Antibacterial efficiency of apple vinegar marination on beef-borne Salmonella.

Background: Salmonella-related foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern. Naturally, antibacterial food components have been shown to limit microbial growth proliferation with various degrees of efficacy. Aims: To examine the occurrence, microbial load, and effect of apple vinegar on Salmonella serovars in beef and beef products. Methods: 150 beef and beef products were collected between March and May 2022. Total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae count (ENT), isolation and identification of Salmonella, and their virulence factors detection by multiplex PCR were determined, and an experimental study of the effect of natural apple vinegar marination on Salmonella spp. Results: TVC was higher in meatballs (3.32 × 106 ± 1.07 × 106) while beef burgers (4.22 × 103 ± 0.71 × 103) had the highest ENT. Concerning the prevalence of Salmonella spp., meatball (46.7%) and beef burger (25.3%) samples were the highest contamination rate. The common serovars detected were Salmonella typhimurium (6%), Salmonella enteritidis (6%), and Salmonella infantis (4%). Based on the results of PCR, 12, 11, and 11 out of 18 samples of Salmonella isolates possess hila, stn, and invA genes. By immersing the inoculated steak meat in apple vinegar at different concentrations (50%, 70%, and 100%), the initial populations of the Salmonella strains after 12 hours were reduced to 0.38 × 102 ± 0.05 × 102 log CFU/ml; however, after 48 hours become the most reduction (0.31 × 102 ± 0.07 × 102 log CFU/ml) at a concentration of 100% apple vinegar. An enhancement in the sensory attributes was noted across all concentrations. Conclusion: The consumed beef and beef products are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp. Marinades made using apple vinegar concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100% effectively minimized the prevalence of artificially inoculated Salmonella and extended the shelf life of preserved refrigerated beef products to 48 hours.

Characterizing EBV-associated Gastric Carcinoma (EBVaGC): A deep dive into LMP1 expression patterns.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious public health issue due to its frequency and severity. It is, for both sexes, one of the most common causes of cancer-related death and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Recent data show that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in different histopathological subtypes of gastric carcinoma and that EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) represents about 10% of all cases. Moreover, the LMP1 protein characterizing the malignant transformation of cells in several cancer models seems to be very rarely expressed in this type of cancer. This study aimed to characterize EBVaGC in our population by detecting LMP1 in gastric carcinomas in about 30 selected patients. The results showed that in our population, nuclear staining predominates, showing that the antrum remains the most sampled site both for these pathologies and for LMP1 positivity (nuclear staining). In general, the LMP1 marking was negative for 22.58%, positive with a nuclear predominance at 64.52%, nuclear and cytoplasmic at 12.90%, and no positive marking for the cytoplasm. Results were not like the different studies on the expression of this oncogenic protein without EBVsCG, probably finding an explanation in the fact that our country is among the endemic regions for this herpes virus. In conclusion, the rate of LMP1 expression among gastric carcinomas does not seem similar to that observed in other countries. This study characterizing EBVaGC in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, reinforces the need for further studies to clarify the role of EBV (LMP1) and to explore its potential value as a predictive biomarker for the development of this type of cancer pathology.

Influence of environmental risk factors on the development of wounds associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is on the rise, making it a significant global health concern. Environmental risk factors are crucial to the development of SCC. This study sought to examine comprehensively the impact of these factors on the onset of SCC. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 480 participants at Beijing tertiary care hospital. Utilizing structured questionnaires, data on demographics, environmental exposures, medical history and clinical characteristics were collected. The cohort was composed of 272 men (56.67%) and 208 women (43.33%). The majority (44.38%) were between ages of 41 and 60, and Type III skin predominated (34.79%). Most of the participants belonged to the middle socioeconomic class (60.83%). 'Vegetarian' dietary habits (46.67%) were prevalent, as was the 'Sedentary' lifestyle (49.79%). Regarding environmental exposures, moderate sun exposure of 3 to 5 h per day (54.58%) and UV protective eyewear (30.83%) were prevalent. The majority (69.58%) of respondents indicated 'Never' exposure to carcinogens. A variety of wound characteristics were observed, with 'non-smokers' (64.17%) dominating. Most SCC lesions were located on the extremities (40.21%), lasted less than 6 months (44.38%) and measured 1-3 cm (39.79%). The majority (54.58%) did not have a history of cutaneous injuries. Our research uncovered substantial relationships between SCC and numerous environmental variables, gender, Fitzpatrick skin type, occupation, duration of sun exposure, exposure to carcinogens, dietary practices, history of skin wounds, wound location, duration, size and depth were significantly associated with the onset of SCC. These results highlighted the complexity of SCC aetiology and need for individualized prevention and treatment strategies.

Harnessing the Forgotten Triangles of the Neck for Lingual Artery Ligation in Glossectomies: A Technical Report.

