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Aim: The present study was conducted to generate data on awareness and incidence of sickle cell disease (SCD) and also to adduce the widespread myths peddled about SCD. Materials and Methods: Students studying in the Department of Nursing were recruited. A pretested, self-administered sickle cell assessment questionnaire was distributed electronically through WhatsApp group to collect necessary data. Participants were screened for malaria by thin blood smear analyses, and their hemoglobin (Hb) contents (g/dL) were determined by Sahli's haemoglobinometer. Statistical analyses were done using Origin (version 8.1, USA). A reliability study was performed for the validity of questionnaire data. Results: Study participants had significantly high awareness regarding SCDs (89.9%, P < 0.001). Most participants (96.3%) were aware about government policy regarding premarital screening for genetic disorders and replied that the government has strict health policies backed by equally robust laboratory diagnostics. Moreover, none of the participants had SCDs, although their parents had a consanguineous marriage. Thin blood smear analyses of participants did not reveal any cases of Plasmodium falciparum. However, significant percentages (33.1%) were found to be anemic, probably due to their dietary habits and lifestyles, as has been reflected by questionnaire analyses. Furthermore, a very less number of students had knowledge about genetic variations that might occur in malaria-endemic regions after long exposure to offer protection from malaria. Knowledge about management practices was also lacking among study participants (29%). Conclusion: This research points to the necessity that the nursing study plan should focus on providing specific training on management skills and preventive measures for SCDs, which is of paramount importance.

The Indian Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a naturally occurring spice with significant biological properties. It is primarily found in India and Indonesia, but can also be cultivated in other coastal areas. Clove is commonly used as a natural preservative and in the production of natural medicines. One of the notable benefits of clove is its ability to help treat diseases caused by various bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, Z. mobilis, and C. albicans. Additionally, clove possesses antioxidant properties that can help reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Clove has also shown potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the activity of enzymes such as amylase, glucosidase, and lipase, which can be beneficial for managing diabetes. The study demonstrated that Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Indian clove leaf extract exhibited promising antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. This suggests that these nanoparticles could have versatile applications in antimicrobial therapy, cancer treatment, diabetes management, and antioxidant supplementation. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these activities and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these nanoparticles in more complex biological systems. In summary, clove possesses diverse biological properties and has potential applications in various therapeutic areas. The synthesis of AgNPs from clove leaf extract shows promise in multiple fields, but more research is required for a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and broader applications.

Background of the Study Mammograms are sometimes met with issues of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis; therefore, they are less reliable in identifying cancer in women with dense breasts. As a result, it is critical to be aware of other sensitive screening techniques for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Aim The ultimate objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of nursing undergraduates regarding non-invasive biomarkers, such as volatile organic compounds in breath, nipple aspirate fluid, sweat, urine, and tears, for the early detection of breast cancer to help improve patient care, determine the risk factors, and encourage practice of breast self-examination. Methods Cross-sectional research was done in the Department of Nursing at Farasan campus using a self-structured questionnaire as the study tool. A total of 260 students willingly participated. The study tool had evaluation questions focused on the non-invasive biomarkers of breast cancer, risk factors, and breast self-examination practices to collect data. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The statistical significance was calculated at P

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered non-apoptotic and iron-dependent type of cell death. Ferroptosis mainly takes place owing to the imbalance of anti-oxidation and oxidation in the body. It is regulated via a number of factors and pathways both inside and outside the cell. Ferroptosis is closely linked with brain and various neurological disorders (NDs). In the human body, the brain contains the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are known as lipid peroxide precursors. In addition, there is also a connection of glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation with NDs. There is growing evidence regarding the possible link between neuroinflammation and multiple NDs, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that disruptions of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutamate excitatory toxicity, iron homeostasis, and various other manifestations linked with ferroptosis can be identified in various neuroinflammation-mediated NDs. It has also been reported that damage-associated molecular pattern molecules including ROS are generated during the events of ferroptosis and can cause glial activation via activating neuroimmune pathways, which subsequently leads to the generation of various inflammatory factors that play a role in various NDs. This review summarizes the regulation pathways of ferroptosis, the link between ferroptosis as well as inflammation in NDs, and the potential of a range of therapeutic agents that can be used to target ferroptosis and inflammation in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are establishing themselves as an important class of nanomaterials due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and wide range of applications. Due to their affordability, lack of toxicity, and strong biocompatibility, ZnO NPs find extensive use in the field of biomedicine. ZnO NPs are promising in biomedicine, especially for their ability as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. The ecologically sustainable preparation of metallic NPs using different plant extracts is a viable alternative to more conventional synthesis methods. The present study investigates the effects of changing the physical conditions on ZnO NPs synthesis from Bixa orellana (B. orellana) extract using the precipitation method. Confirmation and characterization of the ZnO NPs were achieved by analytical techniques. EDS results verified that highly pure ZnO NPs were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the crystal nature of the synthesized NPs and their crystalline particle size of 82.66 nm. The XRD graphs strongly indicate the formation of wurtzite ZnO due to the presence of the (100), (002), and (101) planes. The antibacterial activity was assessed through the utilization of agar disc diffusion. The findings revealed that ZnO NPs exhibited significant efficacy in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The zone of inhibition with the greatest diameter (22 mm) was reported for the bacterial strain B. cereus. The present investigation provides evidence that B. orellana leaves extract is capable of producing ZnO NPs, which play a crucial role in its antibacterial action. Additional investigation is necessary to validate the role of diverse phytochemicals in the synthesis of ZnO NPs and their applications in diverse fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, food, and healthcare.

