Impact of packaging atmosphere, oregano essential oil, and storage temperature on cold-adapted Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium on ready-to-eat smoked turkey.

The hazard of diseases created by S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium is relatively high in turkey meat products. Combinations of preservation methods are utilized in many strategies, such as mild heat with decreased water activity, a changed atmosphere, refrigerated storage, and decreased heat treatment with some acidification. Within the domain of ready-to-eat food technology, a range of preservation methods are typically utilized to enhance shelf life, such as applying mild heat in tandem with reduced water activity, employing modified atmosphere packaging, utilizing refrigerated storage, and utilizing reduced heat treatment combined with acidification. This investigation aimed to determine how S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium grew when sliced ready-to-eat smoked turkey (RTE-SM) was stored at 0, 5, 10, and 15°C for various periods. The study also examined the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (40% CO2 and 60% N2) and VP on these growth patterns. Total viable count (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pH, and redox potential levels were determined. The control experiment on RTE-SM showed no Salmonella growth within 30 d of storage at any temperature. This indicated that the RTE-SM in use did not initially contain S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. Results indicated that the storage of RTE-SM using a combination of VP, MAP, and MAPEO with storage at 0 and 5°C did not allow for the pathogen to grow throughout storage. In comparison, at 10 and 15°C after one day, which allowed for minor growth (0.17-0.5 log CFU/g)? In contrast, at 0 and 5°C, Salmonella survives until the end of storage (173 d). However, the combination of MAPEO with the same storage temperatures achieved the elimination of the pathogen in the meat after 80 d. The combination of both packaging systems with high temperatures (10 or 15°C) allowed for the multiplication and growth of the bacterium through the product's shelf life of more than 1 log CFU/g. Thus, a combination of MAP or MAPEO with low storage temperatures (0 or 5°C) inhibited the growth of the pathogen.

Does dietary supplementation with lettuce seed oil enhance broiler performance, immunity, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant parameters, and intestinal microbiota?

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of lettuce seed oil (LSO) on the performance, carcass yield, kidney and liver indices, immunity, lipid profile, and cecal microbiota of fattening chicks. A total of 200, 7-day-old Cobb-500 were distributed into 5 experimental groups; each group contained 5 replicates with 8 birds each. The first group 1) the basal diet (only); 2) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (0.50 mL/kg); 3) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (1.00 mL/kg); 4) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (1.50 mL/kg); and 5) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (2.00 mL/kg). No significant effect was observed on growth performance, carcass traits, or kidney function at any level of oil. But, liver function was significantly affected due to LSO levels. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol-TC, triglyceride-TG, low-density lipoprotein-LDL, and very low-density lipoprotein-VLDL) were significantly reduced by using LSO levels compared to the control group. Dietary LSO significantly increased immunological and antioxidant parameters, except for malondialdehyde-MDA, which was reduced. On the other hand, the cecal microbiota was significantly improved by LSO additives. It was concluded that the dietary supplementation of LSO had beneficial effects on liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and the bacteriology of fattening chicks.

Comparable Evaluation of Nutritional Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus toyonensis Probiotic Supplementation on Growth, Feed Utilization, Health, and Fecal Microbiota in Pre-Weaning Male Calves.

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of probiotic supplementation using Lactobacillus plantarum DSA 20174 and/or Bacillus toyonensis ATCC 55050 on growth performance, blood parameters, hematological measures, and fecal microbiota in pre-weaning Holstein calves. Thirty-two four-day-old male calves with a similar genetic background, weighing an average of 38.27 ± 0.12 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups. The groups consisted of a control group (CON) without supplementation, a group receiving B. toyonensis (BT) at 3 × 109 cfu/calf/day, a group receiving L. plantarum (LP) at 1 × 1010 cfu/calf/day, and a group receiving a combination of LP and BT (LP + BT) at half the dosage for each. The study found that calves supplemented with LP and LP + BT experienced significant improvements in average daily gain and final body weight compared to the control group. The LP + BT group showed the most positive effects on TDMI, starter intake, and CP intake. RBC counts tended to be higher in the probiotic groups, with the LP + BT group having the highest values. The LP + BT group also had higher total protein, albumin, globulin, and hematocrit concentrations. All probiotic groups showed higher serum IgG concentrations. Probiotic supplementation led to increased total bacterial count and decreased levels of E. coli, salmonella, and clostridium. The LP + BT group had a significant decrease in coliform count, while both LP and LP + BT groups had increased Lactobacillus populations. In conclusion, LP + BT probiotic supplement showed the most beneficial effects on growth, feed efficiency, blood constituents, and modulation of fecal microbiota composition.

