Antibacterial and Anti-Efflux Activities of Cinnamon Essential Oil against Pan and Extensive Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Human and Animal Sources.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is notorious for its ability to develop a high level of resistance to antimicrobial agents. Resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps could mediate drug resistance in P. aeruginosa. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-efflux activities of cinnamon essential oil either alone or combined with ciprofloxacin against drug resistant P. aeruginosa originated from human and animal sources. The results revealed that 73.91% of the examined samples were positive for P. aeruginosa; among them, 77.78% were of human source and 72.73% were recovered from animal samples. According to the antimicrobial resistance profile, 48.73% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), 9.2% were extensive drug-resistant (XDR), and 0.84% were pan drug-resistant (PDR). The antimicrobial potential of cinnamon oil against eleven XDR and one PDR P. aeruginosa isolates was assessed by the agar well diffusion assay and broth microdilution technique. The results showed strong antibacterial activity of cinnamon oil against all tested P. aeruginosa isolates with inhibition zones' diameters ranging from 34 to 50 mm. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of cinnamon oil against P. aeruginosa isolates ranged from 0.0562-0.225 µg/mL and 0.1125-0.225 µg/mL, respectively. The cinnamon oil was further used to evaluate its anti-efflux activity against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa by phenotypic and genotypic assays. The cartwheel test revealed diminished efflux pump activity post cinnamon oil exposure by two-fold indicating its reasonable impact. Moreover, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the expression levels of MexA and MexB genes of P. aeruginosa isolates treated with cinnamon oil when compared to the non-treated ones (fold changes values ranged from 0.4204-0.7474 for MexA and 0.2793-0.4118 for MexB). In conclusion, we suggested the therapeutic use of cinnamon oil as a promising antibacterial and anti-efflux agent against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Antimicrobial potential of myricetin-coated zinc oxide nanocomposite against drug-resistant Clostridium perfringens.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important pathogen in livestock animals and humans causing a wide array of systemic and enteric diseases. The current study was performed to investigate the inhibitory activity of myricetin (MYR), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite against growth and α-hemolysin of C. perfringens isolated from beef meat and chicken sources. RESULTS: The overall occurrence of C. perfringens was 29.8%. The prevalence of C. perfringens was higher in chicken (38.3%) than in beef meat products (10%). The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that C. perfringens isolates exhibited high resistance levels for metronidazole (93%), bacitracin (89%), penicillin G (84%), and lincomycin (76%). Of note, 1% of C. perfringens isolates were pandrug-resistant (PDR), 4% were extensive drug-resistant (XDR), while 91% were multidrug-resistant. The results of broth microdilution technique revealed that all tested C. perfringens isolates were susceptible to MYR-loaded ZnO/PVA with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 0.125 to 2 µg/mL. Moreover, the MYR either alone or combined with the nanocomposite had no cytotoxic activities on chicken red blood cells (cRBCs). Transcriptional modifications of MYR, ZnO, ZnO/PVA, and ZnO/PVA/MYR nanocomposite were determined, and the results showed significant down-regulation of α-hemolysin fold change to 0.5, 0.7, 0.6, and 0.28, respectively compared to the untreated bacteria. CONCLUSION: This is an in vitro study reporting the antimicrobial potential of MYR-coated ZnO nanocomposite as an effective therapeutic candidate against C. perfringens. An in vivo approach is the next step to provide evidence for applying these alternatives in the treatment and prevention of C. perfringens-associated diseases.

Antibiotics Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Livestock in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2014-2019.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic pathogen that showed growing resistance to antibiotics. No descriptive analysis highlights the threat of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) of E. coli among livestock in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Herein, we conducted phenotypic and genotypic resistance studies on E. coli isolates from livestock samples in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi based on routine diagnosis between the periods 2014-2019. Bacterial culture and disk diffusion methods were used for bacterial isolation and phenotypic resistance analysis. Resistance mechanism was studied by PCR targeting the most commonly resistance genes: ampicillin (bla SHV , bla CMY , and blaTEM-1B), tetracyclines (tetA and tetB), co-trimoxazole [sulfamethoxazole (sul1, sul2, and sul3) + trimethoprim (dfrA1 and dfrA17)], aminoglycosides [aph(3")-Ia, aph(6)-Id, and aac(3)-IV], and fluoroquinolones (qnrA and aac(6')-Ib-cr). Analysis of 165 E. coli isolates showed resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, and enrofloxacin by 157/165 (95.4%), 154/165 (93.6%), 141/165 (86%), 139/165 (85%), and 135/165 (82.7%), respectively. Predominant resistance gene/s detected by PCR were bla CMY (119/160, 72%) and blaTEM-1B (154/160, 96.3%) for ampicillin; tetA (162/164, 98.8%) and tetB (112/164, 68.3%) for tetracyclines; sul2 (156/164, 95%), sul3 (138/164, 84%), and dfra17 (74/164, 44.5%) for co-trimoxazole; aph(3")-Ia (134/164, 82.1%) and aph(6)-Id (161/164, 98.2%) for aminoglycosides; and aac(6')-Ib-cr (61/61, 100%) for enrofloxacin. Both phenotypic and genotypic analyses revealed that all E. coli isolates were multidrug-resistant (resistance to 3, 4, and 5 antibiotics classes by 3.6%, 57.6%, and 38.8%, respectively) carrying one or more resistance gene/s for the same antibiotic. PCR profiling confirmed the presence of resistance genes corresponding to their antibiotic profile. Results of the study will highlight the knowledge based on E. coli AMR related to livestock in UAE that may call for interventions.

Impacts of Gum Arabic and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with Salicylic Acid on Peach Fruit (Prunus persica) Shelf Life.

Peaches are grown in many Egyptian orchards for local and global fresh market sales. The interior fruit tissue breakdown (IFTB), often resulting in decayed peaches, is a severe problem during marketing. Therefore, to minimize FTB of peaches, in this study, gum arabic (GA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were mixed with different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 1, and 2 mM) and were applied as edible coating to extend the shelf life of peach fruits. Mature peaches were selected and harvested when peaches reached total soluble solid content (SSC: 8.5%) and fruit firmness of about 47 N. Fruits were coated and stored at room temperature (26 ± 1 °C and air humidity 51 ± 1%) for 10 days during two seasons: 2020 and 2021. Fruit coated with GA/PVP-SA 2 mM showed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibition in degrading enzyme activities (CWDEs), such as lipoxygenase (LOX), cellulase (CEL), and pectinase (PT), compared to uncoated and coated fruits during the shelf-life period. Hence, cell wall compartments were maintained. Consequently, there was a reduction in browning symptoms in fruits by inhibiting polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities. Thus, the fruit skin browning index showed almost no symptoms. The lipid peroxidation process and ionic permeability declined as well. The result suggests that, by applying GA/PVP-SA 2 mM as an edible coating, fruit tissue breakdown can be minimized, and the shelf life of peach can be extended up to 10 days without symptoms of tissue breakdown.

An Eluate of the Medicinal Plant Garcinia kola Displays Strong Antidiabetic and Neuroprotective Properties in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Materials and Methods: G. kola methanolic extract was fractionated using increasingly polar solvents. Fractions were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice until marked motor signs developed in diabetic controls. Fine motor skills indicators were measured in the horizontal grid test (HGT) to confirm the prevention of motor disorders in treated animals. Column chromatography was used to separate the most active fraction, and subfractions were tested in turn in the HGT. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was used to assess the components of the most active subfraction. Results: Treatment with ethyl acetate fraction and its fifth eluate (F5) preserved fine motor skills and improved the body weight and blood glucose level. At dose 1.71 mg/kg, F5 kept most parameters comparable to the nondiabetic vehicle group values. GC-MS chromatographic analysis of F5 revealed 36 compounds, the most abundantly expressed (41.8%) being the ß-lactam molecules N-ethyl-2-carbethoxyazetidine (17.8%), N,N-dimethylethanolamine (15%), and isoniacinamide (9%). Conclusions: Our results suggest that subfraction F5 of G. kola extract prevented the development of motor signs and improved disease profile in an STZ-induced mouse model of diabetic encephalopathy. Antidiabetic activity of ß-lactam molecules accounted at least partly for these effects.

