SPONTANEOUS TRANSVAGINAL INTESTINAL EVISCERATION IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN.

Introduction: Transvaginal intestinal evisceration is a rare surgical emergency that is associated with morbidity and mortality. Only a few cases of transvaginal evisceration have so far been described. The predisposing risk factors associated with this clinical condition are multifactorial. Case presentation: We report a case of an 85-year-old female that presented with spontaneous small bowel evisceration through the vagina. The loops of the small bowel appeared edematous and thickened but there was demonstrable visible peristalsis. She had no previous laparotomy or vaginal surgery. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and the small bowel was reduced into the abdomen through the vaginal defect. Afterward, a total abdominal hysterectomy was performed with the closure of the vaginal vault. The postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: The spontaneous evisceration of bowel loops can be successfully managed when patients with such cases present early and promptly managed. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial to prevent complications. If the eviscerated viscera are non-viable, resection and restoration of bowel continuity are imperative. Management should be individualized and multidisciplinary.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND IMMUNOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON FIBROUS PROTEINS FROM COWRY SHELL (CYPRAEA MONETA, LINNAEUS).

BACKGROUND: Biomaterials are non-drug substances used to treat, enhance or replace functions of body tissues or organs. Natural sources of biomaterials have recently become the focus of several research activities. Cowry shell constitutes one of the most promising natural sources of biomaterials because of its chemical stability, biodegradability and biocompatibility in the body. However, its applications may be limited due to immunogenic and toxic responses that may occur following implantation, hence this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crude fibrous protein extracted with citrate buffer from pulverised cowry shells (Cypraea moneta (L)), was resolved into two components (CSP1 and CSP2) by gel filtration. Immunological studies were performed with antisera obtained from rabbits by double immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis techniques. Mice treated with the proteins were observed for signs of toxicity and their liver, kidney, lungs and spleen were processed histologically. RESULTS: The native molecular weight of CSP1 and CSP2 determined by gel filtration were 91kDa and 33kDa respectively. CSP1 and CSP2 displayed single bands on SDS-PAGE with subunit molecular weight values of 19kDa and 19.5kDa respectively. Antisera obtained from rabbits immunised with the crude citrate buffer extracts precipitated the antigen in double immunodiffusion tests. Histopathological examinations revealed a dose-dependent damaging effect of the shell proteins on liver, kidney, lung and spleen tissues of the treated mice. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cowry shells contain fibrous proteins which are immunogenic and toxic in mice at relatively high concentrations, causing visible organ damage without concurrent physical manifestations.

Safety Evaluation of Osun River Water Containing Heavy Metals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Rats.

This study evaluated the pH, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Osun river water. It also evaluated its safety in rats. Heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while VOCs were determined by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Male and female rats were exposed to Osun river water for three weeks and then sacrificed. The abundance of heavy metals in Osun river followed the trend Pb > Cd > Zn > Fe > Cr > Cu while VOCs followed the trend benzene < ethylbenzene < toluene < xylene. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and benzene were higher than the permissible limits of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO) respectively. Rats exposed to Osun river water for three weeks had increased WBC, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum proteins and serum aminotransferases. There were also significant decreases in HCT, PLT, liver aminotransferases and liver glutathione compared to the control. These results show that the pollutants in Osun river water are capable of inducing hematological imbalance and liver cell injury. The toxicity induced in blood was sex-dependent affecting female rats more than male rats.