Latest Articles Rss

Determination of the Salivary Anti-Phenolic Glycolipid-1 Antibody in Leprosy Patients as a Tool to Monitoring Multidrugtherapy

Problem statement: The upper airways has a great importance as a route of M. leprae infection and because of the possibility of identifying relevant tools by systematic patient evaluation, the detection of leprosy patients by means of salivary markers becomes important. The aim of this study was to analyze anti-phenolic glycolipid 1 (anti-PGL-1) salivary and serum titers as parameters for correlation with infection, antigen exposure and treatment response. Approach: Leprosy patients before, during and after specific treatment for leprosy were selected. Salivary and serum anti-PGL-1 levels were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in 30 leprosy patients ranging in age from 17-71 years old (mean: 48.45�20.92 years) and in 10 healthy controls ranging in age from 22-45 years old (mean: 32.2�9.23 years). Data were analyzed statistically by Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA). Results: There were significant differences in serum anti-PGL-1 titers between leprosy patients and healthy controls (p<0.05); however, significant differences in salivary anti-PGL1 (IgA and IgM) were found only between non-treated leprosy patients and healthy controls. MB patients showed higher serum (IgM) and salivary (IgA) levels of anti-PGL-1 than PB patients. Conclusion/Recommendations: The serum and salivary measurements of anti-PGL-1 antibody may be useful in evaluating antigen exposure and MDT response and in distinguishing MB from PB patients.

Production and Roles of Glial Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Associated Dementia Neuroinflammation: A Review

Problem statement: Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and its cognate targets, the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), were differentially expressed in human brain samples with or without HIV-1 infection or HIV-1 Encephalitis (HIVE). Approach: A through literature review demonstrated that cell culture models of Central Nervous System (CNS) cell types had been used to illustrate the intricate temporal patterns of TIMP-1/MMP expression, regulated by a variety of inflammatory cytokines. Results: As MMPs and TIMP-1 can significantly altered the extracellular environment and cell signaling, the differential regulation of TIMP-1/MMP expression in neuroinflammation can impact neuronal function and survival in disease conditions. TIMP-1 pro-survival effects had been demonstrated in a variety of cell types including CNS neurons, protecting cells from a wide range of stress and insults. TIMP-1, also known to interact with non-MMP targets, altered cell behavior. In this review, we discussed the possibility that the upregulation of TIMP-1 by glia in acute neuroinflammation may be a neuroprotective response. Conclusion: It will be important to delineate the effects of TIMP-1 on neurons and identify receptors and downstream signaling pathways, in order to evaluate TIMP-1 as a therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Drug Susceptibility and Molecular Epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated in a Burn Unit

Problem statement: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that still develops life-threatening infections in patients with immunological system defects, like burn patients, especially in developing countries. Since this bacterium is naturally resistant to many drugs and is able to get resistance to all effective antibiotics, the infection with this organism is particularly problematic condition for patients. This study was design to evaluated drug susceptibility for determination of multidrug-resistant isolates and molecular epidemiology of P. aeruginosa colonization for investigation of the isolates routes in the burn unit of Shahid Motahhari Hospital in Tehran. Approach: About 127 clinical and 2 environmental P. aeruginosa isolates were collected during 6 months. All P. aeruginosa isolates were analyzed for drug susceptibility by disk diffusion method and molecular epidemiology assessment were done by RAPD-PCR analysis. Results: Drug susceptibility tests were shown high resistance for ceftizoxime (86.8%), aztreonam (80.6%), kanamycin (79.8%) and tetracycline (78.3%); furthermore, low resistance for some antibiotics like imipenem (30.2%), piperacillin/tazobactam (34.1%) and amikacin (41.1%) was showed. In addition, 42 multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from clinical specimens and one isolate from environmental samples. Molecular typing revealed eight different profiles that include two profiles, RAPD1 and RAPD4, with environmental resource. The major RAPD profile was RAPD1 profile (n = 64, 50.4%), which includes 31 (72.1%) multidrug-resistant isolates with an environmental reservoir. Conclusion: In summery, we were found three different profiles for multidrug-resistant strains. Different RAPD profiles suggested the different resources of infection, two environmental resources were found, that one of them was multidrug-resistant strain. These findings highlighted the need for further attention to disinfection inanimate hospital environment and controlled contact between staff with patients to limit transfer of P. aeruginosa in this BU; moreover, use of some antimicrobial agents must be restricted due to existence of high resistance and using of combined effective antibiotics is recommend.

