Cervical Cancer Screening in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Centre in Zaria North-Western Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Low awareness and lack of adequate services for cervical cancer screening and treatment of premalignant lesions of the cervix have been identified as some of the reasons for the high burden of cervical cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women living with HIV infection are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than HIV negative women.

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to assess the awareness of cervical cancer and screening services among women living with HIV in a HIV treatment centre. Factors that affect uptake of screening were also explored.

METHODS

It was a qualitative study conducted from 26th August to 9th September 2019, in a HIV treatment centre in Zaria. A total of 61 HIV positive women participated in ten focus group discussions. Two key informant interviews were conducted with health care providers in the center.

RESULTS

Majority of the participants have heard about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening during routine health talk in the clinic, however, most of them were not aware of the increased risk of cervical cancer among women living with HIV. Uptake of screening was low. Stigma, cost and lack of screening facility within the treatment center were the main barriers to screening uptake.

CONCLUSION

From our study, uptake of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV was low. There is need to integrate cervical cancer screening services within the compact of care offered to all women living with HIV within HIV treatment centres.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on childhood TB among healthcare workers

BACKGROUND: Increasing childhood TB case detection requires the deployment of diagnostic services at peripheral healthcare level. Capacity and readiness of healthcare workers (HCWs) are key to the delivery of innovative approaches.METHODS: In 2019, HCWs from five district hospitals (DHs) and 20 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote d´Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Uganda completed a self-administered knowledge-attitudes-practices (KAP) questionnaire on childhood TB. We computed knowledge and attitudes as scores and identified HCW characteristics associated with knowledge scores using linear regression.RESULT: Of 636 eligible HCWs, 497 (78%) participated. Median knowledge scores per country ranged between 7.4 and 12.1 (/18). Median attitude scores ranged between 2.8 and 3.3 (/4). Between 13.3% and 34.4% of HCWs reported diagnosing childhood with (presumptive) TB few times a week. Practising at PHC level, being female, being involved in indirect TB care, having a non-permanent position, having no previous research experience and working in Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote d´Ivoire and Sierra Leone as compared to Uganda were associated with a lower knowledge score.CONCLUSION: HCWs had overall limited knowledge, favourable attitudes and little practice of childhood TB diagnosis. Increasing HCW awareness, capacity and skills, and improving access to effective diagnosis are urgently needed.

Detection of antibiotic resistance genes among multiple drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical sources in selected health institutions in Kwara State

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a frequent nosocomial pathogen that causes severe diseases in many clinical and community settings. The objectives were to investigate the occurrence of multiple antibiotic resistant P. aeruginosa strains among clinical samples and to detect the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the DNA molecules of the strains.Methods: Clinical specimens were collected aseptically from various human anatomical sites in five selected health institutions within Kwara State, Nigeria. Multiple drug resistance patterns of isolated micro-organisms to different antibiotics were determined using the Bauer Kirby disc diffusion technique. The DNA samples of the multiple resistant P. aeruginosa strains were extracted and subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for resistance gene determination.Results: A total of 145 isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa from the clinical samples. Absolute resistance to ceftazidime, gentamicin and ceftriaxone was observed while low resistance to ciprofloxacin, piperacillin and imipenem was documented. The prevalence of bla VIM , ,bla CTX-M and blaTEM were 34.4 %, 46.7 % and 16.7 % respectively.Conclusion: This study has shown that there is a high occurrence of metallo â-lactamase- producing and antibiotic-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa in clinical specimens from the studied area. Keywords: Metallo â-lactamase enzyme, P. aeruginosa, clinical samples, antibiotic-resistance genes

Centres for Evidence-base Public Health in Tunisia- development, tasks and opportunities

Introduction

As a part of the CONFIDE project, 3 Centres for Evidence into Health Policy (C4EHPs) were established in the Universities of Sfax (Head Office), of Tunis El Manar and of Sousse in Tunisia. The tasks of the C4EHPs include development of training programs, establishment of a national network of public institutions and NGOs, which will offer internship placements for the centres’ trainees as well as enhance public health development in Tunisia in general.

The progress

The 3 Centres were established, each with the necessary infrastructures of specially designated rooms equipped with computers, books, etc. A communication platform was launched and is regularly updated. Partnership agreements with NGOs and private institutions have been signed. The C4EHPs have supported three Train-the-Trainer modules for 18 Tunisian trainers ran by the 3 European CONFIDE partners, autumn 2018. The centres have each further trained 29 Trainees under the supervision of the European partners, spring 2019.

