Genetic virulence of biofilm-forming Salmonella recovered from chicken sausages and nuggets

Aims@#Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses worldwide. Poultry meat and products are the main sources of human infection. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to assess the genetic virulence of biofilm-forming Salmonella isolated from chicken sausage and nuggets.@*Methodology and results@#Isolation of Salmonella was carried out using XLD agar; suspected colonies were identified biochemically and then serotyped using the Kauffman-White scheme for detection of somatic (O) and flagellar (H) antigens. Congo red (CR) medium was used for the assessment of biofilm formation of the isolated strains. The invasion gene (invA), the heat-labile Salmonella enterotoxin gene (stn), plasmid-encoded fimbriae (pefA) genes, the protein effectors sopB, sopD and biofilm genes in six Salmonella isolates were investigated using mPCR, following QIAamp® DNA Mini Kit instructions and 1.5% agarose gel electrophoreses. Salmonella was detected in 12%, 8% and 4% of the examined frozen packaged raw chicken sausage, frozen packaged raw chicken nuggets and ready-to-eat sausage. The isolated strains were S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Essen and S. Montevideo. Moreover, mPCR indicated the presence of biofilm gene (csgD gene), stn, sopB and sopD virulence genes in all isolated strains (100%); however, pefA gene failed to be detected.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The current findings showed that every Salmonella isolate examined was capable of creating biofilm at room temperature. As a result, these isolates are more likely to persist on abiotic surfaces, which raises the danger of cross-contamination and foodborne outbreaks.

Capability of acidic electrolyzed water in the elimination of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli in the chicken breast

Aims@#This study aimed to investigate the effect of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) as pre-refrigeration and pre-freezing processing steps for chicken meat in regard to the behavior of S. Typhimurium and E. coli during storage.@*Methodology and results@#AEW (free available chlorine 30 ppm and pH 2.7) was tested against S. Typhimurium and E. coli in growth media (brain heart infusion broth) and by exposing inoculated chicken fillets. The in vitro study appointed 10 minutes as the straightening exposure time of fresh prepared AEW for S. Typhimurium and E. coli. The reduction effect of AEW was significant (p<0.05) for both S. Typhimurium and E. coli along the 8 days of refrigerated storage with a maximum reduction after 24 h of post-treatment reaching 23.3% (1.4 log CFU/g) and 32.43% (2.15 log CFU/g) for S. Typhimurium and E. coli, respectively. AEW resulted in a significant reduction (p<0.05) as a pre-freezing application for both microorganisms, where the maximum reductions of 20% (1.2 log CFU/g) and 31.84% (2.14 log CFU/g) for S. Typhimurium and E. coli, respectively, were reported at zero time (just after dipping). In exposed samples to AEW, S. Typhimurium could not be detected by the 6th week of frozen storage while E. coli continued detectable until till 10th week but with a reduced population of 30% compared to control.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The findings of the present study suggest the application of AEW as a pre-refrigeration and pre-freezing treatment for chicken products. AEW application significantly improved the safety of chicken products.

Epidemiology and survival of colon cancer among Egyptians: a retrospective study / Epidemiologia e sobrevida para o câncer de cólon entre egípcios: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the 4th commonest cancer in the world. Studies had shown different tumor behavior depending on the site, pathology and stage. However the characters of Egyptian colon cancer patients are not well addressed. Method: Computerized registry of a tertiary cancer hospital in Egypt was searched for colon cancer cases. Demographic, pathologic and treatment data were collected and analyzed using SPSS program. Results: About 360 colon cancer patients attended our center in the last 12 years. Tumor characters showed great diverse from that of developed countries, with especially different prognosis and survival. Conclusion: Egyptians have unique tumor characters and behavior, and different compliance with treatment regimens. Multicenter prospective studies, as well as evolving Egyptian treatment guidelines are needed to address this.

