Search

Background: In Jordan as in other worldwide countries, mycotoxins are considered a serious national problem in food supplies. As a result, almost all nations are setting and adopting different regulations targeting the control of mycotoxins levels in the domestic food supply, including the problem of reliable sampling and analysis methods. Objective: It is necessary to improve and give evidence of analytical abilities of laboratories within Jordan and developing countries enabling them to monitor mycotoxins effectively in food to overcome non-tariff obstacles. Methods: We analyzed 40 samples from wheat, corn, dried fig and dried coffee beans for total aflatoxin content using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme Linked Immunesorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Results: 40% of samples from wheat, 60% from corn, 30% from dried fig, and 50% from dried coffee beans were found positive when speaking of total aflatoxins, with average values between 1.14 and 4.12 μg/kg. Obtained results allow considering all tested food samples as fit for human consumption if compared with the labeled regulatory limit of allowed aflatoxins in the European Union. In detail, the limit of detection and the limit of quantification for methods used in this study were significantly lower than the maximum limits established by the European Union. Highlights: The procedure used in this study is suitable for detection of mycotoxins at very low concentration.

The incidence of contamination of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk samples collected from the Jordanian market was investigated by using the competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A total of 175 samples were collected during 2014-2015. All tested samples were contaminated with various levels of AFM1 ranging from 9.71 to 288.68 ng/kg. The concentration of AFM1 in 66% of fresh milk samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the European Union (50 ng/kg) and 23% higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the US (500 ng/kg). Percentages of contaminated raw cow, sheep, goat and camel milk exceeding the European tolerance limit were 60, 85, 75 and 0%, respectively. Of AFM1 contaminated pasteurised cow milk samples, 12% exceeded the European tolerance limit with a range of contamination between 14.60 and 216.78 ng/kg. For infant formula samples, the average concentration of AFM1 was 120.26 ng/kg (range from 16.55 to 288.68 ng/kg), the concentration of AFM1 in 85% of infant formula samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the European Union and the US (25 ng/kg).

Twenty formulas of eggplant dip, motabbal al-bathinjan in Arabic (MB), using different percentages of grilled eggplant, tahina (sesame pulp), and yogurt with constant levels of salt and citric acid were prepared and evaluated for the overall acceptability. The formula composed of 84.2% pulp of peeled grilled eggplant and 14% tahina without the addition of yogurt was found the most acceptable. The cold point of the canned MB was found to be in the geometric centre of the can. Canning of MB was conducted using three time/temperature combinations at the centre (80°C/5 min, 85°C/4 min, and 90°C/3 min). It was found that all heat-processes applied resulted in a commercially sterile canned MB with a high sensorial quality, as evidenced by the results of microbiological examinations, incubation tests, and sensory evaluation. Based on Bacillus coagulans, that may grow and cause flat sour spoilage of canned MB, the sterilisation value (F100) was estimated of the whole heat-process from the filling till cooling to about 70°C.