Conclusions

The 3 C4EHPs will act as an open source for all trainees interested in enhancing their practical work experience, networking between academic and non-academic environment and facilitating the implementation of the trainee internships. They will also market the CONFIDE products in Tunisia with the aim to sustain the public health development also after CONFIDE. In addition, the centres will search for further international funding for both training and collaborative research, according to the research domain of each faculty. The C4EHP of Sfax will be specialized in the areas of addiction, obesity, emerging infectious diseases and the quality of public health management in rural areas. The challenges of this work include lack of infrastructure and economic resources in Tunisia, lack of multi-level and cross-sectorial collaboration in public health as well as lack of stakeholder collaboration with NGOs and other non-governmental actors in public health.

Risk in the "Red Zone": Outcomes for Children Admitted to Ebola Holding Units in Sierra Leone Without Ebola Virus Disease

We collected data on 1054 children admitted to Ebola Holding Units in Sierra Leone and describe outcomes of 697/1054 children testing negative for Ebola virus disease (EVD) and accompanying caregivers. Case-fatality was 9%; 3/630 (0.5%) children discharged testing negative were readmitted EVD-positive. Nosocomial EVD transmission risk may be lower than feared.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of honey: the involvement of autonomic receptors

The use of honey for therapeutic purposes is on the increase and many studies have shown that honey has the ability to influence biological systems including pain transmission. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of honey and the effects of concurrent administration of autonomic nervous system blocking drugs. Studies on analgesic activities was carried out using hotplate and formalin-induced paw licking models while the anti-inflammatory activity was by the carrageenan paw oedema method. Animals were distributed into six groups consisting of five animals each. They were administered saline, honey (600 mg/kg), indomethacin (5 mg/kg), autonomic blockers (3 μg/kg of tamsulosin, 20 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) of propranolol, 2 ml/kg of atropine or 10 mg/kg (intra muscularly) of hexamethonium) or honey (200 and 600 mg/kg) with one of the blockers. The results showed that honey reduced pain perception especially inflammatory pain and the administration of tamsulosin and propranolol spared the effect of honey. Hexamethonium also spared the effects of honey at the early and late phases of the test while atropine only inhibited the early phase of the test. However, atropine and hexamethonium spared the anti-inflammatory effects of honey but tamsulosin abolished the effects while propranolol only abolished the anti-inflammatory effects at the peak of the inflammation. The results suggest the involvement of autonomic receptors in the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of honey although the level of involvement depends on the different types of the receptors.

Detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 by ethidium monoazide real-time PCR

AIMS

The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a novel method that combines ethidium bromide monoazide (EMA) staining with real-time PCR for the detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef. EMA can penetrate dead cells and bind to intracellular DNA, preventing its amplification via PCR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Samples were stained with EMA for 5 min, iced for 1 min and exposed to bright visible light for 10 min prior to DNA extraction, to allow EMA binding of the DNA from dead cells. DNA was then extracted and amplified by TaqMan real-time PCR to detect only viable E. coli O157:H7 cells. The primers and TaqMan probe used in this study target the uidA gene in E. coli O157:H7. An internal amplification control (IAC), consisting of 0.25 pg of plasmid pUC19, was added in each reaction to prevent the occurrence of false-negative results. Results showed a reproducible application of this technique to detect viable cells in both broth culture and ground beef. EMA, at a final concentration of 10 microg ml(-1), was demonstrated to effectively bind DNA from 10(8) CFU ml(-1) dead cells, and the optimized method could detect as low as 10(4) CFU g(-1) of viable E. coli O157:H7 cells in ground beef without interference from 10(8) CFU g(-1) of dead cells.

CONCLUSIONS

EMA real-time PCR with IAC can effectively separate dead cells from viable E. coli O157:H7 and prevent amplification of DNA in the dead cells.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The EMA real-time PCR has the potential to be a highly sensitive quantitative detection technique to assess the contamination of viable E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef and other meat or food products.

Antibacterial activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles against Escherichia coli O157:H7

AIMS

To investigate antibacterial activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) and their mode of action against an important foodborne pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ZnO NP with sizes of 70 nm and concentrations of 0, 3, 6 and 12 mmol l(-1) and NP-free solutions were used in antimicrobial tests against E. coli O157:H7. ZnO NP showed increasing inhibitory effects on the growth of E. coli O157:H7 as the concentrations of ZnO NP increased. A complete inhibition of microbial growth was achieved at the concentration level of 12 mmol l(-1) or higher. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the changes of morphology and cellular compositions of bacterial cells treated with ZnO NP and study the mode of action of ZnO NP against E. coli O157:H7. The intensity of lipid and protein bands in the Raman spectra of bacterial cells increased after exposure to ZnO NP, while no significant changes in nucleic acid bands were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

ZnO NP were found to have antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7. The inhibitory effects increase as the concentration of ZnO NP increased. Results indicate that ZnO NP may distort and damage bacterial cell membrane, resulting in a leakage of intracellular contents and eventually the death of bacterial cells.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results suggest that ZnO NP could potentially be used as an effective antibacterial agent to protect agricultural and food safety.

