Effect of organic mineral supplementation in reducing oxidative stress in Holstein calves during short‑term heat stress and recovery conditions

Background This study investigated the effects of inorganic and organic minerals on physiological responses,oxidative stress reduction,and rumen microbiota in Holstein bull calves(123.81±9.76 kg;5 months old)during short-term heat stress(HS)and recovery periods.Eight Holstein calves were randomly assigned to four treatment groups:no mineral supplementation(Con),inorganic minerals(IM),organic minerals(OM),and high-concentration organic minerals(HOM)and two thermal environments(HS and recovery)using 4×2 factorial arrangement in a crossover design of four periods of 35 d.Calves were maintained in a temperature-controlled barn.The experimental period consisted of 14 d of HS,14 d of recovery condititon,and a 7-d washing period.Results Body temperature and respiration rate were higher in HS than in the recovery conditions(P<0.05).Selenium concentration in serum was high in the HOM-supplemented calves in both HS(90.38μg/dL)and recovery periods(102.00μg/dL)(P<0.05).During the HS period,the serum cortisol was 20.26 ng/mL in the HOM group,which was 5.60 ng/mL lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The total antioxidant status was the highest in the OM group(2.71 mmol Trolox equivalent/L),followed by the HOM group during HS,whereas it was highest in the HOM group(2.58 mmol Trolox equivalent/L)during the recovery period(P<0.05).Plasma malondialdehyde and HSP70 levels were decreased by HOM supplementation during the HS and recovery periods,whereas SOD and GPX levels were not significantly affected(P>0.05).The principal coordinate analysis represented that the overall rumen microbiota was not influenced by mineral supplementation;however,temperature-induced microbial structure shifts were indicated(PERMANOVA:P<0.05).At the phylum level,Firmicutes and Actinobacteria decreased,whereas Fibrobacteres,Spirochaetes,and Tenericutes increased(P<0.05),under HS conditions.The genus Treponema increased under HS conditions,while Christensenella was higher in recovery conditions(P<0.05).Conclusion HOM supplementation during HS reduced cortisol concentrations and increased total antioxidant status in Holstein bull calves,suggesting that high organic mineral supplementation may alleviate the adverse effects of HS.

Effects of Imazethapyr-Based Herbicide Formulation in the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Hepatocyte Cell Line (ZF-L): Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress

Seizures of agrochemical formulations have increased in Brazil and Rio Grande do Sul is among the Brazilian states with the highest number of seizures of these products obtained illicitly. The use of illicit formulations can cause significant harm to agricultural production, the environment, and non-target species. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress of a seized formulation containing the herbicide imazethapyr (IMZT). Characterization of the herbicide included gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thermal analyses (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)). Hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays in ZF-L hepatic cells showed IC50 values of 12.75 µg/mL, 3.01 µg/mL, 2.67 µg/mL, and 1.61 µg/mL for erythrocytes, [3(4,5-dimethyl)-2 bromide-5 diphenyl tetrazolium] (MTT), neutral red (NR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. The median IC50 of 2.84 µg/mL was used in oxidative stress assays, revealing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced total sulfhydryl content, and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. This study is the first to report in vitro oxidative stress induced by IMZT in the ZF-L cell line, emphasizing the importance of in vitro assays for assessing the toxic effects of seized agrochemicals on human health and the environment.

Epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization in neonatal intensive care units:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)in neonatal intensive care units(NICUs)represents an escalating challenge in healthcare settings,particularly in managing hospital-acquired infections(HAIs).Studies across various World Health Organization regions have documented a significant incidence of CRAB-related HAIs,with rates as high as 41.7 cases per 1000 patients in ICUs,accounting for 13.6%of all HAIs.These infections pose a doubled mortality risk compared to infections with carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii.A particularly concerning aspect of CRAB colonization is its asymptomatic nature,enabling its transmission through healthcare workers(HCWs)or the NICU environment to vulnerable neonates with developing immune systems.AIM To explore the prevalence of CRAB colonization in NICUs,focusing on neonates,healthcare workers,and the environmental samples,to enhance epidemiological understanding and inform targeted interventions.METHODS We conducted according to PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines,a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including MEDLINE(Ovid),EMBASE(Ovid),Global Health(Ovid),Web of Science,and Global Index Me-dicus.Studies were selected based on predetermined criteria,primarily involving neonates,HCWs,and environmental swabs,using culture or molecular methods to detect CRAB colonization.We excluded studies that did not specifically focus on NICUs,were duplicates,or lacked necessary data.The study selection and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers.Data extraction involved collecting comprehensive details about each study.Our statistical analysis used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and confidence intervals,stratifying results by regional location.We assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q statistic and I²statistic,with regression tests employed to evaluate potential publication bias.RESULTS We analyzed 737 records from five databases,ultimately including 13 studies from ten countries.For neonates,the pooled prevalence was 4.8%(95%CI:1.1%to 10.5%)with the highest rates observed in South-East Asia(10.5%;95%CI:2.4%to 23.3%).Among HCWs,a single Indian study reported a 3.3%prevalence.Environmental samples showed a prevalence of 2.3%(95%CI:0%to 9.3%),with the highest rates in South-East Asia(10%;95%CI:4.2%to 17.7%).Significant heterogeneity was found across studies,and no publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights a significant prevalence of CRAB colonization in neonates across various regions,particularly in South-East Asia,contrasting with lower rates in high-income countries.The study reveals a gap in research on HCWs colonization,with only a single study from India reporting moderate prevalence.Environmental samples indicate moderate levels of CRAB contamination,again higher in South-East Asia.These findings underscore the need for more extensive and focused research on CRAB colonization in NICUs,including exploring the roles of HCWs and the environment in transmission,understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns,and developing effective prevention measures.

Effect of Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase in patients with celiac disease on a long-term gluten-free diet

BACKGROUND The gluten-free diet(GFD)has limitations,and there is intense research in the development of adjuvant therapies.AIM To examine the effects of orally administered Aspergillus niger prolyl endopeptidase protease(AN-PEP)on inadvertent gluten exposure and symptom prevention in adult celiac disease(CeD)patients following their usual GFD.METHODS This was an exploratory,double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial that enrolled CeD patients on a long-term GFD.After a 4-wk run-in period,patients were randomized to 4 wk of two AN-PEP capsules(GliadinX;AVI Research,LLC,United States)at each of three meals per day or placebo.Outcome endpoints were:(1)Average weekly stool gluten immunogenic peptides(GIP)between the run-in and end of treatments and between AN-PEP and placebo;(2)celiac symptom index(CSI);(3)CeD-specific serology;and(4)quality of life.Stool samples were collected for GIP testing by ELISA every Tuesday and Friday during run-ins and treatments.RESULTS Forty patients were randomized for the intention-to-treat analysis,and three were excluded from the per-protocol assessment.Overall,628/640(98.1%)stool samples were collected.GIP was undetectable(<0.08μg/g)in 65.6%of samples,and no differences between treatment arms were detected.Only 0.5%of samples had GIP concentrations sufficiently high(>0.32μg/g)to potentially cause mucosal damage.Median GIP concentration in the AN-PEP arm was 44.7%lower than in the run-in period.One-third of patients exhibiting GIP>0.08μg/g during run-in had lower or undetectable GIP after AN-PEP treatment.Compared with the run-in period,the proportion of symptomatic patients(CSI>38)in the AN-PEP arm was significantly lower(P<0.03).AN-PEP did not result in changes in specific serologies.CONCLUSION This exploratory study conducted in a real-life setting revealed high adherence to the GFD.The AN-PEP treatment did not significantly reduce the overall GIP stool concentration.However,given the observation of a significantly lower prevalence of patients with severe symptoms in the AN-PEP arm,further clinical research is warranted.

Risk Factors and Prevalence of Mother to New-Born Transmission of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Two Hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background: In African countries, where the burden of neonatal sepsis is the highest, the spread of Carbapenemases Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in the community, potentially contributing to neonatal mortality, is a public health concern. The transmission routes are not well defined, particularly the possible key role played by pregnant women. The aim of this study was to understand the neonatal acquisition of CPE in Yaounde, Cameroon. Methods: A transversal analytical study was conducted in an urban area. Maternal stool samples during delivery and the first stool from their new-born were collected and cultured to isolate Enterobacteria. After isolation, characterization using API20E identification system, and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed according to the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology. Carbapenemases detection was done on each carbapenem-resistant strain using the Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and their classification using the synergy tests with different inhibitors. Results: Out of the 55 CPE isolates identified, Escherichia coli was the most encountered bacteria both in mothers (n = 18, 50.00%) and infants (n = 11, 57.89%). Class B and D carbapenemases were found both in mothers and infants. The estimated prevalence of vertical transmission in our study, was 10% (n = 12). Logistic regression showed that CPE carriage in mothers and CPE acquisition in their new-borns were independently associated with the presence of greenish amniotic fluid (OR = 7.33, p 0.0001 in mothers and OR = 4.09, p = 0.0086 in new-borns). Conclusion: Our results highlight the non-negligeable role played by pregnant women in the neonatal acquisition of CPE.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)is a major public health concern,particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial.Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV,which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health.AIM To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa.It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation.METHODS The study included pregnant women from any African country or region,irrespective of their symptoms,and any study design conducted in any setting.Using electronic literature searches,articles published until February 2023 were reviewed.The quality of the included studies was evaluated.The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa.Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics,and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test.RESULTS A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis(meta-analysis).Out of the total studies,146(58.9%)had a low risk of bias and 102(41.1%)had a moderate risk of bias.No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies.The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3%[95%confidence interval(CI):8.3-10.3].The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups(P<0.001),with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa(29.4%,95%CI:26.5-32.4)and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa(0.7%,95%CI:0.3-1.3).CONCLUSION The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant,particularly in Southern African countries.This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.

