Unraveling the genomic secrets of Tritonibacter mobilis AK171: a plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated from Avicennia marina.

The scarcity of freshwater resources resulting in a significant yield loss presents a pressing challenge in agriculture. To address this issue, utilizing abundantly available saline water could offer a smart solution. In this study, we demonstrate that the genome sequence rhizosphere bacterium Tritonibacter mobilis AK171, a halophilic marine bacterium recognized for its ability to thrive in saline and waterlogged environments, isolated from mangroves, has the remarkable ability to enable plant growth using saline irrigation. AK171 is characterized as rod-shaped cells, displays agile movement in free-living conditions, and adopts a rosette arrangement in static media. Moreover, The qualitative evaluation of PGP traits showed that AK171 could produce siderophores and IAA but could not solubilize phosphate nor produce hydrolytic enzymes it exhibits a remarkable tolerance to high temperatures and salinity. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome sequence analysis of T. mobilis AK171 to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying its plant growth-promoting abilities in such challenging conditions. Our analysis revealed diverse genes and pathways involved in the bacterium's adaptation to salinity and waterlogging stress. Notably, T. mobilis AK171 exhibited a high level of tolerance to salinity and waterlogging through the activation of stress-responsive genes and the production of specific enzymes and metabolites. Additionally, we identified genes associated with biofilm formation, indicating its potential role in establishing symbiotic relationships with host plants. Furthermore, our analysis unveiled the presence of genes responsible for synthesizing antimicrobial compounds, including tropodithietic acid (TDA), which can effectively control phytopathogens. This genomic insight into T. mobilis AK171 provides valuable information for understanding the molecular basis of plant-microbial interactions in saline and waterlogged environments. It offers potential applications for sustainable agriculture in challenging conditions.

Diagnostic accuracy of intrathecal fluorescein versus other radiological modalities in evaluating non-congenital skull base defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The intraoperative detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during endoscopic skull base surgery is critical to ensure watertight sealed defects. Intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) is a valuable adjunct to intraoperative investigation. Hence, our aim is to summarize the evidence of the efficacy of ITF as an accurate diagnostic modality and reconstruction guide for non-congenital skull base defects. METHODS: Using the Cochrane Central, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, we identified studies involving the use of ITF in non-congenital CSF leaks which were published until November 2023. The STATA 18 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, in which seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. ITF was used in 1898 (90.3%) of patients, with a detection rate of 88.1%. The overall detection rate of non-congenital CSF leaks among ITF concentrations of 5% and 10% had a statistically significant pooled effect size of 2.6 (95% CI = 2.25, 2.95), while when comparing the ITF to other alternative radiological tests, it was not statistically significant with a mean difference of 0.88 (95% CI = - 0.4, 2.16). Moreover, the pooled prevalence was statistically significant in regards of the complications associated with ITF with an effect size of 0.6 (95% CI = 0.39, 0.82), indicating that 60% of patients who underwent ITF would experience at least one of the measured complications. CONCLUSION: ITF is considered as an efficient tool in localizing skull base defects. However, there was no significant results when comparing the ITF to other alternative radiological tests. Accordingly, if the ITF intervention is indicated, patients should be carefully selected based on their clinical need.

Factors affecting Saudi medical students' engagement during synchronous and asynchronous eLearning and their impacts on the students' academic achievement: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic learning (eLearning) has become a necessity in education. eLearning can be either synchronous, where classes are conducted in real-time, or asynchronous, where students can access the class material at any time. Student-instructor interaction has become essential to the educational process. In the literature, most studies have focused on the preferred methods of eLearning and the barriers to interaction in eLearning. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors that affect students' interactions during eLearning and their impacts on students' academic achievements. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical and pre-clinical medical students who were attending universities in five regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a bespoke online self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic features, eLearning barriers, preferences, and the impact of eLearning on students' performance and understanding. RESULTS: This study involved 1371 medical students, of whom 52.37% were male and 51.13% were in their pre-clinical years of medical college. Of the participants, 59.88% (n = 821) preferred synchronous modalities of eLearning, and 33.33% (n = 457) avoided interaction during synchronous lectures. The main predictors of avoiding interaction during online lectures were being male in the clinical years of medical studies, being in a quiet atmosphere, having difficulties using the eLearning platform, having a poor internet connection, having a visual learning style, being insecure, and the presence of opposite-sex students and facilitators. In addition, 12.25% students (n = 168) reported a lower grade point average (GPA), whereas 11.96% (n = 164) reported an improved GPA after eLearning compared with in-person/onsite learning sessions. The GPA fluctuation was related to gender, personality type, learning style, interaction, and eLearning modality preference. Moreover, the students' understanding was enhanced by recorded lectures (n = 1,093, 79.72%) and supportive multimedia (n = 1,037, 75.64%), and the easy to use platform (n = 1037, 75.64%). CONCLUSION: The synchronous modality of eLearning was the preferred teaching method among the medical students. However, multiple individual, technical, and environmental factors affected their interaction, performance, and understanding during these sessions. Hence, future interventional research is recommended to overcome interaction barriers and enhance student performance and understanding of eLearning.

