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Abstract This study evaluated the efficiency of an on-site household greywater treatment system for indirect human reuse and for domestic lawn irrigation. This helps in the reduction in the disparity between water demand and supply that is facing the rapidly increasing global populace. Natural household greywater was settled and then conventionally filtered by using two types of non-woven geotextile media; thermally bonded and needle punched. A third woven cotton textile media was also experimented and all the non-woven geotextile media were tested in single and double layers and combined with the woven cotton textile layer. The different filter media configurations were tested for a period of one year operation (six runs) with two filtration rates of 15.00 and 25.00 m3/m2/day for each run. For all runs, the final treated effluent was disinfected using calcium hypochlorite prior to reuse. The double layer needle punched non-woven geotextile media together with the woven cotton textile media gave the best removal efficiencies; 96.34 ± 1.85% for turbidity 81.87 ± 6.43% for BOD5, 97.49 ± 1.68% for TSS, 75.35 ± 3.99% for CODt, 99.59% for E.coli. The soluble CODs removal efficiencies were negligible (below 3%) in the first four runs with non-woven geotextile media and increased to 28.05 ± 4.29% when the woven cotton textile media was added. In general, the system was found to save about 63% of the daily water consumption reflecting a net 22.50% reduction in the daily water billing costs for the whole household.

This study observes and records land cover changes in Al-Baha to track urban growth. The study develops a schematic vision of urban mass's current and future shape and distribution and its growth to achieve sustainable urban development, reduce service and social differences between city areas, and integrate urban and rural areas. The study uses inductive methods to monitor urban developments, population growth, and land use through Al-Baha's structural schemes by extracting digital data from satellite imagery to survey historical land cover changes. The mapping software ArcGIS v10.8 processed these digital data and the final map compositions. Through this urban mass study, the research predicted city growth and development. Capabilities and functions must shape urban and rural-urban communities. The development must also consider the National Urban Development Strategy, the relative importance of rural-urban communities, and their expected functional role in influencing the development of small rural communities adjacent to them to reduce migration from rural areas near the city. The study highlighted changes in city land coverage. Al-Baha expanded from 1982 to 1995. Al-Baha's transformation from village to city accelerated, increasing its area from 31 km2 to 44 km2. Many villages beyond 40 were included in the decisions. From 2006–2021, the city's area grew 221%. It increased from 60 km2 to 133 km2 in an urban area, indicating false urban growth. The study stressed the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS). The study recommends urban development in suitable areas because agricultural development is not feasible, especially in the northeast. Land use changes should be prevented by planning regulations because these agricultural areas are essential. Helping urban development move away from agricultural areas, especially on the eastern axis, is crucial. Create new urban centers along Al-Baha's western cliff to attract residents and relieve pressure. Limited linear expansion, especially in the northeast, and more expansive urbanization are also significant. Maps should also show when the Al-Baha region's expansionary scope changed and the urban boundaries that had to be reached by a specific time while development plans were efficiently monitored.

Metoclopramide and domperidone are dopamine antagonists that can cause an acute dystonic reaction. Metoclopramide is a rare but major contributor to serotonin syndrome, particularly when used with other serotonergic agents. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse reaction characterized by a triad of altered mental status, autonomic dysfunction, and neuromuscular hyperactivity that typically results from exposure to serotonergic agents. Herein, we report a previously healthy 9-year-old girl who was brought to the emergency department with an alteration in the level of conscious and involuntary repetitive movements after approximately 24 hours of receiving a therapeutic dose of metoclopramide and domperidone. Physical examination showed tachycardia, hyperthermia, and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 11, as well as mydriasis and hyperreflexia. In addition to resolving the symptoms after administering midazolam and diphenhydramine, the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome was made based on the classical symptoms and signs, which met the Hunter criteria. This case indicates the need for clinical awareness of the life-threatening syndrome and caution with medications having potential interactions with metoclopramide.

