GC/MS Analysis and Compounds Isolation of Lycium shawii Petroleum Ether Seeds Extract for Regulating Nrf2/OH-1 Pathway, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Acrylamide- Induced Infertility in Female Rats.

Acrylamide is formed during heating of starchy foods at high temperature and induces reproductive toxicity. Our study is designed to evaluate the chemical constitution and anti-infertility effect of Lycium shawii seeds extract on female rats. Nutritional profile was estimated, and major active compounds were isolated and identified. Biological evaluation of Lycium shawii extract on female rats was performed and measured by prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, heme oxygenase-1, nuclear respiratory factor-2, malondialdehyde, glutathione, DNA fragmentation and ovarian architecture parameters. Data revealed that presence of ɤ-tocopherol, vitamin C, magnesium and thirty-eight bioactive compounds in the fractions of Lycium shawii. Major constituents from GC/MS, were 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z), methyl ester, 2,7-Octadiene-1,6-diol and 2,6-dimethyl hydroxy linalool but further five compounds (i.e. lupenone, betulin, lupeol acetate, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol-D-glucoside) were isolated and identified. Treatment of rats with the seeds extract post acrylamide administration ameliorated female sex hormones, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and ovarian structure. In conclusion, Lycium shawii petroleum ether seeds fraction may be considered as a nutraceutical agent for improving infertility disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation due to its richness with biologically active phenolic and flavonoids compounds.

Mitigating Effect of Lepidium sativum Seeds Oil on Ovarian Oxidative Stress, DNA Abnormality and Hormonal Disturbances Induced by Acrylamide in Rats.

Acrylamide (ACR), an industrial compound, causes both male and female reproductive toxicity. Lepidium sativum seeds (L. sativum) (Garden cress) are known for their health benefits as antioxidant, antiasthmatic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry and nutritional value of L. sativum seeds oil for attenuating the ovarian damage induced by acrylamide in rats. The phytochemical investigation of the seeds revealed the presence of vitamins, potassium, iron, sugar and amino acids. Twenty eight compounds from the unsaponifiable fraction and twenty three compounds from the saponifiable fraction were identified. Three sterols and two triterpenes were isolated and identified as ß-sitosterol (1), ▵5-avenasterol (2), friedelanol (3), stigmasta-4, 22-dien-3-one (4), and ursolic acid (5). Treatment of acrylamide-induced rats with L. sativum seeds oil ameliorated prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) with variable degrees. The histopathological findings of ovaries supported these results. In conclusion, compounds (3-5) were isolated for the first time from L. sativum seeds oil. The seeds oil attenuated the ovarian damage and could potentially be a new supplemental agent against female infertility.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Bacillus paramycoides for In Vitro Biological Activities and In Vivo Assessment Against Hepatorenal Injury Induced by CCl4 in Rats.

Recently, impressive developments in the field of nanotechnology have been achieved. The study aimed to synthetize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from locally isolated terrestrial Bacillus paramycoides (MCCC 1A04098) bacteria and assess its role as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. The antioxidant activity was done using the percentage of DPPH scavenging method. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans. The anti-proliferation assay against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines was estimated by neutral red assay. The apoptotic effect of ZnONP was measured by flow cytometry. The in vivo evaluation was carried out against hepatorenal injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats comparing with silymarin as a reference drug. The oxidative stress markers, liver and kidney function enzyme indices, lipid profile, and the histological features of the liver and kidney were also examined. ZnONPs revealed antioxidant and antibacterial effects. It also exerted cytotoxic and apoptotic effect in a dose dependent manner without any toxicity on normal cell line. ZnONPs improved all the biochemical parameters under investigation to varying degrees, and the histological pictures of the liver and kidney confirmed the results. In conclusion, ZnONPs were successfully synthesized from the terrestrial Bacillus paramycoides and recorded in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects as well as in vivo anti-hepatorenal toxicity effects.

Inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and genetic disturbance in rheumatoid arthritis rats supported by alfalfa seeds metabolomic constituents via blocking interleukin-1receptor.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive cartilage and bone erosion. This work aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of Medicago sativa L. (MS) (alfalfa) seeds and explore its therapeutic impact against RA in rats. Arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and its severity was assessed by the arthritis index. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and interlukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were evaluated through measuring interlukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) type 1 gene expression, interlukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), oxidative stress markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), caspase-3 (Cas-3), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal damage. Total phenolics/ flavonoids content in the ethyl acetate, butanol fraction and crude extract of MS seeds were estimated. The major identified compounds were Quercetin, Trans-taxifolin, Gallic acid, 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone, Cinnamic acid, Kudzusaponin SA4, Isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-2'',3'',4''-triacetylglucopyranoside, Apigenin, 5,7,4'-Trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone, Desmethylxanthohumol, Pantothenic acid, Soyasapogenol E, Malvidin, Helilandin B, Stigmasterol, and Wairol. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and IL-1RA enhanced all the biochemical parameters and the histopathological features of the ankle joint. In conclusion, Trans-taxifolin was isolated for the first time from the genus Medicago. MS butanol fraction seeds extract and IL-1 RA were considered as anti-rheumatic agents.

Preterm infants with positive conjunctival swab culture: risk factors and association with late-onset sepsis-a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Purulent conjunctival discharge in hospitalized preterm infants may indicate conjunctivitis and warrant treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between positive conjunctival swab (CS) culture and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the relationship between positive CS culture growth results (CSP) obtained in preterm infants ≤34 weeks' gestation and the development of LOS within 120 h of obtaining CS compared with those who had negative CS culture results (CSN). Electronic medical records were reviewed from January 2015 until December 2019 for preterm infants presenting with purulent conjunctival discharge and underwent CS culture testing due to suspected conjunctivitis. Results: Of the 234 CS cultures obtained during the study period, 145 (61.9%) were CSP compared to 89 (38.1%) CSN cultures. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 70% of all CSP cultures, with the remaining 30% being Gram-positive. Patients with CSP were smaller, younger, had lower 1-minute APGAR scores, and required respiratory support more frequently than those with CSN. Infants with CSP received antibiotics for longer periods, both topically and systemically. Infants who developed LOS were more likely to require invasive ventilation (adjusted odds ratio, 33.5; 95% CI, 2.52-446.5, p = 0.008). The incidence of LOS between the two groups was similar, with 6.2% observed in the CSP group compared to 3.4% in the CSN group (p = 0.543). Similarly, the rates of bacteremia were similar in both groups. Of the CSP patients who were presented with bacteremia, four out of seven (57%) exhibited bacteremia caused by the same organism found in their CS cultures. Similarly, within the entire cohort, respiratory cultures were performed on nine intubated patients within two weeks of obtaining CS cultures. Of these, in the CSP group, five out of six (83%) showed an organism identical to that found in the CS cultures. Conclusion: The study found a significant proportion of positive CS cultures in preterm infants, with distinct patient characteristics and treatment compared to negative cultures. While the incidence of LOS was not significantly different between the two groups, some CSP patients demonstrated bacteremia with the same CS organism, suggesting a possible connection between conjunctival or respiratory colonization and bacteremia.

The epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria in Qatar: national surveillance from the Study for Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART): 2017 to 2019.

