Molecular Detection of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes (qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr) in Drug Resistant Escherichia coli, Sudan

Background: The quinolone group, a synthetic antimicrobial, is widely used worldwide to treat many diseases, including those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli and others are among the bacteria that produce quinolone resistance genes (qnr) such as qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr. Objective: The present study aimed to the isolate Escherichia coli from patients attending some Hospitals in Wad Medani city, identification of drug resistance patterns and detection of the frequency of quinolones resistance genes; qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr among isolated strains. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, hospital-based study included 119 Escherichia coli strains was conducted. A designed questionnaire used for demographic data collection and the attitude toward antimicrobials usage. Clinical specimens were processed for aerobic bacterial isolation and identification. Antimicrobial sensitivity performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique according to the CLSI guidelines. Presence of qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr genes was assessed by multiplex PCR. Results: Most strains of Escherichia coli originated from urine 53.8% (64/119) and wounds 42.9% (51/119) specimens. Meropenem had the best effect against tested strains with susceptibility of 85% (101/119). Multiplex PCR assay, using specific primers, demonstrated that 41.2% (49/119) and 37.8% (45/119) of isolated Escherichia coli possessed qnrA and aac(6?)-Ib-cr genes respectively. Conclusion: The high rate of qnrA and aac (6)-Ib-cr genes among Escherichia coli necessitate the usage of molecular tools in detecting the genetic determinants of drug resistance microorganisms in countries such as Sudan.

Green-synthetized selenium nanoparticles using berberine as a promising anticancer agent / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The chemo-preventative and therapeutic properties of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been documented over recent decades and suggest the potential uses of SeNPs in medicine. Biogenic SeNPs have higher biocompatibility and stability than chemically synthesized nanoparticles, which enhances their medical applications, especially in the field of cancer therapy. This study evaluated the potential of green-synthetized SeNPs by using berberine (Ber) as an antitumor agent and elucidated the mechanism by which these molecules combat Ehrlich solid tumors (ESTs).@*METHODS@#SeNPs containing Ber (SeNPs-Ber) were synthesized using Ber and Na@*RESULTS@#Treatment with SeNPs-Ber significantly improved the survival rate and decreased the body weight and tumor size, compared to the EST group. SeNPs-Ber reduced oxidative stress in tumor tissue, as indicated by a decrease in the lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and an increase in the glutathione levels. Moreover, SeNPs-Ber activated an apoptotic cascade in the tumor cells by downregulating the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression rate and upregulating the Bcl-2-associated X protein and caspase-3 expression rates. SeNPs-Ber also considerably improved the histopathological alterations in the developed tumor tissue, compared to the EST group.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study provides a new insight into the potential role of green-synthesized SeNPs by using Ber as a promising anticancer agent, these molecules could be used alone or as supplementary medication during chemotherapy.

Prospective production of fructose and single cell protein from date palm waste

BACKGROUND: Fructose and single cell protein are important products for the food market. Abundant amounts of low-grade dates worldwide are annually wasted. In this study, highly concentrated fructose syrups and single cell protein were obtained through selective fermentation of date extracts by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS: The effect of air flow (0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 vvm) and pH (4.5, 4.8, 5, 5.3 and 5.6) was investigated. Higher air flow led to lower fructose yield. The optimum cell mass production of 10 g/L was achieved at air flow of 1.25 vvm with the fructose yield of 91%. Similar cell mass production was obtained in the range pH of 5.0­5.6, while less cell mass was obtained at pH less than 5. Controlling the pH at 4.5, 5.0 and 5.3 failed to improve the production of cell mass which were 5.6, 5.9 and 5.4 g/L respectively; however, better fructose yield was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Extension of the modified Gompertz enabled excellent predictions of the cell mass, fructose production and fructose fraction. The proposed model was also successfully validated against data from literatures. Thus, the model will be useful for wide application of biological processes.

