Calli Essential Oils Synergize with Lawsone against Multidrug Resistant Pathogens.

The fast development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms increasingly threatens global health and well-being. Plant natural products have been known for centuries as alternative medicines that can possess pharmacological characteristics, including antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial activities of essential oil (Calli oil) extracted from the Calligonum comosum plant by hydro-steam distillation was tested either alone or when combined with lawsone, a henna plant naphthoquinone, against MDR microbes. Lawsone showed significant antimicrobial activities against MDR pathogens in the range of 200-300 µg/mL. Furthermore, Calli oil showed significant antimicrobial activities against MDR bacteria in the range of 180-200 µg/mL, Candida at 220-240 µg/mL and spore-forming Rhizopus fungus at 250 µg/mL. Calli oil's inhibition effect on Rhizopus, the major cause of the lethal infection mucormycosis, stands for 72 h, followed by an extended irreversible white sporulation effect. The combination of Calli oil with lawsone enhanced the antimicrobial activities of each individual alone by at least three-fold, while incorporation of both natural products in a liposome reduced their toxicity by four- to eight-fold, while maintaining the augmented efficacy of the combination treatment. We map the antimicrobial activity of Calli oil to its major component, a benzaldehyde derivative. The findings from this study demonstrate that formulations containing essential oils have the potential in the future to overcome antimicrobial resistance

Novel, Functional Fermented Dairy Product: Preparation and Evaluation of Dried Kishk-like Products from Fenugreek Seeds with Cow’s Milk, Camel’s Milk, and Goat’s Milk

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of dried Kishk-like products using burghal of wheat, oat, and fenugreek with cow’s milk, camel’s milk, and goat’s milk. Kishk is an artisanal product that is popular in Egypt and the Middle East. This product is made primarily with wheat; however, to our knowledge, no research has used fenugreek seeds in making it. Changes in the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of Kishk samples were followed over 90 days of storage at room temperature. The proximate analysis of fenugreek–Kishk samples (CF, AF, and GF) revealed the levels of moisture content (4.05–7.86%), protein (21.49–22.66%), fat (22.07–26.07%), fiber (13.59–14.19%), carbohydrate (22.16–28.37%), and ash (8.00–9.03%), and acidity ranged from 3.00% to 5.98%. Notably, the GF sample displayed the highest a*, b*, dC*, and ΔE values, along with the lowest L* value among all samples. Counts of coliform, yeasts and molds, Staphylococci, and spore-forming bacteria were not detected at detection limit < log CFU/g for any prepared Kishk-like samples. This was due to the combined levels of organic acids, high acidity, and low moisture content in Kishk samples that resulted in a safe food with a long shelf life. The Kishk-like samples thus could provide a complementary diet for infants up to six months, as well as a suitable option for children and elderly individuals requiring specialized care, offering an alternative to commercially available extracts

Stress and Burnout among Preretirement Employee in Hospital at 10th of Ramadan City

Employees are at high risk for stress and burnout. The aim of this study was to assess job stressors and burnout among employees in hospital at Tenth of Ramadan city. Design: cross-sectional descriptive design. Setting: the National Health Insurance Hospital at 10th of Ramadan city. Samples: convenience sample consisted of 100 employees. Tools: a self-administered questionnaire including scales for job stress and strain, burnout, and coping strategies, in addition to socio-demographic data was used in data collection. Results: the majority of the nurses were younger than 30 years (78%), with diploma degree (93%), and insufficient income (69%). More nurses had high exposure to stressors (49%), than strains (19%), and 20% had high burnout. Conclusion: the coping strategy most commonly used was effective behavioral confrontation. Nurses’ stress, strain, and burnout are strongly correlated and are influenced by personal factors such as age, qualification, experience, and residence, as well as job factors such as work hours, income, and the use of ineffective coping. Recommendations: the hospital administration should deal with and periodic assess the job factors underlying nurses’ stress and burnout. Further research is proposed to investigate the effectiveness of changing work environment factors and nursing care system on nurses’ burnout

The Relationship Between Non-cellulosic Content with Fiber and Yarn Properties

Abstract: This investigation was carried out at Cotton Res. Inst., Agric. Res-Center, Giza, Egypt to evaluate the relationship between non-cellulosic content to fiber and yarn properties for some Egyptian cotton cultivars i.e., Giza 45, Giza 70, Giza 86 and 80. Four lint grades i.e., fully good (FG), good (G), fully good fair (FGF) and good fair to fully good fair (GF/FGF) were used. Physical and chemical fiber properties were estimated as well as yarn properties. For determining the relations between the above properties, simple correlation, as well as the regression equations was established. The results showed that there were a highly negative correlation between micronaire value, fibers strength (g/tex), maturity ratio, lea product and single yarn strength (cN/tex) with non-cellulosic content (%). Whereas, the correlation between yellowness degree (+b) and yarn evenness CV % with non-cellulosic were a positive direction. The fiber maturity (%), miconaire reading, fineness (millitex), strength (g/tex), upper half mean (UHM), uniformity index (UI), (Rd %), cellulosic content (%), lea product and single yarn strength (cN/tex) were increased as the lint grade increased to fully good, (FG). While, yellowness degree, (+b) and yarn evenness CV % were decreased by increasing the lint grade

Synthesis and characterization of benzil crown cyclic Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes

ABSTRACT. The reaction between benzil and hexamethylenediamine formed a new ligand [L], [(1Z,3Z)-2,3-diphenyl-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-1,4-diazecine], of the type [N2], was synthesized by the condensation reaction through Schiff base reaction between benzil and hexamethylenediamine. The new Schiff base ligand reacts with Mnп, Niп and Coп metal ions to give the complexes with the general formula: [M(L)Cl2]. The elemental investigations have been used to analyze the ligand and its complexes by CHN, FT-IR, UV-Vis, TLC, mass spectrum, melting point with the study of biological activity to the formed compounds. From the data obtained, the proposed molecular structure adopts square planar structure about the metal ions. The study reveals the formation of a new ligand type [N2] and it's metal ion complexes with square planar structures metal:ligand ratio of 1:1, which can be employed in a variety of fields such as medicine and industry. &nbsp; &nbsp; KEY WORDS: Benzil, Hexamethylenediamine, Metal complexes, Square planar structure &nbsp; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(4), 791-799.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i4.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp

Chemerin Level in the Serum of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and its Relation to Disease Severity

Background: Chemerin is a new adipokine that has been linked to joint inflammation and degeneration. It has a proinflammatory effect and modulates immune system activity. Objective: The aim of the work was to assess the chemerin role in diagnosis as well as monitoring of severity of the disease in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients.Patients and Methods: This case-control study included a total of 60 subjects, 30 of them had knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and 30 served as controls, attending at Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation, and Physical Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals. Chemerin level was measured for all the subjects by ELISA technique. In osteoarthritis group, knee osteoarthritis was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: Statistically insignificant differences in age, BMI, as well as sex were found among the 2 studied groups. Serum chemerin levels in patients with KOA were statistically significantly higher than in controls, with a p-value of 0.001. Serum chemerin had no statistically significant correlations to age, BMI, or length of illness, while WOMAC scores, CRP, as well as ESR were strongly associated with serum chemerin levels. Conclusion: It could be concluded that serum chemerin can be utilized as an inflammatory marker in KOA patients and it can be considered as a therapeutic target. Further studies are recommended to assess its levels in other types of OA, and other rheumatic diseases

Effect of Occupational Cadmium Exposure on Parathyroid Gland

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is used in many industries. High-level exposure is associated with severe kidney and bone damage.AIM: This study investigates the possible effect of occupational cadmium exposure on parathyroid gland and some minerals in workers.METHODS: Environmental air monitoring of cadmium was done. Serum and urine cadmium levels, kidney function, some minerals, and plasma parathormone were estimated in the studied groups. RESULTS: The exposed workers had significantly higher Cd concentration in serum and urine than controls. The mean levels of plasma parathyroid hormone, serum phosphorus and magnesium were significantly lower among the exposed group. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and calcium were significantly higher in the same group when compared to referents. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration in the serum and urine for the exposed group. The biological Cd exposure indices correlated positively with serum calcium and negatively with plasma PTH level. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, bone ache, joint pain and muscle spasm were more prevalent among the exposed workers compared with the controls with odds ratio 4.316, 3.053 and 3.103 respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Occupational cadmium exposure has an adverse effect on PTH level and serum human minerals

Evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fucoxanthin from Dilophys fasciola and as a food additive in stirred yoghurt

We investigated the effects of fucoxanthin isolated from the edible macroalga Dilophys fasciola on pathogenic microbes and probiotics in vitro and the antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin. The yield concentration of the obtained crude was 50.5% fucoxanthin. We found strong inhibition against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, and lower inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The probiotic strains progressed between 1.2 and 1.67 log cycles at a concentration of 30 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity ranged between 54.76% and 88.36% at a concentration of 40 μg/mL. The 50% lethal dose of algal fucoxanthin was shown to be more than 2511.88 mg/kg. The production of stirred yoghurt incorporated with 20 mg and 30 mg of fucoxanthin per kilogram of milk was evaluated through chemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses during storage for 21 days and compared with control samples. The maximum growth for probiotics (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lacticaseibacillus casei) was found on day 14, but more viability counts were detected in the treatment with 30 mg/kg. All treatments were free from mould and yeast counts up to 7 days, and the small numbers of mould, yeast, and psychrotrophic counts appeared first in control samples. Also, the highest dry matter content was observed for treatments with 30 mg/kg. Moreover, the protein, fat, and ash content of all treatments increased with a progressive cold storage period. Greater reductions in the pH were found in treatments than in the control, and were consistent with the development of acidity. During storage, the amount of crude fucoxanthin had no significant impact on the flavour, colour, or appearance scores. Significance: • Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid that offers many benefits to human health. • The fucoxanthin of edible Dilophys fasciola had a strong antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. • Stirred yoghurt fortified with crude fucoxanthin had good overall acceptability and the percentage of crude fucoxanthin had no noticeable effects on the flavour, colour, or appearance. Fucoxanthin, therefore, has potential benefit as a food additive

Evaluating the Feasibility of Pro-Neurotensin and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 as Possible Indicators for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

(1) Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome are associated with decreased vitamin D. In contrast, high pro-neurotensin (pro-NT) levels are linked with an increased risk of T2DM and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the validity of pro-NT and 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 levels as predictors for T2DM complications; (2) Methods: One hundred T2DM, and one hundred healthy volunteers participated in this case-control study. Their Pro-NT and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were evaluated using the ELISA technique; (3) Results: Pro-NT and 25 (OH) vitamin D3 have significant validity and accuracy in T2DM prediction, 84.5%, and 90.5%, respectively (p = 0.001). At a value of \u3c29.5, 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 showed 88% sensitivity and 93% specificity in predicting T2DM. At a value of \u3e124 Pmol/L, Pro-NT showed 81% sensitivity and 88% specificity in predicting T2DM. At a value of 16.5, 25-Hydroxy vitamin D3 had 78.4% sensitivity and 68.3% specificity in predicting T2DM complications. At a value of \u3e158 pmol/L, Pro-NT predicted T2DM complications with 67.6% sensitivity and 56.0% specificity; (4) Conclusions: 25 (OH) Vit D3 and Pro-NT could identify T2DM patients and predict T2DM complications. More extensive research is required to adequately validate this novel perspective with a large population study