Skip to main content
NCBI home page
Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences logoLink to Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences
. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Abstracts of "Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC) - Summer Research Program for Undergraduate Students – 2019" presented at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on October 6, 2019

PMCID: PMC6945321
Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Preparation of polycaprolactone nanoparticles for the delivery of doxorubicin

Alawya Ali Alkhadrawi a,b, Muhammad Nawaza a

Background: Doxorubicin is an antineoplastic commonly used in chemotherapy. Its major side effect is the cumulative resultant cardiomyopathy. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a compatible, degradable, core-shell polymer. PCL nanoparticles <600 nm have shown the ability to accumulate in solid tumors in comparison to healthy tissues, possibly because of their defective vasculature.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to prepare PCL nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin and study the effect of encapsulation on the drug's efficacy, solubility and anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells.

Materials and methods: The single emulsion method was used to prepare PCL nanoparticles; doxorubicin was incorporated during the synthesis. Nanoparticles were characterized by SEM to determine the size and morphology and by FTIR to confirm encapsulation. UV spectrophotometer was used for study the drug release. ELISA microplate reader was used to study the anticancer activity against MCF-7 (American Type Culture Collection, USA) cell line at different concentrations.

Results: SEM showed uniform microspheres with a size 3 μm. FTIR showed defined bands for PCL and doxorubicin at 3400, 3000, 1650, 1450 and 1100 cm−1. Drug release was slow because of the insolubility of PCL in PBS. MTT assay showed a 49% decrease in cell viability at 100 μM.

Conclusion: Polycaprolactone nanoparticles are potentially useful carriers for doxorubicin. The single emulsion method was not effective for nano-size particle preparation and different methods could be used to obtain a smaller particle size. PCL may be copolymerized with a hydrophilic polymer to increase the drug release rate.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Comparison of the size effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on growth and development of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Anwar Husain Al-Dahnem 1, Huseyin Tombuloglu 1

Background: Extensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the past few decades has raised environmental and health concerns. When spread to the environment, the fate and potential hazards of NPs are not well known.

Objectives: This study aims to show the effect of magnetic NP size, i.e. Fe3O4 (~10 nm and ~50–100 nm), on plant growth and development.

Materials and Methods: Varied doses (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L) of NPs of different sizes (i.e., ~10 nm and ~50–100 nm) were separately subjected on barley seedlings in a hydroponic system. After 3 weeks, physiological parameters such as pigment content (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids), biomass and tissue lengths were determined. The roots were analyzed by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques to observe for possible cell damage.

Results: Of the sizes ~10 nm and ~50 nm, ~10 nm Fe3O4 was found have cytotoxic effects on barley. In contrast, 50 nm Fe3O4 NPs at 100 mg/L concentration improved the plant growth without a phytotoxic effect. Therefore, the current study results suggest that Fe3O4 NPs of size ~50 nm may be useful in agricultural applications to improve plant growth.

Conclusion: Fe3O4 NPs of size ~50 nm enhanced barley growth in this study; however, further studies are required to carefully evaluate the possible consequences of ingesting NPs through edible plants before using NPs in farm soils/ecosystems or food/plants as nano-formulations.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Adsorption of toxic gasses on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4-): A density functional theory investigation

Aroob Mohammed 1, Ahmed A Maarouf 1

Background: Toxic gases are a common byproduct in many industrial processes. Developing new materials that can filter out toxic gases is of great environmental value. Porous materials are good candidates because of their large surface area per mass. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a layered porous, cheap material. Here, the use of g-C3N4 nanosheet for adsorption of the toxic gasses hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide (CO) is studied. The density functional theory is used to calculate the adsorption properties of the systems.

Objectives: This study aimed to predict the best doping scenario of g-C3N4 for toxic gas filtering.

Materials and Methods: Using a high-performance computer and the Quantum Espresso software, the authors studied the molecular adsorption properties of B- and Al-doped g-C3N4 both substituting N and C atoms, with a focus on two toxic gases, HCN and CO. After calculating the electronic density of each structure, their adsorption strength on g-C3N4 was computed.

