Natural Radionuclide Concentrations and Associated Doses Around Three Dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria

Monitoring of environmental radiation helps to ascertain healthy vicinity which is a catalyst to the economic development of the area. Activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides in three (3) dumpsites in Lagos State, Olusosun Landfill, Ojota, Ilupeju dumpsite and, Gbagada dumpsite Lagos state, Nigeria were investigated using gamma-ray spectroscopy to obtain the level of radioactive exposure hazards experienced by people living in these vicinities. A total of thirty soil samples were randomly collected into a polythene bag. They were oven-dried at 110°C, pulverized, and sieved. Quantities of the samples (400 g) were sealed in cylindrical sample holders and kept for about 28 days to attain secular equilibrium between 226Ra and its decay products before analysis using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentration obtained for 40K, 238U, and 234Th at, Ilupeju, Gbagada, and Ojota were 339.23±33.66, 11.83±19.174, 11.95±22.752 Bq/kg, 337.56 ± 36.22, 11.49±22.14, 11.54 ± 19.33 Bq/kg and 334.87±32.44, 11.42±22.39, 11.56±18.52 Bq/kg respectively. The mean absorbed dose nGy/h, annual effective dose mSv/y were calculated and their results were found to be below the global values. The results indicate that the radiation level within the dumpsites poses no significant health risk to the people living close to the dumpsites.

Climatic Bases and Analysis of Proposed Cloud Attenuation Model for Satellite Links Application

Consistently required lager bandwidth at lower cost induce increases in magnitude of transmission frequency for satellite signal. This is phenomenally accompanied by proportional hydrometeors attenuation. Hence, there is need to evaluate cloud attenuation impact in every climatic region periodically. This report is one of the outcomes of experimental communication research carried out at tropical Ota (6.7oN, 3.23oE) station, southwest, Nigeria. The station spectrum analyzer measures its received beacons total attenuation at 12.245 GHz and elevation angle 59.9o to Astra satellites located at 28.2oE. Daily maximum, minimum and mean temperatures; rain amount, wind speed and direction as well as time of occurrence of each of these weather parameters were also measured. Then the radiometric data including acquired radiosonde data were analysed under rainy and non-rainy conditions, to obtain cloud attenuation contribution from the total attenuation measured per minute. The various data used range in measurement periods between four and fifty-eight years. The outputs were used to compute the station cumulative distributions for the existing cloud models and for the integrated station’s data. Statistical analysis comparing the two cumulative distributions show a high difference between the measured data and existing models’ predicted values. Hence a cloud attenuation computation algorithm and its simulation program were developed and used to derive a new tropical cloud attenuation model. The results of climatic data and analysis were used to justify the well corroborated new cloud attenuation model.

Antioxidant and Esterases Profiling of diabetes-induced rat and tissues compartmentalisation.

Enormous complications associated with diabetes contribute to the therapeutic challenge confronting most of the world, including developing countries. This study was carried out to investigate diabetes mellitus on esterases and antioxidant enzymes in different tissues compartments of rats. Animals were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. The experimental group was confirmed diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin injection (STZ, freshly dissolved in citrate buffer, pH 4.5, 50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. In contrast, the control group was injected with citrate buffer only. Blood glucose and weight of the animals were monitored for 7 days. Blood, liver and brain were removed, and biochemical parameters determined spectrophotometrically. Diabetes produced various degrees of alterations in antioxidant defence mechanism and esterases activities that are compartment specific. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited to various extents. While AChE was inhibited to the tune of 39% in plasma, 33% in the brain and 30% in the liver, activation of the activity was observed in the red blood cell (RBC). The same trend of significant (p < 0.001) inhibition was observed with arylesterase in the plasma, brain and liver, and activation in the RBC. Diabetes induced significant (p<0.001) inhibition in catalase, Glutathione-S-transferase, and Superoxide dismutase in the brain and liver, respectively, compared to control more than the other compartments. However, activation was also observed in the RBC of these enzymes except for catalase and nitric oxide. In conclusion, distinct compartments effects of diabetes observed in this study could suggest a new approach for effective and safer therapeutics.

Heavy Metals Concentration In Underground Water And Its Environmental Health Effects: A Case Study Of Solous Dumpsite, Igando, Lagos

Introduction: Contaminated water is linked to diseases worldwide. Aims: To investigate the heavy metals concentration in underground water around the Solous dumpsite in Igando Lagos State, Nigeria and its effect on human. Materials and Methods: water samples from 12 different locations within a distance range of 0.07 - 0.72 km was collected. And a structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents to find out their perceptions about the dumpsite environment and ill-health effect of their drinking water. The physicochemical parameters was measured and heavy metals concentration of the water samples were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results: The water samples from the 12 sites contains heavy metals concentrations: Lead (Pb) (0.08-1.20mg/L), Cadmium (Cd) (0.03-0.08mg/L), Iron (Fe) (1.4-12.3mg/L), Nickel (Ni) (0.08-0.19mg/L), Zinc (Zn) (0.05-0.13mg/L) and Manganese (Mn) (0.01-0.04mg/L) respectively. It was revealed that age, educational qualification and year of living in the community of the respondents explain a significant amount of the variance in the value of the perception of the respondents on effect of heavy metal contamination. The result shows that over 75% of the respondents was not sure of any prior ailment linked to any heavy metal contamination affecting anyone among them. Conclusion: all water samples collected were contaminated by heavy metals and respondents using this water are ignorant of the danger. Thus, there is a need for proper provision of safe alternative water supply to the dumpsite community for domestic use and awareness on environmental heavy metal toxicity from drinking water to avert global health challenges.

