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Abstract This study explored the effect of geographical and floral origins on the antioxidant activities of Saudi honey samples related to their content of short peptides originated from honeybee proteins. The studied antioxidants were the total protein concentration, catalase activity, phenolic acids and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity assays included were the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and Ascorbic acid Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (AEAC). The studied honey samples were obtained from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, namely Asir (65) and Jazan (25). The floral origins of the honey samples were Acacia (51), Ziziphus (4) and polyfloral (35). The LC/MS technique was used to detect the short peptides and the mascot database was used to identify the short peptides, their precursor proteins and the protease enzymes that produce them. Jazan honey was characterized by high number of short peptides. The short peptides were originated from honeybee proteins by the action of proteases from the honeybees and bacteria. The antioxidant activity of the honey samples increase with the increase of their content of short peptides and proteins. The amino acids type and sequence of the short peptides qualify them to act as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, immunomodulatory and cholesterol lowering peptides.

Abstract Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that makes it hard or impossible to keep or get an erection that is good enough for sexual activity. ED can be caused by physical, mental, or combined factors, and it is usually associated with a long-term health issue. Methods: The study is a prospective and cross-sectional research conducted in a hospital setting. It took place from December 2019 to December 2022 at Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery. The study sample consisted of 246 patients. Results: The most frequently affected age groups were 30–40 years and 50–60 years, accounting for 26% and 25.2% of the sample, respectively, while the least affected age groups were > 20 years and > 70 years, representing 1.2% and 3.7% of the sample, respectively. The most common symptoms reported by the patients were ED alone (74%) and ED with penile curvature (22%). The most prevalent causes were psychogenic, Peyronie's disease, and venogenic, affecting 54.1%, 24.4%, and 16.3% of patients, respectively. The most frequent comorbidities associated with ED were diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, occurring in 12.2% and 4.1% of the patients, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between age and etiology (P-value = 0.00), age and symptom (P-value = 0.012), and symptom and cause (P-value = 0.000). Conclusion: The age group of 30–40 years was the most affected by ED, and ED alone was the most frequent symptom. Psychological factors were the main cause of ED, and DM was the most common comorbidity associated with ED.

Abstract Background Different levels of association between snoring, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM) are reported. There are few published studies on this topic in African countries, and no investigation was conducted in Sudan. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with snoring and the association between snoring, hypertension, and type 2 DM (T2DM) in northern Sudan. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique was conducted in four villages in the River Nile state of northern Sudan from July to September 2021. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was measured using standard methods, and a multivariate analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS®) for Windows, version 22.0. Results Of the 384 adults, 193 (50.3%) were males and 191 (49.7%) were females. Of the adults, 38 (9.9%) were underweight, 121 (31.5%) had average weight, 113 (29.4%) were overweight, and 112 (29.2%) were obese. One hundred and six (27.6%) adults were snorers. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01‒1.04), increasing BMI (AOR = 1.04, 95 CI = 1.01‒1.08), obesity (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.10‒3.69), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.14‒4.74) were positively associated with snoring. Of the 384 adults, 215 (56.0%) had hypertension. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age (AOR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02‒1.06), increasing BMI (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04‒1.13), female sex (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.08‒2.73), and snoring (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.02‒2.82) were positively associated with hypertension. One hundred and six (27.6%) adults had T2DM. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01‒1.05) and snoring (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.09‒2.91) were associated with T2DM. Conclusion Around one-fourth of the adults in Northern Sudan are snorers. Snoring is more common among obese adults. Snoring is associated with increased odds of hypertension and T2DM. Adults who snore must pay close attention to their blood pressure and blood glucose levels to prevent hypertension and DM.

