Enhancing diagnosis: ensemble deep-learning model for fracture detection using X-ray images.

AIM: Orthopedic trauma results in the injury of bone joints and tendons of the body. A radiologist reviews and monitors large numbers of radiographs daily, which can lead to the diagnostic error. Therefore, there is a need to automate the detection of bone fractures in X-ray images, particularly humerus bone fractures. In this paper, we have proposed an ensemble model that can detect the fracture in an x-ray image. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper, we proposed an ensemble model designed for fracture detection in X-ray images. An ensemble model combines multiple diverse models to improve predictive accuracy and robustness by aggregating their individual predictions. The model leverages MobileNetV2, Vgg16, InceptionV3, and ResNet50, using histogram equalization for preprocessing and a Global Average Pooling layer for feature extraction. The entire humerus from the public Mura-v1.1 dataset is utilized for analysis, utilizing a single training-validation split. The dataset is divided into a ratio of 80:20 for experiments for the training and validation datasets. RESULTS: The proposed model outperformed the modified deep-learning models and achieved 92.96%, 91.62%, and 92.14% accuracy, recall, and F1 scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ensemble model presented effectively automates bone fracture detection in X-ray images of the humerus, demonstrating superior performance compared to modified deep-learning models. A comparison has been made between a novel ensemble model and state-of-the-art models, bench-marking their performance. These findings underscore its potential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in orthopedic radiology.

Active nanoceramic compound dipped in biopolymers to create composite coating for metallic implant surface.

Biofunctionalization of an implant using functional ceramics with exceptional electrical characterization, such as BaTiO3 and SrTiO3, has gained considerable attention in creating a composite coating with bio-polymer to activate metal implant surfaces for bone tissue engineering applications and, at the same time, resist bacterial infection. A Ti-Zr alloy sample was created by powder technology, and then a coating was applied using the electrospinning technique. Individually, nanopowders of ceramic compounds such as nBaTiO3 and nSrTiO3 were added to a blend of polycaprolactone and chitosan to create composite solutions that could be converted into a nanofibrous coating layer using the electrospinning technique. The samples were analyzed for their morphology, chemical composition, surface roughness, dielectric constant, and wettability. The techniques employed were SEM, EDS, FTIR, an LCR meter, and a contact angle goniometer. The samples' cytocompatibility was assessed by examining the cell viability, ALP activity, proliferation, and attachment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells on both coated and uncoated sample surfaces.The bacterial resistance assays were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The findings demonstrate a notable enhancement in the biocompatibility of the coated specimens following a week of cellular cultivation. The composite coating containing piezoelectric BaTiO3 has a dielectric constant Ɛr (16) close to dry human bone at 100HZ frequency. Cell proliferation increases dramatically with time in coated samples, and the improvement approaches 125.16% for (BA1) and 111.38% for (SR1) as compared to uncoated Ti-25Zr sample. Cell viability percentage for the coated samples is compared with bare Ti-25Zr, which has an 80.52 ± 1.97% crucial increase, while (BA1) has 181.63 ± 17.87 and (SR1) 170.09 ± 18.12%. No zone of inhibition was detected in the bacterial resistance test for the uncoated sample, while the samples with composite coating show an adequate and comparable inhibitory zone. The composite nano-fiber has a strong biocompatibility, and the coating process is simple and economical, holding potential for use in orthodontic and orthopedic bone regeneration applications.

Metallic Implant Surface Activation through Electrospinning Coating of Nanocomposite Fiber for Bone Regeneration.