CCR2 promotes monocyte recruitment and intestinal inflammation in mice lacking the interleukin-10 receptor.

Macrophages are a heterogeneous population of mononuclear phagocytes abundantly distributed throughout the intestinal compartments that adapt to microenvironmental specific cues. In adult mice, the majority of intestinal macrophages exhibit a mature phenotype and are derived from blood monocytes. In the steady-state, replenishment of these cells is reduced in the absence of the chemokine receptor CCR2. Within the intestine of mice with colitis, there is a marked increase in the accumulation of immature macrophages that demonstrate an inflammatory phenotype. Here, we asked whether CCR2 is necessary for the development of colitis in mice lacking the receptor for IL10. We compared the development of intestinal inflammation in mice lacking IL10RA or both IL10RA and CCR2. The absence of CCR2 interfered with the accumulation of immature macrophages in IL10R-deficient mice, including a novel population of rounded submucosal Iba1+ cells, and reduced the severity of colitis in these mice. In contrast, the absence of CCR2 did not reduce the augmented inflammatory gene expression observed in mature intestinal macrophages isolated from mice lacking IL10RA. These data suggest that both newly recruited CCR2-dependent immature macrophages and CCR2-independent residual mature macrophages contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation observed in IL10R-deficient mice.

From waste to value-added products: Evaluation of activated carbon generated from leather waste for supercapacitor applications.

Leather tanning operations create a large amount of solid and liquid waste from tanning, wherein Cr(III) compounds are used to produce wet blue leather. In this study, activated carbon (AC) generated from leather waste (LW) was evaluated for supercapacitor (SC) applications. AC was produced through carbonization at a temperature range of 700°C-900 °C, followed by chemical activation. The morphological characteristics of the AC samples revealed a certain degree of porosity and a maximum surface area of 381 m2 g-1. X-ray diffraction and EDX examination showed the existence of graphitic planes in the LW-derived AC. Raman, FT-IR, and XPS confirmed the defect nature and surface functional groups of the AC samples. A three-electrode approach was employed to assess the electrochemical characteristics of the AC samples. The supreme capacitance of a sample (LW700) at 1 A/g was 550 F g-1 (237 C g-1) in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. All the electrochemical results (CV, GCD, and Nyquist curves) demonstrated that the LW carbon possessed a high specific capacitance and electrochemical cycle constancy, and hence is appropriate for SC fabrication. These desirable capacitive performances enable solid leather waste-derived carbons as a source of new materials for low-cost energy storage supercapacitors. This work put forwards a new concept of 'waste to value-added products' that can be a helping hand for leather industries and its solid waste management disposal problems.

Proposed domains for assessing postpartum recovery: a concept elicitation study.

OBJECTIVE: To propose postpartum recovery domains. DESIGN: Concept elicitation study. SETTING: Semi-structured interviews. POPULATION: Ten writing committee members and 50 stakeholder interviews (23 postpartum women, nine general obstetricians, five maternal and fetal medicine specialists, eight nurses and five obstetric anaesthetists). METHODS: Alternating interviews and focus group meetings until concept saturation was achieved (no new themes discussed in three consecutive interviews). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, and an iterative coding process was used to identify domains. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was to identify recovery domains. We also report key symptoms and concerns. Discussion frequency and importance scores (0-100; 0 = not important; 100 = vitally important to recovery) were used to rank domains. Discussion frequency was used to rank factors helping and hindering recovery, and to determine the greatest challenges experienced postpartum. RESULTS: Thirty-four interviews and two focus group meetings were performed. The 13 postpartum recovery domains identified, (ranked highest to lowest) were: psychosocial distress, surgical/medical factors, infant feeding and breast health, psychosocial support, pain, physical function, sleep, motherhood experience, infant health, fatigue, appearance, sexual function and cognition. The most frequently discussed factors facilitating postpartum recovery were: family support, lactation/breastfeeding support and partner support. The most frequently discussed factor hindering recovery was inadequate social support. The most frequent challenges reported were: breastfeeding (week 1), breastfeeding (week 3) and sleep (week 6). CONCLUSIONS: We propose 13 domains that comprehensively describe recovery in women delivering in a single centre within the USA. This provides a novel framework to study the postpartum recovery process. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: We propose 13 postpartum recovery domains that provide a framework to study the recovery process following childbirth.

