In vitro and in silico biopotentials of phytochemical compositions and antistaphylococcal and antipseudomonal activities of volatile compounds of Argania spinosa (L.) seed oil.

Active components in medicinal plants provide unlimited useful and traditional medicines. Antimicrobial activities are found in secondary metabolites in plant extracts such as argan oil. This experimental investigation aims to determine argan oil's volatile compounds and examine their in vitro antimicrobial properties. In silico simulations, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness prediction revealed the processes underlying the in vitro biological possessions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to screen argan oil's primary components. In silico molecular docking studies were used to investigate the ability of the selected bioactive constituents of argan oil to act effectively against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from infections. The goal was to study their ability to interact with both bacteria's essential therapeutic target protein. The 21 chemicals in argan oil were identified by GC/MS. Docking results for all compounds with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa protease proteins ranged from -5 to -9.4 kcal/mol and -5.7 to -9.7 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to reference ligands. Our docking result indicates that the 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester was the most significant compound with affinity scores of -9.4 and -9.7 kcal/mol for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa proteins, respectively. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of argan oil were 0.7 ± 0.03 and 0.5 ± 0.01 for S. aureus and 0.4 ± 0.01 and 0.3 ± 0.02 for P. aeruginosa, respectively. We confirmed the antimicrobial properties of argan oil that showed significant growth inhibition for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Molecular Profile and the Effectiveness of Antimicrobials Drugs Against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Diagnostic Approaches of Otitis Infection.

Background: Otitis externa and otitis media are two types of ear infections that affect people of all ages, although they are more common in newborns and young children. Antibiotic usage, healthcare, and advanced age all play a role in the development of this illness. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with various kinds of infections of the ears were voluntary patients attending the outpatient clinics of the Prince Mutaib Bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Sakaka, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia, examined to evaluate the role of bacteria and the likely significance of plasmids in their antibiotic resistance as ear infectious agents. Results: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most prevalent bacteria found in ear infections. The greatest number of major bacterial isolates were S. aureus (54%), followed by P. aeruginosa (13%), whereas a smaller number of isolates (3%) were from Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, and Proteus vulgaris, respectively. Mixed growth was noted in 3.4% of instances. The isolation rate for Gram-positive organisms was 72%, while the rate for Gram-negative species was 28%. All the isolates had DNA greater than 14 kilobases. Hind III analysis of the plasmid DNA extracted from the resistant strains of ear infection demonstrated that antibiotic-resistance plasmids were extensively dispersed. Exotoxin A PCR amplification indicated 396 pb PCR-positive DNA for all identified samples, with the exception of three strains for which no band was observed. Patients in the epidemiological study ranged in number, but all were linked together for the purposes of the study because of their shared epidemiological characteristics. Conclusion: Vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, rifampin, and daptomycin are all antibiotics that have been shown to be effective against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Microbiological pattern evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the microorganisms providing empirical antibiotics are becoming increasingly crucial to minimize issues and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Bacterial Endophytes as a Promising Approach to Enhance the Growth and Accumulation of Bioactive Metabolites of Three Species of Chenopodium Sprouts.

Sprouts are regarded as an untapped source of bioactive components that display various biological properties. Endophytic bacterium inoculation can enhance plant chemical composition and improve its nutritional quality. Herein, six endophytes (Endo 1 to Endo 6) were isolated from Chenopodium plants and morphologically and biochemically identified. Then, the most active isolate Endo 2 (strain JSA11) was employed to enhance the growth and nutritive value of the sprouts of three Chenopodium species, i.e., C. ambrosoides, C. ficifolium, and C. botrys. Endo 2 (strain JSA11) induced photosynthesis and the mineral uptake, which can explain the high biomass accumulation. Endo 2 (strain JSA11) improved the nutritive values of the treated sprouts through bioactive metabolite (antioxidants, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acid, and essential amino acids) accumulation. These increases were correlated with increased amino acid levels and phenolic metabolism. Consequently, the antioxidant activity of the Endo 2 (strain JSA11)-treated Chenopodium sprouts was enhanced. Moreover, Endo 2 (strain JSA11) increased the antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria and the anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by the reduced activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Overall, the Endo 2 (strain JSA11) treatment is a successful technique to enhance the bioactive contents and biological properties of Chenopodium sprouts.

