Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

279-282

Authors: Ling Qi, Yang Yang, Yu-Cui Liu, Tian-Xin Zhu, Song Jin, Lin Zang, Yu-Ying Zhang, Kuang Ren

Objective: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin on neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, explore the possible mechanism of dihydroartemisinin against neuroblastoma cells. Methods: The cell viability of dihydroartemisinin treated SH-SY5Y cells was examined by MTT assay and morphology of cells was observed by using inverted microscope. Cell cycle was examined with flowcytometry assay, then cyclin D1 and caspase-3 proteins expression was detected by ELISA and western blotting assay. Results: MTT analysis results showed that cell viability significantly decreased after exposure to 0.05, 0.50, 5.00 and 50.00 mmol/L dihydroartemisinin in a dose-dependent manner, and the lower density of cells was observed in treated groups. The number of cells in sub-G1 phase was increased after treatment with different doses of dihydroartemisinin compared with the control group. The expression of cyclin D1 protein was decreased, while the expression of caspase-3 protein was increased in treated group. Conclusions: Dihydroartemisinin could inhibit the proliferation through stopping the cell cycle and inducing the apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

290-294

Authors: Eliningaya J. Kweka, Tamires Cardoso Lima, Chrian M. Marciale, Damião Pergentino de Sousa

Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of eight volatile components of essential oils against 3rd instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.s. Methods: Larvicidal effects of each compound were evaluated in both laboratory and semi-field trials. Stock solution was prepared and serial dilutions were made in six concentrations for each compound. A total of 20 larvae were exposed to larvicides for each replicate and monitored at intervals of 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Larvae monitoring was done on basis of dead and live larvae in all intervals. Results: All assayed compounds were larvicides and presented varying degrees of larval toxicity, with LC50 values ranging from 1.28 to 1938.92 mg/L depending on the treatment time (12, 24, 48 or 72 h). (−)-Perillyl alcohol presented the strongest larvicidal activity towards Anopheles gambiae larvae, with LC50 values of 73.60, 18.36, 1.72 and 1.28 mg/L after 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively. The next strongest were (−)-isopulegol (LC50 = 135.10, 49.39, 34.39 and 20.22 mg/L) and (−)-carvone epoxide (LC50 = 168.86, 124.74, 80.84 and 23.46 mg/L). After 12, 24 and 48 h of treatment, hydroxydihydrocarvone was the least toxic compound, with LC50 values of 1938.92, 1172.18 and 401.03 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: The data obtained in this study suggest that all evaluated monoterpenes, especially (−)-perillyl alcohol, have remarkable larvicidal effects and may be considered as potential sources for the development of suitable natural larvicides for mosquito management programs. Further small-scale field trials should be conducted.

301-307

Authors: Tamara Muñoz-Caro, Liliana Machado Ribeiro da Silva, Zaída Rentería-Solis, Anja Taubert, Carlos Hermosilla

Objective: To investigate the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vivo by analysing intestinal sections from experimentally Eimeria bovis- and naturally Eimeria arloingi-infected animals. Methods: Intestinal samples of Eimeria arloingi- and Eimeria bovis-infected animals were analysed by using immunohistochemical and fluorescence approach by using monoclonal antibodies. Results: Classical NET components were confirmed by co-localization of extracellular DNA being decorated with neutrophil elastase and histones in Eimeria-infected tissue samples. Here, extrusion of NETs was exclusively detected in intestinal polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltrating Eimeria-infected sites. In vivo NETs were either found in close proximity or in direct contact to different Eimeria stages suggesting a stage-independent process. NETs were also found within the gut lumen driven by polymorphonuclear neutrophils that were contacting released oocysts. Conclusions: We postulate that NETs might play an important role in innate defence reactions in coccidiosis therefore significantly altering the outcome of infection.

315-321

Authors: Luís Rodrigues Silva, Mafalda Queiroz

Objective: To improve the knowledge on the metabolite profile of five red grapes from Dão region (Portugal), concerning to the phenolic characteristics (coloured and non-coloured phenolics) and organic acid composition. Methods: Five red grapes collected from Dão region were studied. The profiles of phenolic compounds and organic acids were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detector, respectively. Results: Totally 24 phenolic compounds were identified, and distributed by several classes: 8 anthocyanins, 1 hydroxybenzoic acid, 4 hydroxycinnamic acids, 1 stilbene, 4 flavan-3-ols, 6 flavonols. Additionally, 10 organic acids were detected in all samples. Total contents of each phenolic class and organic acids amounts varied significantly among the different grape cultivars investigated. The principal components analysis differentiates the Touriga Nacional from the other varieties due to their high contents in anthocyanins, non-coloured phenolics and organic acids. Touriga Nacional is an important red grape cultivar, highly esteemed in Dão region for its ability to produce high quality wines. Conclusions: The results suggest that the red grapes from Dão region present a good composition in bioactive compounds, being important for the production of wines with superior quality.

