Journal of Coastal Life Medicine

678-682

Authors: Gary Kim Kuan Low

Objective: To describe the pattern of vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain among dengue patients over the years in different age groups. Methods: Electronic databases were used to include studies that reported symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea or/and abdominal pain. Confirmation of dengue was conducted by laboratory diagnosis. The exclusion criteria were case reports and studies which only described specific settings, focused only on dengue haemorrhagic fever or severe dengue and coinfection. Meta-analysis was performed on the overall prevalence of vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain which was then stratified according to years and different age groups. Results: Out of the 2 002 studies, 32 studies were included. All studies were conducted between 1995 and 2014. The studies were conducted in 18 countries with a total sample size of 69466. The predominant symptom was abdominal pain before 2004 but became vomiting thereafter. The prevalence of vomiting was constant throughout the years (20%–40%), but the prevalence of abdominal pain reduced from 30%–50% to 20%–30%. The prevalence of diarrhoea increased steadily from 5% to 30%. Abdominal pain was the predominant symptom in children (75.03%) [95% confidence interval (CI): 64.89%–85.17%], while diarrhoea was predominant in adults (32.42%) (95% CI: 23.96%–40.88%). For studies which included all ages, the predominant symptom was vomiting (45.18%) (95% CI: 33.87%–56.49%). Conclusions: The knowledge of symptomatic pattern change could assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing dengue patients. Future studies could address the occurrence of this change and the difference in symptoms between children and adults.

689-692

Authors: Md. Alomgir Hossen, Md. Yeamin Hossain, Nasir Uddin Pramanik, Fairuz Nawer, Dalia Khatun, Most. Farida Parvin, Md. Mosaddequr Rahman

Objective: To provide complete and informative description on morphometric characters i.e., relationships between length-weight (LWRs) and length-length and meristic characters of Botia lohachata from the Ganges River, Northwestern Bangladesh. Methods: Samples were collected occasionally using different fishing gears from July 2015 to June 2016. For each individual, total 15 lengths were taken using digital slide calipers and body weight was measured using an electronic balance with 0.01 cm and 0.01 g accuracy, respectively. The LWRs was estimated using the formula: W = a × Lb , where W was the body weight (g); L was the length (cm) and, a and b were LWRs parameter. The meristic data were counted using magnifying glass. Results: A sum of 110 individuals of Botia lohachata were hardly collected. Total length was varied from 3.70–6.80 cm and body weight was ranged from 0.55 to 2.80 g. The LWRs were highly correlated (P < 0.001) with r 2 values greater than 0.961. The calculated overall allometric coefficient (b) indicated negative allometric growth pattern (b < 3.00, P < 0.001). In addition, all length-length relationships were highly significant (P < 0.001) and most of the r 2 values were greater than 0.950. The fin formula was- dorsal, D. 10–11 (2–3/8); pectoral, Pc. 8–10 (4–6/6–4); pelvic, Pv. 8 (2–3/5–6); anal, An. 6–7 (2/4–5); and caudal, Ca. 20–22 (6–8/14–16). Conclusions: The findings of the present study will keep a crucial contribution to fisheries scientist in favor of identification of this fish, stock assessment and sustainable conservation in the Ganges River of Bangladesh and adjoining countries. Also, these results will impart valuable information for the FishBase, as well as provide an important baseline for further studies.

698-702

Authors: Azadeh Taherpour, Bita Archangi, Sadraddin Ghaemmaghami, Hossein Zolgharnein, Kamal Ghanemi

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of different solvent extracts of Padina sp. against selected human pathogenic bacteria and fungi species such as Escherichia coli, Shigella sp., Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. Methods: Various solvents including methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane were used to acquire crude extracts from marine algae Padina sp. After crude preparation, antibacterial and antifungal activities were screened against clinically important human pathogenic bacteria using disc and well diffusion methods. For all the bacterial species used in this research, minimum inhibitory concentration was undertaken considering various solvent extracts of Padina sp. To ensure the accuracy of experiments, a positive control was also included. Results: Confirmed that hexane is the best solvent to extract antimicrobial agents from Padina sp. Among selected bacteria, S. aureus was the most sensitive test microorganism. While, all other microorganisms showed resistance against methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform extracts. In fact, by increasing concentration of hexane extract, inhibition of S. aureus growth or antimicrobial activity was increased. Growth inhibition zone in well method showed better results compared to disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of hexane extract were 15 and 30 mg/mL against S. aureus, respectively. All Padina sp. extracts did not reveal any antifungal activities against fungi species in this study. Conclusions: Brown algae extracts showed sufficient antibacterial properties against S. aureus. Therefore, Padina sp. in this research can be a good candidate to design and manufacture novel antibacterial agents used in pharmaceutical industries.

708-713

Authors: Endang Purwaningsih, Kartika Dewi, Herjuno Ari Nugroho

Objective: To determine and describe the nematode species of amphibians collected from Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methods: The materials examined were found in the intestines of twenty-four Fejervarya cancrivora (F. cancrivora), sixteen Fejervarya verruculosa, six Duttaphyrnus melanostictus (D. melanostictus) from Senaru and Gangga District, Lombok Island on April 2015. The amphibian hosts were collected by hand. Before observing the nematodes, the hosts were anesthesized to death with chloroform. The ventral of the host was opened by longitudinal incision and the internal organs were removed, placed separately in the Petri-dish and then examined under a dissecting microscope. The nematodes found were fixed with warm 70% alcohol.The specimens for light microscope observation were cleared in glycerol and mounted in the same solution, and for the SEM (JSM 5310 LV) were re-fixed in caccodylate buffer and glutaraldehyde, dehydrated through a graded series of alcohol and vacuum-dried using TAITEC VC-96N, prior to attaching to stubs with double sided cello-tape, coated with gold 400 Å thickness in an Eico I-B2 ion coater. Drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube attached to a Nikon compound microscope. Measurements were given in micrometers (µm) as the average, followed by the range in parentheses, unless otherwise stated. Results: Two new species of nematodes were found and described herein: Camallanus senaruensis sp. nov., and Meteterakis lombokensis sp. nov., parasitic in the intestine of F. cancrivora and D. melanostictus, respectively. C. senaruensis differs from other congeners in having a bluntly rounded tip of tail in the male and female, the structure of trident and having teeth in the buccal capsule. Meteterakis lombokensis differs from other previously described species in having no vulval flap, has a strongly widened proximal end of spicules, forming a cup shaped, and the number of caudal papillae. Others species found are Meteterakis singaporensis from D. melanostictus, and Chabaudus rausci (Ch. rauschi) from sixteen F. cancrivora and eight Fejervarya verruculosa. Conclusions: The species of parasitic nematodes from Lombok Island are common in amphibians, but Camallanus, Meteterakis singaporensis, Ch. rauschi are the new record in Indonesia. The dominant species found in Lombok Island is Ch. rauschi.

