Deuteron photodisintegration with polarized photons at astrophysical energies

Following precise experimental studies at the Duke Free-Electron Laser Laboratory, we discuss photodisintegration of deuterons with 100% linearly polarized photons using a model independent theoretical approach taking together $M1$ and $E1$ amplitudes simultaneously. The isoscalar $M1_s$ contribution is also taken exactly into account. From the existing experimental measurement on doubly polarized thermal neutron capture, it is seen that the isoscalar $M1_s$ contribution could be of the same order of magnitude as the experimentally measured cross sections at energies relevant to Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). Therefore appropriate measurements on deuteron photodisintegration are suggested to empirically determine the $M1_s$ contribution at astrophysical energies.Comment: 5 Pages, Latex-2

Integrated waveguide and nanostructured sensor platform for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Limitations of current sensors include large dimensions, sometimes limited sensitivity and inherent single-parameter measurement capability. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy can be utilized for environment and pharmaceutical applications with the intensity of the Raman scattering enhanced by a factor of 106. By fabricating and characterizing an integrated optical waveguide beneath a nanostructured precious metal coated surface a new surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensing arrangement can be achieved. Nanostructured sensors can provide both multiparameter and high-resolution sensing. Using the slab waveguide core to interrogate the nanostructures at the base allows for the emission to reach discrete sensing areas effectively and should provide ideal parameters for maximum Raman interactions. Thin slab waveguide films of silicon oxynitride were etched and gold coated to create localized nanostructured sensing areas of various pitch, diameter, and shape. These were interrogated using a Ti:Sapphire laser tuned to 785-nm end coupled into the slab waveguide. The nanostructured sensors vertically projected a Raman signal, which was used to actively detect a thin layer of benzyl mercaptan attached to the sensors

Antimicrobial screening of Terminalia avicennoides and Acalypha wilkesiana

The antimicrobial activities of extracts of Terminalia avicennoides (Mexican tea) and Acalypha wilkesiana (copper leaf) were screened against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella typhi, Staphyloccus aureus and Candida albicans. The extracts showed a better activity against all organisms but T. avicennoides showed high activity against C. albicans. The antimicrobial activities for both plant extracts were more pronounced at a high concentration than at low concentration of the extracts. The extracts of the two plants can be used in the treatment of diseases where the test organisms are implicated.Keywords: Antimicrobial activities, Terminalia avicennoides, Acalypha wilkesian

Spectrum of intracranial tumours in a tertiary health carefacility: Our findings

Introduction: primary brain tumours are uncommon with an annual incidence of 5-10/100000. This study has attempted to analyse thehistological pattern of intracranial tumours seen in our centre. Methods: a retrospective study of cases of intracranial tumours seen wasconducted over a period of 5 years ie from January 2008 to December 2012. All the slides were reviewed. The age, sex, diagnosis using the WHOgrading and the histological subtypes were recorded. Data were analysed using the (SPSS) Software version 17.Results: altogether, 56 cases of intracranial tumours were seen out of a total of 12,610biopsies representing 0.004% .The male to female ratio (M: F) was approximately 1:1.1The mean age of the patients was 36 ± 20.35 (range, 2 to 85). Astrocytomas accounted for 30% (17)while 29% (16) hadMeningioma.Medulloblastoma accounted for 18%.(10).Of the cases of Gliomas, majority(52%) fell under WHO grade II. (38%)of the Meningiomawere of the mixed type while 25% had transitional type.Conclusion: astrocytomas was the commonest brain tumour.These patternscorroboratedmost studies that have been done.Metastasis to the brain was however, not seen in this study

Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome In Nigeria: Report Of Five Cases

Five cases of secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) are presented andliterature reviewed. Pregnancy loss was the most common presentation but neurologic manifestations are also seen. IgG ACA was more commonly seen than IgM ACA. Although APS has been infrequently reported in black Africans, an awareness of this condition is needed especially among females with previous recurrent pregnancy losses

The geometric sense of R. Sasaki connection

For the Riemannian manifold $M^{n}$ two special connections on the sum of the tangent bundle $TM^{n}$ and the trivial one-dimensional bundle are constructed. These connections are flat if and only if the space $M^{n}$ has a constant sectional curvature $\pm 1$. The geometric explanation of this property is given. This construction gives a coordinate free many-dimensional generalization of the connection from the paper: R. Sasaki 1979 Soliton equations and pseudospherical surfaces, Nuclear Phys., {\bf 154 B}, pp. 343-357. It is shown that these connections are in close relation with the imbedding of $M^{n}$ into Euclidean or pseudoeuclidean $(n+1)$-dimension spaces.Comment: 7 pages, the key reference to the paper of Min-Oo is included in the second versio

