Chemical properties indices for nutritional quality evaluation of Nasser Lake fish, Aswan, Egypt.

Background: Fish is considered an important food because it includes main nutrients (proteins, fats, and ash) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). The assessment of fish nutritional content data may offer crucial recommendations regarding freshwater fish consumption and preserving human well-being. Aim: Evaluate the safety and quality properties of Nasser Lake fish, Aswan, Egypt. Methods: A total of 250 samples, 50 of each Nile tilapia, Nile perch, Zander, Catfish, and Elephant-snout, from Nasser Lake, Aswan, Egypt; beheaded, eviscerated, filleted, and minced for determination of proximate analysis, amino acid, fatty acids (FAs), minerals and heavy metal, histamine content, cholesterol content, and sensory assessment. Results: The proximate analysis showed that all the samples examined were of good protein sources, with mean values ranging from 15.92% to 22.89%. Nile perch exhibits the highest levels of total FAs and amino acids. Heavy metal concentrations varied considerably among the analyzed samples, with a significant variance in the detection of metals among the examined fish. The findings show low histamine and cholesterol levels in the examined species, and were in accordance with those set by the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the European Union Commission (EC). Accordingly, all samples are accepted based on their sensory properties. Conclusion: Nasser Lake fish are of high nutritional value and have an excellent supply of amino and FAs.

Potential of Natural Phenolic Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Chicken Meat.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most widespread foodborne bacteria that cause high morbidity, mortality, and economic loss, primarily if foodborne diseases are caused by pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in chicken meat in Egyptian markets. Thus, this study might be the first to assess the efficiency of different natural phenolic compounds as novel antibacterial agents against MDR S. aureus pathogens isolated from raw chicken meat in the Egyptian market. The incidence and quantification of pathogenic S. aureus were detected in retail raw chicken meat parts (breast, thigh, fillet, and giblets). In total, 73 out of 80 (91.3%) of the chicken meat parts were contaminated, with S. aureus as the only species isolated. Of the 192 identified S. aureus isolates, 143 were coagulase-positive S. aureus and 117 isolates were MDR (81.8%, 117/143). Twenty-two antibiotic resistance profile patterns were detected. One strain was randomly selected from each pattern to further analyze virulence and resistance genes. Extracted DNA was assessed for the presence of antibiotic-resistance genes, i.e., vancomycin-resistance (vanA), aminoglycosides-resistance (aacA-aphD), apramycin-resistance (apmA), and methicillin-resistance (mecA), penicillin-resistance (blaZ), and virulence genes staphylococcal enterotoxins (sea and seb), Panton-Valentine leucocidin (pvl), clumping factor A (clfA), and toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst). Clustering analyses revealed that six S. aureus strains harbored the most virulence and resistance genes. The activity of hydroquinone was significantly higher than thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, and protocatechuic acid. Therefore, phenolic compounds, particularly hydroquinone, could potentially alternate with conventional antibiotics against the pathogenic MDR S. aureus inhabiting raw chicken meat. Hence, this study indicates that urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Egyptian markets. Moreover, hydroquinone could be a natural phenolic compound for inhibiting foodborne pathogens.

Heavy metal contents in salted fish retailed in Egypt: Dietary intakes and health risk assessment.

Background: In Egypt, salted fish is considered a typically processed fish, including salted sardine, salted mullet (feseikh), keeled mullet (sahlia), and herrings. High-quality protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vital amino acids, and trace minerals such as magnesium and calcium are all abundant in fish. However, eating salted fish can expose people to toxins found in the environment, such as heavy metals. Aim: In Zagazig, Egypt, four types of locally produced salted fish-salted sardine, feseikh, sahlia, and herrings-were tested for heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Second, the assessed heavy metals linked to the Egyptian population's consumption of salted fish were used to calculate estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and potential health hazards, such as hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Methods: Samples of salted herrings, feseikh, sahlia, and sardines were gathered from the markets in Zagazig. Samples of salted fish were subjected to acid digestion and then heavy metal extraction. Atomic absorption spectrometers (AAS) were used to measure heavy metals. HI, HQ, and EDI were computed computationally. Results: With the exception of mercury, which was not found in the salted herrings, the recorded results showed that all of the tested metals were present in the samples that were evaluated. The herrings contained residual Pb and Cd contents that were highest, followed by sardine, feseikh, and sahlia, in that order. After sardine, herrings, and sahlia, feseikh has the greatest concentration. Sardine, feseikh, and sahlia had the highest quantities of mercury, in that order. A number of samples were found to be above the maximum allowable levels. There were no apparent hazards associated with consuming such conventional fish products, according to the computed HQ and HI values for the heavy metals under investigation based on the daily intakes. Conclusion: Samples of salted fish sold in Zagazig, Egypt, had high quantities of the hazardous elements Pb, Cd, As, and Hg. Due to the bioaccumulation and biomagnification characteristics of these studied metals, such data should be taken carefully even though the computed health hazards revealed no potential problems.

