Characterization of Thiosulphate: Cyanide sulphur transferase from the gut and body segments of Earthworm Hyperiodrilus africanus

Cyanide compounds that are by products of industrial activities are known to pose serious environmental pollution. The use of these cyanide compounds by the mining industry, along with limitations in the analysis and monitoring of these compounds, raises serious concerns regarding environmental protection and public safety. Hyperiodrilus africanus (earthworm) is directly employed within bioremediation strategies to promote biodegradation of organic contaminants and thus could be employed to rejuvenate cyanide contaminated soils. Cyanides detoxification could also prevent the risk of cyanide poisoning in poultry animals by converting cyanides in forages to a less toxic compound. This work is designed to extract and characterize rhodanese (thiosulphate: cyanide sulphur transferase, (EC 2.8.1.1) from the gut and body segments of H. africanus collected from the swampy area along Uren bank river in Ikenne community of Ogun State, Nigeria. Our results show total rhodanese activities of 1434.50 RU and 2274.28 RU and specific activities of 108.01 RUmg-1 and 83.1901 RUmg-1 in the gut and body segments of H. africanus respectively. The optimum temperature of 25 \u2daC and optimum pH of 10.5 were obtained for both the gut and body segments enzymes. The enzyme obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the kinetic constants, Km and Vmax in the gut segment were 33.33 mM and 62.50 RU/ml for KCN substrate and 22.22 mM and 41.67 RU/ml for Na2S2O3 substrates. In the body segment, the Km and Vmax were 33.33 mM and 83.33 RU/ml; 15.38 mM and 4.00 RU/ml for the KCN and Na2S2O3 substrates respectively. Hence, we conclude that the enzyme is more specific for Na2S2O3 than KCN as substrates, though maximum activity was observed in the body segment for KCN substrate. Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, K+, Na+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ metal ion salts activated the body segment rhodanese at 1 mM and 5 mM concentrations while they have no effect on the gut segment rhodanese from earthworm. On the basis of these findings we conclude that earthworm could detoxify cyanide-containing wastes/forages and therefore promote biodegradation

Testicular tuberculosis presenting with metastatic intracranial tuberculomas only: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Intracranial tuberculomas are a rare complication of tuberculosis occurring through hematogenous spread from an extracranial source, most often of pulmonary origin. Testicular tuberculosis with only intracranial spread is an even rarer finding and to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. Clinical suspicion or recognition and prompt diagnosis are important because early treatment can prevent patient deterioration and lead to clinical improvement.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 51-year-old African man with testicular tuberculosis and multiple intracranial tuberculomas who was initially managed for testicular cancer with intracranial metastasis. He had undergone left radical orchidectomy, but subsequently developed hemiparesis and lost consciousness. Following histopathological confirmation of the postoperative sample as chronic granulomatous infection due to tuberculosis, he sustained significant clinical improvement with antituberculous therapy, recovered fully and was discharged at two weeks post-treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The clinical presentation of intracranial tuberculomas from an extracranial source is protean, and delayed diagnosis could have devastating consequences. The need to have a high index of suspicion is important, since neuroimaging features may not be pathognomonic.</p

Identification of hypoxanthine as a urine marker for non-Hodgkin lymphoma by low-mass-ion profiling

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a hematologic malignancy for which good diagnostic markers are lacking. Despite continued improvement in our understanding of NHL, efforts to identify diagnostic markers have yielded dismal results. Here, we translated low-mass-ion information in urine samples from patients with NHL into a diagnostic marker.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To minimize experimental error, we tested variable parameters before MALDI-TOF analysis of low-mass ions in urine. Urine from 30 controls and 30 NHL patients was analyzed as a training set for NHL prediction. All individual peak areas were normalized to total area up to 1000 m/z. The training set analysis was repeated four times. Low-mass peaks that were not affected by changes in experimental conditions were collected using MarkerView™ software. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) searches and ESI LC-MS/MS analyses were used to identify low-mass ions that exhibited differential patterns in control and NHL urines. Identified low-mass ions were validated in a blinded fashion in 95 controls and 66 NHL urines to determine their ability to discriminate NHL patients from controls.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The 30 highest-ranking low-mass-ion peaks were selected from the 60-urine training set, and three low-mass-ion peaks with high intensity were selected for identification. Of these, a 137.08-m/z ion showed lower mass-peak intensity in urines of NHL patients, a result that was validated in a 161-urine blind validation set (95 controls and 66 NHL urines). The 130.08-m/z ion was identified from HMDB searches and ESI LC-MS/MS analyses as hypoxanthine (HX). The HX concentration in urines of NHL patients was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and was correlated with the mass-peak area of the 137.08-m/z ion. At an HX concentration cutoff of 17.4 μM, sensitivity and specificity were 79.2% and 78.4%, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The present study represents a good example of low-mass-ion profiling in the setting of disease screening using urine. This technique can be a powerful non-invasive diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity for NHL screening. Furthermore, HX identified in the study may be a useful single urine marker for NHL screening.</p

