Applications of terahertz waves in medical diagnostics: a literature review

Terahertz (THz) waves, occupying a unique position bridging microwave and infrared wavelengths, exhibit promising potential across diverse domains, particularly in medicine. With attributes such as non-ionizing nature and notable resolution capabilities, THz waves offer avenues for non-invasive medical applications. In cancer diagnosis, THz spectroscopy emerges as a pivotal tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis of biomarkers, enabling swift and accurate differentiation of substances based on molecular structure. Despite challenges such as limited penetration depth in tissue, THz imaging proves invaluable in discriminating cancerous tissues from normal ones during surgery. In this paper we have summarized recent research results on practical implementation of THz waves in medicine. Recent advancements in in vivo imaging showcase promising results, although challenges persist in human-based studies due to tissue complexity. Integration of advanced algorithms enhances the accuracy of cancerous tissue identification. Additionally, THz spectroscopy finds versatile applications in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, offering insights into molecular interactions critical for drug efficacy and understanding protein conformations. Further advancements in THz systems, including enhanced light sources and detectors, are crucial to propel biomedical research forward. Establishment of a comprehensive THz spectrum database will augment existing data, emphasizing the potential of THz waves to revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatment modalities.

Presence of circulatory autoantibodies against glycated histones in diabetic patient in Saudi Arabia

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetic patients can trigger several autoimmune responses. This article aims to assess the presence of circulating autoantibodies against glycated histones and their role in complications in diabetic patients in the Saudi population. Methods: A total of one hundred twenty samples were collected from diabetic patients with different age groups and healthy individuals as control. All serum samples were collected from Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) in Riyadh City in Saudi Arabia. Glycated H2A was prepared and characterized using different physiochemical techniques. Then, ELISA was performed to assess the presence of circulating autoantibodies against glycated histones in diabetic patients’ samples compared with control healthy individuals in the Saudi population. Results: The glycation of H2A under our experimental conditions appears to be completed in 14 days. also, our data showed high circulating autoantibodies were detected against glycated H2A in all diabetic patients’ plasma with different dilutions. Remarkably, diabetic patients’ group 1 (under 20 years old group) showed highly significant binding activity values in each dilution. However, diabetic patients in groups 2 and 3 showed less binding but still significant values when compared to control healthy individuals. Conclusions: This finding provides novel perspectives into existing of circulating autoantibodies against glycated histones in diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, these circulating autoantibodies might be used as valuable tools for understanding the glycation mechanisms in diabetic patients in addition to providing diagnostic and prognostic knowledge. However, their roles in diabetic complications need further investigation.

Prevalence of seasonal affective disorder among primary health care attendees in eastern Riyadh-a cross-sectional study

Background: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of mood disorder, is defined by seasonal depressive symptoms that appear at a particular time of a year. Its burden in Saudi Arabia is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with seasonal depression among attendees of primary health care centres (PHC) in Eastern Riyadh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the PHC of Eastern Riyadh. We systematically sampled participants attending the PHCs the required sample size was achieved. We measured seasonal depression and beliefs using the validated seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire (SPAQ) and seasonal beliefs questionnaire. We presented the mean and standard deviation (SD) of scores obtained and used Student’s t test ANOVA test to compare differences across explanatory variables. We demonstrated internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Among 232 participants, majority were aged 18-35 years (67.2%) and males (60.8%). The mean (SD) score on SPAQ was 1.00 (0.71) and that on the seasonal beliefs was 3.03 (0.69). With a cut-off of 11 on SPAQ, prevalence of SAD was found to be 33.5%. SPAQ score was significantly higher among younger ages, females, single/divorced, Saudis, those with secondary/lower level education and those who earn<50,000 Saudi Riyals (p<0.001). Seasonal beliefs score was significantly higher among younger ages (p=0.013) and Saudis (p=0.001). Both the scales used had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.901 for SPAQ and 0.847 for seasonal beliefs questionnaire). Conclusions: SAD was a prevalent mental health issue among primary care attendees in Eastern Riyadh. Screening for such conditions at the primary level among high-risk groups should be considered by family physicians.

Occurrence of a large plasmid in a strain of Plesiomonas shigelloides with cross-reactivity against Shigella sonnei.

The plasmid profile of P. shigelloides SVC 01, strain with cross-reactivity with Sh. sonnei, (obtained from Dr Alf Lindberg, Stockholm University, Sweden), was assayed and compared with other local isolates of Plesiomonas spp. and also with Sh. sonnei. Diversity in occurrence of plasmids among different strains of P. shigelloides were observed. Further, the SVC 01 strain and Sh. sonnei differ in their plasmid profile.

Action of sorbic acid on Staphylococcus metabolism: a microcalorimetric investigation.

Effect of sorbic acid, an antimicrobial food preservative, on the cellular metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus was observed microcalorimetrically. The highly reproducible and characteristic thermograms of the microorganism were affected significantly by the preservative in a concentration dependent manner. Both the peak heat and total heat dissipation profiles were affected by 50% at the maximum permitted concentration (0.2%) for use in foods.