Taurine as a Drug for Protection of Liver and Kidney against Toxicity of Dinitrotoluene on Male Rats (Applicable Study)

Technical grade dinitrotoluene (tg-DNT) [CH3C6H3 (NO2)2] nitroaromatic agents which are manufactured in theindustries and applied in both commercial and military in all over the world and Egypt. DNT causes malfunctions inkidneys, heart, liver, testes and mammary glands in animals and human beings, which may be considered as carcinogenic inexperimental animals and human. Moreover, taurine, a free β-amino acid with remarkable antioxidant activity, hasimportant beneficial effects on the human body; hepatoprotection, nephroprotection, cardiovascular protection,hypoglycemic impact and hypolipidemicaction. Currently, taurine level in the serum is used as early marker of breast,endometrial and colon cancers. The current research was aimed to explore the potential impacts of the antioxidantproperties of taurine as a protecting material on tg-DNT induced toxicity in the liver and kidney in male rats. 100apparently healthy male rats in 4 groups were included; the first is Frank control group, mouth feeding via gavage withdistilled water; the other groups were administered as following, taurine alone, tg-DNT alone (toxic group), taurine + tgDNT (protective group) in the second, third and fourth groups, respectively. In these groups, blood biochemistry and taurineconcentrations in serum were measured for all animals. Furthermore, histopathological examination studies for liver andkidney were done for all groups. The results showed that, the protective group has marked improvement in most biochemicalparameters than the toxic group. Histological studies revealed a significant marked disturbance in the histopathologicalarchitectures of the kidney and liver in all toxic rats. However, marked improvements in histological architectures wereobserved in protective group. The results support the ameliorative effect of taurine as a protective agent against tg-DNTtoxicity in experimental rats.

Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation in lateral condyle humeral fractures in pediatrics

Background: Lateral condyle fractures of the distal humerus are the second most common fractures at the elbow in the paediatric population usually between the ages of 6-10 years old making up 5-20% of fractures in children. The aim of the present study was to assess the early results of patients with a displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: Our clinical trial was conducted involving 12 patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Preoperative stage included clinical evaluation, routine investigations and radiological evaluation. Fractures were classified using the Milch. Patients were followed up weekly until radiological union of the fracture was evident. Results: 83.3% of our patients were males, while 16.7% were females. According to mechanism of injury, falling down continues to play a major role in causing disability. At (3-5) weeks all cases were with soft callus remove K wire; at 8 weeks, all cases were with union fracture; but at 12 weeks, one case (8.3%) was with mild stiffness and the rest was with full range of motion. As regards the carrying angle in our study, only 16.7% were with abnormal carrying angle. 33.3% were complicated; one case with mild limitation of motion and valgus; one case with varus and two cases with superficial infection. Conclusions: The open reduction and internal fixation of lateral humeral condyle fracture is the ideal treatment and it has a rate of complications

Kinetic modeling of the simultaneous production of ethanol and fructose by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Ethanol and fructose are two important industrial products that enjoy many uses. In this contribution, their production via selective fermentation of date extract using Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied. Scaling up the process for possible commercialization was investigated in three fermentors with working volume ratio of 1:40:400. Results: Higher ethanol concentration was obtained in the larger fermentor due to conversion of fructose. Fructose yields in the 0.5-L, 7.5-L and 80-L fermentors were 99, 92 and 90%, respectively. Good fitting was obtained with the modified Monod kinetics; however, a better fit of cell mass was obtained with the modified Ghose­Tyagi model which accounts for ethanol inhibition. Conclusions: The modified Gompertz model was expanded to facilitate prediction of products' formation and fructose fractions in all three fermentors. Such expansion will be beneficial in industrial applications.

Patterns of brain injuries associated with maxillofacial fractures and its fate in emergency Egyptian polytrauma patients / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Maxillofacial injuries are commonly encountered in the practice of emergency medicine. More than 50% of patients with these injuries have multisystem trauma that requires coordinated management between emergency physicians and surgical specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and trauma surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the patterns of brain injuries associated with maxillofacial trauma and its outcome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This descriptive study (cross-sectional) was carried out among 90 polytrauma patients with maxillofacial fractures attending the Emergency Department at Suez Canal university Hospital and fulfilling our inclusion and exclusion criteria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>This study demonstrates the relation between type of maxillofacial fracture and type of traumatic brain injuries in which the majority of patients with epidural hemorrhage presented with mid face fractures (60%), while the minority of them presented with upper and lower face fractures (20% for each of them). The majority of patients with subdural hemorrhage were associated with mid face fractures (75%), the majority of patients with brain contusions associated with mid face fractures (75%), and all of the patients presented by pneumocephalus were associated with mid face fractures (100%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of this study confirm the value of quick diagnosis and early intervention, which is fundamental to prevent morbidity as well as mortality especially with regards to prevention of traumatic brain injury as even a short duration of hypoxia and edema will lead to significant permanent neurological deficits.</p>

