Monitoring the genetic variation of some Escherichia coli strains in wild birds and cattle.

To date, there is limited data about the genetic relationship of Escherichia coli between wild birds and cattle because these birds act as silent vectors for many zoonotic bacteria. This study aimed to elucidate the role of rooming wild birds in the vicinity of cattle farm in transmission of the same pathogenic E. coli variants, identifying their virulence, resistance traits and genetic similarities of fimH virulence gene. About 240 faecal/cloacal swabs were collected from both species and examined bacteriologically. Escherichia coli was yielded in 45.8% and 32.5%, respectively, of examined cattle and wild birds. The most prevalent detected E. coli serovar was O26. High tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance were recorded; however, gentamycin and ciprofloxacin exhibited the highest sensitivity rates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conserved genotypic resistance (tetA and blaCTX-M) and virulence attributes (fimH, stx1, eaeA and ompA) of E. coli isolates were discussed in detail. The fimH gene revealed 100% sequence similarity when comparing with different E. coli isolates globally and locally. Finally, a close genetic association of E. coli with both wild birds and cattle was detected, thus strengthening its role in the dissemination of the infection via environment. Prevention and conservative policy should be carried as E. coli constitute enormous significant zoonotic risks to livestock and animal workers. Also, further studies to the whole genome sequencing of fimH, other virulence and resistance genes of E. coli are recommended trying to limit the possibilities of co-infection and transfer among different species.Contribution: The current study recorded updated data about the critical infectious role of wild birds to livestock, including cattle farms in Egypt. It also delivered some recommendations for good hygienic practices in cattle farms which must be implemented for handling animal manure.

Eichhornia crassipes from wastes to valuable products in water purification and influence on growth and impregnability in overwhelmed broiler chickens.

Background: The implementation of green technologies is continually gaining attention worldwide and was considered for removing water pollutants and treating municipal water before its disposal. Aim: Evaluation of the laboratory antimicrobial actions and chelating activities, and the field influence of Eichhornia crassipes on performance, biochemical and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broiler chickens. Methods: We assessed the laboratory antimicrobial actions of E. crassipes 1% suspension against bacterial (Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium) and fungal (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) microorganisms using a 96-well minimal inhibitory concentration, and the chelating activities of E. crassipes against calcium sulfate and copper sulfate. Also, we designed randomly four equal groups out of 200 1-day-old Ross® 308 chicks on a deep litter system. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were supplied daily with E. crassipes suspension of 1% from the third day until the end of the experiment, while the fourth group (G4) received non-treated tap water. Broilers of G1-3 were challenged with calcium sulfate (75 mg.l-1), copper sulfate (200 mg.l-1), and S. Typhimurium (1.5 × 106 CFU.ml-1) polluted water respectively on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th days of age. We collected 1,914 samples by the end of the study, these samples included 90 E. crassipes pollutants and 480 E. crassipes microbial mixes, 192 sera, 192 intestinal swabs, and 960 tissues. Results: Eichhornia crassipes treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in water quality assessments and a highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in dissolved oxygen levels compared to tap water. Eichhornia crassipes 1% achieved a 100% adsorption capability for calcium and copper sulfate after 1-hour and 100% bactericidal (E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium) and fungicidal (A. niger and C. albicans) actions after 1, 2, 2, and 2-hours, respectively. Broilers treated with 1% E. crassipes revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in performance indices, carcasses characteristics, biochemical and immunological parameters, and highly significant (p < 0.01) decreases of cortisol hormone and bacteriological parameters in all treated broiler groups compared to the control. Conclusion: Eichhornia crassipes 1% reveals a significant improvement in drinking water quality, as well as produces high adsorptive and antimicrobial actions. Eichhornia crassipes 1% improved performance traits, carcass quality, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broilers.