Results: HCN showed strong adsorption on Al-doped compared to pristine and B-doped g-C3N4, with the N atom facing the Al atom placed at the center of the unit cell. Al-doped g-C3N4 showed moderate adsorption of CO. Additionally, pristine g-C3N4 was found to reasonably adsorb CO. The highest adsorption was achieved with Al atom at the pore edge C site.

Conclusion: The authors predict that Al-doped g-C3N4 is highly suitable for adsorption of HCN and CO, especially if it occurs at the carbon site in the pore edge. Thus, Al-doped g-C3N4 can be used as an active material for toxic gas filters.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Effect of quantum dots and clove extract on the proliferation of colon cancer cells

Esra Nadeer Alobaid 1, Firdos Alam Khan 2, Adeeb Shehzad Muhammad Siar 3

Background: Colon cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Quantum dots nanoparticles have special properties, are only few nanometers in size and have a histocompatibility with potential for cancer treatment. Bioactive compounds with anticancer properties can be extracted from natural sources such as clove spice.

Objectives: To determine the effect of quantum dots alone and in combination with clove extract on colon cancer cells.

Materials and Methods: Quantum dots nanoparticles structures were analyzed through scanning and transmission electron microscope studies. HCT 116 human colon cancer cell line was cultured and treated with different concentrations (5 μg/mL, 15 μg/mL, 30 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL) of quantum dots, clove extract, combination of quantum dots + clove extract and the anticancer drug doxorubicin, which was used as a control. The study was conducted over 48 hours to measure cell viability, which was assessed using the MTT assay, and cell morphology, which was observed under the inverted microscope.

Results: Cells treated with quantum dots at (5 μg/mL and 15 μg/mL) had significantly low cell viability (46.97% and 48.05%, respectively) with inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 27.85 μg/ml. In contrast, all clove extract concentrations (5 μg/mL, 15 μg/mL, 30 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL) showed significant difference in viability compared with the control and high inhibition (IC50 = 2.736 μg/mL). Combined treatment showed lower cytotoxicity compared with individual treatments. Notably, quantum dots alone had higher inhibition (IC50 = 7.542 μg/mL) than other treatments. Cell death, cell augmentation and cell disintegration were clearly observed in cells treated with clove extract than other treatments.

Conclusion: Quantum dots nanoparticles and clove extract were found to limit the cancer proliferative capabilities and induce cytotoxicity. Clove extract had the highest inhibition compare with quantum dots and combined treatments.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Assessment of thiadiazole derivatives against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines

Hamdah Abdullah Albuainain 1, Adeeb Shehzad 2

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality throughout the world and second most common cancer in Saudi Arabia. CRC has both environmental associations and genetic risk factors. Current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have adequate performance, but several side effects. Thiadiazole has been used in industries for various chemical and biological applications.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a newly synthesized indole-based thiadiazole (24 compounds) as an anticancer compound against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116).

Hypothesis: 1 If indole-based thiadiazole derivative (1–24) compounds have an effect in human colon cancer cell (HCT116), they may be of use as anticancer drugs.

Materials and Methods: HCT116 cells was cultured for 24 hrs and then exposed to various concentrations (1 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL) of compounds derived from thiadizole with labelling as E1–E24. Cells death was confirmed through MTT assay using the ELISA plate reader at a wavelength of 570 nm. Cell morphology was confirmed by microscopy. Doxorubicin was used as a control in various concentration (0.5μg/mL, 1μg/mL, 2μg/mL and 5μg/mL).

Results: MTT and microscopy results showed a evident decrease in cell viability after exposure to various compounds for 24hrs, with the best efficacy noted in E1 (IC50 = 1.225μg/mL), E10 (IC50 = 3.148 to 6.053 μg/mL), E11 (IC50 = ~1.157 μg/mL), E13 (IC50 = 3.204 to 5.922 μg/mL), E15 (IC50 = 2.574 to 5.779 μg/mL) and E24 (IC50 = ~ 0.01867 μg/mL). Cells death induced by indole-based thiadiazole derivatives was in accordance with the positive control.

