key: cord-0252478-vwuto08l
authors: nan
title: Abstracts of “Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC) - Summer Research Program – 2020” presented at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on November 18, 2020
date: 2021
journal: Saudi J Med Med Sci
DOI: nan
sha: 378a79e3f6ac2df56271f1297074f8a8784b62fd
doc_id: 252478
cord_uid: vwuto08l

nan

Background: Tamoxifen (TAM) attaches to estrogen receptors (ERs) at the cells surface of breast cancer cells, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation. Low or negative ERs expression at cancer cells surface such as cervical cancer cells (HELA) will result in TAM resistant. Objectives: This study aims to enhance the delivery of tamoxifen (TAM) into a negative or low estrogen receptor (ER) expression cancer cells by conjugating TAM to titanium silicate nanoparticles. Methods and Material: HELA (ER-negative) were cultured in a 96-well plate and treated with varied doses (20, 80, 160, 320 µg/ml) of TAM + titanium silicate, TAM alone or titanium silicate alone. The optical microscope was used to check the cell morphology and number reduction. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticle and TAM was evaluated by cell viability assay (MTT) and 96-well plate reader. LC 50 was calculated and statistical analysis were performed using T-test. Results and Discussion: HELA cells treated with tamoxifen alone (LC 50 : 318.5923 µg/ml) or titanium silicate alone (LC 50 : 701.26 µg/ml) showed a very low response and no change at cell morphology or number at the used doses. On the other hand, treatment with TAM + titanium silicate conjugate, resulted in very high cell cytotoxicity (LC 50 : 32.59 µg/ml) in comparison to TAM or titanium silicate. This indicates that tamoxifen alone or titanium silicate alone is not toxic to the cells, but when they are conjugated together they show high activity against negative ER cells (HELA cells). Conclusions: This study showed that titanium silicate enhance the delivery of TAM into cervical cells. In addition, resistant cancer cells to TAM that have low ER receptors can be treated with TAM + titanium silicate nanoparticles. Background: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. MNPs are particularly very small in size but of a large surface area for a better magnetic response, which makes it very useful in tumor treatment. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (core-shell (styrene (St)+ divinylbenzene (DVB)+ methacrylic acid (MAA))) on the drug-resistant cervical cancer cells (HELA).

The average hydrodynamic size of the MNPs was determined by a Malvern Zetasizer and the surface structure was characterized by TEM. Human cervical cancer cells (HELA (1.5x10 4 )) were cultured in DMEM medium and exposed to various doses of the MNPs (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. The effect of the MNPs was observed on HELA by optical and confocal microscopes and MTT cell viability assay. The resulted MTT data were subjected to statistical analysis (t test). Results and Discussion: The hydrodynamic particle size of the final magnetic latex particles was found to be around 400 nm and the zeta potential was negative. In addition, confocal microscopy pictures showed high entry of MNPs into the cells with low cytotoxicity after 24h of treatment, this indicates that these MNPs may be used for cancer imaging. In vitro study of the latex MNPs showed high cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent matter against the HELA cervical cancer cell line. The 24-h treatment showed significant effect with very low margin difference between the lowest and highest treatment concentrations. On the other hand, at 48h treatment, the MNPs cytotoxicity increased with the concentration to reach 58% at 400 µg/mL. Conclusions: In summary, the MNPs was significantly effective against cervical cancer cells proliferation after 48h of treatment. In addition, latex MNPs showed easy access to HELA cells, which is a characteristic that can overcome the resistance of cervical cancer cells.

Background: There has been extensive research on dopamine receptor subtype D2 gene that takes part in dopaminergic pathway. Recent studies highlighted the importance of genetic variants and its possibility to modulate the neuropsychiatric response to risperidone drug but there was no specific predictable genetic marker that has been identified yet. Objectives: To determine the most effective amino acid substitutions on the structure of mutated DRD2 protein, and asses its influence on the docking of risperidone molecule to their receptor on DRD2. Methods and Material: A total of 18671 genetic variants of DRD2 gene were retrieved from NCBI as well as identified through DNA exome microarray and DNA sequencing of Saudi autistic patients, and analyzed via in silico tools (SIFT, SNAP2, PolyPhen-2, PANTHER, PROVEAN, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, CRAVAT and CONDEL) to predict the most pathogenic non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs). The most pathogenic nsSNPs and Saudi subject variants of wild and mutant DRD2 protein were subjected for molecular docking with risperidone molecule. Results and Discussion: Rigorous in silico analysis predicted the most 16 pathogenic nsSNPs based on the cumulative score generated using nine tools, and additionally one prevalent nsSNP in Saudis was also added. All 17 variants selected were found to be structurally varied from the wild by calculating root mean square deviation (RMSD), and C126W (RMSD 0.07 Å) showed highest changes. Of the 17 amino acid substitutions, F198C (S score: -7.0752 kcal/mol) showed highest deviation in the binding affinity compared to the wild (S score: -7.5381 kcal/mol) on the structure-based docking with risperidone using MOE on the binding packets at the active site. Conclusions: Highly pathogenic genetic variants of DRD2 gene influence the binding affinity of risperidone and it could be one of the reasons to explain the inter-individual variation in neuropsychiatric response efficacy and toxicity in different patients based on their DRD2 genotype.

