Dietary effect of folate-rich fermented milk produced by Streptococcus thermophilus strains on hemoglobin level

Objective

Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, functions as a carbon carrier in the formation of heme, the iron-containing non-protein portion of hemoglobin. Therefore, its deficiency leads to anemia. The objective of this study was to determine the dietary effects of folate-rich fermented milk produced by high-folate–producing Streptococcus thermophilus strains (RD 102 and RD 104) on hemoglobin level using a murine model.

Methods

Thirty-two albino mice 30 ± 10 d old were assigned to ingest a basal diet (i.e., a synthetic anemic diet, n = 8, group I, control 1), a basal diet with skim milk (n = 8, group II, control 2), a basal diet with fermented skim milk produced by folate plus RD 102 (n = 8, group III, test 1), and a basal diet with fermented skim milk produced by folate plus RD 104 (n = 8, group IV, test 2) in a 6-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hemoglobin concentrations were estimated by the Drabkin–Austin cyanmethemoglobin method during the prefeeding (10 d), feeding (20 d), and postfeeding (10 d) trials, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the test groups (III and IV) receiving folate-rich fermented milks prepared using high-folate producing S. thermophilus strains showed a significant increase in hemoglobin level compared with the control groups (I and II).

Conclusion

Folate-rich fermented milks have the potential to significantly increase the hemoglobin level of blood. Hence, high-folate–producing S. thermophilus strains offer a novel natural approach to fortify dairy products with folate.     

Fusarium moniliforme,a new mycetoma agent restudy of a European case

Fusarium moniliforme was demonstrated to be the etiologic agent in an Italian case of eumyeotic mycetoma. The fungus produced white granules, which measured 80 × 133 by 212 × 478 m. Their edges were entire or lobed and. were sur rounded by an eosinophilic homogeneous material. The hyphae comprising the granules were not embedded in cement. The etiologic agent, first considered to be an Acremonium species, was restudied and identified as F. moniliforme on the basis that it not only produced chains of microconidia but also curved, multiseptate macroconidia typical of the genus Fusarium.     

Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Criteria of Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from the Egyptian Aquatic Environment

Background

The free-living amoebae Acanthamoeba spp., have been recognized as etiologic agents of amoebic encephalitis, keratitis, otitis, lung lesions and other skin infections mainly in immuno-compromised individuals. In this study, morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from the Egyptian aquatic environment were surveyed.

Methods

Some Acanthamoeba species were cultivated on non-nutrient agar. Isolated strains of Acanthamoeba were identification based on the morphology of trophic and cyst forms in addition to temperature and osmo-tolerance assays. Biochemical characterization of the isolated amoeba strains was performed using quantitative assay as well as qualitative determination of proteolytic activity in zymograph analysis.

Results

Potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species were isolated from all of the examined water sources. Colorimetric assays showed protease activity in the heat-tolerant isolates of Acanthamoeba. All pathogenic isolates of Acanthamoeba exhibited higher protease activity than did the non-pathogenic ones. The zymographic protease assays showed various banding patterns for different strains of Acanthamoeba.

Conclusion

The incidence and prevalence of the pathogenic Acanthamoeba species in the aquatic environment using parasitological and biochemical diagnostic tools will provide baseline data against which the risk factors associated with waterborne transmission can be identified.     

Production of serum-opacity factor by Streptococcus pyogenes strains isolated from pharyngitis in children prevalence of ≪rheumatogenic≫ M types among of-negative strains

Two hundred ten S. pyogenes strains isolated in 1979, 1980 and 1984 from children with pharyngitis were here examined for properties which might be relevant to their rheumatogenic potential. Strains were first tested for the production of streptococcal serum-opacity factor and, among those scored as OF-negative, the presence was then verified of M types which have been epidemiologically related to rheumatic fever. Members of rheumatogenic M types are present among strains causing pharyngitis in children; which, however, also include a considerable proportion of OF-positive, probably non-rheumatogenic, strains. The results are discussed in the light of the low incidence of rheumatic fever in this country.     

