Dietary chamomile flowers extract improved performance and mitigated aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rabbits.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the poisonous mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed. Limited studies are available on the efficacy of chamomile (Cha) against oxidative stress, liver damage and pro-inflammatory response induced by AFB1. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Cha on the performance and protective effects against AFB1 in growing rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into four different groups, including Cha (70 mg kg day-1), AFB1 (AF; 30 µg kg day-1), AFB1+Cha (AFLCha) and control (CON). The results indicated that the AFB1 treatment had lower values of performance, and carcass parameters compared to the Cha and AFLCha treatments. Furthermore, the Cha and AFLCha groups had lower values of liver and kidney function activities compared to the AFB1 treatment. The higher values of antioxidant enzymes were observed in Cha and AFLCha treatments than in the AFB1 treatment. AFB1 treatments had higher levels of malondialdehyde and liver functions with lower levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and superoxide dismutase) compared to Cha and CON groups. In conclusion, dietary Cha could mitigate the oxidative stress of AFB1-induced liver deterioration.

In Silico and In Vitro Screening of 50 Curcumin Compounds as EGFR and NF-κB Inhibitors.

The improvement of cancer chemotherapy remains a major challenge, and thus new drugs are urgently required to develop new treatment regimes. Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has undergone extensive preclinical investigations and, thereby, displayed remarkable efficacy in vitro and in vivo against cancer and other disorders. However, pharmacological limitations of curcumin stimulated the synthesis of numerous novel curcumin analogs, which need to be evaluated for their therapeutic potential. In the present study, we calculated the binding affinities of 50 curcumin derivatives to known cancer-related target proteins of curcumin, i.e., epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) by using a molecular docking approach. The binding energies for EGFR were in a range of −12.12 (±0.21) to −7.34 (±0.07) kcal/mol and those for NF-κB ranged from −12.97 (±0.47) to −6.24 (±0.06) kcal/mol, indicating similar binding affinities of the curcumin compounds for both target proteins. The predicted receptor-ligand binding constants for EGFR and curcumin derivatives were in a range of 0.00013 (±0.00006) to 3.45 (±0.10) µM and for NF-κB in a range of 0.0004 (±0.0003) to 10.05 (±4.03) µM, indicating that the receptor-ligand binding was more stable for EGFR than for NF-κB. Twenty out of 50 curcumin compounds showed binding energies to NF-κB smaller than −10 kcal/mol, while curcumin as a lead compound revealed free binding energies of >−10 kcal/mol. Comparable data were obtained for EGFR: 15 out of 50 curcumin compounds were bound to EGFR with free binding energies of <−10 kcal/mol, while the binding affinity of curcumin itself was >−10 kcal/mol. This indicates that the derivatization of curcumin may indeed be a promising strategy to improve targe specificity and to obtain more effective anticancer drug candidates. The in silico results have been exemplarily validated using microscale thermophoresis. The bioactivity has been further investigated by using resazurin cell viability assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, flow cytometric measurement of reactive oxygen species, and annexin V/propidium iodide assay. In conclusion, molecular docking represents a valuable approach to facilitate and speed up the identification of novel targeted curcumin-based drugs to treat cancer.

Drug repurposing using transcriptome sequencing and virtual drug screening in a patient with glioblastoma.

Background Precision medicine and drug repurposing are attractive strategies, especially for tumors with worse prognosis. Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options and short survival times. We identified novel BRAF (47-438del) and PIK3R1 (G376R) mutations in a glioblastoma patient by RNA-sequencing. Methods The protein expression of BRAF and PIK3R1 as well as the lack of EGFR expression as analyzed by immunohistochemistry corroborated RNA-sequencing data. The expression of additional markers (AKT, SRC, mTOR, NF-κB, Ki-67) emphasized the aggressiveness of the tumor. Then, we screened a chemical library of > 1500 FDA-approved drugs and > 25,000 novel compounds in the ZINC database to find established drugs targeting BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutated proteins. Results Several compounds (including anthracyclines) bound with higher affinities than the control drugs (sorafenib and vemurafenib for BRAF and PI-103 and LY-294,002 for PIK3R1). Subsequent cytotoxicity analyses showed that anthracyclines might be suitable drug candidates. Aclarubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than both sorafenib and vemurafenib, whereas idarubicin and daunorubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than LY-294,002. Liposomal formulations of anthracyclines may be suitable to cross the blood brain barrier. Conclusions In conclusion, we identified novel small molecules via a drug repurposing approach that could be effectively used for personalized glioblastoma therapy especially for patients carrying BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutations.