Curcumin and ustekinumab cotherapy alleviates induced psoriasis in rats through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease that affects 3% of people worldwide. Ustekinumab is a selective anti-IL-12/23 biologic that alleviates psoriasis, and curcumin is a natural, effective dietary turmeric extract applied to treat numerous diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluated the therapeutic effects of curcumin and ustekinumab cotherapy (CUC) on imiquimod (IQ)-induced psoriasis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty rats were divided into four groups, G1 (control group), G2 (IQ-treated group), G3 (IQ + ustekinumab), and G4 (IQ + CUC). Clinical, histopathological (HP), immunohistochemical (IHC), antioxidant, and biochemical investigations evaluated the efficacy of these drugs for treating IQ induced-psoriasis. RESULTS: Rats of G2 exhibited clinical signs of psoriatic skin lesions (erythema, scaling, and skin thickening) with epidermal changes (acanthosis and parakeratosis). Additionally, the biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in the levels of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GPx, and CAT) with significant (p < 0.05) elevations in psoriasis-related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12P40, and IL-23). In contrast, CUC alleviated the psoriatic changes in G4 better than ustekinumab monotherapy in G3. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab inhibits the inflammatory cytokines IL-12P40 and IL-23, while curcumin has antioxidant effects (increasing SOD, GPx, and CAT levels) with anti-inflammatory effects (decreasing the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-17). Therefore, CUC could be an excellent cost-effective regimen that can improve the treatment of psoriasis by the synergistic effects of CUC.HighlightsIQ-induces psoriasis by elevating TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12, and IL-23 and decreasing GPx, SOD, and CATUstekinumab exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23Curcumin inhibits TNF-α and IL-17A, and increases GPx, SOD, and CAT levelsCUC mitigates psoriasis by synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effectsCUC inhibits TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12, and IL-23 and increases GPx, SOD, and CAT levels.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm potentials of cinnamon oil and silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from bovine mastitis: new avenues for countering resistance.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) is a contagious pathogen of bovine mastitis. It has financial implications for the dairy cattle industry in certain areas of the world. Since antimicrobial resistance increases in dairy farms, natural antimicrobials from herbal origins and nanoparticles have been given more attention as an alternative therapy. Hence, this study reported the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potentials of cinnamon oil, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and their combination against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. agalactiae recovered from clinical bovine mastitis in Egypt. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that 73% (146/200) of the examined milk samples collected from dairy cows with clinical mastitis were infected with Streptococci species. Of these, 9.59% (14/146) were identified as S. agalactiae and categorized as MDR. S. agalactiae isolates expressed four virulence genes (Hyl, cylE, scpB, and lmb) and demonstrated an ability to produce biofilms. Cinnamon oil showed high antimicrobial (MICs ≤0.063 µg /mL) and antibiofilm (MBIC50 = 4 µg/mL) potentials against planktonic and biofilms of S. agalactiae isolates, respectively. However, AgNPs showed reasonable antimicrobial (MICs ≤16 µg/mL) and relatively low antibiofilm (MBIC50 = 64 µg/mL) activities against screened isolates. Synergistic antimicrobial or additive antibiofilm interactions of cinnamon oil combined with AgNPs were reported for the first time. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that biofilms of S. agalactiae isolates treated with cinnamon oil were more seriously damaged than observed in AgNPs cinnamon oil combination. Moreover, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that cinnamon oil exerted a remarkable down-regulation of pili biosynthesis genes (pilA and pilB) and their regulator (rogB) against S. agalactiae biofilms, meanwhile the AgNPs cinnamon oil combination demonstrated a lower efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This is an in vitro preliminary approach that documented the antibiofilm potential of cinnamon oil and the inhibitory activity of cinnamon oil and its combination with AgNPs against MDR S. agalactiae recovered from clinical mastitis. Further in vivo studies should be carried out in animal models to provide evidence of concept for implementing these alternative candidates in the treatment of dairy farms infected by streptococcal mastitis in the future.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Role of Bone Marrow-Derived MSCs in Mice with Acute Lung Injury.