Complete genome sequence analysis of plant growth-promoting bacterium, Isoptericola sp. AK164 isolated from the rhizosphere of Avicennia marina growing at the Red Sea coast.

Isoptericola sp. AK164 is a Gram-positive, aerobic bacterial genus from the family Promicromonosporaceae, isolated from the root rhizosphere of Avicennia marina. AK164 significantly enhanced the growth of the Arabidopsis thaliana plant under normal and saline conditions. These bacteria can produce ACC deaminase and several enzymes playing a role in carbohydrate hydrolyses, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitin degradation, which may contribute to plant growth, salt tolerance, and stress elevation. The genome sequence AK164 has a single circular chromosome of approximately 3.57 Mbp with a GC content of 73.53%. A whole genome sequence comparison of AK164 with type strains from the same genus, using digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculations, revealed that AK164 might potentially belong to a new species of Isoptericola. Genome data and biochemical analyses indicate that AK164 could be a potential biostimulant for improving agriculture in submerged saline land.

Nurses' readiness to prescribe under supervision in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: To explore nurses' readiness to prescribe medications under supervision and identify associations between prescribing practices under supervision and demographic characteristics in Saudi Arabia. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Using convenience sampling, this study used a 32-item survey to collect data on nurses prescribing medications under supervision between December 2022 and March 2023. Results: A total of 379 nurses were recruited from different regions in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 7% (n = 30) of the participants were prescribing medications independently, and 70% (n = 267) expressed their likelihood of becoming prescribers. The highest motivating factors to become prescribers were improvement of patient care (52.2%) and contribution to the multidisciplinary team (52.0%). Most participants (60%-81%) agreed that prescribing medications under supervision would improve potential outcomes at the system, nurse, and patient levels. Availability of appropriate mentors or supervisors (72.9%) was the highest rated facilitating factor, followed by support of nursing colleagues (72%). Based on demographic characteristics, findings revealed significant differences in the: a) likelihood and motivators of becoming prescribers; b) required minimum qualification, years of experience, and continuing professional education hours to become prescribers; and c) type of organizations delivering educational programs for nurse prescribing. Conclusion: Majority of nurses in Saudi Arabia favored becoming prescribers, and motivating factors were mostly relevant to optimizing patient care outcomes. Having the proper supervision was rated as the most facilitating factor for nurse prescribing. Nurses' views on potential outcomes, facilitating factors, and possible motivators varied based on nurses' demographical characteristics. Implications for the professional and/or patient care: Nurses favored prescribing under supervision to improve patient care outcomes, which is an opportunity to expand the benefits of health services, including easy access to healthcare. Impact: Results revealed that nurses support the implementation of prescribing practice under supervision. Thus, the findings may inform practice change in Saudi Arabia to allow prescribing under supervision, which was perceived to have a positive impact on patient care outcomes. Reporting Method: This study adhered to STROBE guidelines.

