Subtractive sequence-mediated therapeutic targets from the conserved gene clusters of Campylobacter hyointestinalis and computational inhibition assessment

Campylobacter hyointestinalis is a causative agent of enteritis, proctitis, human gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. Reported transmission is from pigs to humans. Link with gastrointestinal carcinoma has also been established in non-Helicobacter pylori patients carrying this strain. The genome size of the strain LMG9260 is 1.8 MB with 1785 chromosomal and seven plasmid proteins. No therapeutic targets have been identified and reported in this bacterium. Therefore, subtractive computational screening of its genome was carried out for the purpose. In total, 31 such targets were mined and riboflavin synthase was utilized for screening natural product inhibitors against it. Among more than 30,000 screened natural compounds from the NPASS library, three (NPC472060, NPC33653, and NPC313886) were prioritized to have the potential to be developed into new antimicrobial drugs. Dynamics simulation assay along with other relevant parameters like absorption, toxicity, and distribution of the inhibiting compounds were also predicted and NPC33653 was identified as having the best drug-like properties among the prioritized compounds. Thus, it has potential to be pursued further for the inhibition of riboflavin synthesis in C. hyointestinalis for subsequent obstruction of its growth and survival.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

C-5401331 identified as a novel T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) inhibitor to control acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell proliferation

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) is a checkpoint protein expressed in exhausted T-cells during cancer scenarios. This exhaustion may end in T-cell effector dysfunction, resulting in suboptimal control of cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to block checkpoint receptors such as Tim-3 is an emerging, revolutionary concept in the immuno-oncology therapeutic arena; however, ICIs are not effective on myeloid malignancies. Here, a multifaceted approach is utilized to identify novel compounds that target and inhibit Tim-3 with improved efficacy. High-throughput virtual screening of the ChemBridge small molecule library and molecular dynamics simulation yielded a lead molecule C-5401331 predicted to bind with high affinity and inhibit the activity of Tim-3. In vitro evaluations demonstrated the compound to have anti-proliferative effects on Tim-3-positive populations of THP-1 and HC-5401331 AML cells, inducing early and late phase apoptosis. With further development, the lead molecule identified in this work has potential to aid the natural "gatekeeper" functions of the body in immunocompromised AML cancer patients by successfully hampering the binding of Tim-3 to T-cells.

Idiopathic Thrombocytosis in Alpha Thalassemia Trait Patient

Platelet count increases are typically a reactionary response to one of a variety of pathophysiological events. We present here a case of microcytic hypochromic red blood cells and thrombocytosis in an adolescent female that we have monitored for three years. The patient was positive for alpha thalassemia trait; negative for mutation in Janus kinase 2, calreticulin, or myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene; and negative for reactive causes of thrombocytosis. Noticeably, a variant in atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) (c.-67T>C, rs2814778) was found to be homozygous. Accordingly, the case was diagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytosis, and treatment was given to restore platelet levels to normal. Our findings highlight the possibility of an unknown association between alpha thalassemia trait and idiopathic thrombocytosis in the presence of ACKR1 mutation, which could be implicated in disease pathogenesis.

Saudi Arabian women's knowledge and attitudes towards premarital screening of genetic disorders

This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi women regarding the premarital screening program (PMS) using a tailored questionnaire survey. Of the 185 participants, 176 (95.1%) were familiar with PMS, and 117 (63.2%) were aware of the diseases that the screening tests aim to detect. The majority of participants supported also including screenings for drug use and mental illness. When considering the situation of compatible partners with one being a carrier, a considerable proportion of respondents indicated they would not proceed with matrimony. Overall, the level of awareness and attitudes concerning the critical significance of PMS were deemed satisfactory. To mitigate the impact of diseases, it is imperative to continue disseminating information concerning the program, its importance, and the necessity of making well-informed decisions after the evaluations.