Bixa orellana (B. Orellana) is a frequently utilized plant that has grown in significance in pharmaceutical applications. The leaves extract of B. orellana was used in the current study for preliminary phytochemical analysis in terms of both quantitative and qualitative, which indicates the presence of phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity at 30 mm zone of clearance against Candida albicans and antibacterial activity at 16 mm zone of clearance against Bacillus nakamuria by well diffusion method against different strains. The plant extract showed a MIC of 20 µg/mL and MBC of 157.11 µg/mL against E. coli by ELISA and broth dilution method, respectively. To evaluate the phytochemicals in the extract, further purification of the extract by TLC, column chromatography, and component analysis by GC–MS, which reported 18 components, and UV spectrum were performed. A number of therapeutic applications for the extract were observed, including antidiabetic activity (anti-glucosidase) of 98.34% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anti-lipase of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, and anti-amylase activity of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, antioxidant activity (anti-DPPH activity) of 59.74% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anthelmintic at 1 min by 1000 µg/mL, antifibrinolytic at 20 secs by 1000 µg/mL and cytotoxic activity against A549 lung cell lines, wherein, the cell viability was below 40 % at the highest dose (100 µg/mL), with an IC50 value of 39.9 µg/mL.

Artemisia arborescens is a medicinal and aromatic plant used in traditionally by the people of Saudi Arabia. This research attempts to evaluate the bioactive constituents of the plant using organic solvents, as well as the antibacterial and anticancer properties of plant extracts. The Phytochemical analysis of methanol extract revealed eleven bioactive constituents, identified by comparing their retention periods and GC-MS profiles to account for 52.45 percent of the studied extract. In the meantime, the extract of pet ether had demonstrated the presence of sixteen significant constituents, six of which were distinct sesquiterpene derivatives. In lipophilic plant extract, three higher alkanes made up 12.49% of the total. These higher alkanes were tetratriacontane (6.55%), hentriacontane (4.17%), and octacosane (1.77%). Studies on antimicrobial activity have revealed that both methanolic and petroleum ether extracts had a broad spectrum of activity against specific human pathogens. Both extracts, however, failed to exhibit any anti-Candida albicans activity. Methanolic extract not shown inhibition in the cell growth of MCF-7 cell, but petroleum ether extract had shown significant anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cell with an IC50 of 13.49 µg/mL. the results obtained show that A. arborescens have a lot of potential for further research into variety of biological functions, against cancer and microbes.

Recent studies have highlighted the necessity to thoroughly evaluate medicinal plants due to their therapeutic potential. The current study delves into the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and hepatoprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata. The investigation specifically targets its effectiveness in mitigating liver dysfunction induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar albino rats, aiming to uncover its promising role as a natural remedy for liver-related ailments. A. paniculata leaf extract was screened for phytoconstituents and antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects in Wistar albino rats against CCl4-induced liver dysfunction. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in all extracts. The phenolic concentration ranged from 10.23 to 19.52 mg gallic acid per gram of the sample, while the highest flavonoid concentration was found in the ethanol fraction (8.27 mg rutin equivalents per gram). The antioxidant activity varied from 10.23 to 62.23. GC-MS analysis identified several phytochemicals including octadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, and others. Effects of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata were evaluated in four groups of animals. Biochemical estimations of serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamine pyruvate transaminase, and serum bilirubin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated group. Treatment with 300 mg/kg b.w. of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata significantly (p < 0.05) decreased these serum enzymes. Lipid peroxidation levels in carbon tetrachloride-treated animals showed a substantial (p < 0.05) rise when compared to untreated animals, while the lipid peroxidation levels were considerably (p < 0.05) reduced after treatment with ethanol extract at 300 mg/kg b.w. Liver biochemical catalase activities were significantly reduced in the carbon tetrachloride-treated animals. The results of this study conclusively demonstrate that A. paniculata extracts are a rich source of phytochemicals and possess significant antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and hepatoprotective properties.

