Geology and Geochemistry of Iroko-Granites Southwestern Nigeria: Implication on Provenance

The geology, geochemistry of Iroko-granites have been studied and reported in this paper. The study area has been described as of Archaean-EarlyProterozoic terrain underlain by migmatite-gneiss-quartzite complex with supracustal rocks. Large number of granites which outcrops in Iroko-Ekiti represent a typical occurrence of granitoids sporadically distributed in thebasement and are known to belong to the Older Granite suites, which are attributable to the Pan-African Orogeny (750± 150Ma). The rocks occur,mostly as flat and low lying within sparse vegetation. Structures common on and around the outcrops include quartz vein, veinlets, pegmatite dykes which trend North-south, discrete exfoliated surfaces and xenoliths of older rocks. This study reveals that the granites belong to calc-alkalic suites,demonstrate metaluminous nature, and exhibit characteristics of I-type granites. The granite is a distinctive type in that it is relatively highly potassic, has high FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratio, and high average Zr (299.75ppm)concentration with other high field strength elements. The trace elements study implicates pronounced fractional crystallization during evolution of the granites and thus petrogenetically discriminates as Syn-collision provenance

Education, Gender, and Child-Rights: Salient Issues in SDGS Years in ADO-ODO/OTA Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Promoting and improving quality education is one of the core missions of the United Nations at ensuring sustainable future; hence, the slogan: Change towards a better quality of life starts with education. This paper examined the place of education, gender and child rights within the current status of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ado-Odo/Ota local government of Ogun State, Nigeria. Questionnaire and interviews were used as instruments of data collection. School children between ages 7 and 18 in both private and public schools formed the study population. A sample size, 1000 respondents, was drawn from the population out of which 976 responded effectively to the questions. The findings revealed that education and child rights remain in a precarious state in the local government. There was a limited awareness about child rights among children in primary schools and secondary schools; teaching materials and instructors were grossly inadequate in many of the schools sampled and basic needs such as water and electricity were unavailable. It was also observed that the number of enrolled male children in schools is 24% higher than the females. These challenges should be put into consideration when formulating policies for education in developing countries. There is therefore the need to prioritize education, especially female education, as well as child rights in general in the local government through adequate funding, investment in teachers and creation of awareness about the rights of the child

The Effect of Formulation Variables on the Release Kinetics of Paracetamol Tablet Formulations.

Aim: The objective of this work was to study the effects of formulation variables on the release kinetics of paracetamol tablet formulation. Materials and Methods: Paracetamol tablets were formulated using wet granulation (WG) and direct compression (DC) using two predetermined pressures. Avicel, dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and pregelatinized starch (PGS) were used as directly compressible excipients for the DC method while corn starch, gelatin and acacia were used as binders for the WG methods. Tensile strength (TS) and the dissolution times of the tablets were determined. The drug release data were fitted into different kinetic models to determine the drug release mechanism(s) for the paracetamol tablets. Noyes-Whitney plots were further used to obtain release processes for formulations having r2 of best fit from kinetic modeling. Results and Discussion: The TS and dissolution times increased with increase in compressional pressure for all tablet formulations. The ranking of TS for tablets was starch > gelatin > acacia > avicel > DCP > PGS. Drug release kinetics indicated that the drug release was best explained by first order model for direct compression formulation. However, first-order and Higuchi equations gave the best fit with the highest correlation coefficient for the formulation prepared through wet granulation. Korsmeyer’s plots indicated an n value ranging from 1.227 to 1.839 which indicates that the drug release mechanism from the formulations was by super case II transport. Generally, r2 values were higher for tablets with lower compression pressures and higher for those with binders than direct compression excipients. Conclusion: The release kinetics of paracetamol tablets were observed to be influenced by the interplay of variables involved like compressional pressure, formulation excipient and method. Wet granulation was also found to produce optimum release than direct compression

Bioactive compounds in ethanol extract of Lentinus squarrosulus Mont - a Nigerian medicinal macrofungus

