Anthelmintic Effect of Date Palm Fruit: A Systematic Review

Soil-transmitted helminth infections constitute a global affliction affecting people and livestock, resulting in a significant disease burden and economic losses in endemic regions. However, control has not been entirely successful and the problem is compounded by the development of resistance to available chemotherapy. Novel alternative compounds are urgently needed, encouraging the screening of largely plant-based sources for anthelmintic effects. Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) is a popular and nutritious food much coveted for its nutraceutical effect. There are convincing reports documenting the antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects of date palm fruit but evidence for any potential anthelmintic effect remains unclear. Here we conducted a systematic review of the published information through an electronic search using six scientific databases; SCOPUS, MEDLINE COMPLETE, OVID, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE and CINAHL COMPLETE. Out of 58 studies that were initially identified only 2 manuscripts fitted our inclusion criteria. The first article reported on the anthelmintic effect of date palm fruit against the rodent nematodes Trichuris muris and Angiostrongylus cantonensis in vitro and in vivo while the second article was based only on in vivo assessment (with coconut) of the effect on the rodent cestode Hymenolepis microstoma. Our review revealed limited anecdotal reports of the anthelmintic effect of date palm fruit against parasitic helminths, however, the majority of reports were inconclusive due to mixed results, limited focus on date palm fruit and lack of any statistical analyses. Rigorous, systematic and fully controlled studies focusing on date palm fruit are needed to validate the anecdotal evidence.

Effect of solvent polarity and extraction time on in vitro antioxidant properties of Brassica oleracea Convar Capitata Var L. seeds

Effect of solvent polarity and extraction time on antioxidant properties of Brassica oleracea seeds was optimized by response surface methodology using central composite design. A significant linear negative effect of solvent polarity on total extractable components (TEC), total phenolic acids (TPA), linoleic acid reduction capacity (LARC) and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HRSC) and significant positive effect on iron chelating activity (ICA), reducing power (RP) and (DPPH RSC). Linear effect of solvent polarity on total antioxidant activity (TAOA) was also found to be positive but not significant. Significant linear negative effect of extraction time was observed on ICA and HRSC. Only RP was found to be significantly increased with increase in extraction time. Quadratic effect of solvent polarity was found to be negative on TAOA, DPPH RSC and HRSC. However, quadratic effects of both variables were found to be positive on TEC, TPA, ICA and LARC. The polarity dependent increase in TAOA indicates the extraction of phytochemicals with comparatively stronger antioxidant properties in polar solvents. The decrease in antioxidant properties in response to increase in extraction time may be attributed to the time dependent loss of antioxidant activity of extracted compounds.

Relationship between Student Performances in Non-Cognitive Skills in Multiple Mini Interview and Integrated Practical Examination

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the performances of students in non-cognitive skills in Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and Integrated Practical Examination (IPE) of the first year of medical school.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional observation study with statistical support.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Shifa College of Medicine/Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad between December 2015 and March 2016.

METHODOLOGY

Student performance in communication skills, domain of the 8-station Multiple Mini Interview, was compared with their scores in communication skills in the first Integrated Practical Examination taken at the end of first block. Descriptive statistics were calculated for student demographics, scores in communication skills in MMI as well as IPE. Pearson's Correlation was calculated to investigate the relationship between the two scores. A p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant.

RESULTS

The mean score in MMI was 130.38 ±9.90 as compared to a score of 79.96 ±19.74 in the IPE. This relationship has a statistically significant (p<0.001) positive correlation, with a Pearson's correlation of 0.52.

CONCLUSION

Student performance shows a positive correlation in non-cognitive skills between Multiple Mini Interview and Integrated Practical Examination.

