Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine

757-765

Authors: Arumugam Sathya, Perumal Siddhuraju

Objective To search for an efficient and inexpensive source of phytoconstituents with antioxidant potential and health promoting traits from bark and empty pods of Acacia auriculiformis (A. auriculiformis). Methods Samples of bark and empty pod extracts were analyzed for bioactives (phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins) and subjected to free radical scavenging activity on DPPH˙, ABTS˙+, OH˙, O2•− and NO along with the determination of reducing power, iron chelating activity and peroxidation inhibition. Defensive action of extracts on biomolecules and cell membranes were evaluated by DNA nicking assay and haemolysis inhibition assay respectively. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials were also determined. Results All the bioactives analyzed were higher in bark (B) than empty pods (EP) [TPC: B (574.51±16.11); EP (96.80±3.45) mg GAE/g. TFC: B (94.71±7.65); EP (247.87±20.45) mg RE/g. Proanthocyanidins: B (2.81±0.31); EP (1.25±0.01) mg LE/100 g DM] except flavonoids. Both the extracts showed higher quenching capacity on DPPH and ABTS (DPPH: B (0.21±0.01); EP (1.51±0.17) g extract/g DPPH. ABTS: B (111 519.14±79 340.91); EP (80 232.55±32 894.12) mmol TE/g) with the FRAP of B (84 515.63±3 350.69) and EP (47 940.79±1 257.60) mmol Fe (II)/g. Iron chelation was not observed. In addition, they showed lower quenching activity on OH˙ (B (48.95±1.72); EP (34.94±1.62)%) and equivalent quenching on O2•− (B (53.47±3.92); EP (24.41±2.61)%), NO (B (49.04±5.04); EP (51.00±5.13)%), peroxidation inhibition (B (67.50±5.50); EP (55.1±2.3)%) and antihaemolytic potential (B (87.60±6.84)%) towards authentic antioxidant standards. Interestingly, Empty pod extracts are devoid of antihaemolytic activity. Both the extracts showed dose dependent DNA protection. Besides this, bark and empty pod extracts exhibited dual inhibiting potential against α -amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Conclusions On summarization, it insinuated that both bark and empty pods can be used for the preparation of antioxidant/nutraceutical supplements and in anti–diabetic formulations.

773-776

Authors: Ahmed Moussa, Djebli Noureddine, Hammoudi Si Mohamed, Meslem Abdelmelek, Aissat Saad

Objective To assess the in vitro antibacterial activity of honey from different geographical location on Gram negative organismes. Methods Different concentrations (Undiluted honey, 10 %, 30%, 50% and 70% wt/vol) of honey were studied in vitro using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), briefly, two-fold dilutions of honey solutions were tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against each type of microorganism, followed by more assays within a narrower dilution range to obtain more precise MIC values. MICs were determined by both visual inspection and spectrophotometric assay at 620 nm. These honey samples were compared with standard antibiotics like ampicillin, penicillin G, amoxicillin, gentamycin, tobramycin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol was determined by the disc diffusion method. Results The diameter of zone of the inhibition (ZDI) of honey has various concentrations tested for the isolates ranged 0–46 mm for S. aureus, 0–44 mm for S. pyogenes. While the MIC (%) ranged 12%-95%, 25%-73% respectively. Conclusions Algeria honey, in-vitro, possess antibacterial activity.

781-784

Authors: NK Saini, M Singhal

Objective To evaluate the anti-nociceptive activity of Tecomaria capensis (T. capensis) leaves extract (TCLE) using different models in rats by acetic acid induced writhing test, (b) tail-flick test (c) tail-clip test. Methods TCLE (100, 300, 1 000 and 2 000 mg/kg body wt.) was given to rats orally to observe acute toxicity for 14 d. Then test drug TCLE were given at dose of 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o. and standard drug aspirin were given at a dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. Results No mortality was reported even after 14 d. This indicates that the methanol extract is safe up to a single dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight. TCLE (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) significantly inhibited abdominal constrictions (writhing) induced by acetic acid and increased the latency period in the tail flick and tail clip test. TCLE at the dose of 500 mg/kg showed significant anti-nociceptive activity compared to standard aspirin. Discussions The results of this study show that methanol extract of T. capensis possesses anti-nociceptive activity which may be mediated by the central and peripheral mechanisms.

789-795

Authors: Mohammad Barati, Hossein Keshavarz-valian, Majid Habibi-nokhandan, Ahmad Raeisi, Leyla Faraji, Abdoreza Salahi-moghaddam

Objective To conduct for modeling spatial distribution of malaria transmission in Iran. Methods Records of all malaria cases from the period 2008-2010 in Iran were retrieved for malaria control department, MOH&ME. Metrological data including annual rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, altitude, demographic, districts border shapefiles, and NDVI images received from Iranian Climatologic Research Center. Data arranged in ArcGIS. Results 99.65% of malaria transmission cases were focused in southeast part of Iran. These transmissions had statistically correlation with altitude (650 m), maximum (30 °C), minimum (20 °C) and average temperature (25.3 °C). Statistical correlation and overall relationship between NDVI (118.81), relative humidity (⩾45%) and rainfall in southeast area was defined and explained in this study. Conclusions According to ecological condition and mentioned cut-off points, predictive map was generated using cokriging method.

