Quantum flux effects on the energy spectra and thermo-magnetic properties in 2D Schrodinger equation with Mobius square potential

A 2D Schrodinger equation with interacting Mobius square potential model is solved using Nikiforov-Uvarov Functional Analysis (NUFA) formalism. The energy spectra and the corresponding wave function for the linearly and exponentially varying quantum magnetic flux are obtained analytically in a closed form. The evaluated energy spectra are used to obtain an expression for the partition functions for the two cases comprises of the linearly and exponentially varying quantum magnetic flux and vis-a-vis is use to evaluate other thermodynamic and magnetic properties for the system. The results are used to study the free energy, mean energy, the entropy, specific heat, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility and the persistent current of the system. The numerical bound state energies are computed.Comment: 39 Pages, 64 figure

Safe prescribing training provision for junior doctors: is this optimal?

Background The aim of this study was to determine the training provisions in practical safe prescribing for foundation doctors in NHS hospitals located in the South Thames region. Methods A web-based questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to all 1762 foundation doctors in the South Thames Foundation School (STFS) region. In addition, a separate questionnaire was distributed to prescribing training Leads at 15 NHS Hospital Trusts. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data. Results Trainers: 10 Prescribing Leads (67 %) responded. Of the 9 NHS Trusts that offered safe prescribing training in their induction programme, 5 included a practical prescribing session. By the end of the foundation year, 6 NHS Trusts had provided at least one dedicated practical prescribing session for F1s compared with 2 NHS Trusts for F2s. Trainees: A total of 124 foundation trainees (7.2 %) responded (69 F1s and 55 F2s). 87 % of F1s received dedicated training in safe prescribing at their Trust induction (n = 60) in comparison to 49 % of F2s (n = 27). 80 % of F1s (n = 55) had a practical prescribing session during induction versus 27 % of F2s (n = 15). The difference was significant, X2 (1, N = 124) = 34.23, p <0.0001. Emerging themes from qualitative data included, recognition of medical education as a continuum, importance of working relationships with pharmacists and neglect of F2s. Conclusions There appears to be a lack of emphasis on the training of F2 doctors in practical safe prescribing compared with F1 doctors. There should be standardisation of safe prescribing training provisions, particularly in the induction period and for F2 doctors

CANDIDIA AND HIV CO-INFECTIONS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING HIV CLINIC AT GENERAL HOSPITAL EZZANGBO, NIGERIA

Candidiasis has been identified as a ubiquitous fungal infection commonly affecting people living with HIV/AIDS. This research ascertained the prevalence and risk factors forral and vaginal candidiasis among 180 HIV out-patients at Ebonyi State General Hospital, Ezzangbo. Oral and vaginal swabs were aseptically collected from the participants in duplicate. One of the swabs was streaked on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) and isolates were identified using macroscopic characteristics while the second swab was used for microscopic examination. Structured questionnaires were administered to participants to obtain risk factors associated with the infections. The antifungal susceptibility testing of the Candida isolates was performed using disc diffusion method. Data obtained was statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). Results obtained from the study indicated 120(66.7%) were positive for Candidiasis; 31.7% was positive for only vaginal Candidiasis, 22.2% were positive for only oral Candidiasis while 12.8% had both. Candida albicans (CA) was dominant with 71% while none albicans Candida (NAC) was 29%. Isolates were most sensitive to Itraconazole and Griseofluvin and less sensitive to Ketoconazole, Nystatin and Fluconazole. The results of this study underlined essentials of good hygiene practices and importance of regularly assessing HIV patients for candidiasis

