Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

No Issue Number

• The optimization of phenolic compounds extraction from cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) skin in a reflux system using response surface methodology
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To extract, quantify, and evaluate the phenolic content in Opuntia ficus-indica skin for their antioxidant capacity with three different methods (ABTS, DPPH, and lipid oxidation) and to optimize the extraction conditions (time, temperature and ethanol concentration) in a reflux system. Methods The extraction process was done using a reflux system. A San Cristobal II experimental design with three variables and three levels was used. The variables evaluated were time of extraction (h), concentration of ethanol (%, v/v) and temperature (°C). The extraction process was optimized using a response surface methodology. Results It was observed that at higher temperature more phenolic compounds were extracted, but the antioxidant capacity was decreased. The optimum conditions for phenolic compounds extraction and antioxidant capacity mixing the three methods were as follows: 45% of ethanol, 80 °C and 2 hours of extraction. Values obtained in our results are little higher that other previously reported. Conclusions It can be concluded the by-products of Opuntia ficus-indica represent a good source of natural antioxidants with possible applications in food, cosmetics or drugs industries.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Cyanobacteria, Lyngbya aestuarii and Aphanothece bullosa as antifungal and antileishmanial drug resources
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate two cyanobacteria isolated from different origins i.e. Lyngbya aestuarii (L. aestuarii) from brackish water and Aphanothece bullosa ( A. bullosa ) from fresh water paddy fields for antifungal and antileishmanila activity taking Candida albicans and Leishmania donovain as targets. Methods Biomass of L. aestuarii and A. bullosa were harvested after 40 and 60 d respectively and lyophilized twice in methanol (100%) and redissolved in methanol (5%) for bioassay. Antifungal bioassay was done by agar well diffusion method while antileishmanial, by counting cell numbers and flageller motility observation of promastigotes and amastigotes from L. donovani. Fluconazole and 5% methanol were used as control. Results Both the cyanobacteria were found to be potent source of antifungal activity keeping fluconazole as positive control, however, methanolic crude extract (15 mg/mL) of A. bullosa was found more potent (larger inhibition zone) over that of methanolic crude extract of L. aestuarii . Similarly antileishmanial activity of crude extract (24.0 mg/mL) of A. bullosa was superior over that of methanolic crude extract of L. aestuarii (25.6 mg/mL). Conclusions Antifungal and antileishmanial drugs are still limited in the market. Screening of microbes possessing antifungal and antileishmanial activity drug is of prime importance. Cyanobacteria are little explored in this context because most of the drugs in human therapy are derived from microorganisms, mainly bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes. Thus in the present study two cyanobacterial strains from different origins showed potent source of antifungal and antileishmanial biomolecules.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Citrus hystrix peels extract on rats model
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To observe the combination effect of doxorubicin and Citrus hystrix (kaffir lime's) peel ethanolic extract (ChEE) on blood serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and cardio-hepato-histopathology of female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods Doxorubicin and ChEE (5 rats per group) were administered in five groups of 3 rats each for 11 d. Group I: doxorubicin (dox) 4.67 mg/kg body weight; Group II: dox+ChEE 500 mg/kg body weight; Group III: dox+ChEE 1 000 mg/kg body weight; Group IV: ChEE 1 000 mg/kg body weight; Group V: untreated (control). Results ChEE repaired cardiohistopathology profile of doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity rats, but did not repair neither hepatohistopathology profile nor reduce serum activity of ALT and AST. Conclusion ChEE has potency to be developed as cardioprotector agent in chemotherapy.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A study of in vitro antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To establish the antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand L. Methods (N, N'-bis (1-naphthaldimine)-o-phenylenediamine) was prepared from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine in a molar ratio of 2:1. The antimicrobial activity of the resultant Ln (III) complexes was investigated using agar well diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques; the latter was used to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations for each compound investigated. Results Most of Ln (III) complexes were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against a number of pathogenic bacteria with MICs ranging between 1.95–250.00 μg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacterial species to [LaL(NO 3 ) 2 (H 2 O)](NO 3 ) complex while Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli required a relatively higher MIC (250 μg/mL). The complexes La (III) and Pr (III) were effective inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Sm (III) complex was effective against Serratia marcescens . On the other hand, Gd (III), La (III) and Nd (III) were found to be more potent inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa than two of commonly used antibiotics. The remaining Ln (III) complexes showed no remarkable activity as compared to the two standard drugs used. Conclusions Tetradentate Schiff base ligand L and its complexes could be a potential antibacterial compounds after further investigation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Isolation and characterization of potential antibiotic producing actinomycetes from water and sediments of Lake Tana, Ethiopia
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To isolate, evaluate and characterize potential antibiotic producing actinomycetes from water and sediments of Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 31 strains of actinomycetes were isolated and tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains by primary screening. In the primary screening, 11 promising isolates were identified and subjected to solid state and submerged state fermentation methods to produce crude extracts. The fermented biomass was extracted by organic solvent extraction method and tested against bacterial strains by disc and agar well diffusion methods. The isolates were characterized by using morphological, physiological and biochemical methods. Results The result obtained from agar well diffusion method was better than disc diffusion method. The crude extract showed higher inhibition zone against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria. One-way analysis of variance confirmed most of the crude extracts were statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of crude extracts were 1.65 mg/mL and 3.30 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus , and 1.84 mg/mL and 3.80 mg/mL against Escherichia coli respectively. The growth of aerial and substrate mycelium varied in different culture media used. Most of the isolates were able to hydrolysis starch and urea; able to survive at 5% concentration of sodium chloride; optimum temperature for their growth was 30°C. Conclusions The results of the present study revealed that freshwater actinomycetes of Lake Tana appear to have immense potential as a source of antibacterial compounds.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Prevalence survey of infection with Treponema pallidum among HIV-positive patients in Tehran
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To identify the frequency of syphilis among Iranian HIV-positive patients. Methods A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of syphilis and HIV co-infection among 450 patients diagnosed with HIV infection was conducted between 2004 and 2008 at Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran, Iran. The lab tests including CD4 cell count, cerebrospinal fluid, veneral disease research laboratory (VDRL), fluorescent treponema antibody-absorption (FTA-Abs) and viral load were performed for all the patients. Data regarding medical history and their demographics were also collected. Results Of all 450 HIV-positive patients, 24 (5.3%) had a positive VDRL test and only two men had a FTA-Abs positive test which means 0.45% of them had a definite co-infection of syphilis. 65.3% of the HIV-positive patients were injection drug users that the co-infection prevalence of them was 0.7%. We did not find any patient with neurosyphilis. Conclusions Considering the increasing prevalence of HIV and also extensive use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in developing nations, the diagnosis of syphilis should be timely established using screening tests among such patients.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Utilization of multiple “omics” studies in microbial pathogeny for microbiology insights
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  In the present day, bioinformatics becomes the modern science with several advantages. Several new “omics” sciences have been introduced for a few years and those sciences can be applied in biomedical work. Here, the author will summarize and discuss on important applications of omics studies in microbiology focusing on microbial pathogeny. It can be seen that genomics and proteinomics can be well used in this area of biomedical studies.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A report of left dorsal displacement of the large colon in a tropical horse
