Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Candida utilis from Some of the Sudanese traditionally Fermented Food Products

The aims of this study were to isolate, identify and characterize the yeast Candida utilis (as a source of single cell protein SCP) from various local Sudanese fermented foods (Kissra, Hulu Mur and Marisa). Hulu Mur samples were found to contain the highest counts of yeast (6.89 cfu/g 6.78 cfu/g) while the low counts were found in Kissra samples (5.95 cfu/g - 5.84 cfu/g). Most of the C. utilis isolates had the same biochemical profiles with some slight variations. The study showed that C. utilis can utilize aerobically and anaerobically dextrose, sucrose, and raffinose and could assimilate maltose under aerobic conditions only. The isolates could not utilize lactose, glactose. cellubiose and arabinose under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It had an ability to assimilate nitrate and grew at high concentration of ethanol. The study showed that the biomass yield of C utilis was 2.5 g\l using batch fermentation. On the other hand the protein and moisture content of the product were 42% and 61%, therefore. It can be used in the production of single cell protein (SCP)

The Effect of Mashing Methods on the Production of Nonalcoholic Sorghum Malt Beverage

Although sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has been used traditionally to produce foods, malt and alcoholic beverages in Sudan, its structure and nutritional function have not been enough studied. Sorghum can be malted and processed into malted foods and beverages. The objective of this study was to study the effect of mashing methods on malt quality and wort composition to produce non-alcoholic sorghum malt beverage.  Malting was carried out at 30°C for 5 days under non-aerated condition. Mashing methods included decantation at 80°C (wort A) and at 100°C (wort B). Wort composition in terms of α –amino nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen, reducing sugars, pH, colour, original gravity and viscosity were determined. The results of wort A were 114 mg/l, 43%, 39.42 mg/ml, 6.59, 9 EBC, 1.026 and 0.846 cP, respectively. Whereas the results of wort B were 125 mg/l, 53%, 41.67 mg/ml, 6.68, 11 EBC, 1.025 and 0.864 cP, respectively. Decantation mashing at 100°C produced much better results in terms of malt and wort properties than that at 80°C where boiling the mash at 100°C adequately gelatinized residual sorghum malt starch, since sorghum starch has a gelatinization temperature of 80°C

A randomised controlled trial of the effects of albendazole in pregnancy on maternal responses to mycobacterial antigens and infant responses to bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunisation [ISRCTN32849447]

BACKGROUND: Maternal schistosomiasis and filariasis have been shown to influence infant responses to neonatal bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunisation but the effects of maternal hookworm, and of de-worming in pregnancy, are unknown. METHODS: In Entebbe, Uganda, we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a single dose of 400 mg of albendazole in the second trimester of pregnancy. Neonates received BCG. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-5 responses to a mycobacterial antigen (crude culture filtrate proteins (CFP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis) were measured in a whole blood assay. We analysed results for binary variables using χ(2 )tests and logistic regression. We analysed continuous variables using Wilcoxon's tests. RESULTS: Maternal hookworm was associated with reduced maternal IFN-γ responses to CFP (adjusted odds ratio for IFN-γ > median response: 0.14 (95% confidence interval 0.02–0.83, p = 0.021). Conversely, maternal hookworm was associated with subsequent increased IFN-γ responses in their one-year-old infants (adjusted OR 17.65 (1.20–258.66; p = 0.013)). Maternal albendazole tended to reduce these effects. CONCLUSION: Untreated hookworm infection in pregnancy was associated with reduced maternal IFN-γ responses to mycobacterial antigens, but increased responses in their infants one year after BCG immunisation. The mechanisms of these effects, and their implications for protective immunity remain, to be determined

Targeting NF-κB signaling cascades of glioblastoma by a natural benzophenone, garcinol, via in vitro and molecular docking approaches

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is regarded as the most aggressive form of brain tumor delineated by high cellular heterogeneity; it is resistant to conventional therapeutic regimens. In this study, the anti-cancer potential of garcinol, a naturally derived benzophenone, was assessed against GBM. During the analysis, we observed a reduction in the viability of rat glioblastoma C6 cells at a concentration of 30 µM of the extract (p < 0.001). Exposure to garcinol also induced nuclear fragmentation and condensation, as evidenced by DAPI-stained photomicrographs of C6 cells. The dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent fashion was linked to the activation of caspases. Furthermore, it was observed that garcinol mediated the inhibition of NF-κB (p < 0.001) and decreased the expression of genes associated with cell survival (Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and survivin) and proliferation (cyclin D1). Moreover, garcinol showed interaction with NF-κB through some important amino acid residues, such as Pro275, Trp258, Glu225, and Gly259 during molecular docking analysis. Comparative analysis with positive control (temozolomide) was also performed. We found that garcinol induced apoptotic cell death via inhibiting NF-κB activity in C6 cells, thus implicating it as a plausible therapeutic agent for GBM

Management of penicillin allergy in primary care: a qualitative study with patients and primary care physicians

Background Six percent of patients are allergic to penicillin according to their medical records. While this designation protects a small number of truly allergic patients from serious reactions, those who are incorrectly labelled may be denied access to recommended first line treatment for many infections. Removal of incorrect penicillin allergy may have positive health consequences for the individual and the general population. We aimed to explore primary care physicians’ (PCPs) and patients’ views and understanding of penicillin allergy with a focus on clinical management of infections in the face of a penicillin allergy record. Methods We conducted an interview study with 31 patients with a penicillin allergy record, and 19 PCPs in the North of England. Data were analysed thematically. Results Patients made sense of their allergy status by considering the timing and severity of symptoms. Diagnosis of penicillin allergy was reported to be ‘imperfect’ with PCPs relying on patient reports and incomplete medical records. PCPs and patients often suspected that an allergy record was incorrect, but PCPs were reluctant to change records. PCPs had limited knowledge of allergy services. PCPs often prescribed alternative antibiotics which were easy to identify. Both patients and PCPs differed in the extent to which they were aware of the negative consequences of incorrect penicillin allergy records, their relevance and importance to their lives, and management of penicillin allergy. Conclusions PCPs and patients appear insufficiently aware of potential harms associated with incorrect penicillin allergy records. Some of the problems experienced by PCPs could be reduced by ensuring the details of newly diagnosed reactions to antibiotics are clearly documented. In order for PCPs to overturn more incorrect penicillin records through appropriate use of allergy services, more information and training about these services will be needed

A National Survey of Hereditary Angioedema and Acquired C1 Inhibitor Deficiency in the United Kingdom

Background: Detailed demographic data on people with hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United Kingdom are relatively limited. Better demographic data would be beneficial in planning service provision, identifying areas of improvement, and improving care./ Objective: To obtain more accurate data on the demographics of HAE and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United Kingdom, including treatment modalities and services available to patients./ Methods: A survey was distributed to all centers in the United Kingdom that look after patients with HAE and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency to collect these data./ Results: The survey identified 1152 patients with HAE-1/2 (58% female and 92% type 1), 22 patients with HAE with normal C1 inhibitor, and 91 patients with acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency. Data were provided by 37 centers across the United Kingdom. This gives a minimum prevalence of 1:59,000 for HAE-1/2 and 1:734,000 for acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United Kingdom. A total of 45% of patients with HAE were on long-term prophylaxis (LTP) with the most used medication being danazol (55% of all patients on LTP). Eighty-two percent of patients with HAE had a home supply of acute treatment with C1 inhibitor or icatibant. A total of 45% of patients had a supply of icatibant and 56% had a supply of C1 inhibitor at home./ Conclusions: Data obtained from the survey provide useful information about the demographics and treatment modalities used in HAE and acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in the United Kingdom. These data are useful for planning service provision and improving services for these patients