Improvement of Domperidone Solubility and Dissolution Rate by Dispersion in Various Hydrophilic Carriers.

The aim of this work was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly-soluble, weakly-basic, anti-emetic drug; domperidone (DMP) using solid dispersion technique. Solubility studies of DMP with various hydrophilic carriers including sorbitol, mannitol, PEG 4000, PEG 6000, pluronic F-68 and pluronic F-127 were performed. Pluronic F-68 and pluronic F-127 showed the highest solubilizing effect on DMP and therefore; they were selected for the preparation of solid dispersions in different weight ratios by the fusion method. The solid dispersions were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffractometry (P-XRD), solubility determination and in-vitro dissolution rate studies. FT-IR and DSC studies confirmed the absence of incompatibilities between DMP and the used carriers. DSC and P-XRD studies proved the transformation of drug from crystalline to amorphous state in the prepared solid dispersions. The results showed marked improvement of DMP solubility and dissolution rate from the solid dispersions compared with the pure drug and indicated the superiority of solid dispersions prepared with pluronic F-68 over those prepared with pluronic F-127. It can be concluded that solid dispersion technique was an effective tool in the enhancement of DMP dissolution.

Relationship between glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma with sensorineural deafness

Objective: to study whether there is an increase in the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss among patients suffering from primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted at the ophthalmology and ENT clinic of prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein military hospital between Jan.2012 and Aug 2013. All patients who attended to the ophthalmology clinic and found to have primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma were referred to the ENT clinic for hearing assessment after performing detailed ophthalmological -examination. Those results were compared with that of a control group

Results: sensorineural hearing loss was found in 6% of patients in the control group and in 9.7% [p value > 0.05] of patients with primary open angle glaucoma. On the other hand it was found in 34.3 %[ p value < 0.05] and 30.3 %[ p value < 0.05] among patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation syndrome respectively

Conclusion: this study provides evidence regarding the effect of pseudoexfoliation of the eye and its severity on the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss which in turn suggests that pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a systemic disease which may have otological involvement manifested as sensorineural hearing loss

Ocular manifestations in patients with senile sensorineural deafness: experience at Prince Rashid Bin Al-Hussien hospital

Objectives: To screen patients having senile sensorineural hearing loss [presbycusis] for the presence of age- related changes in their eyes particularly age- related macular degeneration

Method: A prospective study conducted at prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan Military hospital, Irbid Jordan between March 2016 and May 2016. Three- hundred and forty-five patients diagnosed with senile sensorineural hearing loss [Presbycusis] at the ENT clinic were referred to the ophthalmology clinic to perform comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity [VA], anterior segment examination using slit lamp biomicroscope, applanation tonometry using Goldmann applanation tonometer and dilated fundus examination using non-contact 78 diopter lens

Results: Three- hundred and forty-five patients aged between 45 and 87 years [mean 64.4 +/- 12.5 years] were included in the study. One-hundred and fifty-seven [45.8%] were females with a mean age of 62 years. The mean visual acuity was [0.6]. Arcus senilis was present in [53.6%] of patients with slight male predominance. Cataract was found in [55.9%] of patients. Pseudoexfoliative material on the anterior capsule of the lens and/or pupillary margin was found in [8.3%] of patients. Glaucoma was found in [3.2%] of patient's eyes. Age-related macular degeneration was found in [20.1%] of patients

