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BACKGROUND: An overview of honey and other bee products and their health and biological health potentials was highlighted. AIM: The aim of the study was to help females alleviate their menopausal symptoms, when estrogen hormone levels decrease at the end of their fertility phase of life using natural bee products. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two groups of Egyptian women in the menopausal stage, suffering from different symptoms of menopause, participated as volunteers. Full clinical examination, Menopause Rating Scale, Beck anxiety score, and Beck depression score evaluations were recorded. Blood sampling and biochemical analysis were done including female sex hormones, and anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant markers. Participants consumed two tablespoon of the honey (32 ml) diluted in 250 ml of water once daily in the morning for 2 months. Control group received conventional clover honey while the other group consumed a calculated ratio of clover honey enriched with bee pollen, royal jelly, and bee gum. RESULTS: Subjects with a mean age of 49.51 ± 0.82 years who consumed enriched clover honey had significant improvement in somatic, psychological, urogenital, and anxiety score assessment and depression score evaluation. Data from this study group showed that the women experienced the disappearance of hot flushes, night sweats, generalized body pain, and psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleeping. As for biochemical parameters, estradiol, free testosterone, the antioxidant marker malondialdehyde (MDA), and the anti-inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly improved at the end of the study. While the control group had mean age of 48.24 ± 0.74 years, they experienced significant improvement of the somatic subscale, depression score, and MDA, and there was no significant effect on urogenital symptoms, anxiety score, IL-6, or any of the female sex hormones. CONCLUSION: Adding Bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly to the clover honey are more effective in slowing down menopausal symptoms.

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize varieties of Moringa alfileria honey (unfloral and polyfloral) from Saudi Arabia based on antibacterial, antioxidant activities, physicochemical, melissopalynological analysis, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Material and Methods: The fresh 376 honey samples (3 kg of each) were kindly provided by Alnahal aljwal Company, 2021 flowering season. The honey samples collected in sterile universal glass containers and kept at 2– 8°C until tested. Antibacterial, antioxidant activities and physiochemical analysis were done. Determination of sediment content, total grains, moisture content, water-soluble solids, acidity, electrical conductivity, total sugars content, inverted sugars, glucose (g/100 g), fructose (g/100 g), total glucose + fructose, fructose/ glucose ratio, sucrose (g/100 g), diastase enzyme activity and HMF were calculated. As well as total phenolic and flavonoid contents Results: Antibacterial activity and physiochemical analysis of honey samples w varied. All parameters studied were significantly different (P < 0.05) among all honey varieties. The results of the physiochemical analysis were compared with Saudi National Standard, Codex standard, as well as published data in the literature. Conclusion: It was obvious that the honey quality was varied based on the botanical origins

Introduction: The encapsulations of phytochemical compounds within nanoparticles are attracting interest as a novel effective strategy to induce bacterial damage regardless of antibiotic sensitivity. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different extracts of Moringa oleifera combined with alginate nanoparticles (ALg NPs) against different pathogenic bacteria. Methods : The Moringa-ALg NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and FTIR. In addition to that, the antimicrobial activities were assessed by using the agar well diffusion method. Moreover, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to examine the ultrastructural changes induced in bacteria by Moringa-ALg NPs. Results: In this study, the Moringa-ALg NPs have a hydrodynamic diameter of 12 nm and zeta potential of -56 mV. The FTIR results indicatde the successful encapsulation of Moringa within ALg NPs. On the other hand, the Moringa-ALg NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against all examined pathogens as compared to pure Moringa extracts. Furthermore, the SEM images revealed that the bacterial cells exposed to Moringa-ALg NPs had an irregular and wrinkled appearance. Conclusion: In summary, these results suggested that the Moringa-ALg NPs could be used as a powerful antibacterial agent against a wide range of microbes.