718-720

Authors: Maryam Abedi, Farshad Nojoomi, Mansoor Dabirzadeh

Objective: To uncover the molecular prevalence of Giardia duodenalis by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in Zabul city, Iran. Methods: Twenty-four stool samples were collected from 215 patients with suspected giardiasis by microscopic examination. To increase the sensitivity of the PCR, the total genomic DNA from isolates was extracted by applying glass beads and the QIAamp Kit. A one-step PCRRFLP method, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase gene, was utilized to differentiate the assemblages A and B among isolates. Results: The PCR fragment was determined from 30 isolates, RFLP assay of 24 isolates showed 24 (100) isolates as Genotype B group BIII. Conclusions: The results with the glutamate dehydrogenase gene assay demonstrated that the predominant subtype of Giardia duodenalis in the area is BIII, which showed animals are the main reservoir of the isolates in this area.

726-730

Authors: Said Hassan, Farhad Ali, Ibrar Alam, Rahmat Gul

Objective: To assess the resistance against widely used antibiotics in case of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infection. Methods: A total of 350 samples of pus, urine, swab and others from different patients were examined and the bacterial growth appeared in 50 samples. Each sample was inoculated on blood, MacConkey and cystine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates was determined using agar plate method/disk-diffusion method (modified-Kirby Baur disc diffusion method). Results: In current study, a large number of isolates of A. baumannii obtained from different specimens were resistant to avelox (56%), followed by tygacil (46%), augmentin (46%), cefspan (38%), cefixime (24%) and ampicillin (20%). However, the antibiogram of A. baumannii also showed that most of the isolates (88%) were highly sensitive to cefalexin. Second maximum sensitivity of A. baumannii was seen to amikacin (84%). The sensitivity of isolates against amikacin was followed by ticarcillin (80%). Meronem was found highly active against the tested isolates (78%). Sensitivity was observed for tienem (76%), sulzone (72%) followed by azactam (68%), cefobid (66%) to cefotaxime (66%) and ciproxin (62%). Conclusions: Results elucidate that A. baumannii is a severe problem as it has become a highly resistant species in hospitalized patients and resistant A. baumannii infection turned out to have increased all-cause mortality.

737-741

Authors: Ette Ettebong, Emmanuel Etuk, Imaobong Sunday

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potentials of artesunate in albino wistar mice and rats respectively. Methods: For the anti-inflammatory activity, artesunate (5 mg/kg) was administered orally against egg albumin- and xylene-induced inflammation in mice using ibuprofen (50 mg/kg) as standard drug. To assess antipyretic activity, artesunate (5 mg/kg) was administered orally against amphetamine- and 2, 4-dinitrophenol-induced pyrexia in rats using ibuprofen (15 mg/ kg) as standard drug. Results: The result showed that artesunate significantly (P < 0.001–0.010) reduced inflammation induced by egg albumin and xylene in a time-dependent manner. It also significantly (P < 0.001–0.050) and time-dependently reduced pyrexia induced by amphetamine and 2, 4-dinitrophenol. These reductions were similar to those produced by the standard drug ibuprofen, and thereby demonstrating that artesunate possesses antiinflammatory and antipyretic activities. Conclusions: These results further support the rationale for the use of artesunate in the treatment of malaria, a disease characterized by fever and inflammation and open up possibilities of its usefulness in other inflammatory and feverish diseases.

747-749

Authors: Farhan, Hameed Ur Rehman, Sajid Awais, Nisar Ahmad, Baharullah Khattak

Objective: To qualitatively evaluate the phytochemicals and quantitatively determine the heavy metals of three species of edible mushrooms collected from the Karak area of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: The plant sample was subjected to methanolic extraction. The extraction was then concentrated by using rotary evaporator. The methanolic extract was screened for the qualitative study of various phytochemicals and quantitative measurement of heavy metals. Results: A maximum of phytochemicals were confirmed by carring out different tests. Among the different phytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins and carbohydrates were found to be present in the extracts, while saponins and glycosides were not detected. Similarly quantitative study of heavy metals was also conducted on the same extracts of the edible mushrooms. The results suggested that iron was present in maximum concentration than all other metals and nickel was found to be present in little amount when compared with other metals. All the metals were found present. Conclusions: The concentrations of heavy metals were investigated in the samples which were different in all samples. The presence of different phytochemicals in the mushroom is the key for its active biological profile.

592-596

Authors: Basudev Mandal, Sourabh Kumar Dubey, Puja Dasgupta, Bijay Kali Mahapatra, Bimal Kinkar Chand

Objective: To describe the parasitic infestations of Anabas testudineus (A. testudineus) collected from three different fish producing districts of West Bengal state in India. Methods: A total number of 75 specimens of A. testudineus were collected from different floodplain areas of West Bengal, India. These specimens were examined for parasites using established techniques after measuring basic morphometric parameters. Results: A total 165 individual of 20 parasites (13 ectoparasites and 7 endoparasites) belonging to 7 phyla were recorded from 64 infected A. testudineus. Among the observed parasites, 8 were protozoan including 3 ciliates; 2 monogenic trematodes, 2 strigeidid trematodes, 1 nematode, 3 crustaceans, 3 myxozoans and 1 echinorhynchus acanthocephalan parasites. The quantitative abundance of parasites were highest in gill (37%) followed by body outer layer (35%) and intestine (28%). District wise quantitative count of parasites in different investigated organ from A. testudineus revealed that North 24 Parganas is highly infected followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest prevalence (%) and mean abundance of parasitic occurrence was observed in North 24 Parganas followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest mean intensity was found at West Midnapore followed by North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Conclusions: Especially West Bengal state of India, inland culture and capture fishery mainly rural based and operated by poor farmers. Developing right kind of interventions and management practice can prevent adverse impact of diseases and assist poor farmers for sustainable production.

