Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Arterial Hypertension without Renal Involvement in Pediatric Henoch–Schönlein Purpura: A Case Report
No full textBackground: Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), also known as IgA vasculitis, is the most common vasculitis in children, primarily affecting the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Hypertension (HTN) usually occurs in cases with renal involvement, but it may rarely present without detectable renal lesions.
Objective: This case report describes a pediatric case of Henoch–Schönlein purpura complicated by hypertension in the absence of renal involvement.
Case Presentation and Discussion: We report the case of a 4years and 6 months-old child admitted for arthralgia, abdominal pain, and extensive purpura of the lower limbs. During hospitalization, she experienced worsening abdominal pain, and ultrasonography revealed a transient intussusception. Unexpectedly, significant arterial hypertension was detected. Renal investigations, including 24-hour proteinuria and renal Doppler ultrasound, were normal, ruling out overt nephropathy. The patient was treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which was well tolerated and led to normalization of blood pressure. Some aspects remain unclear, such as the mild and delayed microalbuminuria, which may reflect subclinical glomerulopathy. These hypotheses could not be further documented in the absence of a renal biopsy.
Conclusion: This case highlights that hypertension can occur in children with HSP even in the absence of renal involvement. Systematic blood pressure monitoring should be performed in all pediatric patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to optimise therapeutic management
Determination of Lethal Dose and Assessment of Growth Performance Following Gamma Irradiation for Mutation Induction in Rice
No full textDetermining the optimal radiation dose according to its impacts on crop growth characteristics is vital for effective mutation breeding. This study aimed to determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) and assess the growth performance of gamma-irradiated rice mutants of the Nepali Swarna variety. Rice seeds were exposed to gamma irradiation using Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) at eleven dose levels, ranging from 100 to 600 Grays (Gy) in increments of 50 Gy, along with a non-irradiated control (T0). Germination percentage was assessed after 7 days, while 14 days provided to evaluate shoot length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight of both the shoots and roots, and at 21 days the survival percentage was evaluated. The results showed that gamma irradiation significantly influenced all growth parameters compared to the control. The LD50, based on survival percentage, was determined to be 513 Gy. Growth parameter values exhibited a linear decline with increasing radiation doses, with the most pronounced effects observed at 600 Gy. The findings suggest that 513 Gy can be considered an effective dose for inducing genetic variability in Nepali Swarna, balancing mutation induction with minimal lethal effects for subsequent generations
Mortality and Morbidity in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Retrospective Case Analysis and Literature Review
No full textAims: To describe mortality and morbidity among preterm infants who died during hospitalization in a Moroccan tertiary center and to contextualize findings with the literature.
Study Design: Retrospective case analysis and literature review.
Setting and Period: NICU, HMIMV, Rabat, Morocco; January 2019 and March 2025
Methods: Fourteen in-hospital deaths among preterm infants were reviewed. Maternal factors, gestational age, birth weight, complications, and timing of death were abstracted.
Results: Infections were the leading attribution (8/14; 57%), followed by respiratory distress syndrome (3/14; 21%) and congenital anomalies (3/14; 21%). Early deaths (<7 days) were 3/14 (21%); late deaths (≥7 days) 11/14 (79%). All RDS-related deaths occurred early, whereas infection- and anomaly-related deaths occurred late.
