Evaluation of effect of high frequency electromagnetic field on growth and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria

This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF at 900 and 1800 MHz) on DNA, growth rate and antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa. In this study, bacteria were exposed to 900 and 1800 MHz for 2 h and then inoculated to new medium when their growth rate and antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated. Results for the study of bacterial DNA unsuccessful to appearance any difference exposed and non-exposed S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Exposure of S. epidermidis and S. aureus to electromagnetic fields mostly produced no statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth, except for S. aureus when exposure to 900 MHz at 12 h. Exposure of P. aeruginosa to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz however, lead to a significant reduction in growth rate, while 1800 MHz had insignificant effect. With the exception of S. aureus, treated with amoxicillin (30 µg) and exposed to electromagnetic fields, radiation treatment had no significant effect on bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics.     

Isolation and molecular characterization of mycotoxigenic fungi in agarwood

Agarwood (Oudh), is often used by people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Oudh has been mentioned in the Hadith and is traditionally used for its aroma (perfuming smell) and potential medicinal applications. The aim of the study was to isolate mycotoxigenic fungi that grow on agarwood and the factors and storage conditions that enhance their growth potential. In addition to the detection of associated mycotoxins like: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) from agarwood. Agarwood samples were collected from local markets of Jeddah governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Standard dilution plate method was used for the isolation of fungi. Isolated fungi were identified based on morphological characteristics and confirmed using molecular biology techniques. AFB₁ and OTA were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HLPC). The results indicated that the most commonly isolated fungal genera were in the following descending order: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Rhizopus. Among Aspergillus genera, A. flavus and A. ochraceus were detected based on their morphology and confirmed by PCR using specific primers. It was also noted that AFB₁ was released by 15.3 and 55.0% of A. flavus and A. parasiticus isolates respectively with levels reaching up to 14.60 µg/L. The moisture content in the samples ranged from 3% to 10% affected fungal growth. AFB₁ was detected in 22 out of 50 of the samples. The maximum level of AFB₁ (50.7 µg/kg) was detected in samples with higher moisture content (12%) stored at a temperature of 32 °C. Aspergillus fungi were found to be the most predominant fungal genera found on agarwood. Moisture content (9–10%) and storage temperature (32 °C) stimulated fungal growth and their ability to produce mycotoxins. For this reason, storage conditions at the marketing place should be adequate in order not to provide a conducive environment for fungal growth which is associated with the mycotoxin production. In order to prevent fungal growth and mycotoxin production, it would be recommended to store agarwood at temperatures not exceeding 25 °C and moisture content of up to a maximum of 5–6%.     

One pot synthesis and anti-biofilm potential of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with nosocomial infections, is emerging as a serious threat due to its resistance to broad spectrum antimicrobials. The biofilm mode of growth confers resistance to antibiotics and novel anti-biofilm agents are urgently needed. Nanoparticle based treatments and therapies have been of recent interest because of their versatile applications. This study investigates the anti-biofilm activity of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized by the one pot method against P. aeruginosa. Standard physical techniques including UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the synthesized CuNPs. CuNP treatments at 100 ng ml^?1 resulted in a 94, 89 and 92% reduction in biofilm, cell surface hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharides respectively, without bactericidal activity. Evidence of biofilm inhibition was also seen with light and confocal microscope analysis. This study highlights the anti-biofilm potential of CuNPs, which could be utilized as coating agents on surgical devices and medical implants to manage biofilm associated infections.     

Association of interleukin-6 polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic alterations in young Saudi population

Rising levels of obesity are a global problem that is being exported from affluent to developing nations through the gradual “westernization of lifestyle”. Population of Saudi Arabia is going through a nutrition transition where customary and traditional food is being replaced by fast food high in fat, sugar and salt. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a central player in the regulation of inflammation, haematopoiesis, immune response and host defense mechanisms. During the last decade, an accumulating amount of data suggested a pivotal role for IL-6 in metabolic processes, thus fortifying the picture of IL-6 as a multifaceted, pleiotropic cytokine. The Objective is to investigate the relationship between IL-6 (rs1554606) polymorphism and the risk of obesity in young Saudi population. Totally 204 Saudi young obese subjects were involved in this study. Genotyping of IL-6 was performed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction technology, using the Taq Man 5′-allele discrimination assay. IL-6 (rs1554606) AA versus AG (p < 0.01) and AA versus GG (p < 0.01) shows significant difference between Male and female group in genotypic as well as allelic distribution differ significantly, while AG versus GG did not differ significantly (p > 0.5). We have observed significant effects for Genotyping, LDL, CHOL, AST, ALP, BILIT, BMI at 5 % (0.05) significance level in the study population. Our results shown that IL-6 polymorphism have significantly differ in both male and females subjects. We have observed that some evidence of interactions of the IL-6 polymorphism and have shown statistical significant association with elevated BMI, Lipid profile and total bilurubin in the study subjects.     

