Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

283-289

Authors: Ebenezer Bonyah, Kingsley Badu, Samuel Kwesi Asiedu-Addo

Ebola virus is a severe, frequently fatal illness, with a case fatality rate up to 90%. The outbreak of the disease has been acknowledged by World Health Organization as Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The threat of Ebola in West Africa is still a major setback to the socioeconomic development. Optimal control theory is applied to a system of ordinary differential equations which is modeling Ebola infection through three different routes including contact between humans and a dead body. In an attempt to reduce infection in susceptible population, a preventive control is put in the form of education and campaign and two treatment controls are applied to infected and late-stage infected (super) human population. The Pontryagins maximum principle is employed to characterize optimality control, which is then solved numerically. It is observed that time optimal control is existed in the model. The activation of each control showed a positive reduction of infection. The overall effect of activation of all the controls simultaneously reduced the effort required for the reduction of the infection quickly. The obtained results present a good framework for planning and designing cost-effective strategies for good interventions in dealing with Ebola disease. It is established that in order to reduce Ebola threat all the three controls must be taken into consideration concurrently.

295-300

Authors: Ahmad Mohiddin, Asmalia Md Lasim, Wan Fatma Zuharah

Objective: To monitor the current duration of the application rates in vector programme and the level of Aedes albopictus larvae susceptibility from three selected areas in northeast district of Penang on two selected larvicides, temephos and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) which are commonly used by Penang Health Department for vector control. Methods: The mosquito larvae were tested against two types of larvicides: (1) temephos (Abate®) with diagnostic dosage (0.012 mg/L) and operational dosage (1 mg/L) and (2) Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (VectoBac® WG) with operational dosage ranging from 6000 international toxic units per L to 24000 international toxic unit per L. A total of 20 late third and early forth instar larvae were selected and transferred into paper cup sized 300 mL using wide-mouthed pipette. The larvae were distributed into each 300 mL paper cup containing 50 mL of aged tap water. The experiment was replicated five times for each concentration tested. Each test was repeated three times. The mortality was recorded after 24 h of exposure and recorded lethal time was based on 2 h for temephos and 6 h for Bti. The control consisted of ethanol for temephos and only seasoned water for Bti. Results: The result showed that Aedes albopictus from Flat Hamna, Kampung Sungai Gelugor and Kampung Tanjung Tokong were still susceptible to Bti and temephos. However, higher lethal time and resistance ratio were detected in strain from Flat Hamna which was a known dengue hot spot area in northeast of Penang. Conclusions: The application of temephos and Bti in vector control activity in these selected localities is still relevant in the control of Aedes larvae populations.

308-314

Authors: Okhee Choi, Su Kyung Cho, Junheon Kim, Chung Gyoo Park, Jinwoo Kim

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cinnamomum verum (C. verum) from 32 different essential oils against cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). Methods: The antibacterial activities of each essential oil were individually investigated against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. The essential oil of C. verum was selected for further evaluation against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the major constituents of C. verum essential oil. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of the most effective constituent was investigated. Results: The essential oil from C. verum exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the major components of C. verum essential oil were cinnamaldehyde (56.3%), cinnamyl acetate (7.1%) and bphellandrene (6.3%). The MIC of cinnamaldehyde was measured using broth dilution assays. The MIC of cinnamaldehyde was 0.02% (v/v) against both bacterial strains tested. The minimum bactericidal concentration of cinnamaldehyde against S. mutans and S. sobrinus were 0.2% and 0.1% (v/v), respectively. Conclusions: The essential oil of C. verum and its major component cinnamaldehyde possessed considerable in vitro antibacterial activities against cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans and S. sobrinus strains. These results showed that the essential oil of C. verum and its bioactive component, cinnamaldehyde, have potential for application as natural agents for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.

322-329

Authors: Shah Alam Khan, Amira Rashid Al Kiyumi, Manal Saif Al Sheidi, Tagreed Salim Al Khusaibi, Noura Mohammed Al Shehhi, Tanveer Alam

Objective: To evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents (TPCs) and in vitro antidiabetic activity of various pits extracts obtained from five Omani date cultivars. Methods: Sun-dried mature fruits of five Omani date varieties, namely, Fardh, Naghal, Khalas, Khinazi and Khasab were purchased from the local market in Muscat, Oman in the month of September 2014. Four seed extracts viz. water, ethanol, methanol and acetone were prepared for each date variety and their antioxidant activities were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide scavenging method and reducing power assay method, respectively. In vitro antidiabetic activity of the date pit extracts was evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on a-glucosidase and aamylase level. TPCs were also quantified colorimetrically. Results: The results indicated that TPC of date seeds was solvent dependent. Acetone, ethanol and methanol were found to be significantly better solvents than water in extracting phenolic compounds from the date seeds. Pit extracts exhibited moderate to good in vitro antioxidant activity and increased reducing power. Among all date pit extracts, water extract exhibited significant in vitro antidiabetic activity in comparison to standard drug, acarbose. Conclusions: The present study confirms that disposed waste of Omani dates is a rich source of dietary antioxidant because of its high TPC. The pits due to their inhibitory effects on a-glucosidase and a-amylase level could be used as a monotherapy along with an appropriate diabetic diet and exercise or might be in conjunction with antidiabetic therapy to manage and prevent progression of diabetes.

335-337

Authors: Adi Idris, Ahmed Gharib Khamis, Nur Basirah Ghazali, Michael Steele, David Koh, Nik Ani Tuah

Objective: To investigate the association between leptin levels and body mass index in Bruneian secondary school students. Methods: The body mass index of Bruneian secondary school students (aged 11–18 years) was determined before collecting their saliva using the passive drool technique. Salivary leptin concentration was determined by ELISA. Results: Correlation and partial correlation (controlled for age) analyses showed no significant differences between the levels of salivary leptin of normal weight and overweight students. Conclusions: No significant increase in the salivary leptin concentration was observed in overweight compared with normal weight Bruneian secondary school students.

