Efficient photochemical conversion of naproxen by butanedione: Role of energy transfer

Photochemical active species generated from photosensitizers, e.g., dissolved organic matter (DOM), play vital roles in the transformation of micropollutants in water. Here, butanedione (BD), a redox-active moiety in DOM and widely found in nature, was employed to photo-transform naproxen (NPX) with peracetic acid (PAA) and H2O2 as contrasts. The results obtained showed that the BD exhibited more applicable on NPX degradation. It works in the lake or river water under UV and solar irradiation, and its NPX degradation efficiency was 10-30 times faster than that of PAA and H2O2. The reason for the efficient transformation of pollutants is that the BD system was proved to be a non-free radical dominated mechanism. The quantum yield of BD (Ф254 nm) was calculated to be 0.064, which indicates that photophysical process is the dominant mode of BD conversion. By adding trapping agents, direct energy transfer from 3BD* to NPX (in anoxic environment) or dissolved oxygen (in aerobic environment) was proved to play a major role (> 91 %). Additionally, the BD process reduces the toxicity of NPX and promotes microbial growth after irradiation. Overall, this study significantly deepened the understanding of the transformation between BD and micropollutants, and provided a potential BD-based process for micropollutants removal under solar irradiation.

Insight into hematological parameters of petrol station workers

OBJECTIVE

Benzene is one of the major carcinogenic factors that can affect liver, kidneys, and lungs. Chronic inhalation of benzene vapor by petrol stations workers has been shown to have an impact on hematological parameters; thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of benzene exposure on petrol station workers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study involved 99 participants, 50 of whom have been exposed to benzene and 49 of whom have not (control). A 5 ml blood sample in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant tube was collected from each subject, and a complete blood count test was used to test hematological parameters.

RESULTS

The current study showed a significant decrease in red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin in the exposed group compared to the control group. However, the amount of white blood cells was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in the exposed group compared to the control group. Notably, there was no significant difference in platelet counts between the two groups. In terms of exposure time, subjects who have been exposed to benzene for more than a year and fewer than 10 years showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in RBCs indices and a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in WBCs compared to those in the control group CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the findings indicated that significant differences in hematological parameters were found in workers who were exposed to benzene compared to those who had not been exposed.

Patterns of thyroid tumors in Northern Saudi Arabia with a specific focus on CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 tumor markers

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to look at the patterns of thyroid tumors and how thyroid cancer markers showed up in immunohistochemistry in Northern Saudi Arabia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study investigated retrospectively 190 patients who attended with thyroid complaints. About 140 thyroid biopsies were diagnosed in the Department of Pathology at King Salman Hospital, Ha'il, from November 2019 to November 2020.

RESULTS

Out of the 190 patients who attended with thyroid complaints, 140/190 (73.7%) were detected with thyroid lesions (58 malignant and 82 benign). Benign lesions included goiter 49/82 (60%), follicular adenoma 17/82 (21%), Hashimoto's thyroiditis 13/82 (16%), and toxic goiter 3/82 (3%). 5/6 (83.3%) of males with benign lesions had goiters. CK19 was positive in 68.5% of the cases; 71.8% were papillary, 66.7% were follicular, and 100% were undifferentiated carcinomas. Out of the 26/54 (48%) CD56-positive cases, 18/39 (46%) were papillary, 7/12 (58.3%) were follicular, and 3/3 (100%) were undifferentiated carcinomas. Out of the 35/54 (64.8%) Galectin-3-positive cases, 69.2% were papillary, 7/12 (58.3%) were follicular, and 3/3 (100%) were undifferentiated carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid cancer is prevalent in northern Saudi Arabia, with the predominant type being papillary thyroid carcinoma. Most patients are female and younger. The combined use of CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 tumor markers assists in the accurate differential diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms.

The association between hypertension and glucose tolerance among adults with prediabetes in Hail City, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

As a worldwide epidemic, the frequency of prediabetes is rapidly increasing. As a result, the present study investigated pre-diabetes synergistic factors in the Saudi population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This descriptive study used samples from 31 Hail-area primary health clinics (PHCs). Participants were chosen at random from December 2021 to June 2022.

RESULTS

There were 164 participants in this study, of which 86 males (52.4%) and 78 females (47.6%). The GTT revealed that none of the study participants had diabetes, but an A1C test revealed that all of them had A1C levels above 6.5%. Approximately 16/86 (18.6%) of the 86 men were overweight, whereas 53/86 (61.6%) were obese.

CONCLUSIONS

Saudi Arabia's prediabetes rate has increased due to obesity/overweight, family history of diabetes, heart rate variability, and poor sleep quality. HbA1c screening should replace GTT to prevent progression to T2DM.

Shared thoughts and practices on some modifiable cancer risk factors

OBJECTIVE

Numerous cancer-causing factors are inversely correlated with health literacy. The current study's objective was to evaluate the Saudi community's knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding certain carcinogens.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

To perform this descriptive study, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in Hail City, Northern Saudi Arabia, between September 2020 and November 2020. In the city of Hail, about 450 volunteers have expressed interest in taking part in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 165 individuals smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol, respectively (67%) and 42 (9%). Negative attitudes toward cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, radiation exposure, genetic predisposition, some viruses, some bacterial infection, some parasites, and fungi were 85/450 (19%), 209/450 (46.4%), 206/450 (45.8%), 322/450 (71.6%), 297/450 (66%), 375/450 (83.3%), 403/450 (89.6%), and 405/450 (90%), in that order.

CONCLUSIONS

Some cancer-causing substances are widely used in the Saudi community. Lack of understanding and a negative attitude toward some carcinogens are widespread, necessitating immediate interventions at the community and health affairs levels.

