Optimizing Eco-Friendly Degradation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Using Environmental Strains of Malassezia Species and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Worldwide, huge amounts of plastics are being introduced into the ecosystem, causing environmental pollution. Generally, plastic biodegradation in the ecosystem takes hundreds of years. Hence, the isolation of plastic-biodegrading microorganisms and finding optimum conditions for their action is crucial. The aim of the current study is to isolate plastic-biodegrading fungi and explore optimum conditions for their action. Soil samples were gathered from landfill sites; 18 isolates were able to grow on SDA. Only 10 isolates were able to the degrade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer. Four isolates displayed promising depolymerase activity. Molecular identification revealed that three isolates belong to genus Aspergillus, and one isolate was Malassezia sp. Three isolates showed superior PVC-biodegrading activity (Aspergillus-2, Aspergillus-3 and Malassezia) using weight reduction analysis and SEM. Two Aspergillus strains and Malassezia showed optimum growth at 40 °C, while the last strain grew better at 30 °C. Two Aspergillus isolates grew better at pH 8-9, and the other two isolates grow better at pH 4. Maximal depolymerase activity was monitored at 50 °C, and at slightly acidic pH in most isolates, FeCl3 significantly enhanced depolymerase activity in two Aspergillus isolates. In conclusion, the isolated fungi have promising potential to degrade PVC and can contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution in eco-friendly way.

Isolated and Combined Effect of Age and Gender on Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in the Hyperglycemic Saudi Population.

Inflammation is pivotal to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM), but pathological alterations of the neutrophil−lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an emerging inflammatory index in DM management, remains understudied. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between NLR and glycemic control in the Saudi population. Gender, age, WBC count, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were obtained from Al-Borg Medical Laboratories for 14,205 subjects. Means, prevalence, risk measures, and the diagnostic accuracy of elevated NLR and hyperglycemia (HG) were evaluated. Subjects with elevated NLR (>3) had significantly higher FBG (105.10 ± 0.33 vs. 114.0 ± 2.81) and NLR was significantly elevated in impaired fasting glycemia (IFG; 1.21 ± 0.01 vs. 1.25 ± 0.01) and HG (1.21 ± 0.01 vs. 1.39 ± 0.02). Elevations of NLR in HG but not in IFG persisted across all age groups except young males and elderly females. The prevalence of elevated NLR in hyperglycemic subjects was 4.12% compared to 2.16% in subjects with normal FBG. HG was more prevalent in subjects with elevated NLR (17.33% vs. 12.46%) who had a relative risk (RR) of 1.68 (95% CI = 1.38−2.06, p < 0.0001) and an odds ratio (OR) of 1.94 (95% CI = 1.48−2.56, p < 0.0001) to be hyperglycemic. Nevertheless, NLR failed to discriminate individuals with normal FBG from those with HG based on ROC curve analysis. Pathological fluctuations in NLR may serve as supportive evidence in DM management.

Optimization of Thymoquinone-Loaded Coconut Oil Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Management of Ethanol-Induced Ulcer.

In the global incidence of peptic ulcer, with the associated rates of hospitalizations and mortality are increasing, in the United States, peptic ulcer disease affects approximately 4.6 million people annually, with an estimated 10% of the US population having evidence of a duodenal ulcer. The present research aims to find a novel treatment for ethanol induced ulcer by loading thymoquinone (TQ) on a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), using Compritol® 888 and coconut oil. The TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC was formulated using melt emulsification combined with a sonication method using Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant. Finally, the optimization of the formulations was performed on a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken statistical design, with 85.63% entrapment efficiency of TQ in the optimized formulation. A biphasic release pattern of the formulation was recorded in an in vitro drug release study, where the initial burst release of the drug was observed in the first 2 h, followed by a gradual release. Later, the TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC was found to protect the gastric mucous membrane more effectively (78.95% in.; p < 0.01) in an alcohol-induced ulcer model, whereas the TQ suspension showed 30.87% inhibition (p < 0.05) of the ulcerative index, when compared with the ulcer control group. The histopathological evaluations of the stomach in ulcer-induced animals demonstrated protection potential of TQ-loaded coconut oil NLC against an alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. In a nutshell, the entrapment of TQ within the NLC was found to deliver the entrapped drug more effectively when administered through an oral route to possess a gastroprotective effect.

