Search

Introduction: Severe birth asphyxia is one of the reasons why babies are admitted into the newborn unit and contributing significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hypoxic injury, when severe, leads to leakage of intracellular enzymes into the circulation. The level of these enzymes reflects the severity of the damage; this can identify babies with a severe injury, especially the out borns whose deliveries were not supervised. This study aimed to relate the serum levels of three enzymes at the age of twelve hours to the severity of birth asphyxia using the Apgar score and neurological state of the babies. Methods: A prospective comparative cross-sectional study. Term babies with Apgar score ˂ 7 at 1- minute of life were recruited, scores of 0-3 were taken as severe birth asphyxia. Serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, were determined at the age of 12 hours using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. Levels of the enzymes were related to the severity of birth asphyxia. SPSS for Windows, version 18 was used to analyse the data Results: Seventy babies with birth asphyxia and 70 controls were studied. Fifteen (41.7%) of the 36 babies with severe birth asphyxia had hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, four (5.7%) of which died. The mean values of each of the enzymes were higher in babies with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy than in those without (p = 0.001), and in babies that died than babies that survived (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Estimation of these enzymes clearly defines the severity of hypoxic injury in babies with birth asphyxia. The estimation of these enzymes will be a useful tool in identifying babies with birth asphyxia especially in outborns whose deliveries were not supervised.

CdTeSe colloidal quantum dot (QD) was used to enhance photon capture in thin film polymer solar cells (TFPSC). The QDs were synthesized in aqueous media from two different precursors. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer blends composed of P3HT and PCBM were used as an absorber layer of the solar cell to investigate the effect of QDs. Different concentrations of QDs were used in the polymer matrix, which significantly impacted the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the doped devices. More device performance growth was recorded by employing a small amount of solvent additives to disperse the QDs and increase the polymer's crystallinity in the medium. Hence, the addition of 1, Chloronaphthalene (CN) solvent additive in the QD‐doped bulk heterojunction film further enhanced the overall performance of the TFPSC due to improved film morphology that has significantly influenced the charge transport processes. Consequently, the PCE of the solar cell increased by nearly 50% compared to the pristine TFPSC due to the effect of solvent additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Oluwagbemiga. Adeodu, Oluwatosin. Olorunmoteni, Saheed. Oseni, Efere. Obuotor Background: Beta (ß)-endorphins are endogenous neuropeptides found in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of humans but there have been reports [...]

Pentastomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis endemic to western and central Africa. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and public health implications of Linguatulosis in client-owned dogs in Jalingo, North Eastern Nigeria. Seven hundred and seventy seven (777) dogs brought for treatment at the hospital were subjected to buccal (sublingual) examination for pentastomiasis. Parameters such as age, sex, and breeds were determined. Also, the months of the year were taken into consideration. An overall prevalence of 37.45% was recorded. Of the 477 dogs examined in 2010, 184 were positive representing prevalence of 38.57% and in 2011 107 were positive representing prevalence of 35.67%. The infection was higher in the male than in the female which does not differ significantly (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between sexes (P>0.05). However, significant difference (P

We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with proximal myopathy, heliotrope, and Gottron papule-like rashes. Serum chemistry revealed muscle enzyme elevations, whereas muscle biopsy histology showed necrosis and inflammation, which were in keeping with juvenile dermatomyositis. Plain radiographic examination of the thigh 3 weeks after commencing treatment with prednisolone was normal. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by this rare condition in a resource-limited setting and to underscore the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. We hope that this report will assist physicians practicing in similar settings to make a prompt and accurate diagnosis when confronted with the same disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]