Aeromonads in acute diarrhoea and asymptomatic infections in Nigerian children

Stool samples of 616 asymptomatic and 296 diarrhoeic school children were compared for the recovery rate ofAeromonas spp. on ampicillin (10 µg/ml) sheep blood agar. Culture filtrates of isolates were tested for heat-stable enterotoxin by the infant mouse test and haemolysin production with 1% freshly washed rabbit erythrocytes. Stools of 9 (3.0%) diarrhoeic children yielded five strains ofA. hydrophila and four ofA. veronii (two each of biotypessobria andveronii), compared to 12 (1.9%) (p>0.01) asymptomatic children who harbored sevenA. hydrophila and fiveA. caviae strains. Isolates from-diarrhoeic stools were exclusively from children 5 years, while all infected asymptomatic children were 6 years. Culture filtrates of all nine diarrhoeic strains were uniformly enterotoxigenic (intestinal weight ratio >0.083) and produced haemolysin titres >128. These phenotypes where variable in carriage strains ofA. hydrophila but were not detected inA. caviae. The recovery ofA. hydrophila, andA. veronii biotypes from diarrhoeic stools of children 5 years may suggest their involvement in diarrhoea causation in the absence of other diarrhoeagenic agents.     

Chlamydia specific IgG and IgA antibodies in women with obstructive infertility as determined by immunoblotting and assays

The prevalence rate of IgG and IgA antibodies to Chlamydia was analyzed in 50 women with laparoscopy-verified tubal infertility and in 50 age-matched control women by single serovar (L₂) inclusion immunoperoxidase assay (IPA) and by immunoblotting technique (IB) Women with tubal infertility had significantly (p < 0.001) elevated IPA Chlamydia IgG antibody titer 128 and 256 than controls (64% vs 16%. Odds ratio = 9.3 and 50% vs 10%, Odds ratio = 9 respectively). The prevalence rate of IPA IgA antibody titer ( 16) to Chlamydia was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) in women with tubal infertility than controls (48% vs 8%, Odds ratio = 10:6).Antibodies to at least 19 chlamydial structural polypeptides ranging in molecular weight from 30 kD to 204 kD, were detected by the IB technique in the IPA seropositive sera. Antibodies to 57-60 kD were detectable in almost all the IPA IgG and IgA seropositive sera. The prevalence rate of IgG antibody to 57 kD-60 kD was significantly higher in women with obstructive infertility than healthy woman (84% vs. 56% p < 0.01; Odds ratio = 3.8). More significantly, higher differences to 57–60 kD polypeptide were found in the case of IgA between the infertile women and controls (52% vs. 10%, p < 0.001;; Odds ratio = 9.7). The significance of IPA and IB technique for screening of infertile women is discussed.Corresponding author.     

In vitro susceptibility of mycelial and yeast forms of Penicillium marneffei to amphotericin B,fluconazole, 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole

The mycelial (25°C) and yeast-like (37°C) forms of Penicillium marneffei clinical and type strains were investigated for their in vitro susceptibility to amphotericin B (AmB), 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), fluconazole (FLU) and itraconazole (ITZ), using Bacto antibiotic medium 3, yeast-nitrogen, Sabouraud's dextrose (pH 5.7) and high resolution (pH 7.1) broth media (1ml/tube), respectively. Results indicated that the minimal inhibitory and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MICs and MFCs) for the mycelial cultures of P. marneffei to AmB were in the range 0.78–1.56 and 0.78–3.125 g/ml, respectively, as against 3.125–25 g (MICs) for the yeast form cultures. The MFCs to AmB for the yeast form were one dilution higher. The MICs to FLU were generally lower for the yeast form (6.25–25 g) than the mycelial form (25–50 g/ml), whereas MFCs for the mycelial cultures were > 100 g as compared to 6.25–100 g for their yeast form. The MICs for the mycelial form to 5-FC ranged from < 0.195–0.39 g. Higher MICs (6.25 g) were recorded for their yeast form. The MFCs to 5-FC for the yeast form were 25–100 g/ml. The MICs for the mycelial form to ITZ ranged from < 0.195 to 3.125 g/ml. Higher values (< 0.195–50 g) were recorded for their yeast-like form. The MFCs to ITZ for mycelial and yeast forms ranged from < 0.195–0.39 and 25–100 g/ml, respectively. Results indicate that P. marnefei's yeast form is more sensitive to FLU and ITZ (8 of 10 strains) while the mycelial form displayed greater susceptibility to AmB and 5-FC. The MICs for ITZ remained steady in SD medium, pH 5.7 to 7.1. However, some strains gave higher MIC values (0.39–1.56 g/ml) when tested in the HR.     

