Hydrogeochemical and salinity appraisal of surficial lens of freshwater aquifer along Lagos coastal belt, South West, Nigeria

In order to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and salinity status of the surficial lens of freshwater aquifer in the Lagos coastal basin, physicochemical parameters and hydrogeochemical tools were employed in this study. These tools include existing methods such as Piper diagram, Durov diagram, Gibb's diagram, statistical analysis and geochemical modelling, and the newly proposed cationic contribution evaluation and ionic ratio bivariate plots. The Piper plot revealed that chemical facies is rich in (Ca, Mg, Cl and HCO₃) and (Ca and HCO₃) for the groundwater in both wet and dry seasons while Mg–Cl and Na–Cl water types characterised the lagoon and the Ocean, respectively. The surficial aquifer is an essentially freshwater in the dry season and partly saline in the wet season due to flash flood, marine aerosol precipitation and infiltration from the surrounding brackish surface waters. The Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺ vs total cation (TZ⁺); HCO₃^-/Ca²⁺vs Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ and HCO₃^-/Ca²⁺ vs Ca²⁺/Na⁺ plots as well as geochemical modelling indicated that carbonate weathering is the dominant chemical process controlling the groundwater chemistry for both seasons. In a descending order, water-rock interaction, ion exchange and evaporation are the geochemical processes controlling the groundwater quality in the area. Besides the natural processes, factor analysis revealed the imminent influence of anthropogenic activities (industrial and domestic) on the groundwater chemistry indicated by the presence of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu and NO₃ above the permissible limit of drinking water standard, particularly in the wet season. In addition to the successful application of the proposed ionic plots, the study justifies the importance of multiple tools application in the hydrogeochemical deductions and recommends consistent monitoring of the shallow aquifers in the Lagos coastal basin.

Evaluation of Pre-peritoneal (Sublay) Mesh Repair for Treatment of Ventral Hernia

Ventral hernia after abdominal surgery is a common complication. Several techniques for the repair of ventral hernia have been described from time to time and it is a great challenge for a surgeon. The mesh placement by sublay technique authorized by Rives and Stoppa in Europe has been reported to be effective with low recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sublay technique of mesh placement in ventral hernia. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Dhaka Dental College, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2018. A total of 21 patients with ventral hernia were included in this study. Data collected in data collection sheet regarding demographic data, severity of symptoms and post operative complains of patients which were then analyzed. Age ranged from 21-60 years. Male were 5(23.80%) and female were 16(76.20%). Dragging pain were 7(33.33%), irreducibility were 4(19.05%) but swelling were 100%. Incisional hernia was 18(85.71%) and para-umbilical hernia was 3(14.29%). Post-operative complication were seroma1 (4.76%), major wound infection 1(4.76%), minor infection 1(4.76%) but no recurrence. Sublay mesh repair in ventral hernia was found to be a better and effective technique with minimal complication rate.

Oesophageal stents for the treatment of radiation and anastomotic oesophageal strictures

Benign oesophageal strictures can arise in the treatment of oesophageal cancer as a result of radiation therapy, or at anastomotic sites, post-oesophagectomy. Data on the benefit of stenting of these types of stricture is limited. We analyzed the effects of oesophageal stents on such benign esophageal strictures. In this retrospective study, data was obtained from consecutive patients, 18 years and above from January 2000 to May 2016. Inclusion criteria comprised of oesophageal stenting in post-radiation strictures and anastomotic strictures, without any malignant residual disease. 17 patients had 22 stents inserted. 11 of these were female. 17 stents were self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) and five were biodegradable (BDS). 12 strictures occurred post-radiation, while five were anastomotic strictures. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 86.4% respectively. Overall longterm clinical success was 45.5% (47% for BDS, 40% for SEMS). Minor, short-term complications, including pain and/or vomiting, were observed in 54.6% (n=12). The overall mean dysphagia score pre- and post-stenting was 2.95 and 1.36 (p=0.0001). Comparison of the dysphagia free survival for anastomotic and post-radiation strictures was statistically similar (p=0.22), as was the dysphagia free survival comparison between BDS and SEMS (p=0.055). BDS and SEMS are a safe and effective treatment modality for oesophageal strictures arising post-radiation or at the site of anastomoses. Retrospective study design and a low number of patients remain limiting factors of the study.

