Comparison of the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and extract of Acorus calamus applied topically on surgical wounds inflicted on the skin of rabbits.

Antibiotics are used for postsurgical wound healing purposes but unfortunately, resistance against them demands some alternatives for quick recovery. Sepsis of wounds is a challenge for medical as well as veterinary professionals. Nanoparticles have significant advantages in wound treatment and drug resistance reversal. This study was conducted to appreciate emerging alternates of antibiotics like zinc oxide nanoparticles and plant extracts in topical application. Zinc oxide is considered a good wound healer and its nanoparticles are easy to access. So, the efficacies of zinc oxide nanoparticles and sweet flag plant extract ointments were tested to compare modern and traditional therapeutics as sweet flag is considered a pure medicinal plant. Rabbits were selected for this study due to the healing properties of their skin. Wounds were inflicted on the thoracolumbar region and treated for 29 days post-surgically daily with normal saline and the ointment of zinc oxide nanoparticles and sweet flag extract ointment, prepared in a hydrophilic solvent. Wound shrinkage was observed daily and histopathological analysis was made and results were compared. Zinc oxide nanoparticles ointment showed the most satisfactory results for every parameter included in the study. No side effects of its topical application were observed. Healing was normal without any complications. The preparations of zinc oxide nanoparticles may help in the era of antibiotic resistance as topical drugs in the future.

Molecular detection and therapeutic study of Trypanosoma brucei evansi from naturally infected horses in Punjab, Pakistan.

Trypanosomiasis is one of the severe pathogenic infections, caused by several Trypanosoma species, affecting both animals and humans, causing substantial economic losses and severe illness. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular diagnosis and the risk factors associated with trypanosomiasis in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples were randomly collected from 200 horses. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors before the sample collection. The microscopy examination through Giemsa staining, formol gel test and PCR techniques were used to find the prevalence. The prevalence was recorded as 22.5% with microscopy examination, 21% through formol gel test and 15.5% with PCR based results. Analysis of risk factors associated with Trypanosoma brucei evansi occurrence was carried out using Chi-square test. It showed the prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei evansi was significantly (p⟨0.05) associated with sex, age, rearing purpose and body condition whereas non-significantly (p⟩0.05) with insects control practices. This study supports the idea that PCR is a sensitive, robust and more reliable technique to diagnose trypanosomiasis. It was concluded that Trypanosoma brucei evansi is widely prevalent in Jhang (Pakistan), highlighting a dire need to develop control strategies and education programmes to control this disease in developing countries.

CHARACTERISATION AND EVALUATION OF AL2O3:C-BASED OPTICALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENT DOSEMETER SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC X-RAYS: PERSONAL AND IN VIVO DOSIMETRY.

This study characterises and evaluates an Al2O3:C-based optically stimulated luminescent dosemeter (OSLD) system, commercially known as the nanoDot™ dosemeter and the InLight® microStar reader, for personal and in vivo dose measurements in diagnostic radiology. The system characteristics, such as dose linearity, reader accuracy, reproducibility, batch homogeneity, energy dependence and signal stability, were explored. The suitability of the nanoDot™ dosemeters was evaluated by measuring the depth dose curve, in vivo dose measurement and image perturbation. The nanoDot™ dosemeters were observed to produce a linear dose with ±2.8% coefficient variation. Significant batch inhomogeneity (8.3%) was observed. A slight energy dependence (±6.1%) was observed between 60 and 140 kVp. The InLight® microStar reader demonstrated good accuracy and a reproducibility of ±2%. The depth dose curve measured using nanoDot™ dosemeters showed slightly lower responses than Monte Carlo simulation results. The total uncertainty for a single dose measurement using this system was 11%, but it could be reduced to 9.2% when energy dependence correction was applied.

Coronary Artery Disease in Young Adults.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) sustains a significant negative impact on hospital admissions and deaths worldwide. The prevalence of CHD in young adults is difficult to establish accurately, as these asymptomatic patients typically do not undergo diagnostic studies. In this article, the authors will focus on young adults with CHD emphasizing common and uncommon risk factors, current management and review of previous studies.

