Journal of Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Larvicidal, Ovicidal, and Repellent Activities of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq Essential Oil against Anopheles arabiensis","authors":"Sisay Fikru, Ketema Tolossa, Peter Lindemann, Franz Bucar, Kaleab Asres","doi":"10.1155/2024/1051086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1051086","url":null,"abstract":"Larvicidal, ovicidal, and repellent activities of the essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of the endemic Ethiopian plant <i>Leucas stachydiformis</i> (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq were investigated against <i>Anopheles arabiensis</i>, the dominant malaria vector species in Ethiopia with the objective of searching for a plant-based malaria vector control strategy from medicinal plants. The larvicidal effect was tested against the fourth instar <i>An. arabiensis</i> wild larvae whilst freshly laid ova of <i>An</i>. <i>arabiensis</i> were used to determine the ovicidal activity of the essential oil at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 ppm. Concentrations of 41.6–366.7 <i>µ</i>g/cm² were used to evaluate the repellent activity of the essential oil on 3–5 days old adult female <i>An. arabiensis</i>. The oil composition of <i>L. stachydiformis</i> was also analyzed using GC-MS. The study revealed that the oil possesses the highest larvicidal activity at 400 ppm and 200 ppm after 24 h and 48 h of treatment. LC₅₀ values for the fourth larval instar after 24 h and 48 h of treatment were 43.4 ppm and 34.2 ppm, respectively. After 72 h of exposure, the oil displayed 100% ovicidal activity at 400 ppm with an IH₅₀ value of 32.2 ppm. In the repellency test, at concentrations of 366.7, 133.3, and 41.6 µg/cm², the oil gave a total percentage protection of 67.9 ± 4.2%, 37.2 ± 2.8%, and 32 ± 2.2%, respectively, for 4 h. The highest concentration (366.7 <i>µ</i>g/cm²) gave 100% protection up to 90 min. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 24 compounds representing 90.34% of the total oil with caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, and <i>trans</i>-caryophyllene constituting more than 50% of its components. Results of the present study suggest that the essential oil of <i>L</i>. <i>stachydiformis</i> has the potential to be used for the control of <i>An. arabiensis</i> mosquitoes.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140323341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incidence of Helminthic and Viral Coinfections in Malaria Patients in the Tertiary Care Hospital Setup","authors":"Murad A. Mubaraki, Mubbashir Hussain, Fozia Fozia, Ijaz Ahmad, Shahid Niaz Khan, Abdul Qadir Khan, Ziaullah Ziaullah","doi":"10.1155/2024/8529788","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8529788","url":null,"abstract":"<i>Introduction</i>. This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. <i>Materials and Methods</i>. The multidimensional research included malaria patients admitted to different hospitals of district Kohat during January and December 2021. Stool samples and blood were assembled from the patients. Giemsa-stained microscopy-positive samples were processed by the immunochromatography technique (ICT) to identify <i>Plasmodium</i> species. Common viral infections such as viral hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, and dengue (DENV) were analyzed by ICT kits while SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through real-time PCR. Furthermore, the intestinal helminths were identified using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. <i>Results</i>. Among 1278 patients, 548 were diagnosed with malaria, 412 (75.2%) were positive for <i>P. vivax</i> infection, 115 (21%) for <i>P. falciparum</i>, and 21 (3.8%) for mixed malaria infection (<i>P. vivax/P. falciparum</i>), with a higher incidence among males (65.2%) than females (34.8%). Coinfection with helminths was positive in 215 (39.3%) malaria patients. The most common infections were caused by the <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> species (42.6%) followed by <i>Enterobius vermicularis</i> (31.7%) and hookworm. A total of 24.6% of malaria-positive cases were also coinfected with different viruses with higher frequencies of confection for HAV (8.2%) and DENV (6.2%), respectively. The patients revealed higher incidence of coinfections with <i>P. falciparum</i> (57%) as compared with <i>P. vivax</i> (39.2%) and mixed infections (3.7%). <i>Conclusion</i>. This study demonstrated that the study population exhibited a significant incidence of coinfections with intestinal helminth and viral malaria.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140316966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Malaria and Schistosoma mansoni Coinfection on Selected Biochemical Profiles among Patients Attending Selected Health Institutions at Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Wagaw Abebe, Wossenseged Lemma, Yalewayker Tegegne, Amare Mekuanint, Abebe Yenesew, Adane Derso","doi":"10.1155/2024/9992233","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9992233","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;i&gt;Background&lt;/i&gt;. Malaria and schistosomiasis are infectious diseases that cause biochemical abnormalities. Malaria and &lt;i&gt;Schistosoma mansoni&lt;/i&gt; coinfection causes exacerbations of health consequences and comorbidities. The study area is found in Ethiopia, where coinfection of malaria and &lt;i&gt;S. mansoni&lt;/i&gt; is common. However, there is limited data on the biochemical profiles of patients coinfected with malaria and &lt;i&gt;S. mansoni&lt;/i&gt; schistosomiasis in the study area. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of malaria and &lt;i&gt;S. mansoni&lt;/i&gt; schistosomiasis coinfection on selected biochemical profiles. &lt;i&gt;Methods&lt;/i&gt;. An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to August 10, 2022. Using a convenient sampling technique, 70 participants (35 cases and 35 controls) were enrolled in the study. &lt;i&gt;Schistosoma mansoni&lt;/i&gt; was detected in stool samples using the wet mount and the Kato Katz method. To detect &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium&lt;/i&gt;, both thick and thin blood films were prepared and stained with Giemsa. The blood sample was processed for the analysis of biochemical profiles. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. A &lt;svg height=\"10.2124pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-3.42943pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"-0.0498162 -6.78297 7.83752 10.2124\" width=\"7.83752pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt; value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. &lt;i&gt;Results&lt;/i&gt;. The mean values of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (37.1 U/L and 41.9 U/L, respectively) in coinfected participants were significantly higher than in the healthy control participants (17.4 U/L and 22.0 U/L, respectively) &lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"12.7178pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-3.42947pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"-0.0498162 -9.28833 23.471 12.7178\" width=\"23.471pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,4.498,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-113\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.84,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"12.7178pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-3.42947pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"27.053183800000003 -9.28833 26.453 12.7178\" width=\"26.453pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,27.103,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,33.343,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,36.307,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,42.547,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,48.787,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; Also, the median values of creatinine, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin (1.51 mg/dL, 2.35 mg/dL, and 0.91 mg/dL, respectively) in coinfected participants were significantly higher than in the healthy control participants ","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"50 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140201024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vitro Antischistosomal Activity of Bridelia ferruginea, Clausena anisata, Khaya senegalensis, and Vernonia amygdalina","authors":"Deryl Nii Okantey Kuevi, Jennifer Keiser, Cécile Häberli, Abena Konadu Owusu-Senyah, Mawutor Kwame Ahiabu","doi":"10.1155/2024/8074291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8074291","url":null,"abstract":"<i>Background</i>. Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic flatworms and the disease is endemic to most countries in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. The current therapeutic agent for managing this disease solely relies on praziquantel. The continual dependence on this single available drug could lead to possible drug resistance. This study seeks to evaluate the antischistosomal activity of the following Ghanaian medicinal plants: <i>Khaya senegalensis</i>, <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>, <i>Clausena anisata</i>, and <i>Bridelia ferruginea. Methodology</i>. Two concentrations (100 <i>μ</i>g/mL and 50 <i>μ</i>g/mL) of each extract were tested in a 96-well plate containing 30 newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Moreover, six worms of both sexes of adult <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> were exposed to the extracts diluted in the RPMI medium. The assay was performed in a 24-well plate. The parasitic worms were examined using an inverted optical microscope. <i>Results</i>. At 100 <i>μ</i>g/mL and 50 <i>μ</i>g/mL, all extracts performed better and showed strong activity (<span><svg height=\"11.7782pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-3.42938pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"-0.0498162 -8.34882 18.973 11.7782\" width=\"18.973pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)\"></path></g><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,11.342,0)\"></path></g></svg><span></span><span><svg height=\"11.7782pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-3.42938pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"22.555183800000002 -8.34882 28.184 11.7782\" width=\"28.184pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,22.605,0)\"></path></g><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,28.845,0)\"></path></g><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,31.809,0)\"><use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"></use></g><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,38.049,0)\"><use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"></use></g><g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,44.289,0)\"></path></g></svg>)</span></span> against