Practical and Novel Sterilization Approach for the Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria

Problem statement: Decontaminating meat surfaces has been the big concern of meat industry. Thus, various intervention strategies have been studied to reduce the level of bacteria on animals� carcass surfaces. Approach: Mixture of different concentrations 1, 1.5 and 2% of acetic, lactic, propionic and formic acids at 1:1 ratio were spray washed on inoculated meat to evaluate their efficacy in reducing numbers of Staphylococcus aureus on meat tissue at 4�1�C. The beef pieces were decontaminated with hot water and then inoculated with S. aureus which then were spray washed with treatments for 15 sec separately. Results: Spray wash combinations of acetic and formic, lactic and formic and propionic and formic acids reduced the number of S. aureus at a range of 1.18-1.43 log cfu mL^-1 more than combinations of acetic and lactic, acetic and propionic and lactic and propionic acids on meat tissue. Increasing the concentration of used acids increased the lethality of treatments as lethal effect of 2% concentration >1.5% concentration >1%concentration. Conclusion: Lactic and formic acids Combination showed the strongest lethal effect on S. aureus among other treatments. Moreover, this study showed that the combination of lactic and formic acids treatment is a feasible, safe, and economical decontamination method which is highly recommended for use rather than other combinations or single organic acids.

In vitro Anti Plasmodial Activity of Enicostemma littorale

Problem statement: Malaria is a prevalent disease in India. The problem of drug resistance is worsening. Hence, new effective and affordable antimalarial drugs are very much needed. The long-established use of quinine and the more recent introduction of artemisinin as highly effective anti malarials demonstrate that plant species are an important resource for the discovery of new anti malarial agents. Approach: Majority of the plants belonging to Gentianaceae family were proven as good antimalarials containing swertiamarin as a common marker. Enicostemma littorale (Gentianaceae) is also known from traditional knowledge for treatment of visham jwara and is rich in swertiamarin amongst all of the plants belonging to same family. In view of this, initial screening had been undertaken. Our laboratory had also been working on the same for its antidiabetic activity. Results: This was first report to demonstrate anti plasmodial activity of Enicostemma littorale (Gentianaceae) against Plasmodium falciparum. Methanolic extract of plant and swertiamarin isolated from it showed promising results in vitro in schizont maturation inhibition assay having IC50 of 529.045 and 12 �g mL^-1 respectively. We also reported a simple and rapid method for isolation of swertiamarin which was applicable at commercial scale. Conclusion: The present study represented the potential antimalarial action of plant and its active phytoconstituent, may give new lead to researchers in field of antimalarial drug discovery.

Dengue during Pregnancy: A Study of Thirteen Cases

Problem statement: The principal aim was to evaluate the effects of dengue virus infection by dengue during pregnancy and analyze the histopathology of the placenta. Approach: A retrospective study was conducted with 13 pregnant women with dengue confirmed in the period from January-December 2002, during a widespread dengue type 3 epidemic in Rio de Janeiro. Maternal and newborn data were collected from patient files and medical records during hospitalization for research for identification of dengue IgM antibodies (PanBio, Australia). Virus isolation was performed on all fatal cases and anathomopathological studies and immunohistochemistry of the placenta were carried out in three cases. Results: Among the 13 women, 11 (84, 6%) were infected in the third quarter of pregnancy, 6 (54, 5%) of which resulting in premature birth and 4 cases (30, 7%) were classified as DHF, causing 2 deaths. Intense abdominal pain afflicted 6 patients (46, 2%) and 5 newborns presented low weight, however appropriate for the gestacional age. Conclusion: Dengue virus infection in pregnancy increases premature birth risk, especially if the infection occurs in the last quarter of pregnancy.