Development of serum antibodies during early infancy in rhesus macaques: Implications for humoral immune responses to vaccination at birth

Background

A better understanding of immune responses in human infants could lead to more effective immunization and vaccination strategies in early life.

Methods

Since antibodies are key components of protective vaccine responses, we examined developmental changes in serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) in infant rhesus macaques from birth through 6 months of age.

Results

As in human infants, macaques are born with high levels of IgG in sera, with rapid increases in serum IgM, yet very slow increases in levels of IgA from birth. We also examined levels of anti-tetanus antibodies in infants born to vaccinated dams to distinguish and track maternal and infant antibodies. These data suggest essentially all serum IgG in newborn infants is derived from the dams, which gradually wanes over a few weeks. In contrast, levels of IgM and IgA appear to all be infant-derived, as evidenced by their low to undetectable levels at birth. In addition, abnormally high levels of serum IgM and IgA were detected in a few infants, which correlated with specific, yet clinically silent disease processes.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that newborn macaques have competent immune systems, and are able to produce their own antibodies in response to exposure to environmental antigens immediately upon birth.     

The role of nasal IgA in children vaccinated with live attenuated influenza vaccine

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the predominant antibody produced in response to mucosal infections. The role of IgA in providing protection against influenza in children vaccinated with live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) has not been well described.

Methods

Nasal IgA responses were assessed using data from 3 prospective, 2-year, randomized studies comparing LAIV with placebo in children 6–36 months of age. In each study, samples were collected in a subset of patients; a new cohort was enrolled each year. Ratios of strain-specific nasal IgA to total nasal IgA were calculated and prevaccination to postvaccination geometric mean fold-rises (GMFRs) were evaluated. Mean postvaccination IgA ratios were compared for subjects with and without confirmed influenza illness by study and in pooled analyses.

Results

Across studies, a higher percentage of children receiving LAIV had a ≥2-fold increase in strain-specific IgA ratio compared with placebo recipients. GMFRs after LAIV in years 1 and 2 ranged from 1.2 to 6.2, compared with 0.5–2.2 among placebo recipients. Similar responses were observed in subjects who were baseline seronegative and seropositive based on serum hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers. In years 1 and 2, the mean postvaccination strain-specific to total IgA ratio was 3.1-fold (P < 0.01) and 2.0-fold (P < 0.03) higher among LAIV recipients with no evidence of culture-confirmed influenza illness compared with LAIV recipients who developed culture-confirmed influenza illness; a similar and consistent trend was observed for each individual study and type/subtype.

Conclusions

The current analysis demonstrates that nasal IgA contributes to the efficacy of LAIV and can provide evidence of vaccine-induced immunity. However, the inherent heterogeneity in nasal antibody levels and variability in nasal specimen collection hinders the precise evaluation of mucosal antibody responses. Other studies have demonstrated that LAIV-induced immunity is also partially explained by T-cell immunity, serum antibody responses, and innate immunity, consistent with the multi-faceted nature of immunity induced by wild-type influenza infection and other live virus vaccines.     

Epidemiological significance of cutaneous, pharyngeal, and digestive tract colonization by multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii in ICU patients

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the relative epidemiological role of digestive tract colonization by Acinetobacter baumannii, in comparison with other body site colonizations, in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). From January to May 1995, axillary, pharyngeal and rectal swabs were taken together within the first 48 h of admission, and then weekly during ICU stay. Seventy-three patients were included, 48 of them (66%) had axillary, pharyngeal, or rectal colonization with A. baumannii, nine (19%) of these 48 during the first 48 h and the remaining 28 (77%) during the first week. Twenty-one (29%) had clinical samples positive for A. baumannii and axillary, pharyngeal, or rectal colonization. In 15 of these 21 (71%), colonization on body sites occurred prior to isolation from clinical samples (mean seven days, range 1–20). Throughout admission, rates of detection of A. baumannii were 75% () for axillary or pharyngeal swabs and 77% () for rectal swabs. Combination of two body site swabs yielded culture positive rates of 90% () for axillary-pharyngeal or axillary-rectal sites, and 96% () for pharyngeal-rectal. Two epidemic clones were defined by antibiotype and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI DNA digests in 43 isolates from 11 patients. We conclude that body sites of patients were a major reservoir for A. baumannii infections in the outbreak. This finding casts doubt on the value of selective decontamination of the digestive tract as an additional infection control measure in this kind of outbreak. The weekly performance of pharyngeal and rectal swabs appears to detect A. baumannii colonization early among ICU patients and enables barrier methods to be applied rapidly.     