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  We report one such case which was diagnosed intraoperatively as left dorsal colon volvulus due to multiple mesenteric abnormalities. A 17-year-old castrated male horse was taken to the Tehran University Veterinary Hospital for treatment of metacarpal wound accompanied by severe abdominal distension and acute colic. The treatment and measurement were taken for a month, and the prepared biopsy indicated that the healing trend was obvious. Unfortunately, prior to discharge, the clinical colic manifestations emerged and the animal suddenly died. Dilated large intestine was palpated per rectum and a ventral midline exploratory laparotomy was performed, a complete volvulus of the ascending colon was identified with multiple mesenteric anomalies of unknown aetiology. The pathologic changes observed in this study accurately reflect those changes reported in horse with naturally occurring colonic volvulus and can serve as a reference for subsequent studies on attenuating bowel injury. The present study results can be used to make a scientific assessment of prognosis in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of horses with large colon volvulus.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Discovery of Trichuris landak n. sp. by Endang Purwaningsih
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Surveillance of multidrug resistant uropathogenic bacteria in hospitalized patients in Indian
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To record surveillance, antibiotic resistance of uropathogens of hospitalized patients over a period of 18 months. Methods Urine samples from wards and cabins were used for isolating urinary tract infection (UTI)-causing bacteria that were cultured on suitable selective media and identified by biochemical tests; and their antibiograms were ascertained by Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion method, in each 6-month interval of the study period, using 18 antibiotics of five different classes. Results From wards and cabins, 1245 samples were collected, from which 996 strains of bacteria belonging to 11 species were isolated, during April 2011 to September 2012. Two Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Enterococcus faecalis ( E. faecalis ), and nine Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii, Citrobacter sp., Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated. Both S. aureus and E. faecalis were vancomycin resistant, and resistant-strains of all pathogens increased in each 6-month period of study. Particularly, all Gram-negatives were resistant to nitrofurantoin and co-trimoxazole, the most preferred antibiotics of empiric therapy for UTI. Conclusions Antibiograms of 11 UTI-causing bacteria recorded in this study indicated moderately higher numbers of strains resistant to each antibiotic studied, generating the fear of precipitating fervent episodes in public health particularly with bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and S. aureus . Moreover, vancomycin resistance in strains of S. aureus and E. faecalis is a matter of concern.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Adult female of Strongyloides stercoralis in respiratory secretions
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To communicate the presence of adult females, rabditoid larvae and eggs of Strongyloides stercoralis ( S. stercoralis ) in the respiratory secretions obtained by tracheal aspirate from a HIV-negative patient who was suffering from polymyositis, and treated with corticoids and amethopterin and assisted by pneumonia. Methods The respiratory secretions submitted to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Muñiz Hospital were made more concentrated by centrifugation (1500 r/min for 15 seconds). Wet mount microscopy was performed with the pellet. Results It revealed adult females, rabditoid larvae and eggs of S. stercoralis . Further parasitological studies performed after the start of the treatment with ivermectin on fresh fecal samples, gastric lavages and tracheal aspirates showed scanty mobile filariform and rabditoid larvae of the same parasite. Conclusions The presence of adult female S. stercoralis which has never been observed before in the clinical samples submitted to our Laboratory for investigation can be considered as an indirect marker of the severe immunosupression of the patient.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Urinary schistosomiasis and malaria associated anemia in Ethiopia
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To assess the prevalence of anemia in children with urinary schistosomiasis, malaria and concurrent infections by the two diseases. Methods Urine and blood samples were collected from 387 children (216 males and 171 females) to examine urinary schistosomiasis and malaria and to determine hemoglobin concentration at Hassoba and Hassoba Buri village in Amibara woreda, Afar region, Ethiopia. Results The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and Plasmodium falciparum malaria was 24.54% and 6.20% respectively. Only 2.84% of children carried concurrent infections of both parasites. There was high percentage of anemic patients (81.81%) in the coinfected cases than in either malaria (33.3%) or schistosomiasis (38.94%) cases. There was significantly low mean hemoglobin concentration in concurrently infected children than non-infected and single infected ( P <0.05). The mean hemoglobin concentration between Plasmodium falciparum and S. haematobium infected children showed no significant difference ( P >0.05). The level of hemoglobin was negatively correlated with the number of S. haematobium eggs/10 mL urine ( r =−0.6) and malaria parasitemia ( r =−0.53). Conclusions The study showed that anemia is higher in concurrently infected children than non-infected and single infected. Furthermore, level of hemoglobin was negatively correlated with the number of S. haematobium eggs and malaria parsitemia. Therefore, examination of hemoglobin status in patients co-infected with malaria and schistosomiasis is important to reduce the risk of anemia and to improve health of the community.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Combinational effects of hexane insoluble fraction of Ficus septica Burm. F. and doxorubicin chemotherapy on T47D breast cancer cells
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluate the effects of n -hexane insoluble fraction (HIF) of Ficus septica leaves in combination with doxorubicin on cytotoxicity, cell cycle and apoptosis induction of breast cancer T47D cell lines. Methods The in vitro drugs-stimulated cytotoxic effects were determined using MTT assay. Analysis of cell cycle distribution was performed using flowcytometer and the data was analyzed using ModFit LT 3.0 program. Apoptosis assay was carried out by double staining method using ethydium bromide-acridin orange. The expression of cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) on T47D cell lines was identified using immunocytochemistry. Results The combination exhibited higher inhibitory effect on cell growth than the single treatment of doxorubicin in T47D cells. In addition, combination of doxorubicin and HIF increased the incidence of cells undergoing apoptosis. HIF could improve doxorubicin cytotoxic effect by changing the accumulation of cell cycle phase from G 2 /M to G 1 phase. The combination also exhibited upregulation of cleaved-PARP in T47D cells. Conclusions Based on this results, HIF is potential to be developed as co-chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, the molecular mechanism need to be explored further.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• An abattoir survey of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia lesions in slaughtered cattle in selected districts in Northern Tanzania
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To establish and estimate incidence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), using abattoir survey as a diagnostic tool in slaughtered cattle in Northern Tanzania. Methods A total of 4460 cattle were slaughtered in five abattoirs in 3 northern zone regions (Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga) during the period of January to May 2004. They were examined ante-mortem for ‘pneumonia signs’, and ‘characteristic contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) lung lesions’. Results Forty-one (0.91%) of the slaughtered cattle, the majority of which were Tanzania short horn zebu, had gross lung lesions suggestive of CBPP. The prevalence of lesions was significantly ( P <0.05) higher in Karatu abattoir compared to others. No animal was detected to have lesion in Bomang' ombe abattoir. The most observed pneumonic signs included labored breathing (90%), dry cough (57%) and mucopurulent nasal discharge (47%). The gross characteristic CBPP pathological lesion, frequently encountered was left lung lesion (47%), pinkish lung (71%) and pleural adhesion (98%). Epidemiological reports show that the CBPP reported outbreaks increased from 19 in 2002, 65 in 2003 and 18 in 2004 (January-March). The corresponding number of reported deaths increased from 137 in 2002, 269 in 2003 and 77 in 2004 (January–March). Conclusions It's concluded from this study that CBPP is a problem in spite of the extensive awareness and vaccination campaigns. Nevertheless, a continued surveillance programme including routine checks of all cattle carcasses at the abattoir and subsequent epidemiological investigation of suspected cases are recommended.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Hypoglycemic and anti–hyperglycemic study of Gynura procumbens leaf extracts
