Types of nasal deformities in individuals seeking rhinoplasty at governmental hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: This study explores the profound impact of nasal structure on individuals' self-image and emotional well-being, emphasizing the increasing popularity of rhinoplasty in Saudi Arabia, influenced by societal beauty standards portrayed on social media. The investigation aims to unravel the complex interplay between demographic factors, such as gender and age distribution, and prevalent nasal deformities in a cohort of 293 participants. Material and methods: This retrospective study at the University of Hail and King Khalid Hospital, Saudi Arabia, investigated nasal deformities in 293 participants aged 15-54. Ethical approval was obtained, and data, including bio-demographics and nasal deformities, were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analyses, utilizing chi-square and Fisher exact tests, assessed associations, enhancing internal validity. The study targeted a diverse population, emphasizing ethical guidelines and systematic sampling. Results: Our study of 293 participants revealed a prevalence of common nasal deformities. Dorsal hump deformity (59.0%) was the most prevalent, followed by external nasal deviation (54.6%). Significant gender differences were observed, with males more prone to external nasal deviation (65.6%), while decreased nasal tip rotation was more common in females (40.6%). Variations in nasal tip shape were statistically significant, with broad nasal tip shape more prevalent in females (35.2%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights the prevalence of common nasal deformities, emphasizing significant gender variations. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of nasal anatomy, essential for informed decision-making in rhinoplasty.

Clinical importance of cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) and vitamin D levels among patients with Type-1 diabetes.

Type-1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired insulin release by islet ß cells. It has been shown that proinflammatory cytokines released during the disease can exacerbate the condition, while anti-inflammatory cytokines offer protection. This study analyzed the clinical role of interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -10, and vitamin D levels in T1D patients compared to healthy controls. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and vitamin D in the participants' serum samples were analyzed using ELISA. The findings showed that T1D patients had significantly increased levels (p < 0.0001) of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein and vitamin D (p < 0.0001) compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were also significantly greater (p < 0.0001) in T1D patients. The study also determined the significance of these cytokines among T1D patients and healthy controls using ROC curves. Furthermore, we found that smokers had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (p = 0.01) and IL-8 (p = 0.003) than non-smokers. These results showed that elevated levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, decreased vitamin D levels, and smoking among T1D participants could contribute to the worsening of T1D disease and could serve as predictive indicators.

Association between pelvic inflammatory disease and risk of ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vaginal cancers-a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present meta-analysis aims to investigate a potential link between pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and an increased risk of genitourinary cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterus, and vagina cancers). While previous research has hinted at a possible link, this meta-analysis seeks to delve deeper into the available evidence. Understanding this association is crucial for preventive strategies and improving clinical management practices. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases, covering studies published between 2016 and 2024. We included 13 observational studies meeting stringent criteria, followed by meticulous data extraction and quality assessment. Meta-analytical techniques were then employed to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs), adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with heterogeneity assessed using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed significant findings, underscoring the association between PID and increased risks of genitourinary cancers. Specifically, individuals with a history of PID demonstrated notably higher odds of developing ovarian cancer (OR = 1.477, 95% CI 1.033-2.207), uterine cancer (OR = 1.263, 95% CI 0.827-2.143), cervical cancer (OR = 1.000, 95% CI 0.900-1.100), and vaginal cancer (OR = 2.500, 95% CI 1.400-4.000) compared to those without such a history. The overall heterogeneity across studies was high (I2 = 82.92%), suggesting varying trends across different populations and study designs. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides updated evidence supporting a significant association between PID and an increased risk of cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers. Early detection and management of PID are crucial in potentially mitigating the risk of these cancers.