Background: The global Study of Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) is a surveillance program for evaluation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from different regions including Gulf countries. Objectives: To evaluate AMR in GNB from various clinical specimens including microbiological and genetic characteristics for existing and novel antimicrobials. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on clinical specimens from Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, between 2017 and 2019 according to the SMART protocol. Consecutive GNB from different sites were evaluated including lower respiratory, urinary tract, intrabdominal and bloodstream infections. Results: Over the 3 years study period, 748 isolates were evaluated from the specified sites comprising 37 different GNB outlining four key pathogens: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.For the two major pathogens E. coli and K. pneumoniae, phenotypic ESBL was identified in 55.77% (116/208) compared to 39% (73/187), while meropenem resistance was 3.8% compared to 12.8% and imipenem/relebactam resistance was 2.97% compared to 11.76%, respectively. The overall ceftolozane/tazobactam resistance for E. coli was 9.6% (20/208) compared to 14.97% (28/187) for K. pneumoniae while resistance for ceftazidime/avibactam was 3.65% (5/137) and 5.98% (10/117), respectively. Genomic characteristics of 70 Enterobacterales including 48 carbapenem-resistant, revealed prevalence of ß-lactamases from all classes, predominated by blaCXM-15 while carbapenem resistance revealed paucity of blaKPC and dominance of blaOXA-48 and blaNDM resistance genes. Conclusions: Surveillance of GNB from Qatar showed prevalence of key pathogens similar to other regions but demonstrated significant resistance patterns to existing and novel antimicrobials with different underlying resistance mechanisms.

Profiling of secondary metabolites and DNA typing of three different Annona cultivars grown in Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: Natural products are often efficacious and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. This study explored secondary leaves and bark metabolites profiles in extracts of a new Egyptian hybrid, Annona cherimola × Annona squamosa, known as Abdel Razek. This hybrid exhibited 100% similarity with A. cherimola as evidenced by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analyses. METHODS: Primary constituents in methanol extracts of different plant organs were identified. Extracts richest in alkaloids and polyphenolics were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity and the most potent were further studied in vivo for treating gastric ulcer in rats. The latter activity was assessed histopathologically. RESULTS: Structural analysis with HPLC/ESI-MSn, and UPLC/HESI-MS/MS identified 63 metabolites, including seven amino acids, 20 alkaloids, 16 flavonoids, eight phenolics and other compounds. Severe stomach alteration was observed after ethanol induction in rats. Ulcer score, oxidative stress biomarkers, cell organelles biomarker enzymes, and gastrointestinal histological features improved to variable degrees after treatment with Annona Abdel Razek hybrid leaves and bark methanol extracts. CONCLUSION: Extracts of Annona Abdel Razek had showed in vitro antioxidant effect and may be promising for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Chemical compositions of Commiphora opobalsamum stem bark to alleviate liver complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: Role of oxidative stress and DNA damage.

CONTEXT: Hyperglycaemia plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a common complication in diabetics. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the efficacy of Commiphora opobalsamum stem bark butanol fraction in ameliorating liver injury associated with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The butanol fraction was applied to high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MSn) to identify the most bioactive metabolites. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight), while treatment with the plant extract was performed (100 mg/kg body weight) for three weeks after diabetic induction for one month. RESULTS: Thirty eight metabolites were tentatively identified from the butanol fraction of C. opobalsamum stem bark. Insulin, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and high density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats were significantly low (p < 0.05), while glucose, α-amylase, malondialdehyde, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and DNA fragmentation levels were significantly high. Treatment with the plant extract showed improvements in the seleced parameters by variable degrees. Conclusion: The plant extract is considered as a promising natural therapeutic agent against liver injury, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperlipidaemia, and DNA damage.

Salvia hispanica L. seeds extract alleviate encephalopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: role of oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, DNA and histological indices.

CONTEXT: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder and may lead to cognitive dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to evaluate the potency of Salvia hispanica L. seeds (S. hispanica L.) (chia seeds) petroleum ether extract in attenuating brain complications associated with streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical composition of the seeds extract, macro and micro elements, vitamins, protein, carbohydrate and caloric values were estimated. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight (b.wt)). Glibenclamide as a reference drug was also evaluated. The biochemical evaluation was done by measuring levels of glucose, insulin, α- amylase, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HD), noradrenaline (NE), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), DNA fragmentation pattern and the histopathological profile of the brain hippocampus region. RESULTS: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed the presence of twenty-five fatty acid esters and twenty-two compounds. Column chromatography led to the isolation of nine compounds. Treatment with the seeds extract revealed improvement of the measured parameters with variable degrees. CONCLUSION: Chia seeds extract succeeded to attenuate the neurodegeneration in diabetic rats. Thereafter, it had a therapeutic effect and could be potentially used as a new dietary supplement against diabetic encephalopathy.

Chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and biochemical disturbances induced by silver nanoparticles in mice: role of particle size and natural compounds treatment.

CONTEXT: Nanotechnology is widely used nowadays in several fields of industry, engineering, and medicine, the biological action mechanisms of AgNPs, which mainly involve the release of silver ions (Ag+), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). OBJECTIVE: The potential toxicity AgNPs of damages to hepatic cells, hesperidin, and naringin role for their protective effect against the increase of ROS due to AgNPs toxicity. They can be restored, most cellular biochemical parameters, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and histopathological analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Toxicity was induced by an oral dose of Ag NPs of (20-100 nm) for one month, after that treated with hesperidin, naringin (100 mg/kg) for three weeks, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) and catalase were estimated. Also, aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, and total bilirubin were determined, following Chromosomal aberrations, DNA breaks, and histological analyses. RESULTS: hesperidin, and naringin treatment, recorded amelioration in most biochemical, genetic, and spermatogenesis disturbances Also, histological Investigations were improved. CONCLUSION: Their biological safety problems, such as potential toxicity on cells, tissue, and organs should be paid enough attention, hesperidin and naringin amelioration fundamental alterations, as hepatic architectural and DNA damage, related to its role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Phytochemical constituents and protective efficacy of Schefflera arboricola L. leaves extract against thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats.

CONTEXT: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from liver failure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of Schefflera arboricola L. leaves methanol extract against thioacetamide (TAA) induced HE in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GC/MS, LC-ESI-MS, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The methanol extract was orally administrated (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) was given intraperitoneally on day 19 and continued for three days. The evaluation was done by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ammonia, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interlukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163). The histological features of the liver and brain were conducted. RESULTS: Forty-five compounds were identified from the n-hexane fraction, while twenty-nine phenolic compounds were determined from the methanol extract. Pre-treatment with the plant extract returned most of the measurements under investigation to nearly normal. CONCLUSION: Due to its richness with bioactive compounds, Schefflera arboricola L. leaves methanolic extract succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants properties in TAA-induced HE in rats with more efficacy to its high protective dose.

Parkinsonism-like Disease Induced by Rotenone in Rats: Treatment Role of Curcumin, Dopamine Agonist and Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist.

BACKGROUND: Parkinsonism is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects elderly people worldwide. METHODS: Curcumin, adenosine A2AR antagonist (ZM241385) and Sinemet® (L-dopa) were evaluated against Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by rotenone in rats, and the findings were compared to our previous study on mice model. RESULTS: Rats injected with rotenone showed severe alterations in adenosine A2A receptor gene expression, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediator, energetic indices, apoptotic marker and DNA fragmentation levels as compared to the control group. Treatments with curcumin, ZM241385, and Sinemet® restored all the selected parameters. The brain histopathological features of cerebellum regions confirmed our results. By comparing our results with the previous results on mice, we noticed that mice respond to rotenone toxicity and treatments more than rats with regards to behavioral observation, A2AR gene expression, neurotransmitter levels, inflammatory mediator and apoptotic markers, while rats showed higher response to treatments regarding oxidative stress and energetic indices. CONCLUSION: Curcumin succeeded in attenuating the severe effects of Parkinson's disease in the rat model and can be considered as a potential dietary supplement. Adenosine A2AR antagonist has almost the same pattern of improvement as Sinemet® and may be considered as a promising therapy against PD. To compare the role of animal species in response to PD symptoms and treatments, our previous report on mice explored the response of mice to rotenone toxicity in comparison with rats, where rats have shown a higher response to treatments. Therefore, no animal model can perfectly recapitulate all the pathologies of PD.

Pulicaria crispa mitigates nephrotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats via regulation oxidative, inflammatory, tubular and glomerular indices.

