Microbiological assessment of some parameters of kariesh cheese sold by supermarkets and street vendors in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: kariesh cheese is the most popular soft cheese consumed in Egypt especially in the countryside. Some of Kariesh cheese is produced in equipped factories, but most in farmers' homes and unlicensed places not under standard requirements for hygienic food production. Cheese could be contaminated by different types of microorganisms during its production, handling, distribution and storage under unhygienic conditions. Contamination with different microorganisms causes cheese spoilage and/or foodborne illnesses

Objective[s]: to assess some microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese, as recommended by the Egyptian standards for Kariesh cheese No.1008/2000. A comparison of Kariesh cheese samples collected from supermarkets and street vendors was carried out

Methods: a total of 270 Kariesh cheese samples were collected in the period between September 2015 and January 2016 from 3 randomly selected Alexandrian districts. Half of the samples [135] were collected from street vendors and the other half was collected from supermarkets. The microbiological tests performed were: total plate count, estimation of total and fecal coliforms, and detection of E. coli, S. aureus as well as yeasts and moulds

Results: according to the Egyptian standard No.1008/2000 for Kariesh cheese parameters, only 6% and 7% of the examined Kariesh samples were satisfactory for yeasts and moulds and total plate count respectively. As regards total coliforms and E.coli, 44% and 48% respectively of the samples were satisfactory, while 39% of the samples were satisfactory for fecal coliforms, and around 90% were for S. aureus. The mean microbial counts in all tested parameters were higher in Kariesh cheese samples sold by street vendors rather than supermarkets, and this was statistically significant

Conclusions: the microbiological parameters of Kariesh cheese in this study showed unacceptable high levels especially among street vendors' samples

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] l/D gene polymorphism in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Various genetic markers have been studied to predict susceptibility and course of nephrotic syndrome. The Angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] gene carries insertion [I] and deletion [D]polymorphism within its intron 16. The presence of D-allele in the ACE gene has been reported as a probable genetic risk factor for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome [INS] and may be also related to poor responsiveness to steroids which is the single most important clinical parameter in determining the course of the disease. The aim is to determine the distribution of the ACE gene insertion/deletion [l/D] polymorphism, and its effect on clinical, laboratory, histological findings and therapeutic response in childhood INS. Fifty one nephrotic syndrome patients [35 males and 16 females] were enrolled in the study. All patients received oral steroids as in initial therapy for their nephrotic syndrome. The pattern of response to steroid therapy was determined and patients divided into 2 groups: steroid sensitive [SS] and non-steroid sensitive [non-SS]. The non-SS group was further divided into steroid dependent [SD] and steroid resistant [SR] patients. Clinical, laboratory and histological features were determined. Fifty unrelated healthy adults were recruited as controls. The genotypes for ACE l/D polymorphism were analyzed by using a PCR based method. Twenty patients were SS and 31 were non-SS, of the non-SS group, 18 were SD and 13 were SR. The presence of hypertension at presentation was significantly related to steroid unresponsiveness. Among the SS group the frequencies of the Ii, ID, and DD genotypes of the ACE gene were 20%[n=4], 65%[n=13] and 15%[n=3], respectively, while the frequencies among the Non-SS group were 19.4%[n=6], 74.2%[n=23] and 6.5%[n=2], respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically insignificant [Chi square=0.59]. The corresponding incidence for control was 12%, 68% and 10% respectively. The differences between controls versus the entire patient group, the SS group and the non-SS group were not statistically significant [p value>0.05 in all]. The frequency of D+genotype was 80%[n=16] in the SS group compared to 80.6%[n=25] in the Non-SS group, the difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant [Fisher's exact=1]. The pattern of the ACE gene polymorphism showed insignificant correlation with age of onset of the disease, hypertension at presentation, stability of renal functions and renal biopsy results. The current study on Egyptian children with INS reveals no association between ACE gene l/D polymorphism and clinical, histological findings, steroid responsiveness, or progression of the disease These results are at variance with reports from other parts of the world suggesting that the impact of ACE gene polymorphism on pediatric INS is likely to be influenced by the ethnic origin. Results of this study revealed an association between hypertension at presentation and non-responsiveness to steroid. Patients with steroid non responsiveness were more liable to develop impaired renal function