Correction to: Optimization of Thymoquinone-Loaded Coconut Oil Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Management of Ethanol-Induced Ulcer.

When the article was first published, the incorrect image for Fig. 1 was inadvertently uploaded.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Diagnostic Methods in the Middle East and North Africa Region.

Background and Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide and may cause gastroduodenal complications, including cancer. In this review, we examine the prevalence and distribution of various H. pylori genotypes and the risk factors for H. pylori infection, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We also introduce different global screening methods and guidelines and compare them to those currently in use in the MENA region. Materials and Methods: We searched the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Saudi Digital Library (SDL) databases for clinical trials and articles published in English. The data collection was mainly focused on MENA countries. However, for H. pylori genotypes and diagnostic methods, studies conducted in other regions or reporting global practices and guidelines were also included to allow a comparison with those in the MENA region. We also included studies examining the prevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy participants. Results: H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in the MENA region, mainly because of the accumulation of risk factors in developing countries. Herein, we highlight a lack of good quality studies on the prevalence of various H. pylori genotypes in the MENA region as well as a need for standard diagnostic methods and screening guidelines. Due to the complications associated with H. pylori, we recommend routine screening for H. pylori infection in all gastroenterology patients admitted in the MENA region. Conclusion: Concerted effort will first be required to validate affordable, non-invasive, and accurate diagnostic methods and to establish local guidelines with adapted cut-off values for the interpretation of the test results.

Recently reported familial hypercholesterolemia-related mutations from cases in the Middle East and North Africa region.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder where cases have a significantly higher risk of having premature myocardial infarction than noncases. The prevalence of this genetic disease is currently unknown in countries of the Middle East and North Africa region. Given that a high percentage of marriages are consanguineous in this region, the prevalence may be much higher than assumed. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify case-related mutations reported within the last 4 years and since our first report in 2014. RECENT FINDINGS: Mutations were reported in familial hypercholesterolemia cases from the Saudi, Iranian, Lebanese, and Syrian populations. Some of the mutations were novel and a variety of familial hypercholesterolemia genotypes were identified, such as compound heterozygotes and double heterozygotes. SUMMARY: In recent years, work has been done to identify familial hypercholesterolemia cases in various countries of the Middle East and North Africa region. With regards to the prospective familial hypercholesterolemia registry for the Middle East and North Africa region, an important goal for the near future would be to have physician specialists collaborate with primary care clinicians for the identification and optimal care of familial hypercholesterolemia cases.

Protein phenotype diagnosis of autosomal dominant calmodulin mutations causing irregular heart rhythms.

The life-threatening group of irregular cardiac rhythmic disorders also known as Cardiac Arrhythmias (CA) are caused by mutations in highly conserved Calmodulin (CALM/CaM) genes. Herein, we present a multidimensional approach to diagnose changes in phenotypic, stability, and Ca2+ ion binding properties of CA-causing mutations. Mutation pathogenicity was determined by diverse computational machine learning approaches. We further modeled the mutations in 3D protein structure and analyzed residue level phenotype plasticity. We have also examined the influence of torsion angles, number of H-bonds, and free energy dynamics on the stability, near-native simulation dynamic potential of residue fluctuations in protein structures, Ca2+ ion binding potentials, of CaM mutants. Our study recomends to use M-CAP method for measuring the pathogenicity of CA causing CaM variants. Interestingly, most CA-causing variants we analyzed, exists in either third (V/H-96, S/I-98, V-103) or fourth (G/V-130, V/E/H-132, H-134, P-136, G-141, and L-142) EF-hands located in carboxyl domains of the CaM molecule. We observed that the minor structural fluctuations caused by these variants are likely tolerable owing to the highly flexible nature of calmodulin's globular domains. However, our molecular docking results supports that these variants disturb the affinity of CaM toward Ca2+ ions and corroborate previous findings from functional studies. Taken together, these computational findings can explain the molecular reasons for subtle changes in structure, flexibility, and stability aspects of mutant CaM molecule. Our comprehensive molecular scanning approach demonstrates the utility of computational methods in quick preliminary screening of CA- CaM mutations before undertaking time consuming and complicated functional laboratory assays.