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To study the antidiabetic activity of Gynura procumbens ( G. procumbens ) used in the traditional management of diabetes in Southern Asia. Methods G. procumbens leaves were extracted sequentially with graded percentage of ethanol in water (95%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%), and the extracts were tested for antidiabetic activity using acute (7 h), subcutaneous glucose tolerance test and sub-chronic (14 d) test in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The extracts were further subjected to phytochemical studies. Results In acute dose (1 g/kg), the extracts significantly lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (P<0.05). However, the FBG-lowering effect of the 25% extract compared to the other extracts, was rapid (47% after 2 h) and the highest: 53%, 53% and 60% in the 3rd, 5th, and 7th h, respectively ( P <0.05), comparable only to the effect of metformin. Furthermore, the extracts suppressed peak FBG in subcutaneous glucose tolerance test, but only the 0% and 25% extracts, and metformin sustained the decrease until the 90th min ( P <0.05). Moreover, in the 14 days study, the 25% extract exerted the highest FBG-lowering effect, namely 49.38% and 65.43% on days 7 and 14, respectively ( P <0.05), similar to the effect of metformin (46.26% and 65.42%). Total flavanoid and phenolic contents in the extracts were found to decrease with increase in polarity of extraction solvents. The composition of reference compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin, astragalin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside) followed a similar trend. Conclusions G. procumbens contains antidiabetic principles, most extracted in 25% ethanol. Interaction among active components appears to determine the antidiabetic efficacy, achieved likely by a metformin-like mechanism.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Chemical composition of essential oils and in vitro antioxidant activity of fresh and dry leaves crude extracts of medicinal plant of Lactuca Sativa L. native to Sultanate of Oman
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L. ( L. sativa ). Methods The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L. sativa (lettuce) grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method. The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) method. Results About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07% and 79.88% respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves as α-pinene (5.11% and 4.05%), γ-cymene (2.07% and 1.92%), thymol (11.55% and 10.73%), durenol (52.00% and 49.79%), α-terpinene (1.66% and 1.34%), thymol acetate (0.99% and 0.67%), caryophyllene (2.11% and 1.98%), spathulenol (3.09% and 2.98%), camphene (4.11% and 3.65%), limonene (1.28% and 1.11%) representing these major chemical compounds. However, some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including β-pinene, α-terpinolene, linalool, 4-terpineol, α-terpineol, o-methylthymol, L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene. Conclusions The chemical constituents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons. Therefore, the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant, antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Cytotoxic and antibacterial substances against multi-drug resistant pathogens from marine sponge symbiont: Citrinin, a secondary metabolite of Penicillium sp.
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To Isolate, purify, characterize, and evaluate the bioactive compounds from the sponge-derived fungus Penicillium sp. FF001 and to elucidate its structure. Methods The fungal strain FF001 with an interesting bioactivity profile was isolated from a marine Fijian sponge Melophlus sp. Based on conidiophores aggregation, conidia development and mycelia morphological characteristics, the isolate FF001 was classically identified as a Penicillium sp. The bioactive compound was identified using various spectral analysis of UV, high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra, 1H and 13C NMR spectral data. Further minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) assay and brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay were also carried out to evaluate the biological properties of the purified compound. Results Bioassay guided fractionation of the EtOAc extract of a static culture of this Penicillium sp. by different chromatographic methods led the isolation of an antibacterial, anticryptococcal and cytotoxic active compound, which was identified as citrinin (1). Further, citrinin (1) is reported for its potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), rifampicin-resistant S. aureus , wild type S. aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium showed MICs of 3.90, 0.97, 1.95 and 7.81 μg/mL, respectively. Further citrinin (1) displayed significant activity against the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC 3.90 μg/mL), and exhibited cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae LD 50 of 96 μg/mL. Conclusions Citrinin (1) is reported from sponge associated Penicillium sp. from this study and for its strong antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant human pathogens including cytotoxicity against brine shrimp larvae, which indicated that sponge associated Penicillium spp. are promising sources of natural bioactive metabolites.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The identities and anti-herpes simplex virus activity of Clinacanthus nutans and Clinacanthus siamensis
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To distinguish the difference among the Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau ( C. nutans ) and Clinacanthus siamensis Bremek ( C. siamensis ) by assessing pharmacognosy characteristics, molecular aspect and also to evaluate their anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 activities. Methods Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were performed according to WHO Geneva guideline. Stomatal number, stomatal index and palisade ratio of leaves were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted by modified CTAB method and ITS region was amplified using PCR and then sequenced. Dry leaves were subsequently extracted with n -hexane, dichloromethane and methanol and antiviral activity was performed using plaque reduction assay and the cytotoxicity of the extracts on Vero cells was determined by MTT assay. Results Cross section of midrib and stem showed similar major components. Leaf measurement index of stomatal number, stomatal index and palisade ratio of C. nutans were 168.32±29.49, 13.83±0.86 and 6.84±0.66, respectively, while C. siamensis were 161.60±18.04, 11.93±0.81 and 3.37±0.31, respectively. The PCR amplification of ITS region generated the PCR product approximately 700 bp in size. There were 34 polymorphisms within the ITS region which consisted of 11 Indels and 23 nucleotide substitutions. The IC 50 values of C. nutans extracted with n -hexane, dichloromethane and methanol against HSV-1 were (32.05±3.63) μg/mL, (44.50±2.66) μg/mL, (64.93±7.00) μg/mL, respectively where as those of C. siamensis were (60.00±11.61) μg/mL, (55.69±4.41) μg/mL, (37.39±5.85) μg/mL, respectively. Anti HSV-2 activity of n -hexane, dichloromethane and methanol C. nutans leaves extracts were (72.62±12.60) μg/mL, (65.19±21.45) μg/mL, (65.13±2.22) μg/mL, respectively where as those of C. siamensis were (46.52±4.08) μg/mL, (49.63±2.59) μg/mL, (72.64±6.52) μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions The combination of macroscopic, microscopic and biomolecular method are able to authenticate these closely related plants and both of them have a potency to be an anti-HSV agent.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Antipyretic and anticonvulsant activity of n-hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate the antipyretic and anticonvulsant activities of n -hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia ( V. betonicifolia ). Methods The antipyretic effect was scrutinized using brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and anticonvlsion effect was tested using pentylenetetrazol and strychnine induced convulsion in mice. Results N -hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia demonstrated highly significant antipyretic activity during various assessment times (1–5 h) when challenged in yeast induced pyrexia test. The effect was in a dose dependent manner with maximum attenuation (82.50%) observed at 300 mg/kg i.p . When tested in pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion test, the 1st stage (Ear and facial twitching) and 2nd stage (Convulsive wave through the body) was 100% protected during 24 h at all the test doses (300, 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p. ), while the latency time of remaining stages was significantly increased. The maximum effect was observed by n -hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia at 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p. , as the latency time for generalized clonic-tonic seizure (5th stage) was increased up to 25.34 min. However, n -hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia had no protection in strychnine induced convulsion test. Conclusions In conclusion, phytopharmacological studies provide scientific foundation to the folk uses of the plant in the treatment of pyrexia and neurological disorders.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the phytochemicals of whole Leucas aspera extract