Evaluation of the Association between Insulin Resistance and Subclinical Hypothyroidism Using Triglyceride-Glucose Index: a Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus are often known to co-exist, implying an interrelationship between thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a relatively new surrogate marker of insulin resistance, which is cost-effective and easily calculated with routine lab tests. Data about association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and insulin resistance, especially with reference to TyG index, is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of SCH and insulin resistance using the TyG index by comparing its value in patients with SCH and age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls. Also, to determine if there is a correlation between TyG index values and thyroid profile parameters (TSH, FT3 and FT4) in both study groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with SCH and an equal number of age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls were included in the present study. The TyG index was calculated for each group and compared. The correlation between TyG index and thyroid profile parameters (TSH, FT3 and FT4) was also assessed. RESULTS: The TSH values were significantly higher in the SCH group (6.6±1.7 µIU/mL) than the control one (2.5±1.2 µIU/mL; p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in FT3 in the SCH group (2.93±0.49 pg/ mL) and the control one (3.05±0.64 pg/mL; p=0.310). The level of FT4 was also not found to be significantly different in SCH subjects (1.23±0.44 ng/dL) and controls (1.4±0.42 ng/dL; p=0.077). The TyG index values were significantly higher in the SCH group (4.8±0.2) as compared to the control one (4.7±0.2; p = 0.015). The TyG index did not show any significant correlation with the thyroid parameters in any of the two groups. CONCLUSION: There is a positive association between SCH and insulin resistance in terms of TyG index. This index may thus be helpful in early screening and management of such patients for insulin resistance related conditions like diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders.

Withaferin A alleviates inflammation in animal models of arthritis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and cytokine release.

Withaferin A, a steroid lactone from Withania somnifera, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of withaferin A on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats, focusing on NF-κB p65 regulation and cytokine release. Withaferin A (50 mg/kg b.wt., orally) or methotrexate (0.25 mg/kg b.wt., i.p., as a reference drug) was given to CIA rats daily for 20 days postarthritis induction. Joints were removed from nonarthritic and arthritic rats to assess the levels of NO, MPO, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, COX-2, and NF-κB via ELISA. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-10, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB was also assessed through qPCR. Treatment with withaferin A significantly inhibited the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the transcription factor NF-κB; suppressed the expression of IL-1ß, IL-10, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB in the joint tissue of CIA rats; and reduced cartilage and bone destruction, as shown by H&E staining. To confirm the results obtained from biochemical and molecular studies and to determine the molecular target of withaferin A, we performed a molecular simulation of the potential targets of withaferin A, which identified the NF-κB pathway as its target. These results suggested that withaferin A effectively attenuated rheumatoid arthritis progression by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the downstream secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

Narrative review on nanoparticles based on current evidence: therapeutic agents for diabetic foot infection.

Diabetes's effects on wound healing present a major treatment challenge and increase the risk of amputation. When traditional therapies fail, new approaches must be investigated. With their submicron size and improved cellular internalisation, nanoparticles present a viable way to improve diabetic wound healing. They are attractive options because of their innate antibacterial qualities, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Nanoparticles loaded with organic or inorganic compounds, or embedded in biomimetic matrices such as hydrogels, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Drug delivery systems (DDSs)-more precisely, nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs)-use the advantages of nanotechnology to get around some of the drawbacks of traditional DDSs. Recent developments show how expertly designed nanocarriers can carry a variety of chemicals, transforming the treatment of diabetic wounds. Biomaterials that deliver customised medications to the wound microenvironment demonstrate potential. Delivery techniques for nanomedicines become more potent than ever, overcoming conventional constraints. Therapeutics for diabetes-induced non-healing wounds are entering a revolutionary era thanks to precisely calibrated nanocarriers that effectively distribute chemicals. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles and outlines the multifunctional nanoparticles of the future that will be used for complete wound healing in diabetics. The investigation of novel nanodrug delivery systems has the potential to revolutionise diabetic wound therapy and provide hope for more efficient and focused therapeutic approaches.

Rubus moluccanus L.: a valuable medicinal plant of traditional system of medicine.