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of some Indigenous Plants in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Twenty four ethanol leaf and stem bark extracts of 17 indigenous plants were examined for their phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical compositions were analysed with GC-MS while antimicrobial activities on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated by the agar well diffusion method. The antioxidant activities were determined with Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC) and 2, 2,-dihenyl-1-picryhydazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. The antibacterial activity was more towards the gram positive S. aureus than the gram negative P. aeruginosa for all the plant extracts.  A wide range of phenolic concentrations among the aqueous plant extracts which varied from 28.04 to 500.26mg GAE per gram were observed.  Inhibition percentages of DPPH ranged from 19.13 to 95.77% showing effectiveness in radical scavenging. GC-MS characterization of the plant extracts showed a total of 18 components including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Irvingia gabonensis leaf (IGL) extract and Tamarind stem bark (TSB) exhibited excellent ferric reducing abilities of 2.11 and 1.56 respectively while Voucanga Africana leaf (VCA) extract indicated the lowest ferric reducing power of 0.50. Extracts of IGL and TSB exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities and therefore could be the main sources of natural antioxidant. An important relationship between total phenolic content was observed showing that the major contributor to the antioxidant properties were phenolic compounds

Impact of dietary patterns, individual and workplace characteristics on blood pressure status among civil servants in Bida and Wushishi communities of Niger State, Nigeria

The global burden estimate of hypertension is alarming and results in several million deaths annually. A high incidence of sudden deaths from cardiovascular diseases in the civil workforce in Nigeria is often reported. However, the associations between Dietary Patterns (DPs), individual, and workplace characteristics of hypertension among this workforce have not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify DP in the Bida and Wushishi Communities of Niger State and establish its relationship with hypertension along with other individual and workplace characteristics. Factor analysis was used to establish DP, Chi-square test to identify their relationships with hypertension, and logistic regression to determine the predictor risk factors. The prevalence of hypertension was 43.7%; mean weight, height, and body fat were: 72.8±15 kg, 166±8.9 mm and 30.4%, respectively. Three DPs: “Efficient Diet,” “Local diet,” and “Energy Boost Diet” were identified. The factor loading scores for these factors were divided into quintiles Q1–Q5; none of them had a significant effect on hypertension status. Conversely, increase in age, the Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) of employment, frequency of eating in restaurants, and obesity were identified as significant risk factors. After adjusting for confounders (age, body mass index, MDA, and eating habits), a high score (Q5) in “efficient diet pattern” was significantly related to a lower likelihood of hypertension than a low score (Q1). The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was relatively very high. An increase in age and working in educational sector were risk factors associated with hypertension. Therefore, it is recommended that civil servants engage in frequent exercise and undergo regular medical checkups, especially as they get older. These findings highlight the need for large-scale assessment of the impact of variables considered in this study on hypertension, among the civil workforce across Niger state and Nigeria

The practice of hepatocellular cancer surveillance in Nigeria

Background: Hepatocellular cancer is a disease of global and public health importance due to the widespread distribution of risk factors and associated high case fatality. Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is commonly seen among the younger age groups (&lt;45 years) who present mostly in the terminal stage, when the disease is not amenable to any curative therapy. Hepatocellular Carcinoma surveillance employs the use of simple, cheap and readily available investigations, to detect early curable cancer in individuals with risk factors for HCC.Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the practice of hepatocellular cancer screening among physicians.Methodolgy:This is a nationwide online survey carried out among physicians who care for patients with HCC. A questionnaire was sent out via a web link to all consenting doctors in Nigeria. The responses were collated in a cloud-based application and data was analysed using Epi-info version 20.Results:Atotal of 218 respondents, 142 were males (65.1 %) with a mean age of 37.6 ± 5.7 years. The modal age group was 31-40 years 153 (69.5%). The main factors considered as a hindrance to surveillance were; the cost of the tests (57.7%), failure of return of patients (50.5%) and not being aware of a surveillance program (45.2 %). The majority of the respondents were Gastroenterologists and Family Physicians. 54% of the gastroenterologists and 64% of the family physicians have never offered HCC surveillance to their patients.Conclusion:This survey highlights a knowledge gap in HCC surveillance among physicians. There is a need to make HCCsurveillance a daily routine among patients at risk by all physicians. Keywords: Surveillance, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HBV, HCV, Cancer screening