Advances in investigations of lyme borreliosis in the territory of the former USSR

Whereas late manifestations of Lyme borreliosis were described in Russia more than 100 years ago, early manifestations were described as different disease entities such as tick-borne erythema, etc. In 1985 Lyme borreliosis was first verified serologically and the agent was first identified in 1986. By the beginning of 1992 Lyme borreliosis was serologically confirmed in patients from the Baltics to the Far East.Their geographical patterns in Russia are closely related to areas of the hard ticks Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes ricinus which are also the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus. As in the case of this infection, in the west of Russia there are ricinus natural foci of Lyme borreliosis, and to the east there are similar persulcatus foci; through large territories in the East Europe there are common foci for both species. Many Borrelia burgdorferi strains of tick origin have been isolated from various regions of Russia and neighbouring republics. Adult tick infection rates vary from several per cent to 30% in I. ricinus and up to 50–60% in I. persulcatus. Double infections of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and tick-borne encephalitis virus have been recorded for ticks as well as for humans. Lyme borreliosis morbidity and its importance for the Russia territory are discussed.     

Susceptibility of clinical isolates of campylobacter pylori to 24 antimicrobial and anti-ulcer agents

Forty-nine isolates of Campylobacter pylori were tested for their susceptibility to twenty antibiotics and four anti-ulcer agents by an agar dilution technique. Penicillin and amoxycillin were the most active drugs (MIC₉₀, 0.06 /ml); erythromycin, cefazolin, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamicin were sligthtly less active (MIC₉₀, 1 g/ml). Moderate activity was found for doxycyclin, rifampin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, enoxacin, paromomycin, metronidazole and tinidazole. All strains were resistant to trimethoprim (MIC > 512 g/ml). Nalidixic acid (MIC₉₀, > 256 g/ml) and colistin (MIC₉₀, > 64 gg/m1) had little to no activity. Of four anti-ulcer drugs, only bismuth subcitrate showed activity (MIC₉₀, 64 g./ml).Strains resistant to all 4-quinolones were found in patients who had previously received ofloxacin as part of a clinical trial aimed at eradication of C. pylori. These isolates remained susceptible to amoxycillin, tetracyclines and to other classes of antibiotics.Corresponding author.     

Electrophoretic protein typing of Campylobacter jejuni subspecies ≪ Doylei ≫ (nitrate-negative campylobacter-like organisms) from human faeces and gastric mucosa

Twenty-seven strains comprising 23 clinical isolates of nitrate negative campylobacters (NNC) from Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany, a representative of the CNW (catalase negative/weak) group and reference strains of three other Campylobacter species, were ckaracterized by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cellular proteins. The protein patterns were highly reproducible, and were used as the basis for a numerical analysis which showed that the reference strain (NCTC 11951) of Campylobacter jejuni subspecies doylei , and 20 NNC isolates formed a distinct group at the 74% similarity level. The protein patterns showed unexpectedly low similarity between subspecies doylei and the type strain of Campylobacter jejuni and revealed that some NNC strains were quite distinct from subspecies doylei . Four electrophoresic (EP) types (I–IV) were identified from phenons formed at the 81% similarity level. Three of these (I, III, IV) corresponded to geographical location of strain isolation but the type II strains were from diverse locations. The correlation observed between EP-type, catalase production and sensitivity to 2, 3, 5, triphenyltetrazolium chloride indicated these latter two tests might be useful for biotyping within the subspecies.     

Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii in the Ixodes ricinus ticks from Eastern Slovakia

A total of 2816 unfed adults nymphs of Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from vegetation in Koice (Eastern Slovakia) from 1994 to 1997. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s. 1. in I. ricinus ticks, detected by dark field microscopy, varied and depended upon the year and the habitat of the collected ticks. The lowest prevalence was observed in 1994 (4.8%). During 1995 it increased to 17.2% and during the next two years decreased to 15.5% and 14.2%. The rate of infection varied from 2.1 to 23.3% within 10 examined habitats of the Koice area. A different value of relative density of ticks was observed in various habitats. It ranged from 9–212 ticks per collecting hour within one flagged area (600m²) which is 1.5–35.5 ticks per 100m². Eight isolates were obtained from the infected ticks. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting with 6 monoclonal antibodies were used for the identification of Borrelia strains. Three tick isolates were identified as B. burgdorferi s. s. and the other three isolates were found to be B. garinii. One strain reacted as a mixed culture of B. burgdorferi s. s., and B. garinii. The strain originated from the Vihorlat Mountains habitat and was detected by PCR-SSCP as B. burgdorferi s. s. with a small amount of B. afzelii. The obtained results emphasize the epidemiological importance not only of B. garinii and B. afzelii but also of B. burgdorferi s. s. in Central Europe.     

Triclabendazole Effect on Protease Enzyme Activity in the Excretory- Secretory Products of Fasciola hepatica in Vitro

Background

Fasciola hepatica is one of the most important helminthes parasites and triclabendazole (TCBZ) is routinely used for treatment of infected people and animals. Secreted protease enzymes by the F. hepatica plays a critical role in the invasion, migration, nutrition and the survival of parasite and are key targets for novel drugs and vaccines. The aim of study was to determine the protease activity of excretory- secretory products (ESP) of F. hepatica in the presence of TCBZ anthelmintic.

Methods

F. hepatica helminthes were collected and cultured within RPMI 1640 [TCBZ treated (test) and untreated (control)] for 6 h at 37 °C. ESP of treated and control were collected, centrifuged and supernatants were stored at -20°C. Protein concentrations were measured according to Bradford method. Protease enzymes activities of ESP samples were estimated by using sigma’s non-specific protease activity assay. ESP protein bands were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Results

Mean protein concentrations in control and treated of ESP samples were determined 196.1 ±14.52 and 376.4 ±28.20 μg/ml, respectively. Mean protease enzymes activities in control and treated were 0.37 ±0.1 and 0.089 ±0.03 U/ml, respectively. Significant difference between proteins concentrations and protease enzymes activities of two groups was observed (P<0.05). SDS-PAGE showed different patterns of protein bands between treated and control samples.

Conclusion

The TCBZ reduced secreted protease enzymes activities and possibly effects on invasion, migration, nutrition and particularly survival of the parasite in the host tissues.     

Circulating pneumococcal specific plasma and memory B cells in the elderly two years after pneumococcal conjugate versus polysaccharide vaccination

Background

Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines prime for lasting memory responses in children and young adults. The potential value of these vaccines in the elderly is unclear.

Methods

We compared the frequency of circulating pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PPS) specific IgG, IgA and IgM plasma and memory cells by cultured ELISpot and supernatant screening two years after vaccination with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vCRM) and/or the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) in 252 adults aged 50–80 years. Some individuals received a six-month boost with 7vCRM or PPV. PPS specific IgG memory detected two years post-primary vaccination was correlated with published matched serum IgG concentration pre- and up to one year post-primary vaccination.

Results

There was no difference by vaccine schedule in the quantity of plasma or memory cells detected. The concentration of in vitro PPS IgG produced by memory B cells isolated two years post-vaccination correlated with pre-vaccination serum IgG concentration and not with D28 post-vaccination responses regardless of vaccination schedule.

Conclusions

This study shows that circulating memory B cells numbers two years following immunisation with 7vCRM or PPV are best predicted by pre-vaccination serotype specific serum antibody concentration and not early post-vaccination serum antibody responses.     

Epidemiology and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in hemodialyzed patients

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus may be responsible for some serious infections among hemodialyzed patients. Its pathogenic potential and commensal nature allows for an easy transmission both in and out of hospital environment.

Purpose

This study was to assess the prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage, to determine its frequency and nature in hemodialyzed patients of the Rabat Ibn Sina University hospital, in Morocco.

Patient and method

The study began in March 2008 according to the following protocol: screening of nasal carriage with five samplings, performed once a month three times, then once a month two times again after an interruption period of three months. Screening was performed weekly during the first month in hemodialyzed patients treated with mupirocin (Bactroban^® 2%), and then monthly, to monitor the kinetics of S. aureus eradication.