Abstract This article examined the effect of geographical (different climate conditions) and floral origins on some quality parameters of honey including the activity of diastase enzyme. Moreover, some non-quality parameters were investigated such as the pH, fructose, glucose, ratio of fructose/glucose and invertase. The honey samples were collected from Asir (cold climate) and Jazan (hot climate) regions at the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. The geographical origin significantly affected the mean value moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), conductivity of the polyfloral honey (p-value = 0.03), sucrose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), diastase activity of the Acacia (p-value = 0.001), Ziziphus (p-value = 0.046) and polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001), fructose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.01), glucose of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.03), fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.035), and invertase activity of the polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001). Regarding the effect of the floral origin of the honey from Asir region, the sucrose percentage of the Acacia honey was significantly more than that of the polyfloral honey (p- value = 0.003), the diastase activity of the Acacia honey was significantly more than its activity in the Ziziphus honey (p- value = 0.044), glucose percentage of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more the glucose percentage of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.009) and the fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia and polyforal honeys (p-value = 0.011 and p-value = 0.045, respectively). Concerning the significant effects of the floral origin on the quality parameters of the honey samples from Jazan region, the moisture of the Ziziphus honey was significantly increased when compared to the moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.038), the acidity of the polfloral honey was significantly more than the acidity of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.049), the sum of fructose and glucose of the polyfloral honey was significantly increased compared to that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.015), the pH of the Ziziphus hiney was significantly more than the pH of the polyfloral honey (0.011) and the fructose of the polfloral honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.031). The effect of the geographical origin of the honey samples on their quality parameters depends on their floral origin and the effect of their floral origin differs according to their geographical origin. This article suggests considering collectively the geographical and floral origins effect when developing honey standards. However, the Codex standards for honey started considering this issue when it changed the standard concentration of HMF in honey from not more than 80–40 mg/Kg for honeys from cold climate and 80 mg/Kg for honeys from hot climates.

BackgroundEfforts to mitigate HIV transmission among gay and bisexual men have not been sufficient to level persistent racial inequities which now extend to the use of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Community-involved ethnographic research is crucial to galvanizing collaboration between patients, researchers, and policymakers to identify the social determinants of emerging PrEP inequities. In partnership with community key informants, we conducted a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment (REA) of multilevel PrEP use determinants among young Black gay and bisexual (YBGBM) men in the metropolitan Atlanta area to inform the development and coordination of local HIV programs.MethodsIn the assessment, we drew upon the perspectives of local clinicians, community-based organization leaders, health educators, and PrEP clients to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among YBGBM through interviews (N = 23). Data were collected from September 2020 -to January 2021 and were analyzed through a staged deductive-inductive thematic analysis. The themes were later summarized and presented to community stakeholder participants to facilitate member-checking.ResultsOur analyses revealed structural, cultural, relationship, and developmental factors which shaped PrEP use. The most prominent being "ease of access to PrEP" (structural level), "provider support" (interpersonal), and "life-stage traits" (individual). Our results also contribute novel information concerning the axes of intersectional stigma (spatial, racial, sexual identity, and HIV) among YBGBM in Atlanta and its divergent effects on PrEP use.ConclusionIncreased PrEP use among YBGBM, particularly among those living in the south, is essential to ending the domestic HIV epidemic. Altogether, our results emphasize the need for PrEP program modifications, which increase flexibility in methods and modes of access and are culturally adapted to the needs of YBGBM. There is also a need for resources that holistically focus on mental health, trauma, and racism as critical components of support.

Abstract Background Urogenital fistula can arise from various causes, leading to the development of diverse surgical procedures. The prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula continue to pose challenges in low-income countries. Aim To assess the outcomes and predictors of failure of surgical repair for urogenital fistulas, specifically high vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) and vesico-uterine fistula (VUF), within our context. Methods Conducted a prospective hospital-based study involving 100 female patients with urogenital fistula (95 VVF and 5 VUF) who underwent abdominal surgical repair at Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery from 2018 to 2023. Collected data encompassing demographics, obstetric history, fistula etiologies, Swab test, cystoscopy findings, urine diversion, ureteric re-implantation, and repair outcomes. Results The majority of women were aged 20–29 years (39%), illiterate (62%), and had a low socio-economic status (87%). Lack of antenatal care was noted in 77% of patients. Fistula etiologies were predominantly obstetric (70%), mainly due to spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), with the remaining 30% attributed to gynecological causes (hysterectomy). In terms of fistula characteristics, all patients had a high-level fistula, 95% had a single fistula, and 69% had a posterior wall fistula. Successful closure was achieved in 84% of cases, with 11% experiencing ureteric involvements. The analysis of failures pointed to recurrent fistulae (50%), larger fistula size (31%), and the presence of multiple fistulae (19%) as notable predictors of unsuccessful repair. Conclusion VVF was the prevalent type of urogenital fistula in our population. Risk factors included being in the third decade of life, illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, and a lack of prenatal care. Obstetric causes, particularly prolonged and obstructed labor through SVD, dominated the etiology. Surgical procedures resulted in successful closure in 84% of cases. Recurrent fistulae, larger size, and multiple occurrences emerged as predictors of surgical repair failure.

