Predictability of COVID-19 Infections Based on Deep Learning and Historical Data

The COVID-19 disease has spread worldwide since 2020, causing a high number of deaths as well as infections, and impacting economic, social and health systems. Understanding its dynamics may facilitate a better understanding of its behavior, reducing the impact of similar diseases in the future. Classical modeling techniques have failed in predicting the behavior of this disease, since they have been unable to capture hidden features in the data collected about the disease. The present research benefits from the high capacity of modern computers and new trends in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically three deep learning (DL) neural networks: recurrent neural network (RNN), gated recurrent unit (GRU), and long short-term memory (LSTM). We thus modelled daily new infections of COVID-19 in four countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Italy, and India) that vary in their climates, cultures, populations, and health systems. The results show that a simple-structure RNN algorithm is better at predicting daily new infections and that DL techniques have promising potential in disease modeling and can be used efficiently even in the case of limited datasets

The Chlamydia pneumoniae Tarp Ortholog CPn0572 Stabilizes Host F-Actin by Displacement of Cofilin

Pathogenic Chlamydia species force entry into human cells via specific adhesin-receptor interactions and subsequently secrete effector proteins into the host cytoplasm, which in turn modulate host-cell processes to promote infection. One such effector, the C. trachomatis Tarp factor, nucleates actin polymerization in vitro. Here we show that its C. pneumoniae ortholog, CPn0572, associates with actin patches upon bacterial invasion. GFP-CPn0572 ectopically expressed in yeast and human cells co-localizes with actin patches and distinctly aberrantly thickened and extended actin cables. A 59-aa DUF 1547 (DUF) domain, which overlaps with the minimal actin-binding and protein oligomerization fragment required for actin nucleation in other Tarp orthologs, is responsible for the aberrant actin phenotype in yeast. Interestingly, GFP-CPn0572 in human cells associated with and led to the formation of non-actin microfilaments. This phenotype is strongly enhanced in human cells expressing the GFP-tagged DUF deletion variant (GFP-ΔDUF). Finally ectopic CPn0572 expression in yeast and in-vitro actin filament binding assays, demonstrated that CPn0572 stabilizes pre-assembled F-actin by displacing and/or inhibiting binding of the actin-severing protein cofilin. Remarkably, the DUF domain suffices to displace cofilin from F actin. Thus, in addition to its actin-nucleating activities, the C. pneumoniae CPn0572 also stabilizes preformed host actin filaments

Selenium Nanoparticles Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Testicular Damage in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

We investigated the protective and antioxidative effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in streptozotocin STZ-induced diabetic rats. STZ-diabetic rats were exposed daily to treatments with SeNPs and/or insulin and then the effect of these treatments on the parameters correlated to oxidative damage of the rat testes were assessed. Biochemical analysis revealed that SeNPs are able to ameliorate the reduction in the serum testosterone caused by STZ-induced diabetes. Furthermore, SeNPs could significantly decrease testicular tissue oxidative stress markers, namely lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide. In contrast, treatment of the STZ-diabetic rats with SeNPs increased the glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities in testicular tissues. Moreover, microscopic analysis proved that SeNPs are able to prevent histological damage in the testes of STZ-diabetic rats. Molecular analysis revealed that the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is significantly upregulated. On the contrary, the mRNA level of Bax (Bcl-2 Associated X Protein) was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with SeNPs led to an elevation in the expression of PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Gene). Interestingly, the insulin treatment also exhibited a significant improvement in the testicular function in STZ-diabetic rats. Collectively, our results demonstrated the possible effects of SeNPs in attenuating diabetes-induced oxidative damage, in particular in testicular tissue

On the Celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Assessment of the Factors Mediating Women’s Empowerment in Scientific Research in Saudi Arabia

We present this study as a contribution to celebrate “the International Day of Women and Girls in Science”. Women’s empowerment in scientific research is a crucial issue in the United Nations “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This study aimed to investigate the obstacles facing women researchers in scientific research in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was used to assess women researchers’ perceptions towards the roles of universities, donors and women researchers. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings showed that the overall assessment of women’s empowerment in scientific research is moderate and faces a mixture of obstacles mainly due to dissatisfaction with the role of donors. Moreover, the role of universities has not yet reached a satisfactory level, while the role of women researchers was satisfactory. The results demonstrated that the role of the university enhances the role of the donor institutions, while the role of researchers has a significant positive influence on the role of the university. No significant association between the role of the researchers and donors was achieved. In conclusion, despite the great achievement by women researchers in empowering themselves as scientific researchers, they still need more support from the university and donors

Palm pollen as Growth and Metabolic Enhancer During the Course of Murine Intestinal Eimeriosis

