Insect Bites Research Articles

Some quality standards for Dronapushpi Panchanga (Leucas aspera Spreng) Powder

Background: Dronapushpi (Leucas aspera Spreng) of Lamiaceae is found as a weed throughout the country. It is described in various Nighantus. To maintain the effectiveness of crude drugs, the standardisation and proper identification of the plant is very important. Fresh juice of Dronapushpi is efficacious in malarial fever, collyrium prepared from the juice is used in jaundice, the decoction of the herb is used to ulcer as wash liquid, also applied externally to poisonous insect bites and also useful in worm infestation, inflammation, bronchitis, asthma and cough. In this study Dronapushpi panchanga (whole plant) was studied systematically to evaluate its quality standards. Methods: Macro-microscopic features, physico-chemical and phytochemical investigation were performed as per Pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: The pharmacognostic study revealed the macroscopic characters, physicochemical constants and phytochemical nature of Donapushpi. The extracts which were screened for its phytochemicals showed the presence of constituents like coumarin, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols and tannin in both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. HPTLC profile was developed as fingerprint of extracts. Conclusion: Results of the present investigation L. aspera plant will help in validation of this crude drug.

Malaria: an update for nurses in general practice

Malaria is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease that is distributed throughout the tropics. Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium, transmitted to humans by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, most active between dusk and dawn. Insect bite avoidance is crucial to prevent bites from infected mosquitoes causing infection. All travellers visiting malaria endemic areas are at risk of exposure. Conducting a pre-travel risk assessment and providing appropriate advice to the individual is essential. The malaria prevention guidance emphasises that effective bite prevention should be the first line of defence against malaria infection, even when chemoprophylaxis is used. Recommendations for antimalarials should be appropriate for the destination, tailored to the individual, and account for the risks and benefits to the traveller. Malaria is a preventable, but potentially fatal illness. Sandra Grieve provides an update for those providing travel consultations in general practice

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to insect bites: Moroccan observation

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is the most common generalized pustular rash. It is a delayed immunological reaction involving cellular immunity and is characterized by the sudden, simultaneous onset of high fever and scarlatiniform sheet erythema, which, in several hours, is covered with numerous pustules with a lactescent content, non-follicular, sterile, predominant on the face, trunk, and folds. It regresses in less than fifteen days after stopping the causative agent giving way to diffuse desquamation. Several incriminating factors in the triggering of this reaction, in particular, at the top of the list, taking medication, a viral (enterovirus) or bacterial (streptococcal) infection, yet its occurrence following an insect bite has been exceptionally reported in the literature. The diagnosis is established according to clinical and histological criteria. Herein, we report the case of a young Moroccan female with generalized AGEP related to insect bites. Key words: Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis; EuroSCAR; Insect Bites

Designing for health equity: A mixed method study exploring community experiences and perceptions of pharmacists' role in minor ailment care.

Minor ailments are self-limiting, easily diagnosable and treatable conditions. Funded pharmacist minor ailments services (PMAS) have been posited to improve medicines access equity and, despite ethnic minorities across the globe experiencing reduced access to medicines and health care, PMAS internationally have not explicitly centered ethnic equity in service design or outcome measurement. To explore Māori experiences of minor ailments care and perceptions of the pharmacists' role. This mixed methods study collected data through facilitated wānanga (collaborative knowledge-sharing group discussions). Eligible participants (Māori, 18 years plus, obtained medicine from pharmacy in last 3 years) were recruited through local pharmacist networks using convenience sampling. Wānanga included qualitative data collection through discussion using a topic guide and a quantitative questionnaire. Indigenous theory was applied within a general inductive approach to thematic development to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative data was reported using simple descriptive statistics. Thirteen wānanga (3 in-person, 10 online) were conducted from September 2021-February 2022 with 62 participants from seven New Zealand regions. The minor ailments that participants were most likely to seek treatment from pharmacy first, instead of a doctor, were eczema (87.2%), coughs and colds (85.7%), headlice (85.7%), insect bites (83.9%), and hayfever (83.9%). Four themes were generated from the qualitative data: designing the right environment for minor ailment care; clinically and culturally safe care; moving from stigmatizing to strengths-based services; the benefits of PMAS. Participant-informed ideas for PMAS service development centered on Māori aspirations included: developing clinically and culturally safe pharmacy environments, enabling medicine supply outside of the physical pharmacy setting, avoiding stigmatizing language when promoting PMAS availability, and collaborative practice with other health providers. This study provides important recommendations when developing PMAS to increase the likelihood of delivering equitable care, and has international application across multiple pharmacy and health service settings.

