Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Temporal patterns of dengue epidemics: The case of recent outbreaks in Kaohsiung.
Sanna M, Hsieh YH
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442113 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether major dengue outbreaks in the last two decades in Kaohsiung follow a precise temporal pattern. METHODS: Government daily lab-confirmed dengue case data from three major dengue outbreaks...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether major dengue outbreaks in the last two decades in Kaohsiung follow a precise temporal pattern. METHODS: Government daily lab-confirmed dengue case data from three major dengue outbreaks occurring during the last two decades in Kaohsiung in 2002, 2014 and 2015, is utilized to compute the corresponding weekly cumulative percentage of total case numbers. We divide each of the three time series data into two periods to examine the corresponding weekly cumulative percentages of case numbers for each period. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to compare quantitatively the similarity between the temporal patterns of these three years. RESULTS: Three cutoff points produce the most interesting comparisons and the most different outcomes. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicates quantitative discrepancies in the similarity between temporal patterns of the three years when using different cutoff points. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal patterns in 2002 and 2014 are comparatively more similar in early stage. The 2015 outbreak started late in the year, but ended more like the outbreak in 2014, both with record-breaking number of cases. The retrospective analysis shows that the temporal dynamics of dengue outbreaks in Kaohsiung can strongly vary from one year to another, making it difficult to identify any common predictor.
Experimental infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pallas).
Fratini F, Verin R, Ebani VV … +5 more , Ambrogi C, Bertelloni F, Turchi B, Poli A, Cerri D
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442112 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinicopathological, bacteriological and pathological aspects of an experimental infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Y. pseudotuberculosis) in hares to verify the efficacy of serology fo...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinicopathological, bacteriological and pathological aspects of an experimental infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Y. pseudotuberculosis) in hares to verify the efficacy of serology for the in vivo diagnosis. Moreover, the pathogenicity of two Y. pseudotuberculosis strains was investigated in order to detect potential differences. METHODS: Twelve European brown hares (Lepus europaeus, Pallas) were experimentally infected per os and via conjunctival mucosae with Y. pseudotuberculosis: six subjects were infected with a strain isolated from a naturally infected hare (YpH) and six subjects with a strain isolated from a naturally infected rabbit (YpR). Two hares were used as negative controls. All animals were subjected to clinical, bacteriological and serological examinations during 9 weeks following the infection and, at the end of the control period, subjects still alive were euthanized and submitted to a complete post mortem examination. RESULTS: All faecal samples collected during the control period were positive for bacteriological examinations and to a PCR for the inv gene of Y. pseudotuberculosis, while only one YpH-infected hare showed a positive haemocultures. From the 2nd to the 9th week post infection (pi), serological analysis revealed specific antibodies with titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:160 in all YpH-infected and two YpR-infected subjects. All the YpH-infected and two YpR-infected hares scored positive for Y. pseudotuberculosis by means of bacteriological investigations. Grossly, suppurative multifocal lesions were detected in liver, spleen, kidney and sub-mandibular lymph nodes in both YpH- and YpR-infected hares and confirmed with histopathology. Pulmonary lesions were observed only in YpH-infected subjects. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of bacterial antigen in all infected animals. CONCLUSION: Results of this study revealed that YpH strain is more pathogenic for hares than the YpR strain; moreover the serological test performed in this study could be used for the diagnosis of pseudotuberculosis in hares, whereas post mortem diagnosis should be confirmed by means of bacteriological examination, PCR, histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Toxicity assessment and screening of tetrodotoxin in the oblong blowfish (Takifugu oblongus) from the Tamil Nadu Coast of Bay of Bengal, India.
