Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Staging and Vascular Assessment of Pancreatic Cancer.

Introduction Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen with contrast stands as the gold standard for assessing pancreatic cancer, encompassing both staging and vascular analysis. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scans due to factors such as contrast agent allergies, pregnancy, renal impairment, radiation risks, and limited tissue sampling capability in CECT scans of the abdomen. In light of these challenges, this study evaluated the diagnostic capabilities of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) compared to CECT for staging and vascular assessment of pancreatic cancer. Methods Fifty patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer underwent evaluations using both CECT scans and EUS, focusing on staging and vascular invasion assessment. Vascular evaluation was carried out using a categorization system based on EUS findings, classifying them into three types based on the tumor-vessel relationship: Type 1 indicating clear invasion or encasement of a vessel by a tumor or contact with a vessel wall exceeding 180 degrees, Type 2 representing abutment, wherein a tumor contacts a vessel wall but at an angle less than 180 degrees, and Type 3 implying clear non-invasion, where a discernible distance exists between a tumor and a vessel. In this categorization, Type 1 and Type 2 indicated signs of vascular invasion, while Type 3 indicated vascular non-invasion. These findings were subsequently compared to the results from CECT scans. The endoscopist performing EUS was blinded to the CT outcomes prior to the examination. Results Regarding pancreatic cancer staging, EUS exhibited remarkable sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of 100% according to the T criterion.As for vascular invasion assessment, EUS demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 95.93%, and 96%, respectively, for venous invasion. For arterial invasion, the figures were 95.65% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and an overall accuracy of 99.5%. Conclusion EUS is an effective modality for evaluating both staging and vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer, boasting exceptional sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates. The findings are robust enough to consider EUS a viable alternative to CT scans in evaluation, with the added advantage of EUS offering tissue sampling capability.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in cirrhotic patients: An observational study.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent complication observed in male patients with liver cirrhosis; however, there is limited understanding of the etiological determinants responsible for its occurrence. The objective of this investigation is to explore potential contributory factors that underlie the development of ED in male patients with liver cirrhosis. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 male patients with liver cirrhosis, who were divided into three groups according to the Child score. ED was studied using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) Questionnaire and penile Doppler. Results: The prevalence of ED among the cirrhotic patients was 80%, and it was more frequent in patients with advanced liver disease (Child C). Penile venous leakage was observed in 20% of cirrhotic patients, which increased to 28.6% in those with advanced liver cirrhosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, low albumin levels, elevated INR, high hemoglobin levels, and Child C were predictors of ED in cirrhotic patients. Conclusion: Several clinical variables have been identified as potential contributors to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with cirrhosis. These variables include advanced age, decreased levels of albumin, elevated INR, increased hemoglobin levels, and Child C classification. Early identification and treatment of these factors could potentially improve the quality of life for cirrhotic patients with ED. Notably, patients with ED in this population were observed to have elevated levels of INR, serum bilirubin, and hemoglobin, as well as reduced levels of serum albumin.

Histological Disease Activity as Predictor of Clinical Relapse, Hospitalization, and Surgery in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of histological remission on short- and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not well established. We assessed risk of clinical relapse, hospitalization, and need for surgery in patients achieving histological remission in comparison with active histological disease. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and conference abstracts from inception to November 2022. Our main outcome was the rate of clinical relapse in patients with IBD who reached histological remission vs patients with active histological disease. Secondary outcomes were clinical complications of IBD such as hospitalization and need for surgery. The endpoints were investigated at 2 time points, 6 to 12 months (short term) and >12 months (long term). RESULTS: Short-term outcome analysis showed that the risk of clinical relapse was significantly higher in ulcerative colitis patients with active histological disease in comparison with patients at histological remission (risk ratio [RR], 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-3.44; P < .01). The risk of hospitalization in ulcerative colitis patients was not significant among the 2 groups (RR, 4.22; 95% CI, 0.91-19.62; P = .07). Long-term outcome analysis demonstrated that the risk of clinical relapse (RR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.55-2.76; P < .01), need for surgery (RR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.53-6.45; P < .01), and hospitalization (RR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.59-4.00; P < .01) was significantly higher in patients with active histological disease. CONCLUSIONS: Histological remission in IBD represents an important therapeutic goal that is not yet routinely pursued in clinical practice. In our study, patients who achieved histological remission have more favorable outcomes than those with active histological disease in ulcerative colitis.