Purpose Juniper (Juniperus procera) is a common forest tree species in Saudi Arabia. The decline in many populations of J. procera in Saudi Arabia is mainly due to seed dormancy and loss of natural regeneration. This study assessed the effects of chemical and hormonal treatments on seed germination and seedling growth in juniper plants. Methods The seeds were subjected to either chemical scarification with 90% sulfuric acid and 20% acetic acid for 6 min or hormonal treatment by seed soaking in two concentrations (50 and 100 ppm) of three growth regulators, namely, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins (GA3), and kinetin, for 72 h. A control group without any seed treatment was also prepared. The experiments were performed in an incubator maintained at room temperature and under a light and dark period of 12 h for 6 w. The germinated seeds for each treatment were counted and removed from the dishes. The selected germinated seeds from different treatments were planted in a greenhouse and irrigated with tap water for another 6 weeks. The hormone-treated seedlings were sprayed with their corresponding hormone concentrations 1 w after planting. Results The highest percentage of seed germination was significantly recorded after seed soaking in 50 ppm GA3, whereas treatment with IAA (100 ppm) resulted in the best seedling growth. Seedlings treated with the three phytohormones showed a significant increase in photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, proteins, percentage of oil, IAA, GA3, and kinetin contents of juniper seedlings compared with the control value, whereas abscisic acid content was decreased compared with chemical treatments. Conclusion The investigated different treatments had an effective role in breaking seed dormancy and improving seedling growth of J. procera, which is facing a notable decline in its population worldwide. Moreover, such an effect was more pronounced in the three phytohormones that succeeded in breaking dormancy and growth of the Juniperus plant than in the other treatments.

Abstract In this work, crash precipitation technique was employed to synthesize a visible light-responsive tungsten trioxide (WO3) photocatalyst using ammonium paratungstate as tungsten precursor. The spray-dried (120 °C) and calcined (600 °C) WO3 powder was characterized by analyzing methods of XRD, PSD, BET and BJH, Raman, FESEM/EDX, FTIR, UV–vis DRS and XPS spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman studies confirm the well crystalline monoclinic crystal structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed micron-sized spherical bulks of WO3 particles with needle-like morphology. A normal distribution with a d 50 (median diameter) value of 6.0 μm was observed with particle size analysis. Much enhanced BET surface area of 102 g/m2 with wide pore size 1.8 nm is measured compared to commercially available WO3 that results in increased pollutants surface adsorption. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study demonstrated that the calcined sample surface is enriched with bonded hydroxyl groups, beneficial for powder particles activity. Photocatalyst band gap was calculated by considering the absorbance measurements recorded on UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The energy value of 2.6 eV was calculated which lies in the visible light region while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed 6 + oxidation state for tungsten. Bulk WO3 sphere photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the exertion of synthetic textile methylene blue (MB) dye and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) pharmaceutical antibiotic. The obtained activity results showed 85% and 100% degradation for MB and SMX under 100 min visible light irradiation. We expect that our work may provide a new sample for energy production (H2) through water photolysis, gas sensing and soft matter research.

Objectives Clearing secretions from the airway can be difficult for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucus clearance devices (MCDs) are an option in disease management to help with this, but healthcare provider awareness and knowledge about them as well as current clinical practice in Saudi Arabia are not known.Design A cross-sectional online survey consisting of four themes; demographics, awareness, recommendations and clinical practice, for MCDs with COPD patients.Setting Saudi Arabia.Participants 1188 healthcare providers including general practitioners, family physicians, pulmonologists, nursing staff, respiratory therapists and physiotherapists.Primary outcome measures Healthcare providers’ level of awareness about MCDs, and the identification of current clinical practices of COPD care in Saudi Arabia.Results 1188 healthcare providers (44.4% female) completed the survey. Regarding devices, 54.2% were aware of the Flutter, 23.8% the Acapella and 5.4% the positive expiratory pressure mask. 40.7% of the respondents identified the Acapella, and 22.3% the Flutter as first choice for COPD management. 75% would usually or always consider their use in COPD patients reporting daily difficulty clearing mucus, whereas 55.9% would sometimes or usually consider the use of MCDs with COPD patients who produced and were able to clear mucus with cough. In clinical practice, 380 (32%) of the respondents would prescribe MCDs, 378 (31.8%) would give MCDs without prescriptions, 314 (26.4%) would not provide them at all and 116 (9.8%) would only advise patients about them.Conclusion Healthcare providers are aware of the existence of MCDs and their benefits for sputum clearance and believe that MCDs are beneficial for sputum clearance in some COPD patients.

