Emergence of Thermodynamics from Darwinian Dynamics

Darwinian dynamics is manifestly stochastic and nonconservative, but has a profound connection to conservative dynamics in physics. In the present paper the main ideas and logical steps leading to thermodynamics from Darwinian dynamics are discussed in a quantitative manner. A synthesis between nonequilibrum dynamics and conservative dynamics is outlined.Comment: latex, 8 page

Stability-indicating methods for the determination of sertaconazole nitrate by micelle-enhanced spectrofluorimetry and TLC-densitometry

Two sensitive and selective stability-indicating methods were developed for the determination of sertaconazole nitrate (Ser-NO3), in the presence of its acid, alkaline and oxidative degradation products. The first method was based on measuring the fluorescence intensity of the drug at λex/λem = 231 nm/312 nm. The influence of micelle medium on the fluorescence emission was studied. The nonionic surfactant of Triton® X-100 showedstrong sensitizing effect for the fluorescence. The fluorescence intensity plot was linear over concentrations 0.5–5 μg mL-1 with mean percentage recoveries 100.59 ± 1.49 %. The second method was based on TLC separation of the drug from its degradation products followed by densitometric measurement of the intact drug spot at 302 nm. The developing system used for separation was chloroform-acetone-33 % ammonia (14:2:0.1 v/v/v). The linear range was 1–8 μg/spot with mean percentage recoveries 100.07 ± 1.97 %. The methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. Statistical analysis of the results revealed high accuracy and good precision. The suggested procedures could be used for the determination of sertaconazole nitrate in drug substance and drug products as well as in presence of its degradation products

Small Holder Poultry Management Practices and Constraints among Women Poultry Farmers in Kano, Nigeria

The poultry population in Nigeria is estimated at 104.3 million comprising of 72.4 million chickens, 11.8 million ducks, 4.7 million guinea fowls, 15.2 million pigeons and 0.2 million turkeys (FDLPCS, 1992; Ajala et al., 2007). The main sources of animal protein in Nigeria include beef, chicken, mutton, eggs, fish and rabbit. Of all these sources, poultry has the highest contribution to animal protein intake of rural dwellers (Ajala et al., 2007). Women in Africa and Asia make up more than one third of the farm work force, accounting for about 70% of the agricultural workers, 80% of the food producers and 100% of those who process basic foodstuff and 60-90% of those involved in marketing agricultural products (Anon, 1993; Maigida, 2000; Herath, 2008). Yet the role of women in these activities, as economically important as they are, has for many years not been appreciated either because women play very little part in the political activities or the decision making process, until recently (Anon, 1993). Women have important roles to play in animal production (Sanni, 2004; Herath, 2008) although these roles may vary according to the types of animals' being kept, type of production and other economic and cultural constraints (Oladele and Adekoya, 1990; Ogbosuka et al., 2003; Herath, 2005). Ample evidence indicates that many women across Nigeria whether in purdah or not, are engaged in various aspects of animal production (Maigida, 2000). However, as poultry farmers, women in many parts of Africa and Asia experienced or faced problems that tend to undermine their determination to raise income through rearing of animals on daily basis (Anon, 1993; Herath, 2005; Sonaiya, 2007). The integration of women as both agents and beneficiaries of development in the main sectors of the agricultural economy must therefore be a priority objective (Sanni, 2004). Kano is renowned as a centre of commerce and increasing number of people are engaged in rearing livestock particularly poultry. This serves to keep the women engaged and also supplement the income of the family especially among the working class in addition to providing eggs and meat to the family for consumption. Against this background, the objective of the survey was therefore to find out the management practices and associated problems faced by women poultry farmers in Kano.Keywords: Women, Smallholder, Poultry, Management, KanoNigerian Veterinary Journal 32(2) 201

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology for Suspected Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: A Feasible Solution for a Diagnostic Dilemma in Sudan

Background: Tuberculosis is a common health problem in Sudan. Tuberculous lymphadenitis is one of the most frequent causes of lymphadenopathy. In most of these cases sputum as well as other diagnostic routine tests are negative.Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous lymphadenitis and to describe the cytomorphology of the smears.Material and Methods: This is a prospective hospital-based study conducted in Khartoum during the period from February 2011 to January 2012. Eighty five patients with a clinical suspicion of tuberculous lymphadenopathy were included. Direct smears were prepared and stained with Diff Quick (DQ) and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stains.Results: of the 85 patients, 52 (61.2%) were females with 1.5:1 female to male ratio. The mean age was 31.6 years (range 2 - 70 years). The most frequent site involved was the cervical lymph node group,58 (68.2%) cases. Seventy five (88.3%) smears showed necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis (with or without detected epithelioid cells), and 10 (11.7%) smears were non necrotizing granulomatous lymphadenitis, only epithelioid and inflammatory cells detected. Positive smears for acid fast bacilli (AFB) by ZN stain were observed in 40 (47%) cases.Conclusion: FNAC is a simple and inexpensive method for diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis, and can obviate the need for surgical excision. Combination of FNAC with ZN stain is valuable and recommended as first line diagnostic modality in suspected cases.Keywords: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Tuberculous lymphadenitis, Acid fast bacilli