Abdominal ultrasonography in HIV/AIDS patients in southwestern Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Though the major target of the HIV-virus is the immune system, the frequency of abdominal disorders in HIV/AIDS patients has been reported to be second only to pulmonary disease. These abdominal manifestations may be on the increase as the use of antiretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. Ultrasonography is an easy to perform, non invasive, inexpensive and safe imaging technique that is invaluable in Africa where AIDS is most prevalent and where sophisticated diagnostic tools are not readily available. Purpose: To describe the findings and evaluate the clinical utility of abdominal ultrasonography in HIV/AIDS patients in Ibadan, Nigeria</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A Prospective evaluation of the abdominal ultrasonography of 391 HIV-positive patients as well as 391 age and sex-matched HIV-negative patients were carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 391 cases studied, 260 (66.5%) were females; the mean age was 38.02 years, (range 15–66 years). The disease was most prevalent in the 4th decade with an incidence of 40.4%. Compared with the HIV-negative individuals, the HIV+ group of patients had a significantly higher proportion of splenomegaly (13.5% vs. 7.7%; p < 0.01), lymphadenopathy (2.0% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.70), and renal abnormalities (8.4% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.02). There were no differences in hepatic and pancreatic abnormalities between the HIV+ and HIV- groups. There were significantly fewer gallstones in the HIV+ group (1.4% vs. 5.1%; p < 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>AIDS is a multi-systemic disease and its demographic and clinical pattern remains the same globally. Ultrasonography is optimally suited for its clinical management especially in Africa. Its accuracy and sensitivity may be much improved with clinico-pathologic correlation which may not be readily available in developing countries; further studies may provide this much needed diagnostic algorithms.</p

Septic Arthritis of The Hip Joint presenting as Acute Abdomen

Septic arthritis of the hip joint in two children, originally thought to be cases of acute abdomen is presented. In one case, the discovery of extra-peritoneal purulent fluid at surgery, obviated the need for laparotomy and in the other, the true nature of the disease became apparent one week after laparotomy. These cases illustrate the maxim that any painful movement of the hip joint with associated unexplained fever should raise suspicion of septic arthritis. The close relationship of the hip joint to the pelvis sometimes confuses hip diseases with pelvic pathologies. Key Words: Septic arthritis, acute abdomen, pathological dislocation Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 2003; 30: 67-70

Diagnostic mammography in women in Ibadan: common indications and findings

IntroductionThe accuracy and sensitivity of mammographyhas beenestablished indeveloped countries making its use a significant success but there is limited knowledge about this imaging modality in low resource settings. This study aimed at demonstrating the common indications for diagnostic mammography in our environment and the associated findings.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective descriptive study of 520patients who presented for diagnostic mammography over a 5 year period(2008-2013) in the Radiology department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Data was extracted from departmental recordsof women who presented for diagnostic mammograms between the stipulated periods and from their mammographic reports. The mammographic findings wereclassified using the ACR BIRADS American College of Radiology Breast Imaging and reporting data System; and assignedto a final BIRADS category.Data was entered into SPSS version 20.0, edited and analysis carried out. Results are presented with frequency tables.ResultsA total of 520 women with age ranging between 40 to 69 years presented for diagnostic mammograms. The most common complaints were pain in318 (61.2%) and lumps in 164 (31.5%).The majority of women who complained of breast pain had normal mammograms 238(74.8%) however, lumps were found in 48(15.1%) women. Benign masses(final BI-RADS 2) accounted for 42(13.2%; while 6(1.9%)patientsdemonstrated malignant looking masses(final BI-RADS 4-5). Out of 164 (31.5%) women with complaintsofalump, 52 (31.7%) showed no abnormality while 90 women (54.9%) demonstrated masses on their mammograms.Fifty eight (35.4%)mammograms demonstrated benign masses (final BI-RADS 2) while malignant masses(final BIRADS4 and 5) were seen in 32 (19.5%). Asymmetric density was the other finding in women presenting with breast lumps in 22 (13.4%) women (BIRADS 0).Overall findings in 520 women with diagnostic mammograms revealed no abnormality in 314/520(60%) patients. One hundred and forty three(24%) patients had breast masses; 100/69.9% benign, 43/30.1%malignant. Calcifications 22(4.2%), asymmetric density 33(6.4%), dilated ducts 3(0.6%) and mondors disease 1(0.2%) accounted for the rest of the findings. Biopsy confirmed malignancy (invasive ductal carcinoma in 4women.ConclusionThis study shows that breast pain and breast lumps were the most common indication for diagnostic mammogramsin the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and Southwestern Nigeria. However, the majority of mammograms were normal but benign breast lumps were common findings

