SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world and become the cause of the infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As low- and middle-income countries shift increasingly to focus on identifying ...and treating COVID-19, questions are emerging about the impact this shift in focus will have on ongoing efforts to control other infectious diseases, such as malaria. This review discusses how the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in low- and middle-income countries might impact these efforts, focusing in particular on the effects of co-infection and the use of antimalarial drugs used to treat malaria as therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.
Brain metastasis is one of the major reasons of death in breast cancer (BC) patients, significantly affecting the quality of life, physical activity, and interdependence on several individuals. There ...is no clear evidence in scientific literature that depicts an exact mechanism relating to brain metastasis in BC patients. The tendency to develop breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) differs by the BC subtype, varying from almost half with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HER2− ER− PR−), one-third with HER2+ (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, and around one-tenth with luminal subclass (ER+ (estrogen positive) or PR+ (progesterone positive)) breast cancer. This review focuses on the molecular pathways as possible therapeutic targets of BCBMs and their potent drugs under different stages of clinical trial. In view of increased numbers of clinical trials and systemic studies, the scientific community is hopeful of unraveling the underlying mechanisms of BCBMs that will help in designing an effective treatment regimen with multiple molecular targets.
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.
Misdiagnosing suspected COVID-19 individuals could largely contribute to the viruses transmission, therefore, making an accurate diagnosis of infected subjects vital in minimizing and containing the ...disease. Although RT-PCR is the standard method in detecting COVID-19, it is associated with some limitations, including possible false negative results. Therefore, serological testing has been suggested as a complement assay to RT-PCR to support the diagnosis of acute infections. In this study, 15 out of 639 unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) were tested negative for COVID-19 by RT-PCR and were found seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein-specific IgM and IgG antibodies. These participants underwent additional confirmatory RT-PCR and SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific ELISA tests. Of the 15 individuals, nine participants were found negative by second RT-PCR but seropositive for anti-spike IgM and IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies confirming their acute infection. At the time of collection, these nine individuals were in close contact with COVID-19-confirmed patients, with 77.7% reporting COVID-19-related symptoms. These results indicate that including serological tests in the current testing profile can provide better outcomes and help contain the spread of the virus by increasing diagnostic accuracy to prevent future outbreaks rapidly.
Head lice
(Pediculus humanus capitis
) are a major global concern, and there is growing evidence of an increase in head lice prevalence among Saudi schoolchildren. The purpose of this study is to ...investigate the prevalence of an insecticidal resistance mutation in head lice collected from schoolchildren. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a segment of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene subunit to assess the prevalence and distribution of the
kdr
T917I mutation in head lice. Subsequently, the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns revealed two genotypic forms: homozygous-susceptible (SS) and homozygous-resistant (RR). The results showed that 17 (37.80%) of the 45 samples were SS, whereas 28 (62.2%) were RR and T917I and L920F point mutations were found in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of RR. Compared to other nations, the frequency of permethrin resistance mutation in the head louse population in Saudi Arabia was low. This study provides the first evidence of permethrin resistance mutation in human head lice in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study will highlight the rising incidence of the
kd
r mutation in head lice in Saudi Arabia.
Livelihood activities and human movements participate in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases and influence malaria risk in elimination settings. In Saudi Arabia, where malaria transmission ...intensity varies geographically, it is vital to understand the components driving transmission within specific areas. In addition, shared social, behavioural, and occupational characteristics within communities may provoke the risk of malaria infection. This study aims to understand the relationship between human mobility, livelihood activities, and the risk of malaria infection in the border region of Jazan to facilitate further strategic malaria interventions. In addition, the study will complement and reinforce the existing efforts to eliminate malaria on the Saudi and Yemen border by providing a deeper understanding of human movement and livelihood activities.
An unmatched case-control study was conducted. A total of 261 participants were recruited for the study, including 81 cases of confirmed malaria through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy and 180 controls in the Baish Governorate in Jazan Provinces, Saudi Arabia. Individuals who received malaria tests were interviewed regarding their livelihood activities and recent movement (travel history). A questionnaire was administered, and the data was captured electronically. STATA software version 16 was used to analyse the data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine if engaging in agricultural activities such as farming and animal husbandry, recent travel history outside of the home village within the last 30 days and participating in spiritual gatherings were related to malaria infection status.
A logistical regression model was used to investigate components associated with malaria infection. After adjusting several confounding factors, individuals who reported travelling away from their home village in the last 30 days OR 11.5 (95% CI 4.43-29.9), and those who attended a seasonal night spiritual gathering OR 3.04 (95% CI 1.10-8.42), involved in animal husbandry OR 2.52 (95% CI 1.10-5.82), and identified as male OR 4.57 (95% CI 1.43-14.7), were more likely to test positive for malaria infection.
Human movement and livelihood activities, especially at nighttime, should be considered malaria risk factors in malaria elimination settings, mainly when the targeted area is limited to a confined borderland area.