Validation of low dosages of γ-radiation and their effect on red beetle mortality, storability characteristics, and nutritional value of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grain.

This research was undertaken to validate the low dosages of γ-radiation of sorghum to examine the efficiency of gamma irradiation doses in quality attributes and storability of sorghum grain. Infested sorghum grains with the red flour beetle at the adult stage were irradiated at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 kGy emitted by 60CO. Subsequently, the mortality rate of the red flour beetle as affected by gamma doses was estimated and the storability characteristics and nutritional value of sorghum grains were measured. Eventually, the Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) analysis was executed to confirm the optimum dose of gamma which eliminate the red flour beetle and enhanced the grain quality. Results provide that the storability characteristics were enhanced after treatments. However, the changes in the germination rate of the grains were not different significantly after radiation. On the other hand, the radiation process enhanced sorghum grins' nutritional quality. Both tannins and phytic acid content dropped significantly and the digestibility and solubility of protein were gradually incremented in the grains. The PLS results indicated that using 1 and 2 kGy reflect the utmost effective dosage for sorghum. It can be concluded that this method is a potent rapid and operative preservation process to the alternate smoking chemical procedure for improving sorghum's nutritional and functional quality and prolong its shelf life. Possibility of providing effective and rapid quarantine security as an alternative to chemical fumigation protocol to extend shelf life and enhance the nutritional and functional quality of sorghum.

Screening for Prediabetes and Diabetes in a National Network of Federally Qualified Health Centers: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended screening for prediabetes and diabetes among adults aged 35-70 years with overweight or obesity. Studying dysglycemia screening in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that serve vulnerable patient populations is needed to understand health equity implications of this recommendation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate screening practices among FQHC patients who would be eligible according to the 2021 USPSTF recommendation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study analyzing electronic health records from a national network of 282 FQHC sites. PARTICIPANTS: We included 183,329 patients without prior evidence of prediabetes or diabetes, who had ≥ 1 office visit from 2018-2020. MAIN MEASURES: Screening eligibility was based on age and measured body mass index (BMI). The primary outcome, screening completion, was ascertained using hemoglobin A1c or fasting plasma glucose results from 2018-2020. KEY RESULTS: Among 89,543 patients who would be eligible according to the 2021 USPSTF recommendation, 53,263 (59.5%) were screened. Those who completed screening had higher BMI values than patients who did not (33.0 ± 6.7 kg/m2 vs. 31.9 ± 6.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Adults aged 50-64 years had greater odds of screening completion relative to younger patients (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.10-1.17). Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as those without health insurance, were more likely to complete screening than White patients and insured patients, respectively. Clinical risk factors for diabetes were also associated with dysglycemia screening. Among patients who completed screening, 23,588 (44.3%) had values consistent with prediabetes or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of FQHC patients who would be eligible according to the 2021 USPSTF recommendation were screened. Screening completion was higher among middle-aged patients, those with greater BMI values, as well as vulnerable groups with a high risk of developing diabetes. Future research should examine adoption of the 2021 USPSTF screening recommendation and its impact on health equity.

Saudi date cultivars' seed extracts inhibit developing hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet.

This research aim was to assess the impact of the seed extracts of the date cultivars (Qatara, Barhi, and Ruthana) on rat's liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation triggered by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). The experimental design was based on random partitioning into two groups; one that received the standard diet and another that received the HFD diet. The HFD rats were orally administered Lipitor or date seed extracts at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Accordingly, feeding rats HFD significantly increased body and liver weights, hepatic and serum lipid levels, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver function enzymes, and inflammation markers, and decreased oxidative stress enzymes. Oral administration of Barhi and Ruthana date seed extracts significantly decreased body and liver weights. Serum and liver total cholesterol TC, Triglycerides TGs, and free fatty acids FFAs were also decreased as were AST, ALT, MAD, leptin, and CRP, with a concomitant increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT. Furthermore, similar to Lipitor, oral administration of the extracts reduced inflammation markers such as TNF-α, serum CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß, and leptin while increasing IL-10 and adiponectin levels. Histological observation revealed that extract administration improved hepatocyte and parenchymal structures and decreased lipid deposition. In conclusion, both Barhi and Ruthana seed extracts showed strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects against HFD-induced liver steatosis. And date seeds have other beneficial potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, which can be studied in the future.