This study aimed to detect the prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN) in yolk and white boiled poultry eggs in Jordan. Two hundred and fifty poultry egg samples were collected from governates of Jordan during six month (March 2017 until September 2017) and then concentration of mycotoxins in the yolk and white of eggs was detected by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). In addition, probabilistic health risk assessment due to ingestion boiled poultry eggs content of mycotoxins (AFB1, DON, OTA and ZEN) in the adults and children consumers was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique. The rank order of mycotoxins in the yolk of eggs based on prevalence was ZEN (96.56%) >DON (93.51%) >OTA (90.27%) >AFB1 (78.95%) and in white of eggs was ochratoxin A (97.44%) > deoxynivalenol (96.57%) > zearalenone (73.91%) > aflatoxin B1 (73.26%). In addition, the rank order of mycotoxins in the yolk of eggs based on concentration was deoxynivalenol (1.01 µg/kg) > zearalenone (0.96 µg/kg) > aflatoxin B1 (0.80 µg/kg) > ochratoxin A (0.47 µg/kg) and in the white of eggs based on concentration was deoxynivalenol (1.24 µg/kg) > zearalenone (0.99 µg/kg) > aflatoxin B1 (0.83 µg/kg) > ochratoxin A (0.54 µg/kg). Concentration of AFB1, DON and ZEN in the yolk was not significantly different with white of eggs (p value > 0.05) but concentration of OTA in the white of eggs was higher than yolk of eggs, significantly (p value < 0.05). The probabilistic health risk assessment shows that adults and children consumers are at the concern health risk (Margin of Exposures <10,000) due to aflatoxin B1. It is recommended to carry out to control the concentration of mycotoxins in protein products such as poultry eggs in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to mycotoxins in food is largely unavoidable, and concerns about their health effects are growing. Consumption of vegetable oils such as peanuts oil has increased, hence several studies have been conducted on concentration of aflatoxins (AFs) in peanuts oil. Search was performed in Scopus and PubMed databases on prevalence and concentration of AFs in peanuts oil from 1 January 2005 to 15 April 29, 2022. Prevalence and concentration of AFs in peanuts oil was meta-analyzed based on country and type of AFs subgroups. In addition, health risk was calculated using monte carlo simulation method. Pooled prevalence of AFB1 in peanuts oil was 47.9%; AFB2, 46.45%; AFG1, 46.92% and AFG2, 54.01%. The Overall prevalence of AFTs was 49.30%, 95%CI (35.80–62.84%). Pooled concentration of AFB1 in peanuts oil was 2.30 μg/kg; AFB2, 0.77 μg/kg; AFG1, 0.07 μg/kg; AFG1, 0.28 μg/kg. The sort of country based on mean of MOEs in the adults consumers was Japan (47,059) > China (17,670) > Ethiopia (7,398) > Sudan (6,974) > USA (1,012) and sort of country based on mean of MOEs in the children was Japan (120,994) > China (46,991) > Ethiopia (19,251) > Sudan (18,200) > USA (2,620). Therefore, adults consumers were in considerable health risk in Ethiopia, Sudan and USA and for children in USA (MOE < 10,000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, g-C3N4 was successfully prepared using microwave and conventional thermal methods. The physicochemical properties of prepared graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were analyzed using various techniques including SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Thermally and microwave prepared g-C3N4 nanomaterials have been coated onto bamboo and linen fabrics using pad-dry-cure process. The properties of the coated fabrics were evaluated. The colony counting method was used to assess the finished fabrics' antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Significant improvement was observed. Cellulosic fabric treated with microwave prepared (g-C3N4) shows higher reduction rate. UV protection properties of bamboo as well as linen fabric improved as indicated by UPF Values. Linen fabric treated by thermally prepared g-C3N4 indicated the highest UPF value recorded (47.5). Post treatment of g-C3N4 nanomaterials fabric by stearic acid enhance hydrophobic character of bamboo and linen treated fabric. Thus, g-C3N4 nanomaterials can be used as green coat to improve the properties of bamboo and linen fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdullah M Alzahrani,1– 3,&ast; Razan Rambo,1– 3 Fahad Alotain,1– 3 Anjum Naeem,1– 3 Rami M Alzhrani,4 Mohammad A Albaradi,1– 3 Shoeb Althubiani,1– 3 Shahd E Sharaf,1– 3 Ali F Alwadie,1– 3 Mohammad S Alzahrani,5 Noor T AlSebaih,6 Randa H Ainosah,7 Yahya A Alzahrani7,&ast; 1Pharmaceutical Care Department, Ministry of National Guard—Health Affairs, Jeddah, 22384, Saudi Arabia; 2King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, 21423, Saudi Arabia; 3College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, 22384, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia; 6Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, 23311, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Pharmacy, East Jeddah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, 23816, Saudi Arabia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yahya A Alzahrani, Department of Pharmacy, East Jeddah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, 23816, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966557700178, Email yalzahrani5@moh.gov.saPurpose: Patient satisfaction with pharmacy services, particularly in outpatient and discharge pharmacy settings, has become a vital metric for assessing medical quality. However, there’s limited research on patient satisfaction in discharge pharmacy services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to systematically investigate and delineate the various patient-related and non-patient-related factors that significantly impact patient satisfaction in the realm of discharge pharmacy services.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah (KAMC-J). The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula, which resulted in a required sample size of 384 patients. A validated questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale evaluated satisfaction from “Strongly Dissatisfied” (1 point) to “Very Satisfied” (5 points) has been used. Data collectors underwent training and obtained written consent from participants, with questionnaire completion taking 5– 10 minutes face to face.Results: The study encompassed 437 participants, primarily male (59%) with a college education (45.3%), residing mostly in Jeddah (67.3%). Notably, 84.4% were not healthcare providers, and most visited the pharmacy every six months (44.6%). The patient satisfaction survey revealed high scores for counseling understanding, pharmacist courtesy, and the way the pharmacist answered questions (4.94± 0.31, 4.94± 0.27, 4.94± 0.32; respectively), but lower for understanding possible side effects (4.30± 1.30) and pharmacy location (4.57± 0.99). In logistic regression, visits lasting 10– 15 minutes, and less than 10 minutes were significantly (p< 0.05) associated with increased odds of patient satisfaction (OR=6.39, OR=9.45; respectively) Moreover, the medium length hospital stay was associated with decreased odds of patient satisfaction (OR=0.31, p=0.026).Conclusion: In conclusion, the study determined a significant proportion of patients are satisfied with discharge pharmacy services at KAMC-J, with the length of consultation and hospital stay being pivotal to their satisfaction. Addressing these factors, alongside optimizing pharmacist-patient communication and pharmacy service efficiency, can substantially elevate the quality of pharmaceutical care and patient experience.Keywords: King Abdulaziz medical city, KAMC-J, Discharge pharmacy, Patient Satisfaction, Counseling Services, Pharmacist-Patient Relationship, Pharmacy Location and Environment

Essential oils (EOS), which naturally come from plants, have significant antibacterial properties against a variety of pathogens, but their high volatility and poor water solubility severely restrict their use in the textile industry. In this study, an inclusion complex based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/EOS was prepared by two different simple methods: pad dry cure (method 1) and pad batch (method 2). A glyoxal crosslinking agent was used for the fixation of the inclusion complexes on the surface of the fabric. Lavender, rosemary, salvia, and lemon essential oils were applied. The structure of the β-CD/EOs inclusion complex was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and weight gain (%), which indicated that the β-CD/EOs were successfully deposited on cellulose-based fabric. The results demonstrated that β-CD enhanced the oils' scent stability, with the advantage of exhibiting no major change in the tensile strength or permeability of cotton. Lavender oil had the highest stability scent with a value of 3.25, even after 30 days of evaluation. The antibacterial activity showed that EOS/βCD-impregnated fabrics for method 1 had an inhibition zone ranging from 33 to 23 mm, while the inhibition zone for method 2 ranged from 39 mm to 29 mm, indicating that our treatment was able to control the growth of bacteria, even after five washing cycles. This study confirmed that the EOs/βCD inclusion-complex-deposited cotton fabric might hold further promise for medical and hospital use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ahmad A Obaid,1 Abdulrahman Mujalli,1 Wesam F Farrash,1 Rami Hatem Tayeb,2 Rashad Jameel Bougeis,2 Alaa Adel Aljehani,2 Bandar Ali Alshehri,3 Sulafa Ezzat Sharaf,4 Saud Fahad Alqurashi4 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2Laboratory Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 3Laboratory Department, Dar Alzahrawi Medical, Product Specialist Diagnostic, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 4Laboratory Department, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmad A Obaid, Email aaobaid@uqu.edu.saAim: Vitamin D deficiency is linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the occurrence of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. None of the studies have focused on the association between vitamin D levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of vitamin D with kidney disease in patients with T2DM in the Makkah region, of Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at different hospitals in the Makkah region on T2DM patients from 2021 to 2022. In total, 328 patients with confirmed diabetes were enrolled in this study. T2DM patients over the aged> 18 to 92 years were included in the study. General laboratory characteristics of the study population were measured, including fasting blood sugar, HbA1C (Glycated hemoglobin), vitamin D, kidney function (BUN-Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), and lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-Low density lipoprotein, and HDL-High density lipoprotein).Results: 46.6% (n=153) of participants had normal serum vitamin D levels. Insufficient and deficient serum vitamin D level were observed in 43.9% (n=144) and 9.5% (n=31) of participants, respectively. Of the participants, 25.9% (n=85) had good glycemic control (< 7.0%). Moderate and poor glycemic control were observed in 39.9% (n=131) and 34.1% (n=112) of the participants, respectively. A significant negative correlation (p< 0.5) was found between vitamin D levels and kidney function test results (blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels). An inverse relationship was observed between HbA1c levels and vitamin D deficiency.Conclusion: Nephropathy is more likely to develop in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency.Keywords: prevalence, diabetes, type-2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM, vitamin-D, nephropathy

