Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

339-340

Authors: SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi, Behnam Farhoudi, Saeed Ghodrati, Mostafa Hosseini, Minoo Mohraz, Ramin Alasvand

Objective: To investigate the frequencies and types of HIV-related risk behavior among inmates of Tehran, Iran. Methods: We used active case finding to assess the prevalence of HIV high risk behaviors. The research was conducted on male prisoners in the Great Tehran Prison from October 2013 to May 2014. Results: Two thousand and fifty (19.5%) from 10 492 prisoners who were admitted to “quarantine” of the prison participated in HIV testing and counseling. Of 2050 inmates, our results showed that sexual encounters were the most prevalent risky behavior (89.6%) reported by the prisoners, followed by tattooing (34.7%) and injection drug use (24.2%). Conclusions: Although the previous studies reported that the main leading cause of acquiring HIV infection in Iranian prisons was injecting drug use, the prevalence of injecting drug use was less than the prevalence of unsafe sexual relationships and tattooing in the present research among the inmates of Tehran.

347-349

Authors: Babak Rezavand, Abbas Mahmoodzadeh Poornaki, Khojasteh Rahim Mokhtari, Alireza Mohammad, Ammar Andalibian, Jahangir Abdi

Objective: To detect Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 180 blood samples. In compliance with all ethical principles, 90 blood samples were taken from hemodialysis patients with ESRD and 90 samples from healthy volunteers. T. gondii screening was done using ELISA to search for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and by PCR for amplification of the T. gondii genome using specific primers. Results: The results were analyzed using SPSS software. Out of 90 patients on hemodialysis, 54 (60.0%) were positive for anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody, 3 (3.3%) for anti-toxoplasma IgM antibody and 5 patients (6%) were positive by PCR. From 90 healthy volunteers, 34 (37.8%) were positive for anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody. All the healthy volunteers were negative for anti-toxoplasma IgM antibody and in PCR. Compared with the gold standard method of ELISA, PCR had 100% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity in detection of T. gondii. Conclusions: PCR alongside serologic methods can be valuable for T. gondii screening. Given the high prevalence of T. gondii among hemodialysis patients with ESRD, T. gondii screening together with sanitary control of biological agents was recommended in dialysis units.

354-357

Authors: Farhad Shahsavar, Gholamreza Shahsavari, Alireza Azargoon

Objective: To investigate whether 677 C/T toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) (Arg677Trp), 753 G/A TLR2 (Arg753Gln), 299 A/G TLR4 (Asp299Gly) and 399 C/T TLR4 (Thr399Ile) polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Lur population of Iran. Methods: The genotyping of TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms accomplished by using PCRrestriction fragment length polymorphism in 100 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 100 healthy control individuals of Lur population of Iran. Results: GG genotype frequency of the 753 G/A TLR2 (Arg753Gln) polymorphism decreased significantly in the patient group as compared with the control group (65% in the patient group vs. 85% in the control group, P = 0.001 9, odds ratio = 0.328, condidence interval = 0.263–0.412). G allele frequency of the 753 G/A TLR2 (Arg753Gln) polymorphism decreased significantly in the patient group as compared with the control group (70% in the patient group vs. 90% in the control group, P = 0.000 8, odds ratio = 0.259, condidence interval = 0.189– 0.323). Conclusions: Our results suggest that 753 G/A TLR2 (Arg753Gln) polymorphism may play a role in the susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Lur population of Iran.

361-365

Authors: Jazem Abdullah Mahyoub, Alaa Sulaiman Alsobhi, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, Najat Ali Khatter, Al Thabiani Aziz, Salman Abdo Al-Shami, Chellasamy Panneerselvam, Kadarkarai Murugan, Marcello Nicoletti, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli

Objective: To explore the effects of different chemical larvicides, bioinsecticides and insect growth regulators against the West Nile vector Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) (Cx. pipiens) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We tested seven commercial mosquito larvicides, including classic cyfluthrin, diazinon and propoxur, bioinsecticides Bactilarvae and Tracer 24%, and insect growth regulators Baycidal and Sumilarv. LC50 and LC90 values were calculated in laboratory conditions using probit analysis. Results: Concerning chemical insecticides, the highest larval mortality was observed for diazinon, with LC50 = 0.352 3 mg/L, followed by propoxur and cyfluthrin. The bacterial insecticide Tracer was more effective than Bactilarvae (LC50 = 0.0087 mg/L and 0.0117 mg/L, respectively) by 1.37 folds. Furthermore, Cx. pipiens larvae were more susceptible to insect growth regulators Baycidal (IC50 = 0.0004 mg/L) if compared to Sumilarv (IC50 = 0.0029 mg/L) by 7.25 folds. Conclusions: Overall, this research added basic knowledge about the effectiveness of seven mosquito larvicides with different mechanisms of action as potential candidates for the control programs of Cx. pipiens mosquito populations in Saudi Arabia.

372-375

Authors: Abdulkabir Oladele Oladimeji, Oluwatoyin Babatunde, Rukayat Titilayo Musa, Fausat Adeola M’civer, Abdulazeez Tunbosun Lawal, Isiaka Ajani Ogunwande

Objective: To determine the chemical constituents, cytotoxic activity and possible applications of the essential oils from the leaves of Abrus precatorius L. Gaertn. Methods: Hydro-distillation using Clevenger-type apparatus was employed to obtain the essential oils. Oil analysis was performed using an HP 6890 gas chromatograph coupled with an HP 5973 mass selective detector. The cytotoxicity bioassay was carried out using the brine shrimp lethality test. Results: Forty-five compounds were identified representing 100% of the oil. The principal components were γ-cadinene (19.1%), α-selinene (15.3%), α-cubenene (12.8%), β-caryophyllene (8.2%), germacrene B (7.9%), α-copaene (7.7%) and linalool (6.3%). Others are caryophyllene oxide (5.5%), β-elemene (5.4%) and α-caryophyllene (4.0%). The oil was potent with the LC50 value of 0.45 μg/mL. Conclusions: The essential oil from the leaves of Abrus precatorius L. Gaertn. could hold promise for future applications in the treatment of cancer-related diseases, in addition to flavor and fragrance industry.