Indigenous Sudanese sorghum-based food: Secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of traditional Sudanese nonalcoholic beverage Hulu-mur from two sorghum landraces.

Hulu-mur is a Sudanese traditional nonalcoholic beverage that is made from sorghum flour. This work determined the secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of traditional Sudanese nonalcoholic beverage Hulu-mur from two local sorghum landraces Abjaro and Hegarii. The changes on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotene content, tannins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, and FRAP) were estimated during the preparation of the Hulu-mur flasks. For both landraces, a significant (p < .05) effect on the phytochemical compound and the antioxidant activity was observed during malting and fermentation of sorghum flour. However, the most increase in the TPC and carotene content was observed, whereas tannin and TFC were decreased in the Hulu-mur flasks compared with the malted and fermented samples. The antioxidant activity DPPH, TRP, and FRAP was significantly (p < .05) higher in Hulu-mur flasks than those of raw and processed flour. The partial least squares regression test stated a positive validation score of the Hulu-mur flasks prepared from the both landraces. In conclusion, Hulu-mur drink from Abjaro and Hegarii landraces contain high antioxidants compound, which could improve the health-promoting metabolites in Sorghum-based food.

Validation of γ-radiation and their effect on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and microbial load of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) sticks.

The aim of this study was to validate the optimum doses of γ-radiation and its effect on the antioxidant capacity and microbial load of fennel seeds and cinnamon sticks. Gamma irradiation was applied in different doses 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, and 15 kGy. The findings stated that increasing gamma dose significantly (p < .05) increased the total phenolic content of the fennel seeds; however, it was decreased in cinnamon at doses higher than 5 kGy. The total flavonoid content was found higher after treatments at 5 kGy or more minor. After the gamma irradiation treatments, the antioxidant activities were enhanced. The microbial load of these spices was reduced after treatment. Doses more than 10.0 kGy are required to lower the bacterial load in samples, while only 5.0 kGy is sufficient to eliminate fungi growth. The partial least squares regression analysis stated the application of 7.5 kGy and reflects the most valid treatment doses for radiation treatments of fennel seeds and cinnamon sticks. Accordingly, it can be discovered that the γ-radiation at a dose of 7.5 kGy could be considered a suitable dose for the preservation and decontamination of these spices and also for enhancing its antioxidant capacity. Three spices were subjected to gamma irradiation at different doses. The application of gamma radiation significantly reduces the level of the microbial load in the spices. Gamma irradiation improved the antioxidant capacity of the spices. Gamma irradiation can be applied as an effective preservative method in the food industries.

Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Awareness and Practices of Food Safety among Food Service Catering Staff in Riyadh City Hospitals during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