Indumathi SM, Khora SS
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442111 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To assess the toxicity of the pufferfish Takifugu oblongus, from Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu, India and to detect the presence of Tetrodotoxin (TTX). METHODS: The toxicity was evaluated by mouse bioassay using S...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the toxicity of the pufferfish Takifugu oblongus, from Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu, India and to detect the presence of Tetrodotoxin (TTX). METHODS: The toxicity was evaluated by mouse bioassay using Swiss Albino mice which were expressed in mouse units (MU). Gross anatomical features were observed which is followed by histopathology of the dead mice tissues to establish the toxicity. Instrumental analysis for the presence of tetrodotoxin was also performed through GC-MS and HPLC. RESULTS: The toxicity of ovary was the maximum with 163 MU/g and lowest toxicity was observed in skin with 75.88 MU/g. Histopathological analyses of the dead mice showed various cellular degenerations and inflammations. The amount of Tetrodotoxin detected through GC-MS and HPLC was more reliable and sensitive than the customary mouse bioassay as instrumental analyses were able to detect even nanograms of the toxin. CONCLUSIONS: The present study evidently proved that Takifugu oblongus is highly toxic and consumption of the same can pose serious threat for health and possible lethality to humans.
Ethanolic extracts of babandotan leaves (Ageratum conyzoides L.) prevents inflammation and proteoglycan degradation by inhibiting TNF-α and MMP-9 on osteoarthritis rats induced by monosodium iodoacetate.
Bahtiar A, Nurazizah M, Roselina T … +2 more , Tambunan AP, Arsianti A
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442110 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on the monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis rats. METHODS: Thin layer chromatography was performed to analyze the constituents of the babandotan extrac...
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on the monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis rats. METHODS: Thin layer chromatography was performed to analyze the constituents of the babandotan extract leaves. White male Sprague-Dawley rats used in this study were divided into 6 groups: normal control and negative control groups, both given 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose; the positive control group that was given glucosamine and chondroitin suspension (486 mg/200 g B.W.); the 3 dose variation extract groups including dose 1, 2, and 3 that were given 40, 80, and 160 mg/200 g B.W. respectively on day 29 until 50. All the groups were induced with 0.05 mL monosodium iodoacetate (20 mg/mL) on day 1, except normal control induced by saline. Measurement of edema volume of rat knees was performed on day 0, 8, 15, 22, 29, 43, and 50. Hematology data was measured at day 1, 29 and 50. Serum was collected at day 50 to evaluate TNF-α and MMP-9 by ELISA. Cartilage histopathology was evaluated by staining with H&E and Safranin-O-fast green staining on day 50. RESULTS: The babandotan leaves extract dose 2 (80 mg/200 g B.W.) and dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) could decrease the edema volume, increase the area and thickness of articular cartilage, and increase proteoglycan level. Particularly, dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) of extract babandotan leaves were able to significantly decrease the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and udem volume, and decrease TNF alpha and MMP-9 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Babandotan leaves extract can recover inflammation and cartilages degradation by inhibiting TNF-α in inflammation processes and MMP-9 in the collagenase reaction in the cartilages.
Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of Juniperus phoenicea berries against CCl induced hepatic damage in rats.
Laouar A, Klibet F, Bourogaa E … +4 more , Benamara A, Boumendjel A, Chefrour A, Messarah M
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442109 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea) berries against CCl-induced oxidative damage in rats. METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar r...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea) berries against CCl-induced oxidative damage in rats. METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by single dose of CCl dissolved in olive oil (1 mL/kg BW, 1/1 in olive oil, i.p.). Aqueous extract of J. phoenicea berries (AEJP) was administered at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 days. RESULTS: Obtained results revealed that administration of CCl caused a significant increase in plasma ASAT, ALAT, ALP and LDH activities and total bilirubin concentration, compared to the control group. While, albumin and total protein concentration were significantly lower. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of hepatic GSH, GPx and GST activities associated with a significant increase of MDA content in CCl group than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with AEJP prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present investigation indicate that J. Phoenicea possesses hepatoprotective activity and this effect was may be due to its antioxidant properties.
Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology.
Soufy H, El-Beih NM, Nasr SM … +4 more , Abd El-Aziz TH, Khalil FAM, Ahmed YF, Abou Zeina HAA
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442108 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. METHODS: A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g...
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. METHODS: A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α- and β-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. β-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium. CONCLUSIONS: Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.