Effect of antibiotic, probiotic, and human rotavirus infection on colonisation dynamics of defined commensal microbiota in a gnotobiotic pig model

We developed a gnotobiotic (Gn) pig model colonised with defined commensal microbiota (DMF) to provide a simplified and controlled system to study the interactions between intestinal commensals, antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, CIP), probiotics (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, EcN) and virulent human rotavirus (VirHRV). The DMF included seven gut commensal species of porcine origin that mimic the predominant species in the infant gut. Gn piglets were divided into four groups: DMF control (non-treated), DMF+CIP (CIP treated), DMF+CIP+EcN (CIP/EcN treated), DMF+EcN (EcN treated) and inoculated orally with 10⁵ cfu of each DMF strain. The pig gut was successfully colonised by all DMF species and established a simplified bacterial community by post-bacteria colonisation day (PBCD) 14/post-VirHRV challenge day (PCD) 0. Overall, Bifidobacterium adolescentis was commonly observed in faeces in all groups and time points. At PCD0, after six days of CIP treatment (DMF+CIP), we observed significantly decreased aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts especially in jejunum (P<0.001), where no DMF species were detected in jejunum by T-RFLP. Following HRV challenge, 100% of pigs in DMF+CIP group developed diarrhoea with higher diarrhoea scores and duration as compared to all other groups. However, only 33% of pigs treated with EcN plus CIP developed diarrhoea. EcN treatment also enhanced the bacterial diversity and all seven DMF species were detected with a higher proportion of Bifidobacterium longum in jejunum in the DMF+CIP+EcN group on PBCD14/PCD0. Our results suggest that EcN increased the proportion of B. longum especially in jejunum and mitigated adverse impacts of antibiotic use during acute-infectious diarrhoea. The DMF model with a simplified gut commensal community can further our knowledge of how commensals and probiotics promote intestinal homeostasis and contribute to host health.

Multi-platform metabolomics analyses of a broad collection of fragrant and non-fragrant rice varieties reveals the high complexity of grain quality characteristics

The quality of rice in terms not only of its nutritional value but also in terms of its aroma and flavour is becoming increasingly important in modern rice breeding where global targets are focused on both yield stability and grain quality. In the present paper we have exploited advanced, multi-platform metabolomics approaches to determine the biochemical differences in 31 rice varieties from a diverse range of genetic backgrounds and origin. All were grown under the specific local conditions for which they have been bred and all aspects of varietal identification and sample purity have been guaranteed by local experts from each country. Metabolomics analyses using 6 platforms have revealed the extent of biochemical differences (and similarities) between the chosen rice genotypes. Comparison of fragrant rice varieties showed a difference in the metabolic profiles of jasmine and basmati varieties. However with no consistent separation of the germplasm class. Storage of grains had a significant effect on the metabolome of both basmati and jasmine rice varieties but changes were different for the two rice types. This shows how metabolic changes may help prove a causal relationship with developing good quality in basmati rice or incurring quality loss in jasmine rice in aged grains. Such metabolomics approaches are leading to hypotheses on the potential links between grain quality attributes, biochemical composition and genotype in the context of breeding for improvement. With this knowledge we shall establish a stronger, evidence-based foundation upon which to build targeted strategies to support breeders in their quest for improved rice varieties.

Caecal diverticulitis: a rare cause of right iliac fossa pain

We present a case of a young boy with an unusual cause of right iliac fossa pain. His history, examination and laboratory investigations suggested a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However preoperative abdominal CT revealed an inflamed solitary caecal diverticulum and a normal appendix. He was subsequently treated conservatively and recovered well, saving him from undergoing a general anaesthetic and abdominal surgery.

Formative assessment in undergraduate medical education: concept, implementation and hurdles

Formative assessment, described as "the process of appraising, judging or evaluating students' work or performance and using this to shape and improve students' competence", is generally missing from medical schools of Pakistan. Progressive institutions conduct "formative assessment" as a fleeting part of the curriculum by using various methods that may or may not include feedback to learners. The most important factor in the success of formative assessment is the quality of feedback, shown to have the maximum impact on student accomplishment. Inclusion of formative assessment into the curriculum and its implementation will require the following: Enabling Environment, Faculty and student Training, Role of Department of Medical Education (DME). Many issues can be predicted that may jeopardize the effectiveness of formative assessment including faculty resistance, lack of motivation from students and faculty and paucity of commitment from the top administration. For improvement in medical education in Pakistan, we need to develop a system considered worthy by national and international standards. This paper will give an overview of formative assessment, its implications and recommendations for implementation in medical institutes of Pakistan.

