Atypical Yersinia virulence markers isolated from children with diarrhea

Background and Objective: Yersinia is a gram-negative bacillus that cause diarrhea through consumption of contaminated food and water. This study was performed to identify the atypical Yersinia virulence markers isolated from children with diarrhea

Methods: This descriptive cross -sectional study was done on 384 fecal samples of 0- 14 years old children admitted at children medical center from August 2011 to August of 2012. Fecal samples, for the enrichment, after 21 days of incubation in alkaline buffer with pH=7.2 at 4degree C, on days 7,14 and 21 samples were cultured on CIN agar and Mac agar and then confirm the differentiation atypical Yersinia from other typical Yersinia species from fermentation of different sugars. Isolates were tested for marker of virulence including calcium dependence, auto agglutination, Congo red uptake and binding of crystal violet

Results: Out of 384 stool samples, 4 [1.04%] were infected with Yersinia [Yersinia frederikseni, Yersinia kristensenii and Yersinia enterocolitica]

Out of these three, only two samples in association was positive with virulence markers

Conclusion: Phenotypic markers can be used to study the properties of phenotypic strains of Yersinia

Effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminiferous tubules in adult rat testis

Background and Objective: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide., which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminferous tubules in adult rat testis

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental 1, 2 and 3. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon for 28 days, orally, respectively. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received an equivalent amount of normal saline. The animals were euthanized after 28 days and a blood sample was collected via heart puncture and testes were removed for histological studies

Results: Diazinon significantly reduced serum testosterone concentration, sertoli cell, leydig cell count, primary spermatocyte and spermatid [P<0.05]. Diazinon had no significant effect on the body and testis weight in the experimental groups compared to controls

Conclusion: Diazinon reduces the concentration of testosterone and cells in seminferous tubule in adult rat

Comparison of knee functional ability and static and dynamic postural control between female handball players with patellofemoral pain and healthy female handball players

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to compare knee functional ability and static and dynamic postural control in healthy female handball players and female handball players with patellofemoral pain

Materials and Methods: This non-experimental and case-control study included 25 female handball players with PFP syndrome and 25 healthy female handball players

WOMAC scale and universal goniometer were used for assessment of knee function and range of motion of the knee joint. We used Sharpend Romberg and SEBT tests for measurement of static and dynamic postural control. Using SPSS version 21, data were analyzed by kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t -tests, p < 0.05 was considered significant

Results: Knee function was significantly weaker in the patients with PFP than the healthy control group [P=0.001]

In PFP group, flexion range of motion was significantly more [P=0.002] and extension range of motion [P=0.005], static postural control [P=0.001] and dynamic postural control in posterior [P=0.002], posterolateral [P=0.001], lateral [P=0.001] and anterolateral [P=0.006] directions were significantly less than those in the healthy subjects. But, there were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to dynamic postural control in anterior, anteromedial, medial and posteromedial directions [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Negative changes in knee functional ability and static postural control and dynamic postural control in lateral and posterior directions in the women with PFP, can be attributed to weakness and atrophy of the knee anteromedial muscles or stiffness of the knee postero lateral muscles

Hence, in rehabilitation of PFP patients, the strengthening of the anteromedial muscles and stretching of the postero lateral muscles of the knee should be considered essential

[The effect of cardamom supplementation on anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese prediabetic women]

Introduction: Spice consumption has been considered for treatment of diseases complications because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. One of these spices that contains a great variety of antioxidant compounds is cardamom. However since the effect of this spice on anthropometric measurements has not been investigated, this study was designed to determine the effect of cardamom supplementation on anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese prediabetic women

Materials and Methods: Eighty prediabetic women were randomly allocated to 2 groups, with the intervention group receiving 3 g of green cardamom and the placebo group, 3 g of rusk powder for two months. Physical activity, dietary information and anthropometric measurement including weight, height and waist circumference were recorded before and after intervention. Body mass index [BMI] was calculated by dividing weight by height squared