344-349

Authors: Giuseppe La Torre, Rosella Saulle

Objective: To perform a systematic review of the scientific literature to identify risk factors associated with hepatitis B viruses (HBV) infection among blood donors. Methods: The literature search was carried out on PubMed and Scopus databases using the keywords “risk factors” “HBV infection” and “blood donors”. No date or language restrictions were applied to the search. This literature review was completed in March 2014. The selection process and the reporting of the review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was using to evaluate the quality of each single primary study. Results: Out of 172 records resulted in the search, 5 papers were included in the final analysis because they are within acceptance criteria. Two of the selected studies were cross-sectional and three of them were case-control studies. Significant association resulted with some demographic and behavioral risk factors, such as marital status, dental treatment/procedure history, no stable relationship or multiple partners and family history of HBV infection. Conclusions: The systematic review performed encourages to conduct further research among blood donors in order to fully understand risk factors among donors in more extensive thus to provide valuable information about surveillance.

353-354

Authors: Giovanni Benelli

Prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases is a key challenge of huge public health importance. Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has recently gained attention as a cheap, rapid and eco-friendly method to control mosquito vector populations, with special reference to young instars. Furthermore, plant-fabricated nanoparticles have been successfully employed as dengue virus growth inhibitors. In this Editorial, parasitologists, entomologists and researchers in drug nanosynthesis are encouraged to deal with a number of crucial challenges of public health importance.

357-359

Authors: Laura Bongiovann, Nicola Di Girolamo, Leonardo Della Salda, Marcella Massimi, Mariarita Romanucci, Paolo Selleri

A 1-year-old male meerkat was found dead by the owner. The animal was clinically healthy and was regularly vaccinated for distemper virus. Necropsy revealed multifocal to confluent dry white areas in the myocardium, pneumonia and congestive hepatopathy. All the other organs, including gross vessels, were macroscopically normal. The heart showed histologically large, multifocal to confluent areas of mineralization of the myocardium and the wall of small coronary artery. Vascular calcifications were also observed in the hepatic portal tracts and kidneys arteries of small/medium sizes. The arterial lumen appeared narrowed and the wall thickened due to the calcification of the tunica media. In veterinary medicine, arterial mineralization is regarded as a metastatic calcification, as the result of hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia. However, today, the pathogenesis of medial artery calcification in humans seems to be the results of an active process resembling embryonic osteogenesis, rather than a mere passive process.

367-370

Authors: Mansour Nazari, Reza Goudarztalejerdi, Mostafa Anvari Payman

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of head lice in primary and middle school children in Asadabad, Iran. Methods: This study is an analytical descriptive cross-sectional one conducted among primary and middle school children in Asadabad during the academic year of 2013–2014. Data were collected at baseline via questionnaire, checklist and head examination. Results: A total of 600 students were examined (412 girls and 188 boys), and 14 students showed pediculosis. And the total prevalence rate was 2.3% (3.2% girls and 0.5% boys). The infestation was equal in public and private schools. The rate of pediculosis was higher in students of primary schools (4.0%) than those in middle schools (0.7%). The age of the students ranged from 6 to 14 years. The total number of infected group was 14 with mean age of 8.93 ± 2.43 years, and it was 586 with mean age of 10.98 ± 2.82 years for the uninfected group who were enrolled in the study (P < 0.01). This study showed significant differences between students with curly hair (5.5%) and those with straight hair (1.9%) when compared in terms of head lice infestation (P < 0.05). The relations of pediculosis and other socioeconomic factors such as sharing common comb and a room with other people, frequency of bathing, and parents' profession and education were analyzed, and Chi-square test did not show a statistically significant relationship between head lice contamination and the abovementioned socioeconomic factors (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It is necessary to find the risk factors of the infection in order to understand how to control or decrease infection in students, considering the important role of health education in reduction of head lice infections.

192-197

Authors: Sirada Pongmuangmul, Supaporn Phumiamorn, Phanchana Sanguansermsri, Nalin Wongkattiya, Ian Hamilton Fraser, Donruedee Sanguansermsri

Objective: To evaluate the monogalactosyl diglyceride (MGDG) and digalactosyl diglyceride (DGDG) from Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) for their in vitro antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) by plaque reduction assay. Methods: MGDG and DGDG were extracted with chloroform from C. nutans leaves. MGDG and DGDG were separated from chloroform crude extract using column chromatography, characterized by thin layer chromatography and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The anti HSV-1 and 2 activity against pre-treatment and posttreatment of the compounds was evaluated using plaque reduction assay. The cytotoxicity of the extract and the compounds on Vero cells were performed by MTT assay. Results: MGDG and DGDG obtained by column chromatography showed identical profiles as standard MGDG and standard DGDG using thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. MGDG and DGDG from C. nutans showed 100% inhibition of HSV-1 replication at the post step of infection at noncytotoxic concentration with IC50 values of 36.00 and 40.00 mg/mL, and HSV-2 at 41.00 and 43.20 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover,MGDG and DGDG fromC. nutans were demonstrated to have antiherpes simplex activity at the same level as standard synthetic compounds. In contrast, pretreatment of Vero cells with MGDG and DGDG before HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection did not show inhibitory effect against these viruses. MGDG and DGDG exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-1 with selectivity index of 26.00 and 23.00 and HSV-2 of 23.30 and 21.30. Conclusions: MGDG and DGDG from C. nutans, a traditional Thai herbal medicine illustrated inhibitory activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2, probably by inhibiting the late stage of multiplication, suggesting their promising use as anti-HSV agents.

202-210

Authors: Romero Marcos Pedrosa Brandão-Costa, Vivianne Ferreira Ara´ujo, Elizabeth Neves, Maria Tereza Santos Correia, Ana L´ucia Figueiredo Porto, Maria das Graças Carneiro-da-Cunha

Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves (67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration. Methods: Animals (n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing (378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark, temperature of (23 ± 1)
C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control (n = 6) received water, positive control (n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg; and a test group (n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses. Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control, (47.0 ± 4.8) ng/dL and (255.0 ± 2.0) ng/dL, respectively, and 76.8%, (211.0 ± 8.7) ng/dL, when compared with finasteride. However, the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function. Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.