In vitro and in vivo investigation of natural compounds from seed extract of Mucuna pruriens lacking l-DOPA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Duangnin N, Phitak T, Pothacharoen P … +1 more , Kongtawelert P
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442107 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seed extracts that lacked l-DOPA, which was formerly reported as the active ingredient, on erectile dysfunction (ED) both in vitro and...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological effects of the Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seed extracts that lacked l-DOPA, which was formerly reported as the active ingredient, on erectile dysfunction (ED) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Seed of M. pruriens plant that cultivated in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, was collected. Component of its seeds were extracted and isolated into 2 fractions using methanol, polar and nonpolar. Each fraction was investigated for phytochemicals using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy and was screened for biological activity in vitro using three different cell lines. The most biological active fraction was used to treat both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus-erectile dysfunction (DM-ED) male Wistar rats and normal rats (n = 6 per groups) to compare the effect on sexual behavior parameters, including number of intromission, mounting and ejaculation, with that of rats given Sildenafil by individually pairing with their female counterparts. Penile tissues and serums were collected to determine histological structure, related gene expression and biomolecules. RESULTS: The phytochemicals of the polar fraction were possibly catechol and its derivatives plus polyphenols, whereas the nonpolar fraction consisted of lipid derivatives. l-DOPA was not detected in either of the extracts. The polar fraction was able to up-regulate the expression of ED-related genes including eNOS and nNOS in vitro which subsequently promotes nitric oxide production and maintains intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels. When administrated to DM-ED rats, the polar extract significantly improved all sexual behavior parameters in DM-ED rats compared to untreated group (18.3 ± 1.8 to 10.8 ± 2.9 for intromission, 9.8 ± 2.2 to 5.7 ± 1.3 for mounting, and 1.8 ± 0.6 to 0.2 ± 0.4 for ejaculation). That effect might due to the ability of the extract to stimulate the expression of eNOS and nNOS which results in nitric oxide production and subsequently maintains cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in penile tissue. Moreover, this extract may also prevent penile tissue deterioration due to diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The polar extract of M. pruriens seed can be used for ED therapy, especially in patients with metabolic diseases including diabetes. The action of the extract might be due to catechol and its derivatives and polyphenols.
Medicinal and biological values of Callistemon viminalis extracts: History, current situation and prospects.
Salem MZM, El-Hefny M, Nasser RA … +3 more , Ali HM, El-Shanhorey NA, Elansary HO
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442106 · Publisher ↗
Callistemon viminalis (C. viminalis) is a plant that has been reported to have various medicinal values such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant activities and other pharmaceutical and insecticidal properties. This...
Callistemon viminalis (C. viminalis) is a plant that has been reported to have various medicinal values such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant activities and other pharmaceutical and insecticidal properties. This review covers the potentials, applications and properties of different extracts from different parts (branches, flowers, fruits, bark, leaves) of C. viminalis. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the bioactive compounds were reported for biological activities. All the results supported the traditional uses of C. viminalis in folk medicine. In addition, some researches supported the use of C. viminalis extracts for the preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles.
Towards development of a universal dengue vaccine - How close are we?
Pang EL, Loh HS
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442105 · Publisher ↗
Dengue has been ranked as one of the top emerging diseases in Asia and Latin America. Current epidemiological data may not even reflect the true burden of disease due to under-reported figures. Vector control programmes...
Dengue has been ranked as one of the top emerging diseases in Asia and Latin America. Current epidemiological data may not even reflect the true burden of disease due to under-reported figures. Vector control programmes have failed to contain the disease and worst of all, no specific treatment is available at the moment. Thereby, this pushes the demand for a dengue vaccine as a long-term protective approach. Despite there are numerous vaccine candidates ahead, they could be held back by different aspects in promoting vaccine implementation. Particularly for developing nations, logistics and cost are the major hurdles that need to be addressed in order to provide a quick yet affordable medical relief. As an alternative, plant-based vaccine production system is able to offer an attractive prospect given to its advantages of biocontainment warranty, low operation cost, rapid scalability and logistics flexibility. Researches that have embarked on this scope are laid out and reviewed in terms of the feasibility of plant system to serve as a biofactory for dengue vaccine.