Obstetric Violence among Pregnant Jordanian Women: An Observational Study between the Private and Public Hospitals in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric Violence (OV) is a public health matter that affects women and their children with an incidence rate between 18.3-75.1% globally. The delivery institution of public and private sectors represents a potential factor contributing to OV. This study aimed to assess OV existence among sample of pregnant Jordanian women and its risk factors domains between public and private hospitals. METHODOLOGY: This is a case-control study including 259 recently delivered mothers from Al-Karak Public and Educational Hospital and The Islamic Private Hospital. A designated questionnaire including demographic variables and OV domains was used for data collection. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen between patients delivering in the public sector compared to patients delivering the private sector in education level, occupation, monthly income, delivery supervision and overall satisfaction. Patients delivering in the private sector showed a significantly less physical abuse by the medical staff compared to patients delivering in the public sector, and patients delivering in a private room also showed a significantly less OV and risk of physical abuse compared to patients delivering in shared room. In public settings, medications information was lesser versus the private ones, additionally, there is significant association between performing episiotomy, physical abuse by staff and the delivery in shared rooms in private settings. CONCLUSION: This study showed that OV was less susceptible during childbirth in private settings compared to public settings. Educational status, low monthly income, occupation are risk factors for OV; also, features of disrespect and abuse like obtaining consent for episiotomy performance, delivery provision updates, care perception based on payment ability and medication information were reported.

Characterization and Biodegradation of Phenol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola Strains Isolated from Sewage Sludge and Their Effect on Soybean Seeds Germination.

Phenols are very soluble in water; as a result, they can pollute a massive volume of fresh water, wastewater, groundwater, oceans, and soil, negatively affecting plant germination and animal and human health. For the detoxification and bioremediation of phenol in wastewater, phenol biodegradation using novel bacteria isolated from sewage sludge was investigated. Twenty samples from sewage sludge (SS) were collected, and bacteria in SS contents were cultured in the mineral salt agar (MSA) containing phenol (500 mg/L). Twenty colonies (S1 up to S20) were recovered from all the tested SS samples. The characteristics of three bacterial properties, 16S rDNA sequencing, similarities, GenBank accession number, and phylogenetic analysis showed that strains S3, S10, and S18 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola, respectively. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola were able to degrade 1000 mg/L phenol in the mineral salt medium. The bacterial strains from sewage sludge were efficient in removing 71.70 and 74.67% of phenol at 1000 mg/L within three days and could tolerate high phenol concentrations (2000 mg/L). The findings showed that P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola could potentially treat phenolic water. All soybean and faba bean seeds were germinated after being treated with 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L phenol in a mineral salt medium inoculated with these strains. The highest maximum phenol removal and detoxification rates were P. aeruginosa and K. variicola. These strains may help decompose and detoxify phenol from industrial wastewater with high phenol levels and bioremediating phenol-contaminated soils.

Does the Use of Different Types of Probiotics Possess Detoxification Properties Against Aflatoxins Contamination in Rabbit Diets?