Recently, studies suggested that the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory roles in the induced acute lung injury in mice via controlling innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immunity. Sixty adult male mice were divided equally into three groups. Group A (control group) received an intraperitoneal (IP) phosphate-buffered saline. Group B was injected IP with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Group C was injected IP with LPS, followed after 2 h by intravenous labeled bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). The plasma and bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were collected at 12, 24, and 72 h postinjection. Estimation of total cell and neutrophils count and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in BAL fluid was performed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) that is a proinflammatory cytokine and interleukin-10 (IL-10), which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in plasma. Lung samples were collected for histopathological examination at 12, 24, 72 h, and 1 week postinjection. Decreased TNF-α and increased IL-10 levels in the plasma of MSC-treated group compared to the LPS-infected group were observed. Also, decreased IgM level in BAL fluid of the MSC-treated group after 72 h compared to the LPS-infected group was detected with a resolution of inflammation and improvement in lung injury. Moreover, MSC-treated group showed a reduction in total leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage in comparison to control and LPS-infected groups. Histopathological improvement was detected in MSC-treated group as well. In conclusion, systemic MSCs injection has an anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effect in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Virulence and Genotyping of Campylobacter jejuni with a Special Reference to the Anti-Virulence Potential of Eugenol and Beta-Resorcylic Acid on Some Multi-Drug Resistant Isolates in Egypt.

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Contaminated chickens and their products are the main sources of human campylobacteriosis. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the genotypic and virulence genes' profiles of multi-drug resistant (MDR) C. jejuni isolates and to assess the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) of eugenol and beta-resorcylic acid on the virulence of avian MDR C. jejuni isolates. These isolates were clustered together with the human isolates via enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) fingerprinting. A total of 345 samples were collected from human stool (100) and different chicken (245) samples in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Conventional phenotypic methods identified 113 isolates (32.8%) as C. jejuni, and all C. jejuni isolates were MDR and resistant to erythromycin and ampicillin. The genes virB11, wlaN, and flaA were detected in 52%, 36% and 100% strains, respectively. ERIC-PCR yielded 14 profiles and five main clusters. Interestingly, human and chicken C. jejuni isolates were clustered together in ERIC-PCR clusters II-V, which confirmed the genetic relatedness between the isolates from both origins. Beta-resorcylic acid and eugenol inhibited the invasion of C. jejuni isolates to chicken intestinal cells by 41.66-38.19% and 31.94-29.16%, respectively, and minimized the transcription of flaA, virB11, and wlaN genes in the tested isolates by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). In essence, eugenol and beta-resorcylic acid are promising natural antimicrobials for minimizing the virulence of MDR C. jejuni in chickens, thereby managing human campylobacteriosis.

Novel Streptococcus equi strains causing strangles outbreaks in Arabian horses in Egypt.