Zika virus infection and its emerging trends in Southeast Asia.
Salehuddin AR, Haslan H, Mamikutty N … +5 more , Zaidun NH, Azmi MF, Senin MM, Syed Ahmad Fuad SB, Thent ZC
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Mar · PMID 28442104 · Publisher ↗
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that represents a public health emergency at the ongoing epidemic. Previously, this rare virus was limited to sporadic cases in Africa and Asia until its emergence in Brazil, Sou...
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that represents a public health emergency at the ongoing epidemic. Previously, this rare virus was limited to sporadic cases in Africa and Asia until its emergence in Brazil, South America in 2015, where it rapidly spread throughout the world. Recently, a high number of cases were reported in Singapore and other Southeast Asia countries. A combination of factors explains the current Zika virus outbreak although it is highly likely that the changes in the climate and high frequency of travelling contribute to the spread of Aedes vector carrying the Zika virus mainly to the tropical climate countries such as the Southeast Asia. The Zika virus is known to cause mild clinical symptoms similar to those of dengue and chikungunya and transmitted by different species of Aedes mosquitoes. However, neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults, and congenital anomalies, including microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers, raised a serious concern. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection. Therefore, international public health response is primarily focused on preventing infection, particularly in pregnant women, and on providing up-to-date recommendations to reduce the risk of non-vector transmission of Zika virus.
Immunological reactive rate to Zika virus in canine sera: A report from a tropical area and concern on pet, zoonosis and reservoir host.
Joob B, Wiwanitkit V
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237492 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Homozygosity for the CD1E*02 allele is associated with a resistance to Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in Gabonese school children.
Mombo LE, Ntoumi F, Bisseye C … +3 more , Ramasawmy R, Millet P, Tamouza R
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237491 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible association between polymorphisms in CD1 genes and both asymptomatic and mild Plasmodium falciparum infection. METHODS: Two clusters of 85 school children, from the village of Dienga (G...
OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible association between polymorphisms in CD1 genes and both asymptomatic and mild Plasmodium falciparum infection. METHODS: Two clusters of 85 school children, from the village of Dienga (Gabon) were investigated. The first group was analysed for the prevalence and the multiplicity of asymptomatic P. falciparum infection, whereas the second group was screened for the frequency of malarial attacks. RESULTS: Our findings showed that homozygosity for the CD1E*02 allele was associated with a low frequency of malarial attacks. Furthermore, a strong association between CD1E*02 homozygotes and the resistance to multiple malarial attacks was identified. The CD1A*01 allele showed a weak association with a small number of malarial attacks. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a possible role of CD1E polymorphisms in malaria protection among school children and that CD1e molecules are involved in anti-malarial immunity.
Study of concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein in thalassemia fetus.
Ling Y, Yu YH, Jin S … +6 more , Hu CX, Peng W, Zhang HY, Fu H, Zhang N, Wei YX
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237490 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein (AFAFP) is increased in thalassemia fetus. METHODS: A total of 135 cases of amniocentesis admitted from July 2013 to December 20...
OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein (AFAFP) is increased in thalassemia fetus. METHODS: A total of 135 cases of amniocentesis admitted from July 2013 to December 2014 were included in this study. Among them 98 cases of normal fetuses were assigned into control group and 37 cases of thalassemia fetus were included as thalassemia fetus group. Alpha-fetoprotein levels detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the alpha-fetoprotein concentration were compared between the two groups. There is no significant difference in gestational age between the two groups. RESULTS: 1. AFP concentration in thalassemia fetus group was significantly higher than that of normal control group [(1541.65 ± 734.78) μg/mL vs. (2728.84 ± 1539.97) μg/mL], and amniotic fluid AFP concentration was related to fetal thalassemia. 2. AFAFP concentration in pure α-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β-thalassemia fetus or mixed α- and β-thalassemia fetus, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Concentration of amniotic fluid alpha-fetal protein is increased in thalassemia fetus. AFP concentration in α-thalassemia fetus was higher than that of β-thalassemia or mixed α- and β-thalassemia fetus but difference was not significance. Further studies are needed to explore the possible correlation between Down syndrome and biochemical markers of thalassemia.
