A theoretical study of the structural phases of Group 5B - 6B metals and their transport properties

In order to predict the stable and metastable phases of the bcc metals in the block of the Periodic Table defined by groups 5B to 6B and periods 4 to 6, as well as the structure dependence of their transport properties, we have performed full potential computations of the total energies per unit cell as a function of the c/a ratio at constant experimental volume. In all cases, a metastable body centered tetragonal (bct) phase was predicted from the calculations. The total energy differences between the calculated stable and metastable phases ranged from 0.09 eV/cell (vanadium) to 0.39 eV/cell (tungsten). The trends in resistivity as a function of structure and atomic number are discussed in terms of a model of electron transport in metals. Theoretical calculations of the electrical resistivity and other transport properties show that bct phases derived from group 5B elements are more conductive than the corresponding bcc phases, while bct phases formed from group 6B elements are less conductive than the corresponding bcc phases. Special attention is paid to the phases of tantalum where we show that the frequently observed beta phase is not a simple tetragonal distortion of bcc tantalum

Oral or Parenteral Paracetamol as a Substitute for Banned Dipyrone-Based Analgesics/ Antipyretics

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) banned the sale and use of dipyronecontaining drugs on 31st December 2005 in Nigeria. This ought to bring about a change in prescription patterns of antipyretic agents and thus promote rational use of these drugs in Nigeria. This was a retrospective study which objectives were to (a) determine the degree of compliance with the dipyrone ban and (b) to determine the pattern of antipyretics prescription before and after the ban in the Paediatrics Department of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Over 500 prescription cards in the children emergency and children out-patient units of the hospital were screened in the trimesters before and after the banning of dipyrone. Only prescription cards containing antipyretics were selected for analysis. Patients' maximal temperatures were noted. The following prescribing patterns were observed 3 months before and 3 months after the dipyrone ban. In October 2004 there were 103 prescriptions which included Analgin IM (5), ibuprofen (6), oral paracetamol (102). In April 2005, there were 218 prescriptions for antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which included piroxicam (11), ibuprofen (9), oral paracetamol (176), parenteral paracetamol (4). The prescribing of dipyrone-containing drugs effectively stopped after the regulatory ban. However, there was increased use of NSAIDS for pyrexia rather than the expected reliance on paracetamol (oral or parenteral) for this purpose.Keywords: Dipyrone, prescriptions, NSAIDs, parenteral paracetamol, retrospective.

Intestinal helminth infection and malnutrition among public primary school children in Ibadan, Nigeria

Intestinal helminthiasis associated with malnutrition in children remains endemic in developing countries despite considerable efforts at control. This study was carried out to determine the current prevalence status and the risk factors associated with intestinal helminth infections among primary school children in Ibadan. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 5-16 year old pupils, from 7 primary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State. Microscopic examination of stool for ova was carried out using a formol-ether concentration technique. Predisposing risk factors were determined from questionnaire data while anthropometric indices consisting of weight, height and age were the measured indicators of the nutritional status. Of the 485 pupils examined, 187(38.6%) had helminth infections and the parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (35.9%), Strongyloides stercoralis (12.4%), hookworm (8.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (4.9%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.4%). More male pupils (52.9%, p = 0.05) than females (47.1%) had infections. Pupils aged between 9-12 years (p = 0.02) had highest (49.2%) infection rates. Infections were recorded in 13(18.57%) of 70 pupils treated with levamisole by the local health centres 2 weeks prior to this study. Wearing of footwear, parent’s occupation, drinking water sources, family size and toilet type were risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with infection in this study. The  overall prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 24.4%, 28.8% and 7.8% respectively, there was however, no statistical relationship (p>0.05) between the prevalence of infection and malnutrition. Intestinal helminthiasis is still prevalent in schoolchildren despite targeted  chemotherapy. It is therefore suggested that chemotherapy should include all children in the communities along with continuous enlightenment to ensure the disruption of parasite transmission. Keywords: Intestinal helminths; school children; malnutrition; Ibadan; chemotherapy