Repeated Dose, 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study of Curcumin, Anthocyanins, and Sodium Nitrite in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to examine the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats. METHODS: For this purpose, forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6 each), encompassing untreated controls and experimental groups treated with curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite. Three rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under di-ethyl ether anesthesia after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for serum chemistry. All of the animals' livers, hearts, and kidneys were removed and sent for histopathological examination. RESULTS: After two weeks of inquiry, certain groups displayed higher hematological values, while others had lower values compared to the control group. AST, CK, and LDH enzyme activity were higher in groups 2-8, but urea concentrations were higher in groups 6 and 8. After four weeks, the Hb, MCH, and MCHC values in group 4 were greater, as were the WBC levels in groups 4 and 6, whereas other groups had lower MCV and WBC values. The weekly body weight gain was insignificantly different between treatment groups. Throughout the experiment, none of the animals perished. Male rats' liver, kidney, and heart underwent histopathological changes after ingesting curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, rats were more detrimental when curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin were ingested together than when they were consumed individually, as evidenced by histopathological abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, and heart.

ASSESSMENT OF EXTERNAL OCCUPATIONAL DOSE OF PHOSPHATE MINE WORKERS IN SAUDI ARABIA USING THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS.

Workers in the mining industry face the problem of radiation exposure from naturally occurring radioactive materials. Thus, this study aimed to estimate a Hp (10) doses for mine workers in the phosphate mining industry in Saudi Arabia. The personal dose equivalent [Hp (10)] of 606 mine workers in the phosphate mining industry in Saudi Arabia were obtained from 2016 to 2019 using thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs). The results showed that the annual mean Hp (10) of all mine workers averaged over the study period was 0.66 mSv (SD = 0.45), which is within the range of occupational doses reported worldwide. Most of the Hp (10) were <0.49 mSv, and the maximum Hp (10) was 3.55 mSv. Nonetheless, internal exposure should be evaluated along with external exposure to estimate a comprehensive baseline occupational dose for mine workers in the phosphate mining industry in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of breastmilk and saliva combinations on the in vitro growth of oral pathogenic and commensal microorganisms.

Neonates are exposed to microbes in utero and at birth, thereby establishing their microbiota (healthy microbial colonisers). Previously, we reported significant differences in the neonatal oral microbiota of breast-fed and formula-fed babies after first discovering a primal metabolic mechanism that occurs when breastmilk (containing the enzyme xanthine oxidase) and neonatal saliva (containing highly elevated concentrations of the substrates for xanthine oxidase: xanthine and hypoxanthine). The interaction of neonatal saliva and breast milk releases antibacterial compounds including hydrogen peroxide, and regulates the growth of bacteria. Using a novel in vitro experimental approach, the current study compared the effects of this unique metabolic pathway on a range of bacterial species and determined the period of time that microbial growth was affected. We demonstrated that microbial growth was inhibited predominately, immediately and for up to 24 hr following breastmilk and saliva mixing; however, some microorganisms were able to recover and continue to grow following exposure to these micromolar amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, growth inhibition was independent of whether the organisms possessed a catalase enzyme. This study further confirms that this is one mechanism that contributes to the significant differences in the neonatal oral microbiota of breast-fed and formula-fed babies.

Molecular characterisation of Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones isolated from the main hospitals in Taif, KSA.

INTRODUCTION: Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) is a bicomponent pore-forming cytolytic toxin encoded by the lukF-PV and lukS-PV genes. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) may carry the pvl genes which may be related to increased disease severity. This study aimed to characterise the PVL-producing MRSA recovered from different Taif Hospitals, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study included 45 hospital-acquired-MRSA (HA-MRSA) and 26 CA-MRSA strains which were identified from 445 S. aureus strains isolated from different clinical samples. MRSA strains were identified by standard oxacillin salt agar screening procedure and by the detection of the mecA gene by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Detection of the S. aureus-specific femA, mecA and pvl genes was performed by multiplex PCR. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was done for coagulase (coa) gene. RESULTS: The staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types of the 45 HA-MRSA strains were Type I (n = 24), Type II (n = 7) and Type III (n = 14) whereas the 26 CA-MRSA strains were Type IV (n = 14), Type V (n = 11) and one isolate was non-typeable. All the HA-MRSA and six CA-MRSA strains were PVL-negative PCR-RFLP analysis of coa gene showed that PVL-positive MRSA (n = 20) isolates showed six different patterns, and five patterns were shared by PVL-positive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The eighth pattern was the most frequent in both MRSA and MSSA. CONCLUSION: PVL is more frequent among CA-MRSA than MSSA. All the HA-MRSA and 25% of CA-MRSA strains were negative for PVL. The pvl gene was related to the severity of infection but not related to coa gene RFLP pattern.