603-607

Authors: Fatma Mohamed Elnabawy Ward, Mohamed Ali Deyab

Objective: To investigate the potential antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Turbinaria ornata (T. ornata), Oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA) extracted from T. ornata as well as mixtures of OA and PA (1:1) against some bacterial species. Methods: Brown seaweed T. ornata was collected from Hurghada shores, Red Sea coast of Egypt. OA and PA were extracted from T. ornata. Ethanol extracts of T. ornata, OA, PA and mixtures of these two fatty acids (1:1) were tested for their antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus by the disc diffusion method. Results: Ethanol extracts of T. ornata, OA, PA and mixtures of OA and PA (1:1) showed antibacterial activities that increased significantly (least significant difference at 0.05 level) with increasing concentrations against all tested bacteria. Different concentrations of ethanol extracts of T. ornata and extracted OA showed its highest activity against Bacillus subtilis, while PA and mixtures of PA and OA (1:1) showed its highest activity against Bacillus cereus. The maximum inhibition activities were shown for mixtures of OA and PA (1:1). Scanning electron microscope showed that mixtures of OA and PA (1:1) caused plasmolysis and reduction in cell size of Escherichia coli. Conclusions: Different concentrations of T. ornata and its fatty acids showed activities against all tested bacteria. Therefore, it is a potential source of natural antimicrobial compounds.

612-615

Authors: Homa Hamayeli, Abdolhamid Namaki Shoshtari, Mehdi Hassanshahian, Majid Askari Hesni

Objective: To evaluate the antifungal and inhibitory activity of six different species of marine sponges and one species of sea anemone that were collected from the Persian Gulf on the growth of Candida albicans (C. albicans). Methods: Sea anemone and six different sponges were gathered from the Persian Gulf and extracted by methanol macerated with dichloromethane solvents. The activity of each extracts against C. albicans was determined by paper disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. Also, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of each extract were determined. Results: The finding of current research confirmed that all sponge extracts had sufficient inhibitory effect against C. albicans but the extracts of sponge type 2 and 5 had the best inhibitory effect on C. albicans and their zones of inhibition were 45 mm and 38 mm, respectively. The tentacle of sea anemone had the best inhibitory effect against C. albicans compared to other part of the body and its zone of inhibition was 41 mm. Besides, the sponge type 5 extracts had the best minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values with 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: It could be concluded that the crude extracts of six different sponges and sea anemone have high potential to produce broad spectral antifungal activity with minimal concentration against different pathogenic fungi.

619-622

Authors: Emmanuel Ogboma Dania, John Ezerioha

Objective: To investigate the preventive, protective and ameliorative activity of the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. (P. dactylifera) against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: A total of 50 male albino rats were used for the study and 2 g/kg body weight of paracetamol and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of P. dactylifera were administered orally for the study. They were divided into 5 groups, namely group A (vehicle control), group B (paracetamol control), group C (preventive), group D (ameliorative) and group E (protective), with 10 rats in each group. Group B was administered with paracetamol for 7 days; group C was administered with the extract for 7 days before administering with paracetamol for 7 days; group D was administered with paracetamol for 7 days, then the extract for 7 days; while group E was administered with paracetamol and the extract simultaneously for 7days. Results: The study revealed that the extracts of date palms contained active chemical compounds such as anthocyanins, phenolics, sterols, carotenoids and flavonoids. The levels of antioxidant enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase were found to be reduced while malondialdehyde level was significantly increased in the paracetamol-treated group. This trend was reversed in groups where the extract was administered, as the antioxidant enzymes level in the liver was raised. Conclusions: This study has shown that the aqueous extract of P. dactylifera can mitigate the hepatotoxicity effect of paracetamol with a better ameliorating effect than protective or preventive.

628-633

Authors: Malek Besbes Hlila, Kaouther Majouli, Fethia Harzallah Skhiri, Hichem Ben Jannet, Mahjoub Aouni, Maha Mastouri, Boulbaba Selmi

Objective: To examine the potential antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Tunisian Euphorbia paralias L. leaves and stems extracts and their composition of total polyphenol and flavonoids. Methods: The different samples were tested for their antiradical activities by using 2, 2’- azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. In α-glucosidase activity, α-glucosidase (0.3 IU/mL) and substrate, 2 500 µmol/ L p-nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside were used; absorbance was registered at 405 nm. Results: The leaves acetonic extract exhibited the strongest α-glucosidase inhibition [IC50 = (0.0035 ± 0.001) µg/mL], which was 20-fold more active than the standard product (acarbose) [IC50 = (0.07 ± 0.01) µg/mL]. Acetonic extract of the leaves exhibited the highest quantity of total phenolic [(95.54 ± 0.04) µg gallic acid equivalent/mg] and flavonoid [(55.16 ± 0.25) µg quercetin equivalent/mg]. The obtained findings presented also that this extract was detected with best antioxidant capacity [IC50 = (0.015 ± 0.01) µg/mL] against DPPH and a value of IC50 equal to (0.02 ± 0.01) µg/mL against ABTS. Positive relationship between polyphenolic content of the tested Euphorbia paralias L. leaves and stems extracts and its antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) was detected. Elevated positive linear correlation was got between ABTS and total phenolic (R2 = 0.751). Conclusions: The findings clearly demonstrate that the use of a polar solvent enables extraction of significant quantities of phenol compounds and flavonoids.

639-644

Authors: Muhammad Adil,Aasif Awa, Sudhair Abbas, Kamran Chishti, Lateef Ahmad

Objective: To assess the pharmaceutical quality of different brands of metronidazole manufactured, available and prescribed by the doctors of Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: Different film-coated metronidazole products manufactured by multinational and national pharmaceutical industries and prescribed by the doctors were collected from Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Their hysico-chemical properties were assessed, which included friability, hardness, disintegration, dissolution and weight variation tests according to the the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) standards. Results: All the brands showed a average weight of 5.74 g for 13 tablets (products A–M). Product J had the highest weight and products D and E failed the hardness, friability and disintegration time according to USP standards. Products M, K and G, L failed disintegration test and dissolution test, respectively. Weight variation of all the products proved statistically that they were in accordance with the standards of USP. Conclusions: The study suggested that products A, F, H and J passed all the tests according to the USP standards while the rest of them did not fulfill the standards specification.

