Radioisotope and Metal Concentrations in Borehole Water Samples of Umuahia and Umudike, Nigeria

 The study examined metal and radioisotope concentrations in boreholes water samples collected from the neighbouring towns of in Umuahia and Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Triplicate samples were collected from seventeen functional boreholes and were analyzed with standard methods for physicochemical parameters. Metal concentrations were analyzed with Graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while radioisotopes were determined with gamma ray spectrometry. Results showed that mean values for conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids, hardness and nitrates were lower than recommended values by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). However, mean values for pH (range: 3.05±0.11 – 4.51±0.08) were in the acidic region and outside the recommended values. Mean metal concentrations had ranges of: calcium 1.255±0.037 – 1.967±0.078 mg/L; magnesium 0.286±0.057 – 0.608±0.094 mg/L; sodium 0.030±0.005 – 0.102±0.029 mg/L; iron 0.012±0.001 – 0.019±0.004 mg/L; cadmium 0.001±0.000 – 0.011±0.003 mg/L and lead (Pb) 0.077±0.005 – 0.198±0.040 mg/L. The mean concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron were all below the NSDWQ limits. However, while mean cadmium concentrations exceeded SON limits in 13 locations, mean lead concentrations were above the limits set by WHO and SON in the samples from all the boreholes. The mean activity concentrations K-40, U-238 and Th-232 had ranges of below detection limit (BDL) – 21.94±2.50 Bq/L; BDL – 7.85 ±1.80 Bq/L and BDL – 5.76 ±0.53 respectively. The SON maximum level for radionuclides in water is 0.1 Bq/L while the WHO limits for U-238 and Th-232 are 10 and 1 Bq/L respectively. The activity concentrations of U-238 were below the WHO limits but the limits were exceeded for Th-232 in water samples from eight locations. The NSDWQ limits were exceeded in samples from most of the locations for K-40.Keywords: Metals, radioisotopes, water, Umuahia, Umudike

Isolation and NMR Characterization of Ursane-Type Triterpenoid from the Leaves of Peperomia pellucida

Peperomia pellucida is a member of the Piperaceae family. Extraction of plant material was carried out by Soxhlet extraction method using hexane and ethylacetate as solvents respectively. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator, followed by isolation and purification using column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. Fraction C20 showed a clearly defined single spot with Rf value of 0.51. Using 1HNMR, 13C-DEPT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC and by comparison with literature values, the structure of the compound was established as an Ursane-type triterpenoid. The use of P. pellucida in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various ailments could be attributed to the Ursane-type triterpenoid and other bioactive chemical compounds present in the plant. Keywords: Peperomia pellucida, extraction, isolation, chromatographic techniques, ursane-type triterpenoi

‘NTA’, a locally named unclear condition that causes failure to thrive amongst under five children in southeastern Nigeria: An assessment of mothers’ and caregivers’ perception of its causes and management

Background: The age old childhood condition locally called ‘NTA’ in most South eastern parts of the country Nigeria is unclear and a challenge to health care professionals whose patients refuse orthodox medicine and choose alternative medicine. This study was to find the typical features of this condition as perceived by the populaceMethod: Two hundred and twenty six questionnaires on symptoms and signs were satisfactorily filled by participants residing in parts of Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15. Cross tabulations and comparison of means were done using chi square with level of significance set to p<0.05.Results: Over 90% (217/231) of the respondents including Nurses and community health extension workers, believed in the existence of ‘NTA’ with significant variation across levels of education (p=0.019); A total of 82.3% ( 190/231) reported peak occurrence between the ages of one to three months. Features were; Weight loss (94.4%), Excessive cry (89.2%), Dry skin (87.9%), Restlessness (86.6%), sleeplessness (80.5%), appearance of whitish/ dyspigmented hair on skin (77.6%), etc. Most respondents were unsure of cause, some assume infective and fewer assume dietary cause. A total of 82.7% (191/231) reported that the traditional healers were the best managers of ‘NTA’Conclusion: The level of belief in the existence of ‘NTA’ is significant and deserves a research into the cause of the condition. The use of alternative medicine is indeed a challenge for us to use reason and wisdom to deal with culture, belief and illnesses.Keywords: Alternative medicine, failure to thrive,  south-eastern Nigeria, under five childre