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This paper aims to analyze and compare imperfective forms and implications in Hijazi Arabic, situated in the ongoing grammaticalization process of a progressive aspect marker across Arabic vernaculars. In Modern Standard Arabic, an eventive imperfective verb is ambiguous, as it could be given a progressive or a habitual reading. In the context of /min al-muhtamali ʔan/ “of the likely” however, it can only be given a future shifted reading. In Hijazi Arabic on the other hand, the study findings showed that eventive imperfective verbs are always ambiguous despite the context. With regard to the progressive aspect marker, it was revealed that Hijazi Arabic behaves like other dialects in that a marker has developed out of the active participle of the verb “sit” to indicate a progressive reading. Even though the newly developed marker in Hijazi Arabic does not require an animate subject and appears with verbs having seemingly conflicting meanings (e.g., “sit” used with “swim”), it has not lost its lexical meaning, and a short form has not been developed like in other dialects, such as Maltese and Iraqi Arabic.

Objectives To compare complications in neonates who had umbilical venous catheter (UVC) versus peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), percentage of non-elective removal of central catheters, and to compare complications of PICC in the upper limb compared with the lower limb.Design A prospective cross-sectional cohort study.Setting Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Participants All infants who are admitted to the unit requiring central catheter insertion were included in the study.Primary outcome measure Complications of central catheters in infants admitted to the NICU.Results A total of 415 central catheters were involved in this study (206 UVCs and 209 PICCs (85 in the lower limb, 99 in the upper limb and 25 in the head and neck). The median birth weight of the neonates was 1470 grams (1000–2215). Low birth weight was the most common reason for central catheter insertion, which accounted for 59.8%. Neonatologists were the main insertor for the majority of the cases. The median dwell days for the study sample were 11.00 (7.00–16.50) days. Complications were more common across PICC cases compared with UVC cases (p=0.001). There was non-elective removal of PICC (32.1%) compared with UVC (22.8%) (p=0.035). Phlebitis, occlusion, local infiltrate and leakage were more common in PICC compared with UVC (p0.05).Conclusion Close monitoring during extended dwell times is crucial. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness of CLABSI risk factors and adhering to best practices for central catheter maintenance. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant about the differences in complication rates between PICC and UVC, tailoring their approach accordingly.

Global climate change-related water deficit negatively affect the growth, development and yield performance of multiple cereal crops, including durum wheat. Therefore, the improvement of water-deficit stress tolerance in durum wheat varieties in arid and semiarid areas has become imperative for food security. Herein, we evaluated the water deficiency resilience potential of two marker-free transgenic durum wheat lines (AlSAP-lines: K9.3 and K21.3) under well-watered and water-deficit stress conditions at both physiological and agronomic levels. These two lines overexpressed the AlSAP gene, isolated from the halophyte grass Aeluropus littoralis, encoding a stress-associated zinc finger protein containing the A20/AN1 domains. Under well-watered conditions, the wild-type (WT) and both AlSAP-lines displayed comparable performance concerning all the evaluated parameters. Ectopic transgene expression exerted no adverse effects on growth and yield performance of the durum wheat plants. Under water-deficit conditions, no significant differences in the plant height, leaf number, spike length, and spikelet number were observed between AlSAP-lines and WT plants. However, compared to WT, the AlSAP-lines exhibited greater dry matter production, greater flag leaf area, improved net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency. Notably, the AlSAP-lines displayed 25 % higher grain yield (GY) than the WT plants under water-deficit conditions. The RT-qPCR-based selected stress-related gene (TdDREB1, TdLEA, TdAPX1, and TdBlt101-2) expression analyses indicated stress-related genes enhancement in AlSAP-durum wheat plants under both well-watered and water-deficit conditions, potentially related to the water-deficit resilience. Collectively, our findings support that the ectopic AlSAP expression in durum wheat lines enhances water-deficit resilience ability, thereby potentially compensate for the GY loss in arid and semi-arid regions.

Using plant extracts as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a significant green approach toward sustainability. This study investigates beetroot juice (BRJ), betanin, and their liposomal formulations (Lip-BRJ, Lip-Bet) as photosensitizers in cancer PDT. BRJ was prepared, and its betanin content was quantified via HPLC. The p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO)/imidazole technique monitored the singlet oxygen formation. BRJ and betanin decreased the RNO absorbance at 440 nm by 12% and 9% after 45 min of irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, betanin interaction with Bcl-2 proteins was examined using binding free energy analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The results revealed favorable interactions with ΔG values of −40.94 kcal/mol. Then, BRJ, betanin, Lip-BRJ, and Lip-Bet were tested as photosensitizers on normal (HEK 293) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of Lip-Bet on HEK 293 cells (20% cell viability at 2000 µg/mL) and A549 cells (13% cell viability at 1000 µg/mL). For Lip-BRJ, irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cells at lower concentrations and on A549 cells at all tested concentrations. These results proved the positive effect of light and liposomal encapsulation on the anticancer activity of betanin and BRJ, suggesting the efficiency of liposomal beetroot pigments as green photosensitizers.