Abstract.-The current study was designed to evaluate the antagonistic effect of palm pollen extract (PPE) against Eimeria papillata-induced growth depression and metabolic disturbance in laboratory mice. Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into three groups. The first group represents control non-infected animals. Second and third groups were orally infected with 1.5×10 3 sporulated E. papillata oocysts. The 3 rd group was treated with a daily dose (150 mg/kg) of PPE for five successive days. All animals were sacrificed on day 5 p.i., and samples were collected. Control non-infected mice had an average gain in their weights by about 18%, while infected mice lost their weights by about 7%. Upon treatment of infected mice with PPE, there was an average weight gain of about 5%. A state of disturbance in nutrient levels and systemic inflammatory response had been induced as a result of E. papillata infection. Blood glucose level and total proteins were elevated with concurrent decrease of carbohydrate and protein content in jejunum tissue. Also, infection caused hyperlipidemic status and disturbance in metal ion concentrations. Moreover, plasma enzymatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated as a consequence of E. papillata infection. PPE could effectively restore carbohydrate, proteins, lipids and metal ions near to their normal values with diminishing the activity of the mentioned enzymatic biomarkers of inflammation. Finally, palm pollens can be used as an excellent food supplement to ameliorate the induced metabolic disturbance and growth depression associated with the intestinal coccidial infections

Surface modification of praseodymium oxide/hematite doped into Polycaprolactone for enhanced wound management demands

Praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11), hematite (Fe2O3), graphene oxide (GO), and polycaprolactone (PCL) based polymeric nanocomposites (NCs) are fabricated, aiming their usage as bio-scaffold for medical purposes. Because of their distinctive light absorption and stability, Fe2O3 and Pr6O11 have been introduced as potential optical elements. The structure and size examination of NCs were executed by XRD, Raman, and FESEM. Pr6O11/Fe2O3/GO@PCL polymeric NC is exhibited Pr6O11, and Fe2O3 average size of 1.4, 0.4 µm, while average pores size 2.1 µm. As well, the Uv–Vis shows an absorption edge shifting along the x-axis that it begins with 3.1 eV for pure PCL, after that it declined to 1.7 eV for Pr6O11@PCL NC. Also, Pr6O11 @PCL, and Pr6O11/ Fe2O3@PCL NCs show the lowest similar contact angle with 38°. Regarding cell attachment evaluation test, the Pr6O11/Fe2O3/GO@PCL NC healing valuation is touched ∼ 80%. As a result, the structure enabled 3-dimensional the division of normal cells, so promoting wound healing

Academic Self-Perception and Course Satisfaction among University Students Taking Virtual Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia (KSA)

This research study examines academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction among university students and associated factors during virtual classes. A cross-sectional online survey of (n = 328) undergraduate and postgraduate Saudi students who took virtual classes during the second semester of the academic year 2019–2020 and the first semester of the academic year 2020–2021 during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The findings demonstrated students’ scores on negative academic self-perceptions (mean (M) = 9.84; standard deviation (S.D.) = 3.09) are significantly higher in comparison to positive academic self-perceptions (M = 7.71; S.D. = 2.46) and the difference was statistically significant, t(327) = 3.69, p < 0.001. The analysis demonstrated that mean differences were significant across ‘year of study’, ‘field of study’, ‘CGPA’ (cumulative grade points average), ‘employment status’, ‘on-site work’ and ‘being a parent of young child’ (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis shows a linear positive association between perceptions of workload and low technical support with negative academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001) and an inverse relationship with positive academic self-perceptions (p < 0.001). The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the predictor variables in the model (perceptions of workload and technical support) explain 62% variance in negative academic self-perceptions and 41% variance in positive academic self-perceptions. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that positive academic self-perceptions bring a 32% variance in course satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of balancing workload during online studies in higher education and provision of adequate technical support to reduce the negative academic self-perceptions which are associated with lower levels of course satisfaction. Students’ academic self-perceptions and course satisfaction during virtual studies are important factors to retain students’ motivation in learning and academic performance

Lapachol and (α/β)-lapachone as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and hACE-2: ADME properties, docking and dynamic simulation approaches

Background: Tabebuia impetiginosa is an important medicinal plant rich in lapachol, α‑lapachone, and β‑lapachone known to possess several biological activities. Objective: In this study, we investigated the drug potential of lapachol, α‑lapachone, and β‑lapachone using molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD), and drug‑likeness properties. Materials and Methods: The computational study was performed using SwissADME software for the determination of the pharmacokinetic properties of the tested compounds. AutoDock Vina and Genetic Optimization for Ligand Docking (GOLD) were used for the docking analysis, and MD simulations were run using Schrodinger’s Desmond Simulation. Results: The three compounds lapachol, α‑lapachone, and β‑lapachone binds to cysteine (Cys)‑histidine (His) catalytic dyad (Cys145 and His41) along with the other residues with, respectively, the following docking score 48.69, 47.06, and 47.79. Against viral entry receptor, human angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (hACE‑2), α‑lapachone exhibited the highest GOLD Fitness score complex (54.82) followed by lapachol (42.53) and β‑lapachone and hACE‑2 (38.74) generating several active sites in the target proteins. A 100 ns MDs simulation study revealed the stable conformation of bioactive compounds within the cavity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) of hACE‑2 protein and main protease (Mpro). From the dynamic study, it was observed that lapachol was tightly bound with catalytic dyad residue Cys145 of Mpro with more than 40% time of simulation, also post‑simulation MM‑GBSA binding free energy (ΔG Bind) revealed the highest energy score (−51.18 ± 5.14 kcal/mol) among the evaluated complex. Moreover, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties demonstrated that the investigated compounds passed the pharmacokinetic and drug‑likeness criteria without undesirable effects. Conclusion: The computational study highlighted that these compounds could be highly recommended and developed as part of an effective drug against the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus