A total of 50 samples of semi-dry Egyptian salted meat (basterma) were randomly collected from different retail outlets in Assiut city, Egypt. The samples were examined sensorially for color, odor, taste, tenderness, juiciness, palatability and overall acceptability; chemically for pH and sodium chloride (NaCl) content; and microbiologically for the count of total aerobes, halophiles, Staphylococcus aureus, lactobacilli, and mould and yeast. As well, most probable number (MPN) count was performed for coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli and Clostridium perfringens. The obtained results revealed that examined samples were of medium quality from the sensory point of view. The mean values of pH and Nacl content for the examined samples were 4.78 and 7.30, respectively. For total aerobes, halophiles, Staph. aureus, lactobacilli, and mould and yeast counts the mean values were 7.81, 7.18, 6.62, 7.61 and 2.32 log cfu/g sample, respectively. The MPN count of coliforms varied greatly in positive samples from 3 to > 1100 MPN/g sample. The MPN count for fecal coliforms, E. coli and C. perfringenes in positive samples ranged from 3 to 120; 3 to 21; and from 3.6 to 93 MPN/g, respectively. According to the Egyptian standards, most of the examined samples (98%) had pH values complied with the standards limits. However, all the examined samples (100%) had total aerobic and Staph. aureus counts above the standards limits. As for total mould and yeast, and C. perfringens counts, 38 and 24% of the examined samples were not complied with the standards. The results declared that the hygienic quality of basterma available in Assiut retail markets is not satisfactory and not comply with the srandards.

A total of 50 samples of semi-dry Egyptian salted meat (basterma) were randomly collected from different retail outlets in Assiut city, Egypt. The samples were examined sensorially for color, odor, taste, tenderness, juiciness, palatability and overall acceptability; chemically for pH and sodium chloride (NaCl) content; and microbiologically for the count of total aerobes, halophiles, Staphylococcus aureus, lactobacilli, and mould and yeast. As well, most probable number (MPN) count was performed for coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli and Clostridium perfringens. The obtained results revealed that examined samples were of medium quality from the sensory point of view. The mean values of pH and Nacl content for the examined samples were 4.78 and 7.30, respectively. For total aerobes, halophiles, Staph. aureus, lactobacilli, and mould and yeast counts the mean values were 7.81, 7.18, 6.62, 7.61 and 2.32 log cfu/g sample, respectively. The MPN count of coliforms varied greatly in positive samples from 3 to > 1100 MPN/g sample. The MPN count for fecal coliforms, E. coli and C. perfringenes in positive samples ranged from 3 to 120; 3 to 21; and from 3.6 to 93 MPN/g, respectively. According to the Egyptian standards, most of the examined samples (98%) had pH values complied with the standards limits. However, all the examined samples (100%) had total aerobic and Staph. aureus counts above the standards limits. As for total mould and yeast, and C. perfringens counts, 38 and 24% of the examined samples were not complied with the standards. The results declared that the hygienic quality of basterma available in Assiut retail markets is not satisfactory and not comply with the srandards.

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Telocytes are a special type of interstitial cells characterized by distinctive cellular extensions with alternating thin segments (podomers) and dilations (podoms). Telocytes establish contact with various cells and structures, but their role in the regulation of the function of many cell types is still obscure. The aim of the current study was to investigate the morphology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry of telocytes, and their distribution, organization, and morphometric measurements in different layers of the adult bovine uterine tube. Telocytes showed positive immunostaining for CD117, S-100 protein, vimentin, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin, tubulin, laminin, estrogen receptor-α, and progesterone receptor. They were organized in different types of sheaths: subepithelial, inner/outer perimuscular, and intramuscular sheaths. Telocytes were scattered in the lamina propria, in the muscular layer, and the serosa. According to their size, they were grouped into different types of telocytes: small, large, and giant telocytes. Small telocytes were the most common type and located in all layers; large telocytes were observed in the epithelium, lamina propria, and inner/outer perimuscular and intramuscular sheaths, and giant telocytes were found in the external layer of the outer perimuscular sheath. Telocytes were connected by thin and thick telopodes (fenestrated membranes). Fenestrated membranes enabled connections between telocytes along the entire muscular wall of the uterine tube. Telocytes established an extensive biological network of different types of cells and structures, including epithelial, muscular, and mast cells, blood vessels, glomus, and nerve fibers. We hypothesize that telocytes help to organize the functional coordination between different types of cells in the uterine tube.-