Prophylactic influences of prebiotics on gut microbiome and immune response of heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Climatic changes and elevated ambient temperature are significant environmental stressors with a negative impact on birds' physiological, immunological, and behavioral status, increasing their susceptibility to stressors and immunosuppression and consequently increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Prebiotics have been utilized to stop or diminish the harmful effects of stress in chickens. We aimed to evaluate the role of mannan-oligosaccharides, and beta-D-glucan prebiotics supplements in drinking water against experimentally induced heat stress (HS) on broiler chickens and study their impact on birds' performance, gut microbiome, and immune response.

Biodegradation of aflatoxin by bacterial species isolated from poultry farms.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus spp and naturally contaminate poultry rations. Exposure to low levels of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in poultry feeds is the second most threatening issue facing the poultry industry in Egypt; it can cause a reduction in growth, egg production, and compromised immune functions, resulting in significant economic loss. Hence, a safe, effective and eco-friendly detoxification method is strongly required.

Spoligotyping with pncA sequencing strategy conferring the transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Egypt.

Background: This study explored the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Egypt by spoligotyping in combination with pncA gene sequencing, spoNC.

Methods: First, isolates were selected from 400 isolates positive for M. tuberculosis that referred to Central Labs Ministry of Health and then were subjected to the study analyses.

Patient perceptions and preferences of physicians' attire in Saudi primary healthcare setting.

: Since the time of Hippocrates, dress of the care-giver has been known to influence patient's perception about the physician. To explore patient's preference about physician's dress in Saudi primary healthcare, and how it influences their perception, regarding professionalism, competence, and confidence in the physician. A cross sectional study conducted in primary care clinics in Riyadh, enrolling 443 patients, who filled a self-administered Arabic questionnaire, enquiring about physician clothes such as white coat, scrubs and 'thob (white-robe) shomagh (head cover)' for males, 'veil-skirt' for females, and shoes.