Trans-hiatal oesophagectomy as a palliative treatment for carcinoma of the oesophagus

Objective: To determine the role of palliation with trans-hiatal oesophagectomy in Nigerian patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus. Design: Prospective case series. The first series was from February 1986 to September 1987 (Series A) while the second series was from March 1989 to November 1996 (Series B). Setting: Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit (CTSU) of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Subjects: First series consisted of 10 consecutive operable patients with carcinoma of oesophagus seen over the period of study. The second series consisted of 21 consecutive patients with same disease. Intervention: All patients had transhiatal oeosphagectomy by a two team approach and immediate placement of the freed stomach in the posterior mediastinum and cervical oesophagogastrostomy. Results: Patients in both series had a comparable age range of 43 - 80 years for series A and 40 - 82 years for Series B. The duration of symptoms were 2 - 6 months and 2 - 12 months respectively, for series A and B. In series A, nine patients had carcinoma of the middle-third (M1/3) of the thoracic oesophagus and one patient had carcinoma of lower-third (L1/3) of the thoracic oesophagus. In series B, 18 patients had M1/3 and three patients had Ll/3 lesions. Average blood loss in series A was 1,067 mls, corresponding value for series B was 852 mls. Postoperatively, all cases were classified as stage III or stage IV disease. There were 18 complications in eight patients in series A and 22 complications in 10 patients in series B. The commonest complications in series A were pleural enteries in six patients, haemorrhage four patients (three intraoperative, one post-operative) and respiratory failure (two patients). The commonest in series B were pleural enteries in nine patients, anastomotic leaks and stenosis in four patients and respiratory failure in three patients. Hospital mortality was 50% in Series A and 14.3% in series B. The causes of death were haemorrhage and respiratory failure in series A, respiratory failure in series B. Survival period in series A of the five patients discharged was for a median of 8.4 months, for series B, four patients were alive at 18 months post-operative, one patient attended follow-up clinic 24 months after surgery. No other adjunctive therapy was offered to the patients. Conclusion: Trans-hiatal oesophagectomy is a procedure suitable for patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus and affords palliation at an “acceptable price” among carefully selected patients with advanced carcinoma of the oesophagus. (East African Medical Journal: 2002 79(6): 311-316

Pattern of breast cancer risk factors among pre and post-menopausal women at a Primary Care Clinic in Nigeria

Context: The incidence of breast cancer is increasing worldwide. In black women, breast cancer is associated with aggressive features and poor survival. Objective: Identification of risk factors such as early age of menarche, obesity and family history of breast cancer may permit preventive strategies. Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design was used and questionnaires were administered to 400 adult women at a tertiary health centre in Nigeria. The data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17; the level of significance set at alpha = 0.05. Results: There was significant association between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with positive family history of breast cancer with P = 0.010. Majority of the respondents with a positive family history of breast cancer were menopausal (P = 0.010). There was a statistically significant association between menopausal status and ever consuming alcohol-based herbal concoctions (P = 0.010) and in those whose partners smoked cigarettes (P = 0.001). Majority of respondents were not currently on any form of contraceptives. Parity, breastfeeding and use of hormonal contraceptives were all statistically significant (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Almost all the women in our study, 97%, had never had a mammogram. There was a significant association between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with positive family history of breast cancer (P = 0.010). Conclusion: With increasing incidence of breast cancer worldwide and late presentation in developing countries with high morbidity and mortality, effective screening for risk factors will go a long way in reducing the incidence of breast cancer