Aim: Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) telomerase RNA component (TERC) has telomerase-dependent and independent activity in numerous cancer types. The present study purposes to demonstrate the role of lncRNA TERC as a diagnostic serum biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the molecular mechanism of lncRNA TERC in inducing tumor in CRC cell lines. Materials and methods: PCR array was performed to examine lncRNAs dysregulated in CRC. LncRNA TERC expression level was evaluated in 70 CRC patients and 35 control subjects using RT-qPCR. Then transfection was performed to build down-expression models of lncRNA TERC. ROC curve analysis was applied to assess the diagnostic value of serum LncRNA CRC. In addition, RT-qPCR was used to detect expression level of lncRNA TERC and β-catenin mRNA. Moreover, ELISA and Western blot were used to detect the level of β-catenin protein in sera of CRC patients and cell lines. The biological functions such as cell growth and migration of CRC cells were assessed using a wound healing assay. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis analysis were performed using flow cytometry. Results: The lncRNA TERC is overexpressed in the sera of CRC patients with high diagnostic and stage discrimination accuracy. Furthermore, lncRNA TERC expression was upregulated in CRC cell lines and lncRNA TERC silencing induced cell arrest and apoptosis and inhibited cell migration. Furthermore, inhibition of lncRNA TERC reduces β-catenin protein levels. Conclusion: The lncRNA TERC could be considered as an early stages CRC diagnostic biomarker with a good ability to discriminate between CRC stages. lncRNA TERC induces CRC by promoting cell migration and evading apoptosis by elevating the level of β-catenin protein.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major causes of dementia and its incidence represents approximately 60–70% of all dementia cases worldwide. Many theories have been proposed to describe the pathological events in AD, including deterioration in cognitive function, accumulation of β-amyloid, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Infection as well as various cellular molecules, such as apolipoprotein, micro-RNA, calcium, ghrelin receptor, and probiotics, are associated with the disruption of β-amyloid and tau protein hemostasis. This review gives an overview on the integrative cellular and signaling molecules that could play a complementary role in the dysregulation of β-amyloid and tau proteins.

Calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ) is localized in glomerular epithelial cells (GECs)/podocytes at the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and can mediate release of arachidonic acid and prostanoids. Global knockout (KO) of iPLA2γ in mice did not cause albuminuria, but resulted in mitochondrial structural abnormalities and enhanced autophagy in podocytes. In acute glomerulonephritis, deletion of iPLA2γ exacerbated albuminuria and podocyte injury. This study addresses the role of iPLA2γ in diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia was induced in male mice with streptozotocin (STZ). STZ induced progressive albuminuria in control mice (over 21 weeks), while albuminuria did not increase in iPLA2γ KO mice, remaining comparable to untreated groups. Despite similar exposure to STZ, the STZ-treated iPLA2γ KO mice developed a lower level of hyperglycemia compared to STZ-treated control. However, there was no significant correlation between the degree of hyperglycemia and albuminuria, and even iPLA2γ KO mice with greatest hyperglycemia did not develop significant albuminuria. Mortality at 21 weeks was greatest in diabetic control mice. Sclerotic glomeruli and enlarged glomerular capillary loops were increased significantly in diabetic control compared to diabetic iPLA2γ KO mice. Glomerular matrix was expanded in diabetic mice, with control exceeding iPLA2γ KO. Glomerular autophagy (increased LC3-II and decreased p62) was enhanced in diabetic iPLA2γ KO mice compared to control. Treatment of cultured GECs with H2O2 resulted in increased cell death in control GECs compared to iPLA2γ KO, and the increase was slightly greater in medium with high glucose compared to low glucose. H2O2-induced cell death was not affected by inhibition of prostanoid production with indomethacin. In conclusion, mice with global deletion of iPLA2γ are protected from developing chronic glomerular injury in diabetic nephropathy. This is associated with increased glomerular autophagy.

BackgroundSickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is a significant complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) with an asymptomatic onset in childhood and potential progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The clinical findings of SCN include hyposthenuria, hematuria, proteinuria, hyperfiltration, and CKD. Data on renal manifestation among patients with SCD in Saudi Arabia is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate renal outcomes in patients with SCD who visited a hematology clinic at the National Guard Hospital, Jeddah.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of renal complications in patients with SCD who are within 0–14 years of age and on regular follow-ups at the pediatric hematology clinic in King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.ResultsAmong the 140 patients with SCD, 99 met the inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 18 (1–108) months. Two SCD phenotypes were observed, with 82 (83%) patients having sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and 17 (17%) having HbS/B+ thalassemia. Of the total patients, 92 (93%) were administered hydroxyurea (HU), with a median starting age of 48 (9–168) months. The most common renal complication observed during routine urinalysis was hematuria (38%), followed by proteinuria (11%). After stratifying the sample into four age groups (0–3 years old, 4–7 years old, 8–11 years old, and 12–14 years old), the mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values were 96.16, 101.36, 112.69, and 120.11 ml/min/1.73 m2 respectively. Renal imaging revealed abnormal findings in 27 (29%) patients. The most common abnormality observed on US was increased echogenicity (43%).ConclusionSCN is a significant complication of SCD. In this study, we assessed the renal outcomes in pediatric patients with SCD. After analyzing the clinical findings of SCN, we concluded that the presence of renal complications in pediatric patients presented a progressive pattern.

The major labdanes in the oleogum resin of Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco, 13-epi-cupressic acid (1) and acetyl-13-epi-cupressic acid (2) were used to prepare seven new (3–9), along with one known (10) derivatives. RAW264.7 cells were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the derivatives (1–10) via measuring the level of COX-2 expression and IL-6. Pre-treated RAW264.7 cells with 1–10 (except for derivative 7) at 25 µM for 24h exhibited downregulation of COX-2 expression in response to LPS stimulation. Moreover, pre-treatment with compounds 1, 2, or 3 significantly attenuated the LPS-stimulated IL-6 level in RAW264.7 cells (p

After defeating and pushing aside the Carthaginians, the Romans named the territory of north Africa Mauretania and its population, Mauri. Later on, historians have had to reflect on the origin of the term mauri to designate the population or Mauretania to name the territory. Besides the signification of the Latin/Greek word « mauri » which means « black », it is admitted, as well, that the word Mauri is a transcription, into the Latin alphabet, of a punic word meaning « the west » or « the westerners ». If the latter meaning is 2000 years old, the other approbation is relatively modern and suspected of ideological biases. The punic word maġaribis, transcribed mauri/ma’ari/mahauri, really makes sense since it means the west in Punic - the 15 century-long North African lingua franca.Received: 11 February 2023 Accepted: 21 February 2023 Published: 20 March 2023

This study explores the isolation and characterization of two acidic polysaccharides from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruits, named ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3; the two types of acidic polysaccharides exhibited high sugar content and chemical structural features characterized by O–H, C–H, carbonyl C=O, and COOH carboxyl functional groups. The two fractions showed molecular weights of 1.66 × 105 and 9.59 × 104 Da. ADPs40-F3 residues consist of arabinose (2.80%), galactose (0.91%), glucose (3.60%), xylose (34.70%), and galacturonic acid (58.10%). On the other hand, ADPs60-F3 is composed of rhamnose (1.50%), arabinose (5.50%), galactose (2.50%), glucose (3.10%), xylose (26.00%), and galacturonic acid (61.40%). Furthermore, NMR analysis showed that the main acidic structures of ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3 are formed by 4,6)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→ residues and 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ 4,6)-α-d-Galp-(4,6→, →2)-α-Rhap- residues, respectively, based on the observed signals. Antioxidant assays against DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP revealed significant antioxidant activities for ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3, comparable to ascorbic acid (VC). Additionally, both polysaccharides exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. In vivo evaluation demonstrated that ADPs60-F3 significantly reduced blood glucose levels, indicating promising therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the potential utility of baobab fruit polysaccharides as natural antioxidants and anti-diabetic agents.

Different 2,4-thiazolidinedione-tethered coumarins 5a–b, 10a–n and 11a–d were synthesised and evaluated for their inhibitory action against the cancer-associated hCAs IX and XII, as well as the physiologically dominant hCAs I and II to explore their selectivity. Un-substituted phenyl-bearing coumarins 10a, 10 h, and 2-thienyl/furyl-bearing coumarins 11a–c exhibited the best hCA IX (KIs between 0.48 and 0.93 µM) and hCA XII (KIs between 0.44 and 1.1 µM) inhibitory actions. Interestingly, none of the coumarins had any inhibitory effect on the off-target hCA I and II isoforms. The sub-micromolar compounds from the biochemical assay, coumarins 10a, 10 h and 11a–c, were assessed in an in vitro antiproliferative assay, and then the most potent antiproliferative agent 11a was tested to explore its impact on the cell cycle phases and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells to provide more insights into the anticancer activity of these compounds.