Copyright of Journal of Animal Poultry & Fish Production (Suez Canal University) is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the food handler's knowledge for potential sources of SRS- Cov-2 virus, the potential factors for controlling COVID-19 among food workers and to evaluate the participants' attitude and hygienic practice among food handlers working in food factories in Jordan during pandemic crisis: COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study, during the period February to May 2020. Online questionnaire were used study in this study, since all food factories were completely shutdown as part of the Jordanian government's rules to control the outbreak.. Results: The Mean knowledge scores for the potential sources of SRS-Cov-2 virus was 5.8, which was considered as "poor Knowledge for potential sources of SRS-Cov-2 virus. In general, The mean knowledge scores about the awareness of food workers for the minimum requirements to control COVID-19 was 6.1, while the mean knowledge scores for the participants' attitude and hygienic practice among food handlers was 7.2, which considered as good. Our study showed that fair knowledge for food handlers in food safety doesn't necessary reflect their positive attitude. The overall scores for this study were 79.13%. Conclusions: The overall score of this study was 63%. This revealed that food workers had fair knowledge about food safety and unsatisfied results about the sources of SRS-Cov-2 virus among food workers and need more practice for controlling COVID: 19 in food working areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foods that are prepared and sold and in the street can be defined as street food, such food still a weak point in food safety, despite street foods provide people with a convenient meal with low cost, they are associated with many food poisoning outbreaks. Methods: A total of 120 street vendors participated in this study during the period from May to August 2019. Structured written questionnaires were developed according to the Jordan of Food and Drug Administration street food safety code of practice (JFDA, 2007a). The questionnaire consists from two parts; the first part was designed to collect demographic data about the respondents, the second part used to evaluate food safety knowledge and attitudes of vendors. Results: In our study, it was found that 48.3% of food vendors had not received any food safety training courses, and 67.5% had experienced years below 3 years. The mean food safety knowledge score for street food vendors was 54 points, which indicated insufficient knowledge in food safety. street food vendors had weak understanding of food safety attitudes with total mean score 53.2±11. Conclusions: Street food vendor training should be given first priority to improve the safety of street food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Nasal vestibular furunculosis (NVF) is characterized by an acute localized infection of the hair follicle in the skin lining of the nasal vestibule. This study provides an up‐to‐date narrative analysis on NVF, its presentation, complications and management. Methods A literature search was conducted electronically with no time constraints using “Nasal Vestibular Furuncolosis” or “NVF” through Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, including MeSH terms with no language restrictions. Included were: Studies that described NVF's presentation and subsequent management and excluded were: Irrelevant studies that did not provide details about NVF's presentation or management, furthermore studies that alluded to Nasal vestibulitis without furunculosis were excluded. There were no limitations on time, up until the review was commenced in May 2020. Results Seven articles complied with the inclusion criteria. All papers reviewed were from 2015 to 2020. Three out of 4 studies reported duration of symptomatic NVF between 3 and 4 days. The most common presentation of NVF was reported as erythema, swelling, tender over the nasal tip. The most frequent, successful management of NVF frequently included intranasal topical mupirocin and in some cases oral sodium fusidate. NVF was reported to clear within 7 days by 2 studies. There were no randomised studies exploring NVF or NVF management. Conclusion Although a very common condition, much research is required to allude to the pathophysiology and management of NVF. Future studies should explore the reasons as to the resistance of topical antibiotics in some patients, the differing strains of staphylococcus aureus and their resulting complications, the reasons behind the familiar connection and the most effective management plan for NVF.