The present work was carried out to study the ability of five probiotics on the in vitro degradation of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1). The best results of in vitro were tested on the detoxification of AFB1 in rabbits. A total of 40 growing New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were assigned to five experimental groups. Animals were fed the following diets: basal diet (control), basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1, basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1. + probiotic 3 (0.5 g/kg diet), basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1 + ajowan (0.5 g/kg diet), and basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1 + probiotic 3 (0.5 g/kg diet) + ajowan (0.5 g/kg diet). Live body weight significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared to the control rabbits. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the live body weight. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. The addition of probiotics increased (P < 0.05) daily body weight gain in all weeks except the first week. Adding ajowan or ajowan + probiotic led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in live body weight gain and feed intake compared to rabbits fed AFB1 alone. The digestion coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and digestible crude protein (DCP) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE, and total digested nutrients (TDN)%. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. Concentrations of serum total protein, albumin and globulin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared with the control rabbits. In conclusion, the addition of probiotic 3 (AVI-5-BAC) + ajowan could be recommended to eliminate the toxicity of AFB1 and improve growth performance criteria in rabbits.

Enhancement of drought tolerance in diverse Vicia faba cultivars by inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria under newly reclaimed soil conditions.

Water deficit has devastating impacts on legume production, particularly with the current abrupt climate changes in arid environments. The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an effective approach for producing natural nitrogen and attenuating the detrimental effects of drought stress. This study investigated the influence of inoculation with the PGPR Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae (USDA 2435) and Pseudomonas putida (RA MTCC5279) solely or in combination on the physio-biochemical and agronomic traits of five diverse Vicia faba cultivars under well-watered (100% crop evapotranspiration [ETc]), moderate drought (75% ETc), and severe drought (50% ETc) conditions in newly reclaimed poor-fertility sandy soil. Drought stress substantially reduced the expression of photosynthetic pigments and water relation parameters. In contrast, antioxidant enzyme activities and osmoprotectants were considerably increased in plants under drought stress compared with those in well-watered plants. These adverse effects of drought stress reduced crop water productivity (CWP) and seed yield-related traits. However, the application of PGPR, particularly a consortium of both strains, improved these parameters and increased seed yield and CWP. The evaluated cultivars displayed varied tolerance to drought stress: Giza-843 and Giza-716 had the highest tolerance under well-watered and moderate drought conditions, whereas Giza-843 and Sakha-4 were more tolerant under severe drought conditions. Thus, co-inoculation of drought-tolerant cultivars with R. leguminosarum and P. putida enhanced their tolerance and increased their yield and CWP under water-deficit stress conditions. This study showed for the first time that the combined use of R. leguminosarum and P. putida is a promising and ecofriendly strategy for increasing drought tolerance in legume crops.

Productive performance, fertility and hatchability, blood indices and gut microbial load in laying quails as affected by two types of probiotic bacteria.

This study investigated two kinds of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus toyonensis, B1 and Bifidobacterium bifidum, B2) on laying Japanese quail's performance, egg quality, fertility and hatchability, blood biochemical characteristics and microbiological parameters. A total of 270 mature quails (180 females and 90 males) were distributed into ten groups in a completely randomized design at eight weeks of age. The experimental groups were as follows: T1: basal diet only (control); T2-T5, basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.125% B1, respectively; T6: basal diet plus 0.10% B2; T7-T10: basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.125% B1 plus 0.05% B2, respectively. Results revealed that egg number (EN) and egg weight (EW) were gradually increased (P < 0.01) as the levels of both probiotic types increased. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P < 0.05) better within the total experimental period (8-20 weeks) due to B1 alone or/with B2 supplementation. Values of yolk percentage (Y%) were statistically (P < 0.01) higher only at 8-20 weeks of age and T10 recorded the highest value. By increasing the level of probiotics, fertility and hatchability percentages (F% and H%) were gradually increased (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Creatinine (CR) level was statistically reduced in birds fed T4 diet. Also, urea-N and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were reduced in treated birds. The opposite was found regarding alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusively, using B1 and B2 enhanced the productive performance, some egg quality traits, fertility and hatchability, digestive enzyme activities, and reduced the harmful bacteria in the gut of laying Japanese quail. Our findings could recommend to apply T4 (basal diet + 0.10 % B1), T6 (basal diet + 0.10% B2) and T9 (basal diet + 0.10% B1 + 0.05% B2) levels for the best results.

