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Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves several impaired neuronal pathways. Modulating the amyloid-beta (β-amyloid) system is being tested to treat AD. Amyloid-beta neurotoxicity is associated with neuroinflammation and plaque formation, further progressing to AD. Protecting neurons from β-amyloid neurotoxicity could be an efficient strategy for the treatment of AD. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient in Nigella sativa (NS) and has shown effective therapeutic properties in AD models. TQ was able to attenuate the behavioral dysfunctions in AD models. Moreover, TQ could attenuate the neuroinflammation properties in animals with AD. In addition, studies have shown that TQ could modulate β-amyloid neurotoxicity, an effect associated with improved AD behavioral symptoms. In this review, we highlighted the therapeutic effects of TQ on the progression of AD through modulating β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Other phenolic compounds also present in NS improved behavioral and neuronal impairments in AD models, supporting TQ’s anti-Alzhiemer’s efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is one of the most popular risk factors provoking bladder cancer (BC). This research intended to estimate cigarette smoking effect involving PAF signs between smoking patients with BC and non-smoking patients with same diagnosis to define relations with pathological characteristics and their prognosis on zero-relapse and disease-associated recovery. METHODS: Two groups of smokers (n = 54) and non-smokers (n = 62) were selected. Both cohorts of patients had BC. They were evaluated utilizing NGS on 9 cancer-related genes and confirmed through the Sanger DNA sequencing and histopathological tests based on H&E staining. The factor of smoking and impact of PAF development by ELISA assay and PAF-R manifestation in terms of immunochemical evaluation on BC areas comparing to a control group (n = 30) was examined involving healthy contributors, including the use of well-designed statistical trials. RESULTS: The multivariate evaluation showed considerable rise in mutation patterns related to smoking among BC patients (group 3), increase in PAF development (***P

The global health crisis resulting from spread of new Corona epidemic, with regard to the banking sector across the world, showed that the mandatory quarantine period imposed by most countries around the world constituted an increasing pressure of risks on banking activity, especially banks active in loans to companies after many forced Institutions around the world to stop productive or industrial activity, and thus the crisis revealed that bank loans during this health crisis were not equal between one sector and another. From this standpoint came the idea of ​​the research, and the researcher relied on the descriptive approach in its theoretical side in order to gain familiarity with the various aspects of the study, and the analytical method for the financial statements of Saudi banks during the nine months and the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to now during the nine months and the fourth quarter of 2019. The study concluded some results and recommendations, including: Increasing demand for loans granted by banks to the corporate sector, in order to control the repercussions of the Corona pandemic, and also the profits of most of the Saudi banks that compose the study sample decreased, except for (Al- Ahly Commercial, Al- Rajhi Bank and Saudi Investment Bank) and their net income from The different operations are clearly in the nine months of the year 2020 compared to the nine months of last year, and the provision for credit losses for most banks in the study sample also increased due to the repercussions of the Corona pandemic on the global economy in general in 2020, on the Saudi economy as a whole, and on the Saudi banking sector In particular. Work must also be made to develop legislation, legal and regulatory frameworks from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, which work to ensure that banks benefit from the rescue packages and support measures taken by the institution to support the Saudi banking sector, and work to take into account the proposals of the Basel Committee in terms of overcoming the negative effects of banking risks, Especially in this crisis and the rapid spread of the virus, in an effort to maintain financial stability.

To manage the COVID-19 outbreak, the WHO recommends adult and child vaccination. Vaccine skepticism has been a major worldwide health concern for decades, and the situation is worsening. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate parental willingness to vaccinate their children (aged 5 to 11 years) against COVID-19 and to describe its relationship with attitude, barriers, facilitators, and sources of knowledge regarding the vaccine. Methods: From February to March 2022, a community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the parents of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. We employed a convenient sampling procedure to gather the required sample. Using the Raosoft sample size calculator, a minimum sample size of 385 was determined based on a 95% confidence level, a 5% margin of error, and a 5% precision level. The data were analyzed using version 26 of SPSS. A p-value less than 0.05 was judged statistically significant. The Chi-square test and likelihood ratio were utilized to describe the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, driving factors, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy associated factors were identified using multivariate binary logistic regression. A total of 528 replies were received. The majority of respondents were mothers (77.7%), aged 26 to 40 years (67.8%), married (91.5%), Saudi nationals (96.2%), college graduates (70.6%), with a monthly family income of more than SAR 10,000 (46.4%), non-healthcare professionals (84.7%), employed in the government sector (33.7%), with three children (23.3%), and children aged 5 to 11 years (88.7%). A little more than half of the parents (55.7%) exhibited considerable vaccination hesitancy. About 16.28% of parents were willing to vaccinate their children as soon as possible, compared to 38.44% who had no interest whatsoever in vaccination. A greater proportion of mothers and unemployed parents were unwilling to vaccinate their children. Parents with a higher monthly income (above SAR 10,000), who worked as healthcare professionals, and whose children suffered from chronic conditions were significantly more ready to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Parents who were aware of anti-vaccination campaigns and who vaccinated their children with required childhood vaccines were also much more likely to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Most parents (66.9%) obtained information on COVID-19 via the Saudi Ministry of Health website, followed by social media (48.1%). The vaccine’s novelty and the dearth of reliable information about its safety (65%) and insufficient information about its effectiveness (36.2%) were the primary reasons for not vaccinating children against COVID-19, whereas preventing children from contracting COVID-19 (55.9%) and government mandate (38.8%) were the primary reasons for vaccinating children against COVID-19. Conclusions: There was significant parental hesitancy to immunize their children against COVID-19. To involve and educate parents, multi-component interventions must be developed and implemented.