Larvicidal efficacy of crude and fractionated extracts of Dracaena loureiri Gagnep against Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles minimus mosquito vectors

Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of crude and fractionated extracts of Dracaena loureiri endocarp against Aedes aegypti,Aedes albopictus,Culex quinquefasciatus,and Anopheles minimus mosquitos.Methods:Larvicidal activity was tested according to World Health Organization standard protocol.The third-stage larvae of each mosquito species were exposed to various concentrations of Dracaena loureiri crude extract and six groups of Dracaena loureiri fractionated extracts(RC-DT 009-014).Larval mortality rates were observed after 24 h and48 h of exposure.Then,a computerized probit analysis of the mortality data was performed to determine lethal concentration 50(LC_(50))and lethal concentration 90 values.Results:Anopheles minimus larvae(24-h LC_(50)77.88 mg/L)had the highest susceptibility to crude extract,whereas others(Aedes aegypti,24-h LC_(50)224.73 mg/L;Aedes albopictus,24-h LC_(50)261.75 mg/L;and Culex quinquefasciatus,24-h LC_(50)282.86 mg/L)were significantly less susceptible.The most effective groups of fractionated extracts were RC-DT 012 and RC-DT 013.The mosquito species most susceptible to fractionated extracts was Culex quinquefasciatus,with 24-h LC_(50)values of 0.66 and 0.94 mg/L for RC-DT 012 and RC-DT 013,respectively.Conclusions:The larvicidal activity of fractionated extracts is more effective than that of crude extract against all tested mosquito species.For the most effective alternative larvicide,purification and a phytochemical constituent analysis must be performed.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients and its relationship with HIV infection,ABO blood groups and life style in a university hospital,Northwest Ethiopia

AIM： To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori （H pylori） among dyspeptic patients and to assess the relationship between Hpylori infection, blood group, HIV infection and life style of the patients. METHODS： In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, patients attending Outpatient Department of University of Gondar Hospital were enrolled. Socio-demographic information was collected using questionnaires. Serum was analyzed for anti-H pylori IgG antibodies using a commercial kit. HIV serostatus was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Blood grouping was performed by slide agglutination tests. RESULTS： A total of 215 dyspeptic patients were included in the study. One hundred and sixteen patients （54%） were females and 99 （46%） were males. Anti-H pylori IgG antibodies were detected in sera of 184 （85.6%） patients. The prevalence was significantly higher in patients aged 50 years and above. Twenty point five percent of the patients were found to be seropositive for HIV. No significant association was found between sex, ABO blood groups, consumption of spicy diets, socioeconomic status and seropositivity for Hpylori. However,alcohol consumption was significantly associated with H pylori serology. CONCLUSION： The prevalence of H pylori infection is associated with a history of alcohol intake and older age. The effect of different diet, alcohol and socioeconomic status as risk factors for H pylori infection needs further study.

