Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Planification familiale du postpartum à l'hôpital de district de la commune II de Bamako, Mali / Postpartum family planning at the district hospital of the commune II of Bamako, Mali

La planification familiale du postpartum est la prévention des grossesses durant les 12 mois qui suivent l'accouchement. Objectif : Etudier l'utilisation des méthodes contraceptives dans le postpartum dans le service de gynécologie obstétrique de l'hôpital de district de la commune II de Bamako. Matériels et Méthodes : Nous avons mené une étude transversale descriptive et analytique avec collecte prospective des données du 1er janvier 2019 au 31 décembre 2020. Ont été incluses, toutes les accouchées ayant choisi et bénéficié d'une méthode contraceptive. Le test statistique utilisé a été le test de Fisher avec un seuil de significativité fixé à 5%. Résultats : En 2 ans, la prévalence contraceptive dans le postpartum était de 26,1%. Plus des 2/3 des counselings (61%) ont été faits lors des consultations prénatales, 8% pendant la phase de latence, 26% dans le postpartum immédiat et 5% lors de la visite postnatale. Les méthodes les plus choisies ont été les implants (47,1%), le dispositif intra-utérin (29,6%), les pilules miro-progestatives (12,5%), les progestatifs injectables (8%) et les préservatifs (3,2%). Conclusion : La planification familiale du postpartum contribue à augmenter la prévalence contraceptive

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract obtained by supercritical CO2 / Potencial Antidiabético e hipolipidêmico do extrato das sementes de Campomanesia xanthocarpa obtido por CO2 supercrítico

Abstract Campomanesia xanthocarpa, a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is popularly known as gabiroba. Leaves of gabiroba has been popularly used to treat various diseases, including inflammatory, renal, and digestive, among others. Additionally, studies have shown an effect to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract in hyperglycemic rats. The results showed that 400 mg/kg of seed extract was able to decrease blood glucose levels and to increase the muscular and hepatic glycogen content as well as to inhibit the sucrase and maltase activity. At doses of 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, the activity of these enzymes was also reduced. In the lipid profile 400 mg/kg produced a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol serum levels; and with 200 mg/kg there was an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. The extract did not present hepatic and renal toxic effects at the different doses tested. The results suggest that the treatment with Campomanesia xanthocarpa seeds extract is useful in reducing glycemia, total cholesterol and LDL levels with potential adjuvant therapeutic in the treatment of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, however, additional pharmacological and toxicological studies are still required.

Resumo Campomanesia xanthocarpa, planta pertencente à família Mirtaceae, é popularmente conhecida como gabiroba. Folhas da gabiroba são popularmente usadas para tratar de doenças inflamatórias, renais, digestivas entre outras. Além disso, estudos têm mostrado um efeito redutor dos níveis de colesterol. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos anti-hiperglicêmico e hipolipidêmico do extrato de sementes de Campomanesia xanthocarpa em ratos hiperglicêmicos. Os resultados mostraram que 400 mg/kg do extrato da semente foi capaz de reduzir os níveis de glicose sanguínea e aumentar o conteúdo de glicogênio hepático e muscular, bem como inibir a atividade da maltase e sacarase. Na dose de 200 mg/kg e 800 mg/kg, a atividade das enzimas também foi reduzida. No perfil lipídico, 400 mg/kg produziu uma redução nos níveis séricos de colesterol total e LDL e com 200 mg/kg houve um aumento nos níveis de colesterol HDL. O extrato não apresentou efeitos tóxicos hepáticos e renais nas doses testadas. Os resultados sugerem que o tratamento com o extrato de Campomanesia xanthocarpa é eficaz na redução da glicemia, de colesterol total e LDL com potencial para tratamento adjuvante do diabetes e hipercolesterolemia, no entanto estudos farmacológicos e toxicológicos adicionais são necessários.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sarawak Borneo: Prevalence, risk factors, and farming practices