The prevalence of urinary incontinence symptoms among multiparous women: a survey of Saudi health-care centers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and their relation to childbirth events. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a structured self-administered questionnaire that included the Questionnaire for Female Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis and the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form. The study included 802 women sampled from four primary health care centers in Dammam, KSA. A chi-square test and adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the relation between UI symptoms and obstetric events. RESULTS: Of the participants, 56.6% (n = 454) had at least one UI symptom. Symptoms were most commonly associated with grand multiparity (80.47%), a history of abortion (72%), assisted vaginal delivery (70%), an age of ≤ 18 years at first birth (66.67%) and ≥ 35 years at last birth (75.48%), and a history of macrosomia (84.62%) and episiotomy (67.89%). Unlike the risk of urgency UI, the risk of stress UI was statistically significantly linked to obstetric events. Grand multiparity was associated with a higher risk of both stress UI (odds ratio [OR]: 3.75, confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.68-8.40) and urgency UI (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.07-7.73). CONCLUSION: UI symptoms are common among grand multiparas. Unlike urgency UI, stress UI is associated with previous obstetric events.

Pattern of symptom improvement following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammation of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. Intractable CRS cases are generally treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Although the effect of ESS on CRS symptoms has been studied, the pattern of symptom improvement after ESS for CRS is yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and sequence of symptom improvement after ESS for CRS, and to assess the possible preoperative factors that predict surgical outcomes in CRS patients. METHODS: This was a longitudinal prospective study of 68 patients who had CRS (with or without nasal polyps). The patients underwent ESS at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire was used for assessment at four time points during the study: pre-ESS, 1-week post-ESS, 4 weeks post-ESS, and 6 months post-ESS. RESULTS: The difference between the mean scores recorded for the five SNOT-22 domains pre-ESS and 6 months post-ESS were as follows: rhinologic symptoms (t-test = 7.22, p-value = < 0.001); extra-nasal rhinologic symptoms (t-test = 4.87, p-value = < 0.001); ear/facial symptoms (t-test = 6.34, p-value = < 0.001); psychological dysfunction (t-test = 1.99, p-value = 0.049); and sleep dysfunction (t-test = 5.58, p-value = < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the mean scores recorded for the five domains pre-ESS and 6 months post-ESS. Rhinologic symptoms had the largest effect size (d = 1.12), whereas psychological dysfunction had the least effect size (d = 0.24). The only statistically significant difference in the SNOT-22 mean scores recorded 4 weeks post-ESS was observed between allergic and non-allergic patients (t = - 2.16, df = 66, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Understanding the pattern of symptom improvement following ESS for CRS will facilitate patient counselling and aid the optimization of the current treatment protocols to maximize surgical outcomes and quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective observational.

The comparative assessment of awareness, perspective, and basic practice skills about the Saudi pharmacovigilance system among students of different health-care professionals of a Saudi Female University.

INTRODUCTION: The low reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Saudi Arabia is prevalent among health-care professionals and is responsible for poor ADR signal detection. Therefore, all healthcare institutes connected with patient concern require joint and sustained efforts to strengthen ADR reporting by providing harmless and efficient medication. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The current study was performed to estimate the awareness corresponding to the knowledge, perspective, and basic practice skills about the Saudi pharmacovigilance system among students of different health-care professionals of a Saudi Female University. MATERIAL & METHODS: A questionnaire was planned and standardized by a thorough literature review. Questions were classified: Group 1 had ten knowledge-based, group 2 five attitude-based, and group 3 four basic practice skills-based questions of pharmacovigilance (PV). Also, determinants that hindered them from becoming part of the pharmacovigilance program were reported. Such 600 questionnaires were distributed among the interns, final and prefinal year students of different health care professionals of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh. The participants' awareness and practice skills were graded in 3 categories as unacceptable, inadequate, and adequate, depending upon the mean score along with identification of their type of perception towards PV. The data was interpreted by calculating the frequencies, one-way ANOVA, and by post-hoc Tukey-Kramer HSD multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-two questionnaires were statistically investigated. Students' awareness and basic practice skills of pharmacovigilance were found to be inadequate, but positive perception towards PV. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that awareness and practice skills of PV among students of different health care professionals stand insufficient but favourable perceptions towards PV. Regular educative interventions can increase these parameters of pharmacovigilance.

Comparative assessment of high-risk cardiovascular medication knowledge between practising and student nurses: a descriptive multi-centre study.