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of whole Leucas aspera (Labiatae) ( L. aspera ) alcoholic extract. Methods Whole L. aspera powder was extracted by absolute ethanol (99.50%). The ethanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and brine shrimp lethality assay. Results The extract showed potent radical scavenging effect (antioxidant) with IC 50 value of (99.58±1.22) μg/mL which was significant ( P <0.01) in comparison to ascorbic acid with IC 50 value of (1.25±0.95) μg/mL. In case of antibacterial screening, the extract showed notable antibacterial effect against the tested microbial strains. Significant ( P <0.05) zone of inhibitions against Gram positive Bacillus subtilis [(12.00±1.32) mm] and Bacillus megaterium [(13.00±1.50) mm], Staphylococcus aureus [(8.00±0.50) mm] and Gram negative Salmonella typhi [(6.00±0.50) mm], Salmonella paratyphi [(8.00±1.00) mm], Shigella dysenteriae [(9.00±1.32) mm] and Vibrio cholerae [(9.00±0.66) mm] was observed. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract showed the LC 50 value as (181.68±2.15) μg/mL which was statistically significant ( P <0.01) compared to positive control vincristine sulfate [LC 50 =(0.76±0.04) μg/mL]. Conclusions The results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of L. aspera could be used as antibacterial, pesticidal and various pharmacologic actives.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on anti-Thy1,1 induced kidney injury in albino rats
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rats with anti-Thy1,1 nephritis. Methods Female albino rats were divided into three groups, control group, anti-Thy1,1 group and treatment with i.v . MSCs group. MSCs were derived from bone marrow of male albino rats, Y-chromosome gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the kidney. Serum urea and creatinine were estimated for all groups. Kidney of all studied groups was examined histologically and histochemically (total carbohydrates and total proteins). DNA fragmentation and expression of α-SMA were detected. Results Kidney of animals injected with anti-Thy1,1 showed inflammatory leucocytic infiltration, hypertrophied glomeruli, tubular necrosis and congestion in the renal blood vessels. The kidney tissue also showed reduction of carbohydrates and total proteins together with increase in apoptosis and in expression of α-SMA. Moreover, the levels of urea and creatinine were elevated. Treating animals with MSCs revealed that kidney tissue displayed an improvement in the histological and histochemical changes. Apoptosis and α-SMA expression were decreased, and the levels of urea and creatinine decreased. Conclusions The obtained results demonstrated the potential of MSCs to ameliorate the structure and function of the kidney in rats with anti-Thy1,1 nephritis possibly through the release of paracrine growth factor(s).
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of unripe Musa paradisiaca on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluate and compare antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts of unripe plantain ( Musa paradisiaca ), assess their inhibitory action on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro and to characterize the main phenolic constituents of the plantain products using gas chromatography analysis. Methods Aqueous extracts of plantain products (raw, elastic pastry, roasted and boiled) flour of 0.1 g/mL (each) were used to determine their total phenol, total flavonoid, 1,1 diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging ability. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation was also determined. Results The results revealed that all the aqueous extracts showed antioxidant activity. The boiled flour had highest DPPH and OH radical scavenging ability while raw flour had the highest Fe ²⁺ chelating ability, sodium nitroprusside inhibitory effect and vitamin C content. The antioxidant results showed that elastic pastry had the highest total phenol and total flavonoid content. Characterization of the unripe plantain products for polyphenol contents using gas chromatography showed varied quantity of apigenin, myricetin, luteolin, capsaicin, isorhaemnetin, caffeic acid, kampferol, quercetin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, shogaol, glycitein and gingerol per product on the spectra. Conclusions Considering the antioxidant activities and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation of unripe plantain, this could justify their traditional use in the management/prevention of diseases related to stress.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Evaluation of antifungal activity of free fatty acids methyl esters fraction isolated from Algerian Linum usitatissimum L. seeds against toxigenic Aspergillus
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the major fraction of fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) isolated from Linum usitatissimum L. seeds oil collected from Bechar department (Algeria). Methods The assessment of antifungal activity was carried out in terms of percentage of radial growth on solid medium ( potatoes dextrose agar PDA) and biomass growth inhibition on liquid medium (potatoes dextrose broth PDB) against two fungi. Results The FAMEs was found to be effective in inhibiting the radial mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus more than Aspergillus ochraceus on all tested concentrations. The highest antifungal index was found to be (54.19%) compared to Aspergillus ochraceus (40.48%). The results of the antifungal activity of the FAMEs inhibition of biomass on liquid medium gave no discounted results, but this does not exclude the antifungal activity. Conclusions We can assume that the observed antifungal potency may be due to the abundance of linoleic and α-linolenic acids in linseed oil which appears to be promising to treat fungal infections, storage fungi and food spoilage in food industry field.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A comparative evaluation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from harness racing-horses, breeding mares and riding-horses in Italy
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) which is a potencial risk factor of transmission between animals and humans in different types of horses (harness racing-horses, breeding mares and riding-horses) and to compare the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. Methods A total of 191 healthy horses, housed at different locations of the Campania Region (Italy), were included in the study. Nasal swab samples were collected from each nostril of the horses. The mecA gene was detected by a nested PCR technique. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested for each isolate. Results MRS was isolated from nasal samples of 68/191 (35.6%; 95% CI : 28.9%–42.9%) healthy horses. All isolates were coagulase-negative with the exception of two coagulase-positive MRS strains, identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius , 2/83 (2.4%; 95% CI : 0.4%–9.2%). Interestingly, both coagulase-positive MRS isolates were from harness racing-horses. These horses also presented a significantly higher positivity for MRS (53.3%; 95% CI : 40.1%–66.1%) than the breeding mares and riding-horses groups. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed difference between isolates due to different origins except for an almost common high resistance to aminopenicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin. Conclusions It can be concluded that harness racing-horses may act as a significant reservoir of MRS as compared to breeding mares and riding-horses.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Experimental evaluation of Candonocypris novaezelandiae (Crustacea: Ostracoda) in the biocontrol of Schistosomiasis mansoni transmission
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Objective To test Candonocypris novaezelandiae (Baird) ( C. novaezelandiae ), sub-class Ostracoda, obtained from the Nile, Egypt for its predatory activity on snail, Biomphalaria alexandrina ( B. alexandrina ), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni ( S. mansoni ) and on the free-living larval stages of this parasite (miracidia and cercariae). Methods The predatory activity of C. novaezelandiae was determined on B. alexandrina snail (several densities of eggs, newly hatched and juveniles). This activity was also determined on S. mansoni miracidia and cercariae using different volumes of water and different numbers of larvae. C. novaezelandiae was also tested for its effect on infection of snails and on the cercarial production. Results C. novaezelandiae was found to feed on the eggs, newly hatched and juvenile snails, but with significant reduction in the consumption in the presence of other diet like the blue green algae ( Nostoc muscorum ). This ostracod also showed considerable predatory activity on the free-living larval stages of S. mansoni which was affected by certain environmental factors such as volume of water, density of C. novaezelandiae and number of larvae of the parasite. Conclusions The presence of this ostracod in the aquatic habitat led to significant reduction of snail population, infection rate of snails with schistosme miracidia as well as of cercarial production from the infected snails. This may suggest that introducing C. novaezelandiae into the habitat at schistosome risky sites could suppress the transmission of the disease.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Biological activities of Wiedemannia multifida (Linnaeus) Bentham and Wiedemannnia orientalis Fisch. & Mey.