Effect of Laser Light on Growth, Physiology, Accumulation of Phytochemicals, and Biological Activities of Sprouts of Three Brassica Cultivars.

Brassica sprouts are known as a good source of antimicrobial bioactive compounds such as phenolics and glucosinolates (GLs). We aim at understanding how He-Ne laser light treatment (632 nm, 5 mW) improves sprout growth and physiology and stimulates the accumulation of bioactive metabolites in three Brassica spp., i.e., mustard, cauliflower, and turnip. Moreover, how these changes consequently promote their biological activities. Laser light improved growth, photosynthesis, and respiration, which induced the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites. Laser light boosted the levels of pigments, phenolics, and indole and aromatic precursors of GLs, which resulted in increased total GLs and glucoraphanin contents. Moreover, laser light induced the myrosinase activity to provoke GLs hydrolysis to bioactive sulforaphane. Interestingly, laser light also reduced the anti-nutrient content and enhanced the overall biological activities of treated sprouts including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Accordingly, laser light is a promising approach for boosting the accumulation of beneficial metabolites in Brassica sprouts and, subsequently, their biological activities.

Elevated CO2 improves the nutritive value, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypocholestecolemic activities of lemongrass sprouts.

Sprouts have been regarded as a big store for bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological activities. Elevated CO2 (eCO2, 620 µmol mol-1)was employed to enhance the nutritive and health promoting values of sprouts of two species of lemongrass, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon proximus. eCO2 improved the biomass production of sprouts, and their levels of primary metabolites e.g., amino acids and oils and active secondary metabolites e.g., phenolic compounds. As a result, eCO2 increased total antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines, and antibacterial activities of Cymbopogon sprouts. We also recorded a significant increase in hypocholesterolaemic potential and anti-inflammatory activities of eCO2-treated sprouts, as indicated by inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility and pancreatic lipase activity, as well as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities, respectively. Thus, the present investigation supports the use of eCO2 as a promising approach to produce lemongrass sprouts with effective phytochemicals and enhanced biological activities.

The potential role of pomegranate and its nano-formulations on cerebral neurons in aluminum chloride induced Alzheimer rat model.

The oxidative stress leading to degenerative changes in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is evident. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic and protective effects of pomegranate extract (PE) and pomegranate extract-loaded nanoparticles (PE nano) in an AlCl 3-induced AD rat model. Nanoparticles were synthesized with a PE load of 0.68% w/w, and 70 male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups: Group I was the control, Group II received PE., Group III received PE nano for 2 weeks, Group IV received AlCl 3 (50 mg/kg) daily orally for 4 weeks, Group V received PE for 2 weeks, Group VI received PE nano for 2 weeks, and Groups V and VI were started after AlCl 3 administration was stopped. Group VII received PE for 2 weeks and was stopped before AlCl 3 was administered. The Results revealed that the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test was the least in AD rat model but increased in cases protected with PE treated with PE nano. Similar results were shown based on calculating the brain weight/body weight percent. The biomarkers of antioxidant activity (catalase, glutathione and total antioxidant activity) in brain homogenate were significantly increased in groups treated with either PE or PE nano. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance measured to estimate lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in AD rat model and decreased in groups protected with PE or treated with PE nano. Histopathological studies using hematoxylin and eosin, cresyl violet, and silver stains revealed hyaline degeneration, chromatolysis, and hallmarks of AD; neurofibrillary tangles and the senile plaques in brains of AD rat model. Restoration of the histological architecture, Nissl granules, and minimal appearance of hallmarks of AD characterized brains treated with PE or PE nano. In conclusion, PE was more effective as a protectant than a therapeutic measure in alleviating the antioxidant, lipid peroxidative effects and histopathological hallmarks in AD brains. But, the therapeutic PE-loaded nanoparticles increased the efficacy of active components and produced similar results as the protective PE.

