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Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, stereotypical, and repetitive behaviors. Neural dysregulation was proposed as an etiological factor in ASD. The sodium leakage channel (NCA), regulated by NLF-1 (NCA localization factor-1), has a major role in maintaining the physiological excitatory function of neurons. We aimed to examine the level of NLF-1 in ASD children and correlate it with the severity of the disease. We examined the plasma levels of NLF-1 in 80 ASD and neurotypical children using ELISA. The diagnosis and severity of ASD were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), Childhood Autism Rating Score, Social Responsiveness Scale, and Short Sensory Profile. Then, we compared the levels of NLF-1 with the severity of the disease and behavioral and sensory symptoms. Our results showed a significant decrease in the plasma levels of NLF-1 in ASD children compared to neurotypical children (p

Background: Numerous types of carotenoids with other structures are produced by organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast, higher plants, etc. In the present study, carotenoid pigment-producing, orange or red-pigmented organisms were isolated from scraping from the ship hull. Material and Methods: According to Bergey's manual of systematic bacteriology, the isolated bright orange pigmented organism was identified based on morphology, biochemical and physiological characters, strain myelin basic protein MBP-2 and identified as Planococcus maritimus. Results: Orange pigment was extracted by solvent extraction method and characterized by using UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscope, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The Maximum absorbance was obtained at 447 nm, justify the presence carotenoid pigment in MBP-2 and FTIR results reveals the same. The antibacterial activities were performed against gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) was 6 ± 0.12 mm, Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579) was 12.3 ± 1.02 mm and gram negative Escherichia coli was 5.8 ± 0.91 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 39315) was 5.6 ± 1.12 mm and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13313) was 11.6 ± 1.01. Furthermore antifungal activities were tested against Aspergillus niger (5 ± 2.15 mm), Aspergillus flavus (25 ± 0.85 mm), Pencillium commune( 14.8 ± 1.15 mm), Pencillium digitatum (12.0 ± 1.8) mmand showed sensitive to some of the bacterial and fungal pathogens. The in-vitro cytotoxic activity of pigment showed 19.46 ± 1.46% of cell death against DLA cells at 20 μl/ml of the drug concentration. Conclusion: The isolated orange carotenoid is a good source to treat antimicrobial, antifungal and anticancer activates and further study to be implemented.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex disorder resulting from the combined effects of multiple environmental and genetic factors. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate several cellular processes and have an important role in many human malignancies including PCa. We assessed the sRNA profiles associated with PCa in Arabs, a population that has rarely been studied. Methods We used next generation sequencing technology to obtain the entire sRNA transcriptome of primary prostate tumor formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, and their paired non-tumor tissues, collected from Bedouin patients (Qatari and Saudi). The miRNA and the target gene expression were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. miRNA KEGG pathway and miRNA target genes were subsequently analyzed by starBase and TargetScan software. Results Different expression patterns of several sRNA and miRNA editing were revealed between PCa tumor and their paired non-tumor tissues. Our study identified four miRNAs that are strongly associated with prostate cancer, which have not been reported previously. Differentially expressed miRNAs significantly affect various biological pathways, such as cell cycle, endocytosis, adherence junction and pathways involved in cancer. Prediction of potential targets for the identified miRNAs indicates the overexpression of KRAS, BCL2 and down-regulation of PTEN in PCa tumor tissues. Conclusion These miRNAs, newly associated with prostate cancer, may represent not only markers for the increased risk of PCa in Arabs, but may also reflect the clinical and pathological diversity as well as the ethno-specific heterogeneity of prostate cancer.

