Numbers Of Immature Eggs Research Articles

Efficacy of spilanthol and Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (Asteraceae) extract against Schistosoma mansoni infection

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen, commonly referred to as “Jambu”, is a valuable medicinal plant native to the Amazon regions. Inflorescences of A. oleracea is utilized as local anesthetic properties and for its insecticidal, antiparasitic, and anthelmintic attributes. Aims of this studyThis study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiparasitic properties of A. oleracea extract and spilanthol (SPL) against Schistosoma mansoni. Materials and methodsThe ethanolic extract of A. oleracea inflorescences (AoE) was prepared, analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS. SPL was isolated from AoE by chromatographic fractionation. The antischistosomal properties of AoE and SPL were evaluated in vitro against adult schistosomes and in preclinical assays using murine models of patent S. mansoni infection. ResultsThrough UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis, 14 alkamides were annotated in AoE. HPLC-DAD analysis of AoE revealed a peak with a substantial relative area of ∼85%, which was isolated and identified as SPL. AoE and SPL caused mortality of adult schistosomes ex vivo, showing EC50 values of 32.6 μg/mL and 27.8 μM, respectively, without affected Vero cells or Caenorhabditis elegans.In preclinical studies, the oral administration (400 mg/kg) of AoE and SPL resulted in significant reductions in worm burden of 28% and ∼42%, respectively. Additionally, SPL exhibits remarkable effects on oogram, decreasing egg burden and the number of immature eggs by over 80%, while also promoting significant reductions in hepato- and splenomegaly. ConclusionsThe research underscores the antischistosomal activity of A. oleracea highlighting the potential of SPL as a lead for the development of new schistosomicidal drugs and encouraging further studies to validate the traditional anthelmintic use of A. oleracea inflorescences.

Evaluation of β-lapachone-methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex prepared by spray drying and its application against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni in murine model

Backgroundβ-lapachone (β-lap) is a naphthoquinone widely found in species of vegetables. However, its poor aqueous solubility limits its systemic administration and clinical applications in vivo. To overcome this limitation, several studies have been carried out in order to investigate techniques that can enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of β-lap, such as the use of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrin. PurposeTo evaluate the in vivo effect of β-lap complexed in methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) on the evolutionary stages of Schistosoma mansoni in a murine model. MethodsThe development and characterization of the physicochemical properties of the inclusion complex of β-lap in β-lap:MβCD was prepared by solubility and dissolution tests, FTIR, DSC, X-RD and SEM. The mice were infected and subsequently treated with β-lap:MβCD orally with 50 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days, starting therapy on the 1st (skin schistosomula), 14th (pulmonary schistosomula), 28th (young worms) and 45th (adult worms) days after infection. Control groups were also formed; one infected untreated, treated with MβCD, and the other treated with PZQ. ResultsThe loss of the crystalline form of β-lap in the β-lap:MβCD complex obtained by spray drying was proven through physical-chemical characterization analyses. β-lap:MβCD caused reduction in the number of worms of the 33.56%, 35.7%, 35.45% and 36.45%, when the dose was at 50 mg/kg, and 65.00%, 60.34%, 52.72% and 65.01%, in the dose 100 mg/kg; when treatment was started in the 1st, 14th, 28th and 45th days after infection, respectively. It was also possible to observe a significant reduction in the number of immature eggs and an increase in the number of ripe and dead eggs and, consequently, a reduction in the damage caused by the egg antigens to the host tissue, where we attributed the reduction in the average diameter of the granulomas to the β-lap. ConclusionThe dissolved content of β-lap:MβCD by spray drying reached almost 100%, serving for future formulations and delineation of the mechanisms of action of β-lap against S. mansoni.

