Scrutinizing joint remote state preparation under decoherence.

This research examines the effect of an open system containing the squeezed generalized amplitude damping channel on the joint remote preparation quantum communication protocol using a maximally entangled two-qubit state. Our findings indicate that the fidelity of a quantum system in contact with a non-zero temperature thermal bath can be enhanced by varying the squeezing parameters. These parameters include the squeezing phase of the channel [Formula: see text] and the amount of squeezing of the channel r.

Prevalence of chromosome anomalies in a deer farm with fertility decline in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: A number of factors are known to reduce fertility rate in animals and one of the important categories of such factors is chromosome anomalies. They can occur with or without causing phenotypic abnormalities on animals; in some cases, they may directly affect meiosis, gametogenesis and the viability of conceptus. In many instances, balanced structural rearrangements can be transmitted to offspring, affecting fertility in subsequent generations. AIM: This work investigated the occurrence of chromosome aberrations in Rusa timorensis, Rusa unicolor and Axis axis raised in a nucleus deer farm in Malaysia with a history of declining fertility of unknown origin. MATERIALS & METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 60 animals through venipuncture, cultured for 72 h and arrested at metaphase. SmartType® and Ideokar® software were used to karyotype the chromosomes. RESULTS: We found 15 out of the 60 animals screened from both sexes harbor some form of chromosome aberration. Chromosomal aberrations exist at the rate of 25% and may not be unconnected with the observed reduced fertility on the farm. Further investigations should be carried out, especially on the offspring of the studied animals to transmission of these aberrations. The animals that are confirmed to transmit the chromosomal aberrations should be culled to arrest the propagation of their abnormalities.

Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis.

Conventionally, plasma or milk progesterone evaluations are used to determine the reproductive status of female animals. Collection of such samples is often associated with difficulties of animal handling and restraint. Measurable quantities of progesterone metabolites are found in feces of animals. Their concentrations are known to be well correlated to plasma progesterone levels and are, therefore, used as non-invasive samples for assessing reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. Although the analysis of fecal progesterone metabolites has been widely accepted in many laboratories, several factors are known to affect the results from this valuable analytical technique. Some of these factors include storage/transportation media for fecal samples, type of solvent that is used for extraction of progesterone metabolites from feces, and the type and sensitivity of an assaying technique employed. Although fecal progesterone metabolites analysis is associated with some difficulties, it can effectively be used to monitor reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. This review aims to highlight the usefulness of fecal progesterone metabolite analysis as a non-invasive technique in monitoring reproductive function in animals. The article mainly focuses on the many opportunities and challenges associated with this analytical technique.

Perceived and Real Histopathology Turnaround Time: A Teaching Hospital Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to audit analytic turnaround time (TAT) in a histopathology laboratory with a view to assessing the timeliness of its reports, identify causes of delay in its TAT, and compare this with client perception of its performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 1440 batches of specimens processed over a 5-year period in the histopathology laboratory of a teaching hospital were retrieved from archives. From these, median and mean TATs were calculated and causes of delay identified. Questionnaires were also deployed to assess physicians' perception of the laboratory's performance. RESULTS: Analytic TAT was 3.6 ± 2 days, with 86.7% of reports being ready within 5 working days. The delays in timeliness of report generation were due mainly to residency training-related factors; tissue processing-related factors, and inadequate clinical information among others. Client perception of TAT rated the laboratory below average by 18.4%; average by 57.5%; good by 20.7%, and excellent in its performance by 3.4% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Even though physicians perceived the laboratory's TAT to be just average, its analytic TAT for reports is within acceptable international standards but with room for improvement in its performance.

Fukushima nuclear accident: preliminary assessment of the risks to non-human biota.

This study assesses the 'radio-ecological' impacts of Fukushima nuclear accident on non-human biota using the ERICA Tool, which adopts an internationally verified methodology. The paper estimates the impacts of the accident on terrestrial and marine biota based on the environmental data reported in literature for Japan, China, South Korea and the USA. Discernible impacts have been detected in the marine biota around Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This study confirms that the Fukushima accident had caused heavier damage to marine bionts compared with terrestrial flora and fauna, in Japan.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia among human immunodeficiency virus infected Nigerians.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. People infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been shown to develop alterations in body composition, lipid and glucose metabolism, which predisposes them to cardiovascular disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its therapies may contribute to these changes. These metabolic changes in addition to the other traditional risk factors may contribute to the excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality observed in HIV-infected individuals. We, therefore set out to describe the prevalence of dyslipidemia among HIV infected Nigerians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study, was conducted in HIV specialty clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) between May and August 2009. HIV infected patients were recruited. Half of them were on HAART for 6 months and above while the other half were HAART naïve. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria were recruited consecutively until the required sample size was obtained. Data were collected using the pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were obtained from the subjects in a standardized manner. Venous samples were collected for necessary investigations and analyzed at the hospital central laboratory. RESULTS: Two hundred subjects were studied, the mean age for all the participants was 32.5 ± 7.55 years. The age ranged from 20 to 50 years, 64% of the respondents (128) were aged between 20 and 34 years. Forty three (21.5%) of them were above the age of 40 years. Fifty percent were on HAART and the other 50% were HAART naïve. The duration of HAART treatment ranged from 6-84 months. The mean CD4 cell counts was higher for subjects on HAART compared to HAART naive 376.33±215.66 and 261.09 ±195.64, respectively (P < 0.001). High TC (31% vs. 7%, P ≤ 0.001), low HDL-C (61% vs. 76%, P = 0.022), high LDL (36% vs. 26%, P = 0.126), high TG (19% vs. 13%, P = 0.247). CONCLUSION: HIV infected patients on HAART demonstrated higher prevalence of high TC while HAART naïve subject showed higher prevalence of low HDL.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV-infected Nigerians receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has become more accessible to Human immunodeficiency virus infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients worldwide. There is growing concern that the metabolic complications associated with HIV and HAART may increase cardiovascular risk and lead to cardiovascular diseases. We, therefore, set out to describe the cardiovascular risk profile of HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART at a health facility in northern part of Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Consenting patients, who had been receiving HAART, were compared with age and sex matched HAART-naive subjects. Questionnaire interview, electrocardiography, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted under standard conditions. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of plasma glucose, uric acid and lipid levels. RESULTS: Two hundred subjects were studied, 100 were on HAART (group 1) and the other 100 (group 2) were HAART-naive. Subjects' mean age for all the participants was 32.5 (7.6) years. The prevalence of hypertension was 17% in group 1 and 2% in group 2 (P < 0.001). Similarly, 11% and 21% of group 1 subjects were obese or had metabolic syndrome compared with 2% and 9% of group 2 patients (P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSION: HAART treatment was associated with significantly higher prevalences of hypertension, obesity and metabolic syndrome.