Background: Hepatitis B infection is among the most significant public health challenge worldwide. The prevalence of HBV infection is common among most populations in Peshawar, including pregnant women. Objective: The present study aims to estimate the prevalence and complications associated with clinical parameters and risk factors in patients with HBV. Methodology: A total 150 patients were reported and subjected to Enzyme linked assay (ELISA) for HBeAg test and HBs-Ag by immunochromaticgraphic assay (ICT). RT-PCR assay was used for detection of HBV DNA load. A study designed Performa was used for face-to-face interview to collect data from the study participants. Results: According to our study, highest prevalence was found in Peshawar 34% and the second highest prevalence in Waziristan 20.2%. The results showed highest prevalence in male (54%) than female (46%) and amongst female patients, 10% were pregnant. According to patient’s age, the highest prevalence was found group 26-35 years 34.2% and lowest prevalence was

In the current scenario Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens are increasing very rapidly due to the misuse of antibiotics to control antibiotic resistance, we need to know the current pattern of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, new bioactive metabolites are needed for the alternative option to control antibiotic resistance. Fungi have the ability to produce potent metabolites. The production of secondary metabolites such as antimicrobial agents is the most important property of fungi. Antimicrobial activity of extract were noted against different pathogenic (Clinical Isolates) and using agar well diffusion assay method and noted different zone of inhibition of each bacteria, wells were loaded with different concentration’s 50 µL and 100 µL. Maximum zone of inhibition were reported at different concentration of different bacteria. Ethyl acetate crude extract at 50 µL concentration’s 17 ± 0.15 mm, 18 ± 0.1 mm , 16 ± 0.4 mm, 19 ± 0.26 mm, 17 ± 0.30 mm,16 ± 0.36 mm, zone of inhibition against E.coli sp, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella sp Proteus sp, S,aureus, , and Salmonella sp, respectively. While in 100 µL zone of inhibition was noted, 21 ± 0.15 mm, 22 ± 0.40 mm, 20 ± 0.35 mm, 21 ± 0.26 mm, 22 ± 0.45 mm 19 ± 1.10 mm zone of inhibition against E.coli sp, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella sp Proteus sp, S,aureus, , and Salmonella sp, respectively. In the current study we used FTIR and Plasmon Resonance (SPR) UV-visible spectroscopy observed at 408 nm during UV-visible spectroscopy. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of phenolic, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in reduction of Ag+ ions to form fungal metabolites while stabilization components of were fungal metabolites amide linkage and amino acid. Keywords; Aspergillus fumigatus, Secondary metabolites, Ethyl acetate, FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, MDR pathogen.

The current natural extract modalities for colorectal cancer are limited. This research seeks to assess the process of extracting the plant’s bioactive constituents from Cassia angustifolia and to show the anticancer role played by the plant’s aqueous extract at 0°C by identifying the genes that alter in expression after the Cassia angustifolia treatment in colon cancer cells. The bioactive components of Cassia angustifolia extract were revealed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The colon carcinoma cell lines (SW480) were treated with Cassia angustifolia macrophages at concentrations of 50, 150, and 200 µg/mL for 48 h. Apoptosis was examined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of Cassia angustifolia-treated and -untreated cells. Microarray analysis was performed by using human microarray chips (HG-U95A) for untreated and treated SW480 cells. Microarray data were confirmed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The findings showed that the Cassia angustifolia aqueous extract at 0°C/24 h contained the entire absolute phenolic content of 28.43 mg/g and the entire absolute flavonoid content of 9.16 mg/g. Cassia angustifolia enhanced the hindrance of cell development and apoptosis and decreased glucose uptake. Western blot analysis showed induction in the expression of cleaved caspases 3 and 9 in SW480 cells. Microarray data identified 11 genes and 7 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) markedly altered in treated vs non-treated SW480 cells. Several of these genes have been embroiled in multiple malignancies. In conclusion, the current study provides remarkable new data for Cassia angustifolia extracted at 0°C/24 h. We discovered 7 ESTs and 11 genes that are significantly altered in the progression of SW480 cells treated with Cassia angustifolia therapy versus no treatment, with anticancer and apoptosis inducer effects.

