Impact of mixing coriander oil with goat feed on the chemical, microbiological and sensory characterizations of bio rayeb milk.

This research aimed to investigate the properties of bio rayeb milk that results from goats fed on feed supplemented with different concentrations of coriander oil. The study design included a control treatment (C) and two coriander oil concentrations, a low level of (0.95%) T1 and a high level of (1.9%) T2. A probiotic starter culture, Direct Vat Set (DVS) of lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus in the ratio (1:1) was used to prepare bio rayeb. All treatments were stored at 4 °C for 2 weeks and analyzed on day one and at the end of storage. Results showed that the coagulation time during bio rayeb manufacturing remained consistent at almost 6 h for all batches. However, using a high coriander oil level (1.90%) significantly decreased the apparent viscosity and the content of monounsaturated fatty acids. The DPPH inhibition and the content of monounsaturated fatty acids increased. The electrophoresis chromatogram exhibited a high degree of proteolysis in T2 compared to the control and T1. Microbiologically, yeast, molds, and coliforms were absent in all treatments. Feeding goats on provender supplemented with a low concentration of coriander oil may positively impact the resultant milk's technological and sensorial properties.

Phytogenic feed additives mixture enhances the lactational performance, feed utilization and ruminal fermentation of Friesian cows.

The assay aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding a recently developed phytogenic feed additives mixture in diets of lactating Friesian cows (n = 30; 514 ± 10.1 kg body weight) for 3 months. Cows were stratified into three groups of 10 cows each and fed a control diet alone or the control diet supplemented with the additives mixture at 3 g (PHY3) or 6 g (PHY6)/cow daily. Menthol, levomenthol, ß-linaloolm, anethole, hexadecanoic acid and p-menthane were the principle compounds identified in the additives mixture. The PHY3 increased (p < 0.01) intake and nutrient digestibility. PHY3 and PHY6 increased (p < 0.01) ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids, propionate and acetate. PHY3 and PHY6 improved serum total protein and antioxidant capacity and decreased the concentrations of serum urea-N, triglycerides, total lipids, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). PHY3 increased milk production and milk content of total solids, protein, lactose and fat. Both PHY3 and PHY6 did not affect mineral concentrations in blood or milk. It is concluded that the inclusion of 3 g/cow/d of feed additives mixture in the lactating Friesian cows diet enhanced milk production and feed utilization, with negative effects observed with increasing the dose of additives mixture to 6 g/cow daily.

Reproductive performance of goats treated with free gonadorelin or nanoconjugated gonadorelin at estrus.

The reproductive performance of goats that received a GnRH analog (gonadorelin) fabricated with or without chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles on the day of estrus (day 0) was evaluated. The chitosan-TPP polymer was conjugated with gonadorelin using an ionic gelation method. Thirty-three multiparous Zaraiebi goats were synchronized for estrus with 2 intramuscular (im) injections of 125 µg prostaglandin F2α 14 d apart. Goats showing signs of estrus were divided equally into 3 experimental groups and received a single im injection of 1 mL physiological saline (placebo; control), 50 µg/mL gonadorelin (GnRH), or 12.5 µg (quarter of GnRH dose)/mL chitosan-TPP-conjugated gonadorelin nanoparticles (NGnRH). Each goat underwent ultrasound imaging of their ovaries at day 0 and at day 10 after mating, and pregnancy was diagnosed 28 and 45 d after mating. The concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were determined at day 0 and at days 7, 14, 21, and 42 after mating. NGnRH size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were 93.91 nm, 0.302, and 11.6 mV, respectively. Chitosan-TPP nanoparticles showed 91.2% entrapment efficiency for GnRH. No differences in estrus rate, interval to estrus, or ovarian structure at day 0 were observed among the experimental groups, but the GnRH and NGnRH treatments significantly decreased the duration of estrus compared with the control. At day 10 after mating, both GnRH and NGnRH increased (P = 0.011) the number of corpora lutea compared with the control. Treatment with GnRH increased (P = 0.023) serum E2 concentrations from day 7 to 42 after mating compared with NGnRH and control treatments. The highest (P = 0.043) serum P4 concentration was observed in the GnRH group, followed by the NGnRH and control groups. The increase in serum P4 concentration started earlier a on day 7 in the GnRH group but later on day 14 in the NGnRH group. Compared with the control, GnRH resulted in a higher (P = 0.041) P4-to-E2 ratio, followed by NGnRH. Both gonadorelin treatments significantly increased the twinning rate, the number of embryos at days 28 and 42, and prolificacy and decreased pregnancy losses compared with the control. In conclusion, the administration of GnRH at the time of estrus improved the prolificacy of goats by increasing both the ovulation rate and the number of embryos. In addition, the nanoformulation developed in this study allowed a 75% reduction in the conventional dose of gonadorelin without affecting the fertility and prolificacy of goats, indicating the bioavailability of the reduced GnRH dose after conjugation with developed nanoformula.

