Evaluation of the Effect of Carvedilol on the Thioredoxin Pathway in H9C2 Rat Cardiomyocytes

The thioredoxin (Trx) system is an endogenous antioxidant system that affects cell function and survival through controlling cellular redox status. Trx and TrxR are the main enzymes in this system while thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is a negative regulator. This study’s goal was to better understand the Trx system’s involvement in the cardiovascular disease and modulate the pathway through drug treatment. Carvedilol is a non-selective β-blocker that also exhibits antioxidant properties, but the exact mechanism of the antioxidant effect is still unclear. H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes were used to examine the effect of carvedilol on the Trx system under normal conditions. Interestingly, carvedilol was able to decrease TXNIP not through its expression or proteasomal degradation but through increased TXNIP nuclear localization. Immunoprecipitation also showed an increase in TXNIP-PARP complexation in the nucleus and a decrease in Trx-TXNIP complexation in the cytosol. The results indicate that carvedilol may exhibit its antioxidant activity through altering TXNIP subcellular localization. TXNIP is known to be important in both physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. Western blot data showed that TXNIP in the cytosol will increase with increasing glucose concentration. Oxidative stress inducers such as doxorubicin, hypoxiareoxygenation, and radiation were able to decrease cytosolic TXNIP. Doxorubicin is a commonly utilized anticancer drug that induces oxidative stress and therefore causes cardiac toxicity. A study was conducted to determine if carvedilol could protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through TXNIP modulation. Carvedilol and doxorubicin alone reduced cytosolic TXNIP. Doxorubicin increased mitochondrial translocation of TXNIP accompanied by the induction of apoptosis. However, carvedilol was not able to prevent TXNIP mitochondrial translocation, but it did protect against doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. The complex of Trx2 and the proapoptotic ASK1 in the mitochondria was increased with carvedilol pretreatment followed by doxorubicin exposure. The increase in the ASK1-Trx2 complex can reduce apoptosis through decreased ASK1 activation. This was confirmed through Western blot of cleaved PARP. The findings are consistent with reports of TXNIP’s response to mild oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time that carvedilol impacts TXNIP localization and complexation and that the Trx pathway may be involved in carvedilol’s observed cardioprotective effect

Phonological adaptation of English loanwords into Qassimi Arabic :an optimality- theoretic account

IPhD ThesisWithin the field of loanword phonology, this study enhances our understanding of the role played by the contrastive features of the borrowing language in shaping the segmental adaptation patterns of loanwords from the source language. This has been achieved by performing a theoretical analysis of the segmental adaptation patterns of English loanwords into Qassimi Arabic, a dialect spoken in the region of Qassim in central Saudi Arabia, using an Optimality-Theoretic framework. The central argument of this study assumes that the inputs to QA are fully-specified English outputs, which serve as inputs to QA. Then, the native grammar of QA allows only the phonological features of inputs to surface that are contrastive in QA. Thus, redundant or noncontrastive phonological features in QA are eliminated from the outputs. The evidence behind the argument that the contrastive features of QA segments play a main role in the adaptation process emerges from adapting the English segments that are non-native in QA. For instance, English lax vowels /ɪ/, /ʊ/, /æ/ are adapted as their tense counterparts in QA [i], [u] and [a]. I have argued that the reason for this adaptation lies in the fact that the feature [ATR] is not a contrastive feature within the QA vowel inventory. Therefore, dispensing with the value of the input feature [-ATR] culminates in the tense vowels appearing at the surface level. To identify the contrastive features of QA phonological inventory, I rely on the Contrastive Hierarchy Theory proposed by Dresher (2009). This theory suggests that phonological features should be ordered hierarchically to obtain only the contrastive features of any phonological inventory. This is achieved by dividing any inventory into subsets of features until each segment is distinguished contrastively from all others. Therefore, the features of QA segments are built initially into a contrastive hierarchy model. Within this hierarchy, features are created and ordered according to one or more of the following motivations: Activity, Minimality and Universality. Finally, the contrastive hierarchy of QA segment inventory is converted into OT constraints. The ranking of these constraints is sufficient to account for the evaluations of the segmental adaptation patterns of loanwords from English into QA. For instance, based on the contrastive hierarchy of QA, /b/ is contrastively specified as [-sonorant, +labial, -continuant]. In the adaptation of English consonants, the English input segment /p/ is mapped consistently to [b] in the QA. In this case, the contrastive hierarchy of QA consonant inventory contains the co-occurrence constraints *[αVoice, +labial] and *[αCoronal, +labial], which filter the input features if the input is fully-specified [-sonorant, +labial, -coronal, -continuant, -voiced, …], and permits only the contrastive features [-sonorant, +labial, -continuant] to surface.Qassim University in Saudi Arabi

Privatisation of school education in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: a study of its implementation

This thesis is a qualitative case study set in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The research identifies the most appropriate privatisation model among various options to ensure high-quality education and reduce government spending while maintaining equality in the KSA. The study examines the current models of private sector participation in the Saudi education sector and the role of the government in regulating their participation. It also highlights the factors that either support or hinder privatisation and public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the Saudi context. The data were collected from semi-structured interviews and focus groups discussions with policymakers, private sector representatives, school principals, teachers and parents at the macro and meso level and by analysing documents related to Saudi Vision 2030, the privatisation strategy and Ministry of Education initiatives. The findings reveal that a range of PPPs exists in the Saudi education context. However, these PPPs are predominantly informal and voluntary. Moreover, stakeholders from both the macro and meso level have varying understandings of privatisation. The study concludes that privatisation of education in the KSA is constrained by political, regulatory and financial impediments as well as practical barriers related to capacity and evaluation mechanisms. Based on the findings, the study proposes a PPP model consisting of non-profit schools, including specific goals and a framework for implementation. The study contributes to educational policies and research by generating fresh insights into the privatisation of public schools. The proposed model, the suggested PPP framework and the recommendations will serve as a guideline for the promotion of public-private collaboration in education in the KSA