CDX2 as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

There is considerable evidence in the literature to suggest a role for CDX2 in intestinal metaplasia and development of gastric cancer, but its impact on the prognosis of gastric cancer continues to be a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this study to assess the prognostic -implications of CDX2 in gastric cancer.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed our database for gastric carcinoma cases diagnosed at our hospital from 2004 to 2008. Histopathology slides of these were subsequently stained with CDX2 immuno-histochemical stain. CDX2 positive and negative groups were then compared for overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients (mean age 50y ; 60% male) were included in the study. 31/101 (30.7%) cases were CDX2 positive. Of these, 23/31 (74%) patients underwent curative surgical resection. In the CDX2 negative group, only 12/70 (17%) patients underwent curative surgery (p = .0001). Of those who underwent surgical resection, 9% had stage I, 37% had stage II, 43% had stage III, and 11% had stage IV tumours on TNM staging of post-surgical histological specimens. Mean overall survival of CDX2 positive group was 17 months, compared to 6 months in the CDX2 negative group (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

CDX2 positive gastric carcinomas are more likely to be resectable and patients whose tumours stain positive for CDX2 have significantly better survival.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm - volume 3

The total number, morbidity and mortality attributed to viraemic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections change over time making it difficult to compare reported estimates from different years. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viraemic population and forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2014 to 2030. With the exception of Iceland, Iran, Latvia and Pakistan, the total number of viraemic HCV infections is expected to decline from 2014 to 2030, but the associated morbidity and mortality are expected to increase in all countries except for Japan and South Korea. In the latter two countries, mortality due to an ageing population will drive down prevalence, morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, both countries have already experienced a rapid increase in HCV-related mortality and morbidity. HCV-related morbidity and mortality are projected to increase between 2014 and 2030 in all other countries as result of an ageing HCV-infected population. Thus, although the total number of HCV countries is expected to decline in most countries studied, the associated disease burden is expected to increase. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden - volume 3

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: increased treatment efficacy while holding the annual number of treated patients constant and increased treatment efficacy and an increased annual number of treated patients. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. A 90% reduction in total HCV infections within 15 years is feasible in most countries studied, but it required a coordinated effort to introduce harm reduction programmes to reduce new infections, screening to identify those already infected and treatment with high cure rate therapies. This suggests that increased capacity for screening and treatment will be critical in many countries. Birth cohort screening is a helpful tool for maximizing resources. Among European countries, the majority of patients were born between 1940 and 1985. A wider range of birth cohorts was seen in the Middle East and Asia (between 1925 and 1995).

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries - volume 3

Detailed, country-specific epidemiological data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection around the world. With new treatment options available, policy makers and public health officials must reconsider national strategies for infection control. In this study of 15 countries, published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates were gathered from the literature and validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Iran and Lebanon to 4.2% in Pakistan. The largest viraemic populations were in Pakistan (7 001 000 cases) and Indonesia (3 187 000 cases). Injection drug use (IDU) and a historically unsafe blood supply were major risk factors in most countries. Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely between countries. However, comparison across countries was difficult as the number of cases changes over time. Access to reliable data on measures such as these is critical for the development of future strategies to manage the disease burden.

Abstract 3627: Generation and characterization of phospho-specific antibodies against human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) DNA repair protein

The DNA repair protein MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) is overexpressed in human brain cancers and its ability to reverse the O6-guanine alkylation damage induced by many alkylating agents is a major reason for resistance development and therapy failure. Studies in our laboratory have shown that phosphorylation is a negative regulatory mechanism for MGMT (Cancer Res 60, 282, 2000) and that Tyr114 is a major site for this modification (Proc AACR 46, Abst. 5426, 2005). Phosphorylated MGMT is inactive and therefore, the net content of the inactive phospho-MGMT in gliomas and other cancers has the potential to determine patient response to alkylating agents. To determine the (i) functional inactivation of MGMT due to Tyr114 phosphorylation, (ii) the consequent increases in the tumor sensitivity to alkylating agents and (iii) to assess the cellular significance of this event, we developed phospho-specific polyclonal antibodies against the peptide 106-120 (CKFGEVIS-pY-QQLAAL) encompassing the modified tyr114 site. The rabbit antibodies were affinity-purified by chromatography on phospho- and non-phospho peptide columns and further characterized. Specificity studies involving ELISA and western blotting of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated protein fractions revealed that the antibody recognized only the phosphorylated MGMT, but not the recombinant or unmodified proteins. Immunoblot, immunocytochemical and flow cytometric analyses showed the presence of varied but significant amounts of phosphorylated MGMT (10-20% of cellular MGMT in phosphorylated state) in human tumor cell lines. Other experiments showed that phosphorylated MGMT was incapable of binding the DNA substrate or the biotinylated O6-benzylguanine. Molecular modeling showed that phospho-tyr114 fills up the substrate binding pocket, makes new salt bridges and prevents the flipping of O6-alkylated guanine from the base stack into the MGMT active site. Studies are ongoing to determine (i) the cell cycle phase-dependent phosphorylation of MGMT and its relationship with protein turnover, (ii) whether the abundance of phospho-MGMT in human cancers will predict improved drug-efficacy and (iii) the disposition of phospho vs. unphosphorylated MGMT. In conclusion, just similar to the silencing of MGMT expression through promoter methylation, the phosphorylated MGMT content (determined by the balance of kinase and phosphatase activities) in tumors may increase the alkylator efficacy and predict improved responses to therapy. The antibodies described here should aid efforts in this direction (supported by CPRIT RP130266 and NIH RO3CA125872 grants to KSS).