There is a critical need in orthopedic and orthodontic clinics for enhanced implant-bone interface contact to facilitate the quick establishment of a strong and durable connection. Surface modification by bioactive multifunctional materials is a possible way to overcome the poor osteoconductivity and the potential infection of Ti-based implants. Ti-25Zr biometallic alloy was prepared by powder metallurgy technique and then coated by Nano-composite fiber using electrospinning. Ceramic Nanocompound (CaTiO3, BaTiO3) was used as filler material and individually added to polymeric matrices constructed from the blend of polycaprolactone/chitosan. Using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and wettability, respectively, the morphology, chemical analysis, surface roughness, and contact angle measurements of the samples were evaluated. The result shows a significant improvement in cell viability, proliferation, and ALP activity for coated samples compared to noncoated samples. PCL/Chitosan/Nano-CaTiO3 (CA1) recorded remarkable enhancement from the surface-coated samples, demonstrating a significantly higher cell viability value after seven days of MC3T3-E1 cell culture, reaching 271.56 ± 13.15%, and better cell differentiation with ALP activity reaching 5.61 ± 0.35 fold change for the same culture time. PCL/Chitosan/Nano-BaTiO3 (BA1) also shows significant improvement in cell viability by 181.63 ± 17.87% and has ALP activity of 3.97 ± 0.67 fold change. For coated samples, cell proliferation likewise exhibits a considerable temporal increase; the improvement reaches 237.53% for (CA1) and 125.16% for (BA1) in comparison with uncoated samples (bare Ti-25Zr). The coated samples resist bacteria in the antibacterial test compared to the noncoated samples with no inhibition zone. This behavior suggests that a Nanocomposite fiber coat containing an active ceramic Nanocompound (CaTiO3, BaTiO3) promotes cell growth and holds promise for orthodontic and orthopedic bioapplication.

Assessment of mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1) in hen's eggs in Jordan.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of mycotoxins (Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Fumonisin B1 (FB1)) in local hen's table eggs (white and yolk) as well as their stability upon refrigeration. Two hundred and fifty of fresh table eggs samples collected from Jordan governorates were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrophotometry (LC- MS/MS) More than half (67%) of the tested samples were positive for mycotoxins. The mean concentration of AFB1, FB1 and ZEA was 0.5 ± 0.4, 0.5 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 1.5 µg/kg, respectively. The overall prevalence of AFB1, ZEA, FB1 was 56.8, 16.0 and 7.6%, respectively. DON was not found in any of the samples. The highest prevalence was observed in Amman (85.7%) followed by Mafraq (78.6%), Karak (75.0%) and Zarqa'a (66.6%). None of the investigated mycotoxins were detected in egg whites. However, the prevalence of AFB1, ZEA, FB1 in egg yolk was 21.3, 16 and 7.6%, respectively. Refrigeration up to 4 weeks did not decrease the mycotoxin concentration significantly. Mycotoxin concentration in all investigated samples in this study were well below both the International and Jordanian acceptable limits. However, continuous exposure may lead to bioaccumulation over a long term and pose a threat to health.

Inactivation of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in Tahini by Microwave Heating.

Tahini (sesame paste) is a traditional food. Numerous foodborne outbreaks have been associated with it. This study aimed to (i) explore the efficiency of 2450 MHz microwave heating at 220, 330, 440, 550, and 660 W on the inactivation of Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in tahini; (ii) determine the impact of desiccation and starvation stresses on pathogen survival; (iii) assess the impact of microwave heating on the physicochemical characteristics of tahini. The inoculated microorganisms in tahini were reduced with higher microwave power levels (p < 0.05) and longer exposure times. The D-values of unstressed Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes ranged from 6.18 to 0.50 min, 6.08 to 0.50 min, and 4.69 to 0.48 min, respectively, at power levels of 220 to 660 W, with z-values of 410, 440, and 460 W, respectively. Generally, desiccation and starvation stress levels prior to heating increased microbial resistance to heat treatment. Microwave heating did not affect acid, peroxide, p-anisidine, or color values of tahini up to 90 °C. These findings reveal microwave heating as a potential method for lowering the risk of Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes in tahini with no compromise on quality.

Congenital abnormalities in dead-in-shell chicks associated with mixed bacterial infections.