@#The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in buffaloes from various areas of Sarawak, and to assess current management practices of GI parasites among farmers. Faecal samples were collected from 15 farms and 129 animals, as well as data on farm and animal-based characteristics. A total of 129 faecal samples were examined for GI parasites using a modified McMaster and sedimentation. Association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of GI parasites was investigated using Chi-square statistic. The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, and coccidia were 75.2% (95% CI±7.5), 52.7% (95% CI±8.6) and 48.1% (95% CI±8.6), respectively. Farms which had a grazing area less than 50 acres in size had significantly higher prevalence of strongyles (70.5%, χ² = 8.34, P = 0.004) and paramphistomes (88.6%, χ² = 6.46, P = 0.01) relative to farms with a larger grazing area (43.5% and 68.2%, respectively). Prevalence of strongyles was lower in farms that did not implement a cut- and-carry system (45.6%, χ² = 4.17, P = 0.04) in comparison to those that did (64%). The prevalence of paramphistomes was higher on farms with more than 40 animals (80.6%, χ² = 3.18, P = 0.05) relative to farms with fewer animals. The majority of farmers surveyed (67.9%) showed awareness of GI parasite infection and reported that they recognized the associated symptoms. Most farmers practised deworming, and ivermectin was the most commonly used anthelminthic (60.4%); only 1.9% of farmers used albendazole. Overall this study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo in Sarawak. Although farmers report they are aware of parasitic diseases, further education is still required. This could include how they can successfully implement on-farm changes to reduce the prevalence of GI parasites in their herds.

Oral bacteria detection among children with cancer in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@# This study sought to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavities of children with cancer. There were 68 paediatric patients with cancer who were included in this study. Oral swab samples from the dorsum of tongues and mouth floors of these patients were subjected to culture, staining, and molecular methods to detect the bacteria. The overall prevalence of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was 79.4% (54/68; 95% CI = 68.4 – 87.3) and 25% (17/68; 95% CI = 16.2 – 36.4), respectively. Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus parasanguinis were the predominant pathogenic grampositive bacteria, while Neisseria subflava and Neisseria perflava were the most common pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. The results revealed that the number of bacteria isolates recovered in patients receiving cancer treatment was higher (55.9%) than those who had not received treatment (16.2%). Therefore, more isolated pathogenic bacteria were observed post-therapy (54.4%). Pathogenic organisms can have significant implications on patient health. Awareness of the types of bacteria inhabiting the oral cavity is essential to predict and prevent dental problems, and their associated systemic complications. Findings on the diversity of oral microflora can also provide a better understanding of the aetiology of oral diseases in paediatric patients receiving cancer treatment.

Antioxidant activity, antibacterial and inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases of extracts obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. seeds / Atividade antioxidante, antibacteriana e efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais de extratos obtidos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L

The use of medicinal plants for disease prevention, treatment and cure is an ancient practice used by humanity, and many plants species are used in bioprospecting research. In this context, its stands out Eugenia uniflora L., populary known as pitangueira and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, with a wide geographic distribution and native of Brazil. In view of the therapeutic qualities of the plant and the lack of the studies on its seeds, the present study had as objective to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the extracts of Eugenia uniflora L. seeds, from different solvents, as well as their antibacterial activity, antioxidant and its inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases. Results showed a high content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, thus characterizing antioxidant activity, also highlighting the best bacteriostatic action for the Gram positive strain of Staphylococcus aureus in the ethanolic fraction. Regarding the disaccharidases, a strong inhibitory action was observed for all concentrations, evidencing a antihyperglycemic potential. The present research allowed to concluded that Eugenia uniflora L. seeds have promising biological activities for the industrial sector, but a more detailed investigation is needed regarding their bioactive compounds.

A utilização de plantas com fins medicinais para prevenção, tratamento e cura de doenças é uma prática antiga utilizada pela humanidade, sendo que muitas espécies vegetais são usadas para a pesquisa da bioprospecção. Neste contexto, destaca-se a Eugenia uniflora L., conhecida popularmente como pitangueira e pertencente à família Myrtaceae, com ampla distribuição geográfica e nativa do Brasil. Diante das qualidades terapêuticas da planta e a falta de estudos sobre suas sementes, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil fitoquímico dos extratos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. a partir de diferentes solventes, bem como sua atividade antibacteriana, antioxidante e seu efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais. Os resultados mostraram um alto teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides totais, caracterizando a atividade antioxidante, destacando também a melhor ação bacteriostática para a cepa Gram positiva de Staphylococcus aureus na fração etanólica. Em relação às dissacaridases, uma forte ação inibitória foi observada para todas as concentrações, evidenciando um potencial anti-hiperglicêmico. A presente pesquisa permitiu concluir que as sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. apresentam atividades biológicas promissoras para o setor industrial, mas é necessária uma investigação mais detalhada de seus compostos bioativos.