The tendency to identify and achieve identity in architecture is a significant trend in contemporary architecture. The trend of contemporary architectural projects occurred during the 1980s by the architects in Saudi Arabia. During that period, the Saudi institutes drove the transition from traditional to contemporary architecture to express their conservative view and the importance of the local cultural identities in architecture. This study aims to examine this experiment led by the Saudi government to understand how the architects could express their concept of regional identity in their work was expressed. The research examines five components shaping the architectural identity in two aspects. First is the concept of identity in the architects' work and how it was expressed. The second is how the public sees and understands the design product of the architects. According to the theoretical research framework, contemporary architectural works can be understood through five main areas: design concept, shape and form, construction technology, the materials used, and relationship with the surrounding.The case study approach was chosen as a viable tool for gathering the qualitative and quantitative data necessary for this study. Furthermore, the researcher chooses stadiums as a type of building because they challenge the designer to deliver cultural identities in architectural works. Therefore, King Fahd International Stadium (KFIS) in Riyadh and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (KASCS) in Jeddah were chosen as case studies for this research. These two projects are similar and separated by more than two decades and will be analyzed according to the main parameters. In addition, the degree of correlation between the two groups’ opinions (the designer’s opinion and the experts’ perception of the design) will be elaborated. KFIS is found to be better in architectural identity based on these five different aspects. Various architects are successful in creating structures while integrating modern and local architecture. The traditional materials make it easy to adapt to the region's climatic conditions. In addition, the study recommends that emphasizing harmony with context and environment will increase their success in achieving identity-oriented and context-oriented work.

This study examined the effects of the time of hemodialysis (HD) on patients’ quality of life (QOL). This study included 175 HD patients (116 males, 59 females), aged 18–80 years (mean = 58.1 ± 11.3 years). Shift 1 was 7:00–11:00 AM, Shift 2 was 12:00–4:00 PM, Shift 3 was 5:00–9:00 PM, and Shift 4 was 10:00–2:00 AM (38, 38, 43, and 56 patients, respectively). Those on Shift 4 had a higher mean age compared with the other shifts, with a higher number of widowed people (8.6%). The proportions of males and females showed no significant differences among the shifts. The mean duration on dialysis was 42.1 ± 39.3 months, with a shorter duration for Shift 4. We observed the highest QOL score for the psychological and spiritual subscale, followed by the family subscale. Half the patients were dissatisfied with their jobs and had less satisfaction with their sexual life, their education, and getting a kidney transplant. We found a significant difference in overall QOL among shifts, with the greatest difference between Shifts 3 and 4. Health and functioning, psychological and spiritual, and social and economic scores were lowest in Shift 4, which was significantly different from Shift 1 and Shift 3. We found significant associations between overall QOL and general health, and the scores from different domains. Satisfaction was moderate in all groups. The study revealed poor QOL among Shift 4 patients; hence, they need more support in clinical practice guidelines.

This paper’s primary goal is to propose a methodological strategy to document and protect modern heritage buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is essential because these structures are part of the cultural heritage and identity of Saudi Arabia, considering the rapid urbanization and development taking place. Protecting modern heritage buildings is also essential to increase public appreciation and understanding of modernist architecture and valuable resources of the city’s culture and identity. This study’s objectives fall into two categories: it aims to provide a review of the relevant literature to develop a theoretical framework to examine and document Riyadh City’s significant modern heritage buildings, and it aims to provide an examination and documentation of these structures. To ensure systematic and structured project documentation, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, inductive and deductive approaches, a chronological approach, data management techniques, workshops, and fieldwork methods are utilized. Over 1300 potential modern heritage buildings were identified and categorized into typological groups and building types that historians, architects, planners, designers, and policymakers can use to document and present Saudi Arabia’s rich modern heritage effectively. Of the 1300 buildings, this study was able to identify more than 170 buildings, which were later recognized as the primary modern heritage buildings for Riyadh City in the study timeline (1950–2000).