Results: Mean weight and BMI decreased significantly in the intervention group after the study [p<0.05]. After adjustment of initial measurement of waist circumference, at the end of intervention, waist circumference in the intervention group was significantly lower than the placebo group [p<0.05]. In the placebo group, changes in means of weight, BMI and waist circumference were not significant at the end of study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in other terms of anthropometric measurements

Conclusion: Cardamom supplementation may reduce the waist circumference and abdominal obesity in prediabetic groups

[ effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis .L on the level of renal function and liver enzymes in diabetic rats]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide range of kidney and liver disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Melissa officinalis on indicators of liver function and kidney in diabetic rats

Materials and Methods:Thirtyfive wistar rats were divided into 5 groups [n=7 each] as follows: Control, diabetic control and three diabetic groups, which received alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis at doses of 100, 200 mg/kg body weight respectively through gastric gavage and glibenclamide 10 mg/ kg, for a period of 3 weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin [STZ]. At the end of this period [21 days], blood samples were collected for measurement of liver enzymes and factors for data analysis

Results: Amounts of enzyme levels of alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] in the group treated with the extract, compared to the diabetic control group showed no significant changes, whereas serum levels of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] were significantly reduced [P<0.05], which declined most in the group receiving the minimum dose of the extract. Serum creatinine and urea in the group receiving the highest dose showed a significant decrease compared to other groups [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The extract Melissa officinalis with lower levels of liver enzymes, particularly ALP and GGT and renal markers, urea and creatinine was effective in improving liver function and treatment of diseases of the liver and kidneys

[ impact of personal factors on diabetic patient's health information seeking Behavior]

Introduction: Since Health Information Seeking Behavior [HISB] is a psychological phenomenon like every other human behavior, it seems that personal characteristics of patients affect this behavior. On the other hand, appropriate health information seeking behavior can fasten disease healing presses or their prevention. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of personal factors HISB of diabetic patients in Isfahan

Methods: A survey method was used in this research. The statistical population consisted of 6426 diabetic patients from whom 362 patients were selected by a no percentage stratified random sampling. The Longo information seeking behavior questionnaire was used to collect data and SPSS 20 were used for analyzing collected data

Results: Independent T- test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between behavior factor in information seeking process of men and women [p< 0.001]. Moreover, Spearman correlation index showed that HISB factors were directly related to educational level. This test also showed that there was a direct relationship between income and some information seeking factors. Pearson correlation index showed that there was an inverse relationship between age and most information seeking factors

Conclusion: Passive methods should be used in transferring health information to diabetic men, and more time and energy should be consumed in transferring information to old diabetic patients with low income and low educational level. Hence, by studying factors influencing health information seeking behaviors of diabetic patients, their required information can be transferred to them more efficiently leading to prevention of diabetes

Effect of early urethral dilatation in prevention of complications in hypospadias patients after urethroplasty

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation in boys. One of the common surgical techniques for correction of hypospadias is [Tubularized Incised Plate urethraplasty=TIP]. Meatal stenosis and fistula formation are known post-operative complications. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of early urethral dilatation in prevention of post operative complications. A randomized clinical trial including 60 patients with distal hypospadias who underwent tabularized incised plate urethroplasty with or without dilatation was conducted in Bandar Abbas children hospital in 2011. Patients were divided in two groups. The number of the patients and mean age were not different in two groups. Urethral dilatation was started in first group at two weeks following surgery and continued for six months. The patients of second group were followed without urethral dilatation. All patients were followed for occurance of complications for one year. Chi-Square and t-test were used to compare the groups. In the first group the early fistula, late fistula, stenosis, hematoma, urinary infection, cutaneous necrosis, and wound dehiscence were developed in 16.7%, 6.7%, 10%, 26.7%, 13.3%, 10%, and 20% of the patients, respectively. In the second group these complications were seen in 10%, 6.7%, 3.3%, 13.3%, 6.7%, 3.3%, and 6.7% of the patients, respectively. Statistical analysis of results showed no significant differences between two groups in rate of complications. Early urethral dilatation after urethroplasty has no significant effect on postoperative complications

