Percentage Reduction In Number Research Articles

Assessment of Epidemiological Indicators for Evaluation of National Malaria Elimination Programme: A Retrospective Study.

Malaria has been one of India's most considerable health problems since 1940. The objective of our study is to determine the status of the National Malaria Elimination Programme in India by using epidemiological indicators. The annual reports of malaria for the years 2014-2021 and monthly reports for 2020 and 2021 were collected from the official web portal and were analysed for study specific assessments. The API has shown a statistically significant reduction from 2017-2021 in all states along with category-1(P=0.003) and category-2(P=0.029) states/UTs, but there was no statistically significant reduction from 2017-2021 in category-3 (P=0.166) states/UTs. The zero indigenous cases had not been achieved in category-1 states/UTs. The overall percentage reduction in number of malaria cases in 2020 at the national level compared with 2014 was 83.6%. Despite states with strong health systems such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have not shown zero indigenous cases in 2020 and the malaria cases noted were very far from reaching the targets. Although we observed a significant drop in malaria incidence from 2014 to 2020, demonstrating that the country is moving nearer to malaria elimination, it is crucial to implement the strategies to reduce Plasmodium falciparum% and re-establish surveillance programmes and execute national and state programmes in order to achieve the success of the National Malaria Elimination Programme. The recategorization of states/UTs are in accordance to the API, and implementation strategies were also needed.

Control of the white mango scale Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae) with systemic soil drenching insecticides and pruning in greater than ten years old mangos in western Ethiopia

The white mango scale insect (WMS), Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, 1906 is a key pest of mango in Ethiopia, which has been spreading throughout the country since its introduction in 2010. Evaluation of the efficacy of two systemic soil drenching insecticides (thiamethoxam 25 % WG and imidacloprid 35 % SC) independently, and in combination with tree management (pruning) for the cont­rol of the WMS was conducted under field conditions in western Ethiopia in two locations in 2018 and 2019. Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used for the experiments. In the first site, all treatments resulted in scale populations that were significantly lower than the control (1086 crawlers and females per leaf). Thiamethoxam 25 % WG at 12 g/tree + pruning resulted in the lowest number of the WMS after the second treatment (43.5 per leaf) followed by thiamethoxam 25 % WG at 18 g/tree + pruning, which was statistically similar. In the second site, imidacloprid 35 % SC + thiamethoxam 25 % WG at 18 g/tree + pruning, resulted in the lowest mean number of the WMS (31.1 per leaf) followed by thiamethoxam 25 % WG at 12 g/tree + pruning (61.4 per leaf). This treatment also gave the highest percentage reduction in number of the WMS compared to the WMS counting before treatment application. This study has shown that use of systemic insecticides and pruning are promising control tactics for the WMS. Cost implications and effects of the insecticides on the natural enemy complex and residual toxicity in fruits need to be evaluated. To cite: Belay Habtegebriel, Dawit Melisie, Hunde Kidane, Teshale Daba & Ferdu Azerefegn. 2020. Control of the white mango scale Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae) with systemic soil drenching insecticides and pruning in greater than ten years old mangos in western Ethiopia. Israel Journal of Entomology 50(1): 65–73. http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3987792http://zoobank.org/References/8FA7BF70-B678-420B-9E11-3D87C8F16C76

Biofumigation Potentials of Some Brassica Crops to Control Root-knot Nematodes Meloidogyne spp., on Tomato Under Field Conditions

The experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus var. Terranovah) and rocket salad (Eruca sativa cv. Baladi) as biofumigation crops for controlling root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp., on tomato plants during two successive seasons 2017 and 2018 under field conditions. Three months after cultivation of fodder radish, and rocket salad (the full blooming stage) all parts were incorporated with soil and covered with a transparent polyethylene film. After 4 weeks, the plastic sheets were removed and soil was left for two weeks later, before transplanting tomato seedlings. Results in both seasons, indicated significant reduction (p≤0.05) of nematode parameters on tomato plants. Results revealed that effect of R. sativus var. Terranovah as biofumigation crop as indicated by the percentage reduction in number of galls, egg-masses/root system, and a number of second-stage juvenile (j2) /250 g soil (84, 90, and 84%), and (90,87, and 88%) in seasons 2017 & 2018 respectively. On the other hand, nematicide Vydate (oxamyl) 24% L recorded the percentage reduction in the number of galls, egg-mass/ root system as well as number of second-stage juveniles in soils j2 (90,87, and 87%), and (95,93, and 90%) in season 2017& 2018 respectively. Results revealed that all plant growth criteria on tomato plants increased significantly (p≤0.05) by using the tested treatments. Results indicated that the effect of R. sativus as biofumigation crop recorded the average highest percentages (57, and 92%), and (64, and 102%) in seasons 2017 &2018 respectively. At the same time, nematicide Vydate (oxamyl) 24% L was the most effective in the average highest percentages. i.e., the plant growth vigor, increase, and fruit yield per plant (64, and 98), (73, and 107) in two successive seasons 2017 & 2018 respectively. Gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) analysis of dichloromethane extract of fodder radish indicated the presence of four glucosinolates, which were identified through their volatile autolysis products. Gluconapin, the major compound was identified by 3- butenyl isothiocynate, while glucoerucin was identified by 4-(methylthio) butyl isothiocynate, which is commonly known as erucin. Sulphoraphane was released from 4-(methylsulfinyl) butyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin) while 4-(methylsulphony) butyl isothiocyanate commonly known as erysolin was liberated from glucoerysolin. Furthermore, five GLS were also identified in rocket salad. Gluconapin was detected and its presence was identified through its epithionitrile; 4,5-epithiopentanenitrile. The isomers progoitrin and epiprogoitrin were detected by the two hydrolysis products diastereomers threo and erythro 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3,4-epithiobutane respectively. The aromatic glucosinolate; gluconasturtiin could be identified through its liberated nitrile named as 1-benzenepropane nitrile. Sativin, the major identified compound is 4-mercaptobutyl isothiocyanate.

IMPACT OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA AS BIO-CONTROL AGENTS ON CITRUS NEMATODE, TYLENCHULUS SEMIPENETRANS INFECTING BALADY ORANGE (CITRUS SINENSIS L.) AND IMPROVING ITS PRODUCTIVITY

Three bacterial species of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) namely Paenibacillus polymyxa, Methylobacterium mesophilicum and Methylobacterium radiotolerans were tested alone or combined with humic acid as bio-control agents against the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans under laboratory and field conditions. Results cleared that; all tested PGPR species produced IAA, HCN, ammonia, chitinase and protease enzymes and also solubilized phosphate in laboratory. P. polymyxa emphasized the superiority among other species in all PGPR properties except for phosphate solubilization, whereas M. radiotolerans showed highest amount of phosphorus solubilized in culture media. On the other hand, the results of the nematode survey conducted on orange, Citrus sinensis L. cv Balady grown in different localities of Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates during season 2019, revealed the presence of seven genera and species of plant-parasitic nematodes. Among which, T. semipenetrans occurred in all examined samples (100% frequency of occurrence) with a relatively high population density of 2330 and 2640 infected juveniles (J2) /250 g soil in Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates, respectively. Field experiments were conducted in two different locations, at Ismailia and Sharkia Governorates to assess the effectiveness of PGPR strains alone or combined to reduce the numbers of T. semipenetrans during season 2019. It was found that, all treatments caused significant (P≤0.05) reduction in T. semipenetrans population, compared to control treatment. The nematicide, Nemathorin® 10% G followed by P. polymyxa (20 L.fed-1 ) + foliarspraying of M. mesophilicm (5 L.fed-1 ) gave the highest efficacy in controlling the citrus nematode. Percentage reduction in numbers of J2/250g soil and adult females/1g roots for these treatments in Ismailia Governorate were 91% (85.7%) and 91.4% (89.5%), respectively. While the parallel values in Sharkia Governorate were 90% (87%) and 94% (90%), respectively. The combination of P. polymyxa and humic acid (20 L.fed-1 ) with foliar spraying of M. mesophilicm (5 L.fed-1 ) gained the third position. All treatments increased the fruit yield compared to control treatment. The highest percentages of increase were determined with Nemathorin (160% and 206%) followed by P. polymyxa + Humic acid (20 L.fed-1 ) + foliar spraying of M. mesophilicum (155.7% and 193%) and M. radiotolerans + P. polymyxa + foliar spraying of M. mesophilicum (153% and182%) in Ismailia, and Sharkia Governorates respectively.