In recent decades, conflicts between hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) and the rapidly growing human population in the mountainous areas of Western, Southwestern, and Southern Saudi Arabia have accelerated. This conflict, historically occurring mainly between farmers and baboons, has now moved to the urbanized areas in the baboon range and is mainly caused by the common use of spatial and other resources by baboons and humans. The goal of this study was to describe the spatial distribution of baboon groups and to estimate the population size of baboons in the Al-Baha region. The results indicate that baboons are present in all administrative areas of the Al-Baha region with a concentration along the mountain chain running from northwest to southeast and the western part of the region. As expected, rubbish dumps constitute baboon hotspots due to the large amounts of human-derived food. However, the baboons also travel into towns for foraging. The prevention of baboon accessibility to human-derived food would be an important step to reduce causes of conflicts between humans and baboons.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) mortality and new case rates are both on the rise. Most patients have fewer treatment options accessible due to side effects from drugs and the emergence of drug resistance. Bedaquiline (BQ), a drug licensed by the FDA to treat tuberculosis (TB), has demonstrated highly effective anti-cancer properties in the past. However, it is difficult to transport the biological barriers because of their limited solubility in water. Our study developed a UPLC method whose calibration curves showed linearity in the range of 5 ng/mL to 500 ng/mL. The UPLC method was developed with a retention time of 1.42 and high accuracy and precision. Its LOQ and LOD were observed to be 10 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, respectively, whereas in the formulation, capmul MCM C10, Poloxamer 188, and PL90G were selected as solid lipids, surfactants, and co-surfactants, respectively, in the development of SLN. To combat NSCLC, we developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with BQ, whereas BQ suspension is prepared by the trituration method using acacia powder, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl acrylic acid, and BQ. The developed and optimized BQ-SLN3 has a particle size of 144 nm and a zeta potential of (−) 16.3 mV. whereas BQ-loaded SLN3 has observed entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of 92.05% and 13.33%, respectively. Further, BQ-loaded suspension revealed a particle size of 1180 nm, a PDI of 0.25, and a zeta potential of −0.0668. whereas the EE and LC of BQ-loaded suspension were revealed to be 88.89% and 11.43%, respectively. The BQ-SLN3 exhibited insignificant variation in particle size, homogeneous dispersion, zeta potential, EE, and LC and remained stable over 90 days of storage at 25 °C/60% RH, whereas at 40 °C/75% RH, BQ-SLN3 observed significant variation in the above-mentioned parameters and remained unstable over 90 days of storage. Meanwhile, the BQ suspension at both 25 °C (60% RH) and 40 °C (75% RH) was found to be stable up to 90 days. The optimized BQ-SLN3 and BQ-suspension were in vitro gastrointestinally stable at pH 1.2 and 6.8, respectively. The in vitro drug release of BQ-SLN3 showed 98.19% up to 12 h at pH 7.2 whereas BQ suspensions observed only 40% drug release up to 4 h at pH 7.2 and maximum drug release of >99% within 4 h at pH 4.0. The mathematical modeling of BQ-SLN3 followed first-order release kinetics followed by a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. After 24 to 72 h, the IC50 value of BQ-SLN3 was 3.46-fold lower than that of the BQ suspension, whereas the blank SLN observed cell viability of 98.01% and an IC50 of 120 g/mL at the end of 72 h. The bioavailability and higher biodistribution of BQ-SLN3 in the lung tumor were also shown to be greater than those of the BQ suspension. The effects of BQ-SLN3 on antioxidant enzymes, including MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, and GR, in the treated group were significantly improved and reached the level nearest to that of the control group of rats over the cancer group of rats and the BQ suspension-treated group of rats. Moreover, the pharmacodynamic activity resulted in greater tumor volume and tumor weight reduction by BQ-SLN3 over the BQ suspension-treated group. As far as we are aware, this is the first research to look at the potential of SLN as a repurposed oral drug delivery, and the results suggest that BQ-loaded SLN3 is a better approach for NSCLC due to its better action potential.