Marjoram plants have varied pharmacological properties because they contain antioxidants. In the present study, to evaluate the effect of Origanum majorana, gathered from Abha, Saudi Arabia, on the growth of human breast cancer cells using MCF7. Fresh aerial parts from Origanum majorana were extracted at a low temperature (0 ℃/6 hours). Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 4 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 200 and 350 µg/mL for 24 and 48 hours. The findings showed that Origanum majorana aqueous extract contained absolute phenolic content (TPC) was 58.24 mg equivalent/g DW, and the complete flavonoid content (TFC) 35.31 mg GAE equivalent/g DW in the Origanum majorana aqueous extract. The endurance of MCF7 cells after incubation with aqueous extract diminished, indicating that Origanum majorana is tumour cell selective. Origanum majorana extract increased the mRNA Expression of Apoptotic Genes in MCF7. Majorana aqueous extract expanded the activity of Caspase-7 action specifically at higher concentrations, 150, 200, and 350 µg/ml. Our findings indicate that Origanum majorana could induce apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. This is the first study that provides a basis for the use of aqueous Origanum majorana extracted at low temperature (0 °C/6 hours) as more effective anticancer treatment.

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a valid insight into consumers' minds while considering word of mouth (WOM), brand image and uniqueness as independent variables while considering the tourism industry as the primary stakeholder.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts qualitative research methods and data collected from 1,033 respondents using convenience sampling methodology. The data are collected from different tourists spots in China and Pakistan. The PROCESS macro was utilized in this study using SPSS version 25.0 to inspect the impacts by using Model 4 and the conditional effects indirectly by utilizing Model 14.FindingsCustomer's intimacy, search for novel and unexplored destinations highlight WOM interactions and perceived service value. Service value, interactional justice and professional attitude of hotel management mediated all the given relationships significantly. The brand image does not mediate any significant associations. Perceived service value and brand image predict customer's loyalty, and WOM is the direct measure of their intentions, and these variables are market trend indicators. A tourist's response toward different destinations is described in this study with comparative analysis of Chinese and Pakistani tourists. The study results showed a significantly positive relationship between hotel management professional behavior, customer's loyalty, customer's intimacy and WOM.Research limitations/implicationsThe recruited population might not be represented as the broader and larger visitor population, resulting in restricting establishing tactics. Moreover, this study's results provide significant insight into a tourism industry, hence providing a chance to manage customer loyalty better.Social, managerial and theoretical implicationsThis study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge and provides remarkable insight from the managerial perspective. Interactional justice results in significant value for hotel management directors and top management, front desk staff and operatives and front level employees and managers. Consumer sensitivity of fairness in interpersonal dealings calls for behavioral changes in frontline employees, especially those directly dealing with hotel visitors. Hotel staff and management should formulate a system to deal with the demands and needs of visitors. It should describe the rights and obligations of visitors and ensure that each customer is treated equally and with respect. Customers should be motivated to read the survey questionnaires kept in their rooms and offer their views on the services provided. This strategy might increase the customers' sense of empowerment and leading to notions of fairness in individual encounters.Originality/valueThis study provides an insight into the customer's minds while considering essential variables that include WOM, brand image, perceived service value and uniqueness.

Y chromosome short tandem repeat polymorphisms (Y-STRs) are important in many areas of human genetics. Y chromosomal STRs, being normally utilized in the field of forensics, exhibit low haplotype diversity in consanguineous populations and fail to discriminate among male relatives from the same pedigree. Rapidly mutating Y-STRs (RM Y-STRs) have received much attention in the past decade. These 13 RM Y-STRs have high mutation rates (>10−2) and have considerably higher haplotype diversity and discrimination capacity than conventionally used Y-STRs, showing remarkable power when it comes to differentiation in paternal lineages in endogamous populations. Previously, we analyzed two to four generations of 99 pedigrees with 1568 pairs of men covering one to six meioses from all over Pakistan and 216 male relatives from 18 deep-rooted endogamous Sindhi pedigrees covering one to seven meioses. Here, we present 861 pairs of men from 62 endogamous pedigrees covering one to six meioses from the Punjabi population of Punjab, Pakistan. Mutations were frequently observed at DYF399 and DYF403, while no mutation was observed at DYS526a/b. The rate of differentiation ranged from 29.70% (first meiosis) to 80.95% (fifth meiosis), while overall (first to sixth meiosis) differentiation was 59.46%. Combining previously published data with newly generated data, the overall differentiation rate was 38.79% based on 5176 pairs of men related by 1–20 meioses, while Yfiler differentiation was 9.24% based on 3864 pairs. Using father–son pair data from the present and previous studies, we also provide updated RM Y-STR mutation rates.

In secret laboratories various synthetic or semi-synthetic amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are produced and processed. Stimulants of the form of amphetamine (ATS) are the second most common illegal drugs used worldwide, following cannabis. ATS production has increased worldwide, particularly from the Middle East. Fenethylline (CaptagonTM), a derivative of amphetamine, is commonly marketed as a street drug. Objective: this research aimed at applying gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC / MS) for fenethylline profiling of confiscated samples from the Saudi market. Methodology: The study of GC / MS was conducted on a general-purpose column (30 mm 0.25 mm i.d) filled with 0.25 mm cross bond, 5% diphenyl dimethyl polysiloxane (Rtx-5MS). The mass was worked in the process of impacting the electron. Results and discussion: Analyzed samples showed positive results for amphetamine in concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 43.02 percent of the substance in 60 percent of the samples. Caffeine was also present in 60 per cent of the samples at levels between 0.61 and 60.31 per cent. In the MS of the other active compounds were recorded in different proportions. Lastly, the presence of other substances in fenethylline samples may contribute to intoxication.

