Microshear Bond Strength of Adhesives to Enamel Remineralized Using Casein Phosphopeptide Agents

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate the difference between bonding to demineralized enamel and remineralized enamel using casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACFP) or without fluoride (CPP-ACP) compared to normal enamel. Another aim was to test if the newly introduced Single Bond Universal adhesive system would show better bonding to any enamel condition in comparison to the other tested adhesive systems.

Methods

The lingual enamel surfaces of 40 non carious human third molars were divided into four main groups according to the enamel condition (ground normal enamel [negative control]; demineralized enamel [positive control]; and remineralized enamel with CPP-ACP or with CPP-ACFP, respectively). Within each main group, the lingual enamel surface of each tooth was sectioned into three slabs, resulting in 30 slabs that were distributed into three subgroups according to the adhesive system utilized (Clearfil S3 Bond Plus, Single Bond Universal, or G-aenial Bond). Two resin composite microcylinder buildups were made on each enamel slab using Filtek Z350 XT. The μSBS was evaluated at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Modes of failure were detected using an environmental scanning electron microscope at 300× magnification.

Results

The two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed a significant effect for the enamel condition. However, there was no significant effect for the type of adhesive system. The interaction between the enamel condition and the type of adhesive system was also not significant. Modes of failure were mainly adhesive except for the demineralized enamel. It showed a mixed type of failure, in which cohesive failure in enamel was recorded.

Conclusions

All single-step self-etch adhesives revealed comparable μSBS values to ground enamel and enamel remineralized with CPP-ACP or CPP-ACFP. Bonding to demineralized enamel was ineffective. With any enamel condition, no tested single-step self-etch adhesive was superior in its bonding.

Double balloon enteroscopy: Bangladesh experience

Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a newly developed endoscopic modality for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of DBE in patient with suspected small bowel disease. This was a prospective study. Sixty one double balloon enteroscopy procedures (30 antegrade 31 retrograde) were done in thirty six patients (20M/16F, mean age 40 ± 12.5 range 16-65 years ) at gastroenterology department, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between October 2011 and September 2012. Indications for DBE included chronic abdominal pain 14 (38.9%), obscure GI bleeding 11 (30.56%), Small bowel obstruction 05 (13.89%), and chronic diarrhea 06 (16.67%). The morphologic findings were ulcerations 13 (36.11%), growth 03 (8.33%), vascular ectasia 03 (8.33%) and polyp 01 (2.78%). Therapeutic interventions were performed in one patient only. No serious complications were observed. Diagnostic yields in case of chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, obscure GI bleeding and small bowel obstruction were 50%, 66%, 63% and 40% respectively. The findings were adenocarcinoma 04 (11%), lymphoma 03 (8.4%), tuberculosis 03 (8.4%), non specific findings 05 (13.9%), IPSID 01(2.8%), Crohn's disease 01 (2.8%), vascular ectasia 03 (8.33%) and normal 16 (44.44%). DBE is well tolerated, feasible and useful technique for the diagnosis as well as treatment of small intestinal disorders.

Placental pathology in asphyxiated newborns treated with therapeutic hypothermia

OBJECTIVE

To describe the placental findings in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia and to determine their association with the presence and severity of later brain injury.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of the placentas of asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia, in whom later brain injury was defined by brain imaging and/or autopsy results.

RESULTS

Of the 142 asphyxiated newborns meeting the criteria for hypothermia, 73% had placenta and brain MRI/autopsy available for analysis. Fifty-one percent of these newborns developed brain injury. Sixty-five percent had microscopic placental findings involving the fetal vascular supply, which were comparable in asphyxiated newborns developing or not developing brain injury. Among the asphyxiated newborns with normal placental growth, the placental microscopic findings tended to be more common in those developing brain injury compared to those who did not: chorionic plate meconium in 50% compared to 36%, chorioamnionitis in 75% compared to 44%, and villitis of unknown etiology in 67% compared to 33%, but this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal placental processes are common in term asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia. The placenta of each asphyxiated term newborn treated with hypothermia should be carefully examined to better understand its role in the progression from perinatal depression to brain injury.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of hair index on Karachi's population for social and professional appearance enhancement

OBJECTIVE

Hair texture, appearance and pigment play an important role in social and professional communication and maintaining an overall appearance. This study was especially designed for morphological assessment of hair damage caused to Karachi's population due to natural factors and cosmetic treatments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.