Expression and clinical significance of high risk human papillomavirus and invasive gene in cervical carcinoma.
Lu Z, Chen H, Zheng XM … +1 more , Chen ML
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237489 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of E6 and E7 mRNA in high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) HPV-18 and the relationship between the expression of invasive gene and cervical carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 119 patients wi...
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of E6 and E7 mRNA in high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) HPV-18 and the relationship between the expression of invasive gene and cervical carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 119 patients with cervical cancer, cervical erosion and cervical HPV infection who were diagnosed in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into two groups: cervical cancer group (n = 58) and non-cancerous group (n = 61). Another 60 patients with uterine leiomyoma were selected as normal control group. Detection of HPV18 E6, E7 mRNA expression and invasion, migration, proliferation inhibition genes, epithelial mesenchymal transition genes and proliferation related protein content. RESULTS: The relative expression of E6 and E7 HPV-18 in cervical cancer group was significant higher than that in non-cancerous group and control group (mRNA) (P < 0.05). The content of TRAF6 and c-FLIP in invasive cervical cancer group was significantly higher than that in non-cancerous group and control group (P < 0.05). The mRNA content of CD44v6 and MMP-9 in cervical cancer group was significantly higher than that in non-cancerous group and control group (P < 0.05). The content of DEC-1, IKK16, MBP-1 in cervical cancer group was significant lower than that in non-cancerous group and control group (P < 0.05). The mRNA content of beta -catenin and Vimentin in cervical cancer group was significantly lower than that in non cancerous group and control group (P < 0.05). The proliferation related protein E2F1 of cervical cancer group was significantly lower than that of non-cancerous group and control group, Bmi-1 content was significantly higher than non-cancerous group and control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of the detection of cervical cancer in high-risk human papilloma virus HPV-18 E6 and E7 mRNA, and the invasion, migration, proliferation inhibition gene, epithelial mesenchymal transition and proliferation related gene protein content, HPV expression rate of mRNA increased with the development of cervical cancer, the expression is also enhanced. The expression has a certain correlation between the level and development of cervical cancer. Through the above indicators, the development of cervical cancer monitoring and treatment to provide important clinical guidance.
Healthcare workers' knowledge towards Zika virus infection in Indonesia: A survey in Aceh.
Harapan H, Aletta A, Anwar S … +7 more , Setiawan AM, Maulana R, Wahyuniati N, Ramadana MR, Haryanto S, Rodríguez-Morales AJ, Jamil KF
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237488 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge on Zika virus infection among healthcare providers (doctors) in Aceh province, Indonesia. METHODS: A self-administered internet based survey was conducted from 3 May to 3 June 2016 amon...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge on Zika virus infection among healthcare providers (doctors) in Aceh province, Indonesia. METHODS: A self-administered internet based survey was conducted from 3 May to 3 June 2016 among the members of doctor organizations in Aceh province. A set of validated, pre-tested questionnaire was used to measure knowledge regarding Zika infection and to collect a range of explanatory variables. A two-steps logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association of participants' demographic, workplace characteristics and other explanatory variables with the knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 442 participants included in the final analysis and 35.9% of them (159) had a good knowledge on Zika infection. Multivariate model revealed that type of occupation, type of workplace, availability of access to medical journals and experience made Zika disease as differential diagnose were associated with knowledge on Zika infection. In addition, three significant source of information regarding Zika were online media (60%), medical article or medical news (16.2%) and television (13.2%). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the doctors in Aceh regarding Zika infection is relatively low. Doctors who have a good knowledge on Zika infection are more confident to established Zika disease as differential diagnosis in their clinical setting. Therefore, such program to increase healthcare providers' knowledge regarding Zika infection is needed to screen potential carriers of Zika infection.
HSP70 inhibitor combined with cisplatin suppresses the cervical cancer proliferation in vitro and transplanted tumor growth: An experimental study.
Liu J, Liu J, Guo SY … +2 more , Liu HL, Li SZ
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237487 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To study the regulating effect of HSP70 inhibitor (PES) combined with cisplatin on cervical cancer proliferation in vitro and transplanted tumor growth. METHODS: Cervical cancer Hela cell lines were cultured a...