C-Reactive Protein and Serum Procalcitonin Levels as Markers of Bacterial Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Problem statement: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) are the most frequent of the community with major social and financial impact. Hence, early and proper diagnosis is of utmost importance. Biomarkers such as the circulating levels of Procalcitonin (PCT) have been shown to be elevated in systemic bacterial infections, but remain relatively low in viral infections and inflammatory diseases and have been suggested as signals for the initiation of antimicrobial therapy. Experience evaluating the value of PCT as a marker of URTIs is limited. Approach: Forty patients with bacterial URTIs were studied in order to assess the role of PCT, measured by using the semi-quantitative test, as bacterial inflammation marker and to compare with other markers, such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Blood Cell (WBC) counts and Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counts. Results: In all cases, 22 with tonsillopharyngitis, 10 with peritonsillar abscess and 8 with rhinosinusitis, PCT levels remained below detection limits. On the other hand, serum CRP levels strongly correlated with body temperature, WBC and PMN cell counts. Patients with rhinosinusitis were older than those with peritonsillar abscess, had lower body temperature than those with tonsillopharyngitis and had lower serum CRP levels than patients with either peritonsillar abscess or tonsillopharyngitis. Conclusion: Therefore CRP could be used as a marker to predict the severity of URTIs while PCT, although promising in cases of other severe bacterial infections, did not prove to be suitable for patients with less severe or localized infections, such as URTIs.

The Health and Toxic Adverse Effects of Fusarium Fungal Mycotoxin, Fumonisins, on Human Population

Problem statements: Fumonisin was a mycotoxin produced mainly by fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium in various foods and feeds. They occurred worldwide and were found predominantly in corn and in corn-based animal feeds and also can be found in other crops. Contamination of food and feed with fumonisins has been implicated in and associated with a number of diseases in both livestock as well as human beings. Approach: A review was done on the effect of fumonisins on animal and human and detoxification method for the prevention. ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google and Yahoo were used in the preparation of this review. Results: This review clarified that the major forms of fumonisins found in food were the B series, fumonisin B1, B2 and B3. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) was the most common and the most thoroughly studied. FB1 caused toxicities in animals including Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), Porcine Pulmonary Edema (PPE) in pigs and nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic in rats. Furthermore, FB1 had been implicated to be associated with high rates of human esophageal cancer. In addition to their natural occurrence in corn-based animal feeds and in home-grown corn used for food, fumonisins were frequently found in commercial corn-based foods. Methods for prevention and detoxification for fumonisins included prevention of plants contamination at the field level and harvest and post-harvest control of fumonisins. Furthermore, the diseases occurred in livestock will pose the additional economic losses in livestock farmers. Conclusion: Due to economic losses engendered by fumonisin, several strategies for detoxifying and preventing contaminated foods and feeds had been described in the literature including physical and biological process. However these methods still in demonstrated. Awareness of fumonisin-related animal diseases, contamination of fumonisin in foods and feeds and adherence to guidance recommendation in prevention methods were important for reducing fumonisin-induced diseases in agriculturally important species.

Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases Induced by Human Retroviruses: A Review