Background: The continuous search for new lead compounds of therapeutic importance has become necessary in the face of treatment failures and multidrug resistance plaguing the world. While many plants and higher fungi are sources of bioactive compounds yet to be fully harnessed, understanding the bioactive components in macrofungus could serve as a lead for investigating its biological activities and medicinal potentials.Materials and Methods: The bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of Lentinus Squarrosulus, an edible Nigerian macrofungus, were investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.Results: There were nine bioactive compounds in this edible macrofungus. Of these compounds, 9,12-Octadecanoic acid ethyl ester (37.39%; RT:39.815) was the highest in quantity, followed by Hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (14.49%; RT:36.550). Other fatty acids, their ethyl esters and other compounds identified included 2-Butenethioic acid,3-(ethylthio)-S-(1-methylethyl) ester (4.51%; RT:15.866), n-Hexadecanoic acid (4.74%; RT:36.034), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (11.88%; RT:39.429), 9,17-Octadecadienal,(Z)- (5.01%; RT:39.500), ethyl oleate (5.27%; RT:39.898), 3a,6-Methano-3aH-indene,2,3,6,7 tetrahydro (4.04%; RT:48.379), and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,2 hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (12.68%; RT:48.682). Some of these compounds have antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic as well as cancer preventive activities amongst others.Conclusion: This study showed the bioactive components of therapeutic potentials in L. squarrosulus while creating a platform for screening, isolating and identifying many bioactive components which may be useful in the treatment of the various ailments, disorders and diseases in the nearest future.Keywords: Bioactive constituents; ethanolic extract; Lentinus squarrosulus; GC-MS analysis; mushroom; macrofung

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

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN ETHANOL EXTRACT OF LENTINUS SQUARROSULUS MONT - A NIGERIAN MEDICINAL MACROFUNGUS

Background: The continuous search for new lead compounds of therapeutic importance has become necessary in the face of treatment failures and multidrug resistance plaguing the world. While many plants and higher fungi are sources of bioactive compounds yet to be fully harnessed, understanding the bioactive components in macrofungus could serve as a lead for investigating its biological activities and medicinal potentials. Materials and Methods: The bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of Lentinus Squarrosulus, an edible Nigerian macrofungus, were investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results: There were nine bioactive compounds in this edible macrofungus. Of these compounds, 9,12-Octadecanoic acid ethyl ester (37.39%; RT:39.815) was the highest in quantity, followed by Hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (14.49%; RT:36.550). Other fatty acids, their ethyl esters and other compounds identified included 2-Butenethioic acid,3-(ethylthio)-S-(1-methylethyl) ester (4.51%; RT:15.866), n-Hexadecanoic acid (4.74%; RT:36.034), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (11.88%; RT:39.429), 9,17-Octadecadienal,(Z)- (5.01%; RT:39.500), ethyl oleate (5.27%; RT:39.898), 3a,6-Methano-3aH-indene,2,3,6,7 tetrahydro (4.04%; RT:48.379), and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,2 hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (12.68%; RT:48.682). Some of these compounds have antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic as well as cancer preventive activities amongst others. Conclusion: This study showed the bioactive components of therapeutic potentials in L. squarrosulus while creating a platform for screening, isolating and identifying many bioactive components which may be useful in the treatment of the various ailments, disorders and diseases in the nearest future

Otologic Presentation and Management of Allergic Ear Disorder in a Tropical Developing Country

Background: Allergic manifestation in ear is a common unrecognized otologic disorder worldwide. This study aimed at determining the clinicoepidemiologic pattern and management of patients with allergic ear disorder. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital-based study of patients with clinical diagnosis of allergic ear disorder. Interviewer assisted questionnaire were administered to the consented patient. Data obtained were collated and analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 18.0. Results: Prevalence of allergic ear disorder in this study was 4.2%. There was 59.8% male with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. No allergen was identified in 7.3%. Common self-reported trigger factor were dirty/ earwax, water/Soap and eardrop/body cream in 72.0%, 53.7% and 39.0% respectively. There was family history of allergy in 58.5% of respondents. Common symptoms were pinna pulling/ear picking, ear blockage, hearing impairment and itchy ear in 81.7%, 56.7%, 54.3% and 49.4% respectively. A commonest finding on examination was clean external ear canal 81.7%. Middle ear cleft was the commonest affected part of the ear in 56.7%. A commonest associated comorbid illness was 64.6% allergic rhinitis. Commonest complication recorded was otitis media with effusion in 42.1% respondents. Main quality of life affected were sleep disturbance, depression, changes in mood and general health in 43.9%, 31.7%, 26.8% and 25.6% respectively. Commonest treatment was conservative treatment in 86.6%. Conclusion: Allergic ear disorder is a common ear, nose and throat disorder affecting all ages. At presentation most cases were associated with comorbid illnesses, complications and impact on quality of life. Early identification and referral of patient to a specialist and prompt treatment to reduce avoidable morbidity is advocated. (Int J Biomed Sci 2020; 16 (1): 5-10

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A (UGT1A1) promoter polymorphism in young patients with sickle cell anaemia: report of the first cohort study from Nigeria