Identification of potential novel drug resistance mechanisms by genomic and transcriptomic profiling of colon cancer cells with p53 deletion.

TP53 (p53) is a pivotal player in tumor suppression with fifty percent of all invasive tumors displaying mutations in the TP53 gene. In the present study, we characterized colon cancer cells (HCT116 p53 -/-) with TP53 deletion, a sub-line derived from HCT116-p53 +/+ cells. RNA sequencing and network analyses were performed to identify novel drug resistance mechanisms. Chromosomal aberrations were identified by multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Numerous genes were overexpressed in HCT116 p53 -/- cells: RND3/RhoE (235.6-fold up-regulated), DCLK1 (60.2-fold up-regulated), LBH (31.9-fold up-regulated), MYB (28.9-fold up-regulated), TACSTD2 (110.1-fold down-regulated), NRIP1 (81.5-fold down-regulated) and HLA-DMB (69.7-fold down-regulated) are among the identified genes with potential influence on multidrug resistance (MDR) and they are associated with cancer progression and tumorigenesis, according to previously published studies. Probably due to TP53 deletion, disturbances in DNA repair and apoptosis are leading to aberrancies in cellular and organismal organization, ultimately increasing tumorigenesis and cancer progression potential. With NFκB, PI3K and HSP70, being at the center of merged protein network, and TH1-2 pathways, being among the influenced pathways, it can be speculated that the inflammatory pathway contributes to a resistance phenotype together with cell cycle regulation and heat-shock response. HCT116-p53 -/- cells have more chromosomal aberrations, gains and losses in copy numbers than HCT116-p53 +/+ cells. In conclusion, numerous genomic aberrations, which might be associated with yet unknown drug resistance mechanisms, were identified. This may have important implications for future treatment strategies.

Xylochemical Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Shancigusin C and Bletistrin G.

The biological activities of shancigusin C (1) and bletistrin G (2), natural products isolated from orchids, are reported along with their first total syntheses. The total synthesis of shancigusin C (1) was conducted by employing the Perkin reaction to forge the central stilbene core, whereas the synthesis of bletistrin G (2) was achieved by the Wittig olefination followed by several regioselective aromatic substitution reactions. Both syntheses were completed by applying only renewable starting materials according to the principles of xylochemistry. The cytotoxic properties of shancigusin C (1) and bletistrin G (2) against tumor cells suggest suitability as a starting point for further structural variation.

Correction: DYRK1A-related intellectual disability: a syndrome associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

DYRK1A-related intellectual disability: a syndrome associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

PURPOSE: Haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A causes a recognizable clinical syndrome. The goal of this paper is to investigate congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and genital defects (GD) in patients with DYRK1A variants. METHODS: A large database of clinical exome sequencing (ES) was queried for de novo DYRK1A variants and CAKUT/GD phenotypes were characterized. Xenopus laevis (frog) was chosen as a model organism to assess Dyrk1a's role in renal development. RESULTS: Phenotypic details and variants of 19 patients were compiled after an initial observation that one patient with a de novo pathogenic variant in DYRK1A had GD. CAKUT/GD data were available from 15 patients, 11 of whom presented with CAKUT/GD. Studies in Xenopus embryos demonstrated that knockdown of Dyrk1a, which is expressed in forming nephrons, disrupts the development of segments of embryonic nephrons, which ultimately give rise to the entire genitourinary (GU) tract. These defects could be rescued by coinjecting wild-type human DYRK1A RNA, but not with DYRK1AR205* or DYRK1AL245R RNA. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports routine GU screening of all individuals with de novo DYRK1A pathogenic variants to ensure optimized clinical management. Collectively, the reported clinical data and loss-of-function studies in Xenopus substantiate a novel role for DYRK1A in GU development.