Abstract Obesity among adolescents is a global health apprehension which requires early prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the association between lifestyle habits including physical activity, sedentary behaviors and eating habits with obesity indices of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) among male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We randomly selected 471 secondary school male adolescents aged 14–18 years. A pre-validated self-reported questionnaire was used to record the data on physical activity level, sedentary behaviors, sleep duration and eating habits. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cutoff values for adolescents under 18 years of age were used to define overweight and obesity. Total energy expenditure was calculated using metabolic equivalent-minutes per week. Anthropometry including weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, waist/height ratio (WHtR), were assessed. 53.7% and 48.4% of the adolescents were overweight/obese and had abdominal obesity; respectively. Those with overweight and obesity or above 50% of WHtR were much less active in terms of METs-min/week from vigorous-intensity sports, sum of all METs-min/week from all vigorous-intensity physical activity, total METs-min/week from all physical activity compared with non-obese adolescents and below 50% of WHtR. The present study identified the lifestyle habits that were associated with obesity and may represent valid targets for the prevention and management of obesity among Saudi adolescents. Knowledge of the factors that contribute to obesity could be used in preventive programs for the control of obesity among adolescents.

Abstract The honey bee is responsible for pollination of a large proportion of crop plants, but the health of honey bee populations has been challenged by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Mite infestation is the main cause of colony losses during the winter months, which causes significant economic challenges in apiculture. Treatments have been developed to control the spread of varroa. However, many of these treatments are no longer effective due to acaricide resistance. In a search of varroa-active compounds, we tested the effect of dialkoxybenzenes on the mite. A structure–activity relationship revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene is most active of a series of dialkoxybenzenes tested. We found that three compounds (1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene, 1,4-diallyloxybenzene and 1,4-dipropoxybenzene) cause paralysis and death of adult varroa mites, whereas the previously discovered compound, 1,3-diethoxybenzene, which alters host choice of adult mites in certain conditions, did not cause paralysis. Since paralysis can be caused by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a ubiquitous enzyme in the nervous system of animals, we tested dialkoxybenzenes on human, honey bee and varroa AChE. These tests revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene had no effects on AChE, which leads us to conclude that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene does not exert its paralytic effect on mites through AChE. In addition to paralysis, the most active compounds affected the ability of the mites to find and remain at the abdomen of host bees provided during assays. A test of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene in the field, during the autumn of 2019 in two locations, showed that this compound has promise in the treatment of varroa infestations.

In this study, we intensively measured the longitudinal productivity and survival of 362 commercially managed honey bee colonies in Canada, over a two-year period. A full factorial experimental design was used, whereby two treatments were repeated across apiaries situated in three distinct geographic regions: Northern Alberta, Southern Alberta and Prince Edward Island, each having unique bee management strategies. In the protein supplemented treatment, colonies were continuously provided a commercial protein supplement containing 25% w/w pollen, in addition to any feed normally provided by beekeepers in that region. In the fumagillin treatment, colonies were treated with the label dose of Fumagilin-B® each year during the fall. Neither treatment provided consistent benefits across all sites and dates. Fumagillin was associated with a large increase in honey production only at the Northern Alberta site, while protein supplementation produced an early season increase in brood production only at the Southern Alberta site. The protein supplement provided no long-lasting benefit at any site and was also associated with an increased risk of death and decreased colony size later in the study. Differences in colony survival and productivity among regions, and among colonies within beekeeping operations, were far larger than the effects of either treatment, suggesting that returns from extra feed supplements and fumagillin were highly contextually dependent. We conclude that use of fumagillin is safe and sometimes beneficial, but that beekeepers should only consider excess protein supplementation when natural forage is limiting.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) post-COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) in pediatric emergency departments in Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in the pediatric emergency department in the Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the HCWs using an online survey. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality, and the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) to measure HCWs' PTSD. Results: Of the 107 HCWs, 87.9% were females, and 56.1% were aged between 25 to 35 years. Around 29% of pediatric emergency HCWs were considered to have PTSD symptoms. Poor sleep quality was detected in 61.7% of HCWs. There was a significant association between PTSD symptoms and all domains of PSQI, including the total PSQI score. However, no significant relationship was observed between the level of PTSD and all socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: The prevalence of PTSD symptoms among pediatric emergency HCWs was 29%. PTSD greatly influences sleep quality, but there was no relevance with HCWs demographic profiles. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to establish the prevalence of PTSD and its effect on the sleep quality of HCWs in the study region. [SJEMed 2023; 4(1.000): 006-011]