Detection of melamine in gluten, chicken feed, and processed foods using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and HPLC

Melamine, a nitrogen-rich chemical, was implicated in pet and human food recalls in 2007, which caused enormous economic losses to the food industry. In this study, melamine concentration in wheat gluten, chicken feed, and processed foods (that is, cake and noodle) was measured by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in combination with SERS-active substrates. SERS was able to rapidly detect 0.1% melamine in wheat gluten, 0.05% in chicken feed, 0.05% in cakes, and 0.07% in noodle, respectively. A partial least squares (PLS) model was established for the quantification of melamine in foods by SERS: R= 0.90, RMSEP = 0.33. In addition, SERS results were verified by HPLC analysis based on a simplified FDA method. Compared with HPLC, the SERS method is much faster and simpler, requires minimum sample preparation, but still yields satisfactory qualitative and quantitative results. These results demonstrate that it is an applicable approach to use SERS to screen foods, eliminate presumptive negative samples of melamine contamination from the sample population, and then verify presumptive positive samples using HPLC protocols. Combining these 2 methods could provide a more rapid and cost-effective way for monitoring melamine contamination in increasingly large numbers of imported foods and feed products.

Puffing of okara/rice blends using a rice cake machine

Okara is the insoluble byproduct of soymilk and tofu manufactures. It is cheap, high in nutrients, and possesses great potential to be applied to functional human foods. In this study, a puffed okara/rice cake product was developed with blends of okara pellets and parboiled rice. Consumer preference and acceptance tests were conducted for the product. Okara pellets were prepared by grinding the strands obtained from extruding a mixture of dried okara and rice flour (3:2, w/w) with a twin-screw extruder. Okara pellets and parboiled rice were blended in 4 ratios, 90:10, 70:30, 40:60, and 0:100 (w/w), and tempered to 14% and 17% moisture. The blends were puffed at 221, 232, and 243 degrees C for 4, 5, or 6 s. The okara/rice cakes were evaluated for specific volume (SPV), texture, color, and percent weight loss after tumbling. Overall, the decrease in okara content and increase in moisture, heating temperature and time led to greater specific volume (SPV) and hardness, lighter color, and lower percent weight loss after tumbling. The consumer tests indicated that the okara/rice cake containing 70% okara pellets was preferred and the 90% one was liked the least. The possible drivers of liking for the puffed okara/rice cakes could be the okara content, hardness, SPV, bright color, and percent weight loss after tumbling.

Effect of Nigerian meals on the pharmacokinetics of chlorpropamide in type II diabetic patients

Food-drug interactions are best evaluated on an individual drug basis, in a group of subjects in a population at risk. This is due to their complex nature, which is a function of type and size of meal, the physical and chemical form of the drug and the time lapse between food intake and drug administration. This work was aimed at investigating the effect of three different Nigerian meals, which are regularly consumed by the three major tribes in Nigeria, on the pharmacokinetics of chlorpropamide, a drug commonly used to treat Type II diabetes in this country. Meal A (maize flour meal) was composed of 81% carbohydrate, 3% protein and 11% fat; meal B (cassava flour meal) was composed of 76% carbohydrate, 3% protein and 15% fat; while meal C (browned yam flour meal) was composed of 85% carbohydrate, 2% protein and 8% fat. The effects of the three meals were investigated by administering each of the meals alone, without the medicinal drug (Treatment I); in Treatment II each meal was administered 30 min following the administration of 250 mg chlorpropamide; in Treatment III the drug was administered together with each of the standard meals. Analysis of the plasma levels of chlorpropamide was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ingestion of the meal alone (Treatment I) resulted in a significant difference in postprandial plasma glucose levels. The time to maximum plasma chlorpropamide concentration was significantly increased in Treatment III (P < 0.05), while all pharmacokinetic parameters and plasma glucose levels were not significantly altered in Treatment II. Analysis of the results demonstrated a better glycaemic response with meals A and C compared with meal B.