Deep sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA of the neonatal oral microbiome: a comparison of breast-fed and formula-fed infants.

In utero and upon delivery, neonates are exposed to a wide array of microorganisms from various sources, including maternal bacteria. Prior studies have proposed that the mode of feeding shapes the gut microbiota and, subsequently the child's health. However, the effect of the mode of feeding and its influence on the development of the neonatal oral microbiota in early infancy has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the oral microbiota of healthy infants that were exclusively breast-fed or formula-fed using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing. We demonstrated that the oral bacterial communities were dominated by the phylum Firmicutes, in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of the phylum Bacteroidetes in the mouths of formula-fed infants than in breast-fed infants (p = 0.01), but in contrast Actinobacteria were more prevalent in breast-fed babies; Proteobacteria was more prevalent in saliva of breast-fed babies than in formula-fed neonates (p = 0.04). We also found evidence suggesting that the oral microbiota composition changed over time, particularly Streptococcus species, which had an increasing trend between 4-8 weeks in both groups. This study findings confirmed that the mode of feeding influences the development of oral microbiota, and this may have implications for long-term human health.

Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school children in Saudi Arabia: results of a national iodine nutrition study.

This study aimed at establishing updated data on iodine nutrition among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional cluster survey among schoolchildren aged 8-10 years was conducted during February-April 2012. Children were clinically examined for goitre, urine and household salt samples were collected to estimate urinary iodine concenteration (UIC) and iodine content in salt. The overall goitre prevalence at the national level among 4 016 children was 4.2%. The prevalence was < 5% in all regions of the country except southern region with a prevalence of 12.7%. The median UIC of 2224 samples was 133 µg/L, with 74.3% of the surveyed children with UIC ≥ 100 µg/L. Analysis of salt samples (n = 4242) revealed that 69.8% of households were consuming adequately iodized salt. The findings suggest iodine sufficiency at the national level, however southern region still has a goitre prevalence of mild degree severity and the proportion of households consuming adequately iodized salt is still below recommendations.

Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders among school children in Saudi Arabia: results of a national iodine nutrition study

This study aimed at establishing updated data on iodine nutrition among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional cluster survey among schoolchildren aged 8-10 years was conducted during February-April 2012. Children were clinically examined for goitre, urine and household salt samples were collected to estimate urinary iodine concenteration [UIC] and iodine content in salt. The overall goitre prevalence at the national level among 4 016 children was 4.2%. The prevalence was < 5% in all regions of the country except southern region with a prevalence of 12.7%. The median UIC of 2224 samples was 133 microg/L, with 74.3% of the surveyed children with UIC>/=100 microg/L. Analysis of salt samples [n = 4242] revealed that 69.8% of households were consuming adequately iodized salt. The findings suggest iodine sufficiency at the national level, however southern region still has a goitre prevalence of mild degree severity and the proportion of households consuming adequately iodized salt is still below recommendations

Cette étude visait à recueillir des données mises à jour sur la nutrition en iode parmi les enfants d'âge scolaire en Arabie saoudite. Une étude transversale par sondage en grappes a été menée auprès enfants d'âge scolaire âgés de 8 à 10 ans entre février et avril 2012. Les enfants ont été soumis à un examen clinique pour le goître, et des échantillons d'urine et de sel de cuisine ont été collectés afin d'estimer la concentration d'iode urinaire et la teneur en iode dans le sel. La prévalence globale du goître au niveau national parmi les 4016 enfants était de 4,2%. La prévalence était inférieure à 5% dans l'ensemble des régions du pays, exception faite de la partie sud qui présentait une prévalence de 12,7%. La concentration médiane d'iode urinaire de 2224 échantillons était de 133 micro g/L, 74,3% des enfants examinés ayant une concentration d'iode urinaire inférieure ou égale à 100 micro g/L. Les proportions d'enfants ayant des taux de concentration d'iode urinaire inférieurs à 20, compris entre 20 et 49 et 50 et 99 micro g/L, étaient de 2,0%, 5,3% et 18,5% respectivement. L'analyse des échantillons de sel [n = 4242] a révélé que 69,8% des ménages consommaient du sel adéquatement iodé. Les résultats suggèrent un niveau de consommation en iode suffisant à l'échelle nationale, bien que la partie sud du pays continue d'avoir une prévalence du goître de sévérité moyenne, et que la proportion des ménages consommant du sel adéquatement iodé reste en deçà des recommandations

An Improved PCR-RFLP Assay for Detection and Genotyping of Asymptomatic Giardia lamblia Infection in a Resource-Poor Setting.