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with multimorbidity and high treatment burden. Pill-burden is one component of the overall treatment burden. However, little is known about its magnitude and contribution to the overall treatment burden among patients with advanced stages of CKD. This study aimed to quantify the magnitude of pill-burden in dialysis-dependent vs. non-dialysis-dependent advanced-stage CKD patients and its association with treatment burden. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study for the assessment of pill-burden and treatment burden among non-dialysis and hemodialysis (HD)-dependent CKD patients. Pill-burden was quantified as “number of pills/patient/week” through electronic medical record, while treatment burden was assessed using the “Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ)”. Furthermore, oral and parenteral medication burden was also quantified. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis, including Mann – Whitney U test and two-way between groups analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Among the 280 patients included in the analysis, the median (IQR) number of prescribed chronic medications was 12 (5.7) oral and 3 (2) parenteral medications. The median (IQR) pill-burden was 112 (55) pills/week. HD patients experienced higher pill-burden than non-dialysis patients [122 (61) vs. 109 (33) pills/week]; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.81). The most commonly prescribed oral medications were vitamin D (90.4%), sevelamer carbonate (65%), cinacalcet (67.5%), and statins (67.1%). Overall, patients who had high pill-burden (≥112 pills/week) had significantly higher perceived treatment burden compared to low pill-burden patients (

Red radish is a nutritious root vegetable crop that has a short production cycle. Water deficit limits plant productivity, affecting its quantity and quality. Compost amendment offers a potential solution to mitigate water deficit effects. This study assessed the impact of compost manure rates (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and irrigation treatments (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of evapotranspiration) on ‘Crimson Giant’ red radish production. Significant differences in growth and quality were observed among these treatments. Compost rates of 75% and 100% improved leaf gas exchange, plant growth (leaf count, fresh weight, dry weight, and area; stem length), root development, total yield (root fresh weight, dry weight, diameter, and length), and root quality (vitamin C and total soluble solid and titratable acidity). The 100% compost and 100% irrigation combination achieved the highest yields. Under water deficit, applying 75% or 100% compost with 80% irrigation conserved 20% of water while maintaining radish output. Overall, compost amendment effectively enhanced red radish growth and production under water deficit.

Aim:We described the demographic and etiological characteristics of drug-induced intoxication cases who were admitted to the adult emergency department of our hospital between 01.01.2017 and 31.12.2017 and how much they cost to the Social Security Institution.Materials and Methods:This was descriptive research, and the records of the patients who were admitted to the adult emergency service and diagnosed with drug intoxication between January 01, 2017 and December 31, 2017 were obtained from the automation system and analyzed retrospectively.Results:The data of 83 patients were evaluated in our study. 63.9% (n=53) of the patients were female and 36.1% (n=30) were male. Intoxications were most common in the 18-24 age group (48.2%; n=40). 92.8% (n=77) of the patients took the drug to commit suicide, and the majority of the intakes (60.2%; n=50) were due to single drug intake. The most common used drugs are antidepressants. The treatment costs increased significantly in the cases of suicidal intake (p=0.038) and multiple drug intake (p=0.035).Conclusion:Most of the drug-induced intoxications occurred because of suicidal intake. An important part of the drugs used for this purpose are psychiatric drugs. Therefore, the presence of psychiatric symptoms should be investigated in patients diagnosed with drug intoxication, and psychological support should be provided when necessary.

Background: The huge global diabetes burden and the paucity of diabetes specialists make primary care physicians important stakeholders in controlling diabetes. Hence, we examined the predictors of glycaemic control among primary care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highlighting the influence of prior internist encounters during the preceding year on glycaemic control. Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study involved 276 T2DM patients systematically recruited from attendees of a general outpatient clinic (GOPC) in Kano, Nigeria. Data regarding their sociodemographic, clinical and internist encounter and GOPC visit characteristics were collected. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: Most participants (56.5%) were females; their mean age was 57.7 ± 9.6 years, mean glycated haemoglobin level was 7.3 ± 1.9%. Age, educational level, ethnicity, insurance status, current blood pressure (BP), treatment type, medication adherence, awareness of the importance of diet in DM control, specialist diabetic clinic visited, number of GOPC visits and prior encounter with an internist in the preceding year were associated with glycaemic control after bivariate analysis (P < 0.05). On multivariate regression, low education, retirees, being self-employed, uninsured, overweight, having optimal BP, using metformin alone, sulphonylurea-metformin and insulin-based treatments and prior encounter with the internist in the preceding year were predictors of optimal glycaemic control. Conclusion: There are multiple predictors of glycaemic control in this setting. These predictors should be considered in glycaemic control risk stratification towards quality individualised care, which includes establishing referral protocols to available specialists. Regular training of primary care physicians on diabetes care is also required.