Determinants of loss to follow-up in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Systematic loss to follow-up (LFU) creates selection bias and hinders generalisability in longitudinal cohort studies. Little is known about LFU risks in underserved populations including immigrants, those with depressive symptoms and language minorities. We used the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (baseline 2012-2015 and 3-year follow-up 2015-2018) comprehensive and tracking cohorts to examine the association of language with LFU and its effect modification by immigrant status and depressive symptoms among participants from Quebec and those from outside Quebec. METHODS: Language was English-speaking, French-speaking and Bilingual according to the language participants' reported being able to converse in. Language minorities were French-speakers outside Quebec and English-speakers inside Quebec. LFU was withdrawal or not providing follow-up data. Logistic regression models assessed the associations of interest. RESULTS: Our cohort included 49 179 individuals (mean age 63.0, SD 10.4 years; 51.4% female). Overall, 7808 (15.9%) were immigrants and 7902 (16.1%) had depressive symptoms. Language was 4672 (9.5%) French-speaking, 33 532 (68.2%) English-speaking and 10 976 (22.3%) Bilingual. Immigration ≤20 years (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.53) or arrival at age >22 years (1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58) and depressive symptoms (1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.46) had higher LFU risks. Bilingual (vs French-speaking) had lower LFU risk outside (0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86) and inside Quebec (0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). LFU risk was higher in French-speakers (vs English-speakers) outside (2.33, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.55), but not inside Quebec. Female, higher income, higher education and low nutritional risk had lower LFU risks. CONCLUSION: Speaking only French (vs Bilingual), having depressive symptoms and immigrant status increased LFU risks, with the latter not modifying the language effect.

Depression, diabetes and immigration status: a retrospective cohort study using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

BACKGROUND: A bidirectional association between depression and diabetes exists, but has not been evaluated in the context of immigrant status. Given that social determinants of health differ between immigrants and nonimmigrants, we evaluated the association between diabetes and depression incidence, depression and diabetes incidence, and whether immigrant status modified this association, among immigrants and nonimmigrants in Canada. METHODS: We employed a retrospective cohort design using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive cohort (baseline [2012-2015] and 3-year follow-up [2015-2018]). We defined participants as having diabetes if they self-reported it or if their glycated hemoglobin A1c level was 7% or more; we defined participants as having depression if their Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression score was 10 or higher or if they were currently undergoing depression treatment. We excluded those with baseline depression (Cohort 1) and baseline diabetes (Cohort 2) to evaluate the associations between diabetes and depression incidence, and between depression and diabetes incidence, respectively. We constructed logistic regression models with interaction by immigrant status. RESULTS: Cohort 1 (n = 20 723; mean age 62.7 yr, standard deviation [SD] 10.1 yr; 47.6% female) included 3766 (18.2%) immigrants. Among immigrants, 16.4% had diabetes, compared with 15.6% among nonimmigrants. Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of depression in nonimmigrants (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.49), but not in immigrants (adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.80-1.56). Younger age, female sex, weight change, poor sleep quality and pain increased depression risk. Cohort 2 (n = 22 054; mean age 62.1 yr, SD 10.1 yr; 52.2% female) included 3913 (17.7%) immigrants. Depression was associated with an increased risk of diabetes in both nonimmigrants (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.16-1.68) and immigrants (adjusted OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.08-2.37). Younger age, male sex, waist circumference, weight change, hypertension and heart disease increased diabetes risk. INTERPRETATION: We found an overall bidirectional association between diabetes and depression that was not significantly modified by immigrant status. Screening for diabetes for people with depression and screening for depression for those with diabetes should be considered.

In-vivo and in-vitro effectiveness of three insecticides types for eradication of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus in dogs.

