Detection of the Neurotoxic Amino Acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in Axenic Cultures of Cyanobacterial Isolates by the Application of Underivatized Method of Analysis

There is a growing demand to establish reliable method for the detection of cyanobacterial toxins in order to bewell informed on the prevalence of cyanotoxins in our environments. This study employed the underivatizedmethod of analysis to detect the production of BMAA by the axenic cultures of cyanobacterial strains SynechocystisNPLB 2 and Nostoc MAC PCC 8009 using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization - ion trap massspectrometry (LC/ESI-ITMS). Cyanobacterial cultures were grown in the laboratory for 12 weeks after whichBMAA was extracted using methanol and analysed by LC/ESI-ITMS. Based on retention time, mass-to-chargeratio, and ratio of the product ions, the underivatized method of analysis employed in this study showed that bothSynechocystis NPLB 2 and Nostoc MAC PCC 8009 strains produced BMAA. The results of this study suggests thatthe LC/ESI-ITMS is a promising method for the analysis of BMAA in cyanobacterial matrices

Leadership and Leadership Selection/Election 'Drafting' in Nigeria: A Study of Some Former Heads of State, Since 1966

This study aims to investigate the leadership and leadership selection/election ‘drafting’ system in Nigeria from 1966 to the present. It will analyse the leadership dynamics of the former heads of state and examine the various selection/election processes that have been employed over the past 54 years in order to identify and understand the core features of the Nigerian leadership system. The study will make use of both primary and secondary sources to examine the selection/election processes, the role of the military, the impact of external forces such as international organisations and regional powers, and the internal dynamics of key stakeholders such as political parties, religious groups and the electorate. Furthermore, the study will explore the implications of the leadership selection/election system in Nigeria and discuss the impact on key issues such as political stability, economic prosperity and security. The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Nigerian leadership system and contribute to the broader understanding of leadership across the African continent

An analysis of some provisions of the 1999 Nigerian constitution in relationship with end of life care

A number of people from one country to another are afflicted with life threatening  illnesses that require that they must be cared for until they survive or die. This is  referred to as end of life care in the literature. In some countries, the laws expressly make provisions for the end of life care. In Nigeria, though these provisions are not expressed, they are implied in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, and can therefore, justify the need for end of life care. The important objective of this paper is to examine the provisions of Section 34(1) of the Constitution that deals with the dignity of a person and Section 38(1) that deals with the freedom of religion and thoughts in relation to end of life care. A review of the extant literature on the legal framework and end of life care was undertaken. The review indicates that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity irrespective of their health  conditions as failure to do this will amount to human degradation. It further reveals that the concept of dignity along side equality are the most important elements of end of life care. Section 34(1) of the 1999 constitution provides that every  individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person. Similarly, the paper  shows that dying persons with strange religious convictions are legally entitled to hold on tenaciously to those beliefs and health workers are obliged to respect those beliefs in carrying out the end of life care. Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience andreligion, including freedom to change his religion or belief. It is concluded that  though the Nigerian laws do not expressly provide for the right of the dying persons, it can be deduced that the provisions of the laws allow a lee way for the end of life care of a dying person.Keywords: End of life care, Nigerian Constitution, dignity. religion and laws

Determination of the Suitability of River Gurara Bed Sand Bonded with Clay for Foundry Casting Moulds