Various geometric structures, such as numerous triangles, are prevalent in the neck. Despite the fact that many of the neck's anatomical triangles have been well documented, others have been almost forgotten about. The repertoire of head and neck cancer surgeons should include an in-depth understanding of these forgotten triangles. This article seeks to contribute valuable information to the existing scientific literature by shedding light on these neglected triangles, which have significant surgical relevance. In this technical report, we provide a detailed description of a technique that employs these neglected triangles to ligate the lingual artery during glossectomies for tongue cancer.

The External Jugular Vein Cut-Down Method for Chemoport Insertion from a Tertiary Cancer Treatment Center in Central India: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: In the realm of oncology, the development of TIVAD (chemoport) has been a blessing for cancer patients, freeing them from having to undergo numerous recurrent venepunctures throughout their treatment. The External Jugular Vein cut-down has been the standard procedure for administering chemotherapy to cancer patients at our institution. Here, we discuss our experience with the External Jugular Vein cut-down Chemoport Insertion Technique and the outcomes it produced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study and included all patients who underwent the open External Jugular Vein cut-down technique of Chemoport Insertion from January 2019 to January 2022 in the Department of Surgical Oncology at our hospital. RESULTS: Out of 136 patients, 3 (2.2%) had failed external jugular vein (EJV) cannulation, and alternative access (Internal Jugular Vein) was chosen for cannulation. The most common indication for chemoport insertion in our study was carcinoma of the breast, around 72.93% (97/133), and hence the majority of patients were females, about 84.21% (112/133). Only 18.04% (24/133) were male patients. The age distribution ranged from 2 years to 84 years. Out of 133 patients, complications were observed in 14 patients (10.52%). Around 6 patients (4.5%) had problems with catheter blockage after one cycle of chemotherapy. 4 patients (3%) had port infections at the chamber region (pectoral region). 3 patients (2.2%) had catheter tip displacement into the brachiocephalic vein. 1 patient (0.75%) had extravasation of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the External Jugular Vein cut-down technique offers several advantages in the realm of oncology, as it is a safe, efficient, and straightforward technique for chemoport insertion. With its minimal learning curve and simplicity, this technique represents a favorable initial option for successfully implanting chemoports in cancer patients. Further research and comparative studies are needed to validate and further explore the benefits of this technique in diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.

Beyond Traditional Approaches: A Pilot Study Exploring the Role of Injection Mitomycin C on the Surgical Resection Bed in Oral Cancer Treatment.

Background Oral cavity cancer ranks sixth among all cancers worldwide. India has the most oral cancer cases and accounts for one-third of the global oral cancer burden. Oral cavity cancer is known to be associated with an elevated likelihood of locoregional recurrences, which account for the bulk of post-surgery and radiotherapy treatment failures. Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic and antibiotic agent that is administered topically rather than intravenously to treat bladder and intraperitoneal tumors to avoid recurrences. This study aimed to investigate the use of injection MMC as a local application on surgical resection beds for patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer and to assess its efficacy in preventing regional recurrences. Methodology In this prospective, interventional, pilot study, patients were assigned randomly to two groups using simple randomization. Group A involved the application of two gauze pieces soaked with MMC injection. Group B involved the application of two gauze pieces soaked with a 10% betadine solution. During the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest procedure for reconstruction, two gauze pieces soaked with either injection MMC solution (20 mg MMC in 20 mL of 0.9% normal saline) or 10% betadine solution were placed on the surgical resection bed for a 45-minute contact period. Patients were evaluated daily in the postoperative period for local complications. Regular follow-up visits were scheduled for 15 months of follow-up. Results After exclusions at various phases, the final analysis included 50 patients in Group A and 50 patients in Group B. Minor complications, specifically blackening of the skin flap in the neck resulting in surgical site infections, were observed in 16% (eight patients) of the MMC group and in 6% (three patients) of the betadine group (p = 0.1997) patients. In the MMC group, two (4%) patients experienced locoregional recurrences at three months, four (8%) patients at six months, six (12%) patients at nine months, eight (16%) patients at 12 months, and 10 (20%) patients at 15 months of follow-up. In contrast, locoregional recurrences occurred in two (4%) patients in the betadine group at three months, six (12%) patients at six months, nine (18%) patients at nine months, 12 (24%) patients at 12 months, and 15 (30%) patients at 15 months. Although the difference in locoregional recurrences between the two groups was not statistically significant, there was a trend of decreasing locoregional recurrences in the MMC group relative to the betadine group as the duration of follow-up increased. In the subgroup analysis of patients with pathological extranodal extension (ENE), only 10 of 18 patients with ENE in Group A (55.55%) experienced a recurrence, whereas all 12 patients with ENE in Group B (100%) experienced a recurrence within the same time frame. This difference in locoregional recurrence rates between the two groups was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.0100. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the local administration of MMC on surgical resection beds may lower the risk of locoregional recurrences in patients with oral cancer, especially those with ENE. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance treatment strategies and patient outcomes for this challenging malignancy.