Problem statement: Infection with retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) have been shown to lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as HIV-associated dementia (HAD) or neuroAIDS and HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP), respectively. Approach: HIV-1-induced neurologic disease is associated with an influx of HIV-infected monocytic cells across the blood-brain barrier. Following neuroinvasion, HIV-1 and viral proteins, in addition to cellular mediators released from infected and uninfected cells participate in astrocytic and neuronal dysregulation, leading to mild to severe neurocognitive disorders. Results: The molecular architecture of viral regulatory components including the Long Terminal Repeat (LTR), genes encoding the viral proteins Tat, Vpr and Nef as well as the envelope gene encoding gp120 and gp41 have been implicated in �indirect� mechanisms of neuronal injury, mechanisms which are likely responsible for the majority of CNS damage induced by HIV-1 infection. The neuropathogenesis of HAM/TSP is linked, in part, with both intra-and extracellular effectors functions of the viral transactivator protein Tax and likely other viral proteins. Tax is traditionally known to localize in the nucleus of infected cells serving as a regulator of both viral and cellular gene expression. Conclusion/Recommendations: However, recent evidence has suggested that Tax may also accumulate in the cytoplasm and be released from the infected cell through regulated cellular secretion processes. Once in the extracellular environment, Tax may cause functional alterations in cells of the peripheral blood, lymphoid organs and the central nervous system. These extracellular biological activities of Tax are likely very relevant to the neuropathogenesis of HTLV-1 and represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.

In vitro Growth and Inhibition Studies of Monosodium Urate Monohydrate Crystals by Different Herbal Extracts

Problem statement: A large number of people in the world have been suffering from gout for centuries. Gout is the term given to a metabolic condition in which the signs and symptoms results from the deposition of crystals of Monosodium Urate Monohydrate (MSUM) in various connective tissues. Approach: It was quite difficult to grow good quality large MSUM crystals because uric acid was having very low solubility in any known solvents. Results: Attempts were made in the present investigation to grow MSUM crystals in vitro by single diffusion gel growth technique, which is quite suitable to mimic the growth of MSUM crystals in vivo up to a certain extent. Good quality needle type crystals were grown in the gel, which were characterized by FT-IR, Powder X-ray diffraction and Thermo-gravimetry. The characterization study confirmed the formation of MSUM crystals in the experiments. Herbal extract solutions of Boswellia serrata Linn., Aerva lanata juss ex. Schult, Routula aquatica Lour. and Boerhavia diffusa Linn., were used for the growth inhibition study of MSUM crystals. Aqueous herbal extract solutions were poured as supernatant solutions along with the control solution on the set gels during the crystal growth experiment. The growth observations and the measurements of crystal dimensions using optical microscope suggested that Routula aquatica Lour. and Aerva lanata juss ex. Schult extracts exhibited good crystal growth inhibition results. Conclusion: Routula aquatica Lour. extract dissolved MSUM crystals after 15 days of pouring the supernatant solution on the gel. This in vitro study may be helpful for in vivo studies, which may further lead to develop a preclinical formulation for gout treatment.

Mortality among HIV-Infected Patients in Resource Limited Settings: A Case Controlled Analysis of Inpatients at a Community Care Center

Problem statement: Despite massive national efforts to scale up Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) access in India since 2004, the AIDS death rate was 17.2 per 100,000 persons during 2003-2005. In the era of HAART in resource poor settings, it is imperative to understand and address the causes of AIDS related mortality. This collaborative study aimed at defining the predictors of mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) admitted during 2003-2005 to the Freedom Foundation (FF) Care and Support facility, Bangalore, India. Approach: Fifty consecutively selected HIV-infected patients who died during the study period and 50 HIV-infected patients matched by age, gender, route of transmission, nutrition status and stage of disease who survived at least 12 months post-ART were included in this study. The impact on mortality by factors such as: Hemoglobin, CD4+T lymphocyte counts, weight loss and Opportunistic Infections (OIs) were studied. Statistical analyses were done by Chi-square, Fisher�s Exact Test, Kaplan-Meier and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Recurrent diarrhea was a significant risk factor for mortality (OR = 12.25, p = 0.004), followed by a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at first admission (OR = 4.86) while TB in general also negatively impacted survival (p = 0.002). Though not statistically significant, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Cryptococcal meningitis and Toxoplasmosis also negatively affected survival. Mortality was high among those not on HAART (81%) while it was significantly reduced (28%) among those on HAART (p<0.001). Patients who died had elevated liver enzymes (p = 0.027) and significant weight loss (p = 0.012). Mortality was high among patients irregular with their medical follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusion: Interventions that facilitate early OI diagnosis and treatment especially diarrhea and TB may reduce mortality in HIV. HAART alone without proper OI management and nutrition did not prevent mortality among PLHA. In resource poor settings, it becomes imperative to focus on low cost tools and increased capacity building along with regular clinical follow-up for diagnosis and early treatment of OIs. Further studies are warranted to explore benefits of initiating HAART earlier than currently recommended.