Laboratory workers, in resource-poor countries, still consider PCR detection of Giardia lamblia more costly and more time-consuming than the classical parasitological techniques. Based on 2 published primers, an in-house one-round touchdown PCR-RFLP assay was developed. The assay was validated with an internal amplification control included in reactions. Performance of the assay was assessed with DNA samples of various purities, 91 control fecal samples with various parasite load, and 472 samples of unknown results. Two cysts per reaction were enough for PCR detection by the assay with exhibited specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se) of 100% and 93%, respectively. Taking a published small subunit rRNA reference PCR test results (6%; 29/472) as a nominated gold standard, G. lamblia was identified in 5.9% (28/472), 5.2%, (25/472), and 3.6% (17/472) by PCR assay, RIDA(®) Quick Giardia antigen detection test (R-Biopharm, Darmstadt, Germany), and iodine-stained smear microscopy, respectively. The percent agreements (kappa values) of 99.7% (0.745), 98.9% (0.900), and 97.7% (0.981) were exhibited between the assay results and that of the reference PCR, immunoassay, and microscopy, respectively. Restriction digestion of the 28 Giardia-positive samples revealed genotype A pattern in 12 and genotype B profile in 16 samples. The PCR assay with the described format and exhibited performance has a great potential to be adopted in basic clinical laboratories as a detection tool for G. lamblia especially in asymptomatic infections. This potential is increased more in particular situations where identification of the parasite genotype represents a major requirement as in epidemiological studies and infection outbreaks.

Collection and determination of nucleotide metabolites in neonatal and adult saliva by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Saliva contains a number of biochemical components which may be useful for diagnosis/monitoring of metabolic disorders, and as markers of cancer or heart disease. Saliva collection is attractive as a non-invasive sampling method for infants and elderly patients. We present a method suitable for saliva collection from neonates. We have applied this technique for the determination of salivary nucleotide metabolites. Saliva was collected from 10 healthy neonates using washed cotton swabs, and directly from 10 adults. Two methods for saliva extraction from oral swabs were evaluated. The analytes were then separated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The limits of detection for 14 purine/pyrimidine metabolites were variable, ranging from 0.01 to 1.0µM. Recovery of hydrophobic purine/pyrimidine metabolites from cotton tips was consistently high using water/acetonitrile extraction (92.7-111%) compared with water extraction alone. The concentrations of these metabolites were significantly higher in neonatal saliva than in adults. Preliminary ranges for nucleotide metabolites in neonatal and adult saliva are reported. Hypoxanthine and xanthine were grossly raised in neonates (49.3±25.4; 30.9±19.5µM respectively) compared to adults (4.3±3.3; 4.6±4.5µM); nucleosides were also markedly raised in neonates. This study focuses on three essential details: contamination of oral swabs during manufacturing and how to overcome this; weighing swabs to accurately measure small saliva volumes; and methods for extracting saliva metabolites of interest from cotton swabs. A method is described for determining nucleotide metabolites using HPLC with photodiode array or MS/MS. The advantages of utilising saliva are highlighted. Nucleotide metabolites were not simply in equilibrium with plasma, but may be actively secreted into saliva, and this process is more active in neonates than adults.

[Learning curve in sialendoscopy: Our first 101 procedures]. / Courbe d'apprentissage en sialendoscopie : nos 101 premières procédures.

OBJECTIVE: To present our learning curve in diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy for obstructive salivary diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric descriptive retrospective study from March 2009 to July 2011. Clinical and demographic data were collected. We are particularly interested in arising technical issues, the use of combined approach, operative time, functional improvement as well as parameter changes over time. RESULTS: 92 operations were performed to explore 101 glands (63 parotid glands against 38 submandibular). We found 39.6% of stones and as many stenosis. The rate of complete stone removal was 65% and dilation was effective in 75% of stenosis. The median of the visual analog scale for pain was 1/10 and functional improvement was effective in 77%. The removal of the gland did not exceed 3.3%. No major complication was noted. Since the initiation of this activity, the median operative time was steady while procedures were more complex, with increased interventional sialendoscopy procedure often requiring combined approach. In about 25% of cases, we have been faced with technical issues. These have evolved over time: initially failure to enter the papilla, difficulty of removing large stones today. CONCLUSION: The learning curve in sialendoscopy allows rapid empowerment and acquisition of expertise in security. Mastery of this technique allows for innovative approaches, complementary to conventional procedure, without compromising neither the operative time nor the functional benefit.