NTS; thus, 98.08%, 100%, 80.77%, and 100% for Clausena, Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya, respectively, when compared to praziquantel. Strong activity was recorded when the extracts underwent testing against <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> adults at 100 <i>μ</i>g/mL; 96.35%, 100%, and 94.55% for Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya, respectively, except for Clausena which exhibited weak activity, i.e., 56.02%. There was no significant difference between Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya when compared to praziquantel. <i>Conclusion</i>. At 100 <i>μ</i>g/mL, <i>Khaya senegalensis</i>, <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>, and <i>Bridelia ferruginea</i> extracts demonstrated strong activity against both schistosomula and adult <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i>. These data can serve as baseline information in the quest to find alternative therapeutic agents to treat schistosomiasis.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140201105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MicroRNA-1 Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Treated with Hydatid Cyst Fluid","authors":"Hadis Jafari, Mahmoud Mahami-Oskouei, Adel Spotin, Behzad Baradaran, Dariush Shanehbandi, Amir Baghbanzadeh, Zahra Alizadeh","doi":"10.1155/2024/7474039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/7474039","url":null,"abstract":"Antigens in hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) have been discovered to bear a significant resemblance to antigens present in cancer cells. MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) is a well-known member of the tumor inhibitor miRNA family and has been shown to have pro-apoptotic and tumor-inhibitory functions. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of HCF to prevent breast cancer and to explore the underlying mechanisms that affect cancer cells. For this study, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured and divided into two groups: one group received HCF treatment and the other group was untreated and served as the control group. The cytotoxicity and cell viability of various HCF concentrations on breast cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. In addition, the expression level of miR-1 in HCF-treated and untreated breast cancer cells was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The study found that HCF treatment reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, indicating that it was cytotoxic to the cells. Specifically, the IC50 concentration of HCF after 24 hours of treatment was 7.32 &lt;i&gt;µ&lt;/i&gt;g/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells and 13.63 &lt;i&gt;µ&lt;/i&gt;g/mL for MCF-7 cells. In addition, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of miR-1 was significantly increased in HCF-treated MDA-MB-231 (&lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"8.8423pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-0.2064009pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"-0.0498162 -8.6359 19.289 8.8423\" width=\"19.289pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,11.658,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"8.8423pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-0.2064009pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"22.8711838 -8.6359 34.445 8.8423\" width=\"34.445pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,22.921,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,29.161,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,32.125,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,38.365,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,44.605,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,50.845,0)\"&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and MCF-7 (&lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"8.8423pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-0.2064009pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"-0.0498162 -8.6359 19.289 8.8423\" width=\"19.289pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-81\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,11.658,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g117-34\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;svg height=\"8.8423pt\" style=\"vertical-align:-0.2064009pt\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"22.8711838 -8.6359 34.445 8.8423\" width=\"34.445pt\" xmlns=\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink\"&gt;&lt;g transform=\"matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,22.921,0)\"&gt;&lt;use xlink:href=\"#g113-49\"&gt;&lt;/use&gt;&lt;","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140106911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibacterial and Antioxidant Efficacies of Secondary Metabolites from the Roots of Cyphostemma adenocaule: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Study","authors":"Hadush Gebrehiwot, Yadessa Melaku, Muhdin Aliye, Urgessa Ensermu, Aman Dekebo, Milkyas Endale, Daniel Rentsch, Mo Hunsen","doi":"10.1155/2024/1679695","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1679695","url":null,"abstract":"<i>Cyphostemma adenocaule</i> is a therapeutic plant traditionally used to treat rabies, snake bite, diarrhea, and wound healing. To address the bioactive compounds exhibiting these activities, we performed a comprehensive study on the roots of the plant. Thus, the