Corchorus olitorius aqueous extract attenuates quorum sensing-regulated virulence factor production and biofilm formation

Objective:To investigate the effect of Corchorus olitorius aqueous fraction (COAF) on quorum sensing (QS)-regulated virulence factors and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Methods:The preliminary screening of the anti-QS effect of COAF was performed by evaluating the anti-pathogenic activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 biosensor strain. Next, the inhibitory effects of COAF on QS-regulated pyocyanin production, proteolytic and elastolytic activities, swarming motility, and biofilm formation were evaluated in PAO1.Results:The results showed that the treatment of COAF significantly decreased the biofilm biomass, attenuated virulence factors, and inhibited swarming motility of PAO1 without affecting the growth of the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. COAF at 2000 μg/mL significantly decreased Las B elastase activity in PAO1 culture, exopolysaccharide production, swarming motility, pyocyanin level, and biomass of PAO1 by 55％ (P<0.05), 60％ (P<0.01), 61％ (P<0.01), 65％(P<0.01) and 73％ (P<0.01), respectively. In addition, the production of violacein was decreased by 62％ (P<0.01) with the treatment of a high dose of COAF. Conclusions:These findings indicate that COAF can be a potential source of anti-QS agents.

Effects of fasting on intraocular pressure in a black population

There is a dearth of literature available on the effects of fasting on Intraocular pressure [IOP] among all races and worldwide. To determine the effects of fasting on IOP in a black African population. A population-based survey utilizing multistage random sampling techniques was carried out among healthy adult Muslims who were examined before and during Ramadan fast in Osogbo, Nigeria. Demographics were obtained, visual acuities, clinical examination of both eyes, and lOP[s] were done. Weights and waist circumference were measured. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] Version 16. Analysis generated frequencies and cross tabulations, whereas statistical significant values were derived using paired sample t-test and P < 0.05. A total of 60 subjects with 120 eyes were examined. Mean age was 42.3 years standard deviation [SD] 16. 7, and the male to female ratio was 3:2. Majority were! professionals [33.3%]. Only 18.3% had less than secondary school education. Over 90% had normal vision [6/5-6/18]. Before and during fasting, the mean weights were 65.92 kg SD 12.98 and 65.29 kg SD 12.41 with a reduction of 0.63 kg SD 3.82 [P = 0.214, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.372-1.626]; and the mean waist circumference was 87.20 cm SD 12.39 and 81.78 cm SD 11.65 [P = 0.000, 95% CI 4.128-6.720], respectively. Mean lOP[s] were 15.98 mmHg SD 3.11 and 14.08 mmHg SD 2.71 before and during fasting, respectively [P= 0.000, 95% CI 0.98558-2.82798]. The study shows that fasting significantly reduced IOP in an ocularly healthy black African population

Awareness of and attitude towards glaucoma among an adult rural population of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

To obtain baseline data and assess the level of awareness and attitudes towards glaucoma among rural communities of Osun State, Nigeria. This was a community-based study that involved interviews and descriptive cross-sectional analysis. Serial-recruitment was performed of consenting participants who presented at a community-based screening service in March 2011. Socio-demographic data and information about glaucoma were obtained through face-to-face semi-structured questionnaires. The study population comprised 259 respondents [mean age 49.73 +/- 16.6 years; range 18 to 90 years]. There were 159 females [61.4%]. Skilled workers were the most common 130/259 [50.3%] participants. Only 41 [15.8%; 95% CI: 11.4-20.2] participants had ever heard of glaucoma. Sources of information were from visits to an eye clinic for 21/41 [51.2%; 95% CI: 35.9-66.5] participants and 15/41 [36.6%] participants who know someone with glaucoma. Reponses to the causes of glaucoma included 20/41 [48.8%; 33.5-64.1] participant who said 'I don't know' and 24.4% of participants who responded 'curse-from-God'. Responses to questions on treatment included 20/41 [48.8%] participants who responded 'I don't know how it can be treated' and 10/41 [36.6%] said 'medically'. Thirty 30/41 [73.2%] participants would refuse surgery, half of them because 'it cannot cure or reverse the disease' while [26.7%] would refuse out of 'fear'. Only 8/41 [19.5%; 95% CI: 7.4-31.6] would accept surgery for maintenance. Statistically significant predictors of glaucoma awareness were older participants, males and skilled workers [teachers] [P = 0.028, P = 0.018, P = 0.0001, respectively]. The outcomes of study indicate a low level of awareness of glaucoma. Health education at all levels of health and eye care services is required to prevent ocular morbidity and irreversible blindness from glaucoma.

