Resistance of early midgut stages of natural Plasmodium falciparum parasites to high temperatures in experimentally infected Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

We studied the effects of high temperature, 30 and 32 versus 27 C on early Plasmodium falciparum development in Anopheles gambiae experimentally infected with gametocytes from 30 volunteers with mean density of 264.1 gametocytes/microl blood (range: 16-1,536/microl). From several batches of mosquitoes, fed by membrane feeding, midguts of individual mosquitoes were dissected at 24 hr for ookinete enumeration and at 7 days to quantify oocysts. There were temperature-related differences in mean ookinete intensity per mosquito midgut, with 9.71 +/- 1.6 at 27 C, 9.85 +/- 2.32 at 30 C, and 3.89 +/- 0.81 at 32 C. The prevalence of oocyst infection decreased with an increase in temperatures from 15.9 to 8.5 to 6.4% at 27, 30, and 32 C, respectively. The average oocyst intensities for the infected mosquitoes increased with temperatures from 2.9 at 27 C to 3.5 at 30 C, and to 3.3 at 32 C. However, the success of infections was reduced at 30 and 32 C, and resulted in greater losses during consecutive inter-stage parasite development. The most significant impact of high temperatures occurred at the transition between macrogametocytes and ookinetes, whereas the transition between ookinetes and oocysts apparently was not affected. In contrast to other reports, exposure of mosquitoes infected with natural parasites to high temperatures did not eliminate preoocyst stages, as has been observed from laboratory studies using the NF-54 strain of P. falciparum. This observation of parasite resistance to high temperatures is consistent with the natural situation in tropical environments where perennial malaria transmission occurs during hot dry seasons.     

Genetic diversity of Iranian clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

In the current study we aimed to execute a rather less complicated molecular tying method, i.e. the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to find the heterogeneity of Iranian strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The isolates comprised a total of 96 strains of M. tuberculosis collected from clinical specimens of patients in Isfahan and Tehran. The isolates were assigned to the species M. tuberculosis by the key conventional and molecular methods. They were then subjected to RAPD analysis by four arbitrary primers, namely, the primers 27F, 1525R, MS- GF and INS-2. They were then evaluated for the number and intensity of the band patterns. The RAPD profiles of the Iranian isolates showed a degree of heterogeneity which varied based on the primer used. However, analysis of the isolates by primer INS-2 revealed the highest degree of diversity yielding 31 distinguishable RAPD types. RAPD analysis provides a rapid and easy means of identifying heterogeneity among the M. tuberculosis isolates. This typing system might be considered a valuable alternative molecular typing for countries with limited resources provided that the reproducibility and reliability of the method is carefully assured.     

Mitigation of sodium chloride toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum L. by supplementation of jasmonic acid and nitric oxide

We investigated the effects of exogenous application of jasmonic acid (JA) and nitric oxide (NO) on growth, antioxidant metabolism, physio-biochemical attributes and metabolite accumulation, in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants exposed to salt stress. Treating the plants with NaCl (200 mM) resulted in considerable growth inhibition in terms of biomass, relative water content, and chlorophyll content, all of which were significantly improved upon application of JA and NO under both normal and NaCl-stress treatments. Salt treatment particularly 200 mM NaCl caused an apparent increase in electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide production, which were reduced by exogenous application of JA and NO. Salt treatment triggered the induction of antioxidant system by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR). Application of JA and NO separately as well as in combination caused a significant improvement in activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and GR activities. JA and NO either applied individually or in combination boosted the flavonoid, proline and glycine betaine synthesis under NaCl treatments. In conclusion, the exogenous application of JA and NO protected tomato plants from NaCl-induced damage by up-regulating the antioxidant metabolism, osmolyte synthesis, and metabolite accumulation.     

Plant growth under water/salt stress: ROS production; antioxidants and significance of added potassium under such conditions

Plants are confronted with a variety of environmenmtal stresses resulting in enhanced production of ROS. Plants require a threshold level of ROS for vital functions and any change in their concentration alters the entire physiology of plant. Delicate balance of ROS is maintained by an efficient functioning of intriguing indigenous defence system called antioxidant system comprising enzymatic and non enzymatic components. Down regulation of antioxidant system leads to ROS induced oxidative stress causing damage to important cellular structures and hence anomalies in metabolism. Proper mineral nutrition, in addition to other agricultural practices, forms an important part for growth and hence the yield. Potassium (K) is a key macro-element regulating growth and development through alterations in physiological and biochemical attributes. K has been reported to result into accumulation of osmolytes and augmentation of antioxidant components in the plants exposed to water and salt stress. In the present review an effort has been made to revisit the old findings and the current advances in research regarding the role of optimal, suboptimal and deficient K soil status on growth under normal and stressful conditions. Effect of K deficiency and sufficiency is discussed and the information about the K mediated antioxidant regulation and plant response is highlighted.     

Stress and coping among mothers of twins in rural southwestern Nigeria.

High rates of twinning have been reported in Africa. This study sought to learn whether mothers of twins experience different stress levels than those who have only singletons. Both twin mothers (101) and singleton mothers (101) were interviewed. Using a scale of 15 stressors the researchers found that the mean stress score was significantly higher for twin mothers than singleton mothers. Higher stress scores were also associated with parity and perceptions of problems in caring for children and inversely related to perceived levels of social support. Confronting stressors or simply accepting them were the two main ways that mothers coped with their problems.     