Exploring the trustworthiness and reliability of focus groups for obtaining useful feedback for evaluation of academic programs

BACKGROUND

At Shifa College of Medicine, evaluation is an integral part of the curriculum. We used focus groups as a tool to obtain in-depth information regarding students' experience with the new integrated, system- based curriculum. The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of focus groups in identifying important issues for curriculum improvement and to explore the trustworthiness and representativeness of data obtained through this strategy.

METHODS

In 2012, we used focus groups to seek feedback from students regarding their experience with the integrated curriculum. One course of each of the three preclinical years was selected for this purpose. Three parallel focus groups were conducted for each selected course. Each focus group was audio recorded, and the moderator and a volunteer student took additional notes during the session. The audio recordings were transcribed and data obtained from the three sources were analyzed, coded, and categorized independently by three investigators. Both manifest and latent themes were identified, using an inductive approach. Final agreement on themes was reached by comparison of the independently done thematic analysis by the three researchers. Reliability of data was established by comparing responses from the three parallel focus groups of each course. Trustworthiness of inferences was ensured by multiple coding, audit trail and member checking with focus group participants who reviewed the themes for validity.

RESULTS

Most of the data on students' perceptions of their courses from each of the parallel groups were in agreement: Similar themes were seen within groups of the same class as well as across the three preclinical years.

CONCLUSION

Focus groups can be a useful tool for collecting trustworthy and reliable information through a process that promotes interaction among student participants. They can support quantitative data from students and be used to support curriculum reform.

First Report of Iris yellow spot virus Infecting Green Onion in Indonesia

Green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is an important vegetable crop for small-holder farmers for domestic consumption in Indonesia. Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV; family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus) transmitted by Thrips tabaci is an economically important viral pathogen of bulb and seed onion crops in many onion-growing areas of the world (1,3). In Asia, IYSV has been reported in India and Sri Lanka (2,4). In April 2013, symptoms suspected to be caused by IYSV were observed on a 1-month-old green onion crop grown for their leaves in a farmer's field in Cipendawa, Pacet, Cianjur District, West Java. Symptoms consisted of elliptical to spindle-shaped, straw colored, irregular, chlorotic lesions with occasional green islands on the leaves. Approximately 25% of the field had plants with these symptoms. The presence of the virus was confirmed with an IYSV-specific Agdia Flash kit. IYSV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR with primers specific to the nucleoprotein (N) gene of IYSV. Primers 465c: 5'-AGCAAAGTGAGAGGACCACC-3' and IYSV-239f: 5' TGAGCCCCAATCAAGACG3' (3) were used as forward and reverse primers, respectively, using total nucleic acids eluted from FTA cards that were previously coated with freshly prepared sap extracts from field samples. Amplicons of approximately 240 bp were obtained from four symptomatic plants tested but not from healthy and water controls. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced. Consensus sequence was derived from three clones. Comparison with IYSV N gene sequences available in GenBank showed sequence identity of 95 to 99% confirming the identity of the virus as IYSV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IYSV infecting onion in Indonesia. The finding in Java underscores the need for conducting surveys in Java as well as other onion-growing regions of Indonesia to gain a better understanding of its incidence, distribution, and potential impact. References: (1) D. H. Gent et al. Plant Dis. 88:446, 2004. (2) B. Mandal et al. Plant Dis. 96:468, 2012. (3) H. R. Pappu et al. Virus Res. 141:219, 2009. (4) K. S. Ravi et al. Plant Pathol. 55:288, 2006.

Prevalence of parvoviruses in commercial turkey flocks

Turkey parvovirus belongs to the family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae, Genus parvovirus. Since the initial report on turkey parvovirus in the United States appeared in 1983, there had been no further reports of parvovirus in turkeys until 2008. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of parvovirus in commercial turkey flocks using PCR; to determine their genetic relationship to previous strains identified in North America and Europe; and to test samples for enteric viruses by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 169 fecal samples collected from 42 turkey farms in four different states within the United States between 2000 and 2010 were examined. We found that the most frequently detected viruses by TEM were small round viruses, accounting for 52% of the examined samples; however, the PCR detected parvoviruses in 71% of the samples. The phylogenetic analysis of partial nonstructural gene sequences showed a certain degree of variability among the turkey samples tested in the study. Moreover, there was a clear dichotomy in the phylogenetic tree between chicken and turkey samples, with the exception of one turkey isolate from 2000, which clustered together with the chicken group.