Community journalism and civic engagement in Egypt: the case study of Sahafet Welad El-Balad project

While Egypt enjoyed a heritage of local community press, genuine professional endeavors were nearly non-existent till recently. However, with Egypt undergoing a transitional phase, the emergence of community journalism became central to facilitate the shift into a more democratic state. Hence, this study explores the relation between community journalism and civic engagement in Egypt through examining a case study, El-Fayoumeya newspaper published as part of Sahafet Welad El-Balad media project. The study also discusses the state of community journalism in Egypt and the government\u27s media policies related to the issue. This includes an assessment of the state of community journalism in Egypt\u27s governorates, taking into account the challenges it faces and opportunities ahead. Moreover, the study examines the effect of political and socioeconomic status on civic engagement in Egyptian local governorates in post 2011 Revolution, and verifies whether the state of community journalism in Egypt\u27s governorates matches with the definitions of the concept found in the literature. The study utilizes a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods through combining interview data and survey data. It concludes that the poor heritage of community journalism is mainly an outcome of the constraining media policies adopted by the consecutive Egyptian governments to ensure tightening its control over privately-owned newspapers. Also, of the three broad categories of civic engagement (Awareness, Interaction and Participation), awareness is the most evident outcome of recent community journalism initiatives in Egyptian governorates

Prevalence of concealed and overt chronic renal failure in patients with COPD

AbstractAimTo assess the prevalence of chronic renal failure (concealed and overt) in patients with COPD.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 150 patients who were classified into three groups: Group I: 67 patients with COPD, Group II: 33 COPD patients with co morbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension and or ischemic heart disease). Group III: (control group): 50 patients with other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and or hypertension. All patients were subjected to: (1) Full history taking. (2) Complete clinical examination. (3) Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and body mass index). (4) Arterial oxygen saturation. (5) Radiological examination (Plain chest X-ray posterior–anterior view and Pelvi-abdominal ultrasound). (6) ECG and Echocardiography. (7) Spirometry. (8) Laboratory investigations (complete blood picture, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Liver function tests, serum creatinine, blood urea and uric acid and GFR, total cholesterol, sodium, potassium and chloride concentration).ResultsIn group I, there were 8 patients who had CRF (11.94%), 5 patients had overt CRF (7.46%) and 3 patients had concealed CRF (4.48%). In group II, there were 11 patients with CRF (33.33%), 6 patients had overt CRF (18.18%) and 5 patients had concealed CRF (15.15%). In group III, there were 9 patients having CRF (18%), 6 patients had overt CRF (12%) and 3patients had concealed CRF (6%). In COPD (group I and II) the overall prevalence of CRF was 19%.ConclusionCRF either concealed or overt may be associated with COPD patients and should be screened, not only by serum creatinine level but also by the estimated GFR to recognize the cases of concealed CRF who have low GFR despite normal serum creatinine level

Estimating the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken and Its Control via Sorghum Extracts

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative bacterium which is considered as the most reported cause of foodborne infection, especially for poultry species. The object of this work is to evaluate the occurrence of C. jejuni in chicken meat as well its control via three types of sorghum extracts (white sorghum (WS), yellow sorghum (YS), and red sorghum (RS)); antibacterial activity, antioxidant power, and cytotoxicity of sorghum extracts were also assessed. It was found that C. jejuni is very abundant in chicken meat, especially breast and thigh. WS extract showed more effectiveness than both yellow and red ones. Lyophilized WS extract offered high total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and total flavonoid compounds (TFCs) of 64.2 ± 0.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/g) and 33.9 ± 0.4 mg catechol equivalent (CE)/g, respectively. Concerning the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, WS showed high and significant antibacterial activity (p < 0.001); hence, WS displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25%, and revealed an inhibition zone of 7.8 ± 0.3 mm; it also showed an IC50 at a concentration of 34.6 μg/mL. In our study, different samples of chicken fillet were collected and inoculated with pathogenic C. jejuni and stored at 4 °C. Inoculated samples were treated with lyophilized WS extract at (2%, 4%, and 6%), the 2% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 10th day, the 4% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 8th day, while the 6% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 6th day. Additionally, 2%, 4%, and 6% WS extracts were applied on un-inoculated grilled chicken fillet, which enhanced its sensory attributes. In sum, WS extract is a promising natural preservative for chicken meat with accepted sensory evaluation results thanks to its high antibacterial and antioxidant potentials

Understanding the legal trade of cattle and camels and the derived risk of Rift Valley Fever introduction into and transmission within Egypt

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonosis, which may cause significant losses for the livestock sector and have serious public health implications. Egypt has been repeatedly affected by RVF epidemics, mainly associated to the importation of animals from sub-Saharan countries, where the disease is endemic. The objective of our study was the improvement of the surveillance and control strategies implemented in Egypt. In order to do that, first we evaluated the legal trade of live animals into and within Egypt. Then, we assessed the risk of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) transmission within the country using a multi-criteria evaluation approach. Finally, we combined the animal trade and the risk of RVFV transmission data to identify those areas and periods in which the introduction of RVFV is more likely. Our results indicate that the main risk of RVFV introduction is posed by the continuous flow of large number of camels coming from Sudan. The risk of RVFV transmission by vectors is restricted to the areas surrounding the Nile river, and does not vary significantly throughout the year. Imported camels are taken to quarantines, where the risk of RVFV transmission by vectors is generally low. Then, they are taken to animal markets or slaughterhouses, many located in populated areas, where the risk of RVFV transmission to animals or humans is much higher. The measures currently implemented (quarantines, vaccination or testing) seem to have a limited effect in reducing the risk of RVFV introduction, and therefore other (risk-based) surveillance strategies are proposed. (Résumé d'auteur

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

Risk of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Poultry Meat of Chicken with Arthritis in Poultry Farms

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen that affects both people and animals. Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning in addition to invasive diseases as arthritis and septicemia. This study was done on 70 chicken samples obtained from 7 different farms of chickens with symptoms of arthritis in Kafr El-sheikh government, Egypt. In this study out of 70 samples of chickens from different farms, 37 (52.8%) samples were recognized as coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) and 33 (47.1%) were recognized as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). By using the microtitre plate method, seven out of 37 (18.9%) CoPS were positive for biofilm production with variable degrees. The pattern of antibacterial sensitivity of 7 Staphylococcus aureus isolates against 12 commercially available antibiotic discs showed 100 % resistance to oxytetracycline then Amoxicillin (71.43%), Erythromycin (57.14%), Norfloxacin (14.29%), Tetracycline (42.86), Sulphamethoxazole (42.86%), Gentamicin (42.86%), Ampicillin (42.86%), kanamycin (28.57), cephatotin (28.57), doxycycline (0%) and the least was observed with chloramphenicol (0%). seven of positive S. aureus isolates were introduced in order to identify the staphylococcal enterotoxin genes, SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE and integron by PCR test Which 4 out of 7 isolates (57.1 %) were positive for SEB and SED only while were other isolate were negative for all SE gene. Class 1 integron cassettes were detected in 6 isolates from 7 (85.7%) of tested isolates. In conclusion, this is the first study to report the detection and identification of enterotoxin and class 1 integron in S. aureus isolated from poultry meat of chicken that suffered from arthritis.