Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Paediatric Surgical Outcomes Across Ontario, Damian Dylkowski

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the volume of three complex paediatric procedures at the tertiary care centres in Ontario over the last 20 years in three disciplines, analyze outcomes and explore the possibility of an outcome volume relationship.

METHODS: A population based cohort study of patients undergoing TEF repair, Pyeloplasty and V-P shunt insertion at 4 paediatric centres in Ontario between 1993 and 2013 was carried out. Administrative data sets were linked using unique encoded identifiers and analyzed at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

RESULTS: In TEF repair and Pyeloplasty, there was significant difference …

Clinical Influences In The Multidisciplinary Management Of Small Renal Masses At A Tertiary Referral Center, Costas D. Lallas, Kymora Scotland, Michael Zhang, Daisey Schaeffer, Anne Calvaresi, Leonard G. Gomella, Daniel Brown, Colette Shaw, Edouard J. Trabulsi

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

Introduction We designed a multidisciplinary Small Renal Mass Center to help patients decide among treatment options and individualize therapy for small renal masses. In this model physicians and support staff from multiple specialties work as a team to evaluate and devise a treatment plan for patients at the same organized visit. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 263 patients seen from 2009 to 2014. Monitored patient characteristics included age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, nephrometry score, tumor size and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify patient characteristics associated with each treatment choice. …

Surgical Management Of Penile Cancer--Report Of Two Cases., M Amjad Noor, Hammad Ather, M Nasir Sulaiman, Farhat Abbas

Hammad Ather

Introduction

Penile carcinoma (PC) is a rare tumor, accounting for 0.4-0.6% of all male malignancies. There are remarkable racial and geographic differences in the prevalence of penile cancer. In United States, 1% of all male cancers are penile malignancies, with annual incidence of 1-2 new cases per 100,000 men. In certain areas of South America, Asia and Africa the frequency is as high as 10-20% of all male cancers. Many areas in Asia however, have very low figures; in Taiwan for example it comprised only 0.25% of all male cancers¹. Penile carcinoma is most frequent in uncircumcised males …

Predictors Of Lymph Node Involvement In Bladder Cancer Treated With Radical Cystectomy, Zaheer Alam, M Hammad Ather, Anila Jamshaid, Khurram Muhammad Siddiqui, Muhammad Nasir Sulaiman

Hammad Ather

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical variables associated with prevalence of lymph node metastasis in patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy and lymphadenectomy for primary bladder cancer.

METHODS: Review of records of Ninety-five patients who underwent radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection during the period of 1995-2008 from a prospectively maintained database. Eighteen patients were excluded due to lack of data on the nodal status, leaving 77 evaluable patients. Associations between LN metastasis and age, gender, duration of disease, number of transurethral resection (TUR) prior to cystectomy, pathological grade and tumour stage was analyzed. Data was analyzed …

Expression Of Ps2 In Prostate Cancer Correlates With Grade And Chromogranin A Expression But Not With Stage, Hammad Ather, Farhat Abbas, Nuzhat Faruqui, M Israr, Shahid Pervez

Hammad Ather

Background: The biological potential of prostate cancer is extremely variable. Particular interest is focused on markers not expressed in normal prostatic tissues. pS2 protein expression has been demonstrated in a range of malignant tissues in an oestrogen-independent pathway. Recently, it has been demonstrated that pS2, in prostate cancer, is closely associated with neuro-endocrine differentiation. In the present study, we have analyzed, the potential of Neuro-endocrine and pS2 (TFF1) expression in human prostate cancer determined by immunohistochemistry, in primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate and attempted to correlate this with the clinico-pathologic features of the patient and neuroendocrine expression.

Methods: Ninety-five malignant …

Grading Complication Following Radical Cystectomy And Ileal Conduit For Bladder Cancer Using Clavien Grading System., Syed Johar Raza, M Hammad Ather, Faisal Aziz Khan, Zaheer Alam

Hammad Ather

Objective: To determine the 30-day complication rate of radical cystectomy and urinary diversion using a validated system.

Study Design: An analytical descriptive study. Place and

Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 1990 to 2010.

Methodology: Patients who had undergone ileal conduit (IC) formation, following radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma, were studied, using a prospectively maintained data base. Basic details were determined, complications were noted and graded according to the modified Clavien grading system (CG). Results were presented using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of all the RC performed at this hospital 89 patients received …

Role Of Estrogens In The Secondary Hormonal Manipulation Of Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer, Khurram M. Siddiqui, Farhat Abbas, Syed Raziuddin Biyabani, M Hammad Ather, Jamsheer J Talati

Hammad Ather

Objective:

To evaluate the role of Estrogens (Honvan) in the secondary hormonal manipulation of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCP).