Polimorfismos de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa C677T como factor de riesgo para el síndrome de ovario poliquístico en una muestra de mujeres jordanas / Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphisms as a Risk Factor for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Sample of Jordanian Women

Antecedentes: el síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) es un trastorno endocrino reproductivo común, se puede identificar por hiperandrogenismo, oligomenorrea o anovulación y ovarios poliquísticos en la ecografía. Los polimorfismos de la metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) C677T asociados con la hiperhomocisteinemia se encuentran entre los factores de riesgo del síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Objetivo: El presente estudio de casos y controles tiene como objetivo explorar la relación entre los polimorfismos C677T de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) como factor de riesgo y el síndrome de ovario poliquístico entre los pacientes jordanos que padecen esta enfermedad. Métodos: Se inscribieron en el estudio 306 sujetos (146 pacientes con SOP y 160 sujetos sanos como grupo de control). Se extrajo ADN de una muestra de sangre venosa extraída de cada participante para analizar los polimorfismos de MTHFR C677T utilizando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en combinación con digestión con enzima de restricción (PCRRFLP). Posteriormente, los productos de PCR-RFLP se digirieron con la enzima HinfI, luego se sometieron a electroforesis en un gel de agarosa al 2%, se tiñeron y se examinaron bajo luz ultravioleta. Los niveles de homocisteína en plasma se analizaron utilizando el método ELISA. Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa en los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína entre los pacientes con SOP frente a los sujetos de control y entre los diferentes polimorfismos de los pacientes con SOP. No se detectaron diferencias significativas en la distribución y frecuencia alélica de los polimorfismos MTHFR C677T en pacientes con SOP en comparación con los controles. El genotipo 677 / TT y el alelo T se asociaron con un aumento de 1,54 y 1,46 veces en la susceptibilidad al síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Conclusión: El estudio ha demostrado que el polimorfismo MTHFR T677T y el alelo T son posibles factores de riesgo de SOP entre las mujeres jordanas y pueden desempeñar un papel en la patogenia de la enfermedad

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine reproductive disorder, it can be identified by hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea or anovulation and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms associated with hyperhomocysteinemia are among the risk factors for PCOS. Objective: The present case control study aims to explore the relationship between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms as a risk factor and PCOS among Jordanian patients suffering from this disease. Methods: 306 subjects (146 PCOS patients and 160 healthy subjects as a control group) were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from venous blood sample withdrawn from each participant for analyzing MTHFR C677T polymorphisms using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in combination with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Later, PCR-RFLP products were digested with hinfI enzyme, then, electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel, stained and examined under UV light. Plasma homocysteine levels were assayed using ELISA method. Results: A significant difference was observed in plasma homocysteine levels among PCOS patients versus the control subjects and in between the different polymorphisms of PCOS patients. No significant difference was detected in the distribution and allelic frequency of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in PCOS patients compared to the controls. 677/TT genotype and T allele were associated with 1.54 and 1.46 folds increase in the susceptibility for PCOS. Conclusion: The study has shown that MTHFR T677T polymorphism and T allele are possible risk factors for PCOS among Jordanian women and may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

¿Existe una asociación entre polimorfismos de inserción/supresión - 2549 en la región promotora del gen que codifica la vegfa como factor de riesgo y el descargo espontáneo idiopático recurrente en una muestra de mujeres jordanas? / Is there an association between - 2549 Insertion/ Deletion Polymorphisms in the Promotor Region of the Gene Encoding for VEGFA as a Risk Factor and the Idiopathic Recurrent Spontaneous Miscarriage in a sample of Jordanian Women?

