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The present study aims to investigate the antifungal, antioxidant, and ochratoxin degradation potential of Amaranthus viridis L. and Sorghum halepense L. Various concentrations (1-5%) of methanol extract of A. viridis and S. halepense leaves were tested in vitro against Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) G. A. de Vries and Trichoderma viride Pers. A. viridis leaf methanol extract caused a significant decline in the biomass of C. cladosporioides and T. viride. Methanolic extract from leaves of S. halepense also reduced the growth of both the tested fungi. The antioxidant activity of both experimental plants was also determined. Five concentrations (10-50%) were made in methanol, and Butylated hydroxytoluene was used as standard. Results from this assay revealed that both test plants have significant antiradical potential. The in vivo detoxification of ochratoxins by A. viridis extract against ochratoxin-producing T. viride and C. cladosporioides was also carried out. Peanuts and walnut were used as test samples from which T. viride and C. cladosporioides were isolated. Ochratoxins were extracted from the test fungi by solvent extraction method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was done for the detection of ochratoxin in both control and experimental samples followed by quantification through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). TLC analysis suggested that there was a remarkable reduction in ochratoxin level after the application of A. viridis in the walnut sample as compared to the control and maximum suppression was recorded in the walnut sample against C. cladosporioides. Similarly, HPLC analysis also revealed that the highest ochratoxin degradation was observed in the walnut sample against C. cladosporioides. This study concludes that botanical extracts can detoxify ochratoxins with little or no negative consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxigenic fungal species are a major cause of various infections in plants and posed serious threat to their consumers, including humans and animals. The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of leaves methanolic extract of Amaranthus viridis L. against target pathogenic ochratoxin producing fungal species (Trichoderma viride Pers., Trichoderma harzianum Rifai. and Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen.) G.A. de Vries). For this purpose, different concentrations viz. 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% of leaf methanolic extract was prepared and tested for their antifungal potential in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results revealed that a 10%concentration of A. viridis significantly suppressed the growth of all the tested fungi. The phytochemical analysis of A. viridis depicts the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and coumarins. Bioassay-guided fractionation was executed to check the antifungal activity of various fractions in vitro against the test ochratoxin producing fungi. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antifungal activity among all other fractions. GC-MS (Gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy) analysis of ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence of twelve compounds viz. 1,2,3-propanetriol monoacetate; 푛-decanoic acid; 1-hexadecene; dodecanoic acid; 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl-[R]; tetradecanoic acid, 2-pentadecanone; 6,10,14-trimethyl-; phenol,2-methyl-5-[1-methylethyl]-; 푛-hxadecanoic acid; 2[4H]-benzofuranone; phytol; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and heptacosane. The presence of these compounds might be responsible for the antifungal potential of A. viridis and it can be concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of the tested plant proved to be beneficial for inhibiting the growth of test ochratoxigenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The true burden of fungal infection in Pakistan is unknown. High-risk populations for fungal infections [tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, cancer, transplant and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection] are numerous. Here, we estimate the burden of fungal infections to highlight their public health significance. Whole and at-risk population estimates were obtained from the WHO (TB), BREATHE study (COPD), UNAIDS (HIV), GLOBOCAN (cancer) and Heartfile (diabetes). Published data from Pakistan reporting fungal infections rates in general and specific populations were reviewed and used when applicable. Estimates were made for the whole population or specific populations at risk, as previously described in the LIFE methodology. Of the 184,500,000 people in Pakistan, an estimated 3,280,549 (1.78%) are affected by a serious fungal infection, omitting all cutaneous infection, oral candidiasis and allergic fungal sinusitis, which we could not estimate. Compared with other countries, the rates of candidaemia (21/100,000) and mucormycosis (14/100,000) are estimated to be very high, and are based on data from India. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis rates are estimated to be high (39/100,000) because of the high TB burden. Invasive aspergillosis was estimated to be around 5.9/100,000. Fungal keratitis is also problematic in Pakistan, with an estimated rate of 44/100,000. Pakistan probably has a high rate of certain life- or sight-threatening fungal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, numerical simulations are performed in a single and double lid driven square cavity to study the flow of a Bingham viscoplastic fluid. The governing equations are discretized with the help of finite element method in space and the nonconforming Stokes element Q~1/Q0 is utilized which gives 2nd-order accuracy for velocity and 1st-order accuracy for pressure. The discretized systems of nonlinear equations are treated by using the Newton method and the inner linear subproablems are solved by the direct solver UMFPACK. A qualitative comparison is done with the results reported in the literature. In addition to these comparisons, some new reference data for the kinetic energy is generated. All these implementations are done in the open source software package FEATFLOW which is a general purpose finite element based solver package for solving partial differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/background Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are important anti-tuberculous drugs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis. Resistance to FQs leads to fewer options for treatment of tuberculosis (TB), and infection with such strains may also require longer treatment duration. Trends of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) are indicators of MTB-resistance evolution. Drivers of such resistance need to be understood and studied to inform preventive strategies. Methods Here, we present FQ-resistance rates and trends in Pakistan from 2010 to 2015 and compare rates with FQ-consumption data and rates in other community pathogens. Results Our results reveal a recent decrease in FQ-resistance rates in MTB, but an increase in resistance for Haemophilus influenzae and Shigella spp. Correlation of FQ resistance with FQ consumption at the population level was weak for MTB, although strong associations were noted for H. influenzae and Shigella spp. Conclusion We discuss the possible reasons for the decrease in resistance rates in TB, putative drivers of resistance other than volume of FQ consumption, and the possible impact of the National Tuberculosis Programme and drug regulatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 37-year old man with mitral valve prolapse. The patient complained of fever of 38.8 degree celsius of unknown origin and underwent tests for malaria, dengue and urinalysis. Endocarditis was found with a rare pathogen called Rothia dentocariosa. The article discusses Rothia dentocariousa, which is particulary associated with dental caries and periodontal disease.