649-651

Authors: Ruksana Faizal, Lincy George, Panayappan Lakshmanan, Treesa P. Varghese

Objective: To assess the role of pharmaceutical care in improving quality of life in type II diabetes mellitus patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational survey study was carried out for a period of 9 months in the General Medicine Department of the hospital. A total of 106 patients were enrolled and were randomly allocated to the control and intervention groups with 53 patients in each group. Version-19 of audit on diabetes-dependent quality of life questionnaire were provided to the patients, at the time of admission and during review. At the time of admission the intervention group was provided with counseling for diabetes and with patient information leaflets on the disease. A data entry format comprising the socio-demographic details of the patients, their medical and medication history, laboratory results, etc. were used to note down the patient details. The prescribing patterns of different oral hypoglycemic agents were noted. Results: A total of 106 patients were recruited, 51% being male. Age ranged from 32 to 80 years with a mean age of 60.210 ± 10.045. The duration since diagnosis was 5–10 years for most of the participants (67%), 10–20 years for 29% and > 20 years for the remaining. At the time of study, 17.9% of participants were received insulin treatment, and 82.1% on oral hypoglycemic agent. The average weighted impact of intervention group which improved from -1.752 6 ± 0.563 0 to -1.668 800 ± 0.048 013 was found to be statistically significant. Thus the study showed that pharmaceutical care has a positive impact on the quality of life of diabetes patients. Conclusions: Quality of life is worsened in diabetes mellitus patients, particularly for the 'freedom to eat' domain, indicating that an intervention to improve dietary freedom might be a good way of improving quality of life. The study also showed that patient counseling played an important role in improving quality of life of diabetes patients.

655-658

Authors: Mengistu Wale, Abeje Kassie, Tesfu Fekensa

Objective: To identify the distribution, threats and community attitudes towards naked molerat in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Data were collected through direct observation and interview and Chi-square at 95% confidence interval was used for significance test. Results: Naked mole-rat was identified in Fafan, City/Shinele, Eastern Hararghe Zone and Dire Dawa Administrative. The main threats of naked mole-rat identified were agricultural expansion, human killing and lack of awareness. From a total of 100 respondents, 92% of them considered naked mole-rat as pest as a result that 46% of them participated in direct killing. Literacy rate significantly affects the willingness to participate in the conservation of naked mole-rat (χ2 = 7.478, df = 1, P < 0.05). From a total of 26% respondents who did not show the willingness to participate in the conservation, 80.8% of them were illiterate. Conclusions: Naked mole-rat is fairly common in many of the study sites. However, rapid shift from nomadic life style to cultivation of crops and lacks of awareness were the main threats of naked mole-rat. Therefore, since there is no conservation action currently, further comprehensive study is required to design conservation plan for this species.

663-667

Authors: Kanika Patel, Dinesh Kumar Patel

Ricinine (3-cyano-4-methoxy-N-methyl-2-pyridone) is an alkaloid present in leaves and seeds of castor plant i.e. Ricinus communis. It can cause vomiting, convulsions, hypotension, liver and kidney damage and several other complications in human. Ricinine presents mainly in young plant and it is the only cyano-substituted pyridine compounds occurred naturally. Ricinine also found in some other plants such as Piper nigrum, Discocleidion rufescens, Aparisthmium cordatum and Nicotiana tabacum. Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries. In the present review, we summarize the information regarding its medicinal uses, pharmacological activities, analytical techniques and intended and unintended poisoning cases in humans and animals. This review will be beneficial for the researcher in the field of herbal medicine and other allied sciences.

670-672

Authors: Mário César Sedrez, João de Ávila Barcelos, João Pedro Barreiros

This article reports the necropsy of a specimen of striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba found stranded in the north coast of Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal. Here, the importance of standard protocols in post-mortem examinations and the need to adequately proceed were discussed. Stranded marine mammals are valuable specimens for several studies of pathology and other veterinary medical aspects. Although the causa mortis was not determined, the full access to stranded specimens was crucial, not only for pathology studies but also for a proper training to veterinary medicine students whenever possible.

510-520

Authors: Ganesh Manikantan, Somasundarannair Lyla, Syed Ajmal Khan, Packiaraj Vijayanand, George Edward Gnana Jothi

Objective: To study the bio-potency of epidermal mucus from Epinephelus tauvina. Methods: Mucus was extracted with acidic, organic and aqueous solvents. Protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and fatty acid content of mucus extracts were quantified by UV-spectrophotometer, high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatographymass spectrometer, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was tested against five human and fish pathogens by using agar well diffusion method. The molecular weight of peptides was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The haemolytic activity of extracts was tested against chick, goat, cow and human red blood cell. Results: Protein contributed with maximum of 26.25% in crude mucus. Arginine was recorded maximum of (133.9 nmol/mL) in crude mucus. 2,4,6-Decatrienoic acid and bis (a-chloroethyl) sulfone were confirmed in organic extract. The antimicrobial activity of acidic extract was significant. Among the human pathogens, maximum zone of inhibition [(26.0 ± 0.3) mm] was observed against Proteus mirabilis. Whereas, among fish pathogens maximum zone of inhibition [(25.0 ± 0.1) mm] was observed against Vibrio parahemolyticus. The activity of other two extracts was not remarkable. The molecular weight of peptides ranged from 115.5– 37.1 kDa in acidic extract was determined. Chicken and goat blood were found to be highly vulnerable to the lysis. Conclusions: The whole mucus could be a promising source with numerous bioactivepotency. Consequently, this preliminary information suggested that mucus is a source of novel antimicrobial agents for fish and human health related applications.

527-530

Authors: Zohra Ben Salem, Ayadi Habib

Objective: To determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the liver, gills and muscle of Liza aurata (L. aurata) collected from the Kerkennah Islands. The target hazard quotient was also used as an indicator of human health risks associated with fish consumption. Methods: The sample was collected from Kerkennah Islands (Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia). Heavy metals in L. aurata tissues (gills, liver and muscle) were analysed with an atomic absorption spectrometer (PerkinElmer). Results: As expected, muscle always possessed the lowest concentrations of all metals. The maximum concentrations of Cd (0.52 mg/kg wet weight), Cu (5.43 mg/kg wet weight), Fe (115.27mg/kgwet weight) and Zn (112.20 mg/kgwet weight) were measured in the liver, while the highest Ni (1.54 mg/kgwet weight) and Pb (1.43 mg/kgwet weight) were recorded in gills. The target hazard quotient through consumption of fish and calculated by adding the inividual target hazard quotient was below 1, indicating that there was no significant potential health risk associated with consumption of L. aurata. Conclusions: L. aurata from the Kerkennah Islands may be suitable for human consumption.