Kirschner Wires Versus Titanium Plates and Screws in Management of Unstable Phalangeal Fractures: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of percutaneous K-wires and lateral titanium plates and screws in the management of unstable extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures. METHODS: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 40 patients with unstable transverse, long oblique or spiral diaphyseal fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges were divided into 2 groups: the K-wire group (20 patients), which included 12 proximal and 8 middle phalangeal fractures fixed by percutaneous K-wires; and the plate group (20 patients), which included 13 proximal and 7 middle phalangeal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a lateral titanium plate and screws. The patients were observed for at least 6 months (mean [range], 6.9 [6-8] months). Results were evaluated by total active motion (TAM), grip strength, fracture union, pain assessed by visual analog scale and the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and complications. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological union was achieved in all patients except one in the K-wire group. Mean TAM was significantly better in the plate group than in the K-wire group. Both groups were similar in terms of postoperative loss of grip strength compared with the opposite healthy hand, and as assessed by visual analog scale and the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Fewer complications occurred in the plate group (2 of 20 patients) compared with the K-wire group (5 of 20 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of unstable proximal and middle phalangeal fractures using a titanium plate and screws through a midlateral approach is a reliable and safe method for most fracture types and is associated with higher TAM and fewer complications. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein activity by novel synthetic curcumin derivatives in sensitive and multidrug-resistant T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance (MDR) and drug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) represent major obstacles in cancer chemotherapy. We investigated 19 synthetic curcumin derivatives in drug-sensitive acute lymphoblastic CCRF-CEM leukemia cells and their multidrug-resistant P-gp-overexpressing subline, CEM/ADR5000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity was tested by resazurin assays. Doxorubicin uptake was assessed by flow cytometry. Binding modes of compounds to P-gp were analyzed by molecular docking. Chemical features responsible for bioactivity were studied by quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analyses. A 7-descriptor QSAR model was correlated with doxorubicin uptake values, IC50 values and binding energies. RESULTS: The compounds displayed IC50 values between 0.7±0.03 and 20.2±0.25µM. CEM/ADR5000 cells exhibited cross-resistance to 10 compounds, collateral sensitivity to three compounds and regular sensitivity to the remaining six curcumins. Molecular docking studies at the intra-channel transmembrane domain of human P-gp resulted in lowest binding energies ranging from -9.00±0.10 to -6.20±0.02kcal/mol and pKi values from 0.24±0.04 to 29.17±0.88µM. At the ATP-binding site of P-gp, lowest binding energies ranged from -9.78±0.17 to -6.79±0.01kcal/mol and pKi values from 0.07±0.02 to 0.03±0.03µM. CEM/ADR5000 cells accumulated approximately 4-fold less doxorubicin than CCRF-CEM cells. The control P-gp inhibitor, verapamil, partially increased doxorubicin uptake in CEM/ADR5000 cells. Six curcumins increased doxorubicin uptake in resistant cells or even exceeded uptake levels compared to sensitive one. QSAR yielded good activity prediction (R=0.797 and R=0.794 for training and test sets). CONCLUSION: Selected derivatives may serve to guide future design of novel P-gp inhibitors and collateral sensitive drugs to combat MDR.

Antischistosomal activity of artemisinin derivatives in vivo and in patients.

Schistosomiasis is a helminthic disease affecting more than 200 million people in the tropics as well as returning travellers. Treatment mainly relies on a single drug, praziquantel. Praziquantel cannot kill developing schistosomula resulting in frequent treatment failures and re-infections. Monotherapy also favors the selection for resistance. New drugs are therefore urgently needed. The activity of the semi-synthetic artemisinin derivatives artemether, artesunate and arteether is not restricted to malaria. We reviewed their anti-schistosomal activity in vivo and in patients by searching the PubMed database for publications since 1983 with the search terms "artemisinin" and "Schistosoma". Reports on in vivo studies in animals and clinical trials in human beings were selected. S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium have been tested in mice, rabbits, hamsters, and dogs. These artemisinin derivatives strongly reduced total worm rates with stronger reduction rates for female worms than for males. The drugs also reduced egg burden and egg-caused granulomata in the host liver. Artemisinin-type drugs induced oxidative and metabolic stress leading to morphological damage and decreased fertility of the parasites. Although artemether and artesunate have been investigated in numerous clinical trials, the poor quality of many has led to inconsistent results and has not provided convincing evidence on the therapeutic value against schistosomiasis. Despite these methodological concerns, clinical trials may indicate anti-schistosomal activity in patients. Convincing clinical trials providing unambiguous evidence are now needed. Furthermore, suitable treatment protocols for combination therapy to prevent/treat praziquantel-resistant Schistosoma strains should be investigated.