Should prostate cancer be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with osteolytic bone lesions?

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, as well as the second leading cause of death among cancers after lung cancer. In the United States, it is more prevalent in African-American men than in Caucasian men. Prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to the bone, with most of the reported lesions appearing to be osteoblastic on radiographs. Here, we describe an unusual presentation of metastatic prostate cancer with diffuse osteolytic bone lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old previously healthy Hispanic man presented with worsening back pain, difficulty with ambulation, and bladder outlet obstruction. Physical examination was significant for spinal tenderness in the thoracic and lumbar region. Digital rectal examination was remarkable for asymmetric enlargement of the prostate with nodularity and firmness. Imaging studies revealed diffuse osteolytic lesions. His prostate-specific antigen was 562.8 ng/mL (normal 0-4). Prostate biopsy and imaging studies confirmed a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that bone metastases of prostate cancer are not purely osteoblastic although most of the reported bone metastases in prostate cancer have been osteoblastic in nature. Therefore, clinicians are to consider metastatic prostate cancer as a differential diagnosis for patients with osteolytic bone lesions.

Genetic diversity, host range, and distribution of tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Iran.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is considered one of the most important tomato pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions including Iran. During the years 2007 to 2009, a total number of 510 symptomatic and asymptomatic vegetable, ornamental and weed samples were collected from fields and greenhouses in ten provinces of Iran. Symptoms included stunting, yellowing, leaf curl and flower senescence. PCR with specific primers showed TYLCV infection in 184 samples (36%) such as cucumber, pepper, tomato and several weeds from seven provinces. Based on the geographical origin, host range and symptoms, twenty three representative isolates were selected for phylogenetic analysis. An amplicon with a size about 608 base pair (bp) comprising partial sequence of the coat (CP) and movement protein (MP) coding regions of the viral genome was sequenced and compared with the corresponding selected sequences available in GenBank for Iran and worldwide. Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the nucleotide sequences indicated two geographically separated clades. Isolates collected from Hormozgan, Khuzestan and Kerman provinces were grouped together with other Iranian isolates including TYLCV-Ir2, TYLCV-Kahnooj, and an isolate from Oman. It was also revealed that isolates collected from Boushehr, Fars, Tehran, and Isfahan placed close to the Iranian isolate TYLCV-Abadeh and isolates from Israel and Egypt. No correlation was found between the genetic variation and the host species, but selected Iranian isolates were grouped on the basis of the geographical origins. Results of this study indicated a high genetic diversity among Iranian TYLCV isolates.

Novel anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that can potentially result in stroke. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) like warfarin were for many decades the only oral anticoagulants available for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk of stroke. Recently, new oral anticoagulants (NOACS) have been introduced that act via direct inhibition of thrombin (dabigatran) or activated factor X (edoxaban, rivaroxaban and apixaban). Unlike VKAs, these anticoagulants do not require routine INR monitoring and posses favorable pharmacological properties. NOACs act rapidly, and have a stable and predictable dose-related anticoagulant effect with few clinically relevant drug-drug interactions. Phase III trials comparing these agents to warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF demonstrated that they are at least as efficacious and safe as warfarin. Evolution of clinical guidelines to incorporate the new anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular AF may result in a reduction in the incidence of AF-related strokes. Safe and effective use of these new drugs in clinical practice requires understanding of their distinct pharmacological properties.

Geographic distribution and phylogenetic analysis of cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus in Iran.