[Complication of post radiation in patients with head and neck cancer]

Radiotherapy is a main therapeutic regiment in the treatment of head and neck cancers. Radiation not only eradicate cancer but it also cause damage to healthy surrounding tissues, giving rise to objective and subjective problems. This study was done to evaluate the subjective complications of post radiation in patients with head and neck cancer. This descriptive -analytic study was carried out on 45 patients with head and neck cancer [28 males and 17 females] whom were gone under radiotherapy in Rasht, Iran. Subjective complications evaluated before, during, 1 month and 3 months after radiotherapy. Persian version of LENT-SOMA questionnaire was used. Pain, xerostomia, dysphagia, trismus and dysgeusia were recorded for each subject. 80% of subjects experienced Pain. In the study period, pain intensity, frequency and analgesic consumption were belonging to ear and throat. One month after post radiation, pain intensity, frequency and analgesic consumption belong to ear, throat, jaw, mouth and teeth which were significantly more than 3 months after radiotherapy [P<0.05]. One month after post treatment, xerostomia, dysphagia, trismus and dysgeusia were significantly more than 3 months after radiotherapy [P<0.05]. Pain in ear and jaw had significant correlation with radiation dosage [P<0.05]. Intensity of subjective complains were aggravated and merge one month after radiotherapy and can be reduced to nearly the initial stage of treatment, three months after radiotherapy

[Determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption among People in the Age Range of 18-70 Years in Arak, Iran]

High fruit and vegetable intake has been introduced as one of the key factors of healthy diet to prevent chronic disease. This study attempts to explore the fruit and vegetable intake in Arak city and its relationship with demography and socio-economic factors. In this cross sectional study, 660 people in 18 -70 age range were selected with a two-stage cluster sampling and were interviewed for demography and socio -economic questionnaires and a 56- items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess fruit and vegetable intake. After univariate analysis, the association of the significant variables with fruit and vegetable intake was also evaluated with multiple linear regression. In this study, over 60 percent of subjects consumed less than the minimum recommended amount of fruit and vegetable [5 servings or 400 gr a day].The total consumption of fruit and vegetable indicated an inverse significant relationship with age [p =0.04 and beta = 0.02], and a direct significant relationship with economic status [p<0.001 and beta =0.10]. The father's educational level [beta=-0.005 and beta =0.38 for diploma level and beta =0.03 and beta=0.36 for academic education] and physical activity level [p =0.001 and beta -0.03 per hour] were factors associated with fruit consumption. The gender was only associated with vegetable consumption so that women had higher consumption in this study [p=0.03 and beta=0.23]. The findings of this study indicate low fruit and vegetable consumption in the population under study. In this study, age, physical activity, and socioeconomic status and fathers' education were the factors that were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable consumption

Changes in essential oil composition and leaf traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.] affected by bio-stimulators / fertilizers application

Basil [Ocimum basilicum L.], a member of the Lamiaceae family, has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. To investigate the foliar application effects of bio-stimulators and bio-fertilizers on morphological and phytochemical traits of basil [Ocimum basilicum L.]. Bio-stimulators in three commercial formulations of aminolforte, kadostim and fosnutren [with concentration of 1.5 L.ha[-1]] through foliar application, and bio-fertilizers in three commercial formulations of nitroxin, super-nitro plus and barvar 2 [with concentration of 0.5 L.ha[-1]] through seed inoculation were considered as two studied factors. The results showed that the interaction effect of bio-stimulators and bio - fertilizers was significant [p<0.01] on all of studied parameters except of chlorophyll content [SPAD value]. The highest leaf fresh weight [25.47 g/plant] and leaf dry weight [6.48 g/plant] were obtained under fosnutren and nitroxin treatment, also maximum leaf number [206.33] was recorded in aminolforte and nitroxin treatment. The highest leaf area [1302.2 mm[2]/plant] was observed in kadostim and nitroxin treatment. Also results showed that the highest content of essential oil [0.43%] was obtained in aminolforte and nitroxin, methyl chavicol [37.13%] in fosnutren and super-nitro plus, geranial [29.05%] and caryophylene [6.66%] in kadostim and nitroxin, and carvacrol [31.60%] in fosnutren and nitroxin treated plants. In general, the best treatment to improve growth and phytochemical traits of Ocimum basilicum were kaclostim x nitroxin and fosnutren x nitroxin