Background: External parasites contribute to extensive harmful impacts on their hosts which is why control and eradication of external parasites have been included in all biosecurity plans of dog houses. Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo effectiveness of chemicals like Doramectin injectable and Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops and herbal mixes eco-friendly insecticides like phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray for combating the external parasitism in dogs and their influence on the hematological, biochemical, and cortisol (CORT) profiles. Method: The in-vitro effectiveness of the insecticides was conducted by using a total of 216 developmental stage Rhipicephalus sanguineus (72 adults, 72 larvae, and 72 eggs) designed into three replicates of petri dishes (3 plates × 8 units × 3 stages/replicate); each replicate was exposed to 1 ml insecticide. The number of surviving ticks was recorded after 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Sixteen Rottweiler male dogs aged 1 year and 45.5 kg were divided into four groups. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were experimentally infested with R. sanguineus ticks 3-4 weeks post-dog arrival and kept under observation from zero-time of experimental infestation for 1-2 weeks. The three experimentally infested dog groups were treated with Doramectin injectable, Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops, and phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray, respectively, and the fourth group was designed as a negative control. A total of 144 samples, including 48 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood, 48 whole blood, and 48 sera samples, were collected. Results: The in-vitro efficacy revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) 100% killing efficacy that was achieved after 8 hours in Doramectin and Fipronil 50 mg/ml and 24 hours in phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix. The in-vivo trials revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements of red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, platelets, total and differential leukocytic counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates in the second hour, total protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and CORT levels in the 2-week (P1) and 4-week posttreatment (P2) samples in Dormectin, Fipronil 50 mg/ml, and phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix-treated dogs with more pronounced recovery in phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray-treated dogs. Conclusion: The insecticides were able to provide a high level of protection against experimental infestation with concern to the different modes of application. Phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray (eco-friendly) achieved higher insecticidal action compared to the chemicals.

Genotyping of enterotoxigenic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among commensal rodents in North Sinai, Egypt.

AIM: This study aimed to identify genotype enterotoxigenic antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus species, mainly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) among commensal rodents. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 280 samples were collected from nasal and mouth swabs, heart blood, intestinal content and lung tissues of 56 commensal rodents trapped from North Sinai, Egypt. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to bacteriologically identified S. aureus isolates against 15 antimicrobial agents by disc diffusion method. Detection was conducted for identifying coagulase gene (coA), antimicrobial-resistant genes (mecA and vanA/B), enterotoxigenic and virulence determinant genes (hlg, seb, sed and see) among the MRSA and VRSA isolates. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus species were isolated from 24 (42.86%) out of 56 rodents. Phenotypic examination revealed that all the isolates were multidrug-resistant, whereas two isolates were multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR). Out of 33 examined isolates, 33 (100%) were resistant to oxacillin and amoxicillin, 31 (93.93%) to cefoxitin and 12 (36.36%) to vancomycin. PCR assay revealed that 24 isolates revealed (100%) positivity to coA gene, 17 (70.83%) to mecA gene and 12 (50%) to vanA/B genes. Enterotoxin genes and haemolysin genes were detected among MRSA and VRSA isolates. There was a strong positive correlation between the tested antimicrobial-resistant genes and virulence genes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the occurrence of MRSA and VRSA strains among commensal rodents in North Sinai, Egypt. The detection of enterotoxigenic and virulence genes of the isolated MRSA and VRSA strains indicated the health hazards of food contamination and zoonotic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACTS OF THE STUDY: This study emphasizes the role of commensal rodents in maintaining and disseminating multidrug-resistant MRSA and VRSA strains to the environment, animals and human beings.

Nile tilapia bones as eco-friendly alternative in water treatment and enhancing performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background: Water pollution has become a major threat to the environment and the living so an eco-friendly bio-filter was chosen for its merits over conventional techniques. Aim: Investigating the purifying activities of the Tilapia bone powder against inorganics, heavy metals, and microbial water pollutants and its impacts on performance, biochemical and antioxidant levels, cortisol and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in challenged broiler chickens. Methods: The in-vitro activity of Tilapia bone powder was evaluated against magnesium chloride and lead nitrate using tube minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), as well as against Escherichia coli O1527:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans using a 96-micro-well MIC. A total of 250 1-day-old Hubbard chicks were divided into five groups on a deep litter system. Chicks were supplemented daily with Tilapia bone powder (1 g/l) for 4-6 hours from the 3rd day. Challenges were served on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days for four broiler groups using magnesium chloride (100 mg/l), lead nitrate (350 mg/l), E. coli (2.4 × 1012 CFU/ml), S. Typhimurium (1.8 × 108 CFU/ml), respectively, and the 5th group was assigned as a control. A total of 2,250 samples (90 Tilapia-pollutants mixes, 480 Tilapia-microbial mixes, 240 sera, 240 intestinal swabs, and 1,200 tissue samples) were collected. Results: Tilapia bone powder 1% reveals a 100% reduction in the lead after 1 hour, total and calcium hardness after 0.5 hours, as well as 100% killing efficacy against E. coli O1527:H7, S. Typhimurium, M. gallisepticum, A. niger, T. mentagrophytes, and C. albicans after 0.5, 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1 hour, respectively. Tilapia bone powder 1% treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in dissolved oxygen and declines in physicochemical and microbial parameters compared with tap water. Challenged treated broilers revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in weight gains, performance index, body weights, carcasses, and organs weights, immunoglobulin concentrations, and antioxidant levels, as well as highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in feed conversions, feed and water intakes, biochemical profile, cortisol hormone, and intestinal microbiota. Conclusion: Tilapia bone powder provided significant in-vitro adsorptive and antimicrobial actions, as well as supported the broiler chickens to mitigate the polluted water stress accompanied by enhanced performance, carcass quality, immunity, and intestinal microbiota.