This study examines food safety awareness and practices among handlers in the food service sector at Riyadh City hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three hundred and fifteen (315) food service workers completed the entire questionnaire from five hospitals in Riyadh City between December 2020 and February 2021. The contributor's respondents' three-part questionnaire was divided according to general characteristics, food safety awareness, and food safety practices. The findings show that food handlers demonstrated good knowledge, techniques, and attitudes regarding maintaining food quality and ensuring food safety. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between food safety awareness and food safety practices was observed. Nevertheless, the correlation between the food handler's knowledge and safe food handling was negative. In general, our findings revealed the significance of education and the regular training of food service staff to improve learning and ensure better and safer food-handling practices, which could contribute to applying food safety practices in hospitals.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with decreased bone mineral density in upper Egyptian patients.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked with a number of extra hepatic diseases and could be a potential risk factor of decreasing bone mineral density. To determine whether Upper Egyptian patients with NAFLD are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Cross sectional study was done on a total 100 individuals; 50 patients diagnosed with NAFLD (based on ultrasound imaging) crossed-matched with 50 individuals without NAFLD based on age, sex and body mass index. Bone mineral density, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, serum parathyroid hormone, serum vitamin D and fasting insulin level were assessed. Osteoporosis was prevalent in NAFLD patients versus to controls (19/50 vs. 0/50; P < 0.001). There was significant decrease in bone mineral density in NAFLD patients than controls (- 2.29 ± 0.4 vs. - 1.53 ± 0.1; P < 0.001). There was a statistical significance decrease in serum vitamin D and calcium levels in NAFLD patients than controls. Furthermore, vitamin D levels in the NAFLD group was a predictor for osteoporosis (OR 0.614; 95% CI 0.348-0.825). Patients with NAFLD tend to have a significant decrease in bone density, vitamin D, and serum calcium levels than controls.

Effect of UV-C followed by storage on the fungal growth and aflatoxins content and storability characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds.

Background: UV-C has been suggested as an alternative technology in controlling food spoilage by primary and secondary pests. Its effects on the storability characteristics of sesame seeds during storage were evaluated. Methods: The UV-C (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 kJ m-2) was applied to explore its Effect on the fungal growth, aflatoxin content, water activity (aw), colour and free fatty acid content (FFA) of sesame seeds. Results: Applying the UV-C caused a significant reduction in the fungal growth, aw, and the lightness (L* value) of sesame seeds in fresh and stored samples. However, significant increases (p < 0.05) in a* and b* values and the FFA of the sesame seeds were observed. Interestingly, the aflatoxins were not detected in the UVC-treated seeds even after storage for 12 months. The Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) analysis indicated that the application of 5.0 kJ m-2 followed by six months of storage reveals the greatest valid dose for UV-C treatments of sesame seeds. Conclusion: UV-C treatment potentially shows effective quarantine security as an alternative method to chemical disinfection procedures to prolong the shelf life and improve the storability characteristics of sesame seeds.

The Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Seeds Oil of Local Sudanese Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne).

This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) seed oil obtained from local Sudanese pumpkins. Three different genotypes of the pumpkin fruits as round, elongated and bell shapes were collected from Elgadarif State, Sudan. The oil's seeds' physical and chemical characteristics were determined by viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index, oil content peroxide value, acid value, saponification, unsaponifiable, pH, iodine value, total polyphenols and fatty acid content. The results revealed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the oil content and chemical characteristics (except acid value and pH) of oil among the different pumpkin fruit genotypes. Linoleic and oleic acids were the primary fatty acids among the different pumpkin fruit genotypes. However, there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in the fatty acid content and physical properties of the seed's oil. The high oil content, phenolic content and essential fatty acids indicated that the obtained oil from different local Sudanese pumpkins might impart health and nutritional benefit when involved in the food industry as a natural resource.

Effect of different salt concentrations on the gamma-aminobutyric-acid content and glutamate decarboxylase activity in germinated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grain.