Abstract Background E-cadherin is a major component of adherens junctions that regulates cell shape and maintains tissue integrity. A complete loss or any decrease in cell surface expression of E-cadherin will interfere with the cell-to-cell junctions’ strength and leads to cell detachment and escape from the primary tumor site. In this prospective study, three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (−347G/GA, rs5030625; −160C/A, rs16260; +54C/T, rs1801026), were found to modulate E-cadherin expression. Methods 577 DNA samples from breast cancer (BC) cases were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Results We detected no significant correlations between each polymorphism and the clinical parameters of the patients whereas the GACC haplotype was significantly associated with low SBR grading. Overall survival analysis showed that both −347G/G and +54C/C wild (wt) genotypes had a significantly worse effect compared to the other genotypes (non-wt). Moreover, carrying simultaneously both the −347 and +54 wt genotypes confers a significantly higher risk of death. However, with metastatic recurrence, the death-rate was null in patients carrying the non-wt genotypes, and attained 37% in those carrying the wt genotype. A multivariate analysis showed that these two polymorphisms are independent prognostic factors for overall survival in BC patients. Conclusions Our results support the fact that E-cadherin genetic variants control disease severity and progression and could be a marker of disease outcome. These findings could be useful in selecting patients that should be monitored differently.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among older men, the incidence and prevalence are increasing rapidly, and they are associated with diminished health-related quality-of-life (QOL). Objective: The aim was to describe the prevalence of LUTS in Saudi population and its relation to some other parameters. Subjects and Methods: Saudi men over the age of 40 were invited to participate in the study; in Riyadh city from August 2012 through March 2013. All participants were assessed for the serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination. Participants were given a linguistically validated Arabic version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Demographic and other medical comorbidities were assessed. Results: Based on the IPSS, a subdivision of men into three symptoms classes has been proposed, resulting in groups with mild (1265, 58.3%), moderate (505, 27.3%), and severe symptoms (81, 4.4%) and the prevalence of moderate to severe was 31.7%. There was a weak, but significant correlation between the total IPSS and age, total prostate volume, and PSA. Severity of symptoms is increasing with increased age. Multiple regression analysis reported that prostate volume and all individual items of IPSS except straining were significant predictors of QOL and patient satisfaction, where frequency and incomplete emptying had the heaviest impact on patient′s QOL. Conclusion: LUTS were common among men in Saudi population over 40, the prevalence increases with age and most of them were unpleased because of their urinary symptoms, poor QOL was mainly determined by individual symptoms; mainly frequency and incomplete emptying.

Objective: To ensure family spacing in our low socio-economic class. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: Two hundred females using oral contraceptive pills for spacing of children coming to Pak Emirates Military Hospital were selected. The problems of using contraceptive pills were identified. Out of these 87 women agreed to choose an intrauterine copper device (IUCD). Results: Out of 200 women 87 converted from oral contraceptive pills to intrauterine copper device use. Most of them faced daily dosage problems 168 (84%). Nausea was encountered by 123 (61.5%) women and later settled in 89 (44.5%) women. About 31 (15.5%) were worried about the chances of uterine perforation and 56 (28%) were worried about lost intrauterine copper device resulting in laparotomy. About 65 (32.5%) were afraid of infection, backache and vaginal discharge. About 91 (45.5%) women thought to have gastric problems with the intrauterine copper device. About 71 (81%) agreed to have a spacing of children for about five years and removal whenever desired. Conclusion: Intrauterine contraception is a very safe and efficient method for contraception as compared to oral pills. If expertise is, available it should be used and couples should be fully educated for its safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate lipidprofile amongst patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and compare it with normal pregnant patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Obstetrics Unit, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan to Mar 2021. Methodology: A total of 80 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A preeclampsia patients and group B normotensive pregnant patients in third trimester. Inclusion criteria were patients between 20-35 years in third trimester of pregnancy. Patients with preexisting hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease and renal problems were excluded. Demographic and reproductive profiles including age, parity, period of gestation and body mass index (BMI) noted. Blood samples after 12 hours of fasting were obtained. Serum total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), serum triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) levels calculated. Demographic profile and test results of the two groups were compared. p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of two groups was 28.6 ± 3.8 yrs, mean parity 