380-384

Authors: Moynul Hasan, Jannatul Ferdous, Mahmodul Islam

Objective: To specify the current status of consciousness about flatulence and identify the effect of food and medicine used in gastritis status on it. Methods: It was an in-depth interview based qualitative analysis. A series of questions were asked to 300 individuals from 110 families about their food habit, knowledge about flatulence, possible cause, self-medication and course-completion of drug. Results: About 99.99% of respondents took rice, fish and vegetables as their main course, and 90% had self-medication, but only 2%–3% maintained the proper dose of drug. About 30% took antacid and the rest was the type of proton pump inhibitor, anti-ulcerant drugs. Conclusions: This survey reveals that a significant percentage of people are suffering from flatulence. Proper guidelines for taking medication and the avoidance of oily food and fiber rich diet may reduce its frequencies. Therefore, it is urgent to originate public cognizance and education on the cause and remedied issues through regular crusade.

390-395

Authors: Teerarat Prasertsee, Nattakarn Khantaprab, Panuwat Yamsakul, Pannita Santiyanont, Nipa Chokesajjawatee, Prapas Patchanee

Objective: To investigate the relationship between antimicrobial resistance characteristics and corresponding genes, and to diversify repetitive element sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprinting of three Salmonella serotypes: Rissen, Panama and Stanley, which were isolated from pig farms and slaughterhouses in Chiang Mai and Lumphun Provinces, Thailand. Methods: A total of 90 Salmonella strains were identified using the Kauffman-White scheme. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to investigate resistance phenotypes of 10 antimicrobial agents. Conventional PCR was used to detect 10 antimicrobial resistance genes, additionally, rep-PCR typing method was applied to identify clonality among Salmonella isolates. Results: The antimicrobial susceptibility testing found resistance to ampicillin (80.0%), streptomycin (65.6%), tetracycline (61.1%), sulfamethoxazole (53.3%), chloramphenicol (28.9%), nalidixic acid (6.7%) and cefotaxime (2.2%). All strains were sensitive to amoxicillinclavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. The most common antimicrobial resistance patterns among the isolates were ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole. The type and frequency of antimicrobial genes detected included blaTEM (100.0%), aadA2 (52.2%), cmlA (45.6%), strA (38.9%), tetA(B) (16.7%), sul1 (15.6%), blaOXA-2 (14.4%), blaPSE1 (6.7%), aphA1-lab (2.2%) and blaCMY-2 (1.1%). Conclusions: Statistical analysis revealed no association between antimicrobial resistance genes and resistance profiles with the exception of cmlA and chloramphenicol, sul1 and sulfamethoxazole, aadA2 and streptomycin, and strA and streptomycin (P < 0.05). Finally, the identical groups of clonal strains were detected by rep-PCR indicating similarity among Salmonella genotypes from farms and from slaughterhouses.

404-405

Authors: Mona Osama El-Shabrawy, Mona Mohamed Marzouk, Salwa Ali Kawashty, Hassnaa Ahmed Hosni, Ibrahim Ahmed El Garf, Nabiel Abdel Megied Saleh

Seven flavonoids were isolated for the first time from the defatted aqueous methanol extract of Dipcadi erythraeum Webb. & Berthel. They were identified as kaempferol (1), quercetin (2), quercetin 3-O-(6΄΄-α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (3), vitexin (4), isovitexin (5), orientin (6) and isoorientin (7). Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analysis and also by comparison with authentic samples. The chemosystematic significance of these compounds was also summarized.

259

Authors: Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

265-268

Authors: Agustin Iskandar, Muhammad Rasjad Indra, Satuman, Novi Khila Firani, Titin Andri Wihastuti

Objective: To find out the levels of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) profilin and adiponectin in obese patients complicated with or without metabolic syndrome as compared to non-obese patients. Methods: This study was an observational analytic study using cross sectional design. After interview, the subjects were performed with a anthropometric test and then a metabolic syndrome panel. The levels of profilin and adiponectin were detected by using ELISA method. Results: There was a significant difference of T. gondii profilin between the obese complicated with metabolic syndrome group and the non-obese group (P = 0.00; α = 0.05), as well as the metabolically healthy obese, in which the level of profilin was significantly higher in the group as compared to the non-obese group (P = 0.001; α = 0.05). Adiponectin level of the obese complicated with metabolic syndrome group was significantly lower as compared to the metabolically healthy obese and non-obese group (P = 0.001; α = 0.05). Conclusions: The level of T. gondii profilin in obese patients was higher than that in the nonobese, whereas the level of adiponectin in obese patients complicated with metabolic syndrome was lower than that in the obese without metabolic syndrome and non-obese patients.

272-277

Authors: Abd Hafis Abd Rahim, Abu Hassan Ahmad, Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid

Objective: To determine the development time of each immature stage and total development time of Cimex hemipterus reared on human blood type A, B, O and AB, and to compare survivorship and fecundity of Cimex hemipterus reared on blood type A and AB. Methods: Bed bugs were reared on human blood type A, B, O and AB, fed through an artificial feeding system. The number of live and dead individuals, number of nymphs that molted, and number of eggs laid were observed and recorded daily. Results: Statistical analysis showed that no significant difference was observed for the development from egg to adult emergence. Bed bugs reared on blood type A and AB had a life expectancy of 88 and 105 days respectively from the egg stage. The net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), and doubling time (DT) for bed bugs reared on blood type A were 12.24, 67.84, 0.037, 1.038 and 18.73, respectively. On the other hand, the same parameters calculated for bed bugs reared on blood type AB produced R0 = 12.58, T = 83.36, rm = 0.030, λ = 1.030 and DT = 23.10. Conclusions: Different blood sources may have different effects on the development time and life characteristics of bed bugs.