Two new imidazole alkaloids from leucetta chagosensis sponge

Chemical investigation of the sponge Leucetta chagosensis, has led to the isolation of two new imidazole alkaloids, methyldorimidazole [1], preclathridine B [2] along with the know compounds naamine E [3] and leucettamine C [4]. The structures of the newly compounds [1 and 2] were elucidated by employing spectroscopic techniques [[1] HNMR, MS and UV]. The structures of the known compounds 3 and 4 were determined by comparison of their [1] HNMR and Mass spectroscopic data with published values

Bromopyrrole alkaloids from marine sponge Agelas oroides

Following a bioassay-guided approach four bromopyrrole alkaloids, oroidin [1], 4,5-dibromopyrrole-2-carboxanijde [2], 4,5-dibromopyrrole-2-carboxylic acid [3] and 4,5-dibromopyrrole-2-[N methoxymethyl] carboxamide [4], were isolated from the bioactive ethyl acetate extract of the tropical marine sponge Agelas oroides. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using their UV, NMR [I D and II D] and mass spectra. Fish feeding, brine shrimp, cytotoxic activity against L5178Y and Hela cell lines, protein kinase inhibition test and the antimicrobial activities for the isolated compounds were investigated. The fish-feeding assay showed that the total alcoholic extract was highly active and the major compound, oroidin, is responsible for this activity [in concentration of 80 mg/10 ml]

Assessment of nurses implementation of universal precautions in the AIDS wards of Ibn-Zuheir and Ibn- Al- Kahteeb Hospitals

A descriptive study was conducted at two Epidemic Hospitals in Baghdad from 1[st] of August[2003] to 1[st] of October [2004] in order to identify the nursing staff working in AIDS word to implementation of universal precautions for patients with AIDS and relation to some variable. The sample is consisted of [50] nurses who are working in AIDS ward in Ibn- Zuheir and Ibn- Al- Kahteeb Hospitals. Instruments consist of [20] items related with demographic characteristics of nurses and universal precautions items. Validity of the instrument was established through a panel of[4] experts in specific fields. Descriptive and inferential statistics procedure were applied to the data analysis. Results its show that most of nurses was males and they have [16-20] years of experience and there are significant relationship between the implementation of universal precautions and years of experience. The study recommended to planning and implementing specific training programs for nurses in all health institutions about universal precautions

[Ocular rosacea]

Although the occular rosacea affection is not rare, it is usually unknown, sometimes insidiously evolving complications. This is the subject of our case report. A.S is, a 29 years old woman who was followed up during 10 years at ophthalmological department, for blepharitis, keratoconjonctivitis and many invalid functional signs. Diagnosis of rosacea did not reache except after the occurrence of ulcers and corneal leukoma. while the patient had reported earlier about discreet facial telangiectasia. The ocular rosacea frequency is underestimated for many reasons. Different eye structures may be affected, usually announced by evocative functional signs. For improving rosacea management, a tight collaboration between ophthalmologist and dermatologist should be done

Prevalence of hepatitis C in lichen planus

Appraise the prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with lichen planus. This is a retrospective study concerning seventeen cases hospitalized for lichen planus between January 1992 December 2001. Hepatic check-up and anti HVC antibodies were searched in all patients. Cutaneous biopsy was systematic. Seventeen patients were hospitalized for lichen planus. The average age was 52.1 years [extreme between 12 years and 75 years]. Four had a positive hepatitis C serology so 23.5 percent of cases. Hepatic check-up was perturbed in three cases. Oral and erosive lesions were presents in here patients. The results of this retrospective study show a high prevalence of hepatitis C in lichen planus particularly with erosive oral lesions suggesting a relation ship between lichen planus and hepatitis C

