Gastrointestinal parasites of captive and free-roaming primates at the Afi Mountain Primate Conservation Area in Calabar, Nigeria and their zoonotic implications

A study on the gastrointestinal parasites among free-living and captive primates at the Afi Mountain, Primate Conservation Area in Calabar, Nigeria was undertaken for the first time to ascertain their zoonotic implications. Faecal samples were subjected to direct smear, floatation, quantitative estimation of helminth eggs (epg) and oocysts (opg), larval isolation and identification by modified Baerman's technique and oocyst sporulation for specie identification. Out of the 108 primates examined, 75(69.44%) were found to be shedding the ova and oocysts of several gastrointestinal parasites of which, the mona monkeys (Cercopethicus mona) 16(80%) followed by the white collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus) 7 (77.78) had the highest (p < 0.05) prevalence of infection. Meanwhile, the chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) had the highest ova or oocyst counts and variety of gastrointestinal parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Balantidium coli, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica, Strongyloides stercoralis, Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostosoma duodenale and Cryptosporidium species. Similarly, the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), Sclater's white-nosed monkey (Cercopethicus erythrotis sclateri), white-collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus) and others, had Ascaris lumbricoides or Ancylostoma duodenale. All captive primates were more infected than those under free-roam. The young (< 12 months) and females had higher infection rates (p < 0.05) than their counterparts. In conclusion, the primates harboured several parasites of zoonotic importance.     

Endo-parasitic helminthes of four mormyrid species (Osteichthyes: Mormyridae) from a West African flood river system

Mormyrus rume rume, Hyperopisus bebe bebe, Campylomormyrus tamandua and Gnathonemus petersii sampled from the Anambra river with a fleet of gill nets, traps and hook and line were examined for endo-parasitic helminthes from October 2005 to September 2006. Recovered helminthes were Rhadinorhynchus horridus from the intestine of H. bebe bebe and G. petersii; Procamallanus laeviconchus from the stomach of M. rume rume and C. tamandua; Spinitectus mormyri from the stomach of M. rume rume; Contracaecum sp. from the coelom of H. bebe bebe, G. petersii and C. tamandua, whereas an unidentified cestode infected the intestine of all the mormyrids. G. petersii constitutes a new host record for R. horridus; M. rume rume for S. mormyri and M. rume rume and C. tamandua for P. laeviconchus. In cases of mixed infection the parasites occupied their preferred habitats. The overall prevalence of the endo-parasites in the fish hosts was 41.9%, which is within the range (< 50%) typical of southern Nigerian freshwater lotic habitats. Prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of R. horridus in its host fishes were higher in the dry (October/November-March) than the rainy season (April-September/October); in the nematodes (P. laeviconchus, S. mormyri and Contracaecum) the reverse was the case, whereas no definite pattern was exhibited by the unidentified cestode. P. laeviconchus appeared reddish from engorgement of blood but no damage was evident at the point of attachment. Local inflammation where R. horridus was attached to the mucosa of the intestine was not considered severe. R. horridus and P. laeviconchus are probably the most important parasites of the mormyrids in terms of fishery management in the Anambra river system.     

Assessment of chronic gastritis in pet dogs and its relation with helicobacter-like organisms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of chronic gastritis in pet dogs, to determine the histopathologic changes of gastric mucosa and, to determine its relationship with canine gastric Helicobacter infection. Sixty percent (n = 18), 27% (n = 8) and 13% (n = 4) of the examined stomachs showed normal, congested and erosive gastric mucosa respectively. Histopathologic examination was confirmed the presence of chronic gastritis in 40% of dogs (n = 12). Lymphocytic-plasmacytic gastritis was the most common type of chronic gastritis. Gastric Helicobacter was detected in cytological examination of 26 out of 30 dogs (86.6%) but in the PCR analysis, 93% of gastric samples were positive for GHLO. There was no significant relation between the presence of Helicobacters and chronic gastritis (p>0.05). Follicular gastritis was detected in 12 cases (40%) and there was also no significant correlation between its presence and GHLO's infection (p>0.05). In conclusion, chronic gastritis can be considered as a prevalent disease especially in dogs. Nutritional and environmental factors as well as individual immune response may have role in induction of chronic gastritis, but the clinical significance of these histopathologic changes should be evaluated.     

