Following peripheral axon injury, dysregulation of non-coding microRNAs (miRs) occurs in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. Here we show that DRG neuron cell bodies release extracellular vesicles, including exosomes containing miRs, upon activity. We demonstrate that miR-21-5p is released in the exosomal fraction of cultured DRG following capsaicin activation of TRPV1 receptors. Pure sensory neuron-derived exosomes released by capsaicin are readily phagocytosed by macrophages in which an increase in miR-21-5p expression promotes a pro-inflammatory phenotype. After nerve injury in mice, miR-21-5p is upregulated in DRG neurons and both intrathecal delivery of a miR-21-5p antagomir and conditional deletion of miR-21 in sensory neurons reduce neuropathic hypersensitivity as well as the extent of inflammatory macrophage recruitment in the DRG. We suggest that upregulation and release of miR-21 contribute to sensory neuron–macrophage communication after damage to the peripheral nerve.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new variable of the Coronaviridae family. COVID-19 spreads primarily by contacting the virus either from a COVID-19-infected individual through coughing or sneezing or from COVID-19-contaminated surfaces. On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19 as a pandemic. The government of Saudi Arabia was among the first countries in the world to take quick and serious precautions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has made the public aware of the virus transmission patterns and the importance of quarantine and curfew. Despite strict measures taken, the awareness of people towards infectious viruses remains the most important factor in limiting the widespread of diseases. A cross-sectional survey of 1767 participants, was conducted to explore the awareness, attitude and practice of COVID-19 in relation to socioeconomic data among residents in the city of Riyadh. Of all the participants, 58% showed a moderate level of awareness, 95% presented a high attitude and 81% presented an adequate practice regarding COVID-19. Significant positive correlation between awareness-attitude (r = 0.132, p-value < 0.001) and attitude-practice (r = 0.149, p-value < 0.001) were found. The gender of the participants was the only common characteristic significantly associated with both awareness and practice. This study revealed that males showed a slight increase (60%) in the level of awareness compared to female participants (57%), however, when it comes to the practice towards COVID-19, females showed slightly better practice (82%) than males (80%). The World health organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) were the main sources of information. Despite the moderate public awareness, their attitude and practice were better. Therefore, public awareness must be improved to be prepared for epidemic and pandemic situations. A comprehensive public health education program is important to increase awareness and to reach sufficient knowledge.

Microalgae-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is an emerging nanobiotechnology that utilizes the biomolecular corona of microalgae as reducing and capping agents for NP fabrication. This study screened a novel microalgal strain for its potential to synthesize silver (Ag)-NPs and then assayed the biological activities of the NPs. Coelastrella aeroterrestrica strain BA_Chlo4 was isolated, purified, and morphologically and molecularly identified. Chemical composition of the algal extract was determined by GC-MS analysis. Ag-NPs were biosynthesized by C. aeroterrestrica BA_Chlo4 (C@Ag-NPs) and characterized using various techniques. Antiproliferative activity and the biocidal effect of C@Ag-NPs, C. aeroterrestrica algal extract, and chemically synthesized Ag-NPs (Ch@Ag-NPs) were explored, and the scavenging activity of C@Ag-NPs against free radicals was investigated. C@Ag-NPs were hexagonal, with a nanosize diameter of 14.5 ± 0.5 nm and a maximum wavelength at 404.5 nm. FTIR and GC-MS analysis demonstrated that proteins and polysaccharide acted as capping and reducing agents for C@Ag-NPs. X-ray diffraction, energy diffraction X-ray, and mapping confirmed the crystallinity and natural structure of C@Ag-NPs. The hydrodynamic diameter and charge of C@Ag-NPs was 28.5 nm and −33 mV, respectively. C@Ag-NPs showed significant anticancer activity towards malignant cells, with low toxicity against non-cancerous cells. In addition, C@Ag-NPs exhibited greater antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria compared with the other tested treatments. These findings demonstrate, for first time, the potential of a novel strain of C. aeroterrestrica to synthesize Ag-NPs and the potent antioxidant, anticancer, and biocidal activities of these NPs.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella remains a significant global health threat. This study aimed to explore the potential of essential oil components as novel inhibitors of the Salmonella MDR efflux pumps AcrAB and AcrD. Salmonella isolates were characterized for serotype, antibiotic resistance, and efflux pump activity. Essential oil components were screened for inhibitory effects using phenotypic and genotypic methods. In silico docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate binding interactions and stability. Salmonella Typhimurium was the predominant serotype with high MDR rates. Efflux pump activity was prevalent. Cumin and cinnamon oils demonstrated promising inhibitory effects on these pumps. Molecular docking simulations revealed strong binding affinities of analyzed compounds to the AcrAB and AcrD binding pocket. The 2-methyl-1-(p-tolyl)propan-2-ol exhibited higher stability within the AcrAB binding pocket compared to (1S,3R,5R)-1-isopropyl-4-methylenebicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-ol within the AcrD binding pocket. Treatment with these oils significantly downregulated efflux pump genes (robA, acrB, mdtB, acrF, acrD, soxS, mdsB, marA). The novel approach of combining in silico and molecular dynamics simulations with precise gene expression analysis provides a valuable framework for future studies aimed at combating MDR Salmonella efflux pumps.

A highly accelerating number of people around the world have been infected with novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mass screening programs were suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus. On 16 April 2020, a COVID-19 mass screening program was initiated in Saudi Arabia in multiple phases. This study aims to analyze the number of detected COVID-19 cases, their demographic data, and regions most affected in the initial two phases of these mass screening programs. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among the high-risk population as part of the COVID-19 mass screening program across all regions in Saudi Arabia during April and May 2020. A Chi-square-test was used to determine the associations between positive cases and various demographic variables. Out of 71,854 screened individuals, 13.50% (n = 9701) were COVID-19 positive, of which 83.27% (n = 59,835) were males. Among positive cases, in the 30–39 years age group, 6.36% were in the active phase, and 2.19% were in the community phase. Based on our experience, launching mass screening programs is crucial for early case detection, isolation, and pattern recognition for immediate public interventions.

Background: There is a high rate of consanguinity and related genetic diseases in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Studies have been conducted to address the level of awareness about consanguineous marriages (CM); however, targeted young female studies are still limited. The association between consanguinity and socio-demographic information and the prevalence of consanguinity among educated female university students of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is being addressed in the present study. Methodology: A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study was conducted randomly among PNU students from October 3 to November 2, 2019. Multivariable data analysis was conducted, and an odds ratio was calculated to identify factors associated with CM and health outcomes. Results: Among the 637 students who completed the questionnaire, consanguinity was significantly higher among participants than their parents, as 37.88% of the 293 married participants had CM. A strong correlation was found between parents and their daughters; consanguinity was highest (52.27%) in the daughters of parents who were in consanguineous marriages themselves. The general high level (91.51%) of awareness about CM’s consequences and their link to genetic diseases was found. However, a lack of knowledge about the type of diseases was noted among participants. Diabetes and blood diseases were the most common diseases in different CM groups. Conclusion: Despite the high levels of awareness, more targeted awareness campaigns are needed, especially among the younger generation.