Natural pesticide has been used to fight infestations by red palm weevils is the central cause of the devastation of date palms. This study focuses on controlling Rhynchophorus ferrugineus inhabiting date palms via using natural pesticide created by mixing of onion and garlic extracts without adverse effects damaging palm trees in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the laboratory analysis in this study evaluated the efficacy and restorative use of onion-garlic mixture for the protection of date palm trees in Saudi Arabia. This research project aims at examining the value of an onion-garlic mix derived from, onion and garlic plants. The mixture was assessed by the factors of performance bioassays, larval mortality, fecundity/sterility, total larval and pupal duration cycle as well as expression of detoxification genes. The results indicate that concentration-mortality were defined in vitro for an onion-garlic mixture utilized throughout 24-hour interval in relation to newly prepared eighth-instar larvae and pupae. Three concentrations a mixture based on onion and garlic (especially 30, 40 and 50 µg/ml) tended to demonstrate enormous toxicity rates in relation to red palm weevil larvae and its pupa. With processing of larval stage, LC50 and LC90 values for a mixture based on onion and garlic were 37 and 52 µg/ml, respectively after 24 h of onion-garlic mixture application. Additionally, the pupal phase was assessed with the onion-garlic mixture and the values of LC50 and LC90 were recorded as 44 and 56 µg/ml, respectively. Female fecundity of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus was essentially decreased, while sterility rate was elevated through use of a mixture in relation to middle aged eighth-instar larvae and pupal phases. The results also extended the time of the larval phase. The mixture’s bioactive effect was observed by selectively decreasing gene expressions of Esterase, Glutathione S transferase (GST) and Cytochrome P450. The findings have been optimistic enough to show that the mixture based on onion and garlic extracts is quite efficient against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and can be a helpful and safer option against infestations instead of toxic chemical pesticides.

Background:The current study has been conducted to estimate the impact of Catha Edulis Forsk (simply known as khat) on pH and saliva flow rate in teeth unaffected by caries among patients from Arab, Yemen, consuming the plant. The goal was to evaluate the relation of these indicators with gene manifestation ofCHRM1andCHRM3,which contributes to the regulation of saliva secretions.Methods:Overall, 60 respondents aged between 27 and 54 years were selected for the research. They were distributed among two groups, group I and group II, including 30 respondents equally. Group I incorporated respondents consuming no khat, having teeth caries, adequate saliva flow, and generally, healthy oral cavity. In turn, group II incorporated respondents consuming khat having caries-free teeth, inadequate saliva flow and relatively unhealthy oral cavity. Saliva samples were taken from all respondents. They were analyzed for indicators of flow rate as well as pH of saliva. Salivary gland biopsy specimens have also been taken. The whole RNA was allocated, cDNA synthesized and reinforced to estimate the gene manifestation ofCHRM1andCHRM3.Results:A considerable rise in the mean salivary flow rate along with a drastic decline in the mean salivary pH within caries-free teeth among the respondents consuming khat was observed during the study. The mRNA expressionsCHRM1andCHRM3were significantly increased among participants consuming khat. Results were contrasted to the control group of patients not consuming khat.Conclusion:The characteristics of salivary flow rate, pH, and caries-free teeth have been related to the gene manifestations ofCHRM1andCHRM3in respondents consuming khat.

Purpose To study the cytotoxic evaluation, antimicrobial and confocal analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) obtained from a novel plant product fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed extract (FSE). Methods ZnO NPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TEM and EDX techniques. The MTT cell cytotoxicity assay measured the proliferation and survival of MCF-7 cells treated at different concentrations of FSE-derived ZnO NPs. The antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic bacteria and yeast strains was investigated. Results The UV-Vis spectra showed two peaks at 438 nm and 446 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The SEM morphology results showed porous ranging from 23-51 nm. The antitumor activity value (IC50) was at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL. Besides, morphological changes of MCF-7, cells treated at different concentrations of FSE of ZnO NPs were observed in cell cultures transfected with a transient pCMV6-XL4-GFP-expressing vector containing C-terminal domain GFP-tagged proteins, which resulted in an apoptotic effect. Antimicrobial IZ ranged up No Inhibition to 18.00 ± 0.4. The IZ revealed at the highest concentration was E. faecium VRE and yeast Cryptococcus sp. (18.00 ± 0.4. mm), followed by S. aureus (17.00 ± 0.2 mm) and P. aeruginosa and the yeast C. parapsilosis (16 ± 0.4 mm). The IZ was equal to that caused by the nystatin to Cryptococcus sp., which was significantly highest than ampicillin treatments of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis. The MIC value of the FSE-derived ZnO NPs tested against E.faecium and C.albicans was 6.00 µg/mL (E. faecium and C. albicans). It was 32.00 µg/mL (S. aureus, S. typhimurium and Cryptococcus sp.), 64.00 µg/mL (P. aeruginosa), and 128 µg/mL (C. parapsilosis). Conclusion As far as it is to our knowledge, this study established, for the first time, the biological activities of biosynthesized ZnO NPs from FSE and their synergistic therapeutic potential.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized a novel coronavirus as the causative agent of a new form of pneumonia. It was subsequently named COVID-19 and reported as the source of a respiratory disease occurrence starting in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It has been affirmed a public health emergency of international significance by the World Health Organization. It is regarded as a subset of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS); COVID-19 is triggered by a betacoronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which affects the lower respiratory tract and occurs in humans as pneumonia. A variety of drugs, such as remdesivir and favipiravir, are currently undergoing clinical trials to evaluate for the management of COVID-19. The effect of the pandemic as well as the epidemic that follows through the life cycles of various recycled plastic is evaluated, particularly those required for personal safety and health care. In response to the growth in COVID-19 cases worldwide, the energy and environmental impacts of these lifecycle management have risen rapidly. However, significant hazardous waste management concerns arise due to the need to assure the elimination of residual pathogens in household and medical wastes. This review article summarizes the preventive and environmental management of COVID-19.