An Overview of the Science of Parasitology Simply for the General Public

Every year, millions of people in the world are infected with parasitic diseases, and the main conflict with parasitic diseases is in countries with hot and humid climates and low levels of hygiene. Parasites can damage human and animal communities in different ways, and these damages can be highly extensive. Parasites exist in microscopic and macroscopic forms, which are transmitted to humans and animals through different ways, including water, food, or insect bites. Controlling and examining the transmission ways of parasites is the most important way to prevent parasitic diseases. Although these control programs are being implemented today, one of the extremely important points in controlling parasites is that parasites are eukaryotic organisms, and treatment and control of these organisms is much more difficult compared to prokaryotic organisms. Accordingly, increasing public knowledge is the best way to deal with parasites.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF THE LIVERWORT MARCHANTIA POLYMORPHA GROWING IN VIETNAM

Marchantia polymorpha has been associated with many pharmaceutical applications in Asian countries, such as treating inflammation, liver disease, open wounds, boils, fractures, insect and snake bites, etc. This study investigated the phytochemical of M. polymorpha grown in Lam Dong Province. The acetone extract of M. polymorpha was applied to silica gel column chromatography to obtain five compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, as well as by the comparison of their NMR data with reported ones. Five compounds were elucidated as ( Z ) - dimethomorph ( 1 ) , ( E ) - dimethomorph ( 2) , methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid ( 3 ) , marchantin A ( 4 ) , and quercetin ( 5 ).

A rapidly progressive painful skin lesion

A 48-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with fever and a severe painful erythematous and ecchymotic skin lesion on the third finger of the left hand, that rapidly evolved into haemorrhagic bullae with diffuse swelling and edema of all her left hand, associated with the onset of lymphangitis in her left arm and crescendo-like pain. She denied trauma or insect bite. Her past medical history was unremarkable, except for chilblains with no sequelae. She did not take any medication. She was not a smoker. Laboratory tests showed neutrophilic leucocytosis (WBC 15,000/mm3; N 14,500/mm3), a slight thrombocytopenia (139,000/mm3), elevated C-reactive protein (12 mg/dL, normal value <0.5), increased procalcitonin (1.3 ng/mL, normal value < 0.5) and transaminases (AST 64 U/L; ALT 70 U/L, normal value 0-31). HIV was excluded.

Anticancer effect of antioxidant-rich methanolic extract of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz leaves in HepG2 and HeLa cells: A mechanistic insight

Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz is a pharmaceutically, and agriculturally important medicinal plant traditionally used against snake and insect bites, dysentery, abdominal pain, fever, and insanity. However, no detailed study has been done on anticancer potency of crude leaf extract of Rauvolfia serpentina. Therefore, we investigated the anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Rauvolfia serpentina leaf (MERSL) in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and cervical cancer HeLa cells along with its antioxidant capacity. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of many anticancer phytochemicals including campesterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin, lupeol, phytol, and D-pinitol. The antioxidant activity of MERSL was confirmed by DPPH (IC50 = 106.16 μg/ml), ABTS (IC50 = 146.67 μg/ml), FRAP (IC50 = 1.4 mg/ml), and total antioxidant capacity assay invitro, and reduction of H2O2-induced ROS in noncancer fibroblast F111 cells. Crystal violet assay showed that MERSL reduced cell viability in HepG2 (IC50 = 274.12 μg/ml) and HeLa (IC50 = 231.33 μg/ml) at 24 h, but not in F111 cells at these IC50 concentrations. Further, wound healing and clonogenic assays confirmed anticancer activity, which resulted in decreased cell migration and revival capacity in HepG2 and HeLa cells. Apoptotic changes were visualized by acridine orange-ethidium bromide and DAPI staining using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Also, comet assay indicated DNA damage. An increase in intracellular ROS, calcium influx, reduction of mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, and cell cycle arrest, established by flow cytometry and fluorimetry, highlighted the possible underlying mechanism of cell death by MERSL in HepG2 and HeLa cells. Therefore, this study evidenced that Rauvolfia serpentina leaves could be an encouraging pharmacological application for developing anticancer strategies.

Pentaclethra macroloba: A Review of the Biological, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Cosmetic, Nutritional and Biofuel Potential of this Amazonian Plant.

Pracaxi (Penthaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Helicorverpa zea, which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.

Development of an inhibiting antibody against equine interleukin 5 to treat insect bite hypersensitivity of horses

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most common allergic skin disease of horses. It is caused by insect bites of the Culicoides spp. which mediate a type I/IVb allergy with strong involvement of eosinophil cells. No specific treatment option is available so far. One concept could be the use of a therapeutic antibody targeting equine interleukin 5, the main activator and regulator of eosinophils. Therefore, antibodies were selected by phage display using the naïve human antibody gene libraries HAL9/10, tested in a cellular in vitro inhibition assay and subjected to an in vitro affinity maturation. In total, 28 antibodies were selected by phage display out of which eleven have been found to be inhibiting in the final format as chimeric immunoglobulin G with equine constant domains. The two most promising candidates were further improved by in vitro affinity maturation up to factor 2.5 regarding their binding activity and up to factor 2.0 regarding their inhibition effect. The final antibody named NOL226-2-D10 showed a strong inhibition of the interleukin 5 binding to its receptor (IC50 = 4 nM). Furthermore, a nanomolar binding activity (EC50 = 8.8 nM), stable behavior and satisfactory producibility were demonstrated. This antibody is an excellent candidate for in vivo studies for the treatment of equine IBH.

Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese adults: a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese adults: a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study.

7/m—After an insect bite

7/m—After an insect bite

Biomonitoring of DEET and DCBA in Canadian children following typical protective insect repellent use

N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is an ingredient found in many consumer insect repellents and its use is recommended to Canadians by government agencies, including Health Canada, for protection against insect bites including mosquitos and ticks. The majority of research on DEET exposure and toxicokinetics in humans has focused on adult populations with little information from vulnerable populations, including children. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by examining real-world exposure data for DEET and its metabolite 3-diethylcarbamoyl benzoic acid (DCBA) in a sample population of Canadian children. We conducted a 24-h observational exposure human biomonitoring study at three overnight summer camps in Ontario, Canada through July and August 2019. Participating children aged 7-13 years provided multiple spot urine samples over a 24-h period and completed a journal to document insect repellent use and factors that could influence absorption of DEET. Children were instructed to use insect repellent as they usually would while attending a summer camp. Exposure was quantified using the information from the participant's journal and the change in the mass of their insect repellent containers over the course of the study. A total of 389 urine samples were collected from 124 children. Among participants using insect repellent, urinary levels of DEET were elevated between 2 and 8h post-application and decreased thereafter but remained qualitatively higher than concentrations in participants who did not use insect repellent on the study day, even at 18-22h post-application. DCBA was the predominant metabolite of DEET exposure in urine. DCBA was elevated between 8 and 14h post-application, and declined thereafter, but not to the level observed among those who did not use insect repellent on the study day. Children who used more insect repellent, or used higher concentration insect repellent (10%-30% DEET) excreted higher levels of DEET and DCBA. Excreted DEET and DCBA accounted for 0.001% (median) and 1.3% (median) of the estimated applied DEET, respectively. Children did not reach an undetectable level of DEET or DCBA in urine, even among those not using insect repellent during the study day, indicating a potentially complex multi-route exposure to insect repellents in a real world scenario. This work provides targeted biomonitoring data for children intentionally using DEET-based insect repellents for normal protective use, and will support the risk re-evaluation of DEET by Health Canada.