Antecedentes: al menos el 50% de los casos de aborto espontáneo recurrente son etiológicamente idiopáticos. Recientemente se han propuesto varios polimorfismos genéticos como factores de riesgo de susceptibilidad a la pérdida del embarazo. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio de casos y controles es establecer la asociación entre los polimorfismos funcionales −2549 I / D en la región promotora del gen del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular A (VEGFA) y el aborto espontáneo recurrente idiopático (IRSM) en una muestra de las mujeres jordanas. Sujetos y métodos: Se reclutaron 328 sujetos, 103 y 98 mujeres con IRSM primario y secundario, respectivamente, se seleccionaron 127 mujeres normales como grupo de control. Se aisló ADN genómico de una muestra de sangre extraída de cada participante, luego, se genotipificaron los polimorfismos I / D -2549 del gen VEGFA mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que el polimorfismo ID y el alelo D de VEGFA -2549 polimorfismos I / D tienen las frecuencias más altas en pacientes IRSM tanto primario como secundario, sin diferencia significativa entre los tres grupos en cuanto a polimorfismos y frecuencias alélicas, pacientes con DD + ID Los modelos genéticos tienen una asociación positiva con un alto riesgo de IRSM versus el modelo II, y los pacientes con alelo D son más propensos a tener IRSM que los que tienen el alelo I, no hay diferencia significativa en la asociación de polimorfismos VEGFA -2549 I / D con IRSM en los tres modelos genéticos de los pacientes con IRSM primario y secundario. Conclusión: los pacientes con modelo genético ID de polimorfismos I / D -2549 en la región promotora del gen VEGFA y el alelo D tienen mayor riesgo de IRSM

Background: At least 50% of the cases of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage are aetiologically idiopathic. Recently various genetic polymorphisms have been proposed as susceptibility risk factors for pregnancy loss. Objective: The aim of the present case control study is to establish the association between the functional −2549 I/D polymorphisms in the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene and idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (IRSM) in a sample of Jordanian women. Subjects and methods: 328 subjects were recruited, 103 and 98 women with primary and secondary IRSM, respectively, 127 normal women were selected as a control group. Genomic DNA was isolated from a blood sample withdrawn from each participant, then, -2549 I/D polymorphisms of VEGFA gene were genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: The obtained results revealed that ID polymorphism and D allele of VEGFA -2549 I/D polymorphisms have the highest frequencies in both primary and secondary IRSM patients, no significant difference between the three groups regarding polymorphisms and allele frequencies, patients with DD+ID genetic models have positive association with high risk of IRSM versus II model, and patients with D allele are more liable to have IRSM than those having I allele, no significant difference in the association of VEGFA -2549 I/D polymorphisms with IRSM in the three genetic models of the primary and secondary IRSM patients. Conclusion: patients with ID genetic model of -2549 I/D polymorphisms in the VEGFA gene's promotor region and D allele have higher risk for IRSM.

Isolation of diverse bioactive compounds from Euphorbia balsamifera: Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity studies.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of Euphorbia balsamifera, fractions and pure compounds were evaluated. The cytotoxic assays for HCT116, HePG2 and MCF7 showed a significant IC50: 54.7 and 76.2 µg/mL of non-polar fraction "n-hexane" against HCT116 and HePG2, respectively. Antibacterial results revealed that plant fractions exhibited significant potential against the tested pathogens than the total extract where n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions showed significant antibacterial activity (P < 0.05) against tested bacterial strains. Isolation and structure determination of compounds from n-hexane and n-butanol fractions were performed. From n-hexane fraction, 29-nor-cycloartanol (1), lanost-8-en-3-ol (2a), cycloartanol (2b) and kampferol-3,4'-dimethyl ether (3) were isolated and structurally identified, along with 24 compounds were tentatively identified by GC-MS. From the polar n-butanol fraction, 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxyacetophenone (4), 4-O-α-L-rhamnosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-6methoxy-acetophenone (5), quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside (6) and isoorientin (7) were assigned. Structures of the obtained compounds were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Except compounds 1 and 5, all reported compounds announced antibacterial efficiency. Compound 2 showed selectively the highest activity against Enterococcus faecalis (22 ± 0.13 mm), meanwhile 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxyacetophenone (4) showed broadly the highest antibacterial activity with MIC of 1.15-1.88 mg/mL against the test Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cytotoxic assays indicated that kampferol-3,4'-dimethyl ether (3) exhibited the highest activity with matching IC50 values to doxorubicin; 111.46, 42.67 and 44.90 µM against HCT116, HePG2 and MCF7, respectively, however, it is toxic on retina normal cell line RPE1.

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus LC554891 by Moringa oleifera Seed Extract either Singly or in Combination with Antibiotics.

