The modulatory effects of Panax ginseng on the pancreatic β-cell activity, glucose metabolism and its hepatoprotective action in alloxan induced - type 2 diabetic male rats were studied for 2 months. We divided the rats randomly into six equal groups; control; diabetic (T2DM); ginseng,  ginseng post T2DM induction; ginseng pre T2DM induction and ginseng pre and post T2DM induction. The serum level of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL),  triglycerides (TG), total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin- globulin ratio (A/G), total bilirubin, both  direct and indirect  bilirubins,  gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and the activity of hepatic glucose -6- phosphatase (G6Pase) and also, the activity of the antioxidant markers [glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), in addition; the level of lipid peroxidation product; malondialdehyde (MDA)] in both  the serum and the liver were measured. The histological structure of both the pancreas and the liver and the expressions of both insulin receptors (IR), adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and the percentage  of the positive area of insulin secretion in the islets of Langerhans using immunohistochemistry technique were also estimated.  The results revealed that the previously mentioned parameters were significantly improved after administration of Panax ginseng to diabetic rats. In conclusion panax ginseng administration could be ameliorate and protect the male rats against type 2 DM and could be able to decrease the intensity of damage caused in the pancreas after alloxan injection.

Irresponsible use of antibiotics, inability to follow label guidelines, or insufficient withdrawal periods before slaughtering poultry could result in antibiotic residues in edible poultry tissues, thereby representing hazards to public health. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the residual levels of three commonly used antimicrobials including oxytetracycline (OXY), enrofloxacin (ENRO), and sulfadimidine (SULFA) in muscle, skin, and giblets of chicken carcasses quantitatively. Additionally, the obtained residual values were compared to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) stated by the regulatory authorities. The findings denoted that the muscles of fresh domestic broilers had significantly higher values of OXY, ENRO, and SULFA than those of fresh native breeds and imported frozen chicken (p<0.05). Similarly, in pooled giblets (equal weights of liver and kidneys), OXY and ENRO were significantly higher in domestic broilers than in native breeds (p<0.05). Likewise, ENRO and SULFA residues were higher in skin samples of domestic broilers than in native breeds. In comparison to the MRLs reported by the European Commission, the muscles from 20, 60, and 50 % of examined domestic broiler carcasses exceeded the MRLs of OXY, ENRO, and SULFA., respectively, whereas muscles from 20, 70, and 50 % of examined native breed carcasses surpassed these MRLs, respectively. Conversely, in imported frozen broilers, no muscle samples topped the MRL of OXY, while 10 % of the examined carcasses exceeded the MRLs of both ENRO and SULFA. Therefore, very extensive work is needed to monitor the antimicrobial residues in poultry tissues, as well as educational programs about the proper use of antibiotics in poultry production with emphasis on the public health risks of antibiotic residues in food should target the farmers.

This study targeted isolation and characterization of potential bacteriophages (phages) infecting MDR pathogenic bacteria recovered from chickens and analyzed their efficacy as bio-control agents. A total of 45 different bacterial isolates (18 E. coli, 16 Salmonellae spp., 5 Staphylococcus spp., 2 Pseudomonas spp., 1 Proteus mirbalis, 1 Citrobacter spp., 1 Enterobacter aerogenes and 1 Klebsiella pneumonia) were obtained from chickens in the current study and previous studies. The identified isolates were investigated for the presence of virulence genes and MDR using PCR and disc diffusion method, respectively. Nine purified phages classified morphologically into 3 families (Myoviridae, Siphoviridae and Podoviridae) using Transmission Electron Microscope were recovered from chicken intestinal contents and showed viability at wide pH range, resistance to organic solvents and thermostability at high temperatures (up to 80ºC). The potential phages exhibited various bacterial host ranges using the spot test and the efficiency of plating (EOP) assay. The results revealed the prevalent of pathogenic E. coli and salmonella serovars among the recovered isolates with different virulence and genotypic patterns. The lytic phages were highly stable and have the capacity to infect different pathogenic MDR bacterial strains. This study demonstrated that these promising phages of avian origin could be used to control the pathogenic MDR E. coli and Salmonella serovars which possess public concerns on human health and poultry industry.