<i>Paurocephala famendongoeis </i>sp. n. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Insect Pest of <i>Psorospermum febrifugum</i> (Hypericaceae) from Adamawa-Cameroon

A new psyllid species collected on <i>Psorospermum febrifugum</i> (Hypericaceae) is described from Adamawa Region of Cameroon, <i>Paurocephala</i> <i>famendongoeis</i> sp. n. It’s different morphologically with the previous described species of the same genus by the following characters: paramere with 11 stout setae in basal half posterior; male proctiger very enlarged in the basal third and bearing in its apical internal part located toward rear a large and very long seta; forewing without surface spinules in all cells. Antenna of fifth instar larvae without sectasetae, rather presence only of long simple setae; first flagellum very long with 9 long simple setae grouped in 3, 2, 1 and 1; dorsal sclerites covered by truncated setae grouped in pairs at the level of lateral margins of abdomen; caudal plate without process. Previously, <i>Paurocephala nkomekui</i> was described from Cameroon on <i>Agelaea hirsuta</i> (Coronnaceae). Root, leaves and barks of <i>Psorospermum febrifugum</i> are used in African traditional medicine to fight again fever, malaria, sore, eczema, cutaneous eruption and insect bite. Damages on host plant are rolling of leaves and leaves discolouration.

Characteristics of The Introduced Orangutan Nest at Jantho Orangutan Reintroduction Station, Aceh Besar

Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) learned the process of building nests from their mothers and started building nests around the age of 0.5 years. Orangutan nests have the most intricate arrangement of other primate nests. Orangutans built the nest as a place to rest, play, and protect themselves from predators and insect bites such as mosquitoes. Orangutan nests have different locations tailored to the needs and context of the nest trees. The shape of the nest and the position of the nest usually have differences due to differences in sex, age level, and body weight. The research had conducted at the Jantho Orangutan Reintroduction (JOR) Station, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province. It had carried out from January to August 2021. The research method used is purposive sampling. The selected transects are existing (permanent) with FB, RI, and IS coding, which is part of mammalian transects scattered in the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve. Observations were carried out as many as two repetitions in different months. The results showed several classes and nest positions found at the JOR Station. The nest classes found were 1, 2, and 3, while the others were not found. Nests in position 2 were the most founded at the study site, and position 5 was not found. It indicates no orangutan at the study site liked to play on the ground. This study gets four nest shapes, namely single round, flat oval, tiered, and irregularly widened

NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC REPELLENTS ON TREATED CLOTHING: ADVANTAGES, CHALLENGES AND THEIR EFFICACY

Arthropod-borne viruses have become a major threat to human health worldwide. The implementation of personal protection through clothing is necessary to avoid insect bites, especially for military operations and public health emergencies. Development of synthetic repellents in clothing impregnation has been well-established whilst, numerous studies regarding the application of essential oils on textile substrates have been carried out to develop their use as an alternative to synthetic repellents. The present review attempts to give a general overview and summarize the current technology used in treated clothing, as well as the advantages, challenges, limitations, and factors that may affect the performance of synthetic repellents and essential oils in textiles. Current research trends in developing more effective repellents from essential oils are also summarized.