The prophylactic and anti-fibrotic activity of phthalimido-thiazole derivatives in schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis mansoni is considered a serious public health problem. As praziquantel is the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis, the development of new drugs is of great significance. In this work, we present the antischistosomal activity of a small set of phthalimido-thiazole derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni. The effects of those derivatives on the viability of larvae juveniles and adult parasites, production and development of eggs, mortality of schistosomules in vitro by counting worms, and stages of eggs of infected animals in acute and chronic phases were evaluated, resulting in the identification of new multistage antischistosomal compounds. Additionally, a study of liver fibrogenesis was released. The phthalimido-thiazole derivatives, compounds 2b-d, 2h-j, had shown activity on schistosomules, achieving 100% mortality even at 5mg/mL, in the first 24h. In the chronic phase of schistosomiasis infection, compound 2i promoted a reduction in the number of immature eggs, an increase in the number of non-viable parasite eggs, a reduction in the average number of eggs in the liver and intestine, decrease in the levels of hydroxyproline in the liver, and a reduction in the areas of hepatic fibrosis. This compound also promoted an increase of IL-10 and a reduction in the level of TNF-α in the liver. Accordingly, the phthalimide-thiazole scaffold is a new starting point for the development of multistage compounds that affect S. mansoni viability, egg formation, and production.

Effect of bee venom or proplis on molecular and parasitological aspects of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.

The present study was performed to elucidate the efficacy of Apis mellifera L bee venom (BV) or proplis (200mg/kg orally for three consecutive days) on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. The results recorded reduction in the total worm burden, numbers of immature eggs and the ova count in hepatic tissue in BV (sting or injection) or proplis treated groups as compared to the infected group. Histological examination illustrated a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the diameter of hepatic granuloma in BV treated groups (272.78 and 266.9, respectively) and a significant decrease in proplis treated mice (229.35) compared with the infected group (260.67). Electrophoretic pattern of RNA showed a decrease in mean of maximal optical density in liver and intestine of S. mansoni infected mice treated with bee venom (sting or injection) as compared with infected group. Flow cytometry analyses of RNA or apoptotic percentage of worms recovered from BV sting (19 and 49% respectively); BV injected (20.5 and 51.17%, respectively) and proplis (35 and 23.93%, respectively) groups were compared with S. mansoni infected group (37.87 and 39.21%, respectively). It can be concluded that administration of bee venom or proplis are effective in case of S. mansoni infection. Although bee venom cause increase of granuloma diameter and this might be due to venom concentration and further studies are required to avoid such harmful effect.

Larger follicles lead to fewer oocytes, fewer blastocysts for biopsy and lower number of euploid embryos

To determine the relationship between lead follicle size and the rate of euploid embryos. Retrospective Cohort Analysis. 284 patients underwent 371 trophectoderm biopsy cycles from 10/2010-3/2013 where the average of the 2 lead follicles on the day of trigger was recorded followed by trophectoderm biopsy and array comparative genomic hybridization to determine ploidy. Cycles were divided into 5 lead follicle size groups based on the average of the 2 lead follicles. Stimulation parameters were compared. Primary outcome measures included % Euploid, # Euploid, # Aneuploid. There was no difference in age, FSH w/in cycle, maximal FSH, total dose, days of stimulation, estradiol (E2) levels on day of hcg, number of immature eggs (M1), GV, or atretic oocytes between the 5 groups. There was no difference in the number of aneuploid blastocysts or percent euploid but there was decrease in the number of euploid embryos with increasing follicle size. A subset analysis demonstrated that there was no relationship between number of M1 and euploidy.Tabled 1<18mm (n= 36)18-18.9mm (n=83)19.0-19.9mm (n=100)20.0-20.9mm (n=72)>21.0mm (n=80)ANOVA p-valueAge (y)37.937.537.837.838.0NSE2 per oocyte retrieved1601892032042260.01# Oocytes retrieved18.518.515.014.313.50.001# M216.615.513.011.511.10.0001# M12.41.41.11.31.0NS# 2pn-zygotes13.011.810.19.38.50.001#Blastocyst for biopsy6.36.75.25.24.30.04% Euploid embryos34%35%32%31%32%NS# Aneuploid embryos3.43.83.43.32.8NS# Euploid embryos2.82.91.81.91.50.006 Open table in a new tab Allowing patients’ follicles to grow larger was associated with higher E2 per oocyte retrieved but was also associated with a decreased number of oocytes, #fertilized and #biopsied. Concomitantly, the number of euploid embryos declined. We recommend caution in pushing patients to larger sizes to recruit more follicles since larger follicles were associated with fewer embryos for biopsy and a lower total number of euploid embryos.

