Activatory Effect of Germination on Catalytic Capacity of Urease Extracted from Beans Samples (Effect of Germination on the Kinetics of Urease from Beans).

This research work was designed to determine the effect of germination on catalytic capacity of urease extracted from seven beans samples. Study Design: Experimental. Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, School of Science and Science Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, between December, 2010 and September, 2011. Methodology: Seven samples of beans namely; Phaseolus lunatus, Parchyrhizus tuberrosus, Glycine max, Cajanus cajan, Mucuna pruriens, Kerstings geocarpa and Vigna mungo were used by comparing urease activity in germinated to ungerminated beans samples. Result: The protein level in germinated and ungerminated beans samples as well as, optimum pH, optimum temperature, substrate concentration and kinetic parameters, Vmax, Km, and Vmax/Km of urease were determined. The pH, temperature and substrate concentration ranged from 5.50-8.0, 30-80ºC and 0.1-0.6M respectively. From the results, the protein level in germinated beans samples reduced significantly (p<0.05) compared to ungerminated beans samples. The optimum pH and temperature ranged from 6.5-7.0 and 60-70ºC respectively for both germinated and ungerminated beans sample. Therefore, germination did not affect the pH and temperature stability of urease when compared to ungerminated beans samples. The results showed that germination significantly (p=0.05) increased Vmax and there was no significant (p=0.05) difference in Km of urease in germinated and ungerminated beans sample studied. However, the catalytic capacity (Vmax/Km) of urease in germinated beans was significantly (p=0.05) higher than ungerminated. Conclusion: This implies that, with germination urease activity can be increased to meet both application of urea as fertilizer (agriculture), clinical analysis of urea in biological fluid, artificial kidney development and other applications.

Endoscopic macroplastiqueTM injection for the treatment of female stress incontinence. Role and efficacy

Objectives To evaluate the role; safety and efficacy of endoscopic MacroplastiqueTM implants in the management of female stress incontinence. Material and Methods Between 1995 and 1999; transurethral submucosal injection of MacroplastiqueTM was performed in 68 women (mean age 58 years; range 32 - 85 years) for the treatment of genuine stress incontinence. Fourteen patients had undergone previous surgery for incontinence that had failed to correct the problem. Under general or regional anaesthesia; the Macroplastique was injected sub-mucosally 1 cm distal to the bladder neck at 3; 6 and 9 o' clock positions. In 26 cases the 12 o' clock position was chosen to ensure a good occlusion of the bladder neck. The mean volume of Macroplastique injected was 3 ml. Results At a mean follow-up of 19 months; 24 patients (35.3) were dry; 18 patients (26.5) were improved and 26 patients (38.2) were still wet. Complications were all minor. Conclusion Transurethral submucosal injection of MacroplastiqueTM should be used in women with mild to moderate stress incontinence who have failed to respond to physiotherapy. Being a minimally invasive day case procedure with low morbidity which can be repeated if necessary and has a satisfactory success rate; we believe Macroplastique implantation could be a good alternative line of treatment for stress incontinence