Programme: BIochemistry

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://itsupport.cu.edu.ng:4000/handle/123456789/28779

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    EVALUATION OF AFROCENTRIC ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS FOR THE DESIGN OF OYO STATE CULTURAL CENTRE IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) OMOTAYO, Jeremiah John; Covenant University Dissertation
    This study examined the integration of Afrocentric architectural elements for the design of a cultural centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to examine how the traditional elements can be incorporated to enhance cultural identity while aligning with modern architectural standards and building regulations. The study objectives include: evaluating the adequacy of Nigerian building regulations in supporting Afrocentric architectural integration; assessing the extent to which Afrocentric elements are implemented in selected cultural centres; analysing user satisfaction with Afrocentric architectural elements in the selected cultural centre; and developing a design framework that integrates Afrocentric design elements into an architectural design proposal of a cultural centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology employing literature review, site observation, and structured interview to collect data. Six domestic and international cultural centres were investigated of the study, they include: Oyo State Cultural Centre, New Culture Studios, Terra Kulture, Franco- Sénégalaise Cultural Centre, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the African Cultural Heritage Centre. Observational data was collected through documenting Afrocentric motifs, materials, spatial layouts, and user interactions. Structured interviews with nine staff and visitors at the domestic cultural centres provided insights into user perceptions and experiences. The literature review drew from relevant texts and policies, including the National Building Code (2006) and Oyo State Building Regulations (2019). Content analysis was employed to systematically evaluate the observational data collected from site visits. Thematic analysis was used to interpret interview responses, while regulatory texts were content analysed to assess their provisions for Afrocentric architecture. Textual analysis was employed to examine the data from the literature review. Findings were presented through narratives, tables, drawings, photos, 3-dimentional animations and a physical model. Results reveal that the National Building Code lacks Afrocentric specificity, while Oyo State regulations offer limited cultural guidance. Afrocentric elements were partially implemented across selected cultural centres, with users expressing high satisfaction and noting enhanced experiences. Findings from the research inform an architectural design proposal demonstrating how Afrocentric elements can be effectively integrated into a cultural centre. The study contributes to the discourse on culturally responsive architecture, aiming to preserve Yoruba heritage while promoting aesthetic and functional excellence in contemporary design.
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    GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN ERCC6 AND CYP17A1 AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH VITAMIN-D LEVELS IN NIGERIAN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) AMADI, EMMANUEL CHIMUEBUKA; Covenant University Dissertation
    Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes the principal cause of cancer-related deaths among males over 40 in Africa, especially in Nigeria. By 2030, 10.8% of males may develop PCa before 75. The aggressiveness of PCa in Blacks versus Caucasians is not well understood. Mutations in tumour-specific genes like Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 6 (ERCC6) and Cytochrome P450 Family 17 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP17A1) may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. ERCC6, involved in DNA repair, and CYP17A1, key in androgen production, are linked to PCa progression. This study assessed ERCC6 rs2228528 and CYP17A1 rs4919686 polymorphisms and their relation to vitamin D (VD) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency is linked with increased prostate cancer (PCa) mortality and influences energy metabolism in normal prostate cells. The Androgen Receptor (AR) regulates vital genes in prostate cancer development and is more common in Black populations. Exploring ERCC6 and CYP17A1 in relation to VD and AR could improve PCa diagnosis. This study evaluated the association between ERCC6 rs2228528 (C > T) and CYP17A1 rs4919686 (A > C) polymorphisms, located in ERCC6 exon 11 and the CYP17A1 promoter, respectively, vis-à-vis VD and AR levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Genotyping employed real-time PCR with TaqMan assays, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure VD and AR levels. The data was then analysed using Excel, SPSS, and R. Results revealed a higher presence of ERCC6 rs2228528 wildtype genotypes in cases (37%) compared to controls (30%) and a lower presence of CYP17A1 rs4919686 wildtype genotypes in cases (46%) versus controls (48%). No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between these polymorphisms. Nevertheless, rs2228528 shows promise as a PCa biomarker. VD levels were higher in cases (52.49 ng/mL) than in control (47.93 ng/mL), while difference in androgen levels were not significant (p > 0.05). Lastly, ERCC6 polymorphism, but not CYP17A1, shows potential as a possible biomarker for PCa. Larger studies are needed for definitive conclusions.