Conclusion: Age related macular degeneration and pseudo exfoliation syndrome were present at higher frequency among patients with presbycusis. There was no increase in the frequency of arcus senilis, cataract and glaucoma among those patients

Effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles on experimental fatty liver

Background and aims: Although the beneficial effects of exercise on fatty liver have been described, a previous study conducted at our department showed that transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation [TEMS] of lower abdominal muscles aggravated fatty liver. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of TEMS of the lower limb muscles to improve fatty liver infiltration

Material and methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: control; fructose-fed [F], fed fructose-enriched diet for 6 weeks; and fructose-fed with transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation [F + TEMS], fed fructose-enriched diet for 6 weeks and lower limb muscles subjected to TEMS during the last 3 weeks of feeding, five sessions/week. Body weight, length, body mass index [BMI], and abdominal and lower limb circumferences were all recorded. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], total protein, serum albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglyceride [TG], and total cholesterol [TC] levels were measured. LDL cholesterol [LDL-C] and the atherogenic index [AI] were calculated. Absolute and relative hepatic weights as well as histological examination of the liver were assessed

Results: Final body weight, abdominal and lower limb circumferences, absolute liver weight, homoeostasis model assessment [HOMA] score, and TG, LDL-C, AI, serum ALT, and AST levels were all significantly reduced in the [F + TEMS] group compared to the [F] group. There was a significant increase in GPx and HDL-C levels, HDL/LDL ratio, and total protein and serum albumin content in [F + TEMS] rats compared to [F] rats. Histologically, hepatic tissue from [F + TEMS] rats had minimal steatotic changes that were restricted to zone 1 and less marked inflammatory cell infiltration compared to [F] rats

Conclusion: TEMS was able to reverse steatosis, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and fatty liver caused by fructose feeding. The study confirmed that the variation in the anatomical site of skeletal muscle contraction affects fatty liver in different ways

Morphometric Study of the Right Coronary Artery.

Introduction: The anatomy of the coronary arteries is fascinating and most varied. The aim of the present work was to study the gross anatomy of the right coronary artery (RCA) regarding its importance for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Materials and Methods: The material of the present study included 30 preserved hearts obtained from the dissecting rooms of anatomy departments, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University and Alexandria University. Results: Present study revealed that the length of the first segment of RCA ranged from 5.7 to 8.0 cm with a mean of 6.3 ± 0.6 cm; Its external diameter ranged from 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm with a mean of 5.1 ± 0.7 mm. The length of the second segment of RCA ranged from 3.4 to 6.0 cm with a mean of 4.9 ± 0.7 cm; Its external diameter ranged from 3.1 mm to 5.6 mm with a mean of 4.3 ± 0.8 mm. The right conus artery was found to arise at a distance 0.5 to 2.4 cm with a mean of 1.5 ± 0.6 cm from the beginning of RCA. At a distance 0.6 cm to 2.6 cm with a mean of 1.6 ± 0.6 cm from its beginning, the RCA was found to give its SAN branch. At a distance 2.7 cm to 5.6 cm with a mean of 4.2 ± 0.8 cm from its beginning, the RCA was found to give its acute marginal branch. Whether it terminated at or beyond the cardiac crux, RCA was found to give origin to the posterior interventricular branch in all specimens. In all specimensthe AVN artery was found to arise from RCA at the region of cardiac crux. Myocardial bridging was recorded in 2 specimens. Conclusion: This study directs the attention towards the importance of the right coronary artery in the supply of the myocardium and the patterns obtained here may be clinically relevant during percutaneous coronary interventions or surgical revascularization.

Anal Wound and Sphincter Repair from under Its Floor by Buried Stitches.

