Microbial and Mycotoxic study on commercially available cinnamon in Egypt

The investigation was performed to assess the microbial profile, mycotoxin content and antibacterial activity of cinnamon in Egyptian retail. A total of 180 samples, representing loose, filter-bags and barks commercial available products were collected and examined in dry and drink form. The results indicated that, in the dry form, total viable bacteria, spore-forming viable bacteria and fungal count [molds and yeasts] as well as total aflatoxin were the highest in loose samples while the lowest were in bark group. Among the drink form, only the loose group was contaminated with low numbers, i.e, 3.4 x 10[1], 3.2 x 10[1] and 4 x 10[1] CFU/g of total viable bacteria, spore-forming bacteria and fungal count, respectively, with significant reduction [p<0.05] in comparison with the dry form. Nevertheless, no detectable levels of coliform group, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella sp, Clostridium perfringins and ochratoxin A were found in any of the samples. Common pathogenic bacteria, E. coli showed sensitivity to 2%, B. cereus and staph. aureus were sensitive to 3% ethanolic extract, while no response was found against aqueous extract. Finally, good quality and preparation protocol may have the advantage to reduce microbial and mycotoxin hazards

Is esophageal band ligation superior to injection sclerotherapy of varices

Although endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is widely used to treat bleeding oesophageal varices effectively, it has several complications. Endoscopic band ligation of the varices claimed to be more safe and effective. The aim in this study was to assess that effcacy and safty of EVL [endoscopic variceal ligation] and compare the results withthoes of EIS [endoscopic injection sclerotherapy]. Compared 42 patients in EVL group to 43 patients in EIS group with follow up more than 6 months, active bleeding which was present in 0.5% in EVL group was successfully controlled in 88.2% compared to 78.9% controll in EIS groupwhere the active bleeding was 44.2%. Also the incidence of re-bleeding, oblitration of the varices and complications were statistically non-significant. We concluded that both techniques were effective without big advantage of one over the other, but everyone has preferable situations. Combination of both techniques may be better than either one alone

Octreotide infusion plus emergency sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy alone for the control of bleeding oesophageal varices: a prospective randomized clinical trial

In a prospective trial, 189 patients with acute variceal bleeding were underwent emergency sclerotherapy of them, 93 patients were randomly assigned to receive a continuous infusion of octreotide [25 microgram per hour] for 5 days [group II]. The rest of patients [96 patients] treated with only sclerotherapy [group I]. After 7 days of follow up, the proportion of patients who had survived without re-bleeding was higher in group II patients who treated with both urgently sclerotherapy and octreotide [89 of 93 patients or 95.7%] than in patients treated with emergency sclerotherapy alone [group I]. The mean number of units of blood transfused was lower in group II than in group I. Also, bleeding was controlled rapidly in group II [2.26 +/- 0.8 days] versus group II [2.84 +/- 0.84 days]

Prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with bleeding oesophageal varices: clinical significance and impact on the outcome of sclerotherapy

The aim of the work was to find out the prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with bleeding varices and its clinical significance. 200 patients with bleeding esophageal varices were included. Viral markers for hepatitis B and for hepatitis C were done by ELISA and confirmed by RIBA test for all patients with Anti-HCV positive ELISA. Endoscopic sclerotherapy is done for all patients every week until complete eradication then every 3 months for one year. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 55% and HBsAg 8%, both viruses 5.5%. There was a significant number of patients positive to hepatitis markers categorized under child B and C than in patients negative to hepatitis markers. Moreover, most patients positive to both markers were child B and C mainly. Re-bleeding from esophageal varices was more in patients positive to viral markers when compared to negative patients. Patients with both viruses had the highest rate of re-bleeding

Value of sclerotherapy of bleeding oesophageal varices on the portal blood flow

It is well known nowadays that injection sclerotherapy of esophageal varices is the best method for controlling the life-threatening hemorrhage due to its rupture, and for the prevention of re-bleeding. There are many controversies regarding the effect of esophageal sclerotherapy on the portal blood flow. In the 16 patients using pulsed colored Doppler sonographic examination before starting esophageal sclerotherapy and after complete eradication of esophageal varices, it is found that portal blood flow was increased in 15 patients and decreased in 1 patient [which may be due to partial portal vein thrombosis, which were existed before sclerotherapy]. The mean increase in portal blood flow was about 26%. So, endoscopic sclerotherapy increases the blood flow, preserves the hepatopetal direction of the blood and portal vein thrombosis related to this type of therapy could not be detected

Study of some health problems among school aged swimming pool swimmers

One hundred school aged swimmers were selected, interviewed and examined for symptoms and signs of infection and/or irritation. Stool and urine samples as well as swimming pool water, floor water and articles swab samples were collected from analysis and/or culture. From the results obtained, it was concluded that chemical irritation of the mucous membranes and skin due to hyperchlorination of the pool water was the most common striking health problem. With proper maintenance and obey of the health instructions swimming pool will be quite safe when used. Therefore, the followings were recommended: Proper adjustment of chlorination of the pool water, strict application of the pool health instructions by all swimmers, health education of swimmers and parents about the importance of changing the unhealthful practices, periodic chemical and microbial analysis of the pool water and its surroundings to make sure that it is safe and nonhazardous

Duodenal varices and its treatment by endoscopic sclerotherapy

This study comprised 8 patients with different stages of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis presented with haematemesis and melena or melena alone, proved by endoscopic examination to have bleeding duodenal varices Because of the critical condition of the patient, injection sclerotherapy was tried and the results were very successful as no further bleeding occurred and by follow up endoscopy, the varices completely disappeared. In three cases superficial ulcerations were noticed but completely healed on follow up after one month treatment by sucralfate 4 gm/day