Validity of the Arabic version of the Eating Attitude Test.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) in Arabic as a screening instrument in nonclinical populations. METHODS: A representative sample of Grade 7-12 female students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was selected randomly but proportional to various social classes. The girls were independently assessed by the EAT-26 and a structured clinical interview. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine subjects were included. Twenty-five were identified by EAT-26 as having abnormal eating attitudes. One case was identified as anorexia nervosa by the interview and no cases of bulimia were found. DISCUSSION: EAT-26 was found to be highly sensitive and reasonably specific. Like some other studies in non-Western populations, it yielded a high false positive rate and a low positive predictive value. Because of its low cost and practicality, EAT-26 might be a useful tool in screening large populations for eating disorders.

Influence of lamination on the flexural strength of a dental castable glass ceramic.

This study evaluated the effect of veneering Dicor castable ceramic with Vitadur N and Dicor Plus feldspathic porcelains. A biaxial flexure test was conducted on five groups of specimens (Dicor castable ceramic, Vitadur N dentinal porcelain, Dicor Plus dentinal porcelain, Dicor core veneered with Vitadur N and Dicor core veneered with Dicor Plus castable ceramic). Each group consisted of 10 disks of nearly identical dimensions with a 1.98 +/- 0.04 mm thickness and 15.7 +/- 0.35 mm in diameter. Statistical analysis indicated that there was neither significant difference (p > 0.05) between mean flexural strength of Dicor Plus and Vitadur N ceramic or Vitadur N and Dicor/Vitadur N ceramic specimens. The mean flexural strength of Dicor/Vitadur N specimens was significantly lower than the mean flexural strength of Dicor ceramic specimens. Conversely, there was no significant difference between mean flexural strength of Dicor ceramic and Dicor/Dicor Plus ceramic specimens. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations of Dicor/Dicor Plus ceramic specimens suggested better wetting of Dicor core by Dicor Plus ceramic with lower incidence of porosity at the interface. However, Dicor/Vitadur N ceramic specimens exhibited a higher incidence of porosity at the interface. This indicated that lamination of Dicor castable ceramic material with feldspathic porcelain for esthetics could be attained without sacrificing strength of the original material, provided that appropriate veneering material was selected.

Validity of the Arabic version of the eating disorders inventory (EDI).

BACKGROUND: We aimed to validate the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) in Arabic. METHODS: Subjects were chosen randomly from female school students. Only healthy Saudi students were included. They were asked to fill the EDI and undergo a semi-structured interview by a psychiatrist who was unaware of the EDI scores. Of 146 students approached 12 did not meet our criteria and were excluded; 16 other students were excluded for incomplete responses. RESULTS: The difference between the two diagnostic methods in the proportion of caseness was statistically significantly (P < 0.0001). The scores on Perfectionism, Maturity Fears and Interoceptive Awareness were significantly higher in the Saudi students compared with Canadians (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The EDI-DT subscale has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85%. Despite its low positive predictive value of 5%, it may be useful for screening large non-clinical groups for eating disorders.

Maternal and child health in Saudi Arabia. Study design and methodology.

Saudi Maternal and Child Health Survey was designed to study the utilisation of maternal health services by ever-married women of child-bearing age, by measuring level of tetanus vaccination coverage; breastfeeding and weaning knowledge, attitude and practices; and by measuring the level of vaccination coverage with BCG, DPT, Poliomyelitis and measles vaccines among children 1-2 years old at the national level. The standard world health organization (WHO) cluster technique was employed. The kingdom was divided into five geographical areas. The sampling frame used was available at the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the form of ascending cumulative frequency tables where the catchment areas of 1625 health centres (HC) constitute primary sampling units (PSUs). Thirty clusters were randomly selected from each of the five geographic areas, and 40 household per cluster were used. The target populations included: (i) the ever-married Saudi females in the child-bearing age (15-49 years), (ii) children less than 5 years old, and (iii) children 1-2 years old. The respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire. The quality of data was assured by pre-coding of data which was edited throughout the field work period. A 4-day workshop was held for the interviewers and supervisors 48 hours prior to commencement of the survey. During the workshop, interviewers were instructed to read the questions precisely, were acquainted with survey methodology in general, pretested the questionnaire, received guide manual, instruction notes, progress sheets and follow-up formats for referring to when needed. The investigators were in the field during the first few days to solve any problem arising.

Overview on breastfeeding patterns in Saudi Arabia.