potential renoprotective effect of selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors in experimental diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes and eventually leads to end-stage renal disease. The present study designed to evaluate the renal effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors on the progression of renal injury in experimental model of diabetic nephropathy. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: normal control rats, streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats without treatment, STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with celecoxib, STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with enalapril, and STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with combination. Sixteen weeks later, serum glucose, renal functions, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Periodic acid-Schiff [PAS] staining was used to examine the morphological changes by light microscopy. STZ-induced diabetes led to development of diabetic nephropathy associated with increased oxidative stress. Both celecoxib and enalapril produced comparable level of renoprotection manifested by significant decrease of serum creatinine and microalbuminuria, which was accompanied by significant decrease of renal malondialdyehyde content, significant increase of renal reduced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Glomerulosclerosis seen in untreated-diabetic group were prevented by both celecoxib and enalapril. Combination treatment was superior in renoprotective effects. In conclusion, the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib may prevent or retard the development of diabetic nephropathy

Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and B cell lymphocyte/ leukemia 2 [Bcl-2] protein levels in vitreous humor and serum of patients with proliferate diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy [DR] is one of the most common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the proliferative stage of DR, neovascularization on the retina and the posterior surface of the vitreous occur. Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] is considered to be the most potent factor for retinal neovascularization. Several hypotheses were thought to be involved in the endothelial cell survival activity of VEGF; among them is its ability to induce antiapoptotic proteins like B-cell Lymphocyte/ Leukemia 2 [Bcl-2]. Aim of the study was evaluating the levels of VEGF and Bcl-2 protein in the vitreous humor and sera of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]. The patients group included twenty five type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy and subjected to vitrectomy, and fifteen non-diabetic individuals subjected to vitrectomy for various non proliferative ocular diseases were taken as a control group. All the participants were subjected to a thorough physical examination and full ophthalmologic evaluation. Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum levels and activities of glucose, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases [ALT and AST], as well as the percentage of whole blood glycated hemoglobin [HbA[1c]. The VEGF and Bcl-2 were measured in the vitreous humor and sera of all studied subjects using enzyme immunoassays. The VEGF and Bcl-2 levels were found to be significantly increased in the vitreous humor of patients with proliferative DR when compared to their corresponding control group [p=0.001 andp-0.003 respectively]. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was noted between both groups regarding serum values of both VEGF and Bcl-2 [p> 0.05]. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between serum Bcl-2 and serum VEGF in the patients group [r= 0.463, p= 0.020]. The significantly higher values of VEGF and Bcl-2 in the vitreous humor of patients with PDR, with the lack of such findings in their sera, suggest that both factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease, and support the hypothesis that their increased levels in the vitreous is attributed to intraocular synthesis, in response to retinal hypoxia and ischemia, rather than to serum filtration. Furthermore, the significant correlation between both VEGF and Bcl-2 in serum of PDR patients could be related to the VEGF ability to induce pathological angiogenesis in PDR through the up regulation of the anti apoptotic protein Bcl-2 that promotes new vessels survival rendering their vitreous levels high which would probably be reflected on their serum levels as neovascularization is the main pathology in the PDR

Study of serum osteoprotegrin [OPG], tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [Trail] and fetuin-A in patients with chronic renal failure