284-290

Authors: Manish Kumar Tripathi, Mohammad Yasir, Pushpendra Singh, Iftikhar Asalm Tayubi, Rishikesh Gupta, Rahul Shrivastava

Objective: To investigate the role of dumped residues in the loss of immunity using human immune proteins, which provides protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods: In this study, toxic chemicals were docked with immune proteins using AutoDock 4.0, and further, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for refinement of the docked complexes which were obtained from docking to confirm its stable behaviour over the entire simulation period. Results: Results revealed that alpha-naphthol showed the maximum inhibition with glutathione synthetase protein, while butylated hydroxytoluene and carbaryl showed the maximum inhibition with p38 MAPK14 protein with binding free energy ΔG -5.06, -5.1 and -5.36 kcal/ mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation supported the greater stability of carbaryl and alpha-naphthol complexes with p38 MAPK 14 and glutathione synthetase protein as compared to butylated hydroxytoluene. Conclusions: In summary, findings suggested that toxic exposure of carbaryl and alphanaphthol as compared to butylated hydroxytoluene generated immunotoxicity and disrupted the functioning of immune system thus it may have caused an increase in susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

298-304

Authors: Shahid Iqbal Mohammed, Manoj Zumbarlal Chopda, Ravindra Himmatrao Patil, Kishor Sukhlal Vishwakarma, Vijay Laxminarayan Maheshwari

Objective: To evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidative properties of Coccinia grandis leaf extract in experimental diabetic rats and to study the co-relation of the two in vivo. Methods: Ethanolic extract, showing the highest activity in in vitro experiments, was prepared in saline and given orally to streptozotocin induced albino Wistar diabetic rats for 21 days. Biochemical parameters, histopathological analyses, liver and muscles glycogen and in vivo antioxidant activity in normal, diabetic control, standard (metformin) and treated animals were determined and compared. Results: Treatment of experimental rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin by ethanolic leaf extract (500 mg/kg) caused significant (P < 0.001) reduction in blood glucose (312–169 mg/100 mL), increase in body weight (181–210 g) and serum insulin (1.28–3.10 IU/dL). It also maintained lipid profile and liver and kidney functions within normal range compared with diabetic control rats and almost at par with metformin-a standard antidiabetic drug. The oxidative stress induced decline in glutathione and catalase in liver and kidney tissues showed up to 60% recovery as a function of treatment. Histopathology of pancreas showed marked restorative effect in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The results suggest that Coccinia grandis ethanolic leaf extract has strong antidiabetic activity and can be meaningfully utilized in the management of diabetes.

311-316

Authors: Saima Gul, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Sher Bahadar Khan, Abullah Mohamed Asiri, Inayat U Rahman, Murad Ali Khan, Muhammad Afzal Kamboh

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) adopting a green approach and evaluate their toxicological potential against housefly Musca domestica which is responsible for spreading a number of fatal diseases. Methods: In the present work, AgNPs were synthesized by consuming secondary metabolites present in the fresh aqueous extract of melon. While the toxicity of the synthesized materials were recorded against house fly via feeding deterrence protocol. Results: Surface plasmon resonance was observed at 430 nm and the average crystallite size calculated from powder X ray diffraction was (18 ± 6) nm. Significant results were observed at different concentrations in the range of 2–10 mg/mL. Conclusions: Fresh melon extract resulted in a simple one-step formation of AgNPs with better control over the size of the material and the noteworthy insecticidal activity was displayed. This study proved the insecticidal potential of AgNPs against Musca domestica and its candidacy for replacing commercially available insecticides (organic/inorganic) which are synthesized in nature.

321-327

Authors: Samia Ahmed El-Fiky, Fouad Afifi Abou-Zaid, Ibrahim Mohamed Farag, Maha Aly Fahmy, Naira Mohamed El-Fiky

Objective: To assess the genotoxic potential of the antidepressant drug clomipramine hydrochloride (CH) through different mutagenic end points. Methods: The study included chromosomal aberration analysis of bone marrow cells, primary spermatocytes, morphological sperm abnormalities and histopathological changes of liver cells using both light and electron microscopy. Three doses (0.195, 0.26 and 0.65 mg/20 g body weight) were tested. Each dose was given orally to mice for different periods of time (the doses are equivalent to the recommended daily intake doses in man). Results: The tested doses of CH applied for 5 and 30 days increased the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations with dose and time dependant manner. The two high doses, 0.26 and 0.65 mg/20 g body weight revealed significant effect in comparison to the control. Dose -dependent increase in morphological sperm abnormalities and decrease in sperm count were recorded after CH treatment for 5 consecutive days. Pathological changes in liver tissue reached to sever damage were recorded after treatment with the medium and the high doses for 30 days. Ultrastructural examination showed that the low dose had little differences in liver histological architecture as compared to the control group, while prominent pathological changes in nuclei as well as dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed in mice treated with the medium or the high dose of the drug. Conclusions: It is concluded that CH has genotoxic effect in somatic and germ cells of mice as well as damaging effect on liver tissue after treatment with the medium and the high doses. However, the usage of low dose (especially for short time, 5 days) can be utilized as a safe therapeutic dose.