Evaluation of four template preparation methods for polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Salmonella in ground beef and chicken

AIMS

To compare procedures for recovering template DNA from ground beef or chicken for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of Salmonella.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The primer set of ST11 and ST15 was utilized to amplify a 429-bp product from Salmonella serotype Typhimurium. Boiling and three commercial kits were evaluated for extracting DNA from pure suspensions and artificially contaminated ground beef and chicken. The detection sensitivity of the PCR assay for pure cultures was independent of the template preparation method (P=0.946). Boiling and GeneReleaser failed to detect Salm. Typhimurium at 4 x 106 cfu g(-1) in ground chicken. PrepMan Ultra and the high pure PCR template preparation kit facilitated reliable and sensitive detection of Salm. Typhimurium in two types of food. The sensitivities were approx. 4 x 103 cfu g(-1). When spiked samples were enriched in peptone water for 6 h, an initial inoculum of 1 cfu g(-1) was detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

Four template DNA preparation methods differed in performance with respect to the type of samples tested.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Template DNA for the PCR detection of pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella in meat and poultry, could be effectively obtained using a simple rapid method such as the commercially available PrepMan Ultra kit.

Improved RP-HPLC determination of quinine in plasma and whole blood stored on filter paper

Analysis of quinine in plasma and whole blood samples dried on filter paper is described. Sample preparation involves liquid extraction of plasma and whole blood from the filter paper and subsequent solid-phase extraction using C8 Bond Elut cartridges. A reverse-phase liquid chromatography system with UV detection and fluorescence detection was used. The analytical characteristics of the method are reported, with a quantification limit of 0.1 microg mL(-1) and within an assay coefficient of variation of 5.6-8.4% in plasma and 6.5-12% in whole blood. Representative chromatograms are shown as a function of time for samples from human subjects after ingestion of a single 400-mg dose of quinine sulphate. Quinidine, dihydroquinine and metabolites are well separated from quinine with a resolution of above 1 (Rs>1).

[Ocular trauma in children: report of 136 cases]

Ocular traumatisms represent an important cause of morbidity in children. They expose to a major risk of amblyopia. This retrospective study is about 136 children aged of 1 to 15 years, admitted to the hospital of HABIB BOURGUIBA SFAX between 1992 and 1998 for ocular traumatism. Sex ratio was 2.77. The domestic accident represented the most frequent circumstance(45.59%). Ocular traumatism are primarily caused in our cases by projection of stones (33.09%). Perforation was twice more frequent than contusions. Anterior segment lesions were dominated by corneoscleral wounds(61.03%). Vitreous hemorrhage was the most frequent lesion of the posterior segment (9.56%) We found palpebral wound without lesion of lacrimal tract in four cases. The recourse to surgery treatment was imperative in 2/3 of cases. A healing was noted in 20.59% of cases, but the prognostic was always bad because 55.88% of children had a visual acuity less than 1/10 and 10% had a phtisis of the ocular globe. The functional consequences and the esthetic prejudice emphasize the importance of the prevention.

Viability of microencapsulated bifidobacteria in set yogurt during refrigerated storage

Bifidobacteria are probiotic organisms that improve the microbial balance in the human gut. They can be incorporated as live cultures in fermented dairy foods, including yogurt, for transmission to humans. Because bifidobacteria are sensitive to high acidity, their viability in yogurt is limited. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of microencapsulation on the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt during refrigerated storage for 30 d. Live bifidobacterial cells were encapsulated in kappa-carrageenan. Cell enumeration, determination of titratable acidity and pH, quantitation of lactic and acetic acids, and sensory evaluation (consumer test) were carried out on the yogurt samples. Microbiological results showed a decline of 78 and 70.5% in the population of Bifidobacterium longum B6 and B. longum ATCC 15708, respectively, for the treatments containing nonencapsulated cells. No difference in bifidobacterial population was observed in the encapsulated treatments. The acetic acid content in the yogurt with nonencapsulated bifidobacteria was higher than that in the plain yogurt (control) and encapsulated treatments. The increase in lactic acid content during storage was not different among the various treatments for B. longum B6, but was greater for nonencapsulated than encapsulated B. longum 15708 and the control. Consumers judged the nonencapsulated treatment as the most sour, which was likely due to the higher acetic acid content. Consumers preferred the control and nonencapsulated treatments over the encapsulated treatment. Microencapsulation appears to increase the viability of bifidobacteria in yogurt. This technique can be used to transmit bifidobacteria via fermented products provided that sensory characteristics of the product are improved or maintained.