RESUMO Introdução: Câncer colorretal é a quarta neoplasia mais comum a nível mundial. Estudos demonstraram diferentes comportamentos do tumor, dependendo do local, da patologia e do estágio. Contudo, ainda não estão devidamente definidas as características dos pacientes egípcios com câncer de cólon. Métodos: Foi realizada pesquisa no registro computadorizado de um hospital terciário para pacientes com câncer, à busca de casos de câncer de cólon. Foi feita coleta de dados demográficos, patológicos e terapêuticos. Tais dados foram então submetidos à análise com o programa SPSS. Resultados: Nos últimos 12 anos, cerca de 360 pacientes portadores de câncer de cólon foram atendidos em nosso Centro. As características dos tumores demonstraram grandes diferenças em comparação com os achados de países desenvolvidos e, em especial, com relação ao prognóstico e à sobrevida. Conclusão: Os egípcios exibem características e comportamentos singulares com relação aos tumores, além de diferentes graus de cooperação com os regimes terapêuticos. Para que tais aspectos sejam sanados, há necessidade de mais estudos prospectivos multicêntricos, bem como de um aprimoramento das diretrizes terapêuticas para os egípcios.

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of the Ternary Mixture of Caffeine, Dipyrone and Drotaverine Hydrochloride in Tablet Dosage Form.

This work describes a simple, rapid, and reliable HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of caffeine (CAF), dipyrone (DIP) and drotaverine hydrochloride (DRV). Chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed phase Waters Symmetry C18 (3.9×150 mm, 5 μm particle size) column with gradient elution of the mobile phase composed of 0.05 M orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The gradient elution started with 15% (by volume) acetonitrile ramped up linearly to 60% in 3 min then kept at this percentage till the end of the run. The flow rate was 1mL/min. Quantification was based on measuring peak areas at 210 nm. The analytes were resolved with retention times 1.47, 2.39 and 7.17 min for DIP, CAF and DRV, respectively. Analytical performance of the proposed procedure was validated with respect to system suitability, linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, robustness, detection and quantification limits. The linearity ranges were 10-200, 5-100 and 5-100 μg/mL for DIP, CAF and DRV, respectively. The validated HPLC method was applied to the simultaneous determination of the three drugs in several laboratory-prepared mixtures of different ratios. Finally, laboratory made tablets containing the three drugs were assayed using the developed procedure where no interfering peaks were encountered from the tablet additives.

metabolic effect of partial lipectomy in old aged rats and the associated changes in the anti -atherogenic index: adiponectin/leptin ratio

The function of adipose tissue deteriorates with aging, but adipose tissue beside its energy storing ability it acts as a sink for free fatty acids. Thereafter, the present study tried to evaluate the outcome of lipectomy with aging, a maneuver widely used now as liposuction, taking in consideration the conflicting effects of Adiponectin and Leptin on the atherogenic changes. Aged-24 month, male, albino rats were divided into two main groups according to the duration after lipectomy [Group-I, one week and Group II, 6 weeks]. Each group included sham-operated control group and lipectomized group. Rats in all groups were subjected for determination of daily food consumption, body weight changes and absolute and relative weight of perirenal fat and liver. Also determination of total Cholesterol, total triglycerides, HDL-c and LDL-c, atherogenic index, blood glucose level and serum levels of Adiponectin and Leptin were done. Then, Adiponectin/ Leptin ratio was calculated. In group I, one week after lipectomy despite of the increase in food intake, the body weight did not increase and the weights of perirenal fat and liver was non-significantly differ from that of control. Also there were significant decrease in TG, LDL-c and atherogenic index as well as non-significant increase in HDL-c. Adiponectin level was increased significantly while Leptin level was decreased significantly with a subsequent significant increase in anti atherogenic index [Adiponectin/leptin ratio]. In addition, blood glucose level was significantly decreased. In group II, six weeks after lipectomy, the food consumption increased in first 3 weeks but it gradually decreased in last three weeks. However, the final body weight as well as the perirenal fat body weight ratio was non-significantly differing from their controls and there was no reaccumulation of fat at the sites of lipectomy. The weight of liver showed significant increase. The levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C, all were increased compared to both their control and to one week lipectomized group. The atherogenic index showed significant increase compared to one week lipectomized group. Leptin was significantly increased and the anti -atherogenic index was significantly decreased compared to one week lipectomized group. The early anti-atherogenic response following lipectomy could be attributed to the increased Adiponectin/ Leptin ratio. The defective fat tissue regeneration due to aging which is suggested to become more worse by lipectomy as well as the reduced anti atherogenic ratio due late increase in Leptin and reduced Adiponectin all, may explain the late worse atherogenic response. Thus, aged person is in need to deal carefully with lipectomy [or other maneuver like liposuction] as fat in their diet may be directed towards their blood vessel wall and /or other tissue as the liver