Bacterial outbreaks caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are interesting due to the existence of multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel ways to control such MDR S. aureus. In this study, some natural agents such as honey bee (HB), extracts of either Moringa oleifera seeds (MSE), or leaves (MLE) and essential oils of garlic, clove, and moringa were studied for their inhibitory activity against this S. aureus pathogen. About 100 food samples including beef luncheon (n = 25), potato chips (n = 50), and corn flakes (n = 25) were investigated for possible pollution with the S. aureus bacteria. The isolated bacteria suspected to belong S. aureus that grew well onto Baird-Parker agar (Oxoid) and shiny halo zones and positive coagulase reaction were selected and identified by API-Kits; all of them that were approved belong to S. aureus (18 strains). The sensitivity of the obtained 18 S. aureus bacterial strains to 12 antibiotics were evaluated; all of them were resistant to ofloxacin; however, other antibiotics tested showed variable results. Interestingly, the S. aureus No. B3 isolated from beef luncheon was resistant to10 antibiotics out of 12 ones tested. Multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR) of this S. aureus strain was about 83.3%. Therefore, its identification was confirmed by sequencing of a 16S rRNA gene which approved a successful biochemical identification carried out by API Kits and such strain was designated S. aureus LC 554891. The genome of such strain appeared to contain mecA gene encoding methicillin resistance; it was found to contain hla, hlb, tsst-1, and finbA that encode α-blood hemolysis, ß-blood hemolysis, toxic shock syndrome gene, and fibrinogen-binding protein gene, respectively. In addition, the virulence factors viz. sea; seb; sec encoding enterotoxins were detected in the DNA extracted from S. aureus B3 strain. Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seeds (MSE) showed inhibitory activity against S. aureus LC 554891 better than that obtained by tetracycline, essential oils or HB. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MSE was 20µg/mL. Instrumental analysis of MSE showed 14 bioactive chemical compounds. Combinations of both MSE and tetracycline showed distinctive inhibitory activity against S. aureus LC 554891 than that obtained by either tetracycline or MSE singly.

Plants: A natural solution to enhance raw milk cheese preservation?

Plants have been traditionnally used for centuries in cheese manufacturing, either for their aromatic properties or as technological auxiliaries (e.g. milk-clotting enzyme preparations, cheese wrappers). Some of these plants are known to have antimicrobial and/or antioxidant properties and could also act as natural preservatives for raw milk and derived dairy products. This review examined the traditional uses of plants in dairy processing, and then focuses on known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of their extracts (e.g. maceration, decoction, essential oil). Known effects of theses plants on technological flora (starter cultures and microorganisms implicated in cheese ripening) were also summarized, and the potential for plant extracts used in combination with hurdle technologies was explored. Then, legal restriction and bioactivity variations from a culture media to a food matrix was reviewed: non-toxic bioactive molecules found in plants, extract preparation modes suitable with foodgrade processing restrictions, the role of the food matrix as a hindrance to the efficiency of bioactive compounds, and a review of food legislation. Finally, some commercial plant extracts for milk preservation were discussed.

Influences of stocking density and dietary probiotic supplementation on growing Japanese quail performance.

This study investigated the effects of stocking density and dietary supplementation of probiotic (Lactobacillus) on growth, traits of carcass, lymphoid organs and intestinal microbial count of Japanese quail. Quail chicks (one week old) were randomly allotted to 6 groups in a 2×3 factorial experiment included 2 levels of stocking density (100, and 75 cm2/bird) and 3 levels of probiotic (0.00, 0.02 and 0.04 g/kg diet). Quail reared at 100 cm2/ bird showed significantly the highest body weight and daily gain. Quail reared at 75 cm2/ bird had significantly the lower average of feed consumption and the best ratio of feed conversion. Increasing level of probiotic up to 0.04 g/kg led to a significant decrease in dressing percentage by about 2.7 % compared to the control. Interaction effect was insignificant on carcass traits studied except for liver percentage which was significantly higher for birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic at 0.04 g/kg of diet and reared at 100 cm2/bird. Rearing quail at 100 cm2/bird stocking density significantly increased bursa weight. Birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic at 0.02 g/kg of diet and reared at 100 cm2/bird showed significantly the highest (p = 0.043) spleen weight when compared with the other groups. In conclusion, the low (100 cm2/bird) stocking density was sufficient to give better performance of Japanese quail than the other group. Probiotic supplementation diminished the stressful effect of crowding on growing Japanese quail.

