Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in The Gambia

BackgroundThe prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti, which causes lymphatic filariasis (LF) in The Gambia was among the highest in Africa in the 1950s. However, surveys conducted in 1975 and 1976 revealed a dramatic decline in LF endemicity in the absence of mass drug administration (MDA). The decline in prevalence was partly attributed to a significant reduction in mosquito density through the widespread use of insecticidal nets. Based on findings elsewhere that vector control alone can interrupt LF, we asked the question in 2013 whether the rapid scale up in the use of insecticidal nets in The Gambia had interrupted LF transmission.ConclusionsWe conclude that LF transmission may have been interrupted in The Gambia through the extensive use of insecticidal nets for malaria control for decades. The growing evidence for the impact of malaria vector control activities on parasite transmission has been endorsed by WHO through a position statement in 2011 on integrated vector management to control malaria and LF.     

Failure of naloxone to attenuate fasting induced hyperphagia in broiler chicks

Subcutaneous administration of naloxone at 1 to 10 mg/kg produced a dose-related decrease in feed intake of broiler chicks. Food deprivation for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours produced a significant increase in feed intake compared to non-food deprived birds. Subcutaneous administration of naloxone at 1 to 10 mg/kg failed to attenuate hyperphagia of broiler chicks, deprived of food for 12 hrs. These data suggest that opiate receptors are involved in the regulation of spontaneous feeding behavior in broiler chicks. However, in contrast to other mammals and pigeons, a mechanism, other than endorphinergic system, not sensitive to naloxone blockade, might be involved in food deprivation induced hyperphagia in broiler chicks.     

Structure,composition and regeneration of riparian forest along an altitudinal gradient in northern Iran

In order to protect and understand the regeneration of riparian forests, it is important to understand the environmental conditions that lead to their vegetation differentiation. We evaluated the structure, composition, density and regeneration of woody species in forests along the river Safaroud in Ramsar forest in northern Iran in relation to elevation, soil properties and distance from the river. Using 60 transects located perpendicularly to river and 300 quadrats, we examined forests 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 m from the stream along an elevation gradient spanning from 350 to 2,400 m a.s.l. We found that total density, regeneration, diameter and basal area of trees were significantly higher in the interior of the forest whereas shrub density was higher close to the river. The uneven-aged forest structure showed no significant differences among gradient from the river to the forest interior. Hydro-geomorphic processes, flooding, the elevation gradient, distance from the river and soil properties were the most important factors that influenced plant community distribution in relation to the river.     

Comparative evaluation of extraction methods for total proteins from Crocus sativus L. (Saffron)

Broadly speaking proteomic studies are one of the various techniques of utmost importance for understanding complex biological processes that occur under inductive conditions and revealing the multidimensional aspects of Crocus sativus in biological systems. In order to get an insight into the molecular changes and to characterize the variations in protein expression of C. sativus, a detailed proteomic analysis on one-dimensional gel electrophoresis is one of the basic steps to accomplish. We have compared total protein profiles of C. sativus extracted by three different recipes and analyzed on 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Gels were subjected to densitometric analysis for further characterization. Among three different protocols NP-40 extraction buffer recipe resulted in the extraction of proteins most efficiently with minimum background and streaking. There was maximum solubilization of proteins with high efficiency. Such a profile can be used for high precision analysis of differential protein expression. This work is an attempt to assist researchers in effective extraction of proteins from C. sativus. As a researcher faces a perplexing array of choices as where to start we describe a method based on our collective analysis of the different protein protocols. This paper presents a method that could be applied at the outset of any proteomic study.     

Population Dynamic of the Mudskipper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Periophthalmus waltoni</Emphasis> Koumans, 1941 from the Bay of Hormozgan Province,Persian Gulf

We studied the population structure and reproductive biology of the mudskipper Periophthalmus waltoni Koumans, 1941, living on the mudflats of bay of Hormozgan province, Persian Gulf. The specimens were haphazardly and monthly collected from August 2008 to July 2009. A total of 2060 fishes was sampled, sexed 690 of which 221 (32%) were males, and 469 (68%) females. The total length (TL) and weight relationship demonstrated growth in both sexes was isometric with the function W = 0.0078TL^3.06. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated as 16.5 cm and 0.75 yr^–1, respectively. Age of the fish at zero length (to) was calculated–0.35 and the longevity was attained 3.65 year. The estimated Von Bertalanffy function was TL_(t) = 16.5[1–exp(–0.75(t + 0.35))]. Natural mortality (M) was estimated 1.74 yr^–1. Four cohorts were distinguished annuallywith mean of TL = 7.35, 10.17, 12.74 and 13.92 cm. The maximum recruitment rate was in January at 17.5%. The overall sex ratio (F: M) (1: 0.49) was significantly different than 1: 1. The peak of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) occurred in February. The size at onset of sexual maturity (LM₅₀)wasestimated at TL = 12 cm. The mean of absolute and relative fecundity were estimated as 3558 ± 2203 and 257 ± 101 eggs, respectively.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of Oxynoemacheilus frenatus (Heckel, 1843) and Petroleuciscus esfahani Coad & Bogutskaya, 2010 from the Cheshmeh‐Langan river,Iran

The study presents length‐weight relationships (LWRs) and length‐lenght relationships (LLRs) for two freshwater fish species from the Cheshmeh‐Langan River (Iran; 32°50′N, 50°04′E), a part of the Tigris drainage basin. Fish were sampled by electrofishing (Samus 725M) in August and September 2017. The LWRs and LLRs obtained showed a high level of correlation (r² > .98).     

Cardiomyopathy induced by incessant ventricular tachycardia originating in the vicinity of the His bundle

A 04-year-old boy was referred to our institution with severe, progressive heart failure of 4-months duration associated with a persistent wide QRS tachycardia with left bundle branch block and severe left ventricular dysfunction. Because of incessant wide QRS tachycardia refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, he was referred for electrophysiological study. The ECG was suggestive of VT arising from the right ventricle near the His area. Electrophysiological study revealed that origin of tachycardia was septum of the right ventricle, near His bundle, however the procedure was not successful and an inadvertent complete atrioventricular conduction block occurred. The same ventricular tachycardia recurred. A second procedure was performed with a retrograd aortic approach to map the left side of the interventricular septum. The earliest endocardial site for ablation was localized in the anterobasal region of left ventricle near His bundle. In this location, one radiofrequency pulse interrupted VT and rendered it not inducible. The echocardiographic evaluation showed partial reversal of left ventricular function in the first 3 months. The diagnosis was idiopathic parahisian left ventricular tachycardia leading to a tachycardia mediated cardiomyopathy, an extremely rare clinical picture in children.