Assisting the integration of social media in problem-based learning sessions in the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University.

PURPOSE: Issues related to traditional Problem-Based Learning (PBL) at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine (KAU-FOM), including lack of student interaction between sessions and outdated instructional materials have led to the examining the use of social media. This study examines factors affecting the implementation of social media into PBL sessions Methods: Mentored social media activities were incorporated between PBL sessions to third year medical students. Ground rules were set, and students were kept on track with learning objectives and authentic references. An online survey consisting of 18 questions were administered to measure the impact of the social media model embedded between PBL sessions. RESULTS: Feedback showed major improvements in students' learning process as well as identifying areas for improvement. The highest ratings were in participation and communication, knowledge and information gathering, and cooperation and team-building. CONCLUSIONS: This paper indicates that incorporating social media could facilitate learning between PBL sessions. Furthermore, guidelines are proposed to help educators implement a social media model into their PBL sessions.

Integrating an interprofessional education initiative: Evidence from King Abdulaziz University.

PURPOSE: This paper examines current issues with interprofessional education (IPE) at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and discusses initiatives for integrating IPE into the medical curricula at KAU. METHODS: We reviewed the current body of literature, studied reports from IPE conferences and workshops organized at KAU, and synthesized participants' feedback from the IPE programs, including an online survey. RESULTS: A total of 506 participants responded to the online survey. Respondents rated Interprofessional Collaborative Learning as the highest category of IPE, followed by Interprofessional Self-Improvement and Interprofessional Relationship. A hybrid conceptual framework is proposed, to tackle the issue of role clarification across all healthcare colleges at KAU. This proposition was found to be necessary due to the current state of the undergraduate curriculum which does not prepare students properly for professional collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid model may narrow the gap in IPE by emphasizing professional identity while reducing autonomy. Recommendations toward IPE are presented. Challenges toward IPE reform are discussed in the context of implementation at KAU and at other medical schools in the region.

A novel equation for the estimation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the Saudi Arabian population: a derivation and validation study.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is typically estimated by the Friedewald equation to guide atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) management despite its flaws. Martin-Hopkins and Sampson-NIH equations were shown to outperform Friedewald's in various populations. Our aim was to derive a novel equation for accurate LDL-C estimation in Saudi Arabians and to compare it to Friedewald, Martin-Hopkins and Sampson-NIH equations. This is a cross-sectional study on 2245 subjects who were allocated to 2 cohorts; a derivation (1) and a validation cohort (2). Cohort 1 was analyzed in a multiple regression model to derive an equation (equationD) for estimating LDL-C. The agreement between the measured (LDL-CDM) and calculated levels was tested by Bland-Altman analysis, and the biases by absolute error values. Validation of the derived equation was carried out across LDL-C and triglyceride (TG)-stratified groups. The mean LDL-CDM was 3.10 ± 1.07 and 3.09 ± 1.06 mmol/L in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. The derived equation is: LDL-CD = 0.224 + (TC × 0.919) - (HDL-C × 0.904) - (TG × 0.236) - (age × 0.001) - 0.024. In cohort 2, the mean LDL-C (mmol/L) was estimated as 3.09 ± 1.06 by equationD, 2.85 ± 1.12 by Friedewald, 2.95 ± 1.09 by Martin-Hopkins, and 2.93 ± 1.11 by Sampson-NIH equations; statistically significant differences between direct and calculated LDL-C was observed with the later three equations (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed the lowest bias (0.001 mmol/L) with equationD as compared to 0.24, 0.15, and 0.17 mmol/L with Friedewald, Martin-Hopkins, and Sampson-NIH equations, respectively. The absolute errors in all guideline-stratified LDL-C categories was the lowest with equationD, which also showed the best classifier of LDL-C according to guidelines. Moreover, equationD predicted LDL-C levels with the lowest error with TG levels up to 5.63 mmol/L. EquationD topped the other equations in estimating LDL-C in Saudi Arabians as it could permit better estimation when LDL-C is < 2.4 mmol/L, in familial hyperlipidemia, and in hypertriglyceridemia, which improves cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients. We recommend further research to validate equationD in a larger dataset and in other populations.

In silico exploration of the potential inhibitory activities of in-house and ZINC database lead compounds against alpha-glucosidase using structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation approach.

Inhibitors of α-glucosidase have been used to treat type-2 diabetes (T2DM) by preventing the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose and prevent enhancing glucose conversion. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) was used to generate novel chemical scaffold-ligand α-glucosidase inhibitors. The databases were screened against the receptor α-glucosidase using SBVS and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) techniques in this study. Based on molecular docking studies, three and two compounds of α-glucosidase inhibitors were chosen from a commercial database (ZINC) and an In-house database for this study respectively. The mode of binding interactions of the selected compounds later predicted their α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Finally, one out of three lead compound from ZINC and one out of two lead compound from In-house database were shortlisted based on interactions. Furthermore, MDS and post-MDS strategies were used to refine and validate the shortlisted leads along with the reference acarbose/α-glucosidase. The Hits' ability to inhibit α-glucosidase was predicted by SBVS, indicating that these compounds have good inhibitory activities. The lead inhibitor's structure may serve as templates for the design of novel inhibitors, and in vitro testing to confirm their anti-diabetic potential is necessary. These insights can help rationally design new effective anti-diabetic drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

RETRACTED: Alhakamy et al. Thymoquinone-Loaded Soy-Phospholipid-Based Phytosomes Exhibit Anticancer Potential against Human Lung Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 761.

The journal retracts the article, "Thymoquinone-Loaded Soy-Phospholipid-Based Phytosomes Exhibit Anticancer Potential against Human Lung Cancer Cells" [...].

RETRACTED: Alhakamy et al. Optimized Icariin Phytosomes Exhibit Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 346.

The journal retracts the article, "Optimized Icariin Phytosomes Exhibit Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis-Inducing Activities in Ovarian Cancer Cells" [...].

RETRACTED: Awan et al. The Enhanced Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Optimized Simvastatin-Loaded Emulsomes on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 597.

The journal retracts the article, "The Enhanced Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Optimized Simvastatin-Loaded Emulsomes on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells" [...].

RETRACTED: Ahmed et al. Application of Nanopharmaceutics for Flibanserin Brain Delivery Augmentation Via the Nasal Route. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1270.

The Journal retracts the article "Application of Nanopharmaceutics for Flibanserin Brain Delivery Augmentation Via the Nasal Route" [...].

In-depth in-vitro and in-vivo anti-diabetic evaluations of Fagonia cretica mediated biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles.

Therapeutic moieties derived from medicinal plants as well as plants-based ecofriendly processes for producing selenium nanoparticles have shown great promise in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study was aimed to assess the anti-diabetic potentials of Fagonia cretica mediated biogenic selenium nanoparticles (FcSeNPs) using in-vitro and in-vivo approaches. The bio-synthesized FcSeNPs were characterized using various techniques including UV-VIS spectrophotometry and FTIR analysis. The in-vitro efficacy of FcSeNPs were assessed against α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzymes as well as the anti-radical studies were performed using DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging assays. For in-vivo studies, 20 Male Balb/C albino-mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5) including normal group, disease group (Diabetic group with no treatment), control group and treatment group (Diabetic group treated with FcSeNPs). Further, biochemistry markers including pancreas, liver, kidney and lipid profile were assessed for all treatment groups. The FcSeNPs exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 62-1000 µg mL-1 concentration with IC50 values of 92 and 100 µg mL-1 respectively. In antioxidant experiments, the FcSeNPs demonstrated significant radicals scavenging effect against DPPH and ABTS radicals. In STZ-induced diabetic mice, a considerable decline in blood glucose level was observed after treatment with FcSeNPs. Anti-hyperglycemic effect of FcSeNPs treated animals were high (105 ± 3.22**) as compared to standard drug (128.6 ± 2.73** mg dL-1). Biochemical investigations revealed that all biochemical parameters for pancreas, liver function, renal function panel and lipid profile were significantly lowered in FcSeNPs treated animals. Our findings indicate a preliminary multi-target efficacy for FcSeNPs against type-2 diabetes and thus warrant further detailed studies.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from plant Fagonia cretica and evaluating its anti-diabetic activity through indepth in-vitro and in-vivo analysis.