Identification by molecular dynamic simulation and in vitro validation of SISB-A1, N-[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-2-[(2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-7-yl) oxy], as an inhibitor of the AblT315I mutant kinase to combat imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia

The discovery of imatinib, a specific inhibitor of Abl kinase, revolutionized the therapeutic approach to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, its efficacy can be impeded by the emergence of novel mutations within the kinase domain, particularly AblT315I, that lead to the development of drug resistance. It therefore remains necessary to identify specific inhibitors that can effectively target imatinib-resistant CML harboring the AblT315I mutation. A natural product library sourced from the ZINC database was screened against the experimental structure of AblT315I kinase to identify compounds that selectively target the mutated kinase. The top-scoring compound was empirically tested for inhibition of AblT315I kinase using a luminescence-based kit and for impact on cellular proliferation using the BaF3-BCR-ABL-T315I stable cell line. Computational docking and molecular dynamic simulations identified the compound SISB-A1, N-[1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-2-[(2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy] acetamide, to effectively bind the catalytic domain of the mutant AblT315I kinase. Moreover, SISB-A1 exhibited greater preference than imatinib for amino acid residues of the mutant kinase's active site, including isoleucine 315. MMPBSA-based Gibbs binding free energy estimation predicted SISB-A1 to have a free energy of -51.5 versus -65.0 kcal/mol for the conventional AblT315I inhibitor ponatinib. Cell proliferation assays showed SISB-A1 to have a GI50 of 164.0 nM against the ABL-T315I stable cell line, whereas imatinib had a GI50 of 5035 nM. The IC50 value obtained for SISB-A1 against the AblT315I kinase was 197.9 nM. The results indicate SISB-A1 to have a notable ability to bind the catalytic domain of the AblT315I mutant kinase and effectively suppress its activity, thereby surpassing the associated resistance to imatinib. Continued advancement of this lead compound has the potential to yield innovative therapeutics for imatinib-resistant CML.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

The prevalence and associated risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been a significant area of focus in several studies conducted in Saudi Arabia. These studies have looked at varied populations, including school teachers, university students, and the general populace. The reported prevalence rates for IBS vary substantially across studies, ranging from 7.9% to an astounding 49.3%. The average prevalence noted across these studies is about 24%. The aim of this review is to collate, compare, and analyze data from these studies, hoping to shed light on the key risk factors and demographic trends associated with IBS in Saudi Arabia. This review encompasses data from 20 studies, aggregating information from 17,018 participants. The research methodologies adopted by each of these studies have been analyzed, especially focusing on their sample sizes, which vary significantly. Furthermore, the review incorporates details on the socio-demographic attributes of the participants, including age specifics, gender representation, and geographical distribution within Saudi Arabia. The results demonstrate a wide variability in IBS prevalence among different groups. The overall prevalence of IBS in Saudi Arabia based on the provided data is approximately 24%. Gender-based breakdown in some studies indicated varying prevalence among males and females, which indicated that females are more prone to the disease. The same for certain age groups, specifically between 51 and 60 years, which showed slightly higher rates. Factors such as educational discipline, living conditions, mental health, dietary habits, family history of IBS, and certain comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus were found to influence the occurrence of IBS in different cohorts. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as low water intake, lack of dietary fiber, stress, and even caffeine intake were associated with IBS. Socioeconomic aspects, including family income levels and academic performance, were also hinted to have a potential link with IBS prevalence. In light of the presented data, it is evident that IBS prevalence in Saudi Arabia is influenced by a multitude of factors, ranging from genetic and dietary to psychological and socioeconomic. The substantial variations in prevalence across different cohorts suggest the need for a more nuanced understanding of this condition, specifically tailored to the unique demographics and cultural contexts of Saudi Arabia. Early diagnosis and tailored interventions, considering these multifaceted determinants, are crucial for the effective management of IBS in the region.

Unveiling the multitargeted repurposing potential of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) in cervical cancer: an extensive MM\GBSA-based screening, and MD simulation study