Mefloquine pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and in peptic ulcer patients after cimetidine administration

The pharmacokinetics of orally administered mefloquine were determined in six healthy male subjects and in six ulcer patients before and after a 3-day course of cimetidine (400 mg morning and evening). Peak plasma concentrations Cmax and AUC0-infinity were similarly and significantly (P < 0.05) increased after cimetidine pretreatement in both healthy subjects and peptic ulcer patients Cmax was increased by 42.4% and 20.5% while AUC0-infinity was increased by 37.5% in healthy and peptic ulcer subjects respectively. The values of t1/2ab absorption and t1/2 beta elimination, total crearance CLT/F and volume of distribution were altered to varying levels after cimetidine treatment but the changes were not statistically significant in both healthy and peptic ulcer subjects. The established long t1/2 beta and this apparent interaction between mefloquine and cimetidine which resulted in increased mefloquine plasma concentration might be of clinical significant in patients with neurological/psychiatric history.

Potential of combining neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil with varietal resistance for the management of the cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)

The efficacy of different rates (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/5 g seed) of application of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil (NSO) was assessed on four cowpea varieties (Kanannado, IT89KD-391, Borno brown and IT89KD-374) with differing susceptibilities to Callosobruchus maculatus. The different rates of NSO significantly interacted with cowpea varietal resistance and reduced oviposition and percentage adult emergence of C. maculatus. The interaction of the strategies also significantly reduced percentage of cowpea seeds infested by C. maculatus. Treatment of seeds with NSO at the rates of 50 mg/5 g and 75 or 100 mg/5 g reduced seed damage from over 25% in controls to less than 10% and less than 5%, respectively, in all varieties.

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A on vacuum-packaged raw beef treated with polylactic acid, lactic acid, and nisin

Low-molecular-weight polylactic acid (LMW-PLA) and lactic acid (LA) were used to inhibit growth of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A on vacuum-packaged beef. Nisin was also used simultaneously as an additional hurdle to the growth of this pathogen. Inoculated beef cubes were immersed in a solution of 2% LMW-PLA, 2% LA, 400 IU/ml of nisin, or combinations of each acid and nisin for 5 min and drip-dried for 15 min. The cubes were then vacuum-packaged and stored at 4 degrees C for up to 42 days. Surface pH values of beef cubes treated with 2% LMW-PLA, the combination of 400 IU/ml of nisin and 2% LMW-PLA (2% NPLA), or 400 IU/ml of nisin alone were significantly reduced from 5.59 to 5.18, 5.01, and 5.19, respectively, whereas those decontaminated with 2% LA or 400 IU/ml of nisin and 2% LA (2% NLA) were significantly decreased from 5.59 to 4.92 and 4.83, respectively, at day 0 (P < or = 0.05). The 2% LMW-PLA, 2% LA, 2% NPLA, 2% NLA, and 400 IU/ml of nisin showed immediate bactericidal effects on L. monocytogenes Scott A (1.22-, 1.56-, 1.57-, 1.94-, and 1.64-log10 reduction, respectively) compared with the initial number of 5.33 log10 CFU/cm2 of the untreated control at day 0 (P < or = 0.05). These treatments, combined with vacuum-packaging and refrigeration temperature, succeeded to inhibit growth of L. monocytogenes during storage up to 42 days. At the end of 42 days, the numbers of L. monocytogenes Scott A remaining viable on these samples were 1.21, 0.36, 2.21, 0.84, and 0.89 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively.

Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 numbers on vacuum-packaged fresh beef treated with nisin or nisin combined with EDTA

Nisin or nisin combined with EDTA was used to treat fresh beef. Beef cubes (2.5 by 2.5 by 2.5 cm) that were inoculated with approximately 7 log CFU/ml of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A or Escherichia coli O157:H7 505 B were dipped in the following solutions: (i) H2O, (ii) HCl, (iii) nisin, (iv) EDTA, or (v) nisin combined with EDTA, respectively, for 10 min each, with an exception of one set of control beef samples without treatment. Beef samples were then drip-dried for 15 min, vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 degrees C for up to 30 days. The pH on beef after different treatments was not a key factor in preventing bacterial growth. Treatment with nisin or with nisin combined with EDTA reduced the population of L. monocytogenes by 2.01 and 0.99 log CFU/cm2 as compared to the control, respectively, under the conditions of vacuum package and storage at 4 degrees C for up to 30 days. However, the effect of nisin and nisin combined with EDTA against E. coli O157:H7 505 B was marginal at 1.02 log CFU/cm2 and 0.8 log CFU/cm2 reductions, respectively.

