Mechanisms of action and immune response for COVID-19 vaccines: A narrative review

Background:Corona virus disease – 2019 (COVID-19) is the most important topic in this century with consideration of vaccines as the most important protective tools. In this review we aimed to discuss the different types of COVID-19 vaccines as regarding structures, immunological basics, and currently available forms. We reviewed the available literature about recombinant viral vector, mRNA, inactivated, and protein subunit vaccines. And in the review, we covered mechanisms of action, available forms and whether they lead to lifelong immunity or not. We concluded that it is not yet possible to confirm a lifelong immunity by the available COVID-19 vaccines. With the emergence of SARS-CoV2 new mutant strains, no single vaccine can prove to have a lifelong immunity. Further experiments and research work are needed. We need to conduct research to estimate the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 patients in already vaccinated people, trials to reach the best ways of giving the vaccines to have the longer protection and the effect of these vaccines on the SARS-CoV-2 new variants

The use of chitosan in protecting wooden artifacts from damage by mold fungi

Background: Many buildings in Egypt e.g. museums, mosques and churches, do not possess controlled environments for minimizing the risks of damage of wooden artifacts due to the growth of fungi. Fungal damage usually appears as change in wood color, appearance of stains, and sometimes deformation of wooden surfaces. In this study we focused on the effect that some fungi exert on the properties of wooden artifacts and evaluated the effectiveness of different concentrations of chitosan on their protection against damage by mold fungi. Results: Samples were collected from different monuments and environments, and fungi growing on them were isolated and identified. The isolated Penicillium chrysogenum , Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger strains were used for the infestation of new pitch pine samples. The results revealed that the lightness of samples infected with any of the tested fungi decreased with increasing incubation times. XRD analysis showed that the crystallinity of incubated samples treated individually with the different concentrations of chitosan was lower than the crystallinity of infected samples. The crystallinity index measured by the first and the second method decreased after the first and second months but increased after the third and fourth months. This may due to the reducing of amorphous part by enzymes or acids produced by fungi in wooden samples. Conclusions: The growth of fungi on the treated wood samples decreased with increasing the concentration of chitosan. Hence, it was demonstrated that chitosan prevented fungal growth, and its use could be recommended for the protection of archeological wooden artifacts

Consensus evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease stages G4-G5D and post-transplantation: An initiative of Egyptian Academy of Bone Health

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on an updated version of the recommendations for the diagnosis and Treat-to-Target management of osteoporosis that is effective and safe for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G4-G5D/kidney transplant. Delphi process was implemented (3 rounds) to establish a consensus on 10 clinical domains: (1) study targets, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, (4) case stratification, (5) treatment targets, (6) investigations, (7) medical management, (8) monitoring, (9) management of special groups, (10) fracture liaison service. After each round, statements were retired, modified, or added in view of the experts' suggestions, and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7-9 by more than 75% of experts' votes were considered as achieving consensus. The surveys were sent to an expert panel ( = 26), of whom 23 participated in the three rounds (2 were international experts and 21 were national). Most of the participants were rheumatologists (87%), followed by nephrologists (8.7%), and geriatric physicians (4.3%). Eighteen recommendations, categorized into 10 domains, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7-9) ranged from 80 to 100%. Consensus was reached on the wording of all 10 clinical domains identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in CKD has been suggested. A panel of international and national experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in CKD patients. The developed recommendations provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 by The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

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

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας υλικών που χρησιμοποιούνται για τη μικροβιακή απολύμανση ξύλινων έργων τέχνης