Chemical and biological studies of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. Seeds growing in Egypt

The crude expressed oil of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill seeds [18% w/w] [family Cucurbitaceae] was subjected to physical and chemical investigations. GC/MS analysis of the expressed oil revealed that it is built up mostly of linoleic [51.14%], palmitic [21.06%] and oleic [19.30%] acids beside lesser amounts of stearic [7.57%] myristic [0.70%] and eicosanic [0.23%] acids. Vitamin E was determined in the expressed oil by HPLC analysis and found to be 0.015%. In addition a mixture of free fatty acids; palmitic [58.89%] and stearic [41.11%] acids were isolated from the petroleum ether percolate. Identification of constituents was done through GLC analysis and comparing the relative retention time of peaks with those of authentic materials. The expressed oil showed significant anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and moderate progesterone like effects. The oil also exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities

Effect of cimetidine [tagamet] and ranitidine [zantac] [H2 antagonists] on fetal development in rats

The present work was carried out to study the effect of some H2-receptor antagonists on fetal development in rats. Cimetidine and ranitidine were chosen for this investigation and given orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis. Cimetidine in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b. wt. significantly increased the number of resorbed fetuses and pre- and post-implantation deaths, but decreased the number, weight and length of viable fetuses. Dilatation of cerebral ventricles and renal pelvis and pulmonary hypoplasia were recorded as visceral abnormalities. Skeletal examination of fetuses revealed incomplete ossification of skull bones and absence of caudal vertebrae and digits of fore- and hind-limbs. Ranitidine in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg b. wt. significantly increased the number of resorbed fetuses. The anomalies observed were dilatation of cerebral ventricles and renal pelvis. The large dose of ranitidine induced absence of caudal vertebrae and digits of fore- and hind-limbs. Therefore, administration of either of both drugs should be prohibited during the period of organogenesis

Effect of cimetidine [tagamet] and ranitidine [zantac] on male fertility in rats

The effect of cimetidine and ranitidine on male fertility was studied. Oral administration of cimetidine in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b. wt. for 65 successive days significantly decreased weights of testes and accessory glands, sperm cell concentration and percentages of sperm motility and seminiferous tubules containing spermatozoa. Total abnormalities of sperms was significantly increased and characterized by headless and bent tail sperms. Oral administration of ranitidine, in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg b. wt. for 65 successive days, significantly decreased the percentages of sperm motility and seminiferous tubules containing spermatozoa, but increased that of sperm abnormalities. A significant decrease in sperm cell concentration was included only by the large dose of the drug. The effects of both doses of cimetidine and ranitidine on the epididymal sperm characters of male rats treated for 65 successive days are still prominent even after 30 and 60 days from stopping of their administration. The effect induced by small dose of ranitidine disappeared after 60 days from stopping of its administration. Histopathologically, the oral administration of cimetidine in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b. wt. to male rats induced atrophy in some seminiferous tubules of the testes and in prostate glands and seminal vesicles. The epididymal ducts appeared atrophied and free from spermatozoa. On the other hand, the administration of ranitidine to male rats for 65 successive days in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg b. wt. produced insignificant pathological changes in the testes, prostate glands and seminal vesicles

Synthesis and biological activity some new thiadiazolo, triazolo and fused s-triazolo [3,4-b] -1,3,4-thiadiazolo-coumarins

In this study, some new thiadiazolo triazolo and fused s-triazolo [3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazolo-coumarins were prepared from [4,8-dimethyl- 7-coumarinyloxy] acetic acid hydrazide via different intermediates, and evaluated for their pharmacological activities. Some of the tested compounds exhibited CNS depressant activity in the experimental animals

Studies on the prevalence of antibodies for Peste des Petits Ruminants [PPR] and Rinderpest [RP] virus in sheep and goats sera