Aim To examine unexplored knowledge of cardiovascular highrisk medications and perception thereof among practising nurses and students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods The multicentre cross-sectional quantitative study used an online survey dichotomised into a knowledge test (true/false and multiple choice questions) and a perception assessment (closed-ended questions). Four hundred and eighteen nurses participated in the study. Results In the knowledge test, 19 (4.5%) participants scored high (≥71%), while 83 (19.8%) and 316 (75.5%) demonstrated moderate (score ≥51-70%) and poor performance (score ≤50%), respectively. In a comparative analysis, the knowledge level of staff nurses was significantly higher than the students but not the other nurses' cohort. Nurses' specialty and region of KSA were strongly associated with the knowledge level. Emergency room nurses and those belonging to the eastern region of KSA exhibited higher knowledge levels than other subgroups. A vast majority of nurses, 128 (30.6 %), rated their knowledge of medicines as somewhat sufficient, while quoting insufficient knowledge 226 (54.1%) as the major cause of medication errors. Three hundred and sixteen (75%) nurses expressed interest in undergoing specialised training in high-alert medication-based therapy preferably in a classroom setting by 279 (66.7%). Conclusion This study revealed a marked knowledge deficit in high-risk cardiovascular drugs among nurses. The pharmacological curriculum in nursing schools should be tailored to be clinically oriented and reinforced with problem-based learning. Continued pharmacology education focusing on high-risk drugs should be implemented among nurses to safeguard patient lives by mitigating the risks of medication error.

Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Women Employees in Health Sector: A Perception Study in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Broad evidence points out that women workers in Saudi Arabia face a range of inequitable work practices despite continued efforts for gender equality. The study aims to assess the satisfaction of Saudi women working in the health sector among certain factors in the work environment, factors that enable them to gain opportunities and benefits and make decisions. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which involved the use of closed-ended surveys on 261 Saudi women working in the healthcare sector. Results: Most of the females were aged between 25 and 34 years (59%) and more than half of them worked in the governmental sector (53%). Fifty-eight percent of the females hold clinical jobs, 25% of the administrative jobs were 37% of them have more than 19 years of working experience. The finding showed a significant association between female workers in health sector satisfaction with factors related to the workplace environment, training, and development, and their involvement in decision-making. Conclusion: Most women felt empowered when they received equitable tasks and were able to reach managerial-level positions in their organizations. Establishing a positive work environment characterized by opportunities has the potential to enhance women workers' satisfaction.

Exploring the Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Glycated Haemoglobin A1c Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is fundamental in monitoring glycaemic control during pregnancy. However, several conditions could affect this test's accuracy, including iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Hence, this systematic review delves into the underexplored connection between IDA, iron replacement therapy (IRT), and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) during pregnancy. An electronic search of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted by six authors. From a comprehensive search strategy, 968 records were obtained. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were included, comprising 365 women selected for analysis. Six studies indicated a positive correlation between IDA and HbA1c levels, while one found no correlation. The average HbA1c level of the included studies in pregnant women was 5.64%. In comparison, it was found that non-pregnant women had lower HbA1c levels. Among the included studies, the mean HbA1c levels decreased from 5.1% to 4.89% after treating pregnant women with IRT. The review emphasises the complexity of interpreting HbA1c levels in pregnant women with IDA, highlighting the influence of pregnancy-induced physiological changes. In addition, this suggests that HbA1c should not be the sole criterion for diabetes management in pregnant women with IDA. Future research should focus on alternative glycaemic monitoring methods unaffected by IDA.

Genetic variability of PXR in Saudi Arabians.

Polymorphisms in the PXR gene play important roles in influencing the efficacy and toxicity of a large number of endogenous and exogenous substrates. Because of ethnic specificity, several studies have been directed toward the determination of PXR polymorphisms in various populations. In the current study, we determined the genotype and allele frequencies of 19 coding and regulatory polymorphisms in the PXR gene in Saudi Arabians by direct sequencing. Our results show that the frequencies of the regulatory PXR SNPs in Saudi Arabians differ from those in other ethnic groups, and the results endorse the commonly seen ethnic pattern of a paucity of the PXR coding SNPs.

Determining the Best Approach: Comparing and Contrasting the Impact of Different Coping Strategies on Work-Related Stress and Burnout Among Saudi Commercial Pilots.