Factors Affecting Women's Autonomous Decision Making In Research Participation Amongst Yoruba Women Of Western Nigeria

Research is a global enterprise requiring participation of both genders for generalizable knowledge; advancement of science and evidence based medical treatment. Participation of women in research is necessary to reduce the current bias that most empirical evidence is obtained from studies with men to inform health care and related policy interventions. Various factors are assumed to limit autonomy amongst the Yoruba women of western Nigeria. This paper seeks to explore the experience and understanding of autonomy by the Yoruba women in relation to research participation. Focus is on factors that affect women's autonomous decision making in research participation. An exploratory qualitative approach comprising four focus group discussions, 42 in‐depth interviews and 14 key informant interviews was used. The study permits a significant amount of triangulation, as opinions of husbands and religious leaders are also explored. Interviews and discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was employed for data analysis. Findings show that concepts of autonomy varied amongst the Yoruba women. Patriarchy, religion and culture are conceived to have negative impact on the autonomy of women in respect to research participation. Among the important findings are: 1) male dominance is strongly emphasized by religious leaders who should teach equality, 2) while men feel that by making decisions for women, they are protecting them, the women on the other hand see this protection as a way of limiting their autonomy. We recommend further studies to develop culturally appropriate and workable recruitment methods to increase women's participation in research.     

Synthesis and evaluation of molluscicidal and larvicidal activities of some novel enaminones derived from 4-hydroxyquinolinones: part IX

A series of 10 3-(hetarylaminomethylene)quinolinediones, 12 3-(substituted aminopropenoyl)-4-hydroxyquinolinones, and 10 3-(substituted aminomethylene-5-oxo-pyrazolinyl)-4-hydroxyquinolinones were synthesized as novel enaminones derived from 3-(un)substituted 4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-ones in 72-94% yields and assayed for their molluscicidal activities against Biomphalaria alexandrina and Lymnaea natalensis snails. Some of the tested enaminones presented high molluscicidal activities (LC(50)20ppm). The new compounds showed more potency against hatchability of B. alexandrina egg masses, the infection rate and prepatent period of the snails. In addition, these derivatives revealed potential larvicidal effects (100% mortality) on both miracidia and cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni at reduced exposure time. The selected active derivatives were examined against Daphnia magna and their nontoxic effect at all sublethal, lethal, and higher concentrations suggests that these compounds can play an important role as molluscicides and larvicides with environmental safe properties.     

Quantification of atherosclerotic plaque activity and vascular inflammation using [18-F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT)

Conventional non-invasive imaging modalities of atherosclerosis such as coronary artery calcium (CAC) and carotid intimal medial thickness (C-IMT) provide information about the burden of disease. However, despite multiple validation studies of CAC, and C-IMT, these modalities do not accurately assess plaque characteristics, and the composition and inflammatory state of the plaque determine its stability and, therefore, the risk of clinical events. [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) imaging using positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been extensively studied in oncologic metabolism. Studies using animal models and immunohistochemistry in humans show that FDG-PET/CT is exquisitely sensitive for detecting macrophage activity, an important source of cellular inflammation in vessel walls. More recently, we and others have shown that FDG-PET/CT enables highly precise, novel measurements of inflammatory activity of activity of atherosclerotic plaques in large and medium-sized arteries. FDG-PET/CT studies have many advantages over other imaging modalities: 1) high contrast resolution; 2) quantification of plaque volume and metabolic activity allowing for multi-modal atherosclerotic plaque quantification; 3) dynamic, real-time, in vivo imaging; 4) minimal operator dependence. Finally, vascular inflammation detected by FDG-PET/CT has been shown to predict cardiovascular (CV) events independent of traditional risk factors and is also highly associated with overall burden of atherosclerosis. Plaque activity by FDG-PET/CT is modulated by known beneficial CV interventions such as short term (12 week) statin therapy as well as longer term therapeutic lifestyle changes (16 months). The current methodology for quantification of FDG uptake in atherosclerotic plaque involves measurement of the standardized uptake value (SUV) of an artery of interest and of the venous blood pool in order to calculate a target to background ratio (TBR), which is calculated by dividing the arterial SUV by the venous blood pool SUV. This method has shown to represent a stable, reproducible phenotype over time, has a high sensitivity for detection of vascular inflammation, and also has high inter-and intra-reader reliability. Here we present our methodology for patient preparation, image acquisition, and quantification of atherosclerotic plaque activity and vascular inflammation using SUV, TBR, and a global parameter called the metabolic volumetric product (MVP). These approaches may be applied to assess vascular inflammation in various study samples of interest in a consistent fashion as we have shown in several prior publications.     

Persisting Social Participation Restrictions among Former Buruli Ulcer Patients in Ghana and Benin

BackgroundBuruli ulcer may induce severe disabilities impacting on a person''s well-being and quality of life. Information about long-term disabilities and participation restrictions is scanty. The objective of this study was to gain insight into participation restrictions among former Buruli ulcer patients in Ghana and Benin.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, former Buruli ulcer patients were interviewed using the Participation Scale, the Buruli Ulcer Functional Limitation Score to measure functional limitations, and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue to measure perceived stigma. Healthy community controls were also interviewed using the Participation Scale. Trained native interviewers conducted the interviews. Former Buruli ulcer patients were eligible for inclusion if they had been treated between 2005 and 2011, had ended treatment at least 3 months before the interview, and were at least 15 years of age.ResultsIn total, 143 former Buruli ulcer patients and 106 community controls from Ghana and Benin were included in the study. Participation restrictions were experienced by 67 former patients (median score, 30, IQR; 23;43) while 76 participated in social life without problems (median score 5, IQR; 2;9). Most restrictions encountered related to employment. Linear regression showed being female, perceived stigma, functional limitations, and larger lesions (category II) as predictors of more participation restrictions.ConclusionPersisting participation restrictions were experienced by former BU patients in Ghana and Benin. Most important predictors of participation restrictions were being female, perceived stigma, functional limitations and larger lesions.