The nutritional, hormonal and vitamin status in overweight and obesity

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic which is increasing dramatically in overwhelming rates among males and females of all age categories in developing and developed countries.Methods: The first phase of the project involves the questionnaires which apply to all the Participants in research. We also use the lab investigation to determine the abnormality in overweight and obese people. Then we will analysis and combine the results to others research and give output and recommendation that we hope helping us to limiting of increase incidence of obesity.Results: sample show that high cholesterol above normal average approximately in 31.05% of the participants while the triglyceride rate increased in 31.67%. A lack of vitamin D, as the rate did not exceed 18±6.8, in individuals with the BMI 25-29, and to be 13±8.82, in individuals with the BMI>30. Vitamin B12 rate became borderline in individuals with BMI 25-29, and deficient in individuals with BMI>30.Conclusions: Obese Saudi individuals have several nutritional deficiencies specifically in vitamins D and B12 despite their overweight. Efforts should be focused to increase awareness of healthy and weight control

Acute Appendicitis among Saudi and Non-Saudi Patients: A Cross-Sectional Based Study

Objective: We conduct this study to discuss the differences between Saudi and non- Saudi patients with acute appendicitis.Background: Acute appendicitis is one of emergency surgeries in developing and developed countries. Its symptoms are vomiting, lower abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Appendicitis needs urgent surgical prouder to avoid its perforation and associated complications which may lead to death. Method: We conduct cross-sectional based study in one of khamis Mushayt, Saudi Araba. 136 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included and their medical records were reviewed after getting their informed consent.Results: We included 136 patients, 90 were non-Saudi and 46 were Saudi. There were no statistically differences in their diagnosis but the distribution of the diagnosis was different.Conclusion: Acute appendicitis was more prevalent among non-Saudi patients, the diagnosis between both was with no significant differences. Keywords: acute appendicitis, Saudi, non-Saudi, diagnosis, cross-sectional, Saudi Arabia and khamis Mushayt

Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and antioxidant potential of 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid isolated from Nuxia oppositifolia

Nuxia oppositifolia is traditionally used in diabetes treatment in many Arabian countries; however, scientific evidence is lacking. Hence, the present study explored the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and their purified compounds. The methanolic crude extract of N. oppositifolia was partitioned using a two-solvent system. The n-hexane fraction was purified by silica gel column chromatography to yield several compounds including katononic acid and 3-oxolupenal. Antidiabetic activities were assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition. Antioxidant capacities were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assays. Further, the interaction between enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and ligands (3-oxolupenal and katononic acid) was followed by fluorescence quenching and molecular docking studies. 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid showed IC50 values of 46.2 µg/mL (101.6 µM) and 52.4 µg/mL (119.3 µM), respectively against the amylase inhibition. 3-oxolupenal (62.3 µg/mL or 141.9 µM) exhibited more potent inhibition against α-glucosidases compared to katononic acid (88.6 µg/mL or 194.8 µM). In terms of antioxidant activity, the relatively polar crude extract and n-butanol fraction showed the greatest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. However, the antioxidant activities of the purified compounds were in the low to moderate range. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid interacted strongly with the active site residues of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Fluorescence quenching results also suggest that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid have a good affinity towards both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. This study provides preliminary data for the plant’s use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Colloidal Nanocrystal-Based Electrocatalysts for Combating Environmental Problems and Energy Crisis

The serious threat that human beings face in near future will be shortage of fossil fuel reserves and abrupt changes in global climate. To prepare for these serious concerns, raised due to climate change and shortage of fuels, conversion of excessive atmospheric CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels and production of hydrogen from water splitting is seen most promising solutions to combat the rising CO2 levels and energy crises. Amoung the various techniques that have been employed electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into fuels and hydrogen production from water has gained tremendous interest. Hydrogen is a zero carbon-emitting fuel, can be an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Therefore, researchers working in these areas are constantly trying to find new electrocatalysts that can be applied on a real scale to deal with environmental issues. Recently, colloidal nanocrystals (C-NCs)-based electrocatalysts have gained tremendous attention due to their superior catalytic selectivity/activity and durability compared to existing bulk electrodes. In this chapter, the authors discuss the colloidal synthesis of NCs and the effect of their physiochemical properties such as shape, size and chemical composition on the electrocatalytic performance and durability towards electrocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (EH2ER) and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (ECO2RR). The last portion of this chapter presents a brief perspective of the challenges ahead

