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A substantial global health burden is associated with neurotoxicity caused by lead (Pb) exposure and the common mechanism of this toxicity is mainly via oxidative damage. Curcumin has remarkable pharmacological activities but remains clinically constrained due to its poor bioavailability when orally administered. Currently, cockle shell‐derived calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CSCaCO3NP) is gaining more acceptance in nanomedicine as a nanocarrier to various therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of curcumin‐loaded CSCaCO3NP (Cur‐CSCaCO3NP) on lead‐induced neurotoxicity in rats. A total of 36 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Each group consists of 6 rats apart from the control group which consists of 12 rats. During the 4 weeks induction phase, all rats received a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead while the control group received normal saline. The treatment phase lasted for 4 weeks, and all rats received various doses of treatments as follows: group C (Cur 100) received 100 mg/kg of curcumin, group D (Cur‐CSCaCO3NP 50) received 50 mg/kg of Cur‐CSCaCO3NP, and group E (Cur‐CSCaCO3NP 100) received 100 mg/kg of Cur‐CSCaCO3NP. The motor function test was carried out using the horizontal bar method. The cerebral and cerebellar oxidative biomarker levels were estimated using ELISA and enzyme assay kits. Lead‐administered rats revealed a significant decrease in motor scores and SOD activities with a resultant increase in MDA levels. Furthermore, marked cellular death of the cerebral and cerebellar cortex was observed. Conversely, treatment with Cur‐CSCaCO3NP demonstrated enhanced ameliorative effects when compared with free curcumin treatment by significantly reversing the aforementioned alterations caused by lead. Thus, CSCaCO3NP enhanced the efficacy of curcumin by ameliorating the lead‐induced neurotoxicity via enhanced attenuation of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant quantities of oceanic waste oyster shells and drinking water treatment plant sludge (alumina sludge) raise serious issues on eco-toxicology and environmental protection. In order to manipulate these issues, the present research work investigates the valorisation capability of the mentioned waste materials as raw meal substitutes for Portland clinker production. The clinkers and their respective cements thus obtained have been structurally characterised by various structural analysis techniques including, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Structural analysis results reveal that the replacement of clinker raw materials by waste oyster shells and alumina sludge positively influences the morphology of the formed clinker/cement. In addition, the development of compressive strength of this waste-based cement has been found similar to that of standard Portland cement (type 52.5N) which justifies its commercialisation potential. A detailed account of the interpretations of invaluable physico-chemical parameters regarding the clinker/cement along with the prospective applications of the present study is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is bedeviled by myriads of socio-economic and politico-security problems. These crises have been the crux of much debate, with the pendulum swinging from both internal to external handlings of the country's interests. However, the debate about the impact of these problems on the country's image climate is still ongoing. Thus, this paper provides a succinct picture of Nigeria's image in the Fourth Republic by identifying the salient motivations for Nigeria's 'falling' image and underscores the efficacy of government efforts to redeem it. The study applies a qualitative research method. After a critical review of data collected mainly from secondary sources, the study discovers leadership failure with an incongruous modernism to the followership's behavioural attitudes, and overwhelming rate of corruption as the major manifesting factors that are dampening Nigeria's image. It argues that the instrumentality of implementation of government's efforts is in a state of vacillation. The paper concludes that there is need to build a symbiotic relationship between the Nigerian political leaders and followers (citizens) upon the infallible foundations of trust, integrity, patriotism and unyielding spirit of nationalism, with the aim of establishing strong structures and viable institutions. This requires the culture and paraphernalia of good governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]