The underlying mechanism of tocilizumab in SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review Background: A new coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV/SARS-CoV-2, is responsible for worldwide pandemic. Stimulation of inflammatory cytokines was seen during the acute phase of infection. Tocilizumab, known as humanized IL-6-blocking treatment given for chronic autoimmune diseases or connective tissue disease, may be beneficial and prevent the development of severe COVID-19 symptoms in selected patients. Objectives: Various therapeutic strategies have been practiced for decreasing COVID-19 symptoms. The aim of current study was to assess the therapeutic role of tocilizumab in reducing the life-threatening effect COVID-19 in patients by reducing their level of IL-6. Methods and Material: A PRISMA-based protocol was used for collection of various articles and press release. English language articles were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar published from 15th January 2020 to 20th July 2020. The search terms included combinations of SARS, corona, SARS-COV-2, cytokine storms, antiviral, IL-6 and tocilizumab. Results and Discussion: Cytokines have a significant role in immune response, and IL-6 might play a key role in the cytokine storm. IL-6 is one of the important inducers of the acute-phase response. Interfering with IL-6 by Tocilizumab might be a promising therapeutic drug for severe COVID-19 patients. Tocilizumab is a humanized anti-IL-6R antibody, which acts by blocking the IL6 receptor, consequently replacing IL6 receptor. Several animal models and human studies have reported that tocilizumab treatment significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia and associated symptoms. Conclusions: Tocilizumab has the ability to block COVID-19-induced cytokine storm by modulating including releasing of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-12 in COVID-19 patients.

Norah Ali AlGhamdi 1,2 , Hind Saleh Alsuwat 1 , Sayed AbdulAzeez 1 , J. Francis Borgio 1,3* 1 Adsorption of cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil on carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride using density functional theory Background: Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have a crystal structure analogous to graphene with sp^2 hybridized structure. Objectives: In this work, we use density functional theory (DFT) to study the electronic properties of carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) structure, and its use as a drug carrier for the cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (FU). Methods and Material: We used DFT, with two flavors, local density approximation (LDA), and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to calculate the electronic properties of h-BN. Then, as an application to our study, we investigated the adsorption of the cancer drug FU on h-BN and carbon doped h-BN. Results and Discussion: The density of states (DOS) of both calculations are generally similar the band gap is found to be 4.32 eV for LDA and 4.5 eV for GGA. We then constructed a 2 × 2 h-BN unit cell, having eight atoms, and dope the system with carbon, at a N site, and a B site. We found that the gap decreased to 3.89 eV former, and to 3.91 eV to the latter. Then, we investigated the adsorption of FU on carbon-doped h-BN. We constructed a large 6 × 6 h-BN unit cell, and placed the FU molecule on it at a distance of 3 A. The system is structurally relaxed, and we calculated the adsorption properties of FU on pristine h-BN, and carbon doped h-BN. We consider carbon doping of h-BN at the nitrogen and boron sites. We find that FU adsorbs on pristine h-BN with an adsorption energy of 0.38 eV, and that the adsorption is enhanced on carbon doped h-BN, with the highest adsorption, 0.58 eV, with the carbon at the boron site. Conclusions: Based on our calculations, carbon doping enhances the drug loading of the FU molecule on h-BN. Therefore, we recommend using carbon-doped h-BN as a drug carrier for FU. Background: Color blindness can occur because of damage to the eyes or brain, or it could be passed on genetically. The disease used to be diagnosed by two old ways, the Ishihara test and the color arrangement method other than diagnosing it with brain-imaging devices. One of the most effective brain-imaging devices is the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) or Optical Topography, as it is a non-invasive brain-imaging device that helps to assess cerebral activity by detecting the changes of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the blood. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the active areas of the visual cortex when stimulating different colors in front of those who are color blind. Methods and Material: This case-control study included 44 people with color blindness and 44 with normal vision, aged 4-25 years, who were living in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Demographic data was elicited using a questionnaire. All participants were exposed to a single color and the areas for each signal was spotted. The device was set-up and connected to a screen to read and record the signals. Expected Results: Each area of the visual cortex showed activity on different sides when stimulating different colors on the screen. The brain revitalization processes in people with normal vision differs from that in color-blind patients. The absence of the signals in a specific area indicates that the person does not see this color and can be diagnosed with this disease. Therefore, using fNIRS may enable easier diagnosis of color blindness. Conclusions: fNIRS has potential to diagnose color blindness by successfully detecting signals in different regions of the brain, and its distinctive characteristics may be especially useful in younger children.