Rubus moluccanus L., commonly known as Molucca bramble or broad-leaf bramble is a member of family Rosaceae which occurs mainly in tropical Asia and Australia. It has applications in indigenous medicines and is used in the treatment of number of ailments like headache, diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, nocturnal micturition of children and enhancement of female fertility. This plant is a rich and valuable source of bioactive flavonoids, terpenes and other chemical compounds. The presence of these active chemical compounds exerts antibacterial, antifungal, antihelminthic and antioxidant activities. Regardless of its use in various diseases and disorders, the information about this plant is scanty. So the present review assessed and summarised the knowledge on taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, nutritional value, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activities of R. moluccanus.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Toward Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Among Women in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive system that can lead to long-term complications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. PID is also associated with an increased risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early diagnosis and treatment of PID is crucial to prevent complications. Despite the severe consequences of PID, many women are unaware of the risks associated with this condition. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of complications. This study explores women's knowledge and attitudes regarding PID. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a bilingual, community-based questionnaire, circulated using different social media platforms. A total of 239 participants were selected through convenient non-probability sampling from the public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). The chi-square test was applied to determine the differences between knowledge and attitude levels with participants' socio-demographic characteristics. A p-value <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results Appropriate PID knowledge level was found only in 32% of the respondents and was significantly associated with the respondents' family history of the PID (p=0.025). A positive attitude toward PID/STI was also observed only in 36% of the study participants, which was significantly associated with the respondents' age (p˂0.001), marital status (p˂0.001), occupation (p˂ 0.001), past medical/surgical history (p=0.006), and family history of the PID (p˂0.009). Conclusion The present study reported average levels of appropriate knowledge and attitudes toward PID among female respondents, which could be further improved by increasing PID/STI awareness programs.

Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals: Age-Specificity and Potential Zoonotic-Zooanthroponotic Transmission Dynamics.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lineages are a devastating clinical and public health issue. Data on local lineage profiles are limited. We report on the frequency of community-acquired and hospital-acquired cases (CA-MRSA, HA-MRSA). We studied 147 isolates from King Khalid tertiary care hospitals (KKH), each from a case in a patient and including 33 patients at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH). Of the 147 isolates, 87 males (59%) and 60 females (41%) were in KKH. The overwhelming majority (80%; n = 119/147) were CA-MRSA in KKH. Intriguingly, despite significant differences between males (70%) and females (53%), lineage-acquisition remained age-specific around 58-60 years in both genders. However, while CA-MRSA dominated early in life (0-20, 70% MCH), it increased with age in KKH adults; 21-50 (28%), >50 (59%) until the overall 80% (n = 144/180). Major specimens included skin-wounds, surgeries (70.3%), blood (13.5%), sputum (8.8%), very rarely urine (4.1%), and nasal (3.4%), albeit most patients showed severe enteritis and necrotizing pneumonia. Antibiograms showed high beta lactam resistances, including amoxicillin-clavulanate (83%), oxacillin (84%), cefoxitin FOX (100%), penicillin and ampicillin (~100%), as well as high resistance (82%) to carbapenem. Fortunately, high susceptibility was seen to non-beta lactams and, to a lesser extent, gentamicin, erythromycin, and fusidic acid; 33%, 34%, and 38%, respectively, in KKH. A similar pattern was seen in MCH except for a low resistance pattern to gentamicin CN, clindamycin CD, erythromycin E, and tobramycin TOB; 34%, 31%, 39%, and 41%, respectively, except for fusidic acid. These findings have significant clinical implications for MRSA patient management strategies. Clinical- and lineage-profiles imply host-selection and zoonotic-zooanthroponotic transmission dynamics. Future molecular typing, sequencing, and characterization of dominant clone(s) is imperative.

A Sequalae of Lineage Divergence in Staphylococcus aureus from Community-Acquired Patterns in Youth to Hospital-Associated Profiles in Seniors Implied Age-Specific Host-Selection from a Common Ancestor.