present study aims to inspect the <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant and antibacterial efficacies of compounds isolated from the combined dichloromethane : methanol (1 : 1) and methanol extracts of <i>C. adenocaule</i> along with the <i>in silico</i> study of their interaction with selected protein targets. The silica gel column chromatography technique was used for the isolation of compounds, and the antibacterial and antioxidant activities were evaluated using agar disc diffusion and DPPH radical scavenging assays, respectively. Furthermore, <i>in silico</i> molecular docking screening, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity protocols of the compound isolates were performed to offer the potential applications of the compounds in developing novel medications. A BIOVIA Discovery Studio in combination with AutoDock Vina 4.2 software, SwissADME, and ProTox-II prediction web tools were used to generate the molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles, respectively. Notably, the chromatographic separation of the combined extracts yielded six known compounds, namely, <i>β-</i>sitosterol (<b>1</b>), 3-hydroxyisoagatholactone (<b>2</b>), <i>ε</i>-viniferin (<b>3</b>), myricetin (<b>4</b>), tricuspidatol A (<b>5</b>), and parthenocissin A (<b>6</b>). The <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial activities revealed the highest inhibition zone by tricuspidatol A (<b>5</b>) (16.67 ± 0.47), showcasing its potent activity against <i>S. aureus</i> at 2 mg/mL, compared to ciprofloxacin (21.50 ± 0.41). <i>ε</i>-Viniferin (<b>3</b>) (IC₅₀: 0.32 <i>μ</i>g/mL) exhibited greater antioxidant activity than the others and displayed promising results compared to ascorbic acid (0.075 <i>μ</i>g/mL). The molecular docking study revealed the highest binding affinity by <i>ε-</i>viniferin (<b>3</b>) (−9.9 kcal/mol) against topoisomerase II <i>α.</i> 3-Hydroxyisoagatholactone (<b>2</b>) and <i>ε</i>-viniferin (<b>3</b>) fulfilled Lipinski’s rule with no violation, and the organ toxicity predictions revealed that all the compounds showed no cytotoxicity and hepatotoxicity effects. Thus, this study’s combined <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> outcomes suggest the potential use of the isolated compounds in drug discovery and support the traditional relevance of <i>C. adenocaule</i>.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140047011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Malaria Burden: A South African Perspective","authors":"Marissa Balmith, Charlise Basson, Sarel J. Brand","doi":"10.1155/2024/6619010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6619010","url":null,"abstract":"Malaria is a deadly disease caused by protozoan pathogens of the <i>Plasmodium</i> parasite. Transmission to humans occurs through the bite of an infected female <i>Anopheles</i> mosquito. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 247 million cases of malaria were recorded worldwide in 2021, with approximately 619 000 malaria deaths. The initial signs of malaria can be mild and challenging to diagnose due to the signs and symptoms being similar to those of other illnesses. The malaria burden remains largely concentrated in the WHO sub-Saharan African region and has been recognised as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. This review aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on malaria in South Africa, a region within sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the epidemiology and life cycle of the malaria parasite as well as diagnostic approaches for detecting malaria. In addition, nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions for treating and preventing malaria infections will also be discussed herein. While there has been a significant reduction in the global burden of this disease, malaria remains a public health issue in South Africa. As such, the implementation of effective preventative measures and strategies, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment regimens are crucial to reducing the malaria burden in South Africa.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139955414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis: Advances and Challenges","authors":"Priscila Silva Franco, Ana Carolina Morais Oliveira Scussel, Rafaela José Silva, Thadia Evelyn Araújo, Henrique Tomaz Gonzaga, Camila Ferreira Marcon, Joaquim Pedro Brito-de-Sousa, Angélica Lemos Debs Diniz, Marina Carvalho Paschoini, Bellisa Freitas Barbosa, Olindo Assis Martins-Filho, José Roberto Mineo, Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro, Angelica Oliveira Gomes","doi":"10.1155/2024/1514178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1514178","url":null,"abstract":"<i>Objective</i>. To understand how congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) diagnosis has evolved over the years, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis. <i>Methods</i>. PubMed and Lilacs databases were used in order to access the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis in several samples. Our search combined the following combining terms: “congenital toxoplasmosis” or “gestational toxoplasmosis” and “diagnosis” and “blood,” “serum,” “amniotic fluid,” “placenta,” or “colostrum.” We extracted data on true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative to generate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Random-effects models using MetaDTA were used for analysis. <i>Results</i>. Sixty-five