Evaluation of serum C-reactive protein level and its related factors in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran

Chronic inflammation, as reflected by increased level of acute phase protein such as C-reactive Protein (CRP) is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. CRP is a strong predictor of overall and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients. This research was conducted to determine the C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels and its correlation to demographic and clinical characteristics and Laboratory values in hemodialysis patients in Sari, Iran. In a cross sectional study, 147 hemodialysis patients were studied. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded and also serum CRP, Cholesterol, Albumin, Phosphorous, Calcium, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels were measured. Overall, the mean CRP concentration was 15.8 mg L(-1). With considering to the different cutoff point (5, 6.2, 10 mg L(-1)) for CRP level, 107 patients (72.8%) had CRP level >5 mg L(-1), 99 patients (67.3%) had CRP level > 6.2 mg L(-1) and 77 patients (52.4%) had CRP level >10 nmg L(-1). The CRP levels greater than 6.2, had a direct statistically significant correlation with duration of hemodialysis and phosphorus level (p = 0.01). Also, CRP levels above 10 mg L(-1) had a direct statistically significant correlation with age and phosphorus levels (p = 0.02). According to the prevalence of high CRP level and it's correlation with age, duration ofhemodialysis and phosphorus level in hemodialysis patients, CRP level should be screened in this group of patients routinely because of its prognostic importance.     

Demographics of patients with surgical and nonsurgical cystic echinococcosis in East Azerbaijan from 2001 to 2012

Echinococcosis is very frequent helminthic infection in human being. The disease is endemic in Iran and particularly in its northwestern region, East Azerbaijan. The objective of this study was to study demographics of patients with cystic echinococcosis in East Azerbaijan; as well as to repot the sites of involvements. In this cross-sectional study, 318 patients with surgical and nonsurgical cystic echinococcosis were recruited from three referral centers in Tabriz within a 10-year period of time. The patients' demographics (age and gender) and the site of infection were investigated. Among the patients, females were predominant (57.5 vs. 42.5%). The mean age of patients was 32.59 +/- 18.47 (range: < 1-87) years and the most frequently age group was 20-30 years (23.6%), followed by the age groups of 30-40 years (21.7%), 10-20 years (14.2%), 40-50 years (11.9%), 50-60 years (11.3%), < 1 year (6%), 60-70 years (4.7%), 1-10 years (4.1%) and finally, > 70 years (2.5%). The lung was the most frequently infected organ (48.1%), followed by the liver (28.9%), gallbladder (3.5%), spleen and kidney (each one in 2.2%), abdomen, intestine, pleura, bronchus and mediastinum (each one in 1.6%), chest wall and heart (each one in 1.3%), brain, pericardium, facial sinus, pancreas and esophagus (each one in 0.6%) and the ovary, uterus, axillary region, pelvis and femur (each one in 0.3%). In conclusion, this study showed that the patients with hydatid cysts in East Azerbaijan Province are mainly females in the age group of 20-40 years. The lung and liver are the major sites of infection in these patients.     

Prevalence of hypertension among Iranian hemodialysis patients and associated risk factors: a nationwide multicenter study

The aim of this study is to document the prevalence of HTN and characterize risk factors associated with HTN in Iranian hemodialysis patients. Three hundred and thirty seven HD patients from 5 university based HD centers around Iran were enrolled in the study. Urea reduction ratio was calculated using formula: 100 * (1-(urea before HD/urea after HD)). Pearson Chi-square test, independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used for evaluations, where appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for defining independent risk factors. Two sided p < 0.05 were considered significant. Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension as causes of ESRD significantly were more likely to have hypertension before and after dialysis (p < 0.05). Patients with conventional thrice weekly dialysis (compared to twice), hemodialysis duration of more that 6 months, acetate type of dialysate, ESRD cause when diabetes mellitus and hypertension, were significantly associated with having pre-HD hypertension. We also found that hemodialysis center of the capital city had a significant better measures compared to other cities (p < 0.05). This study revealed a relatively acceptable prevalence of hypertension in our HD population. Nevertheless, because of higher prevalence of HTN in HD centers out of capital city, it seems necessary that we should urgently pay more attention in promotion of these centers toward achieving better outcome with implementing strict guidelines to follow.     