Modulation of the Complement system by Zingiberacea Aframomum Melegueta in mice-induced Schizophrenia

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder among nationalities of the world, which has a substantial social and economic effect. Scientific therapeutic drugs have proved abortive due to adverse effects. Aim: The study investigated the repression of the complement system by aqueous extract of alligator pepper on schizophrenia. Methods: Male mice were induced with schizophrenia using ketamine and dexamethasone; the mice were treated with aqueous extract of alligator pepper (200mg/ml and 400mg/ml) respectively for ten days. After which their brain was removed, and analysed for dopamine. Blood samples was collected from the animal and plasma was used to determine the level of complement component (3 and 4), and C-reactive protein spectrophotometrically. Phytochemical content of the aqueous extract was also done spectrophotometrically, and characterization was confirmed using FTIR. Result: The alligator plant extract constituent includes flavonoids, tannins, saponin, steroids, phlabotannis, terpenoids, and cardiac glycoside. With a tannins having a concentration of 1292.6 µg/ml and 726.8µg/ml, phenol had a concentration of 221.7 µg/ml and 94.2 µg/ml and flavonoids had a concentration of 105.3 µg/ml and 100.0 µg/ml at 200mg/ml and 400mg/ml plant concentration respectively. The alligator pepper reversed the effect of ketamine and dexamethasone induced schizophrenia by decreasing the level of C-reactive protein , complement component (3 and 4) and dopamine significantly (<0.0001) in a dose dependent manner, in all the groups compared to the control. Conclusion: The high phenolic and flavonoids content in alligator pepper may be responsible for the antipsychotic property of alligator pepper. Thus, probable natural therapy for schizophrenia.

Biodegradation of Escravos light crude oil by three indigenous bacteria, isolated from mechanic workshop in Lagos State Nigeria

Introduction: Petroleum hydrocarbons can be degraded by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and microalgae. However, bacteria play an imperative role in hydrocarbon degradation. Microorganisms are endowed with metabolism machinery to use petroleum products as a carbon and energy source Aims: The aim of the study is to isolate hydrocarbon degrading bacteria from hydrocarbon polluted site (mechanic workshops) in Lagos state. Materials and Methods: The physical, chemical and microbiological properties of the three soil sample were analyzed using standard procedure. Hydrocarbon degraders were isolated on 1% crude oil mineral salt medium via enrichment technique. The best hydrocarbon degrader were identified on the basis of their colonial morphology, biochemical characteristics and complemented with analytical profile index (API) kit. Hydrocarbon degradation were monitored using total viable count and residual oil was determined by Gas Chromatography equipped with Flame Ionized detector (GC-FID). Results: Alkaline pH were observed for all three soil samples, the total nitrogen detected were 0.07, 0.04 and 0.1. The total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) estimated were 3 x 1010, 6.5 x 109 and 1.7 x 1010 cfu/ml while the total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria estimated via vapour phase were 1.89 x 106 , 4x104 and 9.62 x 107 cfu/ml for Ikeja, Iyana-Iba and Mushin sample. The organisms had a generation time of 5.56, 9.09 and 10.9 (d), the degradation half-life were 3.85, 6.3 and 7.5 (d) respectively. Over 60% hydrocarbon degradation were determined within 10 days for all three isolates. The Gc-fid prints shows reduction in peak area of various hydrocarbon fractions with a decrease in pH of the medium. Conclusion: The study showed that hydrocarbon degraders are ubiquitously distributed in the hydrocarbon polluted soil sample. Their degradation potential can be optimized so as curtail the adverse effect of petroleum in the environment

FOSIC2020: Science and Technology in Combating Current and Future Global Challenges (LASU Virtual Conference, 2- 4 December 2020)