Flavonoids are hydroxylated phenolic substances in vegetables, fruits, flowers, seeds, wine, tea, nuts, propolis, and honey. They belong to a versatile category of natural polyphenolic compounds. Their biological function depends on various factors such as their chemical structure, degree of hydroxylation, degree of polymerization conjugation, and substitutions. Flavonoids have gained considerable attention among researchers, as they show a wide range of pharmacological activities, including coronary heart disease prevention, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenging, anticancer, and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Plants synthesize flavonoid compounds in response to pathogen attacks, and these compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. However, certain antibacterial flavonoids have the ability to selectively target the cell wall of bacteria and inhibit virulence factors, including biofilm formation. Moreover, some flavonoids are known to reverse antibiotic resistance and enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotic drugs. However, due to their poor solubility in water, flavonoids have limited oral bioavailability. They are quickly metabolized in the gastrointestinal region, which limits their ability to prevent and treat various disorders. The integration of flavonoids into nanomedicine constitutes a viable strategy for achieving efficient cutaneous delivery owing to their favorable encapsulation capacity and diminished toxicity. The utilization of nanoparticles or nanoformulations facilitates drug delivery by targeting the drug to the specific site of action and exhibits excellent physicochemical stability.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a deadly, progressive, and irreversible brain condition that impairs cognitive abilities. Globally, it affects 32.6 million individuals, and if no viable therapies are available by 2050, that figure might rise to 139 million. The current course of treatment enhances cognitive abilities and temporarily relieves symptoms, but it does not halt or slow the disease’s development. Additionally, treatments are primarily offered in conventional oral dosage forms, and conventional oral treatments lack brain specialization and cause adverse effects, resulting in poor patient compliance. A potential nanotechnology-based strategy can improve the bioavailability and specificity of the drug targeting in the brain. Furthermore, this review extensively summarizes the applications of nanomedicines for the effective delivery of drugs used in the management of AD. In addition, the clinical progress of nanomedicines in AD is also discussed, and the challenges facing the clinical development of nanomedicines are addressed in this article.

Liver dysfunction in sepsis is a major complication that amplifies multiple organ failure and increases the risk of death. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the main mediators in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Therefore, we investigated the role of menthol, a natural antioxidant, against sepsis-induced liver injury in female Wistar rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Menthol (100 mg/kg) was given intragastric 2 h after CLP. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected 24 h after surgery. Menthol significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the sepsis-induced elevation in serum liver enzymes and improved the hepatic histopathological changes. Menthol treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, total nitrite, and cleaved caspase-3. It restored the hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. Additionally, menthol significantly (p < 0.05) increased hepatic levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2); an anti-apoptotic factor, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a biomarker of regeneration and survival. Our results showed the therapeutic potential of menthol against liver injury induced by sepsis.

Oil and gas supply chain (SC) plays key role in the global economy. Gas and oil separation plants (GOSP) belong to the upper stream of the oil and gas SC. In this article we study a GOSP that pumps oil to a stabilizing plant through a 600 KM pipeline. The purpose of this research is to develop an integrated mathematical model to support operational decision making regarding the optimal pumps scheduling and the dosage level of a drag reduction chemical, which is injected in the oil pipeline to stabilize the pressure and achieve higher oil flow rate. To the best of our knowledge, there is no MDP model in the literature that jointly considers pumps scheduling and oil flow control. A novel Markov decision process (MDP) model and two intuitive heuristic polices are proposed and simulated based on historical data. The heuristic policies are to operate the oil pumps in a cyclic weekly or biweekly patterns and to use a maximum likelihood rule to select the dosage level. Compared to the heuristic policies, our results demonstrated that MDP can lead to a substantial amount of savings in terms of the total system operating and maintenance costs. It also provides some practical insights on the interaction ways between the frequency of operating the pumps, the maintenance costs and the costs of a chemical that is used to control the pressure and flow rate of oil in a 600 KM oil pipeline.