330-336

Authors: Najeeb Ullah, Mahboob Ahmad, Hasnain Aslam, Muhammad Asad Tahir, Muhammad Aftab, Noreen Bibi, Sohail Ahmad

Green tea is universally considered significant and its benefits have been experimentally explored by researchers and scientists. Anticancer potential of green tea has been completely recognized now. Green tea contains anti-cancerous constituents and nutrients that have powerful remedial effects. By using electronic data base (1998–2015), different compounds in green tea possessing anticancer activity including epigallocatechin-3-gallate, paclitaxel and docetaxel combinations, ascorbic acid, catechins, lysine, synergistic arginine, green tea extract, proline, and green tea polyphenols has been reported. Green tea extracts exhibited remedial potential against cancer of lung, colon, liver, stomach, leukemic cells, prostate, breast, human cervical cells, head, and neck. For centuries, green tea has been utilized as medicine for therapeutic purposes. It originated in China and extensively used in Asian countries for blood pressure depression and as anticancer medicine. Green tea has therapeutic potential against many diseases such as lowering of blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, weight loss, esophageal disease, skin-care, cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

174-178

Authors: Tawatchai Apidechkul, Sauwaluck Pongwiriyakul

Objective: To identify factors associated with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection in Northern Thailand. Methods: We tested 355 newly diagnosed HIV-infected subjects for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and hepatitis B core antibody by using immunochromatographic and ELISA methods. Cases were positive for one or more of the HBV markers and controls were negative for all HBV markers. All study subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire to identify the associations between variables. We used logistic regression model to evaluate the associations between demographic and behavioral variables and HIV/HBV co-infection. Results: A total of 41 cases and 83 controls were suitable to analyze in the study. Among them, 15.0% were males, 40.3% were 30–39 years old, 62.9% were married, 18.6% were illiterate and 89.5% were employed. Besides, 26 cases (23.4%) had a history of a blood transfusion, 12.9% had a history of jaundice, 29.0% had a CD4 cell count ≤ 200 cells/mm3, 0.8% were intravenous drug user, 29.8% tattooed, 64.5% had a body piercing, 12.1% were commercial sex workers, 11.3% had first sexual intercourse at age ≤ 15 years old, 6.5% were homosexual, and no one had a history of HBV vaccination. After controlling for all possible confounder factors in the multiple logistic regression model, we found two factors associated with HIV/ HBV co-infection: number of years in school and CD4 cell count. Subjects with no education were more likely to have HIV/HBV co-infection, which was 7.07 times (odds ratio = 7.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.77–28.24) greater than those with 7 years of education group. Subjects with CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/mm3 were less likely to have HIV/HBV co-infection than those with a CD count ≥ 200 cells/mm3 (odds ratio = 0.35, 95% confidence interval = 0.13–0.94). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that having a good education and having a good immune status are a protective factor of HIV/HBV co-infection. A practical approach would be a provision of wide access to general and sex education on the risk and prevention of HIV, HBV, and a promotion of HBV immunization.

184-187

Authors: Samia Kirmani, Haris Manzoor Khan, Urfi, Mohd. Khalid

Objectives: To study the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and compare immunological, radiological and clinical features in patients of cysticercosis in high risk group of community. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology and concerning departments of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, Aligarh from January 2012 to June 2013. The study population included 27 participants from high risk group in community like those involved in pig rearing, slaughtering of pigs and consumption of pork in and around Aligarh. The kit used to detect antibodies against Taenia solium (T. solium) was NovaTec T. solium IgG-ELISA. Results: Majority of participants [12 (44.4%)] belonged to age-group 30–44 years. Majority of participants [25 (92.6%)] were males. Maximum number of participants [16 (59.3%)] belonged to socio-economic Class IV, followed by Class V. Only 2 (7.4%) participants showed positive for immunoglobulin G antibodies against T. solium. Conclusions: Cysticercosis is a health problem in and around Aligarh with higher risk in males. Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in high risk community of Aligarh is 7.4%.

193-198

Authors: Ivonne Beatriz Hernández-Cortazar, Karla Yolanda Acosta-Viana, Eugenia Guzman-Marin, José Candelario Segura-Correa, Antonio Ortega- Pacheco, Jorge Ramiro Carrillo-Martínez, María del Refugio González-Losa, Laura Conde-Ferraez, Matilde Jimenez-Coello

Objective: To estimate the presence, parasite burden, percentage of avidity and risk factors to seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in women with recent abortion attended at the two main hospitals from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: Seroprevalence and IgG avidity were estimated from 161 blood samples from aborting women and risk factors associated with serological status were determined. Only 130 from 161 samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a nested-PCR (nPCR) to detect T. gondii-DNA. Results: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG was 3.72% (6/161) and 59.00% (95/161), respectively; 98.94% (94/95) of the women showed high-avidity index and only 1.05% (1/95) demonstrated low-avidity. For qPCR, 3.84% (5/130) of the samples were detected with T. gondii-DNA and all positive samples showed a low parasite load (< 1 parasite/mL). For nPCR, 6.92% (9/130) of positivity was found. Logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between IgG-seropositivity and potable-drinking-water intake in households (P < 0.020, odds ratio = 11.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.011–0.683). Conclusions: In this study, the detection of T. gondii-DNA in IgG-positive women suggests in some cases active parasitemia, even when they demonstrated high-avidity index. Reinfection cases could be presented due to the high circulation of the parasite in the study region. T. gondii could play an important role as cause of abortion and municipal potable-water could be an important risk factor of infection.