Determination of the chick embryonic developmental period at which embryonic mortalities occur could help in establishing the cause of such mortalities. The late stage of embryonic development has particular importance due to its dramatic effect on life after hatching. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence, frequency and bacterial isolates from dead-in-shell chick embryos in Northern Jordan. A total of 1,000 unhatched eggs were collected at hatching day from 10 hatcheries located in Northern Jordan. Out of 1,000 eggs, 357 (35.7%) were fertile, of which 210 (58.8%) were dead-in-shell embryos. Approximately 50.5% of the dead embryos displayed abnormalities, including neck muscles with subcutaneous petechial haemorrhages (44.3%), beak abnormalities (3.8%), eye deformities (1.9%) and anencephaly (0.5%). Sixty-six bacterial isolates were identified from 82 samples from the dead-in-shell embryos. The isolates were 22 (33.3%) Escherichia coli, 18 (27.3%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, 14 (21.2%) Staphylococcus aureus, 5 (7.6%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4 (6.1%) Salmonella enteritidis, 2 (3%) Bacillus cereus and 1 (1.5%) Proteus vulgaris. Mixed growth was also recorded in 16 (19.5%) samples. There was a significant (P < 0.05) association between Escherichia coli as a bacterial isolate and the occurrence of neck and beak abnormalities. In this study, infection of check embryos with several bacterial species, particularly Escherichia coli, was identified as an important cause of multiple congenital abnormalities involving the neck and beak of unhatched chicks.

Risk factors for outbreaks caused by variant strain of Newcastle disease on environmentally controlled broiler chicken farms in Lahore, Pakistan.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a frequently reported disease in poultry among both vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks in Pakistan. During 2011-2012 poultry industry in Punjab, mainly in Lahore region, faced fatal outbreaks of ND caused by a variant strain. An analytical study was conducted during outbreak period in Lahore region. A total of 114 environmentally controlled farms were selected with the help of convenient sampling method. A questionnaire was designed about the potential risk factors associated with the spread of ND outbreak. The bivariate relationships between ND status and independent variables were investigated by applying the Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Multivariable logistic model was used to estimate the effect of each studied variable on the outcome by adjusting the other variables in the model. The variables which showed an association with ND outbreaks at commercial poultry farms were improper method for dead birds disposal (OR=4.96; 95% CI 1.63-15.12), use of same feed transporting vehicle at multiple poultry farms (OR=4.92; 95% CI 1.58-15.33), farm to farm distance of less than 1 km (OR=9.32; 95% CI(1.19-73.12), number of sheds at one farm (OR=2.31; 95% CI 0.93-5.69), labor type (OR=2.72; 95% CI 0.83-8.88) and biosecurity (OR= 4.47; 95% CI 0.56-35.66).

Microbial safety of oily, low water activity food products: A review.

Oily, low water activity (OL aw) products including tahini (sesame seed paste), halva (tahini halva), peanut butter, and chocolate, have been recently linked to numerous foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls. This review discusses the ingredients used and processing of OL aw products with a view to provide greater understanding of the routes of their contamination with foodborne pathogens and factors influencing pathogen persistence in these foods. Adequate heat treatment during processing may eliminate bacterial pathogens from OL aw foods; however, post-processing contamination commonly occurs. Once these products are contaminated, their high fat and sugar content can enhance pathogen survival for long periods. The physiological basis and survival mechanisms used by pathogens in these products are comprehensively discussed here. Foodborne outbreaks and recalls linked to OL aw foods are summarized and it was observed that serotypes of Salmonella enterica were the predominant pathogens causing illnesses. Further, intervention strategies available to control foodborne pathogens such as thermal inactivation, use of natural antimicrobials, irradiation and hydrostatic pressure are assessed for their usefulness to achieve pathogen control and enhance the safety of OL aw foods. Sanitation, hygienic design of manufacturing facilities, good hygienic practices, and environmental monitoring of OL aw food industries were also discussed.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance and genotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from chickens in Irbid governorate, Jordan.