[Assessment of knowledge and beliefs' barriers to living with type 2 diabetes and its related factors]

Living with type 2 diabetes is a big challenge. In this regards, concentration on patients' knowledge and beliefs are main components of planning for living with the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and beliefs' barriers to living with type 2 diabetes and its related factors. This was a cross sectional study conducted with 600 patients selected using random sampling. Data gathering tool was consisted of two sections: demographic and health related items, diabetes control index as HbA[1C] [10 items], and the questionnaire of knowledge and beliefs barriers [10 items]. Interviews were performed to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze data. Mean and standard deviation of patients' knowledge and beliefs' barriers was 31.26 and 7.61, respectively. There were significant relationships between patients' knowledge and beliefs' barriers and disease duration, level of education, type of treatment, occupation, age groups, income and HbA1C [P<0.001]. Results of the logistic regression model revealed that odds ratio of knowledge and beliefs' barriers had a significant relationship with disease duration [P=0.001], under diploma education [P<0.001], Insulin therapy [P=0.004], mixed therapy of oral agents and insulin [P=0.02], age more than 65 years old [P=0.001] and poor diabetes control [P<0.001]. The severity of patients' knowledge and beliefs barriers had a significant relationship with elderly age, disease duration, less education, non-oral agents' therapy, and poor diabetes control. Conducting experimental studies on the factors in patients with type 2 diabetes is suggested

[Prevalence of body dysmorphia and psychological disorders relatives in rhinoplasty volunteer]

Body dysmorphia [BDD] is a psychiatric illness experienced by up to 20% of patients requesting cosmetic surgery. BDD should be searched out and recognized by the plastic surgeon. This study aimed todetermine the prevalence of Prevalence of body dysmorphia and psychological disorders relatives in cosmetic rhinoplasty volunteer. In the cross-sectional study first 400 patients who referred for treatment to a clinic surgery in Hamedan city in 2009 were selected by convenience sampling and clinical interview with criteria DSM-IV to assess BDD. In the next phase, patients with body dysmorphia were assessed with MMPI questionnaire and clinical interview to identify otherrelative mental disorders. Data analyzed were descriptive statistical. 21 patients had body dysmorphia disorder whose mean and standard deviation of MMPI questionnaire were hypochondrias is 6.14[3.32], Depression 9.85[4.30], hysteria 12.28[3.45], antisocial 9[4], paranoia 5.33[2.31], Psychatseni 9.57[4.33], schizophrenia 9[5] and hypomania 5.66[3.16]. Body dysmorphia is a psychiatric illness experienced by cosmetic surgery and necessary appropriate consultation and intervention

[ relationship between self-esteem and depression in nursing students of a selected medical university in Tehran]

Medical students, especially army university students are considered as being under high risk for mental disorders. This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem and depression in nursing students of a selected medical university in Tehran. In this descriptive-analytical survey, 130 nursing students of a selected medical university in Tehran were selected. Data collection tools were: A researcher-made demographic information questionnaire, the 21-item Beck Depression questionnaire, and 58-question Cooper Smith self Esteem Questionnaire. After entering the data into SPSS version 18 and using the Liker method for scoring options in the questionnaire, data analysis was made according to SPSS software and descriptive-analytical statistics [Chi-square]. The results showed that%24.3 of students had moderate to severe depression. Also%56.1 had a low self-esteem. Chi-square tests showed significant differences between depression and self-esteem in the assessed units [P<0.05]. Given that a significant difference existed between the level of self-esteem and depression and upon increasing self-esteem, the scores of depression decreases, it, therefore is possible to use methods of enhancing self-esteem to improve students' mental health