Strangles displays a major challenge to veterinary medicine worldwide. However, no data on Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi) M protein alleles have been reported so far from Arabian horses. We report here for the first time the S. equi SeM alleles causing strangles in Arabian horses, and the associated risk factors for the disease. Duplicate samples from one hundred Arabian horses with acute strangles in confirmed outbreaks and sporadic cases were analysed by phenotypic methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting streptokinase precursor, seeI and sodA genes. PCR and sequencing of S. equi SeM gene were employed for strains typing, and the four superantigens were determined among the allelic variants. Direct-sample PCR confirmed and highly positively correlated (r = .85) with the phenotypic results, and detected S. equi in five samples more than the conventional culture. A combination of multiplex PCR from samples and culture could successfully identify S. equi (92%), S. zooepidemicus (5%) and S. equisimilis (3%). SeM typing demonstrated five SeM alleles, including four previously unidentified alleles that were deposited in the PubMLST-SeM database. SeM-139 and SeM-141 are related to some strains that were recently recovered from donkeys in China. SeM-140 and SeM-199 are related to a group of alleles from horses in Europe. Variation in the presence of seeM, seeH and seeL superantigens was found across the four novel alleles without interference with the severity of strangles and clinical presentation seen in different outbreaks. Horse age was the most important factor in developing strangles, followed by seasonality and the diagnosis of strangles in the previous year. These new findings comprise a significant contribution to the horse industry through the identification of novel S. equi SeM types that may bolster measures for strangles control as the identified SeM alleles will certainly help in the development of SeM-containing vaccine.

Genetic Diversity of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated From Avian and Human Sources in Egypt.

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) are able to colonise and infect domestic poultry and also pose a risk for humans. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of genotypic diversity among C. jejuni isolates recovered from avian and human sources in Egypt. Furthermore, the short variable region (SVR) of flagellin A (flaA) gene was analysed for the presence of allelic variants. Our results showed that C. jejuni isolates differ in their capacity to harbour each of the virulence genes alone or when present in various combinations. The flaA gene was detected in all C. jejuni strains and none of the strains had all the studied virulence genes together. When considering C. jejuni strains from the investigated sources, the cdtC gene was the most similar, while the cdtB and iam genes were the most dissimilar. We could identify 13 novel alleles in the analysed strains. The analyses of virulence gene patterns, flaA gene sequences and allelic variants showed that C. jejuni strains from different sources overlapped largely suggesting potential involvement of poultry in transmitting C. jejuni to humans. We also found that the strains isolated from the same host were highly heterogeneous, with chicken strains exhibiting the highest diversity. Moreover, the human strains were clustered closer to chicken ones than to those from pigeon. The results of this study should be taken into consideration when assessing the epidemiology and risk potential of Egyptian C. jejuni not only in poultry, but also in humans.

The effect of replacement of fish meal with Amino Acids and Optimized Protein Levels in the diet of the Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus / O efeito da substituição da farinha de peixe por Aminoácidos e Níveis Otimizados de Proteína na dieta da tilápia do Nilo Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract This study was conducted to determine an appropriate replacement of fishmeal with amino acids (AAs) and optimized protein levels in practical diets for Oreochromis niloticus with mean initial body weight 12.52±0.63g. Six experimental and a control diet (total 7 diets) divided into two groups, and a control diet (D1) containing 32% protein. The first group contained three diets that included different dietary protein levels, viz. 20 (D2), 25 (D3), and 30% (D4) with AAs when replacing fishmeal by plant protein sources. In the second group, the diets were contained 20 (D5), 25 (D6), and 30% (D7) without AAs. The best growth performance was achieved in fish fed with diet D1. Total feed intake was increased with an increase in dietary protein level with AAs. The specific growth rate showed a similar pattern with a significant difference between control, D4 and D7 compared to other groups. The feed conversion ratio decreased when protein levels in the diets increased. The protein efficiency ratio showed a similar performance, with a slight increase between the control diet and diets with AAs. However, insignificant differences (P>0.05) were observed between diets with and without AAs. An economic evaluation indicated that inclusion of low fishmeal in tilapia diets reduced the price/kg of diets compared to control.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para determinar uma substituição adequada de farinha de peixe com aminoácidos (AA) e níveis otimizados de proteína em dietas práticas para Oreochromis niloticus com peso corporal inicial médio de 12,52 ± 0,63 g. Seis dietas experimentais e controle (total de 7 dietas) divididas em dois grupos, e uma dieta controle (D1) contendo 32% de proteína. O primeiro grupo continha três dietas que incluíam diferentes níveis de proteína na dieta, viz. 20 (D2), 25 (D3) e 30% (D4) com AAs ao substituir a farinha de peixe por fontes de proteína vegetal. No segundo grupo, as dietas continham 20 (D5), 25 (D6) e 30% (D7) sem AAs. O melhor desempenho de crescimento foi alcançado em peixes alimentados com dieta D1. O consumo total de ração foi aumentado com o aumento do nível de proteína na dieta com AAs. A taxa de crescimento específico mostrou um padrão semelhante com uma diferença significativa entre o controle, D4 ​​e D7 em comparação com outros grupos. A taxa de conversão alimentar diminuiu quando os níveis de proteína nas dietas aumentaram. A taxa de eficiência protéica apresentou desempenho semelhante, com discreto aumento entre a dieta controle e as dietas com AAs. Entretanto, diferenças insignificantes (P> 0,05) foram observadas entre dietas com e sem AAs. Uma avaliação econômica indicou que a inclusão de farinha de peixe baixa em dietas de tilápia reduziu o preço / kg de dietas em relação ao controle.