Serum Oxidative-Antioxidative Status in Patients With Alkaptonuria.

BACKGROUND: Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease associated with the deposition of melanin-like pigments (ochronosis) in connective tissues. However, data regarding the effect of oxidative stress products on disease pathogenesis are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate oxidative stress and related factors in patients with alkaptonuria and compare the findings with those in healthy control subjects. METHODS: The study sample comprised of 21 AKU patients and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum samples were obtained to detect the total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and oxidation degradation products of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein carbonyls, advanced oxidation protein products, and homogentisic acid levels in urine were determined. RESULTS: Serum TAC, oxidation degradation products of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and protein carbonyl levels in the AKU group were higher than those measured for the control subjects, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the patient's serum protein carbonyl, patient's age and AKU severity score (r = 0.492 and 0.746, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein carbonyl serum levels can be used to predict the disease severity score in alkaptonuria patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In sum, the study results provide further support for the role of oxidation in the pathogenesis of alkaptonuria, suggesting presence of a more complex relationship than what has been previously assumed. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify these conflicting results.

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat smoked turkey meat by combination with packaging atmosphere, oregano essential oil and cold temperature.

The effects of packaging atmosphere, storage temperature and oregano essential oil (EO) on growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat smoked turkey were studied. Smoked turkey slices were inoculated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A (5.95, 5.28 and 5.26 log CFU/g) then vacuum packaged (VP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP: 40% CO2 and 60% N2) and MAP with oregano essential oil (MAPEO), respectively. The treated slices were then stored at 0, 5, 10 and 15 °C for 179.88 days and the L. monocytogenes Scott A's growth and microbial shelf life were monitored. The combination of MAP or MAPEO and storage temperature did not allow growth of L. monocytogenes higher than log 1 CFU/g during all storage periods. While in VP temperature combinations, the multiplication of bacteria were ≥ 1 log CFU/g. In VP, MAP and MAPEO smoked turkey, the growth of L. monocytogenes increased regardless of storage temperature. In MAPEO samples the inoculum in the product was suppressed by ca. 5 log CFU/g at 0, 10 and 15 °C at 180, 117 and 81 days of storage, respectively. The inhibition of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat smoked turkey by the combinations of MAP and MAPEO was enhanced by storage at 0 or 5 °C. The MAPEO system can be used effectively to control growth of pathogen in processed food when maintaining fixed temperature measures is difficult.

Paulownia Leaves as A New Feed Resource: Chemical Composition and Effects on Growth, Carcasses, Digestibility, Blood Biochemistry, and Intestinal Bacterial Populations of Growing Rabbits.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of paulownia leaf meal (PLM) as a nontraditional feed on the growth, carcasses, digestibility, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbiota of growing rabbits. Sixty rabbits (5-weeks old) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments containing three amounts of PLM (0%, 15%, and 30%). The results showed that PLM has a higher content of ether extract, organic matter, methionine, tyrosine, histidine, manganese, and zinc than alfalfa hay. Body weight gain decreased when 30% PLM was provided. The best feed conversion ratio was recorded in the rabbits fed 15% PLM. A notable increase in high-density lipoprotein levels with a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein was noted in the rabbits fed the PLM diets. Total fungi and Enterobacteriaceae and total bacterial count in the feed were significantly reduced because of PLM. In the cecum, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae species, and total bacterial count declined in the rabbits fed the PLM diets. Conclusively, up to 15% PLM can be used in rabbit diets without any deleterious effects on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood constituents. In addition, dietary inclusion of PLM has the potential to reduce cecal pathogenic bacteria in rabbits.

Effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil on quail growth, carcass traits, blood components, meat quality, and intestinal microbiota.