Carcinoma espinocelular da base do chifre, bilateral e simétrico, em vaca com distúrbio hormonal ˗ relato de caso / [Horn-based squamous cell carcinoma, bilateral and symmetrical in cow with hormonal disorder ˗ case report]

Este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever um caso de carcinoma espinocelular da base do chifre, bilateral e simétrico, em uma vaca e discutir a questão hormonal, possivelmente envolvida na patogênese da doença. Tratava-se de uma fêmea bovina, 11 anos, com histórico de emagrecimento progressivo, presença de massas exofíticas na base de ambos os chifres e em anestro por muitos anos. Foi realizada biopsia incisional de ambas as lesões para exame histopatológico e dosagens hormonais. Devido à progressão do quadro clínico, optou-se pela eutanásia, seguida dos exames necroscópico e histopatológico. O exame histopatológico revelou tratar-se de um carcinoma espinocelular infiltrativo bem diferenciado, e as dosagens hormonais apresentaram alterações nos níveis do hormônio luteinizante, folículo estimulante e estrógenos totais. Apesar de existirem descrições de carcinomas espinocelulares da base do chifre, ainda não havia relatos da ocorrência do mesmo bilateral e em uma vaca com distúrbios hormonais.(AU)

The objective of this study was to describe a case of bilateral and symmetrical squamous cell carcinoma from the horn base in a cow and to discuss the hormonal question, possibly involved in its pathogenesis. A 11-year-old beef cow presenting a history of progressive thinning, presence of exophytic masses at the base of both horns and anestrous for many years was assisted. An incisional biopsy of both lesions was performed for histopathological examination and hormonal dosages. Due to the clinical progression, euthanasia followed by necroscopic and histopathological examination was carried out. Histopathological examination revealed a well differentiated infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma and the hormonal dosages presented changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating and total estrogen levels. Although there are descriptions of basal squamous cell carcinoma of the horn, there were still no reports of the occurrence of the same bilateral in a cow with hormonal disorders.(AU)

Seropositivity and risk factors of Toxocara canis infection in adult asthmatic patients

@#This cross-sectional study involving 86 adult asthmatic patients aimed to determine the relationship between Toxocara seropositivity and severity of asthma in adult asthmatics and investigate the risk factors for Toxocara infection. In all cases, T. canis IgG level was measured using an anti-Toxocara IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Total serum IgE and eosinophil count were also determined. The anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity was 68.6% among asthmatic patients. There were no statistically significant associations between Toxocara seroprevalence and other risk factors, clinical symptoms of asthma and high level of total serum IgE and eosinophilia. Pet ownership could be an important risk factor for Toxocariasis. Having a pet at home and wheezing were significantly associated with Toxocara seropositivity in adult asthmatic patients.

Toxoplasma gondii infection among selected indigenous community in Sarawak, East Malaysia

@#Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in humans. To date, little is known about T. gondii infection among the indigenous community, particularly in East Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the status of T. gondii infection and to investigate associated risk factors among the indigenous community of Sarawak, East Malaysia. The sociodemographic data was obtained using a pretested questionnaire. A serological test was done to detect the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies against T. gondii in serum samples. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine acute infection among seropositive individuals. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 50% (95% CI = 43.3 – 56.7). From this subset, 40.1%, 5.7%, and 4.2% were positive for anti-T. Gondii IgG antibodies, IgM, and both IgG and IgM, respectively. Four seropositive samples were amplified through PCR. None of the pregnant women tested positive for T. gondii infection based on the serological and PCR assays. A significant association was found between age, low monthly household income, unemployment, usage of untreated water and close contact with T. gondii seropositive cats. These results provide basic information on T. gondii infection and may be useful for policymakers to initiate prevention and control programs, especially amongst pregnant women and women of childbearing age in the indigenous community.

Ocorrência de não conformidades físico-químicas e microbiológicas em leite e derivados no estado de Minas Gerais, no período de 2011 a 2015 / Occurrence of physico-chemical and microbiological nonconformities in milk and dairy products in the State of Minas Gerais, from 2011 to 2015

Milk and dairy products are potential sources for spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, and although a huge amount of data is collected by the official inspection services, only a few reports are available to the public. This study aimed to evaluate the data for physicochemical and microbiological quality of pasteurized milk and dairy products, collected for inspection at industrial establishments registered at the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA), which is an official inspection service in Minas Gerasi State, Brazil. A total of 192 analyzes were done in 2011, 1008 in 2012, 1368 in 2013, 1271 in 2014, 1582 in 2015, adding up to 5421 samples analyzed by standard analytical techniques in official government laboratories. The statistical analysis was descriptive. A total of 2010 analytical results were nonconform to the legal requirements. Among the results, 78 (4.3%) samples of mozzarella cheese were positive for alkaline phosphatase, and freezing point results for pasteurized milk were outside the legal requirements in 86 (10%) samples. Staphylococcus coagulase positive was above limits in 80 (4.4%) samples of mozzarella cheese. These results indicate a risk to the consumer's health even in pasteurized products, and the need for effective enforcement of good manufacturing practices in the food industries.(AU)

Occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes in captive nonhuman primates at Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak

@#Gastrointestinal nematodes can cause assorted health problems to human and other primates. The status of gastrointestinal nematodes in non-human primates remained less documented in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes recovered from the fecal samples of captive non-human primates at the Matang Wildlife Centre (MWC), Sarawak. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 60 non-human primates of six species (i.e. Orangutan, Bornean gibbon, Silvered Leaf monkey, Slow loris, Pig-tailed macaque, and Long-tailed macaque) and processed using simple fecal floatation method and fecal sedimentation method. This study shows high prevalence of nematode infection (>50%) and co-infection (22 from 45 infected individuals) in all species of captive non-human primates found in MWC, except one individual of young Silvered Leaf monkey was negative for nematode. From these, eight genera of 11 species and one unknown nematode larvae were recovered and among them Oesophagostomum sp., Ascaris sp., and Strongyloides sp. were the most common nematodes infecting the non-human primates. All the Bornean gibbon (n=7) were found to be infected with nematodes. Moreover, Long-tailed macaques at the centre were heavily infected by Ascaris sp. (number of total count, nt = 2132; total mean abundance, MA=113.70). This is the first report of high prevalence nematode infection on multiple species of captive non-human primates in a wildlife centre located in Sarawak. Some of the nematodes are of zoonotic potential. This information is important for health care management, both in-situ and ex-situ conservations of captive and free-ranging nonhuman primates.

Development and validation of TaqMan real-time PCR for the detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates from Malaysia

@#Rapid detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, allows for timely initiation of appropriate treatment and better clinical outcomes. In the current gold standard, the culture method is time consuming and suffers from low sensitivity. Meanwhile, previously reported molecular assays are fast and sensitive, but their performance on isolates from Malaysia, an endemic region of melioidosis is under reported. This study designed oligonucleotides targeting orf2 of Type III secretion system (TTSS) genes cluster for the detection of Malaysian B. pseudomallei isolates and evaluated the assay on 95 local B. pseudomallei strains, 58 other microorganisms and 71 clinical specimens from patients. The developed assay exclusively detected all tested B. pseudomallei isolates with a detection limit of 20 fg per reaction (equivalent to ~2.5 copies). Subsequent testing on clinical samples showed that the assay detected all confirmed specimens with the growth of B. pseudomallei (n = 10/10). None of the negative specimens had a detectable signal of our TTSS-orf2 assay (n = 0/61). In conclusion, the present study provides crucial preliminary data for a subsequent study and should be considered as a potential alternative to current time-consuming culture method for the detection of B. pseudomallei.

One-stop haematuria clinic: first experience in South Africa

Background. Haematuria is the most common symptom of urological cancers, specifically bladder cancer, and timely diagnosis can prevent disease from progressing to a more advanced or incurable stage. One-stop haematuria clinics (OSHCs) have become commonplace in urological services in developed countries during the past three decades.Objectives. To assess the efficacy of this specialised clinic, aimed at providing an investigative service for patients with haematuria, in decreasing morbidity and mortality by earlier diagnosis of urological malignancy. We also report on the outcomes of this study.Methods. A total of 275 patients who attended the weekly OSHC at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa (SA), between January 2012 and October 2015 were retrospectively included in the study (out of 477 folders reviewed). Only patients with visible haematuria (275/477) were included, and characteristics such as gender, age, self-identified ethnicity, and outcomes following OSHC attendance (diagnoses and stage/grade/type of cancers) were recorded.Results. While the majority of cases were classified as indeterminate following investigation, one-fifth (55/275) of the patients were diagnosed with urological neoplasms, mainly bladder cancer (87.2%, n=48). The 50 - 69-year age group was the most common window for diagnosis of a neoplasm. Forty-six patients (46/55) with urothelial cancers were diagnosed at a relatively early stage and were therefore offered curative management; 5 patients presented with late-stage disease and risked poor outcomes after management. The remaining 4 identified cases were adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Most patients presented with high-grade cancers (43.2%). A small subset of patients were diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (11.6%) and upper-tract transitional cell carcinoma (1.6%).Conclusions. This audit revealed that an OSHC can streamline diagnosis of urological malignancies in the SA setting, and highlights the fact that the patients most at risk for developing malignant conditions were the ones frequently diagnosed at a later stage and hence potentially facing a poorer prognosis. These findings support the setting up of such clinics in other SA hospitals to improve ease of early access to the urological service