Sexual Risk Behaviours among People Living with HIV and Implications for Control in the North West Region of Cameroon

In Cameroon, despite extensive control efforts against HIV/AIDS, the number of new HIV infections is still on the rise. The factors contributing to this are not clearly understood. We hypothesized that it may lie on people living with HIV (PLHIV). In a case-control descriptive study, we studied the characteristics and sexual risky behaviour of PLHIV in the North West Region of Cameroon which has the highest HIV prevalence. Participants were screened for HIV and a structured questionnaire was used in data collection. An equivalent number (350) of PLHIV and controls who did not differ with respect to age and sex participated. Relative to the control, PLHIV were generally less educated (P < 0.001), poorer and less privileged (P < 0.001) with no stable source of income. Among participants that were once married, a greater proportion of PLHIV were divorced (OR = 5.23, P = 0.007), and widows (OR = 2.73, P = 0.001). Among participants that were single, a relatively greater proportion of PLHIV practiced multi-partner sex (OR = 4.55, P< 0.001). History of STDs was higher in PLHIV than the control (OR = 1.88, P = 0.001). Out of 350 PLHIV, 280 (80%) admitted to having had sexual intercourse after being diagnosed of which only 127 (41.78%) admitted to using condoms and 132 (47.14%) admitted to concealing their HIV status from their sexual partner(s). These findings have implications in HIV control programs which should target the poor and the less educated, as well as the sexual behaviour of PLHIV, so as to reverse the current rising trend of new infections in the country.

Susceptibility to temephos,permethrin and deltamethrin of Aedes aegypti(Diptera:Culicidae) from Muang district,Phitsanulok Province,Thailand

Objective:To investigate the susceptibility to temephos.permethrin and deltamethrin of Aedes aegypti Ae.aegypti),collected from areas with high incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Phitsanulok Province.Thailand.Methods:The F1 progenies of Ae.aegypti colony,originated from five sub-districts including Aranyik.Hua Ro,Nai Muang.Ban Krang and Tha Pho,were used in the bioassays following the procedures of World Heath Organization.For larval bioassay.the late third or early fourth-instar lanae were tested with different concentrations of temephos.For adult bioassay.the females were exposed to 0.75%permethrin or 0.05%deltamethrin.LC_(50)value and mortality rate were analyzed to compare the insecticide susceptibility of the larvae and the adults in each area,respectively.Results:The LC_(50) value of temephos for the larvae from Aranyik.Hua Ro.Nai Muang,Ban Krang and Tha Pho sub-districts was 0.017.0.017.0.026.0.061.and 0.113 ppm,respectively.For permethrin,the highest morlalitv rate(86.84%) was found in the mosquitoes from Aranyik but the others were more resistant with the lower morlality rates(16.00-42.67%).The adult morlality rates after exposing to dellaiiielhrin were higher(82.34-98.67%) in all areas.Conclusions:Ae.acgypti larvae were still susceptible to temephos.Conversely,most tested adults tended to resist the penmethrin and deltamethrin.

Influence of flavone extract from cultivated saussurea on learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease A comparison with estradiol benzoate

The present study established a mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease, and investigated the effects of treatment with flavone extract from artificially cultivated saussurea. A positive control group was treated with estradiol benzoate, and learning and memory ability were examined in the 8-arm radial maze. The learning and recognition ability of mice with Alzheimer＇s disease treated with flavone extract was significantly improved and the number of hippocampal neurons was significantly increased in the flavone-treated and positive control groups compared with the model group. The results indicate that flavone extract from artificially cultivated saussurea can improve learning and memory deficits in mice with Alzheimer＇s disease, exerting effects similar to those of estradiol benzoate.

Association of Blastocystis hominis with colorectal cancer:A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidences

BACKGROUND Recently,there have been several findings that showed intestinal colonisation of Blastocystis hominis(Blastocystis)as a risk factor to the worsening of colorectal cancer(CRC).However,studies have shown controversial results in the pathogenicity of Blastocystis.AIM To review systematically the evidence available on the association between CRC and Blastocystis and the prevalence of Blastocystis in CRC patients and to investigate cytopathic and immunological effects of Blastocystis in in vitro and in vivo studies.METHODS PRISMA guidelines were utilised in conducting this systematic review.Original articles published before February 2,2020 were included.PubMed,Science Direct,Scopus and Google scholar databases were searched.Manual searching was carried out to find articles missed during the online search.RESULTS Out of 12 studies selected for this systematic review,seven studies confirmed the prevalence of Blastocystis and found it to be between 2%-28%in CRC patients,whereby subtype 1 and subtype 3 were predominantly seen.A total of four studies employing in vitro human colorectal carcinoma cell line study models showed significant cytopathic and immunological effects of Blastocystis.In addition,one in vivo experimental animal model study showed that there was a significant effect of infection with Blastocystis on exacerbation of colorectal carcinogenesis.CONCLUSION Blastocystis is a commonly identified microorganism in CRC patients.These studies have provided supportive data that Blastocystis could exacerbate existing CRC via alteration in host immune response and increased oxidative damage.Future studies of CRC and Blastocystis should attempt to determine the various stages of CRC that are most likely to be associated with Blastocystis and its relationship with other intestinal bacteria.

