Journal of Coastal Life Medicine

341-347

Authors: Hichem Kacem, Lobna boudaya, Lassad Neifar

Objective: To determine the spawning activity using gonadosomatic index (GSI) and gonad histology the Balistes capriscus (Teleostei: Balistidae) of the Gulf of Gabès (Southern Tunisia, Central Mediterranean Sea). Methods: The reproductive biology of the species, based on 756 (480 females and 276 males), collected from commercial catches at several fishing ports including Chebba, Kerkennah and Zarzis at respective GPS coordinates (34°14' N, 11°06' E), (34°45' N, 11°17' E), (33°41' N, 11°48' E) was studied over 28 months (January 2008-April 2010) using GSI and gonad histology. Sizes used in this study ranged from 11.30 to 45.60 cm in fork length. Results: Both GSI and gonad histology suggest that spawning activity occurred mainly between July and mid-September with a peak in July, coinciding with summer time. The first maturation occurred at 20.26 cm fork length for females and 21.30 cm fork length for males. The monthly values of hepatosomatic index and condition factor (K) indicated that the liver is the main organ responsible for the mobilization process of the energizing reserves during the sexual cycle. Conclusions: It is the first inventory of gonadal maturation and histological observations of the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789 (Teleostei: Balistidae) in the Gulf of Gabès, (Southern Tunisia, Central Mediterranean Sea).

352-355

Authors: Johnson Marimuthu Alias Antonysamy, Kalaiarasi Velayutham, Narayani Mani, Shibila Thangaiah, Revathy Irullappan

Objective: To reveal the antibacterial, cytotoxic and larvicidal activity of Dictyota bartayresiana Lamour (D. bartayresiana). Methods: Phytochemical analysis of various extracts of D. bartayresiana was performed. The antibacterial activity of D. bartayresiana was evaluated by agar diffusion method. The larvicidal activity of crude extract was evaluated as per the protocol described by World Health Organization. The evaluation of LC50 value was carried out after 24 h by probit analysis. Cytotoxicity test was carried out using the standard procedure. The LC50 and LC90 values were obtained from the best-fit line plotted concentration verses percentage lethality. Results: Phytochemical analysis of various extracts of D. bartayresiana showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenolic groups, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and amino acids. It was observed that the methanolic extracts of D. bartayresiana expressed maximum zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli [(9.4 ± 0.2) mm]. Crude methanolic extracts of D. bartayresiana showed the highest larval mortality (LC50 = 166.33 mg/L and LC90 = 265.69 mg/L) against Culex quinquefasciatus. Similarly, methanolic extracts of D. bartayresiana displayed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 and LC90 values at 202.63 and 354.24 mg/L respectively against Artemia salina. Conclusions: The present results revealed the biopotentials of D. bartayresiana and further investigations are needed to elucidate the active principle.

361-365

Authors: Davies Olabisi Flora, Adeleye Isaac Adeyemi, Wang Peng George

Objective: To isolate and screen Actinomycetes from Lagos Lagoon soil sediments for antibiotic production. Methods: Soil samples were collected from four different locations of Lagos Lagoon and were dried for 2 weeks. Actinomycetes were isolated by serial dilution using spread plate method on starch casein and Kuster’s agar supplemented with 80 μg/mL cycloheximide to prevent fungal growth. The plates were incubated at 28 °C for 1-2 weeks. Isolates were selected based on their cultural characteristics as well as their Gram’s reaction and subcultured on same media for isolation and incubated at 28 °C for 3 days. Pure cultures were maintained on nutrient agar slants at 4 °C. Thereafter, they were inoculated into starch casein and Kuster’s broth media and incubated at 28 °C for 8 days. The resulting crude extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against the following microorganisms: methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 29522, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Coagulasenegative staphylococci isolated from HIV patients were also used (Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis). Extraction of secondary metabolites was carried out and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Results: All the isolates displayed varying antimicrobial activity against at least one of the test organisms. Himalomycin A was identified in the extract from isolate ULS7. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometer data analysis showed the antibiotic profile of these isolates. Conclusions: The isolate ULS7 was found to display the highest antimicrobial activity against the test organisms.

370-371

Authors: Tony Silveira, Mariana Remião, Camila Graeff, Fabiana Poetsch, Guilherme Azevedo, Juliane Guimarães, Rafaela Bellora, Tassiane Moraes, Pedro Quevedo, Renata de Faria

Objective: To investigate the presence of Microsporum canis in pelage of asymptomatic cats for dermatophytosis, in south region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and evaluate its importance in epidemiology of dermatophytosis in the study area. Methods: A total of 60 domestic cats were evaluated for the presence of Microsporum canis. The animals were divided into three groups of 20 felines. Each group consisted of exclusively domiciled, semi-domiciled and rural animals. Samples were collected following the carpetsquare technique. The microorganisms were cultivated under laminar flow in mycosel agar and grown in a greenhouse. Results: All the cats of the three groups analysed had negative cultures for dermatophytes. In 85% of the dishes, there was a growth of environmental saprophytic fungi such as Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. Conclusions: Thus, asymptomatic cats for dermatophytes did not show importance in the transmission and maintenance of the disease in southern of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