Grossesses et accouchements chez les femmes de 40 ans et plus au centre de sante de référence de la commune ii du district de Bamako, Mali

But : Le but de cette étude était de comparer le pronostic materno-fœtal des grossesses chez les patientes de 40 ans et plus à celui des grossesses conçues avant 40 ans dans le service de gynécologie obstétrique du centre de santé de référence de la commune II de Bamako. Matériels et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective de Cohorte qui s'est déroulée à la maternité du Centre de Santé de Référence de la Commune II du 1er janvier au 31décembre 2012. Ont été incluses dans notre étude comme patientes exposées toutes les gestantes de 40 ans et plus et comme patientes non exposées les gestantes de 20-39 ans ayant accouchées dans notre service. N'ont pas été retenues dans cette étude, les grossesses chez les adolescentes. Les tests statistiques utilisés ont été le Khi2 de Pearson et le test de Fisher avec un seuil de significativité à 5%. Résultats : La fréquence de la grossesse chez les femmes de 40 ans et plus était de 1,68%. Il s'agissait de grandes multipares non scolarisées dans 60% des cas, présentant une HTA dans 6,7% des cas. La grossesse chez ces patientes a été associée à un taux élevé de césarienne dans 16,7% des cas, de dépassement de terme dans 6,7% des cas, de présentation du siège dans 6,7% des cas, de macrosomie dans 6,7% des cas et de malformation fœtale dans 1,7% des cas. Conclusion : Compte ténu de ses nombreuses complications materno-fœtales, les grossesses chez les femmes de 40 ans et plus méritent une attention particulière

Adulterants interference on Fourier Transform Infrared analysis of raw milk / Interferência de adulterantes na análise do leite cru por espectroscopia pela transformada de Fourier

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as leituras de composição do leite cru por meio de espectrofotometria FTIR, utilizando-se curva de regressão PLS, bem como as contagens de células somáticas e bacteriana total por citometria de fluxo, após adição de amido e sacarose. O leite cru foi adulterado com três concentrações de amido e sacarose (0,1%, 0,5% e 1%), colocado em frascos contendo bronopol ou azidiol, os quais foram armazenados em duas temperaturas (7±2°C e 25±2°C ). As análises foram realizadas após zero, três, 24, 48, 72 e 168 horas de armazenamento. O modelo de regressão linear múltipla foi utilizado para análise estatística. A adição de amido e sacarose resultou em mudança significativa (P<0,05) para todas as variáveis dependentes. O leite adulterado com amido resultou em aumento nas leituras de gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais (ST), sólidos não gordurosos (SNG), CCS e CBT e em diminuição das leituras de caseína, do nitrogênio ureico do leite (NUL) e do ponto de congelamento. O leite adulterado com sacarose resultou no aumento das leituras da lactose, ST, SNG e NUL, enquanto as leituras de proteína, caseína, ponto de congelamento e CCS diminuíram. Este trabalho evidencia a importância do monitoramento de adulterantes reconstituintes no leite por afetarem os resultados analíticos da qualidade do leite, obtidos por métodos eletrônicos.(AU)

Transcriptomic differential lncRNA expression is involved in neuropathic pain in rat dorsal root ganglion after spared sciatic nerve injury

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons regenerate spontaneously after traumatic or surgical injury. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various biological regulation processes. Conditions of lncRNAs in DRG neuron injury deserve to be further investigated. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by high-throughput Illumina HiSeq2500 sequencing to profile the differential genes in L4-L6 DRGs following rat sciatic nerve tying. A total of 1,228 genes were up-regulated and 1,415 down-regulated. By comparing to rat lncRNA database, 86 known and 26 novel lncRNA genes were found to be differential. The 86 known lncRNA genes modulated 866 target genes subject to gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analysis. The genes involved in the neurotransmitter status of neurons were downregulated and those involved in a neuronal regeneration were upregulated. Known lncRNA gene rno-Cntnap2 was downregulated. There were 13 credible GO terms for the rno-Cntnap2 gene, which had a putative function in cell component of voltage-gated potassium channel complex on the cell surface for neurites. In 26 novel lncRNA genes, 4 were related to 21 mRNA genes. A novel lncRNA gene AC111653.1 improved rno-Hypm synthesizing huntingtin during sciatic nerve regeneration. Real time qPCR results attested the down-regulation of rno-Cntnap lncRNA gene and the upregulation of AC111653.1 lncRNA gene. A total of 26 novel lncRNAs were found. Known lncRNA gene rno-Cntnap2 and novel lncRNA AC111653.1 were involved in neuropathic pain of DRGs after spared sciatic nerve injury. They contributed to peripheral nerve regeneration via the putative mechanisms.

