We investigated the possibility of producing chicken alpha interferon (ChIFN-alpha) in transgenic plants. The cDNA encoding ChIFN-alpha was introduced into lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants by using an agro-infiltration transient expression system. The ChIFN-alpha gene was correctly transcribed and translated in the lettuce plants according to RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Recombinant protein exhibited antiviral activity in vitro by inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) replication on chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF). The results demonstrate that biologically active avian cytokine with potential pharmaceutical applications could be expressed in transgenic lettuce plants and that it is possible to generate interferon protein in forage plants for preventing infectious diseases of poultry.
Animals ; Chickens ; Interferon Type I ; biosynthesis ; Interferon-alpha ; genetics ; Lettuce ; genetics ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins

Anthropophilic Culicoides were investigated in a rural community endemic for Mansonella perstans in Ijebu North area of western Nigeria between December 2003 and October 2004. Three hundred and fifty-nine adults of Culicoides fulvithorax collected by human bait in the morning were dissected for Mansonella perstans larvae, and 1.95% of infection rate was found. Seasonal abundance of C. fulvithorax was investigated by monthly biting rates, and showed that higher prevalence was observed in rainy season, with peak in September. Culicoides prevalence was positively correlated with rainfall and relative humidity, but not temperature. Human perceptions on the behavior of these biting midges were determined by interviewing 854 self-selected villagers, of which 86.5% of the interviewees confessed having experienced Culicoides bites. Between 76.5 and 99.1% of the various age groups complained body reactions to Culicoides bites. Itching was the most frequent body reaction. No interviewees associated Culicoides with transmission of any parasitic infections. The results showed need to adequately control Culicoides in the community.
Seasons ; Rural Health ; Rain ; Questionnaires ; Perception ; Nigeria/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Mansonelliasis/*transmission ; *Mansonella/isolation & purification ; Insect Vectors/parasitology/*physiology ; Insect Bites and Stings/*epidemiology ; Humidity ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Child ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Ceratopogonidae/parasitology/*physiology ; Animals ; Adult ; Adolescent

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizing properties of methyl jasmonate (MJ) in experimental rat models of acute and chronic inflammation. The effects of MJ on acute inflammation were assessed using carrageenan-induced rat's paw edema model. The granuloma air pouch model was employed to evaluate the effects of MJ on chronic inflammation produced by carrageenan in rats. The number of white blood cells (WBC) in pouch exudates was estimated using light microscopy. The levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the exudates, were determined using spectrophotometry. The membrane stabilizing property of MJ was assessed based on inhibition of hemolysis of rat red blood cells (RBC) exposed to hypotonic medium. Our results indicated that MJ (25-100 mg·kg, i.p.) produced significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats (P < 0.05). MJ reduced the volume of pouch exudates and the number of WBC in carrageenan-induced granulomatous inflammation. It also exhibited potent antioxidant and membrane stabilizing activities. In conclusion, these findings suggest the therapeutic potentials of methyl jasmonate in disease conditions associated with inflammation and its anti-inflammatory activity may be related to its antioxidant and membrane stabilizing activities.
Acetates ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; Cell Membrane ; chemistry ; drug effects ; immunology ; Cyclopentanes ; administration & dosage ; Disease Models, Animal ; Edema ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Erythrocytes ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Glutathione ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; immunology ; Oxylipins ; administration & dosage ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Since the COVID-19 emerged, a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement was implemented as an infection containment measure among employees. This lifestyle change is bound to affect health-promoting behaviors. The study aims to determine the health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of university employees in a WFH arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized a quantitative descriptive research design. After consecutive sampling of employees of a state university in Manila, the response rate was 33.1% (395 out of 1, 195 eligible respondents), but only 31.8% or 380 respondents completed the validated online questionnaire through Google Forms™ from August to October 2021. The instrument was based on the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) survey by Walker and Hill-Polerecky (1996). Descriptive data analysis was done via IBM® SPSS® Statistics v22. Majority were females (70.3%) and single (51.8%). Approximately 70% were staying at home with their family. The mean scores for the subscales of inner development, interpersonal relations, and stress management were 3.08 (SD±.24), 3.00 (SD±.30), and 2.70 (SD±.30), respectively. These were observed to be higher than other HPLP subsets. Subscales garnering the lowest mean scores were physical activity at 2.32 (SD±.21), nutrition at 2.68 (SD±.31), and health responsibility at 2.56 (SD±.12). The mean HPLP score of faculty members was the highest at 2.74 (SD±.36) as compared to administrative staff and research extension and professional staff (REPS) with mean scores of 2.73 (SD±.36) and 2.71 (SD±.39), respectively. Overall HPLPscores suggested that the majority (60.8%) practice “good” health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. These findings indicate that the WFH arrangement allows employees to develop social and coping skills while staying in their residences. Whereas limitations to opportunities for a more active lifestyle, availability of nutritious food, and access to health care also contribute to the low HPLP scores. Health promotion and protection strategies such as nurse-led health programs must be instituted to improve and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude among employees working from home in the aspects of nutrition, physical activity, and health responsibility. Nurses must also use this opportunity to promote occupational health among employees through lifestyle programs in coordination with universities and colleges or other workplaces of similar nature. Health programs must capitalize on the increase in the utilization of social media and the Internet during the pandemic. There is a need for further research to examine associations between the variables in various institutions and settings.
Health Promotion ; COVID-19