[Evaluation of correlation between lifestyle and morbidity of Ischemic heart disease]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of 17,000,000 worldwide deaths annually. If the current trends continue, the number of deaths will increase to 25,000,000 by the year 2020. Lifestyle contributes to many chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between lifestyle and ischemic heart disease. This case-control study was carried out in Damavand sevvom sha'ban hospital. The sample of the study consisted of 65 cases [patients suffering from coronary artery disease] and 65 healthy controls. Data were collected by three questionnaires: General Health Questionnaire [GHQ], FFQ [Food Frequency Questionnaire] and physical activity questionnaire . These questionnaires were completed by interviewing the participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. There was a significant correlation between Age, Marital status, Smoking, Physical activity, diet and Mental health and ischemic heart disease. Insufficient physical activity, high fat and low fiber diet, inappropriate mental status were risk factors and major causes of in heart ischemia incidence

[Biological and enviornmental monitoring of lead and exposure in the automobile industry]

Soldering is one of the most common activities in metal industries. Lead is used in soldering process and has considerable toxic effects. The aim of this study, therefore, was biological and environmental monitoring and effects of exposure to lead in soldering unit workers at an automobile industry. In order to evaluate biological and environmental exposure to lead, a case-control study was accomplished on 60 workers in soldering unit [case group] and 60 workers in official unit [control group]. Demographical and medical information were gained by a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 8003 method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy [AAS] respectively and air samples were collected and analyzed using the NIOSH 7300 method and Inductively Coupled Atomic Emission Spectroscopy [ICP-AES] respectively. The obtained results shown that, with increasing age and work experience, the blood lead level is also increased. [p=0.033] [p=0.003] In exposed group, the blood lead mean value was significantly higher than the control group [p-value <0.001]. Prevalence of digestive, nervous, respiratory, dermal, kidney disorders, anemia diseases, and disorder in bone metabolism in exposed group were higher than the control group. Amount of lead level was negative correlated with hemoglobin [r=-0.287; p=0.026] and hematocrit [r=-0.336; p=0.009] but there was no significant correlation between air and blood lead level. The blood lead level may be increased in lead exposure due absence of personal protective equipment and poor personal hygiene. Increased lead level in blood can be resulted to various diseases and decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in blood

[Determining service life of respirator cartridge using a simple and practical method: case study in a car manufacturing industry]

For ensuring about proper performance of air-purifying respirators in providing protection against workplace contaminates, it is necessary to change the respirator cartridges before the end of their service life. The aim of this study was determination of service life of organic vapor cartridges using a simple and practical method in a spray painting booth of a car manufacturing industry. NIOSH Multi Vapor software was used for estimating service life of respirator cartridges based on workplace conditions and cartridge specifications. Efficiency of determined service life was investigated using an apparatus for field testing of cartridges in the workplace. The result showed that existing schedule for changing the respirator cartridges is not effective and no longer provide adequate protection for sprayers against organic contaminants while working in a painting booth. It is necessary to change the cartridges before their estimated service life [every 4 hours]. NIOSH Multi Vapor has acceptable efficiency for determining respirator cartridges service life and could be used as a simple and practical method in the workplace. This software could be used as a simple and practical method in the workplace. Moreover, Service life estimated by this software was confirmed by cartridge field test apparatus

effect of service quality on patient loyalty: a study of private hospitals in Tehran, Iran

Service quality is perceived as an important factor for developing patient's loyalty. The aim of this study was to determine the hospital service quality from the patients' viewpoints and the relative importance of quality dimensions in predicting the patient's loyalty. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010.The study sample was composed of 943 patients selected from eight private general hospitals in Tehran. The survey instrument was a questionnaire included 24 items about the service quality and 3 items about the patient's loyalty. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to extracting the dimensions of service quality. Also, regression analysis was performed to determining the relative importance of the service quality dimensions in predicting the patient's loyalty. The mean score of service quality and patient's loyalty was 3.99 and 4.16 out of 5, respectively. About 29% of the loyalty variance was explained by the service quality dimensions. Four quality dimensions [Costing, Process Quality, Interaction Quality and Environment Quality] were found to be key determinants of the patient's loyalty in the private hospitals of Tehran. The patients' experience in relation to the private hospitals' services has strong impact on the outcome variables like willingness to return to the same hospital and reuse its services or recommend them to others. The relationship between the service quality and patient's loyalty proves the strategic importance of improving the service quality for dragging and retaining patients and expanding the market share