Citation Format: Amit Rawat, Upendra Gumaste, Mohammed A. Yusuf, Suryakant K. Niture, Kalkunte S. Srivenugopal. Generation and characterization of phospho-specific antibodies against human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) DNA repair protein. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3627. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3627

Citalopram and fluoxetine affects blood chemistry, hematology and brain serotonin in rats

BACKGROUND

Depression is caused as a result of combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Citalopram and fluoxetine are antidepressants which are considered the current standard for depression treatment. There are little or no reports as to whether these antidepressants affect blood chemistry and haematological parameters in humans.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of citalopram and fluoxetine on blood chemistry, hematology and brain serotonin in rats were investigated.

METHODS

Forty-five Sprague Dawley male albino rats (140.69 +/- 5.86g) were divided into 3 equal groups. The first group of rats were orally administered 2 ml of 0.25 mg/ml of citalopram, the second group was administered 2 ml of 0.25 mg/ml of fluoxetine and the third group was administered 2 ml of saline (0.89% NaCl) daily for 4 weeks. The body weights and feed intake of rats were recorded every other day throughout the duration of drug administration. Five rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of drug administration. Blood was taken intravenously into lithium heparinized tubes and brain excised. Blood chemistry and hematology were determined by auto analyzer, while brain serotonin levels were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Serum levels of creatinine, urea, albumin, protein, glucose and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were determined in rats administered citalopram, fluoxetine and saline. The packed cell volume, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets of rats administered the respective drugs were determined.

RESULTS

There was no significant (P > 0.01) difference in the mean body weight of rats administered fluoxetine, citalopram or saline for 2 weeks. There were no significant differences in the hematological parameters of rats. The results of the study showed that citalopram increase the body weight of rats in the third and fourth week and was reduced in fluoxetine administered rats. The drugs also affected brain serotonin level, lipid profile of rats and increased levels of albumin, glucose and activities of liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.

CONCLUSION

Data of the study indicate that oral administration of citalopram and fluoxetine in rats for 4 weeks daily affected blood chemistry and do not affect haematological parameters.

PCR for mecA gene of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The study was under taken to detect mecA gene of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by PCR. It was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with the Department of Medicine under the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh between the periods from July 2006 to June 2007. A total of 40 S. aureus strains were used in this study. Isolates of S. aureus were identified by standard microbiology technique and their antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method according to NCCLS. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin was determined for all isolates by standard agar plate dilution method. All strains were tested for mecA gene by PCR. Out of 40 S. aureus strains 15(37.5%) were detected as MRSA by disk diffusion and agar dilution method but 10(25%) yielded mecA gene by PCR. Detection rate of MRSA by disk diffusion and agar dilution test showed significant difference to that by PCR (p<0.001).

Jaundice caused by the vanishing bile duct syndrome in a child with Hodgkin lymphoma

The authors report a 5-year-old boy with Hodgkin disease and cholestatic jaundice that predated the start of treatment for his lymphoma. His clinical course was punctuated by relentless progression of jaundice, characterized by obstructive pattern liver function tests, severe pruritus, intermittent fever, and marked hypercholesterolemia with development of palmar xanthomata. The jaundice was found to be attributable to vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS). The extent of hepatic dysfunction precluded appropriate treatment of the lymphoma with chemotherapy, and the boy died of liver failure. In the differential diagnosis of jaundice in children with Hodgkin disease, VBDS should be considered.

IgM antibodies in hospitalized children with febrile illness during an inter-epidemic period of measles, in Somalia

BACKGROUND

In the context of the measles elimination programme, endorsed by the expanded programme on immunization of the World Health Organization, the identification of infections which may be confused with measles is a major challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the causes of febrile illness in children in an inter-epidemic period of measles in a Somalian hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

Serological tests were performed on sera from 23 Somali children with febrile illness and from 23 age matched children, to measure the specific IgM and IgG antibodies against measles virus, mumps virus, rubella virus, human herpes-6 virus, Epstein Barr virus, parvovirus B19, dengue virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Rickettsia conorii.

RESULTS

In about one third of the cases of febrile illness viral, mycoplasmal and rickettsial agents could be identified serologically as the probable cause of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Although febrile illness with rash in children needing hospitalization is usually assumed to be due to measles, there are several other important virological causes of this condition which need to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Moreover there is a growing need to develop a simple, sensitive, specific and ready to use test to identify each case of measles, if this disease is to be eliminated.

Intracerebral fibroma: light and electron microscopic study

The light and electron microscopic findings of a surgically excised intracerebral mass is presented. The ultrastructural study led to definitely exclude both meningioma (that was the original diagnosis at surgery) and intracerebral schwannoma, while substantiating the uncommon final diagnosis of fibroma. The true intracerebral fibroma has exceptionally been described in the past. The seven so far reported cases are shortly reviewed.