Effects of cimetidine on the pharmacokinetics of proguanil in healthy subjects and in peptic ulcer patients

The pharmacokinetics of orally administered proguanil and its metabolites were determined in six healthy volunteers and in six peptic ulcer patients, before and after a 3-day course of cimetidine (400 mg given two times daily for 2 days and 400 mg on the third day 1 h before proguanil). Cimetidine significantly increased Cmax (P < 0.05), AUCo-alpha (P < 0.005) and elimination half-life t 1/2b of proquanil in plasma of healthy subjects. In ulcer patients, cimetidine significantly increased, AUCo-alpha (P < 0.05), elimination half life (P < 0.005) and Cmax. Cimetidine significantly reduced (P < 0.05) Total body clearance in both healthy subjects and in peptic ulcer patients. The Cmax and AUCo-alpha of the active metabolite cycloguanil was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in both the healthy subjects and in the peptic ulcer patients. The Cmax of the inactive metabolite, 4-CPB was significantly decreased in healthy subjects and AUCo-alpha significantly decreased in peptic ulcer patients.

Microbial shelf life determination of vacuum-packaged fresh beef treated with polylactic acid, lactic acid, and nisin solutions

The effectiveness of polylactic acid, lactic acid, nisin, and combinations of the acids and nisin on extending the shelf-life of raw beef was determined. Fresh beef pieces (5 by 5 by 2.5 cm) were dipped in a solution of 2% low molecular weight polylactic acid (LMW-PLA), 2% lactic acid (LA), 200 IU of nisin per ml, or the combinations of nisin in either 2% LMW-PLA or 2% LA. The samples were then drip-dried, vacuum-packaged, and stored at 4 degrees C for up to 56 days. The beef surface pH values and numbers of psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria, psychrotrophic and mesophilic Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus were determined weekly for 56 days. The average surface pH values of the beef samples treated with 2% LMW-PLA or the combination of 200 IU of nisin per ml and 2% LMW-PLA were significantly reduced to 5.19 and 5.17, respectively, at day 0 (P < or = 0.05), while those decontaminated with 2% LA or 200 IU of nisin per ml in 2% LA solution were significantly decreased from 5.62 to 4.98 and 4.96, respectively. The 2% LMW-PLA, 2% LA, or the combinations of each acid and nisin showed immediate inhibitory effects on psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria (1.94, 2.36, 2.59, and 1.76 log reduction, respectively), psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae (1.37, 1.86, 1.77, and 1.35 log reduction, respectively), mesophilic Enterobacteriaceae (1.00, 1.00, 0.82, and 0.68 log reduction, respectively), and Pseudomonas (1.77, 1.57, 1.76, and 1.41 log reduction, respectively) on fresh beef (P < or = 0.05). The reduction was evident up to 56 days as seen by the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas (P < or = 0.05). Because there was no interaction between treatments and storage times, the data in each period were combined and presented as effect of treatments on overall microbial counts of fresh beef. It was found that 2% LMW-PLA, 2% LA, and the combinations of each acid and nisin significantly lowered the population of the above organisms compared with the untreated control, water, or nisin alone (P < or = 0.05).

Improvement of lactose digestion by humans following ingestion of unfermented acidophilus milk: influence of bile sensitivity, lactose transport, and acid tolerance of Lactobacillus acidophilus

The influence of bile sensitivity, lactose transport, and acid tolerance of Lactobacillus acidophilus on in vivo digestion of lactose was investigated. Four strains of L. acidophilus exhibiting varied degrees of lactose transport, beta-galactosidase activity, and bile sensitivity were used to prepare unfermented acidophilus milks. Lactose malabsorption was evaluated by measuring breath H2 excretion off 11 lactose maldigesting subjects following ingestion of four acidophilus test milks. Test meals were fed in a randomized double-blind protocol. Consumption of acidophilus milk (2% fat) containing strains B, N1, and E significantly reduced mean total H2 production compared with that of the control reduced-fat (2% fat) milk, but milk containing strain ATCC 4356 did not differ from the control. Acidophilus milk containing L. acidophilus N1 was the most effective of the four acidophilus milks in improving lactose digestion and tolerance. Strain N1 exhibited the lowest beta-galactosidase activity and lactose transport but the greatest bile and acid tolerance of the four strains. The results indicated that bile and acid tolerance may be important factors to consider when L. acidophilus strains are selected for improving lactose digestion and tolerance.

The effect of single does of rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of oral nifedipine

The pharmacokinetic interaction of oral rifampicin (1200 mg) and oral nifedipine (10 mg capsules), given as single doses, was investigated in six healthy volunteers (mean age 28.5 +/- 6.3 years and mean weight 67.0 +/- 4/45 kg). The plasma concentrations of nifedipine was monitored using a HPLC technique, 8 h after pre-treatment, with rifampicin. The mean relative bioavailability of nifedipine following pre-treatment with rifampicin 1200 mg was 35.8% (P < 0.0001). The mean elimination half life (t1/2) of nifedipine decreased from 2.62 to 1.03 h (P < 0.0001); and, the total clearance (ClT) increased from 17.33 to 50.17 ml min-1 kg-1 (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in Vd and Tmax. The study suggests that the effect of induction by rifampicin decreases the bioavailability of nifedipine by either increasing the first pass effect or decreasing its oral absorption. The induction also increases the clearance of nifedipine.

Effect of Tamarindus indica L. on the bioavailability of aspirin in healthy human volunteers

The influence of Tamarindus indica L. fruit extract incorporated in a traditional meal on the bioavailability of aspirin tablets 600 mg dose was studied in 6 healthy volunteers. There was a statistically significant increase in the plasma levels of aspirin and salicylic acid, respectively, when the meal containing Tamarindus indica fruit extract was administered with the aspirin tablets than when taken under fasting state or with the meal without the fruit extract. The Cmax, AUC0-6h and t1/2 for aspirin increased from 10.04 +/- 0.1 mg/ml to 28.62 +/- 0.21 mg/ml (P < 0.05); 14.03 +/- 0.11 mg/ml.h to 86.51 +/- 0.21 mg/ml.h (P < 0.085) and 1.04 +/- 0.12 h to 1.50 +/- 0.44 h (P < 0.05) respectively. There was no change in the tmax (0.50 +/- 0.17 h) but there was a decrease in the kel from 0.633 +/- 0.22 to 0.463 +/- 0.29 (P < 0.05). Similarly, the Cmax, AUC0-6h and kel for salicylic acid rose from 43.84 +/- 0.21 mg/ml to 68.19 +/- 0.71 mg/ml (P < 0.05); 171.59 +/- 0.07 mg/ml.h to 266.22 +/- 0.21 mg/ml/.h (P < 0.05) and 7.37 +/- 0.29 to 19.30 +/- 0.21 (P < 0.05), respectively. The tmax decreased from 2.0 +/- 0.18 h to 1.0 +/- 0.08 h (P < 0.05) and t1/2 from 0.25 +/- 0.21 h to 0.184 +/- 0.11 h (P < 0.05). The study has indicated that Tamarindus indica L. fruit extract significantly increased the bioavailability of aspirin.

Improvement of lactose digestion in humans by ingestion of unfermented milk containing Bifidobacterium longum

Fifteen lactose malabsorbers were studied to evaluate the effects of consumption of milk containing different strains of Bifidobacterium longum on lactose digestion. Influences of different growth substrates, bile sensitivity, and lactose transport on lactose digestion by bifidobacteria were also investigated. Lactose malabsorption was determined by measuring breath hydrogen excretion of subjects fed four different test milks (three of which contained 5 x 10(8) cfu/ml of B. longum) on 4 different d using a randomized, double-blinded trial. Test milks included 1) 400 ml of lowfat milk (control), 2) 400 ml of milk containing B. longum B6 that had been grown with lactose, 3) 400 ml of milk containing B. longum B6 grown with lactose plus glucose, or 4) 400 ml of milk containing B. longum ATCC 15708 grown with lactose. beta-Galactosidase activity was highest in milk containing B6 grown with lactose but was extremely low in milk containing B6 grown with lactose and glucose. Consumption of milk containing B6 grown with lactose resulted in significantly less hydrogen production and flatulence than occurring after consumption of control milk or the milk containing B6 grown with both lactose and glucose. Hydrogen production after ingestion of 15708 was also significantly lower than hydrogen production after ingestion of the control milk. We concluded that milks containing B. longum might reduce breath hydrogen response and symptoms from lactose malabsorption when the culture is grown in a medium containing only lactose to induce a higher beta-galactosidase level and increase rate of lactose uptake.

