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Pair Ahmed Jiko,1 Mahathir Mohammad,1 Fahmida Tasnim Richi,2 Md. Anisul Islam,3 Safaet Alam,2,4 Mohammad Abdullah Taher,2,5 Chuxiao Shao,6 Shuanghu Wang,6 Peiwu Geng,6 Abdullah Al Mamun6 1Department of Chemistry, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chittagong, 4349, Bangladesh; 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh; 3Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, 4202, Bangladesh; 4Chemical Research Division, BCSIR Dhaka Laboratories, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh; 5Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRiCM), Laboratory Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh; 6Central Laboratory of The Lishui Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Lishui University, Lishui People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Abdullah Al Mamun, Central Laboratory of The Lishui Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Lishui University, Lishui People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-19715780050, Email pharmaalmamun@yahoo.comBackground: Shirakiopsis indica (Willd)., commonly known as Sa-Mor-Ta-Lay in Thailand, is a mangrove plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. As mangrove plants’ medicinal potentials are less explored, this study sought to qualitatively and quantitatively verify the bioactive components of Shirakiopsis indica fruits methanolic extract (SIF-ME) at the side of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects followed by in-silico studies.Methods: The in-vivo assessments of analgesic activity involved the hot plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and formalin-induced licking test. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed through the human RBC membrane stabilization assay (HRBC), protein denaturation assay, and xylene-induced ear edema methods. Antioxidant potential was implemented by the DPPH scavenging method.Results: The SIF-ME consistently displayed significant anti-nociceptive activity in a dose-dependent pattern (p < 0.05). The maximum analgesic activity was found in the highest dose (200 mg/kg; p < 0.001) in a hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing test 43.47%, and in formalin-induced licking test in both early phase (43.3%; p < 0.01) and late phase (61.84%; p < 0.001%). The extract provided optimal protection against hemolysis (83.41% decrease) at 1000 μg/mL and significantly inhibited protein denaturation (67.34– 26.05%) at doses of 1000– 62.5 μg/mL. At 200 mg/kg, the extract showed dose-dependent and substantial inhibition (54.07%; p < 0.01) of xylene-induced ear edema. The in-vitro DPPH (IC50 = 469.5 μg/mL) results showed remarkable scavenging activity and concentration-dependent reducing power. The extract demonstrates no acute oral toxicity, as indicated by an LD50 value exceeding 1000 mg/kg body weight. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis was performed which yielded sixty bioactive compounds. In-silico and molecular docking studies revealed favorable pharmacological properties, including good binding affinities and ADME/T profiles.Conclusion: These results support the medicinal use of the plant, which makes it a potential source of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant candidates.Keywords: natural products, medicinal plants, shirakiopsis indica, acute oral toxicity, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, GC-MS/MS, molecular docking

Syed Omair Adil,1,2 Fareed Uddin,3 Kamarul Imran Musa,1 Asima Khan,4 Areebah Shakeel,5 Kashif Shafique,2 Md Asiful Islam6 1Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, 16150, Malaysia; 2School of Public Health, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Pakistan; 3National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology, DUHS, Karachi, Pakistan; 4Public Health Department, Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Karachi, Pakistan; 5Department of Research, Children Hospital Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; 6WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UKCorrespondence: Md Asiful Islam, WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK, Email m.a.islam@bham.ac.uk Syed Omair Adil, Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Email omair.adil@student.usm.myPurpose: The presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. In this study, CVD risk was calculated among individuals with newly diagnosed MetS using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Globorisk Score. The FRS and Globorisk score are particularly relevant in predicting CVD risk as these scores include key MetS-related risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and age.Patients and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at various sites in Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2022 to August 2022. Newly diagnosed cases of MetS with no physical disability, known illness, and not taking any regular medication were recruited. MetS was defined based on the definition of International Diabetes Federation. The major outcome was 10-year risk for CVD using the FRS and Globorisk Score.Results: Of 304 patients, 59.2% were classified as low risk according to FRS, while 20.4% were classified as moderate and high risk each. Using the Globorisk score, 44.6% of 224 patients were classified as low risk, 34.4% as moderate risk, and 21.0% as high risk. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the two CVD risk scores (r = 0.651, 95% CI 0.58– 0.71). Both risk scores have reported age, gender, and current smokers as significant risk factors in predicting CVD in 10-years (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The outcome of both CVD risk scores predicted moderate-to-high risk of CVD in 10-years in almost half of the newly diagnosed patients with MetS. In particular, the risk of development of CVD in 10-years in newly diagnosed MetS is higher with increasing age, in male gender, and current smokers.&#x00A0Keywords: cardiometabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiac events