Personal caution about some cancer-related lifestyle habits in Northern Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed at assessing community familiarity with cancer-related lifestyle habits in Northern Saudi Arabia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 442 civilians living in Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected during the period between October and November 2020. Data were randomly collected from different public gathering places regardless of age or sex.

RESULTS

Higher nescience percentages were associated with physical inactivity followed by obesity and fast food, representing 328/390 (84%), 311/390 (80%), and 263/390 (67%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Northern Saudi Arabia has a high negative attitude toward cancer risk factors, necessitating the implementation of community-based health education and cancer awareness programs. Level of education and age have no significant role in the level of cancer awareness.

An insight into the prevalence rates of obesity and its related risk factors among the Saudi community in the Hai'l Region

OBJECTIVE

Obesity/overweight is a major preventable cause of morbidity responsible for various health disorders. Thus, the present investigation aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of obesity and its related risk factors among the Saudi community in the Hai'l Region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, 2,438 participants were randomly recruited in the Hai'l region during a cross-sectional survey. Participants were included based on their body mass index (BMI). Only those with BMI >25 weight (kg)/height (m)2 were included.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 61% and 39%. The prevalence rates of males' overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity were 69%, 19%, and 12%, respectively. The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity and morbid obesity among females were 50%, 28%, and 22%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity are prevalent in Hai'l region, Northern Saudi Arabia. Overweight/obesity is more prevalent among women, rural inhabitants, less educated people, and adults aged 26-40 years. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are significantly obesity-associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

Expression of ER, PR, HER2, and Cadherin tumor markers in a series of Saudi patients with BC

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) tumor markers have an important implication in the subsequent BC management and survival determinants. Thus, the present study aimed to formulate the expression of ER, PR, HER2, and E-cadherin tumor markers in a series of Saudi patients with BC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

About 133 BC biopsies were retrieved from the Department of Pathology at King Salman Hospital, Hai'l, Northern Saudi Arabia, from November 2019 to November 2020. Out of the 133 biopsies, 50 (37.6%) were diagnosed with BC, including 46 ductal carcinoma, 2 lobular carcinomas, and 2 papillary carcinomas.

RESULTS

ER was expressed in 30/44 (68.2%), 2/2 (100%), 2/2 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC, respectively. PR was expressed in 27/43 (63%), 2/2 (100%), 2/2 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC, correspondingly. HER2 was expressed in 13/31 (42%), 0%, and 0% of DC, LC, and PC cases, respectively. Correspondingly, E-cadherin was expressed in 11/21 (52.4%), 0%, 1/1 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC.

CONCLUSIONS

Triple-negative BC and HER2+ve among Saudi women are among the higher globally reported ranges, associated with poorer response to treatment and prognosis. Luckily, only one patient was found with ER-ve PR+ve, the subtype usually associated with poorer survival outcomes. E-cadherin loss is lower among Saudi BC patients, which suggests a less rate of invasion in these patients. The current study's findings may help improve Saudi guidelines for the treatment of breast cancer.

COVID-19 pandemic related excessive electronic media exposure and mental health in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the emergence of novel mutated viral variants, families all over the world are experiencing wide-ranging stressors that threaten not only their financial well-being but also their physical and mental health. The present study assessed the association between excessive electronic media exposure of pandemic-related news and mental health of the residents of Ha'il Province, Saudi Arabia. The present study also assessed the prevalence of perceived stress, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and loneliness due to COVID-19-related restrictions in the same population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 490 residents of Ha'il Province participated in a cross-sectional online survey during a two-month period (March to April 2021). A validated 38-item self-report survey was used to collect the data.

RESULTS

Significant associations were reported between excessive electronic media exposure and the prevalence of perceived stress (χ2=140.56; p<.001), generalized anxiety (χ2=74.55; p<.001), depression (χ2=71.58; p<.001), COVID-19-related fear (χ2=24.54; p<.001), and loneliness (χ2=11.46; p<.001). It was also found that participants without depressive symptoms were 0.28 times less likely to have been exposed to excessive electronic media exposure (AOR: 0.28; C.I. 0.16-0.48; p<.001). Similarly, participants with no stress/mild stress were 0.32 times less likely to have been exposed to excessive electronic media exposure (AOR: 0.32; C.I. 0.19-0.52; p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest an urgent need for educational resilience programs (online and in-person) for susceptible individuals (females, unemployed, urban residents, etc.). Such programs would help them to develop skills to cope with the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effect of fixatives and temperature on the quality of glycogen demonstration

Glycogen is demonstrated in a number of lesions and is diagnostically significant, particularly in certain tumors. To stain glycogen accurately, it is essential to choose a suitable fixative, temperature and staining method. We used rabbit liver to assess these variables. Specimens were fixed in three fixatives at two temperatures: 10% formalin, neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and Bouin's solution at 37 and 4 degrees C. Seventy-two paraffin sections were prepared and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), hexamine (methenamine) silver and Best's carmine methods. Negative control sections using diastase digestion were used for all methods to confirm the presence of glycogen. For the PAS reaction, Bouin's fixative gave better results at both temperatures compared to the other fixatives. For hexamine (methenamine) silver, the quality of staining was improved for tissues fixed in both 10% formalin and NBF at 37 degrees C compared to Bouin's solution. Both 10% formalin and NBF at 4 degrees C gave better results than Bouin's solution. For Best's carmine, Bouin's solution gave the best results for tissues fixed at 4 degrees C. Fixation of tissues with NBF at 37 degrees C gave the best quality staining. We concluded that the quality of glycogen staining in paraffin sections is greatly affected by both the fixative and the temperature of fixation.