Conclusion: This study found that indole-based thiadiazole derivatives are potent molecules with strong anticancer and anti-proliferative capabilities, especially the six derivates that were found to have the highest efficacy. For future studies, the authors are docking, and various spectroscopic techniques will be used for further exploring the underlying mechanism of cell action.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Y-haplotype and exome-wide association study for pathogenic variants and genes significantly raise the risk of autism in Saudi males

Hamsa M Alsubaie 1,2, Hind Saleh Alsuwat 1, Noor B Almandil 3, Abdulla AlSulaiman 4, Sayed AbdulAzeez 1, J Francis Borgio1 1

Background: Autism is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric disorder that results in communication deficits as well as repetitive and limited behaviors. There is a male preponderance in autism. Accumulation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in susceptibility genes and Y-chromosome haplotype can increase the risk for developing autism in male.

Objectives: To investigate susceptibility genes and Y-chromosome haplotypes for identifying significant risk variants associated with autism in Saudi males.

Materials and Methods: Saudi males were grouped as control (43) and cases (47) to compare the functional exonic variations (n = 243,345) in the genetic molecular underline of autism using exome-microarray. A total of 33 most significant SNPs (P <0.0005) that are associated with autism in Saudi males were statistically studied. Functional and structural annotations were also studied.

Results: A total of 6 genes (P = 8.32 × 10−5; MCC, AUTS2, CNTN3, VSX1, SETBP1, PCDH11Y) were identified from those reported earlier for autistic disorder. Five functional variants were most significant (P ≤ 4.48×10−5) on allelic association. Y-chromosome haplotype was found to have the most significant protective (AACGACA; P =2.94 × 10−9) and risk Y-haplotype (GGAAGTC; P = 6.85×10−6) of the 7 SNPs (rs9785971; rs1865680; rs2032624; rs2032658; rs2032631; rs9786153 and rs13447352) associated with Arab-ancestry autism in males. The significant genes of Y-chromomere was found to be strongly associated with HDMs demethylate histones pathway (P = 3.55×10−4), autistic behavior (P = 9.36×10−3), spermatogenic failure (P = 6.51×10−8), partial chromosome Y deletion (P = 7.59×10−6) and immune system diseases (P = 4.29×10−3).

Conclusion: Risk Y-haplotypes are more influential along with significant pathogenic exonic in other chromosomes variants for the development of autism in Saudi males.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Polyherbal drug septilin-mediated green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and their potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Candida and drug resistant bacteria

Hassan Al Dhneem 1, Mohammad Azam Ansari 2

Background: Emergence and re-emergence of microbial drug resistance is a global concern that poses a serious threat to human health. Biofilm formation by bacteria and Candida spp. play a major role in pathogenicity.

Objectives: To use polyherbal drug septilin (PDS) as a fuel for the green synthesis of PDS-CuO-NPs and investigate their antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy against Candida and multidrug resistant bacteria.

Method: As-synthesized PDS-CuO-NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD. Antimicrobial activity of NPs was assessed by broth-dilution methods by determining MIC, MBC and MFC. The antibiofilm efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated by Congo red agar and microtiter ELISA methods. Effects of NPs on the morphological structures of C. albicans and MRSA were examined by SEM.

Results: TEM analysis shows that PDS-CuO-NPs were predominantly spherical with an average size of 8 nm. The MIC values of NPs against MRSA, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans were 1.0, 2.5, and 2.5 mg/ ml, respectively, while MBC/MFC values were 4, 10 and 10 mg/ml, respectively. At 2 mg/ml, PDS-CuO-NPs strongly inhibited biofilm formation by 92.91%, 79.84% and 71.57% against P. aeruginosa, MRSA and C. albicans, respectively. SEM shows cells were severely damaged with pits, multiple depressions and irregular cell surface; loss of membrane integrity was also seen, indicating the damage of the cell wall and membrane.

Conclusion: For the first time, CuO-NPs were synthesized from the polyherbal drug septilin. PDS-CuO-NPs strongly suppressed the growth and biofilm formation of bacteria and Candida spp.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Designing and characterization of iron-based metal–organic framework for the delivery of 5-fluorouracil

Latifah Almulla 1,2, Muhammad Nawaz 1

Background: In cancer treatment, there are several disadvantages of using 5-fluorouracil, including poor absorption, toxic side effects and low bioavailability. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have many advantages over other nanoparticles carriers in biomedical applications. MOFs are highly biodegradable material with rapid clearance; can have diverse compositions, shapes and sizes; and are convenient for drug encapsulation because of their large pore sizes and high surface areas.