Campylobacter is the world's leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, causing nearly 9 million cases of food poisoning in Europe every year. Poultry is considered the main source of Campylobacter infection to humans. The objectives of the study were to determine occurrence of C. jejuni and C. coli in chickens, the antimicrobial resistance, genotypes, and relatedness of the isolates. A total of 177 chicken samples obtained from informal butcher shops (fresh), formal poultry slaughterhouses (refrigerated) and retail market (frozen) were analyzed. Isolation of Campylobacter spp. was conducted according to the ISO 10272-2006 method. Multiplex PCR was used for confirmation and identification of the isolates. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates and multilocus sequence typing was used for genotyping. The proportion of samples with Campylobacter spp. was 31.6% among all chicken samples (fresh and refrigerated 47.5%, frozen 0%) C. coli was isolated from 42.4% of chicken samples obtained from butcher shops and from 18.6% of samples obtained in formal slaughterhouses. C. jejuni was isolated from 17.0% of samples obtained in butcher shops and formal slaughterhouses. Campylobacter spp. was not isolated in frozen chicken samples. All tested isolates showed resistance toward ciprofloxacin and susceptibility toward imipenem and all of the isolates were multidrug resistant toward 5 or more antimicrobials. Three sequence types were identified among 10 C. coli isolates and seven sequence types were identified among 10 C. jejuni isolates. Among sequence types, chicken isolates shared similarities of both phenotypic and genetic levels.

Platelet rich plasma efficiently substitutes the beneficial effects of serum during in vitro oocyte maturation and helps maintain the mitochondrial activity of maturing oocytes.

Platelets contain most of the potent mitogenic factors present in serum and follicular fluid and intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) was shown to improve ovarian function and development of preantral follicles. This study evaluated the effect of PRP on caprine oocyte maturation in vitro and subsequent fertilization and embryonic development. Cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in a maturation medium supplemented with (1) fetal bovine serum (FBS, control), (2) PRP, extracted from healthy female goats, (3) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and (4) PVA plus PRP (PVA-PRP). The degree of cumulus expansion was scored, and denuded oocytes were used for assessment of nuclear maturation, mitochondrial activity, lipid content, redox status, yield and quality of in vitro embryo development, and cryosurvival of the resulting blastocysts. PRP supported the same beneficial effects of FBS on cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation, in vitro developmental competence of oocytes, and survival of vitrified-warmed blastocysts. Moreover, PRP protected oocytes from undesirable effects FBS exerted on the mitochondrial activity and intracytoplasmic lipid content of maturing oocyte. Although PVA could support the same beneficial effects of neither FBS nor PRP on oocyte maturation, its combined addition with PRP improved the yield and quality of oocyte maturation at rates closely similar to PRP. PRP efficiently substitutes beneficial effects of serum during in vitro oocyte maturation and helps maintain the mitochondrial activity of maturing oocytes.

Pesticides (Hexachlorocyclohexane, Aldrin, and Malathion) Residues in Home-Grown Eggs: Prevalence, Distribution, and Effect of Storage and Heat Treatments.

The abuse of pesticides in home gardens may lead to contamination of home-grown eggs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), aldrin, and malathion pesticides residues in egg white and egg yolk of home-grown eggs in Jordan; and the effect of refrigerated storage and heat treatment (boiling and frying) on residues level. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect pesticide residues in egg samples (n = 200) obtained from households that raise laying hens in Jordan. About 96% of the tested eggs showed pesticide residues. None of the tested egg samples showed residual level above maximum residue limit (MRL 0.02 mg/kg) for HCH, whereas 33% and 44% of samples were above MRL for aldrin and malathion, respectively. All studied pesticide residues were detected from both egg yolk and egg white. The concentrations of malathion and aldrin (0.075 and 0.067 mg/kg) in egg yolk were higher than those (0.049 and 0.058 mg/kg) in egg white samples. Pesticide residue levels were quite stable during refrigeration storage whereas heat treatment (boiling at 100 °C and frying at 160 °C) significantly reduced contamination levels to values below MRL. The high level of pesticide residues in home-grown egg in Jordan may reflect the improper use of pesticides in home gardens and thus exposing the environment to unwanted pollution and the risk they may pose on human health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Home-grown eggs could be exposed to pesticides more than commercial eggs as free-range hens interact directly with the environment and ingest soil or materials on/in the soil that might be contaminated with pesticides used in home gardens or farms. Exploring pesticides residues in home-grown eggs and effect of refrigerated storage and heat treatment (boiling and frying) on residue levels would be useful to consumers and health authorities.

Decontamination and survival of Enterobacteriaceae on shredded iceberg lettuce during storage.

