiretroviral prophylaxis had positive HIV DNA results;7/413 (1.7%) with Zidovudine/Nevirapine prophylaxis had positive results. (p = 0.001). 246/9469 (2.6%) of infants that were ever breastfed were positive for HIV DNA;11/354 (3.0%) that never breastfed had positive HIV DNA. Conclusion: Lack of maternal/infant ARVs and prolonged breastfeeding increased the risk of infant HIV infection.
文摘Background: Obesity is rising globally, independent of ethnicity, race and age, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity especially in persons living with diabetes. The effect of adipokines such as leptin, resistin and adiponectin which are secreted by adipose tissue factors has been linked to the increased risk of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study aims to assess the levels of serum leptin and serum adiponectin in obese type 2 diabetes subjects, and their relationship with cardio-metabolic component (using lipid profile). Method: This is a cross-sectional comparative hospital-based study in which one hundred and fifty participants grouped into 60 obese, 60 non-obese none diabetic and 30 non-obese non-diabetic adults with similar age from the Endocrinology outpatient’s clinic, General outpatient department (GOPD) and staff clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). Anthropometric parameters and other relevant clinical details of all subjects were obtained. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin levels (HbA<sub>1C</sub>), fasting serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Twenty-eight (46.7%)) subjects were males while 32 subjects (53.3%) were females (in obese groups). There was no statistical difference between these two groups for both sexes (p = 1.000). The age range for all subjects was 34 to 64 years with their mean age being 52 ± 7.3 years, and for type 2 subjects and the obese non-diabetic 50.7 ± 7.3 years respectively. The mean body mass index of the non-obese and non-diabetic was 23.7 ± 4 Kg/m<sup>2</sup> while the anthropometric measurements of the obese two groups were similar. The lipid profile, serum leptin and adiponectin in both the obese groups showed no difference. The relationship betw
文摘Introduction: Viral load suppression is a key determinant of successful anti-retroviral therapy. The study aimed to determine virologic response to Antiretroviral therapy in the large cohort of children and adults living with Human Immune deficiency Virus. Materials and Methods: Viral Load results from the HIV Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase Chain Reaction register of 10,887 children and adults on cART in 4 states in Northern Nigeria between 2017 and 2019 were retrieved and analyzed in the PCR Molecular Laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Results: 10,887 children and adults were analyzed. Males were 28.4% (3094) and 71.6% (7793) females. 2.9% (311);3.5% (386);7.3% (797);65.2% (7098);14.5% (1583);5.2% (562) and 1.3% (150) were aged 0 - 9 years, 11 - 18 years;19 - 25 years, 26 - 45 years;46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and 10 years. The most recent CD4count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 7.4% (810/10887);500 -999/μL in 39.0% (4240);350 - 499 μL in 22.7% (2466) and 1000 c/mL in 26.5% (821/3094) males and 24.1% (1876/7793) females. Viral load was significantly lower among females (p-value 0.007). 50.5% (157/311);52.1% (201/386);28.5% (227/797);23.5% (1670/7098);19.9% (315/1583);17.8% (100/562) and 18.0% (27/150) aged 0 - 9 years, 11 - 18 years;19 - 25 years, 26 - 45 years;46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and 1000 c/mL respectively. Viral load was >1000 c/mL in 28.2% (229/811) for those on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 23.6% (1243/5275) after receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for 1 - 5 years. 26.3% (1072/4075) and 21.1% (153/726) had viral load > 1000 c/mL after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: HIV viral suppression was below the WHO recommended threshold.
文摘Power-electronic devices are widely used in various applications, such as voltage and frequency control for transmitting and converting electric power. As these devices are becoming increasingly important, there is a need to reduce their losses and improve their performance to reduce electric power consumption. Current power semiconductor devices, such as inverters, are made of silicon (Si), but the performance of these Si power devices is reaching its limit due to physical properties and energy bandgap. To address this issue, recent developments in wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), offer the potential for a new generation of power semiconductor devices that can perform significantly better than silicon-based devices. In this research, a green synthesized copper-zinc-tin-sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticle is proposed as a new WBG semiconductor material that could be used for optical and electronic devices. Its synthesis, consisting of the production methods and materials used, is discussed. The characterization is also discussed, and further research is recommended in the later sections to enable the continual advancement of this technology.
文摘LED-based moving-message displays are becoming appreciated among the general public for transmitting information to groups of people quickly. This work presents a simple design and implementation of a microcontroller-based electronic moving message display system. The design involves the arrangement of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and the programming of a microcontroller that controls and determines the pattern and session of the display. The implementation of a moving message displays a text containing 22 characters (i.e. WELCOME TO DEPT. OF PHYSICS). The electronic message display helps to pass information, educates, enlightens, facilitates commercial activities through the advertisement and marketing of goods and services, description of places, etc. The ease in which it displays information makes it a veritable, suitable, and excellent tool for passing information fast and pleasurable to the public. Furthermore, it enhances the response to information in an attractive way and manner in which it displays messages. The microcontroller used in this work is the PIC16F84A. It belongs to a class of 8-bit microcontrollers of RISC (reduced instructions set) architecture. Its output controls the switching of the relays through a transistor switching stage that switches its socket. The LED matrix (array) is arranged in parallel and soldered to a Vero board with the microcontroller and other electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, relays, LEDs, diodes, and transformers. In view, this work served as a means of digging into the technology involved in the use of a microcontroller and some other basic electronic components and enhanced visualization of message display.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge that requires an urgent response. Reducing mortality requires major scale-up in prevention, testing and treatment access;coverage in HBV vaccination, testing and treatment is low and must accelerate massively to achieve the 2030 targets. Less than 1% of HBV-infected individuals are diagnosed in Sub-Sahara Africa, despite the availability of rapid tests with good diagnostic accuracy. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> This was retrospective cross sectional study conducted in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, in North East Nigeria. All children and adults who presented to the out-patient departments, and those that were admitted irrespective of their HIV and or Hepatitis C virus status and had Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis B envelope antigen test were conducted between 2000 to 2015. All children and adults were tested using the Hospital standard for Hepatitis B surface antigen test strip. <strong>Results:</strong> Between 2000 and 2014, 739,456 children and adults were admitted and reviewed in the outpatient units of the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe;there were 685,552 adults and 53,904 children. Children constituted 7.3% (53,904/739,456) of admissions and outpatient consultations. 2.8% (210/7570), 3.3% (773/23,783), 3.6% (1145/32,142), 5.2% (1694/33,043), 3.3% (986/29,216), 1.9% (661/3321), 0.1% (53/41,626), 0.2% (113/46,634), 2.6% (1418/54,423), 5.4% (3717/69,696), 3.7% (2332/62,086), 3.5% (3241/90,623), 3.2% (2881/89,398), 3.8% (2428/62,687), 2.8% (1835/63,208) of children and adults were tested for HBsAg in 2000, 2001, 20002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. 23,487 children and adults were tested for HBsAg with a cumulative testing rate of 3%. Overall 4465/23,487 children and adults were seropositive for HBsAg giving a cumulative prevalence of 19%. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> HBV screening in our health facility is very low. Massive scale up in awareness and HBV vaccinat
文摘The depletion of world petroleum reserves and the increased environmental concerns have stimulated the search for alternative sources for petroleum based fuel. The possibility of using vegetable oils as fuel has been recognized, however, due to its high viscosities and low volatilities makes it inefficient for most combustion engines and thus the need to get them chemically altered or transesterified to obtain fatty alkyl esters of the oil (biodiesel). In this study, binary and ternary blends of biodiesel were produced and the effect of temperature on their viscosity and density was investigated. Biodiesel was produced from soybean oil by transesterification of the oil with methanol using potassium hydroxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 60℃ in a batch reactor. Binary and ternary blends of the soy-biodiesel were prepared with soy bean oil and petroleum diesel fuel, respectively. Viscosities and densities of the binary and ternary blends were measured at different temperatures of 20℃ to 90℃ as to determine the effect of temperature on viscosities and densities of the blends. The properties of the soy-biodiesel produced were compared with ASTM standard and found to be within the limits. The results show that the viscosities and densities of both the binary and ternary blends are temperature dependent. The viscosities of binary and ternary blends decreased nonlinearly with temperature, while their densities decreased linearly with temperature. The variation of temperature with viscosity and density of the blends was correlated and the polynomial equation offered the best correlation between temperature and viscosity, while linear equation gave the best correlation between temperature and density. In conclusion, the efficiency of binary and ternary blends of biodiesel in combustion engines is dependent on the viscosity and density of the blends which are invariably temperature dependent.
文摘<strong>Background</strong>: The adult ART (antiretroviral therapy) programme started in Nigeria in 2002. After many years of ART in the country, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was launched in 2016. Viral load estimation is the most important indicator of ART response. <strong>Aim</strong>: To describe viral suppression in adults on the HIV ART programme <strong>Material & methods</strong>: Viral load blood samples of 9450 adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy living with HIV from 4 states within Nigeria were analyzed for HIV RNA in Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe between December 2017 and December 2019. <strong>Results</strong>: Males were 2577/9450 (27.3%) and 6873 (72.7%) females. Adults aged 26 - 45 years constituted 69.5% (6572). Viral load test was primarily routine in 96.3% (9098). ART was AZT/3TC/NVP in 52.5% (4962);TDF/3TC/EFV in 46.3% (4375). 48.3% (4568/9450) adults had received HAART for 1 - 5 years;7.4% (699) for 6 months but <1 year;37.6% (3551) 6 - 10 years and 6.7% (632) for >10 years. The most recent CD4 count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 6.5% (612) of adults;500 - 999/μL in 38.6% (3651);350 - 499 μL in 23.2% (2195) and <350 μL in 31.7% (2992). Viral load was ≥1000 c/ml in 22.9% (2167/9450) of adults. Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 22.8% (587/2577) males and 23.0% (1580/6873) females. Of adults aged 19 - 25 years, 28.4% (211/743) had viral load >1000 c/ml;23.5% (1544/6572);20.0% (294/1473);17.8% (93/523) and 18.0% (25/139) aged 26 - 45 years, 46 - 55 years;56 - 65 years and >65 years also had viral load >1000 c/ml (p value < 0.001) Viral load was >1000 c/ml in 26.0% (182/699) of adults on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 21.3% (975/4568) after receiving HAART for 1 - 5 years. 24.9% (885/3551) and 19.8% (125/632) adults had viral load > 1000 c/ml after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively. (p value < 0.001) <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Over all viral suppression of 77%
文摘Introduction: Inflammation has been implicated as a major reason for the higher morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the diseases that commonly precedes it. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has increasingly been reported to be a marker of systemic inflammation. We studied the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and its relationship with kidney function and other markers of inflammation in health and in CKD. Methods: Two hundred and forty four participants in three cohorts: healthy, CKD stage 1 - 2 and, stage 3 - 4, were studied. Data of clinical, NLR, uric acid, urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), electrolytes were documented and independent associates of NLR were determined. Results: The NLR was higher in the CKD cohorts, P Conclusion: The NLR as an inflammatory marker is elevated in chronic kidney disease, and increases with disease severity hence it can be a useful tool in determining the presence and severity of inflammation in CKD.
基金The authors appreciate the International Foundation for Science(IFS),Stockholm,Sweden for funding this research through their Grant Number I-2-A-6090-1 provided to Friday Elijah Osho to study the phenotypic and genetic characterization of Parachanna obscura from Nigeria’s freshwater environments.
文摘The study investigated the genetic variation of Parachanna obscura from five rivers(Anambra,Ibbi,Imo,Katsina-Ala and Ogun)in Nigeria using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene.DNA was extracted from 19,22,16,18 and 21 fin clips per river population,respectively and subjected to polymerase chain reaction.A total of 96 sequences,each with 671 bp were obtained with 38(5.6%)polymorphic,27(3.8%)parsimoniously informative and 659(98.2%)conserved sites.Mean nucleotide composition was C=28.07%,T=29.43%,A=22.18%,G=20.32%.A total of 40 haplotypes with 38 unique sequences as well as 24 substitutions with 22 transversions and two transitions were obtained.Nucleotide diversity among populations ranged from 0.00184 to 0.00888 representing Ibbi and Imo,respectively while haplotype diversity ranged from 0.77056 to 0.95000 also,from Ibbi and Imo,respectively.Analyses of molecular variance showed that the intra-population variation accounted for 50.05%.Topology from phylogenetic analyses revealed that P.obscura from Imo River was distinctly different from the rest.
文摘Gluten,the protein responsible for the superior viscoelastic properties of refined wheat flour dough over glutenfree cereals,causes celiac disease in people susceptible to gluten-allergy.Moreover,the sustainability of using wheat flour in baked foods is threatened by its high cost,especially in countries that depend on imported wheat for their bakery industry.Research has shown that hydrocolloids serve as gluten replacements in baked foods,in response to these challenges.Food hydrocolloids are a class of high-molecular weight polysaccharides and proteins,which serve as functional ingredients in the food industry that modify the foods’rheological and textural properties.They function as stabilizers,viscosity modifiers,gelling agents,water binders,fibres,and inhibitors of ice crystal in foods.Further,food hydrocolloids have also been reported to possess health-promoting properties,such as lowering of postprandial blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations,colon cancer prevention,and modulation of intestinal transit and satiety.They are obtained from plants,animals or microorganisms,and can be used in their natural or modified forms.The aim of this paper is to review the functional benefits of natural and modified hydrocolloids as gluten replacements in baked foods,emphasizing their physicochemical,nutraceutical,and sensorial importance.The application effects of food hydrocolloids as gluten substitutes in gluten-free baked products’quality were discussed.Also,some practical approaches to improve the quality of gluten-free baked products,in response to an increasing consumers’demand and the rising cost of refined wheat flour were highlighted.