BODY WEIGHTS AND EGG LOADS IN FIELD-COLLECTED PODISUS MACULIVENTRIS (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE)

Body weights and egg loads of field populations of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were studied from grape vineyards in Florida from April to November, 2003. Two main generation peaks were found in June and September. Mean female body weight throughout the year was similar to those obtained in various crops in Indiana. In both studies, body weights were comparable to those found in laboratory experiments where females were fed 1 prey item every 3 to 9 days. Egg loads in Florida were similar to those found in field populations in Indiana. The increase in numbers of immature eggs later in the Florida season may be an indication of continued egg production in older females. We interpret this as possible evidence of synovigeny in the field. This result is consistent with previous laboratory data showing that immature eggs are continuously produced throughout female lifetime. Larger females predictably had higher mean egg loads. The similarity in biological characteristics found in field populations in Indiana and Florida suggest that the predator has similar impacts on pest species by low feeding rates.

The effect of host acceptability on oviposition and egg accumulation by the small white butterfly,Pieris rapae

The influence of host-plant acceptability on oviposition rate, egg load, internal fat storage and longevity was studied in the small white butterfly, Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Newly emerged females and males were presented with either cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. gemmifera), which is a highly acceptable host for the small white, or wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri L.), which is much less acceptable for oviposition. Individuals were dissected when 3, 6 and 9-days-old. Females kept on cabbage contained fewer mature eggs than those kept on wallflower and there was no change in the load of mature eggs over the time course studied. The number of immature eggs carried did not vary with host plant species, but did fall significantly between days 6 and 9. The body fat content of individuals declined with increasing age, but the decline was slower for individuals kept on the host of low acceptability. Individuals that were allowed to spend their natural lifespan on cabbage showed similar oviposition patterns over time, where the oviposition rate started high and gradually reduced until death. However, considerable differences in oviposition pattern were found in individuals kept on wallflower, varying from that found on cabbage to no oviposition at all. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of existing oviposition theories. This leads to the conclusion that in one species the premises of existing theories on optimization of oviposition are not mutually exclusive but rather play in concert.

Mirazid: A New Schistosomicidal Drug

Schistosomiasis is a debilitating, and sometimes deadly, parasitic infection that afflicts hundreds of millions of people in developing countries. Great efforts have been devoted to develop a safe and an effective schistosomicidal agent. Myrrh is an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the stem of Commiphora molmol. An alcohol extract of this plant followed by steam distillation produced resin and volatile oil. We report here the results of efficacy, toxicity and side effects of a special formulation of myrrh, mirazid. Oral adminstration of this combination resulted in a significant reduction in the of worm burden of mice. It also induced separation of male-female coupled worms. Moreover, it shifted female worms from their normal habitat to the liver. Coincident with the shift of the female worms to the liver, a progressive reduction in the number of immature eggs laid in the wall of the small intestine was proved. This effect was accompained by an increase in the percentage of the mature stage from 14.9 ± 1.7 in control animals to 93 ± 7.5 and 93.4 ± 8.2 in animal treated with mirazid formulation at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively.

Alginate films for delivery of root-knot nematode inoculum and evaluation of microbial interactions

A method was developed for utilizing alginate films to deliver inoculum into soil and evaluate microbial antagonistic activity against nematode eggs. Eggs of Meloidogyne incognita were harvested from galled tomato roots (Lycopersicon esculentum), surface disinfested, suspended in 2% (w/v) aqueous sodium alginate, and applied to 2.5 × 5.0 cm polyvinyl chloride coated fiberglass screens (1.5 mm2 mesh size) at a uniform thickness of 0.5 mm. The alginate solution was gelled by dipping in 0.25 M CaCl2. Films containing eggs were observed in vitro and egg development was evaluated. The number of immature eggs and eggs with first stage juveniles declined linearly over time while the number of empty eggs shells, and hatched juveniles increased over time, indicating that the alginate gel did not inhibit development and motility of M. incognita juveniles. In a greenhouse experiment using cucumber (Cucumis sativus) the number of galls g-1 root was correlated with the number of eggs in alginate films placed in each pot at planting. Films containing M. incognita eggs were buried in field soil containing organic amendments, incubated, removed from soil, rinsed with water, and observed. The number of immature eggs in grids from soil amended with chitin or flax seed meal were lower than in untreated soil; percent parasitized eggs was also greater in films from amended soil than from untreated soil.