216-220

Authors: Aussavashai Shuayprom, Donruedee Sanguansermsri, Phanchana Sanguansermsri, Ian Hamilton Fraser, Nalin Wongkattiya

Objective: To establish a simple, rapid, precise and accurate high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method with densitometric detection for the determination of vitexin in Passiflora foetida Linn. (P. foetida). Methods: Ethanolic extract of the plant leaf powder was used for the experimental work. Separation was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with ethyl acetate: methanol: distilled water: formic acid in the proportion of 50:2:3:6 (v/v), as the mobile phase. The determination was carried out using the densitometric absorbance mode at 340 nm. Results: Vitexin response was linear over the range of 2.5–17.5 mg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.996. Intraday and interday precision studies showed the relative SD was < 3%. Accuracy of the method was determined and the average recovery was 100.3%. The limit of quantitation and limit of detection were 0.879 and 0.290 mg/mL, respectively. The contents of vitexin in P. foetida leaf extracts were within the range of 0.030%– 0.310%. Conclusions: The method was evaluated for sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility. Each analysis by HPTLC is less expensive than current methods. This method is suitable for routine quality control of raw material of the leaves of P. foetida extract and its products.

225-231

Authors: Ovuakporie-Uvo Oghale, MacDonald Idu

Objective: To study the phytochemistry, anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl. (A. difformis) and to verify claims of use in folk medicine. Methods: For anti-asthmatic activity, male and female guinea pigs with average body weight of (451.4 ± 118.1) g were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1 served as control (distilled water); Group 2 was administered with salbutamol (reference drug) only; Group 3 served as ovalbumin sensitized group, Group 4, 5 and 6 were treated with A. difformis extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Described methods were used to test fluid viscosity, fluid volume and quantitative phytochemistry analysis. Absorbance was read using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer and results computed in percentage. Total antioxidant assays [2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and lipid peroxidation assay], were carried out using reported procedures. Results: The anti-asthmatic evaluation showed that protection from asthma of the animals in Group 6 (400 mg/kg, 32.7%) were similar to that in Group 2 (salbutamol, 33.0%). Excised trachea was free of mucus secretion in Group 5 (200 mg/kg) as was observed in the control group. Fluid volume increase in Groups 3 and 6 indicated mucus secretion. DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract was effective as ascorbic acid which served as standard at 20 mg/mL. But, the extract elicited low lipid peroxidation activity compared with the reference (tocopherol) at concentrations tested. Conclusions: A. difformis aqueous leaf extract is safe and possesses positive antiasthmatic and antioxidant activities as claimed by traditional herbal practitioners in Delta State.

239-245

Authors: Souhila Mahmoudi, Mustapha Khali, Abderahim Benkhaled, Karima Benamirouche, Imen Baiti

Objective: To determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanolic leaf extracts of ten Algerian fig (Ficus carica L.) varieties (uniferous, biferous and caprifig tree). Methods: Phenolics were extracted by Soxhlet method and analyzed by the Folin– Ciocalteu colorimetric method. Flavonoids were determined by aluminum trichloride assay and the antioxidant capacity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. The antimicrobial activity was studied with the disc diffusion method and a macrodilution broth method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal lethal concentrations. Results: The mean extract yield was 14.10% ± 0.66% (n = 10). Leaf extract of biferous followed by uniferous varieties had the highest total phenolic contents [(52.296 ± 5.232) and (48.973 ± 2.015) mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry plant extract respectively], flavonoids [(14.388 ± 0.333) and (14.136 ± 1.082) mg quercetin equivalent/g of dry plant extract] and antioxidant capacity [IC50 (798.754 ± 108.590) and (825.004 ± 110.835) mg/ mL]. Antioxidant capacity of fig leaves was significantly correlated with phenolic contents (r = 0.748). These extracts showed bactericidal activity and moderate antifungal activity, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal lethal concentrations were determined on Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: All tested extracts contain phenolic compounds and exhibited an antioxidant activity and an antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Further researches on identification and purification of phenolic compounds are required.

251-255

Authors: Agustina Setiawati, Handika Immanuel, Mery Tri Utami

Objective: To determine the inhibition activity of Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd. Blume (T. flagelliforme) leaf extract on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression of colon cancer cells. Methods: T. flagelliforme leaf extract was prepared to macerate in ethyl acetate. In vitro anticancer activity was assayed by MTT method on WiDr colon cancer cells. This study applied apoptosis induction assay to investigate the mechanism of cell death using double staining method. COX-2 expression was stained by immunocytochemistry. Results: T. flagelliforme showed anticancer activity and induced apoptosis on WiDr cells through inhibition of COX-2 expression with IC50 70 mg/mL. Conclusions: This study showed that T. flagelliforme is a promising chemopreventive agent for colon cancer through COX-2 inhibition.

259-264

Authors: Jafar Jalaei1, Mehdi Fazeli, Hamid Rajaian, Somayeh Layeghi Ghalehsoukhteh, Alireza Dehghani, Dominic Winter

Objective: To investigate the antihistamine-releasing effect of a peptide isolated from wasp venom of Vespa orientalis. Methods: This peptide was separated from crude venom by chromatography methods and mass spectrometry. Then various concentrations (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 mmol/L) of the peptide were incubated with mast cells and lactate dehydrogenase assay was performed. Results: No significant effect was observed in lactate dehydrogenase absorbance under 128 mmol/L concentration. This implied that the peptide did not cause cell death in mast cells and consequently, histamine release did not happen. Moreover, the results showed the IC50 of mast cells degranulation at 126 mmol/L, which was approximately high implying that this peptide had high selectivity for normal cells and did not cause histamine release from these cells. Conclusions: This would be a great aim in new drug development, in which an agent acts potentially on its target tissue without activating the immune system.

