Background: Tuberculosis was a leading cause of mortality in the beginning of the twentieth century. However, it continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological profi le of tuberculosis of the spine in northern Nigeria. Methods: Eighty seven patients with tuberculosis of the spine were studied for 4 years, the patients were recruited from in and outpatient Neurology Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Murtala Muhammed specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano. Clinico-radiologic evaluation was carried out. Results: Eighty seven patients were recruited. There were 57 males and 30 females (M : F = 2 : 1), their age ranged between 15 – 70 years and the mean age was 41.3 + SD 15.2. Farmers were mostly affected (23%). Seventy fi ve percent of the patients presented more than 2 months after the onset of the illness. Paraplegia/paraparesis, sensory impairment over the lower limbs (100%) and back pain (90.8%) were the most common features. Nine (13.4%) patients had cauda equina syndrome and 3 (3.4%) had cold psoas abscess. Ten (11.5%) patients had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis previously, 10 (11.5%) patients had concomitant pulmonary TB. Fifty eight (66.7%) patient had paraplegia. Twenty (23%) patients had normal fi nding on spinal X-ray. Conclusion: Tuberculosis of the spine is a common cause of morbidity in Northwestern Nigeria. Thus, there is increasing need to improve on the prevention of this disabling disorder.

Aims: The use of herbicide effectively controls weeds in agricultural practice. However, its release to the surrounding surface water bodies may lead to environmental issues. The aim of this study was to isolate the bacteria that were able to remove 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (2,2-DCP) from a paddy field located in Malang. Methodology and results: The 2,2-DCP degrading bacteria were isolated and their ability to grow on higher 2,2-DCP concentrations (50 and 80 mM) was tested. Bacterial degradation of 2,2-DCP was examined through measurement of released chloride ions. The potential isolates were identified according to their 16S rDNA sequences. Two potential isolates, BB9.2 and BC14.3 were observed for their growth on 20, 50, and 80 mM 2,2-DCP. Isolate BC14.3 had the shortest cell doubling time of approximately 4.1 h with 100% 2,2-DCP (20 mM) utilization, whereas BB9.2 was only able to degrade 80% of 2,2-DCP at the same concentration. The 16S rDNA gene sequences suggested that BB9.2 and BC14.3 belong to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study Bacterial strains with 2,2-DCP degrading potentials were successfully isolated from long-term exposed agricultural soil. They demonstrated notable utilization of the organic halide. This is the first time that strains of A. calcoaceticus and P. plecoglossicida were reported to utilize 2,2-DCP.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related low back pain is a common complaint with numerous adverse consequences. Unfortunately, the effect of healthrelated quality of life and physical activity status on pregnancy-related low back pain remains understudied. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the influence of physical activity and health-related quality of life on pregnancy-related low back pain among pregnant women. METHODS: A survey of 398 pregnant women was conducted using the Modified Pregnancy Low Back Pain, Medical Outcome Survey Short Form (MOS-SF), and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to assess pregnancy-related low back pain, quality of life, and physical activity status among the participants. RESULTS: About fifty-four percent (54%) of the pregnant women reported experiencing low back pain during pregnancy. There were no significant differences between most physical activity intensities and domains for pregnant women with and without pregnancy-related low back pain, with the exception of women identified as sedentary (12.9±14.8 versus 17.4±16.2) or inactive (18.7±20.0 versus 23.6±19.8). Furthermore, waist circumference (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99) and Physical component scores (PCS) (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93 to 0.98) were associated with pregnancy-related low back pain. An interaction of height and occupation also showed an association with pregnancy related low back pain (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.08). CONCLUSION Sedentary and inactivity are the only physical activity intensity and domain associated with pregnancy-related low back pain, which affect the physical well-being of the expecting mothers.
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