METHODS

Hair samples under the study of synthetic factor's effect were given several cosmetic treatments (hot straightened, bleached, synthetic dyed and henna dyed) whereas samples under natural factor's effect (variation in gender, age and pigmentation) were left untreated. Morphological assessment was performed using SEM technique. Results obtained were statistically analysed using minitab 16 and spss 18 softwares.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy images revealed less number of cuticular scales in males than females of same age although size of cuticular scales was found to be larger in males than in females. Mean hair index of white hair was greater than black hair of the same head as it is comparatively newly originated. Tukey's method revealed that among cosmetic treatments, bleaching and synthetic henna caused most of the damage to the hair.

CONCLUSION

Statistical evaluation of results obtained from SEM analysis revealed that human scalp hair index show morphological variation with respect to age, gender, hair pigmentation, chemical and physical treatments. Individuals opting for cosmetic treatments could clearly visualize the extent of hair damage these may cause in long run.

Bioremediation of Atmospheric Hydrocarbons via Bacteria Naturally Associated with Leaves of Higher Plants

Bacteria associated with leaves of sixteen cultivated and wild plant species from all over Kuwait were analyzed by a culture-independent approach. This technique depended on partial sequencing of 16S rDNA regions in total genomic DNA from the bacterial consortia and comparing the resulting sequences with those in the GenBank database. To release bacterial cells from leaves, tough methods such as sonication co-released too much leaf chloroplasts whose DNA interfered with the bacterial DNA. A more satisfactory bacterial release with a minimum of chloroplast co-release was done by gently rubbing the leaf surfaces with soft tooth brushes in phosphate buffer. The leaves of all plant species harbored on their surfaces bacterial communities predominated by hydrocarbonoclastic (hydrocarbon-utilizing) bacterial genera. Leaves of 6 representative plants brought about in the laboratory effective removal of volatile hydrocarbons in sealed microcosms. Each individual plant species had a unique bacterial community structure. Collectively, the phyllospheric microflora on the studied plants comprised the genera Flavobacterium, Halomonas, Arthrobacter, Marinobacter, Neisseria, Ralstonia, Ochrobactrum. Exiguobacterium, Planomicrobium, Propionibacterium, Kocuria, Rhodococcus and Stenotrophomonas. This community structure was dramatically different from the structure we determined earlier for the same plants using the culture-dependent approach, although in both cases, hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were frequent.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of solvent extracts from Plumeria obtusa Linn

Extracts of Plumeria obtusa are widely used in ethnomedicine and have been investigated for a variety of biological activities; however, the antimicrobial activity of P. obtusa flowers is poorly characterized. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of different solvents (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, isobutanol and ethanol) extracts from flowers of P. obtusa were investigated by a disc diffusion method against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and a fungus. All extracts exhibited growth inhibition of all microorganisms at variable degrees as measured by relative zones of inhibition, however, the petroleum ether extract was ineffective against Klebsiella pneumonia and ethyl acetate and isobutanol extracts were ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most susceptible Gram-positive bacterium was Bacillus subtilis while the most resistant Gram-positive bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus. Erwinia carotovora was the most susceptible Gram-negative bacterium while P. aeruginosa was highly resistant among the Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of several different solvent extracts from flowers of P. obtusa against a broad spectrum of human-pathogenic microorganisms. These compounds warrant further investigation by isolation and structural elucidation with the aim to find novel and affordable bioactive compounds for the treatment of infectious diseases.

18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) is a known hepatic carcinogen which leads to tumour formation in rodents. 18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid (18 β-GA) derived from liquorice plant has various pharmacological properties such as anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. This study is designed to elucidate the chemopreventive properties of 18 β-GA against 2-AAF-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and evaluated its effect on inflammatory and tumour promotion marker and activities of different oxidative stress enzymes. Administration of 2-AAF at the dose of (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) intraperitoneally (i.p.)) for five consecutive days induces hepatic toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperproliferation. Pretreatment with 18 β-GA at two different doses (45 and 75 mg kg−1 b.w.) significantly ameliorates 2-AAF-induced increased lipid peroxidation, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, xanthine oxidase activities and activities of phase-II detoxifying enzymes along with the levels of glutathione content. Administration of 18 β-GA also significantly restored the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclooxygenase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor κB. Furthermore, histological observations also support the preventive effects of 18 β-GA. Our findings suggest that pretreatment with 18 β-GA showed potential hepatoprotective effects via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperproliferation.