articles were included in the study aiming for comparisons (75.4%), diagnosis performance (52.3%), diagnosis improvement (32.3%), or to distinguish acute/chronic infection phases (36.9%). Amniotic fluid (AF) and placenta were used in 36.9% and 10.8% of articles, respectively, targeting parasites and/or <i>T. gondii</i> DNA. Blood was used in 86% of articles for enzymatic assays. Colostrum was used in one article to search for antibodies. In meta-analysis, PCR in AF showed the best performance for CT diagnosis based on the highest summary sensitivity (85.1%) and specificity (99.7%) added to lower magnitude heterogeneity. <i>Conclusion</i>. Most of the assays being researched to diagnose CT are basically the same traditional approaches available for clinical purposes. The range in diagnostic performance and the challenges imposed by CT diagnosis indicate the need to better explore pregnancy samples in search of new possibilities for diagnostic tools. Exploring immunological markers and using bioinformatics tools and <i>T. gondii</i> recombinant antigens should address the research needed for a new generation of diagnostic tools to face these challenges.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139922867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling Dengue Dynamics: In-Depth Epidemiological and Entomological Analyses in Bengaluru, India","authors":"Vani H. C., Sujit Nath N., Jaiswal M. K., Tiwari R. P., Bharathi P., Asmita B., Shankar G., Jithen C., Pallavi V. D., Srinivas V., Ashok M., Mahamood Shariff, Renuka S., Shrinivasa B. M.","doi":"10.1155/2024/7247263","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/7247263","url":null,"abstract":"In view of the increased number of detected dengue cases in Bengaluru, a request for situation analysis was received from local health authorities in the selected area. The study included epidemiological and entomological assessments to understand the same. The immature forms collected were allowed to emerge, pooled, and processed for vector incrimination. In the surveyed population (347), 20 (5.8%) reported fever cases and 12 (3.5%) were confirmed as dengue cases among the 102 families. Stegomyia indices were high. Vector incrimination studies revealed pools positive for the presence of dengue virus in flower pots, fridge trays, plastic barrels, and rubber tires habitats. This study highlights the increased risk of dengue fever incidence in communities wherepoor intra and peri-domestic sanitation practices are prevailing and recommendsregular entomological surveillance of denguevirus in its vector population..","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139771150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breeding Habitat Preference of the Dengue Vector Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from Urban, Semiurban, and Rural Areas in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka","authors":"J. M. Manel K. Herath, W. A. Priyanka P. De Silva, Thilini C. Weeraratne, S. H. P. Parakrama Karunaratne","doi":"10.1155/2024/4123543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4123543","url":null,"abstract":"Elimination of vector mosquito larvae and their breeding environments is an effective strategy in dengue disease control. Present study examined larval density and water quality in breeding habitats and container preference of dengue vectors <i>Ae. aegypti</i> and <i>Ae. albopictus</i>. Larval surveys were conducted monthly in urban, semiurban, and rural sites in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, from January 2019 to December 2021. Larval densities were recorded under the following three categories: type of container (16 types), type of material (6 types), and location (indoor/outdoor). Breeding preference ratios (BPRs) were calculated using Index of Available Containers and the Index of Contribution to Breeding Sites. Out of 19,234 wet containers examined, larval stages were found in 1,043 habitats. <i>Ae. albopictus</i> larvae were in all three areas whereas <i>Ae. aegypti</i> larvae were restricted to urban areas. Highest number of wet containers and highest positivity were reported from urban followed by semiurban. In general, discarded nondegradable items were the most frequent and mostly positive breeding sites. For <i>Ae</i>. <i>aegypti</i>, the most preferred breeding sites were gutters and concrete slabs. <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mostly preferred concrete slabs in urban areas and tyres in semiurban and rural areas. Material types such as rubber and concrete were mostly preferred by <i>Ae. aegypti</i> whereas ceramic was preferred by <i>Ae. albopictus</i>. Although plastic was the most available material type in all study sites, preference to plastic was low except for urban <i>Ae. albopictus</i>. Both species preferred urban indoor breeding habitats although outdoor breeding was preferred by <i>Ae. albopictus</i> in rural areas. Larval densities of <i>Ae. aegypti</i> and semiurban <i>Ae. albopictus</i> significantly correlated with the BPR of the container type and material type. Dengue vector larvae were found in a 6.7–9.4 pH range. Total dissolved solids and alkalinity positively correlated with preference. Information generated can be successfully used in waste management and public education for effective vector control.","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"159 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139580761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}