Genetic diversity in merozoite surface protein 1 of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Igbogbo-bayeku, Lagos, Nigeria

Mutations in merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) serve as indicators of genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum population in a given area. Diversity in MSP1 gene of P. falciparum isolates in Igbogbo-Bayeku, a periurban settlement of Lagos, Nigeria was assessed. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MSP1 gene polymorphisms were analyzed in P. falciparum-positive samples using allele-specific primers of the three families of MSP1 block 2. Of the 63 malaria cases, 34 (54%) were microscopic while 29 (46%) were sub-microscopic cases. The three MSP1 families were present in the P. falciparum isolates with RO33 being the most abundant (55; 87.3%). Thirteen distinct genotypes of MSP1 were observed. There were more polyclonal infections (40; 63.5%) than monoclonal infections (23; 36.5%). The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.98 and the expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.64. Participants aged >8 years had significantly higher MOI (2.26±0.98) than those aged £ 8 years (1.78±0.83) (P=0.04). Polyclonal infections were similar in microscopic (23/39; 67.6%) and sub-microscopic infections (17/29; 58.6%) (P=0.46). However, polyinfections were more in microscopic (26/34; 76.5%) than in submicroscopic infections (15/29; 51.7%) (P=0.04). A high level of genetic diversity was observed in the P. falciparum isolates in this community-based study which is an indication of intense malaria transmission.&nbsp

Pulverized Calcined Clay and Carbide Waste as Alternative Binder in Concrete and Mortar Applications for Sustainable Construction

Portland cement (PC) based concrete is the world’s most consumed man-made material and this consequently puts lots of demand on cement as a binder. The CO2 gas emission during cement clinker production has placed this important material into non-environmental-friendly classification with quest for greener alternatives being on the rise. A recent study showed combination of Pulverized Calcined Clay (PCC) and Calcium Carbide Waste (CCW) as possible alternative for total PC replacement with resulting appreciable mortar strength but delayed setting times and lower strength than PC mortars. This paper reports on effects of PCC-CCW as alternative binder on strength properties of mortars. The mortar mixes had superplasticizers added to reduce water/binder ratio while the CCW was treated to reduce impurities with a view to improving the strength development and a bid to mitigate the observed setbacks of earlier study. The pozzolanic activity indices of the PCC was determined via X-Ray Fluorescence(XRF) and strength determination (strength activity index). The PCC was combined with Purified CCW to determine the binder’s strengths at varying PCC:CCW replacements to determine the prescribed mix combination for optimum strength. Improved optimised mortar strength of 13.11MPa was achieved compared to 11.89MPa in the previous stud

Biodiversity assessment of high rain forest under human activities: a case study of Erinle Forest in Ogun State, Nigeria

Erinle forest is located in Obafemi Owode Local Government in Ogun state, Nigeria; situated within kilometer two along Owode via Ishagamu road. The ecosystem is classified within derived savanna region, with flora and fauna natural resources under pressure of human utilization in form of shifting agricultural practice and sand mining. Site-specific species such as Elaeis guineensis, Cola spp. and Afzelia africana and others formed the major forest composition [73.9%]. The habitat utilization index is positive [+ 0.0513], while varieties of species were being used for various phytomedicinal ailments. The usage for good luck, 53.1% potency or fertility 18.0% are mostly observed. The diversity of wild animals, both mammals and avifauna present at Erinle are good indication of the richness of the forest. Despite the human activities, the forest still serve significant dens for species such as Palm civet [Nandinia biotata ], serval [felis serval], Duiker [cepahlophus spp], bush buck [Tragelaphus scriptus], primate like [Cercopithecidae], and variety of aves. Most of these species are under protection of International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources [Vulnerable, Endangered, Threatened species]. It is however concluded that all form of developmental operation activity at the Erinle forest have affected these conservation important species, and also transformed the whole natural environment which have resulted into disastrous multiplier effect. Key Words: Biodiversity, Environment, Degradation, Assessment, Species. Journal of Environmental Extension Vol.4 2003: 43-5