Mansour Adam Mahmoud,1 Md Ashraful Islam,2 Malaz Ahmed,3 Randa Bashir,3 Romisa Ibrahim,3 Shahd Al-Nemiri,3 Ethar Babiker,3 Neven Mutasim,3 Sultan Othman Alolayan,1 Sultan Al Thagfan,1 Samrein BM Ahmed,4 Ibrahim Sales,5 Mohamed Azmi Hassali6 ,† Yaser Alahmadi,1 Mirghani A Yousif3 1Department of Clinical & Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan; 4College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; 5Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 6Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia†Mohamed Azmi Hassali passed away on July 16, 2021Correspondence: Mansour Adam MahmoudDepartment of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Saudi ArabiaEmail Mammm.99@gmail.comObjective: The aim of this study was to validate the Arabic version of General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: A 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM at Al-Daraja Health Center, located in Wad Medani, Sudan. A convenient sample of patients was selected, and the study sample size was calculated using the item response ratio. Factorial, known group, and construct validities were determined. Internal consistency and reliability were also determined.Results: Responses were provided by 500 patients. The average medication adherence score was 30 (median 31). The normed fit index (NFI) was 0.950, the comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.963, the incremental fit index (IFI) was 0.963, and the root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.071. The results from these fit indices indicated a good model. Factorial, known group and construct validities were all established. A significant association was found between adherence score and age (P = 0.03) since a larger proportion of older patients were found to have high adherence compared to patients in other age groups. The reliability (α) of the questionnaire was 0.834.Conclusion: The Arabic version of GMAS was validated in Sudanese patients with T2DM making it a suitable scale to be used in this population.Keywords: medication adherence, patient compliance, medication persistence, chronic illness, Sudan

Dhfer Alshayban,1 Mansour Adam Mahmoud,2 Md Ashraful Islam,1 Shouq Alshammari,1 Duaa Alsulaiman3 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia; 3Pharmacy Division, King Fahad University Hospital, Alkhobar, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mansour Adam MahmoudDepartment of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi ArabiaEmail mammm.99@gmail.comAim: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the level of knowledge and perception of ADRs reporting and pharmacovigilance among interns and hospital pharmacists in different health-care settings in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists and pharmacy interns in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A total of 315 participants completed the self-administered and validated questionnaire during the period from August 2018 to March 2019.Results: There was poor perception and knowledge of pharmacovigilance and ADRs reporting among pharmacists as well as intern pharmacists. However, pharmacists had better knowledge score compared to interns (P=0.043). Most of the respondents believed that ADRs reporting is important. The majority of both interns and pharmacists stated that they did not receive adequate education about pharmacovigilance during their undergraduate or internship program.Conclusion: There is a gap in knowledge and perception about pharmacovigilance among practicing pharmacists and new pharmacy graduates. Drug safety fundamentals and policies should be taught to undergraduate pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: pharmacovigilance, adverse drugs effects, safety, pharmacists, Saudi Arabia

Pancreatolithiasis is a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer. We report here a rare case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the pancreas in a 55-year old diabetic male associated with pancreatolithiasis. CT scan of abdomen revealed a large operable mass occupying the distal body and tail of the pancreas. Per-operative survey revealed a small metastatic nodule in the surface of hepatic segment IVa. Histopathology of the distal pancreatic lesion revealed sarcomatoid carcinoma. Hepatic nodule was a metastatic adenocarcinoma. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was done en-mass, along with non-anatomical resection of the hepatic metastatic nodule. Combined with six cycles of chemotherapy, the patient survived a total of another fourteen months. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 12-15

