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The possession of two X chromosomes may come with the risk of various illnesses, females are more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis, heart disease, and anxiety. Given the reported correlations between gut microbiome dysbiosis and various illnesses, the female gut microbiome is worthy of exploration. Herein, we discuss the composition of the female gut microbiota and its dysbiosis in pathologies affecting the female population. Using PubMed, we performed a literature search, using key terms, namely: “gut microbiome”, “estrogen”, “menopause”, “polycystic ovarian syndrome”, “pregnancy”, and “menstruation”. In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Firmicutes, Streptococcus, and the ratio of Escherichia/Shigella was found to be increased while that of Tenericutes ML615J-28, Tenericutes 124-7, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidetes S24-7 was reduced. In breast cancer, the abundance of Clostridiales was enhanced, while in cervical cancer, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Dialister were enhanced but Bacteroides, Alistipes, and members of Lachnospiracea, were decreased. In ovarian cancer, Prevotella abundance was increased. Interestingly, the administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus fermentum ameliorated PCOS symptoms while that of a mix of Bifidobacterium lactis W51, Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Lactobacillus brevis W63, Bifidobacterium lactis W52, Lactobacillus salivarius W24, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactococcus lactis W19, Lactobacillus casei W56, and Lactococcus lactis W58 alleviated vascular malfunction and arterial stiffness in obese postmenopausal women, and finally, while further research is needed, Prevotella maybe protective against postmenopausal bone mass loss. As several studies report the therapeutic potential of probiotics and since the gut microbiota of certain female pathological states has been relatively characterized, we speculate that the administration of certain bacterial species as probiotics is warranted, as novel independent or adjunct therapies for various female pathologies.

Antibiotic resistance is a major problem and a major global health concern. In total, there are 16 million deaths yearly from infectious diseases, and at least 65% of infectious diseases are caused by microbial communities that proliferate through the formation of biofilms. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbial strains. As a result, there is now much more interest in non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial infections. Among these revolutionary, non-traditional medications is quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Bacterial cell-to-cell communication is known as quorum sensing (QS), and it is mediated by tiny diffusible signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). QS is dependent on the density of the bacterial population. QS is used by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to control a wide range of processes; in both scenarios, QS entails the synthesis, identification, and reaction to signaling chemicals, also known as auto-inducers. Since the usual processes regulated by QS are the expression of virulence factors and the creation of biofilms, QS is being investigated as an alternative solution to antibiotic resistance. Consequently, the use of QS-inhibiting agents, such as QSIs and quorum quenching (QQ) enzymes, to interfere with QS seems like a good strategy to prevent bacterial infections. This review sheds light on QS inhibition strategy and mechanisms and discusses how using this approach can aid in winning the battle against resistant bacteria.

The SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 (Omicron) has emerged with unique mutations that may increase its transmission and infectivity. This study investigates how these mutations alter the interaction network and dynamic properties of the Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) compared to the wild-type virus, focusing on its binding affinity to the human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor. Protein-protein docking and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to analyze structural and dynamic differences. Despite the structural similarity, the Omicron variant exhibits a distinct interaction network with new residues such as Lys353 and Arg498 that significantly enhance its binding capacity. The dynamic analysis reveals increased flexibility in the RBD, particularly in loop regions crucial for hACE2 interaction. Mutations significantly alter the secondary structure, leading to greater flexibility and conformational adaptability compared to the wild type. Binding free energy calculations confirm that the Omicron RBD has a higher binding affinity (− 70.47 kcal/mol) to hACE2 than the wild-type RBD (− 61.38 kcal/mol). These results suggest that the altered interaction network and enhanced dynamics of the Omicron variant contribute to its increased infectivity, providing insights for the development of targeted therapeutics and vaccines.