Methods:

Twelve patients diagnosed as hormone refractory prostate cancer received intravenous estrogens for six days (Fosfestrol, a synthetic phosphorylated estrogen derivative), followed by a maintenance oral dose of 120 mg thrice daily as second line hormonal treatment. During the treatment they were given deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Their stage at initial presentation, primary treatment, mode of androgen ablation, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, duration of remission prior of HRPC status, PSA doubling time before and after estrogen treatment were …

Functional And Clinical Outcome Of Ileal (Studer) Neo-Bladder Reconstruction: Single Centre Experience From Pakistan., Syed M. Nazim, M Hammad Ather, Farhat Abbas

Hammad Ather

OBJECTIVE: To determine the medium and long-term outcome of orthotopic continent urinary diversion with ileal (Studer) neo-bladder following radical cystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 1998 to September 2010. METHODOLOGY: Thirty eight patients underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder tumor with ileal neo-bladder (Studer type) reconstruction. Peri-operative and late complications, functional outcome of neo-bladder, urinary continence, metabolic and upper urinary tract status and overall survival were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (23 males and 6 females) with mean age of …

Spinal Cord Injury And Autonomic Dysreflexia- A Case Report, Apurva Bhatt, Brit Moore, Talal Asif, Kristy E. Steigerwalt, Rebecca R. Pauly

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life threatening condition affecting patients with spinal cord lesions T6 level and above. A 51 year old male with a history of paraplegia due to a C6 spinal cord injury (30 years prior) presented with recurrent debilitating episodic diaphoresis, hypertension, low body temperature, and bradycardia. Previous hospitalizations presumed sepsis from UTI to be the etiology, however on further evaluation his symptoms were consistent with undiagnosed AD. This article describes a unique case presentation and reviews AD in depth, including the etiology, pathophysiology and management.

Early Experimental Results Of Using A Novel Delivery Carrier, Hyaluronan-Phosphatidylethanolamine (Ha-Pe) Which May Allow Simple Bladder Instillation Of Botulinum Toxin A As Effectively As Direct Detrusor Muscle Injection., Mohamed G. El Shatoury

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Intra-detrusor Botulinum Toxin-A (BTX-A) injection is the gold standard treatment for detrusor overactivity in clinical practice when medical treatment fails. Despite satisfactory results of BTX-A injection, the endoscopic procedure still has risks of anaesthetic and operative complications. Several studies have investigated more simple ways to deliver BTX-A to the detrusor muscle but with limited success. In our study, we assessed the evidence of BTX-A delivery using a newly modulated hyaluronan-phosphatidylethanolamine (HA-PE) carrier in a rat model through BTX-A-HA-PE bladder instillations. We used histological evidence of SNAP-25 protein cleavage and detection of Alexa FluorÒ594-labelled BTX-A as a proof of physical BTX-A …

An Approach Using Psa Levels Of 1.5 Ng/Ml As The Cutoff For Prostate Cancer Screening In Primary Care., E. David Crawford, Matt T. Rosenberg, Alan W. Partin, Matthew R. Cooperberg, Michael Maccini, Stacy Loeb, Curtis A. Pettaway, Neal D. Shore, Paul Arangua, John Hoenemeyer, Mike Leveridge, Michael Leapman, Peter Pinto, Ian M. Thompson, Peter Carroll, James Eastham, Leonard G. Gomella, Eric A. Klein

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Nih-Niaid Schistosomiasis Resource Center At The Biomedical Research Institute: Molecular Redux., James J Cody, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, André N Miller, Lucie Henein, Margaret M Mentink-Kane, Michael H. Hsieh

Urology Faculty Publications

Schistosomiasis remains a health burden in many parts of the world. The complex life cycle of Schistosoma parasites and the economic and societal conditions present in endemic areas make the prospect of eradication unlikely in the foreseeable future. Continued and vigorous research efforts must therefore be directed at this disease, particularly since only a single World Health Organization (WHO)-approved drug is available for treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Schistosomiasis Resource Center (SRC) at the Biomedical Research Institute provides investigators with the critical raw materials needed to carry out this important research. …

Frequency And Predictors Of Recurrence Of Bladder Tumour On First Check Cystoscopy - A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience, Muhammad Farhan, Nazim Syed Muhammad, Jibran Ahmed, Hammad Ather