Molecular Analysis of Coagulase Gene Polymorphism in Clinical Isolates of Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Based Genotyping

Problem statement: To investigate coagulase gene variants through Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) amongst clinical isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) collected from Chennai based hospitals. Approach: A total of 85 MRSA clinical isolates collected from various clinical sources were studied for the molecular typing purpose. To perform coagulase gene typing, the repeated units encoding hypervariable regions of the Staphylococcus aureus coagulase gene were amplified by the PCR followed by AluI and HaeIII restriction enzyme digestion of the PCR product and analyzed for RFLP. Results: Cluster analysis performed with Un-weighted Pair Grouping Using Arithmetic Mean Analysis (UPGMA) at >80% similarity level classified all strains into 31 and 21 genotypes based upon AluI and HaeIII RFLP patterns respectively. AluI RFLP patterns gave a high discriminatory index and proved to be better than that of HaeIII in typing of MRSA strains. Conclusion: Method investigated in this study, proved to be quick, reliable and useful for typing large number of MRSA strains from various clinical isolates with high fidelity. Grouping of strains based on RFLP patterns of both enzymes, improved the discriminatory index. Finally, using this methodology group of epidemiological strains can be typed reliably and effectively using both enzymes. Significance and impact of the study: This efficient and reliable typing procedure is beneficial to develop efficient infection control measures in hospitals for staphylococcal infection. This typing procedure could be used to analyze large number of strains with in a short period of time and thus useful for epidemiological investigations.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Aegle marmelos Fruit on Adherence and β-Lactam Resistance of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli by Down Regulating Outer Membrane Protein C

Problem statement: Enteropathogenic Escherichia Coli (EPEC) continue to be a major health problem, leading to death due to diarrhea, predominantly in children below the age of five. Due to evolution of multi drug resistance in EPEC and side effects caused to host by antibiotics necessitated a search for alternative medicines from medicinal plants. One such medicinal plant used since ancient times to cure diarrhea is Aegle marmelos. This study was done to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos fruit (AEAM) on outer membrane protein C (OmpC) of EPEC, which plays a key role in adherence and antibiotic resistance. Approach: Fixation of minimum inhibitory concentration. In presence and absence of AEAM antibiotic susceptibility test was performed. Expression analysis of OmpC and OmpF was carried out by RT-PCR of EPEC in presence and absence of AEAM. Morphological changes of EPEC in presence and absence of AEAM were analyzed by TEM. In infant mouse ileal loop model, histological analysis, adherence of bacteria to ileal loops and Western blotting for caspase-3 and Hsp70 were done. Results: OmpC (~42kDa) a porin, played an important role in selective transport of nutrients and also acted as an adhesin, whereas OmpF (~38kDa) is also a porin which is non selective. Susceptibility of EPEC to β-lactam antibiotics in presence of AEAM can be attributed to down regulation of OmpC and upregulation of OmpF. The changes in Omp expression also triggered morphological changes in EPEC. Histology and western blot of Hsp70 and Caspase-3 in rat ileal loop confirmed the effect of AEAM on attenuating the virulence of EPEC by preventing its infection due to loss of adherence. Loss of adherence was due to morphological changes and down regulation of OmpC in EPEC. Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that the protection offered by AEAM against EPEC was due to down regulation of OmpC, leading to loss of adherence and up regulation of OmpF, which allowed the entry of β-lactam antibiotics into bacteria. Hence, AEAM, along with β-lactam antibiotics can be used in treatment of EPEC infections.

