Repurposing the oncolytic virus VSV∆51M as a COVID-19 vaccine

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposes an urgent and continued need for the development of safe and cost-effective vaccines to induce preventive responses for limiting major outbreaks around the world. To combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we repurposed the VSV∆51M oncolytic virus platform to express the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen. In this study, we report the development and characterization of the VSV∆51M-RBD vaccine. Our findings demonstrate successful expression of the RBD gene by the VSV∆51M-RBD virus, inducing anti-RBD responses without attenuating the virus. Moreover, the VSV∆51M-RBD vaccine exhibited safety, immunogenicity, and the potential to serve as a safe and effective alternative or complementary platform to current COVID-19 vaccines

Relationship between obesity and immunological parameters among students at the PSAU University-Alkharj, KSA

Obesity represents a major worldwide health problem, all aspects of which have not fully defined, nor fully understood.  In the current study, we investigated a population of university students in terms of the relationship between incidence of obesity in individuals (n=171),within this larger cohort (n=500), with the comorbidities that these high BMI individuals also carried. We also report important statistical differences in blood levels each of cardiac-related protein (CRP)(p=0.002), IL-6(p=0.005), &leptin(p=0.02), when we related the blood values with individual student BMIs which were used as a measure of obesity

Hematological and biochemical parameters among obese students at the PSAU, Alkharj, KSA

Management of obesity represents a global problem that challenges the provision of healthcare services in most countries. Saudi Arabia ranked number 29 on a 2007 list of countries with 6% of its population being overweight (BMI > 25).In a university setting, we studied hematological parameters (including whole blood counts, haemoglobin and platelets), the presence of basophilia, iron levels and lipid profiles in obese students, and also in non-obese student controls. We found a significant increase in whole blood count in obese compared to healthy individuals, and also found a high level of basophilia compared to healthy controls.  We also report that the obese student group suffered from low iron levels, and also a reduced total iron binding capacity, as compared to healthy controls. Levels of cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly higher in obese students compared to healthy controls. This study can be interpreted that universities across the Kingdom, and beyond, should consider targeting obesity management in their students to try to reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated disorders, and to support such healthcare programs by offering a variety of environmental, physical exercise and nutritional interventions

Hematological and Biochemical Parameters Among Obese Students at the PSAU, Alkharj, KSA

Management of obesity represents a global problem that challenges the provision of healthcare services in most countries. Saudi Arabia ranked number 29 on a 2007 list of countries with 6% of its population being overweight (BMI > 25).In a university setting, we studied hematological parameters (including whole blood counts, haemoglobin and platelets), the presence of basophilia, iron levels and lipid profiles in obese students, and also in non-obese student controls. We found a significant increase in whole blood count in obese compared to healthy individuals, and also found a high level of basophilia compared to healthy controls.  We also report that the obese student group suffered from low iron levels, and also a reduced total iron binding capacity, as compared to healthy controls. Levels of cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly higher in obese students compared to healthy controls. This study can be interpreted that universities across the Kingdom, and beyond, should consider targeting obesity management in their students to try to reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated disorders, and to support such healthcare programs by offering a variety of environmental, physical exercise and nutritional interventions

Relationship Between Obesity and Immunological Parameters Among Students at the PSAU University-Alkharj, KSA

Obesity represents a major worldwide health problem, all aspects of which have not fully defined, nor fully understood.  In the current study, we investigated a population of university students in terms of the relationship between incidence of obesity in individuals (n=171),within this larger cohort (n=500), with the comorbidities that these high BMI individuals also carried. We also report important statistical differences in blood levels each of cardiac-related protein (CRP)(p=0.002), IL-6(p=0.005), &leptin(p=0.02), when we related the blood values with individual student BMIs which were used as a measure of obesity