Patterns in abundance and diversity of faecally dispersed parasites of tiger in Tadoba National Park,central India

Background

Importance of parasites in ecological and evolutionary interactions is being increasingly recognized. However, ecological data on parasites of important host species is still scanty. We analyze the patterns seen in the faecal parasites of tigers in the Tadoba National Park, India, and speculate on the factors and processes shaping the parasite community and the possible implications for tiger ecology.

Results

The prevalence and intensities were high and the parasite community was dominated by indirect life cycle parasites. Across all genera of parasites variance scaled with the square of the mean and there was a significant positive correlation between prevalence and abundance. There was no significant association between different types of parasites.

Conclusions

The 70 samples analyzed formed 14 distinct clusters. If we assume each of the clusters to represent individual tigers that were sampled repeatedly and that resident tigers are more likely to be sampled repeatedly, the presumed transient tigers had significantly greater parasite loads than the presumed resident ones.

     

2种新型种植材料（苗木）橡胶幼树的施肥效应

鉴于橡胶生产上已越来越多采用自根幼态无性系苗和籽苗芽接苗新型种植材料,本研究开展了针对这2种新型种植材料橡胶幼树的施肥试验。结果表明：（1）自根无性系幼树比芽接幼树的干物质积累量较高,在4个施肥水平中,分别高25.4%、32.1%、66.7%和32.9%,其中,除水平1（不施肥）外,其他均相应达到极显著差异。（2）2种幼树的整株NPK累积量均随施肥量增加呈先升高后下降趋势。其中,除芽接幼树叶片的全氮累积量高于其他营养器官外,2种幼树各器官的NPK累积量均在茎干中较高,侧根中较低,且自根无性系幼树的NPK养分年累积量均高于芽接幼树,养分累积量顺序均表现为全氮>全钾>全磷。（3）2种橡胶幼树的NPK肥料利用率均随施肥量的增加呈下降趋势,均表现在低量施肥处理下较高,且从大到小顺序为钾肥>氮肥>磷肥。     

海南省美洲斑潜蝇寄生蜂种类及其控制作用评价

调查发现,海南省豆类、瓜类和茄类蔬菜上的美洲斑潜蝇寄生蜂常见种类有：姬小蜂科Eulophidae的底比斯釉姬小蜂Chrysocharis penthus（Walker）、异角亨姬小蜂Hemiptarsenus varicornis（Girault）、点腹青背姬小蜂Chrysonotomyia punctiventris（Crawford）、美丽青背姬小蜂Chrysonotomyia formosa（Westwood）和黄潜蝇釉姬小蜂Chrysocharis oscinidis Ashmead,以及茧蜂科Braconidae的甘蓝斑潜蝇茧蜂Opius dimidiatus（Ashmead）.其中,底比斯釉姬小蜂是优势种.这些寄生蜂对豆类、瓜类和茄类蔬菜上的美洲斑潜蝇的寄生率分别为29.1%,33.0%和18.0%,平均寄生率为27.1%.应用生命表排除作用控制指数（EIPC）分析法进行寄生蜂对美洲斑潜蝇自然种群控制作用研究,结果表明：美洲斑潜蝇寄生蜂的EIPC值为3.1817,寄生蜂的作用是抑制美洲斑潜蝇种群数量发展的重要因子.     