Enterobacteriaceae family can contaminate fresh produce at any stage of production either at pre-harvest or post-harvest stages. The objectives of the current study were to i) identify Enterobacteriaceae species on iceberg lettuce, ii) compare the decontamination efficiency of water, sodium hypochlorite (free chlorine 200 ppm), peroxyacetic acid (PA 80 ppm; Kenocid 2100®) or their combinations and ionizing radiation against Enterobacteriaceae on shredded iceberg lettuce and iii) determine the survival of Enterobacteriaceae post-treatment storage of shredded iceberg lettuce at 4, 10 and 25 °C, for up to 7 days. Klebsiella pneumonia spp. pneumonia, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pantoea spp., Leclercia adecarboxylata and Kluyvera ascorbate were identified on iceberg lettuce. No significant difference (P≥ 0.05) among Enterobacteriaceae survival after washing with water or sanitizing with sodium hypochlorite or Kenocid 2100® (reduction ≤ 0.6 log CFU/g) were found. Combined sanitizer treatments were more effective against Enterobacteriaceae than single washing/sanitizing treatments. Sanitization of iceberg lettuce with combined washing/sanitizing treatments reduced Enterobacteriaceae by 0.85-2.24 CFU/g. Post-treatment growth of Enterobacteriaceae during storage on samples sanitized with sodium hypochlorite and Kenocid 2100® was more than on samples washed with water. The D10-value of Enterobacteriaceae on shredded iceberg lettuce was 0.21 KGy. The reduction of Enterobacteriaceae populations on iceberg after gamma radiation (0.6 KGy) was 3 log CFU/g, however, Enterobacteriaceae counts increased post-irradiation storage by 4-5 log CFU/g. Therefore, washing shredded iceberg lettuce with combined sanitizing treatment (sodium hypochlorite/sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite/Kenocid 2100®, or Kenocid 2100®/Kenocid 2100®) for total time of 6 min or exposing it to gamma irradiation (0.6 KGy) can decrease the risk of Enterobacteriaceae (reduction ≥ 2 log). Post-washing storage of sliced iceberg lettuce (4, 10, 25 °C) could increase the risk of Enterobacteriaceae as their counts increased during storage even at low temperatures.

Antibacterial activity and heavy metal removal efficiency of electrospun medium molecular weight chitosan/nylon-6 nanofibre membranes.

Chitosan/nylon-6 nanofibres with antibacterial activity properties were prepared by electrospinning a chitosan/nylon-6 solution (containing medium molecular weight chitosan). Nanofibres with diameters in the range of 139-190 nm were obtained. The yield of low concentration chitosan/nylon-6 nanofibres was higher than that of high concentration chitosan/nylon-6 nanofibres. The affinity of chitosan toward lead was studied using a Pb(NO3)2 solution containing Pb(II) ions as the heavy metal solution. The rejection of lead ions by the chitosan/nylon membranes was investigated under various chitosan concentrations. The optimum removal values for Pb(NO2)3 and NaCl were found to be 74% and 71%, respectively. The nanofibres developed in this study exhibited an excellent antibacterial activity (95%) against Escherichia coli.

The assessment of fetal brain growth in diabetic pregnancy using in utero magnetic resonance imaging.

AIM: To assess fetal brain growth over the third trimester in pregnant women with diabetes using in utero magnetic resonance imaging (iuMRI) to determine if greater brain growth occurs in type 1 (T1DM) when compared to gestational (GDM) diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each consented participant was scanned at three fixed times during the third trimester using iuMRI. One hundred and fifty-seven patients were approached, 48 participants were recruited, and 36 complete data sets were analysed. Three-dimensional (3D) iuMRI volume data sets were manually segmented using software to construct models of the fetal brain from which brain volumes could be calculated. Inter-rater analysis was performed, and volume differences and growth rates were compared between T1DM and GDM. RESULTS: Recruitment proved difficult with low uptake and high attrition rates (77.1%). Inter-rater analysis revealed excellent correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93, p<0.001) and agreement with no significant difference between operators (p=0.194). There was no evidence of increased brain volume in the T1DM group. Growth rates between visit 1 and 3 for T1DM and GDM were not significantly different (p=0.095). CONCLUSION: T1DM brain volumes were not significantly larger than GDM volumes and there was no significant divergence of brain growth over the third trimester. Constructing volume models from 3D iuMRI acquisitions is a novel technique that can be used to assess fetal brain growth. No specialist software or knowledge is required. Larger studies attempting to recruit pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy should employ multicentre recruitment to overcome recruitment difficulties and high attrition rates.

Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Layer Farms in Northern Jordan Using Microbroth Dilution and Disc Diffusion Techniques.

Campylobacter jejuni is an important pathogen of significant public health importance. This pathogen is associated with human infection and has been isolated from mammals and birds. Ninety-two cloacal C. jejuni isolates were identified from 35 layer farms in Northern Jordan. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion techniques with variable suggested breakpoints. Using MIC and EUCAST cut-off values, the study revealed a significantly high resistance level (100%) among the layers' isolates against ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. A relatively high resistance (41%) toward gentamicin and amoxicillin and low resistance to nalidixic acid (21%), erythromycin (14%), and florfenicol (6.5%) were also found. This high level of resistance may indicate abuses in the handling of antibiotics, which may require stricter control in the local layer industry. A good agreement between the 2 techniques used was demonstrated and the disc diffusion technique could be used as a rapid screening test for antimicrobial susceptibility of C. jejuni to many antibiotics using specific Campylobacter breakpoints.

Feasibility of Using Gamma Irradiation for Inactivation of Starvation-, Heat-, and Cold-Stressed Salmonella in Tahini.

Salmonella continues to be the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and recently has been involved in infections related to edible seeds and their products, including tahini. This study investigated the (i) effectiveness of using gamma irradiation to inactivate starvation- and heat- or cold-stressed Salmonella in tahini, (ii) effect of storage on the sensitivity of stressed Salmonella to irradiation, and (iii) effect of irradiation on the chemical and physical characteristics of tahini. Tahini samples were inoculated with a cocktail of unstressed or stressed (starvation and heat or cold stress) Salmonella isolates and then exposed after storage at 21°C for 0, 7, and 30 days to gamma irradiation for up to 2.0 kGy. Additionally, the effect of irradiation on the color, peroxide, p-anisidine, and acid values of tahini were assessed. The initial level of unstressed and starvation- and heat-stressed Salmonella in tahini decreased by ca. 4.6 log CFU/g after exposure to 2.0 kGy, while cold-stressed cultures decreased by 4.5 log after exposure to 0.6 kGy. Irradiation doses of 1.0 kGy after 7 days of storage or 0.75 kGy after 30 days of storage decreased the populations of the unstressed and starvation- and heatstressed Salmonella by ca. 3.4 or 2.6 log, respectively. The D10-value of the unstressed Salmonella was 0.43 kGy. Starvation and heat stresses showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the calculated D10-value, whereas cold stress significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the D10-value to 0.14 kGy. Preirradiation storage for 7 and 30 days significantly decreased the D10-value to 0.31 and 0.28 kGy, respectively. An irradiation dose of 2.0 kGy did not significantly affect the color, peroxide, p-anisidine, and acid values of tahini when compared with nonirradiated samples. Therefore, this study lays the foundation for using irradiation as an effective means for minimizing the risk of Salmonella in tahini without compromising its quality.

Detection, Identification, and Prevalence of Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Fish and Coastal Environment in Jordan.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is widely distributed in the marine environments and considered the leading cause of human gastroenteritis in Asian countries. A total of 150 marketed fish and 50 water and sediment samples from the Gulf of Aqaba were examined for the prevalence of pathogenic strains of V. parahaemolyticus. A total of 132 typical isolates obtained from the primary selective medium (thiosulfate-citrate bile salt sucrose agar) and showed positive biochemical properties were subjected to confirmation by polymerase chain reaction targeting the gyrB and toxR genes. These genes were confirmed at rates of 82% (108 isolates) and 72% (95 isolates), respectively. The toxR positive isolates were tested for the presence of thermolabile hemolysin (tlh), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), and tdh-related hemolysin (trh) virulence genes. Accordingly, the prevalence rates of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus were 4%, 8%, and 12% in sediment, water, and fish samples, respectively. The 16S rRNA amplification and sequences were conducted for confirmation of the isolates and showing the relatedness among these isolates. The results showed that both 16S rRNA and toxR assays had same sensitivity and tested isolates had high nucleotide similarity irrespective of their sources.