Detection of Trypanosoma spp. in Bandicota indica from the Thai-Myanmar border area, Mae Sot District Tak Province, Thailand

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of trypanosome infection and their phylogeny in Bandicota indica rats from the cadmium-contaminated area of Mae Sot and the Myanmar border.Methods:Blood samples were taken from 100 animals,and parasite infection was examined by light microscopy observation and polymerase chain reaction(PCR)studies.Results:Trypanosoma spp.infection was found in 20%of the thin blood smear samples.PCR showed positive 623 bp DNA bands in 21 samples(21%).The sequencing analysis showed that all of the samples(100%)had the Trypanasoma lewisi 18 S ribosomal RNA gene.Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these 16 isolates of Trypanosoma spp.were closely related to Trypanasoma lewisi.Conclusions:Molecular detection using PCR is as effective as conventional light microscopy analysis.This study confirms that trypanosomal infection in rodents is still high;therefore,fleas as their vectors need to be controlled in order to prevent transmission to humans.

Prevalence and virulence factors of Candida spp. associated with blow flies

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of Candida spp.and the virulence factors of Candida albicans(C.albicans) isolated from external surfaces of blow flies collected from Mae Sot,Tak Province,Thailand.Methods:The blow flies were collected by sterile sweep nets from three areas in Mae Sot.Yeast isolation was first performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar(SDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide.The yeast isolates were then identified by using chromogenic agar,a yeast identification test kit,a germ tube formation test and a carbohydrate utilization test.The β-hemolysis was determined on 7% sheep blood agar,while phospholipase activity was measured on SDA agar supplemented with 10% egg yolk suspension.Antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by broth micro-dilution testing against ketoconazole and amphotericin B.Results:The prevalence rate of Candida spp.on the external surfaces of the blow flies was 78.1%.All C.albicans isolated from the blow fly demonstrated b-hemolysin and potent phospholipase activities and 47.1% of C.albicans were resistant to ketoconazole with MIC values 128 mg/m L.Conclusions:The results indicate that blow flies could play an essential role in the transmission of potentially pathogenic and antifungal resistant C.albicans into the environment.Further investigation on other virulence factors and genetic relatedness among isolates from the blow flies,the environment and clinical specimens is required to confirm this role.

Cloning identification and functional analysis of human IL-17A promoter

Objective: To conduct the cloning identification and characterization of the sequence of human IL-17 A promoter so as to analyze the regulatory mechanism of the gene expression of IL-17. Methods: First of all, the potential promoter region of IL-17 A was found by means of the bioinformatics methods. Then, it was cloned into the reporter vector with PCR technique. Finally, the activity of the test promoter was determined by dual luciferase reporter system. Results: Two transcriptional start points of the upper region, 600 bp and 1000 bp, of IL-17 A were obtained by PCR clone and proved to have certain activities by dual luciferase reporter system. Also, they could be activated by IL-17 A activator STAT3, which could start the expression of the reported gene. Conclusions: Clone established the regulatory region of human IL-17 A promoter, which provided bases to the subsequent function research.

Larvicidal activity of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus indica, Xenorhabdus stockiae, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. akhurstii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. hainanensis as a larvicide against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Methods: Larvae(L3-L4) of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were given 2 m L of a suspension 107-108 CFU/m L of each symbiotic bacterium. Distilled water and Escherichia coli ATCC襅25922 were used as the control. The mortality rate of the larval mosquitoes was observed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The experiment was performed in triplicates. Results: The larvae of both Aedes species started to die at 24 h exposure. Aedes aegypti showed the highest mortality rate(87%-99%), 96 h after exposure to Xenorhabdus stockiae(b NBP22.2_TH). The mortality rate of Aedes albopictus was between 82% and 96% at 96 h after exposure to Xenorhabdus indica(b KK26.2_TH). Low effectiveness of distilled water and Escherichia coli ATCC襅25922 were observed in both Aedes larvae, with a mortality rate of 2% to 12%. Conclusions: The study confirms the oral toxicity of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria against Aedes spp. Xenorhabdus stockiae and Xenorhabdus indica may be an alternative agent for control Aedes spp. This is basic information for further study on the mechanism of action on Aedes larvae or application to control mosquito larvae in the community.