This study aimed to estimate the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content and glutamate decarboxylase activity (GAD) in germinated sorghum grain as affected by different concentrations of NaCl, pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP), and CaCl2. In general, the obtained results revealed that the addition of low doses of NaCl (40 mmol/L), PLP (90 mmol/L), and CaCl2 (0.5 mmol/L) to the germination culture significantly (p < .05) enhanced the GABA content and subsequently improved the GAD activity in sorghum grains. Moreover, CaCl2 played a dominant role in the extent of enzymolysis, followed by NaCl and PLP. Regarding the GABA content, the optimal concentration of the NaCl, PLP, and CaCl2 was estimated as 41.07 mmol/L, 82.62 µmol/L, and 0.40 mmol/L, respectively. Under this optimal culture medium, the maximum GABA content was 0.336 mg/g. In conclusion, the findings of this work would provide a scientific basis for the industrialized production of GABA-enriched sorghum foods.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Clinical Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic health problem that causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and considerable mortality rates. Unfortunately, recovered patients who survive COVID-19 may continue to report a wide variety of clinical manifestations of multisystem affection such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, depression, anxiety, myalgia, dyspnea, and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to summarize the current literature regarding the prevalence of post-COVID- 19 manifestations. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of post-COVID-19 manifestations by searching MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), EBSCO, Wily, and World health organization (WHO) databases. Screening, study selection, data extraction, data synthesis, and quality assessment were made by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of 1,371 references, 817 references remained after removing duplicates. Reviews, case reports, commentaries, and any article containing non-original information were excluded. According to the eligibility criteria for this systematic review, 12 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The overall prevalence of post-COVID-19 manifestations ranged from 35% to 90.5%. Fatigue, dyspnea, neuropsychological disorders, and pain were the most frequent post-COVID-19 symptoms. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed that 35% to 90.5% of recovered patients who survive COVID-19 continue to have a wide variety of clinical manifestations, including fatigue, dyspnea, neuropsychological disorders, and pain as the most frequent post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation and Adipokine Levels in Maturing Adipocytes by Bauhinia rufescens (Lam.) Stem Bark Extract Loaded Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles.

The present study reports a cost-effective, environmentally friendly method to increase the bioavailability and bio-efficacy of B. rufescens stem bark extract in the biological system via functional modification as B. rufescens stem bark nanoparticles (BR-TO2-NPs). The biosynthesis of BR- -NPs was confirmed by UV-visible (UV-vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction analyses. The shifts in FT-IR stretching vibrations of carboxylic and nitro groups (1615 cm-1), the O-H of phenolics or carboxylic acids (3405 cm-1), alkanes, and alkyne groups (2925 and 2224 cm-1) of the plant extract and lattice (455) indicated successful biosynthesis of BR- -NPs. Compared with the stem bark extract, 40 ng/dL dose of BR- -NPs led to a reduction in adipogenesis and an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis-related gene expressions, adiponectin-R1, PPARγC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM16, in maturing-adipocytes. This confirmed the intracellular uptake, bioavailability, and bio-efficiency of BR-TiO2-NPs. The lipid-lowering capacity of BR-TiO2-NPs effectively inhibited the metabolic inflammation-related gene markers, IL-6, TNF-α, LTB4-R, and Nf-κb. Further, BR-TiO2-NPs stimulating mitochondrial thermogenesis capacity was proven by the significantly enhanced CREB-1 and AMPK protein levels in adipocytes. In conclusion, BR-TiO2-NPs effectively inhibited lipid accumulation and proinflammatory adipokine levels in maturing adipocytes; it may help to overcome obesity-associated comorbidities.

The Potential of Exploiting Economical Solar Dryer in Food Preservation: Storability, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Capacity of Solar-Dried Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruits.

This study investigated the effect of solar drying on storability and physiochemical and antioxidant capacities of dried tomatoes. Sliced fruit was dried at 45 ± 2 °C for 24 h under a solar tunnel dryer and stored at ambient temperature for 90 and 180 days. Solar drying treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the bacterial and mold load, and eliminated Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus, and Escherichia coli in all samples. Solar drying treatment reduced the water activity of the dried tomato's to 0.31 that remained at the same level during storage period 180 days. Storage of dried tomato slices resulted in the decrease of both color and vitamin C content while it increased the total carotenoid, lycopene, phenolic compound content, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that solar drying of tomato slices enhanced its physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity particularly after storage for 90 and 180 days. Interestingly, the solar drying process enhanced tomato slices storage and physicochemical characteristics, that resulted in extending the shelf life by up to 6 months, indicating the great potential application of low-tech solar in food industry and could become an emerging effective post-harvest preservative method for seasonal perishable vegetable and fruit, particularly in developing countries.

Biochemical Changes during Traditional Fermentation of Saudi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Cultivars Flour into Khamir (Local Gluten Free Bread).