Modulation of enzymatic activity of dengue virus nonstructural protein NS3 nucleoside triphosphatase/helicase by poly(U)

The nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) appears to be the most promising target for anti-flavivirus therapy because of its multiple enzymatic activities that are indispensable for virus replication. NS3 of dengue virus type 2 (DEN2) is composed of two domains, a serine protease in the N-terminal domain (NS3pro) and RNA-stimulated nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase)/RNA helicase at the C-terminus (NS3h). NS3 plays an important role in viral replication and the coordinated regulation of all the catalytic activities in the full-length NS3 protein. In this study, a plasmid harboring the NS3 helicase domain (NS3h) was constructed by PCR. The 56.5 kDa NS3h protein was purified by metal-chelate affinity chromatography followed by renaturation, mediated by artificial chaperone-assisted refolding, which yielded the active helicase. NTPase activity was assayed with Malachite Green. The NTPase activity in the presence of poly(U) showed a higher turnover number (kcat) and a lower Km value than without poly(U). The activity increased approximately fourfold in the presence of polynucleotides. This indicates that NTPase activity of dengue NS3 can be stimulated by polynucleotides. A helicase assay based on internal fluorescence quenching was conducted using short internally quenched DNA oligonucleotides as substrates. Significant fluorescence signaling increase was observed in the absence of polynucleotides such as poly(U). No unwinding activity was observed with addition of poly(U). The approach we describe here is useful for the further characterization of substrate specificity and for the design of high-throughput assays aimed at discovery of inhibitors against NS3 NTPase/helicase activities.

A straightforward experimental approach to expression, purification, refolding, and enzymatic analysis of recombinant dengue virus NS2B(H)-NS3pro protease

Dengue virus threatens around 2.5 billion people worldwide; about 50 million become infected every year, and yet no vaccine or drug is available for prevention and/or treatment. The flaviviral NS2B-NS3pro complex is indispensable for flaviviral replication and is considered to be an important drug target. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and generally applicable experimental strategy to construct, purify, and assay a highly active recombinant NS2B(H)-NS3pro complex that would be useful for high-throughput screening of potential inhibitors. The sequence of NS2B(H)-NS3pro was generated by overlap extension PCR (SOE-PCR) and cloned into the pTrcHisA vector. Hexahistidine-tagged NS2B(H)-NS3pro complex was expressed in E. coli predominantly as insoluble protein and purified to >95% purity by single-step immobilized metal affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting of the purified enzyme demonstrated the presence of the NS2B(H)-NS3pro precursor and its autocleavage products, NS3pro and NS2B(H), as 37, 21, and 10 kDa bands, respectively. Kinetic parameters, Km, kcat, and kcat/Km for the fluorophore-linked protease model substrate Ac-nKRR-amc were obtained using inner-filter effect correction. The kinetic parameters Km, kcat, and kcat/Km for Ac-nKRR-amc substrate were 100 µM, 0.112 s(-1), and 1120 M(-1)·s(-1), respectively. A simplified procedure for the cloning, overexpression, and purification of the NS2B(H)-NS3pro complex was applied, and a highly active recombinant NS2B(H)-NS3pro complex was obtained that could be useful for the design of high-throughput assays aimed at flaviviral inhibitor discovery.