This study includes an introduction, aims of the study and seven chapter. The details of these chapters are as follow: Chapter one: Chemistry and types of wood. This chapter includes wood chemistry, which contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Wood also contains elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, silicon, and cadmium contribute to the chemical composition of wood. This chapter also contains types of wood, which include hardwood (oak, maple, Mahogany, Walnut, Rosewood, Teak, and Cherry) and softwood (Pine, ash, Hickory, beech, birch, cedar, redwood, Hemlock, fir and Spruce). Chapter Two: Fungal deterioration of archaeological wood. This chapter explains the fungal deterioration of archaeological wood. It explained Physiological requirements of wood-destroying and wood-inhabiting fungi. In addition to the chemical composition of wood, several other factors greatly influence decay rates. These factors include nutrients (wood components), temperature, moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen ion concentration. The most common aspects of deterioration resulted from these factors staining of wood with different colors. The mechanism of wood decay is explained. White-rot fungi, Brown-rot fungi, and Soft-rot fungi were also explained. Some negative changes such as weight loss, strength loss and discoloration were observed. Chapter Three: Materials and methods. Four archaeological sites in Islamic Cairo were used for the isolation of fungi used in this study (The Mosque of Sabiile and Koutab Suleiman Agha Selehdar dated back to 1837–1839 AD, The Mosque of Abu Haribh dated back to 1480 and 1481 AD, The Mosque of El Musafir Khana which was built in 1779 AD and the second in 1783 AD, and The Mosque of El Mouayed Sheikh Al-Mahmoudi dated back to 1415 to 1421 AD. New pitch pine samples were prepared, to be used in all the experimental studies. Isolation of and identification of fungi were done. Three fungi were identified (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum). Chitosan, propiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides are used with different concentrations. Artificial fungal deterioration before and after fungicides treatment was applied. Investigation techniques used for the evaluation of fungicides used are Measurement of color change with UV spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) for the determination of wood crystallinity. Chapter Four: Results and discussion of chitosan fungicide. The best results obtained from the color measurement proved that the total color difference in the infected samples increased with increasing incubation time. The total color difference in the treated samples decreased with increasing concentration of chitosan. FTIR analysis confirmed that for all three fungi studied, infected samples treated with chitosan were more amorphous during the incubation times than the infected and untreated samples. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that with all three fungi studied, the peak positions of cellulose I ((101), (10ĺ) and (002)) in infected samples decreased compared to the control samples at all incubation times. The peak positions of the infected, treated samples increased with increasing concentration of chitosan. The crystallinity index, measured with either the first or the second method, decreased, but it increased after the third and fourth months of incubation with any of the fungi studied. Chapter Five: Results and discussion of the fungicide propiconazole. For measurement of color, the results revealed that the whiteness in the infected samples with fungi decreased up to the second month and re-increased to the fourth month. The yellowness of the untreated infected samples increased. The treated samples with propiconazole fungicide gave good resistance against fungal deterioration. For FTIR analysis, Treatment with propiconazole at the concentrations used and infected with Aspergillus flavus negatively affected hemicellulose content and enhanced cellulose depolymerization and oxidation. However, it protected lignin from fungal decay. For the fungicide-treated, infected samples, the crystallinity index increased compared to the control sample. The increase in the crystallinity index decreased with increasing incubation time. Chapter Six: Results and discussion of the fungicide tebuconazole. For color measurement, the second (0.50%) of tebuconazole fungicide gave better results than the first concentration (0.25%) for both whiteness and yellowness indices. The results obtained by FTIR showed that increased tebuconazole concentrations were needed to achieve acceptable protection against Aspergillus niger due to oxidation of this fungicide, especially at low concentrations of fungicide. The crystallinity index, measured with all concentrations used decreased with increasing the incubation time. Chapter Seven: Conclusions. Fungi play an important role in the deterioration of archeological wood in Egypt, especially in certain environments. Asperigllus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum were the fungi identified from different sites in historical Cairo, Egypt. The investigation techniques used in this study gave good indication on the effectiveness of fungicides used for the protection of wood against fungal deterioration. Many fungicides are used for the preservation of wood against fungal deterioration, but chitosan, propiconazole, and tebuconazole fungicides were used in this study at limited concentrations. Chitosan was used at 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. Propiconazole and tebuconazole were used at 0.25% and 0.50%. These limited concentrations gave good resistance to fungal deterioration. The best results were obtained with chitosan, followed by tebuconazole and propiconazole. Αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας των υλικών που χρησιμοποιούνται για τη μικροβιακή απολύμανση των ξύλινων έργων τέχνης". Η παρούσα μελέτη περιλαμβάνει μια εισαγωγή, τους στόχους της μελέτης και επτά κεφάλαια. Αναλυτικά τα κεφάλαια έχουν ως εξής: Κεφάλαιο Ένα: Χημεία και είδη ξύλου. Το κεφάλαιο αυτό ασχολείται αρχικά με τη χημική σύσταση του ξύλου, η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται από κυτταρίνη, ημικυτταρίνη και λιγνίνη. Το ξύλο περιέχει επίσης στοιχεία όπως το ασβέστιο, το κάλιο, το μαγνήσιο, ο φώσφορος, το θείο, το νάτριο, το πυρίτιο και το κάδμιο. Στο κεφάλαιο αυτό αναλύονται επίσης οι δύο τύποι ξύλου: σκληρό (δρυς, σφενδάμι, μαόνι, καρύδι, τριαντάφυλλο, τικ και κερασιά) και μαλακό (Πεύκο, φλαμουριά, καρυδιά, οξιά, σημύδα, κέδρος, ερυθρόδεντρο, δέντρο κώνειο, έλατο και ερυθρελάτη). Κεφάλαιο Δύο: Μυκητολογική φθορά αρχαιολογικού ξύλου. Αυτό το κεφάλαιο εξηγεί τη φθορά του αρχαιολογικού ξύλου από μύκητες. Εξηγούνται αναλυτικά οι φυσιολογικές απαιτήσεις των μυκήτων που καταστρέφουν το ξύλο και αναπτύσσονται μέσα σε αυτό. Εκτός από τη χημική σύνθεση του ξύλου, τα ποσοστά αποσύνθεσής του επηρεάζονται και από πολλούς άλλους παράγοντες, οι οποίοι περιλαμβάνουν τις τα θρεπτικά συστατικά (συστατικά ξύλου), τη θερμοκρασία, την υγρασία, το οξυγόνο, το διοξείδιο του άνθρακα και τη συγκέντρωση ιόντων υδρογόνου. Οι πιο κοινές μορφές της φθοράς ήταν αποτέλεσμα αυτών των παραγόντων οι οποίοι προκάλεσαν χρώση του ξύλου με διαφορετικά χρώματα. Εξηγείται επίσης ο τρόπος της αποσύνθεσης του ξύλου. Εξηγήθηκαν επίσης οι μύκητες λευκής σάρωσης, οι μύκητες Brown-rot και οι μύκητες Soft-rot. Παρατηρήθηκαν, τέλος, μερικές αρνητικές αλλαγές όπως η απώλεια βάρους, η απώλεια αντοχής και ο αποχρωματισμός. Κεφάλαιο Tρία: Υλικά και μέθοδοι. Τέσσερις αρχαιολογικοί χώροι στο Ισλαμικό Κάιρο χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την απομόνωση των μυκήτων που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε αυτή τη μελέτη. Πρόκειται για το Τέμενος Sabiile και Koutab Suleiman Agha Selehdar (περί το 1837-1839 μ.Χ.), το Τέμενος του Abu Haribh (1480-1481 μ.Χ), το El Musafir Khana (μεταξύ 1779 μ.Χ. και 1783 μ.Χ.), και το Τέμενος El Mouayed Sheikh Al-Mahmoudi (1415 έως το 1421 μ.Χ). Δείγματα νέας πεύκου ετοιμάστηκαν ώστε να χρησιμοποιηθούν σε όλες τις πειραματικές μελέτες. Ολοκληρώθηκε επίσης η απομόνωση και ταυτοποίηση των μυκήτων. Ταυτοποιήθηκαν τρεις μύκητες (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus και Penicillium chrysogenum) Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν μυκητοκτόνα χιτοζάνης, προπικοναζόλης και τεβουκοναζόλης με διαφορετικές συγκεντρώσεις. Εφαρμόστηκε τεχνική επιδείνωση των μυκήτων πριν και μετά τη θεραπεία με μυκητοκτόνα. Οι τεχνικές έρευνας που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την αξιολόγηση των χρησιμοποιούμενων μυκητοκτόνων ήταν η μέτρηση της αλλαγής χρώματος με φασματοφωτόμετρο UV, φασματοσκοπία υπερύθρου με μετασχηματισμό Fourier (FTIR) και διάθλαση ακτίνων Χ (XRD) για τον προσδιορισμό της κρυσταλλικότητας του ξύλου. Κεφάλαιο Τέσσερα: Αποτελέσματα και σχολιασμός του μυκητοκτόνου χιτοζάνης. Τα καλύτερα αποτελέσματα που προέκυψαν από τη μέτρηση χρώματος απέδειξαν ότι η ολική διαφορά χρώματος στα μολυσμένα δείγματα αυξήθηκε με την αύξηση του χρόνου επώασης. Η συνολική διαφορά χρώματος στα επεξεργασμένα δείγματα μειώθηκε με την αύξηση της συγκέντρωσης της χιτοζάνης. Η ανάλυση FTIR επιβεβαίωσε ότι για τους τρεις μύκητες που μελετήθηκαν, τα μολυσμένα δείγματα που υποβλήθηκαν σε αγωγή με χιτοζάνη ήταν πιο άμορφα κατά τους χρόνους επώασης από τα μολυσμένα και μη επεξεργασμένα δείγματα. Στους τρεις μύκητες που μελετήθηκαν, οι θέσεις αιχμής της κυτταρίνης Ι ((101), (10α) και (002)) σε μολυσμένα δείγματα μειώθηκαν σε σύγκριση με τα δείγματα ελέγχου σε όλους τους χρόνους επώασης. Οι θέσεις αιχμής των μολυνθέντων, επεξεργασμένων δειγμάτων αυξήθηκαν με αυξημένη συγκέντρωση χιτοζάνης. Ο δείκτης κρυσταλλικότητας, μετρούμενος είτε με την πρώτη είτε με τη δεύτερη μέθοδο, μειώθηκε, αλλά αυξήθηκε μετά τον τρίτο και τέταρτο μήνα επώασης με οποιονδήποτε από τους μύκητες που μελετήθηκαν. Κεφάλαιο πέμπτο: Αποτελέσματα και σχολιασμός του μυκητοκτόνου προπικοναζόλης. Για τη μέτρηση του χρώματος, τα αποτελέσματα αποκάλυψαν ότι η λευκότητα στα μολυσμένα δείγματα με μύκητες μειώθηκε μέχρι τον δεύτερο μήνα και αυξήθηκε εκ νέου στον τέταρτο μήνα. Η ωχρότητα των μη επεξεργασμένων μολυσμένων δειγμάτων αυξήθηκε. Τα υποβληθέντα σε αγωγή δείγματα με το μυκητοκτόνο προπικοναζόλη έδειξαν καλή αντίσταση ενάντια στη φθορά. Για την ανάλυση FTIR, η θεραπεία με προπικοναζόλη στις συγκεντρώσεις που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν και μολύνθηκε με Aspergillus flavus επηρέασε αρνητικά την περιεκτικότητα σε ημικυτταρίνη και τον ενισχυμένο αποπολυμερισμό και οξείδωση της κυτταρίνης. Ωστόσο, προστάτευσε την λιγνίνη από τη μυκητιακή φθορά. Για τα μολυσμένα με μυκητοκτόνα δείγματα, ο δείκτης κρυσταλλικότητας αυξήθηκε σε σύγκριση με το δείγμα ελέγχου. Η αύξηση του δείκτη κρυσταλλικότητας μειώθηκε με την αύξηση του χρόνου επώασης. Κεφάλαιο έξι: Αποτελέσματα και σχολιασμός του μυκητοκτόνου σωληνοζόλη. Για τη μέτρηση των χρωμάτων, το δεύτερο (0,50%) μυκητοκτόνο σωληνικόλης έδωσε καλύτερα αποτελέσματα από την πρώτη συγκέντρωση (0,25%) για τους δείκτες λευκότητας και ωχρότητας. Τα αποτελέσματα που ελήφθησαν από το FTIR έδειξαν ότι χρειάστηκαν αυξημένες συγκεντρώσεις τεβουκοναζόλης για να επιτευχθεί αποδεκτή προστασία έναντι του Aspergillus niger λόγω της οξείδωσης αυτού του μυκητοκτόνου, ειδικά σε χαμηλές συγκεντρώσεις μυκητοκτόνου. Ο δείκτης κρυσταλλικότητας, μετρούμενος με όλες τις χρησιμοποιούμενες συγκεντρώσεις μειώθηκε με την αύξηση του χρόνου επώασης. Κεφάλαιο Eπτά: Συμπεράσματα. Οι μύκητες διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στη φθορά του αρχαιολογικού ξύλου στην Αίγυπτο, ειδικά σε ορισμένα περιβάλλοντα. Οι Asperigllus niger, Aspergillus flavus και Penicillium chrysogenum ήταν οι μύκητες που εντοπίστηκαν σε διαφορετικές τοποθεσίες στο ιστορικό Κάιρο της Αιγύπτου. Οι τεχνικές έρευνας που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε αυτή τη μελέτη έδωσαν ισχυρές ενδείξεις σχετικά με την αποτελεσματικότητα των μυκητοκτόνων που χρησιμοποιούνται για την προστασία του ξύλου από τη φθορά των μυκήτων. Πολλά μυκητοκτόνα χρησιμοποιούνται για τη συντήρηση του ξύλου κατά της φθοράς των μυκήτων, αλλά στη συγκεκριμένη μελέτη χρησιμοποιήθηκαν χιτοζάνη, προπικοναζόλη και τεβουκοναζόλη σε περιορισμένες συγκεντρώσεις. Η χιτοζάνη χρησιμοποιήθηκε σε 0,25%, 0,50% και 0,75%. Η προπικοναζόλη και η τεβουκοναζόλη χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε 0,25% και 0,50%. Αυτές οι περιορισμένες συγκεντρώσεις έδωσαν καλή αντίσταση στην επιδείνωση των μυκήτων. Τα καλύτερα αποτελέσματα ελήφθησαν με χιτοζάνη, ακολουθούμενη από τεβουκοναζόλη και προπικοναζόλη

Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase, AmpC Beta-Lactamase, and Metallo-Beta-Lactamase among Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objectives: to study prevalence of ESBLs, AmpC beta‑lactamase and metallo‑beta‑lactamase among clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.Materials and Methods: P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified by the traditional microbiological procedure, ESBLs were detected by combined disk diffusion method according CLSI recommendations, AmpC beta-lactamase was detected by iodometric methods, MBL was detected by disc potentiation test and Agar dilution method for antibiotic susceptibility testing.Results: Out of 330 samples of different types of infections, 58 were positive for P. aeruginosa. All isolates showed high resistance to most of the tested antimicrobials but showed low resistance to amikacin. Forty-two (72.4%) isolates were detected as β-lactamase producers, 16 (27.5%) isolates were positive for ESBLs while 31(53.4%) were MBL producing strains. All ESBL and MBL producers were highly resistant to the tested antimicrobials. Plasmid profile showed that 9 isolates were plasmid mediated.Conclusion: The study emphasizes a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa producing beta‑lactamase enzymes of diverse mechanisms especially in burn units. Proper antibiotic policy and measures should be taken to minimize the emergence of this multiple β‑lactamase producing pathogens and also the danger of their dissemination to other bacteria by plasmids which may carry resistance genes for other antimicrobials

Biochemical alterations in insecticides-treated male albino rats: potential modulatory effects of a standardized aged garlic extract