The rapidly changing epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus and evolution of strains with enhanced virulence is a significant issue in global healthcare. Hospital-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (HA-MRSA) lineages are being completely replaced by community-associated S. aureus (CA-MRSA) in many regions. Surveillance programs tracing the reservoirs and sources of infections are needed. Using molecular diagnostics, antibiograms, and patient demographics, we have examined the distributions of S. aureus in Ha'il hospitals. Out of 274 S. aureus isolates recovered from clinical specimens, 181 (66%, n = 181) were MRSA, some with HA-MRSA patterns across 26 antimicrobials with almost full resistances to all beta-lactams, while the majority were highly susceptible to all non-beta-lactams, indicating the CA-MRSA type. The rest of isolates (34%, n = 93) were methicillin-susceptible, penicillin-resistant MSSA lineages (90%). The MRSA in men was over 56% among total MRSA (n = 181) isolates and 37% of overall isolates (n = 102 of 274) compared to MSSA in total isolates (17.5%, n = 48), respectively. However, these were 28.4% (n = 78) and 12.4% (n = 34) for MRSA and MSSA infections in women, respectively. MRSA rates per age groups of 0-20, 21-50, and >50 years of age were 15% (n = 42), 17% (n = 48), and 32% (n = 89), respectively. However, MSSA in the same age groups were 13% (n = 35), 9% (n = 25), and 8% (n = 22). Interestingly, MRSA increased proportional to age, while MSSA concomitantly decreased, implying dominance of the latter ancestors early in life and then gradual replacement by MRSA. The dominance and seriousness of MRSA despite enormous efforts in place is potentially for the increased use of beta-lactams known to enhance virulence. The Intriguing prevalence of the CA-MRSA patterns in young otherwise healthy individuals replaced by MRSA later in seniors and the dominance of penicillin-resistant MSSA phenotypes imply three types of host- and age-specific evolutionary lineages. Thus, the decreasing MSSA trend by age with concomitant increase and sub-clonal differentiation into HA-MRSA in seniors and CA-MRSA in young and otherwise healthy patients strongly support the notion of subclinal emergences from a resident penicillin-resistant MSSA ancestor. Future vertical studies should focus on the surveillance of invasive CA-MRSA rates and phenotypes.

Pathogen Burden Among ICU Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hail Saudi Arabia with Particular Reference to ß-Lactamases Profile.

Purpose: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with a higher mortality risk for critical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Several strategies, including using ß-lactam antibiotics, have been employed to prevent VAP in the ICU. However, the lack of a gold-standard method for VAP diagnosis and a rise in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have posed challenges in managing VAP. The present study is designed to identify, characterize, and perform antimicrobial susceptibility of the microorganisms from different clinical types of infections in ICU patients with emphasis on VAP patients to understand the frequency of the latter, among others. Patients and Methods: A 1-year prospective study was carried out on patients in the ICU unit at a tertiary care hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 591 clinically suspected hospital-acquired infections (HAI) were investigated, and a total of 163 bacterial isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens with a high proportion of bacteria found associated with VAP (70, 43%), followed by CAUTI (39, 24%), CLABSI (25, 15%), and SSI (14, 8.6%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolate 39 (24%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii 35 (21.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 25 (15.3%), and Proteus spp 23 (14%). Among the highly prevalent bacterial isolates, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was predominant 42 (42.4%). Conclusion: Proper use of antibiotics, continuous monitoring of drug sensitivity patterns, and taking all precautionary measures to prevent beta-lactamase-producing organisms in clinical settings are crucial and significant factors in fending off life-threatening infections for a better outcome.