When Small Bugs Cause Big Problems: Tropical Insect Bite Led to Myocarditis

Wasp bite induced allergic reactions or organ dysfunctions are not uncommon in tropical countries. Most people affected with insect bite hardly develop any signs or symptoms; however, about 30 percent of them may show signs of illness which is often overlooked and causes fatality. Among the fatal complications specially anaphylaxis and renal dysfunction have been reported; however, myocardial involvement in the form of myocarditis is very rare. Awareness about such complications is important as these affect the clinical course and outcomes of the patients. We have presented a case of wasp bite induced myocarditis and heart failure here, which was diagnosed at a later stage as patient did not improve being admitted in the emergency department and subsequently transferred to the critical care unit. &#x0D; CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 107-110

A biomechanical model for the relation between bite force and mandibular opening angle in arthropods.

Bite forces play a key role in animal ecology: they affect mating behaviour, fighting success, and the ability to feed. Although feeding habits of arthropods have a significant ecological and economical impact, we lack fundamental knowledge on how the morphology and physiology of their bite apparatus controls bite performance, and its variation with mandible gape. To address this gap, we derived a biomechanical model that characterizes the relationship between bite force and mandibular opening angle from first principles. We validate this model by comparing its geometric predictions with morphological measurements on the muscoloskeletal bite apparatus of Atta cephalotes leaf-cutter ants, using computed tomography (CT) scans obtained at different mandible opening angles. We then demonstrate its deductive and inductive utility with three examplary use cases: Firstly, we extract the physiological properties of the leaf-cutter ant mandible closer muscle from in vivo bite force measurements. Secondly, we show that leaf-cutter ants are specialized to generate extraordinarily large bite forces, equivalent to about 2600 times their body weight. Thirdly, we discuss the relative importance of morphology and physiology in determining the magnitude and variation of bite force. We hope that a more detailed quantitative understanding of the link between morphology, physiology, and bite performance will facilitate future comparative studies on the insect bite apparatus, and help to advance our knowledge of the behaviour, ecology and evolution of arthropods.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF LITSEA GHATICA STEM BARK

Litsea belonging to the family Lauraceae, is among the most diverse genera of evergreen shrubs and trees. Litsea is distributed majorly in the Western Ghats of India. Litsea are traditionally used to treat cold, fever, bruises, insect bites and other diseases. The objective of this study was to understand the phytochemistry of the methanol extract of Litsea ghatica stem bark and evaluate it for potential antioxidant activity in an effort to understand the nature of phytoconstituents present in the stem bark. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract indicated the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the methanol extract was determined by Folin Ciocalteau’s and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power and NO radical scavenging assays. The methanol extract showed significant potential antioxidant activity, namely 93.08 and 95.1 % radical scavenging activity in DPPH assay at 100 ppm for the methanol extract and ascorbic acid, respectively. In FRAP and NO radical scavenging assay, the methanol extract showed dose dependent antioxidant activity reaching maximum at 100 ppm concentration. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by in vitro albumin denaturation assay using naproxen as the reference standard. The results indicated encouraging anti-inflammatory activity with 18.53% inhibition at 60 ppm of the methanol extract. This preliminary anti-inflammatory data needs to be substantiated with additional in vitro and in vivo studies for conclusive evidence

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF): An Emerging Disease in Afghanistan

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) seems to be a severe viral infection that is spreading throughout Afghanistan. The first case of CCHF was recorded in March 1998 in Takhar province, located in the country’s north. And since then, multiple new cases and outbreaks have occurred over the years and continue to do so now. CCHF is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans mostly by hard tick bites or direct contact with the blood of infected animals. In Afghanistan, the prevalence of CCHF outbreaks has grown dramatically around Eid-ul-Adha. The primary symptom of this fatal disease is bleeding. There is no cure for CCHF at the moment, but the antiviral drug Ribavirin is used to treat it. This disease presently lacks a commercially accessible vaccine. The disease is recommended to be controlled through preventative measures such as Avoiding insect bites and coming into touch with the blood of a suspicious animal are just a few of the precautions that can be taken.