Search

This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of gamification in developing HTML programming skills and academic achievement motivation for 10th-grade students. Despite the significance of computer programming in developing students' thinking, many students still need more motivation to learn it. One of the entertaining strategies of computer programming is gamification. The study used a quasi-experimental design for two groups. The experimental group (N=18) was taught by gamification and the control group (N=17) was taught by the traditional teaching method. The researcher conducted a pre-test to determine the equivalence between groups using a valid and reliable practical test and scale. After three-weeks of teaching, the same test and scale were applied to compare the groups. The result showed statistical differences between the two groups in favor of the experimental group in programming skills and all academic achievement motivation dimensions. This study recommended that using gamification in teaching programming languages to students at different stages would help computer teachers. More research should be conducted to investigate the impact of gamification on teaching different programming languages.

Administrative and leadership requirements are crucial to the application of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in special education. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the availability of administrative and leadership requirements for applying EBPs in special education programs from the teachers’ perspective, as well as determine the differences in their availability depending on the variables of disability category (intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and learning disabilities (LDs)) and school stage (e.g., primary or middle school). The sample included 243 special education teachers working in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire on the administrative and leadership requirements for implementing EBPs in special education programs (prepared by the researchers) was used to collect data. The results revealed the availability (which ranged from moderate to high) of administrative and leadership requirements for implementing EBPs. Moreover, there were differences in the availability of administrative and leadership requirements according to students’ disability category; these differences were in favor of the learning disability group. However, there were no differences according to the academic stage. We recommend conducting further research on administrative and leadership requirements using different methods.

In the present work, manganese–copper co-infused nickel oxide nanoparticles (MnCu co-doped NiO NPs) were formulated via a green process using Carica papaya extract. The MnCu co-doped NiO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis, Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. The XRD pattern demonstrated that synthesized MnCu co-doped NiO NPs exhibit cubic structure. On the PL spectrum, various surface defects were identified. MnCu co-doped NiO NPs exhibited ferromagnetic properties at 37°C. The antimicrobial activity of green synthesis MnCu co-doped NiO NPs against human pathogens (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Candida albicans as fungal strains were demonstrated. The MnCu co-doped NiO NPs treatment considerably reduced MDA-MB-231 cell viability while not disturbing HBL-100 cell viability. Different fluorescent staining analyses revealed that MnCu co-doped NiO NPs induced nuclear and mitochondrial damage to improve free radical production, altering mitochondrial membrane protein potential, which led to apoptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells. The MnCu co-doped NiO NP treatment enhanced pro-apoptotic protein expression and inhibited the cell cycle at the S phase in MDA-MB-231 cells. This makes it easy, cheap, and environmentally friendly to make MnCu co-doped NiO NPs using C. papaya extract, which has excellent antimicrobial properties.

Abstract Since ancient times, the inhabitants of dry areas have depended on the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) as a staple food and means of economic security. For example, dates have been a staple diet for the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and Sahara Desert in North Africa for millennia and the local culture is rich in knowledge and experience with the benefits of dates, suggesting that dates contain many substances essential for the human body. Madinah dates are considered one of the most important types of dates in the Arabian Peninsula, with Ajwa being one of the most famous types and grown only in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Date seeds are traditionally used for animal feed, seed oil production, cosmetics, and as a coffee substitute. Phytochemical compounds that have been detected in date fruits and date seeds include phenolic acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Phenolic acids are the most prevalent bioactive constituents that contribute to the antioxidant activity of date fruits. The bioactive properties of these phytochemicals are believed to promote human health by reducing the risk of diseases such as chronic inflammation. Ajwa dates especially are thought to have superior bioactivity properties. To investigate these claims, in this study, we compare the metabolic profiles of Ajwa with different types of dates collected from Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. We show by UHPLC-MS that date seeds contain several classes of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acid derivatives, including citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and hydroxyadipic acid. Additionally, GC–MS profiling showed that date seeds are richer in metabolite classes, such as hydrocinnamic acids (caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids), than flesh samples. Deglet N fruit extract (minimum inhibitory concentration: 27 MIC/μM) and Sukkari fruit extract (IC50: 479 ± 0.58μg /mL) have higher levels of antibacterial and antioxidative activity than Ajwa fruits. However, the seed analysis showed that seed extracts have better bioactivity effects than fruit extracts. Specifically, Ajwa extract showed the best MIC and strongest ABTS radical-scavenging activity among examined seed extracts (minimum inhibitory concentration: 20 μM; IC50: 54 ± 3.61μg /mL). Our assays are a starting point for more advanced in vitro antibacterial models and investigation into the specific molecules that are responsible for the antioxidative and anti-bacterial activities of dates. Graphical Abstract