Molecular and Source-Specific Profiling of Hospital Staphylococcus aureus Reveal Dominance of Skin Infection and Age-Specific Selections in Pediatrics and Geriatrics.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human-associated pathogen that causes a wide range of clinical infections. However, the increased human dynamics and the changing epidemiology of the species have made it imperative to understand the population structure of local ecotypes, their transmission dynamics, and the emergence of new strains. Since the previous methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) pandemic, there has been a steady increase in global healthcare-associated infections involving cutaneous and soft tissue and resulting in high morbidities and mortalities. Limited data and paucity of high-quality evidence exist for many key clinical questions about the pattern of S. aureus infections. Using clinical, molecular, and epidemiological characterizations of isolates, hospital data on age and infection sites, as well as antibiograms, we have investigated profiles of circulating S. aureus types and infection patterns. We showed that age-specific profiling in both intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU revealed highest infection rates (94.7%) in senior-patients > 50 years; most of which were MRSA (81.99%). However, specific distributions of geriatric MRSA and MSSA rates were 46.5% and 4.6% in ICU and 35.48% and 8.065% in non-ICU, respectively. Intriguingly, the age groups 0−20 years showed uniquely similar MRSA patterns in ICU and non-ICU patients (13.9% and 9.7%, respectively) and MSSA in ICU (11.6%). The similar frequencies of both lineages in youth at both settings is consistent with their increased socializations and gathering strongly implying carriage and potential evolutionary replacement of MSSA by MRSA. However, in age groups 20−50 years, MRSA was two-fold higher in non-ICU (35%) than ICU (18.6%). Interestingly, a highly significant association was found between infection-site and age-groups (p-value 0.000). Skin infections remained higher in all ages; pediatrics 32.14%, adults 56%, and seniors 25% while respiratory infections were lower in pediatrics (14.3%) and adults (17%) while it was highest in seniors (38%). Blood and "other" sites in pediatrics were recorded (28.6%; 25%, respectively), and were slightly lower in adults (18.6%; 8.6%) and seniors (14%; 22.8%), respectively. Furthermore, a significant association existed between infection-site and MRSA (Chi-Square Test, p-value 0.002). Thus, the common cutaneous infections across all age-groups imply that skin is a significant reservoir for endogenous infections; particularly, for geriatrics MRSA. These findings have important clinical implications and in understanding S. aureus profiles and transmission dynamics across different age groups that is necessary for strategic planning in patient management and infection control.

Increased Levels of Autoantibodies against ROS-Modified Proteins in Depressed Individuals with Decrease in Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Antigen (S1-RBD).

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease management is highly dependent on the immune status of the infected individual. An increase in the incidence of depression has been observed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Autoantibodies against in vitro reactive oxygen species (ROS) modified BSA and Lys as well as antibodies against receptor binding domain subunit S1 (S1-RBD) (S1-RBD-Abs) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were estimated using direct binding and competition ELISA. Serum samples were also tested for fasting blood glucose (FBG), malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl content (CC), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Significant structural changes were observed in ROS modified BSA and Lys. Female depressed subjects who were also smokers (F-D-S) showed the highest levels of oxidative stress (MDA and CC levels). Similarly, increased levels of autoantibodies against ROS modified proteins were detected in F-D-S subjects, in males who were depressed and in smokers (M-D-S) compared to the other subjects from the rest of the groups. However, contrary to this observation, levels of S1-RBD-Abs were found to be lowest in the F-D-S and M-D-S groups. During the pandemic, large numbers of individuals have experienced depression, which may induce excessive oxidative stress, causing modifications in circulatory proteins. Thus, the formation of neo-antigens is induced, which lead to the generation of autoantibodies. The concomitant effect of increased autoantibodies with elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α possibly tilt the immune balance toward autoantibody generation rather than the formation of S1-RBD-Abs. Thus, it is important to identify individuals who are at risk of depression to determine immune status and facilitate the better management of COVID-19.

Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram of Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates Recovered from the Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

A 2-year prospective study carried out on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) patients in the intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), revealed a high prevalence of extremely drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii. About a 9% increase in the incidence rate of A. baumannii occurred in the VAP patients between 2019 and 2020 (21.4% to 30.7%). In 2019, the isolates were positive for IMP-1 and VIM-2 (31.1% and 25.7%, respectively) as detected by PCR. In comparison, a higher proportion of isolates produced NDM-1 in 2020. Here, we observed a high proportion of resistant ICU isolates towards the most common antibiotics in use. Colistin sensitivity dropped to 91.4% in the year 2020 as compared to 2019 (100%). Thus, the finding of this study has a highly significant clinical implementation in the clinical management strategies for VAP patients. Furthermore, strict implementation of antibiotic stewardship policies, regular surveillance programs for antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and screening for genes encoding drug resistance phenotypes have become imperative.