181-188Pesticides poisoning is a major clinical problem worldwide. Malathion (an organophosphate insecticide) and carbaryl (a carbamate insecticide) are widely used and pose a potential health hazard for both humans and animals. They are common insecticides residue found in food, especially in developing countries. Here, we investigated some biochemical alterations related to dyslipidemia, tissue injury and the impairment in liver and kidney functions in male albino rats treated with 0.1 LD50 of malathion (89.5 mg/kg body weight) and/or carbaryl (33.9 mg/kg body weight), as well as, evaluated the potential modulatory effects of 200 mg/kg body weight of a standardized odorless (free from allicin) Kyolic aged garlic extract (AGE, containing 0.147 % of its major active constituent S-allylcysteine) on the resulted toxicity. Doses were orally administered to animals for four consecutive weeks. The present study showed that AGE significantly alleviated (P < 0.05-0.001) most insecticides toxicity in rats through modulating the body-weight loss and hepatomegaly, blood dyslipidemia and the elevation in atherogenic indices, blood hyperbilirubinemia, hyperglycemia and hypoalbuminemia, the impairment in kidney function (by decreasing renal insecticides residue), and oxidative liver damage (by augmenting hepatic glutathione antioxidant-system). Thus, AGE may be useful as a dietary adjunct in highly vulnerable subjects to insecticides intoxication