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluate total phenolic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanolic extracts of the Wiedemannia multifida (W. multifida) and Wiedemannnia orientalis (W. orientalis) . Methods Phosmomolybdenum assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity and β-carotene-linoleate bleaching were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. Results The total phenolics were found to be (22.45±0.60) and (9.53±0.00) mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g in W. multifida and W. orientalis extracts, respectively. The predominant phenolic compounds identified by HPLC-DAD in the both extracts were rutin+ellagic acid and kaempferol. Total antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity of W. multifida were higher than W. orientalis . In β-carotene-linoleic acid system, both extracts exhibited strong inhibition against linoleic acid oxidation. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar diffusion method against fifteen microorganisms. Both extracts exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity. Conclusions The present study suggests that methanolic extracts of W. multifida and W. orientalis could be a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in foods, pharmaceuticals preparations.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Activity-guided isolation and identification of anti-staphylococcal components from Senecio tenuifolius Burm. F. leaf extracts
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate activity-guided isolation and identification of anti- Staphylococcus aures components from Senecio tenuifolius Burm. F. ( S. tenuifolius ). Methods Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of S. tenuifolius were prepared by soxilation for antimicrobial activity against one registered Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) (ATCC No: 25923) and two clinical isolates, methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitive S. aureus . NCCL standard methods were followed for antibacterial activity. GC-MS was performed to identify the chemical composition of bio active fraction. Results Among all solvent extracts, methanol extract significantly reduced the growth of S. aureus (ATCC No: 25923), methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitive S. aureus with the best zone of inhibition at 16.23, 14.06 and 15.23 mm and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values at 426.16, 683.22 and 512.12 μg/mL, respectively. In order to detect the active component in methanol extract, it was further purified by column chromatography, which yielded four fractions (St1, St2, St3, and St4). Among these four fractions, St3 was effective against the tested strains of S. aures , with the best zone of inhibition at 15.09, 13.25 and 14.12 mm and with best MIC values at 88.16, 128.11 and 116.12 μg/mL, respectively. Effective fraction partially purified from S. tenuifolius (St3) yielded MIC's that were at least 20 fold less when compared to crude extract. GC-MS analysis of St3 revealed the presence of 3-[methyl-6,7-dihydro benzofuran-4 (5H)-one], 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, hydroquinone, methyl ester and 3 unknown compounds. Conclusions The study provides scientific evidence for traditional and folklore medicinal use of S. tenuifolius in skin infections treatment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Spinal deformities in a wild line of Poecilia wingei bred in captivity: report of cases and review of the literature
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To describe the occurrence of various spinal deformations in a captive-bred wild line of Poecilia wingei ( P. wingei ). Methods Fish belonging to a wild line of P. wingei caught from Laguna de Los Patos, Venezuela, were bred in an aquarium home-breeding system during a period of three years (2006-2009). The spinal curvature was observed to study spinal deformities in P. wingei . Results Out of a total of 600 fish, 22 showed different types of deformities (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis), with a higher incidence in females. Growth, swimming and breeding of deformed fish were generally normal. Conclusions Possible causes for spinal curvature in fish are discussed on the basis of the current literature. While it is not possible to determine the exact cause(s) of spinal deformities observed in the present study, traumatic injuries, nutritional imbalances, genetic defects or a combination of these factors can be supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of such lesions.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Clinical and pathological findings of concurrent poxvirus lesions and aspergillosis infection in canaries
  March 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 3
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate clinical, pathological and mycological findings in canaries, in which pox lesions and Aspergillus fumigatus ( A. fumigatus ) infection were observed simultaneously. Methods This study was performed on a breeding colony (about 100 canaries) affected by fatal wasting disease. Necropsy was undertaken on 10 severely affected canaries, and gross lesions were recorded. Samples from internal organs displaying lesions were obtained for histopathological evaluation. Tracheal swap samples of internal organs of the all infected animals with lesions at necropsy were cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for mycological examination. Results At necropsy, caseous foci were determined in the lungs, on the air sacs, liver, spleen, heart. Swelling of the eyelids, diffuse hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissue with small papular lesions of the skin were other typical necropsy findings. Histopathologically, pathognomonic eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, which called Bollinger bodies, in both skin cells and vacuolated air way epithelial cells confirmed canary pox infection. Moreover, histopathological examination of the white-yellowish caseous foci revealed necrotic granulomatous reaction consisting of macrophages, heterophil leukocytes and giant cells encapsulated with a fibrous tissue. After the culture of the tissue samples, the formation of bluish green colonies confirmed A. fumigatus infection. Conclusions Canary pox has been known as the disease that can result in high losses in a short time, as a re-emerging disease that has not been present during recent years in canary flocks in Iran. So, the current paper provides useful information to prevent misdiagnosed of canary pox disease which can cause secondary mycotic infection.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin: An overview
  April 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 4
  
  
  
  Recently, the use of herbal medicines has been increased all over the world due to their therapeutic effects and fewer adverse effects as compared to the modern medicines. However, many herbal drugs and herbal extracts despite of their impressive in-vitro findings demonstrates less or negligible in-vivo activity due to their poor lipid solubility or improper molecular size, resulting in poor absorption and hence poor bioavailability. Nowadays with the advancement in the technology, novel drug delivery systems open the door towards the development of enhancing bioavailability of herbal drug delivery systems. For last one decade many novel carriers such as liposomes, microspheres, nanoparticles, transferosomes, ethosomes, lipid based systems etc . have been reported for successful modified delivery of various herbal drugs. Many herbal compounds including quercetin, genistein, naringin, sinomenine, piperine, glycyrrhizin and nitrile glycoside have demonstrated capability to enhance the bioavailability. The objective of this review is to summarize various available novel drug delivery technologies which have been developed for delivery of drugs (herbal), and to achieve better therapeutic response. An attempt has also been made to compile a profile on bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin with the mechanism of action (wherever reported) and studies on improvement in drug bioavailability, exhibited particularly by natural compounds.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Giemsa and Grocott in the recognition of Histoplasma capsulatum in blood smears
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To facilitate the recognition of intracellular yeasts of Histoplasma capsulatum and differentiate it from Leishmania amastigotes and other parasites, using the combination of Giemsa and a rapid modification of Grocott stains to peripheral blood smears in a hematological study. Methods The combination of both stains was applied consecutively (first Grocott and then Giemsa) to previously fixed peripheral blood smears. Microscopy was performed with 400× and 1 000×, the latter using immersion oil. Results The yeasts of Histoplasma capsulatum were observed into the cytoplasm of leukocytes as brownish oval elements, with 3–4 μm in diameter. Conclusions The combination of both techniques is a simple and fast method to facilitate recognition of intracellular yeasts and it is different from intracellular parasitic elements. Moreover, it allows distinguishing the cell elements that are in the microscopic preparations. It may be very helpful in those cases in which the presumptive diagnosis of histoplasmosis has not been established yet and where other more sophisticated methods are not available.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A case of cerebral malaria and dengue concurrent infection
