A case report of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a 23-year-old female with acute psychiatric symptoms.

Key Clinical Message: Prompt identification and management of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis in young patients with acute psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and neurological deficits are crucial. Timely immunomodulatory therapy is essential for positive outcomes and minimizing long-term complications. High suspicion for this rare disorder is necessary for timely diagnosis and optimal care. Abstract: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the NMDA receptor, a crucial component of synaptic signaling. This autoimmune disorder often manifests with psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and neurological deficits. Early diagnosis is essential, as delayed treatment can result in severe complications. In this case, the patient received corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), leading to a successful recovery with no lingering neurological abnormalities. The prompt initiation of treatment highlights the importance of recognizing this condition early. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disorder that presents with a range of neurological symptoms. In this case report, we highlight the significance of early recognition and treatment by discussing the emergency room visit of a 23-year-old woman who presented with acute-onset agitation, disorientation, and seizures. A 23-year-old woman, presented to the emergency room with acute-onset agitation, disorientation, and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed temporal lobe signal alterations and electroencephalogram (EEG) showed widespread activity slowing. Importantly, anti-NMDA receptor antibodies were detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid, confirming the diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This case report underscores the significance of understanding the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Timely recognition and intervention are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes in patients with this rare but clinically important autoimmune disorder. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals is essential to ensure early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment strategies.

Tapping the biosynthetic potential of marine Bacillus licheniformis LHG166, a prolific sulphated exopolysaccharide producer: structural insights, bio-prospecting its antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-biofilm potency as a novel anti-infective lead.

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates prospecting uncharted microbial biodiversity for novel therapeutic leads. This study mines the promising chemical richness of Bacillus licheniformis LHG166, a prolific exopolysaccharide (EPSR2-7.22 g/L). It comprised 5 different monosaccharides with 48.11% uronic acid, 17.40% sulfate groups, and 6.09% N-acetyl glucosamine residues. EPSR2 displayed potent antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS+, TAC and FRAP assays. Of all the fungi tested, the yeast Candida albicans displayed the highest susceptibility and antibiofilm inhibition. The fungi Aspergillus niger and Penicillium glabrum showed moderate EPSR2 susceptibility. In contrast, the fungi Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma harzianum were resistant. Among G+ve tested bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis was the most susceptible, while Salmonella typhi was the most sensitive to G-ve pathogens. Encouragingly, EPSR2 predominantly demonstrated bactericidal effects against both bacterial classes based on MBC/MIC of either 1 or 2 superior Gentamicin. At 75% of MBC, EPSR2 displayed the highest anti-biofilm activity of 88.30% against B. subtilis, while for G-ve antibiofilm inhibition, At 75% of MBC, EPSR2 displayed the highest anti-biofilm activity of 96.63% against Escherichia coli, Even at the lowest dose of 25% MBC, EPSR2 reduced biofilm formation by 84.13% in E. coli, 61.46% in B. subtilis. The microbial metabolite EPSR2 from Bacillus licheniformis LHG166 shows promise as an eco-friendly natural antibiotic alternative for treating infections and oxidative stress.

The Reasons behind COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy among the Parents of Children Aged between 5 to 11 Years Old in Saudi Arabia.

Simultaneously with the development of the COVID-19 vaccination plan for minors, it is critical to understand the reasons related to parental COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. This study aims to determine the reasons associated with vaccination hesitancy among parents, and the prevalence and the characteristics of the parents who are hesitant to allow their children aged between 5 to 11 years old to be administered the COVID-19 vaccines. A web-based questionnaire was used to perform this study between May 2022 to September 2022 in Saudi Arabia (SA). Several factors, personal and social, affected the participants' willingness to vaccinate their children with the COVID-19 vaccines. The age of the parents was found to have a significant impact on their decision to vaccinate their children. Those between the age of 40-49 years of age were the most willing to vaccinate (almost 41%) compared to those 50 years or older who were most resistant to vaccination. Female participants were more resistant to vaccinating their children compared to their male counterparts. Saudis were more resistant to vaccinating their children compared to the non-Saudi participants. Those private sector-employed parents were the most willing to vaccinate (16.6%), followed by those working in the governmental sector (13.8%). About 40.7% of non-healthcare workers were resistant to vaccinating their minor compared to healthcare workers (8.7%). In conclusion, the study presents several factors that affect the parental willingness to vaccinate their children in SA. These factors should be properly addressed when developing public health strategies to promote the COVID-19 vaccination of children in SA.