Purpose: Clubfoot is among the most common musculoskeletal congenital anomalies. Poor understanding of clubfoot can cause lack of awareness that leads to complications in treating this condition because of late medical intervention. This is considered as a significant public health problem, especially in communities where the burden of clubfoot deformity remains unrecognized. We assessed the level of awareness and knowledge on clubfoot among residents of rural areas and determined the knowledge and attitudes of the public toward the risk factors and general consequences of clubfoot. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to July 2021, included the general population of small city and rural area residents. The participants completed a self-administered survey on the web. The questionnaire was pre-tested in a pilot study to ensure comprehension and ease of administration. Results: Altogether, 41.6% of the participants recognized the scientific name of clubfoot in their native language, whereas 38.9% identified the disorder after they were shown a photograph of it. The most recognized risk factors of clubfoot according to the participants were family history (52.2%), complicated pregnancy (46.5%), and medications (43.4%). Only 8.8% of the participants considered casting the initial treatment of clubfoot. Conclusion: An individual’s residential area plays a role in their level of awareness concerning clubfoot. Our results suggest that many educational interventions for clubfoot must be provided in rural areas, particularly regarding therapeutic options and plans of care.

The GIS-aided spatial interpolation was applied on collected groundwater data to predict selected parameters (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature) for the selected water wells distributed over Mosul City in Iraq. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on collected samples to explore the statistical indices. The skewness test was also employed to test the distribution of data sets around their mean values. The natural logarithms function achieved least skewness values and thus was applied to transfer data sets in order to adjust normality of the data sets distribution. Among all applied semivariogram models, the J-Bessel semivariogram model was optimal in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) values. The average standard errors were 0.2217, 740.5, and 1.209 for pH, EC, and temperature, respectively.

Multiple abiotic stresses negatively impact wheat production all over the world. We need to increase productivity by 60% to provide food security to the world population of 9.6 billion by 2050; it is surely time to develop stress-tolerant genotypes with a thorough comprehension of the genetic basis and the plant’s capacity to tolerate these stresses and complex environmental reactions. To approach these goals, we used multivariate analysis techniques, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model for prediction, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to enhance the reliability of the classification, multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) to detect the ideotype, and the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index to recognize genotypes with stability that are highly productive. Six tolerance multi-indices were used to test twenty wheat genotypes grown under multiple abiotic stresses. The AMMI model showed varying differences with performance indices, which disagreed with the trait and genotype differences used. The G01, G12, G16, and G02 were selected as the appropriate and stable genotypes using the MGIDI with the six tolerance multi-indices. The biplot features the genotypes (G01, G03, G11, G16, G17, G18, and G20) that were most stable and had high tolerance across the environments. The pooled analyses (LDA, MGIDI, and WAASB) showed genotype G01 as the most stable candidate. The genotype (G01) is considered a novel genetic resource for improving productivity and stabilizing wheat programs under multiple abiotic stresses. Hence, these techniques, if used in an integrated manner, strongly support the plant breeders in multi-environment trials.

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about monkeypox and confidence in dealing with monkeypox diagnosis and management among resident physicians in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The data of this cross-sectional study were collected online through a structured questionnaire (N = 315). Knowledge about monkeypox was assessed by 24 questions and a three-item scale assessed confidence in managing monkeypox cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations. Overall, two-thirds of the respondents (67.3%) showed good knowledge about monkeypox and the rest of them (32.7%) had poor knowledge. Respondents who received a copy of the Saudi MOH protocol for monkeypox and attended any conference or lecture about monkeypox were more likely to have good knowledge about monkeypox. Moreover, almost two-thirds of the participants were not confident that they could diagnose or manage the monkeypox. Respondents who received information about monkeypox during residency or medical school had higher confidence in managing monkeypox cases. It can be concluded that the Saudi healthcare system has scope to take necessary steps to contain the monkeypox endemic. The Saudi MOH should arrange conferences and educational programs on monkeypox so that healthcare professionals can improve their knowledge and be confident in the management and diagnosis of monkeypox cases.

