Khat Chewing Habits in the Population of the Jazan Region,Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

The use of khat (Catha edulis) is a major public health and social problem that is believed to be growing globally. The khat chewing habit is prevalent in all areas of the Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, few studies have been conducted at the community level to investigate the khat chewing habits in this area. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the prevalence and predictors of khat chewing among the Jazan community population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample (n = 4,500) of the Jizani population who attended primary heath care centers in Jazan region. The participants were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The overall lifetime prevalence of khat chewing was 33.2% (95% CI 31.8–34.7) and was significantly higher for males 42.2% (95% CI 40.4–43.9) than for females 11.3% (95% CI 9.6–13.1) (P < 0.001). Current khat chewers accounted for 28.7% (95% CI 27.4–30.1) of the population sampled; 36.9% (95% CI 35.2–38.6) of whom were males, which is a significantly higher percentage than the 8.7% (95% CI 7.3–10.4) of current khat chewers who were females (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggests that the most important independent predictors of khat chewing were having a friend who chewed khat (OR = 20.1, P < 0.001), participant''s smoking status (OR) = 3.9, P < 0.001), friend''s smoking status (OR = 2.2, P < 0.001), gender (OR = 2.2, P < 0.001) and educational level (OR = 1.5, P < 0.05). A large proportion of the Jizani populations chew khat. Government and non-governmental organizations NGOs should design and strengthen community prevention programs to curb the high prevalence of khat use.     

Synthesis of 9-[1-(substituted)-3-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine derivatives as possible antiviral agents

Acyclic N9 adenine nucleosides substituted at C-1' position were prepared by the Mitsunobu reaction of 1-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-4-pivaloylbutan-1,2,4-triol (5) with adenine. Pivaloyl hydroxyl was modified to the phosphonomethoxy derivatives, and the tert-butyldimethylsilyl hydroxyl was converted to methoxy, azido, amino, fluoro, and c-hydroxyethyl and was eliminated to give vinyl. The resulting phosphonic acids were converted to prodrugs also.     

The protective effect of shrimp cooked in different methods on high-cholesterol- induced fatty liver in rats

This study examined the impact of different cooking methods on fatty acid (FAs) composition of shrimp meat and the ability of these foods to protect against high cholesterol (HC) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Shrimp were cooked for 10 min boiled, grilled, or fried in sunflower oil. Rats (n = 6/group) were fed a normal diet (ND)or high-cholesterol diet (HC) each containing boiled, grilled or fried shrimp powder (15% w/w) (NDBS, NDFS, NDGS for ND or HCBS, HCFS, HCDGS for HC diet). Frying alone significantly reduced total levels of saturated FAs (SFA) and increased total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs (MSFA, and PUFAs, respectively) in shrimp meat. It also increased levels of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (LA) and decreased levels of n-3 PUFAs including eicosapentaenoic FAs (EPA) and docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). When fed to HC rats, only diets containing the grilled and boiled shrimp powders significantly prevented the weight loss, lowered fasting and glucose levels, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and prevented the increase in serum liver markers, ALT and AST. They also reduced hepatic fat accumulation, reduced serum levels and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), reduced hepatic levels of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6, and increased those of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). No alterations in all these parameters were observed in HC-fed rats which fed fried shrimp. In conclusion, boiling and grilling but not frying are the best method to cook shrimp to preserve their fatty acid content and its nutritional value in ameliorating NAFLD.     

Factors affecting the adsorption of buchnericin LB,a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus [correction of Lactocobacillus] buchneri

Buchnericin-LB adsorbs to gram-positive but not to gram-negative bacteria. The tested gram-positive bacteria were species of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, Staphylococcus; gram-negative bacteria belonged to the genera Salmonella, Escherichia, Yersinia and Pseudomonas. Buchnericin-LB adsorption depended on pH but not on time and temperature. Also some anions of salts and lipoteichoic acid reduced or inhibited its adsorption. Treatment of cells and cell walls of sensitive bacteria with detergents, organic solvents or enzymes did not affect subsequent binding of buchnericin-LB. Treatment with buchnericin-LB caused sensitive cells to lose high amounts of intracellular K+ ions and UV-absorbing materials and became more permeable to o-nitrophenol-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Buchnericin-LB (640-2560 AU/ml) decreased the colony forming units (99%) and absorbance values of Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus. These results indicate that the mode of action of buchnericin-LB is bactericidal and its lethal effect is very rapid.     

