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Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness among diabetic patients, particularly in areas with an increase in diabetes epidemics, such as Saudi Arabia. Notwithstanding the significant public health implications, data on the prevalence and risk factors of DR in Saudi Arabia are few and scattered, limited to certain geographic areas. Our study objective is to conduct a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors for DR in Saudi Arabia, within both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were constructed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases for studies published from 2000–2023. Any study related to the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in T1DM or T2DM among adult patients aged ≥18 years that was conducted in Saudi Arabia was included. Pooling prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity across the studies was tested by the I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Results: A total of 11 studies published between 2006 and 2019 met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 99 to over 50,000 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of DR was estimated to be 31% (95% CI: 24–39%), with substantial heterogeneity observed across studies (I2 = 99%). Prevalence estimates ranged from 16.7% to 69.8% and were influenced by variables such as study design, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pooled prevalence was 24% (95% CI: 20–28%). Poor glycemic control and longer diabetes duration were consistently identified as significant predictors of DR, while other factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were also associated with an increased risk of DR. Conclusions: The high prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia highlights the critical need for focused public health initiatives, especially among those with type 2 diabetes. To minimize the effects of DR, early intervention, routine DR screening programs, and optimal diabetes control are essential. The increasing prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia requires careful consideration of healthcare policy and resource allocation, which is made possible by our results.

Rice is a broad-spectrum meal consumed annually in large amounts. Ready-to-eat rice is a member of dishes with a high risk of contamination. The present study aimed to increase the safety and shelflife of ready-to-eat rice during temporary storage. To prepare a mixture for extraction, three spices were chosen ginger: thyme:coriander (1:2:1). Two types of extract were prepared, aromatic and water extracts. The bioactive aromatic extract was preserved by encapsulation using chitosan nanoparticle preparation, while water extracts were prepared by warm diffusion. The aromatic extract possessed volatiles with antimicrobial features, including α-pinene, cymene, camphor, 1, 8 cineol, and limonene. The results expressed the extracts’ better antifungal and antibacterial effect, with a distinguishing aromatic one. Water extract was recorded as being rich in phenolic and flavonoids, like Salysilic, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic, Luteolin 7 glucoside, and quercitin. These molecules play functionality for microbial inhibition in the simulated media. Ready-to-eat rice shelflife was extended by applying the aromatic extract of the encapsulated mixture at the late stage of cooking and before packaging. It can preserve the samples for up to five days at room temperature and up to eight days of refrigerator storage (8 °C). However, water extract had lower activity as antibacterial and antifungal than the aromatic one. Again, water extract activity reduces fungal citrinin secretion by low efficiency more than the aromatic extract. These results recommended the addition of aromatic extract to the ready-to-eat rice meals as a final additive just before packaging.

Camel meat is one of the most consumed meats in Arab countries. The use of natural antimicrobial agents to extend the shelf life of fresh camel meat, control Campylobacter jejuni contamination, and preserve meat quality is preferred. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial effects of using 1% or 2% Citrox alone or in combination with 1% chitosan on the survival of C. jejuni in vitro and on camel meat samples during storage at 4 or 10 °C for 30 days in vacuum packaging. We determined the total viable count (TVC (cfu/g)), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) content, and pH of the treated camel meat samples every three days during storage. The shelf lives of camel meat samples treated with 2% Citrox alone or in combination with 1% chitosan were longer than those of camel meat samples treated with 1% Citrox alone or in combination with 1% chitosan at both the 4 and 10 °C storage temperatures, with TVCs of C. jejuni in approximately 4.0 and 3.5 log cycles at 4 and 10 °C, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that using a Citrox-chitosan combination improved the quality of camel meat and enhanced the long-term preservation of fresh meat for up to or more than 30 days at 4 °C.

Pomegranate, similar to other fruits, has juice-extraction by-products. Pomegranate seed oil (PGO) is a non-traditional oil with health benefits, rich in bioactive components. This study was aimed to assess PGO phytochemicals and their influence as bioactive components to reduce mycotoxin secretion. The encapsulation was applied in micro and nanoforms to protect the quality and enhance the efficacy of the oil. The PGO was extracted using ultrasound-assisted methods. Carotenoids, tocochromanols, sterols, phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were determined. The fatty acid profile was analyzed by the GC-MS, while mycotoxin was determined utilizing the HPLC apparatus. The toxicity and protective action of oil were examined using the hepatocytes’ cell line. The resultant oil acts as oleoresin that is rich in bioactive molecules. Phenolics and antioxidant potency recorded higher values compared to traditional vegetable oils, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were 87.51%. The major fatty acid was conjugated punicic acid (81.29%), which has high biological effects. Application of the PGO on fungal media reduced aflatoxins secretion up to 63%, and zearalenone up to 78.5%. These results confirm the bio-functionality of oil to regulate the fungal secondary metabolites process. The PGO is a unique prospective non-traditional oil and has several functionalities in food, which achieve nutritional, antioxidant, and anti-mycotoxigenic activities.