Rose-ringed parakeet (P. krameri) is commonly found native psittacid in Pakistan. It is most popular companion bird in Pakistan. It is an unprotected species as per The Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974. The objectives of the present study were to study its population paradigm and basic nesting biology in the Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. Previously, no studies were carried out to assess its live and vacant nest cavities, nesting site, nest height, cavity position on substrate, and potential roosts in the area. Moreover, this study also assesses the potential threats and factors in this area and conservation of the parakeet. Results show that in the study area (36.77%) active and (63.22%) inactive nests were found. A total of 10 tree species were utilized to make nests. It was found Ficus bengalensis, Syzygium cumini, Morus alba, Melia azedarach and Broussonetia papyrifera as the most used tree species for nesting due to more frequencies and old ages. Parakeets make nest at 3-11 m height. The preferred nest height (42.48%) was in the range of 7-9 m, while (5.88%) least at 3-5 m height. For safety reasons they made more nests (45.09%) on the tree trunk followed by terminal (31.37%) and at fork (23.52%). Due to smaller thriving population we found only (mean=7±4) parakeets during roost counting. Severe cutting of trees, destruction of its habitat and poaching for selling in the bird market are the main causes of its population decline. Government must change its status from unprotected to protected species and should ban its dealing for pet.

Cardiovascular disease is a well-known and widely studied disease. Epidemiological studies indicated that the mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases increases every year. According to the WHO (world health organization) report, cardiovascular disease is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, also reported that 42% of the non-communicable disease death is associated with cardiovascular disease in Saudi Arabia. Various reports suggest that heart disease is associated with several risk factors. Moreover, diabetes is one of the high-risk factors. Clinical result suggests a good association between diabetes and cardiovascular complications. In the present work, we focus on some of the important risk factors responsible for heart disease such as weight, blood pressure, age, and diabetes. A set questionnaire, which includes all the parameters associated with cardiovascular disease, was prepared. Data collected from the heart patient’s records of different hospitals in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. We applied statistical tools to analyze the data. Our results shows very interactive and significant pattern. We found significant inter-correlation between the different risk factors. In conclusion, the inter-correlation among different risk factors of heart disease is found. It is suggested that both pre and post-heart patients should be more concern about these risk factors. Moreover, this study can be used for further research, and, will increase people awareness regarding their healthy choice.

Current study was designed to assess habitat utilization of field rats in crop fields and adjacent natural vegetation in District Rawalpindi. The rodents are widely distributed and a serious agricultural pest in Pakistan. Relative abundance of rodent populations changes seasonally under field conditions. The field trials were conducted in district Rawalpindi of the Pothwar area, Pakistan. Wild vegetation plays an important role for providing shelter/cover to the rodent during non-crop season. The dominant wild vegetation recorded from field boundaries were: Cynodon dactylon, Achyranthes aspera, Aerva javanica Saccharum griffithii, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Dichanthium annulatum, Desmostachya bipinnata, Imperata cylindrical, Ziziphus nummularia, Sorghum halepense and Capparis deciduas. This vegetation provides shelter and food to rodents when there is no cultivation or at an early stage of crop growth.

Few studies have examined the antecedents of citizen satisfaction in relation to mandatory e-government services pertaining to promising sectors such as education. This study was thus aimed at developing and empirically test a model based on a blend of information systems success models, in conjunction with trust theory. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education has launched a mandatory e-government service intended to assist high school graduates in their university academic admission process. To test the model, a questionnaire was constructed and data from 780 university students were collected. The findings show that the perceived usefulness of and trust in e-government mediated the indirect effect of both system quality and information quality on citizen satisfaction. System quality exhibited the strongest such overall total effect on citizen satisfaction. Policymakers can take advantage of the findings in adjusting the resources required to increase citizen satisfaction with mandatory services in education.