536-540

Authors: Khaled Khasaf Al-Khafaji, Imad Hadi Al Qarooni, Murtatha Youssef Al Abbad , Nada Moffed Abd Al-Lateef

Objective: To describe the growth, reproductive biology and abundance of the population of invasive shrimps Palaemon elegans (P. elegans) in one of the branches of Garmat Ali river at Basrah, Southern Iraq. Methods: Monthly samples of the prawn P. elegans were collected with a bottom hand net (40 cm, 0.5 mm mesh) hauled over a distance of 10 m. A simple random sampling was conducted monthly between December 2012 and November 2013. Results: Seasonal changes were observed in the composition of the population of the species during the study year with the highest abundance in 2013 and the lowest abundance for the males was reported in January and for the females occurred in June. Salinity showed a significant correlation with the abundance of shrimps at the sampling site. The largest female measured 67.90 mm while the corresponding value for males was 61.31 mm. The proportion of ovigerous adults rose during spring season to peak on about July and ovigerous prawns were taken in all months of the year. The sex ratio indicated a preponderance of females over males in all months in the study period. Each females produced around 36–1324 eggs and the incubation period lasted for 11–14 days at 17–29 °C. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that this species has a wide distribution range, high density, and great reproduction potential. This study reveals the lack of researches on this species in environments of Shatt Al-Arab river and its branches. Thus, P. elegans has most likely formed a permanent population in all the brackish waters in Basrah area.

547-551

Authors: Theresa Ibibia Edewor, Nimotalai Olabisi Kazeem, Stephen Oluwagbemiga Owa

Objective: To analyze the phytochemicals that are present in two medicinal plants which are used for the treatment of respiratory tract infections by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Methods: The plant leaves were extracted with n-hexane and methanol separately. Both extracts were analyzed for present phytochemicals using the method described by Harborne, 1985 while only methanol extracts were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Results: Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts of Terminalia macroptera (T. macroptera) revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids while that of Dioclea reflexa (D. reflexa) showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The n-hexane extracts were devoid of the screened phytochemicals. Twelve and twenty-five compounds were identified in the leaves of T. macroptera and D. reflexa respectively. These compounds were fatty acids, fatty acid esters, other esters, heterocyclics and phenolics. The most abundant compound in T. macroptera was benzenetriol (53.30%) while the predominant compounds in D. reflexa were dodecanoic acid, methyl ester (15.31%), 5, 5, 8a-trimethyl-3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a-hexahydro-2H-chromene (9.73%), 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester and 2-hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8.95%). Benzofuran, 2, 3-dihydro, 3, 7, 11, 15- tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester were common in both plant extracts. The antimicrobial properties of the leaves of these plants could be responsible for their use in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Conclusions: Some of the identified phytochemicals in the plant leaves are responsible for its use in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

556-563

Authors: Manash Kumar Choudhury, Yoseph Shiferaw, Kumar Ranabir Sur , Diganta Dey, Sukalyani Debnath, Subhalakshmi Ghosh, Ratnamala Ray, Banasri Hazra

Objective: To investigate the seeds of Millettia ferruginea (M. ferruginea) to unravel its antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, and antileishmanial potential for the first time. Methods: M. ferruginea seeds were refluxed separately with chloroform, methanol and water to prepare the three extracts, which were tested against the reference strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast cells, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) promastigotes. Next, the seeds were chemically analysed to isolate three constituent compounds, viz., barbigerone, calopogonium isoflavone-A and durmillone, which were purified, characterised and evaluated for antibacterial and antileishmanial activity. Further, Comet assay was conducted to observe DNA fragmentation effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells pretreated with the isoflavonoid compounds. Results: The chloroform and methanol extracts of M. ferruginea seeds exhibited antibacterial and antileishmanial activity. The pure compounds also showed inhibitory activity against Gram-negative ATCC strains (minimum inhibitory concentration ~0.5 µmol/L), and L. donovani promastigotes (IC50 8.2–87.3 µg/mL). However, they had little or no activity against yeast cells and tubercle bacilli. The DNA fragmentation study showed that the isoflavonoid constituents of M. ferruginea seeds were safe at therapeutic doses. Conclusions: The antibacterial efficacy of the non-aqueous extracts of M. ferruginea seed was observed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative ATCC strains. Moreover, the constituents isoflavonoids, viz., barbigerone, calopogonium isoflavone-A and durmillone, exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-negative ATCC strains and L. donovani promastigotes. The comet assay showed that the compounds were safe to be considered for human consumption.

568-572

Authors: Narayan Sharma, Ripan Mujumdar, Rajeev Kumar Gautam

Objective: To detect extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and determine its prevalence in various clinical samples collected from Dehradun City Hospital. Methods: The samples were first cultured in MacConkey’s agar plates by streak plate method, then identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests. The isolated bacterial strains were then tested for antibiotic susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer method. The ESBL detection is then carried out by double disc diffusion method. Results: Off the 56 samples cultured, 21 strains were identified which were six Escherichia coli (E. coli), six Klebsiella, four Proteus, four Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and only one Acinetobacter. Eight out of 21 (38.1%) strains including three of E. coli, three of Klebsiella and two of P. aeruginosa, were found to be resistance to all five antibiotics (piperacillin, amikacin, ampicillin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin). Initial screening using four antibiotics (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, aztreonam and ceftriaxone) and the final confirmatory test using ceftazidime/clavulanic acid and ceftazidime alone showed that 19.05% of all strains isolated were ESBL producers. Individually, 16.67% E. coli, 16.67% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 25% P. aeruginosa and 100% Acinetobacter were found to be ESBL producers. Conclusions: Antibiotic resistance by ESBL has become a major risk factor worldwide, therefore routine checkup and accordingly prescription are suggested.