Background and Aim: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), an infectious disease of cattle, is characterized by raised nodules on the skin. Although the morbidity rate of LSD is low, it has a considerable fatality rate. Despite the annual mass vaccination of livestock with sheep pox vaccine (Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Egypt) enforced by Egyptian authorities, the LSD virus (LSDV) continues to circulate almost every summer. The present study aimed to discover the cause of cows naturally infected with LSDV circulating in Upper Egypt during the summer of 2018 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and to analyze their phylogenetics against reference genome sequences. Materials and Methods: We cultured LSDV in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE) and used conventional PCR to identify fusion and P32 genes, previously deposited in GenBank (MN694826, MN694827, and MN954664). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed on these two highly conserved viral genes. Results: LSDV infection of SPF-ECE resulted in characteristic white pock lesions. PCR products were identified on 1.5% agarose gel after electrophoresis at the expected positions for the fusion and P32 genes at 472 and 587 bp, respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the two viral genes were identified from the Beni Suef and Sohag Governorates in all clinical cases and confirmed the circulation of LSDV in this outbreak. After sequencing, these genes were identical to those of the LSDV that had been identified and recorded in GenBank for the past 3 years.

Candida albicans is a common human yeast that infect several epithelial tissues including vagina. The increase of drug-resisting C. albicans encouraged the researchers to find alternative treatment. Honey medical signatures such as bactericidal, antifungal and anti-candida made it a possible candidate for disease treatment. In addition, rose essential oil possesses a wide range of biochemical activities in folkloric medicine including anti-microbial activities. The present research utilizes honey alone or in conjunction with Taifi rose (Rosa damascena) oil as anti-candida agent to treat vaginal candidiasis. Three local monof oral honeys from different flower sources and/or geographic origins were tested with four concentrations (50, 80 and 95%), while two concentrations of the Taifi rose oil (1 and 2%). anti-candida activity of honey alone or in conjunction with Taifi rose oil was determined as well as phenolic and flavonoids contents were determined. Also, GC-MS analysis of volatile oils and alkaloids were evaluated. The results of this study indicated that acidity is within the allowed range for commercialization and long-lasting storage. All honeys tested inhibited completely the C. albicans growth at concentrations 80% and 95% either incubation after 48 or 72 h. Also, only Markh and Manuka honeys were completely inhibited C. albicans growth at 50% concentration. Also, C. albicans growth inhibited completely at 2% Taifi rose oil after the incubation periods of 48 and 72 h. The phenolic compounds and flavonoids were analysed by mass spectrometry analysis which revealed the Markh honey showed the presence of gallic acid and quercetin that proved to have antifungal activity. It could be concluded that mixed Markh honey and Taifi rose oil treatment was capable to inhibit C. albicans growth completely. Further research is required to determine the anti-candida activity of the mixture of Markh honey and Taifi rose oil in the human body as a new therapeutic drug to treat vaginal candidiasis.

The current study was designed to evaluate the in vivo fasciolicidal activity of Moringa (M.) oleifera leaf aqueous extract oral administration as well as its antibacterial activity against Clostridium (C.) novyi in sheep naturally co-infected with fascioliasis and C. novyi. Sheep naturally infected with fascioliasis were divided into 3 groups, heavily infected treated group, lightly infected treated group and mixed infection control (non-treated) group. Treatment groups were orally administered M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg every 48 h for 21 days. Animal body weights, fecal egg count, serum levels of anti-Fasciola IgG, cytokines (IL-2, IL-17, IL-10), and bacterial count of C. novyi were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with M. oleifera improved the body weight gain and decreased fecal egg count in lightly and heavily infected groups compared to the nontreated group with 100% reduction in egg count in lightly infected sheep. Furthermore, the treatment with M. oleifera significantly reduced the serum levels of IgG, IL-2, and IL-17. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-10 were recorded in both heavily and lightly infected sheep. The treatment with Moringa extract significantly decreased the fecal bacterial count of C. novyi in both heavily and lightly infected groups. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential beneficial effects of M. oleifera leaf against Fasciola (F.) gigantica and C. novyi.

