A mechanistic study on conversion of carbon dioxide into formic acid promoted by 1-ethyl-2, 3-dimethyl-imidazolium nitrite.

CONTEXT: The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to formic acid (FA) through hydrogenation using 1-ethyl-2,3- dimethyl imidazolium nitrite (EDIN) ionic liquid was studied to understand the catalytic roles within EDIN. CO2 hydrogenation in various solvents has been explored, but achieving high efficiency and selectivity remains challenging due to the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO2. This study explored two mechanistic pathways through theoretical calculations, revealing that the nitrite (NO2-) group is the most active site. The oxygen site on nitrite favorably activates H2, while the nitrogen site shows a minor activation barrier of 108.90 kJ/mol. The Gibbs energy variation indicates stable FA formation via EDIN, suggesting effective hydrogen (H2) activation and subsequent CO2 conversion. These insights are crucial for developing improved catalytic sites and processes in ionic liquid catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. METHODS: Quantum chemical calculations were conducted using the ORCA software package at the Restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) and density functional theory (DFT) levels. The RHF method, known for its predictive abilities in simpler systems, provided a baseline description of electronic structures. In contrast, DFT was employed for its effectiveness in complex interactions involving significant electron correlation. A valence triple-zeta polarization (def2-TZVPP) basis set was employed for both RHF and DFT, ensuring accurate and correlated calculations. The B3LYP functional was utilized for its rapid convergence and cost-efficiency in larger molecules. Dispersion corrected functionals (DFT-D) addressed significant dispersion forces in ionic liquids, incorporating Grimme's D2, D3, and D4 corrections. Geometry optimizations, kinetics, and thermodynamic calculations were performed in the gas phase. The Nudged Elastic Band Transition State (NEB-TS) approach, combining Climbing Image-NEB (CINEB) and Eigenvector-Following (EF) methods, was used to find the minimum energy path (MEP) between reactants and products. Thermochemical analyses based on vibrational frequency calculations evaluated properties such as Enthalpy, Entropy, and Gibbs energy using ideal gas statistical mechanics.

Acute angle closure following hemodialysis in a 34-year-old Nigerian female.

Studies have reported that intraocular pressure (IOP) might change markedly during hemodialysis. We report the case of a 34-year-old Nigerian female with a 3-year history of chronic kidney disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis who presented with acute symptomatic elevation of IOPs following hemodialysis. She had no ocular complaints immediately before undergoing hemodialysis. She presented with a history of pain, redness, and mild blurring of vision in the left eye about 15 min after hemodialysis. Examination revealed circumciliary injection, shallow anterior chambers, and closed angles on gonioscopy in both the eyes. She was treated with pilocarpine (4%) four times daily and dorzolamide/timolol (2%/0.5%) twice daily combination eye drops with subsequent relief of symptoms and IOP reduction from an initial 48 and 74 mmHg to 10 and 12 mmHg for the right and left eyes, respectively. This case highlights the need for sensitization and awareness among renal physicians and ophthalmologists of the possibility of extremely high IOP during or immediately following hemodialysis. It also emphasizes the importance of gonioscopy and treatment of at-risk patients with narrow angles before hemodialysis.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING PATHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain, a condition that affects many individuals worldwide during their lifetime is receiving increasing attention due to the attendant chronic disability, absenteeism from work, loss of earning power, loss of quality of life and finances. Recently focus has been on the rising prevalence and search for steps to address low back pain risk factors now known to be modifiable. For the evaluation of low back pain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the imaging modality of choice. AIM: To determine the prevalence and distribution of lumbosacral spine discs, osseous, ligamentum flavum and facet joint changes evaluated by MRI. And to further understand the lumbosacral spine biomechanics of MRI-related disco-osseous abnormalities among native African population with low back pain. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTING: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: The Lumbosacral spine T1W and T2W sagittal and axial images and post gadolinium contrast images generated using a low field MRI scanner and body surface coil, in patients with low back pain, were evaluated in line with pre-defined spinal changes. RESULTS: There were a total of one hundred and eight low back pain patients who had Magnetic resonance imaging between March 2015 and August 2016 in this study with a mean age of 49.9 years and a range of 8 to 77 years. There were 28(25.9%) patients aged 50 - 59 years; this age bracket had the highest number while those aged 20 years and below were 3.7%. In all, 80(74.1%) subjects had chronic low back pain. Abnormal Magnetic resonance findings were reported in 96.3%. Multiple disc affectation was seen in 75.3%; disc bulge (79.8%) was the commonest disc findings followed by dehydration in 74.0%. The L4/5 discs were commonly affected in disc dehydration in 59(76.6%) cases, anterior herniation in 22(61.1%) cases, ventrolateral herniations in 9(81.8%) cases, nerve root compression in 21(60%) cases, facet joint hypertrophy in 17/24(70.8%) cases and spinal canal stenosis in 32/47(68.1%) cases. Vertebral end plate changes occur mostly at L4 and L5 (74% at each level). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that Magnetic Resonance Imaging changes in low back pain involved multiple discs and multilevel osseous pathologies, however, disc abnormalities are predominant. The L4-5, L5-S1 disc levels and L4 vertebra body were the most commonly affected sites among a native African population.

Antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activities of aqueous leaf extract of Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii (Stapf) Diels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii (Stapf) Diels leaves are used in the management of diabetics in Nigeria. Thus, the antidiabetic activity of aqueous D. cumminsii leaf extract and its capability to halt oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. METHODOLOGY: Antidiabetic was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetes rats. Diabetic rats were treated with 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight of the extract. RESULT: The aqueous extract of D. cumminsii leaves significantly reduced blood glucose level in a dose dependent manner with highest dose producing 72% reduction after 21 days administration, which was compared significantly (P<0.05) with the control group and glibenclamide treated groups. Similarly, aqueous extract of D. cumminsii significantly reversed reduction in insulin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan-induced diabetic mediated alterations in liver and serum cholesterol, triacylglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc) were significantly (P<0.05) restored by the extract. Aqueous extract of D. cumminsii leaves significantly attenuated the decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver and pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Elevation in the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly (P<0.05) lowered by D. cumminsii leaves extract. The diabetic-mediated alteration in the architecture of liver was alleviated by the extract. CONCLUSION: Overall, aqueous extract of D. cumminsii leaves at all doses investigated reduced blood glucose level and prevented oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Stroke among young adults at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Stroke in young adults is relatively rare and there are very few hospital reports about it in Nigeria. The aetiologic mechanisms of stoke among young adults are quite distinct from those of the adults' populations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency, aetiologic mechanisms and prognosis of stroke among young adults at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Osogbo Nigeria. METHODS: The study was both retrospective and descriptive. Case notes of stroke patients aged 16-45 years managed at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Osogbo from June 2005 till February 2008 were retrieved. Demographic data, clinical profile of stroke, laboratory investigation results and treatment outcomes were collated. Clinical diagnosis and classification of stroke was mainly clinical using the WHO clinical criteria. Only 3 patients had cranial CT scan. RESULTS: Out of the total number of 208 stroke patients managed during this period, 27(12.9%) were aged 45 years and below. This comprised of 17 males and 10 females. The age range was between 23-45 years. Using the WHO clinical criteria, there were 14 cases of heamorrhagic CVD and 13 cases of ischaemic CVD. The three cranial CT scan that were done revealed cerebral infarction which was consistent with the clinical diagnosis. Severe hypertension was found in 16 (59.2%) patients on admission. 3 patients had clinical and electrocardiographic evidence of rheumatic heart disease with infective endocarditis. Other risk factors included Sickle cell disease, cardiac arrhythmias etc. 8 out of the 27 patients died giving a percentage mortality of 29.6% and 7 patients were discharged against medical advice. CONCLUSION: Heamorrhagic stroke was slightly more frequent than ischaemic CVD. Systemic hypertension was also found to be prevalent among these young Nigerian adults with stroke. However, it was difficult to unravel the aetiologic mechanisms of stroke in this study because of paucity of investigations.