379-381

Authors: Javid Ali, Bashir Ahmad

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant activity of aqueous, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform and n-hexane extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides (H. rhamnoides) leaves. Methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using in-vitro antioxidant assays model 1, 1’-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity. The antioxidant activities were compared with standard antioxidant agents such as ascorbic acid. Results: The antioxidant activities (% inhibition) of all the tested extracts were increased in the order i.e. menthol > ethanol > aqueous > acetone > chloroform > ethyl acetate > n-hexane. The methanol extract EC50 (μg/mL) value was compatible with vitamin C (standard). The antioxidant activity of H. rhamnoides leaves extracts increased in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: It was observed that H. rhamnoides was a potential resource of antioxidants and thus could put off numerous radical linked diseases.

389-394

Authors: Elumalai Arumugam, Backiyaraj Muthusamy, Kasinathan Dhamodaran, Mathivanan Thangarasu, Krishnappa Kaliyamoorthy, Elumalai Kuppusamy

Objective: To evaluate the pesticidal activity of antifeedant, oviposition deterrent, ovicidal and larvicidal activities of benzene, dichloromethane, diethylether, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of Rivina humilis at different concentrations against agricultural polyphagous pest Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (S. litura). Methods: Antifeedant activities of the selected plant extract were studied as described by Isman et al. (1990), with slight modifications. For oviposition deterrent activity, ten pairs of (adult moths) S. litura were subjected in five replicates. After 48 h, the numbers of eggs masses laid on treated and control leaves were recorded and the percentage of oviposition deterrence was calculated. The ovicidal activity was determined against the eggs of S. litura. Twenty five early fourth instar larvae of S. litura were exposed to various concentrations and was assayed by using the protocol of Abbott’s formula (1925); the 24 h LC50 values of the Rivina humilis leaf extract was determined by probit analysis. Results: All the extracts showed moderate antifeedant activitiy; however, significant antifeedant, ovicidal, oviposition deterrent and larvicidal activities were observed in methanol extract. Conclusions: This study showed that the selected plant can be a potent source of natural antifeedant, oviposition deterrent, ovicidal and larvicidal activities against field pest S. litura.

398-404

Authors: Piotr Dąbrowski, Magdalena Danuta Cetner, Izabela Anna Samborska, Mohamed Hazem Kalaji

Objective: To compare different artificial light sources in different places where plant breeding is conduced. Methods: Measurements were conducted outdoor, in room, in greenhouse, under four panels with light emitting diodes, in phytotron, in dark room with various light sources and inside Sanyo versatile environmental chamber. The measurements were made by using SpectraPen SP100 (PSI, Czech Republic) device. Results: Our result showed that spectrum measured outdoor during sunny day had only one peak at the wavelength of 485 nm (ca. 60 000 relative units). On cloudy day, the trend of light spectrum curve was similar, but with lower values. At room conditions, the curve was more flat than outdoor. Under greenhouse conditions, the curve was similar to that measured outdoor. A few additional peaks on the curve appeared by adding high pressure sodium lamp. There were changes of curve under LED panels. Conclusions: It must be underlined that the most similar spectrum curve to daylight light has incandescent bulb and this light source should be preferred as support of daylight in greenhouses and as main source in phytotrons. Using high pressure sodium lamp in greenhouses as support of daylight cause increase in the red/far-red ratio and occurrence of a new peak on spectrum curve. The new possibilities are creating by LED panels with red and blue diodes.

414-415

Authors: Youhua Chen

At the age of knowledge explosion and mass scientific information, I highlighted the importance of conducting open science in life and medical researches through the extensive usage of open software and documents. The proposal of conducting open science is to reduce the limited repeatability of researches in life science. I outlined the essential steps for conducting open life science and the necessary standards for creating, reusing and reproducing open materials. Different Creative Commons licenses were presented and compared of their usage scope and restriction. As a conclusion, I argued that open materials should be widely adopted in doing life and medical researches.

418-420

Authors: Rafael da Costa Monsanto, Rodrigo Silva Orem, Fernanda Resende e Silva, Fabio Hiroshi Okuyama, Fabio Tadeu Moura Lorenzetti

Rhinosinusitis affects approximately 20% of the population, and the chronic rhinosinusitis represents over 90% of all cases of rhinosinusitis. The correct diagnosis is important for proper treatment and to predict its evolution. This study presents two cases of atypical frontal sinus disease, which the follow-up revealed a diagnosis of fungal rhinosinusitis. The present study aims to describe the cases of two patients with atypical lesions on the left frontal sinus; the treatment options, surgical approach, results, diagnosis and follow-up are further discussed. A significant increase in the reported cases of fungal rhinosinusitis has been seen in the last two decades, justified by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and steroids, as well as the increased number of immunocompromised individuals. This study reports the cases of two patients with a type of fungal rhinosinusitis named "fungal ball", characterized by a tangle of hyphae in the sinuses without tissue invasion. The treatment included surgical removal of the fungal infectious process with aeration of the affected sinus, and the procedure was successfully performed in our patients.