204-207

Authors: Maryam Rassouli

Objective: To understand the prevalence of the hemotropic mycoplasmosis among stray cats. Methods: In this research, 52 cats (30 queens and 22 toms) of different municipal regions of Tehran, the capital of Iran, were restrained and injected with tranquilizer. Peripheral blood samples were taken in order to detect blood parasites and taken blood smears were transferred to the parasitology laboratory, fixed by methanol and stained by Giemsa. Results: About 32.7% of samples were positive for Mycoplasma spp. and some abnormalities were observed in leukocyte numbers. Conclusions: There are some unclear aspects of hemotropic mycoplasmosis in Iran. This disease also has zoonotic importance. Therefore, some further researches are necessary to clarify the importance of the disease in different parts of Iran and its potential vectors.

212-217

Authors: Siddhar Selvam Gandhi, Saranya Vidyasagar, Karthikeyan Krishnasamy

Objective: To find the efficacy of administering insulin orally with Desmodium gangeticum (DG) extract in diabetes induced rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar male rats by streptozotocin and subsequently treated with the mixture of DG/insulin/DG + insulin and compared with diabetic rats. Standard glucose estimation assay described elsewhere was used to determine the diabetic levels. The effects of homeostatic factors (the effect of temperature, gastric juices, pH, trypsin, and mercaptoethanol) on insulin and insulin-DG were analyzed. Results: The test results proved that the reported combination of insulin-DG was effective in maintaining glucose homeostasis. More interestingly, insulin-DG was stable against all the degrading parameters while insulin without DG suffered degradation. A molecular interaction was suggested between DG and insulin through nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Conclusions: Insulin-DG mix is a potent anti-diabetic agent and importantly, DG extract is protective to insulin when used in prescribed combination and delivered orally. This could be a possible solution for painful subcutaneous injections.

223-226

Authors: Anu Kumar, Rita Singh Mazumdar, Tejpal Dhewa

Objective: To formulate a biological approach for the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of leaves of Viola serpens which is considered as a ecofriendly method as it does not include any harmful chemicals. Methods: The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-vis spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results: Scanning electron microscopy analysis study revealed that synthesized silver nanoparticles were of an average size of 80–90 nm. Crystalline nature of synthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Conclusions: The leaves of Viola serpens can be a potent source for the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The outcome of the study can lead to the development of a novel drug for biomedical field.

232-234

Authors: Sriram Sridharan, Sasikumar Chinna Gounder

Objective: To investigate the pharmacognostic features and physiochemical properties of the leaves of Barleria montana Wight & Nees. Methods: The leaf samples were subjected to organoleptic, microscopic and macroscopic analysis. Physiochemical properties and fluorescence analysis of the sample under UV and daylight were studied as per World Health Organization norms. Results: Microscopic analysis showed that the plant possessed dorsiventral leaves, lamina, glandular trichomes, calcium carbonate cystoliths and adaxial epidermis. Physiochemical characters like ash and moisture content, extractive values, foreign matter and fluorescent characteristics of the leaf samples were determined and reported. Conclusions: Results obtained from these studies can be used as reliable markers in the identification and standardization of this plant as a herbal remedy

236-238

Authors: Wasan Katip, Narut Muangsiri

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reaction of the use of para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS). We reported the cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy and PAS to develop drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome). Therefore, the findings may enable readers to be aware of the extreme possibility of severe hypersensitivity reaction from the use of PAS. This is especially relevant as an alarming increase that has been found worldwide in the incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

243-247

Authors: Anthony D Harries, Ajay MV Kumar, Nang Thu Thu Kyaw, Nguyen Binh Hoa, Kudakwashe C Takarinda, Rony Zachariah

With the adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals in 2016, all countries have committed to end the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030, defined as dramatic reductions in TB incidence and mortality combined with zero TB-induced catastrophic costs for families. This paper explores how antiretroviral therapy (ART) in high HIV-TB burden countries may help in reducing TB incidence and mortality and thus contribute to the ambitious goal of ending TB. ART in people living with HIV has a potent TB preventive effect, with this being most apparent in those with the most advanced immunodeficiency. Early ART also significantly reduces the risk of TB, and with new World Health Organization guidance released in 2015 about initiating ART in all persons living with HIV irrespective of CD4 count, there is the potential for enormous benefit at the population level. Already, several countries with high HIVTB burdens have seen dramatic declines in TB case notification rates since ART scale up started in 2004. In patients already diagnosed with HIV-associated TB, mortality can be significantly decreased by ART, especially if started within 2–8 weeks of anti-TB treatment. The benefits of ART on TB incidence and TB mortality can be further augmented respectively by the addition of isoniazid preventive therapy and cotrimoxazole preventive therapy. These interventions must be effectively implemented and scaled up in order to end the TB epidemic by 2030.

90-99

Authors: Vijay Rajeshwarrao Chidrawar

Objective: To evaluate the role of nifedipine (L-type of calcium channel blocker), glibenclamide [cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel blocker], niflumic acid (chloride channels blocker) and 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate (calcium releaseactivated channels channel blocker) against chemically induced inflammatory bowel disease in male Wistar rats. Methods: Inflammatory bowel disease was induced by the administration of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid intracolonically. Animals were divided into 7 groups by keeping 6 animals in each group. Group one and two were treated as normal control and disease control, respectively and seven pretreated with sulfasalazine and remaining groups were treated with test drugs. Animals were pretreated for 5 days before administration of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Various parameters were recorded during and after treatment period like disease activity index (body weight, food intake, diarrhea score, occult blood score), biomarkers study in peritoneal macrophages and histopathology of colon. Results: Glibenclamide had offered significant protective effect on disease activity index, biochemical parameters confirmed by histopathological examination. 2-Aminoethyldiphenyl borate and niflumic acid had also shown insignificant protection in few parameters. Conclusions: Protection observed by pretreatment of glibenclamide is may be of its blocking effect of CFTR channels of the mast cells, which regulate chloride influx and efflux phenomenon.