Awareness and breast cancer risk factors: perception and screening practices among females in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: this study is aimed at assessing the practices of breast cancer screening and risk perception of women of reproductive age group in a tertiary institution in Osun state. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: It was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out at the Federal polytechnic, Ede. A total of 393 eligible respondents recruited using a stratified random sampling technique, were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining a verbal consent from them. RESULTS: About two thirds (67.9%) of those who had heard of breast cancer knew that there were screening methods available. Of these 91.6% knew breast self examination, 93.2% knew clinical breast examination and only a third 32.8% knew mammography as a screening method. About half of respondents who were aware of breast cancer practice breast self examination. Only 28 (7.6%) of the respondents had ever visited any clinic for breast cancer screening, and 85.7% (24) of the visit was for clinical breast examination while mammography was rarely done (14.3%). Eighty one per cent of those who were aware of breast cancer believed that screening had a role to play. CONCLUSION: The study shows that though awareness of breast cancer among respondents was good, the practice of breast cancer screening was poor among the respondents and even worse with screening with mammography. A major recommendation is that initiatives to reduce morbidity and mortality due to breast cancer among young females in the southwest Nigeria should include education on risk factors, early signs and methods of screening for breast cancer.

Knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female nurses and lay women in Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African women. Most researchers have attributed the late presentation to poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening in two groups of women with different levels of knowledge of breast carcinoma. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast cancer and screening programmes among nurses in a university teaching hospital, and women in non health professionals in south-western Nigeria. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score for the nurses was 10.9%±3.6 whereas the mean score for non-health professionals was 3.5%±4.1 (p value < 0.001). In those above the age of 40 years, comprising 141 subjects, 35 nurses and 106 women in non-health professionals, 22.9% and 15% respectively had had a mammogram (p=0.289,1.123). CONCLUSION: Good knowledge does not imply better screening rates in south-western Nigeria.

Cranial computerised tomographic assessment of cerebrovascular disease in Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Non-contrast computerized axial tomography (CT) is the routine imaging modality of choice for acute stroke evaluation, because it is widely accessible, convenient, has a short imaging time, and is sensitive for detection of haemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the pattern of stroke by computerised tomography (CT) and to relate the clinical diagnosis of stroke to the radiological features. METHODS: a retrospective study of 86 patients with suspected stroke who had CT of the brain from October 2005 to December 2008 were studied. The type and location of the stroke were documented and correlated with the age and sex. RESULTS: Sixty-five (75.6%) out of the 86 patients had CVD. Normal study was noted in 7(8.12%) patients and 14(16.3%) patients had other intracranial conditions wrongly diagnosed clinically as stroke. Ischaemic CVD was the most common [43(66.2%)], haemorrhagic CVD [21(32.3%)] and combined ischaemic and haemorrhagic, one(1.5%). Most [26(60.5%)] of the ischaemic stroke lesions were localized to the region of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. There were no differences based on gender in the distribution of stroke pattern within the brain or the type of cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSION: ischaemic CVD is the most common stroke. The rate of misdiagnosis of stroke is high in the Osogbo environment.

Foramina parietalia permagna in a Nigerian family.

BACKGROUND: Enlarged parietal foramina are defects in the skull and are believed to be benign and familial and caused by variable degree of defective intramembranous ossification of the parietal bones. They are rare and asymptomatic, usually associated with ALX4 or MSX2 gene mutations and transmitted as autosomal dominant. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the importance of plain radiographs in the diagnosis of this condition and need for health education in affected families. METHODS: A four-year-old male presented with a 14-day history of fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Full clinical and radiological evaluation was undertaken. RESULTS: Physical examination showed an unconscious boy who was having persistent twitching of the upper limbs. Investigations of skull X-rays which showed bilateral parasagital lucencies in the parietal bones. Ultrasound scan showed a mass in the posterior fourth ventricle. The father admitted to having defects in his skull. The patient's elder brother also had defects in his skull. CONCLUSION: The case illustrates that PFM is usually benign and mostly discovered accidently. In most cases, health education and reassurance are all that are necessary.