case of pupil-sparing oculomotor nerve palsy

A 55 year old patient presented with sudden onset drooping of the left upper eyelid and occasional double vision of one day duration. There was no history of vomiting, headache or loss of consciousness. He was diabetic for 22 years, controlled on Metformin 0.5mg twice a day and Mixtard insulin 20 units twice a day. On presentation his vitals were stable and blood sugar [fasting] was 165mg%. Visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes. There was severe ptosis in the left eye. The left eye showed 20 degree exotropia. All ocular movements in the left eye except abduction were limited. Examination of the other cranial nerves was normal. The pupil of the left eye was of normal size and reacting to light. The fundus of the left eye showed mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Examination of the right eye showed normal ocular movements and anterior segment. Fundus of right eye showed mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The patient was followed up and pupil reactions in the left eye remained normal. A diagnosis of pupil sparing oculomotor nerve palsy was made and patient was referred for strict blood sugar control. Patient was asked to occlude the left eye to alleviate diplopia. The ptosis and double vision improved in 6 weeks. The pupil should be carefully evaluated in a case of oculomotor nerve palsy as pupil involving palsy predominantly have a surgical cause and need a neuro-radiological imaging while pupil sparing causes predominantly have medical causes like diabetes and resolve spontaneously

Study of the pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis in Damietta chest diseases hospital and chest clinic over the period from 1997-2001

The pattern of pulmonary Tuberculosis in Damietta chest hospital and chest clinic in the period from 1997-2001 has been studied to give an idea about trends of tuberculosis in Damietta govenonate and about effectiveness of tuberculosis control program in Egypt and comparing these results with other obtained in other areas The data collected included:-I-Total number of subjects examined yearly 2-Total number of tuberculosis cases whether pulmonary or extrapulmonary and their percentage to total number examined .3-Age, and sex and occupation distribution among tuberculosis patients examined .4-Type of pulmonary tuberculosis ;primary, hematogenous, or bronchogenic 5-Grades of bronchogenic tubercolosis radiologically 6-Result of sputum examination either by direct smear or culture. 7-Type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis 8-X ray appearance of lesions 9-Defaulter number and theft percentage. 10-Fate of diseased patients. The study included 1102 cases diagnosed as pulmonary extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and pleural effusion. This cases classified into 792 cases pulmonary tuberculosis, 200 cases extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and 110 cases tuberculosis pleural effusion There were 277 cases in year 1997, 273 cases in year 1998, 214 cases in year 1999, 180 cases in year 2000, 158 cases in year 2001. The results are collected in tables 1-13 The average percentage of pulmonary TB in Damietta Chest Hospital was [71.74%] and extra-pulmonary TB percentage was [18.3%]-The percentage of bronchogenic pulmonary TB was [95%], while primary pulmonary TB was [4.9%]. Pleural effusion percentage was [9.9%]and military TB lesion was [0.1%] in Damietta Chest Hospital .The relapse rate in Damietta Chest Hospital was [6.2%] and treatment failure rate was [10%] while mortality rate was [3.6%]

Correction of rectal procidentia by the use of polypropylene mesh modified notaras posterior mesh rectopexy

Twenty five patients suffering from complete rectal prolapse were operated upon by the "Modified Notaras Posterior Mesh Rectopexy" technique, where the Mersilene mesh was replaced by a polypropylene mesh which is more stiff, remarkably inert and does not soften when wet, so it holds the sutures well. The patients were followed up post-operatively for a period up to 4 years for any complications in the form of recurrence, intestinal obstruction, faecal incontinence or constipation, sepsis or bleeding per rectum and impotence. The technique proved to be simple, rapid, with minimal morbidity and no recurrence