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) is a destructive virus of cucurbits in Iran. During 2008-2012 growing seasons a total of 366 cucurbit samples including melon, cucumber, snakemelon and squash with typical symptoms of CYSDV infection were collected from ten Provinces in Iran. They were screened by ELISA and the infectivity of ELISA-positive samples was confirmed by RT-PCR. The results showed that 309 out of 366 samples were infected by CYSDV. The virus was present in many areas of southern and central Provinces of the country. Analyses of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the CYSDV coat protein (CP) showed that Iranian isolates form a cluster and were placed in the Eastern subgroup of CYSDV. The Eastern subgroup of CYSDV was divided into two diverged subgroups including Iranian isolates and Saudi Arabian isolates. The identity among Iranian isolates was more than 99 %. Estimation of genetic distances showed that the number of nucleotide and amino acid substitutions per site from averaging overall Iranian sequence pairs were 0.004 and 0.008, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses and the estimation of genetic distance indicated that Iranian isolates have low genetic diversity.

Generation and expression in plants of a single-chain variable fragment antibody against the immunodominant membrane protein of Candidatus phytoplasma aurantifolia.

Witches' broom of lime is a disease caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia, which represents the most significant global threat to the production of lime trees (Citrus aurantifolia). Conventional disease management strategies have shown little success, and new approaches based on genetic engineering need to be considered. The expression of recombinant antibodies and fragments thereof in plant cells is a powerful approach that can be used to suppress plant pathogens. We have developed a single-chain variable fragment antibody (scFvIMP6) against the immunodominant membrane protein (IMP) of witches' broom phytoplasma and expressed it in different plant cell compartments. We isolated scFvIMP6 from a naïve scFv phage display library and expressed it in bacteria to demonstrate its binding activity against both recombinant IMP and intact phytoplasma cells. The expression of scFvIMP6 in plants was evaluated by transferring the scFvIMP6 cDNA to plant expression vectors featuring constitutive or phloem specific promoters in cassettes with or without secretion signals, therefore causing the protein to accumulate either in the cytosol or apoplast. All constructs were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana by agroinfiltration, and antibodies of the anticipated size were detected by immunoblotting. Plant-derived scFvIMP6 was purified by affinity chromatography, and specific binding to recombinant IMP was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicate that scFvIMP6 binds with high activity and can be used for the detection of Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia and is also a suitable candidate for stable expression in lime trees to suppress witches' broom of lime.

Toward immunomodulation of witches broom disease of lime (WBDL) by targeting immunodominant membrane protein (IMP) of candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia.

The witches' broom disease of lime (WBDL) caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia is the most devastating disease of acidian lime in southern part of Iran as it destroy thousands of trees yearly throughout these regions. Traditional methods such as eradication of infected trees and insect vector control have shown limited effect on this case. Therefore, alternative approaches such as plantibody-mediated resistance, have been considered. Throughout present study we prepared sufficient amount of antigen that is required for generation of specific monoclonal recombinant antibodies against Immunodominant membrane protein (IMP) which will be exploited for plantibody-mediated resistance approach. The gene encoding IMP protein was obtained by PCR amplification using specific primers and DNA extracted from the infected plants. Amplified fragment was then inserted into T/A cloning vector. Intact clones containing the right sequence was selected after digestion, PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing analysis. IMP encoding region having the right sequence was sub-cloned into pET28a bacterial expression vector. Large scale expression of His tagged recombinant protein was performed in the BL21-de3 strain of E. coli and purification under native conditions was carried out through immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) in a column containing Ni-NTA agarose beads. Successful expression and purification steps were confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analyses. The results obtained indicated the successful production of about 18 mg purified recombinant IMP protein with a low level of contamination in one liter cultured medium. Finally the purified protein was dialyzed in phosphate saline buffer and applied for immunization of mice.

Barriopsis iraniana and Phaeobotryon cupressi: two new species of the Botryosphaeriaceae from trees in Iran.

Species in the Botryosphaeriaceae are well known as pathogens and saprobes of woody hosts, but little is known about the species that occur in Iran. In a recent survey of this family in Iran two fungi with diplodia-like anamorphs were isolated from various tree hosts. These two fungi were fully characterised in terms of morphology of the anamorphs in culture, and sequences of the ITS1/ITS2 regions of the ribosomal DNA operon and partial sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha. Phylogenetic analyses placed them within a clade consisting of Barriopsis and Phaeobotryon species, but they were clearly distinct from known species in these genera. Therefore, they are described here as two new species, namely Barriopsis iraniana on Citrus, Mangifera and Olea, and Phaeobotryon cupressi on Cupressus sempervirens.