Demand management and optimization of clinical laboratory services in a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUNDDemand for clinical laboratory services in our institution has increased by 7% each year in the past 5 years, while the amount budgeted for services has remained fixed. To address the issue, we conducted a pilot study to curb inappropriate demand by implementing a minimum retest interval (time-based restrictions on the ordering certain tests) and thus reduce costs.OBJECTIVEExplore the impact (financial and work volume) of restricting overuse of laboratory tests that add to costs but provide no additional clinical value.DESIGNPilot study of means to reduce costs and workload.SETTINGClinical laboratory that provides diagnostic support to a tertiary care center specializing in transplantation and oncology.METHODSWith the engagement of clinical colleagues, we selected 13 tests characterized by high volume, high cost, or a perception of overuse that adds no clinical value. The selection was also based on established lock-out frequencies identified in a literature review. Data was captured on test numbers before and after initiating computer-based lock-outs along with the reference laboratory cost of these tests for the first 6 months of 2016 and 2017.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESAlterations in testing patterns (mimimum retest intervals) and frequencies for tests.RESULTSThe number of tests ordered during the 6-month period in 2017 were reduced by an average of 6.6% versus the same period for 2016, saving 2.03 million Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR). Given a 7% annual growth in the preceding 5 years, the volume was reduced by 13% in real terms. The percentage reduction in number of tests ranged from as little as 0.2% for PT to 70.3% for an enzyme immunoassay. Savings were 1.4 million SAR in hematology and 0.36 million SAR in microbiology over the 6-month period.CONCLUSIONMinimum retest intervals using computer-based rules are effective in supporting strategies to manage demand.LIMITATIONSThis approach may not be applicable to all laboratory tests; however, the success of this pilot study would encourage more widespread use of this approach.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Anti-Emetic Activity of Crude Methanol Extract and Fractions of Ocimum gratissimum

Background: There is a need for the development of safer, anti-emetic agents effective in several conditions such as in cancer chemotherapy where vomiting is a worrisome feature. Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-emetic potential of crude methanol leaf extract and fractions of Ocimum gratissimum. Method: The anti-emetic activities of the fractions were carried out following the chick emetic model. Test samples and the negative control were administered at a single oral dose of 150 mg/kg to the respective groups (n = 5). Tween 80 (5%, 10 mL/kg) and chlorpromazine (i.p) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. The number of retches each animal produced was counted for 20 minutes and recorded. Anti-emetic activity was determined by calculating percentage reduction in number of retches relative to negative control. Results: The anti-emetic activity decreased in the following order; Chlorpromazine (98.76%) > butanol fraction (92.16%) > aqueous fraction (86.80%) > crude methanol fraction (65.15%) > N-hexane (63.09%) > and Ethyl-acetate fraction (5.98%). Butanol fraction elicited the highest activity among the tested fractions, while ethyl-acetate fraction produced the least activity. Conclusion: This study showed that the butanol extract has better anti-emetic properties than other fractions. Supplementary studies are required to isolate the active principles in butanol fraction of O. gratissimum responsible for the anti-emetic activity and also elucidate its mechanism of action.

Analgesic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Leucas hyssopifolia Benth

Leucas hyssopifolia Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an annual herb found throughout the India as a weed in cultivated fields, wastelands and roadsides. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of phytochemicals and to screen pharmacological activity of Leucas hyssopifolia. The ethyl acetate fraction of the L. hyssopifolia roots was prepared and varying doses (25, 50 & 75 mg/kg, i.p.) of ethyl acetate fraction were given 30 minutes prior to the induction of abdominal constrictions and determination of the mean reaction time in hot plate maintained at 55.0 ± 0.50°C. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant and dose dependent antinociceptive property against acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice. The percentage reduction in numbers of writhes observed with ethyl acetate fraction was 56.9, 75.3 and 80.0%, respectively with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg doses (p<0.05). In the hot plate, all the doses of ethyl acetate fraction produced a time dependent increase in mean reaction time and a significant effect was observed after 30 min of administration (p<0.05).

Organic soils promote the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes, with different foraging strategies, in the control of a major forest pest: A meta-analysis of field trial data

The large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, is a serious pest of reforestation in northern Europe. However, weevils developing in stumps of felled trees can be killed by entomopathogenic nematodes applied to soil around the stumps and this method of control has been used at an operational level in the UK and Ireland. We investigated the factors affecting the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in the control of the large pine weevil spanning 10years of field experiments, by means of a meta-analysis of published studies and previously unpublished data. We investigated two species with different foraging strategies, the ‘ambusher’ Steinernema carpocapsae, the species most often used at an operational level, and the ‘cruiser’ Heterorhabditis downesi. Efficacy was measured both by percentage reduction in numbers of adults emerging relative to untreated controls and by percentage parasitism of developing weevils in the stump. Both measures were significantly higher with H. downesi compared to S. carpocapsae. General linear models were constructed for each nematode species separately, using substrate type (peat versus mineral soil) and tree species (pine versus spruce) as fixed factors, weevil abundance (from the mean of untreated stumps) as a covariate and percentage reduction or percentage parasitism as the response variable. For both nematode species, the most significant and parsimonious models showed that substrate type was consistently, but not always, the most significant variable, whether replicates were at a site or stump level, and that peaty soils significantly promote the efficacy of both species. Efficacy, in terms of percentage parasitism, was not density dependent.

Efficacy of rBm86 against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (IVRI-I line) and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (IVRI-II line) infestations on bovine calves

With an aim to evaluate the protective potentiality of rBm86 against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-I line and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum IVRI-II line infestations on crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) calves, 20 animals of 3 months of age were randomly divided in to four equal groups and maintained in tick-proof conditions. Animals of groups 1 and 2 were immunized with 2 ml of rBm86 (100 μg)-based vaccine (procured from Revetmex S.A. de C.V, Mexico City, Mexico) thrice at 30 days interval. Animals of groups 3 and 4 were kept as negative control and inoculated with PBS only. Each animal of group 1 and 3 was challenged with 7-day-old 50 unfed adults of H. anatolicum anatolicum (1:1, male and female), and each animal of groups 2 and 4 was challenged with 6-8-day-old R. (B.) microplus larvae obtained from 50 mg of eggs, on 17th day of the last immunization. The efficacy of rBm86 against tick infestations was determined as percentage reduction in number of adults dropped (DT%), engorged body weight (DR%), egg masses (DO%), and immunogen efficacy (E%). The calculated data were 11.8, 10.8, 15.0, and 25.1 %, respectively, for DT, DR, DO, and E% against H. anatolicum anatolicum infestation, while in the case of R. (B.) microplus infestation, the corresponding data were 6.4, 11.24, 40.7, and 44.5 %, respectively. The results indicated partial effectiveness of rBm86 antigen(s) in imparting protection against homologous and heterologous challenge infestations of Indian ticks. The results indicated identification of more effective antigen(s) for the development of vaccine against economically important tick species in India.

EFFICIENCY OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS, BIOPESTICIDES, AN INSECT GROWTH REGULATOR AND THEIR MIXTURES IN CONTROLLING SESAMIA CRETICA LED. IN CORN FIELDS

The efficiency of water and acetone extracts of radish Raphanus raphanistrum L. and turnip Brassica rape were tested separately and their mixtures with some hiopestiddes (Protecto Siosect) and an insect growth regulator (Runner) agnist 5asamia crelica throughout early summer season 2009. Data demonstrated that treatment with Runner alone, mixture of water radish extract and Protects achieved the highest percentage reduction in number of Sesanda aenea egg-masses, number of larvae, also the for mentioned treatments achieved the highest percentage reduction of plants containing perforated leaves and dead hearts. In addition the highest yield was obtained as a result of treating plants with the previously mentioned treatments. Data showed that there were significant negative correlation between yield and each of 5. o-ebrca traits.