Objective: Blunt and penetrating injuries to the anus and rectum are uncommon. Considerable debate remains regarding the optimal treatment of anorectal injuries. This report offers a technique for repair of anorectal wound from under its floor. Design: The anorectal wound was repaired by multiple double incomplete circular stitches under its floor. Setting: This study was conducted in the General Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Patients: This study was undertaken on 20 patients (15 male and 5 female with mean age of 40.7 years) with anorectal wounds from April 2012 to May 2014. Interventions: Under general or spinal anesthesia, primary repair of anorectal wounds by special stitches passed under the wound floor not crossing the wound edges, without fecal diversion and presacral drainage. Results: In 12 patients, the technique was done under general anesthesia and the remainder under spinal anesthesia. The anorectal wounds were healed within 8 weeks. Early complications included superficial wound infection in 15 patients, urine retention in 9 patients, and transient incontinence in 18 patients for period ranged from 4 to 6 weeks. No permanent incontinence, no deep infection, no abscess or fistular formation, no keyhole deformity, and no mortality were recorded. Conclusion: Our technique for primary repair of anal wound and sphincter is simple, effective, and no need for fecal diversion or presacral drainage.

Prevalence and correlates of tobacco use among school-going adolescents in Madagascar

Approximately 90% of adults start smoking during adolescence, with limited studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries where over 80% of global tobacco users reside. The study aims to estimate prevalence and identify predictors associated with adolescents' tobacco use in Madagascar. We utilized tobacco-related information of 1184 school-going adolescents aged 13-15 years, representing a total of 296,111 youth from the 2008 Madagascar Global Youth Tobacco Survey to determine the prevalence of tobacco use. Gender-wise multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to identify key predictors. Approximately 19% [30.7% males; 10.2% females] of adolescents currently smoke cigarettes, and 7% [8.5% males and 5.8% females] currently use non-cigarette tobacco products. Regardless of sex, peer smoking behavior was significantly associated with increased tobacco use among adolescents. In addition, exposures to tobacco industry promotions, secondhand smoke [SHS] and anti-smoking media messages were associated with tobacco use. The strong gender gap in the use of non-cigarette tobacco products, and the role of peer smoking and industry promotions in adolescent females' tobacco use should be of major advocacy and policy concern. A comprehensive tobacco control program integrating parental and peer education, creating social norms, and ban on promotions is necessary to reduce adolescents' tobacco use

Assessment of the nutritional knowledge and nutrient intake among lactating women and its impact on body mass index

The study was done to assess the nutritional knowledge and nutrients intake among lactating women. The total sample size was 151 lactating women selected randomly from those attending the breastfeeding clinic at the center for social and preventive medicine [CSPM]. The results revealed that obesity was the dominant feature in 47.7% of cases, while overweight and normal weight constituted 26.5% and 25.8% respectively. The majority of the women had very good nutrition knowledge [77.5%], while 22.5% had a good knowledge. 76.2% women were at risk of hunger and 23.8 were fed secure. Poor maternal dietary quality may have implications for both mother and child, and socioeconomic position and nutritional knowledge are likely to be important. Effective interventions to support mothers to achieve healthy diets for themselves and their families are needed. Lactation period is an opportunity to increase awareness of the mother toward healthy nutritional practices. Achievement and maintenance of good dietary habits is expected to duplicate the benefit of health outcomes when mothers become models for their children and their families. Nutrition education for mothers should be provided in the all health and PHC centers that deal with breastfeeding mothers. It also important to increase awareness of lactating mother's and educate them about the quality of diet through mass media

Comparative Study between Molecular Diagnosis and Different Diagnostic Methods of Schistosma haematobium in Gezira State Sudan.

Over 650 million people globally are at risk of infection with Schistosomiasis, with more than 200 million people infected, and higher disease rates occur in children. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the Molecular diagnostic method with different diagnostic methods (urine filtration, haematuria ultrasound). Methods: Eighty three students of Quran School for boys in Radwan village, Gezira state were recruited. The mean age was 12.45±3.2 with a range between 6-20 years. Urine samples were collected. Different diagnostic methods were used. DNA was extracted from the eggs. Polymerase Chain Reaction was done for all samples. Results: Fifty-four percent of the cases were positive with urine filtration method, of whom microhaematuria was seen in 28%, while 61.4% were positive by ultrasound. Using polymerase chain reaction 73.3% of the samples were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. The comparison between the different diagnostic methods and gold standard urine filtration techniques showed that haematuria had a sensitivity of 42.2% and specificity of 89.4% with a significant association, (P<0.05). No, significant difference was found with ultrasound (P>0.05) which had a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 50%, while PCR showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 60.5%, showing a significant association between PCR and filtration techniques. Conclusion: The study concluded that PCR was 100% sensitivite, while microhaematuria method was highly specific 89%. Ultrasound had alower specificity as compared with other diagnostic tests. It is recommended that different diagnostic techniques should be applied according to the situation of the disease.