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Cerebral malaria and dengue are the common infections which cause higher mortality and morbidities in every part of the world especially in India. Concurrent infection of cerebral malaria and dengue is rare entity due to different habitat of vectors and it was reported rarely from Southeast Asia. In this case report, the authors reported a case of concurrent cerebral malaria and dengue which was recovered after eight days of admission with increase in morbidity.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Occurrence of trichoepithelioma in a cat: Histopathologic and immunohistochemical study
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Trichoepitheliomas are benign follicular appendage tumors with differentiation to all three segments of the hair follicle. A 2 years old female domestic short hair cat presented with a mass on the tail. The mass was surgically excised and for histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies, was sent to Department of Pathology. Histologically, the tumor was encapsulated and consisted of many islands of follicular epithelium and also cysts structures which varied in size and shape. The cells of epithelium islands were round to oval and had variable amounts of slightly, eosinophilic cytoplasm and euchromatic nuclei. The cystic structures were lined by a complex layer of squamous epithelium. Often, cells under went an abrupt transition between basal layers and keratinization without the development of a granular cell layer. No tendency of malignancy was seen in this case. According to mentioned characteristics, trichoepithelioma was diagnosed. By immunohistochemical study it was confirmed that this tumor had epithelial origin because squamous tumor cells reacted with the pan-cytokeratin antibody. The expression of β-catenin was predominately cytoplasmic and also together with numerous positive nuclei but membranous expression was inconsistenet. Distribution of neoplastic cells with β-catenin expression was more than 75% and labeling intensity was strong in both cytoplasm and nuclei. According to author's knowledge, this is the first report of trichoepithelioma in cat in Iran and also investigation of β-catenin expression in feline trichoepithelioma in veterinary literature.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Food safety knowledge and practices of abattoir and butchery shops and the microbial profile of meat in Mekelle City, Ethiopia
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To assess the food safety knowledge and practices in meat handling, and to determine microbial load and pathogenic organisms in meat at Mekelle city. Methods A descriptive survey design was used to answer questions concerning the current status of food hygiene and sanitation practiced in the abattoir and butcher shops. Workers from the abattoir and butcher shops were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to assess their food safety knowledge. Bacterial load was assessed by serial dilution method and the major bacterial pathogens were isolated by using standard procedures. Results 15.4% of the abattoir workers had no health certificate and there was no hot water, sterilizer and cooling facility in the abattoir. 11.3% of the butchers didnt use protective clothes. There was a food safety knowledge gap within the abattoir and butcher shop workers. The mean values of bacterial load of abattoir meat, butcher shops and street meat sale was found to be 1.1×10, ⁵ 5.6×10 ⁵ and 4.3×10 ⁶ cfu/g, respectively. The major bacterial pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus . Conclusions The study revealed that there is a reasonable gap on food safety knowledge by abattoir and butcher shop workers. The microbial profile was also higher compared to standards set by World Health Organization. Due attention should be given by the government to improve the food safety knowledge and the quality standard of meat sold in the city.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Opportunistic infection of Aspergillus and bacteria in captive Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres)
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To describe clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of Cape vultures in which Aspergillus fumigatus ( A. fumigatus ) and mixed species of bacteria were isolated. Methods Six Cape vultures sourced from South Africa for exhibition at Al Ain Zoo developed illness manifesting as anorexia, dyspnea, polyuria and lethargy. Three vultures died manifesting “pneumonia-like syndrome”. These three vultures were necropsied and gross lesions recorded, while organ tissues were collected for histopathology. Internal organs were swabbed for bacteriology and mycology. From live vultures, blood was collected for hematology and biochemistry, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected for mycology and bacteriology. Results A. fumigatus was isolated from the three dead vultures and two live ones that eventually survived. One of the dead vulture and two live vultures were co-infected with A. fumigatus and mixed species of bacteria that included Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Enterococcus and Enterbacter . One of the Cape vulture and a Lappet-faced vulture, however, were free of Aspergillus or bacterial infections. At necropsy, intestinal hemorrhages were observed and the lungs were overtly congested with granulomas present on caudal air sac. Histopathological examinations demonstrated granulomatous lesions that were infiltrated by mononuclear cells and giant cells. Conclusions Aspergillosis is a persistent threat to captive birds and we recommend routine health assessments so that early diagnosis may prompt early treatment. It is likely that prompt prophylaxis by broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungals medication contributed to the survival of some of the vultures.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• In vivo antioxidant effect of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of Vitex doniana in CCl4 induced liver damage rats
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective The antioxidant effects of aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves of Vitex doniana ( V. doniana ) were evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced liver damage and non induced liver damage albino rats. Methods A total of 60 albino rats (36 induced liver damage and 24 non induced liver damage) were assigned into liver damage and non liver damage groups of 6 rats in a group. The animals in the CCl 4 induced liver damage groups, were induced by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of CCl 4 (148 mg·ml ⁻¹ ·kg ⁻¹ body weight) as a 1:1 (v/v) solution in olive oil and were fasted for 36 h before the subsequent treatment with aqueous root bark, stem bark and leaves extracts of V. doniana and vitamin E as standard drug (100 mg/kg body weighy per day) for 21 d, while the animals in the non induced groups were only treated with the daily oral administration of these extracts at the same dose. The administration of CCl 4 was done once a week for a period of three weeks. Results The liver of CCl 4 induced not treated group showed that the induction with CCl 4 , significantly ( P <0.05) increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and significantly ( P <0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However there was no significant ( P >0.05) difference between TBARS, SOD and CAT in the liver of the induced treated groups and normal control group. In the kidney, TBARS showed no significant ( P >0.05) difference between the normal and the induced groups, SOD was significantly ( P <0.05) reduced in the CCl 4 group compared to standard drug and normal control groups, CAT was significantly ( P <0.05) increased in root and vitamin E groups when compared to induced not treated group. The studies also showed that when the extracts were administered to normal animals, there was no significant ( P >0.05) change in the liver and kidney level of TBARS, SOD and CAT compared with the normal control except in the kidney of animals treated with stem extract where TBARS was significantly ( P <0.05) lowered compared to control group. Conclusion The result of the present study suggests that application of V. doniana plant would play an important role in increasing the antioxidant effect and reducing the oxidative damage that formed both in liver and in kidney tissues. However stem bark has potential to improve renal function in normal rats.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• In vivo antioxidant assessment of two antimalarial plants–Allamamda cathartica and Bixa orellana
