University of Nigeria

High-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) assays are crucial in the timely diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the presence of fibrin clots, among other interfering factors, can lead to false-positive results, undermining diagnostic accuracy. This critical literature review evaluates the implications of fibrin clot detection in hs-cTn testing, emphasising the need for robust quality control measures in emergency cardiac testing. Through this review, it was shown that biomedical scientists must prevent activities during the pre-analysis stage that may lead to fibrin formation. When such situations become inevitable due to various reasons, including patients' predispositions, several steps were outlined to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of hs-cTn in myocardial infarction. The importance of technological advancements in detecting fibrin and other potential sources of cross-reactivity or interference was also identified through a comparative analysis of some auto-analysers, proposing possible solutions to address these pitfalls as a means of promoting efficiency and quality assurance in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction through high-sensitivity troponin assays. It further exposed the limitations of these digital analysers and how they cannot independently determine the procedural and outcome quality of diagnostic medicine.

As the poultry industry shifts towards natural antibiotic-free alternatives, rosemary leaf meal (RLM) and sodium bentonite (SB) have emerged as promising dietary supplements for enhancing broiler physiol. status, meat quality, and environmental management.This study evaluated the effects of RLM and SB inclusion on broiler physiol. status, meat quality and litter ammonia levels.A total of 360 male Cobb 500-day-old broilers were randomly allotted into 6 dietary treatments in a 2 3 factorial arrangement, with 6 replicates of 10 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD).Dietary treatments included: T1: (0 g RLM + 0 g SB/kg diet), T2: (3 g RLM + 0 g SB/kg diet), T3: (6 g RLM + 0 g SB/kg diet), T4: (0 g RLM + 15 g SB/kg diet T5: (3 g RLM + 15 g SB/kg diet), T6: (6 g RLM + 15 g SB/kg diet), resp., and were fed for 42 days.Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, and significant differences were determined using Duncan′s New Multiple Range Test.A Student′s t-test was used for comparisons between two treatment groups.Broilers fed 6 g RLM + 15 g SB/kg diet exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), reduced malondialdehyde and cholesterol levels, and improved mineral composition (potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus).Meat quality parameters such as redness, yellowness and water holding capacity improved significantly (P < 0.05), while lightness, driploss, and litter ammonia levels decreased.In conclusion, the combination of 6 g RLM + 15 g SB/kg in broiler diets optimizes oxidative status, mineral composition, meat quality and environmental sustainability.

The surge in different brands of artesunate injection in Uganda, has raised the need for this study, which aimed at quantifying the actual amount of artesunate in different brands of artesunate injections available in Northern and Western Uganda.

The wavelength at maximum absorbance of pure artesunate powder was determined using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and Beer Lambert's plot was generated. This was validated and used to assay 27 brands of artesunate.

In the spectrophotometric assay method used, Beer Lambert's law was obeyed within the range of 20 µg/ml-140 µg/ml with linear regression equation of y = 0.012 + 0.030 and correlation coefficient of (R²) 0.999 (n = 9). The limits of detection (sensitivity) and quantification were found to be 0.83 mg/ml and 2.09 mg/ml respectively. About 66.6% (18) and 33.3% (9) had actual artesunate content higher and lower than labeled claim respectively, while 40.7% (11) had deviations from labeled claim that were within acceptable limits.

Most brands of artesunate injection assayed deviated from labeled claim, regional/environmental factor impacted much on the stability of artesunate thus there is need for further screening of the quality of artesunate injection in circulation in view of the therapeutic consequences of substandard artesunate injection.