Ameliorative effect of citrus peel extract on castration-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney of rats.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of citrus peel in the redox status of liver and kidney in castrated rats. Twenty four Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Group I was used as control. Group II was castration group, Group III was normal rats treated with citrus peel and Group IV was citrus peel castration group. Liver and kidney function and oxidative stress markers were measured. In addition, histopathological changes of liver and kidney were examined. Castration enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both liver and kidney with concomitant reduction in glutathione. In addition, castration caused liver and kidney injuries as indicated by histopathological changed of the liver and kidney with a disturbance in the functions of liver and kidney. Citrus peel protected liver and kidney through decreasing the oxidative stress stimulating the antioxidant defense system. From the present results, it can be concluded that the decrease in liver and kidney damages during citrus peel treatment may be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress overproduction and maintenance of antioxidant defense mechanisms of this extract.

Microbiological Characterization and Physicochemical Properties of Sudanese Honeys.

Aim: Honey is not always a safe product and in some instances it is spoiled by the growth of micro-organisms. The aim of the study was to characterize honey on biological and physicochemical basis. Study Design: Determination of the microbial loads in the Sudanese honey brands and characterization of their physicochemical properties. Methodologies: Several microbiological tests were employed for the determination of the microbial loads. The methods of Association of the Official Analytical Chemists were employed for the physicochemical properties. Results: The microbiological tests were negative for Escherichia coli, and total coliforms (mpn/ml). Few honey brands contained Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, yeasts and moulds. The maximum total viable bacteria count was > 3.77 log. cfu/ml. The results of the physical parameters tested were as follows: pH 3.6, specific gravity 1.2, viscosity 120.7 Poise, and refractive index 1.4., moisture 18.2%, acidity 54.2 (meq/kg), total sugars 70.5%, fructose 32.1%, glucose 32.8%, and sucrose 5.5%. Conclusion: The physicochemical properties of the investigated samples comply with the Codex Alimintarius Standards for honey. However, some honey brands contained yeasts, moulds, as well as some pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum. Thus the study justified the importance of the proper processing condition of the honey such as the hygiene of beekeepers and beekeeping tools, pasteurization or irradiation of the honey.

Modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway by dietary phytochemicals.

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), also known as NFE2L2, has emerged as a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in cellular protection against free radical damage and reduce the incidence of the radical derived degenerative diseases such as cancer. Nrf2 is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to ARE leading to induction of a verity of ARE driven detoxification and antioxidant genes. In basal conditions, Nrf2 is sequestered in the cytoplasm by an inhibitory partner the cytoskeletal anchoring protein Kelch-like ECH associated protein-1 (Keap1) through extensive hydrogen bonds. Inducers dissociate this complex, allowing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus. A number of studies have elucidated that nutritional compounds can modulate the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 system. This review aims to discuss some of the key nutritional compounds that enhance the activation of Nrf2, with consequent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defensive effects.

Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits in vitro biofilm formation capacity of Candida albicans isolated from recurrent urinary tract infections

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the prevention of recurrent candiduria using natural based approaches and to study the antimicrobial effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) extract and the biofilm forming capacity of Candida albicans strains in the present of the H. sabdariffa extract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this particular study, six strains of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans isolated from recurrent candiduria were used. The susceptibility of fungal isolates, time-kill curves and biofilm forming capacity in the present of the H. sabdariffa extract were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Various levels minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract were observed against all the isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/mL. Time-kill experiment demonstrated that the effect was fungistatic. The biofilm inhibition assay results showed that H. sabdariffa extract inhibited biofilm production of all the isolates.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of the study support the potential effect of H. sabdariffa extract for preventing recurrent candiduria and emphasize the significance of the plant extract approach as a potential antifungal agent.</p>