Kisspeptin (Kp) potently stimulates the reproductive hormone secretion, modulates the cellular metabolic machinery, and induces the antioxidant defense mechanism in vivo. However, the data regarding steroidogenic, metabolic and antioxidant effects of Kp on granulosa cells on the level of in vitro studies are quite rare leaving a wide gap in literature and giving a strong driving force for the present study. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the effects of human kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) on these biological features in small and large bovine granulosa cells (BGCs). Upon preparation of the monolayer-BGCs, they were allocated to eight groups; two untreated-control groups, and six Kp10-treated groups according to the follicular size; three groups for each follicle size, supplemented with Kp10 at three different doses; 10-8, 10-7 and 10-6 M [KP(I-III)S and KP(I-III)L, respectively]. Spent media and BGCs were pooled after 24 hours from addition of Kp10. Kisspeptin stimulated the glucose consumption in media by BGCs obtained from the small sized follicles for production of estradiol 17-β and progesterone. In the small-sized follicles, the TC levels were significantly decreased in response to KP(I, II)S, but not the KP(III)S compared to their control (CS). On the other hand, the KP(I-III)L significantly increased the TC levels compared to their control (CL). When Kp10 was used at the highest two doses, less glucose was consumed by BGCs collected from large sized follicles leading to low production of P4 and preservation of cellular TC content. Improvement in the metabolic efficacy of BGCs in response to Kp10-treatment was evidenced by increased glucose utilization and decreased lactate production. Increased total antioxidant capacity versus decreased lipid peroxides in Kp10-treated groups could indicate that Kp10 induces cryoprotection by restoring the favorable redox status in BGCs. Those findings suggest that Kp10 causes a size- and dose- dependent physiological changes in the BGCs.

Sarcocystis spp. is cyst forming protozoa that contains more than 200 species and belong to the phylum Apicomplexa. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in buffalo and sheep carcasses slaughtered in Egypt macroscopically and microscopically. For this purpose, a total of 400 buffalo and sheep carcasses were examined at Tanta abattoir, Egypt for the detection of Sarcocystis spp. from July 2020 to June 2021. The results revealed that the prevalence of macroscopic sarcocysts was 26.5% in slaughtered buffaloes and 0% in slaughtered sheep, while the prevalence of microscopic sarcocysts was 56% in slaughtered buffaloes and 80.5% in slaughtered sheep. The prevalence of sarcocysts in old buffaloes and sheep was higher than in young buffaloes and sheep. The most affected organs with microscopic sarcocysts were the oesophagus followed by the tongue, masseter muscle, skeletal muscles and finally heart. The obtained results confirmed that the examined buffaloes and sheep are infected with Sarcocystis species due to the abundance of final hosts, especially dogs and cats that encourage the spreading of infection by this protozoan parasite. Therefore, efficient cooking of buffalo meat is highly recommended before serving to humans.

Traditional dry sausages are one of the meat products that target globally by thousands of meat consumers. From a consumer perception point of view, the quality of this traditional meat product is of great concern. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the sensory and chemical quality of 100 samples of dry sausage marketed in Ismailia city, Egypt. Only 22 dry sausage samples were accepted in concern to their appearance and 56 samples were accepted in concern to their flavor. Out of 78 samples rejected for appearance, 43 (overfilling), 12 (fading) and 23 (discolored) rejected sausage samples. Out of 44 samples rejected for flavor, 28 (rancid), 10 (sour), and 6 (putrid) rejected sausage samples. The mean values of moisture, protein, fat, ash, CHO, and NaCl contents for dry sausage samples were 43.7, 15.3, 19.9, 4.3, 13.6, and 3.2 respectively. 90% of sausage samples corresponded with the standard limit of moisture content. Commercial fraud during the manufacture of the dry sausage was detected based on their protein content whereas 56% of the sausage samples were unfit with the requirement of Egyptian Standard for protein contents. The mean pH, TBA and TVB-N values for the examined dry sausage samples were 5.1, 0.9 (mg/Kg), and 14.9 (mg/100g) respectively. It could be concluded that a considerable number of dry sausage samples had deviation in their sensory and chemical quality and may have a negative effect on consumer satisfaction.

The present study aimed to detect the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli in raw milk and some dairy products (white soft cheese, yoghurt, and Laban rayeb) in Mansoura city, Egypt. A total of 200 samples, obtained equally from raw milk (farm and market milk), white soft cheese (Kareish and Domiati), yoghurt (small scale and large scale), and Laban rayeb (small scale and large scale) were examined for the presence of E. coli by using eosin methylene blue agar (EMB). Suspected E. coli isolates were confirmed by biochemical tests and then selected numbers of E. coli strains were identified serologically. Furthermore, serologically identified strains were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing. In total, the prevalence of E. coli recovered from the examined raw milk and dairy products samples was 28% (56/200). The highest prevalence was detected in raw market milk (52%), followed by Kareish cheese (48%) while, the lowest prevalence was obtained in large-scale yoghurt and large-scale Laban rayeb samples (8%). The selected numbers of E. coli strains subjected to serologic examination showed variable somatic and H antigens. About 58.8% of E. coli strains showed multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) criteria at least to one antimicrobial in three different classes of antibiotics. The highest resistance was obtained from erythromycin (100%) then oxacillin (94%), cefepime (82%), penicillin G (76.5%), and ampicillin (58.5%), nalidixic acid (52.9%) and cefazolin (47.1%). the obtained results show the great hazard proposed to public health, therefore, the application of hygienic measures in all practices concerning dairy industry from farm to fork is not just advice but a necessity to maintain human health.