Objectives: This study aims to design a biocompatible iron-based MOF as a potential carrier for 5-Fluorouracil to treat breast cancer.

Materials and Methods: With the solvothermal method, Fe-MOF was synthesized using terephthalic acid and ferric chloride hexahydrate, and characterized by different instruments. Fe-MOF was mixed with the drug and stirred for 5 days. Assessment against MCF-7 cell line was done by MTT cell proliferation assay.

Results: The crystalline nature of the product was indicated by XRD. The loading of the drug into MOF was indicated by presence of the C–F group in FTIR spectra. Fe-MOF represents mesoporosity with a surface area of 688.55 m2/g, pore size of 5.45 nm and pore volume of 0.638 cm3/g. The spectra clearly indicated that Fe-MOF exhibited absorption in the visible range. At concentration of 100 μg/ml, the cell lost 80% of its viability, which indicated the functionalization of 5-FU@Fe-MOF.

Conclusion: Iron-based MOF loaded with 5-fluorouracil was successfully synthesized and applied for drug delivery system. Fe-MOF is a promising material for use as a carrier of 5-fluorouracil.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

A pilot exome-wide association analysis for candidate genes for ASD in Saudi females

Maram Adnan Alismail 1, Hind Saleh Alsuwat 1, Noor B Almandil 2, Abdulla AlSulaiman 3, Sayed AbdulAzeez 1, J Francis Borgio 1

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears early in childhood and is influenced by multiple factors. It is characterized by deficits in communication, repetitive and restricted behaviors. High heritability of ASD in Saudi Arabia is resulting in increased incidence rates, but it is less commonly reported in females.

Objectives: The study aims to identify significant SNPs associated with increased risk of ASD in Saudi females to provide an insight for early diagnosis and treatment of ASD.

Materials and Methods: This study included Saudi female ASD patients (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 51). Using allelic association analysis tools, a total of 243,345 SNPs were thoroughly investigated and ranked according to their significance. Remarkable SNPs were selected for extended exploration and fine mapping of ASD candidate causal variants.

Results: Five risk SNPs with P ≤ 2.32×10-05 were identified in females. Haplotyping analysis showed the most significant SNP cluster inheritance and high linkage disequilibrium in chromosome 6p22.1 olfactory receptor genes OR12D2 and OR5V1. To expand these results, highly associated genes (56 genes) of Saudi autistic patients (males and females) were compared with the female (49 genes) autistic samples, which revealed that 39 genes are unique biomarkers for females.

Conclusion: Multiple variations in olfactory receptor genes likely contribute to ASD in females. Collectively, accumulation of multiple susceptible SNPs may increase the risk of developing autism in Saudi females.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Synergistic effect of curcumin and clove extracts on the proliferation of colon cancer cells: An in vitro study

Nazek Abdullatif Albenayyan 1, Firdos Alam Khan 2, Adeeb Shehzad Muhammad Siar 3

Background: Human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third leading cancer in the world. Currently, various treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery have been practiced for the treatment and prevention of CRC. These treatment modalities have reached a lower effectiveness in addition to severe side effects and high cost.

Objectives: The objectives of this study is to determine the effect of different concentrations of curcumin alone and in combination with clove extract on human CRC cell line.

Materials and Methods: In this study, same concentrations (5μg/mL, 15μg/mL, 30μg/mL and 60μg/mL) of curcumin alone, clove extract alone and a combination at 15μg/mL concentration were used after cell culture. The responses of curcumin alone and in combination with clove extract-treated HCT-116 cells were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for examining cell viability using an ELISA plate reader, and for cell morphology using an inverted microscope after 24-h and 48-h intervals.