575-579

Authors: Sidra Sabir, Abida Akram, Naveed Iqbal Raja, Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani, Sohail, Huma Mehreen Sadaf, Mubashir Hussain, Iqra Riaz, Nabeela Ahmad, Ejaz Ahmed

Viola canescens Wall. ex Roxb. is a perennial herb belonging to family Violaceae, and it is almost cosmopolitan in distribution. This plant is widely used in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal systems for curing various ailments, most commonly for cough and cold. Phytochemical studies releaved that this plant is rich in secondary metabolites. This plant revealed significant antimicrobial, anti-inflamatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, laxative, analgesic as well as antitumor activities. Due to all these important pharmacological activities, market demand of Viola canescens is increasing day by day and this plant is facing tremendous over exploitation and becomes a threatened plant according to International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The present review compiles that the ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of the plant need to be conserved.

426-429

Authors: Manel Châari, Lobna Boudaya, Lassâd Neifar

Objective: To present the first information on the feeding habits of the Mediterranean needlefish Tylosurus acus imperialis (T. a. imperialis) of Tunisia and to examine the diet variation in relation to the fish size, maturity and sex. Methods: Gut contents of 92 specimens of T. a. imperialis, collected mainly from May 2004 to July 2006 off the Gulf of Gabès, Southeastern Tunisian coast, were analyzed. Results: The results showed that 55.4% of them had empty guts and 44.6% contained food in their guts. The emptiness index did not vary significantly according to size classes or sexes of T. a. imperialis. Basic food consisted of teleosts (Mugilidae, Gobidae and Belonidae) (62.6%) followed by crustaceans (37.3%), mostly decapods Sycionia carinata (5.4%). A decrease in the feeding rate at the peak of the spawning season was observed for both sexes. A diet variation among juvenile and adult specimens of T. a. imperialis was found. Conclusions: This study enhances our knowledge on the biology of the Mediterranean needlefish T. a. imperialis. This fish is an active predator and an opportunistic feeder but the feeding rate declines at the peak of the spawning season.

435-439

Authors: Hadi Jamali, Rahman Patimar, Vahid Daraei, Nafiseh Paricheh, Mohammad Farhadi

Objective: To describe the age structure, growth, reproductive characteristics and lengthweight relationship of Cobitis avicennae (C. avicennae) population inhabiting the Gamasiab River, Western Iran. Methods: C. avicennae was collected throughout the spawning season (March to July, 2015) in Gamasiab River and its age, growth, and reproductive traits were investigated. Total length was measured to the nearest 1 mm, and total weight and gonad weight to the nearest 0.001 g. The age was determined using operculum. Sex was determined by examination of the gonad tissue. The number of eggs was estimated by gravimetric method. Average egg diameter was examined by measuring 30 eggs for each female with an ocular micrometer microscope. Results: The maximum age was 3 years. The specimens size ranged from 32.63 to 100.00 mm in total length, weighing from 0.22 to 5.17 g in total weight. Length-weight relationship was estimated as W = 1E–05TL2.85 for females, W = 1E–05TL2.83 for males and W = 7E–06TL2.94 for the population. The growth model was isometric for males and sexes combined and negatively allometric for females. The absolute fecundity ranged between 132 and 900 eggs with a mean of 490.55 eggs. Conclusions: The life history traits described for C. avicennae from the Western Iran basin indicated a moderate life span, a moderate body weight, a short duration of spawning season, relatively high heterogeneity in egg size and low egg number. Some life history traits of C. avicennae demonstrated obvious differences compared with its closely related species, indicating that latitude and local environment conditions are important selective forces for this species.

444-447

Authors: Jayanthi Govindarajalu, Anand Muthusamy, Chelladurai Gurusamy,Karthigarani Mani, Kumaraguru Arumugam

Objective: To signify the economic importance of molluscan-gastropod food by estimating its biochemical composition. Methods: Samples were collected from the trawl net bycatch at the fish landing center of Mandapam coast of the Gulf of Mannar region. The total protein, carbohydrate, lipid, ash and moisture contents were estimated from nine gastropods i.e. Phalium glaucum, Tonna dolium, Hemifusus pugilinus, Babylonia spirata, Xancus pyrum, Chicoreus ramosus, Harpa articularis, Ficus ficus and Babylonia zeylanica. Results: The percentages of protein (41.2%), carbohydrate (17.5%) and lipid (6.6%) contents were found highest in Babylonia spirata, followed by other gastropods. The maximum ash content was observed in Chicoreus ramosus (1.21%) and the maximum moisture content was observed in Phalium glaucum (83.71%). Conclusions: The results show that all the nine gastropods contain good sources of protein and other biochemical constituents and can be used for edible purposes to prevent starvation.

458-464

Authors: Nahid Abdel Rahim Osman, Mona Mohamed Alhassan, Braa Karar Abas

Objective: To investigate some selected metabolic constituents of Hypnea valentiae (Turner) Montagne collected from the Red Sea coast of Sudan to evaluate the economic potential of the alga. Methods: Healthy thalli of the alga under investigation were collected, thoroughly cleaned, air dried and milled. Authentic analytical methods were used to determine moisture, ash, protein lipid and carrageenan contents. Fatty acids profile was revealed with gas chromatography instrumentation. Testing of phytochemical groups of compounds was based on the development of colouration and precipitation upon addition of certain chemical reagents to the extracts. Results: The ash content of the alga [(40.3 ± 0.2)% of dry weight] was comparatively the highest among the parameters tested. The protein, lipid, and carrageenan constituted (9.30 ± 0.70)%, (6.50 ± 0.34)%, and (33.70 ± 0.01)%, respectively of the alga dry matter. Hypnea valentiae (Turner) Montagne from Sudan Red Sea coast composed of 12 fatty acids, 8 of which were unsaturated fatty acids and 4 were saturated fatty acids. The major unsaturated fatty acids in the alga was the trans-isomer of linoleic acid and linolelaidic acid (36.32%) followed by palmitoleic acid (13.64%). The major saturated fatty acids was the heptadecanoic acid amounting to 19.10% of the total fatty acids. Phytochemically the alga contained alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. Conclusions: This alga may represent a promising source of functional food and therapeutic metabolites. Further investigation and critical evaluation of the bioactivity of the phytochemical compounds is required to assure the therapeutic potential of this alga.