The use of natural products for disease control is a promising approach to solving the problem of drug resistance. The aim of the research reported here was to evaluate the fasciolicidal and anti-Clostridium novyi type B activities of propolis administered orally to sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica and C. novyi type B. Sheep infected with both pathogens were divided into two groups: an infected treated group and an infected non-treated group. The treatment was oral administration of 50 mg propolis extract/kg daily for 15 days. The body weight of the sheep, fecal egg counts of F. gigantica, serum levels of F. gigantica IgG, concentrations of cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17), and bacterial counts of C. novyi were evaluated. Following treatment, the sheep had increased body weight and a significant decrease in the egg count, which was reduced by 54.54% at 15 days post treatment. The level of anti- Fasciola IgG increased, whereas levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17 decreased in propolistreated sheep. Treatment of sheep with propolis produced a significant reduction in fecal count of C. novyi, from 8 × 109 to 3 × 103 colony units per gram at 15 days post treatment. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Egyptian propolis extract as a treatment against F. gigantica and C. novyi type B infections, and investigated its mode of action through its effect on some cellular and humoral responses in sheep with both infections.

Two hundred broiler chicken samples, 160 laying chicken samples and 75 human stool samples were collected in Egypt. The samples were microbiologically examined, and the C. jejuni isolates were confirmed biochemically and by PCR targeting the mapA gene of C. jejuni. The prevalence of the cadF virulence gene was then determined using PCR. A total of 17.33%, 17% and 11.87% of human stool, broiler chicken and laying chicken samples, respectively, were positive for C. jejuni, with a total of 66 Campylobacter jejuni isolates (15.17%). Ten C. jejuni isolates (15.15%) carried the cadF virulence gene (7.69%, 20.58% and 10.52% of human stool samples, broiler and laying chicken samples respectively). Phylogenetic investigation demonstrated that two of the isolates from chicken had high homology with other C. jejuni isolates from human stool samples. Moreover, amino acid sequence alignment revealed a mutation in these isolates of zoonotic significance. The present results support the possible risk of transmitting highly virulent C. jejuni as a foodborne pathogen from both broiler and layer chickens to human in Egypt. Active on-farm biosecurity measures on chicken farms and more hygienic efforts in slaughter houses, in local chicken slaughter shops should be made for the effective control of this foodborne disease.

Background: Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting the productive performance of farm animals in Egypt. Aim: The aim of the present study was comparing the ovicidal effect of different extracts as an alcoholic (Methanolic and Ethanolic) and aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. Materials and Methods: Tested concentrations of extracts ranged from 12.5 to 800 mg/ml. Nitroxynil was used as reference drug with a dose of 100 mg/ml. Results: M. oleifera alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed a concentration-dependent ovicidal effect on F. gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. Based on LC50 values, water extract showed the highest ovicidal activity since it registered the lowest values of 2.6 mg/ml on non-embryonated eggs. Non-embryonated eggs were more susceptible to aqueous extract than developed eggs. On the other hand, the developed eggs were more susceptible to ethanolic extract than non-embryonated eggs even the lowest LC50 (12.38 mg/ml). Conclusion: M. oleifera leaf extracts especially aqueous extract could be a promising step in the field of controlling fascioliasis. Further, in vivo studies are needed to enlighten the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera extracts in treating F. gigantica infection.

Aim: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) represent a severe public health issue worldwide, causing life-threatening diseases in the human gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of virulent and antibiotic-resistant STEC in retail meat and milk products and human stool samples and to characterize the genes encoding for virulence and antibiotic resistance among the identified STEC isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 food samples were randomly collected from retail markets in different localities of El Giza Governorate, Egypt. 50 stool specimens were obtained from children that had diarrhea at Embaba Fever Hospital. All collected samples were initially subjected to bacteriological examination and serotyping, and then subsequently, the isolates were exposed to polymerase chain reaction application and sequencing for the identification of the virulence-related genes. Finally, the virulent STEC isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Results: Serotyping of the 76 biochemically identified isolates showed that 18 were STEC with a predominance of non- O157 (16) while 2 O157:K-serotype was detected only in one food and one human isolate. Molecular identification of the virulence genes illustrated that the minced meat showed the highest prevalence of STEC (8%) as compared to the other food products. In the humans, the O157 was the only serotype that expresses the Shiga toxin-associated gene (eaeA). Antibiotic susceptibility test displayed that 13 of the 17 food and human isolates (76.47%) were resistant to cephalothin (KF30). 9 of the 13 cephalothin-resistant isolates harbor the β lactamase (blaTEM)-resistant gene. All isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and gentamicin. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the stx2-positive minced meat isolate revealed a high genetic relatedness with beef minced meat from the USA and Australia. Conclusion: This study showed the predominance of non-O157 among the identified isolates. Minced meat showed the highest prevalence of STEC as compared to the other food products, and this work illustrates the necessity to consider the food products as a potential source of the non-O157 STEC serotypes. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed a high genetic relatedness with beef minced meat from the USA and Australia. This highlights the high probability of worldwide spread of such serotypes, signifying the importance of the one world concept.