This study applied a qualitative approach to shed light on computer teachers' perception of video games and the barriers toward integrating these games into their teaching. The data were gathered through face-to-face interviews with 22 Saudi teachers from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The results show that teachers in Saudi schools hold a positive attitude toward adopting video games and they realize the importance of adopting new technologies; however, they do not use them for teaching purposes. As far as barriers to adopting video game are concerned, lack of facilitating conditions, low awareness of the potential for video games in learning, and the lack of video games that are suited to Saudi peculiarities and curricula are the most perceived barriers among teachers.

BackgroundVolunteering is a beneficial activity with a wide range of positive outcomes, from the individual to the communal level. In many ways, volunteering has a positive impact on the development of a volunteer’s personality and experience. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of health volunteering on improving the self-skills and practical capacities of students in the western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsThe study was a descriptive cross-sectional electronic web-based survey that was submitted on a web-based questionnaire; 183 students answered the survey, and then, the data were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsThis study shows that 95.6% of participants agree and strongly agree that the health volunteering experience was useful, 2.7% of the participants neither agree nor disagree, and 1.6% disagree and strongly disagree. Regarding the distribution of the participants on skills learned from volunteering experience, the largest proportion of student (36.1%) volunteers in the health sector acquired communication skills and the smallest proportion of student (14.8%) volunteers in the acquired time management skills. Regarding the disadvantages, 81.4% of the participants do not think there were any disadvantages to their previous health volunteering experience, while only 18.6% of them think there were any disadvantages to their previous health volunteering experience. Additionally, the study found that the type of the sector affects the skills acquired from health volunteering.ConclusionResearch revealed that the majority considered volunteering a great experience. Volunteering increased the self-skills and practical capacities of radiology students, which proved the hypothesis.

Background: Medical photography has been utilized in clinical, academic, and research settings. In conservative countries, such as Saudi Arabia, limited data reflect patients’ viewpoints on medical photography. Objectives: To assess patients’ opinions on medical photography and the factors influencing its acceptability. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a self-distributed paper-based questionnaire was performed in the dermatology clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) between February 2020 and January 2021. The response rate is 100% as only willing participants were handed a hard-copy survey and then retrieved once completed. Results: A total of 414 Saudi adults were enrolled. Medical photography was highly acceptable, fairly acceptable, and poorly acceptable in 36.7%, 11.6%, and 14.3% of the patients, respectively. Females were more accepting of medical photography than males (p = 0.041). Physicians were the most preferred choice as photographers (83%). Stating all intended use of the photographs was favored by the majority of patients. Using a department-owned camera was essential to 84%. Patients who never had their photographs taken previously were more unaccepting of medical photography than those with prior experience (p = 0.037). Limitations: the study was conducted at a single center; therefore, it may not represent the entire population. Conclusions: Medical photography is acceptable to the majority of patients. Meeting popular preferences, including physicians as photographers, using department-owned cameras, and stating all possible uses of the photographs may enhance patients’ experience. The findings offer insight for developing a standardized framework that is suitable for both patients and physicians.

The steady increase in the use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has reached an epidemic level, increasing mortality and morbidity, mainly due to pulmonary toxicity. Several mechanisms are involved in EC-induced toxicity, including oxidative stress and increased inflammation. Concurrently, the integrity of cellular metabolism is essential for cellular homeostasis and mitigation of toxic insults. However, the effects of EC on cellular metabolism remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the metabolic changes induced by EC in human lung epithelial cells (A549) using an untargeted metabolomics approach. A549 cells were exposed to increasing EC vapor extract concentrations, and cell viability, oxidative stress, and metabolomic changes were assessed. Our findings show that ECs induce cell death and increase oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner. Metabolomic studies demonstrated that ECs induce unique metabolic changes in key cellular metabolic pathways. Our results revealed that exposure to ECs induced clear segregation in metabolic responses which is driven significantly by number of essential metabolites such as aminoacids, fatty acids, glutathione, and pyruvate. Interstingly, our metabolomics results showed that each concentration of ECs induced unqiues pattern of metabolic changes, suggesting the complexity of ECs induced cytotoxcity. Disrupted metabolites were linked to essential cellular pathways, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as glutathione, pyruvate, nicotinate and nicotinamide, and amino acid metabolisms. These results highlight the potential adverse effects of ECs on cellular metabolism and emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the long-term consequences of EC use. Overall, this study demonstrates that ECs not only induce cell death and oxidative stress but also disrupt cellular metabolism in A549 lung epithelial cells.