Prepregnancy maternal body mass index and venous thromboembolism: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between maternal body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism (VTE). DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING AND POPULATION: A total of 2 449 133 women with singleton pregnancies who underwent delivery hospitalisation in California between 2008 and 2012. METHODS: Association of pre-pregnancy BMI and the risk of an antepartum and postpartum VTE was examined using logistic regression, with normal BMI as reference. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Antepartum and postpartum VTE-related hospitalisation. RESULTS: The prevalence of antepartum and postpartum VTE increased with increasing BMI (antepartum: 2.3, 3.0, 3.8, 4.2, 4.7, and 10.6 per 10 000 women for underweight, normal BMI, overweight, obesity class I, II, and III, respectively, P < 0.001; postpartum: 2.0, 3.1, 3.9, 5.6, 9.0, and 13.2 per 10 000 women, P < 0.01). The adjusted odds of antepartum and postpartum VTE increased progressively with increasing BMI, with obesity class III women having the highest risk of pregnancy-related VTE compared with normal BMI women: adjusted odds ratio for antepartum VTE: 2.9; 95% CI 2.2-3.8 and adjusted odds ratio for postpartum VTE: 3.6; 95% CI 2.9-4.6. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly demonstrate an increasing risk of pregnancy-related VTE with increasing BMI. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Obesity was associated with increased odds of antepartum and postpartum venous thromboembolism.

The effect of replacement of fish meal with Amino Acids and Optimized Protein Levels in the diet of the Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

This study was conducted to determine an appropriate replacement of fishmeal with amino acids (AAs) and optimized protein levels in practical diets for Oreochromis niloticus with mean initial body weight 12.52±0.63g. Six experimental and a control diet (total 7 diets) divided into two groups, and a control diet (D1) containing 32% protein. The first group contained three diets that included different dietary protein levels, viz. 20 (D2), 25 (D3), and 30% (D4) with AAs when replacing fishmeal by plant protein sources. In the second group, the diets were contained 20 (D5), 25 (D6), and 30% (D7) without AAs. The best growth performance was achieved in fish fed with diet D1. Total feed intake was increased with an increase in dietary protein level with AAs. The specific growth rate showed a similar pattern with a significant difference between control, D4 and D7 compared to other groups. The feed conversion ratio decreased when protein levels in the diets increased. The protein efficiency ratio showed a similar performance, with a slight increase between the control diet and diets with AAs. However, insignificant differences (P>0.05) were observed between diets with and without AAs. An economic evaluation indicated that inclusion of low fishmeal in tilapia diets reduced the price/kg of diets compared to control.