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the frequency and predictors of non-muscle invasive bladder tumour recurrence on first-check cystoscopy after transurethral resection of bladder tumour.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April to November 2014, and comprised patients with a suspected newly-diagnosed urothelial cancer. Patients with non-muscle invasive disease with complete resection of all visible lesions along with deep biopsy from the tumour base were included. Patients received standard adjuvant intravesical therapy according to their risk stratification and underwent a white-light check cystoscopy at 3 months to look for tumour recurrence. Association between clinico-pathological …

Intravesical Foreign Body: Tertiary Care Center Experience From Pakistan., Hussam Uddin Soomro,, Imran K. Jalbani, Nuzhat Faruqui

Department of Surgery

Foreign body in bladder is relatively uncommon condition with variable presentations. Literature is limited to case reports and small series from region. Therefore, we planned this study to review our experience regarding intravesical foreign body. This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised 14 patients having intravesical foreign bodies from March 1989 to March 2013. Demographics, presentation, mode of insertion, type of foreign body and management were noted. Of the 11(78.6%) patients included in the study, 10(90.9%) patients were male and 1(9.1%) was female. The mean age was 51± 20 years. In 5(45.5%) patients, …

The Current Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction, Maria Isabela Sarbu, Mircea Tampa, Mădălina I. Mitran, Cristina I. Mitran, Vasile Benea, Simona R. Georgescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is the most frequent sexual dysfunction in elderly men and its prevalence increases with age.

Ever since ED was recognized as a real health problem, several treatment options became available and some of them proved to be very efficient. PDE5 inhibitors are the mainstay treatment of ED.

However, other treatment options such as intracorporal injections, surgery, vacuum devices and prosthesis are also available for patients who are unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors. Since none of the treatment options available so far has proven …

The Postfinasteride Syndrome; An Overview, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei, Florian Popa, Vlad D. Constantin, Adriana Vasilache, Ioana Păunică, Cristian Bălălău, Georgeta P. Păunică, Petrisor Banu, Stana Păunică

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

As a 5-α reductase inhibitor, Finasteride has proven effective in ameliorating two conditions documented to be androgen dependent, namely male androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therapeutic results are maintained as long as the drug is administered, with treatment cessation generally leading to the return of symptomatology for each condition. In addition, during the therapeutic phase, several adverse effects have been reported, some of which persist long or indefinitely after treatment cessation, known as “post-finasteride syndrome.”

Herein we present and discuss the most common finasteride side effects, along with a psycho-neuroendocrine rationale that could explain the persistence of many adverse …

5-Ht2a Receptor Enhancement Of Contractile Activity Of The Porcine Urothelium And Lamina Propria, Christian Moro, Lily Edwards, Russ Chess-Williams

Russ Chess-Williams

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) on the contractile properties of the urothelium and lamina propria, as a better understanding of bladder physiology might aid the development of new treatments.

METHODS:

Strips of porcine urothelium and lamina propria were suspended in gassed Krebs-bicarbonate solution, and cumulative concentration-response curves for 5-HT were generated in the absence and presence of 5-HT antagonists, Nω-nitro-l-arginine and indomethacin. Responses to α-methyl-5-HT were also examined.

RESULTS:

Strips of urothelium/lamina propria developed spontaneous contractions, whereas the addition of 5-HT induced concentration-dependent increases in contractile tone with maximal contractions of 50.43 ± 2.78 mN/g tissue …

5-Ht2a Receptor Enhancement Of Contractile Activity Of The Porcine Urothelium And Lamina Propria, Christian Moro, Lily Edwards, Russ Chess-Williams

Christian Moro

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) on the contractile properties of the urothelium and lamina propria, as a better understanding of bladder physiology might aid the development of new treatments.

METHODS:

Strips of porcine urothelium and lamina propria were suspended in gassed Krebs-bicarbonate solution, and cumulative concentration-response curves for 5-HT were generated in the absence and presence of 5-HT antagonists, Nω-nitro-l-arginine and indomethacin. Responses to α-methyl-5-HT were also examined.