Apigenin is a powerful flavone compound found in numerous fruits and vegetables, and it offers numerous health-promoting benefits. Many studies have evidenced that this compound has a potential role as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, making it a promising candidate for reducing the risk of pathogenesis. It has also been found to positively affect various systems in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems. Apigenin is effective in treating liver, lung, heart, kidney, neurological diseases, diabetes, and maintaining good oral and skin health. Multiple studies have reported that this compound is capable of suppressing various types of cancer through the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion, reduction of inflammation, and inhibiting angiogenesis. When used in combination with other drugs, apigenin increases their efficacy, reduces the risk of side effects, and improves the response to chemotherapy. This review broadly analyzes apigenin’s potential in disease management by modulating various biological activities. In addition, this review also described apigenin’s interaction with other compounds or drugs and the potential role of nanoformulation in different pathogeneses. Further extensive research is needed to explore the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of this compound in disease prevention and treatment.

Arif Khan,1 Mohammed A Alsahli,2 Mohammad A Aljasir,2 Hamzah Maswadeh,3 Mugahid A Mobark,4,5 Faizul Azam,6 Khaled S Allemailem,2 Faris Alrumaihi,2 Fahad A Alhumaydhi,2 Ahmad A Almatroudi,2 Naif AlSuhaymi,7 Masood A Khan1 1Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid, Sudan; 6Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah, 51911, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Emergency Medical Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, AlQunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21912, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Arif Khan, Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 590038460, Fax +966 63801628, Email 4140@qu.edu.saPurpose: Thymoquinone (TQ), a phytoconstituent of Nigella sativa seeds, has been studied extensively in various cancer models. However, TQ’s limited water solubility restricts its therapeutic applicability. Our work aims to prepare the novel formulation of TQ and assess its chemopreventive potential in chemically induced lung cancer animal model.Methods: The polyethylene glycol coated DOPE/CHEMS incorporating TQ-loaded pH-sensitive liposomes (TQPSL) were prepared and characterized. Mice were exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) thrice a week for 4 weeks to induce lung cancer. TQPSL was administered three times a week for 21 weeks, starting 2 weeks before the first dose of BaP.Results: The prepared TQPSL revealed 85% entrapment efficiency with 128 nm size and − 19.5 mv ζ-potential showing high stability of the formulation. The pretreatment of TQPSL showed the recovery in BaP-modulated relative organ weight of lungs, cancer marker enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes in the serum. The histopathological analysis of the tissues showed that TQPSL protected the malignancy in the lungs. The flow cytometry data revealed the induction of apoptosis and decreased intracellular ROS by TQPSL. Molecular docking was performed to predict the TQ’s affinity for eight possible anticancer drug targets linked to lung cancer etiology. The data assisted to identify the serine/threonine-protein kinase BRAF as the most suitable target of TQ with binding energy − 6.8 kcal/mol.Conclusion: The current findings demonstrated the potential of TQPSL and its possible therapeutic targets of lung cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first research to outline the development of TQ formulation against lung cancer considering its low solubility as well as pulmonary delivery challenges.Keywords: thymoquinone, pH-sensitive liposomes, lung cancer model, molecular docking

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by nonscarring hair loss. Alopecia universalis (AU) is the advanced form of AA characterized by complete scalp and body hair loss. Traditional medical therapies for AA include topical and intralesional corticosteroids, topical anthralin immunotherapy, and light therapy. Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase-1 and 3 inhibitor used in the treatment of AA. In this report, we describe a 20-year-old female with AU refractory to topical therapies; thus, she was started on tofacitinib. Mild peripheral neuropathy was an unanticipated side effect that could be kept into consideration.