The Appropriateness of the Performance of Jordanian Chemical Industrial Companies for the Accounting Basics on Sustainable Development

This study aimed to evaluate the environmental, social and economic performance of Jordanian Chemical Industrial Companies, to show the appropriateness of that performance with the accounting on sustainable development. A questionnaire was designed to study the practical side, it was distributed to a study sample of (10) companies from Jordanian Companies of Chemical Industries listed on Amman Stock Exchange until 31/12/2013. The questionnaire was designed for the purpose of arbitration on a group of professors and experts in the fields of accounting, management, environment and industry, as well as in the practical field of study. The results of this study is that the commitment of departments of Jordanian Companies for Chemical Industries in applying sustainable development helps in measuring the financial and non-financial performance of the company, and that there is interest in the requirements of the improvement and development of performance and production that lead to profitability, maintain market share and achieve economic benefits for the environment and society. The recommendations is the need that Jordanian Companies for Chemical Industries have to pay more attention to disclose about the procedures of applying the principles of sustainable development to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of evaluating and monitoring the performance of the financial and non-financial management  periodically, and develop the capacities of the environment staff and technicians in the government departments concerned with the environment to assess the requirements of the surrounding community. Keywords: Financial and Non-Financial Performance, Environmental, Social and Economic Performance, Accounting for Sustainable Development

Awareness of the General population about Influenza Vaccine in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Increasing national influenza vaccination rates continues to be a challenge for Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the Saudi public perceptions toward seasonal influenza vaccination and their association with the rate of vaccination. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study includes the general population in Tabuk, Northern Saudi Arabia. The study includes Saudi and none Saudi who speaks Arabic or English, from any age group (18-60 years), male or female, any level of education (from primary to university or more) and low, moderate or high socioeconomic level. Results: Regarding to gender, the study showed that the largest percentage of the study members are male with a percentage of (63.3 %), while there is a percentage of (36.6%) females. According to” Received influenza vaccine” there are (63.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes) and (36.6%) of the respondents chose (No). according to” Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing influenza infection” there are (53.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes), (26.66%) of the respondents chose (No) and (20%) chose (Don’t Know). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the rate of seasonal influenza vaccination is moderate among the Saudi population, which necessitates the launching of public awareness campaigns about the importance of the seasonal influenza vaccine

THE INFLUENCE OF METHOMYL AND OPIOIDS ON THE DECOMPOSITION OF RABBIT CARCASSES AND INSECT SUCCESSION

Internal decomposition starts in corpses after death due to microorganisms. It is accompanied by the arrival of forensic insects to the corpses in succession shortly after death according to the stages of decomposition. Their arrival is affected by several factors, including temperature, humidity, and geographical location. The exposition of rabbits to toxin chemicals such as chemical pesticides and drugs before death can delay the decomposition of corpses or affect forensic insects. This study examined the impact of methomyl and morphine on the arrival of insects and the decomposition period for treated buried rabbits in the rural area of the holy city of Kadhimiya in Baghdad. Five species of dipterans have been recorded as belonging to four families, namely Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, and Ulididae, and six species of coleopterans belong to five families, that is Histeridae, Dermestidae, Cleridae, Staphylinidae, and Nitidulidae. Moreover, six hymenopteran species belonging to three families were recorded, i.e., Pteromalidae, Chalcididae, and Formicidae. The study results show that rabbit bodies decompose faster with morphine treatment, followed by the control treatment and then the methomyl treatment by 15.17, 17.17, and 20.17 days after death, respectively. Also, insects are found in rabbit corpses according to the stages of decomposition and, as such, can be used as forensic evidence to determine the cause of death

Pharmacological Potential of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Nano-Emulsion for Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Animals’ Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The most common female endocrinopathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), generally affects women of childbearing age. Hippophae rhamnoides L. has been traditionally used to improve menstrual cyclicity. Gas chromatography by flame ionization detection analysis showed that it contained various phytoconstituents such as omega-3 fatty acid, phytosterols, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. H. rhamnoides L. (HR) nano-emulsion was also formulated. HR and its encapsulated nano-emulsion (HRNE) were evaluated for the treatment of PCOS. Thirty-five healthy female adult albino rats were acquired and divided into seven groups (n = 5). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used for 5 weeks to induce the disease. To confirm disease (PCOS) induction, the animals were weighed weekly and their vaginal smears were analyzed daily under a microscope. After PCOS induction, animals were treated with metformin, HR, and HRNE with two different doses (0.5/kg and 1 g/kg, p.o.) for 5 weeks. At the end of the treatment, animals were euthanized, and blood was collected for hormonal assessment, lipid profiling, and liver functioning test assessment. Both the ovaries were preserved for histopathology and liver for the purpose of assessment of antioxidant potential. The results revealed that HR and HRNE at both doses improved the hormonal imbalance; follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone levels are increased, while luteinizing hormone surge and testosterone level are controlled. Insulin sensitivity is improved. Ovarian histopathology showed that normal ovarian echotexture is restored with corpus luteum and mature and developing follicles. HR and HRNE also improved the lipid profile and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) with improved antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH). Results were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and were considered significant only if p < 0.05. In conclusion, it can be postulated that H. rhamnoides L. proved effective in the management of PCOS and its nano-emulsion effects were statistically more significant, which might be due to better bioavailability