Background: YBCO superconducting material has become very valuable for various technological applications. However, it suffers from weak critical current density (J c ) under an external magnetic field. This problem could be resolved by addition of artificial nano-sized entities inside YBCO superconductor. Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their excellent structural and functional characteristics such as high mechanical strength and high electrical properties. Objectives: Our objective is to enhance the value of critical density of YBCO material under external magnetic field, and hence improve its performance for practical applications.

The synthesis of YBCO+CNTs samples is achieved by using solid state route and following two steps of sintering. Firstly, powders of Y 2 O 3 , BaCO 3 and CuO were stoichiometrically mixed, pelletized and then calcined to form precursor of YBCO. After that, different amounts of carbon nanotubes were added to precursor of YBCO. Both YBCO and CNTs powders were grinded together, compacted and sintered at 950°C. Final samples were then characterized using XRD, SEM and VSM techniques. The electrical resistivity experiments were also performed to evaluate the superconducting features of the products. Results and Discussion: XRD analysis showed the formation of single YBCO phase with orthorhombic structure for all samples. SEM observations revealed the dispersion of CNTs inside YBCO grains with the presence of crystal defects. The electrical measurement confirmed that all samples exhibit a superconducting transition. The magnetic field dependence of critical current density J c (H) is deduced using VSM technique. The findings of this study indicated an enhancement of J c (H) with CNTs inclusion. Conclusions: Samples of YBCO superconductor with different amounts of CNTs addition were successfully synthetized. All results proved the relevant effect of CNTs addition on the YBCO performance.

Wejdan Alhajri 1,2 , Yassine Slimani 1* , Abdulhadi Baykal 3 Background: Magnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles raised the enthusiasm owing to their capability to be used as microwave absorbers, gas sensors, catalysis, photocatalysts, etc. Many attempts were made to synthesize new promising microwave absorbing materials with enhanced performances. The combination of magnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles and electrically conductive hollow carbon spheres could lead to excellent microwave absorbing properties. Objectives: The objective is to design magnetic nanoparticles Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Ce x Dy x Fe 2-2x O 4 (x = 0.08 -0.10) hollow spheres and enhance their magnetic and microwave properties. Methods and Material: Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Fe 2-2x Ce x Dy x O 4 (where x = 0.08 and 0.10) hallow spheres were produced via sonochemical approach followed by a hydrothermal treatment. For that reason, aqueous solution of glucose was subjected to hydrothermal treatment for 10 h at 180 °C to produce carbon spheres. The obtained carbon spheres were mixed with various nitrates of Ni, Co, Fe, Ce and Dy in DI H 2 O and stirred for 30 min. Then, the pH = 7 was adjusted by adding some drops of ammonia solution. The solution was subjected to ultrasound irradiation and then to hydrothermal treatment. Afterward, the solution was filtered and dried to get final powder product. Products were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-vis DRS, magnetization and microwave measurements. Results and Discussion: According to XRD analysis, Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Fe 2-2x Ce x Dy x O 4 (where x = 0.08 and 0.10) hallow spheres with no secondary phases were successfully formed. The final products displayed spherical grains at nanosize scale as revealed by SEM and TEM observations. The microwave absorbing properties of samples were examined, and an enhancement was achieved. Conclusions: Ni 0.5 Co 0.5 Fe 2-2x Ce x Dy x O 4 (where x = 0.08 and 0.10) hallow spheres showed enhanced microwave absorbing properties.

of Nb doped CoNi ferrites on the structural, optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of BaTiO 3 materials

Aouna 1,2 , Yassine Slimani 1*