Pharmacogenomics of Scopoletin in Tumor Cells.

Drug resistance and the severe side effects of chemotherapy necessitate the development of novel anticancer drugs. Natural products are a valuable source for drug development. Scopoletin is a coumarin compound, which can be found in several Artemisia species and other plant genera. Microarray-based RNA expression profiling of the NCI cell line panel showed that cellular response of scopoletin did not correlate to the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters as classical drug resistance mechanisms (ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2). This was also true for the expression of the oncogene EGFR and the mutational status of the tumor suppressor gene, TP53. However, mutations in the RAS oncogenes and the slow proliferative activity in terms of cell doubling times significantly correlated with scopoletin resistance. COMPARE and hierarchical cluster analyses of transcriptome-wide mRNA expression resulted in a set of 40 genes, which all harbored binding motifs in their promoter sequences for the transcription factor, NF-κB, which is known to be associated with drug resistance. RAS mutations, slow proliferative activity, and NF-κB may hamper its effectiveness. By in silico molecular docking studies, we found that scopoletin bound to NF-κB and its regulator IκB. Scopoletin activated NF-κB in a SEAP-driven NF-κB reporter cell line, indicating that NF-κB might be a resistance factor for scopoletin. In conclusion, scopoletin might serve as lead compound for drug development because of its favorable activity against tumor cells with ABC-transporter expression, although NF-κB activation may be considered as resistance factor for this compound. Further investigations are warranted to explore the full therapeutic potential of this natural product.

The ability of molecular docking to unravel the controversy and challenges related to P-glycoprotein--a well-known, yet poorly understood drug transporter.

P-glycoprotein is the most crucial membrane transporter implicated in tumor resistance. Intensive efforts were paid to elucidate the complex mechanism of transport and to identify modulators of this transporter. However, the borderline between substrates and modulators is very thin and identification of the binding sites within P-glycoprotein is complex. Herein, we provide an intensive review of those issues and use molecular docking to assess its ability: first, to differentiate between three groups (substrates, modulators and non-substrates) and second to identify the binding sites. After thorough statistical analysis, we conclude despite the various challenges that molecular docking should not be underestimated as differences between the distinct groups were significant. However, when it comes to defining the binding site, care must be taken, since consensus throughout literature could not be reached.

Safety and effectiveness of iGlarLixi in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus from Gulf countries during Ramadan holy month: A subgroup analysis of the SoliRam observational study.

AIM: To investigate safety and effectiveness of iGlarLixi in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) observing fast during Ramadan from Gulf countries. METHODS: This planned subgroup analysis of the SoliRam - a multinational, prospective, non-interventional, real-world, observational study - focused on participants from Gulf countries. Primary endpoint was proportion of participants experiencing ≥1 episode of severe and/or symptomatic documented (<70 mg/dL [<3.9 mmol/L]) hypoglycemia. RESULTS: A total of 241 individuals with T2DM (mean age: 58.1 years; male: 54.4%; mean duration of diabetes: 13.3 years) were included. All 234 eligible participants followed during Ramadan were able to fast for ≥25 days and no participants broke fast due to hypoglycemia. Primary endpoint was reported in one participant (0.5%) during fasting hours during Ramadan. Improvements (mean ± SD change) in HbA1c (-1.0 ± 1.0% [-11 ± 10 mmol/mol]), FPG (-22.5 ± 29.7 mg/dL), and body weight (-1.5 ± 2.0 kg) were observed from pre-Ramadan to post-Ramadan. Three participants (1.2 %) reported an adverse event (AE) of any cause and one (0.4%) reported a gastrointestinal AE. CONCLUSIONS: iGlarLixi is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in people with T2DM from Gulf countries, including during Ramadan fasting, and is associated with low risk of hypoglycemia.

Maximizing Satisfaction in Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics: Evidence From Ireland.