Fournier's Gangrene as Seen in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Background. Fournier's gangrene is uncommon but increasingly being seen over the last two decades probably due to increasing socioeconomic problems including an upsurge in HIV infection especially in the tropics. Patients and Methods. The study retrospectively reviewed all patients with Fournier's gangrene managed in UMTH between January 2007 and December 2012. Results. Thirty-eight males aged 2 weeks to 80 years (mean 37.82) were reviewed, with most aged 30-39 years (13 (34.21%)). Clinical features were scrotal pain and swelling, 36 (94.74%), fever, 19 (50.00%), and discharging scrotal wound, 19 (50.00%). The predisposing conditions were UTI secondary to obstructive uropathy in 11 (28.95%), perianal suppuration, and HIV, in 8 (21.05%) patients each. Wound biopsy culture revealed mixed organisms in 27 (71.05%). Twenty-six (68.42%) had blood transfusions. Thirty-seven (97.37%) patients had wound debridement. Twenty (52.63%) had flap rotation for skin cover. There were 6 (15.79%) mortalities, of which 4 (10.53%) were HIV positive, 1 (2.63%) was diabetic, and 1 (2.63%) was both diabetic and HIV positive. Conclusion. Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant synergistic necrotising fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia with poor prognosis especially when associated with HIV and diabetes, requiringprompt and aggressive management for good outcome.

Carvacrol ameliorates thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity by abrogation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in liver of Wistar rats

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of carvacrol against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in liver of Wistar rats. In this study, rats were subjected to concomitant prophylactic oral pretreatment of carvacrol (25 and 50 mg kg(-1) body weight (b.w.)) against the hepatotoxicity induced by intraperitoneal administration of TAA (300 mg kg(-1) b.w.). Efficacy of carvacrol against the hepatotoxicity was evaluated in terms of biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme activities, histopathological changes, and expressions of inflammation and apoptosis. Carvacrol pretreatment prevented deteriorative effects induced by TAA through a protective mechanism in a dose-dependent manner that involved reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. We found that the protective effect of carvacrol pretreatment is mediated by its inhibitory effect on nuclear factor kappa B activation, Bax and Bcl-2 expression, as well as by restoration of histopathological changes against TAA administration. We may suggest that carvacrol efficiently ameliorates liver injury caused by TAA.

Isolated gallbladder rupture following blunt abdominal trauma

The gallbladder is a relatively well-protected organ; consequently its rupture following blunt abdominal injury is rare and usually associated with other visceral injuries. Isolated gallbladder rupture is extremely rare. We report a healthy Nigerian adult male who sustained isolated gallbladder rupture following blunt abdominal injury from riding a motor cycle (Okada). A high index of suspicion with positive bile aspirate might lead to early diagnosis. Open cholecystectomy is a safe option of treatment in a resource poor centre especially in delayed presentation and has a good outcome.

Giant Brain Abscess in a Neonate Managed with External Drainage

Brain abscesses in neonates are extremely rare and usually occur in patients with certain risk factors. A 26 days child presented to the emergency with fever, irritability and not sucking well. CT revealed a large left frontal lobe abscess which was managed with burr hole and a drainage tube with concurrent intravenous antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i1.7317 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013;33(1):55-56

Giant vesical calculus

BACKGROUND

Giant bladder calculi are not common in modern urologic practice and many have been found to grow to enormous proportions with minimal symptoms.

METHOD

We report a 1.6 kg stone removed from the urinary bladder of a 48 year old Nigerian man. The stone increase in size associated with troublesome urinary frequency, which necessitated removal by open vesicolithotomy.

RESULTS

The calculus weighed 1.6 kg and measured 3cm x 9.5cm x 9.2cm in length breadth and height; and contained calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, magnesium phosphate and uric acid. It was a complex stone, sticking to the hypertrophied bladder wall. A biopsy of the bladder mucosa revealed no malignancy. The patient was on continuous bladder drainage for 10 days and had a urine flow rate of 20 mls/sec on discharge. He has been seen in the surgical outpatient department 2 weeks and 4 weeks after discharge with no complaints.

CONCLUSION

Giant vesical calculi are rare and can present with few symptoms. It is very important to exclude lower urinary tract obstruction as the aetiology though a significant number have no such obstruction. The stones are usually mixed because of associated urinary tract infection.

Helicobacter pylori induces in-vivo expansion of human regulatory T cells through stimulating interleukin-1β production by dendritic cells

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infections in the world. Despite inciting inflammation, immunological clearance of the pathogen is often incomplete. CD4(+) CD25(hi) forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3(+)) regulatory T cells (T(regs)) are potent suppressors of different types of immune responses and have been implicated in limiting inflammatory responses to H. pylori. Investigating the influence of H. pylori on T(reg) function and proliferation, we found that H. pylori-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) induced proliferation in T(regs) and impaired their suppressive capability. This effect was mediated by interleukin (IL)-1β produced by H. pylori-stimulated DCs. These data correlated with in-vivo observations in which H. pylori(+) gastric mucosa contained more T(regs) in active cell division than uninfected stomachs. Inciting local proliferation of T(regs) and inhibiting their suppressive function may represent a mechanism for the chronic gastritis and carcinogenesis attributable to H. pylori.

