Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Its Effect on the Levels of Dopamine and Adrenaline in Humans

The current study was conducted in Maysan province, Southern Iraq. Blood samples were collected from 174 individuals (male and female), from December 2020 to May 2021. ELISA was used to calculate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii by determining the levels of anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG, as well as the levels of dopamine and adrenaline in the participants' blood. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Amarah city is 52.3%. In regards to the seropositive cases, there is 32.97% positive to IgM, 38.46% is positive IgG, and 28.57% is positive to both IgM + IgG. The level mean of dopamine in toxoplasmosis-seropositive cases is 2.9543x10-2 mg ml-1, which is higher than that of negative cases (1.8086x10-2 mg ml-1). There are statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the levels of dopamine in toxoplasmosis-seropositive and negative cases. The mean level of adrenaline in toxoplasmosis-seropositive cases is 2.8752x10-2 mg ml-1. Which is higher than that of negative cases (1.3670x10-2 mg ml-1), there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between its levels in toxoplasmosis-seropositive and negative cases

Non-Cooperative Game Theory Approach for Cognitive Cooperative Communication in WBAN

To increase the Quality of Service (QoS) of wireless body area network, we need an effective data-rate delivering method, which capably forwarding the data over several path. For this reason, we proposed a non-cooperative game approach, based on utilizing a pricing-based spectrum leasing mechanism to transmit the data over several path based on non-cooperative game theory. The parameter price c is together determined by WBAN sensor and D2D users. Then, all selected D2D users used optimized powers that can fulfil the need of the WBSN users. Numerical results show the proposed approach improves the utility of WBSN users and their throughput

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in leafy green vegetables consumed by inhabitants of Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia

Vegetables are a crucial component of every diet and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Many raw vegetables, such as salads, are consumed, and consuming raw vegetables contaminated with human and animal feces can lead to a variety of intestinal parasite diseases. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the incidence of contamination of green leafy vegetables with human intestinal parasites, as well as identify the most common parasite species and any seasonal variation in parasite abundance in green leafy vegetables found and sold for human consumption in various markets and stores in Jeddah. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been conducted on the prevalence of parasite-contaminated vegetables in Jeddah. From September 2020 to July 2021, 250 leafy vegetables (coriander, watercress, lettuce, parsley, leek, and green onion) were collected from various markets and stores in Jeddah. The vegetables were sorted, labelled, and evaluated in the laboratory after being completely washed with distilled water, examined for sediment, staining, and microscopically examined. Chromatographic immunoassay tests were also used to confirm parasite identification. Intestinal parasites were discovered in 35.2% of the vegetables (88/250). Coriander was the most contaminated (64.2%), while green onion was the least contaminated (21.9%). Blastocystis spp. was the most often discovered parasite (55.7%), followed by Strongyloides spp. larva (22.7%) and Entamoeba coli cysts (6.8%). Summer has the greatest percentage of parasites, followed by autumn, while winter has the fewest. There was no statistically significant relationship between the kind of vegetable, seasonal parasite prevalence in green vegetables, and parasite type.These findings highlight the importance of inspecting vegetables grown or imported from endemic countries for parasite contamination. In Jeddah, several fresh green vegetables were tainted with intestinal parasites. This demonstrates that those who consume raw vegetables regularly may be susceptible to parasitic illnesses. These findings highlight the need of monitoring vegetables grown or imported from parasitic-endemic areas. As a result, it is critical to establish strategies and control measures to limit the likelihood of parasites in food-borne diseases.Keywords: contamination; intestinal parasites; Jeddah; leafy vegetable

General and Postbariatric Nutritional Knowledge among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Purpose. The prevalence of obesity and the number of bariatric surgeries are increasing in Saudi Arabia. Studies evaluating nutritional knowledge, especially in Middle Eastern countries, are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the general and postbariatric nutritional knowledge related to dietary recommendations among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients and Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 112 patients aged 18–65 years, of both genders, were recruited from the Surgical Clinics at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients’ knowledge pertaining to general nutrition and consumption after bariatric surgery was assessed in relation to dietary recommendations, using a preoperative questionnaire. Results. The mean general nutrition knowledge score was 42 of a maximum of 85 points (50%). Approximately 40% and 60% of patients were classified with a low and medium level of nutritional knowledge, respectively. Postbariatric nutritional knowledge among patients was very low (mean: 16/81 points). The level of education was correlated with patients’ body mass index (p=0.045) and the general nutritional knowledge total score (p=0.05). Conclusion. General and postbariatric nutritional knowledge among Saudi bariatric patients is currently insufficient. A multicenter study involving a larger sample size with different sociodemographic characteristics is warranted to confirm these findings. The purpose of such a study would be to determine the nutritional knowledge of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and inform the implementation of educational strategies

Awareness of neglected tropical diseases among medical and health sciences students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah: a cross-sectional study

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are chronic illnesses that affect people worldwide, especially the poor. Infection prevention and control is cost-effective and long-term by raising NTD awareness. Few studies have examined healthcare providers' knowledge of these infections and parasitic origin diseases in developing and developed countries, as well as in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To assess medical and health sciences students' awareness of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with parasitic origins at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. Methods: From February to June 2022, King Abdulaziz University conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of 201 medicine and health sciences students. Questions covered NTD awareness, control, and participation. Categorical factors were presented as percentages and frequencies in statistical analysis. Results: The study had roughly equal male and female student participation. Over half of the students didn't know what NTDS was or that Saudi Arabia had NTDs. NTDs were a public health issue in Saudi Arabia, but only 6 of students had seen them. Most Saudi students didn't know about entity control actions. Medical and health students don't understand NTDs or their treatment. Saudi Arabia's health system may be strained by imported diseases due to this gap. Therefore, medical and health sciences students must be educated about NTDs

