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This study aimed to assess the anti-proliferative capabilities of the three probiotic strains on breast cancer (MCF7) and test their anticancer capabilities on RP1 and RASSF1A Genes. Three probiotics bacterial strains: Lactobacillus casei ss. casei (LC 1093), Lactobacillus delbreuckii ss. bulgaricus LD (1102) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB 1334) were tested for their anti-proliferative capabilities on cell lines via trypan blue test and MTT assay. Their anti-methylation activities were tested using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Results revealed that Lactobacillus casei strain achieved the highest percentage of cancer cell death. The effects of these strains on the methylation status of RASSF1A and RB1 promotor regions in breast cancer cells were tested. The unmethylation-specific primers of both genes were able to generate a defined band. The methylation patterns were reshaped when compared to the untreated MCF7 cell line showing the epigenetic delaying mechanism of the probiotic cell free filtrate by interfering the methylation mechanism of breast cancer on two tested genes.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen that is a leading cause of many types of infections both healthcare associated infections (HAIs) or community acquired infections. In general, this organism is highly resistant to different classes of antimicrobials through different mechanisms that represents a major concern in treatment of infections in hospitals. Aim of the study: To detect the association between the presence of MexA/MexB genes and the resistance pattern among P. aeruginosa. isolates from Ain Shams University Hospitals. Methods: A total of 60 isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from Main Microbiology Laboratory, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Phenotypic identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed followed by detection of MexA/MexB genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Most of isolates were isolated from urine samples 26 (43.3%), followed by sputum samples 14 (23.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility showed highest maximum resistance to cefepime (97%), ceftazidime (90%), gentamycin (87%), Piperacillin (73%) and ciprofloxacin (60%). The least resistance was reported to meropenem (63%), imipenem (60%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (43%). 38 (63.3%) isolates were extensive drug resistance (XDR), 12 (20%) isolates were multi-drug resistance (MDR) and 10 (16.7%) isolates were non-MDR. MexA and mexB genes were detected in 56.7% (34 strains) and 46.7% (28 strains) of all tested isolates, respectively. According to our results, all strains that carry mexB gene carry MexA gene as well. Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance among P. aeruginosa is widely spreading and significantly associated with presence of MexA/MexB gene.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission. Despite the development of several vaccines, inequitable distribution and vaccine hesitancy impact their role in protecting HCWs. Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice remains a cornerstone in preventing disease spread in health facilities and in communities. Objectives: The study aims to measure knowledge and practices of physicians in relation to COVID-19 infection prevention and control. It also aimed to identify perceived barriers facing IPC practice. Method: In this cross-sectional study, we used an online survey to collect data from physicians working in a university hospital in Cairo throughout June-July, 2020. The survey included 12 items for knowledge, 8 items for practice and 6 items for perceived barriers. Scores for knowledge and practice of IPC were calculated and transformed into percent scores. Results: Three hundred and eighteen (318) physicians responded to the survey. The mean knowledge percent score was 57.1±15.9. Participants knew the least about facemasks and gloves protectiveness. The mean percent score for IPC practice was 78.8±12.2. Less than a quarter of physicians "always" used N95 mask during all patient care procedures or did a seal test when donning one. Overcrowded emergency departments, improper work place design, shortage in IPC supplies and insufficient training were the main barriers to IPC practice cited by almost 90% of the study participants. Conclusion: Physicians in our study had average IPC Knowledge score compared to other studies. Continuous IPC training can largely improve IPC knowledge and practice among physicians.