On the synthesis and physical properties of iron doped SnO2 nanoparticles

The synthesis of iron doped tin oxide by pulsed laser pyrolysis is reported. The as obtained nanoparticles have a dominant SnO2 phase (as revealed by Wide Angle X-ray Scattering), with particles of the order of 10 nm. The doping with iron or iron oxide triggers magnetic properties as confirmed by SQUID experiments. EDX measurements supported the presence of Fe while Wide Angle X-ray Scattering failed to sense any iron or iron-oxide phase. It is concluded that Fe is well dispersed within the tin-oxide nanoparticles. The coercitive field has a complex dependence on the Fe/Sn content suggesting that the magnetization is not controlled solely by the amount of Fe dispersed within the nanoparticles.

Clinical and Hematological Features of 335 Patients of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Diagnosed at Single Centre in Northern Pakistan

There are no studies regarding analysis of clinical and haematological features of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) from Pakistan. This study analyzes the data of patients suffering from CML, reporting to a major referral Institute in Northern Pakistan in the past 6 years and 3 months. CML constitutes approximately 80% of all myeloproliferative disorders, with a peak incidence between 21-50 years of age, and a male:female ratio of 2:1. Anaemia and massive splenomegaly were the main clinical features found in 92% and 47% patients respectively. There was significant correlation between anaemia and WBC counts with degree of splenomegaly. Three percent of all CML patients presented as de novo accelerated phase, and another 3% presented as blast crises without any previous history of chronic phase. The ratio of myeloid and lymphoid blast crisis was 2:1. Median duration of chronic phase in patients on hydroxyurea treatment was 6 years. Thirty six percent of patients in chronic phase of CML belonged to intermediate and high risk according to Sokal and Hasford scoring systems. In contrast to the Caucasian populations where the peak incidence of the disease is in 6th to 7th decade, CML occurs in Pakistan in a much younger population, with a broad peak between 21-50 years of age. Patients present in fairly advanced disease because of poor access to health care facilities, due to non-affordability and lack of health insurance coverage.

Outcome of surgery for toxic goitres in Maiduguri: a single teaching hospital's perspective

BACKGROUND

Thyrotoxicosis a common endocrine disorder of the thyroid gland in Nigeria is commonly treated surgically. The outcome of thyroidectomy for toxic goiters in Maiduguri Nigeria is evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Over the last 5 years (Jan 2005-July 2010) , in a prospective review, the demographic, and clinical data of patients operated for toxic goiters in our department was entered, into a predesigned proforma and analyzed. The objective of the study is to review our experience with subtotal and near-total thyroidectomy as treatment for benign toxic goiters.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients, 11 males (14.1%) and 67 females (85.9%), with male: female ratio of 1:6.1 and the mean age of 30 ± 10.9 (range, 17-65 years), underwent thyroidectomy for toxic goiters. The mean duration of symptoms was 41.9 (range 3-126 months). There were 53 patients with toxic diffuse goiters (Grave's disease) with their mean age of 27.6 ± 6.93 (range 17-38 years), 23 with toxic multinodular goiters, the mean age of 43.7 ± 15.68 (range 17-65 years) and two with toxic nodule. There was no case of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or permanent hypocalcemia. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 9 (11.5%) patients and hemorrhage with hematoma, requiring exploration in 4 (5.1%). There were two cases of wound infection and no postoperative mortality. The mean hospital stay was 7.6 ± 2.34 (range 5-15 days). There was no disease recurrence over a mean follow-up of 20.7 (range 2-48) months.

CONCLUSION

Subtotal thyroidectomy is an effective procedure for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis with few postoperative complications and majority of patients being euthyroid after long follow-up.