Background Many physiological, psychological, and environmental stressors can be experienced by pilots throughout their careers, which may affect their mental and psychological health and their performance consequently. Stressing factors of aviation and commercial operations can result in pilots' burnout, which is a description of the response to chronic emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout and compare the effects of different coping strategies on burnout levels among commercial pilots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2023 Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey utilizing an online form of a validated questionnaire administered to pilots of Saudi commercial airlines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study targeted on-duty Saudi commercial pilots, excluding retired and in-training pilots, with an estimated population of around 2000. A sample size of 311 was determined using an equation considering a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level, and a 60.3% burnout prevalence rate. Non-probability snowball sampling method was used to achieve sample size. Results A total of 321 pilots were included, mostly Saudis. The participants had a median age of 47, and the majority were married with one to two children. BMI classifications showed high percentages of overweight and obese individuals. The study found that most pilots experienced medium levels of burnout (70.1%). Nationality, marital status, and shorter sleeping duration were significantly associated with higher burnout levels. Common challenges included long duties (79.4%), irregular working hours (72.3%), and time away from home (55.5%). Coping strategies included rest and sleep (81%), exercise (59.2%), and relaxation behaviors (50.5%). Stressors such as long duties, irregular working hours, and work conflicts were significantly associated with higher burnout levels. However, no significant associations were found between coping strategies and burnout levels. Conclusion The study found that most pilots experienced medium levels of burnout. In addition, common challenges included long duties, irregular working hours, and time away from home. The study emphasizes the need to address work-related stressors, implement interventions, and support pilots' mental health. Promoting healthy coping strategies and understanding individual resilience is important. Further research and organizational efforts are required to mitigate burnout and enhance the quality of life for aviation professionals, benefiting both individuals and the industry.

Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Breast Cancer Screening Among Women in Saudi Arabia.

Background: According to the World Health Organization, by the end of 2020, an estimated 7.8 million people was living with breast cancer diagnosed between 2015 and 2020; in Saudi Arabia, more than fifty percent of cancer cases are detected in late stages, which results in increased mortality rates and reduces the chances of remission. Breast cancer screening using mammography in women fifty years and older worldwide and in women forty years and older in Saudi Arabia shows a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality. However, screening rates are not satisfactory and require further investigation. Methods: This cross-sectional study included women aged 40 years and older. Data was collected through an online survey distributed via social media platforms to all regions of Saudi Arabia. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to examine the difference in the distribution of study variables among women who had received breast screening and those who had not. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the risk of not having breast cancer screening. Results: A total of 973 participants completed the survey. Among respondents, 476 (48.9%) had been screened at least once in their lifetime. The main motivators for screening were: receiving an advice from a physician (41.8%), interest in early detection (39.8%), and receiving free mammography (29.7%). On the other hand, the main barriers to receiving breast cancer screening were: finding screening unnecessary (24.2%), believing screening to be painful (22.1%), and fearing abnormal results (18.6%). Conclusion: We found that nearly half of the targeted screening group had never received mammography screening. These results warrant urgent attention, as early detection is key to better outcomes. Our study's results aid in better understanding the public's points of view and inform interventions to improve breast cancer.