Frequency of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in Pakistan increased from 1.5% in 2006 to 4.5% in 2009 (p<0.01). To understand the epidemiology, we genotyped selected strains by using spoligotyping, mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats, and IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Present research work was conducted to examine phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of Phyllanthus emblica. Extraction was performed through maceration method using different solvents and analyzed for the occurrence of secondary metabolites. Positive results were obtained for Saponins, Tannins, Falvonoids and Cardiac glycosides whereas negative results observed for Alkaloids, Anthraquinones and Phlobotanins. Antioxidant activity of plant extracts was also checked which showed strong results for Antioxidant activity as compared to commercially available standard antioxidants. In total antioxidant assay methanol extract of plant possesses high antioxidant potential showing the value 0.44 ± 0.134a which was closer to the standard BHT (Standard) 0.479 ± 0.24a. In case of DPPH assay chloroform extract value (0.213 ± 0.041) was found closer to BHT (Standard) when compared, whose value is 0.190 Antifungal activity of plant was carried out against fungal strains (Botrytis cinerea and Aspergilus niger), zones of inhibition were measured and compared with the commercially available standard antifungal discs (Itraconazole and Fluconazole). The highest value against B. cinerea was observed for chloroform extracts 20.83 nm, whereas in case of A. niger distilled water showed maximum value of 16.5 nm. Based on the results obtained in the present study, Phyllanthus emblica fruits are rich in phytochemical constituents and possess potent antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi and can be used in treating various diseases caused by these fungal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) management is expensive, prolonged and complicated. After starting anti-tuberculous treatment in MDR-TB patients, microbiological response to therapy is monitored by monthly sputum cultures. Conventional culture methods are costly, leading to poor compliance with this recommendation in resource-limited settings and reliance on less sensitive sputum microscopy. Published data suggests a less favorable outcome with sputum microscopy and stresses upon use of follow-up cultures. Micro-colony liquid culture method is an established method for diagnosis of new TB cases. As anti- tuberculous treatment may produce considerable changes in bacterial morphology, leading to pleomorphic shapes and sizes, the utility of micro colony broth culture for treatment follow-up cases is uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the micro-colony liquid culture method in terms of its sensitivity, specificity, rapidity and cost to monitor response to second-line ATT in diagnosed MDR-TB patients. Methods Prospective cross-sectional study performed at Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Aga Khan University. During the period of February 2013–September 2014, a total of 139 adult, MDR-pulmonary TB patients were enrolled in this study. For each patient an appropriate sputum specimen was collected for MTB culture initially and then monthly (maximum) up to the next 6 months. Samples were processed using the standard protocol for microscopy, routine MIGIT & LJ culture and micro colony broth culture method. Micro colony broth culture finally evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, rapidity, cost and contamination rate. Results To date, a total of 502 sputum samples were submitted from 139 enrolled patients. Out of these, 170 were smear-positive, while 310 were smear-negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of micro colony broth culture for AFB smear positive samples were 100% (95% CI: 97.83–100), 95.45% (95% CI: 77.08–99.24), 99.42% (95% CI: 96.77–99.90), and 100.00% (95% CI: 83.75–100.00), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of micro colony broth culture for AFB smear negative samples was 100.00% (95% CI: 93.78–100.00), 99.60% (95% CI: 97.80–99.93), 98.31% (95% CI: 90.88–99.72) and 100.00% (95% CI: 98.53–100.00), respectively. Average time of positivity of standard cultures for smear positive samples ( n = 192) was 26.0 days, while micro colony broth culture average positivity time was 8.8 days. Average time of positivity of standard cultures for smear negative samples ( n = 310) was 30.0 days, while micro colony broth culture average positivity time was 11.4 days. Average contamination rate of micro colony broth culture was 4.5% in comparison with 6.1% of routine cultures. Finally, the cost of the micro colony methods was about 35% of the combined BACTEC and LJ media cultures. Conclusions The preliminary data from this study indicates micro colony broth culture method for MTB detection to be highly sensitive, specific, rapid and cost-effective for treatment monitoring of MDR-TB cases. In resource-limited settings this method can be used safely either alone or along with LJ medium for monitoring of second-line anti-tuberculous treatment. Acknowledgement This work was supported by a grant from Aga Khan University Research Council. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]