The global economic crisis led to the tendency of consumers to search for cheap food sources of animal origin, including dry sausage, regardless of the quality or safety factor. Nitrite is an important meat additive responsible for the distinctive color and flavor of meat products, inhibits the development of microbial spores, and delays lipid oxidation. At the same time, it has adverse health risks for meat consumers. Celery, Apium graveolens, as a plant rich in nitrate was used in this study for replacing the synesthetic chemical nitrite used in sausage manufacture. Dry sausage samples were divided into three equal groups, the first group without adding sodium nitrite and kept as a control group. The second group was treated with 100 mg/kg of sodium nitrite while the third group was treated with 0.3% celery powder. All groups were periodically examined for sensory and chemical quality parameters. Generally, there are no significant differences (P>0.05) found between sausage groups attributes to appearance. The results of color, flavor, smell, nitrite content, TVN, and TBA of control sausage samples were statistically lower (P<0.05) than those of treated sausage groups. No differences (P>0.05) were found for the attribute color, flavor, smell, nitrite content, TVN, and TBA between those treated with 100 ppm sodium nitrite and 0.3% celery sausages groups. The obtained results concluded that safe dry sausage could be produced with high quality without the addition of synthetic sodium nitrite, by replacing it with 0.3% celery powder. Celery offers a high potential nitrite as natural substitutes improve both the sensory and chemical quality of the dry sausage. However, further research is needed to irrefutably determine all potential benefits content of the celery.

Contamination of milk and dairy products with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms is a common problem worldwide. Therefore, this study was conducted on 200 samples (milk, Kareish cheese, Damietta cheese, and plain yoghurt, 50 of each) collected from Zagazig City, Sharkia, Egypt to be examined bacteriologically to isolate and identify the multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as some reduction trials on cold stored soft cheese using some natural compounds including the essential oil (EO) of Clove (0.01%, 0.1%) and Nigella Sativa (NS 0.5%, 1%), in addition to Nisin (10 ppm 12.5 ppm). The obtained results revealed the pseudomonas aeruginosa prevalence in the examined milk and dairy product samples was 45(22.5%); 24(48%) from raw milk samples, 8(16%) from yoghurt, 9(18%) from soft cheese and 4(8%) from kareish cheese. The isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbored some antibiotic-resistant genes including blaTEM, blaSHV, ermB, and Mcr1 genes, while blaOXA-1 failed to be detected, so it was resistant to different types of antimicrobial agents. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR) of the isolated strains was 0.500. Clove (0.01%, 0.1%) and Nigella Sativa (NS 0.5%, 1%), in addition to Nisin (10 ppm, 12.5 ppm) had an antibacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared with control samples and acted as good preservatives that extended the storage period and shelf life of soft cheese up to thirty days.

Bacterial contamination of fermented dairy products has serious implications for both safeties of the final products, and the transmission of foodborne pathogens to the consumers. In this regard, 175 samples of fermented dairy products including 50 each of plain yoghurt, fruit yoghurt, laban rayeb, and 25 from mish cheese were randomly collected from different supermarkets and retail shops in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Samples were examined bacteriologically for the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), particularly, E. coli O157. The recovered isolates were examined for the detection of toxin, and virulence-associated genes using PCR. The obtained results showed that the average counts (CFU/g) of total bacterial, psychrotrophic, coliform, and S. aureus were 1.72x105, 9.9 x103, 5.08x102, and 3.07 x102 for the plain yoghurt, 7.1 x 104, 2.3 x 103, 9.5 x10, and 3.3 x10 for fruit yoghurt, 6.07x104, 6.1 x 103, 9.8 x10, and 1.35x102 for laban rayeb,  and 1.2 x 106, 2.5 x104, 8.3 x10, and 7.2 x103 for Mish cheese, respectively. E. coli and E. coli O157 were detected in 13 out of 175 (7.43%) and 4 out of 175 (2.3%) samples, respectively. Using PCR for 9 selected E. coli isolates showed that 7 out of 9 E. coli isolates were positive for the stx1 gene, 5 out of 9 were positive for stx2, and 3 out of 9 were positive for eaeA, and 4 out of 9 were positive for hylA. S. aureus showed that 55.6% of the recovered isolates were coagulase positive. Ten randomly selected S. aureus isolates tested positive for nuc (thermonuclease genes), while mecA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus “MRSA”) gene was detected in 20% of the examined isolates. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted during all steps of the manufacture of such dairy products.