Background Patient satisfaction is a critical metric in healthcare, reflecting the quality of care provided and influencing clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization. In orthopedic outpatient clinics, patient satisfaction affects patient adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes. This study aims to identify and analyze key factors influencing patient satisfaction in orthopedic outpatient clinics. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2024 across 10 orthopedic outpatient clinics. In this study, family members were included as respondents to the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) when patients were unable to complete the survey due to age, cognitive impairment, or physical disabilities. This approach was adopted to ensure that the experiences of all patients, particularly minors, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities, were accurately captured. The PSQ assessed various aspects of patient satisfaction, including communication, treatment plans, addressing concerns, clinic environment, and overall satisfaction. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The study included 172 respondents. High levels of overall satisfaction were reported, with 142 (82.6%) respondents very satisfied and 28 (16.2%) somewhat satisfied. Significant associations were found between overall satisfaction and several factors, namely, effective communication, thorough explanation of treatment plans, addressing patient concerns, and a clean, comfortable clinic environment. Shorter waiting times were also associated with higher satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed that staff rating and the thoroughness of treatment plans were significant predictors of overall satisfaction. Conclusions Effective communication, thorough treatment explanations, addressing patient concerns, and maintaining a clean clinic environment are key determinants of patient satisfaction in orthopedic outpatient clinics. Reducing waiting times and investing in staff training on communication and empathetic care can further enhance patient satisfaction. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers and administrators aiming to improve patient experiences in orthopedic outpatient settings. Further research is recommended to explore these relationships in diverse settings and develop targeted interventions.

Flavonostilbenes natural hybrids from Rhamnoneuron balansae as potential antitumors targeting ALDH1A1: molecular docking, ADMET, MM-GBSA calculations and molecular dynamics studies.

Several studies have linked Cancer stem cells (CSCs) to cancer resistance development to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. ALDH1A1 is a key enzyme that regulates the gene expression of CSCs and creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. It was reported that quercetin and resveratrol were among the inhibitors of ALDH1A1. In early 2022, it was reported that new 11 flavonostilbenes (rhamnoneuronal D-N) were isolated from Rhamnoneuron balansae as potential antiaging natural products. Rhamnoneuronal H (5) could be envisioned as a natural hybrid of quercetin and resveratrol. It was therefore hypothesized that 5 and its analogous isolates rhamnoneuronal D-G (1-4) and rhamnoneuronal I-N (6-11) would have potential ALDH1A1 inhibitory activity. To this end, all isolates were subjected to molecular docking, MM-GBSA, ADMET, and molecular dynamics simulations studies to assess their potential as new leads for cancer treatment targeting ALDH1A1. In silico findings revealed that natural hybrid 5 has a similar binding affinity, judged by MM-GBSA, to the ALDH1A1 active site when compared to the co-crystalized ligand (-64.71 kcal/mole and -64.12 kcal/mole, respectively). Despite having lesser affinity than that of the co-crystalized ligand, the rest of the flavonostilbenes, except 2-4, displayed better binding affinities (-37.55 kcal/mole to -58.6 kcal/mole) in comparison to either resveratrol (-34.44 kcal/mole) or quercetin (-36.48 kcal/mole). Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the natural hybrids 1, 5-11 are of satisfactory stability up to 100 ns. ADMET outcomes indicate that these hybrids displayed acceptable properties and hence could represent an ideal starting point for the development of potent ALDH1A1 inhibitors for cancer treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Assessment of the Impact of Comorbidities on Outcomes in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) Patients: A Narrative Review.

Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, occurring when the heart's need for oxygen cannot be met. It is defined by elevated cardiac biomarkers without ST-segment elevation and often carries a poorer prognosis than most ST-segment elevation events. NSTEMI usually results from severe coronary artery narrowing, transient occlusion, or microembolization of thrombus/atheromatous material. Patients with NSTEMI often have multiple comorbidities, which can worsen their prognosis and complicate treatment. This study aims to investigate the impact of comorbidities such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking on patients with NSTEMI. The prevalence of each comorbidity is examined individually within the NSTEMI population to provide a clearer picture of how frequently these conditions co-occur with NSTEMI and how they affect the established NSTEMI treatment protocols.  This paper sheds light on the interaction between NSTEMI and commonly associated comorbidities through a comprehensive literature review and data analysis. This is critical for optimizing clinical decision-making and enhancing patient care, ultimately improving outcomes in this high-risk patient population.