Effect of traditional fermentation on pH, titratable acidity, proteins, amino acids, and sugars contents of three local sorghum cultivars namely Hamra, Biadah and Shahla used in making khamir local bread were investigated. During 24 fermentations, the pH of fermented dough dropped sharply and this was coincided with increase in total acidity. Fermentation was found to cause no significant change in protein content of the cultivars. Amino acid analysis, revealed slight insignificant improvement in lysine, and leucine content but there was a slight decrease in valine, phenyl alanine and arginine content in fermented dough. Glucose, fructose and maltose content of the three sorghum cultivars increased considerably in the early stages of fermentation, followed by decrease towards the end of fermentation. Low amount of sucrose detected in the three cultivars and it was completely utilized after 8 hrs. of fermentation.

Effects of microwave heat treatment on fungal growth, functional properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) grain.

Sorghum grains were subjected to microwave heating at different power levels 350 and 500 W for application times of 15, 30, and 45 s. The effect of microwave heating on fungal growth, protein content, in vitro digestibility, protein solubility, and functional and antioxidant properties of sorghum grain was investigated. The microwave heating at 350 and 500 W significantly reduced fungal incidence in the grain up to 26.2 and 33.4%. No significant changes were found in the crude protein and digestibility of protein, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity of sorghum. However, application of microwave energy at 500 W for 30 & 45 s caused a sharp reduction on the protein solubility (8.2-7.6%), foaming capacity (6.47-0.98%), emulsion capacity (0.43-0.32 mL/g) and the emulsion stability (2.2-1.6%) of sorghum grain, respectively. Conversely, a significant increment of grain total phenolic content up to 47.1 and 50.8 mg GAE/g and the antioxidant activity up to 40.9 and 59.1% after microwave heat treatment at 350 and 500 W for 45 s, respectively, was observed. These findings revealed that sorghum grain should be treated with microwave at 350 and 500 W for 45 and 15 s, respectively, in order to maintained and enhanced its functional and nutritional properties. Accordingly, microwave heating, particularly at low power, may be an effective emerging method for improving the physicochemical and nutritional properties of sorghum grain.

Exploiting the potential of Sudanese sorghum landraces in biofortification: Physicochemical quality of the grain of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) landraces.

This study aimed to describe the phytonutrients and antioxidant activity, protein content, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), protein fraction, and bioavailability of Fe and Zn in the grains of five sorghum landraces grown in Sudan. The results showed significant differences in all quality tests among the landraces. The Tetron landrace showed the highest percentage of crude protein and IVPD among the landraces. Additionally, most of the landrace grains had high contents of Fe and Zn with a high rate of bioavailability. The Kolom 4055 and Wad akar exhibited significantly higher total phenolic contents, with antioxidant activity of 79.3% and 83.4%, respectively. The glutelin content was relatively higher compared to the other fractions, irrespective of sorghum landraces. The principal components cumulatively accounted for 89.3% of the total variation among the five sorghum landraces. It can be concluded that these landraces could be used in the improvement of new value-added crops using the by-products of sorghum grains.

Simvastatin improves the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori: upper Egypt experience.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most prevalent chronic bacterial human infections worldwide. Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa and causes persistent gastritis that may progress to gastric cancer. Increased resistance of H. pylori presents a major problem in most countries. Statins, including simvastatin, which are currently used to treat hypercholesterolemia, appear to have potential synergistic role to antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the value of adding simvastatin as adjuvant to standard triple therapy in patients infected with H. pylori. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with H. pylori by the presence of antigen in stools. All patients were randomly subjected either to the standard triple regimen (clarithromycin 500 mg bid + amoxicillin 1 g bid + omeprazole 20 mg bid) (group 1, N=50) or to the standard triple regimen plus simvastatin (clarithromycin 500 mg bid + amoxicillin 1 g bid + omeprazole 20 mg bid + simvastatin 20 mg bid) (group 2, N=50). Both groups were treated for 14 days and eradication of H. pylori was assessed by a stool antigen test 4 weeks after therapy. Results: Eradication of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in patients treated with the standard triple therapy plus simvastatin (n=41, 82%) than in patients treated with the standard triple therapy (n=31, 62%) (P<0.022). Conclusion: Simvastatin significantly improves the H. pylori eradication rate.