Due to an increasingly complex mixture of different types of public spaces and their functions in cities, the role of public spaces can be enhanced to serve users under certain circumstances. This paper examines Carmona’s classification of urban spaces in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Carmona introduces a classification that uses aspects of function, perception, and ownership to distinguish between space types. Twenty urban space types are recognized in four groups, representing a variety from clearly public to private space. The classifications of public spaces will be discussed to arrive at classifications for public spaces based on how public spaces are managed. The article builds an understanding of how such classifications relate to how real public spaces are provided today. In this case study, a Geographic Information System (GIS) map is created for Al-Baha Central District and includes the resulting classifications. From the 119 urban spaces selected to represent this study equally distributed across the study area, there are 12 types that public spaces match Carmona’s classification. The classification of urban spaces for this case study revealed the complexity of public spaces’ nature and the difficulty of distinguishing what is public. Public spaces tend to change and develop over time through other uses and activities. However, the classification of public spaces is a valuable tool that policymakers and planners can use to set comprehensive development plan programs and plan open space strategies.

Background: It may be necessary to admit patients receiving Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to the intensive care unit (ICU). They were required to evaluate the length of ICU stay (LOS) following HIPEC, as well as their survival rates and risk factors that influence LOS. Methods: 74 HIPEC patients were observed after being admitted to the ICU. Their assignments were made based on their LOS at the ICU. Short stay group, patients who stayed in the ICU for three days or less (S-group) and patients who stayed for three days or longer (L-group). Results: Survival rates for both groups were comparable. After HIPEC, they exhibited intraoperative hypotension (P = 0.015), hyopthermia (P = 0.014), and hyperglycemia (P = 0.010). Additionally, patients in group L underwent longer surgeries (P = 0.013), lost more blood (P = 0.043), and required more transfusions (P = 0.001). Subjects in group-L had higher SOFA, fentanyl, and vasopressor requirements (all P 0.001), higher ALT and AST levels, disrupted K, lower Na, and higher INR levels (all P 0.001), as well as a higher APACHE II score (P = 0.007). Preoperative BUN had an independent risk factor for LOS of 0.861; (95% CI), (0.742- 0.999); P = 0.048; and crystalloid transfusion had an independent risk factor of 1.000; (95% CI), (0.999- 1.000); P = 0.003. Conclusions: Transfusions of crystalloids and BUN were independent risk factors for extended LOS. ICU LOS had no impact on survival. All measures should be taken to control hemostasis in vulnerable HIPEC participants.

The analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach is utilized for developing and validating the simple, sensitive, cost-effective reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of xanthohumol (XH) in bulk and nanoformulations. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) is applied for method optimization. The mobile phase ratio, pH and flow rate were selected as independent variables, whereas retention time, peak area, peak height, tailing factor, and theoretical plates were selected as dependent variables. The chromatogram of XH obtained under optimized conditions has given optimum conditions such as retention time (5.392 min), peak area (1,226,737 mAU), peak height (90,121 AU), tailing factor (0.991) and theoretical plates (4446.667), which are contoured in the predicted values shown by BBD. Validation of the method has been performed according to ICH Q2(R1) recommendations, using optimized conditions for linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, robustness and system suitability. All the values of validation parameters lie within the acceptable limits prescribed by ICH. Therefore, the developed and validated method of XH by the AQbD approach can be applied for the estimation of XH in bulk and various nanoformulations.

Xanthohumol (XH) a prenylated chalcone has diverse therapeutic effects against various diseases. In the present study, a bioanalytical method was developed for XH in rat plasma using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The validation of the method was performed as per ICH M10 guidelines using curcumin as an internal standard. The Isocratic elution method was used with a run time of 10 min, wherein the mobile phase ratio 0.1% v/v OPA (A): Methanol (B) was 15:85 v/v at flow rate 0.8 mL/min and injection volume of 20 µL. The chromatograms of XH and curcumin was recorded at a wavelength of 370 nm. The retention time for XH and curcumin was 7.4 and 5.8 min, respectively. The spiked XH from plasma was extracted by the protein precipitation method. The developed method was linear with R2 value of 0.9996 over a concentration range of 50–250 ng/mL along with LLOQ. The results of all the validation parameters are found to be within the accepted limits with %RSD value less than 2 and the percentage recovery was found to be greater than 95%. Based on the %RSD and percentage recovery results it was confirmed that the method was precise and accurate among the study replicates. LOD and LOQ values in plasma samples were found to be 8.49 ng/mL and 25.73 ng/mL, respectively. The stability studies like freeze thaw, short term and long-term stability studies were also performed, %RSD and percentage recovery of the XH from plasma samples were within the acceptable limits. Therefore, the developed bioanalytical method can be used effectively for estimation of XH in plasma samples.