A Multimodality Hybrid Gamma-Optical Camera for Intraoperative Imaging

The development of low profile gamma-ray detectors has encouraged the production of small field of view (SFOV) hand-held imaging devices for use at the patient bedside and in operating theatres. Early development of these SFOV cameras was focussed on a single modality-gamma ray imaging. Recently, a hybrid system-gamma plus optical imaging-has been developed. This combination of optical and gamma cameras enables high spatial resolution multi-modal imaging, giving a superimposed scintigraphic and optical image. Hybrid imaging offers new possibilities for assisting clinicians and surgeons in localising the site of uptake in procedures such as sentinel node detection. The hybrid camera concept can be extended to a multimodal detector design which can offer stereoscopic images, depth estimation of gamma-emitting sources, and simultaneous gamma and fluorescence imaging. Recent improvements to the hybrid camera have been used to produce dual-modality images in both laboratory simulations and in the clinic. Hybrid imaging of a patient who underwent thyroid scintigraphy is reported. In addition, we present data which shows that the hybrid camera concept can be extended to estimate the position and depth of radionuclide distribution within an object and also report the first combined gamma and Near-Infrared (NIR) fluorescence images.Peer-reviewedPublisher Versio

Evaluación de la prescripción y uso de medicamentos supresores de ácido en hospitales centrales en la región de Abha, Arabia Saudita

Objective: The aim of this study was to study and assess the indications of acid suppressive drugs and to find out percentage of irrational prescriptions with acid suppressive drugs. Material/Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted in the Armed Forces Hospitals Southern Region and Abha Maternity Hospital, both in Abha in Assir region (Saudi Arabia). The sample size of study was 185 patients. The case sheets of the patients’ prescription order were reviewed for acid suppressive drugs prescription and relevant data was taken. Patients’ age above 18 were identified. The duration of study was 8 weeks, between May and June 2017. Results: Our results showed that the majority of the prescriptions of proton pump inhibitors (68.1%) were unjustifiable and that proton pump inhibitor was the most commonly prescribed acid suppressive drugs for the patients (97.8%). The frequency of prescribing for the autism spectrum disorders in our study was found to be higher in patients with an existing risk factor and was mostly recommended by physicians as concomitant medications (67.6%). The most common concomitant medications used with the proton pump inhibitors were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (29.2%) in which aspirin composed 13.5% of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed followed by antimicrobials (9.2%). Conclusion: Acid suppressive drugs are the most commonly prescribed drugs with no proper indications hence irrational. Based on the results of this study, creating awareness about reasonable use of acid suppressive drugs is a necessity.Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue estudiar y evaluar las indicaciones de los medicamentos supresores de ácidos y averiguar el porcentaje de recetas irracionales con medicamentos supresores de ácidos. Material / Métodos: es un estudio observacional prospectivo realizado en los Hospitales de las Fuerzas Armadas del Sur y en el Hospital de Maternidad Abha, ambos en Abha en la región de Assir (Arabia Saudita). El tamaño muestral del estudio fue de 185 pacientes. Se revisaron las hojas de casos de orden de prescripción de los pacientes para la prescripción de medicamentos supresores de ácido y se tomaron los datos pertinentes. Se identificó la edad de los pacientes mayores de 18 años. La duración del estudio fue de 8 semanas, entre mayo y junio de 2017. Resultados: nuestros resultados mostraron que la mayoría de las prescripciones de inhibidores de la bomba de protones (68,1%) eran injustificables y que este era el fármaco supresor de ácido más comúnmente prescrito para los pacientes (97,8%). La frecuencia de prescripción para los trastornos del espectro autistas en nuestro estudio, fue mayor en pacientes con un factor de riesgo existente y fue recomendada principalmente por los médicos como medicamentos concomitantes (67,6%). Los medicamentos concomitantes más comunes que se usaron con los inhibidores de la bomba de protones fueron los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (29.2%) en los cuales la aspirina supuso el 13,5% de los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos prescritos, seguidos por los antimicrobianos (9.2%) Conclusión: los medicamentos supresores de ácido son los medicamentos más comúnmente recetados sin indicaciones adecuadas, por lo que son irracionales. Basado en los resultados de este estudio, crear conciencia sobre el uso razonable de los medicamentos supresores del ácido es una necesidad

Optimization of a Patient-Specific External Fixation Device for Lower Limb Injuries

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-08-02, pub-electronic 2021-08-10Publication status: PublishedFunder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Grant(s): EP/R01513/1Funder: King Saud University; Grant(s): RSP-2021/299The use of external fixation devices is considered a valuable approach for the treatment of bone fractures, providing proper alignment to fractured fragments and maintaining fracture stability during the healing process. The need for external fixation devices has increased due to an aging population and increased trauma incidents. The design and fabrication of external fixations are major challenges since the shape and size of the defect vary, as well as the geometry of the human limb. This requires fully personalized external fixators to improve its fit and functionality. This paper presents a methodology to design personalized lightweight external fixator devices for additive manufacturing. This methodology comprises data acquisition, Computer tomography (CT) imaging analysis and processing, Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling and two methods (imposed predefined patterns and topology optimization) to reduce the weight of the device. Finite element analysis with full factorial design of experiments were used to determine the optimal combination of designs (topology optimization and predefined patterns), materials (polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyamide) and thickness (3, 4, 5 and 6 mm) to maximize the strength and stiffness of the fixator, while minimizing its weight. The optimal parameters were found to correspond to an external fixator device optimized by topology optimization, made in polylactic acid with 4 mm thickness

Green synthesis of FeO nanoparticles from coffee and its application for antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidation activity

This study presents a sustainable method for producing iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using aqueous extracts from coffee seeds. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed non-spherical NPs ranging from 30 to 50 nm. The XRD analysis confirmed that the face-centred cubic structure and the Debye–Scherrer’s crystalline size support the FeO particle size confirmed from TEM. The synthesized NPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Additionally, they exhibited potent antioxidant properties, effectively inhibiting DPPH, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase compared to acarbose and coffee extract. The findings suggest that these FeO NPs hold promise as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and potentially antidiabetic agents

Antimicrobial, anticancer, and biofilm inhibition studies of highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG): In vitro and in silico analysis

Background: Bacterial infections and cancers may cause various acute or chronic diseases, which have become serious global health issues. This requires suitable alternatives involving novel and efficient materials to replace ineffective existing therapies. In this regard, graphene composites are being continuously explored for a variety of purposes, including biomedical applications, due to their remarkable properties.Methods: Herein, we explore, in-vitro, the different biological properties of highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG), including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-biofilm properties. Furthermore, to analyze the interactions of graphene with proteins of microbes, in silico docking analysis was also carried out. To do this, HRG was prepared using graphene oxide as a precursor, which was further chemically reduced to obtain the final product. The as-prepared HRG was characterized using different types of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.Results: The HRG revealed significant cytotoxic ability, using a dose-dependent anti-cell proliferation approach, which substantially killed human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with IC50 of 29.51 ± 2.68 μg/mL. The HRG demonstrated efficient biological properties, i.e., even at low concentrations, HRG exhibited efficient anti-microbial properties against a variety of microorganisms. Among the different strains, Gram-positive bacteria, such as B. subtilis, MRSA, and S. aureus are more sensitive to HRG compared to Gram-negative bacteria. The bactericidal properties of HRG are almost similar to a commercially available effective antibiotic (ampicillin). To evaluate the efficacy of HRG against bacterial biofilms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA were applied, and the results were compared with gentamycin and ampicillin, which are commonly applied standard antibiotics. Notably, HRG demonstrated high inhibition (94.23%) against P.aeruginosa, with lower MIC (50 μg/mL) and IC50 (26.53 μg/mL) values, whereas ampicillin and gentamicin showed similar inhibition (90.45% and 91.31% respectively) but much higher MIC and IC50 values.Conclusion: Therefore, these results reveal the excellent biopotential of HRG in different biomedical applications, including cancer therapy; antimicrobial activity, especially anti-biofilm activity; and other biomedicine-based therapies. Based on the molecular docking results of Binding energy, it is predicted that pelB protein and HRG would form the best stable docking complex, and high hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions between the pelB protein and HRG have been revealed. Therefore, we conclude that HRG could be used as an antibiofilm agent against P. aeruginosa infections