RESULTS:

Strips of urothelium/lamina propria developed spontaneous contractions, whereas the addition of 5-HT induced concentration-dependent increases in contractile tone with maximal contractions of 50.43 ± 2.78 mN/g tissue …

Molecular And Cellular Biology Of Prostate Cancer, El-Nasir Lalani, Marc Elie Laniado, Paul David Abel

El Nasir Lalani

Prostate cancer is an enigmatic disease. Although prostatic-intraepithelial neoplasia appears as early as the third decade and as many as 80% of 80 year old men have epithelial cells in their prostate that fit the morphological criteria for cancer, only about 10% of men will ever have the clinical disease and less than 3% will die from it. There have been no significant proven interventions which have altered the natural history of the disease since hormone down regulation was introduced in the 1940s and new research has been poorly supported. There is however an urgent need to develop new criteria …

Protective Benefits Of Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment During Renal Transplantation, Ian Lobb

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is inherent to renal transplantation (RTx) and is initiated when blood supply is necessarily removed during organ procurement (ischemia) and subsequently restored upon engraftment (reperfusion). During renal ischemia, ATP depletion causes tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Upon reperfusion, influx of O₂ causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and infiltration of innate immune cells which release damaging ROS and proteases. Prolonged periods of IRI are associated with increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF) and decreased long-term graft survival. The endogenously produced gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), has recently been …

Adrenalectomy For Solitary Metastasis Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Liver Transplantation: Case Report And Literature Review, Imran K. Jalbani, Nazim Syed Muhammad, Usman Tariq Siddiqui, Farahat Abbas

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with cirrhosis. Extra hepatic metastasis is the most common cause of death in these patients. There is very little evidence regarding the natural history and treatment options for patients developing HCC recurrence after LT. Surgical resection offers a unique opportunity for solitary metastasis. We report a 61 year old male with solitary right adrenal metastasis 15 months post LT which was managed with open adrenalectomy. The patient is alive and disease free 24 months after the surgery. The case, histo-pathological findings and literature review is …

Mechanisms Of Progranulin Action And Regulation In Genitourinary Cancers., Ryuta Tanimoto, Kuojung G Lu, Shi-Qiong Xu, Simone Buraschi, Antonino Belfiore, Renato V. Iozzo, Andrea Morrione

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

The growth factor progranulin has emerged in recent years as a critical regulator of transformation in several cancer models, including breast cancer, glioblastomas, leukemias, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Several laboratories, including ours, have also demonstrated an important role of progranulin in several genitourinary cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, prostate, and bladder tumors, where progranulin acts as an autocrine growth factor thereby modulating motility and invasion of transformed cells. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms of action and regulation of progranulin signaling in genitourinary cancers with a special emphasis on prostate and bladder tumors.

Global Assessment Of Schistosomiasis Control Over The Past Century Shows Targeting The Snail Intermediate Host Works Best., Susanne H Sokolow, Chelsea L Wood, Isabel J Jones, Scott J Swartz, Melina Lopez, Michael H. Hsieh, Kevin D Lafferty, Armand M Kuris, Chloe Rickards, Giulio A De Leo

Urology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Despite control efforts, human schistosomiasis remains prevalent throughout Africa, Asia, and South America. The global schistosomiasis burden has changed little since the new anthelmintic drug, praziquantel, promised widespread control.

METHODOLOGY: We evaluated large-scale schistosomiasis control attempts over the past century and across the globe by identifying factors that predict control program success: snail control (e.g., molluscicides or biological control), mass drug administrations (MDA) with praziquantel, or a combined strategy using both. For data, we compiled historical information on control tactics and their quantitative outcomes for all 83 countries and territories in which: (i) schistosomiasis was allegedly endemic during the …

Comparison Of Ureteric Stone Size, On Bone Window Versus Standard Soft-Tissue Window Settings, On Multi-Detector Non-Contrast Computed Tomography., Hussam Uddin Soomro, Hammad Ather, Basit Salam

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the difference in mean stone size, as measured on bone window vs standard soft-tissue window setting using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with a solitary ureteric stone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In all, 60 patients presenting to the emergency and outpatient departments of a University Hospital from May 2015 to October 2015 and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A 64-slice MDCT was used to assess the locations and size of the ureteric stones. A consultant radiologist independently analysed the MDCT scans of all the patients. The mean difference in stone size was …

Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers: A Prospective Cohort Study In Urological Patients, Daniel Olvera-Posada

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Several recent studies have assessed the use of biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), but the information among patients with stone disease and those with obstructive uropathy is limited. For this reason, we conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the urinary levels of KIM-1, Total and Monomeric NGAL in patients with hydronephrosis secondary to renal stone disease, congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction or ureteral stricture, and in a group of healthy controls in our health care center. Urinary biomarker concentrations were evaluated before and after surgical treatment. Patients with hydronephrosis showed significantly higher baseline levels of KIM-1 compared to those …