Shoulder Pain Syndrome Among Nigerians

Objectives: To identify aetiological causes of shoulder pain syndrome among patients attending a rheumatology clinic, and to highlight the therapeutic options.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: A private rheumatology clinic in Lagos, Nigeria from January 2002 to December 2006.Subjects: Forty female adult patients and 26 male adult patients aged 24-79 years. Main outcome measures: Patient reported outcome in terms of pain relief and increased mobility.Results: Sixty six subjects were seen during the study period. Females were more commonly affected and were mostly middle aged. Adhesive capsulitis was the most common condition while septic arthritis and avascular necrosis were least diagnosed 22.7% of the subjects could not, however, be categorised.Conclusion: Shoulder pain syndrome is common among Nigerians. Diagnosis and management are mostly based on the clinical presentations, especially considering the lack of sensitivity of plain radiographs and the high cost of more sensitive MRI. The treatment of these conditions are standard

Is the prevalence of HIV wrongly estimated in Nigeria? Some insights from a 2017 World AIDS day experience from a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation

Introduction: HIV is still a major public health challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. In Nigeria, it is estimated that over 50% of those infected with HIV do not know their status. With the recent Nigerian governmental approval of a "Test and Start Strategy", we embarked on HIV testing and services in four defined locations to mark 2017 World AIDS Day. The aim of this report is to document the process and outcome of the exercise. Methods: four teams led by senior clinical associates implemented the services and were mandated to test at least 100 persons per location. At each location, we carried out the following activities: (1) short advocacy to community leaders, (2) HIV testing and counselling, (3) disclosure of results, post-test counselling and healthy life-style education and (4) distribution of free male condoms and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material. Results: a total of 237 people (male 195, female 42) were tested, the majority of whom were between 19 and 49 years (93.7%). Two people were found to be positive, giving a 0.84% positivity rate. Informal interactions between service providers and the people tested revealed that people were aware of HIV as a public health problem, and people positively received HIV services. Although there is a selection bias, as those tested will not be truly representative of the population, the current positively rate of less than 1% is low compared to previous Nigerian estimates, which are based on antenatal testing. However, the exercise showed a willingness to be tested and fair knowledge of HIV as a problem. Population-based data from across Nigeria should be aggregated to determine community prevalence pending the National population-based HIV survey in 2018. Such information will inform evidence-based decisions on the necessity of such large-scale surveys in future years. Conclusion: there is an urgent need to define the real prevalence of HIV in Nigeria through a well planned and executed community based survey

Original Article The effect of grower feed diet supplemented with Ganoderma lucidum against some enteric zoonotic parasites of pigeons (Columba livia)

We report a preliminary study on the effect of grower feed diet supplemented with mashed Ganoderma lucidum against some enteric zoonotic parasites of wild rock pigeons (Columba livia) in Benin City, Nigeria. The pigeons were fed ad libitum with supplemented and non-supplemented grower feed diet in sawdust-floored squared wooden cages (45 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm) at room temperature for 21 days. They were sacrificed at days 14 and 21 for profiling of their zoonotic enteric parasites. High prevalence (77.7%) of Cestodes (tapeworms) and low prevalence (12.3%) of nematodes were recorded in the control pigeon fed non-supplemented grower feed compared to those on diet supplemented with Ganoderma. Cestodes (Helminths) such as Hymenolepsis carioca, Amoebataenia cuneata, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina serrata, Inermicapsifer spp., Hymenolepsis spp., and a species of nematode (Ascaridia columbae) were identified in the gastrointestinal tract of the experimental pigeons. A few species (< 8 %) of Trematodes yet to be fully identified were also observed. The low population of helminth parasites and overall weight decrease of pigeon fed with diet supplemented with Ganderma lucidum recorded during the study suggest improved removal of digestive microbes, intestinal health, and gastrointestinal motility. These findings were aimed at contributing to the already existing knowledge on the use of feed additives, probiotics and supplementations in poultry farming.KEYWORDS: Ganoderma lucidum, pigeon (Columba livia), helminth, zoonotic parasite, cestode, nematod