Comparison of topical triamcinolone and oral atorvastatin in treatment of paederus dermatitis Northern Iran

Dermatitis caused by stimulation of beetle paederus, is a common health problem in Northern and some southern parts of Iran. Since by now, traditional medicine and some corticosteroid agents have been used for treatment of dermatitis caused by beetle paederus. Because, there are few researches about classical treatment of the disease at academic level, this study planned to compare the effectiveness of triamcinolone ointment and atorvastatin tablet with placebo in treatment ofpaederus dermatitis in Northern Iran. A randomized double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 30 patients referred to the hospital and clinics at Sari and Neka countries in Northern Iran during 6 months. Patients were randomly divided into two therapeutic equal groups. The first group was triamcinolone ointment twice a day and a placebo atorvastatin tablet daily. The second group was oral atorvastatin one tablet (20 mg) daily and a placebo triamcinolone ointment twice a day. In Seventh day of visits, therapeutic response of the patients in triamcinolone and atorvastatin group were 93.33 and 80%, respectively. No significant differences were found in therapeutic outcome between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results showed both oftriamcinolone ointment and oral atorvastatin had similar effect on paederus dermatitis. Because the paederus dermatitis is a self-limited disease use of topical therapy for treatment of the disease is recommend.     

Human papillomaviruses prevalence and genital co-infections in HIV-seropositive women in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

The vaginal swabs among HIV-positive women in Africa often revealed opportunistic infections such as human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Mycoplasma that induce respectively cervix cancer and diseases such as vaginosis, abortions, infertility in through salpingitis. The purposes of this study were to: (1) seek for, the prevalence of pathogens such as HPV and Mycoplasma; (2) characterize the strains of HPV and estimate their prevalence; (3) identify among these women, those who were co-infected by these pathogens in order to cure them. From February 2009 to January 2010, 156 HIV-positive women attending our medical centers and aged from 19-45 years (mean age 33.65 +/- 5.75 years) had voluntarily accepted vaginal specimen's tests. PCR, ELISA and molecular hybridization were used for the identification and characterization of these pathogens. The results revealed the presence of Mycoplasma and HPV in 25.64 and 58.33% cases, respectively. The following HPV genotypes and the following prevalence were recorded: HPV-50'S (24.11%), HPV-18 (21.28%), HPV-30'S (18.44%) and HPV-16 (5.67%). The study also enable the identification of co-infections such as HPV-18 strains with HPV-30'S (5.67%) and HPV-30'S with HPV-50'S (3.55%). Other germs infecting the female genital tract including Candida albicans (20.51%), Escherichia coli (12.18%), Treponema pallidum (3.85%), Streptococcus agalactiae (3.21%) and Staphylococcus aureus (1.92%) were isolated. This preliminary research work showed the incidence of several genital pathogens, this could be a springboard for nationwide epidemiological study on HPV strains circulating in Burkina Faso.     

Prevalence and underlying etiologies of neonatal hypoglycemia

This study aims at determining the prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia and its underlying causes. In this prospective study 14168 newborns delivered in Tabriz Alzahra Hospital during 2 years were evaluated in regard to blood glucose level at first 24 h of life. Glucose oxidase method with 4-aminophenazone with a Greiner G-300 was the used method for determining the blood glucose level. Cases with blood glucose < 50 mg dL(-1) were considered as hypoglycemic newborns. Underlying causes of this condition, as well as the short-term mortality rate were determined. Prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia was 0.4% (52 newborns). Underlying causes of hypoglycemia were prematurity (61.5%), diabetic mother (13.6%), septicemia (9.6%), perinatal asphyxia (9.6%), stress (3.8%) and neonatal hyperinsulinism (1.9%). The mortality rate was 53.8%, with prematurity as the leading cause of death.     

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus in preoperative patients: potential risk of transmission to health professionals

The aim of present study was to determine the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections in preoperative patients admitted for surgical procedures at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria. Two hundred patients (200 samples tested for HIV) and (100 samples tested for HBV) comprising 90 males (45%) and 110 females (55%) were recruited into the study. Sixty-eight of the 200 patients (34%) were scheduled for emergency surgery (group A) and 132 (66%) listed for elective surgery (group B). Seven (3.5%) of the 200 patients tested positive for HIV-1 and 2 using the Well-coenzyme method. Five (2.5%) and 2 (1%) of the 200 patients confirmed HIV-positive were females and males respectively. Sixty-one percent of the 100 patients tested for hepatitis B surface antigen were males and 39 (39%) females. Eighteen percent of the 100 patients examined were positive for (HbsAg). Ten percent of the 18 HBsAg-positive patients were males and 8 (8%) were females. This study showed the prevalence rate of HIV and Hepatitis B in preoperative patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and to some reflects the prevalence of HIV and HBV in the general population.     