Results

The study included 54 hemodialyzed patients with a mean 44.16 ± 14 years of age, sex ratio of 0.54, and mean hemodialysis duration of 118.7 ± 67 months. Permanent and intermittent S. aureus carriage was found in respectively 18.52% and 25.92% of patients. Eighty-one strains of S. aureus were identified, 14.81% of which were methicillin resistant. Eradication was sustained beyond 20 months in patients treated with mupirocin.

Conclusion

This investigation allowed us to identify hemodialyzed patients at risk, so as to implement the rules of individual and collective hygiene, and to extend mupirocin antibiotic prophylaxis in our hemodialysis unit.     

Reversible antifertility effect of aqueous rhizome extract of Curcuma longa L. in male laboratory mice

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antifertility potential of Curcuma longa L. in the male laboratory mouse.

Study Design

Mice of the Parkes (P) strain were orally administered aqueous rhizome extract of C. longa (600 mg/kg body weight per day for 56 and 84 days), and effect of the treatment on various male reproductive endpoints and fertility was evaluated. Recovery studies were also performed.

Results

Histologically, testes in mice treated with the plant extract showed nonuniform degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules as both affected and normal tubules were observed in the same section; the affected tubules showed loosening of germinal epithelium, intraepithelial vacuolation and mixing of spermatids of different stages of spermatogenesis. Marked reductions in diameter of seminiferous tubules, height of germinal epithelium and number of germ cells in Stage VII tubules were also noted in testes of extract-treated mice. Epididymis and seminal vesicle also showed histological alterations. Furthermore, the treatment had adverse effects on motility, viability, morphology and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis, levels of sialic acid in the epididymis and fructose in the seminal vesicle, serum level of testosterone and on fertility and litter size. By 56 days of treatment withdrawal, however, the above parameters recovered to control levels.

Conclusions

The results show that in P mice C. longa treatment causes reversible suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility, thereby suggesting the potential of this plant in the regulation of male fertility.     

Epidemiological relationships between Aeromonas strains isolated from symptomatic children and household environments as determined by ribotyping

Ribotyping was used to study the epidemiology of Aeromonasassociated gastro-enteritis in young children. Ribotyping patterns of 29 Aeromonasstrains (16 Aeromonas caviae, 8 Aeromonas hydrophila, 3 Aeromonas eucrenophila, 1 Aeromonas veronii, and 1 Aeromonas encheleia) isolated from primary stool cultures of sick children were compared using the GelCompare software with patterns of 104 strains (39 Aeromonas eucrenophila, 29 Aeromonas caviae, 11 Aeromonas encheleia, 10 Aeromonas hydrophila, 6 Aeromonas bestiarum, 3 Aeromonas veronii, 3 Aeromonas popoffiiand 3 Aeromonas media) isolated from their household environment in order to investigate the route of transmission of these bacteria. Fifteen strains (47%) isolated from stool cultures of patients showed the same riboprofile as strains found in contacts or environment. In particular, three strains isolated from patients shared the same riboprofile with strains found in their domestic environment. The wide diffusion of potentially pathogenic Aeromonasstrains in our household samples, and the high rate of asymptomatic carriers among family members, suggested that predisposing factors of the host could make children prone to an Aeromonas-related intestinal disease.     

Radical scavenging activity of flavonoids from Trollius chinensis Bunge

Objective

Flos trollii is considered as functional tea, as well as a traditional medicinal herb, in China. In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Flos trollii were determined by a colorimetric method. The antioxidative potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Flos trollii (FTE, extracted by alcohol:water, 80:20) was also evaluated by various antioxidant assays.

Methods

Chemiluminescence technique was used to determine the radical scavenging activities of FTE toward different reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anion (O_-2·), hydroxyl radical (OH·), lipid-derived radicals (R·), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂).

Results

FTE could effectively scavenge O_-2·, OH·, R·, and ¹O₂ at an efficient concentration (EC₅₀) of 46, 5.64, 5.19, and 3.97 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the radical scavenging activities of FTE were higher than those of ascorbic acid. Further, FTE had higher 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity with EC₅₀ 44 mg/mL, compared with butylated hydroxytoluenesynthetic antioxidant with EC₅₀ 52 mg/mL.

Conclusion

All results indicated that FTE is a powerful antioxidant, deserving of better utilization of the extracted Flos trollii as antioxidants.