Abiotic stress decreases crop production worldwide. In order to recommend suitable genotypes for cultivation under water deficit and heat stress conditions, an overall understanding of the genetic basis and plant responses to these stresses and their interactions with the environment is required. To achieve these goals, the multitrait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was utilized to recognize abiotic-stress-tolerant wheat genotypes, and the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index as well as the superiority index, which enables weighting between the mean performance and stability (WAASBY), were utilized to recognize high-yielding and stable genotypes. Twenty wheat genotypes were examined to determine the abiotic stress tolerance capacity of the investigated genotypes under nine test environments (three seasons × three treatments). Abiotic stress significantly decreased most morpho-physiological and all agronomic traits; however, some abiotic-stress-tolerant genotypes expressed a slight reduction in the measured traits as compared with the control group. G04, G12, G13, and G17 were identified as convenient and stable genotypes using the MGIDI index under all environments. Based on the scores of the genotype index (WAASB), G01, G05, G12, and G17 were selected as superior genotypes with considerable stability in terms of the grain yield (GY). G04, G06, G12, and G18 were classified as cluster (I), the productive and stable genotypes, using the WAASBY superiority index. The combined indices (MGIDI and WAASB) and (MGIDI and WAASBY) revealed genotypes G12 and G17 and genotypes G04 and G12, respectively, as the most stable candidates. Therefore, these are considered novel genetic resources for improving productivity and stabilizing GY in wheat programs under optimal conditions, water deficit, and heat stress. The genotype G12 was jointly expressed in all three indices. Stability measures using WAASB may help breeders with decision-making when selecting genotypes and conducting multi-environment trials. Hence, these methods, if jointly conducted, can serve as a powerful tool to assist breeders in multi-environment trials.

In the original publication [...]

Generally, there are scant data about the constituents and eventually the biological activity of essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants that grow naturally in Sudan. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition, and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of EO extracted from the fruit of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold and Zucc.) Endl. (family Cupressaceae), root of Chrysopogon nigritanus (Benth.) Veldkampis (family Poaceae) and aerial part of Lavandula coronopifolia Poir (family Lamiaceae). The fruit of C. obtusa contained only monoterpenes, mainly hydrogenated ones, with α-pinene (69.07%) as the major component. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes comprised the highest content of the C. nigritanus root EO with cedr-8-en-15-ol (28.69%) as the major constituent while aerial parts of L. coronopifolia contained both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and the oxygenated monoterpene lavandulol (26.56%) as dominant compounds. The EO of the root of C. nigritanus significantly displayed (p < 0.05) the highest anti-DPPH radical, Fe3+- and Cu2+-reducing and metal-chelating activities, while that of C. obtusa fruit significantly exerted (p < 0.05) the best anti-ABTS radical and total antioxidant activity. The two EOs significantly exhibited (p < 0.05) the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase and -butyrylcholinesterase activities, respectively, while EO of L. coronopifolia was the only oil to show a considerable inhibitory effect against the tyrosinase and α-glucosidase enzymes. In conclusion, EOs from these three plants could be natural agents with promising functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Increasing atmospheric temperature can significantly reduce global wheat productivity; despite a mounting demand for wheat grain supplies. Developing genotypes with superior performance under current and future hot climates is a key challenge for wheat breeders. Multidimensional tools have supported plant breeders in increasing the genetic stability rate of agro-physiological indices that influence wheat productivity. We used 25 agro-physiological indices to classify 20 bread wheat genotypes for their heat stress tolerance. Agro-physiological indices and multidimensional analyses to identify differences in genetic and phenotypic were used, combining these analyses to reach selection criteria of accurate and credible. The 25 studied indices reflected high genotypic and environmental variations. We used 16 indices, which have brought together high heritability and genetic gain as indicators for screening heat-tolerant genotypes. Based on the seven principal comprehensive indices of (D value), wheat genotypes were classified into three highly heat-tolerant, four heat-tolerant, six moderately heat-tolerant, five heat-sensitive, and two highly heat-sensitive wheat genotypes. Based on four critical indices [grain yield (GY), grain-filling duration (GFD), spike length (SL) and canopy temperature (CT)] obtained from stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR), the genotypes were grouped as four genotypes highly heat-tolerant, six heat-tolerant, two moderately heat-tolerant, four heat-sensitive and four highly heat-sensitive. The classification D value and SMLR distances were significantly correlated based on the Mantel test, with a perfect match in nine genotypes. SMLR indicated that a mathematical equation for the evaluation of wheat heat tolerance was established: GY = 0.670 + 0.504 × GFD + 0.334 × SL − 0.466 × CT (R2 = 0.739; average prediction accuracy of 94.12%). SMLR-based classification of wheat genotypes for heat tolerance was further verified through discriminant analysis, which showed that prior and posterior classification was identical in eighteen genotypes. Cross-validation showed that prior and posterior classification was identical in thirteen genotypes. Based on this study, we can recommend tolerated new wheat lines (DHL25, DHL05, DHL23 and DHL08) and cultivar Pavone-76 as a promising genetic source for heat-tolerant breeding programs.