803-809

Authors: Abebe Alemu, Yitayal Shiferaw, Aklilu Ambachew, Halima Hamid

Objective To assess the prevalence of malaria helminth co-infections and their contribution for aneamia in febrile patients attending Azzezo health center, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross section study was conducted among febrile patients attending Azezo health center from February-March 30, 2011. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 384 individuals. Both capillary blood and stool were collected. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood film were prepared for identification of Plasmodium species and stool sample was examined by direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique for detection of intestinal helminthes parasites. Haemoglobin concentration was determined using a portable haemoglobin spectrophotometer, Hemocue Hb 201 analyzer. Results Out of 384 febrile patients examined for malaria parasites, 44 (11.5%) individuals were positive for malaria parasites, of which Plasmodium vivax accounted for 75.0% (33), Plasmodium falciparum for 20.5% (9) infectious, whereas two person (4.5%) had mixed species infection. Prevalence of malaria was higher in males (28) when compared with prevalence in females (16). More than half (207, 53.9%) of study participants had one or more infection. Prevalence was slightly higher in females (109, 52.7%) than in males (98, 47.3%). About helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant isolate (62.1%) followed by hookworms (18.4%). Only 22 participants were co-infected with malaria parasite and helminths and co-infection with Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (45.0%). The prevalence of anemia was 10.9% and co-infection with Plasmodium and helminth parasites was significantly associated with (P< 0.000 1) higher aneamia prevalence compared to individuals without any infection. Conclusions Prevalence of malaria and soil transmitted helminths is high and the disease is still major health problem in the study area. Hence, simultaneous combat against the two parasitic infections is very crucial to improve health of the affected communities in economically developing countries.

814-817

Authors: Nchang Allo Nicoline Ngwing, J Wabo Poné, Mpoame Mbida, A Zoli Pagnah, H Njakoi, CF Bilong Bilong

Objective To examine the magnitude and some risk factors of porcine cysticercosis in Bafut and Santa, two sub-divisions noted for pig farming in the North West Region of Cameroon. Methods A total of 499 pigs in 300 households were examined by tongue inspection and serologically by Ag-ELISA. Information was sought on the age and sex of the animals, prevailing husbandry systems, types of feed, the state of each pen and the state of toilets. Futhermore, a questionnaire was administered to the farmers to determine their awareness on taeniasis/cysticercosis and related factors. Results The prevalence of the disease was significantly higher in Santa (10.2%) than in Bafut (4.2%), although there was a higher level of awareness in both localities (62.3%). Age of pigs, traditional rearing systems (roaming, tethered, earth floor pen, raised floor pen), faecal disposal in the environment and poor sanitation significantly influenced the seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis in both localities. Most farmers (79.7%) used a combination of concentrate, grass and kitchen waste to feed pigs. Financial loss from porcine cysticercosis was estimated at 346 900 CFA representing 2% of total income. Conclusions Control measures advanced here include sensitization campaigns, periodic examination and treatment of infected pigs by veterinarians, improved husbandry systems, proper use of standard latrines regularly inspected by sanitary officers, and sound hygienic and sanitary practices.

823-827

Authors: Sheng Chen, Yu-Ling Cheng, Shi-Ting Li, Yao-Jun Ni, Biao Gu

Objective To investigate the effect of chemoradiotherapy after surgery on III A stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 156 NSCLC patients undergoing total pneumonectomy or pulmonary lobectomy were included in this study. The chemotherapy group (n=75) received the protocol of cisplatin (DDP) + gemcitabine (GEM) / docetaxel (DOC) / vinorelbine (NVB); the radiotherapy + chemotherapy group (n=81) received sequential chemoradiotherapy. The response rate, local control rate in 1 to 2 years, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse reactions were evaluated. Results The overall response rate was obviously higher in radiotherapy + chemotherapy group (79.4%) than in chemotherapy group (56.8%) (P<0.01). The 1 year local control rates for chemotherapy group and radiotherapy + chemotherapy group were (69.1±7.9)% and (77.8±8.2)% respectively and the difference reached statistical significance (P<0.001). The 2 year local control rates were (42.1±6.1)% and (61.5±6.9)% respectively (P<0.001). The difference in median follow-up time between the two groups did not reach statistical meaning (P>0.05), while the median PFS of two groups were 10.8 months and 16.9 months respectively (P<0.001). 1-year and 3-year survival rates were obviously higher in radiotherapy + chemotherapy group than in chemotherapy group, and the difference reached statistical significance (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The adverse reactions manifested as hematological toxicity and digestive tract reaction in the two groups. In the radiotherapy + chemotherapy group, incidences of radiation-induced esophagus injury and lung injury were 24.7% and 34.6% respectively, all occurring within 2 to 6 weeks after the start of radiation and both below grade 2. Conclusions Chemoradiotherapy after surgery can improve local control rate and reduce or prevent distant metastasis, but there are still many controversies. In clinical work, we should carefully evaluate each patient's age, lung function, basic physical condition scoring and complications to choose a therapeutic schedule that is suitable for the patient.

834-836

Authors: TP Elamurugan, M Sivashanker, Suresh S Kumar, R Muthukumarassamy, Vikram Kate

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis accounts for 3% of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis with ileocaecal region being the common site of involvement up to 75%. Primary involvement of appendix is very rare and accounts for only 0.6% to 2.9% of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in the absence tubercular focus elsewhere. The pre-operative investigations usually give non-specific results. The diagnosis in most instances made only after histopathology. Here we report a case of primary appendicular tuberculosis in a patient presented with caecal perforation.

839-840

Authors: Asad U Khan, Saeedut Z Ali

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