Background and Aims: The existence of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a multidisciplinary approach for peritoneal cancer gains acceptance in many countries including Saudi Arabia. The aim of our study is to describe the perioperative management of patients who received CRS/HIPEC and to report their outcomes and complications at our tertiary centre. Methods: The preoperative characteristics, surgical variables, perioperative management, postoperative course and outcomes of 38 CRS/HIPEC patients were prospectively collected and analysed. Results: The mean age of our patients was 52 years, and 23 (60.5%) of them were females. The overall postoperative mortality was 42.1%. Univariate analyses of risk factors for deaths after HIPEC demonstrated that low preoperative (haemoglobin, potassium, calcium and albumin), high (tumour marker (CA19.9), intraoperative transfusion of human plasma protein (HPP), colloids, postoperative activated partial thromboplastin time and bacterial infections were potential risk factors for patient's mortality. Multivariate analysis of those variables demonstrated that low preoperative calcium [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.116; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.033–0.407; P= 0.001], high intraoperative HPP transfusion (HR = 1.004; 95% CI = 1.001–1.003; P= 0.012) and presence of postoperative bacterial infection (HR = 5.987; 95% CI = 1.009–35.54; P= 0.049) were independent predictors of patient's death. Seventy morbidities happened after HIPEC; only bacterial infection independently predicted postoperative mortality. Conclusion: To improve postoperative outcome of CRS/HIPEC, optimisation of transfusion, temperature, electrolytes and using broader-spectrum prophylaxis to manage postoperative infections should be warranted.

Cytokine storm is a condition in which the immune system produces an excessive number of inflammatory signals, which can result in organ failure and death. It is also known as cytokine release syndrome, CRS, or simply cytokine storm, and it has received a lot of attention recently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears to be one of the reasons why some people experience life-threatening symptoms from COVID-19, a medical condition induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In situations where natural substances can be exploited as therapeutics to reduce cytokine storm, the drug development process has come to the rescue. In the present study, we tested the potentiality of Andrographolide, labdane diterpenoid targeting several key cytokines that are secreted as a result of cytokine storm. We used molecular docking analyses, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacokinetic properties to test the stability of the complexes. The compound’s binding energy with some cytokines was over −6.5 Kcal/mol. Furthermore, a post-molecular dynamics (MD) study revealed that Andrographolide was extremely stable with these cytokines. The compound’s pharmacokinetic measurements demonstrated excellent properties in terms of adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Our research revealed that this compound may be effective in lowering cytokine storm and treating severe symptoms.

Basidiobolomycosis, a rare fungal infection, is of worldwide distribution but areas commonly involved include the tropical areas of Africa, USA and South East Asia. 88% of the cases are reported among patients younger than 20 years. Many of the case reports in Saudi Arabia are from Tohama area where our patient lives. The diagnosis tends to be overlooked as the presentation may mimic colonic carcinoma in adults or inflammatory bowel diseases and tuberculosis in both children and adults. Angioinvasion seen in our patient is extremely rare suggesting the diagnosis of mucormycosis and resulting in a delay in choosing the most appropriate treatment. We report this case to remind physicians and surgeons to consider this diagnosis in patients from endemic area presenting with such conditions. Keywords: Zygomycetes, Basidiobolomycosis, Mucormycosis, Eosinophilia, Angioinvasion

A growing amount of research is shedding light on functional foods and nutritional supplements’ potential health and disease-preventative advantages. Black cumin ( Nigella sativa L.), an esteemed nutraceutical herb, is well-known for its multiple health advantages among health-conscious individuals, researchers, and pharmaceutical businesses. Black cumin and its principal bioactive ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ), have been found to lower oxidative stress and inflammation, while also enhancing immunological function, cellular viability, and energy metabolism. They protect against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, reproductive, and neurological diseases, as well as cancer. Black cumin works as a countermeasure to minimize the toxicity and side effects of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the possible effects of black cumin on prostate health and disorders like benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are not well understood. This narrative review seeks to reveal knowledge gaps. This study intends to guide future research into the possible uses of black cumin and TQ in prostate health and illness.