This study provides the optimum preparation parameters of chitosan‐silver nanoparticles composite (CSNC) with promising antibacterial activity against the most common bacterial infections found on burn wounds. CSNC was synthesised by simple green chemical reduction method with different preparation factors. Chitosan was used to reduce silver nitrate and stabilise silver nanoparticles in the medium. For this reason, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as, ultraviolet‐visible Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used in the study of the molecular and morphological properties of the resultant composites. Furthermore, the composite was assessed in terms of Ag‐ions release by AAS and its efficacy as antibacterial material. As a result, CSNC showed stronger antibacterial effect than its individual components (chitosan and silver nitrate solutions) towards Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria. CSNC prepared in this study showed highest inhibition percentage of bacterial growth up to 96% at concentration of 220 μg/ml.

The current study was designed to evaluate the in vivo fasciolicidal activity of Moringa (M.) oleifera leaf aqueous extract oral administration as well as its antibacterial activity against Clostridium (C.) novyi in sheep naturally co-infected with fascioliasis and C. novyi. Sheep naturally infected with fascioliasis were divided into 3 groups, heavily infected treated group, lightly infected treated group and mixed infection control (non-treated) group. Treatment groups were orally administered M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg every 48 h for 21 days. Animal body weights, fecal egg count, serum levels of anti-Fasciola IgG, cytokines (IL-2, IL-17, IL-10), and bacterial count of C. novyi were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with M. oleifera improved the body weight gain and decreased fecal egg count in lightly and heavily infected groups compared to the nontreated group with 100% reduction in egg count in lightly infected sheep. Furthermore, the treatment with M. oleifera significantly reduced the serum levels of IgG, IL-2, and IL-17. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-10 were recorded in both heavily and lightly infected sheep. The treatment with Moringa extract significantly decreased the fecal bacterial count of C. novyi in both heavily and lightly infected groups. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential beneficial effects of M. oleifera leaf against Fasciola (F.) gigantica and C. novyi.

Background: Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting the productive performance of farm animals in Egypt. Aim: The aim of the present study was comparing the ovicidal effect of different extracts as an alcoholic (Methanolic and Ethanolic) and aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. Materials and Methods: Tested concentrations of extracts ranged from 12.5 to 800 mg/ml. Nitroxynil was used as reference drug with a dose of 100 mg/ml. Results: M. oleifera alcoholic and aqueous extracts showed a concentration-dependent ovicidal effect on F. gigantica non-embryonated and developed eggs. Based on LC50 values, water extract showed the highest ovicidal activity since it registered the lowest values of 2.6 mg/ml on non-embryonated eggs. Non-embryonated eggs were more susceptible to aqueous extract than developed eggs. On the other hand, the developed eggs were more susceptible to ethanolic extract than non-embryonated eggs even the lowest LC50 (12.38 mg/ml). Conclusion: M. oleifera leaf extracts especially aqueous extract could be a promising step in the field of controlling fascioliasis. Further, in vivo studies are needed to enlighten the therapeutic potential of M. oleifera extracts in treating F. gigantica infection.