Efficacy and Safety of Moguisteine in Comparison with Dextromethorphan in Patients with Persistent Cough

Cough is a protective mechanism and an important symptom of many respiratory diseases. When coughing is only an annoying reflex and produces no mucus clearance, inducing fatigue or exhaustion for patients and worsening their pathological condition, antitussive drugs may be indicated. In this study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of moguisteine, a new antitussive drug with a peripheral mechanism of action, in a population of 124 adult patients with persistent cough associated with various respiratory disorders. Obstructive chronic bronchitis, reported in about 50% of the study population, was the most frequent underlying diagnosis. We conducted a randomised single-blind short term treatment trial in 7 centres, comparing moguisteine (3 doses of 200mg, over 2 days) to dextromethorphan (3 doses of 30mg, over 2 days). The primary efficacy variable was the percentage reduction in the audio tape-recorded number of coughs during a 6-hour period in the morning after the last dose of the study drug versus a 6-hour recording at baseline. Patients’ subjectively assessed visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of cough frequency and cough troublesomeness at night and during the morning were considered as secondary efficacy variables. Safety was assessed by means of routine clinical laboratory tests and adverse event monitoring. The postdrug percentage reduction in the number of coughs approached 30% on either drug. VAS scores of cough frequency and cough troublesomeness showed remarkable reductions in both groups, without any noteworthy difference between treatments. Possible or probable drug-related adverse events were reported in 3 of 61 patients on moguisteine (1 heartburn, 1 gastric pain, 1 diarrhoea) and in 4 of 63 patients on dextromethorphan (1 rhinitis and slight decrease of white blood cell count, 1 syncope, 1 gastric discomfort, 1 diarrhoea). Treatment discontinuation was necessary only for 1 patient, who had a syncope after the first dose of dextromethorphan. Our results indicate that treatment with moguisteine rapidly induces substantial cough relief and that it is well tolerated and as effective as dextromethorphan.

Planfulness and problem solving in older adults.

The applicability of problem solving concepts such as planfulness and depth of search to older adult cognitive behavior was considered. Eighteen males (sixty to eighty-nine years) and eighteen females (sixty to eighty-two years) solved isomorphic inquiry problems involving elimination of number and letter alternatives from a twenty-four item stimulus array. Half of the participants were given planning instructions designed to deepen their search through existing knowledge, while half received no instructions. Analyses of the total number of questions to solution and the percentage reduction in number of alternatives produced by each question revealed no reliable gender-related differences. Planning instructions, however, reduced the number of questions prior to solution and increased the informational value of most inquiries. The results were interpreted in terms of a metacognitive strategy deficiency in later life. Theoretical issues related to the construction and validation of information-processing models that depend on "real-world" knowledge were discussed.

The effects of dung beetle activity on the numbers of parasitic gastrointestinal helminth larvae recovered from pasture samples

Studies have been made of the effect of the dung beetle, Onthophagus gazella, on the release of strongyle larvae from cattle faeces onto pasture. A series of faecal pats containing parasitic nematode eggs was placed on pasture, and beetles were added to some pats to give three levels of beetle activity, viz. 100 g, 200-250 g, and 500 g of faeces per pair of beetles. These pats were duplicated on irrigated and non-irrigated pasture. In both cases the numbers of strongyle larvae migrating from pats attacked by dung beetles were significantly less than those migrating from control pats containing no dung beetles. Compared with larval recoveries from control pats, the percentage reduction in numbers of larvae migrating from pats on irrigated pasture was 50% for pats of 100 g faeces per pair of beetles, 48 % for pats of 200-250 g faeces per pair, and 84% for pats of 500 g of faeces per pair. The respective figures for pats on nonirrigated pasture were 76, 86, and 93 % reduction in larval numbers. The results indicated that strongyle larvae migrated from faecal material buried by dung beetles, provided soil moisture was adequate. More larvae were recovered from the pasture surrounding irrigated faecal pats attacked by beetles than from the non-irrigated pats. During warm dry weather, surface faecal debris remaining after beetlc attack appeared to be helminthologically sterile.