Evaluation of the mosquitocidal efficacy of fluralaner, a potential candidate for drug based vector control.

Vector control is a key intervention against mosquito borne diseases. However, conventional methods have several limitations and alternate strategies are in urgent need. Vector control with endectocides such as ivermectin is emerging as a novel strategy. The short half-life of ivermectin is a limiting factor for its application as a mass therapy tool for vector control. Isoxazoline compounds like fluralaner, a class of veterinary acaricides with long half-life hold promise as an alternative. However, information about their mosquitocidal effect is limited. We explored the efficacy of fluralaner against laboratory reared vector mosquitoes-Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and, Culex quinquefasciatus. 24 h post-blood feeding, fluralaner showed a significant mosquitocidal effect with LC50 values in the range of 24.04-49.82 ng/mL for the three different mosquito species tested. Effects on life history characteristics (fecundity, egg hatch success, etc.) were also observed and significant effects were noted at drug concentrations of 20, 25 and 45 ng/mL for Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi, and, Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively. At higher drug concentration of 250 ng/mL, significant mortality was observed within 1-2 h of post blood feeding. Potent mosquitocidal effect coupled with its long half-life makes fluralaner an excellent candidate for drug based vector control strategies.

A Comparison of Podoplanin Expression in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for about 90% to 95% of all malignancies of the oral cavity.The majority of OSCCs are preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Podoplanin (PDPN) is a mucin-like small transmembrane glycoprotein. Alterations in PDPN immunoexpression have been reported in OPMDs and OSCCs. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of PDPN immunoexpression in oral leukoplakia (OL) and different histological grades of OSCC and to assess the role of PDPN as a potential biomarker for predicting the risk of malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Immunohistochemical analysis for PDPN was performed in 45 histologically confirmed cases of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of different grades of OSCCs and 15 cases of OLs with 15 cases of the normal oral mucosa (NOM) as controls. The expression and distribution of this marker were analyzed in these lesions. RESULTS: The immunoexpression of PDPN showed a significant increase in the expression of the percentage of positive cells, staining intensity, location of staining in the epithelium, tumor islands, and within the cells, as well as the mean lymphatic micro vessel density between NOMs, OLs, and different grades of OSCCs. CONCLUSION: Upregulation of PDPN can be related to the malignant transformation of OLs and biological aggressiveness of OSCCs. The enhanced immunoexpression of PDPN signifies that this immunomarker can have a role in tumor cell differentiation and the neoplastic progression of OSCCs. Increased density of lymphatic vessels suggested an important role of lymphangiogenesis in tumor progression and also as a prognostic factor for lymph nodal metastasis.

Extensive myiasis of the leg in a patient with filarial lymphedema: implications for morbidity care in filariasis elimination program.

Myiasis, infestation of the human body by larva of flies is an under-recognized and ignored medical condition. Not only is this condition unsightly and extremely distressing to the patient, but it also generates a ghastly feeling in care givers and health care workers as well. The authors report extensive myiasis of the leg in a patient with filarial lymphedema from southern India, which is rarely illustrated in published literature. Treatment of myiasis is described in brief. There is a need for strengthening morbidity management in filariasis elimination program.