Serosurvey of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant Saudi women.

In 1990, Saudi Arabia began vaccinating all children at school entry against hepatitis B. We evaluated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence rate among pregnant Saudi women 12 years later in 5 regions of the country. Using multistage sampling, 2664 pregnant Saudi women were recruited. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg; positive samples were also tested for hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg). In all 2.44% were positive for HBsAg and 4 (0.15%) were also positive for HBeAg. HBsAg prevalence was highest in Gizan (4.2%) and lowest in Tabuk (1.4%). Positivity for women < or = 20 years of age was 0.5% compared with 2.6% for older women (P = 0.049). The overall HBsAg prevalence rate was lower than previously reported.

Infection of bovine immunodeficiency virus and bovine leukemia virus in water buffalo and cattle populations in Pakistan.

A survey of antibodies to bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) known as bovine lentivirus and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) was conducted with samples from water buffalo and cattle populations in Pakistan. A total of 370 water buffaloes and 76 cattle were tested, and 10.3% and 15.8%, respectively, were found positive for anti-BIV p26 antibodies determined by Western blotting, while 0.8% of water buffaloes and no cattle were positive for anti-BLV antibodies determined by immunodiffusion test. BIV-seropositive water buffaloes and cattle were found to have BIV proviral DNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells determined by nested polymerase chain reaction. This is the first report of BIV infections in water buffaloes.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi children 8 years after a mass hepatitis B vaccination programme.

OBJECTIVES: On October 1 1989, a programme was begun in Saudi Arabia in which the HBV vaccine was added as the 'seventh' primary immunogen of the Extended Programme of Immunization (EPI). In 1990, another programme was launched by the Ministry of Health to vaccinate all school children. Eight years after this mass vaccination programme, the efficacy of HBV vaccine was evaluated in a community-based study. METHODS: A community-based study was carried out in Saudi children in urban and rural areas, covering all the regions of Saudi Arabia. After informed consent, blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV markers. RESULTS: Among 4791 vaccinated Saudi children aged 1-12 years, only 15 were found to be HbsAg-positive (0.31%). HbsAg-positivity was 0.16% in children vaccinated at birth compared with 0.7% in those vaccinated at school entry. The overall HbsAg carrier rate dropped from 6.7% in 1989 to 0.3% in 1997 (P<0.00001). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of anti-HBc from 4.2% in 1989 to 0.46% in 1997 (P<0.00001). The overall seroconversion rate to HB vaccine among 4087 Saudi children up to 12 years of age was about 77%. Seroconversion rate in those vaccinated at birth was 77% compared with 71% in those vaccinated at school entry. After 8 years of receiving the third vaccine dose, close to 65% of the children had an anti-HBs titre of more than 10 IU/l compared with about 28% who had an anti-HBs titre of more than 100 IU/l after the same period. CONCLUSION: The result of this study demonstrates the tremendous impact of the mass HB vaccination programme on the seroepidemiology of HBV infection in Saudi Arabia. The ultimate goal of preventing HBV-related chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in Saudi Arabia is foreseeable in the near future.

Hepatitis A in Saudi Arabia: A comparative sero-epidemiological study.

Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version.

Barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV RNA does not have a VPg.

The genus Luteovirus is divided into two subgroups. It has already been shown that a genome-linked protein (VPg) is covalently attached to the 5'-end of the genomic RNA of subgroup II luteoviruses, but whether a VPg is present or absent on the genomic RNA of subgroup I luteoviruses is unknown. In the present work, a simple and sensitive method was developed for the detection of the VPg on virion genomic RNA. This method was used to show that a VPg is not attached to the 5'-end of the RNA genome of barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV which is a member of subgroup I luteoviruses.