The forgotten oral microbial transplantation for improving the outcomes of COVID-19.

Ever since the uncovering of the severe discrepancy of COVID-19 manifestations, irrespective of viral load, scientists have raced to locate and manage factors contributing to the genesis of a critical state. Recent evidence delineates the role of oral dysbiosis in the development of low-grade inflammation, characterized by the increase of inflammatory cytokines common to those fundamental to the development of severe COVID. Furthermore, high periodontopathic bacteria were recorded in severe acute respiratory syndrome in COVID patients, as well as its common provoking comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. This can be explained by the immigration and elimination of oral bacteria into the airways, which, in the context of an injured lung, allows for their preferential overgrowth familiar to that, causing the progression to advanced lung diseases. This is why we indicate the promising usage of oral microbiome transplantation as a treatment of oral microbial dysbiosis, not only associated with the worst outcomes of COVID-19 but also in other disorders of low-grade inflammation.

Flavonoid constituents, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Gleditsia triacanthos L. leaves.

Gleditsia triacanthos L. is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It possesses important biological activities as anti-mutagenic, anticancer, cytotoxic and treating rheumatoid arthritis. The total ethanol extract (EtOHE) and successive extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous ethanol) were prepared from the leaves. Eight flavone glycosides and two flavone aglycones named vicenin-I (1), vitexin (2), isovitexin (3), orientin (4), isoorientin (5), luteolin-7-O-ß-glucopyranoside (6), luteolin-7-O-ß-galactopyranoside (7), apigenin-7-O-ß-glucopyranoside (8), luteolin (9) and apigenin (10) were isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of G. triacanthos L. leaves. Potent cytotoxic activity of the EtOHE extract was observed against the liver (IC50 = 1.68 µg), breast (IC50 = 0.74 µg), cervix (IC50 = 1.28 µg), larynx (IC50 = 0.67 µg) and colon (IC50 = 2.50 µg) cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic activity of compounds 2, 4, 6 and 8 against, the liver, breast and colon cancer cell lines was also proved. Evaluation of the in-vivo antioxidant activity of the EtOHE and successive extracts revealed that the highest activity was exhibited by 100 mg of EtOHE (97.89% potency) as compared with vitamin E (100% potency). Compound 6 showed 91.8% free radical scavenging activity.

Water soluble polysaccharides extracted from Pterocladia capillacea and Dictyopteris membranacea and their biological activities.

Cold and hot water extracts (CWE, HWE) of both the red alga Pterocladia capillacea (P. capillacea) and the brown alga Dictyopteris membranacea (D. membranacea) were studied for their polysaccharide contents. In both (CWE) and (HWE) extracts. Relatively higher yields were obtained in case of P. capillacea pillacea (2.87 and 6.46%, respectively). The polysaccharide contents of the CWE hydrolyzate of both studied algae analyzed by HPLC were found to be enriched with glucuronic acid, arabinose and glucose, whereas, HWE hydrolyzate were found to be rich in glucuronic acid and fructose. The polysaccharide contents of the CWE and HWE extracts of (D. membranacea) showed appreciable antimicrobial activity in addition to a moderate antitumor activity against HELA (Cervix carcinoma cell line) at IC50 = 9.83 µg/dl, respectively. Whereas the polysaccharide contents of the CWE and HWE extracts of (P. capillacea) exhibited a promising anticoagulant activity.

A new flavonol glycoside and biological activities of Adenanthera pavonina L. leaves.

Adenanthera pavonina is a plant belonging to family Fabaceae. The 95% ethanol extract (EtOH) of the dried powdered leaves of the plant and successive extracts with solvents of increasing polarities were prepared. Fractionation of the successive aqueous EtOH extract on polyamide column and purification of the isolated compounds on Sephadex LH20 led to the isolation of a new methoxy flavonol glycoside named as quercetin 3-O-α-dirhamnopyranosyl-(1‴ → 2″,1″″ → 6″)-ß-glucopyranoside-4'-methoxy (1), as well as kaempferol-3-O-α-dirhamnopyranosyl-(1‴ → 2″,1″″ → 6″)-ß-glucopyranoside (2), isovitexin (3), quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranosyl(1‴ → 4″)-ß-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopranoside-4'-O-rhamnopyranoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1‴ → 2″)-ß-glucopyranoside (6), quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranosyl(1‴ → 2″)-ß-glucopyranoside (7), quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopyranoside (8), kaempferol (9) and quercetin (10). Structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis. Antioxidant activities of EtOH extract, successive extracts and compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract and EtOH extract showed 62.67% and 49.30% free radical scavenging activity, respectively. Cytotoxic activities of the EtOH extract and compounds (1) and (2) were evaluated. The EtOH extract showed a significant cytotoxic activity against Hep G-2 (IC50 = 2.50 µg) as compared with cisplatin (IC50>10 µg).

Improving levels of evidence in studies published in spinal journals from 1983 to 2011.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence basis for spinal surgical practice is closely related to the quality of clinical studies published. In the hierarchy of study designs, the quality of evidence from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and meta-analysis are considered better than other types of prospective and retrospective study designs. We assessed the level of evidence in studies published from 1983 to 2011 in 4 journals, publishing predominantly on spine related topics. METHODS: Computerised search of the Medline database was undertaken to evaluate the articles published in 4 'spinal' journals (Spine, European Spine Journal, Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques and Spinal Cord) from 1983 to 2011. The numbers of RCTs, meta-analyses and other clinical trials (non-RCT) over the time periods 1983-7, 1988-92, 1993-7, 1998-2002, 2003-7 and 2008-11 were compared. RESULTS: From a total number of 21775 articles evaluated, there were 888 (4.1%) RCTs, 93 (0.4%) meta-analyses and 1355 (6.2%) other clinical trials. Overall, comparing the time periods 1983-7 with 2008-11, there were increases in the proportion of RCTs (1.6% to 5.1%), meta-analysis (0% to 0.6%) and other clinical trials (0.9% to 6.3%) and a decrease in the proportion of other articles published (97.6% to 88.1%). These changes appear to have plateaued after 2003-7. CONCLUSIONS: Although RCTs, meta-analysis and other clinical trials form a small proportion of the studies published in leading 'spinal' journals, there have been an encouraging increase in their proportion over the years. This is comparable with other larger surgical specialities and provides a better evidence basis for clinical practice in spinal disorders.

Minimally invasive decompression and stabilisation for extensive haemangiomas of lumbar spine.

INTRODUCTION: Vertebral haemangiomas are a common incidental finding and are largely asymptomatic. Extensive haemangiomas of the spine causing neurological deficits are exceedingly rare. Traditional open surgical approaches in these cases can be complicated by life-threatening blood loss. PATIENT CASE HISTORY: We describe 2 patients (ages 27 and 53 years) who presented with severe back pain and lower limb weakness. Radiological investigations revealed very extensive lesions of the L1 and L4 vertebral bodies, respectively, with severe narrowing of the lumbar canal. After selective embolisation of the spinal arterial feeders, both patients underwent a posterior decompression, vertebroplasty, and bilateral pedicle screw fixation in a minimally invasive fashion. Blood loss was minimal and a rapid clinical recovery was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Combinations of embolisation, vertebroplasty and minimally invasive posterolateral instrumentation are treatment strategies that can be used to treat extensive vertebral haemangiomas presenting with neurological deficits.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for isolated fibrous dysplasia of the clivus.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous dysplasia is a non-neoplastic disorder of bone, related to abnormal proliferation of fibro-blasts. CASE REPORT: We report a 41-year-old female who presented with hyperprolactinaemia and an incidental clival lesion on MR scan. This was sub-totally resected via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and fibrous dysplasia was confirmed histologically. Her postoperative re-covery was un-eventful and at 8 months follow-up, she remains well, other than for the intermittent headaches and with no pituitary hormone deficiencies. CONCLUSION: The present case highlights the need to consider fibrous dysplasia in the differential diagnosis of isolated clival lesions.

Health habits and behaviour of adolescent schoolchildren, Taif, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to provide data regarding habits, behavior, problems and needs regarding health in adolescent children from a military community at Al Hada and Taif, Saudi Arabia which could guide school health programmes. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 284 preparatory and secondary school students. Prevalence of smoking was 21.3% among males and 4.9% among females. The rate of overweight was 20.8%. Driving without a license was reported by 68.8% of students, and 82.3% said they didn't fasten seat belts. However, we recorded a high rate of physical activity, 75.0% overall.

Differentiation of osteoporotic and neoplastic vertebral fractures by chemical shift {in-phase and out-of phase} MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish the cut-off value of the signal intensity drop on chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with appropriate sensitivity and specificity to differentiate osteoporotic from neoplastic wedging of the spine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with wedging of vertebral bodies were included consecutively between February 2006 and January 2007. A chemical shift MRI was performed and signal intensity after (in-phase and out-phase) images were obtained. A DXA was performed in all. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included, 20 with osteoporotic wedging (group 1) and 20 neoplastic (group 2). They were 21 males and 19 females. Acute vertebral collapse was observed in 15 patients in group 1 and subacute collapse in another 5 patients, while in group 2, 11 patients showed acute collapse and 9 patients (45%) showed subacute vertebral collapse. On the chemical shift MRI a substantial reduction in signal intensity was found in all lesions in both groups. The proportional changes observed in signal intensity of bone marrow lesions on in-phase compared with out-of-phase images showed significant differences in both groups (P<0.05). At a cut-off value of 35%, the observed sensitivity of out-of-phase images was 95%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 95.2%. CONCLUSION: A chemical shift MRI is useful in order to differentiate patients with vertebral collapse due to underlying osteoporosis or neoplastic process.

Health habits and behaviour of adolescent schoolchildren, Taif, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to provide data regarding habits, behavior, problems and needs regarding health in adolescent children from a military community at Al Hada and Taif, Saudi Arabia which could guide school health programmes. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 284 preparatory and secondary school students. Prevalence of smoking was 21.3% among males and 4.9% among females. The rate of overweight was 20.8%. Driving without a license was reported by 68.8% of students, and 82.3% said they didn't fasten seat belts. However, we recorded a high rate of physical activity, 75.0% overall

National health research system mapping in 10 Eastern Mediterranean countries.

Health research systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are not well developed to generate and use knowledge to improve health, reduce inequity and contribute to economic development. This study aimed to provide core data on National Health Research Systems (NHRS) in 10 Eastern Mediterranean countries in order to inform actions to strengthen health research system governance and management. Whilst there were examples of good practice, few countries had a formal NHRS and many basic building blocks needed for an effective system had not been put in place. Although limited in focus, the study provides useful information for countries to initiate action to strengthen their NHRS.

Blindness from multiple cerebral gliomas mimicking metastatic brain disease.

Multiple brain lesions are usually due to metastatic spread. The authors describe an unusual case of a 56-year-old male presenting with visual loss secondary to multiple intracranial lesions, with infiltration of the optic chiasm and an incidental renal lesion. Open biopsy of the brain lesion confirmed glioblastoma multiforme.

Dumbbell-shaped intrathoracic-extradural haemangioma of the thoracic spine.

Spinal haemangiomas are benign vasoproliferative lesions that are typically intra-osseous and generally asymptomatic, although localized pain can be a symptom. Capillary and cavernous variants have been described. We describe a rare case of a dumbbell-shaped haemangioma of the thoracic spine with both an intraspinal-extradural and intrathoracic component.

National health research system mapping in 10 Eastern Mediterranean countries

Health research systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are not well developed to generate and use knowledge to improve health, reduce inequity and contribute to economic development. This study aimed to provide core data on National Health Research Systems [NHRS] in 10 Eastern Mediterranean countries in order to inform actions to strengthen health research system governance and management. Whilst there were examples of good practice, few countries had a formal NHRS and many basic building blocks needed for an effective system had not been put in place. Although limited in focus, the study provides useful information for countries to initiate action to strengthen their NHRS

Fungal Control of Pathogenic Fungi Isolated From Some Wild Plants in Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Aerva lanata, Arnebia hispidissima, Artemisia judaica, Artemisia monosperma, Asphodelus aestives, Avena barbata, Capparis dcidua, Eucalyptus globulus, Euphorbia glomerifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Launaea sonchoides, Medicago sativa, Opuntia ficus, Phagnalon sinaicum, Prunus persica, Pulicaria crispa, Punica granatum, Rumex dentatus and Trichodesma calathiforme. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from some of these plants and identified as Alternaria alternata, Cephalosporium madurae, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium oxysporum, Humicola grisea, Penicillium chrysogenum and Ulocladium botrytis. Four antagonistic isolates were tested, 2 from Gliocladium fungus and 2 from Trichoderma fungus. We found that all the four antagonistic isolates (G. deliquescens, G. virens, T. viride and T.hamatum) significantly inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungi tested, with different ratios. The results indicated that the antibiotics produced by the antagonists were more effective than the fungus itself and differ with different fungi. Coating plant stems with antagonists or with antagonist extracts reduce the severity of the disease but not prevent it in all tested pathogens.

Fungal control of pathogenic fungi isolated from wild plants in Taif Governorate, Saudia Arabia.

Twenty two plants were collected from Taif Governorate and identified as: Euphorbia glomerifera, Juniperus procera, Launaea mucronata, Capparis dcidua, Punica granatum, Opuntia ficus, Prunus persica, Eucalyptus globulus, Medicago sativa, Artemisia monosperma, Trichodesma calathiforme, Artemisia judaica, Foeniculum vulgare, Phagnalon sinaicum, Rumex dentatus, Asphodelus aestives, Pulicaria crispa, Launae sonchoides, Forsskaolea tenacissima, Arnebia hispidissima, Avena spp and Aerva lanata. Pathogenic fungi were isolated from some of these plants and identified as Alternaria alternate, Ulocladium botrytis, Cladosporium spp, Cephalosporium spp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium oxysporum and Humicola grisea. Four antagonistic isolates were tested, 2 from Gliocladium fungus and 2 from Trichoderma fungus. We found that all the four antagonistic isolates (G. deliquescens, G. virens, T. viride and T. hamatum) significantly inhibited the radial growth of the pathogenic fungi tested, with different ratios. The results indicated that the antibiotics produced by the antagonists were more effective than the fungus itself and differ with different fungi. Coating plant stems with antagonists or with antagonist extracts reduce the severity of the disease but not prevent it in all tested pathogens.

Validity of the Arabic version of the sexual health inventory for men among Egyptians.

The objective of this study is to assess the validity of Arabic version of the abridged International Index of Erectile Function among a sample from the Egyptian populace. Two groups were included in this study. Group A included 68 patients complaining of erectile dysfunction (ED) >1 y, who failed oral treatment and accepted intracavernous self-injection. All patients of group A were previously clinically diagnosed as having ED. Group B included 68 men not complaining of ED and not suffering from any major chronic or acute illness. The mean (s.d.) age of all 136 patients was 52+/-5.7 y. Candidates of both groups were requested to complete the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency of the SHIM. The items of maintenance ability, erection confidence, maintenance frequency, erection firmness and intercourse satisfaction showed an overall ICC of 0.92. Internal consistency for the whole scale was 0.91. In conclusion, the Arabic version of the SHIM administered to 136 Egyptian men proved to be reliable and valid. It also showed a high degree of specificity and sensitivity among the Egyptian population.

Differential adaptation of membranes of two osmotolerant fungi, Aspergillus chevalieri and Penicillium expansum to high sucrose concentrations.

Aspergillus chevalieri and Penicillium expansum were able to tolerate sucrose concentrations in the growth media up to 80% (w/v). At 50% sucrose the growth rate is approximately 1.4 and 1.2 times, respectively, higher than in the control. While at 80% sucrose it drops to 35% and 45% of the control level for both fungi. Lipids and proteins in plasma membranes increased with increasing sucrose concentrations in the growth medium. Phospholipid content in membranes of both organisms being also increased, phosphatidyl glycerol was the major detected phospholipid and represented the highest increase. The fatty acid composition of fraction enriched plasma membrane of both fungi changed when they were grown in high sucrose concentrations. Some fatty acids which had not been detected in control cultures were present and the proportions of other fatty acids changed. At 50% sucrose the unsaturation index of membranes decreased by 20-25% in both fungi, indicating that the plasma membrane is less fluid at this concentration. At 80% sucrose a similar trend was observed for P. expansum but for A. chevalieri the unsaturation index was little changed compared with the control. The fluorescence polarization values of 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) in membranes of both fungi grown at 80% sucrose increased, indicating a decrease in membrane fluidity. At 50% sucrose the increase in saturation of membrane fatty acids would tend to reduce membrane fluidity but in A. chevalieri at 80% sucrose fatty acids did not become more saturated. In this case the marked increase in sterols at this sucrose concentration may be responsible for low membrane fluidity.

Correlation of growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus with some essential metals in gamma irradiated crushed corn.

The effects of gamma irradiation and some essential metals on growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus in crushed corn were investigated. The production of aflatoxin by A. flavus was influenced by the addition of zinc, copper or iron and the effect gradually decreased with increasing metal concentration from 0 to 300 ppm. A. flavus grew and depleted zinc, copper and iron at initial concentration of 100, 200 or 300 ppm. Presence of 100 ppm zinc, copper or iron plus gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 kGy) enhanced the growth of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxin in contrast with irradiated samples alone. A. flavus was able to metabolize and deplete elements in all gamma-irradiated samples. These results suggest that stricter control of element levels in gamma irradiated grains could control aflatoxin contamination.