106-112

Authors: Gautam Patra, Ruma Jas, Joydev Ghosh, Sonjoy Kumar Borthakur, Avisek Paul

Objective: To evaluate the role of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) gene in Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) resistant in Garole/Sahabadi breed of sheep. Methods: Five Garole sheep (Group I) consistently showing low egg per gram in faeces (≤ 150) and another five Garole sheep(Group II) which had high egg per gram (≥ 500) were challenged with third-stage (L3) H. contortus larvae with 500 larvae/kg body weight. Five Sahabadi sheep (Group III) which were known to be susceptible to H. contortus were also fed with the same dose. Blood was collected from each group at different date of infection, viz. 0 day, 7 days and 14 days of post infection. The ovine IFN-γ was partially isolated and sequenced including intron and exon regions from six Garole sheep and three Sahabadi sheep prior to infection. The level of messenger ribonucleic acid of IFN-γ was evaluated by means of real-time PCR at different days of post infection. Results: In addition to one single nucleotide polymorphism at exon 3 of IFN-γ gene in three resistant Garole sheep, the level of mRNA in two susceptible groups was found significantly higher (P≤≤ 0.05) as compared to the resistant group in the present study. Conclusions: We could clearly identify a single cytokine gene which is differentially expressed between the resistant and the susceptible animals that could be a potential target for identifying the genetic marker of Haemonchus resistance. Finding of one single nucleotide polymorphism at exon 3 in three resistance Garole sheep might have novelty.

120-125

Authors: Seyed Ataollah Sadat Shandiz, Soheila Farasati, Banafshe Saeedi, Fahimeh Baghbani-Arani, Elham Akbari Asl, Behta Keshavarz-Pakseresht, Arian Rahimi, Artin Assadi, Hassan Noorbazargan, Maryam Rahimpour Hesari, Amir Mirzaie

Objective: To evaluate the effect of imatinib mesylate on KAI1 gene expression and apoptosis properties in human gastric carcinoma AGS cell line. Methods: Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and quantitative real time PCR method was applied for investigation of Bax, Bcl-2, and KAI1 gene expression in AGS cells. The quantity of KAI1, Bax, and Bcl-2 compared to GAPDH gene expressions were examined using the formula 2-ΔΔCt. Furthermore, cell apoptosis/necrosis was carried out by annexin V/PI staining and quantified with flow cytometry after treatment with imatinib. Results: Imatinib mesylate was showed to have a dose-dependent toxicity effect against AGS cells. KAI1/GAPDH gene expression ratios were 1.07 ± 0.02 (P > 0.05), 1.68 ± 0.19 (P > 0.05), 3.60 ± 0.55 (P < 0.05), 6.54 ± 0.27 (P < 0.001) for 20, 50, 80 and 100 μmol/L of imatinib concentrations. The mRNA levels of Bax detected by real-time PCR after treatment with imatinib mesylate were significantly increased. Also, the number of apoptotic cells was increased from 3.72% (statistically significant; P < 0.05) in untreated AGS cells to 21.72%, 83.04% and 85.80%, respectively, following treatment with 20, 40, and 60 μmol/L imatinib mesylate. Conclusions: The results suggest that imatinib mesylate can induce apoptosis pathway in a dose-dependent mode and might modulate metastasis by up regulating KAI1 gene expression in human gastric carcinoma AGS cell line.

133-135

Authors: Shahin Najar-Peerayeh, Ali Jazayeri Moghaddas, Bita Bakhshi, Abdolmajid Ghasemian

Objective: To determine different types of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) in Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) clinical isolates from intensive care unit patients, Tehran, Iran. Methods: A total of 59 S. epidermidis strains were isolated from intensive care unit patients in Tehran, Iran. Isolates of S. epidermidis were identified by conventional biochemical diagnostic tests. The PCR was used to detect the mecA-positive isolates and type the ccr and mec complexes. Results: The mecA gene was amplified in 91.5% of isolates. Moreover, the predominant SCCmec type was the SCCmec type III which was detected in 53.7% of isolates. The frequencies of other SCCmec types were as following: 5.6% in SCCmec type I, 3.7% in SCCmec type II, 5.6% in SCCmec type IV, 7.4% in SCCmec type V and 3.7% in SCCmec type VII. Furthermore, 20.3% of tested isolates were not typeable using the specific primers. Conclusions: SCCmec type III was the most frequent SCCmec type in this study. Eleven of 54 SCCmec types were not classified, among which one isolate possessed mec type A but the ccr type cannot be distinguished with using primers. The frequency of SCCmec type VII was 3.7%, which was reported in S. epidermidis for the first time.

141-146

Authors: Yousef Abd El Galil Ahmed Sarah, Abd El Gawad Abd El Halim El Sayed Sabry, Ali AL-Shemmery Maryam

Objective: To detect the seropositivity of transfusion transmitted infections among healthy blood donors in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In the study, about 361 blood donors from different nationalities and ages were tested. Serum samples were collected and tested by ELISA for detection of HIV, HTLV-I/II, hepatitis B virus, syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Results: Out of 361 donors, 26 were found to be positive for HCV in a percentage of 7.2% while 17 (4.7%) of them were infected with HIV. There were eight donors infected with HTLV-I/II, and three donors infected with syphilis. Hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 10% of donors while hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody were positive in thirty-one blood donors. Conclusions: The obtained data revealed that the seropositivity of hepatitis B virus, HCV, syphilis, HTLV-I/II, and HIV in Hail Region during the period under study were 8.6%, 7.2%, 4.7%, 2.2% and 0.8%, respectively. It is recommended to continue screening blood donors with highly specific and sensitive tests, to counsel donors who are positive to transfusion transmitted infections.

151-154

Authors: Mahmoud Safi, Mehdi Tavalla, Masoume Mardani, Reza Afrisham

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among health card applicants attending Ahvaz East Health Center during 2012–2013. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, stool specimens were collected between 14 614 and 12 444 people referred to Ahvaz East Health Center respectively in 2012 and 2013. Then, stool specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of parasite eggs, cysts and trophozoites using direct and formalin-ether concentration methods. Results: Among 14 614 applicants for health cards in 2012, 1 693 cases were diagnosed with parasitic infections: Giardia lamblia 1 445 (85.35%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 31 (1.83%), Oxyuris (pin worm) 29 (1.71%), Hymenolepis nana 60 (3.54%), and Entamoeba coli 128 (7.57%). Out of 12 444 applicants for health cards during 2013, 632 cases were diagnosed with parasitic infections: Giardia lamblia 510 (80.69%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 20 (3.17%), Oxyuris 19 (3.01%), Hymenolepis nana 46 (7.28%), and Entamoeba coli 33 (5.86%). In both years the most outbreaks have been reported in the spring and autumn, and the lowest outbreak has been reported during the winter. Conclusions: The protozoa outbreak, such as Giardia, is more than multi-protozoa whose outbreak may be the result of parasite easy transferred by water and nutrients and the parasite cyst resistance under the worse conditions as well as its simple cell division. The outbreak percentage in 2012 is more than 2013 which may be the result of improving the individual health care level.

160-162

Authors: Mohammad Asadpour, Hosein Malekpour, Arash Jafari, Somayeh Bahrami

Objective: To evaluate the parasitic contamination of row vegetables at farms and retails, separately. Methods: A total of 224 samples from 8 different kinds of vegetables were randomly collected from the retails and farms (retails: 80; farms: 144) in the same area and then were tested for helminth egg, Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts by using sedimentation, floatation and common staining methods. Results: In total, 31.2% (25/80) and 36.8% (53/144) of retails and farms vegetables were contaminated with a variety of parasites, respectively. Parasites detected in retail and farm vegetables were Giardia cysts (3.7% and 4.8%), Taenia spp. eggs (2.5% and 4.1%), Trichostrongylus eggs (2.5% and 2.0%), Ascaris eggs (2.5% and 2.0%), Hymenolepis egg (1.2% and 0.0%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.2% and 1.3%) and Trichuris eggs (0.0% and 1.3%). Conclusions: Based on our results, fresh vegetables can be a source of food-borne parasitic disease in humans. Public educationand awareness, washing vegetables properly and improving of sanitary and irrigation conditions of these kinds of food should be necessary.

167-168

Authors: Somsri Wiwanitkit, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Picture is an important media for communication. A picture can represent hundreds of words. In tropical medicine, picture is important for the description in many situations. To prepare and provide a good picture is an important step for publishing an article in tropical medicine. How to provide qualified picture is hereby discussed. Also, the authors discuss an important publication ethical problem, picture plagiarism.

6-9

Authors: Muhammad Hafiz Sulaiman, Wong Chee Ho, Marina Hassan

Objective: To investigate ectoparasite fauna on the common tree shrew [Tupaia glis (T. glis)] in Lingai agriculture area, Terengganu. Methods: The sampling was conducted once a month with five consecutive days from November 2012 to February 2013. Five mammal cage traps (60 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm) and 30 rat cage traps (45 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm) baited with banana, salt fish or fleshy-grilled coconut were used. One line transect was built and each trap was set up along the line transect with 5 m intervals. Ectoparasite was collected by combing host’s fur vigorously and kept in vials containing 70% ethanol. Results: Out of 23 hosts examined, 20 individuals (87%) of T. glis in Lingai agricultural area were infested by three species of ticks and two species of mites. It was found that Laelaps echidninus showed higher mean intensity (5) as compared to the other ectoparasites. However, the prevalence was higher on Ixodes sp. (43.5%) though its mean intensity was among the lowest (1.9) from the rest. Conclusions: This study provides useful information of ectoparasite fauna infesting T. glis in the agricultural area. It is important to have knowledge regarding what type of ectoparasite infests small animals in agricultural area, which in turn can assist responsible agencies to take precaution if epidemic outbreaks caused by tick-borne zoonotic diseases occur in the future.

15-20

Authors: Divya Gupta, Jyotirmay Dubey, Mukesh Kumar

Objective: To study the antimicrobial activity and phytochemicals of extracts from 5 different medicinal plants, as well as to evaluate the synergistic activity of potent plant extracts with suitable antibiotic discs and antibiotics susceptibility of tested microorganisms. Methods: The antimicrobial activities of different extracts were evaluated by using agar well diffusion method and antibiotics susceptibility of five selected microorganisms was tested by using disc diffusion method. For determination of synergistic activities of the potent plant extracts along with antibiotic discs, agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods were combinedly used. Results: In the present investigation, the maximum in vitro inhibition of tested microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus was recorded in chloroform and methanol extracts of Terminalia arjuna, ethanol extract of Camellia sinensis, and petroleum ether extract of Polyalthia longifolia which offered inhibition zone ranged from 11 to 18 mm. The maximum antibacterial efficacy was exhibited by levofloxacin with an inhibition zone of 35 mm against Escherichia coli. The potent plant extracts showed positive synergistic effects against Staphylococcus aureus with lincomycin. The phytochemical analysis of the potent plant extracts revealed the presence of saponin, tannin, protein, carbohydrate, flavonoid, terpenoids and glycosides. Conclusions: According to the present study, Camellia sinensis, Terminalia arjuna and Polyalthia longifolia can be used as a potent source of natural antimicrobial agents by replacing commercially available synthetic drug that may have a large number of side effects.

27-31

Authors: Vena Chupia, Surachai Pikulkaew, Patcharin Krutmuang, Supamit Mekchay, Prapas Patchanee

Objective: To determine the contamination levels of Nosema ceranae in honeybees and its molecular linkages in different geographical areas of Northern Thailand. Methods: Seventy-eight apiaries in Northern Thailand were chosen at random. The detection was accomplished both by microscopic examination and multiplex PCR. Nosema positive samples were evaluated by PCR sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Of the samples subjected to microscopic examination, 11.54% were found to be positive for Nosema while 29.49% of the samples evaluated by PCR were found to be positive for the disease. Honeybees from four of the six provinces surveyed in Northern Thailand were positive for Nosema, with the highest prevalence in Chiang Mai Province (48.57%). There was a high diversity of Nosema strains in some locations, while the same strain of pathogen was identified in many locations in Northern Thailand. Conclusions: This is the first report about the contamination levels and distribution pattern of nosemosis in Thailand. The study found the same group of Nosema in different locations, and different groups of Nosema in the same location. This pattern of distribution will be an advantage for disease control in the future.

40-45

Authors: Zahran Zulaikha, Ab Majid Abdul Hafiz, Abd Rahim Abd Hafis, Ahmad Abu Hassan

Objective: To survey current bed bugs infestation status in 11 states and federal territory in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: Targeted sampling in the urban areas was performed and the sites in each state were selected based on foreign workers’ abundance and reports from pest control professionals in Malaysia. The collected bed bugs were classified into different strains obtained at the respective sites. Results: Out of all 185 surveyed sites, approximately 38 of them have been actively infested with one species, Cimex hemipterus (F.). A high number of collected bed bugs were found in the states of Perak (24.8%), Selangor (21.0%) and Kedah (16.1%). In terms of preferred harborages, bedding, crevices in walls and floors and cushion seats were common locations with 49.2% infestation. Bed bugs were dominantly found in dormitories of foreign workers (51.6%) compared to residential houses and public accommodations such as hotels and airports. Conclusions: Migration activities and reused infested furniture probably were the possible reasons to bed bug resurgence.

49-53

Authors: Marina Clare Vinaud, Lilian Cristina Morais de Andrade, Patricia Fernandes Melo Alves, Carolina Miguel Fraga, José Clecildo Barreto Bezerra, Ruy de Souza Lino Junior

Objective: To determine the morphological and biochemical alterations of in vitro induced Taenia crassiceps cysticerci by the presence of glucose, insulin and praziquantel isolated and in association. Methods: The cysticerci were cultured for 24 h in supplemented Roswell Park Memorial Institute culture medium and added to two different concentrations of glucose, insulin and praziquantel. The morphometrical analysis was performed through the ImageJ programme, and the biochemical one through high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The exposure to the stressing factors led to alterations in the morphology and decrease in the growth rate of the parasite. Conclusions: The metabolic effects are related to a decrease in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acids oxidation metabolites due to the drug’s mode of action. Interestingly, the praziquantel, insulin and glucose association enhanced the drug’s mode of action with a greater decrease of the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites.

63-69

Authors: Muhammad Shoaib Amjad, Muhammad Arshad, Huma Mehreen Sadaf, Durr-e-Shahwar, Faraz Akrim, Adnan Arshad

Objective: To analyze floristic compositions, biological spectrum and conservation status of the existing vegetation in valley. Methods: A quantitative phytosociological survey was conducted using quadrat method at different sites. Sampling was done by using quadrat method. A complete floristic list of the plant communities of the study area was compiled on the basis of plant collection. Life form and leaf spectra were constructed using the complete list of the plant communities collected from study area. Conservation status of each species was established on the basis of International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Results: The flora of Nikyal valley consisted of 110 species belonging to 51 families and 98 genera. Poaceae (18 spp.), Asteraceae (10 spp.), Lamiaceae (8 spp.) and Fabaceae (7 spp.) were the leading families in the area. Biological spectrums of 13 different plant communities were grouped into four plant associations on the basis of cluster analysis and detrended correspondence analysis. The data showed that hemicryptophytes (32.73%) were the dominant life form in the area followed by therophytes (23.64%) and nanophanerophytes (22.73%) during monsoon season. Similarly, nanophyllous species (37.27%) followed by microphyllous species (29.09%) remained dominant during monsoon in the investigated area. Conclusions: The majority of important plant species of Nikyal valley are critically endangered, therefore effective measures for conservation of plant resources of the valley are urgently needed. We recommend the floristic life-form spectrum technique if working in sufficiently large areas, because it could provide an indication of the prevailing phytoclimate.

75-81

Authors: Preet Amol Singh, Narsihma Baba Brindavanam, Gaya Prasad Kimothi, Vidhu Aeri

Objective: To evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of stem bark extract of Dillenia indica f. elongata (Miq.) Miq. (D. indica f. elongata) and its comparison with Shorea robusta Gaertn. (S. robusta) and respective standard drugs in experimental animals. Methods: Analgesic models (hot plate, tail flick and formalin induced paw licking) along with acute (carrageenan-induced) and chronic (formalin-induced) models of inflammation were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant extracts. Results: The results of the study showed that the ethyl acetate extracts of D. indica f. elongata (100 and 300 mg/kg) and S. robusta (100 and 300 mg/kg) possessed good central as well as peripheral analgesic activity as compared with pentazocine and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) respectively. The extracts showed significant (P < 0.01) activity in carrageenan- and formalininduced chronic inflammation models by using indomethacin (8 mg/kg) and diclofenac (13.5 mg/kg) as standard drugs respectively. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the presence of major constituents like flavonoids, tannins and phenols in the ethyl acetate extracts of stem bark of D. indica f. elongata (100 and 300 mg/kg) and S. robusta (100 and 300 mg/kg) may be responsible for its analgesic and antiinflammatory activity.

84

Authors: Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

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