OBJECTIVE: To study the regulating effect of HSP70 inhibitor (PES) combined with cisplatin on cervical cancer proliferation in vitro and transplanted tumor growth. METHODS: Cervical cancer Hela cell lines were cultured and divided into control group, cisplatin group, PES group and cisplatin + PES group that were treated with serum-free DMEM, cisplatin with final concentration of 10 μmol/L, PES 20 μmol/L and cisplatin 10 μmol/L combined with PES with 20 μmol/L, respectively; animal models with cervical cancer xenografts were established and divided into control group, cisplatin group, PES group and cisplatin + PES group who received intra-tumor injection of normal saline, 10 μmol/L cisplatin, 20 μmol/L PES as well as 10 μmol/L cisplatin + 20 μmol/L PES, respectively. Cell proliferation activity, transplanted tumor volume and mitochondria apoptosis molecule expression were detected. RESULTS: Cell viability value and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in cells of cisplatin group, PES group and cisplatin + PES group were significantly lower than those of control group while Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression in cells were significantly higher than those of control group; transplanted tumor volume and the Bcl-2 mRNA expression in transplanted tumor tissue of cisplatin group, PES group and cisplatin + PES group were significantly lower than those of control group while Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression in transplanted tumor tissue were significantly higher than those of control group. CONCLUSIONS: HSP70 inhibitor combined with cisplatin can inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation in vitro and transplanted tumor growth through mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
Targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene enhances the killing effects of paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer cells.
Zhou YF, Sun Q, Zhang YJ … +7 more , Wang GM, He B, Qi T, Zhou Y, Li XW, Li S, He L
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237486 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene on the killing effects of paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer cells. METHODS: The triple negative [estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone recep...
OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene on the killing effects of paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer cells. METHODS: The triple negative [estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)] breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and ER/PR/HER-2-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were cultured, transfected with Notch1-siRNA-overexpression plasmid and blank plasmid, and treated with different concentrations of paclitaxel, and then the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate as well as the mRNA expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bcl-2 were determined. RESULTS: Paclitaxel could decrease the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation activity as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression, and increase MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell apoptosis rate as well as Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA expression in dose-dependent manners; with the same dose of paclitaxel treatment, the inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation activity and Bcl-2 mRNA expression as well as the promoting effects on MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis and mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were weaker than those on MCF-7 cell; after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with Notch1-siRNA treatment, MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation activity and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were significantly lower than those after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with control plasmid treatment while cell apoptosis rate and mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were higher than those after 0.5 μM paclitaxel combined with control plasmid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted inhibition of Notch1 gene may enhance the killing effects of paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer cells by up-regulating the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 and inhibiting the expression of Bcl-2.
Effect of curcumin on expressions of NF-κBp65, TNF-α and IL-8 in placental tissue of premature birth of infected mice.
Guo YZ, He P, Feng AM
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237485 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on expressions of nuclear transcription factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), TNF-α and IL-8 in placental tissue of premature birth of infected mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS...
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of curcumin on expressions of nuclear transcription factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), TNF-α and IL-8 in placental tissue of premature birth of infected mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: A total of 60 C57BL/6 mice pregnant with 15 d were collected and randomly divided into control group, model group, treatment group and preventative group. LPS was repeatedly injected in abdominal cavity to construct infected premature birth model, while mice of control group were given with 100 mg/kg of vitamin C through abdominal cavity injection and mice of treatment group and preventative group were given curcumin of 100 mg/kg through abdominal cavity injection after modeling operation and before 1 d of modeling operation, respectively. A total of 5 mice of four groups respectively were executed by cervical dislocation after 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after constructing model. Placental tissues were collected and the immunohistochemical method SABC of immunologic tissue was used to detect the expression of NF-κBp65, TNF-α and IL-8 and peripheral blood of executed mice after 24 h was collected to detect the concentrations of IL-8, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), meanwhile live birth rate of four groups was contrasted. RESULTS: Staining intensity of NF-κBp65, TNF-α and IL-8 in placental tissue of treatment group and preventative group was significantly higher than control group but lower than model group (P < 0.05). Level of serum IL-8 and MDA of control group was significantly lower than the other three groups (P < 0.05) and level of blood of SOD in model group was significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05). Levels of serum IL-8 and MDA of treatment group and preventative group were significantly lower than model group (P < 0.05) while level of SOD was significantly higher than model group (P < 0.05). Live birth rate of treatment group and preventative group was significantly higher than model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin can effectively prevent the active pathway of NF-κB in pregnant tissue of premature birth of infected mice, reduce the expression of TNF-α and IL-8 and relieve the damage of lipid peroxide of oxidative stress of LPS on mother-fetus and further to achieve the objective of preventing and curing premature birth induced with infection.
