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This paper presents an investigation of the microbiological quality of frozen chicken thighs sold in Mosul markets. Bacteriological analysis was performed on 60 samples (30 samples of local origin, and 30 imported ones) of frozen thighs kept in deep-freezers at -18C°. Samples were then tested for total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC) and Staphylococcus aureus. With regards to microbiological quality and contamination of frozen chicken thighs, APC was found within the acceptable limits of satisfactory products.. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in 16.66% from imported thighs versus 33.33% in local ones, with < 102CFU/cm2 in both thigh types. Antimicrobial sensitivity of 15 S. aureus isolates were surveyed for susceptibilities to a panel of 7 antimicrobial agents. They were 100% resistant to ampicillin; 33.34% to erythromycin and tetracycline; 26.67% to Trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazol; 20% to Doxycyclin; 13.34% to Enrofloxacin, and 100% susceptible to vancomycin. Results of this experiment suggest that both types of frozen chicken thighs were fit for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred thirty two samples of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices collected from Egyptian local markets were analyzed for pesticide residues. Contamination with pesticide residues reached 54.55% while samples free from contamination reached 45.45%. Only one sample from 132 analyzed samples violated the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of the Codex Committee. From the 132 analyzed samples, 72 samples (54.55%) were contaminated, from which 43.18% contaminated with residues from one pesticide residue, 6.06% with 2 residues and 5.3% with more than 2 residues. In addition, 2 caraway and one fennel samples contained 4 pesticide residues, one sample of marjoram contained 5 pesticide residues and one mint sample contained 6 pesticide residues. Six of the pesticides detected as residues in the analyzed food items were considered to be carcinogens at different levels of assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance strain gauges have been used for the measurement of strain for more than 50 years; however, research to quantify the inherent uncertainty in a strain-measuring system has been scarce hitherto. Nevertheless, resistive strain gauges are the most widely used tool to measure strain owing to their simplicity, apparent accuracy, low cost, and ease of use. In spite of this, at times they are used improperly, and the sources of error are neglected. Every type of measurement has an uncertainty associated with it. As it is impossible to eliminate error completely, the goal must be to quantify it and to reduce it to a value that is acceptable for the purposes of the measurement being taken. The novelty of the present research is to put forward a new methodology for determining the uncertainty in a strain gauge measuring system. To achieve this, the principal sources of error that influence the measuring system are formulated in order to develop an error model. Subsequently, the law of propagation of uncertainty is applied, together with a type A and B evaluation approach to determine the combined uncertainty of the entire measuring system, taking into consideration the correlation between variables, when applicable. The new methodology is then applied to a series of strain measurements taken on an aluminium flat bar subject to a bending load, and the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid glycosides, orientin and apigenin 3, 8-di-C-glycosides in addition to, iridoid compound, aucubin were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Vitex agnus-castus fruits. Their structures were identified on the basis of the spectroscopic data. The estrogenic activity of the ethanolic extract in two dose levels 0.6 and 1.2 g kg−1 per body weight (b.w.) was studied by the vaginal smear, and uterine weight methods for normal and ovariectomized female rats. The extract induced significant increase in the uterine weight of ovariectomized rats at two dose levels comparable to that of control group. The percentages of the total average number of scores were increased significantly too. Significant increases in plasma progesterone and total estrogens levels were shown at the two dose levels when compared to that of control group. On the other side, the extract induced significant reduction in lutinizing and plasma prolactin hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma potassium and sodium concentrations were measured in a group of elderly patients taking maintenance thiazide diuretic therapy alone, with a potassium supplement or in combination with a potassium sparing diuretic. Fixed dose combinations of a thiazide and potassium sparing diuretic did not significantly reduce the prevalence of hypokalaemia and the combination of amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide was associated with a disproportionate number of cases of hyponatraemia. The desirability of the current widespread use of fixed dose combination diuretics over less expensive single agents is questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Gas-liquid chromatography was used to determine the essential oil compositions of thyme, cumin, clove, caraway, rosemary, and sage. The basic components of these oils were thymol, cumin aldehyde, eugenol, carvonc, borneol and thujonc, respectively. The antifungal potential of the oils against Aspergillus parasiticus were investigated. The essential oils caused complete inhibition of both mycelial growth and aflatoxin production. The effectiveness followed the sequence: thyme > cumin > clove > caraway > rosemary > sage. The major components of the essential oils produced an inhibitory effect at minimum inhibitory concentrations equal to those obtained with the oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterilized and nonsterilized wheat kernels, soybean seeds, sesame seeds, peanut and faba bean were infected by A. parasiticus. The chemical composition, aflatoxin content and fatty acid patterns of the seeds were determined. The aflatoxins B, B, G and G were detected, and the amounts of the unsaturated toxins (B and G) were greater than the respective dihydro derivatives (B and G). Sterilized seeds infected by the fungus contained greater amounts of aflatoxins than those infected without previous sterilization. the highest and lowest toxicity indices were recorded for sterilized wheat and soybeans, respectively. Sesame, peanut and soybean exhibited intermediate toxicity indices. The toxicity of the aflatoxins produced was related significantly in every instance to the carbohydrate and lipid:protein ratio, and not to the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]