Instead of fossil fuels, clean renewable energy resources are being used to meet space heating and cooling needs, to reduce global warming and air pollution worldwide. In the desert of the Arabian Peninsula, extensive solar irradiance and drastic variations in air temperatures (daily and/or seasonally) are common; thus, geothermal energy resources are a promising solution that is nearly independent of weather fluctuations. Due to a lack of information about in-ground temperature profiles in these regions, the use of geothermal energy resources for domestic applications is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the in-ground temperature (Tg) up to 3.5 m in depth for one year. Due to the difficulty of digging in the ground (i.e., gravelly sand; rocky, dry soil), numerical equations were adopted and used to simulate the in-ground temperature (Tg) for a depth > 3 m. These equations were validated by comparing the measured and simulated values of Tg for depths ≤ 3 m under extreme weather conditions. The validation yielded a mean absolute error (EMA) of ≤ 1.2 °C and a root mean square error (ERMS) of ≤ 1.42 °C. The measurements showed that at 3 m depth, the in-ground temperature was 32 °C in summer and 29 °C in winter. The simulation showed that values of Tg increased with depth in winter and decreased in summer and became constant as 30 °C at 13 m depth throughout the year (i.e., the undisturbed ground temperature (UGT)). This temperature would provide considerable heating and cooling capacity if an earth-to-air heat exchanger were implemented in arid regions where ambient temperatures exceed 47 °C on summer days and drop below 10 °C on winter nights. The theoretical prediction of Tg using the proposed equations is a useful tool for designers who use geothermal effects for indoor space cooling and heating in the desert of arid regions.

The present study reports on the effect of humic and salicylic acids on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of three red sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars: Barbero, Ferrari, and Imperio. The plants were grown in a greenhouse and the leaves were treated with humic or salicylic acids at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g·L−1 at 20, 40, and 60 days after transplanting. Foliar application of humic or salicylic acids significantly increased vegetative growth, fruit yield, and quality of the three cultivars as compared with the control plants. However, salicylic acid treatment proved more effective than humic acid treatment. Red sweet pepper plants of all three cultivars sprayed with 1.5 g·L−1 salicylic acid showed the greatest vegetative growth; fruit yield components, such as fruit number, diameter, and fresh and dry weights; and fruit quality traits, such as vitamin C content, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, and total sugar content, than the plants in all other treatments. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among cultivars in response to humic and salicylic acid foliar application; ‘Ferrari’ showed significantly higher yield and productivity than ‘Barbero’ or ‘Imperio’. ‘Ferrari’ plants sprayed with 1.5 g·L−1 salicylic acid showed the highest fruit weight (202.41 g) and flesh thickness (68 mm), both of which are preferred by consumers, and therefore, have increased market value. This treatment also increased total yield by 27.7% (16.03 t·ha−1), 15.9% (12.38 t·ha−1), and 17.9% (11.88 t·ha−1) in ‘Barbero’, ‘Ferrari’, and ‘Imperio’, respectively. Therefore, salicylic acid foliar application is recommended for enhancing fruit yield and quality of greenhouse-grown red sweet pepper.