One of the most widespread metabolic diseases, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is defined by high blood sugar levels brought on by decreased insulin secretion, reduced insulin action, or both. Due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials has become more and more popular. The aim of the study is to synthesize AgNPs, their characterizations and further in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Several methods were used to morphologically characterise the AgNPs. The AgNPs were crystalline, spherical, and clustered, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. AgNPs were found to contain various functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study focuses on the green-synthesis of AgNPs from Fagonia cretica (F. cretica) leaves extract to evaluate their synthesized AgNPs for in-vitro and in-vivo anti-diabetic function. For the in-vivo tests, 20 male Balb/C albino-mice were split up into four different groups. Anti-diabetic in-vivo studies showed significant weight gain and a decrease in all biochemical markers (pancreas panel, liver function panel, renal function panel, and lipid profile) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In vitro anti-diabetic investigations were also conducted on AgNPs, comprising α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibitions, and antioxidant assays. AgNPs showed antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays. The research showed that the isolated nanoparticles have powerful antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, especially against the main enzymes involved in T2DM.

Blood indices of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are altered in hyperglycemia.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may favorably influence the risk and clinical course of diabetes mellitus (DM). In particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) alleviate oxidative injury and insulin resistance characteristic of DM. Uncertainty still remains, however, as to the composition and proportions of blood PUFAs in relation to fasting blood glucose levels. This study, thus, aims to examine the patterns of blood PUFA indices in normoglycemic (NG) and hyperglycemic (HG) Saudi subjects. Age, gender, FA profiles, and laboratory records of 143 subjects collected from September 2014 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Means, prevalence rates, associations, risk measures, and the diagnostic accuracy of PUFAs were determined. HG subjects had significantly lower AA (0.70%, 95% CI: 0.59-0.80% vs 0.46%, 95% CI: 0.38-0.53%) and higher EPA/AA ratio (0.36, 95% CI: 0.30-0.42 vs 0.69, 95% CI: 0.61-0.77). Gender-wise comparisons revealed that ώ-6/ώ-3 ratio was the only PUFA index significantly elevated in HG males (0.36, 95% CI: 0.26-0.45 vs 5.68, 95% CI: 4.98-6.38) while both DHA (2.91%, 95% CI: 2.54-3.29% vs 3.37%, 95% CI: 3.13-3.60%) and ώ-3 index (3.1%, 95% CI: 2.70-3.49% vs 3.63%, 95% CI: 3.38-3.88%) were significantly elevated in HG females. Furthermore, reduced AA and elevated EPA/AA ratio were more prevalent in HG subjects (26.53 vs 28.72 and 30.61 vs 38.29, respectively) and exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy for HG among all PUFA indices. Altogether, our study revealed that distinct, gender-specific blood PUFA indices are differentially regulated in HG subjects which may be valuable for DM management.

Smart Oral pH-Responsive Dual Layer Nano-Hydrogel for Dissolution Enhancement and Targeted Delivery of Naringenin Using Protein-Polysaccharides Complexation Against Colorectal Cancer.

Naringenin (NAR) is a natural anticancer, but it has not been developed for clinical use despite its therapeutic potential due to its low water solubility, low membrane permeability, first-pass metabolism, and low bioavailability. To overcome these problems, the optimization and preparation of NAR-Soy protein complex (NAR-Sp) led to the optimum ratio of their interaction using Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as the first level and layer of the formulation. The second layer of the formulation was to incorporate the NAR-Sp complex in aqueous-based gel-forming. The most optimum nanosuspension was determined using the gel sedimentation, sustained-release, pH-selective and targeted system. The most optimum components combinations and complex were characterized using different characterization tools, such as, the particle size analysis, SEM, TEM, PXRD and FT-IR. In addition, the optimum nanosuspension was characterized for its nanoparticle sensitivity against colorectal cancer cells using MTT assay in comparison to the untreated, naringenin, and blank groups. The complex enhanced the NAR's dissolution. The complex incorporation in the optimum nano-encapsulating system was characterized by the sustained-release and pH-selective behaviors to target the NAR release at the site of action or absorption. Interestingly, the optimum nano-encapsulating system was showing better colorectal cytotoxicity results in comparison to the other groups.