Optimization of the acetic acid method for microfossil extraction from lithified carbonate rocks: Examples from the Jurassic and Miocene limestones of Saudi Arabia.

An optimization experiment with different acid concentrations was carried out to assess the use of acid to minimum sustainable limits for the extraction of microfossils from indurated limestones. Two different limestone formations of Jurassic and Miocene ages were tested. Different concentrations of acid ranging from 50 to 100% and processing times varying from 2 to 10 h were tested for optimal recoveries. The acid residue recoveries show a similar trend for both formations. The weight percentage of residue with particle size >1 mm decreased as the acid concentration increased, especially in the 50-80% acid concentration range. On the other hand, the weight percentage of the smallest size particles > 0.063 mm increased as acid concentration increased. This means that the higher concentrations of acid dissolve more of the unnecessary large particles while the foraminifera, which comprise the sand fraction size, are left in the residue. Although higher acid concentrations with longer reaction times yielded better recoveries than with less reaction time, we recommended a 60% concentration of acetic acid and a reaction time of 10 h for optimal recovery of micropaleontological samples in Saudi Arabian carbonate rocks. By lowering the recommended concentration, the consumption of acid is reduced without compromising the recovery of microfossils.•Acetic acid leaching method is applied on two different age limestone samples to extract foraminifera.•Different concentrations of acetic acid are tried and tested, and consensus is made on an optimum concentration of 60% for a submersion time of 10 h.•The sample recoveries are optimal while using this concentration for a time of 10 h.

Cardiovascular risk factors and renal impairment among young adults in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Specific research is sparse on renal dysfunction among homogenous group of young adults. This study estimated the prevalence of renal dysfunction among apparently healthy young adults and determine association (if any) between renal dysfunction and some cardiovascular risk factors. Methodology:Undergraduates (18-37 years) of a tertiary institution were studied on 2017 World Kidney Day. Their biodata, blood pressure, anthropometry, total cholesterol and estimated glomerular filtration rate were determined. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results:A total of 640 students were studied (M:F=1:3.8). Their mean age was 23.1±2.8 years. Thirty-three(5.2%) participants had renal dysfunction (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2). The mean age of subjects with renaldysfunction (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2) was significantly higher with an inverse association to renal function (p = 0.005). Two hundred and fifty-seven(40.2%) and 58 (9.1%) participants were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive respectively; overweight, abdominal obesity and hypercholesterolaemia were found among 12.2%, 14.2% and 8.1% of subjects respectively. The mean body mass index (p = 0.009) and serum total cholesterol (p = 0.003) were significantly higher among females. There was a higher prevalence of renal dysfunction among females even though this was not to the significant level (5.9 v 2.2%, p = 0.12). Conclusions:The prevalence of renal dysfunction among young adults is lower than current global estimates. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors for CKD were lower than that of older adults with no significant association to renal dysfunction. Increasing age was found to be significantly associated with reduced renal function.

Metabolic Syndrome and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in a Population Of Market Women in a Semi-Urban Town, South-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a non-communicable disease of global significance. The presence of MS denotes increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The global prevalence of MS is on the increase because of lifestyle changes like consumption of high calorie, low fibre foods coupled with reduced physical activity OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of MS and its components and to estimate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in a population of market women. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study among female traders in a market in South-western Nigeria. MS was determined using the harmonized NCEP-ATPIII and IDF criteria. The ASCVD risk estimator by the American College of Cardiologists and American Heart Association was used to assess ASCVD risk. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine female traders aged 23 to 80 years with a mean age of 52.8±13.2 years were involved in the study. Overweight and obesity were seen in 61 (36.5%) and 57 (34.1%) participants respectively. Prevalence of MS was 34.9% and the most frequent components of MS were hypertension (62.1%), low HDL-cholesterol (53.8%) and elevated serum triglycerides (18.3%). MS was associated with increasing age (p= 0.010) and BMI (p= 0.009). Significant 10-year ASCVD risk was found in 63 (52.1%) out of 121 participants eligible for ASCVD risk estimation. Significant 10-year ASCVD risk was found in 33(67%) out of 59 participants with MS. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated significant risk for cardiovascular disease in a population of market women. A more active lifestyle, appropriate diet and treatment of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia should be encouraged.

Study of association between sickle cell trait and renal dysfunction among young adults in South-west Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Although sickle cell disease has become a recognized etiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the sickle cell trait (SCT) variant was until recently believed to be a benign carrier state with little or no effect on the health of affected individuals. However, recent studies now appear to suggest an association between SCT and CKD. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to determine the association between SCT (hemoglobin AS) and renal dysfunction among young Nigerian adults. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study among apparently healthy undergraduates of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, southwest Nigeria. Their hemoglobin genotypes were determined using standard alkaline electrophoresis; their blood pressure, anthropometry, serum total cholesterol (TC), creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined. Data analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20 were significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Six hundred and two subjects with HbAS (SCT, n = 465) and HbAA (non-SCT, n = 137) were studied. Their age range was 18-30 years with male-to-female ratio 1:3.8. There was no difference in the prevalence of renal dysfunction between SCT and non-SCT subjects (5.1% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.591). There was no increased risk of CKD among subjects with SCT (PR, 0.99 at 95% CI [0.417-2.348]). CONCLUSION: SCT was not associated with increased risk of renal dysfunction among young adults in Nigeria. Further studies are needed to clarify the controversy, especially in Nigeria, with a relatively higher prevalence of SCT.