The study investigated foundry properties of bed sand from river Gurara located in Niger State, Nigeria for use in production of foundry casting moulds using bentonite or kaolin clay as binders. A quantity of representative sand sample collected according to AFS procedure was washed, sun dried, classified on vibrated sieves and used for the experiment works. Specimens bonded with 0.5-3% of either bentonite or kaolin clay were prepared in accordance with AFS standard and tested for refractoriness; permeability; green/dry compressive strengths; moisture content; green hardness and shatter index using equipment including moisture teller, universal strength machine, shatter index and Rockwell hardness testers. The BS classification sieve result showed it consisted of 42% medium and 27% fine sand that will produce castings with fine surface finish. The physiochemical analyses done with XRF machine showed the sand was made up of 88% silica with metal/alkali oxides including Fe2O3 (3.02%), K2O (3.02%), Al2O3 TiO2 (2.12%). It had refractoriness of 1,500oC making it suitable for casting moulds for non-ferrous metals, light/heavy grey iron and some grades of steel. Tested foundry properties including permeability (167-136No); green compressive (26-38KN/m2), dry compressive strength (200-360KN/m2); hardness (65-80); shatter index (88-70) for kaolin bonded specimen and  (130-116); (18-34KN/m2); (182-238KN/m2); (48-54No); (110-76N0) for bentonite bonded specimen when compared with existing foundry standards also confirmed suitability of sand bonded with these clay for the applications mentioned. Keywords: Gurara river, bed sand, Kaolin, Bentonite, Foundry Keywords: Claims, Delivery, Administration DOI: 10.7176/IEL/9-2-05 Publication date:March 31st 201

LC/ESI-ITMS Detection of the Neurotoxic Amino Acids in Cultured Cyanobacterial Isolate Nostoc MAC PCC 8009

The non-protein amino acid β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), is a neurotoxic agent that is produced by various strain of cyanobacteria. 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB), and N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine (AEG) are the common isomers of BMAA. 2,4-DAB exhibit neurotoxic properties like BMAA. Various studies have shown that cyanobacteria produce BMAA and DAB, however, no studies have shown the  detection of these amino acids using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-ITMS) method. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of BMAA and its isomer 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in axenic laboratory culture of  cyanobacterial strain Nostoc MAC PCC 8009. Axenic laboratory cultures were harvested after 12 weeks of growth and non-protein amino acids were extracted by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and methanol extraction. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/ESIITMS) was employed to analyse the presence of BMAA and 2,4-DAB. Both BMAA and 2,4-DAB were detected in the axenic cultures, which confirms the production of these neurotoxic amino acids by cyanobacteria. Multiple stage mass analysis by ESI-ITMS using [M+H] + was useful to distinguish between the two isomers

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts among children with acute gastroenteritis in Zaria, Nigeria

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts among children with acute gastroenteritis in Zaria, Nigeria by Kinyoun Modified Carbol-Fuchsin Staining (Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining) Technique. The results for the screening of Cryptosporidium oocysts showed that out of 372 stool samples investigated, 17 samples were positive for the oocysts. Among 17 positive samples, 8 were among 199 male while 9 were among 173 female children studied. The statistical association between microscopic detection of oocyst and gender was not significant (χ2 = 0.297, df = 1, p=0.586). However, there was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocyst and the age of children observed (χ2 = 7.268, df = 9, p = 0.609). The results also showed no significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the house hold animals (χ2 = 1.489, df = 4, p=0.829). There was also no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the source of drinking water (χ2 = 6.367, df = 4, p=0.173). Similarly, there was not statistically significant association between the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the type of toilet among the study population (χ2 = 1.128, df = 2, p=0.569).Keywords: Children, Cryptosporidium, Gastroenteritis, Oocysts, Prevalence, Zari

Detection of rotavirus infection in children with gastroenteritis attending three selected hospitals in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

