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Shigella flexnerii infection leads to shigellosis, an acute gastrointestinal disease. Shigellosis affects socioeconomically disadvantaged and densely populated communities that have unsafe water, poor sanitation, and poor hygiene (1). Shigella spp. [...]

Saudi Arabia suffers from the spread of diseases linked to clotted blood leaking from slaughtered livestock. Anticoagulant proteases produced by Streptomyces are used to safely dissolve clotted blood. Halophilic Streptomyces isolates were extracted from saline soil in Saudi Arabia and tested to dissolve clotted blood by protease. The most protease-producing isolate was identified using classical and genetic methods. The protease was precipitated with saturated ammonium sulfate from a batch of blood clots inoculated with the most protease-producing isolates. Streptomyces isolates (410) were recovered from thirty saline soil samples collected from Dammam (170 isolates, 41.4 %), Al-Khobar (126 isolates, 30.8 %) and Al-Ahsa (114 isolates, 27.8 %). Proteolytic activity was observed in 305 isolates including the most protease-producing isolate S295, which showed the highest activity (33.8 mm), and was identified as S. violaceoruber (99 % similarity). Among all isolates, 241 showed partial hemolysis (alpha) and 64 showed complete hemolysis (beta), including isolate S295 that presented the highest hemolytic activity (0.58 %). The alkaline protease was precipitated with saturated ammonium sulfate (60 %), and it was found that its activity was 5.2 U/ml, total activity 24,960 U/ml, specific activity 463 U/mg, purification fold 15.2 and yield 78 %. The purified alkaline protease was electrophoresed as a single band at 45 kDa.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common and aggressive form of kidney cancer, with genetic factors playing a significant role in its development. Recent research has focused on the potential involvement of cytokine gene polymorphisms, including those in the interleukin (IL) -13 gene, in RCC susceptibility. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the IL-13 gene rs20541 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the risk of RCC in Iraqi patients. Methods. A case-control study was conducted involving 250 participants, including 125 patients diagnosed with RCC and 125 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Blood samples were collected from all participants for DNA extraction. The IL-13 gene rs20541 SNP was genotyped using the Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (TARMS-PCR) method. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the frequencies of genotypes (GG, GA, AA) and alleles (G, A) between cases and controls, and to evaluate their association with RCC risk. Results. The study found significant differences in the distribution of IL-13 rs20541 genotypes and alleles between RCC patients and healthy controls. The presence of the GG genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of RCC (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.15–6.37, P = 0.002), while the AA genotype was significantly associated with a protective effect against the disease (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.21–0.69, p = 0.002). On the other hand, the GA genotype did not show a significant association with protection against RCC (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.36–1.00, p = 0.067). For the G and A alleles, the G allele was found to be a highly significant risk factor for RCC (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.85–3.84, p

We report the detection of OXA-181 carbapenemase in an azithromycin-resistant Shigella spp. bacteria in an immunocompromised patient. The emergence of OXA-181 in Shigella spp. bacteria raises concerns about the global dissemination of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales and its implications for the treatment of infections caused by Shigella bacteria.

Background Recent studies have demonstrated that earlier time-of-day infusion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. These data are in line with growing preclinical evidence that the adaptive immune response may be more effectively stimulated earlier in the day. We sought to determine the impact of time-of-day ICI infusions on outcomes among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Methods The treatment records of all patients with stage IV RCC who began ICI therapy within a multicenter academic hospital system between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed. The associations between the proportion of ICI infusions administered prior to noon (denoting morning infusions) and PFS and OS were evaluated using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.Results In this study, 201 patients with mRCC (28% women) received ICIs and were followed over a median of 18 months (IQR 5–30). The median age at the time of ICI initiation was 63 years (IQR 56–70). 101 patients (50%) received ≥20% of their ICI infusions prior to noon (Group A) and 100 patients (50%) received

Shoot-through proton FLASH radiation therapy has been proposed where the highest energy is extracted from a cyclotron to maximize the dose rate (DR). Although our proton pencil beam scanning system can deliver 250 MeV (the highest energy), this energy is not used clinically, and as such, 250 MeV has yet to be characterized during clinical commissioning. We aim to characterize the 250-MeV proton beam from the Varian ProBeam system for FLASH and assess the usability of the clinical monitoring ionization chamber (MIC) for FLASH use. We measured the following data for beam commissioning: integral depth dose curve, spot sigma, and absolute dose. To evaluate the MIC, we measured output as a function of beam current. To characterize a 250 MeV FLASH beam, we measured (1) the central axis DR as a function of current and spot spacing and arrangement, (2) for a fixed spot spacing, the maximum field size that achieves FLASH DR (ie, > 40 Gy/s), and (3) DR reproducibility. All FLASH DR measurements were performed using an ion chamber for the absolute dose, and irradiation times were obtained from log files. We verified dose measurements using EBT-XD films and irradiation times using a fast, pixelated spectral detector. R90 and R80 from integral depth dose were 37.58 and 37.69 cm, and spot sigma at the isocenter were σx = 3.336 and σy = 3.332 mm, respectively. The absolute dose output was measured as 0.343 Gy*mm2/MU for the commissioning conditions. Output was stable for beam currents up to 15 nA and gradually increased to 12-fold for 115 nA. Dose and DR depended on beam current, spot spacing, and arrangement and could be reproduced with 6.4% and 4.2% variations, respectively. Although FLASH was achieved and the largest field size that delivers FLASH DR was determined as 35 × 35 mm2, the current MIC has DR dependence, and users should measure dose and DR independently each time for their FLASH applications.