Results: The cell viability percentage of HCT-116 cells decreased after 48 h with 5μg/mL concentration treatments. The cell viability after curcumin extract alone treatment was 30.14%, whereas clove extracts alone and combination of curcumin and clove extracts showed 44.48% and 57.45% cell viability. With 15μg/mL, 30μg/mL and 60μg/mL concentrations of curcumin extract, cell viability percentages were 72.68%, 98.15% and 99%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results suggest that treatment of lower dosage (5μg/mL) of curcumin strongly inhibited the growth of HCT-116 cells, whereas the treatments of clove extracts and combination of curcumin and clove extracts did not show significant inhibitory action on the HCT-116 cells.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Synthesis of Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxNdxFe1.5-2xO4 nanospinel ferrites for cancer therapy

Sarah Abdullatif Alhassan 1*, Abdulhadi Baykal 2

Background: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of great interest in biomedicine because of their wide range of biomedical applications. In recent years, one of the most challenging goals is development of an appropriate method for treating colon and breast cancers.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to synthesize Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxNdxFe1.5-2xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) NPs through sol-gel and ultrasonic sonochemistry. Cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxNdxFe1.5-2xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) NPs.

Materials and methods: In ultrasonication, metal solution was prepared, and its pH was adjusted. The resulting solution was placed in an ultrasonication machine to produce magnetic nanoparticles. In sol-gel, citric acid was added to the metal solution, after which the pH was adjusted. The temperature was increased for solution-gel-powder formation. Powder was calcinated to achieve spinel structure. The samples were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR and TEM. Both samples were applied to control, colon and breast cancer cells. Cell morphology was evaluated by microscopic examination.

Results: The microscopic examinations found that Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxNdxFe1.5-2xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) synthesized using the ultrasonication and sol-gel approaches had varied inhibitory action on both types of cancer compared with the control group cells.

Conclusion: Mn0.5Zn0.5EuxNdxFe1.5-2xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) NPs synthesized through both ultrasonication and sol-gel approaches have selective targeting capability against cancerous cells, and thus could be potential candidate for colon and breast cancer treatments.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Effect of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4) iron oxide nanoparticles on growth, physiology and magnetic nature of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): a comparative study

Norah Albenayyan 1, Huseyin Tombuloglu 1

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) are defined as particles sized 1–100 nm that exhibit properties not found in bulkier samples of the same material. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) possess unique magnetic properties and an ability to function at cellular and molecular level. Their effects on plant systems are not yet well known.

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of different types of iron oxide NPs (maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4)) on growth, physiology and magnetic nature of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants.

Materials and Methods: Plants were grown for three weeks in hydroponic system involving MNPs doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/L). SEM, TEM and confocal microscopy were utilized to determine impact of MNPs' on plant physiology and ultrastructure. Uptake and translocation of MNPs were assessed using vibrating sample magnetometer and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry methods. Dry and fresh weight, chlorophyll level, protein content and catalase activity tests were conducted to assess plant physiological status against applied MNPs.

Results: Confocal microscopy revealed that MNP treatment causes cell death in root cells. The damage was proportionally increased by increasing the dose of MNPs. Catalase activity and soluble protein content was proportionally decreased by increasing the dose of MNPs. Elemental analysis showed that MNPs translocated to leaves, which was proven by magnetic measurements. The doses of MNPs applied showed no toxic effect on barley growth. In fact, it increased plant growth.

Conclusion: Barley seedlings grown in hydroponic-supporting medium uptake and translocate NPs from root to leaves. Damage in root cells increased nutrient uptake, and thus contributed to plant growth. The growth enhancement is also attributed to increased pigmentation (chlorophyll) level and iron uptake. MNPs can be used in plant breeding to enhance development of barley.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Evaluation of hematinics property of Punica granatum against 2-Butoxy ethanol induced haemolytic effect in Wistar rats

Mohammed Salahuddin 1, Norah Al-Mousa 1, Hussain Alhawaj 1

Background: 2-Butoxyethanol has been used in various industrial and consumer household products such as paints, varnishes, engine fluids, floor polishes, glass and leather. According to few reports, 2-butoxyethnaol causes adverse hematological effects in animals and humans. The primary toxicity of this chemical includes reproductive, developmental, immunological and hematological disturbances. Various plants such as beetroot, broccoli, honey and pomegranate are traditionally being used to treat blood disorders.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the hematinic potential of Punica granatum fruit juice against 2-butoxyethanol-induced haemolytic effects.