Medical photography has been utilized in clinical, academic, and research settings. In conservative countries, such as Saudi Arabia, limited data reflect patients’ viewpoints on medical photography. The aim of this paper was to assess patients’ opinions on medical photography and the factors influencing its acceptability. A cross-sectional study utilizing a self-distributed paper-based questionnaire was performed in the dermatology clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) between February 2020 and January 2021. The response rate is 100% as only willing participants were handed a hard-copy survey and then retrieved once completed. A total of 414 Saudi adults were enrolled. Medical photography was highly acceptable, fairly acceptable, and poorly acceptable in 36.7%, 11.6%, and 14.3% of the patients, respectively. Females were more accepting of medical photography than males (p=0.041). Physicians were the most preferred choice as photographers (83%). Stating all intended use of the photographs was favored by most patients. Using a departmentowned camera was essential to 84%. Patients who never had their photographs taken previously were more unaccepting of medical photography than those with prior experience (p=0.037). The main limitation of the study was that it was conducted at a single center; therefore, it may not represent the entire population. Medical photography is acceptable to the majority of patients. Meeting popular preferences, including physicians as photographers, using department-owned cameras, and stating all possible uses of the photographs may enhance patients’ experience. The findings offer insight for developing a standardized framework that is suitable for both patients and physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date palm has been cultivated in dry and hot areas of the planet for much of human history. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dates are the main crop used as a source of food. Among several species of date fruits, the Ajwa AL-Madinah date is unique, growing only in Al-Madinah geographical region. The Ajwa date is used in traditional medicine due to its abundant active components and therapeutic properties. This study investigates the structural properties and the antioxidant effects of water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Ajwa flesh and seed. The polysaccharides were isolated by two techniques including hot water and ultrasonic extraction. After isolation and partial purification, the physicochemical properties of four samples of polysaccharides extracted from flesh and seed were studied by several techniques including FTIR, solid-state NMR, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Several radical scavenging experiments were combined to study the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide compounds. FTIR and NMR results showed a structure typical of heterogeneous polysaccharides. Mass spectrometry revealed that the polysaccharide samples were composed mainly of mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, and fucose. In addition, the physicochemical properties and composition of polysaccharides extracted from flesh and seed were compared. The extracted polysaccharides showed antioxidant activity, with 2, 2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, Fe chelating ability, hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. These results highlight their potential to be a useful nutritional element or supplemental medication.

Nanocomposites comprised of CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin, which has adjustable physicochemical properties, provide a solution for therapeutic selectivity in cancer treatment. By controlling the intrinsic signaling primarily through the mitochondrial signaling pathway, we desired nanocomposites with enhanced anticancer activity by containing CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin. The metal oxides CuO and TiO2, the natural polymer chitosan, and a phytochemical compound escin were combined to form CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites were confirmed and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. A human leukemia cell line (MOLT-4) was used to assess the efficacy and selectivity of nanocomposites. Based on a cytotoxicity study, CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposites had inhibition concentrations (IC50) of 13.68, 8.9, and 7.14 µg/mL against human T lymphoblast cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation, respectively. Compared with untreated MOLT-4 cells, CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposite-treated cells significantly increased (p < 0.05) caspase-3, -8, and -9 and decreased the levels of antioxidant enzymes GR, SOD, and GSH. Furthermore, MDA for lipid peroxidase and ROS levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the treated cells than in the untreated cells. Remarkably, CuO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposite-mediated control of cell cycles were mainly achieved through the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9.