The antioxidant activity of four honey samples from different floral sources (Acacia, Coriander, Sider and Palm) were evaluated with three different assays; DPPH free radical scavenging assay, superoxide anion generated in xanthine–xanthine oxidase (XOD) system and low density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation assay. The dark Palm and Sider honeys had the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. But all the honey samples exhibited more or less the same highly significant antioxidant activity within the concentration of 1mg honey/1 ml in XOD system and LDL peroxidation assays. The chemical composition of these samples was investigated by GC/MS and HPLC analysis, 11 compounds being new to honey. The GC/MS revealed the presence of 90 compounds, mainly aliphatic acids (37 compounds), which represent 54.73, 8.72, 22.87 and 64.10% and phenolic acids (15 compound) 2.3, 1.02, 2.07 and 11.68% for Acacia, Coriander, Sider and Palm honeys. In HPLC analysis, 19 flavonoids were identified. Coriander and Sider honeys were characterized by the presence of large amounts of flavonoids.

Quinoline-2-carbohydrazide (3) was reacted with aryl or alkyl isothiocyanates to give the corresponding quinoline thiosemicarbazides (4a–e). Cyclization of the substituted thiosemicarbazides with sodium hydroxide led to the formation of 5-(quinolin-2-yl)-2H-1, 2, 4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones (5a–e). Desulfurization of thiosemicarbazides by mercuric oxide gave 5-(quinolin-2-yl)-1, 3, 4-oxadiazol- 2-amines (6a–e). Treatment of thiosemicarbazides with ethyl bromoacetate or α -bromopropionic acid yielded (Z)-N′-(3-substituted thiazolidin-4-oxo-2-ylidene) quinoline-2-carbohydrazides (7a–d), (8a–d), respectively. Treatment of thiosemicarbazides with chloroacetone furnished (Z)-N′-(4-methyl-3-substituted-thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene) quinoline-2-carbohydrazides (9a–d). Furthermore, the reaction of thiosemicarbazides with phosphorus oxychloride gave N-substituted-5-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amines (10a–e). All newly synthesized compounds were tested and evaluated for antimicrobial activity.

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is considered one of the most important food-borne pathogens transmitted to humans via contaminated food. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the importance of L. monocytogenes as a food-borne pathogen. Methodology: A total of 340 samples were collected from different localities in El Giza Governorate, Egypt, to check the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in that area. The collected samples comprised 250 food samples, 40 swabs from food refrigerators, and 50 stool specimens from diarrheic children. L. monocytogenes was isolated from the examined samples according to the International Organization for Standardization. The isolates were tested biochemically using Listeria Microbact 12L and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The isolation rates of L. monocytogenes were 8% in beef burger, 4% in minced meat, 4% in luncheon meat, while sausage samples were all negative. Eight percent of raw milk samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, whereas cheese samples and refrigerator swabs were negative. Only Listeria grayi was isolated from human stools (2.5%). Conclusion: The high isolation rates of L. monocytogenes among the examined food stuffs highlight the crucial role of food as an important vehicle for this pathogen. More efforts should be made to ensure safe handling and processing of these foods to reduce the transmission of L. monocytogenes to humans.

Honey is currently the focus of many research projects due to its varied biological activities including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic effects. In the current study antitumor effect of coriander honey was investigated in mature mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) with special reference to immune status. Coriander honey (500 mg/kg) caused decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count, and caused increase in non-viable cell count and mean survival time thereby increasing life span of EAC bearing mice. The study of the effect of honey on immunological status in mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma showed that the levels of immunoglobulin M, G and A were increased following the administration of coriander honey. It was also clear that coriander honey increased the phagocytic activity in mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma. There was reduction in the stimulation indices of lymphocyte transformation of mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma. Delayed hypersensitivity skin test revealed that the Ehrlich carcinoma reduced the reaction after 72 hours post inoculation with bovine serum albumin. The administration of honey caused the rise in skin thickness as shown in Ehrlich carcinoma and subsequently treated with coriander honey with a rise of 0.61 mm as compared with 0.52 mm in EAC control group. The skin thickness in coriander honey group was the highest among all groups with 0.90 mm thickness. Based on these results, it can be concluded that coriander honey exhibited antitumor effect by modulating cell mediated immune response and immunoglobulin levels, in EAC bearing mice.