In Saudi Arabia, nearly half of older adults (49.9%) experience at least one fall annually. Despite its global and regional significance, research on fall risk factors in Saudi Arabia remains limited, with most studies concentrating on specific cities or subpopulations. This study investigated factors associated with falls among older adults across Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, 473 (58.8% female) older adults (58.4% aged 65–69 years) completed a questionnaire, where we collected data on demographic and health characteristics; additionally, participants completed the Arabic version of the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ-AV). Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including logistic regression, were used to analyze the data using SPSS. Based on the FRQ-AV, 168 (35.5%) participants were identified as at risk of falling. After multivariable adjustment, the following significant risk factors were identified: age 70–74 (adjusted odds ratio [ a OR]=2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–4.68; p  = 0.004) and ≥80 ( a OR=4.85; 95% CI: 1.50–15.63; p  = 0.008) years; coexisting diabetes and hypertension ( a OR=3.59; 95% CI: 1.75–7.35; p  < 0.0005); being somewhat ( a OR=4.64; 95% CI: 1.78–12.12; p  = 0.002), fairly ( a OR=11.36; 95% CI: 4.04–31.91; p  < 0.0005), or very afraid of falling ( a OR=32.81; 95% CI: 10.88–98.99; p  < 0.0005); and falling 1–2 ( a OR=5.27; 95% CI: 2.80–9.89; p  < 0.0005), 3–4 ( a OR=13.06; 95% CI: 5.50–30.98; p  < 0.0005), or five ( a OR = 12.23; 95% CI: 2.88–51.83; p  = 0.001) times in the past year. Protective factors included university education (OR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.22–0.68; p  = 0.001) and engagement in physical activity ( a OR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.26–0.81; p  = 0.007). This study offers significant insights into fall factors and preventive strategies among older adults in Saudi Arabia. This study’s results can help in developing and implementing efficient fall prevention strategies nationwide.

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality. It is believed that alterations within the gut microbiome may impact the development and progression of cancer. Additionally, the diet an individual maintains and the amount of alcohol consumed can alter the microbiome, thus impacting the development of colorectal cancer. A diet focused on fiber intake is considered beneficial, as it contains short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which have antitumor properties. Furthermore, current treatment strategies, such as chemotherapy, have various side effects. In this review, we discuss the role of the gut microbiome and oral bacteria in relation to colorectal cancer. We also deliberate on the role of diet and alcohol consumption in the development of colorectal cancer. Moreover, the influence of the various metabolites within the gut and the importance of gut inflammation in the development of colorectal cancer are explained. Finally, potential therapies such as fecal microbiota transfer and post/prebiotics are elaborated on. To further comprehend risk factors in the development of colorectal cancer, future studies are warranted to determine the precise mechanisms of action between the gut microbiome and carcinogenesis in order to develop therapies that may target gut microbial dysbiosis.

Background The Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) had never been adapted into Arabic. We culturally adapted the NMQ-E to Arabic in five stages and investigated its psychometric properties. Methods After translating and cross-culturally adapting the NMQ-E into Arabic, through forward translation, translation synthesis, backward translation, expert committee review, and pilot testing, the psychometric properties were investigated. The construct validity was assessed by having the participants completing the Arabic version of the NMQ-E with four Arabic scales that measured musculoskeletal pain in all regions covered in the NMQ-E. Participants’ baseline records were also used to evaluate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ). Seven days later, participants completed the Arabic NMQ-E again to evaluate its test–retest reliability employing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) for the age questions, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient ( κ ), the proportion of observed agreement ( P o ), the proportion of positive agreement ( P pos ), and the proportion of negative agreement ( P neg ) for the dichotomous items. Results A total of 127 participants, 70 males and 57 females with mean age 32.5 ± 12.2 years, were included. Significant differences were found between participants with and without musculoskeletal pain in the corresponding scales, signifying the content validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s α for both the prevalence and consequences pain sections combined ranged from 0.30 to 1.00. The test–retest reliability of the age questions was excellent, with ICC values ranging between 0.995 and 1.00. The SEM was 0.77 for the neck region and 0 for the rest of the regions. The prevalence questions demonstrated almost perfect agreement, with κ values ranging between 0.82 and 1.00, the P o between 0.94 and 1.00, the P pos between 0.80 and 1.00, and the P neg between 0.93 and 1.00. The consequences of pain questions showed moderate-to-perfect agreement, with κ values ranging between 0.57 and 1.00, between 0.83 and 1.00 for the P o , between 0.50 and 1.00 for the P pos , and between 0.86 and 1.00 for the P neg . Conclusions The results suggest that the Arabic NMQ-E is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to screen Arab adults for the prevalence and consequences of musculoskeletal pain.

