Prevalence of cysticercus bovis and effect of cooking on its viability

Taenia saginata infection is found wherever raw or undercooked beef is eaten. Supervised slaughtering and good methods of cooking can control infection. Random samples of bovine meat and serum were collected from 100 cattle slaughtered in Assiut abattoir and inspected for Cysticercus bovis. Infected samples were processed for different methods of cooking and the viability of the cysts was estimated. The prevalence of infection was [8%] and [29%] by inspection and serology respectively. Boiling is a safer cooking, grilling and braising are susceptible while roasting is risky when rare-done

Prevalence of sarcocystis in bovine meat and effect of cooking on its viability

Sarcocystis is one of the important parasites infecting bovine meat. Protection from infection needs supervised slaughtering and good cooking. Random samples of bovine meat and serum were collected from 100 cattle slaughtered in Assiut abattoir, inspected and examined macroscopically, microscopically and serologically for sarcocysts. The prevalence of infection by macroscopic examination was [2%] and microscopic examination was [64%], while the seroprevelance was [71%]. Infected meat samples were processed for different methods of cooking and the viability of Sarcocystis was estimated by antigen capture ELISA. The parasite lost its viability and antigenicity by heating at 66-68. The best safe methods for protection from infection were boiling for 10-20 minutes and grilling of small meat samples for 10 minutes and large samples for 20 minutes while roasting is risky when cooked as raredone

Assessment of nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients

The study was done to identify which parameters are most useful to be used for nutrition assessment in pediatric cancer patients. The study included 70 pediatric cancer patients [48 males and 22 females] age 4-10 years. Patients were classified into groups based on type of cancer [Lymphoma, leukemia and rhabdomyosarcoma]. The period of the study was divided into 3 stages according to treatment [initial, during and at the end of the 6 months period]. The patients were subjected to nutrition assessment through using 24 hours dietary recall and anthropometric measurements. Also the relationship between nutrient intake and socioeconomic status of the patients was studied. The results showed positive between each of triceps skinfold [TSF], arm circumference [AC], arm muscle circumference [ANC], height [Ht] and weight categories [as a percent of ideal body weight]. These parameters can be used to assess nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients throughout the stages of treatment. The results of the 24 hours dietary recall showed a decrease in protein and caloric intake of all the patients by the end of the 6 months period. All the patients had low intake of vitamins A and C and calcium. A positive correlation was found between the intake of these 3 nutrients and socioeconomic level of the patients