Currently (March 2020) COVID-19 disease has recorded the most significant number of deaths and cases as compared to coronaviruses’ types. Initially, the virus was referred to as 2019-nCoV. Subsequently, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) named it the SARS-CoV-2 virus because it is significantly similar to the causative agent of (SARS-CoVs). All Nidovirales’s viruses are positive-sense non-segmented and enveloped viruses. They have big genomes for the RNA viruses. The critical differences in the families of Nidovirus are noted in the type, sizes, and the number of structural proteins. The variances cause substantial alterations in the morphology and structure of the virions and nucleocapsids. Currently, the COVID- 19 diseases have recorded the most significant number of deaths and cases as compared to other kinds of coronaviruses. In conclusion, since the outbreak of (COVID-19) disease in China, the illness is spreading very quickly across the globe. There was no evidence showing that the viruses were manufactured in laboratories or engineered till now. Extensive lab work on the mechanisms of infection and genetic factors such as polymorphism that may play an essential role in disease is needed urgently.

Background: In recent years, there is an emerging increase in the prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal cancers (O-OPCs) across the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Consequently, this review aimed to explore the epidemiology and possible risk factors of O-OPCs in GCC countries. Methods: Data published after 2008 related to O-OPCs in GCC countries were obtained through electronic searches in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Keywords related to the association between O-OPCs metrics (epidemiology and risk factors) and GCC countries were used for electronic searches. Results: The overall prevalence of OPCs increased significantly over time (40-51%) in some countries (Saudi Arabia and Arab Emigrated) of the Gulf regions. The pooled risk factor was 3.4 (2.5 - 4.7). Among the risk factors, human papillomavirus and the use of smoke and smokeless tobacco revealed odds ratio (OR) 3.31 (3.13 - 4.5) and 0.60 (0.45 - 0.80) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Conclusion: A positive correlation between factors like age, diet, hygiene, genetics, viral and bacterial infection, consumption of alcohol and tobacco products with OPC-MFC is suggested. World J Oncol. 2020;11(4):173-181 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjon1283

Background Cancer and diabetes have a tremendous impact on health globally. This study aimed to evaluate the KRAS gene in colon cancer tissues obtained from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods Data from 315 cases (156 colon diabetics and 159 patients were nondiabetics) were retrospectively retrieved. mRNA from surgically resected colon cancer tumors were also retrieved. Results The expression of KRAS mRNA was significantly higher in patients afflicted with T2DM than nondiabetic patients. The KRAS mRNA levels were significantly amplified from primary to metastatic lesions (p Conclusion The association between T2DM and colon cancer was well-established in the present study.

About 5–10% of incidences of breast cancers have been reported as a result of germline mutations of BRCA genes. However, the mutational spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes among breast cancer Saudi women patients is inadequate at present. Therefore, the present study aimed to report the specific germinal mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the entire coding regions, to investigate the prevalence rate of BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations among Saudi women and the effect of these mutations, both benign and malignant tumors. A total of 270 tissue samples of benign and malignant breast tumors were collected from Saudi women patients, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Examination of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations was performed using heteroduplex DNA analysis (HDA) or single-stranded conformation analysis (SSCA). 177 breast cancer women with malignant tumors and 93 with benign tumors were enrolled in the study. A total of 62 out of 177 breast cancer patients carried a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (54 BRCA1 and 8 BRCA2). The analysis was done using the Sanger sequence assay. Point and frameshift mutations through the entire coding area of the two genes indicated that all the mutations were germline alterations and of early-onset breast cancers. The mean ages of diagnosed breast cancer women for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers were 36.3 (± 3.5) and 37.9 (± 3.7) years, whereas that of benign control was 35(± 2.5) years. Point and frameshift mutations across the entire coding region of BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for many breast cancers cases.