Utilization of blue panic (Panicum antidotale) as an alternative feed resource for feeding Barky sheep in arid regions.

This study aimed at elucidating effects of replacing sorghum with blue panic (BP) on total dry matter intake (TDMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical constituents, rumen fermentation patterns and economic feasibility of Barky male lambs. Fifteen lambs (av. BW, 22.5 ± 1.6 kg) were randomly allotted into 3 treatments (n = 5/group). Control lambs were given a diet of concentrate mixture (CM) plus sorghum (S), BP50% lambs were given a diet of CM plus (S: PB 1:1) and BP100% lambs were given CM plus PB. The experiment lasted for 54 days. At the last week of the experiment, the apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were determined using lignin contents of feeds and faeces as an internal marker. Blood samples were collected at weeks 3, 5 and 7 to determine serum biochemical parameters. Results showed that TDMI significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by diet, whereas ADG was not affected. Mean FCR values were 5.67, 5.46 and 5.86 for control, BP50% and BP100%, respectively. Neither nutrients digestibility nor ruminal fermentation parameters were affected (P > 0.05) by total replacement of sorghum with BP. Likewise, none of the serum biochemical constituents were different in BP than in control lambs. This study concluded that BP grass would be considered as one of the promising tropical green forages in the arid regions as an alternative feedstuff in case of shortage of green fodders.

Significance of assay of nucleated RBCs in umbilical cord blood in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 8-15% of all infants are born with evidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). MSAF is a potentially serious sign of fetal compromise and may indicate fetal hypoxia Objectives and aim of the work: The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between meconium stained amniotic fluid and fetal nucleated red blood cell counts. As well, we aim to evaluate the relationship between the presence of meconium in amniotic fluid and Apgar scores in neonates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospectively case-controlled study was performed on 40 women with clear amniotic fluid as control and 40 women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid as the study group. At delivery, 2 ml of umbilical cord blood was collected and analyzed for nucleated red blood cell (NRBC). RESULTS: The mean NRBC counts in meconium-stained amniotic fluid was significantly higher than the control group (18.35 ± 7.7 and 9.6 ± 4.96), respectively (p < .001). There were statistically significant differences concerning 1- and 5-min Apgar scores with lower values in the MSAF group (p < .001 and .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results support previous studies which indicate the presence of meconium can be associated with chronic fetal hypoxia as demonstrated by elevated fetal NRBC levels.

Nuchal cord: impact of umbilical artery Doppler indices on intrapartum and neonatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study.

Background/objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of a more biologic parameter for evaluation of the effect of nuchal cord tightness; the study of blood flow in the umbilical arteries of nuchal cord using Doppler ultrasonography. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt in the period between August 2015 and August 2017. Hundred primigravidas were recruited with nuchal cord diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography; whereas the rest of the study population was included in the "Control group". Doppler velocimetry study was then performed on a free-floating loop of the umbilical cord and Doppler indices were calculated. Both groups were followed up during labor: intrapartum events, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcome were recorded. Results: Intrapartum fetal heart rate abnormalities were significantly more common in the nuchal cord group compared to the control group. The overall cardiotocography category was significantly more commonly reflecting abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in the nuchal cord group compared to the control group with 46.74% of the nuchal group patients falling within the "suspicious - pathological - need urgent intervention" categories. Intervention rate was significantly higher in the nuchal cord group than the control group (33.69 versus 21.84%). Moreover, incidence of intrapartum fetal heart rate abnormalities and intervention rate were significantly higher in the nuchal cord with abnormal Doppler subgroup compared to both nuchal cord with normal Doppler subgroup and the control group; with a calculated number needed to harm of 2.11. Conclusions: In view of these results, it might be concluded that umbilical cord tightness affecting fetal hemodynamics (expressed by changes in umbilical artery Doppler) might be a determinate factor affecting the intrapartum course.

Effects of Trifolium alexandrinum phytoestrogens on oestrous behaviour, ovarian activity and reproductive performance of ewes during the non-breeding season.