Fasciolosis due to Fasciola gigantica or F. hepatica causes significant production losses in animals, as well as being a zoonotic disease of global importance. In an attempt to develop vaccine against fasciolosis in rabbits, an immunoaffinity fraction of F. gigantica excretory secretory products was isolated. The fraction possesses 87.67% of the initial antigenic activities with 2051.5 fold increase in specific activity compared to crude extract. It consists of two bands of molecular weight 27 kDa and 23.5 kDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE. The detailed structural analyses of the pure fraction showed O-glycan [Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Ser-GlucNAc] using mass spectrometry. Vaccination of rabbits twice with the fraction resulted in 85% reduction in worm burden. It is also resulted in high antibody IgG levels as proved by ELISA. The highest IgG response was observed in vaccinated rabbits at two weeks post infection and remained stable to the end of the experiment. A significant expression of IL-4 and INF-γ was observed in vaccinated rabbits starting one week until thirteen weeks post infection. The level of IL-4 was significantly higher than the level of INF- γ throughout the experiment as measured by ELISA. Collectively, the current results suggest promising immunoprophylactic potentials of the immunoaffinity fraction of Fasciola gigantica excretory secretory products against fasciolosis in rabbits through induction of both cellular and humoral responses.

Three propolis samples from Austria, Germany and France were investigated by GC/MS, where eleven compounds were being new for propolis. The samples showed some similarities in their qualitative composition. Phenylethyl-trans-caffeate, benzyl ferulate and galangin were predominant in German propolis. Benzyl caffeate was predominant in French sample. Pinocembrin was predominant in French and Austrian propolis and trans-p-coumaric acid was predominant in all samples. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was evaluated. German propolis showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. While Austrian propolis has the highest activity against Candida albicans. French propolis was effective against all pathogens but less than German and Austrian propolis.

We examined the relationship of patients' literacy and education to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in an urban treatment centre in The Gambia. Information on education and literacy systematically collected before ART initiation was compared against selected adherence outcomes. Formally educated patients were significantly more likely to achieve virological suppression at both six and 12 months (87% vs. 67%, OR=3.13, P=0.03; 88% vs. 63%, OR=4.49, P=0.007, respectively). Literate patients had similar benefit at 12 months (OR=3.39 P=0.03), with improved virological outcomes associated with degree of literacy (P=0.003). A trend towards similar results was seen at 6 months for Koranically educated patients; however, this was no longer apparent at 12 months. No significant correlation was seen between socio-demographic characteristics and missed appointments. Our study suggests that literacy, formal education and possibly Koranic education may impact favourably on adherence to ART.

Condensation of carbohydrazide derivatives Ia, b with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded benzofuran derivatives II a-d. Reaction of Ib with aromatic aldehydes formed products III a-d. Treatment of compounds III a-d with mercaptoacetic acid yielded the cyclocondensation products (IVa-d). Phthalic anhydride reacted with compounds (Ia, b)to form products (Va, b). It has been found that both khellin and visnagin (VIa, b)react with aromatic aldehydes to give arylidene derivatives (VIIa-e). Condensation of diphenyl nitrilamine with 2-arylidene furochromones VII derivatives afforded cyclo-adducts (VIII a-i). The antibacterial activities of the selected compounds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Erwinia with good results.

The effect of Siwa propolis on adult flukes was evaluated using scanning electron microcopy. It gave an overview of the surface architecture of the tegument of Fasciola gigantica apical cone. The base of the spines appeared to be "flaking off" and showed severe blebbing after 24h incubation with 10 micro/ml propolis. This swelling became so sever and the spines were barely visible, on increasing the concentration to 20 micro/ml. Besides, there were many large blebs on the apical cone, a number of which appeared to have burst, causing lesions and the tegument was marked by a number of pits caused by the loss of spines. With the higher concentration of 30 micro/ml, erosion of the surface had occurred to such extent that no tegument remained, only a mass of fibrous structures. The tegumental changes occurred following incubation in propolis were compared with those observed with triclabendazole (TCBZ) "Fasinex" because of its high efficacy against both mature and immature flukes.