Forty streptomycetes were isolated from the soils of farms in Riyadh. Only three isolates (St-2, St-9, and St-25) exhibited cellulolytic-ligninolytic activity, with the St-9 isolate exhibiting the highest activity and identified as Streptomyces lazureus. The optimum environmental and nutritional conditions for maximum cellulolytic-ligninolytic activity were determined as fermentation batch of pH of 7.5, inoculum size of 200 µL of bacterial suspension, incubation period of 7 d, and incubation temperature of 30°C. In addition, the fermentation batch contained peptone and yeast extract as the best nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. Cellulase and ligninase were purified via gel filtration column chromatography. The accumulated end-product of the fermentation process was glucose powder, which was subjected to a partial characterization process. The glucose powder appeared white, melted at 146°C, was highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ethyl ether. The glucose solution appeared clear without precipitates and had a low electric conductivity of 15 µS.cm-1.

Saudi Arabia heavily depends on oil production, as 33.42 % of GDP is generated from the oil sector (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2019). Due to previous fact, microorganism considers the main concern for oil biodegradation process. As a result of highly advantage of employed yeast for oil biodegradation than bacteria, this study was carried out to isolate crude oil biodegrading yeast from sediments from three points of Ras Tanura City (26°38′38″N and 50°9′33″E), eastern province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Among nine yeast isolates, only three isolates selected due to remarked biodegrading activities. Based on 18S rRNA Partial gene sequence, A, B and C yeast isolates were identified and submitted as Rhodotorula ingeniosa (OL659287), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (OL659288) and Candida parapsilosis (OL659289) with 100 % identity respectively. A isolate was superior for oil consumption (8.2 %) comparing with B and C isolates which showed 6.4 % and 5.5 % respectively. Also, A isolate reflected highest hydrocarbons derivatives consumption comparing with C isolates which showed lowest hydrocarbons derivatives consumption %. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and SDS-PAGE techniques were employed to evaluate genetic similarity which led to explain molecular base for varied biodegradation activity for A, B and C isolates. Interestingly, A isolate which remarked with superior biodegrading activity reflected highest genetic polymorphism. On the other hand, highly genetic similarity was corresponded to decreasing degrading activity for isolate C. positive correlation was detected between genetic polymorphism and biodegrading capability for yeast isolate.

Background: Eye injury is a leading cause of monocular blindness and is second only to cataract as the commonest cause of visual impairment. Injury is the commonest reason for eye-related emergency department visits. Aim: To assess population awareness regarding eye injuries first aids in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all accessible population in Aseer region, Southern of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using electronic pre-structured questionnaire. The tool will cover participants' socio-demographic data, participants' history of eye injury, awareness and practice regarding different types of eye injuries first aids. Results: The survey included 1213 participants who completed the questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 60 years old with mean age of 22.3 ± 11.9 years old. About 69% of the participants reported for having constant eye pain, 68.3% reported in case of Foreign Body (FB) in the eye, 66.9% reported for torn eye lid. Regarding signs of scratch eye, 64.2% reported for feel FB inside, 58% reported for eye pain and 55.2% reported for blurred vision. Exact of 25.7% of participants reported that they should blink several times in case of getting eye scratch, whereas 77.8% reported that they should rub the eye to try to remove any foreign object, 36.3% preferred to use the soothing eye drop. Conclusions In conclusion, the study revealed that public awareness regarding eye injury first aid in Aseer region was poor especially for chemical injuries. Physician role should be augmented and health education campaigns are advised.