The Effect of Iron Replacement Therapy on HbA1c Levels in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and its treatment might lead to a distorted reading of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value. Hence, this review aims to systematically investigate the effect of iron replacement therapy (IRT) on HbA1c levels, as the literature is deficient in assessing this clinical phenomenon. METHODS: An electronic search of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted by four independent authors. RESULTS: Among the 8332 articles identified using the search strategy, 10 records (with a total of 2113 participants) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. In nine of the studies, IRT was found to decrease HbA1c levels; in the remaining study, IRT was found to increase HbA1c levels. The effect size of the pooled standardized mean difference in HbA1c levels between the treatment and control groups with IDA was 1.8 (95% CI = -0.5, 2.31). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and χ2 tests, and the resultant values were 98.46% and p = 0.09, respectively. Additionally, the mean difference between the HbA1c levels (pre-IRT and post-IRT) showed a drop in the HbA1c levels which ranged from 1.20 to 0.43 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that IRT decreases HbA1c levels, and it is helpful in treating IDA patients with poor glycemic control. Accordingly, the results provide an added perspective on antidiabetic medication dosing and physicians' interpretation of initially elevated HbA1c values.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Service Barriers among Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) is high in Saudi Arabia, with a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with SCD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with SCD attending hematology clinics at Qatif Central Hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included subsections to collect information from participants, including sociodemographic attributes, SCD characteristics, HRQoL based on SF-36, and opinions regarding barriers to service. Results: Among 272 SCD patients, the highest mean score of HRQoL was observed in the social functioning (SF) domain (65.0±23.4), whereas the lowest score was observed in the role limitations due to physical health (RP) domain (47.2±40.4). The mean score for participants' opinions regarding service provision was 19.27±4.68 (min-max:10-30), and only 24.6% had a positive opinion regarding the accessibility of service provision. A total of 38.6% of the respondents acknowledged shortcomings in the services offered by healthcare staff, and 43% identified weaknesses in communication with healthcare staff. Moreover, 40.1% agreed about feeling stigmatized about their condition. SCD patients who were <40 years old, males, had a university degree, had health insurance, waited <15 minutes before receiving health care, and had positive opinions regarding service provision were more likely to have better HRQoL scores. Conclusion: Adults with SCD exhibited low HRQoL in general, and different factors were related to low HRQoL scores. Counselling, empowerment, and improvement of doctor-patient communication are important strategies to improve healthcare provision, and consequently, HRQoL among adults with SCD.

PlantACT! - how to tackle the climate crisis.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have created a global climate crisis which requires immediate interventions to mitigate the negative effects on all aspects of life on this planet. As current agriculture and land use contributes up to 25% of total GHG emissions, plant scientists take center stage in finding possible solutions for a transition to sustainable agriculture and land use. In this article, the PlantACT! (Plants for climate ACTion!) initiative of plant scientists lays out a road map of how and in which areas plant scientists can contribute to finding immediate, mid-term, and long-term solutions, and what changes are necessary to implement these solutions at the personal, institutional, and funding levels.

Genetic variability and haplotype profile of MDR1 in Saudi Arabian males.

Polymorphisms in multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene play an important role in influencing the pharmacological action and toxicity profile of a large number of therapeutic agents, and in human susceptibility to various diseases. Because of genotypic variability, several studies were directed toward determination of the frequencies of MDR1 polymorphisms and/or haplotypes in different ethnic populations. In this study, we determined the frequencies of the most common three polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene (i.e., C1236T, G2677T, and C3435T) in Saudi Arabians and their haplotypes. Our results showed that the frequencies of 1236T, 2677T, and 3435T were 43.7 %, 40.2 %, and 42.2 %, respectively. In addition, the frequencies of the most common MDR1 haplotypes, C-G-C and T-T-T, were correspondent to 48.8 and 35.5 %. Furthermore, we identified moderate to strong linkage disequilibrium between the loci of these single nucleotide polymorphisms in the studied subjects. These identified frequencies in Saudi Arabians are different from that reported in the other ethnic groups.

Effects of Iron Deficiency and Its Indicators on Lymphocyte Subsets: A Study at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency plays an important role in our body's immunity. Several studies have shown that it is frequently associated with infections. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to discover the effect of iron deficiency on immunity by demonstrating changes occurring in lymphocyte subsets among patients with an established diagnosis of iron deficiency. METHODS: A total of 64 iron-deficient patients and 19 healthy controls were included. Complete blood counts, serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were assessed. Lymphocyte subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among iron-deficient patients, the anemic ones (Hb ≤11 g/dL) showed significantly lower absolute lymphocyte counts (p=0.013), lower relative and absolute NK-cell counts (p=0.025 and p=0.003, respectively), higher relative T-cell and CD4+-cell counts (p=0.026 and p=0.002, respectively). B cells and CD8+ T cells were not affected by any iron-deficiency indicators. Iron-deficient anemia patients showed a three- to fourfold increase in risk of having recurrent infections. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency has an obvious effect on lymphocyte subsets. Changes in lymphocyte subsets started mainly in response to decreased hemoglobin, rather than decreased ferritin and/or iron. Synchronously decreased hemoglobin and increased total iron-binding capacity led to absolute decreases in total lymphocytes, mainly NK cells, and relative increases in T cells, mainly the helper ones. Monitoring changes in lymphocyte subsets may be helpful in identifying patients at risk of recurrent infections.