[Evaluating the hospitalization costs for elderly patients in teaching hospitals of Kashan university of medical sciences during 2009-10]

Considering that hospital costs of the growing elderly population account for a significant share of the health care costs, this study aimed to investigate the elderly hospitalization cost in teaching hospitals of Kashan university of medical sciences. In this cross-sectional study, 2067 patients [age >/= 60] admitted to teaching hospitals of Kashan university of medical sciences during a one-year period [Sep. 2009-Sep. 2010] were randomly selected using stratified random sampling. Data related to hospitalization charges of cases were obtained from medical records and analyzed. The mean hospitalization charge was 5533529 Rials. The highest cost share was for "bed-day" [26.4%]. The highest average hospitalization cost for different diseases were for digestive, neoplastic and respiratory system, respectively. However, diseases of the eye and circulatory system accounted for the largest share of total hospital costs. Regarding the ward, the highest charges were paid for the elderly patients in ICU and CCU, but internal wards had the largest share of total hospital costs. In addition, a significant relation was seen between the cost for each elderly hospitalized and the ward/disease condition [P<0.001], and the comorbidities [P=0.001]. To reduce the hospital costs, careful attention should be paid to disease services with the highest costs. Moreover, the preventive measures as well as alternative low-cost services [e.g. home care] and developing long-term care should be provided

study on risk factors of wsd outbreak in choubdeh - abadadan shrimp farming site in 2010

White spot, as one of the infectious viral diseases, has made severe losses in shrimp ponds all over the world. Despite extensive efforts made to deal with and control the disease, white spot continues to be a major health problem in shrimp farms across Iran. In this work, the significance of the risk factors of white spot disease epidemic occurred in shrimp ponds of Choubdeh farming site in Khuzestan province of Iran is determined. A cross sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2010, to September 22, 2010 in 223 shrimp ponds of the site. Data was collected on 17 variables, thought to be associated with the occurrence and epidemic of white spot, with the aid of the shrimp ponds owners and fisheries and veterinary organizations. The occurrence of white spot disease in the farming site was determined by clinical symptoms and the results of conventional PCR tests, the effectiveness of the risk factors was established by odds ratio [OR]. It is found that poor management of birds fighting [OR=3.72], less educated farm foreman [OR=3.29] and poor filtration of the intake water [OR= 3.43] are significantly affected the occurrence of the disease while little changes in the salinity of shrimp ponds [OR =0.1 6] decreases the odds of the disease. These findings help better develop shrimp farming across Iran, especially in Khuzestan province

Upwind responses of Anopheles stephensi to carbon dioxide and L-lactic acid: an olfactometer study

Excretion of carbon dioxide and L-lactic acid through exhalation and perspiration provides olfactory signals to mosquitoes which allow them to find and bite humans; however, mosquito species differ in this regard. This study investigated upwind responses of Anopheles stephensi, mysorensis form, an important malaria vector in Asia, to carbon dioxide and L-lactic acid under laboratory conditions. While a minimal dose of carbon dioxide [90 ppm] activated the mosquitoes, 10 times this amount suppressed them. L-lactic acid alone did not produce a significant effect by itself, but addition of 6 microg/min of L-lactic acid to a range of 90 to 410 ppm carbon dioxide resulted in attraction. The results provide further support for the hypothesis that CO2 plays an important role in the host-seeking behaviour of zoophilic mosquitoes, and suggests that L-lactic acid might play a more critical role than CO2 in the attraction of An. stephensi