An in silico approach applying computer-simulated models helps enhance biomedicines by sightseeing the pharmacology of potential therapeutics. Currently, an in silico study combined with in vitro assays investigated the antimicrobial ability of Limoniastrum monopetalum and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated by its aid. AgNPs mediated by L. monopetalum were characterized using FTIR, TEM, SEM, and DLS. L. monopetalum metabolites were detected by QTOF–LCMS and assessed using an in silico study for pharmacological properties. The antibacterial ability of an L. monopetalum extract and AgNPs was investigated. PASS Online predictions and the swissADME web server were used for antibacterial activity and potential molecular target metabolites, respectively. Spherical AgNPs with a 68.79 nm average size diameter were obtained. Twelve biomolecules (ferulic acid, trihydroxy-octadecenoic acid, catechin, pinoresinol, gallic acid, myricetin, 6-hydroxyluteolin, 6,7-dihydroxy-5-methoxy 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, methyl gallate, isorhamnetin, chlorogenic acid, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl 6-O-(6-deoxy-β-l-mannopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside) were identified. The L. monopetalum extract and AgNPs displayed antibacterial effects. The computational study suggested that L. Monopetalum metabolites could hold promising antibacterial activity with minimal toxicity and an acceptable pharmaceutical profile. The in silico approach indicated that metabolites 8 and 12 have the highest antibacterial activity, and swissADME web server results suggested the CA II enzyme as a potential molecular target for both metabolites. Novel therapeutic agents could be discovered using in silico molecular target prediction combined with in vitro studies. Among L. Monopetalum metabolites, metabolite 12 could serve as a starting point for potential antibacterial treatment for several human bacterial infections.

PURPOSE: Transitioning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional treatment planning requires developing contouring skills. Contouring atlases are excellent resources, but they do not provide users active feedback. Developing countries may not have many radiation oncologists experienced in three-dimensional planning to provide training. We sought to develop a standardized self-guided educational module with integrated feedback to teach contouring skills. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All 18 oncology residents at Black Lion Hospital/Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia were trained to contour the level II lymph node station. Residents took a baseline pretest quiz, survey, and contouring evaluation. Residents then watched an instructional contouring lecture and performed three additional cases with integrated feedback by comparing their contours to gold-standard contours. Residents then took a post-training quiz, survey, and contouring evaluation. Paired t tests and analysis of variance were used for analysis. RESULTS: Before training, the average number of total cases ever contoured was 2.4 and the average number of head and neck cases contoured was 0.5. Comfort with contouring improved from being “not at all comfortable” to “quite comfortable” after the 3-hour training (P < .001). The standard deviation between the resident contours and gold standard improved from 72.6 cm3 (pretest) to 7.4 cm3 (post-test). The average percentage overlap with the gold-standard contours and Dice similarity coefficient improved with each case performed, from 27.7% and 0.26 (pretest) to 80.1% and 0.77 (post-test), respectively (P < .001). After training, 16 of 18 (88.9%) residents produced a Dice similarity coefficient greater than 0.7, the threshold generally accepted for excellent agreement. CONCLUSION: This self-guided teaching module was an effective tool for developing level II lymph node contouring skills by providing active feedback and resulted in improved user confidence and accuracy compared with a gold standard. This module can be expanded to other disease sites and countries to further facilitate transitioning to three-dimensional treatment planning in developing countries.

The activity of a-glucosidase enzyme (EC 3.2.1.20) was inhibited by 40.3% by an extracellular inhibitory protein which isolated from the culture filtrate of Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC-16404. The maximum activity of this protein and fungal mycelial dry weight were obtained at 28°C, 7 days, 6.5, 400 µl/ml, 140 rpm, and rice straw as the optimum incubation temperature, incubation period, pH value, inoculum size, agitation speed, and raw material respectively. The a-glucosidase inhibitory protein (AGIP) was purified and separated electrically as a single band at 40 KDa. There 17 amino acids of the purified protein were determined at different concentrations, where threonine has a highest percentage (90%) and aspartic acid has a lower percentage (24%). Kinetics of AGIP were determined, where Vmax, Km, kcat, and catalytic activity values were exactly calculated using Lineweaver-Burk plot compared with those of acarbose as an inhibitor standard. The maximum catalytic activity (7.808 M-1S-1) at 0.1 mg/mol was higher than that of acarbose (7.783 M-1S-1) at the same concentration.

Nanodiagonastic methods in plant pathology are used for enhancing detection and identification of different plant pathogens and toxigenic fungi. Improvement of the specificity and efficiency of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by using some nanoparticles is emerging as a new area of research. In the current research, silver, zinc, and gold nanoparticles were used to increase the yield of DNA for two plant pathogenic fungi including soil-borne fungus Rhizoctonia solani and toxigenic fungus Alternaria alternata. Gold nanoparticles combined with zinc and silver nanoparticles enhanced both DNA yield and PCR products compared to DNA extraction methods with ALB buffer, sodium dodecyl sulfate, ALBfree from protinase K, ZnNPs and AgNPs. Also, by using ZnNPs and AgNPs the DNA yield was enhanced and the sensitivity of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR products was increased. Application of nanomaterials in the PCR reaction could increase or decrease the PCR product according to the type of applied nanometal and the type of DNA template. Additions of AuNPs to PCR mix increased both sensitivity and specificity for PCR products of the tested fungi. Thus, the use of these highly stable, commercially available and inexpensive inorganic nano reagents open new opportunities for improving the specificity and sensitivity of PCR amplicon, which is the most important standard method in molecular plant pathology and mycotoxicology.