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa that can be found in a wide range of habitats around the world. Some species have been found to be pathogenic to humans in addition to their normal ...distribution. There is no research on the prevalence of FLA in various water sources in Makkah city that we are aware of. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of FLA from various water sources in a different part of the city. A total of 86 water samples were processed and cultured with Escherichia coli overlay on non-nutrient agar medium (NNA). Microscopic examination was used to examine the samples. Fifty (58.1%) of the 86 samples tested were positive for FLA. Amoebae identified by morphology belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba were 30 (34.9%) and that belonging to the genus Naegleria, were 20 (23.3%). Among the positive cases, 100% of ponds, 80% of air conditioner exhaust, 50% of water fountains and tape water filters, 40% of swimming pools and 33.3% of stored tanks. The absence of FLA in the examined wells was a striking feature. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA showed a 229-bps fragment using Nelson primers and a 500-bps fragment using Acanthamoeba genus-specific primer pair JDP1/JDP2. In conclusion, Acanthamoeba spp. was the most predominant type of free-living amoeba and more prevalent in ponds water absent in wells as shown by culture, microscopy and PCR.
Most excitatory impulses received by neurons are mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These receptors are located at the apex and play an important role in memory, neuronal ...development, and synaptic plasticity. These receptors are ligand-dependent ion channels that allow a wide range of cations to pass through. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter, activates three central ionotropic receptors: N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA), and kainic acid (KA). According to the available research, excessive glutamate release causes neuronal cell death and promotes neurodegenerative disorders. Arabidopsis thaliana contains 20 glutamate receptor genes (AtGluR) comparable to the human ionotropic glutamate (iGluRs) receptor. Many studies have proved that AtGL-rec genes are involved in a number of plant growth and physiological activities, such as in the germination of seeds, roots, abiotic and biotic stress, and cell signaling, which clarify the place of these genes in plant biology. In spite of these, the iGluRs, Arabidopsis glutamate receptors (AtGluR), is associated with the ligand binding activity, which confirms the evolutionary relationship between animal and plant glutamate receptors. Along with the above activities, the impact of mammalian agonists and antagonists on Arabidopsis suggests a correlation between plant and animal glutamate receptors. In addition, these glutamate receptors (plant/animal) are being utilized for the early detection of neurogenerative diseases using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. However, a number of scientific laboratories and institutes are consistently working on glutamate receptors with different aspects. Currently, we are also focusing on Arabidopsis glutamate receptors. The current review is focused on updating knowledge on AtGluR genes, their evolution, functions, and expression, and as well as in comparison with iGluRs. Furthermore, a high throughput approach based on FRET nanosensors developed for understanding neurotransmitter signaling in animals and plants via glutamate receptors has been discussed. The updated information will aid in the future comprehension of the complex molecular dynamics of glutamate receptors and the exploration of new facts in plant/animal biology.
High seroprevalence rates of several phleboviruses have been reported in domestic animals and humans in sandfly-infested regions. Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and Toscana virus (TOSV) are two ...of these viruses commonly transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies. While SFSV can cause rapidly resolving mild febrile illness, TOSV could involve the central nervous system (CNS), causing diseases ranging from aseptic meningitis to meningoencephalitis. Sandfly-associated phleboviruses have not been investigated before in Saudi Arabia and are potential causes of infection given the prevalence of sandflies in the country. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of SFSV and TOSV in the western region of Saudi Arabia in samples collected from blood donors, livestock animals, and animal handlers. An overall seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.8% was found in humans for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Seropositivity was significantly higher in non-Saudis compared to Saudis and increased significantly with age especially for SFSV. The highest seropositivity rate was among samples collected from animal handlers. Specifically, in blood donors, 6.4% and 0.7% tested positive for SFSV and TOSV nAbs, respectively. Animal handlers showed higher seroprevalence rates of 16% and 1% for anti-SFSV and anti-TOSV nAbs, respectively, suggesting that contact with livestock animals could be a risk factor. Indeed, sera from livestock animals showed seropositivity of 53.3% and 4.4% in cows, 27.5% and 7.8% in sheep, 2.2% and 0.0% in goats, and 10.0% and 2.3% in camels for SFSV and TOSV, respectively. Together, these results suggest that both SFSV and TOSV are circulating in the western region of Saudi Arabia in humans and livestock animals, albeit at different rates, and that age and contact with livestock animals could represent risk factors for infection with these viruses.
Display omitted
Background: Despite all treatment and control efforts, schistosomiasis still thrives in humanity. It is endemic in 78 countries that are anchored by poverty and diseases. Until now, the ...broad-spectrum praziquantel (PZQ) drug is the only effective treatment of choice. However, reports documented some side effects for PZQ like haemorrhage in lung tissues, resistance, and inefficacy to treat fibrotic tissues. Therefore, alternative drugs that help in reducing the undesired effects of schistosomiasis are required. This study examined the efficacy of Silymarin in interfering with the fibrogenesis process using a mouse model. Silymarin is a herbal extract known to have flavonoids and polyphenols that help in reducing the inflammatory reaction, stimulating hepatocyte regeneration, and inhibiting the fibrogenesis process.
Methods: A total of thirty adult tBALB/c male mice were divided into negative, chronically infected control and treated groups. All were killed after 18 weeks from the initial infection. Different histopathological investigations and liver function tests were carried out to detect the difference between the groups.
Results: Administration of Silymarin exhibited a significant improvement in all associated histopathology with a considerable decline in the area percentage of collagen fibers. It restored the elevated level of serum ALT as well.
Conclusion: Silymarin as a treatment for chronic hepatopathies will only be successful if started during the acute phase of the disease.
PDF