Molecular Characterization of Opium Poppy(Papaver somniferum) Germplasm

Problem statement: The medicinal value of opium poppy (2n = 22, Papaver somniferum L.) is due to presence of more than two dozen alkaloids. The genetic origin and diversity of cultivars used in the breeding collection is not fully known. To evaluate the genetic diversity of the 24 germplasm currently cultivated in the state to provide genetic information about heterogeneity, using RAPD and ISSR markers. Approach: Isolated genomic DNA was subjected to PCR amplification using either random or ISSR markers. The amplified fragments were scored and matrix was prepared. Jaccard similarity coefficients were calculated and dendogram was generated. Results: RAPD with 12 primers gave 46 scorable fragments out of which 32 bands were polymorphic (69.52%) with 2.6 polymorphic band per primer, while in ISSR analysis 9 primer gave good amplification with DNA of 24 opium poppy germplasm. They gave 27 scorable polymorphic with 3.0 bends per primer. Dendrogram constructed revealed that the based on RAPD the germplasm cultivated comprised of one major group A and one minor group B, while two clusters of two germplasm each stands apart, on the basis of ISSR they fall into one major group A and one minor groups B, while one germplasm clusters of UOP-60 stands apart. Based on combined RAPD and ISSR analysis these germplasm were divided into 1 major group A and 3 minor group B, C, D whereas one genotype UOP-6 stood apart. Conclusion: These results showed that the majority of cultivated germplasm fall in one cluster and have low genetic diversity.

Target Identification in Ory S1 Pollen Protein Allergen from Oryza sativa in the Course of Construction of Hypoallergenic Vaccines

Problem statement: Recombinant-based approaches are mostly focused on genetic modification of allergens to produce molecules with reduced allergenic activity and conserved antigenicity, such as hypoallergens. Recombinant allergens represent promising tools for diagnosis and therapy of type I allergy. This approach was probably feasible with every allergen with known amino acid sequence. Approach: The primary aim of this study was to determine the consensus epitope from twenty homologous protein sequences of Ory S1 allergenic protein sequence from Oryza sativa (indica group) pollen. Molecular modeling calculations had been used to investigate the allergenic protein models for the epitope. Results: Oryza sativa (japonica), Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Triticum aestivum, Dactylis glomerata and Zea mays were found more closely related (alignment score 1145-812) among all the homologs and investigated further. The major binding pocket comprised an area of 604.5 �2 and 970 �3 volume and another key binding pocket had 425.6 Ų area and 658.8 ų volume. The residues found in the key site included ile2, lys13, cys14, ser15, lys16, pro17, ala25, leu26, ile27, tyr40, his41, phe42, asp43, leu44, ser45, gly46, leu47, ala48, met49, ala50, asp55, leu58, arg59, ala61, gly62, ile63, ile64, asp65, gln67, phe68; corresponding to the allergen binding site and the IgE binding epitope given in the title. Conclusion: These are the functional sites on the allergenic proteins that can be mutated to develop hypoallergenic vaccine. These sites can be rationalized on the basis of simple arguments that lead to vaccine development, by predicting the structure of the allergenic epitopes and comparative analysis.

The Flavonoid, Quercetin, Inhibits HIV-1 Infection in Normal Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Intrinsically Unstructured Proteins: Potential Targets for Drug Discovery

Influence of Quercetin on Diabetes-Induced Alteration in CYP3A Activity and Bioavailability of Pioglitazone in Rats

Isolation and Characterization of Potential Probiotic Escherichia coli Strains from Rat Faecal Samples

Almond Consumption Decreases Fasting and Post Prandial Blood Glucose Level in Female Type 2 Diabetes Subject

Comparison of Bleeding Time and Clotting Time in Different Blood Groups

Protective Effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume on Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathy

Assessment of Anti-Diabetic Activity of Syzygium jambolanum Using In vitro Model

Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potential of Actinomycete Species Saccharopolyspora salina VITSDK4 Isolated from the Bay of Bengal Coast of India

Synthesis of Coenzyme Q10

Identification of Clonal Clusters of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Chennai by Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Genotyping and Antibiotic Resistance Phenotyping Analysis

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Vitex leucoxylon L. Bark Extracts Against Freunds Complete Adjuvant Induced Arthritis in Sprague Dawley Rat

In vitro and In vivo Antioxidant Activity of Aphanamixis polystachya Bark

Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Interventions for Ethnic-Minority HIV-Positive Alcohol/Drug Abusers in Resource Limited and Culturally Diverse Communities

A Mini Review: Cholera Outbreak via Shellfish

Borderline Personality Symptoms and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Risk in Alcohol and Other Drug Abusing Adolescent Offenders

Cocaine Exposure Results in Formation of Dendritic Varicosity in Rat Primary Hippocampal Neurons

Post Traumatic Meningitis in Neurosurgery Department

Resistance to Third-Generation Cephalosporins and Other Antibiotics by Enterobacteriaceae in Western Nigeria

Serological Evaluation of Brucella abortus S99 Lipopolysaccharide Extracted by an Optimized Method

The Effect of a 4th Generation-Cephalosporin Introduction upon the Incidence of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Non-Teaching Hospital

Screening of Breast Mass in Iraqi Females: Al-Kindy Hospital Breast Clinic

Problem statement: The aim of this study is to present the findings of a retrospective analysis in females with breast mass, the character of the women and the risk factors of breast cancer at Al-Kindy Breast Clinic Center. Approach: Data were collected during 2 months period using special form of questioner. The total number of studied sample was 60, which includes female patients living in Baghdad. Results: The highest prevalence of developing breast mass at age group 36-45 years, the majority of these women are housewives (81.7%), about (31.7%) of the included sample were illiterate and only 10% graduated from college. (58.3%) of the studied sample did not use contraception, while (30%) of patients with breast mass had breast feeding on the other hand (70%) did not had breast feeding, by self examination, (11.7%) could not found the mass by themselves, (28.3%) had a mass in the right breast, (50%) had a mass in the left breast while (10%) had the mass in both breasts. Conclusion: The study showed a high level of practice of breast-self examination among women in the sample under consideration, breast masses were more occurring at the third and fourth decades of life, the number of children may affect the development of breast mass and combined oral contraceptive has small increased risk of breast mass.

Screening of Breast Mass in Iraqi Females: Al-Kindy Hospital Breast Clinic

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bloodstream Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus: Global Results from the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial, 2004-2008

Problem statement: The Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (TEST) commenced in 2004 to monitor the activity of tigecycline, a new glycylcycline and numerous comparators against major hospital-and community-associated pathogens. In this report we examine the efficacy of tigecycline and comparators against isolates of Staphylococcus aureus collected from blood. Approach: Almost 4000 blood-derived isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were collected from participating centers globally between 2004-2008. Results: All isolates were susceptible to tigecycline (MIC₉₀ 0.25 mg L^-1) and linezolid (MIC₉₀ 4 mg L^-1); 99.9% of isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC₉₀ 1 mg L^-1). Tigecycline and linezolid activity were unaffected by resistance to methicillin, ICU vs non-ICU isolate collection or the age of patients from which the isolates were collected. Although 95.3% of MSSA were levofloxacin susceptible, only 14.4% of MRSA isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin in this study. Conclusion: Tigecycline is shown here to be active against S. aureus isolates collected from blood and is unaffected by methicillin resistance. However, tigecycline is not as yet approved for the treatment of bacteremic infections.

Cytomegalovirus Immunity in Pregnancy in South of Iran

Problem statement: Fetal loss and abortion are responsible for significant emotional distress for couples desiring children. There are many documents which support the role of some certain asymptomatic infections such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in spontaneous abortion. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of seropositivity for CMV IgG and IgM in women with abortion and compare it with normal women with no previous history of abortion. Approach: This case-control study was carried out in Shariatee hospital of Hormozgan University of medical sciences, during 2003-2004. A number of 250 women with definite diagnosis of previous abortion and 200 matched women with normal full term delivery and negative history of miscarriage as controls were studied as case and control groups. Serum samples were obtained from participants and a demographic questionnaire was also filled for each of them. .All serum samples were then tested using ELISA method for detection of anti-CMV IgM and IgG Antibodies. Data was analyzed, using SPSS software (chi square and t-test). Results: The average age was 25.6�7.6 years in case group and 25.3�6.5 years in control group. The number and percentage for CMV-IgG was 235(94%) and 150(75%) in case and control groups, respectively (p-value = 0.0001). In case group 13(5.2%) women were positive for CMV-IgM, while no positive sample was detected in control group (p-value = 0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed higher prevalence of seropositivity for CMV in women with spontaneous abortion comparing to women with normal full term delivery and suggest that cytomegalovirus plays a significant role in abortion.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Haemodialysis Patients

