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Background: ‘Brought- in-dead’ (BID) refers to the demise of an individual before presentation to a health facility. This study assessed the pattern of paediatric BID cases seen at a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was done at the Children Emergency Ward (CEW) of the hospital between January 2014 and December 2018. The patterns of BID cases and presumed causes of death were determined using a standardized checklist adapted from the WHO verbal autopsy instrument. Results: Ninety-eight BID cases were seen during the study, constituting 2.5% of total patients seen during the period. The median (IQR) age of cases was 24.0 (8.75 – 63.0) months and 72.4% were under-fives. Most had symptoms related to the haematologic (36.7%), respiratory (24.5%) or digestive (20.4%) systems. Severe anaemia 31(31.6%), gastroenteritis 19 (19.4) and aspiration 17 (17.3%) were the most common causes of death. The median (IQR) duration of illness before presentation was 3.0 (1.0 – 7.0) days but most presented from 4 – 7 days of illness. A significant relationship was found between the duration of illness and whether or not pre-hospital treatment was received (p < 0.0001). Unprescribed drugs purchased over the counter were the most commonly used treatment in 79.1% of cases (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study has highlighted the prevalence and pattern of paediatric BID in a tertiary health facility in southwest Nigeria and the factors that were associated with it. More efforts need to be geared towards community sensitization and pediatric health care to prevent factors drivingits menace.

Background Childhood diabetes mellitus is a poorly researched topic in Nigeria. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality is vague. This study intends to provide additional information to the background data in Nigeria and hopefully proffers strategies to improving the outcome of this disease. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study of all children managed for childhood diabetes mellitus at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), South West Nigeria, over a 10 year period. Relevant information was obtained from the case notes of all affected children. Data obtained were analysed with SPSS version 20 software. Results A total of 20 children were treated for diabetes mellitus (DM); there were 7 (35.0%) boys and 13 (65.0%) girls giving a M:F ratio of 1.0:1.9. Age range at presentation was 5 to 16 years and the mean age at presentation was 12.7 ± 2.89 years. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the most common form of presentation in 13 (65.0%). Most [18 (90.0%)] of the patients had type 1 DM. Type 2 DM and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus were recorded in a case each, Eighteen (90%)patients had not been previously diagnosed by any form of screening prior to their presentation and admission in the hospital. Seven (35.0%) of the patient's care were affected by parental financial constraints. Five mortalities were recorded and one left against medical advice while the majority [14 (70.4%)] were discharged well and alive. The association between the greater numbers of deaths recorded in children with financial constraints was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Type 1 DM remains the most predominant form of diabetes in children and most of the patients presented in DKA. The proportion of deaths in this study is unacceptably high. There is a need to proffer strategies for earlier detection and management of children with diabetes mellitus prior to the onset or development of DKA and there is a need to assist with the funding of the care of children with diabetes mellitus.

Transition metal doped ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with high mobility can be used as a transparent conductor with enhanced transparency spectral window. In this work, we carried out a comprehensive study on the electrical and optical properties of ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ doped with several transition metal (TM) species (${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}:\mathrm{TM}$) including W, Zr, Mo, and Ti. Detailed optical properties obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) are correlated with electrical properties obtained by Hall effect measurements. We find that the mobility of ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}:\mathrm{TM}$ thin films lies in the range of $50\text{--}75\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{V}}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{s}}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, much higher than the typical mobility of $30\text{--}40\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{V}}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{s}}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for conventional ITO. The complex dielectric functions of the thin films reveal remarkable carrier density dependent changes in the optical properties. SE analyses show that the electron effective mass of ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}:\mathrm{TM}$ at the bottom of the conduction band ${m}_{o}^{*}$ ($0.11\text{--}0.14{m}_{o}$) is much smaller than the reported ${m}_{o}^{*}\ensuremath{\sim}0.18\ensuremath{-}0.30{m}_{o}$ for ITO, which directly results in their higher mobility. This low ${m}_{o}^{*}$ is consistent with recent theoretical studies which proposed that $4d$ donor states of the TMs are resonance in the CB. For films with comparably low resistivity of $1\text{--}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}4}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{cm}$, we find that ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}:\mathrm{TM}$ films have \ensuremath{\sim}4--10 times lower absorption coefficient at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=1300\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ due to free carrier absorption and have their plasma reflection edge extended to \ensuremath{\sim}1.7 \ensuremath{\mu}m compared to \ensuremath{\sim}1.2--1.4 \ensuremath{\mu}m for ITO. Hence, using TM doping we have achieved transparent conductors with conductivity comparable to ITO but with transmission extended to g1600 nm. These materials will be potentially important as transparent conductors for optoelectronic devices utilizing NIR photons.

Background: Knowledge of the profile of pediatric discharge against medical advice (DAMA) may help design interventions to reduce its prevalence. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the profile of pediatric DAMA at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study included all pediatric cases of DAMA from January 2012 to December 2018. Relevant information was extracted from the patients’ case notes. Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: The overall prevalence of pediatric DAMA was 3.8%. Of the 233 pediatric DAMA with complete information, 127 (54.5%) were males. Severe malaria (27.3%) was the most common diagnosis among DAMA cases at the children emergency ward (CEW), while severe perinatal asphyxia (25.0%) and neonatal sepsis (25.0%) were the most common at the special care baby unit (SCBU). Only 1 (0.4%) patient was enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Moreover, 43 (18.5%) parents took DAMA due to financial constraints, and 55% of the patients had their DAMA form signed by their fathers. In addition, among the patients who referred for follow-up, 11 (4.7%) patients fully recovered, 2 (0.8%) recovered with disability, 1 (0.4%) was readmitted, and 1 (0.4%) died. The highest and lowest DAMA rates were in the months of May and December, respectively. Patients aged under five years old who took DAMA significantly had infectious diseases compared to older age groups (P

This study aimed to determine the performance of a rapid, point-of-care testing device (HemotypeSC)™ for diagnosing sickle cell disease (SCD) relative to 2 commonly-used methods compared to DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of (HemotypeSC)™ in diagnosing SCD and determining various other Hb genotypes relative to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis in alkaline buffer (CAE) was investigated among 156 participants aged 4 to 23 years in Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. PCR was considered as the reference method/gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity for SS, SC, AS, AC, and AA genotypes by HemotypeSC and HPLC when compared with PCR, were each 100%. Similarly, their positive and negative predictive values were each 100%. However, sensitivity and specificity for identifying these Hb genotypes by CAE were 100, 100, 96.5, 0, 99.2%, and 99, 100, 92.9, 0, 91.7%. Also, CAE did not identify any of the 2 HbAC individuals that were correctly identified by PCR and both HemotypeSC, and HPLC, thus representing 100% HbAC misdiagnosis. In conclusion, this study shows that HemotypeSC has perfect concordance with PCR and 100% accuracy in diagnosing SCD in the population tested. Its ease of use, accuracy and other attributes make it suitable for use in sub-Saharan Africa for rapid determination of Hb genotypes.

Isaac Oludare Oluwayemi,1 Olusola Adetunji Oyedeji,2 Emmanuel Oluwatosin Adeniji,2 Adebukola Bidemi Ajite,1 Adefunke Olarinre Babatola,1 Adewuyi Temidayo Adeniyi,1,2 Ezra Olatunde Ogundare,1 Oladele Simeon Olatunya,1 Temitope Opeyemi Ayeni,3 Ayotunde Emmanuel Ajibola4 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 2Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Science, LAUTECH, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; 3Department of Paediatrics, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; 4Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaCorrespondence: Isaac Oludare OluwayemiDepartment of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, NigeriaTel +2348034052536Email isaac.oluwayemi@eksu.edu.ngBackground: Childhood diabetes mellitus is a poorly researched topic in Nigeria. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality is vague. This study intends to provide additional information to the background data in Nigeria and hopefully proffers strategies to improving the outcome of this disease.Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of all children managed for childhood diabetes mellitus at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), South West Nigeria, over a 10 year period. Relevant information was obtained from the case notes of all affected children. Data obtained were analysed with SPSS version 20 software.Results: A total of 20 children were treated for diabetes mellitus (DM); there were 7 (35.0%) boys and 13 (65.0%) girls giving a M:F ratio of 1.0:1.9. Age range at presentation was 5 to 16 years and the mean age at presentation was 12.7 ± 2.89 years. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the most common form of presentation in 13 (65.0%). Most [18 (90.0%)] of the patients had type 1 DM. Type 2 DM and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus were recorded in a case each, Eighteen (90%)patients had not been previously diagnosed by any form of screening prior to their presentation and admission in the hospital. Seven (35.0%) of the patient’s care were affected by parental financial constraints. Five mortalities were recorded and one left against medical advice while the majority [14 (70.4%)] were discharged well and alive. The association between the greater numbers of deaths recorded in children with financial constraints was statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Type 1 DM remains the most predominant form of diabetes in children and most of the patients presented in DKA. The proportion of deaths in this study is unacceptably high. There is a need to proffer strategies for earlier detection and management of children with diabetes mellitus prior to the onset or development of DKA and there is a need to assist with the funding of the care of children with diabetes mellitus.Keywords: pattern, outcome, childhood diabetes, Nigeria

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a public health practice that is critical for the survival of infants and young children. Despite the well documented advantages of breastfeeding to both the child and mother, it is surprising to note that the rate of breastfeeding especially exclusive breastfeeding is quite low in many countries. The possible reason may be because most of the efforts and activities directed at improving the breastfeeding rate and duration are targeted at pregnant women and post-partum period.This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and future intention to breastfeed among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria.Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among female students of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. By convenience sampling, female students were invited to participate in the study after giving verbal consent and those that were thirty years old and above, medical or nursing students were excluded. The questionnaire used for this study was self-administered. The proforma was designed to assess the students’ knowledge about breastfeeding, attitude, beliefs, and future intention towards breastfeeding.Data analysis was with SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results were summarized as percentages. Consensus index was calculated for the questions on the knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding and the perception of breastfeeding.Result: One thousand, three hundred and twelve (1312) students participated in the study. Only 58% of the respondents defined exclusive breastfeeding correctly. The participants displayed a particularly good knowledge of the importance of breast milk for the brain growth as 93% of the respondents agreed that breast milk is important for the development of the infant’s brain. As much as 51% of the respondents agreed that breast milk is not needed after infancy. Only 34% of the respondents indicated their intention to breastfeed their future babies, 6.5% said no.Conclusion: This study revealed that most of the future mothers have poor knowledge and beliefs about breastfeeding as well as negative attitude toward breastfeeding, hence there is need to step up awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits among this huge population of future mothers.

Background Childhood diabetes mellitus is a poorly researched topic in Nigeria. Its contribution to morbidity and mortality is vague. This study intends to provide additional information to the background data in Nigeria and hopefully proffers strategies to improving the outcome of this disease. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study of all children managed for childhood diabetes mellitus at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), South West Nigeria, over a 10 year period. Relevant information was obtained from the case notes of all affected children. Data obtained were analysed with SPSS version 20 software. Results A total of 20 children were treated for diabetes mellitus (DM); there were 7 (35.0%) boys and 13 (65.0%) girls giving a M:F ratio of 1.0:1.9. Age range at presentation was 5 to 16 years and the mean age at presentation was 12.7 ± 2.89 years. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the most common form of presentation in 13 (65.0%). Most [18 (90.0%)] of the patients had type 1 DM. Type 2 DM and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus were recorded in a case each, Eighteen (90%)patients had not been previously diagnosed by any form of screening prior to their presentation and admission in the hospital. Seven (35.0%) of the patient's care were affected by parental financial constraints. Five mortalities were recorded and one left against medical advice while the majority [14 (70.4%)] were discharged well and alive. The association between the greater numbers of deaths recorded in children with financial constraints was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Type 1 DM remains the most predominant form of diabetes in children and most of the patients presented in DKA. The proportion of deaths in this study is unacceptably high. There is a need to proffer strategies for earlier detection and management of children with diabetes mellitus prior to the onset or development of DKA and there is a need to assist with the funding of the care of children with diabetes mellitus.

MoS2 is an interesting material due to its intriguing properties and potential applications. Theoretical and experimental studies demonstrated p-type of Ag doped MoS2 system. Band structures, density of states and I-V characteristics confirmed that Ag is an efficient acceptor and indirect band gap is reduced with Ag doping. Formation energy is negative which indicates the substitution reactions could be possible. MoS2 is a strong photocatalyst for O2 production and the oxidation ability is enhanced with Ag doping. Mo100-xAgxS2 (x = 0.0 to 10) thin films seems to be stacked of many layers and XRD patterns justify hexagonal crystal structure. EDX and XPS measurements ensured the films are composed of Mo, S and Ag. Rectification is observed for Au/Mo100-xAgxS2 and the forward current decreases with Ag. The built-in potential is just opposite side to undoped MoS2 insights p-MoS2. Thus Ag doped MoS2 would enable for fabrication of efficient electronic, photocatalytic and optoelectronic devices.

Introduction Breastfeeding is a public health practice that is critical for the survival of infants and young children. This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, and future intention to breastfeed among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 1312 female students of the tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. By convenience sampling, female students were invited to participate in the study after giving verbal consent and those studying medical, nursing, and other courses allied to medicine were excluded. Internal consistency of the data obtained from this research instrument was determined using Cronbach’s coefficient Alpha with a reliability value of 0.82. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were computed. Results were summarized as frequencies and percentages. The differences in knowledge, attitude, and intention to practice breastfeeding as well as other responses among the participants were compared among age groups, faculties and the sources of information using Chi-square test. Result Although 93% of the respondents agreed that breast milk is important for the development of the infant’s brain thereby demonstrating good knowledge; 51.6% of the respondents demonstrated poor perception to breastfeeding believing breastfeeding makes the breast to sag while only 34% of the respondents indicated their intention to breastfeed their future babies. Conclusion The intention to breastfeed among our study participants was poor. This study revealed the need to increase awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits among this huge population of future mothers.

Bismuth chalcogenides are promising materials for thermoelectric (TE) application due to their high power factor (product of the square of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity). However, their high thermal conductivity is an issue of concern. Single doping has proven to be useful in improving TE performance in recent years. Here, it is shown that dual isovalent doping shows the synergistic effect of thermal conductivity reduction and electron density control. The insertion of large atoms in the layered Bi2Te3 structure distorts the crystal lattice and contributes significantly to phonon scattering. The ultralow thermal conductivity (KT = 0.35 W m−1 K−1 at 473 K) compensates for the low power factor and thus enhances TE performance. The density functional theory electronic structure calculation results reveal deep defects states in the valence band, which influences the electronic transport properties of the system. Therefore, the dual dopants (indium and antimony) show a coupled effect of improvement in the density of state near the Fermi level and reduction in the conduction band minimum, thus enhancing electron density. Numerically, it is demonstrated that the dual doping favors acoustic phonon scattering and thus drastically reduces the thermal conductivity.

Significant enhancement of the light emission in Ruddlesden–Popper organic–inorganic halide perovskites is obtained by antisolvent induced spontaneous formation of nanocrystals in an amorphous matrix. This morphology change results in the passivation of defects and significant enhancement of light emission and 16 times higher photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and it is applicable to different spacer cations. The use of trioctylphosphine oxide results in further defect passivation leading to an increase in PLQY (≈2.3 times), the suppression of lower energy emission in low temperature photoluminescence spectra, the dominance of radiative recombination, and the disappearance of thermal quenching of the luminescence. The proposed method offers a reproducible, controllable, and antisolvent‐ insensitive alternative to energy landscape engineering to utilize energy funneling phenomenon to achieve bright emission. Instead of facilitating fast energy transfer from lower to higher number of perovskite sheets to prevent nonradiative losses, it is demonstrated that defects can be effectively passivated via morphology control and the use of a passivating agent, so that bright emission can be obtained from single phase nanocrystals embedded in amorphous matrix, resulting in light emitting diodes with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 2.25%.