330-334

Authors: Shan-Yu Qin, Jia-Xu Wang, Mei Chen, Xian-Wen Yang, Hai-Xing Jiang

Objective: To investigate the role of T helper 9 (Th9) cells in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and whether chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6)/chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) axis is involving in the recruitment of Th9 cells into liver. Methods: Peripheral blood and liver tissue from 30 LC patients and 18 normal controls were recruited. The frequency of Th9 cells and CCR4, CCR6 in the peripheral blood was tested by flow cytometry. Serum interleukin (IL)-9 and CCL20 levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect a-smooth muscle actin, CCR6 and CCL20 expression in liver tissue. Results: The frequency of Th9 cells in LC patients was significantly increased compared with controls (P < 0.05). The serum IL-9 level and CCL20 level increased markedly in LC patients compared with controls (P < 0.05), and IL-9 was positively correlated to Th9 cells and CCL20. Furthermore, the frequency of Th9 cells was correlated to prothrombin time, total bilirubin level, hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen in LC patients. We also found that Th9 cells in LC patients expressed higher frequency of CCR4+, CCR6+ (P < 0.05). Compared with normal controls, the expression of CCR6 and CCL20 in LC tissue were significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The expression of a-smooth muscle actin was correlated to the CCR6 and CCL20 in liver tissue of LC patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that Th9 cells may participate in the pathogenesis of LC, and the recruitment of Th9 cells into liver tissue might be through CCL20/CCR6 axis.

337-343

Authors: Shiho Usui, Hidemi Yasuda, Yuzo Koketsu

Objective: To characterize obese or overweight dogs that visited private Japanese veterinary clinics located in humid subtropical climate zones. Methods: Dogs were categorized into four body condition score groups and five body size groups based on their breed. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to the data. A Chi-squared test was used to examine whether the percentage of obese or overweight dogs differed between breeds. Results: There were 15.1% obese dogs and 39.8% overweight dogs. Obese dogs were characterized by increased age and female sex, whereas overweight dogs were characterized by increased age and neuter status (P < 0.05). Peak probabilities of dogs being either obese or overweight were between 7 and 9 years of age, with the probabilities then declining as the dogs got older. For example, in toy sized dogs, the probability of dogs being overweight increased from 33.4% to a peak of 55.1% as dog age rose from 1 to 8 years old. Also, in medium, small and toy sized dogs, neutered dogs were more likely to be overweight than intact dogs, whereas neutered small sized dogs were more likely to be obese than intact small sized dogs (P < 0.05). Additionally, the percentages of obese or overweight dogs differed between the 10 selected breeds with the highest percentage of obese or overweight dogs. Conclusions: By taking age, body size, sex and neuter status into account, veterinarians can advise owners about maintaining their dogs in ideal body condition.

350-352

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

The application of computational technology for medical purpose is a very interesting topic. Knowledge content development and new technology search using computational technology becomes the newest approach in medicine. With advanced computational technology, several omics sciences are available for clarification and prediction in medicine. The computational intelligence is an important application that should be mentioned. Here, the author details and discusses on computational intelligence in tropical medicine.

355-356

Authors: Solomon Habtemariam

No

360-366

Authors: Narayan Gyawali, Richard Stewart Bradbury, Andrew William Taylor-Robinson

Objective: To investigate levels of awareness of dengue among the inhabitants of Queensland (QLD), a dengue-prevalent state in the north east of Australia. Methods: A computer-assisted telephone interviewing survey was conducted in mid 2014. A total of 1223 randomly selected respondents (
18 years) across QLD completed a structured questionnaire covering all aspects of dengue. Results: 97.55% had heard of dengue and participated further. Among them, 54.70% had travelled overseas (48.11% to dengue-risk countries) in the last five years. A total of 94.47% said transmission is by mosquito bite. In addition, 84.83% knew of current transmission of dengue in QLD, while 80.97% knew the focus is Far North and North QLD. Furthermore, 2.35% and 8.97% had experienced an infection in their life or that of their immediate family/partner, respectively. 85.03% identified correctly at least one means of prevention. A total of 69.72% advised to use insect repellent, wear covered clothing and avoid visiting mosquito-prone areas while 20.93% advised fumigation and clearing water containers around residences. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between residents of South East QLD and the rest of QLD regarding knowledge of prevention. However, such awareness was not affected significantly by overseas travel (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although many people throughout QLD have heard of dengue, about 15% appear unaware of local transmission, its symptoms and of methods to reduce risk of infection. A lack of knowledge regarding prevention of mosquito breeding is evident in South East QLD, where dengue is not currently reported. The study suggests that future dengue awareness campaigns should target communities in both endemic and potentially endemic areas throughout Queensland.