Impact of foliar spray of spherical nano-carbon and salicylic acid on physiological traits and parthenolide content in two feverfew cultivars [tanacetum parthenium linn. cv. pharmasaat and jelitto]

Background: Biotic and abiotic elicitors produce secondary metabolites and alter physiological traits of the plants by affecting some of the mechanisms within the plant cells

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of spherical nano-carbon and salicylic acid on physiological traits and paratolenolidae content in Feverfew

Methods: This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized completely design [CRD] under greenhouse conditions. The first factor was Feverfew cultivar with two levels [T.parthenium Linn. cv. Jelitto and T. parthenium Linn. cv. Pharmasaat], the second factor was foliar spray of spherical nano-carbon with 5 levels [0, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L] and the third factor was considered as foliar spray of salicylic acid with two levels [0 and 0.2 mM]

Results: The results showed that the cultivars, different concentrations of spherical nano-carbon, salicylic acid and their interactions had a significant effect on some of the studied traits. Two cultivars in the content of chlorophyll a and b and parthenolide showed significant differences at P<0.01. Also, the effect of spherical nano-carbon and salicylic acid concentrations on parethenolide content of extract was significant [P <0.01]. However, the highest content of parthenolide [24.22 Mug/0.1 g dry matter] was observed in pharmasaat and at the concentration of 500 mg/L spherical nano-carbon without salicylic acid application

Conclusion: Application of spherical nano-carbon at concentration of 500 mg/L along with 0.2 mM salicylic acid improved physiological traits and metabolic content of both cultivars

Antioxidant activity, antibacterial and inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases of extracts obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Seeds

Abstract The use of medicinal plants for disease prevention, treatment and cure is an ancient practice used by humanity, and many plants species are used in bioprospecting research. In this context, its stands out Eugenia uniflora L., populary known as pitangueira and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, with a wide geographic distribution and native of Brazil. In view of the therapeutic qualities of the plant and the lack of the studies on its seeds, the present study had as objective to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the extracts of Eugenia uniflora L. seeds, from different solvents, as well as their antibacterial activity, antioxidant and its inhibitory effect of intestinal disaccharidases. Results showed a high content of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, thus characterizing antioxidant activity, also highlighting the best bacteriostatic action for the Gram positive strain of Staphylococcus aureus in the ethanolic fraction. Regarding the disaccharidases, a strong inhibitory action was observed for all concentrations, evidencing a antihyperglycemic potential. The present research allowed to concluded that Eugenia uniflora L. seeds have promising biological activities for the industrial sector, but a more detailed investigation is needed regarding their bioactive compounds.

Resumo A utilização de plantas com fins medicinais para prevenção, tratamento e cura de doenças é uma prática antiga utilizada pela humanidade, sendo que muitas espécies vegetais são usadas para a pesquisa da bioprospecção. Neste contexto, destaca-se a Eugenia uniflora L., conhecida popularmente como pitangueira e pertencente à família Myrtaceae, com ampla distribuição geográfica e nativa do Brasil. Diante das qualidades terapêuticas da planta e a falta de estudos sobre suas sementes, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil fitoquímico dos extratos das sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. a partir de diferentes solventes, bem como sua atividade antibacteriana, antioxidante e seu efeito inibidor de dissacaridases intestinais. Os resultados mostraram um alto teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides totais, caracterizando a atividade antioxidante, destacando também a melhor ação bacteriostática para a cepa Gram positiva de Staphylococcus aureus na fração etanólica. Em relação às dissacaridases, uma forte ação inibitória foi observada para todas as concentrações, evidenciando um potencial anti-hiperglicêmico. A presente pesquisa permitiu concluir que as sementes de Eugenia uniflora L. apresentam atividades biológicas promissoras para o setor industrial, mas é necessária uma investigação mais detalhada de seus compostos bioativos.