CONTEXT: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces oxidative stress in various tissues by altering antioxidants defense system. Recently, there has been a substantial use of phytotherapy to treat different diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the curative effect of Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Benth et Hook (Family Asteraceae) aerial parts ethanol extract against CCl4 induced toxicity in rats kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection with CCl4 in a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week for six consecutive weeks. Serum kidney function tests, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, nephrotoxicity biomarkers and histopathological observation were evaluated. RESULTS: CCl4 increased serum kidney function parameters, malondialdehyde level, inflammatory cytokines, and nephrotoxicity markers, while decreased certain oxidative stress indices as superoxide dismutase and glutathione refereeing to the control group (p < 0.0001). Administration of P. crispa ethanol extract to CCl4 injured rats attenuated these changes with variable degrees. The results were confirmed through the observed amelioration of the renal histological architectures. CONCLUSION: P. crispa ethanol extract possesses potent curative effect against CCl4-induced nephropathy through improvement of kidney function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and nephrotoxicity index and the renal histopathological features. To establish the therapeutic and pharmacological applications of the plant, additional researches are required.

Bioactive compounds and therapeutic role of Brassica oleracea L. seeds in rheumatoid arthritis rats via regulating inflammatory signalling pathways and antagonizing interleukin-1 receptor action.

CONTEXT: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive and systematic polyarthritis. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to isolate and identify the phenolic constituents in Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) seeds methanolic extract and evaluates its effect against rheumatoid arthritis in rats referring to the new therapy; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GC/MS profiling of the plant was determined. Arthritis induction was done using complete Freund's adjuvant. Arthritis severity was assessed by percentage of edema and arthritis index. IL-1 receptor type I gene expression, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), oxidative stress markers, protein content, inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), genetic abnormalities and the histopathological features of ankle joint were evaluated. RESULTS: For the first time twelve phenolic compounds had been isolated from the seeds extract. Treatment with extract and IL-1RA improved the tested parameters by variable degrees. CONCLUSIONS: RA is an irreversible disease, where its severity increases with the time of induction. Brassica oleracea L. seeds extract is considered as a promising anti-arthritis agent. IL-1 RA may be considered as an unusual therapeutic agent for RA disease. More studies are needed to consider the seeds extract as a nutraceutical agent and to recommend IL-1RA as a new RA drug.

Disseminated life threatening Nocardia otitidiscaviarum infection in a young female with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus, case report and review of literature.

Infection due to Nocardia is reported mainly in immunocompromised patients. It usually presents as a pulmonary or disseminated disease with a predilection for the brain. Infections are a rare etiology of intracranial vascular aneurysms. Herein we report a case of disseminated Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (N. otitidiscaviarum) in a young female newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by the development of an infectious intracranial aneurysm. To the best of our knowledge this is the fourth case of nocardial infection-related intracranial aneurysm and the second case of N. otitidiscaviarum infection to be reported in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Features of previously reported N. otitidiscaviarum related intracranial aneurysm are reviewed.

Downregulation of fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in rats liver via Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract.

CONTEXT: Liver is a vital organ for the detoxification of toxic substances in the body, where fibrosis is the major cause of liver damage. Pulicaria crispa processes many therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-ulcerative agent. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to modulate the fibrosis and inflammatory signalling pathways in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats via treatment with Pulicaria crispa aerial parts ethanol extract (PCEE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCl4 was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg b.wt./twice a week/six consecutive weeks, PCEE was orally allocated at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.wt./day/six weeks and silymarin was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg, b.wt/day/six weeks. The plant extract evaluation was done through measuring aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST& ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low level glycoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The liver architectures were also estimated. RESULT: The phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of sterols and/or triterpenoids. Treatments with plant extract suppressed significantly (p < 0.0001) the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TP, TG, TC, LDH-C, MDA, NO, AFP, TNF-α and IL-6, while increased (p < 0.0001) the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD. The histopathological features confirmed the therapeutic role of the plant extract. CONCLUSION: PCEE succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidants effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.

Isolation and characterization of flavonoid compounds from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl and its role as anti-gastro ulcerative agent in rats.

