Using removable silica templates, protein nanocapsules comprising the A subunit of Helicobacter pylori urease (UreA) were synthesised. The templates were of two sizes, with solid core mesoporous shell (SC/MS) silica templates giving rise to nanocapsules of average diameter 510 nm and mesoporous (MS) silica templates giving rise to nanocapsules of average diameter 47 nm. Both were shown to be highly monodispersed and relatively homogenous in structure. Various combinations of the nanocapsules in formulation were assessed as vaccines in a mouse model of H. pylori infection. Immune responses were evaluated and protective efficacy assessed. It was demonstrated that vaccination of mice with the larger nanocapsules combined with an adjuvant was able to significantly reduce colonisation.

Campylobacter concisus is a bacterium that inhabits human oral cavities and is an emerging intestinal tract pathogen known to be a biofilm producer and one of the bacterial species found in dental plaque. In this study, biofilms of oral and intestinal C. concisus isolates were phenotypically characterized. The role of the luxS gene, which is linked to the regulation of biofilm formation in other pathogens, was assessed in relation to the pathogenic potential of this bacterium. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using phenotypic assays. Oral strains were shown to be the highest producers. A luxS mutant was created by inserting a kanamycin cassette within the luxS gene of the highest biofilm-forming isolate. The loss of the polar flagellum was observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Furthermore, the luxS mutant exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in biofilm formation, motility, and its expression of flaB, in addition to the capability to invade intestinal epithelial cells, compared to the parental strain. The study concluded that C. concisus oral isolates are significantly higher biofilm producers than the intestinal isolates and that LuxS plays a role in biofilm formation, invasion, and motility in this bacterium.

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance abuse, particularly of amphetamines and cannabis, has been associated with various adverse effects on the body, including potential impacts on the immune system and hematological parameters. However, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these effects in a cross-sectional design. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise internationally, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible. The study will recruit a sample of amphetamine and cannabis abusers (n = 50) at the Eradah Hospital in the Qassim Region of Buraydah and assess their sociodemographic and biochemical variables, including blood indices and differential WBC indices, liver, and kidney profiles. Additionally, 50 sputum samples in total were cultured for testing for fungus infections. To obtain the descriptive statistics, the data was imported into Microsoft Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Amphetamine and cannabis abuser's sociodemographic variables analysis observed that the majority (52%) were aged 18–30, with 56% in secondary school. Unemployment was a significant issue, and most had no other health issues. The majority (50%) had 5–10 years of abuse, while 32% had less than 5 years, and only 18% had been drug abusers for more than 10 years. There were significant changes (p < 0.001) in all different leukocyte blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of blood films from individuals who misuse the combination of the medications "amphetamine and cannabis" reveals hazardous alterations in Neutrophils. Out of 50, 35 sputum samples showed positive growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol antibiotic, indicating a unicellular fungal growth. The present study explores the immune system and hematological disturbances linked to amphetamine and cannabis abuse, providing insights into health risks and targeted interventions. The findings complement previous research on drug users' hematological abnormalities, particularly in white blood cells. Routine hematological tests help identify alterations in homeostatic conditions, improving patient knowledge and preventing major issues. Further research is needed on multi-drug abuse prevention, early detection, and intervention. The cross-sectional design allows for a snapshot of the immune system and hematological status among abusers, laying the groundwork for future longitudinal studies. Key Words: Drug Effect, Immunity, Epidemiology, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation.

Background: Electronic device screens can harbor harmful microbes, potentially facilitating the transmission of diseases when users interact with these surfaces. This study aimed to investigate the presence of gram‐positive bacterial contamination and identify potentially harmful bacteria in these screens. A total of 200 samples were collected from the screens of devices of healthcare and nonhealthcare workers. Cotton swabs collected samples from device screens, including cellphones and iPads/PCs. These samples were cultured and tested to identify bacterial organisms and then assessed for antibiotic resistance using the disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using the t ‐test and ANOVA to compare the data obtained from the two groups. Results: This study found 12 types of bacteria on device screens used by healthcare and nonhealthcare workers, irrespective of sex. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently detected bacterium in both groups. However, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus anaerobes were present in males but absent in females. Devices belonging to male participants exhibited statistically higher levels of bacterial contamination compared to those of the female participants ( p < 0.05). Cell phones showed greater bacterial contamination than iPads/PCs. While six bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to antibiotics, Staphylococcus sciuri , S. aureus , Staphylococcus hominis subspecies hominis , and S. epidermidis showed multidrug resistance (MDR). Conclusion: This research found that all the tested mobile phones harbored microorganisms, indicating they could transmit diseases. This emphasizes the critical need for hand hygiene following use to curtail the propagation of infection and bolster overall public health outcomes.

Introduction: Contaminated paper currency may serve as a potential source for multidrug‐resistant pathogens, posing risks not only to individuals who handle cash but also to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and microbial contamination of paper currency and biofilm formation in the wallet as a reservoir of contamination in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: Data were collected through an online survey assessing the KAP of the Saudi population regarding the use of contaminated notes across various provinces from February to April 2018. The analysis was conducted using EPI INFO V7 software. Microorganisms were isolated and identified from paper and plastic currency collected from slaughterhouses, gas stations, and hospital cafeterias. The MicroScan WalkAway system was utilized for confirmation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize biofilms present in wallets. Results: Among the 1415 adult Saudi citizens surveyed, 75% lacked awareness about contaminated currency. Over 50% reported not washing their hands after handling contaminated notes, with 78% of those being male. Fifteen different microbial species were isolated from contaminated notes, including Staphylococcus and fecal coliforms. Multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus and Enterobacter were detected in nearly all paper notes, while extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) E . coli was found only in 50‐riyal notes. Plastic notes showed no bacterial contamination. SEM images of the interior surfaces of wallets revealed the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) in biofilms, along with cocci‐shaped bacteria. Conclusion: To mitigate health risks, it is recommended that paper notes be replaced with plastic currency, and efforts should be made to raise awareness among the Saudi population regarding the dangers posed by contaminated notes.

Treatment-resistant peripartum depression (TRPD) is a significant public health concern due to the dual imperative of maternal symptom relief and fetal/neonatal safety with complex therapeutic challenges, particularly among expecting mothers worldwide. This comprehensive review focused on current pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)/peripartum depression (PPD), highlighting their mechanisms, efficacy, safety profiles, and practical considerations. The search strategy is based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), using a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for English-language articles published between 2000 and 2024, with a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms for TRD/TRPD. After screening, the initial search yielded 142 articles; only 67 articles were qualified for eligibility and quality assessment. According to related research, pharmacological treatments such as SSRIs or brexanolone and zuranolone can be effective in addressing TRPD challenges, but they carry concerns regarding fetal and neonatal risk. In contrast, non-pharmacological interventions—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and exercise—offer safe, evidence-based alternatives that are becoming increasingly accessible. Our findings imply that innovative therapeutics and integration of these interventions personalized to individual needs are the optimal clinical approach that may help in balancing maternal symptom control and perinatal safety. Also, expanded mental health infrastructure with enhanced research is essential for advancing TRPD care.