Preoperative Imaging Modalities to Predict the Risk of Regional Nodal Recurrence in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancers

Introduction Thyroid cancer incidence has increased in the previous 2 decades. Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis is a suggested risk factor associated with recurrence following thyroidectomy. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative radiologic investigations of nodal status in determining the postoperative risk of regional nodal recurrence in cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods This is a case series. We retrospectively reviewed data, including preoperative ultrasonography and/or computed tomography results, on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer at our hospital between 2006 and 2012. Prognostic factors for predicting recurrence, including age, sex, tumor diameter, and nodal diameter, were evaluated. Results Total thyroidectomy was performed on 24 male and 74 female patients (median age, 43 years). The median follow-up time was 21 months. Sixty-eight patients had papillary thyroid cancer, and 30 had follicular cancer. Nodal recurrence was evident in 30% of patients, and 4% of patients died. Identification of lymph node involvement during preoperative radiologic investigations was strongly prognostic for recurrence: 35.3% of patients with positive preoperative ultrasonography findings and 62.5% of those with positive preoperative computed tomography findings had recurrence (p = 0.01). Conclusions Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis on radiologic studies was correlated with an increased risk of regional nodal recurrence in well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Computed tomography was superior to ultrasonography in detecting metastatic nodal involvement preoperatively and is therefore recommended for preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up. .

Preoperative imaging modalities to predict the risk of regional nodal recurrence in well-differentiated thyroid cancers.

Introduction Thyroid cancer incidence has increased in the previous 2 decades. Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis is a suggested risk factor associated with recurrence following thyroidectomy. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative radiologic investigations of nodal status in determining the postoperative risk of regional nodal recurrence in cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods This is a case series. We retrospectively reviewed data, including preoperative ultrasonography and/or computed tomography results, on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer at our hospital between 2006 and 2012. Prognostic factors for predicting recurrence, including age, sex, tumor diameter, and nodal diameter, were evaluated. Results Total thyroidectomy was performed on 24 male and 74 female patients (median age, 43 years). The median follow-up time was 21 months. Sixty-eight patients had papillary thyroid cancer, and 30 had follicular cancer. Nodal recurrence was evident in 30% of patients, and 4% of patients died. Identification of lymph node involvement during preoperative radiologic investigations was strongly prognostic for recurrence: 35.3% of patients with positive preoperative ultrasonography findings and 62.5% of those with positive preoperative computed tomography findings had recurrence (p = 0.01). Conclusions Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis on radiologic studies was correlated with an increased risk of regional nodal recurrence in well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Computed tomography was superior to ultrasonography in detecting metastatic nodal involvement preoperatively and is therefore recommended for preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up.

Quality of life assessment using the World Health Organization quality questionnaire pre- and post- otolaryngological surgery among patients in western Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients' pre- and post- otolaryngological surgery. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who underwent otolaryngological surgery in the western region of Saudi Arabia between March and October 2013. We administered the Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument to all patients before surgery and 2-4 weeks after surgery. The demographic details such as age, gender, level of education, marital status, patients' incomes, otolaryngology diagnosis, and type of otolaryngology surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients (43 males and 52 females), ranging from 1-75 years of age (mean: 21.6 years), were included in this study. The most frequently diagnosed conditions were chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea due to adenoid enlargement. Adenotonsillectomy was the most frequently performed surgery, followed by septoplasty and myringotomy with grommet tube insertion. For all domains, patients had significantly higher scores post-surgery. The highest score was obtained for the social relationship domain and the lowest for the physical health domain. However, the highest differences between the pre- and post- surgery scores were for physical health (7.9), psychological (5.1), environmental (2.5), and social health (2.3) domains. CONCLUSION: The HRQoL of patients improved significantly after otolaryngology surgery.