CONTEXT: Stomach ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the world. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to isolate flavonoid compounds from methanol extract of the aerial parts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. and evaluate its protective and therapeutic effects against gastric ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chromatographic techniques were used for the identification of the isolated compounds. To explore the effects of the plant extract, it was administrated by oral gavage for one week either before or post-ethanol ulcer induction. Ranitidine was also evaluated as a reference drug. Stomach pH, gastric juice volume, lesions number, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, Interleukin-10, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, prostaglandin E2, and total protein levels were estimated in gastric tissue. Stomach histopathological features were also monitored. RESULTS: Six flavonoid compounds were isolated, where five of them were isolated for the first time (vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin 7,4'-dimethyl ether, 5,7,2'-trimethoxyflavone, and scutellarein), while apigenin was previously reported. Treatment with plant extract recorded amelioration in all the biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: The methanol extract of plant aerial parts had prophylactic and treatment effects against gastric ulcer in rats, where its treatment effect exceeded its protective role. The extract recorded anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects due to the presence of flavonoid compounds.

Molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis in Qatar.

The aim of the current study is to review the molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) in Hamad Medical Corporation, which is the provider of secondary and tertiary care in the state of Qatar. A total of 39 isolates of N. meningitidis from the period of 2013 to 2018 were revived and identified by Vitek, and susceptibility on the basis of the E test was retrieved from the patient's files. The revived isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. The most common serogroup (19) of N. meningitidis was W135, of which 12 were isolated from blood and CSF. ST-11 was the most predominant ST clonal complex causing N. meningitidis cases (61.53%). Clonal complex ST-41/44 was the second most observed complex (3, 2 of which were related to serogroup B). The most frequent sequence type was 9596 (8 isolates). Determining the molecular pattern of N. meningitidis in Qatar is helpful for understanding the strains circulating in Qatar, and the study of the resistance trend of such strains may be very helpful for empirical treatment of future patients.

Molecular characterization of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from Qatar.

One hundred forty-nine carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from clinical samples obtained between April 2014 and November 2017 were subjected to whole genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing. Klebsiella pneumoniae (81, 54.4%) and Escherichia coli (38, 25.5%) were the most common species. Genes encoding metallo-ß-lactamases were detected in 68 (45.8%) isolates, and OXA-48-like enzymes in 60 (40.3%). blaNDM-1 (45; 30.2%) and blaOXA-48 (29; 19.5%) were the most frequent. KPC-encoding genes were identified in 5 (3.6%) isolates. Most common sequence types were E. coli ST410 (8; 21.1%) and ST38 (7; 18.4%), and K. pneumoniae ST147 (13; 16%) and ST231 (7; 8.6%).

Experience of treating Candida auris cases at a general hospital in the state of Qatar.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: So far there have been no studies on Candida auris in Qatar. This study aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and outcome of C. auris infection in patients admitted to a general hospital in Qatar. METHODS: We conducted this descriptive observational study in a general hospital in Qatar. We have involved all patients with C. auris infection and colonization admitted to a general hospital from December 2018 to August 2019. RESULTS: We identified 13 patients with confirmed C.auris infection/colonization, of which five cases represented an actual C. auris infection, while the remaining eight cases were considered as colonization. The mean age of the patients with infection was 76.6 ± 8.4 years, while the mean age of the patients with colonization was 66.4 ± 24.7 years. Among the individuals clinically infected with C. auris, two had urinary tract infections, one had candidemia, one acquired soft tissue infection, and one had a lower respiratory tract infection. All strains of C. auris were susceptible to echinocandins, flucytosine, and posaconazole while resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B. Of the patients with C. auris infection who received systemic antifungal therapy, three (60%) died during antifungal therapy. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that C. auris can cause a wide variety of invasive infections, including bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, skin infection, and lower respiratory tract infections, especially in critically ill patients. In addition, our isolates showed resistance to the most common antifungal agents such as fluconazole and amphotericin B.