Mosquito vectors captured at a crime scene are forensically valuable since they feed on human blood, and hence, human DNA can be recovered to help identify the victim and/or the suspect. This study investigated the validity of obtaining the human short tandem repeats (STRs) profile from mixed blood meals of the mosquito, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae). Thus, mosquitoes were membrane-feed on blood from six different sources: a human male, a human female, mixed human male-female blood, mixed human male-mouse blood, mixed human female-mouse blood, and mixed human male-female-mouse blood. DNA was extracted from mosquito blood meals at 2 h intervals up to 72 h post-feeding to amplify 24 human STRs. Data showed that full DNA profiles could be obtained for up to 12 h post-feeding, regardless of the type of blood meal. Complete and partial DNA profiles were obtained up to 24 h and 36 h post-feeding, respectively. The frequencies of STR loci decreased over time after feeding on mixed blood until they became weakly detectable at 48 h post-feeding. This may indicate that a blood meal of human blood mixed with animal blood would contribute to maximizing DNA degradation and thus affects STR identification beyond 36 h post-feeding. These results confirm the feasibility of human DNA identification from mosquito blood meals, even if it is mixed with other types of non-human blood, for up to 36 h post-feeding. Therefore, blood-fed mosquitoes found at the crime scene are forensically valuable, as it is possible to obtain intact genetic profiles from their blood meals to identify a victim, a potential offender, and/or exclude a suspect.

Gypsies are a separate ethnic group living in Pakistan and some other countries as well. They are mostly known as ‘Roma’ and ‘untouchables’. They have different types of lifestyles as compared to other common people, as they always keep migrating from one place to another. They do not have proper houses; they live in tent houses and most probably work on daily wages to earn their living. Gypsies cannot be specified according to the place of residence and can only be classified according to their migration route. Previous historical and linguistic research showed the north Indian origin of Roma people. The present study collected 285 unrelated Roma individuals living in Punjab and typed with the Goldeneye Y20 system. Allelic frequencies ranged between 0.0035 and 0.5266, with haplotype diversity (HD) of 0.9999 and discrimination capacity (DC) of 0.8790. Gene diversity (GD) ranged from 0.6489 (DYS391) to 0.9764 (DYS391) (DY385ab). A total of 223 unique alleles were observed. Interestingly, the haplogroup R accounted for 40.56% and J for 22.06%. In MDS analysis, Pakistani Roma formed a close cluster with Roma from Constanta, Romania. The migration pattern of the Roma population from Pakistan, India and Europe was inferred using coalescence theory in the Migrate-n program. Overlapping Y-STR data were used to test different migration models. These migration models showed us the dominant gene flow from Pakistan to India and Europe to Pakistan. The results of our study showed that Y STRs provided substantially stronger discriminatory power in the Pakistani Roma population.

Awad Mohammed Al-Qahtani,1 Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh,2 Mohammed Ashique K Shaikh,3 Basheerahmed Abdulaziz Mannasaheb,4 Faisal Saeed Al-Qahtani5 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 3Pharmacy Services Division, Najran University Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, 13713, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Awad Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 530540450, Email awadresearch17@gmail.comBackground: Self-medication (SM) is a customary practice around the globe. Appropriate SM comes with many advantages, yet irrational SM is a concern and could lead to adverse drug events and poor health outcomes.Methods: This college-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2021 among Najran University undergraduate medical students to investigate the prevalence and practice of, and attitudes towards SM. Data were collected using a bilingual self-administered online questionnaire, which was categorized into sections, such as socio-demographic details, attitude towards SM, and practice of SM during the last six months, along with students’ opinions and suggestions regarding SM. The three-item scale was used to assess the students’ attitude. IBM SPSS was used to perform the cross-tabulation, chi-squared test, and binary logistic regression.Results: Overall, 205 undergraduate medical students (58.6%) responded to the survey. The overall prevalence of SM was 60%, of which 25% used antibiotics as SM drugs. Headache (65.9%), fever (30.2%), cold/flu (31.2%), and gastric acidity (28.3%) were common illnesses for which SM was sought, using analgesics and NSAIDs (52.7%), antipyretics (13.7%), and antacid (12.7%) medications. Among the reasons for SM, the illness being minor and quick relief were frequently reported. To rationalize and improve the practice of SM, about half (48.3%) of the students suggested spreading awareness and education regarding the implications of SM and dispensing the medications with prescriptions (46.8%).Conclusion: Overall, the attitude towards SM was satisfactory. The prevalence of SM during the last six months was 60%, and antibiotics were used by 25% of students. A significant negative correlation was observed between attitudes towards and practice of SM. Although medical students of Najran University displayed responsible behavior towards SM, efforts should be made to educate them about the adverse consequences of SM, especially with antibiotics.Keywords: self-medication, students, practice, prevalence, Saudi Arabia