Enantioseparation of mandelic acid on vancomycin column: Experimental and docking study

So far, no detailed view has been expressed regarding the interactions between vancomycin and racemic compounds including mandelic acid. In the current study, a chiral stationary phase was prepared by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and succinic anhydride to graft carboxylated silica microspheres and subsequently by activating the carboxylic acid group for vancomycin immobilization. Characterization by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated effective functionalization of the silica surface. R and S enantiomers of mandelic acid were separated by the synthetic vancomycin column. Finally, the interaction between vancomycin and R/S mandelic acid enantiomers was simulated by Auto-dock Vina. The binding energies of interactions between R and S enantiomers and vancomycin chiral stationary phase were different. In the most probable interaction, the difference in mandelic acid binding energy was approximately 0.2 kcal/mol. In addition, circular dichroism spectra of vancomycin interacting with R and S enantiomers showed different patterns. Therefore, R and S mandelic acid enantiomers may occupy various binding pockets and interact with different vancomycin functions. These observations emphasized the different retention of R and S mandelic acid enantiomers in vancomycin chiral column.     

Evaluating the effects of different processing methods on the nutritional composition of shrimp and the antioxidant activity of shrimp powder

Shrimp is a prevalent food in the Arabian Gulf that is known for its good sensory properties and high nutritional value. The aim of the present work was to assess the effects of diverse processing methods on the nutritional composition of shrimp and the antioxidant activity of shrimp powder. Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) flesh was treated using four processes (salting, frying, grilling, and boiling), following which its macronutrient content, fatty acid profile, vitamins and mineral contents were measured. Also, the antioxidant activity of all shrimp powder extracts was assessed using the 2, 2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), linoleic acid oxidation inhibition, and reducing power methods. The results revealed that the fresh and processed shrimp flesh had significant nutritional value and the fresh and treated shrimp powders have high antioxidant activity, but the cooking processes have significant effects on the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh. These effects were greater significantly in grilled shrimp followed by boiled shrimp and then fried shrimp. It is concluded that the high nutritional value and antioxidant activity of shrimp flesh make it an important food for nutritional health promotion for the community.     

Synthesis of 9-[1-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-3-(Phosphonomethoxy)Propyl] Adenine and Prodrug as Possible Antiviral Agents

The appropriately protected C-1′-hydroxyethyl-3-hydroxypropyl-N⁹-adenine nucleoside was prepared from 1-pivaloyloxy-5-tert-butyldiphenylsilyloxy-3-pentanol and adenine through the Mitsunobu reaction. One of the terminal hydroxyls was converted to the phosphonomethoxy derivative and the prodrug.     

Comparative analysis of cytokines and growth factors in the conditioned media of stem cells from the pulp of deciduous,young, and old permanent tooth

ObjectivesTo compare and analyze the secretome profile of stem cells obtained from the deciduous tooth (SHEDs), young (yDPSCs), and old permanent tooth (oDPSCs).MethodsAll the stem cells were assessed for mesenchymal stem cell markers. The stem cells were differentiated into osteoblasts and chondrocytes using lineage-specific differentiation media. Conditioned media was collected from growing stem cells, and a cytometric bead array was performed to estimate secreted cytokines and growth factor levels by flow cytometry. Gene expresseion levels were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAge did not affect the mesenchymal characteristics of dental stem cells from various age groups. The secretomes of SHEDs and young yDPSCs exhibit more growth factors and lesser pro-inflammatory cytokines than oDPSCs. Osteo and chondrogenic differentiation potential were higher in SHEDs and young yDPSCs than in the oDPSCs. TLR1, TLR2, TLR3 show decreased expression levels with age and TLR5, TLR6 show increased expression with age.ConclusionThe superior regenerative potential of SHEDs and yDPSCs may be due to the higher growth factors and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine profile.     

Evaluation and implementation of strategies to reduce the intravenous admixture returns

Background and objectivesPharmaceutical sterile wastes are not only environmental hazard but an economical loss. There are many strategies employed in various parts of the world for minimizing the parenteral admixture returns in hospitals, however, they are not practiced in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study was done to assess the impact of a) intravenous (IV) pharmacy round and b) twice daily batching, as reduction strategies on the number of IV admixture returns and the associated cost of medication wastage.MethodThis study was conducted at the central IV room of the in-patient pharmacy unit at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for general intensive care unit (ICU) IV returns. Phase 1 of the study was intended to measure the baseline parameters, while the Phase 2 and 3 were measured with the application of IV pharmacy round plan, and twice-daily batching strategies, respectively. Comparison of IV returns were done in each of the phases and economical loss was calculated.ResultsOut of number of IV admixtures prepared and supplied to ICU during a month, 4.85% of the items were deemed wasted during baseline phase with as estimated cost of IV wasted items to be 2,128.02 USD. In the IV pharmacy round and twice-daily batching strategies, the percentage of the wasted items decreased to 4.27% and 3.73%, respectively. Moreover, there is 13.84% and 42. 48% reduction in the estimated cost in the wasted items in, pharmacy round and twice-daily batching strategies, respectively, compared to baseline phase.ConclusionImplementation of interventions caused reduction in total recycled, wasted items and the associated cost of medication wastage of sterile pharmaceutical preparations. Twice daily batching strategy has better effect in decreasing the IV returns and its associated cost.