Survival and growth of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in eggplant dip during storage.

Eggplant dip is an internationally popular appetizer, prepared in some instances under uncertain hygienic conditions with inconsistent refrigeration. This study examined the effects of citric acid on the survival of pathogenic microorganisms (Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus) and naturally present organisms (lactic acid bacteria, LAB, aerobic bacteria, APC and yeast and mold, YM) in eggplant dip during storage. Eggplant dip with 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8% citric acid was inoculated with S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 or S. aureus and stored at 4, 10 and 21 °C for ≤15 d. Throughout the study, the survival of the inoculated microorganisms was monitored, and LAB, APC, YM numbers and pH were determined. There was no significant (p>0.05) effect of citric acid on inoculated S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7. Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 survived >7d with little reduction in viability. Reduction of S. aureus viability increased with citric acid concentration and reached>3.0 log10 CFU/g by 15 d at 4 °C. Citric acid had no effect (p>0.05) on the background YM during storage at 4, 10 and 21 °C or LAB stored at 4 and 10 °C, while at 21 °C, 0.6 and 0.8% citric acid significantly reduced LAB. Citric acid had no effect (p>0.05) on the APC in samples stored at 4 °C but it had significant effects on samples stored at 10 and 21 °C. Work reported showed that the use of citric acid at 0.4-0.8% can inhibit the growth of S. aureus in eggplant dip, but adequate refrigeration is essential to minimize risk from this and other pathogens in this product.

Hepatoprotective effect of Matricaria chamomilla.L in paraquat induced rat liver injury.

Paraquat (PQ), an effective and widely used herbicide, has been proven to be safe when appropriately applied to eliminate weeds. However, PQ poisoning is an extremely frustrating clinical condition with a high mortality and with a lack of effective treatments in humans. PQ is known to induce injury via a redox cyclic reaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract Matricaria chamomilla.L (M. chamomilla) against PQ-induced liver injury in association with its antioxidant activity.The male rats were treated by gastric gavage daily with PQ (5 mg/kg/day) and M. chamomilla (50 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination for 7 days. After treatments, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTG) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in liver tissue were measured. At the end of the experiment, plasma and lung tissue of the animals was separated. The activity of enzymatic scavengers such as CAT, TAC and TTG were measured in liver homogenate.In this sample, the TAC and TTG were lower in the PQ group as compared with control group. Co-administration of PQ with M. chamomilla extract increased TAC and TTG in liver tissue as compared with PQ group.In conclusion, M. chamomilla as natural antioxidant may be considered beneficial for the protection oxidative liver injury in PQ poisoning.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef cattle slaughtered in Amman abattoir.

Cattle are the main asymptomatic reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7 which can cause illness to human. The objectives of the study were to measure the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 on cattle slaughtered in Amman abattoir, detect virulence factors in the isolates, determine antibacterial resistance of the isolates, and know how the isolates are different or similar when compared to characterized isolates from developed countries. A total of 540 samples (feces, hide, and carcass) were tested for E. coli O157:H7 using the method of ISO 16654:(E). Conventional and multiplex PCR assays were used for serotype confirmation and virulence factor detection, respectively. Fifty E. coli O157:H7 isolates were identified and virulence factors eaeA and hlyA were present in all of the isolates. 60%, 12%, and 22% of the isolates harbored stx(1), stx(2), and stx(1) and stx(2), respectively. The prevalence rates of enterotoxigenic E. coli O157:H7 (n=47) were 8.3%, 10%, and 7.8% in feces, hides and carcasses, respectively. The antimicrobial profiles of the isolates showed an extensive resistance to erythromycin, neomycin and vancomycin and high sensitivity to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, kanamycin and tetracycline.