Background: A significant body of research has presented evidence regarding an increasing number of cases of early colon cancer among young people. The present study aimed to assess the inherited germinal mutations in breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) coding areas in four consanguineous cases in generations of a single Saudi family. Methods: The sample consisted of a single Saudi family of four generations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The family has been diagnosed with colon cancer and inherited germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. DNA sequencing was used to examine the entire coding BRCA1 and BRCA2 sections. The colon samples were immunohistochemically and histologically analysed using BRCA1 and BRCA2 antibodies and H&E Staining Kit (Hematoxylin and Eosin), respectively. Results: A total of 21 scenarios at-risk consanguineous cases were mutations carriers of the BRCA genes (2 BRCA2 and 4 BRCA1), comprised of 3 affected consanguineous cases with malignant colon cancer. The BRCA nucleotide sequencing revealed substantial mutation’s cases in the BRCA1 genes (frameshift mutations situated within exon 11 and exon 2, where no such mutations were present in the BRCA2 genes). A novel replacement mutation within BRCA2 (exon 18) of 139 C > A was obtained with (45.83%) in females and (31.26%) in males. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive staining for BRCA1 and BRCA2. Conclusions: The major factor responsible for colon cancer incidences among the family is associated with the inherited mutations of the germline in BRCA2 and BRCA1 through repeated endogamy of consanguineous cases of the carriers of the mutation.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Background: Cancer is emerging as a major global health-care system challenge with a growing burden worldwide. Due to the inconsistent cancer registry system in Saudi Arabia, the epidemiology of cancer is still dispersed in the country. Consequently, this review aimed to assemble the epidemiological metrics of cancer in Saudi Arabia in light of the available published data during the period from (2010–2019). Methods: Published literature from Saudi Arabia relating to cancer incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and other epidemiological metrics were accessed through electronic search in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and public database that meet the inclusion criteria. Relevant keywords were used during the electronic search about different types of cancers in Saudi Arabia. No filters were used during the electronic searches. Data were pooled and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the well-determined risk factors associated with different types of cancers. Results: The most common cancers in Saudi Arabia are breast, colorectal, prostate, brain, lymphoma, kidney and thyroid outnumbering respectively. Their prevalence rates and OR (95%CI) as follow: breast cancer 53% and 0.93 (0.84–1.00); colon-rectal cancer (CRC) 50.9% and 1.2 (0.81–1.77); prostate cancer 42.6% and 3.2 (0.88–31.11); brain/Central Nervous System cancer 9.6% and 2.3 (0.01–4.2); Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 9.2% and 3.02 (1.48–6.17); kidney cancer 4.6% and 2.05 (1.61–2.61), and thyroid cancer 12.9% and 6.77 (2.34–19.53). Conclusion: Within the diverse cancers reported from Saudi Arabia, the epidemiology of some cancers magnitude 3-fold in the latest years. This increase might be attributed to the changing in the Saudi population lifestyle (adopting western model), lack of cancer awareness, lack of screening & early detection programs, social barriers toward cancer investigations. Obesity, genetics, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, viral infection, and iodine & Vit-D deficiency represent the apparent cancer risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

People born with low birth weight are at a greater risk of developing later life diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer. Recent studies have pinpointed the placenta as a critical factor involved in developmental programming. Changes in maternal lifestyle or dietary habits can alter placental development and increase the risk of developmental programming of adult diseases. Saudi people, including pregnant women, change their lifestyle and eating habits during the holy month of Ramadan. Previous studies found that the exposure to Ramadan lifestyle reduces placental weight; however, effects on other placental aspects remained unknown. We aimed to further examine the effects of exposure to Ramadan lifestyle on full-term placental morphometrics, histology and gene expression of key glucose transporters. To examine this, fresh placentas were collected from 60 healthy Saudi women. Samples were equally classified into two groups; not exposed to Ramadan lifestyle (control) or exposed to Ramadan lifestyle in the first. Placental weight, length and breadth were recorded and placental surface area was calculated. Placental tissue was processed and stained with eosin and hematoxylin for histological examination. Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assay. The gene expression of the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 was evaluated. The results show that women exposed to Ramadan lifestyle have more elongated placentas with less central cord insertion. Placental weight and surface area were significantly lowered in women exposed to Ramadan lifestyle. Placental length was not affected but the breadth was significantly smaller in than control. Placentas exposed to Ramadan lifestyle had fewer and less-developed syncytial knots and thicker syncytiotrophoblast cells. Apoptosis was detected in placentas exposed to Ramadan lifestyle. GLUT1 mRNA expression was unaltered, but GLUT3 was increased compared to control group. These findings suggest that changes in maternal lifestyle during Ramadan can alter placental structure at morphometric, histological and molecular levels. These structural changes are indication of placental adaptations for a suboptimal maternal environment. Such adaptations have been linked to adult diseases in various populations worldwide. Further studies are required to evaluate the possible link between exposure to Ramadan lifestyle and the risk of developing adulthood chronic diseases in the Saudi population.

Aims To identify and evaluate clinical pharmacology (CP) online curricular (e-Learning) resources that are internationally available for medical students. Methods Literature searches of Medline, EMBASE and ERIC databases and an online survey of faculty members of international English language medical schools, were used to identify CP e-Learning resources. Resources that were accessible online in English and aimed to improve the quality of prescribing specific medications were then evaluated using a summary percentage score for comprehensiveness, usability and quality, and for content suitability. Results Our literature searches and survey of 252 faculty (40.7% response rate) in 219 medical schools identified 22 and 59 resources respectively. After screening and removing duplicates, 8 eligible resources remained for evaluation. Mean total score was 53% (standard deviation = 13). The Australian National Prescribing Curriculum, ranked highest with a score of 77%, based primarily on very good ratings for usability, quality and suitable content. Conclusion Using a novel method and evaluation metric to identify, classify, and rate English language CP e-Learning resources, the National Prescribing Curriculum was the highest ranked open access resource. Future work is required to implement and evaluate its effectiveness on prescribing competence.