Anti-Biofilms' Activity of Garlic and Thyme Essential Oils against Salmonella typhimurium.

Biofilm control by essential oil (EO) application has recently increased to preclude biofilm production on foods and environmental surfaces. In this work, the anti-biofilm effects of garlic and thyme essential oils using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Salmonella typhimurium recovered from different abattoir samples were investigated along with the virulence genes (InvA, SdiA and Stn genes), and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of S. typhimurium as well. The obtained results revealed that S. typhimurium contaminated abattoir samples to varying degrees. The InvA gene was investigated in all isolates, whereas the SdiA and Stn genes were observed in four and three isolates, respectively. Utilizing the disc diffusion method, S. typhimurium isolates demonstrated substantial resistance to most of the examined antibiotics with a high multiple antibiotic resistance index. S. typhimurium isolates demonstrated biofilm formation abilities to various degrees at varied temperatures levels (4 °C and 37 °C). In conclusion, the obtained samples from the research area are regarded as a potential S. typhimurium contamination source. Furthermore, garlic essential oil (GEO) has more potential to inhibit S. typhimurium biofilm at different sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations as compared to thyme essential oil (TEO). Therefore, these EOs are considered as potential natural antibacterial options that could be applied in food industry.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Four Plant Essential Oils against Some Food and Phytopathogens Isolated from Processed Meat Products in Egypt.

Synthetic preservatives are widely utilized by the food industry to inhibit the microbial contamination and increase food safety and shelf life. The excessive utilization of synthetic preservatives can have a negative impact on human health and the environment. There is a great interest to find out natural substances as possible food-preservatives. The consumers' preference for food products with natural ingredients prompted food manufacturers to utilize natural-based preservatives in their production. It is worth noting that plant essential oils (EOs) among the natural-based substances have been efficiently used as antimicrobial agents against phyto- and food pathogens. The current study was conducted to evaluate the microbial contamination of three industrial meat products from five governorates in Egypt, identify the predominant bacterial and fungal isolates and determine the antimicrobial efficacy of some EOs (thyme, fennel, anise and marjoram) against the most predominant microbial isolates. A sensory test was also performed to estimate the customer preferences for specific organoleptic aspects of meat products after EOs treatment. Results showed that there is a promising antimicrobial activity of all studied EOs against some microbial isolates in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, thyme EO showed the highest significant antibacterial activity against P.fluorescence and E. coli. Whereas the marjoram EO showed the highest activity against P. aeruginosa. In addition, the sensory test revealed that the treatment with anise and marjoram EOs showed the highest acceptability by the testers and did not show significant differences on the organoleptic properties with respect to control. As overall, the obtained results of the current research are promising and proved feasibility of employing plant EOs as possible preservatives for processed meat products.

Bioactivity of Essential Oils for Mitigation of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Fresh Retail Chicken Meat.

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most severe foodborne pathogens found in several habitats. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antilisterial activity of different essential oils (EOs) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) L. monocytogenes strains isolated from fresh chicken meat. Our results showed that the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in the examined samples was 48%. Seventy-eight isolates were identified as L. monocytogenes. Out of these, 64.1% were categorized as MDR and were categorized in 18 patterns with 50 MDR isolates. One isolate was selected randomly from each pattern to investigate their biofilm-forming ability, resistance, and virulence genes incidence. Out of 18 MDR isolates, 88.9% showed biofilm-forming ability. Moreover, the most prevalent resistance genes were ermB (72%), aadA (67%), penA (61%), and floR genes (61%). However, the most prevalent virulence genes were inlA (94.4%), prfA (88.9%), plcB (83.3%), and actaA (83.3%). The antilisterial activity of EOs showed that cinnamon bark oil (CBO) was the most effective antilisterial agent. CBO activity could be attributed to the bioactivity of cinnamaldehyde which effects cell viability by increasing the bacterial cell electrical conductivity, ion leakage, and salt tolerance capacity loss. Therefore, CBO could be an effective alternative natural agent for food safety applications.