Materials and Methods: Albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 different groups. Normal control group received only water, while positive control group received 2-butoxyethanol at a dose of 250 mg/kg per oral daily for 3 weeks. The treatment group received 2-butoxyethanol 250 mg/kg per oral daily as well as freshly prepared juice of Punica granatum 5 ml/kg daily per oral for 3 weeks. Body weights and hematological parameters were measured at the end of the study period.

Results: There was no significant change in the body weight of PG treatment group, but there were significant (P < 0.05) changes in the MCV, MCH and PLT count measurements. In addition, other hematological parameters such as RBC, HGB values were found to be stable where and HCT value shows negative impact as compared to the day 1 value.

Conclusion: Exposure of animals to 2-butoxyethanol showed significant adverse effect on haematological parameters, and treatment with Punica granatum juice able to provide mild protection against these adverse effects.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Dy substituted Ni-Co nanospinel ferrites and their microwave absorption properties

Rabail Badar Abbasi 1, Abdulhadi Baykal 2

Background: The need for electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbing material has increased with the increase of high frequency applications, and as such, new materials are being explored for efficient usage. There is need to move from metallic shielding, which operate on reflecting radiation rather than absorbing. Complex iron oxides provide a feasible solution to this issue.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to present the synthesis and characterization of dysprosium-substituted nickel-cobalt nanospinel ferrites (NsFs), where x ≤ 0.08. This paper also aims to find a correlation between the value of ratio and absorbing capability of the compound.

Materials and Methods: For the synthesis of the NsFs, the sol-gel citrate method was used. Metal salts of each component were added in their stoichiometric ratios to form solution, and ammonia was used to adjust pH. After powder formation, the product was calcined to achieve spinel structure, which was confirmed by XRD analysis. SEM and TEM were used to study morphology and homogeneity of compounds. Finally, the co-axial method was used to plot and study reflection losses of samples.

Results and Conclusion: All ratios yielded correct chemical structure with spherical particles. Using EDX and elemental distribution, the chemical formula was confirmed. Products were tested for EMR absorption characteristics and found to be active (i.e., high absorption) in the 2.9–5.5 GHz frequency range because of the natural ferromagnetic resonance of the products. Amplitude-frequency characteristics and x had an inverse relation. Based on these results, Dy substituted Ni-Co NsFs can possibly be used for various applications in radio-electronic devices.

Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2019 Dec 23;8(1):64–71.

Assessment of oxadiazole derivatives against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines

Adeeb Shehzad 1, Raghad Alqahtani 2, Muhammad Taha 1

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial genetic disease and is the third most common cancer, with >1.2 million new cases of diagnosis and >600 000 deaths each year.

Objectives: In the current study, indole-based oxadiazole were synthesized (24 compounds) using various chemical processes to monitor their effectiveness against a human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116).

Materials and Methods: The synthetic compounds were examined using different strategies, which is sub-culturing. HCT-116 cells were cultured in a 96-well plate for 24 hour and then exposed to various concentrations (1, 5, and 10 ug/mL) of drug compounds for another 24 hours. The standard drug doxorubicin was used as a control. MTT assay and the 96-well plate were placed in ELISA plate reader and readings were taken at 570 nm.

Results: MTT results showed that compared with the standard drug doxorubicin (1.53 ± 0.01 μg/ml), 2-methyl-o-tolualdehyde, methyl benzaldehyde p-tolualdehyde, 3-chlorobenzaldehyde, 3-tolualdehyde, 3-dihydroxy benzaldehyde and M-anisaldehyde had better activities (range: 0.39–1.1 μg/ml) against HCT-116 cell lines, indicating a percent cell death of cancer cells.

Conclusion: These results warrant further investigation for the underlying mechanism of action of these 6 compounds through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, detailed toxicity study is required to support therapeutic recommendations of indole-based oxadiazole.

Articles from Saudi Journal of Medicine & Medical Sciences are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

RESOURCES