Metformin encapsulated gold nanoparticles (MTF-GNPs): A promising antiglycation agent.

The generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through nonenzymatic protein glycation contributes to the pathogenesis of long-lived diabetic problems. Metformin (MTF) is the very first drug having antihyperglycemic effects on type II diabetes mellitus which also possess interaction with dicarbonyl compounds and blocks the formation of AGEs. In the current study, MTF is bioconjugated with glycation-derived synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of significant size. Additionally, using various biophysical and biochemical approaches, we investigated the antiglycating capacity MTF-GNPs in contrast to MTF against d-ribose-derived glycation of bovine serum albumin. Our key findings via utilizing various assays demonstrated that MTF-GNPs were able to inhibit AGEs development by reducing hyperchromicity, early glycation products, carbonyl content, hydxoxymethylfurfural content, production of fluorescent AGEs, normalizing the loss of secondary structure (i.e., α-helix and ß-sheets) of proteins, elevating the levels of free lysine and free arginine more efficiently compared to pure MTF. Based on these results, we concluded that MTF-GNPs possess a considerable antiglycation property and may be developed as an outstanding anti-AGEs treatment drug. Further in vivo and clinical research are necessary to determine the therapeutic effects of MTF-GNPs against AGE-related and metabolic disorders.

Antiglycation potential of plant based TiO2 nanoparticle in D-ribose glycated BSA in vitro.

Biosynthetic procedure is one of the best alternatives, inexpensive and ecologically sound for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) nanoparticles using a methanolic extract of medicinal plant. The main prospect of this study was to investigate the antiglycation activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) prepared by ethanolic leaf extract of the Coleus scutellarioides. In this study, biosynthesized TNP characterized with UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. These TNP were further investigated with respect to their antiglycation property and it was checked in the mixture of d-ribose glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) by measuring ketoamine, carbonyl content, Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and aggregation of protein instigated by glycation process. The inhibitory effect of TNP to restore the structure of BSA in presence of d-ribose were also characterize by biophysical techniques mentioned above. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest repurposing of TNP for its antiglycation property that could be helpful in prevention of glycation instigated AGEs formation and structural loss of proteins.

Glycation of Immunoglobulin-G from Pentose Sugar: A Cause for Structural Perturbations.

BACKGROUND: Glycation of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) molecules with monosaccharides may cause significant structural disability, thus resulting in their loss of function. The accumulation of AGEs formed from glycation plays an important role in the aliments associated with metabolic diseases. Therefore, excess sugar in plasma interferes with the functioning of IgG and may contribute to a wide range of diabetes-associated complications. The long-term formation of these heterogeneous AGEs may accumulate and affect plasma proteins, especially long-lived proteins. In this study, we analyze immunoglobulin-G (IgG) glycation with 2'-deoxyribose (deoxyribose) instigated modification in IgG structure and AGEs formation. METHODS: This study aims to glycate IgG from varying concentrations of pentose sugar, 2'-deoxyribose (deoxyribose). Various physicochemical methods and techniques characterized post glycation of IgG, both the native and its glycated analogue. The glycated protein will be assessed for its stability and perturbations by UV-VIS., fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, the early glycation product will be done by NBT assay, and other biochemical parameters like HMF, carbonyl content and thioflavin-T assays were also performed to see the biochemical changes induced in the glycated IgG macromolecule. RESULTS: Glycation of protein macromolecules generates stable early glycation products (Amadori products). Later, these Amadori products involved a series of chemical reactions to form more stable advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Our experimental study results could validate the modification in IgG structure and AGEs formation. CONCLUSION: The formation of IgG-AGEs from glycation of IgG with deoxyribose could exert cellular toxicity, and might initiates secondary complications of diabetes. Therefore, this study emphasized the glycation reaction of IgG from deoxyribose, which has not been reported yet.

