Emerging Roles in the Biogenesis of Cytochrome c Oxidase for Members of the Mitochondrial Carrier Family

The mitochondrial carrier family (MCF) is a group of transport proteins that are mostly localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane where they facilitate the movement of various solutes across the membrane. Although these carriers represent potential targets for therapeutic application and are repeatedly associated with human disease, research on the MCF has not progressed commensurate to their physiologic and pathophysiologic importance. Many of the 53 MCF members in humans are orphans and lack known transport substrates. Even for the relatively well-studied members of this family, such as the ADP/ATP carrier and the uncoupling protein, there exist fundamental gaps in our understanding of their biological roles including a clear rationale for the existence of multiple isoforms. Here, we briefly review this important family of mitochondrial carriers, provide a few salient examples of their diverse metabolic roles and disease associations, and then focus on an emerging link between several distinct MCF members, including the ADP/ATP carrier, and cytochrome c oxidase biogenesis. As the ADP/ATP carrier is regarded as the paradigm of the entire MCF, its newly established role in regulating translation of the mitochondrial genome highlights that we still have a lot to learn about these metabolite transporters

Cervical cancer screening and practice in low resource countries: Nigeria as a case study

Cervical cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in Nigeria and majority of the patients present with advanced disease. It is a preventable cancer as there are well‑defined treatable premalignant phases. The objective of the study is to review the burden of cervical cancer, its screening modalities, and practice of screening and treatment in low resource countries with emphasis on Nigeria. This is a review involving internet and literature search. While developed countries have recorded significant reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer owing to organizedscreening programs, treatment of premalignant cervical lesions, and follow‑up of treated cases, developing countries including Nigeria are yet to optimally utilize screening services due to lack of organized population‑based screening programs with only pockets of screening services which are at best opportunistic. This has not reduced the incidence of cancer because only a fraction of the target population is covered. Apart from this, loss to follow‑up is rampant. The level of awareness of cervical cancer and its preventive strategies are low among the population and policymakers in Nigeria. There is no organized screening program, and the few services available are only opportunistic with little or no impact. Development of cervical cancer screening policy and institution of organized screening program targeted at covering ≥80% of population at risk is fundamental. There is also a need for widespread education of the populace on the burden of cervical cancer and the public health importance of the disease using the mass media, counseling at antenatal clinics, and the involvement of men will contribute immensely to reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer. Decentralization of services by incorporation of cervical screening and treatment in primary health care programs will ensure adequate rural‑urban coverage.Keywords: Cervical cancer screening; human papillomavirus, low resource countries; Nigeria; premalignant diseas

Design and Fabrication of ANFO Mixing Machine for Safety and Proper Homogenization

The project is focused on the design and fabrication of ANFO mixing machine for safety and proper homogenization of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil in order to increase its production rate. The ANFO mixing machine is a replacement for the manual mixing of fuel oil (Diesel) and ammonium nitrates in bays or on concrete floors which is the common method of mixing ANFO in Nigeria. But the ANFO mixing machine designed is easy to operate, safe to use, increases production and reduces number of laborers. Keywords: Explosive, ANFO, Design, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluatio

Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Reinforcement Bars Manufactured in Nigeria

Reinforcement bars, or REBAR for short, are mainly produced from metal scrap or iron ore, or a combination of both. Their manufacturing process has a significant effect on their properties, so also are the percentage concentration of various constituent elements and the cooling rate in the production process. This research work aims to study the physical and chemical properties of rebars manufactured in Nigeria vis-à-vis their suitability for construction purposes. The effect of chemical composition in rebar on steel stresses was studied. Rebar samples were collected at various points in Abuja and its environs and tested for their mechanical and chemical properties. The results show some tolerable and intolerable deviations from provisions of BS 4449 B500B 2005 indicating that some of the rebars are satisfactory for use in reinforced concrete works while others are not. Tests conducted on the rebars include Tensile Strength, Relative Rib Area, Percentage Elongation, Bend and Rebend, and Spectrometer tests, among other physical examinations. In some rebars, results showed moderate to vast deviation from minimum acceptable standard values as specified in BS 4449 B500B 2005 for yield stress, elongation, bar diameter, mass per kilogram, carbon equivalent, while there is satisfactoriness for other tested samples

Terrorism, Human Capital Development and Economic growth in Nigeria

Terrorism in Nigeria is on the increase despite government counter-terrorism efforts and expenditure. This paper examines the impact of terrorism on economic growth and human capital development in Nigeria from 1981 – 2019. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator was employed in analyzing the data. A negative and insignificant impact of terrorism on economic growth and human capital development was found. Internal and external conflict also had a negative and insignificant impact on economic growth and human capital development. Government expenditure as well had a negative and insignificant impact on economic growth and human capital development. Domestic investment had a positive and significant impact on economic growth, while its impact on human capital development was positive but insignificant. We, therefore, recommend establishing a bank of security to directly fund security in Nigeria. This can contribute to remedying the terrorism situation. Also, establishing a bank of security can serve as a channel where armed forces and other security personnel who died in service to the nation can be compensated. This will encourage the armed forces in the battle against terrorism

Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Reinforcement Bars Manufactured in Nigeria

Reinforcement bars, or REBAR for short, are mainly produced from metal scrap or iron ore, or a combination of both. Their manufacturing process has a significant effect on their properties, so also are the percentage concentration of various constituent elements and the cooling rate in the production process. This research work aims to study the physical and chemical properties of rebars manufactured in Nigeria vis-à-vis their suitability for construction purposes. The effect of chemical composition in rebar on steel stresses was studied. Rebar samples were collected at various points in Abuja and its environs and tested for their mechanical and chemical properties. The results show some tolerable and intolerable deviations from provisions of BS 4449 B500B 2005 indicating that some of the rebars are satisfactory for use in reinforced concrete works while others are not. Tests conducted on the rebars include Tensile Strength, Relative Rib Area, Percentage Elongation, Bend and Rebend, and Spectrometer tests, among other physical examinations. In some rebars, results showed moderate to vast deviation from minimum acceptable standard values as specified in BS 4449 B500B 2005 for yield stress, elongation, bar diameter, mass per kilogram, carbon equivalent, while there is satisfactoriness for other tested samples

The Effect of the Environment on Building Finishing Materials in Lagos Island Residential District

The environment has influence on the condition of finishing materials used in buildings over time, in terms of the building deterioration and aesthetics. This environmental influence can be climatic changes or human factor effects. Lagos Island is located at the coastal region of Nigeria, characterised by heavy rainfall, coastal sea breeze laden with high salt content, high temperature and humidity. What effects do these climatic conditions have on the finishing materials used in buildings located within Lagos Island residential districts? This study evaluates the present conditions of the building finishing materials used in Lagos Island residential district, with a view to know how the climatic changes and human factors have influence the finishing materials. Survey method was used, with structured questioners administered to 177 respondents randomly selected in the area. Observation schedule and photographic materials were also used. Data was analysed statistically. The result shows that 83.4% of the building have not been renovated in the last 10 years and many of the buildings finishing’s were in deteriorating state, with low maintenance. The wall finishes have been affected by the climatic condition of the areas. The effect of the human factor was seen in the conversion of 65% of the buildings to mixed-used for both commercial activity and residential, which have affected the finishing materials used in the buildings. Recommendations were proffered, such as the repairs and renovations of the buildings. This is to assure the structural integrity and improve the aesthetics of the buildings

Role of Low Environmental Temperature in Peptic Ulcer Development

Peptic ulcers are described as acid-induced lesions found in the stomach and duodenum caused by the imbalance between the defending factors of the mucosa and the attacking factors such as hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, with Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs. They exhibit seasonal patterns in their occurrence, with higher occurrence in winter and spring and a low occurrence in summer. Temperature plays a major role in their occurrence, some of which have resulted in increased morbidity in some number of diseases, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, caused by an increase in air pressure, dry air (relative humidity) occurring from cold air, and also its actions on the protective effect helicobacter pylori in the human body. Their actions excite the adrenal gland marrow and the sympathetic nerve, causing rapid secretion of adrenaline and non-adrenaline, angiotensin II and endothelin, resulting in damage to the mucosa epithelial, caused by the contraction effect of the adrenal agents on the duodenal mucosa and blood vessel. It causes low expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 70, Occludin, Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), in the gastric mucosa, in extremely cold temperature than those in extremely hot temperature, increasing the gastric acid secretion in extremely cold temperature than in extremely hot temperature. Therefore, this review aims to give general insight into the role of low temperature in peptic ulcer development and further consideration in the treatment of peptic ulcer diseases

Assessment of Residential Satisfaction for Sustainability in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Housing Estates in Lagos State, Nigeria

Approaches towards public housing has been noted as Government-sponsored over time, the government have been accorded the responsibility of provision of safe, secure, sanitary, accessible and affordable housing for its citizens, both for low, medium and high incomes. Also in the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 11; which seeks to make towns, cities and settlements an inclusive habitation that is safe, resilient and sustainable for all categories of people by the year 2030. However, due to various limiting factors, the government have run short of meeting this expectation and in order to bridge this gap, it has brought about the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) schemes to meeting mass housing provision. However, the success of Public-Private Partnership is dependent on certain socio-economic variations. This study assessed the residential satisfaction amongst residents of selected two public-private partnership housing estates in Lagos State, Nigeria. With a view to understanding the performance of the estates in meeting residents housing needs. This is done by identify the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of residents, examining the physical characteristics of housing units in the PPP housing estates and identifying the factors that influence occupants’ satisfaction with the PPP housing estates.The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and categorical regression analysis. The result showed that the housing situations are generally satisfactory to the residents. The residents were mostly satisfied with their housing unit features, followed by their neighborhood environment and least satisfied with the maintenance practices. The study revealed that the residents socio-economic characteristic and demographic is the most significantly predictor to the residents level of satisfaction. The study concluded that satisfaction derived by residents of the PPP housing estates studied can be improved by provision of better housing maintenance practices and effective infrastructures and services. Key words: Residential Satisfaction, Sustainable development, Public-Private Partnerships, Housing Estates, Lagos State