Repellent and larvicidal properties of selected indigenous plants in the control of Anopheles mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Widespread pyrethroid resistance and plastic-feeding behaviour of most malaria vectors across Africa threaten the efficacy of current insecticide-based vector control interventions like Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). This study examined the larvicidal activity ofMorinda citrifolia against Anopheles gambiae larvae and the repellent properties of Morinda citrifolia (Noni), Moringa oleifera (Moringa), and Ocimum basilicum (Basil) as complementary vector control tools against Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.). METHODS: Noni, Basil, and Moringa oil extracts were obtained with the extraction techniques; Soxhlet, steam distillation and maceration respectively, using hexane and ethanol. The effectiveness of the extracts was assessed using the WHO standard larval susceptibility bioassay and guidelines for repellent efficacy. Following bioassays, effective doses (ED) and lethal concentrations (LC) were determined. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy analysis was performed to identify the bioactive chemical components of the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ocimum basilicum. RESULTS: Emulsified Morinda citrifolia seed oil had LC50=68.3, LC90=130.9 and LC99.9=222.5, and ED99. 9=308.3%v/v, the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves had ED99.9= 1.25g/ml, and essential oil of Ocimum basilicum leaves had ED99.9=0.28g/ml against Anopheles gambiae. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicated that seed oil of Morinda citrifolia, essential oil of Ocimum basilicum, and crude extract of Moringa oleifera have repellent activity against An. gambiae s.l. The complete protection time (CPT) of Morinda citrifolia, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum basilicum was 120 min, 72 min and 84 min at ED99.9 respectively. Morinda citrifolia oil exhibited larvicidal effects against the larvae of An. gambiae s.l. The results provide valuable information for the use of the plants as biocides.

Temperature and soil nutrients drive seed traits variation in Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood) in Ghana.

Among plant populations, variation in seed traits has important consequences on species recruitment and performance under different environmental conditions. Knowing such variations and understanding its environmental drivers could help with conservation efforts that protect against the loss of diversity. This information is however lacking in the extinction-threatened Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (African rosewood) in Ghana. Here, we assessed variation in seed set, seed morphological and chemical traits, germinability, and seedling growth of African rosewood from four distant provenances (Tumu, Wa, Carpenter, and Ejura) in Ghana. We sought to answer how local environmental conditions influence the expression of seed traits by examining the relationship between seed traits and maternal environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, soil nutrient, and vegetation index) using regression models and correlation analysis. Seed size, mass, and nutrient composition differed considerably among provenances. Seed size and mass increased as the seed source moved further away from the forest-savanna transition toward the Guineo-Sudanian savanna regions. Temperature mainly accounted for the variability observed in seed traits. Phenology curves of the seed source vegetation expressed a strong correlation with monthly rainfall. Overall, the occurrence of samara containing whole seeds was low (<50%) except for Tumu provenance. Seeds were rich in carbohydrate and crude protein content consistent with most leguminous plants while mean percentage germination ranged between 30 and 62% among provenances. Our results highlight the adaptive strategies of African rosewood to different environments through the expression of their seed traits and suggest the need for priority action to maintain its conservation.

Edge disturbance shapes liana diversity and abundance but not liana-tree interaction network patterns in moist semi-deciduous forests, Ghana.

Edge disturbance can drive liana community changes and alter liana-tree interaction networks, with ramifications for forest functioning. Understanding edge effects on liana community structure and liana-tree interactions is therefore essential for forest management and conservation. We evaluated the response patterns of liana community structure and liana-tree interaction structure to forest edge in two moist semi-deciduous forests in Ghana (Asenanyo and Suhuma Forest Reserves: AFR and SFR, respectively). Liana community structure and liana-tree interactions were assessed in 24 50 × 50 m randomly located plots in three forest sites (edge, interior and deep-interior) established at 0-50 m, 200 m and 400 m from edge. Edge effects positively and negatively influenced liana diversity in forest edges of AFR and SFR, respectively. There was a positive influence of edge disturbance on liana abundance in both forests. We observed anti-nested structure in all the liana-tree networks in AFR, while no nestedness was observed in the networks in SFR. The networks in both forests were less connected, and thus more modular and specialised than their null models. Many liana and tree species were specialised, with specialisation tending to be symmetrical. The plant species played different roles in relation to modularity. Most of the species acted as peripherals (specialists), with only a few species having structural importance to the networks. The latter species group consisted of connectors (generalists) and hubs (highly connected generalists). Some of the species showed consistency in their roles across the sites, while the roles of other species changed. Generally, liana species co-occurred randomly on tree species in all the forest sites, except edge site in AFR where lianas showed positive co-occurrence. Our findings deepen our understanding of the response of liana communities and liana-tree interactions to forest edge disturbance, which are useful for managing forest edge.

Morphological Variations of Peroneus Tertius: A Cadaveric Study with Anatomical and Clinical Consideration.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to highlight variations in the morphology of peroneus tertius muscle owing to its evolutional, academic, and clinical importance. METHODS: Sixty-six disarticulated lower limbs were used to study the morphological variations of peroneus tertius (PT) muscle like absence, duplication, accessory PT muscle, and abnormal site of origin and insertion. Detailed dissection was performed to study the proximal and distal attachments of PT muscle, and observed variations were recorded. RESULTS: Twelve out of 66 specimens showed the following variations, accessory and duplicate peroneus tertius was observed in one specimen (1.52%) each. We categorized variations in insertions into six types. The most common variation in the present study was type II (84.8%) followed by type VI (10.6%). Type IIa and IV were observed in one specimen (1.52%) each. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights variations in both origin and insertion of PT muscle . We have also postulated a new modified classification which is the first of its kind to highlight two new additional variations in insertions existing in the current literature. Awareness of the above variations would be useful to surgeons performing tendon transfers, tendoplasty, and resection surgeries of the foot.

Periostin as a marker of mucosal remodelling in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Although extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are associated with irreversible lower airway changes, the relationship with upper airway remodelling which occurs during chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is poorly understood. This study assessed the expression of ECM proteins periostin, fibulin-1, fibronectin and collagenIV in nasal mucosa of patients with and without histologic features of remodelling. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of sinonasal mucosal biopsies taken from patients, undergoing surgery for CRS was performed, where patients were grouped according to remodelling, defined by basement membrane thickening (BMT over 7.5 micrometer) and subepithelial fibrosis. An overall view and three random fields of immunostained tissue sections that included epithelium, basement membrane and submucosa, were imaged using Zeiss Zen software. The area and intensity of positive staining were scored by two blinded observers, using a 12-point ordinal scale of weak to strong. RESULTS: 65 patients (47.6 +/- 13.4years, 44.6% female) were assessed. Patients were grouped as controls 26.2%, BMT/no fibrosis 38.5% or BMT and fibrosis 33.8%. Stronger grade of periostin expression was associated with remodelling changes and tissue eosinophilia over 10/HPF. Fibulin-1, fibronectin and collagenIV did not differ. CONCLUSION: Periostin expression was associated with the presence of BMT, fibrosis and tissue eosinophilia and may identify patients undergoing remodelling changes.

Current therapeutic protocols for chronic granulomatous fungal sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic granulomatous fungal sinusitis (CGFS), a rare form of invasive fungal sinusitis, is controversial. AIM: To assess the response to postoperative antifungal therapy in patients with CGFS and suggest an effective treatment protocol. METHODOLOGY: Clinical records of patients with CGFS who had undergone excisive surgery followed by antifungal therapy were reviewed to assess current disease status. RESULTS: Fourteen male and 4 female patients were diagnosed with CGFS, based on typical histopathological and fungal smear/ culture results. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from 88.9% cases. Stage 1 patients had resectable sinonasal disease, stage 2 had additional spread to orbit/palate and stage 3 had extensive disease. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Residual disease was seen in all but one patient who received amphotericin B as first line therapy and in none of those who received itraconazole or voriconazole. Even those who received azoles as second line therapy were disease free at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgery followed by itraconazole or voriconazole for Stage 1 and 2 disease and voriconazole for stage 3 disease is recommended for a good outcome. Amphotericin B is not recommended as first line therapy for CGFS.

Evidence for self-association of nonionic and other organic solutes in liquid phases comprising 1-octanol and water.

We use a monomer-single-multimer model to judge whether there is significant self-association of an organic solute distributed between 1-octanol and water. Self-association leads to octanol-water partition coefficients, K(ow), that depend upon the concentration of solute and this affects their application, significantly so for lipophilic compounds. Our measurements, done over as wide a range of concentration as possible, suggest that: (1) For toluene, there is dimerization in the water and tetramerization in 1-octanol. (2) For p-xylene, there is significant self-association of unknown degree in 1-octanol. (3) Biphenyl exhibits no self-association in either phase. The model confirms the conclusion that there is self-association of nicotimamide only in the aqueous phase, a conclusion reached in original measurements and interpretation (Charman, W. N.; Lai, C. S. C.; Finnin, B. C.; Reed, B. L. Pharm. Res. 1991, 8, 1144-1150). Our analysis of published measurements on the four isomers of hexachlorocyclohexanes (Paschke, A.; Shuurmann, G. Chem. Eng. Technol. 2000, 23, 666-670) leads to the conclusion that there is significant self-association of unknown degree in the aqueous phase. There is a discernible region of concentration-independent behavior as infinite dilution is approached in the aqueous phase, except notably for the hexachlorocyclohexanes. We suggest this is due to self-association incorporating the solvent to form multimer-solvent complexes. The data suggest that self-association, when it occurs, has a greater significance in the more lipophilic cases and this may partly explain why the variability in measurements of octanol-water partition coefficients between laboratories tends to be larger and significant for more lipophilic solutes.

Waterpipe Smoking And The DRD2/ANKK1 Genotype.

BACKGROUND: Waterpipe smoking is increasingly a worldwide phenomenon. Few studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of waterpipe smoking behavior and its genetic determinants. A polymorphism (TaqI) in the 3' untranslated region of the dopamine receptor gene (DRD2), later localized to the neighboring ANKK1 gene, has been previously linked to cigarette smoking. Since all tobacco products share the ability of stimulating the dopaminergic reward system, variation in the DRD2 genotype might be associated with waterpipe smoking addiction. AIM: This study aims to explore genetic variations in DRD2 gene and waterpipe smoking, motives and addiction in Egyptian rural males. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects (N=154) were selected from participants in a household smoking prevalence survey if they were adults, males, currently smoking waterpipe and not smoking cigarettes. Participants were interviewed about their smoking behaviors. Blood samples were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subjects were subsequently classified as either the A1 (presence of at least one A1 allele) or A2 group (A2 homozygotes). RESULTS: The prevalence of A1 genotype was 34.4 % in current waterpipe users, and was associated with the maximum duration before smokers experienced craving to smoke: after adjusting for age of smoking initiation, smoking for addictive motives, and average daily tobacco consumption, the A1 carriers were more likely to experience craving within a shorter duration after abstinence (the first 24 hours) compared to subjects with A2/A2 genotype (Odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 - 6.23). In addition, the frequent visitors of shisha cafes were more likely to be younger, heavy smokers and carriers of A1 allele (OR, 2.52, 95% CI: 1.06-6.02). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This study revealed that the maximum duration before experiencing craving to smoke waterpipe and frequency of visiting cafés to smoke may be influenced by an inherited variations in the DRD2 genotype.

An unusual injury from a toothbrush: a case report.

The use of toothbrushes has significantly improved oral hygiene. However, if brushing of the teeth is not done judiciously, it could result in severe trauma to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. This is particularly true in the young age group, since children tend to be very playful while brushing their teeth. This article describes the case report of a child who sustained a penetrating injury while brushing his teeth. A detailed plan for the management of such injuries is also presented.

Microsomal detoxification enzymes in yam bean [Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) urban].

Cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) constitute two of the largest groups of enzyme families that are responsible for detoxification of exogenous molecules in plants. Their activities differ from plant to plant with respect to metabolism and substrate specificity which is one of the reasons for herbicide selectivity. In the tuber forming yam bean, the legume Pachyrhizus erosus, their activities at the microsomal level were investigated to determine the detoxification status of the plant. The breakdown of the herbicide isoproturon (IPU) to two distinct metabolites, 1-OH-IPU and monodesmethyl-IPU, was demonstrated. GST activity was determined with model substrates, but also by the catalysed formation of the fluorescent glutathione bimane conjugate. This study demonstrates for the first time microsomal detoxification activity in Pachyrhizus and the fluorescence image description of microsomal GST catalysed reaction in a legume.

Craniospinal giant cell tumors: clinicoradiological analysis in a series of 11 cases.

Primary craniospinal giant cell tumors are rare (5-15% of all giant cell tumors), locally destructive bone lesions which are generally not associated with Paget's disease. Clinical behavior of the craniospinal giant cell tumor (GCT) is unpredictable but often very aggressive and therefore optimal management of the lesions remains controversial. Wide resection of the involved bone is required, preferably with a wide margin of normal tissue, which may be difficult to achieve in the craniospinal region. The authors analysed a series of 11 patients, which included five cases of cranial and six cases of spinal GCTs. Their ages ranged from 12 to 46 years with a male preponderance. In the five cranial cases, all the tumors involved the skull base, three involved the spheno - ethmoidal region and in two cases the petroclival region was involved. Common presenting symptoms were frontotemporal swelling, epistaxis, local pain and neurological deficits attributable to the neurovascular compression. Proptosis, visual loss, nasal mass and cranial nerve involvement were the common findings. In the six patients with spinal lesions (one cervical, four thoracic and one thoracolumbar), local pain, progressive sensory motor deficits and bladder involvement were common presentations. Neuroimaging studies were performed in various combinations for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning. In cranial cases, multidisciplinary approaches were used to perform a near total or a total excision. In the spinal GCTs, only a partial excision was possible. Postoperative radiotherapy was delivered in ten patients. Histopathological studies were diagnostic. All patients were followed up for periods ranging from one to 10 years, with a mean of 2 years and 3 months. No significant increase in the residual tumor or recurrences, as seen on periodic neuroimaging studies, were noted during their follow-up period.