The Lagos State University 7th bi-annual Faculty of Science International Conference 2020 tagged LASU FOSIC2020 was held virtually from 2nd-4th December, 2020. The theme of the conference was Science and Technology in combating current and future global challenges. To justify the theme, different sub-themes were combined cutting across biological/medical, chemical and physical sciences including: global ecology and challenges of combating infectious human and zoonotic diseases, emerging perspectives on epidemiology of infectious diseases, post COVID-19 effects on fisheries and aquaculture, molecular approaches in curtailing the scourge of diseases, chemistry of natural resources for sustainable product development, medicinal plants as antidotes, dynamical system analysis, modelling and optimization, artificial intelligence in the 4th industrial revolution, and demystifying 5G technology: the role of physics in tackling global health challenges. This summary therefore presents some of the observations raised at the conference. Topical models and practical strategies at flattening the curve of COVID-19 pandemic in African most populous city, Lagos was presented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, while Director General of the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research delivered the keynote address followed by the special guest speaker from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General hospital, USA amongst others. To the best of our knowledge, FOSIC2020 was the first free and 100% virtual international conference organised by any Nigerian University to date. Overall, a total of 130 papers were presented by researchers out of the 334 registered participants representing 36 institutions from 14 countries across the world. FOSIC2020 was declared closed with a free technical workshop focusing on V2V global partnership from vulnerability to viability project by the team leaders from the University of Waterloo Canada and Lagos State University with members of panel as postgraduate students across different countries. Free electronics book of abstracts and certificates were given to all the participants.

Heavy-metals accumulation in five demersal marine species from Nigerian coastal waters (Eastern Central Atlantic, FAO Area 34)

The study was conducted on heavy-metals accumulation in five demersal marine species from the Nigerian coastal water (FAO, Area 34) to ascertain the bio-integrity and safety of the Sea foods for export. Five hundred and six (506) specimens (Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus notialis, Portunus validus and Cynoglossus browni). were sampled from 32 fishing trawlers owned by a reputable private company and assessed fresh for biological (morphometric data) and heavy metals analysis (In-vivo) using 210 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Study revealed the Mean weight (Mean±SD) of P. atlantica, P. monodon, P. notialis, P. validus and C. browni were: 9.42 ±0.26, 96.79 ± 2.38, 26.82 ± 1.34, 284.09 ± 7.34 and 411.09 ± 15.27g respectively. Heavy-metal accumulated in the muscles (mg/kg) showed Lead (Pb): 0.15 ± 0.05 for P. atlantica; 0.12 ± 0.06 for P. monodon; 0.15 ± 0.02 for P. notialis; 0.14 ± 0.07 for C. browni; and 0.14 ± 0.08 for P. validus. Iron (Fe) revealed: 2.7 ±0.07, 2.26 ± 0.06, 2.32 ± 0.08, 2.43 ± 0.12, and 2.42 ± 0.09 respectively. Zinc (Zn) also showed: 8.68 ± 0.12, 8.97 ± 0.14, 9.13 ± 0.12, 8.99 ± 0.11 and 8.86 ± 0.08 respectively. Zn and Fe value for P. atlantica were above acceptable limit by FAO/WHO standard. The decreasing order of mean concentrations was Zn>Fe>Pb. Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) had values of <0.01 for all the species. This report concludes that Mercury (Hg) was not detected throughout the study for all the species. But the detection of lead, iron and zinc in the muscles of species under study cast grey light on the integrity and safety of the fish species and thus relevant agencies are required to respond to reduce this trend for the safety of humans.

CHARACTERIZATION OF PARTIALLY PURIFIED CYSTEINE PROTEASE INHIBITOR FROM THE FRUITS AND SEEDS OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA)

Introduction: Soursop (Annona muricataLinn) is an edible lowland tropical fruit-bearing tree that is widely cultivated across regions of the world. It has been extensively researched as a result of its store of acetogenin; a potent anticancer agent. However, there is a dearth of information on the precise mechanism of action of acetogenin; thereby subjecting it to rigorous scrutiny. It is therefore imperative to investigate this plant in the hope of discovering a different class of anticancer agent inherent in it. Various studies have demonstrated that cysteine protease inhibitors (CPIs) have considerable therapeutic potential which can be utilized in a variety of disease states including cancer. Aim: Study was designed to isolate, purify and characterize CPI from the fruits and seeds of Soursop. Method: Isolation and purification of CPI was achieved by simple methods consisting of ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Mode of inhibition, optimum pH and temperature, as well as the effect of metals on the enzyme activity were determined using spectrophotometry. Result: The purified CPI from seeds and fruits exhibited competitive and noncompetitive inhibition against papain respectively. However, maximal inhibitory activities for both fruit and seed samples were observed at similar optimal pH and temperature of 8 and 40°C respectively. Although, metal cations such as cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+) and zinc (Zn2+) did not effect a considerable decrease on the inhibitory activity of the CPI; Lead (Pb2+), Magnesium (Mg2+) and manganese (Mn2+) significantly inhibited CPI at a very low concentration (1mM). Conclusion: The antagonistic properties exhibited by the purified CPI certainly indicate its likely suitability for pharmaceutical application in the treatment of some pathological conditions such as cancer in which uncontrolled proteolytic activities of cysteine proteases are implicated. There is an ample scope for further research on structure elucidation and protein engineering to facilitate its usage in wide range of application.