Vascular and valvular calcifications are strong prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease mortality in chronic kidney disease [CKD] patients especially those on hemodialysis. It has been demonstrated that CKD patients with osteodystrophy have increased atherosclerosis and, more recently, increased coronary artery calcification. Was to evaluate the link between renal failure, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and inflammation by determining the role of serum osteoprotegrin [OPG], tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [TRAIL], and Fetuin A in the development of vascular calcification in patients with End stage renal failure disease [ESRD]. The study included, thirty patients on maintenance hemodialysis [HD] and fifteen patients with conservatively managed chronic renal failure [CRF] for whom dialysis was not performed. Both groups were compared to fifteen age and sex matched healthy individuals who constituted the control group. To all the subjects clinical examination, and 12 lead electro-cardiography were done. To all subjects the following investigations were performed: routine biochemical analysis, serum OPG, Fetuin A and plasma TRAIL Also serum parathyroid hormone [PTH], Calcium [total and ionized], phosphorus [Ph], and C- reactive protein [CRP] were measured. Finaly carotid ultra sonography of the pelvis and hand, and calculation of vascular calcification score were done. Carotid intima media thickness [CIMT] was found to be significantly higher in both undialyzed [CRF] patients and dialyzed [HD] patients when compared to controls [p<0.001 leach]. Also the difference between both groups of patients was statistically significant [p: 0.014]. Calcification score was found to be significantly higher in CRF and HD patients when compared to controls [p: 0.047 and < 0.001 respectively] Serum OPG level was significantly higher in both undialyzed CRF and dialyzed HD patients when compared to the control group [p: 0.041 and < 0.001 respectively].The level was also found to be significantly higher in the HD group when compared to CRF patients [p< 0.001]. Serum fetuin A level was found to be significantly lower in both CRF and HD patients when compared to the control group [p: 0.02, 0.05 respectively]. As regards TRAIL levels, no significant difference was found between the three studied groups. The level of the PTH was significantly higher in CRF undialyzed and HD patients when compared to control group [p: 0.021 and < 0.001 respectively]. CRP level was significantly higher in both patients groups when compared to controls [p< 0.001, 0.04 respectively].In the total patients group: there was a positive significant correlation between VC score and both PTH and AP. There was a positive significant correlation between OPG and [CIMT, Fetuin, AP and total Ca]. There was also a positive significant correlation between Fetuin A and both TRAIL and Albumin. By performing multiple logistic regression, only serum PTH was significant independent predictor of vascular calcification [p=0.006] and serum OPG was significant independent predictor of inflammation. [p=0.029]. The only parameter with significant ROC curve was PTH. It could be finally concluded that the increased level of OPG in CRF and HD patients might be a compensatory self defensive response against other factors that promote vascular calcification, or may possess potentially damaging properties, while the decreased level of Fetuin A reflects an inadequate response against the development of VC. Also the increase level of CRP denotes an ongoing inflammatory state and this causes down regulation of fetuin A which may represent the essential link between chronic inflammation and vascular calcification. PTH was found to be the best diagnostic marker of VC of all studied parameters, and was also the most independent predictor of VC, while OPG was the most independent predictor of inflammation

Serum epidermal growth factor in cancer breast

Several prognostic factors are evaluated in the breast carcinoma and there is a need o- new markers for better discrimination of the biologic differences in the primary tumor. Epidermal growth factor [EGF] is presumed to play an important role in the local regulation of cell proliferation so, the aim of the current study, was to evaluate the serum level of EGF in breast cancer female patients in comparison with other prognostic parameters. It was carried out r fifty-seven females divided into two groups. A control group of twenty healthy women of comparable age and socioeconomic status with a group of thirty-seven breast cancer patients. All females were chosen non-pregnant, not on contraceptive therapy, not previously exposed to radiation, and have no previous history of cancer. To all patients, thorough clinical examination, plain X-ray for the chest and ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis were done. Preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology was also done for their breast lumps. In addition, blood samples where collected and analyzed for hemoglobin, fasting serum glucose, urea, and creatinine levels, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities, and also the epidermal growth factor level. The breast cancer tissues, removed by surgery, were subjected to histopathologic examination. The median of serum EGF in breast cancer patients group was relatively lower than that in control group but it did not reach the level of significance. No significant differences between the serum EGF levels were found in relation to the change in tumor size, type, grade, and stage. However, there was positive correlations between EGF level and tumor size [r=0.341, p=0.039] and AJCC stages [r0.354, p=0.032]. Also, in patients without lymph node metastasis, there were positive correlations between serum EGF level and both tumor size [r=0.596, p=0.024] and AJCC stages [r=0.596, p=0.024]. In patients having lymph node metastasis, there was significant negative correlation between serum EGF level and the number of lymph node metastasis [r=-0.859, p<0.001].There was significant increase in EGF level in patients having lymph node metastasis [3 LN] metastasis was significantly increased than that in both patients having no LN metastasis [p=0.01 9] and patients having