Mohammad Ariful Islam,1–3,* Jannatul Firdous,1–3,* Yun-Jaie Choi,1 Cheol-Heui Yun,1–4 Chong-Su Cho1,21Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, 2Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, 3Center for Food and Bioconvergence, 4World Class University Biomodulation Program, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: Chitosan, a natural biodegradable polymer, is of great interest in biomedical research due to its excellent properties including bioavailability, nontoxicity, high charge density, and mucoadhesivity, which creates immense potential for various pharmaceutical applications. It has gelling properties when it interacts with counterions such as sulfates or polyphosphates and when it crosslinks with glutaraldehyde. This characteristic facilitates its usefulness in the coating or entrapment of biochemicals, drugs, antigenic molecules as a vaccine candidate, and microorganisms. Therefore, chitosan together with the advance of nanotechnology can be effectively applied as a carrier system for vaccine delivery. In fact, chitosan microspheres have been studied as a promising carrier system for mucosal vaccination, especially via the oral and nasal route to induce enhanced immune responses. Moreover, the thiolated form of chitosan is of considerable interest due to its improved mucoadhesivity, permeability, stability, and controlled/extended release profile. This review describes the various methods used to design and synthesize chitosan microspheres and recent updates on their potential applications for oral and nasal delivery of vaccines. The potential use of thiolated chitosan microspheres as next-generation mucosal vaccine carriers is also discussed.Keywords: chitosan microspheres, oral, nasal, vaccine delivery, mucosal and systemic immune responses

This paper develops hybrid steel members by integrating additively manufactured, ultra-lightweight, damage-controlled elements (DCEs) into hot-rolled structural steel members. This approach relies on segmenting a structural member into distinct sections; one or two segments are enlarged to be capacity protected; however, another end or middle DCE segment is optimized to emulate the conventional member’s strength and stiffness. A small-scale DCE was topologically optimized and then additively manufactured using a powder bed fusion technique through a direct metal laser sintering process of 17-4PH stainless steel and then was experimentally tested to study the buckling behavior under compression. The experimental testing of the optimized DCE shows a compressive strength of 81,000 times the specimen’s weight with stable post-peak buckling behavior. Numerical simulation confirms experimental results, showing a good correlation in fracture energy. A parametric study on four DCE specimens, scaled up by three, four, five, and six times, was performed and compared to hollow structural sections (HSS) of A500 Gr. C in tensile and compression strengths. The numerical simulation shows a linear relation between the weight ratio and HSS length. Additionally, numerical simulation of conventional member, DCE (scaled by three), and three hybrid members revealed that failure occurred in DCE as intended.

This research discusses one of the most important crimes against humanity, where national and international statistics and reports revealed that the bad living conditions or bad troubled situations have forced thousands of women, children and men in their countries to be susceptible to the trafficking and exploitation. The study has been divided into two main sections. The first section presents concept of the trafficking in persons in international charters and conventions, reasons, seriousness and elements of the crime in general. The second section studies the Saudi lawmaker's addressing the crime in terms of definition, forms, prescribed penalty and reasons for augmentation of penalty. The study has concluded to a set of results and recommendations, the most important of which is that the Saudi lawmaker adopted position of the international conventions in defining crime and determining its forms. Moreover, the Kingdom has also made great strides in combating this type of crime at both international and local levels. The study recommended the need to impose harsh penalties on employers, who practice patterns of forced slavery to their workers, as well as the need to intensify efforts in order to take adequate measures to prevent smuggling the illegal labor.

As university campuses in Africa and the MENA region represent key traffic hubs in their cities, this paper develops a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to conceptualize a “framework of action” for intersectional sustainable urban mobility. The SLR includes the screening of 258 articles with filtering strategies resulting in 43 articles, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and Bibliometrics analysis, Systematics, Meta-analysis, and Storytelling techniques (BSMS). Six thematic areas are identified, travel behavior, policy and planning, environment and energy, gendered mobility, health and pandemics, and access for persons with disabilities, in which the most recurrent theme is travel behavior, and research method is survey questionnaires. The study explores the intersectional possibilities of future research-themes with an overview of issues, indicators and determinants. Themes are categorized geographically, methodologically and chronologically from 2007 to 2023. The proposed “framework of action” promotes intersectional research encouraging universities to lead sustainable mobility initiatives from a microscale approach, impacting city-wide sustainability efforts. This framework helps Africa-and-MENA universities to act as focal points for decision-making towards sustainable urban mobility in the city, benefitting urban planners, municipalities and inter-governmental collaboration by providing targeted interventions within-to-and-around campuses.