Suppression Of Progranulin Expression Inhibits Bladder Cancer Growth And Sensitizes Cancer Cells To Cisplatin., Simone Buraschi, Shi-Qiong Xu, Manuela Stefanello, Igor Moskalev, Alaide Morcavallo, Marco Genua, Ryuta Tanimoto, Ruth Birbe, Stephen C. Peiper, Leonard G. Gomella, Antonino Belfiore, Peter C. Black, Renato V. Iozzo, Andrea Morrione

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

We have recently demonstrated a critical role for progranulin in bladder cancer. Progranulin contributes, as an autocrine growth factor, to the transformed phenotype by modulating Akt-and MAPK-driven motility, invasion and anchorage-independent growth. Progranulin also induces F-actin remodeling by interacting with the F-actin binding protein drebrin. In addition, progranulin is overexpressed in invasive bladder cancer compared to normal tissue controls, suggesting that progranulin might play a key role in driving the transition to the invasive phenotype of urothelial cancer. However, it is not established whether targeting progranulin could have therapeutic effects on bladder cancer. In this study, we stably depleted urothelial …

Health Care Transition Program For Adolescents With Spina Bifida, Teresa M. Scavone

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an NP facilitated formal transition program for adolescents with Spina Bifida. There is an increased awareness of the need for health care transition for youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) due to the 2009-2010 Maternal Child Health Branch National Survey findings that only 40% of YSHCN receive adequate support for transition that meets the core outcome measures. Recent studies have investigated transition in youth with chronic disease specific conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and congenital heart defects, and provide valuable insight into possible strategies for …

Role Of Target Specific Oral Anticoagulation After Operative Management Of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Jeontaik Kwon, Md, Paul J. Dimuzio, Md, Babak Abai, Md, Dawn Salvatore, Md, Taki Galanis, Md, Geno J. Merli, Md, Luis H. Eraso, Md

Department of Surgery Posters

Background:

The purpose of this study is to review the efficacy of Target Specific Oral Anticoagulants (TSOAC) versus vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for post-surgical anticoagulation in patient with primary subclavian vein thrombosis. Rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, was the first TSOAC approved by the FDA in 2012 for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis. However, the efficacy and safety of TSOAC for prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis after revascularization of upper extremity compression syndromes is largely unknown.

Proteins In Renal Stones And Urine Of Stone Formers., Anwar A. Siddiqui, Taranum Sultana, Niels-Peter Buchholz, Mohammad A. Waqar, Jamsheer J Talati

Anwar Ali Siddiqui

Knowledge of the essential characteristics of macromolecules constituting the organic matrix of the nidus of urinary stones is required to understand the mechanism of urolithogenesis. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterise those stone nidus proteins. Using an extraction buffer containing SDS and beta-mercaptoethanol, we were able to overcome known problems of protein isolation from urinary stone matrix. These proteinswere characterised by a strong tendency to aggregate under reducing and denaturing conditions. On SDS-PAGE, their molecular weights range from < or = 12 to 66 kDa. Antisera raised against stone matrix proteins showed a cross-reactivity between proteins isolated from different stonesirrespective of their origin or mineral composition. Moreover, urinary proteins from stone formers also cross-reacted with these whereas there was no reaction with urinary proteins of non-stone formers. Western blotting confirmed these findings. Given the above summarised properties, it can be safely concluded that these proteins are prevalent in urines of stone formers, that they are selectively incorporated into renal stones of all aetiologies, and that they most likely have a role in nidus and, therefore, early stone formation.

Identification Of Myeloperoxidase, Alpha-Defensin And Calgranulin In Calcium Oxalate Renal Stones., Shamim Mushtaq, Anwar Ali Siddiqui, Zulfiqar Ali Naqvi, Ahmed Rattani, Jamsheer J Talati, Carina Palmberg, Jawed Shafqat

Anwar Ali Siddiqui

BACKGROUND:

In order to understand the mechanism of stone genesis, it is essential to determine the characteristics of macromolecules constituting the urinary stones. We characterized proteins from the inner core and outer matrix of calcium oxalate (CaOx) renal stones.

METHODS:

Inner core and outer matrix of CaOx renal stones were separated and proteins were extracted with a buffer containing SDS and beta-mercaptoethanol. Proteins were analyzed and purified by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC respectively. The protein bands from gel and protein fractions were sequenced by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. ELISA, western and slot blot immunoassays were performed to confirm the identity of …