Botulinum toxin injection into the superior rectus for treatment of strabismus

Botulinum toxin injected into the superior rectus (SR) has rarely been described in the literature. We conducted a database search to identify all cases of SR toxin from 1982 to 2010 at our institution. Out of a total of 7575 patients in the database, only eight cases of SR toxin were identified, all of which had residual hypertropia following previous ocular surgery. This surgery comprised: retinal surgery (3 patients), strabismus surgery for thyroid eye disease (2), and transposition for VI nerve palsy (2 patients). In seven out of eight cases, a long-lasting mean reduction of 10(Δ) was achieved from between two and three injections. Ptosis occurred in all but one case, but resolved. We conclude that SR toxin injection has very limited indications, but may be considered in residual hypertropia presumed secondary to a tight or overacting SR where the patient can tolerate the temporary iatrogenic ptosis.

Assessment of human exposure to indoor organic contaminants via dust ingestion in Pakistan

  Ingestion of indoor dust has been acknowledged as an important route of exposure to organic contaminants (OCs). We investigated the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in indoor floor dust from rural homes (N=31) and mosques (N=12) in Gujrat, Pakistan. Low concentrations were observed for most contaminants. OPFRs were the principle contaminants, with tri-(2-butoxyethyl)-phosphate (TBEP) and tri-phenyl-phosphate (TPP) having medians of 66 and 109 ng/g, respectively. PBDEs were only minor constituents in the investigated samples, with BDE 209 (median 40 ng/g) being the most important congener. Levels and profile of ∑PBDEs, ∑NBFRs, ∑HCHs, ∑DDTs, and ∑PCBs revealed no difference (P<0.05) between samples of dust from homes and mosques, indicating similar emission sources. Exposure scenarios using 5th percentile, median, mean, and 95th percentile levels were estimated for both adult and toddlers. Typical high-end, using median levels and high dust ingestion, exposure for adults were 0.02, 0.02, 0.03, <0.01, and 0.65 ng/kg bw/day and for toddlers 0.39, 0.45, 0.69, 0.01, and 15.2 ng/kg bw/day for ∑PBDEs, ∑NBFRs, ∑OCPs, ∑PCBs, and ∑OPFRs, respectively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to document the presence of indoor OCs in Pakistani dust.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This is the first report on the analysis of various contaminants in indoor dust from Pakistan. Some of these chemicals are currently being used in different consumer products. The study will help to further an understanding of the levels of different organic contaminants (OCs) in Pakistani indoor environments and will enlighten the generally ignored area of environmental pollution in Pakistan. Furthermore, studies based on animal models have shown that some of the analyzed chemicals can cause different types of chronic toxicities. However, our results showed that the levels of estimated exposure via dust ingestion for all chemicals were several orders of magnitude lower than their reference dose (RfD) values or than those reported in studies from Belgium, China, Singapore, and the UK (Ali et al., 2011a; Harrad et al., 2008; Tan et al., 2007a,b; Van den Eede et al., 2011a; Wang et al., 2010).

Plasma treatment of polyurethane coating for improving endothelial cell growth and adhesion

The advantage of helium plasma treatment in enhancing endothelial cell growth and adhesion on polyurethane film coated on glass substrate is demonstrated with experimental data. Human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAE) growth and attachment was studied on (1) bare glass substrate, used as control, (2) coated glass, with and without helium plasma treatment and (3) collagen-treated polyurethane-coated glass substrates. The untreated polyurethane film surface was rough (RMS = 690 nm) and highly hydrophobic (contact angle theta = 90 degrees). Cell growth on the untreated polyurethane surface was poor (cell concentration approximately 3750/cm2) compared to glass surface (cell concentration approximately 17 665/cm2). The atmospheric helium plasma treatment of the polyurethane film resulted in oxidation of the surface, a slight increase in roughness (RMS = 735 nm) and a significant drop in hydrophobicity (contact angle theta = 79 degrees). The critical surface tension (gamma c) of polyurethane film was also increased by 2 dynes/cm due to helium plasma treatment. These changes resulted in enhanced HCAE cell growth in polyurethane film (cell concentration approximately 16 230/cm2) compared to the untreated polyurethane film. The cell growth was also comparable to cell growth on a glass surface (17 665/cm2) and the collagen-treated polyurethane film surfaces (cell concentration approximately 21 645/cm2), respectively. Moreover, the strength of cell attachment on a plasma-treated surface (cell retention R = 89%) under laminar flow was significantly higher than that on a glass surface (R = 71%). While the collagen-treated polyurethane surface had the highest number of HCAE cells, the cell adhesion was found to be poor (R = 42%) compared to that of a plasma-treated surface. Thus, the overall performance of the plasma-treated polyurethane film surface on endothelial cell growth was better than other substrates studied here.

