Dissemination of vectorborne diseases depends strongly on the vector's host range and the pathogen's reservoir range. Because vectors interact with pathogens, the direction and strength of a vector's host shift is vital for understanding epidemiology and is embedded in the framework of ecological specialization. This study investigates survival in host-race evolution of a polyphagous insect dis...

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly lethal emerging disease caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV. New lethal animal models for SARS were needed to facilitate antiviral research. We adapted and characterized a new strain of SARS-CoV (strain v2163) that was highly lethal in 5- to 6-week-old BALB/c mice. It had nine mutations affecting 10 amino acid residues. Strain v2163 increased IL-1...

The study evaluated the antibacterial effect of stinging nettle extract by liquid microdilution method to obtain quantitative results. Unlike other studies in literature, MIC and MBC values showing bacteriostatic bactericidal effects were investigated for four different bacterial concentrations. Six pathogen strains studied, including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis 2921...

Objective. To determine the prevalence of herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods. In this prospective study, patients who were diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitis were questioned about their use of natural products/herbal therapies for their symptoms. Results. In total, 230 patients were enrolled. Overall, 37.3% of the patients stated that they had used natural products/herbal th...

Tragia involucrata commonly known as Indian stinging nettle is a shrub widely used in traditional ayurvedic system for treatment of cephalagia, skin infections, eczema, and bronchitis. However, in use as a traditional medicine since ancient time, its anti-arthritic and hemolytic properties are not yet studied. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical analysis, in vitro anti-arthritic...

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.,) is a medicinal herb commonly used by humans. The role of reactive oxygen metabolites on cancer etiology is known. There are some studies about the antioxidant effects of Urtica Dioica (UD) on therapy of some cancer types. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UD on antioxidant enzyme activities and mammary gland cancer induced by in rats-N-methyl-N-n...