Purpose: The present research was designed to evaluate the toxicity of tellurium and its prevention by selenium on the pituitary gland in male Wistar rats. Methods: 30 rats were used weighing 200–250 gm, and randomly divided them into five groups. Each group contained an equal number of animals. Group-1 was nominated as control group. Group-2 received an intraperitoneal dose of selenium 0.3 mg per kg body wt. Group-3 was administered with tellurium 4.15 mg per kg body wt. Group-4 was given low-dose (L) of both selenium 0.15 and tellurium 2.075, Group-5 was given High-dose (H) of both selenium 0.3 and tellurium 4.15 mg/kg body wt. orally once in a day. After 15 days of dosing, the behavioral activities- motor co-ordination rotarod and grip strength test were measured. On 16th-day animals were sacrificed and activity of LPO, GSH, caspase-3, caspase-9, GPx, GR, SOD, catalase, and AChE were performed on the pituitary gland as per standard method reported. Results: Se when given together with Te, significantly protects the motor coordination up to 32.5%, and also protects the grip strength up to 75% in group 4 and 5 respectively as compared to group- 3. Se + Te treatment protects the activity of TBARS up to 48.68% and GSH is 58%. As compared to control, it protects caspase-3 up to 118% and caspase-9 up to 83%. The level of AChE was also observed to be modulated by the administration of Se in Group- 4 and 5. Se + Te protected AChE up to 28.6%. Similar findings were observed for the biochemical activities of GPx (140% protection), SOD (458%), GR (159%), and catalase (95%) activities that were protected significantly Se + Te in Group- 4 and 5. Conclusion: Selenium dose-dependently protects behavioral activities. It also protects apoptosis, oxidative stress, and AChE activities in the pituitary gland.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is used as a primary drug due to its antipyretic and analgesic activity. The mechanism of action of APAP toxicity in the liver is due to the depletion of glutathione which elicited free radicals generation. Therefore, the objective of our work is to investigate the APAP induced liver damage and its repair by free radical scavenging activity of cinnamon oil (CO) in male Wistar rats. To investigate the effects of CO at different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.), animals were given a single oral dose of CO per day for 14 days between 12:00−1:00 PM. The biochemical changes, imbalance in oxidative markers, interleukins, caspases and histopathological studies were determined for quantifying the hepatoprotective effect of CO. One dose of APAP (2 g/kg b.w.) results in significant hepatotoxicity and marked increase the serum markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, content of lipid peroxidation (LPO), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6), caspase-3, -9 expression, DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes were observed. Significant decrease in the levels of LPO, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, -9 expressions, qualitative as well as quantitative determination of DNA fragments and histopathological changes were reversed by the administration of CO dose dependently. Furthermore, it also restores the depleted activity of antioxidative enzymes. Our study shows that an imbalance in the oxidative parameter in the liver by APAP is restored by treating the animals with CO.

The popularity of energy beverages among young adult population is high. These drinks are claimed to boost energy and performance and contain high concentration of caffeine as one of the several ingredients. Discrepancies have been encountered by some of the previous studies between the actual quantity of caffeine present in the product and the amount mentioned on the label, making the determination of caffeine content in these drinks very important. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the caffeine concentration in most popular energy drinks available in Saudi Arabia. The energy drink samples (n = 9) were procured from retail outlets. Sample solutions were prepared in methanol and analyzed for caffeine content by GC-MS. Chromatographic parameters were optimized to achieve optimum resolution and various validation parameters were evaluated. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of caffeine in energy drinks by directly injecting the multifold diluted samples in methanol. The method was linear (r2 = 0.999) over a concentration range of 5–25 µg/mL, specific, precise (%RSD of peak area = 0.56–0.78), and accurate (%recovery = 99.3–101.2%). The amounts of caffeine determined were found in the range of 20.82–33.72 mg/100 mL (52.05–84.3 mg/pack). Results revealed that the amount of caffeine actually present in the tested drinks varied within ±10% range from the amount specified on the product labels. The amounts of caffeine detected in tested beverages were within the USFDA safe upper limit of per-day caffeine consumption, which has indicated that the consumption of one serving of energy drink is unlikely to produce any adverse health effect.

The leaves of khat plant (Catha edulis) are widely consumed by people of East African countries and Arabian Peninsula for their pleasurable and stimulating effects. The consumption of khat is prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but it is being used by the people of Kingdom, especially in the region of Jazan, where it is easily available due to its cultivation in the neighbouring country Yemen. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of very low doses of cathinone on the brain lipids. Male Swiss albino mice were divided in 4 groups, one control and 3 experimental and each group having 6 animals. (-) Cathinone, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight was given intraperitoneal to animals for 10 days, once daily. Cathinone has elevated the level of triglyceride significantly and dose dependently as compared to control group. On the other hand, the content of ganglioside was depleted significantly and dose dependently in experimental groups as compared to control group. A significantly elevated level of cholesterol was observed with the doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg and phospholipids with the dose of 0.5 mg/kg of cathinone as compared to control group. No significant change on total lipids was observed in cathinone treated group as compared to control group. The study concludes that very low doses of cathinone were sufficient for the change on the brain lipid contents to provide excitement in khat chewers.