Strengthening laboratories in response to outbreaks in humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings: Results, challenges and lessons from expanding PCR diagnostic capacities for COVID-19 testing in Yemen.

BACKGROUND: When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Yemen, a country facing years of conflict had only one laboratory with PCR testing capacity. In this article, we describe the outcome of the implementation of molecular based diagnostics platform in Yemen and highlight the key milestones the country went through to increase access to testing for its populations residing in a geographically vast and politically divided country. METHODS: A retrospective assessment of COVID-19 laboratory response activities was done detailing the needs assessment process, timelines, geographical coverage, and outcomes of the activities. Laboratory data was analyzed to construct the geographical locations of COVID-19 testing laboratories and the numbers of tests performed in each facility to highlight the demands of testing for travelers. Finally, we discuss the impact these activities had in enabling the movement of people across international borders for economic gains and in delivery of critical humanitarian aid. OUTCOME: PCR testing capacities in Yemen significantly improved, from one laboratory in Sanaa in April 2020 to 18 facilities across the country by June 2022. In addition, the number of functional Real-Time PCR thermocyclers increased from one to 32, the PCR tests output per day improved from 192 to 6144 tests per day. Results from analysis of laboratory data showed there were four peaks of COVID-19 in Yemen as October 2022. The majority of laboratory tests were performed for travelers than for medical or public health reasons. Demand for laboratory testing in Yemen was generally low and waned over time as the perceived risk of COVID-19 declined, in parallel with rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The successful expansion of laboratory testing capacity was instrumental in the control and management of COVID-19 cases and critical in the implementation of public response strategies, including restrictions on gathering. Laboratory testing also facilitated the movement of humanitarian agencies and delivery of aid and enabled hundreds of thousands of Yemeni nationals to travel internationally. By virtue of these outcomes, the impact of laboratory strengthening activities was thus felt in the health sector and beyond.

Biocontrol of Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Maize over a Six-Month Storage Period.

Food security is contingent upon increasing crop yields but also upon reducing crop losses to post-harvest pests and diseases. Weevils are particularly important agents of post-harvest losses in grain crops. A long-term evaluation of a biocontrol agent, Beauveria bassiana Strain MS-8, at a single dose of 2 × 109 conidia kg-1 of grain was formulated in kaolin as a carrier at levels of 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg-1 of grain and screened against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. After six months, the application of B. bassiana Strain MS-8 at all levels of kaolin significantly reduced the maize weevil populations compared to the untreated control (UTC). The best control of maize weevil was observed in the first 4 months after application. Strain MS-8 applied in a kaolin level of 1 g kg-1 performed the best, resulting in the lowest number of live weevils (36 insects/500 g of maize grain), the lowest level of grain damage (14.0%), and the least weight loss (7.0%). In the UTC the number of live insects was 340 insects/500 g of maize grain, the level of grain damage was 68.0%, and weight loss was 51.0%.

Patient Radiation Doses Assessment at Diagnostic X-rays Department of King Khalid hospital (KKH)-Majmaah.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted on patients who received diagnostic X-rays in King Khalid Hospital (KKH), Majmaah. INTRODUCTION: The study included the seven most frequently performed investigations, which were carried out on over 1504 patients using digital radiography equipment. METHODS: The X-ray tube's output and exposure parameters were used to calculate the effective dose (ED) and patient entry surface air kerma (ESAK). Additionally, based on these results, conversion coefficients were determined. This study also examined the 75th percentile distributions of ESAK and KAP. The findings of this research were compared with the findings of other researchers throughout the country and the world. The study presents the uncertainty U values, as well as the mean ESAK, KAP, and ED values. RESULTS: The results of the ESAK, KAP, and ED values were 0.12-5.74 mGy, 0.9-1.84 Gy cm2, and 0.01-0.23 mSv, respectively. As a result, the dosages were much lower than those previously published for the European DRL, national standards, and other studies. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that during dose surveys, the importance of detecting and comprehending radiation doses, as well as the proper technique for taking the finest photos possible, can be emphasized to patients in order to assist them in avoiding radioactive particles and radiation exposure.