(TA) n repeat sequence (rs8175347) of UGT1A1 gene promoter polymorphism is associated with serum bilirubin levels and gallstones among different sickle cell anaemia (SCA) populations. There are no data on UGT1A1 polymorphisms and their impact on Nigerian SCA patients. In this study, we determined the distribution of the UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes among a group of young Nigerian SCA patients and healthy controls. In addition, the influence of UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes on the laboratory and clinical events among the patients was determined. Methods The distribution of the UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes among 101 young Nigerian SCA patients and 64 normal appropriate controls were determined and studied. The UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes were further classified into subgroups and used to differentiate the clinical events and laboratory parameters of the patients. Results Four (TA) n alleles:(TA)5, 6, 7, and 8 were found. These were associated with 10 genotypes: TA5/5, 5/6, 5/7, 5/8, 6/6, 6/7, 6/8, 7/7, 7/8, 8/8. The normal (wild-type)-(TA) 6/6), low- (TA) 7/7, 7/8, 8/8), intermediate- (TA) 5/7, 5/8, 6/7, 6/8), and high-activity (TA) 5/5, 5/6,) genotypes were found in 24.8, 24.8, 41.5, and 8.9% patients and 20.3, 15.6, 61, and 3.1% controls respectively. The general genotype distribution of the patients and control group were not significantly different. There were significant differences in serum bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the patients when differentiated by the UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes (p<0.05). Asymptomatic gallstones were found in 5.9% of patients and were significantly of the low-activity genotypes sub-group 5 (20%) vs 1(1.3%) p = 0.0033. Although, bilirubin and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) of patients with gallstones were significantly different from those without gallstone, only the serum bilirubin was associated with UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes on multivariate analysis (p < 0.0001). Conclusion This study highlights the contribution of UGT1A1 polymorphisms, a non-globin genetic factor, to the laboratory and clinical manifestations of young Nigerian SCA patients for the first time. It also shows that children with co-inheritance of low UGT1A1 (TA) n affinity genotypes may be at risk of gallstone, hence the need to follow them up20CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2015/141693–02014/00984–

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Regularly updated data on stroke and its pathological types, including data on their incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, risk factors, and epidemiological trends, are important for evidence-based stroke care planning and resource allocation. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) aims to provide a standardised and comprehensive measurement of these metrics at global, regional, and national levels. Methods We applied GBD 2019 analytical tools to calculate stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of DALYs (with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) associated with 19 risk factors, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These estimates were provided for ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and all strokes combined, and stratified by sex, age group, and World Bank country income level. Findings In 2019, there were 12·2 million (95% UI 11·0–13·6) incident cases of stroke, 101 million (93·2–111) prevalent cases of stroke, 143 million (133–153) DALYs due to stroke, and 6·55 million (6·00–7·02) deaths from stroke. Globally, stroke remained the second-leading cause of death (11·6% [10·8–12·2] of total deaths) and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (5·7% [5·1–6·2] of total DALYs) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70·0% (67·0–73·0), prevalent strokes increased by 85·0% (83·0–88·0), deaths from stroke increased by 43·0% (31·0–55·0), and DALYs due to stroke increased by 32·0% (22·0–42·0). During the same period, age-standardised rates of stroke incidence decreased by 17·0% (15·0–18·0), mortality decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0), prevalence decreased by 6·0% (5·0–7·0), and DALYs decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0). However, among people younger than 70 years, prevalence rates increased by 22·0% (21·0–24·0) and incidence rates increased by 15·0% (12·0–18·0). In 2019, the age-standardised stroke-related mortality rate was 3·6 (3·5–3·8) times higher in the World Bank low-income group than in the World Bank high-income group, and the age-standardised stroke-related DALY rate was 3·7 (3·5–3·9) times higher in the low-income group than the high-income group. Ischaemic stroke constituted 62·4% of all incident strokes in 2019 (7·63 million [6·57–8·96]), while intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 27·9% (3·41 million [2·97–3·91]) and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 9·7% (1·18 million [1·01–1·39]). In 2019, the five leading risk factors for stroke were high systolic blood pressure (contributing to 79·6 million [67·7–90·8] DALYs or 55·5% [48·2–62·0] of total stroke DALYs), high body-mass index (34·9 million [22·3–48·6] DALYs or 24·3% [15·7–33·2]), high fasting plasma glucose (28·9 million [19·8–41·5] DALYs or 20·2% [13·8–29·1]), ambient particulate matter pollution (28·7 million [23·4–33·4] DALYs or 20·1% [16·6–23·0]), and smoking (25·3 million [22·6–28·2] DALYs or 17·6% [16·4–19·0]). Interpretation The annual number of strokes and deaths due to stroke increased substantially from 1990 to 2019, despite substantial reductions in age-standardised rates, particularly among people older than 70 years. The highest age-standardised stroke-related mortality and DALY rates were in the World Bank low-income group. The fastest-growing risk factor for stroke between 1990 and 2019 was high body-mass index. Without urgent implementation of effective primary prevention strategies, the stroke burden will probably continue to grow across the world, particularly in low-income countries.publishedVersio