Dielectric Dispersion in Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> Thin Films

In this work, the structural, compositional, optical, and dielectric properties of Ga₂S₃ thin films are investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet—visible light spectrophotometry. The Ga₂S₃ thin films which exhibited amorphous nature in its as grown form are observed to be generally composed of 40.7 % Ga and 59.3 % S atomic content. The direct allowed transitions optical energy bandgap is found to be 2.96 eV. On the other hand, the modeling of the dielectric spectra in the frequency range of 270–1,000 THz, using the modified Drude-Lorentz model for electron-plasmon interactions revealed the electrons scattering time as 1.8 (fs), the electron bounded plasma frequency as ~0.76–0.94 (GHz) and the reduced resonant frequency as 2.20–4.60 ×10¹⁵ (Hz) in the range of 270–753 THz. The corresponding drift mobility of electrons to the terahertz oscillating incident electric field is found to be 7.91 (cm ²/Vs). The values are promising as they nominate the Ga₂S₃ thin films as effective candidates in thin-film transistor and gas sensing technologies.     

Community-based observational assessment of compliance by the public with COVID19 preventive measures in the south of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundAt the end of August 2020, a surge in the number of cases in the Jazan region has been observed. The number of reported cases by 19th of August in the Jazan region was more than 300, which exceeded the number of reported cases in larger regions such as Riyadh, and Makkah. This study aims to measure compliance by the public with COVID-19 preventive measures.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional, field-based observational assessment of compliance by individuals in public settings with COVID-19 preventive measures in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The assessment was performed in the last week of July 2020. The assessment was based on observing the actual compliance of individuals and different establishments in the Jazan region with COVID-19 preventive measures. To perform the field observations, a standardised check-list was adopted from COVID-19 preventive measures in the community, which was developed by the Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).ResultsA total of 1096 individuals were observed in 69 different locations in the Jazan region. Compliance by the observed individuals was variable depending on the age group, the setting and the recommended preventive practice. The findings indicate very low compliance of specific precautionary measures within public parks in comparison to other measured settings. Proportions of individuals not compliant with mask-wearing instructions varied according to settings and age group from 5% in malls and shopping areas to nearly 83% in public parks. Additionally, Proportions of children not compliant with mask-wearing instructions was higher in comparison to adults in all observed settings.ConclusionsThe findings of this study identified variability in the levels of compliance with specific preventive measures against COVID-19. Further assessment is needed to explore factors associated with the limited observed compliance, in particular with regard to limited compliance to precautionary measures applied in specific settings and compliance of children to mask-wearing instructions.     

Novel strategy for biodegradation of 4-nitrophenol by the immobilized cells of Pseudomonas sp. YPS3 with Acacia gum

The mass organic compound 4-nitrophenol with low molecular is involved in many chemicals processes and most common organic pollutants. 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) existing in soils and water bodies, thereby causing severe environmental impact and health risk. Even low concentrations are harmful to health and potential mutagenic and carcinogenic. Though the existing methods of biodegradation though effective, their popularity is hindered due to high cost. Hence, in the present study a less expensive method involving the use of Pseudomonas sp. with gum arabic (PAA) was tested. The biodegradation of 4-NP was thoroughly investigated by progressive characterization methods. The promising Pseudomonas sp. YPS 3 was identified with biochemical and molecular identification process. The average particle sizes of stable crystalline PAA was 8–20 nm. The experiments were conducted with optimized parameters viz., pH (7.0), concentration (30 ppm), temperature (37 °C) and time (6 h). The study was tested as adsorbent particle size on 4-NP concurrent adsorption-biodegradation. In addition, these Pseudomonas sp. YPS3 and its PAA are used as an eco-friendly for removal of toxic organic 4-NP pollutant from the ecosystems.     