To provide a safe growth promoter, the present study has investigated the effects of different levels of cold-pressed clove oil (CCPO) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microbial population of growing Japanese quails. A total of 300 quails (1-wk old) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: control basal diet, basal diet +0.75 mL oil/kg diet, and basal diet +1.5 mL oil/kg diet. Quails fed with 1.5 mL clove oil/kg diet showed a 3.43% improvement in live body weight vs. control group. Similar trend was observed for daily body weight gain. Feed intake gradually increased (P < 0.01) with an increase in clove oil level. The best feed conversion rate was reported for the control group, followed by the group treated with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet during the whole period (1 to 6 wk of age). Total globulin differed significantly in 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid profile, and reduced glutathione concentrations significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2΄-deoxyguanosine, and protein carbonyl levels significantly decreased in quails supplemented with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet vs. control group. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroxine significantly increased in quails supplemented with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet vs. control group. The intestinal bacterial population, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. in the ileal content were lower (P < 0.05) in groups treated with oil (1.5 mL/kg) vs. control group. Thus, dietary supplementation with antimicrobial CCPO (1.5 mL/kg diet) could enhance growth performance, improve health status, and reduce intestinal pathogens in Japanese quails.

Microalgae in modern cancer therapy: Current knowledge.

Cancer is an everyday medical concern which requires an appropriate treatment strategy. The malfunction of cell cycle is a well-established cause for cancer induction. Chemotherapy and radiation are the standard available therapeutic approach for cancer treatment; however severe side effects were reported in association to such treatments, for instance, the efficacy of patients' immune system is adversely affected in apart by radiation. These side effects may be minimized by providing novel remedial preparations. Complementary and alternative medicinal compounds, which were obtained from fresh or marine flora particularly micro and macro algae, were reported to its anti-cancerous activities. Several types of bioactive molecules are also present in microalgae, such as carotenoids, various forms of polysaccharides, vitamins, sterol, fibres, minerals…ect; the great unused biomass of microalgae and their excellent diversity of chemical constituents may introduce a major step in developing of anti-malignant drugs. Previously, such characteristic of microalgal bio-diversity was commercially exploited to make food supplements and gelling substances. However, recently, several investigations were designed to study the potential anti-carcinogenic effect of microalgal extracts, where they mostly concluded their ability to induce apoptotic cancer cell death via caspase dependent or independent pathways. In this review paper, we reported the various species of microalgae that possessed anti-tumor activity, the tumor cell lines altered through using microalgal extracts along with the levels of such extracts that reported to its inhibitor effect against cell cycle and proliferation.

Impact of Rosmarinus officinalis cold-pressed oil on health, growth performance, intestinal bacterial populations, and immunocompetence of Japanese quail.

This study was performed to study the impacts of rosemary cold-pressed oil (RCPO) for biostimulating health, growth performance, and intestinal bacterial populations of Japanese quail. The study included 300 growing 1-wk-old Japanese quails. Birds were divided into 3 groups in a complete randomized design experiment that involved 3 levels of RCPO (0, 1.00 and 2.00 mL/kg diet). Results revealed that the addition of rosemary oil numerically increased values of body weight and body weight gain when compared with the control group, particularly the highest level of RCPO (2.00 mL/kg diet). Birds fed diets supplemented with rosemary oil consumed more feed (P ≤ 0.01) compared with those fed the control diet. Feed conversion ratio tended to be improved in rosemary oil groups during the period 3 to 6 wk of age (P = 0.013). The highest level of rosemary oil (2.00 mL/kg diet) had the best impact on all carcass traits studied. RCPO supplementation showed an increase in serum total protein, metabolic hormones levels, while it reduced serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and protein carbonyl levels. Moreover, RCPO increased antioxidative enzymes, and reduced the lipid peroxidation in quail liver. The supplementation of 2 mL/RCPO kg diet showed significant reduction in populations of total cultural bacterial count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. in the ileum when compared to the control. The current results showed that RCPO supplementation to Japanese quails diet could enhance the growth performance and reduce the intestinal pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, RCPO can be a beneficial antimicrobial and growth-promoting feed supplement for the Japanese quail.