Cervical cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Despite the availability of effective therapies, the development of drug resistance and adverse side effects remain significant challenges in cervical cancer treatment. Thus, repurposing existing drugs as multitargeted therapies for cervical cancer is an attractive approach. In this study, we extensively screened the complete prepared FDA-approved drugs and identified the repurposing potential of taxifolin, a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as a multitargeted therapy for cervical cancer. We performed a computational analysis using molecular docking with various sampling algorithms, namely HTVS, SP, and XP algorithms, for robust sampling pose and filtered with MM/GBSA analysis to determine the binding affinity of taxifolin with potential targets involved in cervical cancer, such as Symmetric Mad2 Dimer, replication initiation factor MCM10-ID, TPX2, DNA polymerase epsilon B-subunit, human TBK1, and alpha-v beta-8. We then conducted MD simulations to investigate the stability and conformational changes of the complex formed between taxifolin and the mentioned proteins. Our results suggest that taxifolin has a high binding affinity ranging from - 6.094 to - 9.558 kcal/mol, indicating its potential as a multitargeted therapy for cervical cancer. Furthermore, interaction fingerprints, pharmacokinetics and MD simulations revealed that the Taxifolin-target complexes remained stable over the simulation period, indicating that taxifolin may bind to the targets for an extended period. Our study suggests that taxifolin has the potential as a multitargeted therapy for cervical cancer, and further experimental studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Assessment of renal function among covid-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Severe acute respiratory viral infections are frequently associated with multiple organ failure, including acute kidney damage. The present study aimed to investigate the associated influence of COVID-19 on renal function in patients admitted to the intensive care unit in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Thirty patients infected with COVID-19 who were referred to the intensive care unit during November and October 2020 at Asir central hospital, Asir region, Saudi Arabia were recruited. The age of patients ranged between 30 and 90 years old. Renal function tests exhibited dramatic changes in the renal biomarkers in patients with COVID-19. Blood urea levels in COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than in the control group. In addition, significantly lower albumin levels with abnormally decreased total protein levels were found in COVID-19 patients. Among the different electrolytes analyzed, a significantly lower calcium level was observed in COVID-19 patients' groups than in the controls. Renal function tests for COVID-19-infected ICU patients revealed significant changes, indicating the major impact of COVID-19 on kidney function. Monitoring renal function tests may assist in the early prognosis of COVID-19 patients. It is, therefore, crucial to increase the understanding of renal function tests in COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the hospital before their condition deteriorated.

Hemoglobinopathies: An update on the prevalence trends in Southern Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To investigate trends in hemoglobinopathies following the establishment of a mandatory premarital screening program (MPMSP) in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, where they are considered highly predominant.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 32,130 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tests between November 2017 and October 2020. The data was obtained from the Hematology section, Laboratory Department, Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region.

Results:

Despite the establishment of the MPMSP, our data showed that sickle cell disease remains a predominant hemoglobinopathy accounting for more than 7% of total tests in Southern Saudi Arabia. Observed HPLC hemoglobin fractions among the tested population showed a reduction in Hb A mean indicating a high rate of hemoglobin abnormalities. In addition, the prevalence of hemoglobin variants, including sickle cell and thalassemia, was higher in the younger population born after the MPMSP than in older subjects.

Conclusion:

Even with the implementation of the MPMSP, hemoglobin abnormalities remain prevalent in southern Saudi Arabia. A longer time frame is recommended to verify the validity of the program.

Radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia: Does long-term exposure to radiation increase the risk of hematological disorders?

Objectives:

To determine the influence of prolonged exposure to radiation based on dosimeter readings on hematological parameters among radiologic technologists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

The study was specifically conducted on selected RTs with experience of more than 10 years and the highest thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) readings among all RTs in the Radiological Department, Sabya General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia from August to October 2020. The RTs group was compared with a control group of non-irradiated participants. Blood samples were collected for hematological and coagulation profile evaluation.

Results:

The acquired radiation dose analysis revealed that the average accumulated dose in 10 years is 7.6 mSv. The medians of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the RTs group were significantly lower when compared to the control group. In addition, RTs group exhibited a significant reduction in neutrophil count and an elevation in lymphocyte count.

Conclusion:

Chronic exposure to radiation revealed a significant change in blood tests and may reflect an effect on RTs tissues, leading to serious health problems. However, further investigation in a large cohort to study the association between alteration in hematological parameters and chronic radiation exposure is required.

Synergistic efficacies of thymoquinone and standard antibiotics against multi-drug resistant isolates

Objectives:

To explore the antibacterial activity of thymoquinone (TQ), a quinone extracted from Nigella sativa.

Methods:

This study was conducted from May 2019 to March 2020 at the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. The antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of TQ were determined using an agar well diffusion method and broth microdilution assays, and the synergistic effect was evaluated using antibiotics in parallel. The disruptive effect of TQ on bacterial cell membranes was determined using scanning electron microscopy. The antivirulence properties of TQ, which include adherence and biofilm formation, were also investigated using adherence and biofilm formation assays, respectively.

Results:

Thymoquinone demonstrated bactericidal efficacy against 4/14 bacterial strains, with MIC range of 1.04-8.3 µg/mL and and MBC range of 10.41–66.66 µg/mL. Thymoquinone showed synergism against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis (American Type Culture Collection 12228), Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in combination with the tested antibiotics. Thymoquinone inhibited bacterial adhesion by 39%-54%, 48%-68%, and 61%-81% at 0.5 × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC, respectively. The tested bacterial strains significantly inhibited biofilm formation after treatment with various concentrations of TQ for 24 and 48 hours.

Conclusion:

The combinatory effect of TQ with antimicrobials should be considered when developing new antimicrobial therapy regimens to overcome multidrug-resistant.

Cardiac Health Indicators in Critical COVID-19 Cases

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has spread worldwide and led to ongoing global concern. The pandemic prompted researchers to examine the impact of COVID-19 on human organs. The heart is one such organ. This study investigates the possible prediction of heart condition using some biochemical markers of particularly critically ill patients referred to an intensive care unit (ICU). Results of various serum biomarkers of patients infected with COVID-19 receiving treatment in the ICU, Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were extracted and compared with healthy individuals using the Mann-Whitney U test. The study showed a distinguished increase in total Serum creatine phosphokinase-Total (CPK-Total), Serum creatine phosphokinase-MP (CPK-MP) levels among COVID-19/ICU patients. But, this increase was not statistically significant. Besides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels revealed a statistically significant increase in the infected group compared with controls. Examination of electrolytes showed a reduction in calcium median value in COVID-19/ICU patients. Data revealed a possible influence of COVID-19 on the heart. Herein, we observe significant parameters that may reflect cardiovascular injury elicited by the virus. These biomarkers possibly used to monitor the severity of disease on the cardiovascular system.

Hematological Profiles of Patients Referred to Intensive Care Unit Due to COVID-19 in Southern Saudi Arabia

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pandemic infection that emerged in December 2019 leading to an outbreak worldwide. We aimed to investigate the hematological parameters and coagulation profiles specifically for the referral of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of illness to determine a pathognomonic association of infection severity and the hematological markers. The pathognomonic markers could assist physicians in better management of the infection to reduce mortality and morbidity. Thirty patients infected with COVID-19 who were receiving treatment during November and October 2020, in the ICU at Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were recruited. The age of patients ranged between 30 and 90 years old. COVID-19 patients in the ICU displayed a statistical reduction in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HBG), and hematocrit (HCT). Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytopenia were significant in ICU COVID-19 patients.�Hematological parameters and coagulation profiles may be used as signs to predict the severity of the coronavirus infection. COVID-19 cases in the ICU showed a dramatic change in hematological parameters and coagulation profiles, indicating that the virus may interfere with hemoglobin, platelet, and immune cell functions through either inhibition or stimulation, leading to severe complications.

Investigating the consequence of chronic exposure to radiation on renal biomarkers among selected radiologic technologists

Introduction: Chronic radiation exposure, particularly among technicians using medical imaging instruments, may contribute to chronic disease, including renal dysfunction. Investigating the potential association of this exposure with biochemical changes may assist disease detection and prevention. Objectives: The study explores the risk of renal dysfunction among radiologic technologists (RTs) with ten years or more of diagnostic imaging experience to evaluate the association of accumulated radiation doses and possible renal injury. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the effective accumulative radiation dose from 2009 to 2019 among RTs of radiological department at a general hospital in southern Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected, and key biomarkers analyzed using a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Serum levels of the following were measured; sodium, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), chloride, creatine kinase (CK), calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein and potassium. In statistical analysis, P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Even with exposure to only low-level radiation sources, RTs were statistically predisposed to variation in biochemical profiles. RTs exhibited GGT and CK levels higher than that of controls, while serum chloride was significantly low. Conclusion: The current study found a significant change in renal biochemical profiles among RTs who had worked in a radiological department for more than ten years. The association between GGT, CK with Kidney diseases was reported in several reports. Chronic exposure to radiation may contribute to a rise in GGT and CK levels and reduction of chloride and thus could develop the risk of renal diseases.

Computational and in vitro characterization of ICY-5: A potential candidate promoting mitochondrial apoptosis via the c-MET and STAT3 pathways

Targeted chemotherapy remains the primary choice in controlling various forms of breast cancer (BC) due to its heterogenous gene expressions in various subtypes. In silico and in vitro evaluation of ICY-5, a novel arylidene analogue against c-MET, was performed. ICY-5 exhibited a docking score of -9.6 kcal/mol in inactive conformation and, - 8.6 kcal/mol in active conformation for c-MET. ICY-5 inhibited c-MET enzyme with an IC₅₀ of 34.34 nM. The compound effectively inhibited MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation, with GI₅₀ values of 62.61 and 75.31 nM, respectively, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/R c-MET phosphorylation with IC₅₀ s of 71.41 and 83.77 nM, respectively. ICY-5 dose-dependently inhibited HGF-induced transmigration, cell scattering, invasion and altered cell cycle. An increase in apoptotic populations of these cells, with a dose-dependent decease in phosphorylation of STAT3 protein was observed. Furthermore, ICY-5 upregulated the caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2-associated X and survivin, and downregulated Bcl-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 in both BC cell lines. In summary, ICY-5 exhibited excellent efficacy in BC cells, targeting c-MET/SAT-3-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Further research will be required to ascertain ICY-5 suitability as a targeted chemotherapeutic against multiple forms of BC.