Induction of liver fibrosis by CCl4 mediates pathological alterations in the spleen and lymph nodes: The potential therapeutic role of propolis

In an animal models, carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a carcinogenic agent that causes liver fibrosis. The current study aims to investigate whether induction in liver-fibrosis by CCl₄ in the mouse model could promote the initiation of fibrosis in lymph node and spleen due to sustained increase of inflammatory signals and also aimed to clarify the protective therapeutic effects of propolis. The male mice (BALB/c) were categorized into three experimental sets and each group involved 15 mice. Control group falls into first group; group-II and group-III were injected with CCl₄ to induce liver-fibrosis and oral supplementation with propolis was provided in group-III for 4-weeks. A major improvement with hepatic collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) production was aligned with the activation of liver fibrosis from CCl₄. Mice treated with CCl₄ exhibited collagen deposition towards liver sections, pathological alterations in spleen and lymph node architectures, and a significantly increase the circulation of both T&B cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Mechanically, the secondary lymphoid organs treated with CCl₄ in mice exposed a positive growth in α-SMA and collagen expression, increased in proinflammatory cytokine levels and a significant increase in TGF-β, NO and ROS levels. A manifest intensification in the expression of Nrf2, COX-2, and eNOS and upregulation of ASK1 and P38 phosphorylation. Interestingly, addition of propolis-treated CCl₄ mice, substantially suppressed deposition of liver collagen, repealed inflammatory signals and resorted CCl₄-mediated alterations in signaling cascades, thereby repairing the architectures of the secondary lymphoid organs. Our findings revealed benefits of propolis against fibrotic complications and enhancing secondary lymphoid organ architecture.     

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Malva parviflora and their antifungal activity

Cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora L.) was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were classified by UV–vis Spectroscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The shape and size distribution were visualized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Zeta potential analysis. The chemical composition of M. parviflora leaf extract was identified by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). Finally, in vitro antifungal assay was done to assess the potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and crude leaf extract of M. parviflora for inhibiting the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi. The UV–vis analysis manifests the formation of silver nanoparticles. FTIR analysis established that chemicals of the leaf extract stabilized the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles by binding with the free silver ions. The TEM, FE-SEM and zeta potential analyzer confirmed that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were mostly spherical with an average diameter of 50.6 nm. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and leaf extract of M. parviflora effectively mitigate the mycelial growth of Helminthosporium rostratum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata. The maximum reduction in mycelial growth by biosynthesized nanoparticles was observed against H. rostratum (88.6%). Whereas, the leaf extract of M. parviflora was most effective against F. solani (65.3%). Thus, the biosynthesis of nanoparticle assisted by M. parviflora is a feasible and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Further the silver nanoparticles and leaf extract of M. parviflora could be explored for the development of the fungicide.     

Novel oxindole/benzofuran hybrids as potential dual CDK2/GSK-3β inhibitors targeting breast cancer: design,synthesis, biological evaluation,and in silico studies

The serine/threonine protein kinases CDK2 and GSK-3β are key oncotargets in breast cancer cell lines, therefore, in the present study three series of oxindole-benzofuran hybrids were designed and synthesised as dual CDK2/GSK-3β inhibitors targeting breast cancer (5a–g, 7a–h, and 13a–b). The N¹-unsubstituted oxindole derivatives, series 5, showed moderate to potent activity on both MCF-7 and T-47D breast cancer cell lines. Compounds 5d–f showed the most potent cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ of 3.41, 3.45 and 2.27 μM, respectively, on MCF-7 and of 3.82, 4.53 and 7.80 μM, respectively, on T-47D cell lines, in comparison to the used reference standard (staurosporine) IC₅₀ of 4.81 and 4.34 μM, respectively. On the other hand, the N¹-substituted oxindole derivatives, series 7 and 13, showed moderate to weak cytotoxic activity on both breast cancer cell lines. CDK2 and GSK-3β enzyme inhibition assay of series 5 revealed that compounds 5d and 5f are showing potent dual CDK2/GSK-3β inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 37.77 and 52.75 nM, respectively, on CDK2 and 32.09 and 40.13 nM, respectively, on GSK-3β. The most potent compounds 5d–f caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in MCF-7 cells inducing cell apoptosis because of the CDK2/GSK-3β inhibition. Molecular docking studies showed that the newly synthesised N¹-unsubstituted oxindole hybrids have comparable binding patterns in both CDK2 and GSK-3β. The oxindole ring is accommodated in the hinge region interacting through hydrogen bonding with the backbone CO and NH of the key amino acids Glu81 and Leu83, respectively, in CDK2 and Asp133 and Val135, respectively, in GSK-3β. Whereas, in series 7 and 13, the N¹-substitutions on the oxindole nucleus hinder the compounds from achieving these key interactions with hinge region amino acids what rationalises their moderate to low anti-proliferative activity.