The study aimed at detecting the incidence of rotavirus infection among children with gastroenteritis in Kano Metropolis. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study and a total of 200 stool samples were randomly collected and assayed for the presence of rotavirus antigens using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and confirmed using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The study revealed that 21/200 (10.5%) stool samples were positive for rotavirus antigen and more males 13/21(6.5%) were positive than females 8/21 (4%) (p>0.05). The highest and lowest incidence rates in rotavirus infection of 42.8% (9/21) and 4.8% (1/21) were found among children aged 7–12 month and 31–36; 43–48 month (p>0.05) respectively. Most of the positive samples (95%) were from those who presented with diarrhea, vomiting and fever (p<0.05). The study further revealed that 20/21(95%) of the positive children were from married couples and the incidence rate was found to be independent of the educational level of the parent (p>0.05). Among the risk factors considered, source of drinking water (tap water) and playing with toys appeared to be the most predisposing factors as 16/21 (76%) and 19/21 (90.5%) of the children were found to be infected (p>0.05). Finally, the lowest rate of rotavirus infections was found in only 1/21 (0.5%) among the exclusively breastfed children compared to 14/21 (7%) of those on mixed feeding (p>0.05). The study recommends detection of rotavirus infection to be part of routine laboratory tests in our hospitals and advocates the concept of exclusive breastfeeding to curtail rate of infection among infants.Keywords: Rotavirus, Incidence rate, Risk factors, Children, Hospitals, Kano State

APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL ETHICS IN ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTING OF BANKS

The importance of financial ethics and its application in financial reporting of banks cannot be ignored as it assists in building public confidence and fostering professionalism. However, the non-compliance and conformity with Nigerian Financial Regulatory Authorities prudential guidelines in the preparation of financial statements lead to incomplete or false information. The objective of the study is to examine the application of financial ethics in annual financial reporting of banks. The study employed primary and secondary data and stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used in which 20 questionnaires were administered to respondents. ANOVA and chi-square were in analysis and the findings revealed that there are significant unethical practices in the preparation of financial reports of banks in Nigeria. The study recommends that more emphasis and attention should be given to ethical standards in all banks and banks should give out clear reports of their financial activities to the regulatory authorities

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of low back pain and activities that may prevent it among adolescents in Nigeria

Background: Awareness of activities that may result in low back pain (LBP) among adolescents is fundamental in preventing adulthood LBP. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate adolescents' knowledge, attitude, and perception of LBP and activities that may prevent LBP in Kano, North-western, Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 400 school-going adolescents recruited using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test with 0.05 set as level of significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.0±1.50 years. LBP annual prevalence was 34.2%, with more girls (31.1%) reporting having LBP compared to boys (28.4%). More than half (59.3%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of LBP and activities that may prevent it. However, they had a good attitude (63%) and perception (74%) of LBP and activities that may prevent it. There was no significant association of levels of knowledge, attitude, and perception of LBP and activities that may prevent LBP with gender, age, and class of study (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents in Kano, North-western Nigeria had poor knowledge of LBP and activities that may prevent it. Therefore, there is a need to embark on an LBP prevention program among adolescents in Kano, North-western Nigeria. Keywords: Low back pain; prevention; adolescents; knowledge; attitude; perception

THE IMPACT OF TAX REFORMS ON GOVERNMENT REVENUE GENERATION IN NIGERIA

The study examines the impact of Tax Reform Policy on Revenue generation of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The primary objective of this paper is to prepare a case study on tax policy reforms in Nigeria, with the specific objectives of examining the main tax reforms in the country, highlighting tax revenue profile and contributions of the three categories of taxes identified as personal, company and custom duties to the total revenue collection. The techniques of data analysis adopted for the empirical study were the Analysis of Variance Method and the Scheffe’s Multiple Comparison techniques. In addition, the ‘F’ test of the analysis of the variance was used to test the hypothesis of no significant difference in the impact on personal, company and custom duty tax revenues of the Federal Government by each of the following tax reform policy objectives; enhancement of the principles of good tax system, improvement in the tax administrative structure, removal of disincentives to tax compliance and promotion of investment opportunities. From the results, it was concluded that each of the tax reform policy objectives had significant impacts on the personal, company and custom duty tax revenues of the federal government of Nigeria. Scheffe’s comparison test confirmed that tax revenues from both company and custom duty exceeded personal income tax. It was recommended that for improved tax revenue generation from pursuit of tax reform policy objectives, the training and employment of qualified tax personnel who will be adequately equipped with appropriate materials is necessary. Furthermore, the adoption of strategies for an effective and efficient tax reform alongside with harmonization of government industrial and stabilization polices with those of tax reforms