Out-of-hospital births in California 1991-2011.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the frequencies and characteristics of out-of-hospital births in a 20-year period in California, where 1 of every 7 births in the United States occurs. STUDY DESIGN: Birth certificate records of deliveries in California between 1991 and 2011 were analyzed. Out-of-hospital births were assessed by year, parity, gestational age and maternal race/ethnicity. RESULTS: In the 20-year period there were 10 593,904 deliveries, of which 46 243 occurred out of hospital (0.44%). Out-of-hospital births decreased from 0.54 to 0.38% per year between 1991 and 2004, and increased from 0.41% in 2005 to 0.61% in 2011. In contrast, preterm out-of-hospital births declined from 7.2% in 2006 to 5.0% in 2011. The frequency of vaginal birth after cesarean in the out-of-hospital birth cohort increased from 1.2% (n=19) in 1996 to 4.2% (n=82) in 2011. CONCLUSION: California birth records from a 20-year period show an increase in out-of-hospital births from years 2005 to 2011, following a period of decline from 1991 to 2004.

Garcinia kola seeds may prevent cognitive and motor dysfunctions in a type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model partly by mitigating neuroinflammation.

Background We reported recently that extracts of seeds of Garcinia kola, a plant with established hypoglycemic properties, prevented the loss of inflammation-sensible neuronal populations like Purkinje cells in a rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Here, we assessed G. kola extract ability to prevent the early cognitive and motor dysfunctions observed in this model. Methods Rats made diabetic by single injection of streptozotocin were treated daily with either vehicle solution (diabetic control group), insulin, or G. kola extract from the first to the 6th week post-injection. Then, cognitive and motor functions were assessed using holeboard and vertical pole behavioral tests, and animals were sacrificed. Brains were dissected out, cut, and processed for Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry. Results Hyperglycemia (209.26 %), body weight loss (-12.37 %), and T1DM-like cognitive and motor dysfunctions revealed behavioral tests in diabetic control animals were not observed in insulin and extract-treated animals. Similar, expressions of inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF), iba1 (CD68), and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as decreases of neuronal density in regions involved in cognitive and motor functions (-49.56 % motor cortex, -33.24 % medial septal nucleus, -41.8 % /-37.34 % cerebellar Purkinje /granular cell layers) were observed in diabetic controls but not in animals treated with insulin or G. kola. Conclusions Our results indicate that T1DM-like functional alterations are mediated, at least partly, by neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in this model. The prevention of the development of such alterations by early treatment with G. kola confirms the neuroprotective properties of the plant and warrant further mechanistic studies, considering the potential for human disease.

Obstetric interventions and maternal morbidity among women who experience severe postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Compared to vaginal delivery, women undergoing cesarean delivery are at increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Management approaches may differ between those undergoing prelabor cesarean delivery compared to intrapartum cesarean delivery. We examined surgical interventions, blood component use, and maternal outcomes among those experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage within the two distinct cesarean delivery cohorts. METHODS: We performed secondary analyses of data from two cohorts who underwent prelabor cesarean delivery or intrapartum cesarean delivery at a tertiary obstetric center in the United States between 2002 and 2012. Severe postpartum hemorrhage was classified as an estimated blood loss ≥1500mL or receipt of a red blood cell transfusion up to 48h post-cesarean delivery. We examined blood component use, medical and surgical interventions and maternal outcomes. RESULTS: The prelabor cohort comprised 269 women and the intrapartum cohort comprised 278 women. In the prelabor cohort, one third of women received red blood cells intraoperatively or postoperatively, respectively. In the intrapartum cohort, 18% women received red blood cells intraoperatively vs. 44% postoperatively (P<0.001). In the prelabor and intrapartum cohorts, methylergonovine was the most common second-line uterotonic (33% and 43%, respectively). Women undergoing prelabor cesarean delivery had the highest rates of morbidity, with 18% requiring hysterectomy and 16% requiring intensive care admission. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide a snapshot of contemporary transfusion and surgical practices for severe postpartum hemorrhage management during cesarean delivery. To determine optimal transfusion and management practices in this setting, large pragmatic studies are needed.