Volume 4, Issue 2 (2017)
Research Article
Whole Genome Sequencing of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Strains from Myanmar
Aung Zaw Latt, Nyi Nyi Win, Kay Thi Aye, Hlaing Myat Thu, Yi Yi Kyaw, Kyaw Zin Thant
Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important etiological agent of acute or chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that there are currently more than 350 million chronically infected people worldwide and this poses major health problems worldwide, especially in Asian Pacific countries. To date, 10 HBV genotypes, scattered across different geographical regions, have been identified. Complete genome sequences are more reliable for the analysis of genotype and sub-genotyping. In addition to this, certain mutations which may affect the diagnostic detection, drug resistance, disease progression and effective vaccination of HBV can also be detected. In this study we successfully sequenced the 15 full length genetic sequences (3.2kbp) of HBV isolates from HBV infected Myanmar peoples. Genotyping was done by using HepSEQ web based program, and drug resistant mutations were detected by geno2pheno web based analytical tools. All 15 sequences revealed genotype C and no drug resistant mutations were seen among these isolates. There was also no known vaccine escape mutation among these isolates. This is the first time to sequence the whole genome of Myanmar HBV isolates by Department of Medical Research, and these whole genome sequences will act as baseline data for further genetic studies regarding HBV.
Research Article
Compliance, Toxicity & Survival function analysis of Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck treated with definitive Radiotherapy Concurrent with weekly Cisplatin
Shivani Gupta, Kartick Rastogi, Shantanu Sharma, Rakesh Gocher, Pawan Kumar, Sandeep Jain
Abstract: The standard of care for Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (LASCCHN) is Concurrent Chemo-Radio-Therapy (CCRT), with cisplatin at least 40 mg/m2 per week being standard weekly schedule; so as to keep minimum cumulative dose to be 200 mg/m2. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried out
at department of Radiotherapy, SMS Medical College, Jaipur; on 174 patients with LASCCHN treated with definitive 3DCRT (70 Gy in 35 fractions) with concurrent weekly cisplatin; during July 2013 to December 2014. Results were analysed for compliance, toxicity, locoregional control (LRC), and progression free survival (PFS). Results: Compliance to RT & CT was seen in 90.8% & 76.4% patients, respectively. Treatment interruptions were seen in 76.4% of patients, 81.1% patients required hospitalisation at least once, 28.2% patients required feeding nasogastric tube insertion, and 15.5% patients required tracheostomy. At three months, complete response was seen in 81.6% patients. Grade III or higher acute dermatitis was seen in 18.9% of patients, mucositis in 41.9%, dysphagia in 16.7%, xerostomia in 13.2%, vomiting in 10.9%, diarrhea in 2.3%, leucopenia in 1.7%, and anemia in 6.3% of patients. The median follow up was 40 months (range, 31- 48 months). At last follow up, LRC was 66.9%, distant metastases were seen in 12.1% patients, deaths were reported in 8% of patients, and PFS was 71.8%. Conclusion: The findings of present study match with most of the studies cited in literature. Compliance to both CT and RT was good; acute toxicities were within the accepted levels, and were manageable. Higher LRC was significantly associated with stage III (versus IV, P < 0.001), larynx (versus oral cavity, P = 0.02), and ≥5 CT cycles (P = 0.01);, whereas PFS with stage III (versus IV, P < 0.001), larynx (versus oral cavity, P = 0.03), and absence of treatment interruptions (P = 0.03).
Mini Review
Therapeutic benefits of Ursolic acid in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Psychiatric diseases
Sachchida Nand Rai, Walia Zahra, Hareram Birla, Saumitra Sen Singh, Surya Pratap Singh
Abstract: Ursolic acid (UA) is present in many medicinal plant plants such as Mirabilis Jalapa, Mucuna pruriens and in many fruits like apple, blueberries consumed in daily life. UA present in large quantities in apple peels. Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by progressive degeneration of specific neurons in the central nervous system. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopamine synthesis is impaired in the nigrostriatal region of basal ganglia, causing symptomatic movement abnormalities. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular milieus like β-amyloid fiber and intracellular milieu like tau protein accumulation in the specific area of the brain. Psychiatric disorder (SD) also called mental disorder or mental illness is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes the noteworthy destruction of individual functioning. Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the neurodegeneration of these disorders. Ursolic Acid (UA: 3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid having both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity which is well-established in other diseases with a relatively fewer side effect. In this review article, we have summarized the potential role and pathway of UA in PD, AD, and SD.