Inducible clindamycin resistance and nasal carriage rates of Staphylococcus aureus among healthcare workers and community members

Background: Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is becoming an increasing problem among  healthcare workers and community individualsObjectives: To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization and inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) of S. aureus among healthcare workers at Soba University Hospital and community members in Khartoum State, Sudan.Methods: Five hundred nasal swabs samples were collected during March 2009 to April 2010. Isolates were identified using conventional laboratory assays and MRSA determined by the disk diffusion method. The D-test was performed for detection of ICR isolates with Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.Results: Of the 114 S. aureus isolated, 20.2% represented MRSA. The occurrence of MRSA was  significantly higher among healthcare worker than community individuals [32.7% (18/55) vs. 6.9% (5/59)] (p=0.001). Overall the 114 S. aureus isolates tested for ICR by D-test, 29 (25.4%) yielded inducible resistance. Significantly higher (p=0.026) ICR was detected among MRSA (43.5%) than methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) (20.9%).Conclusion: MRSA nasal carriage among healthcare workers needs infection control practice in hospitals to prevent transmission of MRSA. The occurrence of ICR in S. aureus is of a great concern, D- test should be carried out routinely in our hospitals to avoid therapeutic failure.Keywords: S. aureus nasal carriage, healthcare workers, community members, inducible clindamycin resistanc

Strokes in children with sickle cell disease at the National Hospital Abuja Nigeria

Background: Strokes occur in sickle cell disease (SCD), and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of strokes amongst childrenwith SCD, and document the major clinical features, complications, effect of treatment with chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) and outcome.Methods: A descriptive retrospective study of SCD children with strokes seen at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria over a 2.5 year period from January 2009 – June 2012. Data was collected by scrutinizing case files obtained from the hospital medical records unit. Information obtained included demographic data, clinical features, packed cell volume (PCV), brain imaging, long term neurologic deficits, effect of CTT, stroke recurrence and outcome.Results: There were 31 children with strokes among 596 children with SCD documented in the register, giving a prevalence of 5.2%. Twenty six (26) case notes were retrieved. There were 12 males and 14 females, M: F ratio of 0.9:1; mean age was 6.4 years (SD 3.4) range: 1 year 7 months – 14 years; mean PCV at the time of strokes was 21.1% (SD 3.9) range 14 –29%. All (100%) had Haemoglobin SS on electrophoresis. Presentationswere convulsions 18, inability to use limbs 11, weakness of limbs 10; long term neurological deficits were hemiplegia 11, cognition loss 11. Three (3) children had no deficits. Brain imaging (Computed Tomography Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging) done in 16 (61.5%) children showed cerebral atrophy in 10, acute cerebral infarcts in 9, chronic cerebral infarcts in 6, acute intra cranial haemorrhage in 1 and normal imagings in 4 children. Twelve (12) children (46.2%) children had recurrences of stroke ranging in number from 1 to 4, which occurred 6 months to 3 years afterthe initial stroke. There were no statistical significant differences between the children with recurrences of stroke compared to those without regarding the age, sex, weight or PCVs p > 0.05. Fifteen (15) children (57.7%) wereenrolled in CTT. Two (2) out of 7 children (28.6%) that had regular CTT had stroke recurrence; compared to 5 out of 11 children (45.4%) with no CTT (p > 0.05). Four (4) out of 6 (66.7%) children with irregular CTT and 1 of 2 children who stopped CTT had stroke recurrence.Outcome: 17 children were alive, 7 were lost to follow up, 1 died and 1 was referred to another center.Conclusion: Strokes were an important cause of morbidity in Nigerianchildren with SCD, with major long term neurologic deficits. CTT appearedbeneficial in preventing stroke recurrences. Primary prevention strategy by Trans Cranial Doppler ultrasound studies of the cerebral arteries, with the aim of promptly initiating appropriate preventive therapy for stroke is strongly advocated.Key words: Sickle cell disease, Stroke, Children, Chronic Transfusion Therap