Treating MTBE-contaminated water using sewage sludge-derived activated carbon

In this study, sewage sludge-derived activated carbon (SDAC) was synthesized, characterized, and tested for its potential as an adsorbent of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). The SDAC was produced by activating the sludge with zinc chloride and subsequently subjected to various ranges of pyrolytic temperatures. It was then characterized using SEM/EDX, BET, and TGA. The SEM-EDX analyses showed that impurities like Fe, Al, Mg, Mn, Ca, and Na of the raw sludge were removed by the higher pyrolytic temperature and acid-washing procedures. TGA showed the thermal stability of the produced material. Results of the BET revealed a significant increase in surface area of the sludge from 1.5 m²/g to 385 m²/g after acid washing. The MTBE removal efficiency of 70% was achieved after 60 min with 2 g/L of SDAC at pH 6, and initial MTBE concentration of 1 ppm. The adsorption kinetics of SDAC fitted into pseudo-second-order reactions. This work demonstrated a beneficial use of a bio-waste material (sewage sludge) in water treatment technologies.

A complementary role for tetraspanin superfamily member TSSC6 and ADP purinergic P2Y12 receptor in platelets

Tumor-suppressing subchromosomal transferable fragment cDNA 6 (TSSC6) expression is restricted to hematopoietic organs and tissues where it plays a role in hematopoietic-cell function. The ADP purinergic receptor P2Y12 is mainly expressed by platelets with important clinical significance as a target for several clinically approved antithrombotic agents. We have previously shown a physical association between P2Y12 and TSSC6 in platelets. Hence our aim was to investigate whether this physical association is translated to functional effects. To investigate this possibility, we used wild-type or TSSC6 knockout (KO) mice treated with either PBS or 50mg/kg clopidogrel. TSSC6 KO mice treated with clopidogrel exhibited synergy in delayed kinetics of clot retraction, reduced collagen-mediated platelet aggregation, and platelet spreading on fibrinogen. Platelets derived from TSSC6 mice with P2Y12 blockade form smaller thrombi when perfused over a collagen matrix under arterial flow. Clopidogrel treated TSSC6 KO arterioles showed smaller and less stable thrombi with increased tendency to embolise in vivo. These studies demonstrate a complementary role between TSSC6 and P2Y12 receptor in platelets in regulating 'outside in' integrin αIIbβ3 signalling thrombus growth and stability.

A complementary role for tetraspanin superfamily member CD151 and ADP purinergic P2Y12 receptor in platelets

P2Y12 receptor is required for sustained activation of integrin αIIbβ3, irreversible platelet aggregation and thrombus stabilisation. Tetraspanin superfamily member CD151 associates with integrin αIIbβ3 and plays critical roles in regulation of thrombus growth and stability in vivo. The possible functional relationship between P2Y12 and CD151 in a molecular cluster in platelets may affect thrombus formation. Hence our aim was to investigate the physical and functional requirements for this association in platelets. Our investigations reveal a specific and constitutive association between CD151 and P2Y12 receptor in human platelets shown by immunoprecipitation/western blot studies and by flow cytometry. Specifically, the prominent association involves CD151 with P2Y12 oligomers, and to a lesser extent P2Y12 monomers. This association is not altered by platelet aggregation induced by different agonists. There is also a distinct complex of tetraspanin CD151 with ADP purinergic receptor P2Y12 but not P2Y1. P2Y12 oligomer interaction with CD151 is selective as compared to other tetraspanins. To investigate the functional relationship between these receptors in platelets we used wild-type or CD151 knockout (KO) mice treated with either PBS or 50 mg/kg clopidogrel. CD151 KO mice treated with clopidogrel exhibited synergy in delayed kinetics of clot retraction, in PAR-4 and collagen-mediated platelet aggregation, platelet spreading on fibrinogen and without restricting cAMP inhibition. Clopidogrel treated CD151 KO arterioles showed smaller and less stable thrombi with increased tendency to embolise ex vivo and in vivo. These studies demonstrate a complementary role between CD151 and P2Y12 receptor in platelets in regulating thrombus growth and stability.