MALDI-TOF MS Based Typing for Rapid Screening of Multiple Antibiotic Resistance E. coli and Virulent Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Isolated from the Slaughterhouse Settings and Beef Carcasses.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) and virulent non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) poses a growing concern to the meat industry. Non-O157 STEC strains including O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 have been implicated in the occurrence of bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. This research assessed prevalence, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass-spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) protein mass-spectra profiles, multidrug-resistance traits, polymerase chain reaction detection of virulence, and antibiotic-resistance genes of E. coli isolated from beef carcasses and slaughterhouse environments. METHODS: A total of 180 convenience sponge samples were collected from two different sources-specific parts of beef carcasses and surfaces of the processing environment at the slaughterhouse of Ha'il, Saudi Arabia between September and November 2020. MALDI BioTyper and phylotype-based identification methods accurately identified and classified the samples as belonging to the genus belonging to the Escherichia coli domain of bacteria (NCBI txid: 562). RESULTS: Expected changes were seen in the mass peak spectrum defining nine closely related isolates and four unrelated E. coli isolates. Serological typing of E. coli revealed enterotoxigenic E. coli O166 (19.10%); enteropathogenic E. coli O146 (16.36%) and O44 (18.18%); enterohemorrhagic E. coli O111 (31.18%) and O26 (14.54%). Forty-five percent of examined E. coli were resistant to seven antimicrobials; 75% of 20 selected isolates were resistant to three or more antimicrobials. phoA and blaTEM genes were detected in all selected E. coli isolates. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the efficiency and validity of Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass-spectrometry in screening for multi-drug resistant E. coli isolated from slaughterhouse derived beef carcasses in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia. We contributed by revealing the distinction between related and non-related strains of E.coli in livestock. The findings in this study can inform improved policy development decision making and resource allocation related to livestock processing regarding antimicrobial use in food animals and rapid screening for effective multiple antibiotic resistance E. coli and virulent non-O157 STEC control in the slaughterhouses.

Microbial Decontamination of Beef Carcass Surfaces by Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, and Trisodium Phosphate Sprays.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of lactic acid (LA), acetic acid, (AA) and trisodium phosphate (TSP) spray on the microbiological population of beef carcass surfaces slaughtered in a traditional abattoir in Zagazig, Egypt. Higher microbial populations were determined on the shoulder than on the thigh surfaces, and meat sampling by tissue excision technique yielded significantly higher (P < 0.01) microbial count than swabbing method. The application of LA (2%), AA (2%), and TSP (12%) sprays for 30 seconds significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the microbial population counts on the beef surfaces by 0.9 to 2.2 logs. A complete inhibition of enterococci growth was achieved by LA and AA sprays. In general, LA and AA sprays were more efficient as antimicrobial agents than the TSP spray. Among the studied organisms, enterococci were the most reducible bacteria by LA and AA, followed by Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms, while Staphylococcus aureus being the least. This study also indicated that microbial populations determined on the shoulder were higher than on the thigh surfaces, and meat sampling by tissue excision technique yielded significantly higher (P < 0.01) microbial count than swabbing method.

Effects of Olive Leaf Extracts as Natural Preservative on Retailed Poultry Meat Quality.

Poultry meat is commonly marketed at refrigerated temperatures (2-5 °C). The major concern for retailers and consumers is the quality and safety of refrigerated poultry meat. During the chilling period, poultry meat undergoes too many undesirable changes due to microbial growth that leads to spoilage and economic loss. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effects of olive leaf extracts (OLE) used at three concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1%) on the sensory attributes, as well as the chemical and microbiological quality of raw poultry meat stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 15 days. The results revealed that the OLE addition reduced microbial growth successfully, and maintained the chemical quality and sensory attributes of poultry meat. Moreover, OLE extended the shelf-life of the poultry meat that held under proper refrigeration conditions up to 15 days compared to the control group, that was completely spoiled by the sixth day of storage. This study concludes that OLE could be used both as a natural antioxidant and an antimicrobial preservative for chilled poultry meat held at refrigerated temperature.

ß-carotene and retinol contents in the meat of herbivorous ungulates with a special reference to their public health importance.

The aim of this study was to estimate total carotenoids, ß-carotene and retinol concentrations in the livers and muscles of some ungulates (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and horses) in comparison with the Wistar rats as a control. Cattle and horses had the highest contents of total carotenoids and ß-carotene. Unexpectedly, sheep was the highest accumulator of retinol with a mean concentration of 203 ± 23.34 µg/g, while the least accumulator was buffalo, having a mean value of 58.28 ± 13.77 µg/g. Livers had higher contents of the examined phytochemicals than muscles. Consumption of these tissues may provide human with some needs from these important phytochemicals, though ingestion of livers, especially that of the sheep, is not advisable for the pregnant women.