Research Article
Biochemical Profile of Breast Cancer Patients Attended the Out-Patient Department of Cancer Unit, Mandalay General Hospital, Myanmar
Kyae Mhon Htwe, Thet Oo Wai, Saw Ohmnmar Khin, Thandar Myint Thaw, Tin Moe Win, Yi Yi Myint
Abstract: This experimental study was conducted to assess the biochemical profile including glucose, hepatic enzymes, renal biomarkers, uric acid and zinc levels of 36 newly-diagnosed cases of female breast cancer patients from the Out-Patient Department of Cancer Unit in Mandalay General Hospital, Myanmar. The parameters of breast cancer patients before the first cycle of chemotherapy were compared with those after the third cycle of chemotherapy; and also compared with those of apparently healthy controls. The baseline GPT and creatinine levels of patients were significantly higher, whereas urea and uric acid levels of patients were significantly lower than those of control subjects. Baseline uric acid and zinc levels of patients were significantly higher than those determined after the third cycle of chemotherapy. Therefore, these biochemical parameters may be useful in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Moreover, the patients should be carefully monitored during the course of treatment if they are treated with chemotherapeutic drugs that affect their biochemical profiles.
Research Article
Prevalence of Plasmodium relictum in Residential Birds from Hpa-an Township Kayin State, Myanmar
Maung Maung Mya, Nan Shwe Eainsi Oo, Cho Cho Oo, Khin Gyi Maung
Abstract: The increasing emergence of wildlife diseases with potential threats to ecological systems, as well as domestic animal and human health, emphasize the importance of
understanding disease dynamics and associated risks to biological conservation and human health. The avian malaria study was conducted in Ta-yrok- hla-village, Hlar–ka daung village, Don-yin village and Naung–ta-lon village Hpa-an Township environs in Kayin State from January 2017 to July 2017 to deter mine bird malaria parasite positivity in wild and domestic birds. Therefore Gallus sp.,(Chicken) Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey), Numida meleagris (Helmeted guineafowl), Columba livia (Rock pigeon), Streptopelia chinensis (Spotted Dove), Anastomus oscitans (Asian Operbill), Anas spp (domestic duck) and Anser anser (domestic durk) were collected in January 2017 and July 2017. After blood taking on glass slides, all collected birds were released from cages. Blood slides were stained with Giemsa’s stain and parasites were diagnosed by oil emersion lens. Results revealed that 7/60 (11.67%) of Plasmodium relictum was positive in wild Columba livia (wild pigeon) population in January and 2/70 (2.86%) of Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey) and 3/70(4.29%) of Columba livia (wild pigeon) were found P. relictum positive in July. When compared the positivity of P. relictum against total collected birds in both month was found (7/430) 1.63% positive was higher in the first survey in January than 5/510 (0.98%) positive in the second survey in July. The study demonstrated that wild Columba livia (wild or rock pigeon) was found higher risk in a transmission of P. relictum than Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey). The study on the distribution of host communities and their relationship to P. relictum in Hpa-an regions would be useful and may provide some insight into the regional distribution of bird malaria parasite.
Research Article
Attraction and Oviposition Stimulation of Gravid Aedes Female Mosquitoes Using Different Colored Earthen Ovitraps in Field Areas
Maung Maung Mya, Khin Sandi Maung Maung, Nyunt Nyunt Oo, Sein Thaung, Yan Naung Maung Maung, Moh Moh Htun
Abstract: Wild gravid female Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were allowed to lay their eggs in man-made earthen ovitraps with different colors as black, blue, green, orange, red, white, yellow and control (without color). The ovitraps were used indoor and outdoor for oviposition preference from March 2016 to December 2016. Oviposition cycle was studied 14 days/cycle trial in different places for 84 days. The number of larvae and frequency of oviposition were observed. Experiments were conducted to determine egg laying preference for any specific color of the ovitrap. Results showed that white colored bowl in indoor and red colored bowl in outdoor were most preferred by Ae. aegypti and black ovitrap was to be most preferred for Ae. albopictus in outdoor, although black colored bowls were preferred by both the species in outdoor. Gravid Ae. aeqypti laid their eggs in all colored bowls in both indoor and outdoor. For oviposition preference, seven colored earthen pots were used in indoor and outdoor, and the combined result was observed that the maximum number of larvae was found in a red colored bowl followed by black colored bowl containing distilled water. Besides, Aedes mosquitoes laid more in the red bowl followed by the Yellow colored bowl; lowest laid frequencies were found in orange bowls . Ae. albopictus was laid five times in outdoor in the black bowl within 84 days. In the present studies, Ae. aegypti laid the maximum number of eggs in red colored bowls and Ae. albopictus laid the maximum number only in black colored bowl in outdoor. The study reveals that the color of the ovitraps plays an essential role in oviposition by attracting the females of Ae. aegypti species. The ovitraps of red, yellow, black and white color were found to be appropriate for Aedes eggs and larvae collection to control Aedes population in field areas.