Recent advances and mechanistic insights on Melatonin-mediated salt stress signaling in plants.

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic constraints that limit plant growth and yield, which thereby is a serious concern to world food security. It adversely affects crop production by inducing hyperosmotic stress and ionic toxicity as well as secondary stresses such as oxidative stress, all of which disturb optimum physiology and metabolism. Nonetheless, various strategies have been employed to improve salt tolerance in crop plants, among which the application of Melatonin (Mel) could also be used as it has demonstrated promising results. The ongoing experimental evidence revealed that Mel is a pleiotropic signaling molecule, which besides being involved in various growth and developmental processes also mediates environmental stress responses. The current review systematically discusses and summarizes how Mel mediates the response of plants under salt stress and could optimize the balance between plant growth performances and stress responses. Specifically, it covers the latest advances of Mel in fine-tuning the signaling in plants. Furthermore, it highlights plant-built tolerance of salt stress by manifesting the biosynthesis of Mel, its cross talks with nitric oxide (NO), and Mel as a multifaceted antioxidant molecule.

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Intensive Care Unit Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are some of the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Prolonged hospitalization, invasive devices such as catheters, and irrational use of antimicrobial agents are believed to be the major causes of high rates of HAIs. Infections such as pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis, and prostatitis are the main concerns in catheterized ICU patients. In these cases, Gram-negative bacteria are the most common bacteria. The present study was undertaken to determine the frequency, antibiograms, disease pattern, and risk factors involved in providing an advocacy recommendation to prevent CAUTI. A total of 1078 patients were admitted to the hospital ICU, out of which healthcare-associated infection was reported in 316 patients. CAUTI was reported only in 70 patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%) was the predominant isolate, with Serratia (3%) and Providencia (3%) species being the least common isolates in this study. The present study provides CAUTI incidence rates in a tertiary care hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, information on the risk factors of common associated CAUTI causative organisms and their antibiogram patterns are also presented. This study provides vital information that can be used to formulate an effective antibiotic stewardship program that can be implemented throughout the kingdom.

Seroprevalence of Anti-S1-RBD Antibodies in Pre-pandemic and Pandemic Subjects From Hail Region, KSA.

Background: Two years into the pandemic, yet the threat of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continues to loom large. Sustained efforts are required to fully understand the infection in asymptomatic individuals and those with complications. Identification, containment, care, and preventative strategies rely on understanding the varied humoral immune responses. Methods: An in-house ELISA was developed and standardized to screen for serum IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD protein as an antigen. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of serum antibodies against S1-RBD antigen in pre-pandemic (n = 120) and during the early pandemic period (n = 120) in subjects from the Hail region, KSA and to correlate it with clinical and demographic factors. Results: Samples collected from both male (n = 60) and female (n = 60) subjects during the pandemic in the age groups of 20-40 (0.31 ± 0.029 and 0.29 ± 0.024, respectively) and 41-60 years (0.35 ± 0.026 and 0.30 ± 0.025, respectively) showed significantly higher levels of serum antibodies against S-RBD antigen than the age-matched pre-pandemic samples [male (n = 60) and female (n = 60)]. Pandemic subjects exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher inhibition (80-88%) than age-matched pre-pandemic subjects (32-39%). Antibodies against S1-RBD antigen were detected in approximately 10% of the total pre-pandemic population (males and females). However, subjects > 60 years did not show antibodies. Conclusion: Antibody levels increased in samples collected during the pandemic, even though these subjects were not clinically COVID-19 positive. A small number of pre-pandemic subjects showed serum antibodies, suggesting prior exposure to other coronaviruses in the region. With dwindling neutralizing antibody levels and reduced vaccine efficacy against newer variants, it remains crucial to develop better assays for surveillance, management, and future research.