Larvicidal activity of endocarp and seed crude extracts of Dracaena loureiri Gagnep against Aedes aegypti(L.) mosquito

Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the endocarp and seeds of Dracaena loureiri(D. loureiri) against the dengue mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti.Methods: Bioassays were performed by exposing late third-stage to early fourth-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti to various concentrations of the extracts from D. loureiri. The larval mortality was observed after 24-and 48-h exposure.Results: The larvicidal bioassay in this study demonstrated that the ethanolic endocarp extract was the most effective with the LC50 value of 84.00 mg/L after 24 h exposure and< 50 mg/L after 48 h exposure. Extracts from the other parts of the plant were significantly less effective as a larvicide.Conclusions: The ethanolic endocarp extract of D. loureiri demonstrated effective larvicidal activity. It is an alternative source for developing a novel larvicide for controlling this mosquito species.

In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal action of aescin and aescin liposomes against Trypanosoma evansi in experimental mice

Objective:To verify the trypanocidal effectiveness of aescin and aescin liposomes against Trypanosoma evansi in vitro and in vivo.Methods:Aescin and aescin liposomes were used in vitro on trypomastigotes at different concentrations(0.5%,1.0%and 2.0%) and exposure times(0,1,3,6 and 9 h).In vivo tests were performed using mice as the experimental model.Trypanosome evansi infected mice were treated with aescin and aescin liposomes with doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg during 4 d.Results:The three concentrations tested in free form and nanoencapsulated showed trypanocidal activity in vitro,completely eliminating the parasites in small concentration after6 h of assay.Animals treated with aescin(100 mg/kg) and aescin liposomes(100 mg/kg)showed increase in longevity,however without curative effect.Conclusions:Active compounds present in natural products,such as aescin,may potentiate the treatment of trypanosomosis when used in association with other trypanocidal drugs.

Effects of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy on Disease Progression among HIV Patients Treated at the Buea Regional Hospital, Southwest Region, Cameroon: A Case-Control Study

In the era of “test and treat”, when AIDS-defining events have been drastically reduced, chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important cause of non-AIDS morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. Compared to the general population, HIV-infected patients are about 10-times at risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Additionally, several antiretroviral regimens are hepatotoxic. Therefore, effective monitoring and management of ART and HBV co-infection are essential to ending the AIDS epidemic and eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. This was a hospital-based, matched (age and sex) case-control study. HIV patients (case patients) on ART for at least six months and “healthy” controls aged 18 years and older were enrolled. Blood samples were collected for immuno-hematologic indices and transaminases measurements. Data were presented as counts, percentages, median (IQR) and means (SD), and a p-value 1.5) and mild (0.6 - 1.5) liver fibrosis based on the APRI score was 0.5% and 8%, respectively. Significant fibrosis (>3.25) was 0.9%, while 18.4% had inconclusive fibrosis (1.45 - 3.25) based on the FIB-4 score. HIV/HBV co-infected patients had a higher occurrence of liver fibrosis (APRI: 0.5% vs FIB-4: 0.9%). Co-infections with HBV increase the risk of liver-related morbidity in HIV patients. Therefore, screening for serological markers of chronic HBV infection and hepatic transaminase levels in HIV patients remains crucial in the continuum of care.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities and Cytotoxicity of Three Medicinal Plants Used for the Management of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>Infections in the North-West Region of Cameroon

Introduction: Chemotherapy is used to combat tuberculosis, and other microbial infections. Unfortunately, resistance has been reported to a vast majority of currently use drugs. The objective of this study was to search for new therapies from plant products for the sustainable management of tuberculosis and S. aureus infections. Materials and Methods: Crude extracts were obtained by sequential maceration of dry powdered plant material in three solvents;hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. Phytochemical screening to identify active constituents in the crude extracts was done by conventional methods. The antimycobacterial and antimicrobial activity on M. tuberculosis control strain H37Ra and a clinical isolate of S. aureus respectively, was evaluated at eight different concentrations using the microplatealamar blue assay. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts was evaluated on monkey kidney epithelial cells and assessed using the MTT/formazan assay. Results: Twelve crude extracts were obtained, the hexane extract of Sanseviera liberica rhizomes (P3rH) showed antimycobacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/mL. The hexane and methanol extracts of Emilia coccinea, P2H and P2M respectively, showed antimicrobial activity with MICs of 500 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL respectively. P2M and P2H had selectivity indices of respectively, 0.1046 and 0.2336. Conclusion: This study validates the use of S. liberica and E. coccinea for the traditional management of tuberculosis and S. aureus infections, respectively. Furthermore, it provides a base for the purification of the active extracts and generation of leads in the search of alternative drugs for the management of these microbial infections.