Abstract Objective Dog bite injuries remain a public health concern for two key reasons: the physical threat to health following attack and the infective sequelae a canine bite can incur. Facial bite injuries can result in significant emotional, psychological and physical trauma to victims involved. This narrative review elucidates the current presentation and management of dog bite injuries to the face. Data Sources and Methods A literature search was conducted electronically using the search terms “dog bite” and “face” and “management” using the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) and the Cochrane Library. There were no time nor language restrictions. A total of 79 studies were initially retrieved using the search algorithm. After screening of the titles and abstracts, 9 full texts were retrieved, and a total of 7 studies included. Results The number of patients included in each study following a dog bite ranged from 40 to 223. The percentage of children included in each study (aged

Shahd E Sharaf,1,2 Safaa Alsanosi,1 Abdullah R Alzahrani,1,2 Saeed S Al-Ghamdi,1,2 Sharaf E Sharaf,2– 4 Nahla Ayoub1,2 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2Saudi Toxicology Society, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 3Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 4Clinical Research Administration, Executive Administration of Research and Innovation, King Abdullah Medical City in the Holy Capital, Makkah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Sharaf E SharafPharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966532660411Email sesharaf@uqu.edu.saIntroduction: Bee venom acupuncture therapy (BVT) is an alternative therapy used worldwide by patients with different chronic diseases due to its therapeutic effects on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have illustrated the clinical effects of BVT on RA, but such a study has yet to be performed in Saudi Arabia (SA). It is important to evaluate BVT awareness among citizens of SA to measure the feasibility of conducting clinical trials of BVT in patients with RA in SA. This study aims to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of BVT on RA and other chronic diseases in SA. This will help determine whether patients with RA have sufficient knowledge to be enrolled in clinical trials.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 180 patients with RA in SA was conducted using a KAP questionnaire on BVT. Individuals completed an online questionnaire using the Survey Monkey website. Data were obtained by self-completion of the online KAP questionnaire regarding BVT.Results: A total of 180 patients with RA and other chronic diseases, with a mean age of 45 years (18– 70 years), participated in the study. The results of the questionnaire showed that 55% of the participants demonstrated a good knowledge of BVT treatment; however, they also reported a poor attitude (55%) and practice (55%). Participants with RA demonstrated higher severity of disease (80%) than those with other chronic diseases. Participants with RA showed better KAP responses towards BVT than those with other chronic diseases. Participants with school education only and those who were beekeepers demonstrated significantly better KAP responses (P < 0.05) compared to participants who had received university education and those who were not beekeepers, respectively.Conclusion: Participants with strong RA knowledge may prove that patients from SA can be enrolled in BVT clinical trials. The participants’ poor attitudes and practices may be due to BVT being expensive and unavailable in many cities in SA.Keywords: bee venom acupuncture therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, knowledge, attitude, practice, Saudi Arabia