Distribution and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residue in edible cattle tissues from northeastern part of Egypt: High accumulation level of OCPs in tongue.

Food consumption is an important route of human exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). In order to assess the potential human health risks associated with OCPs, edible cattle tissues (liver, kidney and tongue) were collected from three slaughter houses in Mansoura, Zagazig and Ismailia cities, Egypt. Levels of 22 OCPs such as hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), aldrin, dieldrin and endrin (Drins), chlordanes (CHLs), heptachlors (HPTs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) residues were investigated. Among the investigated OCPs, HCHs represented the most dominant group with high proportions of γ-HCH isomer (53-91% of total HCHs). Mansoura city had the highest OCPs contamination load ranged from 0.1 to 2827 ng g(-1) lw (lipid weight). Surprisingly, tongue samples collected from Mansoura showed the highest concentration of HCHs (448 ng g(-1) lw) in comparison to liver (152 ng g(-1) lw) and kidney (266 ng g(-1) lw). Generally, contamination pattern of OCPs was in the order of HCHs > Drins > CHLs > DDTs ≅ HCB and HPTs. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) through dietary consumption of cattle tissues were lower than the recommended acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) established by FAO/WHO. However, the hazard ratios (HRs) based on cancer risk were greater than 1.0 for HCHs based on the average and 95th centile concentrations, indicating carcinogenic effects to consumers through cattle tissues consumption.

Oxytetracycline residues in bovine carcasses slaughtered at Mansoura Abattoir, Egypt.

Oxytetracycline residues were examined in 600 samples (200 each of muscles, livers and kidneys) collected randomly from bovine carcasses slaughtered at Mansoura abattoir in Dakahlia Province, Egypt. A microbial inhibition test using Bacillus subtilis ATCC- 6633 was employed to screen the obtained samples for antibiotic residues in meat. The results showed that 2% of samples were positive. Oxytetracycline residues exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 1.33% of the examined samples. Thus, regulatory authorities should insure proper withdrawal period before slaughtering of the animals (28 days for oxytetracycline). Public health importance was discussed.

Heavy metal residues in canned fishes in Egypt.

A total of 75 random canned fish samples, 25 each of canned (canned tuna, sardine and mackerel) during 2009, were collected from Zagazig Markets for determination of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and tin residues using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained results revealed that the mean values of the lead residues in the examined canned tuna, sardine and mackerel were 0.127 +/- 0.02, 0.013 +/- 0.004 and 0.023 +/- 0.01 (ppm) respectively. The mean concentrations of cadmium residues were 0.022 +/- 0.001, 0.048 +/- 0.003 and 0.027 +/- 0.003 ppm, respectively. While in case of zinc, the residual levels were 1.97 +/- 0.12, 2.369 +/- 0.32 and 1.126 +/- 0.24 ppm, respectively. Copper residual levels in the examined samples were 0.293 +/- 0.08, 0.221 +/- 0.03 and 0.08 +/- 0.02 ppm, respectively. In case of tin, the residual levels were 1.496 +/- 0.30, 1.209 +/- 0.26 and 0.379 +/- 0.11 ppm respectively.

Determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the edible offal of Egyptian buffalo.

Environmental contamination by OCPs has a great concern, since most of these pesticide compounds are very toxic and harmful to human and ecosystems. This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of OCPs residues in the edible offal (livers, kidneys and tongues) of Egyptian buffalo collected from three locations (Zagazig, Ismailia and Mansoura) in Egypt. Examined samples from Mansura city had the highest OCPs contamination load. Tongues had the highest concentration of these toxic residues in a comparison to livers and kidneys in the examined samples. The overall results showed that OCPs residues did not exceed the Egyptian maximum permissible limits in all of the samples analyzed from the three different locations.

Expression and sequence of CYP1A1 in the camel.

In this study, we determined a partial sequence of CYP1A1 in the camel and its phylogenetic position. The deduced amino acid sequence of camel CYP1A1 showed the highest identity 94% with those of sheep and cattle CYP1A1. In a phylogenetic analysis, the camel CYP1A1 isoform was located beside sheep and cattle CYP1A1. When we studied the distribution of camel CYP1A1 mRNA in different tissues, we found that this isoform was expressed in all tissues except the hump. Interestingly, the lungs of all the camels and tongues of two of the three animals showed high expressions of CYP1A1 mRNA, and this may indicate exposure to ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptor such as environmental pollutants or flavonoids.