Evaluation of equity in informal land development systems in two Nigerian cities

The informal land development system in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is perceived to promote equity and could be leveraged to support sustainable urban development and management. However, scanty empirical evidence exists on the extent of the system’s provision of equity to support policy formulation and practice in the region. Based on stakeholder workshops, focus group discussions and questionnaire surveys, this study analyses the system’s provision of equity in Nigeria. The study finds all categories of people undertake informal developments. Consistent with literature, this finding reflects wide patronage of the informal land development system and its relevance. Nevertheless, contrary to the existing perception, the system’s provision of equity is low. The study recommends for the institution of pro-poor and gender sensitive land development and management policies and programmes to increase the levels of equity to support the achievement of the country’s sustainable urban development and management agenda

Hibiscus sabdariffa fractions attenuate oxidative stress and some cardiac biomarkers in sodium fluoride(NaF)-induced cardiotoxicity rat

The excessive intake and bioaccumulation of sodium fluoride (NaF) through water, toothpaste or pesticides could trigger cardiac oxidative stress. The effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) fractions on biochemical markers of the heart in NaF-induced rats. Thirty male and female rats were grouped into five: Normal control (NC) received water only, Sodium fluoride (NaF,  300 mg L−1), the others were exposed to 300 mg L−1 NaF while the treated animals received100 mg kg−1d−1 of aqueous, n-hexane and butanol -H. sabdariffa (AQE-HS, HEE-HS, BTE-HS) fractions orally for 14 days respectively. This study revealed that NaF exposure increases TBARS, TC, TG, LDL-c, AI, AC, CRI-I, CRI-II and arginase activity with a decrease in catalase, GST, SOD, GSH, HDL-c, and NO level whilethe HS treatment stimulates antioxidant production which eventually reduce oxidative stress. The AQE-HS suppressed TBARS, lipid profile, and cardiac indices. Therefore, bioactive constituent of HS attenuates NAF-induced cardiac oxidative stress