Three propolis samples from East Nile Delta, Egypt were collected. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS,103 compounds were identified, 20 being new for propolis. Dakahlia propolis was a typical poplar propolis but it contained two new caffeate esters and two new triterpenoids. Ismailia propolis was characterized by the presence of new triterpenic acid methyl esters and it did not contain any aromatic acids, esters and flavonoids. Sharkia propolis was characterized by the presence of caffeate esters only, some di- and triterpenoids. The antiviral (Infectious Bursal Disease Virus and Reo-Virus) and antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) activities of propolis samples were investigated. Dakahlia propolis showed the highest antiviral activity against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While Ismailia propolis had the highest antiviral activity against Reo-virus. Sharkia propolis showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and moderate antiviral activity against infectious bursal disease virus and reovirus

The free radical scavenging effect of two propolis samples collected from reclaimed land, Egypt as well as of vitamin C and caffeic acid in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical system was determined. The antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) activity was also investigated. The results of the free radical scavenging effect of El-Saff and Ismailia propolis showed a concentration-dependent activity. The antioxidant activity was varied according to the examined material. It was obvious that caffeic acid and vitamin C showed the highest activity if compared with the propolis samples. El- Saff propolis had a higher antioxidant activity than Ismailia propolis, it showed a higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and a higher anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans. While the Ismailia propolis had a higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, than El-Saff propolis. The chemical composition of propolis samples was investigated by GC/MS, where 75 compounds were identified, 22 being new for propolis. The Ismailia propolis was characterized by the presence of a highly significant amount of aromatic acid esters (47.3%) and triterpenoids (17.3%), while El-Saff propolis contained 3% and 1.9% respectively. The new esters belonged to 4-methoxyhydrocinnamic acid, hydroferulic acid and ferulic acid. El-Saff propolis had a very high significant amount (27%) of 2,6-bis-(pentanyloxy)-4-pentanylphenethanol, which is also a new compound for propolis

The antimicrobial activity of four propolis samples collected from Upper Egypt against Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was evaluated. There was a variation in the antimicrobial activity according to the propolis origin. Banisweif propolis showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, but Fayoum propolis had moderate activity against all tested pathogens. Propolis collected from Assiut and Souhag gave lower antimicrobial activity. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS, 71 compounds were identified, 14 being new for propolis. Banisweif propolis is characterized by the presence of 7 caffeate esters and 4 triterpenoids. Fayoum propolis showed the highest amount of lactic acid and the presence of 3 chalcones. But Assiut propolis is characterized by the presence of 4 prenylated coumar-ates. Souhag propolis is characterized by the presence of 5 aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and some other new compounds to propolis.

Condensation of carbohydrazide derivatives Ia, b with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded benzofuran derivatives II a-d. Reaction of Ib with aromatic aldehydes formed products III a-d. Treatment of compounds III a-d with mercaptoacetic acid yielded the cyclocondensation products (IVa-d). Phthalic anhydride reacted with compounds (Ia, b)to form products (Va, b). It has been found that both khellin and visnagin (VIa, b)react with aromatic aldehydes to give arylidene derivatives (VIIa-e). Condensation of diphenyl nitrilamine with 2-arylidene furochromones VII derivatives afforded cyclo-adducts (VIII a-i). The antibacterial activities of the selected compounds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Erwinia with good results.

Because of its high case fatality rate, listeriosis locates among the most frequent causes of death due to food-borne illness. In this study, a total of 150 processed meat samples were collected from Giza Governorate, Egypt. Phenotypic and genotypic identification of Listeria monocytogenes was performed using PCR incorporating listeriolysin O virulence gene hlyA followed by DNA sequence analysis. L. monocytogenes was confirmed in 4% of each of beef burger, minced meat, and luncheon samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the six Egyptian isolates have high homology with Colombian isolate (EF030606), except one Egyptian isolate which showed high homology with Indian isolate (EU840690). The public health significance of these pathogens as well as recommended sanitary measures were discussed.

A sample from Egyptian propolis was investigated by TLC and GC/MS. 39 compounds were identified, 8 being new for propolis. Partial structures of four new esters of caffeic acid have been proposed.