Keratitis is corneal inflammatory disease which may be caused by several reason such as an injury, allergy, as well as a microbial infection. Besides these, overexposure to ultraviolet light and unhygienic practice of contact lenses are also associated with keratitis. Based on the cause of keratitis, different lines of treatments are recommended. Photodynamic therapy is a promising approach that utilizes light activated compounds to instigate either killing or healing mechanism to treat various diseases including both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This review focuses on clinically-important patent applications and the recent literature for the use of photodynamic therapy against keratitis.

The rapid progress of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has prompted serious medical concerns regarding how to manage multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. One emerging strategy to combat antibiotic resistance is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are amino acid chains that act as broad-spectrum antimicrobial molecules and are essential parts of the innate immune system in mammals, fungi, and plants. AMPs have unique antibacterial mechanisms that offer benefits over conventional antibiotics in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, scientists have conducted multiple studies on AMPs for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections and found that AMPs are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. On the other hand, bacteria can develop several tactics to resist and bypass the effect of AMPs. Therefore, it is like a battle between the bacterial community and the AMPs, but who will win? This review provides thorough insights into the development of antibiotic resistance as well as detailed information about AMPs in terms of their history and classification. Furthermore, it addresses the unique antibacterial mechanisms of action of AMPs, how bacteria resist these mechanisms, and how to ensure AMPs win this battle. Finally, it provides updated information about FDA-approved AMPs and those that were still in clinical trials. This review provides vital information for researchers for the development and therapeutic application of novel AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Bacterial contaminants in ambulances could have a major impact on morbidities, mortalities, and healthcare resources, especially if these bacteria are antimicrobial-resistant. As far as we know, this is the first study in Al-Qassim region to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants in swab samples obtained from ambulances from Alqwarah General Hospital, Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia as an indicator for evaluation of the implemented infection control measures, and screen the antibiotics profiles of the isolates against the most regularly used antimicrobials. In total, 204 samples were collected from the ambulances following patient transport. To evaluate the effect of vehicle decontamination, 204 swabs were collected from the same sites of the ambulances immediately after cleaning and disinfection. The isolates were identified using standard bacteriological and biochemical methods, as recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The antibiotic susceptibility patterns were assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The prevalence of bacterial contamination in the samples collected following patient transport was 46.08%. In total, 83.33%, 75.00%, and 66.66% of the samples collected from DC shock apparatuses, ceilings, and emergency personnel seats, respectively, were contaminated. Furthermore, ceilings, DC shock apparatuses, emergency personnel seats, cervical collars, and monitors were found to harbor 10.8%, 9.8%, 7.8%, 6.8%, and 6.8% of the 102 bacterial isolates, respectively. Gram-positive organisms represented 96.1% of all bacterial isolates. Bacillus spp. was the most common isolate, accounting for 60.8% of all bacterial isolates. Although Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. isolates were sensitive to all the tested antimicrobials, many Gram-positive bacterial isolates were resistant to some antibiotics in variable frequencies. After 48 h of aerobic incubation (with or without 5–10% CO2) on nutrient, blood, chocolate, and MacConkey agar plates at 37 °C, no bacterial growth was detected in the samples collected immediately following cleaning and disinfection. This is the second Saudi study to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants in Saudi Arabian ambulances, and it could help health policy makers in improving the implemented infection prevention and control measures in Saudi Arabian ambulances. The samples taken after patient transport revealed bacterial contaminants with varying rates of antimicrobial resistance. Policies ensuring the optimal cleaning and disinfection of ambulances can minimize the potential of bacterial infection for high-risk patients, their relatives, and healthcare providers.

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to investigate the determinants of Islamic banks’ profitability using longitudinal data from 1992 to 2008 of almost all Islamic banks in the world. Design/methodology/approach An unbalanced panel data fixed-effects regression model was used. Findings The results of the study indicate that capital ratio, other operating income, GDP per capita, bank size, concentration and oil prices affected Islamic banks positively. Insurance schemes, foreign ownership and real GDP growth affected Islamic banks negatively. Research limitations/implications This study did not include data beyond 2008 (the financial crisis), which can be considered a limitation to this study. However, evidence suggests that including data beyond 2008 would not have changed the outcome of the study[1]. Originality/value The paper adds to the literature on the determinants of Islamic banks’ profitability for the reasons mentioned above. In addition, this study used a purified sample of Islamic banks (see the Data section for details). Furthermore, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first time deposit insurance has been included in a study related to Islamic banks’ profitability.