Surgical Triumph Over Metatarsal Osteosarcoma: A Rare Case Report Revealing Diagnostic Challenges and Successful Management.

Osteosarcoma of the foot is exceedingly uncommon, and as a result, very little is known about patient and tumor characteristics. In addition, the prognosis may be grim due to delayed presentation and misdiagnosis. A delayed diagnosis of osteosarcoma, regardless of location, may not only reduce long-term survival but also modify the treatment plan, resulting in less favorable functional and cosmetic outcomes. Here we report the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with chondroblastic osteosarcoma involving the metatarsal bone of the foot in a 47-year-old woman treated with wide local excision with right second metatarsectomy and non-vascularized fibular graft reconstruction along with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Re-do cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Risk factors and complications.

ABSTRACT: An effective multi-modal treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface metastatic malignancies has progressed and developed over the decades as cytoreductive surgery (CRS), and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivers highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy drugs directly to the abdomen during surgery. Peritoneal metastasis and high staging abdominal malignancies were considered incurable and end up with the palliation only; the CRS+HIPEC combination approach increases the median survival rate and gives a better quality of life to these patients. It is a complicated surgery which poses a high rate of complications and challenges which are difficult to manage and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The aim of this study is to elaborate the perioperative possible physiological changes, risk factors, and related complications after re-do HIPEC.

Adolescent Health Series: The status of adolescent mental health research, practice and policy in sub-Saharan Africa: A narrative review.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the fastest growing adolescent population in the world. In addition to developmental changes, adolescents in SSA face health and socioeconomic challenges that increase their vulnerability to mental ill-health. This paper is a narrative review of adolescent mental health (AMH) in SSA with a focus on past achievements, current developments, and future directions in the areas of research, practice and policy in the region. We describe the status of AMH in the region, critical factors that negatively impact AMH, and the ways in which research, practice and policy have responded to this need. Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders are the most common mental health problems among adolescents in SSA. Intervention development has largely been focused on HIV/AIDS service delivery in school or community programs by non-specialist health workers. There is a severe shortage of specialised AMH services, poor integration of services into primary health care, lack of a coordinated inter-sectoral collaboration, and the absence of clear referral pathways. Policies for the promotion of AMH have been given less attention by policymakers, due to stigma attached to mental health problems, and an insufficient understanding of the link between mental health and social determinants, such as poverty. Given these gaps, traditional healers are the most accessible care available to help-seeking adolescents. Sustained AMH research with a focus on the socioeconomic benefits of implementing evidence-based, contextually adapted psychosocial interventions might prove useful in advocating for much needed policies to improve AMH in SSA.

Exploring the Potential of Traditional Herbs in the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy: An Overview.

Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication in diabetes that affects eyes and is responsible for most visual impairment in diabetic patients. Diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80% of those who have had diabetes for 20 years or more. At least 90% of new cases could be reduced with proper treatment and monitoring of the eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher his or her chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Hence, it compels need for its prevention and cure. There is an increasing interest in natural products in pharmacotherapy as the chemical diversity of natural products has better matches than the diversity of synthetic compounds. The current review summarises the potential of leading traditional herbs like Azadirachta indica, Ginkgo biloba, Anisodus tanguticus, Pinus pinaster, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Stephania tetrandra and Gymnema sylvestre in the management and potential reversal of DR-related pathogenesis. It also discusses the probable mechanism of actions, which are based on epidemiological, in-vitro and in-vivo studies carried out within past few years. Graphical Abstract.

Prevalence and correlates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns in Indian youth: The role of media.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to assess how media internalization and pressure are associated with body mass index (BMI), disordered eating, and body image dissatisfaction in Indian adults and whether there exist gender differences within these variables. The study also aimed to examine whether BMI and media internalization and pressure predict body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilized self-report measures that were administered to 262 men and women between the ages of 18-25 years (M = 21.64). RESULTS: The results indicated that BMI was significantly correlated with internalization athlete, body shape dissatisfaction, and disordered eating, but not internalization general or media pressure. Internalization general, internalization athlete, media pressure as well as body shape dissatisfaction, and disordered eating were found to be positively correlated. Men and women did not significantly differ on any variable, but internalization athlete. Overweight and obese men and women were found to be significantly more dissatisfied than underweight and normal-weight men and women; however, the difference was not significant for overweight and obese males and normal-weight and overweight females. In addition, media influence and BMI significantly predicted body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. CONCLUSIONS: The present study contributes to a novel understanding of body image concerns and risk for clinical eating disorders in Indian youth and potential implications for future research.