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To determine the free radical scavenging potentials pytochemical constituents of ethanol leaves extracts of Allamanda cathartica ( A. cathartica ) and Bixa orellana ( B. orellana ) and thus their effects in antimalarial activities. Methods Both ethanol extracted plant samples were administered at 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL to Albino rats and then administered with CCl 4 at 1 mL/kg body weight, in liquid paraffin (1:1, v/v) for 2 days (negative control) and compared with 5% Tween 80 (placebo) and vitamin E (positive control) pretreatments. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activities in blood and liver tissues were assessed. Results In CCl 4 treated rats, TBARS levels significantly increased, while decreased GSH and CAT levels were recorded for both plant extracts. Generally, higher TBARS and GSH values were recorded for blood than for liver homogenates; with reverse trend observed for CAT level. Increased concentrations of A. cathartica extract recorded significant antioxidant levels similar to tocopherol (vitamin E). Reducing sugars, saponins, flavonoids were recorded for both species; alkaloids in A. cathartica and terpenoids in B. orellana . Conclusions A. cathartica , possess phytochemicals that recorded significant antioxidative defense activities for blood and liver tissues with increasing concentration. However B. orellana did not record similar results.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Evaluation of PCR-ELISA as a tool for monitoring transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in District of Gampaha, Sri Lanka
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To compare Wuchereria bancrofti ( W. bancrofti ) infection rates of Culex quinquefasciatus , using dissection and PCR-ELISA in two consecutive time periods (from 2007 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009). Methods Mosquitoes were collected in 30 sentinel and 15 non-sentinel sites in 15 Medical Officer of Health areas of Gampaha District known for the presence of W. bancrofti transmission in two consecutive time period of 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009. Captured mosquitoes were dissected to determine the W. bancrofti larvae (L 1 , L 2 , L 3 ). PCR was carried out using DNA extracted from mosquito pools (15 body parts/pool) utilizing the primers specific for Wb-SspI repeat. PCR products were analyzed by hybridization ELISA using fluorescein-labeled wild type specific probes. The prevalence of infected/infective mosquitoes in PCR pools (3 pools/site) was estimated using the PoolScreen™ algorithm and a novel probability-based method. Results Of 45 batches of mosquitoes dissected, W. bancrofti infected mosquitoes were found in 19 and 13 batches, with an infection rate of 13.29% and 3.10% with mean larval density of 8.7 and 1.0 larvae per mosquito for two study periods in the Gampaha District. Total of 405 pools of head, thorax and abdomen were processed by PCR-ELISA for each year. Of these, 51 and 31 pools were positive for W. bancrofti in the two study periods respectively. The association of dissection based prevalence rates with PCR based rates as determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient were 0.176 and 0.890 respectively for the two periods. Conclusions Data indicate that PCR-ELISA is more sensitive than the traditional dissection techniques for monitoring transmission intensity.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• In vitro effects of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil on Candida albicans
  May 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 5
  
  
  
  Objective To determine the anticandidal activities of Salvia officinalis L. ( S. officinalis ) essential oil against Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) and the inhibitory effects on the adhesion of C. albicans to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin surface. Methods Disc diffusion method was first used to test the anticandidal activities of the S. officinalis L. essential oil against the reference strain (ATCC 90028) and 2 clinical strains of C. albicans . Then the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were determined by modified membrane method. The adhesion of C. albicans to PMMA resin surface was assessed after immersion with S. officinalis L. essential oil at various concentrations of 1×MIC, 0.5×MIC and 0.25×MIC at room temperature for 30 min. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the Candida cell adhesion with the pretreatment agents and Tukey's test was used for multiple comparisons. Results S. officinalis L. essential oil exhibited anticandidal activity against all strains of C. albicans with inhibition zone ranging from 40.5 mm to 19.5 mm. The MIC and MLC of the oil were determined as 2.780 g/L against all test strains. According to the effects on C. albicans adhesion to PMMA resin surface, it was found that immersion in the essential oil at concentrations of 1×MIC (2.780 g/L), 0.5×MIC (1.390 g/L) and 0.25×MIC (0.695 g/L) for 30 min significantly reduced the adhesion of all 3 test strains to PMMA resin surface in a dose dependent manner ( P <0.05). Conclusions S. officinalis L. essential oil exhibited anticandidal activities against C. albicans and had inhibitory effects on the adhesion of the cells to PMMA resin surface. With further testing and development, S. officinalis essential oil may be used as an antifungal denture cleanser to prevent candidal adhesion and thus reduce the risk of candida-associated denture stomatitis.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Recommendation letter for Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (APJTB)
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Acute pancreatitis in HIV/AIDS patients: an issue of concern
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Pancreatitis is a well-described complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself and its combination antiretroviral therapy. Historically, this has been predominantly associated with the usage of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as didanosine and stavudine, but only rarely with the usage of protease inhibitors via the induction of hypertriglyceridemia. Pancreatitis rates in HIV/AIDS population may have been exceedingly high because of the comorbid conditions prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients ( e.g. ethanol use and biliary disease), and the use of non-combination antiretroviral therapy medications such as pentamidine, corticosteroids, ketoconazole, sulphonamides, metronidazole, isoniazid and opportunistic infections ( e.g. cytomegalovirus, cryptosporidiosis, mycobacterial disease). In resource limited settings, where didanosine and stavudine are widely available in cheaper generic fixed dose combinations it is likely that their usage will remain in the first line HIV treatment in common. In such settings management or estimation of a patient's risk of pancreatitis still remains an issue of concern.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Tegumental histological effects of Mirazid® and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluated the histological changes within the tegument of adult Fasciola gigantica ( F. gigantica ) that led to the gross changes that were visible externally. Methods The effects of oleoresin extract of myrrh (Mirazid®), myrrh volatile oil and triclabendazole sulphoxide (reference drug) on the tegumental structure of adult F. gigantica following treatment in vitro had been determined by light microscopy. Results The internal changes in the tegument observed in this study were compatible with surface changes seen in the previous scanning electron microscopy study, using the same drugs. The swelling of tegumental syncytium was a particular feature of their action, but its level was much greater with myrrh volatile oil, in which vacuolization of the tegument and loss of spines were observed. Conclusions The present study demonstrated the fasciocidal properties of Mirazid® oleoresin extract, and it might be possible to reinforce its fasciocidal activity by increasing its content of myrrh volatile oil.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Outbreaks of salmonellosis in three different poultry farms of Kerala, India
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Avian salmonellosis is an important disease causing serious impediment to the development of poultry industry especially in developing countries of Asia and Africa. Since no “effective” immunoprophylactic measures are available for the disease till date, strict biosecurity is the only alternative to preclude the disease. For formulating the control measures, an understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, proper diagnosis and identification of the causative agent is quintessential. This report sheds light on three different outbreaks of salmonellosis in three different farms in Kerala (India) describing the disease diagnosis, antibiotic resistance and the suggested control measures. All the three isolates were revealed to be Salmonella gallinarum and were resistant to at least three of the antimicrobial agents tested.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Seroepidemiology of bluetongue disease in small ruminants of north-east of Iran