Effect of temperature on chlorproguanil and proguanil hydrochloride solutions: a chemical stability study

Chlorproguanil and proguanil hydrochloride solutions in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid, water and 1 M ammonium hydroxide were subjected to different temperatures (22-80 degrees C) for 68 h. The decomposition rate constants for chlorproguanil ranged from 1.60 to 47.6 x 10(3) h-1 in acid, 3.5 to 18 x 10(3) h-1 in water and 3.87 to 32.5 x 10(3) h-1 in base, between 50 degrees C and 80 degrees C. The activation energy Ea was 96.5, 52.12 and 62.1 kJ mol-1 in acid, water and base respectively. The proguanil decomposition rate constant ranged from 1.72 to 18.5 x 10(3) h-1 in acid, 1.58 to 9.67 x 10(3) h-1 in water and 2.34 to 15.77 x 10(3) h-1 in base, between 50 degrees C and 80 degrees C, with Ea values of 54.7, 73.3 and 62.5 kJ mol-1. Three unidentified degradation products were separated in the acid solution for each of the compounds. Chlorproguanil and proguanil are stable (t1/2 values over 30 days and up to 287 days respectively) in acid, water and base at temperatures below 22 degrees C.

Cloning and characterization of the galactokinase gene from Streptococcus thermophilus

The objective of this research was to clone and characterize the galactokinase gene (galK) from Streptococcus thermophilus F410. Partially digested genomic DNA was cloned into pBR322 and transformed into galK Escherichia coli, and a galactose-fermenting transformant was isolated. Restriction analysis revealed that the transformant resulted from a Sau3A-HindIII 4.0-kb fragment. Galactokinase activity in the recombinant was 10 times that of the parent strain. Analysis of the DNA sequence showed the presence of a 1.3-kb open reading frame that had high homology with the galK gene from other organisms. A putative ribosome-binding site, start and stop codons, and -10 and -35 sequences were identified. The predicted protein had a molecular mass of 49 kDa, which corresponded to the estimated size of a band apparent by SDS-PAGE. Amino acid sequence homologies with other galactokinases ranged from 50 to 62% similarity. Northern blots were performed between the galK gene and mRNA from S. thermophilus. No hybridization signals were observed for cells grown in glucose, but cells grown in lactose or galactose gave moderate and strong signals. The results suggest that repression of the galK gene by glucose may be responsible for the galactose-releasing phenotype in these strains.

Destruction of Listeria monocytogenes by Sodium Hypochlorite and Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizers

The antimicrobial effects of two commonly used dairy plant sanitizers on Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 were studied. The two sanitizers used were commercial sodium hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The effects were studied on L. monocytogenes in vitro and on stainless steel chips inoculated with the organism. Cells were exposed to concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm chlorine and QAC for 1, 2, and 5 minutes, and neutralized with tryptic soy broth. Decreases in cell numbers ranged from 3-logs to >4-logs in vitro, whereas with the stainless steel, it ranged from 1-log to >4-logs. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were done to evaluate the attachment characteristics of L. monocytogenes as compared to those of Escherichia coli on stainless steel. L. monocytogenes was found to produce a fibrous-like material similar in appearance to acidic polysaccharide fibrils produced by Pseudomonas sp., which appeared to be removed by the sanitizer solutions.

Depression of membrane-bound Na+-K+-ATPase activity induced by free radicals and by ischemia of kidney

A partially purified, membrane-bound Na+-K+-ATPase fraction, prepared from the outer medulla of porcine kidney, was incubated in the presence of 0.1 mM FeCl3, 1 mM ADP, and 0.1-100 mM H2O2 for either 15 or 30 min at 37 degrees C. The activity of ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+-ATPase was reduced proportionally to the concentration of H2O2 and the duration of incubation. There were decreases in SH contents and turnover rates of the Na+-K+-ATPase preparation, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes were generated from the membrane lipids in the course of the incubation. The concentrations of ethanolamine (E) plasmalogen and of arachidonic acid in the E glycerophospholipid molecules were reduced by the free radical reaction. Similarly, a reduction in Na+-K+-ATPase activity and the formation of MDA and conjugated dienes, together with a decrease in E glycerophospholipids, were observed when the membrane fraction was exposed to ultraviolet irradiation (254 nm) for 30 min at 4 degrees C. Administration of 10 mM dithiothreitol alleviated the reductions in enzyme activity, in turnover rate, and in SH content without suppressing MDA formation. Addition of 2 mM butylated hydroxytoluene to the incubation mixture prevented the lipid peroxidation without totally normalizing the enzyme activity in the H2O2 experiment, whereas this antioxidant restored the ATPase activity to normal in the ultraviolet experiment. Microsomal fractions, prepared from the outer medulla of canine kidney after 1 h of unilateral ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion, showed a decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity, a reduced amount of SH groups, and an increased MDA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)