Breast conserving therapy for early breast cancer: long term follow-up

Breast conserving surgery followed by breast irradiation for appropriately selected patients with early stage breast cancer gives the same long term survival rates as radical mastectomy. The large breast volume of female Egyptian patients allows for a wide resection margin during wide local excision without a marked alteration in the aesthetic breast contour. Between 1995 and 2004, 101 female patients with early stage breast cancer were diagnosed and treated, at the Cairo National Cancer Institute hospital, by breast conserving surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy and adjuvant systemic therapy. Patients were regulary followed up till the end of the study. Mean age of patients was 47.1 years [SD +/- 10.2]. The median time of follow-up of patients was 34 months [range: 3-127]. Kaplan-Meier estimate of 5-year local recurrence rate was 11.5% [95% confidence interval]. There was no axillary nodal recurrence. The cumulative 5 year disease tree survival was 80%. 44.5% of patients showed a good cosmetic results while 40.6% showed a fair cosmetic result. It is concluded that, inappropriately selected patients with an early stage breast cancer, they should be offered breast conserving surgery followed by breast radiation. BCT do not affect patient's survival, it preserves the breast in an acceptable cosmetic result and avoid the mutilating result of mastectomy

Long latency auditory evoked potentials [LAEPs] with different tonal frequencies

Long latency auditory evoked potentials [LAEPs] were recorded in 20 right handed normal hearing adult subjects, 11 males and 9 females. Their ages ranged from 25 to 56 years. Five stimuli with different frequencies were used [click, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz]. The response was present in all five different stimuli for all subjects. N1, P2 latencies were longest at 500 Hz, while N1-P2 amplitude was largest at 500 Hz. Females had shorter latencies and larger amplitude than males. Right ears showed shorter latencies and larger amplitude than left ears

Prediction of risk of hypertension in offspring of hypertensive subjects

The offspring of hypertensive patients has a tendency to develop hypertension, so the question of prediction of susceptible individuals is unclear. This Cross-sectional comparative study was designed to clarify some predictors of hypertension in offspring of hypertensive patients. The study included 100 subjects [12 to 18 year old, male and female]; 50 offspring of hypertensive parents [group I] and 50 offspring of normotensive parents [Group II]. They were subjected to full medical history and clinical examination including blood pressure record at rest and after exercise. Also anthropometric assessment was performed. Biochemical assessment for fasting C-peptide insulin level, and plasma level of norepinephrin [NE] were recorded. In group I. the mean resting systolic blood pressure [SBP] was 101.8 +/- 9mmHg, the mean peak SBP 197.2 +/- 27mmHg, the mean resting distolic blood pressure [DBP] was 76.5 +/- 7.5mmHg, the mean peak DBP 71 +/- 9.5mmHg. The mean resting heart rate [HR] was 83.6 +/- 8.7 Beat/min. the mean peak HR was 193.5 +/- 9.I Beat/min. The mean metabolic equivalent [METs] was 12.5 +/- 1.8 MEq. The mean body mass index [BMI] was 30 +/- 5.1 kg/m2. The mean serum insulin level was 23.5 +/- 15.7 micro U/dl and the mean serum NE level was 344.7 +/- 57.1 ng/dl. In group II, the mean resting SBP was 95.1 +/- 16.22mmHg, the mean peak SBP was 172.5 +/- 17.8mmHg; the mean resting DBP was 66.7 +/- 7.7mmHg, the mean peak DBP was 63.4 +/- 6.9mmHg. The mean resting HR was. 80.1 +/- 11.4 Beat/min, the mean peak HR was 188.7 = 6.2 Beat/min. The mean METs was 13.2 +/- 1.8 MEq. The mean BMI was 26.8 +/- 3.6 +/- 5.8 kg/m[2]. The mean serum insulin was 14.7 +/- 15.7 micro U/dl, and mean serum NE was 286.3 +/- 57.1 ng/dl. Both SBP and DBP were within normal limits but were significantly greater in group I than group II. Function capacity was significantly lesser in group I than group II. BMI was significantly greater in group 1 than group II. Serum insulin and NE were significantly increased in group I than group II. However the long-term effect of these risk factors on the cardiovascular system including the coronary arteries need more research

Mating behaviour of trichophyton violaceum

A trial to study of mating between typical isolates of Trichophyton violaceum [24 from human and one isolate from a cat and [+] and [-] strains of both Arthroderma simii and Nannizzia otae] was done which revealed the reaction of three isolates [from human] and the [-] strain of Arthroderma simii. No record was published before concerning the reaction of typical Trichophyton violaceum with either Arthroderma simii or Nannizzia otae

Search for Helicobacter pylori from different gastric lesions

This work has been carried out to isolate H. pylori from biopsied samples taken from different gastric lesions as well as to evaluate the different bacteriological and serological method used for detecting H. pylori infection

Influence of clay minerals on selenium toxicity to algae

In this study, selenite was found to be acutely toxic to the fresh water algae Anabaena constricta and Chlorella ellipsoidea. However, the latter was more tolerant. Severe reduction in chlorophyll a content was significant reaching 65.2%, 61.4% for Anabaena and Chlorella respectively at 30mg L[-1] Se after 24 hrs incubation. The EC50 values were: 138 mg SeL-1, 141 mg Se L[-1] at one day; 120 mg Se L[-1], 126 mg Se L[-1] at 3 days; 91 mg Se L[-1], 100 mg Se L[-1] at 5 days and 67 mg Se L[-1], 70 mg Se L[-1] at 7 days for Anabaena and Chlorella, respectively. Addition of the clay minerals kaolinite and bentonite decreased selenite toxicity considerably, bentonite was more effective. The EC50 values for combined effect of selenium and either kaolinite or bentonite in reducing growth after 7 days incubation were 76,83 mg Se L[-1] for Anabaena and 73, 81 mg Se L[-1] for Chlorella. Phosphorus uptake by Chlorella was enhanced and went parallel with a concomitant elevation in pH values of the medium with increasing selenite concentrations, and observation which was controversely to that exhibited in Anabaena cultures. Acid and alkalize phosphatase activity decreased in both organisms with increasing Se concentrations

Interactive effects of salinity with some hormonal and non hormonal growth substances on chlorella fusca I- biomass and photosynthetic pigments

The response of Chlorella fusca to different salinization treatment was followed. Dry weight and pigment concentrations were stimulated with salinization up to the levels of 80 mM NaCl, beyond which they were retarded. Also, growth and pigment contents were stimulated at 10-6, 10-5 M concentrations of IAA, kinetin, GA3 and thiourea relevant to control. These chemicals counterated the adverse effect of salinity on Chlorella cells. IAA was the most effective substance followed by kinetin, GA3 and thiourea

Interactive effects of salinity with some hormonal and non-hormonal growth substances on chlorella fusca II- nitrate reductase activity, proline and protein contents

Sodium chloride at 320 mM increased proline content but suppressed protein accumulation and nitrate reductase activity of Chlorella fusca. 10-5 M, 10-6 M of GA3, IAA, kinetin and thiourea increased protein, proline and NRA of the algal cells relevant to control. The four used growth substances reacted in antagonism with NaCl in the same parameters. In counteracting, the adverse effect of salinity, IAA was more effective, while thiourea was the least effective one