1.8 ± 1.1, gestational age 33.6 ± 2.6, body mass index 27.7 ± 2. Mean values calculated of the lipid profile of both groups was cholesterol 5.22 ± 1.2, high density lipoproteins 1.68 ± 0.65, low density lipoproteins 3.07 ± 1.1, triglycerides 2.5 ± 0.93, very low density lipoproteins 1.24 ± 0.44. Difference between age, parity, gestational age and body mass index was not significant between the two groups but difference between serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels was significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Our pregnant population generally has raised lipid levels. Women with preeclampsia have lipid profile derangements which are significant in comparison to normotensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the perspectives and health anxieties of gynecological and obstetric patients during COVID19 pandemic. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in emergency and outpatient clinics of Gynecology and Obstetrics department Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from April to May 2020. Methodology: Two hundred and thirty patients participated in this study by answering a pre-designed questionnaire. All the patients were interviewed by the same doctor to minimize bias. Eleven questions were asked exploring their perspectives and anxieties regarding Novel COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on their healthcare and the challenges faced by the healthcare providers. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33 ± 5.2 years. One hundred and sixty four (71.3%) were obstetric and 66 (34.8%) were gynecological patients. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and healthcare professionals were 78 (33.9%), 134 (58.3%) and 18 (7.8%) respectively. Two hundred and fourteen (93.03%) participants were aware of risk of COVID-19 pandemic and 140 (60.8%) knew about its adverse effects. One hundred and forty (62.5%) visited for regular antenatal. According to 196 (85.2%) had a good opinion about the attitude of the doctors and 216 (93.9%) were satisfied with their treatment. 186 (80.8%) had no apprehensions about the health workers protective gear but did consider hospital environment hazardous. Two hundred and six (89.5%) were not interested in revisiting the hospital again and 180 (78.2%) would not recommend it to their friends. Conclusion: Gynecological and obstetric patients have different opinion about risk, safety measurements, environmental condition, stress, and attitude of doctors during COVID-19 pandemic according to age and educational status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the incidence of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection amongst women admitted for child birth and to categorize patients according to disease severity. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Obstetrics Unit of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi, from 1st May 2020 to 15 June 2020. Methodology: Pregnant patients reporting for childbirth were initially screened and tested for SARS CoV-2 using RT-PCR kits. Primary outcome was number of positive patients and categorization according to severity of disease into asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical. Screening parameters were symptoms like fever, cough, flu, myalgia, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal symptoms, travel history and history of contact. Comparison was done between COVID category of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Results: Based on PCR testing out of the 525 women giving birth during the study period 43 (8.1%) was COVID positive. Out of the total screened patients 484 (92%) were a symptomatic and 41 (7.8%) were screen positive. 20 (48.7%) of screen positive were PCR positive too. According to disease severity 28 (65%) patients were asymptomatic, 10 (23%) mild, 4 (9.3%) moderate and severe (1%). COVID category for screen positive and negative patients was compared and was statistically significant for screen positive patients (p<0.0001). Conclusion: pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are a unique subset of patients. As majority of the patients were asymptomatic and only diagnosed with a positive laboratory test so the recommendation is to do universal testing in this pandemic to prepare for childbirth ina safe environment for patient, neonate and health care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer code that transfers data to third parties (third-party tracking) is common across the web and is subject to few federal privacy regulations. We determined the presence of potentially privacy-compromising data transfers to third parties on a census of US nonfederal acute care hospital websites, and we used descriptive statistics and regression analyses to determine the hospital characteristics associated with a greater number of third-party data transfers. We found that third-party tracking is present on 98.6 percent of hospital websites, including transfers to large technology companies, social media companies, advertising firms, and data brokers. Hospitals in health systems, hospitals with a medical school affiliation, and hospitals serving more urban patient populations all exposed visitors to higher levels of tracking in adjusted analyses. By including third-party tracking code on their websites, hospitals are facilitating the profiling of their patients by third parties. These practices can lead to dignitary harms, which occur when third parties gain access to sensitive health information that a person would not wish to share. These practices may also lead to increased health-related advertising that targets patients, as well as to legal liability for hospitals.