475-478

Authors: Rajendra Seepana, Karthick Perumal, Narayana Murthy Kada, Ramesh Chatragadda, Mohanraju Raju, Vijayakumar Annamalai

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of partially purified leaf, bark and root extracts obtained from two mangrove species Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza from South Andaman against clinical bacterial and fungal pathogens. Methods: Roots, bark and leaves were dried in the shade and subjected to organic solvent extraction. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were performed by agar well diffusion technique. Column purified extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography for compound identification. Results: Results of the partially purified extracts were analyzed by column chromatography. Fractions collected by high performance liquid chromatography exhibited a wide range of antimicrobial activities against several bacterial and fungal pathogens. Fungal pathogen Aspergillus niger (25 mm) was found to be more sensitive against the mangrove extracts as compared with Klebsiella pneumoniae (23 mm), Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi (22 mm). Active fractions were identified as tannin compounds based on the peaks obtained by high performance liquid chromatography. Conclusions: Present findings reveal that mangrove bark, roots, and leaves contain valuable metabolites, which have significant importance in the pharmacological industries. Hence, this study suggests that these two mangrove plants Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza are potential candidates for discovering antimicrobial compounds against clinical pathogens.

483-489

Authors: Md. Sahab Uddin, Abdullah Al Mamun, Sayema Khanum, Yesmin Begum, Md. Shah Alam

Objective: To estimate the antioxidant potentiality of crude ethanol extract (CEE), chloroform fraction (CLF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and methanol fraction (MNF) of Caryota urens L. (C. urens) leaves. Methods: Antioxidant activity of C. urens leaves was determined by total antioxidant activity, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined for phytochemical constituent’s characterization. Results: The CEE of the C. urens leaves showed the highest total antioxidant activity compared to CLF, EAF and MNF. In the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay and the hydroxyl radicalscavenging assay, CEE showed the highest scavenging activity (42.36% and 53.36%) having IC50 of 472.14 and 374.81 μg/mL respectively with respect to other fractions.The ranking order of CEE, MNF, EAF and CLF for total phenolic content was 155.74 > 106.8 > 83.95 > 71.49 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried extract, respectively. Total flavonoid content was found to be the highest in the CEE (101.35 mg of quercetin equivalent/g of dried extract) rather than other fractions. Conclusions: This study recommended that CEE of C. urens leaves can be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant and can be used against diseases linked with free radical mediated oxidative stress.

496-499

Authors: Aftab Ahmad, Sadia Ashraf, Abraisham Fatima, Aamina Shah, Samia Saleem, Sheharbano, Aneela Yasmeen

Objective: To know the awareness level of Pakistani population about AIDS. Methods: An online survey was conducted in Pakistan with the help of a questionnaire formulated by experts to record the awareness level of common people about HIV infection. The responses were collected and screened by the team of National Academy of Young Scientists, Pakistan. Results: Among the 580 participants of the survey, majorities were male, in the age group of 20–30 years and were living in urban areas. More than 80% of responders did not ever screen themselves for HIV and close to 40% were not aware that where to go for screening. Although, majority of the respondents knew about the nature of disease, they were not fully aware about different tests, treatment, duration of infection and vaccination. According to participants, television and internet were major source of information about AIDS and this disease can be prevented in Pakistan through public awareness. Conclusions: Since majority of the respondents were not fully aware about the disease and its mode of transmission, there should be print and electronic media campaigns as well as workshops and seminars to educate the common public. In addition, a national level prevalence study will be very helpful to know the exact prevalence of HIV in Pakistan and its major routes of transmission.

502-504

Authors: Mahdieh Rezaei, Sara Rostami, Mehdi Saberi, Dariush Vosugh

We report a case of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a 10-year-old, female, terrier dog. The animal was admitted due to polyphagia, weight gain, polyuria, polydipsia, hair loss, exercise intolerance and panting at rest. On physical examination, abdominal distention, truncal and bilaterally symmetric alopecia, thin hypotonic skin, comedones, bruising, hyperpigmentation and calcinosis cutis on the dorsal midline were observed. Hematologic investigations showed stress leukogram, high serum alkaline phosphatase activity, mild to moderate alanine aminotransferase activity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia. Mild generalized interstitial lung patterns and hepatomegaly were detected in the radiographs. Bilaterally symmetric normal-sized adrenal glands were also diagnosed in ultrasonography. Diagnosis of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed with low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. The dog was successfully treated with mitotane.

341-344

Authors: Alexander Vdovin, Maksim Boiko

Objective: To investigate the scales of barfin plaice (Liopsetta pinnifasciata), which depends on the size and sex of the fish. Methods: The samples were collected in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) during 2011–2014 aboard research vessels and at observation posts of Pacific Scientific Research Fisheries Center. In total, 155 specimens of barfin plaice were analyzed and 2 110 scales were investigated using MBS-10 binocular microscope. Results: Temporal differentiations of scale forming is revealed for barfin plaice. The eye side of its juveniles is covered mostly with cycloid scales. Ctenoid scales are observed in elder fish with the minimum size of 11.4 cm and 13.5 cm for males and females, respectively. Sexual dimorphism of the scale structure is usual for mature fish. Ctenoid scales dominate 92.8% of the males but cycloid scales dominate 85.4% of the females. Besides, 74% of the males have ctenoid scales only, 42% of the females have cycloid scales only, and both types of scales are presented for 38.3% of the males and 38.4% of the females on average. Conclusions: Juveniles of barfin plaice have cycloid scales only, the young immature fish,both males and females, have a small number of ctenoid scales, but ctenoid scales prevail in the adult males, while cycloid scales are still dominant for the adult females. However, many adults of both sexes have two types of scale simultaneously. The relative radius of the scales decreases with the increase of the body size.

352-357

Authors: Amsalu Arota Amado, Fiseha Wadilo Wada, Fithamlak Solomon Bisetegn, Yishak Abreham Leka

Objective: To determine the prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal helminthic and protozoal infections among HIV-infected individuals and to determine socio-demographic determinants of intestinal parasitosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV-infected individuals attending antiretroviral therapy clinic of Wolaita Sodo Hospital. Stool in wet mount preparation and formalether concentration technique were used to diagnose intestinal parasitic infection. Sociodemographic variables were collected by using questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to test the associations between intestinal parasitosis and socio-demographic variables. Results: The overall prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infection was 32.4% out of which 11.0% was protozoal infection and 21.4% was helminthic infection. The most common intestinal parasite detected was Ascaris lumbricoides with 12.7% prevalence followed by Giardia lamblia with 7.5% prevalence. The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm species, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia species was 2.9%, 1.2%, 3.5%, 1.7% and 2.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of intestinal parasite infection with regard to age, sex, residence area, job type and religion of participants but there was a significant association between the educational status and intestinal parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was higher among illiterate participants. Conclusions: Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common intestinal parasite detected in HIVinfected individuals. Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoal parasite observed. Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was higher than protozoal infection. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly associated with an educational status of individuals.