Exploration of Microbially Derived Natural Compounds against Monkeypox Virus as Viral Core Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus and the Poxviridae family, which instigated a rising epidemic called monkeypox disease. Proteinases are majorly engaged in viral propagation by catalyzing the cleavage of precursor polyproteins. Therefore, proteinase is essential for monkeypox and a critical drug target. In this study, high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to detect the potential natural compounds against the proteinase of the monkeypox virus. Here, 32,552 natural products were screened, and the top five compounds were selected after implementing the HTVS and molecular docking protocols in series. Gallicynoic Acid F showed the minimum binding score of −10.56 kcal/mole in the extra precision scoring method, which reflected the highest binding with the protein. The top five compounds showed binding scores ≤−8.98 kcal/mole. These compound complexes were tested under 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation, and Vaccinol M showed the most stable and consistent RMSD trend in the range of 2 Å to 3 Å. Later, MM/GBSA binding free energy and principal component analysis were performed on the top five compounds to validate the stability of selected compound complexes. Moreover, the ligands Gallicynoic Acid F and H2-Erythro-Neopterin showed the lowest binding free energies of −61.42 kcal/mol and −61.09 kcal/mol, respectively. Compared to the native ligand TTP-6171 (ΔGBind = −53.86 kcal/mol), these two compounds showed preferable binding free energy, suggesting inhibitory application against MPXV proteinase. This study proposed natural molecules as a therapeutic solution to control monkeypox disease

Phytochemical screening and characterization of Meliadubia leaves extract for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli staphylococcus and aureus

In this study, the leaves of Meliadubia were extracted through the hot-extraction method using distilled water as a solvent. The crude extract of M. dubia was evaluated for their chemical group compounds using phytochemical screening for the chemical group compounds. Meanwhile, Gas chromatography (GC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to conform to the fictional groups in the leave of M. dubia. Phytochemical screening analysis was done using common procedures and had shown the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, and flavonoids. Twenty-two compounds were identified in the GC-Mass spectrometry. The highest compounds were Pyridine, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl (17.03%), 1-azabicyclo (3.1.0) hexane (12.16%), and 2-Undecanol (7.63%), while the lowest compounds were Heptafluorobutyric acid, n-tetradecyl ester (0.79%) and 4-Methyl-3-pentenal (0.79%). The EDX analysis presented two elements, which were carbon (53%) and oxygen (46%). The M. dubia band at 1668 cm−1 refers to the amide I C=O stretching, and the peak at 2140 cm−1 is associated to the alkyne group that exists in the phyto-constituents of M. dubia extract. Meanwhile, the peak that was monitored at 3301 cm−1 corresponds to the amide A (N-H). The observed peaks are mainly discovered as flavanoids and terpenoids that exist significantly in the plant extract. The antibacterial activities investigated against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli E.coli) and gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results had presented the factional activity for M. dubia against both pathogens

Helminth-derived proteins as immune system regulators: a systematic review of their promise in alleviating colitis

Abstract Helminth-derived proteins have immunomodulatory properties, influencing the host’s immune response as an adaptive strategy for helminth survival. Helminth-derived proteins modulate the immune response by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting regulatory T-cell development, and ultimately favouring a Th2-biased immune response. This systematic review focused on helminth-derived proteins and explored their impact on reducing inflammatory responses in mouse models of colitis. A systematic search across Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library identified fourteen relevant studies. These studies reported immunomodulatory changes, including increased production of anti-inflammatory cells and cytokines. In mouse models of colitis treated with on helminth-derived proteins, significant improvements in pathological parameters such as body weight, colon length, and microscopic inflammatory scores were observed compared to control groups. Moreover, helminth-derived proteins can enhance the function of Tregs and alleviate the severity of inflammatory conditions. The findings underscore the pivotal role of helminth-derived proteins in immunomodulation, specifically in the axis of cytokine secretion and immune cell polarization. The findings offer new opportunities for treating chronic inflammatory conditions such Crohn’s disease

Cheminformatics Strategies Unlock Marburg Virus VP35 Inhibitors from Natural Compound Library

The Ebola virus and its close relative, the Marburg virus, both belong to the family Filoviridae and are highly hazardous and contagious viruses. With a mortality rate ranging from 23% to 90%, depending on the specific outbreak, the development of effective antiviral interventions is crucial for reducing fatalities and mitigating the impact of Marburg virus outbreaks. In this investigation, a virtual screening approach was employed to evaluate 2042 natural compounds for their potential interactions with the VP35 protein of the Marburg virus. Average and worst binding energies were calculated for all 20 poses, and compounds that exhibited binding energies <−6 kcal/mol in both criteria were selected for further analysis. Based on binding energies, only six compounds (Estradiol benzoate, INVEGA (paliperidone), Isosilybin, Protopanaxadiol, Permethrin, and Bufalin) were selected for subsequent investigations, focusing on interaction analysis. Among these selected compounds, Estradiol benzoate, INVEGA (paliperidone), and Isosilybin showed strong hydrogen bonds, while the others did not. In this study, the compounds Myricetin, Isosilybin, and Estradiol benzoate were subjected to a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and free binding energy calculation using MM/GBSA analysis. The reference component Myricetin served as a control. Estradiol benzoate exhibited the most stable and consistent root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values, whereas Isosilybin showed significant fluctuations in RMSD. The compound Estradiol benzoate exhibited the lowest ΔG binding free energy (−22.89 kcal/mol), surpassing the control compound’s binding energy (−9.29 kcal/mol). Overall, this investigation suggested that Estradiol benzoate possesses favorable binding free energies, indicating a potential inhibitory mechanism against the VP35 protein of the Marburg virus. The study proposes that these natural compounds could serve as a therapeutic option for preventing Marburg virus infection. However, experimental validation is required to further corroborate these findings