Problem statement: In situations of immunodeficiency, Toxoplasma gondii emerges as a life-threatening infection. Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted parenterally, flourish in immunocompromised subjects and, most toxoplasma infections are asymptomatic. Studies have shown that there is a immunodeficiency in renal failure patient such as hemodialysis patients and these patients have a high risk for many infections. There is no evidence about toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients in Iran. Approach: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure. This case-control study was carried out on 44 hemodialysis patients and 44 healthy controls for the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. Anti-IgG, IgM and IgA T. gondii antibodies positivity were found to be 26 (59.10%), 3 (6.80%) and 3 (6.80%) of the 44 hemodialysis patients, respectively and 16 (36.40%) of the 44 control subjects were Anti-IgG T. gondii antibodies positivity and all of control subjects were negative for Anti-IgM and IgA T. gondii antibodies. The difference between them was statistically significant (p = 0.032). In addition, an increase of the seropositivity rate was detected with increasing length of time on hemodialysis treatment, indicating a statistically significant difference between these 2 parameters (p<0.001). Results: These findings confirm a high prevalence of toxoplasma infection in hemodialysis patients and these patients are a risk group for toxoplasma infection. Results showed that 3 hemodialysis patients had an acute and active infection. Conclusion: Moreover, it is recommended that hemodialysis patients who are susceptible to toxoplasma infections should be identified by T. gondii IgG and IgM and/or IgA specific serological tests. Therefore, patients undergoing hemodialysis should be screened for toxoplasma before dialysis to prevent the dissemination of this infection through the hemodialysis procedure.

Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins C and E Supplementation on its Plasma Levels and on Lipid Profile in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Problem statement: Patients with active pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) are malnourished as indicated by reductions in lean mass, anthropometric indices and micronutrient status. Supplementation with vitamins may prove to be beneficial. Limited information is available on the supplementation of vitamin C and E in pulmonary TB patients. Hence, the present study was undertaken to address the question whether any benefit could be demonstrated with supplementation of antioxidant vitamins C and E and in combination in pulmonary TB patients. Approach: A five arm study was carried out for a period of 6 months in which the normal healthy volunteers served as control group and the sputum positive category I pulmonary TB patients served as the treatment group. Three out of the four patient groups received the antioxidant vitamin supplementation of either vitamin C, vitamin E or in combination along with ATT, whereas fourth group received ATT alone. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and E were analyzed pre, during and post Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy (ATT) to establish the role of oral supplementation of these vitamins. Sputum culture was also done at all the three times points for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To study the possible interaction and influence of the supplemented vitamins on LDL-C and HDL-C and other lipid parameters a lipid profile was carried out. Results: (1) All the patients in the treatment groups turned sputum at the end of 2 months of treatment. (2) There was a significant improvement in the body weights of the patients upon supplementation with antioxidant vitamins. (3) There was a significant increase in the of plasma ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels after 6 months of treatment in the vitamin C and vitamin E supplemented groups. (4) The HDL-C levels increased significantly in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups. (5) Lower levels of LDL-C were observed in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups when compared to the un-supplemented group. Conclusion: The plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol increased significantly after their dietary supplementation. The increase could also be due to the synergy exhibited by both the vitamins. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation influenced the lipid profile by increasing the serum HDL-C, improving the total cholesterol levels and decreasing the LDL-C concentration in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups.