Brugia malayi microfilariae adhere to human vascular endothelial cells in a C3-dependent manner

Brugia malayi causes the human tropical disease, lymphatic filariasis. Microfilariae (Mf) of this nematode live in the bloodstream and are ingested by a feeding mosquito vector. Interestingly, in a remarkable co-evolutionary adaptation, Mf appearance in the peripheral blood follows a circadian periodicity and reaches a peak when the mosquito is most likely to feed. For the remaining hours, the majority of Mf sequester in the lung capillaries. This circadian phenomenon has been widely reported and is likely to maximise parasite fitness and optimise transmission potential. However, the mechanism of Mf sequestration in the lungs remains largely unresolved. In this study, we demonstrate that B. malayi Mf can, directly adhere to vascular endothelial cells under static conditions and under flow conditions, they can bind at high (but not low) flow rates. High flow rates are more likely to be experienced diurnally. Furthermore, a non-periodic nematode adheres less efficiently to endothelial cells. Strikingly C3, the central component of complement, plays a crucial role in the adherence interaction. These novel results show that microfilariae have the ability to bind to endothelial cells, which may explain their sequestration in the lungs, and this binding is increased in the presence of inflammatory mediators

Radiobiological effectiveness and its role in modeling secondary cancer risk for proton therapy.

In proton therapy, a radiobiological effectiveness ratio (RBE) of 1.1 (RBE1.1) is often used. In reality, RBE depends on dose, linear energy transfer (LET), biological end point, and tissue type. Using a value of RBE that may be not accurate may affect dose calculation and hence, outcome

Radiobiological effectiveness and its role in modeling secondary cancer risk for proton therapy.

In proton therapy, a radiobiological effectiveness ratio (RBE) of 1.1 (RBE1.1) is often used. In reality, RBE depends on dose, linear energy transfer (LET), biological end point, and tissue type. Using a value of RBE that may be not accurate may affect dose calculation and hence, outcome

Orthodontic Extrusion as an Aid for Restoring Extensively Destroyed Teeth and Preserving Implant Site Creation: A Case Series

Razan Abu Alqasem Bosly,1 Mushyirah Yahya Sabyei,2 Abdulaziz Mohammed Zailai,2 Nada Yousef Fageehi,2 Sara M Madkhali,3 Ahmad Abdulraheem Ageel,4 Mohammed M Al Moaleem5 1Saudi Board in Restorative Dentistry, Jazan Dental Center, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 2Ministry of Health, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry Department, Jazan Specialist Dental Center, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 3Senior Registrar in Orthodontics Dentistry Department, Ministry of Health, Jazan Specialist Dental Center, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 4Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Jazan Specialized Dental Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Prosthetic Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mohammed M Al Moaleem, Department of Prosthetic Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]: Preserving questionable maxillary teeth for aesthetics is challenging for many practitioners. This report presents the clinical and radiographic results of an orthodontic extrusion technique for clinical crown lengthening of female patients’ maxillary teeth to increase the restorability of teeth. Splinting was carried out by using specially designed hucks cast with custom-made post joined with orthodontic brackets with adjusting teeth. Teeth were carefully extruded to the desired level without harming the marginal bone areas or root apices. Clinical follow-up evaluations were performed for 3 months before construction of the final prosthesis. Intra-oral radiographs showed normal periodontal contour consistent with new bone formation in the periapical area of all cases, with no evidence of root or crestal bone resorption or endodontic problems. This technique is highly recommended in the aesthetic area of the maxillary arch.Keywords: aesthetic, biologic width, crown lengthening, orthodontic extrusion, tooth restorabilit

Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Women Employees in Health Sector: A Perception Study in Saudi Arabia

Rawan M Maawadh,1 Thekra N Al-Maqati,1 Maryam Hamad Alenezi,2 Eman Alenezi,3 Amal Alsubaie,4 Amal Mohsen Alghamdi,5 Afrah AlSubaie,6 Mashael Mufleh Alruwaili,7 Haya Ali AlAnazi,7 Entisar Albugami,8 Naifah Ahmed Alanazi,9 Khaled Ahmed Alhmdan,10 Fahad Farhan Alshammari,11 Abeer Madkhali12 1Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Science, Dammam, 31448, Saudi Arabia; 2Medical Admin & Excellence Allowance Committee Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 3Preventive Medicine Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 4Family Medicine Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 5Internal Medicine Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 6Urology and Nephrology Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 7Patient Education Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 8Family Medicine Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 9Cardiac Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 10Health Informatics Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 11Laboratory Department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 12Quality and Patient Safety Administration Department, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Rawan M Maawadh, Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Science, P.O. Box 33048, Dammam, 31448, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]: Broad evidence points out that women workers in Saudi Arabia face a range of inequitable work practices despite continued efforts for gender equality. The study aims to assess the satisfaction of Saudi women working in the health sector among certain factors in the work environment, factors that enable them to gain opportunities and benefits and make decisions.Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which involved the use of closed-ended surveys on 261 Saudi women working in the healthcare sector.Results: Most of the females were aged between 25 and 34 years (59%) and more than half of them worked in the governmental sector (53%). Fifty-eight percent of the females hold clinical jobs, 25% of the administrative jobs were 37% of them have more than 19 years of working experience. The finding showed a significant association between female workers in health sector satisfaction with factors related to the workplace environment, training, and development, and their involvement in decision-making.Conclusion: Most women felt empowered when they received equitable tasks and were able to reach managerial-level positions in their organizations. Establishing a positive work environment characterized by opportunities has the potential to enhance women workers’ satisfaction.Keywords: satisfaction, woman, education, training, opportunitie

Assessing Nutritional Anemia Among University Students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Public Health Perspective

Waleed Hakami,1 Gasim Dobie,1 Khadija A Alneami,1 Misk Shaabi,1 Khaled Essawi,1 Muhammad Saboor,2 Aymen M Madkhali,1 Mohammed H Nahari,3 Hassan H Almasoudi,3 Mohammad S Akhter,1 Fasial H Hakami,4 Fatimah A Zarbatan,5 Ali Hakamy,6 Rama M Chandika,7 Ali A Fageehi,1 Abdullah A Mobarki,1 Hassan A Hamali1 1Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 5Respiratory Care Department, King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan, Ministry of Health, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Gizan, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Hassan A Hamali, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, P.O. Box 1906, Gizan, 45142, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]: Nutritional anemia is a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and children in Saudi Arabia, where inadequate nutrition is considered a primary contributing factor. This study aims to (i) examine the levels of serum iron, folate, and vitamin B12 in young adult students, with a focus on identifying any deficiencies and their association with anemia; (ii) explore the prevalence of mixed-deficiency anemia resulting from deficiencies in serum iron, folate, and vitamin B12 (iii) explore how sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits influence serum iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 158 young adult students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected following a comprehensive questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and health characteristics. These samples were analyzed for complete blood count, serum iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels.Results: The findings of this study revealed a significant decrease in serum iron levels, with 70.6% of males and 88% in females exhibiting reduced level. Additionally, low levels of folate were observed in 4% of the study population, while deficiency in vitamin B12 was found in 2.2% of the study population. However, the simultaneous presence of low serum iron levels along with deficiencies in folate or vitamin B12 was not observed in the study participants.Conclusion: The study indicates that there is a high incidence of low serum iron and ferritin levels among university students in Saudi Arabia, which poses a considerable public health concern. Conversely, the prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies among the students was comparatively low, and notably, there were no cases where these deficiencies were observed alongside iron deficiency.Keywords: anemia, folate, vitamin B12, serum iron, iron deficienc