A total of 182 sera samples were collected from two sheep breeds [mixed and Barki sheep] as well as goats raised under arid conditions and examined by serum neutralization test [SNT] for neutralizing antibodies of PPR and RP viruses. The results showed that at 1: 4 serum dilution, 29.41% of mixed breed sheep, 29.82% of Barki sheep and 29.82% of goats sera contained antibodies to PPR virus, while 2.9%, 12.28% of the two sheep breeds, respectively, and 7% of goats sera had antibodies to RP virus. It could be concluded that the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies to PPR virus is equal in sheep and goats. There is no significant difference between the two sheep breeds tested for PPR virus antibodies, but RP virus antibodies is higher in the sera of Barki sheep than that of the mixed breed sheep and the antibodies for PPR virus in the two sheep breeds are more prevalent than in goats

Cutaneous manifestations of disseminated lupus erythematosus [about 114 cases]

During fourteen years [1970 to 1983], 114 cases of systemic erythematosus Lupus [S.E.L.] have been seen in IBN SINA Hospital, Departement of Medicine "A". Cutaneous manifestations were seen in 102 cases; facial erythematosus was found in 98 cases, alopecia in 58 cases, RAYNAUD phenomen's in 32 cases and mouth ulcers in 14 cases. Cutaneous problems have been cured by Nivaquine and anti-sun cream, but systemic manifestations [renal nephritis] were cured by prednisone. Evolution of cutaneous signs was good in 92 cases [80,70%]

Effect of the synthetic pyrethroids sumicidin and S-3206 on male rat fertility

The effects of sumicidin and S-3206 on male rat fertility were studied on 5 groups of 30 mature rats each. Both sumicidin and S-3206 were orally administered in doses of 20.0, 100.0 and 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg b. wt., respectively, for 65 successive days. Every 15 days, 5 rats from each group were killed for studying the changes in weights of sexual organs, epididymal sperm characters, the levels of FSH and LH in serum and the concentration of both insecticides in testes. Both drugs significantly decreased the weights of male reproductive organs, sperm count, percentages of sperm motility and seminiferous tubules containing spermatozoa. They increased the percentage of sperm abnormalities, while the levels of FSH and LH in serum were fluctuated

Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in infected cells by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]

Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was used to detect bovine viral diarrhea [BVD] virus in infected bovine turbinate [BT] cell culture. Viral RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed to cDNA, and a specific fragment was amplified by PCR using specific primers. BVD virus specific probe was prepared by labeling plasmid DNA contained BVD, PBV4-P80 insert with 32p, using the nick translation technique. The amplified cDNA after agarose gel electrophoresis was transferred to nirocellulose paper by the Southern Blot technique and then hybridized with the probe. The reaction was visualized by autoradiography. It appeared that the technique is highly sensitive for detection of BVD virus in infected cells and could be used for rapid and accurate diagnosis

Molecular differentiation of bovine viral diarrhea virus strains by radioimmunoprecipitation of viral polypeptides

Polypeptides of the reference cytopathic strain NADL, and the non- cytopathic strain NY-1 of bovine viral diarrhea [BVD] virus as well as another five non-cytopathic isolates of the same virus were examined by radioimmunoprecipitation of infected bovine fetal spleen by BFS cells. Viral proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate- polyacrylamide gel [SDS-PAGE] electrophoresis. Polypeptides of molecular weight of 170 kDa, 130 kDa, 80 kDa, 60 kDa, 539 and 50 kDa were prominent for the NADL strain. The non-cytopathic NY-1 strain showed the same polypeptides profile as the NADL strain except that the polypeptide of 80 kDa was absent. The other five non-cytopathic strains showed the same polypeptides except in two strains where they have an additional two polypeptides of 56 and 54 kDa. But the 50 kDa polypeptide was absent. These results are of diagnostic and epidemiological significance

Effect of chlordane form on fetal development in rats

Oral administration of chlordimeform in a dose of 1.0 ml/kg b. wt. during the period of organogenesis [6th - 15th days of gestation] significantly decreased the fetal body weight and resulted in hyperplasia in heart and liver in 6 and 8% of feti of rats, respectively. It caused corrugation of some ribs and absence of sessamoid bones of fore and hind-limbs of feti. The acricide in doses of 8.5 and 17.0 mg/kg b. wt. caused early resorption of 90 and 100% of embryos. Chlordimeform significantly decreased the number of corpus leutum and implantation sites