Background: Genetic blood disorders are common in Arab countries which are related to many physical and mental disorders. Premarital counseling has been one of the strongest ways to prevent hereditary diseases. It can provide a capability to intervene according to identified risks, vaccinations, genetic consulting, nutrition, consulting regarding behavior and advice regarding contraception. This study aimed to assess university students' knowledge, attitude and practice of pre-marital counseling (PMC) in king Khalid University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha city from May to August 2018. The students were selected using two stage stratified cluster sampling technique (medical and non-medical). A total sample of 541 students were included. A structured questionnaire with close-ended questions was designed by the authors following an extensive review of the literature on knowledge, practice, and attitude of premarital screening program. The questionnaire was developed in English and then translated to Arabic by experts at the College of Medicine. Results: A total sample of 541students were involved with ages ranged from 18 years to 27 years old and 56.6% at medical colleges. Exact 73.4% of the students were aware of PMC and 95.2% reported its importance. 96.5% of the students reported their welling to do PMC on marriage and 72.1% see that it should be mandatory. Conclusions: Nearly three out of each four students had good awareness level regarding PMC. Most of the students have a positive attitude towards PMS and their readiness to adopt the counseling before marriage.

Background: A simple random sample was followed to include the total required study sample at study colleges for both boys and girls. In each study college, the lists of students' names with their university IDs were used to select participant students. Selected students were personally contacted by the researcher, with the help of their tutors.Aim of Study: To identify magnitude of “no-mobile phobia” (nomophobia) among Health Sciences students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.Subject and Methods: Following a cross-sectional study design, 625 health sciences colleges' students were included. A self-administered data collection study questionnaire was designed by the researchers, which included personal charac-teristics; mobile phone use: Duration of use of mobile phone, access to internet, average duration of daily use of the mobile phone, type of used mobile phone and the validated 20-item Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q).Results: All participants had smartphones. Prevalence of nomophobia among students was 85.3%, with 22.1% having severe nomophobia, and 63.2% having mild nomophobia. Students of applied medical sciences had the highest percentage of severe nomophobia, while students of medicine had the lowest percentage (35. 1% and 15.8%, respectively). Nomo-phobia grades differed significantly according to study colleges (p=0.003). Percentages of students with severe nomophobia were significantly higher among those who had internet access through their personal mobile phones (p=0.017) and also among those who spend more than 2 hours daily with their mobile phones (p

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of alopecia, and it affects humans of both genders. Finasteride is a type II selective 5α-reductase inhibitor that is administered orally to treat androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia in human males. However, its effect on the vital organs of females is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of finasteride on the vital organs such as liver, kidney, and heart of female mice. To study the prospective effects of finasteride, female mice were orally administered two doses of finasteride (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) once daily for 35 days, and serum levels of various biochemical parameters and histopathology of various organs were examined. The results showed that serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased by both high- and low-dose finasteride, whereas cholesterol was significantly increased by the high dose only. Creatine kinase was significantly increased by the high and low doses, whereas glucose was significantly decreased by both doses. Histopathological analysis and DNA damage assays showed that finasteride has adverse effects within both the short and the long periods in female mice. In addition, the proapoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased by high dose finasteride, whereas the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was significantly decreased by the low and high doses. In conclusion, finasteride is not currently approved for therapeutic use in females, and the findings in this study suggest caution in any future consideration of such use.

Objective To investigate the effects of short-term oral vitamin A supplementation on the ocular tear film in patients with dry eye. Methods In total, 30 male patients with dry eye (age range, 18-38 years; mean age, 25.2±2.8 years) who did not wear contact lenses or exhibit any ocular (other than dry eye) or systemic diseases were included, along with 30 age-matched men (control group; mean age, 24.5±2.3 years) with healthy eyes. Subject exclusion was based on the findings of the McMonnies questionnaire (cutoff score for dry eye: 14.5) and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. All subjects received an oral vitamin A supplement at a daily dose of 1,500 mg for 3 consecutive days. The phenol red thread (PRT) test was performed along with assessments of tear ferning (TF), tear osmolarity, and the tear break-up time (TBUT) before and 24 hours after the third dose of the vitamin A supplement. A 10-minute interval was observed between different tests. Results In the dry eye group, the TF grade (Wilcoxon test, P=0.01) exhibited a significant decrease, while the tear osmolarity value (t-test, P=0.01) exhibited a significant increase after vitamin A supplementation. The PRT test findings (P=0.17) and TBUT (P=0.49) showed no significant differences before and after vitamin A supplementation. In the control group, vitamin A supplementation showed no significant effects on TF (P=0.74), tear osmolarity (P=0.55), the TBUT (P=0.19), and the PRT test scores (P=0.48). Conclusion Our findings suggest that short-term oral vitamin A supplementation improves the quality, but not quantity, of tears in patients with dry eye. Future studies should involve larger patient samples and longer periods of vitamin A supplementation.