Conclusion: Mortality among extremely/very preterm infants remains high. The predominance of late, infection-related deaths contrasts with many high-income reports and underscores priorities such as antenatal corticosteroids, Kangaroo Mother Care, early breastfeeding, and infection prevention
Cerebral Tuberculoma in a Kidney Transplant Patient : A Case Report
No full textThe “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “Cerebral Tuberculoma in a Kidney Transplant Patient : A Case Report”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article
Design and Properties of Polymer–ceramic Nanocomposites for Dual Energy Storage and Biomedical Applications
No full textThe creation of multifunctional polymer–ceramic nanocomposites provide revolutionary potential in energy storage and medicinal uses. 112 peer-reviewed papers from 2000–2024 were rigorously evaluated within this article, synthesizing experimental, modelling, and review studies\u27 findings. A systematic method was used, encompassing comprehensive database searching, screening for eligibility, and thematic synthesis of quantitative performance data. In energy storage devices, ceramic filler-derived nanocomposites like BaTiO₃, TiO₂, and boron nitride nanosheets show outstanding advancements in dielectric permittivity, breakdown strength, and recoverable energy density, with the highest performing systems of over 20 J/cm³ at higher than 500 MV/m fields. Interface engineering solutions through surface functionalization and 2D nanofiller alignment were found to be very effective at reducing leakage currents and improving reliability. In biomedicine, silicate- and hydroxyapatite-derived fillers in biodegradable polymers (PLGA, PCL, PLA) improved osteoconductive, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. Hierarchical porosity in scaffolds through 3D printing and electrospinning processing enabled vascularization and facilitated controlled drug delivery. Multifunctional scaffolds with structural support and therapeutic delivery emphasize the translational value of these composites. There is a small but growing quantity of research to suggest the potential for dual-functionality from hybrid constructs, for example, biocompatible implantable energy storage, but no demonstrations. The results highlight the foundational role of morphology of the filler, interface engineering, and fabrication protocol in governing multifunctionality, and they point to areas of ignorance concerning reproducibility, long-term stability, and dual-function integration
Bioremediation Potential of Larvae of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) on Heavy Metal Polluted Solid Waste Site
No full textThe health risk associated with poisoning due to heavy metal pollution ranges from the consumption of plants with bio-accumulated metals, and animals has increased the need for environmental clean-up from heavy metal pollution. This study aimed to assess the bioremediation potential of waste and heavy metals from polluted soil using black soldier fly in synergy with soil flora. Garbage soil site containing restaurant and fruit waste was collected and evaluated for the microbial flora using conventional techniques. The total viable counts from the mixture were enumerated. Larva of black soldier flies was added to make the total 100g. The heavy metals from the mixture and the bioaccumulation factors were evaluated. The rate of waste decomposition was also monitored. Following the characterisation procedures, the slurry waste sample revealed the presence of isolates homologous to Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus species. High microbial counts, both on general-purpose media and selective agar, were recorded, ranging from 1.2 x 106 to 3.5 x 106 cfu/ml on Nutrient agar within 24 hours and a reduction after 48 hours, ranging from 5.0 x 105 to 1.3 x 106. The total viable count on MacConkey agar reduces from 3.5 x 106 cfu/ml to 1.3 x 106 after 24 hours of incubation with BSFL, a possible indication of an amino-peptide with antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria. A reduction in heavy metal concentration from the restaurant /garbage site consortium with larvae of black soldier flies was also recorded, with zinc drastically reducing from 24.67 mg/kg to 8.53 mg/kg, followed by cadmium (9.15 mg/kg to not detect) and a reduction of lead from 11.07 to not detect. The bioaccumulation factor of heavy metal composition of black soldier fly larva (BSFL) revealed that Zinc (Zn) showed the highest value on the fifteenth day of incubation, with a value of 18.03mg/kg, with lead (Pb) following a similar trend (7.78 mg/kg). A drastic reduction in the volume of the test waste sample from 100g to 29.25g showed the degradation potential of BSFL on waste management that is yet untapped. The results obtained from the heavy metal removal by BSFL from waste showed its potency in the detoxification of the environment the heavy metal poisoning
Occurrence and Distribution of Some Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Sediments from Imo River Nigeria: A Non-Targeted Analysis Approach
No full textThis is a non–targeted assessment of the occurrence and distribution of contaminants of emerging concern in sediment samples of the Imo River, Nigeria. Three (3) sampling locations—Ekenobizi (Imo State), Owerrinta (Abia State), and Oyigbo (Rivers State) — along the Imo River were selected for the study based on their high human population and numerous anthropogenic activities. Sediment samples (9) were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream of each of the sampled locations using the grab sampling method and taken to the laboratory for analysis within three hours after sampling. A non-targeted screening for Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) was done using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after preparation of the samples. The results showed contamination of the river with eighty-four (84) unique CECs distributed as follows: 21 CECs at Ekenobizi axis, 32 CECs at Owerrinta axis and 34 CECs at Oyigbo axis across the upper stream (US), midstream (MS) and downstream (DS) points. Some of the CECs were location-specific, while some were detected across the three sampling points of each location. Three of the detected CECs were common to both the Owerrinta and Oyigbo axes. Among the detected compounds were siloxanes, fatty acids, amines, hydrocarbons, and other organic chemicals. These chemicals are traceable to pharmaceutical and personal care products, agro-chemicals, and other industrial chemicals, and they exhibit varying degrees of ecological risks. There was no significant difference among the CECs concentrations of the sampled locations (where p > 0.05, p = 0.909). The detection and concentration CECs in the study area indicate a critical trend of environmental contamination and potential ecological risks, consistent with global studies
Processing and Storage Studies with Total Phenol Contents and Percentage Antioxidant Activities of Raw, Processed and Stored Pergularia daemia Leaves
No full textPergularia daemia leaves are used for diet and ethnomedicinal remedies preparations in Nigeria. The concern of this study was to investigate raw, processed and stored Pergularia daemia leaves for total phenols and antioxidant activities. Sample used were obtained from Benin City, then subsequently processed and stored at varying conditions. Storage duration was two months. Samples were noted to contain total phenols and further exhibited antioxidant activities. In raw Pergularia daemia leaves, total phenols content was 2.18±0.51mg/g and percent antioxidant activities value was 94.37±3.66%. Findings also indicate that processing and storage influenced the values of the examined parameters. Statistical analysis P≤0.05 indicate significant differences between the values of the studied parameters in raw samples and their corresponding values in the processed and stored samples. Hopefully, policy formulations personnel will find the results of this work useful
Thermodynamic Analysis of Single-Stage Vapour Compression Refrigeration System in Nigeria Using Natural Refrigerants
No full textRefrigeration systems play a critical role in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in food preservation, healthcare, and industrial processes. However, the use of conventional synthetic refrigerants, which contribute significantly to global warming and ozone depletion, poses environmental challenges. This study presents a thermodynamic analysis of single-stage vapor compression refrigeration systems in Nigeria, focusing on the use of natural refrigerants as eco-friendly alternatives to identify eco-friendly refrigerant alternatives for Nigeria’s climate. This study conducts a thermodynamic analysis of single-stage vapor compression refrigeration systems in Nigeria, evaluating natural refrigerants such as ammonia (R-717), propane (R-290), and isobutane (R-600a) as alternatives to synthetic refrigerants that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. Using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software, the study assesses the impact of varying operational conditions on the coefficient of performance (COP) for each refrigerant The effect in the variation of five operating parameters of refrigeration system such as Condensing Temperature (TC), Evaporating Temperature (TE), Subcooling Temperature (TSub), Superheating Temperature (TSup) and refrigerant mass flow rate ( ) on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of are R-600a, R-600, R-717 and R-290 refrigeration systems were investigated and performance comparison was made to get the most suitable replacement for the older systems. The results showed that R-717 yields the highest coefficient of performance of 3.858 when evaporating temperature (TE) is 0oC while R-290 (Propane) gave the lowest Coefficient of Performance of 3.555 when evaporating Tempearture (TE) is 0 oC. The results showed that as TC increases from 30 oC to 80 oC, COP decreased for all the four refrigerants. As TE decreases, COP reduced, also COP increased as TSub increases from 0 oC to 20 oC. COP of R-717 is consistently higher than that of the other three natural refrigerants. Findings reveal that R-717 yields the highest COP under Nigerian climatic conditions, positioning it as a promising, eco-friendly replacement. This research supports efforts to adopt sustainable refrigerants in Nigeria, contributing to climate goals and guiding policy and industry stakeholders in selecting efficient refrigerants for high-temperature regions
Effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI-ChatGPT) on Educational Psychology Students’ Engagement, Interest and Achievement in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the effect of artificial intelligence (AI-ChatGPT) on educational psychology students’ engagement, interest and achievement in the Institute of Education, University of Abuja. Six research questions and six hypotheses guided the study. The research employed a quasi-experimental design. The sample of the study was 519. The reliability of the instruments was established using Kuder-Richardson formula (KR-21) which yielded a reliability index of 0.80. The data collected was analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation and the Two-tailed t-test analysis. Findings from the study showed that there was significant difference in the engagement mean scores of 200L students taught Educational Psychology I with AI-ChatGPT and those taught with conventional lecture method. It was also found that there is no significant difference in the interest mean scores of 200L students taught Educational Psychology I with AI-ChatGPT and those taught with conventional lecture method was found. The results further revealed that there was significant difference in the achievement mean scores of 200L students taught Educational Psychology I with AI-ChatGPT and those taught with conventional lecture method; just as a significant difference in the engagement mean scores of 200L male and female students taught Educational Psychology I with AI-ChatGPT and those taught with conventional lecture Based on the findings, the study recommended that AI-ChatGPT should be incorporated into the education curriculum in higher institution. The essence is to advance effective teaching and learning approaches for teachers and students