Determination of radiological hazard indices from surface soil to individuals in Angwan Kawo Gold Mining Sites, Niger state, Nigeria

The determination of radiological health hazard indices from soil samples has been carried out to assess the environmental impact assessment of gold mining activities in Angwan Kawo community in Niger state, Nigeria using NaI (TI) gamma ray spectroscopy. The radionuclide concentrations were determined using the sodium iodide [NaI (TI)] detector with a low background configuration. The results obtained show that the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K ranged from (20.43±0.04 to 86.45±3.83) (Bq/kg), (19.79±0.83 to 69.80±2.60) (Bq/kg) and (52.63±1.07 to 714.32±16.25) (Bq/kg) at the goldmine and (30.54±0.48 to 82.39±5.83) (Bq/kg), (54.63±0.83 to 114.92±2.91) (Bq/kg) and (290.74±7.08 to 600.44±16.24) (Bq/kg) at the processing zone, respectively. The results obtained were compared with the world mean values of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg, for 226Ra, 232Th and 40k, respectively. To assess the radiological hazard of the gold mining site the radiological hazard indices i.e., absorbed dose (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin) and gamma representative index (I) were calculated and found to be below the internationally recommended values. Based on this study finding, for the purpose of protection of mine workers and the public it is highly recommended that these sites should be regularly monitored and controlled in order to avoid any radiological impact to the population.Keywords: Gamma spectrometry, Gold mine, Processing zone, Hazard inde

The effect of pyridoxine supplementation on quality of life of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Objective: Pyridoxine, is essential in the metabolism of many classes of food, we aimed at determining the effect of its supplementation on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).Methods: This study compared the (QoL) and haematological parameters of CLL patients before and after the administration of pyridoxine. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 19.Results: There was improvement in the QoL of the patients after pyridoxine supplementation; Majority of the parameters that make up the physical functional scales was significantly higher after pyridoxine supplementation. There were also significant improvements in insomnia, appetite loss and constipation after pyridoxine supplementation.Conclusion: Pyridoxine supplementation in patients with CLL marginally improved quality of life.Keywords: Pyridoxine, Supplementation, Quality of life, Leukaemia, CL