364-367

Authors: Ehab Omer Abdalla, Mohammed Taha Abdalla Shigidi, Hassan Elsubki Khalid, Nahid Abdel Rahim Osman

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts of six marine macroalgae belonging to green algae (Chlorophyceae), brown algae (Phaeophyceae) and the red algae (Rhodophyceae) collected from the intertidal area of the Sudanese Red Sea coast near Port Sudan. Methods: Methanol was used for extracting the active principles of the algae and the disc diffusion method was performed to examine the activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the samples against four pathogenic bacteria and two fungi. Results: All tested algal extracts exhibited considerable bioactivity and inhibited the growth of all pathogenic microorganisms under investigation. The green alga Caulerpa racemosa produced the maximum inhibition zone (21 mm) against Candida albicans while the red alga Laurencia papillosa showed low antimicrobial activity with the minimum inhibition zone of 10 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The tested algal extracts did not show any special antimicrobial influence on the selected microorganisms when they were considered as Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi but the most efficient methanolic extracts in inhibiting microbial growth were those of green macroalgae followed by the brown and the red macroalgae respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the tested marine macroalgae from Sudanese Red Sea coast may represent a potential and alternative source for secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity.

374-376

Authors: Dineshkumar Ramar, Narendran Rajendran, Sampathkumar Pichai

Objective: To determine the phytochemicals and screen the antimicrobial potential of Desmococcus olivaceus (D. olivaceus) and Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) against human bacterial pathogens. Methods: D. olivaceus and C. vulgaris were collected and confirmed through morphological structures. Phytochemicals were analyzed and confirmed by chemical methods. Thin layer chromatography was performed to evaluate the bioactive compounds present in the solvent extracts. Antimicrobial activity of the extract obtained from dried green microalgae was tested against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria using agar disc diffusion method. The Gram negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Gram positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus sp., Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) and Nocardia sp. were selected for analysis. The cultures were obtained from Microbial Culture Maintenances Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rajah Muthaiah Medical College, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India. Results: Seven bioactive compounds were detected viz., phenols, tannin, flavanoids, saponins, terpenes, carbohydrates, alkaloids and steroids. In Gram negative bacteria, Proteus mirabilis treated with ethanol extract of D. olivaceus showed the maximum inhibition zone (17.2 mm), whereas in Gram positive bacteria, C. botulinum treated with diethyl ether extract showed inhibition zone of 19.0 mm. In test for C. vulgaris, Gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhi treated with ethanol extract showed the maximum inhibition zone (13.0 mm), whereas in Gram positive bacteria, C. botulinum treated with chloroform extract of C. vulgaris showed the maximum inhibition zone of 15 mm. Conclusions: The results clearly indicated that D. olivaceus and C. vulgaris contain promising antibacterial compounds.

380-385

Authors: Joselin Joseph, Solomon Jeeva

Objective: To investigate the bioactive components of a coastal medicinal plant, Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (H. suaveolens) leaves using fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Methods: The chemical compositions of the ethanol extract of whole plant of H. suaveolens was investigated using PerkinElmer GC-MS, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standard and Technology library. Results: The results of fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of secondary alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkynes, aromatics, nitro compounds and aliphatic compounds. GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic extract revealed the existence of 30 phytochemical compounds. 5,5-Dimethylimidazolidin-2,4-diamine (20.35%) was found to be the major compound. Conclusions: The results of this study offer a platform to use H. suaveolens leaves as herbal alternative for various diseases.

390-394

Authors: Ben Slimane Badreddine, Mariem Baouindi

Objective: To assess the chemical components and toxicity of Artemisia herba-alba (A. herbaalba) essential oil against two major stored cereal pests, Tribolium castaneum (T. castaneum) and Trogoderma granarium (T. granarium). Methods: Two bioassay actions were tasted: repellent and fumigant actions against adult and larvae, respectively, to assess the effect of A. herba-alba essential oil. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analyses of the essential oil contained β-thujone (12.50%), α-thujone (8.78%), sabinyl acetate (8.56%), terpinene-4-ol (8.51%), α-terpineol (3.35%), 1,8-cineol (5.45%), γ-terpene (4.82%), camphor (4.52%), dimethylethylbenzene (3.93%) and α-terpinene (3.35%) as the major components. Fumigant toxicity tests showed that A. herba-alba oil was more toxic than T. granarium (LC50 = 2.09 mg/mL, LC90 = 4.12 mg/mL) and T. castaneum (LC50 = 6.39 mg/mL, LC90 = 10.10 mg/mL). Conclusions: This study has highlighted a bioinsecticide activity of A. herba-alba against two insect pests of stored foodstuffs (T. castaneum and T. granarium). The Artemisia essential oil offers an interesting potential insecticide that could be studied more deeply to isolate and identify the active substances, to study their physiological impact on other insects.

403-405

Authors: Ehsanollah Sakhaee, Reza Kheirandish, Sepideh Eshaghi

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) essential oil on ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in mice. Methods: The study comprised of the following four different groups of six mice: ethylene glycol group, C. cyminum group, treatment group and normal group. The levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were analyzed and the kidney samples from all the animals of each group were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Results: Treatment group revealed mild tubular degeneration without formation of calcium oxalate crystals and protein deposition. There were no significant differences between serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in treatment and normal groups. Conclusions: It seems that C. cyminum essential oil significantly decreased formation of calcium oxalate crystals and the growth of renal calculi in different parts of the tubules.

416-419

Authors: Sana Alibi, Asma Ferjani, Jalel Boukadida

Corynebacterium spp. are part of the human microbiota. Recently, species of this genus are increasingly implicated in different types of infections especially in immunocompromized and hospitalized patients. The significance of the presence of the genus Corynebacterium in foods is not clearly established. These bacteria may be involved in spoilage or ripening of cheese and meats. This review focused on different researches concerning the implication of Corynebacterium species in food’s contamination.