The efficiency of natural-ecofriendly clay filters on water purification for improving performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background: Innovative water treatments and purification processes have become a point of interest to provide solutions and meet the basic water requirements and demands. Clay plays a key role in environmental protection from pollutants through ion exchange and/or adsorption. Aim: The study evaluated the adsorption and antimicrobial efficiency of clay in purifying polluted water, as well as the influence of clay-purified water on performance, immunity, and microbial counts. Methods: The experimented 280 one-day-old Hubbard broilers were divided into seven groups on a deep litter system. Polluted water (lead nitrate; 500 mg/l, calcium sulfate; 80 mg/l, yeast extract 5%; 5 mg/l, diazinon; 2.5 ml/l, Salmonella Typhimurium; 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml, and Eimeria tenella; 1 × 105 OPG/ml) was filtered using plastic basins of 1 m3 supplied with 60 cm layer of clay. Broiler groups (G1 to G6) were supplied with clay-filtered and G7 with control tape water. A total of 2,182 samples, including 54 water samples, 266 sera, 266 duodenal swabs, 266 breast muscles, 266 fecal samples, and 1,064 organs including liver, spleen, heart, and bursa of Fabricius were collected. Results: Weight gains, performance indices, water intakes, water/feed intake ratios, live body weights, carcasses weights, edible and immune organs' weights, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Meanwhile, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, cortisol hormone, total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts, total Salmonella counts, and E. tenella counts revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) declines in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Conclusion: Clay filters provided high filtration, adsorption, and antimicrobial efficiency against polluted water, enhanced water quality, and improved performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters. RESULTS: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

COVID-19 and Telenutrition: Remote Consultation in Clinical Nutrition Practice.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, clinical dietitians, as other clinicians, have had to shift their elective in-person clinical encounters to online consultations. Adequate planning and use of tools are essential to minimize delay in delivering medical nutrition therapy to existing and new clients. This article describes the steps required to launch a successful e-nutrition clinic during these times of crisis.During Covid-19 pandemic, clinical dietitians have had to shift their elective in-person clinical encounters to online consultations. This article describes the steps required to launch a successful telenutrition clinic.

The Chilcapamba-McGill Partnership: Exploring Access to Maternal and Newborn Care in Indigenous Communities of Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Based on a participatory research (PR) partnership between Family Medicine at McGill University, Canada and the Andean community of Chilcapamba, Ecuador, a medical student study focused on maternal and newborn health. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the access to maternal and newborn care and the occurrence of intrafamilial violence in women with children 5 years of age or less in three indigenous communities of Ecuador. METHODS: A semistructured survey explored the perinatal and intrapartum care as well as intrafamilial violence. RESULTS: All women (N = 30) received prenatal care, 29 received postnatal care from a physician and 77% gave birth at the hospital. Eighty percent of women experienced intrafamilial violence; 73% reported psychological and 53% physical violence. CONCLUSIONS: There is good access to maternal and newborn health care, although the reported level of violence is high. Results were shared with the community and will be used in a local community health worker (CHW) training program. Our project highlights the importance of PR to investigate sensitive health challenges.