270-274

Authors: Reham F. El-Kased

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Egyptian honey against bacteria causing respiratory tract infections. Methods: Sputum and throat swab specimens were used, from which five bacterial species were isolated, namely, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumonia were isolated, identified and grown on suitable media for further identification or confirmation. Different concentrations (100%, 75% and 25%) of honey and simulated honey solution were used for activity assay and estimation of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. Results: All the tested bacterial isolates were completely susceptible to the 75% concentrations of honey and to the 100% concentration of the simulated honey solution. This may be due to the high osmotic pressure exerted by the high sugar content in both honey samples. Moderate susceptibility of the isolated bacteria to honey at 100% v/v concentration, and resistance to honey at 25% concentration and the 75% and 25% concentrations of simulated honey solution, indicated the presence of other antimicrobial components responsible for the activity other than the osmotic pressure. Therefore, it was suggested that honey showed distinguished antibacterial activities against the most common bacteria causing respiratory infections with varied sensitivity. Conclusions: Honey, a non-toxic, nutritious, safe for human consumption and cheap natural antibacterial agent, should be globalized.

100-107

Authors: Sillma Rampadarath, Daneshwar Puchooa

Objective: To explore the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities as well as the insecticidal properties of the different sections of Ricinus communis (castor) plant in Mauritius. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for the determination of phytochemicals in the crude leaves, pericarp, seeds, bark and root extracts obtained by using polar and non-polar solvents. The disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of the crude solvent extracts against 13 microorganisms. The insecticidal properties of the crude extracts on larvae of Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae), which caused important economic losses to local fruits were also investigated. Results: All the extracts from the different parts of the plant showed antimicrobial activity against most tested microorganisms. The polar solvents' extracts of the fully mature parts of the castor plant were active against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922), E. coli (0145:H28 Acc. No. CP006027.1) with inhibition zones ranging from 16 mm to 19 mm and against Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778) (B. cereus), Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090) (L. innocua). Lowest microbial inhibitory concentration was recorded for B. cereus, L. innocua, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), E. coli (ATCC 25922) and Proteus mirabilis strain (NCTC 11938) with value of 3.2 mg/mL. The most active extract against both Gram-negative and Grampositive bacteria was extracted from the fully mature pericarps and it was the most active against E. coli (ATCC 25922), B. cereus, L. innocua and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). In addition, the extracts obtained by using polar solvent and fully mature leaves demonstrated the strongest larvicidal activity against Bactrocera zonata (100%). Conclusions: Ricinus communis (castor) plant extracts possess larvicidal properties providing an effective eco-friendly control for fruit flies. The antimicrobial results justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine and the practice of supplementing decoctions/ concoctions with conventional antibiotics.

114-118

Authors: Lejan Miguel Alabastro Villareal, Rachelle Anne Montes Cruz, Michael Bagui Ples, Rodel Jonathan Santos Vitor II

Objective: To identify the effects of the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. Methods: In this study, 20 mice were used to determine if there is an effect of consuming the maximum allowable dose of the non-nutritive sweeteners on the memory retention and on the histology of the hippocampus. The mice were distributed into four groups and the treatments were given via oral gavage: Group 1 (water), Group 2 (aspartame: 1 000 mg/kg), Group 3 (stevia: 1 000 mg/kg) and Group 4 (sucralose: 16 000 mg/kg). Treatments were administered to the different experimental groups for 32 days, after which memory retention was tested using the two-day water maze protocol. After the tests, the mice were sacrificed and the brain was analyzed histologically for neurotrophic effects. Results: Based on the results of the two-day water maze protocol, there were no differences between the non-nutritive sweeteners and the control group. However, stevia showed high cellular apoptosis followed by aspartame, sucralose and control group. Conclusions: There was no significant effect on the memory of the mice. It showed histologically however, that stevia had a significant neurotropic effect compared to the other sweeteners.

125-131

Authors: Miah Mohammed Abdus Satter, Mohammed Murtaza Reza Linkon Khan, Syeda Absha Jabin, Nusrat Abedin, Mohammed Faridul Islam, Badhan Shaha

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional composition, including major minerals, essential trace elements and toxic heavy metals of five different wild vegetables Dhekishak (Dryopteris filix-mas), Helencha (Enhydra fluctuans), Kalmishak (Ipomoea aquatica), Patshak (Corchorus capsularis) and Shapla stem (Nymphaea stellata) and their safety aspects. Methods: Proximate parameters moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrate and energy; major minerals Na, K, Ca and Mg; trace elements Fe, Zn and Cu; and toxic heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Hg were evaluated in the selected wild vegetables using the standard food analysis techniques. Results: The results from nutritional analysis showed that all the wild vegetables used in this study had a low content of crude fat and high content of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate and energy having the recommended dietary allowances. The vegetables were also rich in major minerals Na, K, Ca and Mg, sufficient in essential trace elements Fe, Cu and Zn while the heavy metals Pb, Cr and Ni were detected higher in amount in all the vegetables except Patshak than the limits recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. The heavy metals Cd and Hg were not detected in any vegetable. Conclusions: The outcome of this study suggests that the wild vegetables have very good nutritional potential to meet the recommended dietary allowances, but special awareness should be taken for public health concern about the high level of Pb, Cr and Ni which exceed the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization recommended limits for the metals in vegetables.

143-147

Authors: Nurul Izzati Osman, Norrizah Jaafar Sidik, Asmah Awal

Objective: To induce callus from the medicinally valuable species, Barringtonia racemosa L. (B. racemosa) whereby the formation of callus is essential for micropropagation studies and in vitro plant secondary metabolites production. Methods: The callus induction potential in B. racemosa was assessed from endosperm explant cultured on different culture media and plant hormonal treatments. Lloyd and McCown's woody plant medium and Murashige and Skoog's medium were used in the study as culture media. On the other hand, various concentrations and combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (1.0–2.0 mg/L) and kinetin (0.5–2.5 mg/L) had been incorporated in the culture media to exert the effects of auxin and cytokinin on callus induction. Results: From the present study, it was found that the profuse [(1.681 ± 0.770) g fresh weight, (0.239 ± 0.239) g dry weight] and friable callus formation was optimally produced with desirable morphology and considerable percentage of callus induction (56.70%) in endosperm explants cultured on 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1.5 mg/L kinetin in Murashige and Skoog's medium. Conclusions: A reliable protocol for inducing callus formation of profuse and friable morphology in endosperm explant of B. racemosa had therefore been successfully established.

155-158

Authors: Faizal Rajeeb Mangudadatu Hussin, Rodel Jonathan Santos Vitor II, Julie Ann Oraa Joaquin, Melody Mendoza Clerigo, Anamy Ma. Caterial Paano

Objective: To examine the anti-hyperglycemic effects of aqueous Lenzites betulina (L. betulina) extracts on normoglycemic glucose-loaded mice. Methods: Different doses of aqueous extract from L. betulina were administered to 45 ICR mice (Mus musculus) to determine whether there was an effect ofL. betulina extracts on the blood glucose level of the ICR mice. Aqueous extracts of L. betulina were orally gavaged to mice using oral glucose tolerance test. A total of five groups were used to determine the effect of the fungi on blood glucose of the mice. Group A (positive control) was given 16.7 mg/kg glimepiride; Group B (negative control) was given distilled water; Group C (low dosage) was given 200 mg/kg aqueous extract; Group D (mid dosage) was given 400 mg/kg aqueous extract and Group E (high dosage) was given 800 mg/kg aqueous extract. Baseline blood glucose value was firstly acquired before induction of hyperglycemia through D-glucose, after which another check on blood glucose was made after 0.5 h. Immediately, after the acquisition of hyperglycemic blood glucose level, the individual administration of treatments were done. After that, three blood collections were done spanning 3 h with 1 h interval. Results: The low dose (200 mg/kg) and the mid dose (400 mg/kg) of L. betulina extracts were significantly different (P < 0.05) from their respective baseline values throughout the whole experiment with the latter surpassing its baseline value during the 3rd hour. On the other hand, the high dose (800 mg/kg) during the 1st hour after administration was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from its corresponding baseline value, acting faster than the positive control (glimepiride), which only became significantly different (P < 0.05) at the 2nd hour. Conclusions: Aqueous L. betulina extract is able to produce hypoglycemic effects on the mice with all doses, which are able to normalize blood glucose levels at varying times.

164-172

Authors: Ivan Viktorovich Borozda, Nikolay Alexandrovich Ganzhurov, Alexander Alexandrovich Kapustyansky, Roman Valerievich Nikolaev, Kirill Sergeevich Golokhvast

Objective: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with pelvic ring injury by applying step-by-step external pelvic fixation and circular external fixation device. Methods: A total of 28 patients suffering from disintegrated pelvic ring injury are involved in the study. Fourteen patients (the treatment group) underwent step-by-step external pelvic fixation by applying anterior (anti-shock) and posterior modules. For the rest 14 patients (the experimental group), the osteosynthesis were conducted by means of a circular external fixation device. The long-term outcomes were evaluated in a year after the injury. Results: The residual deformity of 5 (4–7) mm was observed in 10 patients (71.4%) from the experimental group. In the treatment group, the residual deformity was evident only in 4 (28.6%) cases being 2.5 (2–3) mm (P = 0.000 319) on the average. The functional result (according to the Majeed scale) was statistically better in the treatment group (P = 0.000 319). Nine (64.3%) and five (35.7%) patients in treatment group showed excellent and positive results, respectively. The excellent result was demonstrated by 3 patients (21.4%) of the experimental group, the positive outcomes were observed in 6 cases (42.9%) and the unsatisfactory one was displayed by 1 patient (7.1%) of the same group. Conclusions: The modular approach applied is the advantage of the transosseous osteosynthesis allowing for a separate anterior (anti-shock) fixation and final posterior reposition of the pelvic ring preceded by the stabilization of vital functions. The above mentioned method gives an opportunity to increase the amount of techniques applied for the pelvic external fixation in polytrauma cases.

179-180

Authors: Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

8-15

Authors: Meriem El Kolli, Hocine Laouer, Hayet El Kolli, Salah Akkal, Farida Sahli

Objective: To evaluate the essential oils (EO) composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant power of a local plant, Daucus gracilis (D. gracilis). Methods: The aerial parts of D. gracilis were subjected to hydro distillation by a Clevenger apparatus type to obtain the EO which had been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and screened for antimicrobial activity against five bacteria and three fungi by agar diffusion method. The mechanism of action of the EO was determined on the susceptible strains by both of time kill assay and lysis experience. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by agar macrodilution and micro-dilution methods. Anti-oxidative properties of the EO were also studied by free diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and reducing power techniques. Results: The EO yielded 0.68 (v/w). The chemical analysis presented two dominant constituents which were the elemicin (35.3%) and the geranyl acetate (26.8%). D. gracilis EO inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis significantly with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 17.15 mg/mL by the agar dilution method and 57.05 mg/mL and 114.1 mg/mL, respectively by liquid micro-dilution. A remarkable decrease in a survival rate as well as in the absorbance in 260 nm was recorded, which suggested that the cytoplasm membrane was one of the targets of the EO. The EO showed, also, important anti-oxidative effects with an IC50 of 0.002 mg/mL and a dosedependent reducing power. Conclusions: D. gracilis EO showed potent antimicrobial and anti-oxidative activities and had acted on the cytoplasm membrane. These activities could be exploited in the food industry for food preservation.

20-25

Authors: Gbago Onivogui, Rebaone Letsididi, Mohamed Diaby, Liping Wang, Yuanda Song

Objective: To evaluate the influence of extraction solvents on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the pulp and seed of Anisophyllea laurina R. Br. ex Sabine fruits. Methods: The antibacterial activities of pulp and seed extracts were tested by using disk diffusion method against eight bacterial strains and three fungal strains. Total phenolic, flavonoid, monomeric anthocyanin and tannin contents, and antioxidant activities were determined by spectrometric methods. Results: The antioxidant analysis of pulp extract revealed the strong radical scavenging capacity and total phenolic content (4 329.66 mg of gallic acid/100 g), while seed extract showed the high antioxidant activity and total tannin content (5 326.78 mg catechin equivalent/100 g). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited potent growth inhibitory activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 125 to 250 mg/mL. However, seed extract had the strongest potential activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans with minimum inhibitory concentration value of 500 mg/mL compared to pulp extract. Conclusions: Our results therefore demonstrated that ethanol and methanol extractions were more efficient in extracting antioxidants and bioactive compound in pulp and seed. These results support that these plant extracts can be used for the treatment of bacterial infections.

32-37

Authors: Fadila Moussaoui, Tajelmolk Alaoui

Objective: To demonstrate the in vitro antibacterial properties of five essential oils against ten bacterial strains and study the synergistic effect of the combination of essential oils with standard antibiotics. Methods: Origanum compactum, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Thymus willdenowii Boiss, Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana L. were used alone and combined used with standard antibiotics to evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The disk diffusion method was employed. Results: The results showed that the combined application of the essential oils of the plants with antibiotics led to a synergistic effect in some cases, but antagonistic effect was also observed in some bacteria. Conclusions: This study shows that the combination of essential oils of the five plants with antibiotics may be useful in the fight against emerging microbial drug resistance.

44-49

Authors: Gehad Abdel Raheem Abdel Jaleel, Heba Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah, Nawal E.L. Sayed Gomaa

Objective: To investigate some pharmacological effects including gastroprotective, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and in vitro antioxidant effects of Artemisia herbaalba extract in different experimental models. Methods: Inflammation was induced in rat paw by subcutaneous injection of 1% (v/v) carrageenan solution. Writhes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% (v/v) acetic acid solution. Pyrexia was induced using Brewer's yeast suspension. Gastric lesion was induced in rats by oral administration of 99% ethanol. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and gastroprotective activities of Artemisia herba-alba extract were investigated respectively. In vitro antioxidant effect was investigated using DPPH free radical. Results: The plant extract showed anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, analgesic effect against acetic acid-induced writhing, and antipyretic activity in Brewer's yeast model of pyrexia. Besides, it was shown to be a gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The plant also exhibited a free radical scavenging potential in an in vitro antioxidant study using DPPH. Conclusions: The results validate the use of the investigated plant in traditional medicine for different ailments.

55-59

Authors: Noor Azwani Mohd Rasidek, Mariam Firdhaus Mad Nordin, Kamyar Shameli

Objective: To study the jelly formulation produced by Musa acuminata Colla (AAA Group) peels and evaluate its antioxidant properties which are related to the product quality. Methods: The formulations of peel jelly were established under two-level full factorial designs within two blocks and one center point. Regarding response optimizer, the amount of sugar and citric acid was obtained; hence, the peel jellies were produced. The evaluation of antioxidant properties was conducted by using total phenolic content (TPC) assay and 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay. Results: The TPC of peel powder varied from 91.8 to 602.26 mg gallic acid equivalents/ 100 g dry weight, and 5%–7% peel jellies had phenolic content ranging from 29.38 to 48.31 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry weight. The results of DPPH test indicated that at 10 mg/mL, the peel powder showed 89% DPPH inhibition, while 7% peel jelly prominently exhibited 84% DPPH inhibition. The correlation between DPPH IC50 value and TPC of peel powder as well as peel jelly was quite reasonably high with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.843 7 to 0.995. Conclusions: TPC can be used as an indicator in assessing the antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables. The present investigation reveals that TPC is mainly responsible for DPPH free radical scavenging capacity.

67-70

Authors: Waleed Ibrahem Jalil, Mohammad Mushgil Zenad

Objective To highlight the presence of aerobic bacteria in live ticks infested sheep, in Diyala Governorate, Iraq. Methods One hundred and thirty adult alive ticks were picked up from sheep which were reared in different farms in Diyala Governorate, Iraq, during the period from November 2012 to May 2013. Ticks were classified in the Natural History Museum in Baghdad. They were dissected aseptically for extraction of the salivary gland and mid-gut. The removed tissue from each organ was inoculated in buffer peptone water (1%) and incubated for 2 h at 37 °C, to maintain weak and/or injured bacterial cells, then transmitted to nutrient broth incubated at 37 °C for 18 h. Culturing was done on three solid bacteriological media (nutrient, blood and McConkey agars), and then incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Bacterial identification was performed by using multiple biochemical tests and API-20 strips. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis System version 9.1, 2010. Chi-square test was used for comparison at significant level of P ≤ 0.05. Results Two species of ticks were identified [Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Hyalomma turanicum]. High bacterial isolation rate was observed (483 isolates). A significant high isolation rate was recorded from Rhipicephalus annulatus (63.14%). Six bacterial species were identified [Escherichia coli (28.36%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.01%), Bacillus cereus (14.69%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.66%), Citrobacter freundii (13.04%), and Enterobacter species (12.21%)]. Also the high bacterial isolation rates were recorded in the temperate months (November, March and April); these coincided with high reproductive performance of ticks. Conclusions The high isolation rate of aerobic pathogens from ticks might reflect the active contribution of this arthropod in environmental contamination and increase the probability of transmitting bacterial pathogens to their hosts.

76-79

Authors: Lyudmila Vasilievna Veremchuk, Vera Innokentievna Yankova, Tatyana Isaakovna Vitkina, Anna Vladimirovna Nazarenko, Kirill Sergeevich Golokhvast

Objective To study the mechanism of formation of air quality and to determine the impact of the studied factors on asthma morbidity in Vladivostok. Methods The evaluation of air pollution in Vladivostok was done using long-term (2008–2012) monitoring data (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, etc.). The levels of suspended particulate matter, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde (mg/m3) in six stationary observation posts were assessed. We studied the aerosol suspensions of solid particles, which were collected during snowfall from precipitation (snow) and air in 14 districts with different levels of anthropogenic impact. Melted snow was analyzed on laser granulometry. The impact of air pollution on the distribution of asthma morbidity was evaluated in various age groups by data of federal statistical observation obtained from 8 adults and 7 children municipal clinics in Vladivostok (2008–2012). Results The content of suspended particulate components of pollution remained more stable, due to the features of atmospheric circulation, rugged terrain and residential development. The nano- and micro-sized particles (0–50 μm), which can absorb highly toxic metals, prevail in dust aerosols. These respirable fractions of particles, even in small doses, can contribute to the increase in asthma morbidity in the city. Conclusions We determined that asthma morbidity depends from general air pollution (in the range of 18.3%). It was detected that the highest age-specific dependence is associated with the content of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in air.

84-89

Authors: Angus Nnamdi Oli, Callistus Chibuike Ekejindu, David Ufuoma Adje, Ifeanyi Ezeobi, Obiora Shedrack Ejiofor, Christian Chibuzo Ibeh, Chika Flourence Ubajaka

Objective To assess healthcare workers' involvement in healthcare waste management in public and private hospitals. Methods Validated questionnaires (n = 660) were administered to randomly selected healthcare workers from selected private hospitals between April and July 2013. Results Among the healthcare workers that participated in the study, 187 (28.33%) were medical doctors, 44 (6.67%) were pharmacists, 77 (11.67%) were medical laboratory scientist, 35 (5.30%) were waste handlers and 317 (48.03%) were nurses. Generally, the number of workers that have heard about healthcare waste disposal system was above average 424 (69.5%). More health-workers in the government (81.5%) than in private (57.3%) hospitals were aware of healthcare waste disposal system and more in government hospitals attended training on it. The level of waste generated by the two hospitals differed significantly (P = 0.008 6) with the generation level higher in government than private hospitals. The materials for healthcare waste disposal were significantly more available (P = 0.001) in government than private hospitals. There was no significant difference (P = 0.285) in syringes and needles disposal practices in the two hospitals and they were exposed to equal risks (P = 0.851 0). Fifty-six (18.5%) and 140 (45.5%) of the study participants in private and government hospitals respectively were aware of the existence of healthcare waste management committee with 134 (44.4%) and 19 (6.2%) workers confirming that it did not exist in their institutions. The existence of the committee was very low in the private hospitals. Conclusions The availability of material for waste segregation at point of generation, compliance of healthcare workers to healthcare waste management guidelines and the existence of infection control committee in both hospitals is generally low and unsatisfactory.

982-986

Authors: Prakash Bangalore Nagendrappa, Jean-François Franetich, Frederick Gay, Audrey Lorthiois, Padma Venkatasubramanian, Dominique Mazier

Objective: To evaluate the potential prophylactic activity of traditional polyherbal remedy against malaria. Methods: A traditional polyherbal remedy against malaria from Odisha, India was evaluated for its potential prophylactic activity using in vitro hepatic cell lines assay and the murine malaria system Plasmodium yoelii yoelii/Anopheles stephensi. Results: The polyherbal extract inhibited the Plasmodium yoelii hepatic stages in vitro (IC50 0.74 mg/mL), a therapeutic index of 9.54. In mice treated with the aqueous extract (2 000 mg/kg/day), peak parasitaemia values were 81% lower in the experimental 2.35% ± 0.14% as compared to controls 12.62% ± 0.52% (P < 0.001), suggesting significant prophylactic activity. Conclusions: The observations provide a proof of concept for a traditional malaria prophylactic remedy used by tribal populations in India.

992-995

Authors: Nermin Adel El Semary, Manar Fouda

Objective: To assess the anticancer activity of eight cyanobacterial hydrophilic extracts on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell line. Methods: The cyanobacterial strains used in the investigation were collected from diverse habitats in Egypt. The initial cytotoxicity test of cyanobacterial hydrophilic extracts was carried out by MTT assay. The in vitro anticancer activity of the four most active extracts was performed on MCF-7 cells using sulforhodamine B assay. Morphological and molecular techniques were used to characterise identity of the isolate from which the most potent cytotoxic extract was obtained. Results: Extracts from four cyanobacterial strains had higher cytotoxic activities scoring 76.68%, 77.70%, 76.70% and 74.45%, respectively. A considerable anticancer effect was only detected when the concentrated extracts were used. One cyanobacterial extract gave the highest anticancer activity on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (57.6% of inhibition) as compared to control. The isolate was best-matched to Cyanothece sp. with sequence resemblance 98% to Cyanothece sp. strain PCC7564 and the phylogenetic analysis confirmed its close identity to the Cyanothece genus. Conclusions: This is the first study to report the anticancer effect of aqueous extracts derived from the unicellular Cyanothece sp. from Egypt and its potential as a plausible candidate for future mass biotechnological applications.

1005-1009

Authors: Heba Sedrak, Noaman El-Garem, Mervat Naguib, Heba El-Zawahry, Mohamed Esmat, Lila Rashed

Objective: To evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) and its relation to treatment response. Methods: A total of 40 patients with unrespectable hepatocelluar carcinoma were assessed clinically. Twenty patients were suitable to be treated by TACE, while other 20 patients were treated with PEI. Serum VEGF levels were measured before and 1 month after each procedure by ELISA. Response was assessed after 1 month according to Union Internationale Contre le Cancer evaluation criteria based on change in tumor size as measured by ultrasound. Results: There was no significant difference between TACE and PEI groups with regard to age, sex, tumor size, response to local therapy, or VEGF and alpha-fetoprotein before and after therapy. VEGF levels after TACE were significantly higher than before TACE [(298.1 ± 123.6) pg/mL vs. (205.8 ± 307.3) pg/mL; P = 0.001]. Also, VEGF levels were significantly higher after PEI than before PEI [(333.8 ± 365.6) pg/mL vs. (245.3 ± 301.8) pg/mL; P = 0.000]. Non-responders of both groups had significantly high VEGF levels than responder's, both before [(985.0 ± 113.2) pg/mL vs. (117.1 ± 75.3) pg/mL; P < 0.001] and after therapy [(1 330.6 ± 495.7) pg/mL vs. (171.0 ± 94.7) pg/mL; P = 0.000)]. Conclusions: Both TACE and PEI were associated with an increase in serum VEGF in hepatocelluar carcinoma patients. Higher levels of VEGF before and after therapy were found in non-responders, suggesting that VEGF is a useful marker in predicting treatment response.

1018-1026

Authors: Latifah Saiful Yazan, Yong Sze Ong, Nur Elena Zaaba, Razana Mohd Ali, Jhi Biau Foo, Yin Sim Tor

Objective To determine the anti-breast cancer activities and the safety oral consumption of Dillenia suffruticosa root aqueous extract (DRAE) in BALB/c mice. Methods In the anti-breast cancer study, female BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (n = 12), which were (1) positive control (with breast cancer, untreated), (2) negative control (without breast cancer, untreated) and other three groups of mice with breast cancer treated with 1 000, 500 and 250 mg/kg of DRAE, respectively, by oral gavage for 28 days. All mice except from the negative control group were injected into the mammary fat pad with 4T1 cells (1 × 105 4T1 cells/0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution). DRAE was administered orally on Day 11 after the tumor has developed. Results The tumor volume of the 1 000 mg/kg of DRAE group reduced significantly compared to the positive control while treatment with 500 mg/kg of DRAE had significantly inhibited metastasis to the heart. In the acute toxicity study, treatment with up to 5 000 mg/kg of DRAE was not toxic to the animals, indicating its safety when a large amount of this plant extract was ingested. Based on the sub-acute toxicity study, treatment of the highest dose of DRAE (1 000 mg/kg) had mild liver toxicity indicated by mild focal hemorrhage. Conclusions DRAE possesses anti-breast cancer properties but at the same time it shows mild toxicity to the liver. The non observable adverse effect dose for DRAE is 500 mg/kg.

1033-1036

Authors: Moniruzzaman, Shahinuzzaman, Ahsanul Haque, Rahima Khatun, Zahira Yaakob

Objective To evaluate the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds powder, and identify the compounds from the extracted oil. Methods The seeds powder of Trigonella foenum-graecum was subjected to Clevenger extractor. Seven strains of bacteria were used to test antibacterial activity of the extract. The activity against bacteria was tested by disk diffusion method using Whatman No. 1 filter paper. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was performed with an Agilent7890/5975B-gas chromatography/mass selective detector. Results The hydrodistillation of seeds powder yielded 0.285% (v/w) of oil. Disk diffusion of the oil showed bactericidal activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria of tasted strains. The inhibition zone ranged from (8 ± 0) mm to (15.0 ± 0.7) mm depending on microbial strains. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed 14 different compounds. The total compounds represented 80.96% of the oil. Conclusions The antibacterial activity is due to the effects of different biological active compounds present in the extract. Identification of the compounds may help to develop new effective antimicrobial agent(s). Further researches on purification, characterization and toxicology of the active compounds are needed.

1042–1045

Authors: Ananya Dechakhamphu, Nattapong Wongchum

Objective To screen the effect of 28 medicinal plants on inhibition of pancreatic lipase and evaluate the phytochemical contents of extracts. Methods The ethanolic extracts of 28 traditional Thai herbal medicines were assayed for their in vitro activities against porcine pancreatic lipase using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as a substrate. Quantitative estimation of flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids was done. Results Extracts from four herbs, Memecylon edule Roxb., Garcinia vilersiana Pierre, Cryptolepis elegans Wall. and Phyllanthus chamaepeuce Ridl., at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, strongly inhibited porcine pancreatic lipase by 90.97%, 92.04%, 94.64% and 95.38%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between phenolic content and inhibition activity. Inhibition activity was significantly correlated with flavonoid and with alkaloid contents. Conclusions From this result, it could be concluded that herbs represent a rich of anti-pancreatic lipase compounds, in particular, Cryptolepis elegans Wall. and Phyllanthus chamaepeuce Ridl. It is suggested that the phytochemical compounds from these plants may be applied for the prevention and treatment of obesity or hyperlipidemia.

1051-1054

Authors: Mücahit Görük, Mehmet Sinan Dal, Tuba Dal, Abdullah Karakus, Recep Tekin, Nida Özcan, Orhan Ayyildiz

Objective To evaluate the febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene standards. Methods A total of 124 patients with hematological malignancies (69 male, 55 female) hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene conditions depending on hospital conditions, between January 2007 and December 2010, were evaluated, retrospectively. Results In this study, 250 febrile neutropenia episodes developing in 124 hospitalized patients were evaluated. Of the patients, 69 were men (56%) and 55 women (44%). A total of 40 patients (32%) had acute myeloid leukemia, 25 (20%) acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 19 (15%) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 10 (8%) multiple myeloma, and 8 (8%) chronic myeloid leukemia. In our study, 56 patients (22%) were diagnosed as pneumonia, 38 (15%) invasive aspergillosis, 38 (15%) sepsis, 16 (6%) typhlitis, 9 (4%) mucormycosis, and 4 (2%) urinary tract infection. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from 52% (n = 20), while Gram-negative bacilli 42% (n = 16) and yeasts from 6% (n = 2) of the sepsis patients, respectively. The most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacteria were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 18), while the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria was Escherichia coli (n = 10). Conclusions Febrile neutropenia is still a problem in patients with hematological malignancies. The documentation of the flora and detection of causative agents of infections in each unit would help to decide appropriate empirical therapy. Infection control procedures should be applied for preventing infections and transmissions.

1060-1064

Authors: Mohammad Hassan Davami, Morteza Pourahmad, Rasoul Baharlou, Abdolreza Sotoodeh Jahromi, Abbass Ahmadi Vasmejani, Kavous Solhjoo, Hamid Reza Fallah, Mohsen Kalantari

Objective To identify the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies from blood donors who referred to blood transfusion bases of Jahrom County, using ELISA method. Methods Based on the prevalence and characteristics method, 400 serum samples were collected from blood donors referred to Jahrom blood transfusion bases, Southern Iran, during 2010–2011, designed at testing by ELISA. IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were tested using ELISA kits (Dia-Pro) on serums. The data were analysed by SPSS 19 software. Results Review of 400 cases, 54 of them were IgG positive for parasites (13.5%) and 346 of those with negative IgG (86.5%). In IgM examination, 1.75% of them have been positive IgM (7 cases) and 98.25% of them were IgM negative (393 cases). By comparing the different group ages, 40–50 year age group had the highest prevalence of IgG positive (17.9%) and the age group of 30–40 years had the highest incidence of IgM negative (2.5%). Conclusions Due to the serological infection rate of toxoplasmosis obtained from this study, toxoplasmosis should be considered as a significant transfusion risk factor in Jahrom and also in any region with similar situations.