A national cross-sectional study was carried out in 1991 to investigate child feeding patterns in addition to other MCH issues. The target population was the last live birth born within 5 years preceding the data of the interview. The data were collected by interviewing the mothers of the eligible children using a precoded questionnaire. The total sample size was 3608 children and their mothers were chosen randomly through a multistage cluster sampling technique with representation of different regions. The results observed revealed a previous history of breastfeeding among 92.4 and 94.5 per cent of urban and rural studied children, respectively. The mean duration of breastfeeding among studied children in the urban and rural communities, were 11 and 13 months, respectively. Illiteracy of the parents was associated with a longer breastfeeding duration. Moreover, the results revealed that, the higher the current age of mothers, the longer the average duration of breastfeeding. Governmental health facilities and mass media constituted the main source of essential information about child feeding. The results are further interpreted and suitable recommendations are made.

Coverage and quality of natal and postnatal care: women's perceptions, Saudi Arabia.

This paper discusses natal and postnatal care services in Saudi Arabia, as revealed by the National Maternal & Child Health Survey of 1991. The latter was based on a national random sample of 150 clusters, with 6306 households, from urban and rural areas, of five geographic regions. The target of 6294 ever-married Saudi women, 15-49 years old included 6020 currently married women, of whom 1050 reported a pregnancy. Data on maternal care were analysed, including where and why natal care was attended, and for both natal and postnatal care, how much and by whom, by respondents' age, urban-rural residence, geographical location, and education of wife and husband. About three-quarters of the respondents had one or more births within the 5 years preceding the survey, with a total of 4777 children under six. Institutional deliveries reached 86 per cent and about 90 per cent of deliveries were attended by physicians or nurses with a ratio of 2:1. Postnatal care attendance amounted to 88 per cent mainly by physicians than nurses with a ratio of 5:1. In general, the above results describe relatively high coverage with natal and postnatal care services, which can still be improved through health education and community support, particularly of the women. Judging by the high level of institutional care and physician involvement, good quality of care is implied, but needs to be further confirmed, by defining morbidity and mortality patterns.

ORS use in diarrhoea in Saudi children: is it adequate?

The prevalence of diarrhoea and especially the pattern of diarrhoea therapy in Saudi children under 5 years were studied as a part of the Maternal and Child Health Survey during 1991. A statistically representative sample of over 6300 mothers, from all over the country was interviewed by trained nurses. There were 3.8 episodes of diarrhoea per child under 5 per year. For treating diarrhoea, ORS, salt-sugar solution (SSS), other available solutions, intravenous fluid and various drugs were the therapeutic agents. In 73 per cent of cases ORS, nearly 3 per cent SSS, 33 per cent other solutions and in over 4 per cent intravenous fluid were used. Anti-diarrhoeal drugs and antibiotics were used in over 40 per cent of cases. Over 9 per cent of cases did not use any treatment. Young mothers used ORS at a higher rate (84 per cent) for their children compared to the average for all (73 per cent). Children of illiterate parents used ORS at a higher rate than children of literate parents. In urban area, the use-rate was lower (68 per cent) than in rural area (80 per cent). The regional use-rates were almost similar excepting a higher rate in the northern area. In over 87 per cent of cases, advice on diarrhoea therapy was obtained from government health centres (physicians/nurses), while only 3 per cent of the diarrhoea cases acquired information from national media. The overall use-rate of ORS was thus better than many other countries and there was a 25 per cent increase over the previous Saudi findings in 1987.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

National Immunization Coverage Survey Saudi Arabia, 1991.

A nationwide survey was carried-out aiming at determination of immunization coverage level against the six killer diseases of childhood (tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and measles). Variations between geographical zones, urban-rural settings, age, education and mother's employment, father's education, and child's birth order were studied. The standard WHO cluster technique was used. The sample (1102 children) was restricted to Saudi children 1-2 years old. Interviewers were exposed to training and methods of calibration, and involved in a pilot survey. Nationally, the survey showed very high coverage levels, BCG was the highest (99 per cent), measles was the lowest (90 per cent), whereas the three doses of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) and TOPV (trivalent oral polio vaccine) were in between (98, 96 and 94 per cent, respectively). There was no marked differences between urban-rural settings. The western zone showed the lowest coverage by all vaccines. The national coverage by the six vaccines reached 86 per cent correctly immunized (according to WHO standards), 14 per cent partially immunized and 1 per cent non-immunized. Immunization coverage was higher for children to younger mothers. The non-immunized group belonged exclusively to illiterate mothers (1 per cent). Children to mothers with basic education showed the highest coverage (88 per cent). Birth order had negative effect on coverage. Nationally, 88 per cent of children had immunization certificate while 12 per cent had not. The eastern and central zones had the highest percentages of children with certificates (92 and 91 per cent, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)