Tramadol as a prophylactic analgesic for hysterosalpingography in African women.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a contrast investigation of the female reproductive tract. A major drawback to its use is pain during and after the procedure. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of Tramadol in alleviating the pain of the procedure and to assess the influence of tubal pathology on the degree of pain experienced. We studied 84 women; the patients were assigned randomly into two groups, group A and B. The first group, Group A (n=40) had premedication with intravenous Tramadol (100 mg) and IV hyoscine N butylbromide (20 mg), The Group B (n=44) had premedication with IV hyoscine N butylbromide (20 mg) only. The mean numeric rating pain score was 6.25 for the Tramadol group and 6.26 for the control group, P>0.05. This study does not show a significant decrease in pain perception during HSG in African women premedicated with Tramadol.

Cervical disc herniation and Brown-Sequard syndrome: a case report.

Brown-Sequard syndrome caused by herniated cervical disc is relatively rare. We report a 45 year old female patient who presented with weakness of the right extremities and absent pain and temperature sensation on the left below the C4 dermatome. CT myelogram revealed disc herniation between C3/C4, C4/C5 and C5/C6 disc spaces but was worst at C4/C5 with anterior cord compression and evidence of posterior osteophytes on the C5 and C6 cervical vertebrae. Patient responded well to symptomatic and supportive therapy including physiotherapy. She declined surgical intervention which is usually recommended in discogenic Brown-Sequard syndrome.

Ovarian Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma presenting as obstructive jaundice - a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the importance of considering abdominal Lymphoma as a differential diagnosis in the management of obstructive jaundice. PATIENT: A 51 year old female who presented with abdominal swelling associated with features of obstructive jaundice. Significant findings included jaundice on examination, with abdominal ascites. Laparotomy revealed three litres of icteric fluid. There was a huge left ovarian tumour measuring 14cm x 12cm. Massive peritoneal seedling involved the whole abdomen and pelvis was noted. Following surgery allowing for adequate wound healing, the patient was placed on appropriate chemotherapy. INVESTIGATION/DIAGNOSIS: Histology of excision biopsy revealed high grade Non-Hodgkins's Lymphoma. Screening for human deficiency virus (HIV) was negative. However the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was raised at 92 mm Westergren in the first hour. The liver function tests were deranged with total bilirubin of 274 mmol/l and conjugated bilirubin of 204 mmol. serum Ast and Alt were also significantly raised. Total proteins, urea and electrolytes remained essentially within normal limits. The patient was placed on CHOP combination therapy. She attained remission after four cycles of chemotherapy and was discharged home. CONCLUSION: Abdominal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma should be a strong consideration in the management of obstructive jaundice.

Typical and atypical presentations of congenital diaphragmatic hernia - a report of 2 cases.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias occur through embryologic defects in the diaphragm. We present 2 cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, the first case was a late presentation in an 11 month old child, and the second case was an early typical presentation in a day old child, both diagnoses were made on chest radiographs. The paper is focused on the key role of the radiologist in a resource poor environment to make early diagnosis of this fatal and rare condition. Early diagnosis of this defect is essential. This will allow timely intervention and appropriate management, therefore, reducing the mortality associated with the condition.

Ovarian non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as obstructive jaundice - a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the importance of considering abdominal Lymphoma as a differential diagnosis in the management of obstructive jaundice. PATIENT: A 51 year old female who presented with abdominal swelling associated with features of obstructive jaundice. Significant findings included jaundice on examination, with abdominal ascites. Laparotomy revealed three litres of icteric fluid. There was a huge left ovarian tumour measuring 14 cm x 12 cm. Massive peritoneal seedling involved the whole abdomen and pelvis was noted. Following surgery allowing for adequate wound healing, the patient was placed on appropriate chemotherapy. INVESTIGATION/DIAGNOSIS: Histology of excision biopsy revealed high grade Non-Hodgkins's Lymphoma. Screening for human deficiency virus (HIV) was negative. However the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was raised at 92 mm Westergren in the first hour. The liver function tests were deranged with total bilirubin of 274 micromol/l and conjugated bilirubin of 204 micromol. serum Ast and Alt were also significantly raised. Total proteins, urea and electrolytes remained essentially within normal limits. The patient was placed on CHOP combination therapy. She attained remission after four cycles of chemotherapy and was discharged home. CONCLUSION: Abdominal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma should be a strong consideration in the management of obstructive jaundice.

Predictors of request for antenatal sex determination among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal ultrasonograpghy is a useful diagnostic tool in modern day obstetrics. However, its application in prenatal sex determination would continue to attract reactions and comments. The objective of the study was to identify factors associated with fetal sex determination during ultrasonography, METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the pregnant women in SouthWestern Nigeria, to determine factors associated with willingness to know the sex of their unborn child using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 315 responses were obtained. Two hundred and nineteen (69.5%) respondents were interested in knowing the sex of their babies during ultrasonograghy. Younger mothers(= 29 years), primipara, those who had preference for a particular sex, those who planned to have more children based on desired sex, those who had problems detected in the index pregnancy and women who planned the index pregnancy were more willing to know the sex of their unborn child. Adjusting for other factors, pregnancies that were planned, determination to have more babies and house re-arrangement based on fetal sex of the index pregnancy were found to be significantly associated with desire to have prenatal sex determination. CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated the factors that influence the request for prenatal sex determination among the pregnant women in Southwestern Nigeria and the effects of western influence.

Mirizzi syndrome caused by a bile pseudocyst.

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome caused by bile pseudo cyst presents diagnostic and management challenges to the surgeon. OBJECTIVE: To emphasize to clinicians the need to always recognize and correct associated liver derangements before surgery so as to prevent the usual accompanying high morbidity/mortality associated with Mirizzi syndrome. CASE REPORT: We report an unusual and previously unreported pathology of post-cholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome in a 35 year old female who developed a bile pseudo-cyst and which may possibly qualify for Mirizzi syndrome type 5--highlighting the need for maximum pre, -intra, and post-operative challenges for improved prognosis. The patient was lost from reactionary haemorrhage due to limited facilities. CONCLUSION: There is a crying need in developing countries to have Critical Care centers and for Clinicians to recognize the necessity for adequate pre, intra and post-operative care of these high risk patients.

Pattern and outcome of emergency surgery in a new Nigerian Teaching Hospital--The LAUTECH Osogbo experience.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To present a 5 years experience on the pattern and outcome of emergency operations in a new teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study carried out between April 1998 and March 2003 with appropriate data extracted from the available case notes. RESULTS: Two thousand and seventy operations were performed within the period of study. Seven hundred and twenty six of them were done as emergency. Obstetrics' and Gynaecology cases were 66.6% while 33.4% (including six cases of perforated uterus and gangrenous bowel from unsafe abortion) belong to the general surgery and specialty emergencies. Waiting time, mean of which was 39.5+/-2.7 hours, was unduly prolonged. Mortality was 10.3%. CONCLUSION: The high morbidity and mortality as reflected in this study could be reduced through prompt surgical interventions, education on contraceptive awareness and legistilation against unsafe abortion.

Tubal abnormalities on hysterosalpingography in primary and secondary infertility.

BACKGROUND: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an imaging modality used in assessing the fallopian tubes of patients with infertility. There have been reports suggesting that tubal pathologies may be responsible for most cases of secondary infertility. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fallopian tube of women with infertility and to observe if there are significant differences in the tubal findings in primary and secondary infertility. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty (120) patients attending the outpatient fertility clinics in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (UITH) Nigeria were studied; Twenty-four (20%) presented with primary infertility and Ninety-six (80%) with secondary infertility. All the patients had HSG. RESULTS: A total of 48(40%) patients out of the 120 studied had a tubal pathology, out of which 43 (44.8%) had secondary infertility and 5(20.8%) had primary infertility. Tubal pathology was found to be significantly associated with secondary infertility than primary infertility (P< 0.05, Odds ratio = 3, CI = 95%).