Viral co-infections among children with confirmed measles at hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2014.
Hang LK, Do LP, Van TT … +7 more , Nguyen SV, Hoang PV, Pham HT, Le TT, Tran HT, Vuong CD, Mai TQ
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237484 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To characterize viral co-infections among representative hospitalized measles cases during the 2014 Hanoi outbreak. METHODS: Throat swabs were collected from 54 pediatric patients with confirmed measles, and m...
OBJECTIVE: To characterize viral co-infections among representative hospitalized measles cases during the 2014 Hanoi outbreak. METHODS: Throat swabs were collected from 54 pediatric patients with confirmed measles, and molecular diagnostics performed for 10 additional viral respiratory pathogens (Influenza A/H1N1pdm09; A/H3N2 and influenza B; Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3; Respiratory Synctial Virus, RSV; human Metapneumovirus, hMPV; Adenovirus and Picornavirus). RESULTS: Twenty-one cases (38.9%) showed evidence of infection with other respiratory viruses: 15 samples contained measles plus one additional virus, and 6 samples contained measles plus 2 additional viruses. Adenovirus was detected as a predominant cause of co-infections (13 cases; 24.1%), followed by RSV (6 cases; 11.1%), A/H1N1pdm09 (3 cases; 5.6%), PIV3 (3 cases; 3.7%), Rhinovirus (3 cases; 3.7%) and hMPV (1 case; 1.96%). CONCLUSIONS: Viral co-infections identified from pediatric measles cases may have contributed to increased disease severity and high rate of fatal outcomes. Optimal treatment of measles cases may require control of multiple viral respiratory pathogens.
Phylogenetic analysis reveals cryptic species diversity within minute intestinal fluke, Stellantchasmus falcatus Onji and Nishio, 1916 (Trematoda, Heterophyidae).
Wongsawad C, Nantarat N, Wongsawad P
Asian Pac J Trop Med · 2017 Feb · PMID 28237483 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To examine the taxonomic boundaries in the Stellantchasmus populations in different hosts and reveal the cryptic speciation of the Stellantchasmus in Thailand based on both morphological and molecular approach...
OBJECTIVE: To examine the taxonomic boundaries in the Stellantchasmus populations in different hosts and reveal the cryptic speciation of the Stellantchasmus in Thailand based on both morphological and molecular approaches. METHODS: Stellantchasmus falcatus (S. falcatus) s.l. was collected from different hosts throughout Thailand. The worms were examined and measured. The nuclear ITS2 gene and the mitochondrial COI gene were used to investigate the S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis. RESULTS: Stellantchasmus was one of food-borne trematode that widely distribute throughout Thailand. The comparison of S. falcatus s.l. from Dermogenus pusillus and Liza subviridis indicated a genetic divergence of nuDNA with 3.6% and mtDNA with 19.3%, respectively. Morphological characteristics were fairly different in the ratio of body size, length of prepharynx, and ratio of organ size. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide initial evidence that S. falcatus s.l. from different hosts tend to be a different species based on both molecular and morphological characters. Cryptic species complexes are generally found among parasites that tend to have large populations and/or rapid evolution. The degree of genetic diversity existing would suggest the practice of targeted regimes to design and minimize these lections of anthelmintic resistance in the future.
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