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To estimate the prevalence and distribution of bluetongue virus antibody in sheep and goats in 25 townships of Khorasan Razavi. Bluetongue is an infectious, non-contagious, arthropod born viral disease of ruminants and has been reported from most of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Methods A total number of 1 034 serum samples from sheep and goats were collected and transmitted to Serological Laboratory of Veterinary Council of Khorasan Razavi. Serums were screened for the presence of group-specific bluetongue virus antibody using competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). Results The seropositivity of sheep and goats for bluetongue was found to be 89.2%. The highest prevalence rate was seen in Taybad, Khalil-abad and Torbat-jam (100%) and the least prevalence rate was seen in Jovein (55%). Conclusions The results showed that the majority of animals in the north-east of Iran are infected with bluetongue virus. High correlation between abortion history and seroposivity emphasize the economical importance of bluetongue virus in the sheep herds of the region.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Correlation between lipid profile and troponin I test results in patients with chest pain in Nepal
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To study the usefulness of traditional lipid profile levels in screening subjects who had developed chest pain due to cardiac event as indicated by a positive troponin I test. Methods In this retrospective study data of the 430 patients presented to the emergency department with symptoms of cardiac ischemia who underwent both troponin and lipid profiles tests were compared with the lipid profiles of 165 normal healthy subjects (controls). The troponin was detected qualitatively when a specimen contains troponin I (cTnI) above the 99th percentile (TnI>0.5 ng/mL). The total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, very low density lipoproteins and triacyl glycerol levels were also analyzed and low density lipoprotein level was calculated using Friedewald's formula. Results Patients with chest pain and positive troponin test (with confirmed cardiac event) were found to have significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, triacyl glycerol levels, low density lipoprotein level and significantly reduced high density lipoproteins cholesterol levels when compared to the patients who experienced only chest pain (negative troponin) and healthy controls. Conclusions Traditional lipid profile levels is still can be used in screening populations to identify the subjects with high risk of developing cardiac event in case if the laboratory set up has not troponin test facilities.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Retrospective study of clinical and hematological aspects associated with dogs naturally infected by Hepatozoon canis in Ludhiana, Punjab, India
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To evaluate clinical and hematological aspects of dogs naturally infected with Hepatozoon canis ( H. canis ) presented at the Small Animal Clinics of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Methods Blood films of 34 naturally infected dogs were examined for haematological alterations and parasitaemia. Signalment and clinical signs were recorded from the animals. Clinical histories were filled out during the consultation. Results Of the 34 positive dogs by Giemsa stained peripheral blood films, 88.23% presented parasitaemia by H. canis only, while 11.77% had the combination of H. canis, Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp. Young male dogs less than one-year-old, of non-descript breed, were the most commonly affected. And 26.47% were presented with anorexia/inappetence as the only clinical symptom. Other clinical symptoms were mild to moderate fever, pale mucosae and lethargy; a few were also showing the signs of vomiting and diarrhoea. Haematological alterations showed mainly normochromic-normocytic anaemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Conclusions The findings of this study substantiate that H. canis caused clinical and haematological alterations of the varied intensity in dogs, even with low parasitaemia, should be taken into consideration.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Medicinal activities of the leaves of Musa sapientum var. sylvesteris in vitro
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective This study is to investigate the medicinal value of methanolic extract of the leaves of Musa sapientum var. sylvesteris in Bangladesh. Methods Several biochemical assays, thin layer chormatogarphy and ultra-violet spectroscopy were used to detect the presence of various types of compounds in this extract. Antioxidant effects were measured by DPPH scavenging assay, total reducing assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Receptor binding activities and hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis assay were performed by hemagglutination assay and hemolysis assay using erythrocytes. Disk diffusion assay was performed to show the antibacterial effect of the extract. Results Methanolic extract of the leaves showed antioxidant and antibacterial activity in vitro . The extract showed hemaglutination inhibition activities and hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis inhibition activity of human red blood cells. Conclusions Musa sapientum var. sylvesteris can be an useful medicinal plant.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Modulatory effects of dietary inclusion of garlic (Allium sativum) on gentamycin–induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of dietary inclusion of garlic ( Allium sativum ) on gentamycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups with six animals in each group. Groups 1 and 2 were fed basal diet while Groups 3 and 4 were fed diets containing 2% and 4% garlic respectively for 27 d prior to gentamycin administration. Hepatotoxicity was induced by the intraperitoneal administration of gentamycin (100 mg/kg body weight) for 3 d. The liver and plasma were studied for hepatotoxicity and antioxidant indices. Results Gentamycin induces hepatic damage as revealed by significant ( P <0.05) elevation of liver damage marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase) and reduction in plasma albumin level. Gentamycin also caused a significant ( P <0.05) alteration in plasma and liver enzymatic (catalase, glutathione and super oxygen dehydrogenises) and non-enzymatic (glutathione and vitamin C) antioxidant indices with concomitant increase in the malondialdehyde content; however, there was a significant ( P <0.05) restoration of the antioxidant status coupled with significant ( P <0.05) decrease in the tissues' malondialdehyde content, following consumption of diets containing garlic. Conclusions These results suggest that dietary inclusion of garlic powder could protect against gentamycin-induced hepatotoxicity, improve antioxidant status and modulate oxidative stress; a function attributed to their phenolic constituents.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• In vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic activities and phytochemical evaluation of methanol extract of the A. philippense L. leaves
  June 2013
  Publication year: 2013
  Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 3, Issue 6
  
  
  
  Objective To study the leaves of Adiantum philippense L. for their antioxidant, cytotoxicity and thrombolytic activities and to perform phytochemical evaluation. Methods In-vitro antioxidant activity of extract was studied using DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, total phenol and total flavonoid content determination assays. The cytotoxic activity was determined using brine shrimp lethality bioassay, thrombolytic activity by clot disruption and phytochemical potential by qualitative analysis. Results The antioxidant activity of the extracts was found promising. The reducing power of this crude extract increase with the increase of concentration; IC 50 values of DPPH scavenging activity was (140.00±0.86) μg/mL as compared to ascorbic acid [IC 50 (130.00±0.76) μg/mL]; Total phenol and total flavonoids content were (148.26±0.24) mg/mL and (163.06±0.56) mg/mL respectively. In cytotoxicity assay the LC 50 values of the sample was (106.41±0.78) μg/mL where as for standard vincristin sulphate was (08.50±0.24) μg/mL as a positive control and the extract shows (12.86±1.02)% clot lytic whereas standard streptokinase shows (30.86±0.44% clot lytic activity in thrombolytic assay. The phytochemical evaluation indicates the presence of chemical constituents including carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids. Conclusions This study shows that the methanol extract of leaves of Adiantum philippense L. has bioactivity but further compound isolation is necessary to confirm the activities of individual compounds.