Appendicitis and its surgical management experience at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis and its complications is still the most common cause of acute abdominal pain that will require surgical intervention in most parts of the West African sub-region. This study is a review of our management and outcome of acute appendicitis in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital [UMTH].

METHOD

A retrospective and prospective audit of all patients with acute appendicitis seen and managed over an 8- year period [2002-2009 inclusive] in the UMTH is presented. Materials used included patients demographic variables, clinical presentation, laboratory data, operative findings and treatment outcome.

RESULTS

One thousand two hundred and fifty-seven patients were studied. These were 426 (33.9%) males and 831 (66.1%) females; a male to female ratio of 1:2. The mean age was 32.4 15.0 years. All the patients were admitted with abdominal pain that was initially located at the right iliac fossa in 480 (38.2%), periumbilical in 393 (31.3%) and diffused in 351(27.9%) patients. Vomiting 85.7%, fever 73.0% and anorexia 49.0% were the most frequent symptoms. The mean duration of illness was 72 hours. Right iliac fossa pain and tenderness were present in 1112 (88.46%) patients. The total white cell count was significantly raised (p < 0.05). All the patients had appendicectomy, 295 (23.47%) of the appendices were perforated at operation and 200 (15.9%) of the removed appendices had no histological evidence of inflammation. The complication rate was 36.2% and wound infection (28.30%) was the most common. The mean hospital stay was 3 days. There were 12 deaths; a mortality rate of 0.9%; mostly patients with ruptured appendix and peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of appendicitis is clinical and supported by a raised total white cell count with neutrophilia. The negative appendicectomy rate of 15.9% falls below the range reported in other studies. More than a fifth of the appendices were perforated and mortality was low.

Structural correlates for lexical efficiency and number of languages in non-native speakers of English

We used structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and voxel based morphometry (VBM) to investigate whether the efficiency of word processing in the non-native language (lexical efficiency) and the number of non-native languages spoken (2+ versus 1) were related to local differences in the brain structure of bilingual and multilingual speakers. We dissociate two different correlates for non-native language processing. Firstly, multilinguals who spoke 2 or more non-native languages had higher grey matter density in the right posterior supramarginal gyrus compared to bilinguals who only spoke one non-native language. This is interpreted in relation to previous studies that have shown that grey matter density in this region is related to the number of words learnt in bilinguals relative to monolinguals and in monolingual adolescents with high versus low vocabulary. Our second result was that, in bilinguals, grey matter density in the left pars opercularis was positively related to lexical efficiency in second language use, as measured by the speed and accuracy of lexical decisions and the number of words produced in a timed verbal fluency task. Grey matter in the same region was also negatively related to the age at which the second language was acquired. This is interpreted in terms of previous findings that associated the left pars opercularis with phonetic expertise in the native language.

Urethral calculi in young-adult Nigerian males: a case series

BACKGROUND

Urethral calculi are rare and usually encountered in males with urethral pathology.

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience managing urethral calculi in a resource limited centre and review the literature.

METHODS

We did a chart review of management of patients with urethral calculi between January and April 2009, at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Azare, Nigeria. We also reviewed the literature on this rare condition.

RESULTS

Four young adult male Nigerians between the ages of 17 and 27 years presented with varying degrees of urethral pain and palpable calculi in the anterior urethra. Two presented with acute retention of urine, but none had haematuria. The calculi were radio-opaque, located in the anterior urethra with no associated urethral pathology. Three were solitary and one multiple. The composition of the urethral calculi was a mixture of calcium oxalate calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, one has additional cystine but none had struvite or uric acid. Their sizes ranged between 1cm ×1.5cm and 1.5cm × 5.5cm. External urethrotomy was the method of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Urethral calculi are rare in our setting, with no clear identifiable aetiological factors which suggests urinary schistosomiasisbeing associsted. The occurrence of urethral calculi appears to have a relationship with childhood urinary schistosomasis.