Molecular characterization of gliotoxin-producing Aspergillus fumigatus in dairy cattle feed

Background and Aim: Several strains of Aspergillus fumigatus produce mycotoxins that affect the health and productivity of dairy cattle, and their presence in dairy cattle feed is a serious concern. This study aimed to determine the densities of A. fumigatus and gliotoxin in commercial dairy feed. Materials and Methods: More than 60 dairy feed samples were examined for fungal contamination, specifically for A. fumigatus, using phenotypic approaches and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin regions. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess gliotoxin production in A. fumigatus. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of gliZ, which was responsible for gliotoxin production. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect gliotoxin in feed samples. Results: Aspergillus was the most commonly identified genus (68.3%). Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from 18.3% of dairy feed samples. Only four of the 11 A. fumigatus isolates yielded detectable gliotoxins by HPLC. In total, 7/11 (43.7%) feed samples tested had gliotoxin contamination above the threshold known to induce immunosuppressive and apoptotic effects in vitro. The HPLC-based classification of isolates as high, moderate, or non-producers of gliotoxin was confirmed by RT-PCR, and the evaluation of gliZ expression levels corroborated this classification. Conclusion: The identification of A. fumigatus from animal feed greatly depended on ITS and β-tubulin sequencing. Significant concentrations of gliotoxin were found in dairy cattle feed, and its presence may affect dairy cow productivity and health. Furthermore, workers face contamination risks when handling and storing animal feed

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in Palestine (Northern West Bank): A comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A comparative food ethnobotanical study was carried out in fifteen local communities distributed in five districts in the Palestinian Authority, PA (northern West Bank), six of which were located in Nablus, two in Jenin, two in Salfit, three in Qalqilia, and two in Tulkarm. These are among the areas in the PA whose rural inhabitants primarily subsisted on agriculture and therefore still preserve the traditional knowledge on wild edible plants.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data on the use of wild edible plants were collected for one-year period, through informed consent semi-structured interviews with 190 local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document use diversity, and relative importance of each species.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>The study recorded 100 wild edible plant species, seventy six of which were mentioned by three informants and above and were distributed across 70 genera and 26 families. The most significant species include <it>Majorana syriaca, Foeniculum vulgare, Malvasylvestris</it>, <it>Salvia fruticosa, Cyclamen persicum, Micromeria fruticosa, Arum palaestinum, Trigonella foenum-graecum</it>, <it>Gundelia tournefortii</it>, and <it>Matricaria aurea</it>. All the ten species with the highest mean cultural importance values (mCI), were cited in all five areas. Moreover, most were important in every region. A common cultural background may explain these similarities. One taxon (<it>Majoranasyriaca</it>) in particular was found to be among the most quoted species in almost all areas surveyed. CI values, as a measure of traditional botanical knowledge, for edible species in relatively remote and isolated areas (Qalqilia, and Salfit) were generally higher than for the same species in other areas. This can be attributed to the fact that local knowledge of wild edible plants and plant gathering are more spread in remote or isolated areas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Gathering, processing and consuming wild edible plants are still practiced in all the studied Palestinian areas. About 26 % (26/100) of the recorded wild botanicals including the most quoted and with highest mCI values, are currently gathered and utilized in all the areas, demonstrating that there are ethnobotanical contact points among the various Palestinian regions. The habit of using wild edible plants is still alive in the PA, but is disappearing. Therefore, the recording, preserving, and infusing of this knowledge to future generations is pressing and fundamental.</p

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Reviewing treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients at Zagazig Chest Hospital (2008–2012)

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of major critical heath problem worldwide, where drug treatment is fundamental for controlling TB promoting cure of the patient and breaking the chain of transmission when treatment is completely and correctly followed. Aim of the study: Aim of the study is to assess the treatment outcomes of TB patients at Zagazig Chest Hospital and to identify factors associated with poor outcomes in a trial to achieve the national tuberculosis program (NTP) goals. Patients and methods: This is a cohort study that was carried out at Zagazig Chest Hospital which was in part retrospective and prospective in other part. Analysis of data of 290 tuberculous patients was done where 10 cases were excluded. Demographic, socioeconomic data were reported in addition to radiological, bacteriologic histopathological diagnostic data and history of previous treatment of TB and the used anti-tuberculous treatment regimens with application of directly observed therapy short course (DOTS) strategy. Treatment outcomes were assessed for all patients and were classified either as successful or unsuccessful. Results: Successful treatment outcome was reported in 231 (82.5%) TB cases versus 49 (17.5%) cases with unsuccessful treatment. Successful outcome was significantly associated with middle age (16–35 years) (51.5%) (P < .05), well education (78.8%) (P < .001), absence of history of contact with positive TB case (96.1%) (P < .001), mild to moderate advanced X-ray picture (95.5%) (P < .001) and absence of previous history of anti-tuberculous treatment (87.1%) (P < .01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for risk factors for unsuccessful outcome revealed that illiteracy (P < .001), history of contact to positive TB cases (P < .001) and far advanced chest X-ray of pulmonary TB (P < .001) were considered as significant predictors. Conclusions: A high rate of successful treatment is reported with application of the NTP (2012) guidelines which was associated with middle age of the patients (16–35 years), well education, mild to moderate advanced X-ray picture and absence of either history of contact with positive TB case or previous history of anti-tuberculous treatment(new case). Illiteracy, history of contact to positive TB cases, far advanced chest X-ray of pulmonary TB and previously treated cases on CAT II regimen could be considered as predictors of unsuccessful outcome

