GC-MS analysis and anti-mosquito activities of Juniperus virginiana essential oil against Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective: To investigate phytochemicals present in the essential oil from aerial parts of eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana (J. virginiana) L. (Cupressaceae) and to determine its killing and repellent activities against larvae, pupae, and adults of the Asian malaria mosquito,Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae).Methods: J. virginiana essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seven different logarithmic concentrations of J. virginiana essential oils were used in larvicidal and pupicidal assays. J. virginiana essential oils-impregnated bed nets were applied in a designed animal module to test excito-repellent activity against adult mosquitoes.Results: Fourteen constituents corresponding to 99.98％ of J. virginiana essential oils were identified. Five main components were terpinen-4-ol (25.21％), camphor (19.89％), E-3-hexen- 1-ol (13.30％), γ-terpinene (7.86％), and l-menthone (2.27％). The LC50 and LC90 values against larvae of the Anopheles stephensi were 11.693 and 66.140 ppm and for pupae were 9.640 and 40.976 ppm, respectively. In excito-repellency assay, J. virginiana essential oilsimpregnated bed nets provided an average of 54.63％ protection for guinea pig and 45.37％ mortality for the mosquitoes. Conclusions: Four monoterpenes and one leaf alcohol were identified by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. J. virginiana essential oils showed potent larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal,and repellent activities against Anopheles stephensi at acceptable concentrations. Evaluation of bioactivity of identified chemicals (alone or in combination) will provide new eco-friendly substances for mosquito-management programs.

Molecular characterization of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in Lucilia sericata larvae for potential therapeutic applications

Background: The salivary glands of Lucilia sericata are the first organs to express specific endopeptidase enzymes. These enzymes play a central role in wound healing, and they have potential to be used therapeutically. Methods: Rapid amplification of cDNA ends and rapid amplification of genomic ends were used to identify the coding sequence of MMP-1 from L. sericata. Different segments of MMP1 gene, namely the middle part, 3' end, and 5' end, were cloned, sequenced, and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to determine the distinct features of MMP-1 protein. Results: Assembling the different segments revealed that the complete mRNA sequence of MMP-1 is 1932 bp long. CDS is 1212 bp long and is responsible for the production of MMP-1 of 404 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 45.1 kDa. The middle part, 3' end, and 5' end sequences were 933, 503, and 496 bp. In addition, it was revealed that the MMP-1 genomic sequence includes three exons and two introns. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure of L. sericata MMP-1 protein was evaluated, and its alignment defined that it has high similarity to chain A of human MMP-2 with 100% confidence, 72% coverage, and 38% identity according to the SWISS-MODEL modeling analysis. Conclusions: MMP-1 of L. sericata has a close relationship with its homologs in invertebrates and other insects. The present study significantly contributes to understanding the function, classification, and evolution of the characterized MMP-1 from L. sericata and provides basic required information for the development of an effective medical bioproduct.

Traumatic myiasis agents in Iran with introducing of new dominant species, Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera：Sarcophagidae)

Objective: To study agents of animal wound myiasis in various geographical districts of Fars province.Methods:of 10358 domestic animals have been visited from April 2011 to March 2012. The infected wounds in any parts of animal body were sampled by means of forceps.Results:This study has been done in Fars province, located in the southern part of Iran. Sums The most wound myiasis cases due to this species occurred in central part of Fars province. There wasn’t any significant difference between sheep and goat in infestation with myiasis (P>0.05). The infestation rate of myiasis in cattle community was 0.86%. About 61% of all animal wound myiasis were caused by larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Conclusions: The infestation rate of livestock was lower than other works in Iran and some other countries like Saudi Arabia. Chrysomya bezziana has been mentioned as main myiasis agent in Iran. But in this study it cleared that similarly to some European countries, the common animal myiasis agent in Iran is Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Introducing new species as principal agent for myiasis can help public health and animal husbandry policy makers to prepare sufficient and effective control and/or preventive measures for this disease.

The effects of exposure to pesticides on the fecundity status of farm workers resident in a rural region of Fars province, southern Iran

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of fecundity and other reproductive problems among a group of farmers in Kavar district of Fars province, southern Iran. Methods: A total of 268 randomly selected married male farm workers were investigated. A questionnaire was devised and validated [Cronbach’s α-coefficient (0.81)]. Subjects were directly interviewed and the questionnaire forms were completed for them. Results:The prevalence of current primary infertility among the studied population was about 7.4% (P=0.001). Similarly, 6.3% of farm workers had offsprings with congenital malformations. Finally, 1.5% and 9% of farmers’ wives had a history of stillbirth and abortion, respectively. It was concluded that the prevalence of current primary infertility were higher among farm workers families than in the normal population (P Conclusions:These effects are likely to be attributed to the exposure of farm workers to pesticides.