Phytoestrogens are classified as naturally occurring endocrine disrupting chemicals that may affect reproductive performance of farm animals. To investigate the effects of Berseem clover phytoestrogens on reproductive performance of seasonal anoestrus ewes, twenty four late pregnant Rahmani ewes were fed either Berseem clover or maize silage (n = 12/treatment). Treatment started 2 months prepartum and continued until oestrous induction (week 8 postpartum), using the CIDR-eCG based protocol, and early pregnancy. Throughout the 2-8 weeks postpartum, oestrous rate and ovarian activity were not affected by treatment. After oestrous induction, ewes in both groups expressed comparable oestrous rates; however feeding Berseem clover extended (P < 0.05) interval to oestrus (57.00 compared with 42.54 h) and shortened (P < 0.05) oestrous duration (20.0 compared with 34.90 h). Feeding Berseem clover did not affect follicular activity except the number of medium follicles, which was less (P < 0.05) on day of oestrus (Day 0). Feeding maize silage increased (P < 0.05) the total number of follicles and number of small and medium follicles the day before oestrus (Day -1). On Day 0, the greater total number of follicles was due to the greater (P < 0.05) number of medium follicles that was associated with less number of small follicles. Although, the number and diameter of corpora lutea (CLs) were not affected by treatment, serum P4 concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for ewes fed maize silage than for those fed Berseem clover. Fecundity and litter size tended to be greater (about 35%; P = 0.132 and 0.085, respectively) in the maize silage fed ewes. In conclusion, feeding Berseem clover throughout seasonal anoestrus disrupted aspects of behavioural oestrus and there was less luteal P4 synthesis and fecundity of ewes.

Assessment of hysteroscopic role in management of women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the hysteroscopic value in the management of intrauterine lesion in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. METHODS: This study was done in Ain Shams Maternity Hospital after the approval of the research Ethics Committee, during the period between August 2014 and December 2015 where 200 nonpregnant women with a history of three or more consecutive unexplained first and second trimester miscarriages before 20 weeks were recruited from recurrent miscarriage clinic. A written informed consent was obtained from all women before participation. RESULTS: This current study was conducted in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between August 2014 to May 2015 a total of 200 women with history of recurrent miscarriage were included in the study. Regarding the results of this study the mean age was 30.5(5.7), the mean number of previous abortion 3(3-5) the mean number of the first trimesteric abortion was 2 with range (2-2) the mean number of second trimesteric abortion was 2 with range (1-2). In this study, 88% of patients were nullipara. It was also found that hysteroscopic findings were found in 58.5%. Uterine anomalies was present in 21%, including septate uterus and intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) were present in 12.5%. Endometrial polyps were present in 8.5%, bicornute uterus in 4.5%, unicornuate uterus in 4.5% while submucous myomas were present in 7.5%. It was found that 48.5% need hysteroscopic intervention including 21% need septectomy 12.5% need adhesiolysis, 6.5% need myomectomy while 8.5% need polypectomy. The study found that no statistically significant difference between patients with normal hysteroscopic finding and patients with abnormal hysteroscopic finding as regard age, time of previous abortion and number of previous abortion. But there was statistically significant difference as regard number of previous delivery and abnormal HSG. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that hysteroscopy is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of the causes of recurrent miscarriage that can be performed safely without anesthesia in most cases. The prevalence of uterine anomalies in patients with recurrent miscarriages is 54.5%, septate uterus is the most common anomaly and for this reason uterine anomalies should be systematically assessed in patients with recurrent miscarriage.

Non-invasive methods for embryo selection.

With the widespread use of assisted reproduction, a simple and practical method for embryo selection is needed to optimize the chances of pregnancy while diminishing the incidence of multiple pregnancy and its accompanying problems. Many non-invasive methods for embryo selection have been proposed and some are more promising than others. This review summarizes these methods and attempts to evaluate them in the light of the best currently available evidence and to find out whether any of them is ripe for replacing or supplementing the time-honored method of morphological assessment.

Hormonal concentrations and reproductive performance of Holstein heifers fed Trifolium alexandrinum as a phytoestrogenic roughage.

Effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones in Berseem clover on hormonal balance during early pregnancy and fertility of heifers were studied. Holstein heifers (n=26) were divided into two equal homogenous groups. Heifers in the first group (Clover-fed group) were fed Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) as oestrogenic roughage; whereas the heifers in the second group (Silage-fed group) were fed maize silage. Concentrations of four isoflavone aglycones (genistein. Daidzein, biochanin A and formononetein) were determined in the two roughages. Treatment lasted for 20 consecutive weeks (5 months) during which blood samples were collected biweekly for determining the metabolic profile of heifers. Heifers were subjected to oestrous synchronisation using a double prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) based protocol, 14days apart (week 10 and 12), and were artificially inseminated 12h following detection of overt signs of oestrus. Concentrations of serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on the day of insemination (Day 0) and on Days 7, 14 and 21 post-insemination (early pregnancy) were determined and P4 to E2 ratio was calculated. Clover had greater total isoflavone content than maize silage. The dominant isoflavone detected in Berseem clover was biochanin A, whereas the least was formononetein. Metabolic profile was not affected (P>0.05) by the type of roughage and was in the same trend in both experimental groups. The overall mean concentration of serum E2 was greater (P<0.05) in the clover-fed group than in the silage-fed group. The overall mean concentration of serum P4 was less (P<0.05) in the clover-fed group than in the silage-fed group. During the period of early pregnancy (from Day 7-21 post-insemination) the concentration of serum P4 increased in the silage-fed group, however, no change was observed in the clover-fed group. The overall mean of P4 to E2 ratio was greater (P<0.001) in the silage-fed group compared with that in the clover-fed group. Heifers fed clover had a lesser (P=0.054) conception rate and a greater (P=0.062) percentage of heifers returning to oestrus than silage-fed heifers. In conclusion, isoflavones in Berseem clover apparently disturbed hormonal balance during early pregnancy leading to a reduction in the fertility of heifers.

Pharmacoepidemiological study of self-medication in adults attending pharmacies in Alexandria, Egypt.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the extent and pattern of self-medication among adults, to identify their knowledge and practice concerning the purchased drugs and to calculate prescribing and purchaser care indicators. Following WHO methods, 35 pharmacies were randomly selected from districts in Alexandria city, Egypt. Of 1294 clients interviewed at these pharmacies, 1050 (81.1%) purchased self-medication; the commonest reason given was a belief that the condition was minor. The most frequently dispensed drugs were those for the respiratory system. The mean number of drugs per encounter was 1.10, mean cost LE 7.29 and mean dispensing time 2.53 minutes. Purchasers' knowledge and practice regarding the purchased drugs were poor.

A rare cause of renal mass; a case study.

A seventy five year old gentleman with the clinical diagnosis of renal tuberculosis was found to have renal squamous cell carcinoma. The clinical presentation and management are being discussed.

Pharmacoepidemiological study of self-medication in adults attending pharmacies in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the extent and pattern of selfmedication among adults, to identify their knowledge and practice concerning the purchased drugs and to calculate prescribing and purchaser care indicators. Following WHO methods, 35 pharmacies were randomly selected from districts in Alexandria city, Egypt. Of 1294 clients interviewed at these pharmacies, 1050 [81.1%] purchased self-medication; the commonest reason given was a belief that the condition was minor. The most frequently dispensed drugs were those for the respiratory system. The mean number of drugs per encounter was 1.10, mean cost LE 7.29 and mean dispensing time 2.53 minutes. Purchasers' knowledge and practice regarding the purchased drugs were poor

Oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by various vitamins.

Hemolytic effect of some water-soluble vitamins (niacin B5, pyridoxine B6, thiamine B1 and ascorbic and acid C) on erythrocytes was studied spectrophotometrically at relatively high concentration. The oxidation mechanism of hemoglobin was the same for the used vitamins. Vitamin C was the strongest hemolytic agent in comparison with the other vitamins, while vitamin B1 is the weakest one. The results were confirmed by studying the variation in conductivity of erythrocytes with temperature in the range 20-40°C for the used vitamins at a concentration of 2 mM and after two hours from adding each vitamin to the erythrocytes suspension. The conductivity measurements show that the conductivity for the used vitamins is lower than that for control (without adding vitamin) due to hemoglobin oxidation, also may be due to the electrical reorganization of the erythrocyte membrane after the interaction of the used vitamin with it. The obtained results insure the oxidizing effect of the used vitamins on hemoglobin and consequently their hemolytic effect on erythrocytes.

Device-related nosocomial infection in intensive care units of Alexandria University Students Hospital.

We studied the magnitude and determinants of device-related nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICU) and identified the predominant microorganisms involved. Sputum, urine, blood cultures and chest X-ray were taken from each patient on admission and on appearance of any sign/symptom of infection. Out of 400 patients admitted to 3 units during the study, 45 (11.3%) developed nosocomial infections. The most important determinants of infection were previous admission to an ICU, whether in the same or another hospital, and duration of stay. Overall, 38 patients developed 43 device-related nosocomial infections (1.13 episodes per patient). The main infectied association with invasive procedures were ventilator-associated pneumonia followed by catheter-related urinary tract infection and bloodstream infections.