Biochemical Analyses of Ten Cyanobacterial and Microalgal Strains Isolated from Egyptian Habitats, and Screening for Their Potential against Some Selected Phytopathogenic Fungal Strains

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are rich sources of numerous phytochemical compounds with intrinsic antifungal potential. This research aimed to screen the phytochemical compounds and contents, as well as the antioxidant profiles, in eight cyanobacterial and two microalgal strains isolated from soil and brackish water habitats in Egypt. Our study also evaluated their antifungal activities against three phytopathogenic fungi—namely, Pythium ultimum, Fusarium solani, and Botryodiplodia theobromae, which are known to cause severe plant loss. The biochemical compounds were obtained from the cyanobacterial and algal methanolic extracts, and were identified through comparative phytochemical analyses related to the inhibition of the fungal pathogens. Comparative qualitative analyses of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and saponins were also carried out. The quantitative phytochemical screening of the cyanobacterial and algal strains investigated revealed the presence of xylanase, glucanase, and chitinase enzymes, along with some bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, proteins, neutral sugars, and carotenoids, which were species-dependent and detected in variable amounts in the extracts. The unicellular green microalgal strain Dunaliella sp. HSSASE13 displayed the highest level of antioxidant activity. However, the highest antifungal activities were shown by the heterocystous cyanobacterial strain Anabaena sp. HSSASE11 (83.94%), followed by Dunaliella sp. HSSASE13 (81.94%) and the non-heterocystous cyanobacterial strain Oscillatoria nigro-viridis HSSASE 15 (63.42%), against the three fungal pathogens B. theobromae, F. solani, and P. ultimum, respectively. Our results indicate that the highest significant and positive correlations of flavonoids (r = 0.854), phenolics (r = 0.785), DPPH scavenging activity (r = 0.876), total proteins (r = 0.808), xylanase activity (r = 0.876), glucanase activity (r = 0.746), and total neutral sugars (r = 0.764), in terms of their antifungal activities, were recorded against F. solani. Conclusively, the cyanobacterial and algal strains tested in the present study can be useful agents for the management and biocontrol of plant-infecting fungal pathogens

Retraction notice to: ‘Assembly of efficient Ag/n-Si/Cu2CdSnS4/Au 5 for photovoltaic cell utilities’

Refers to RETRACTED: Assembly of efficient Ag/n-Si/Cu2CdSnS4/ Au for photovoltaic cell utilities, Halemah I. El Saeedy, Hanan A. Yakout, Mona Mahmoud, Said A. Abdelaal, and Mardia T. El Sayed, Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 92, 30302 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/202020020

RETRACTED: Assembly of efficient Ag/n-Si/Cu

At the request of the Authors, the following article has been retracted on 17 March 2021 (See the Retraction notic

Improving Effect of Dietary Oat Bran Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Induced By Hyperlipidemic Diet

Abstract: Many epidemiological studies support the involvement of oxidative stress in pathogenesis and progression of many diseases such as hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Oats (Avena sativa, Linn.) are rich in antioxidants and have cholesterol-reducing effect. This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and antioxidant activity as well as the prophylactic and curative effects of oat bran (2.70 g. kg -1 b.w. day -1 ) on oxidative stress induced by hyperlipideamic diet comparing with simvastatin (3.6 g. kg -1 b.w.day -1 ) as reference agent. Rats fed on hyperlipidemic diet supplemented with cholesterol, cholic acid and thiouracil (CCT, 3:1:0.5) exhibited significant elevation in hepatic antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPx and GST) activities and lipid peroxide (MDA), and a significant depletion in reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Oat bran was able to maintain or ameliorate these changes to nearly normal levels and reveals its prophylactic and curative effects on oxidative stress associated with hyperlipidemia. Oat bran has nearly similar potent antioxidant effect as simvastatin. These beneficial effects could be attributed to the antioxidant activities of bioactive ingredients in oat bran. In conclusion, oat bran supplementation exhibited a powerful antioxidant potential and, thus, reduce incidence and prevent atherosclerosis through a reduction in oxidative stress induced by hyperlipidemia in rats