外源ABA和BR在提高油菜幼苗耐渍性中的作用

以甘蓝型油菜中双9号为植物材料,应用外源ABA和BR处理渍水胁迫的油菜幼苗,研究其在缓解油菜幼苗渍水伤害中的作用。结果显示,短期(0～12d)渍水处理可促进油菜生长,长期(18d)渍水处理则抑制油菜生长,尤其是BR;外源ABA(75.67µmol/L)和BR(0.21µmol/L)可有效缓解长期渍水胁迫对油菜幼苗的伤害作用,干物质积累量较单纯渍水处理增加19.52%和26.22%;外源ABA和BR处理还可延缓叶绿素含量的降低,提高叶片光合能力;提高抗氧化酶(SOD、POD和CAT)活性,降低膜脂过氧化(MDA含量降低);增加叶片可溶性糖含量。说明外源ABA和BR处理通过促进渍水胁迫下油菜幼苗光合作用,提高抗氧化酶活性,提高渗透调节物质含量来增强植株抗渍能力。     

The critical period of weed control in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in north of Iran conditions

A field study was conducted in 2006 at Sari Agricultural and Natural Resources University, in order to determine the best time for weed control in soybean promising line, 033. Experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with 4 replications and two series of treatments. In the first series, weeds were kept in place until crop reached V2 (second trifoliolate), V4 (fourth trifoliolate), V6 (sixth trifoliolate), R1 (beginning bloom, first flower), R3 (beginning pod), R5 (beginning seed) and were then removed and the crop kept weed-free for the rest of the season. In the second series, crops were kept weed-free until the above growth stages after which weeds were allowed to grow in the plots for the rest of the season. Whole season weedy and weed-free plots were included in the experiment for yield comparison. The results showed that among studied traits, grain yield, pod numbers per plant and weed biomass were affected significantly by control and interference treatments. The highest number of pods per plant was obtained from plots which kept weed-free for whole season control. Results showed that weed control should be carried out between V2 (26 day after planting) to R1 (63 day after planting) stages of soybean to provide maximum grain yield. Thus, it is possible to optimize the timing of weed control, which can serve to reduce the costs and side effects of intensive chemical weed control.     

No detected hepatitis B virus-DNA in thalassemic patients infected by hepatitis C virus in Kerman province of Iran

This research was aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of occult HBV infection in thalassemic patients with chronic HCV infection. In this cross-sectional study we have totally examined 60 patients suffering HBV and HCV infections by PCR and RT-PCR methods, respectively, in Kerman province of Iran. ELISA technique (RADIM, Italy) was used to detect anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBsAg. The serum level of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, DB, TB and ALK) were analyzed in the HCV infected patients (MAN, IRAN). Statistical analyses performed using t-test and Chi-square. We found that 27 cases (out of 60) were infected by HCV but HBV-DNA was not seen in HCV infected patients. Present findings also showed that none of samples were HBsAg positive but 9 (33%) (out of 27) HCV-RNA positive patients were anti-HBc positive and 11 (40.7%) were positive for anti-HBs. We found that SGOT, SGPT, DB, TB and ALK are above normal in 27 (100%), 19(70.3%), 12(44.5%), 15 (55.5%) and 15 (55.5%) RNA-HCV positive patients, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection is very high in thalassemic patients and based on other studies our results showed that the prevalence of HCV infection in Kerman is more than other provinces of Iran. In contrast with other studies HBV-DNA in these patients could not be detected, hence, it seems that occult HBV infection isn't frequent in Iranian thalassemic patients who suffering from chronic HCV infection.