Device-related nosocomial infection in intensive care units of Alexandria University Students Hospital

We studied the magnitude and determinants of device-related nosocomial infections in intensive care units [ICU] and identified the predominant microorganisms involved. Sputum, urine, blood cultures and chest X-ray were taken from each patient on admission and on appearance of any sign/symptom of infection. Out of 400 patients admitted to 3 units during the study, 45 [11.3%] developed nosocomial infections. The most important determinants of infection were previous admission to an ICU, whether in the same or another hospital, and duration of stay. Overall, 38 patients developed 43 device-related nosocomial infections [1.13 episodes per patient]. The main infectied association with invasive procedures were ventilator-associated pneumonia followed by catheter-related urinary tract infection and bloodstream infections

[Diastolic filling of the right ventricle in patients with arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease]. / Diastolichne napovnennia pravoho shlunochka u khvorykh z arterial'noiu hiperetenziieiu ta na ishemichnu khvorobu sertsia.

Our objective in this study was to compare particular features of pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH), stable exertional angina, and myocardial infarction of the left ventricle (LV) and to establish diagnostic significance thereof. As many as 429 AH patients presenting with different clinical forms of ischemic heart disease (IHD) were examined. Of these, 209 patients presented with stage I to III AH, 105 had functional class (FC) I-III stable exercise-induced angina, 115 patients had acute LF myocardial infarction (MI) verified by clinical findings, changes in ECG, and time-course of activity of myocardial enzymes. The control group was 30 essentially healthy subjects with no signs of cardiovascular and respiratory affections. All examinees underwent Doppler echocardiography as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Measured in the above series were LV wall relative thickness, LV ejection fraction (EF) as recommended by L. Teichholz et al., LV isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), peak velocities of early (E) and atrial (A) filling of the heart's ventricles, E/A ratio, early diastolic filling deceleration time (DT) for both transmitral and transtricuspid flows, acceleration time of systolic flow in the pulmonary trunc as an indirect indicator of pressure in it. In AH patients, there was a close direct correlation between indices for filling of both ventricles (E/A ratio, E-wave DT and IVRT) but no significant correlation between indices for RV diastolic function and dimensions of left chambers or LV EF. In AH patients, disturbances in the diastolic function of the heart were at their greatest in eccentric hypertrophy of the myocardium when in the presence of pseudonomal and restrictive indices for LV filling "pseudonormalization" of the transtricuspid flow was being formed. In stable angina and MI, it was LV systolic dysfunction and pulmonary diastolic dysfunction that proved to play a major part in the development of RV diastolic dysfunction, its indices correlating significantly with heart failure and stable angina functional classes.

Reproductive health of married adolescent women in squatter areas in Alexandria, Egypt.

Through a house-to-house survey, 455 married adolescent women (< 20 years) and 455 married women aged 20-45 years from squatter areas in Alexandria were interviewed. Determinants of early marriage were consanguinity, illiteracy and unawareness of reproductive health. Of the currently pregnant adolescents, 22% were receiving antenatal care compared with 40% of the older women. Family planning methods were currently being used by 39% of the adolescents and 63% of the older wives. Determinants of non-use were: adolescence, illiteracy and previous miscarriage/stillbirth. There is a need to increase public awareness of reproductive health and change the behaviour of both groups of women in this under-privileged sector.

Reproductive health of married adolescent women in squatter areas in Alexandria, Egypt

Through a house-to-house survey, 455 married adolescent women [< 20 years] and 455 married women aged 20-45 years from squatter areas in Alexandria were interviewed. Determinants of early marriage were consanguinity, illiteracy and unawareness of reproductive health. Of the currently pregnant adolescents, 22% were receiving antenatal care compared with 40% of the older women. Family planning methods were currently being used by 39% of the adolescents and 63% of the older wives. Determinants of non-use were: adolescence, illiteracy and previous miscarriage/stillbirth. There is a need to increase public awareness of reproductive health and change the behaviour of both groups of women in this under-privileged sector

Reproductive tract infections among married women in Upper Egypt

In a house-to-house survey using cluster sampling, 1344 married women from urban and rural areas of Upper Egypt [Minia, Assiut and Sohag] were interviewed and examined to study the magnitude and determinants of reproductive tract infections. Overall prevalence was found to be 52.8%, with the most prevalent forms being Candida albicans [28.0%], Trichomonas vaginalis [8.7%], Aspergillus species [7.4%], streptococci [4.6%] and Chlamydia trachomatis [4.2%]. Multivariate analysis identified certain groups of women at high risk of developing reproductive tract infections [those currently using an intrauterine device, those who regularly practised internal vaginal washing]. Discriminant analysis showed that symptoms were of low discriminating value. There is a great need to increase community and women's understanding of reproductive tract infections