Apigenin is a powerful flavone compound found in numerous fruits and vegetables, and it offers numerous health-promoting benefits. Many studies have evidenced that this compound has a potential role as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, making it a promising candidate for reducing the risk of pathogenesis. It has also been found to positively affect various systems in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems. Apigenin is effective in treating liver, lung, heart, kidney, neurological diseases, diabetes, and maintaining good oral and skin health. Multiple studies have reported that this compound is capable of suppressing various types of cancer through the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion, reduction of inflammation, and inhibiting angiogenesis. When used in combination with other drugs, apigenin increases their efficacy, reduces the risk of side effects, and improves the response to chemotherapy. This review broadly analyzes apigenin's potential in disease management by modulating various biological activities. In addition, this review also described apigenin's interaction with other compounds or drugs and the potential role of nanoformulation in different pathogeneses. Further extensive research is needed to explore the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of this compound in disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is one of the main bioactive organosulfur compounds of garlic, and its potential against various cancer models has been demonstrated. The poor solubility of DADS in aqueous solutions limits its uses in clinical application. The present study aimed to develop a novel formulation of DADS to increase its bioavailability and therapeutic potential and evaluate its role in combination with oxaliplatin (OXA) in the colorectal cancer system. We prepared and characterized PEGylated, DADS (DCPDD), and OXA (DCPDO) liposomes. The anticancer potential of these formulations was then evaluated in HCT116 and RKO colon cancer cells by different cellular assays. Further, a molecular docking-based computational analysis was conducted to determine the probable binding interactions of DADS and OXA. The results revealed the size of the DCPDD and DCPDO to be 114.46 nm (95% EE) and 149.45 nm (54% EE), respectively. They increased the sensitivity of the cells and reduced the IC50 several folds, while the combinations of them showed a synergistic effect and induced apoptosis by 55% in the cells. The molecular docking data projected several possible targets of DADS and OXA that could be evaluated more precisely by these novel formulations in detail. This study will direct the usage of DCPDD to augment the therapeutic potential of DCPDO against colon cancer in clinical settings.

Insulin receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system and their activation by insulin elicits renal sympatho-excitatory effects. Resistin, an adipokine, promotes resistance to the metabolic effects of insulin. Resistin also induces increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) by acting in the brain, but whether it can influence insulin’s actions on RSNA is unknown. In the present study we investigated, in male Sprague-Dawley rats (7–8 weeks of age), the effects of central administration of insulin combined with resistin on RSNA following a normal diet (ND) and a high fat diet (HFD) (22% fat), since HFD can reportedly attenuate insulin’s actions. RSNA, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) responses were monitored and recorded before and for 180 min after intracerebroventricular injection of saline (control) (n = 5 HFD and ND), resistin (7 μg; n = 4 ND, n = 5 HFD), insulin (500 mU; n = 6 ND, n = 5 HFD), and the combination of both resistin and insulin (n = 7 ND, n = 5 HFD). The key finding of the present study was that when resistin and insulin were combined there was no increase in RSNA induced in rats fed a normal diet or the high fat diet. This contrasted with the sympatho-excitatory RSNA effects of the hormones when each was administered alone in rats fed the ND and the HFD.

A healthy condition is defined by complex human metabolic pathways that only function properly when fully satisfied by nutritional inputs. Poor nutritional intakes are associated with a number of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and osteoporosis. In recent years, nutrition science has undergone an extraordinary transformation driven by the development of innovative software and analytical platforms. However, the complexity and variety of the chemical components present in different food types, and the diversity of interactions in the biochemical networks and biological systems, makes nutrition research a complicated field. Metabolomics science is an “-omic”, joining proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics in affording a global understanding of biological systems. In this review, we present the main metabolomics approaches, and highlight the applications and the potential for metabolomics approaches in advancing nutritional food research.

Resistin and leptin are adipokines which act in the brain to regulate metabolic and cardiovascular functions which in some instances are similar, suggesting activation of some common brain pathways. High-fat feeding can reduce the number of activated neurons observed following the central administration of leptin in animals, but the effects on resistin are unknown. The present work compared the distribution of neurons in the brain that are activated by centrally administered resistin, or leptin alone, and, in combination, in rats fed a high fat (HFD) compared to a normal chow diet (ND). Immunohistochemistry for the protein, Fos, was used as a marker of activated neurons. The key findings are (i) following resistin or leptin, either alone or combined, in rats fed the HFD, there were no significant increases in the number of activated neurons in the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei, and in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). This contrasted with observations in rats fed a normal chow diet; (ii) in the OVLT and MnPO of HFD rats there were significantly less activated neurons compared to ND following the combined administration of resistin and leptin; (iii) In the PAG, RVMM, and NTS of HFD rats there were significantly less activated neurons compared to ND following resistin. The results suggest that the sensitivity to resistin in the brain was reduced in rats fed a HFD. This has similarities with leptin but there were instances where there was reduced sensitivity to resistin with no significant effects following leptin. This suggests diet influences neuronal effects of resistin.