Cancer management in Sudan: Current status and future perspectives

Introduction: Sudan is one of the developing countries that face a great challenge with cancer management. About 5700 cases had been seen during year 2007 in Radiation and Isotope Center- Khartoum (RICK) and Institute of Nuclear medicine, Molecular biology, and Oncology (INMO) Wadmedani which are the only cancer centers in Sudan.Purpose: Aim of this work is to highlight the difficulties of cancer management in Sudan and to propose possible solutions.Methods: This paper evaluates the current situation of cancer management in Sudan through reviewing of data available in cancer centers and reports from the Sudan national bureau of statistic. Suggestions are also made for cancer control plan in Sudan having the current situation in mind and guided by the published international data on cancer control.Results: The preliminary analysis of the available data reveals that Sudan has very limited resources available to deal with cancer and the service provided is not evenly distributed.Conclusion: Establishment of new centers is extremely needed with special attention to good distribution of services. To achieve such a goal training of more staff and upgrading of the existing centers is mandatory to manage all types of cancer. Cancer registry is the right way to plan for cancer control in Sudan.Keywords: Nuclear medicine, radiation, oncologis

Breastfeeding in the community—how can partners/fathers help? A systematic review

Support from partners/fathers and families can play a significant role in a mother’s decision to initiate, continue or cease breastfeeding postnatally. This study systematically reviewed published studies to determine the impact of specific types of partner support on breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity. We used the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for the review. Seven computerized bibliographic databases (Embase, ProQuest Central, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed and CINAHL) were searched. Of a total of 695 articles retrieved from the databases, seven studies met the inclusion criteria and reported on breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity. Four of the seven studies found that partner support in the form of verbal encouragement to new mothers increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Other types of partner supportive actions that led to improved breastfeeding behavior included sensitivity of the partner to the nursing mother’s needs, assistance in preventing and managing breastfeeding difficulties, and helping with household and child care duties. This review showed that specific supportive actions of partners/fathers in the community positively improved breastfeeding practices. To maximise the impact of breastfeeding policies and interventions among new mothers, breastfeeding programmes should consider the involvement of partners/fathers and their specific roles

Weight reduction with improvement of serum lipid profile and ratios of Sesamum radiatum leaves diet in a non-obese Sprague Dawley rats

Development of novel natural dietary adjunct/agent with significant therapeutic effects on metabolic disease conditions such as obesity and heart disease raises concern in recent times. We studiedchronic toxicity of the combined active ingredients present in the sesame leaves and their interaction on the fasting serum lipid profiles with their ratios in thirty adult male non-obese Sprague Dawley (SD)rats. Such that, both treated groups received 14.0 and 28.0 mg/kg body weight doses of aqueous leaves extract of Sesamum radiatum respectively on a daily basis via gastric gavage, while, the controlreceived equal volume of normal saline daily for six weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) weight loss observed in the treated groups was associated with significant (P < 0.05) reductions in both serum cholesteroland triglycerides (TG). The effect on the serum lipoprotein cholesterol components and ratios were significant in a dose related manner, such that increase in HDL accompanied a corresponding decreasein both LDL and LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, to increased in TG/HDL ratio. However, no significant differences in the relative reduction level of VLDL and triglycerides in the treated groups were found compared to control. Thus, LDL/HDL ratio is significantly a better indicator than the TG/HDL ratio in assessing the impact of sesame treatment with evidence of weight loss and hypolipidaemia especially in hypertensive heart diseases

Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Madurella mycetomatis Confirms Its Taxonomic Position within the Order Sordariales

Background: Madurella mycetomatis is the most common cause of human eumycetoma. The genus Madurella has been characterized by overall sterility on mycological media. Due to this sterility and the absence of other reliable morphological and ultrastructural characters, the taxonomic classification of Madurella has long been a challenge. Mitochondria are of monophyletic origin and mitochondrial genomes have been proven to be useful in phylogenetic analyses. Results: The first complete mitochondrial DNA genome of a mycetoma-causative agent was sequenced using 454 sequencing. The mitochondrial genome of M. mycetomatis is a circular DNA molecule with a size of 45,590 bp, encoding for the small and the large subunit rRNAs, 27 tRNAs, 11 genes encoding subunits of respiratory chain complexes, 2 ATP synthase subunits, 5 hypothetical proteins, 6 intronic proteins including the ribosomal protein rps3. In phylogenetic analyses using amino acid sequences of the proteins involved in respiratory chain complexes and the 2 ATP synthases it appeared that M. mycetomatis clustered together with members of the order Sordariales and that it was most closely related to Chaetomium thermophilum. Analyses of the gene order showed that within the order Sordariales a similar gene order is found. Furthermore also the tRNA order seemed mostly conserved. Conclusion: Phylogenetic analyses of fungal mitochondrial genomes confirmed that M. mycetomatis belongs to the order of Sordariales and that it was most closely related to Chaetomium thermophilum, with which it also shared a comparable gene and tRNA order