The effect of traits and the interaction of genotype × environment (GE) is one of the major challenges in detecting traits and genotypes with outstanding performance and stability through various stresses and years. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic influence traits of wheat, and genotypes with outstanding performance and stability under different environmental stress. The trials were carried out in two consecutive seasons with three treatments (optimal irrigation, limited irrigation, and heat stress), totaling six test environments at two different locations. After observing the importance of GE interaction, and the statistical significance for all studied traits, multivariate analysis was applied using stepwise regression (SR) for detecting influenced traits, and AMMI, AMMI’s stability values (ASV), yield stability index (YSI), superiority and GGE biplot methods to identify the genotype’s phenotypic stability. SR analysis showed that nine out of 22 traits have contributed significantly to grain yield (GY), which varied according to the environment. Equations of the models (GY) regression coefficient values reflected the importance seven of them have on a significant positive correlation on GY. The study confirmed the importance of AMMI and GGE biplots in decoding the GEI based on GY data. AMMI1 biplots showed that the three environments E1, E4, and E6 were the stronger interacting environments than E2, E3, and E5, in which the interaction was weak. YSI, superiority analysis, and superiority multi-trait analysis scores were largely compatible. YSI scores described the six genotypes viz, G5 (DHL26), G12 (DHL29), G10 (DHL01), G18 (Sakha-93), G2 (DHL02) and, G6 (Gemmeiza-9), these were marked by high stability and productivity. The GGE biplot analysis showed genotypes (G15 (Misr1) and G4 (DHL07)) recorded the highest grain yield in E3 and E4, whereas genotype G18 (Sakha-93) was in E6. It also showed G19 (Pavone-76) was the best genotype due to being situated in the center of the concentric circles and due to its high-yield. The methods considered were compatible with the detection of promising wheat genotypes with high mean performance and outstanding phenotypic stability across various stresses and years.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, so it is critical to immunize the majority of people, including children, to achieve herd immunity against the pandemic. As parents are the ones who ultimately decide whether or not to vaccinate their children, this study was conducted to determine parental acceptance and hesitancy toward vaccinating their children against COVID-19, as well as their knowledge of and concerns regarding vaccination against COVID-19, as well as factors that might influence their willingness to vaccinate in Najran city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In February 2022, a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study using a convenientand snowball sampling technique was carried out. Parents of children between the ages of 5 and 11 were given access to an online self-administered survey. The poll was, however, open to parents of children under the age of 5. Using the Raosoft sample size calculator, the minimum necessary sample size was determined to be 384 under the assumptions of a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. A p value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant for the statistical analysis, which was carried out using SPSS version 27. To examine the relationship between demographic factors and how drivers affect parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, a chi-square test was performed. Through multivariate regression analysis, the predictors of vaccine hesitancy were identified. Results: A total of 464 responses were collected and subjected to data analysis. More than half of the parents were male (56.9%) and between the ages of 26 and 40 (56.7%). Most parents have children aged between 5–11 years (73.5%). Of parents, 72.2% showed vaccine hesitancy and were 9.5 times less likely to immunize their children against COVID-19. About 27.8% of the parents were ready to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 as soon as possible, compared to 15.51% of parents who were not at all interested in vaccinating their children. Parents under 25 (34.48%) and over 41 (37.79%), non-Saudi (40.59%), holding postgraduate and higher degrees (39.5%), earning more than 10,000 SAR per month (34.96%), working as healthcare professionals (40.36%) and in government sectors (33.93%), self-employed (33.33%), with three to five children (35.26%) and male (31.33%) demonstrated significantly high willingness to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 vaccine compared to their counterparts. Parents who concur that COVID-19 vaccination may have serious adverse effects in children, who believe that COVID-19 is an uncommon disease and does not require vaccination, have had a family member infected withCOVID-19 with severe symptoms, who were unvaccinated and had severe to moderate symptoms after vaccination, showed significantly higher unwillingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Parents who take safety precautions and do not believe that new vaccines provide an increased risk had higher vaccination intentions for their children. A positive impact of mandatory childhood vaccination was noted on the COVID-19 vaccination. Parents with children suffering from any chronic disease exhibited a 9.9 times higher hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. A total of 47.8% of parents had come across or heard about anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. A lack of adequate safety data, potential future consequences, and vaccine efficacy were the main concerns with COVID-19 vaccines. The primary information source for COVID-19-related information was the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH). Conclusions: Parents’ hesitation to get the COVID-19 vaccine at a significant rate may compromise the success of the ongoing vaccination campaign. The development and implementation of multi-component interventions are required. Hospital- and community-based programs must be used to get in touch with parents.

ContextPatients on maintenance dialysis are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its severe form. We studied the mortality and associated risks of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients in the state of Qatar.MethodsThis was an observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study. We included all adult patients on maintenance dialysis therapy who tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR assay of the nasopharyngeal swab) during the period from February 1, 2020, to July 19, 2020. Our primary outcome was to study the mortality of COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Qatar and risk factors associated with it. Our secondary objectives were to study incidence and severity of COVID-19 in dialysis patients and comparing outcomes between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Patient demographics and clinical features were collected from a national electronic medical record. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors for mortality in our cohort.Results76 out of 1064 dialysis patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (age 56±13.6, 56 hemodialysis and 20 peritoneal dialysis, 56 males). During the study period, 7.1% of all dialysis patients contracted COVID-19. Male dialysis patients had double the incidence of COVID-19 than females (9% versus 4.5% respectively; pConclusionThis is the first study to be conducted at a national level in Qatar exploring COVID-19 in a dialysis population. Dialysis patients had a high incidence of COVID-19 infection and related mortality compared to previous reports of the general population in the state of Qatar (7.1% versus 4% and 15% versus 0.15% respectively). We also observed a strong association between death related to COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients and admission to ICU.

In arid climates, the optical properties of plastic-covered greenhouses deteriorate very quickly. To examine the effect of greenhouse shape and orientation on the degradation rate of cover optical properties, four greenhouse prototypes were constructed in two shapes (duo-pitched roof and tunnel), covered with a 200 µm thick low-density polyethylene film. Two types were oriented in the North–South direction, the other two in the East–West direction, and all were exposed for one year to an arid climate. Samples were taken from the different surfaces of each cover for testing. The total transmittance (Ts) and reflectance (Rs) of the samples were measured and averaged to obtain the whole cover properties (T and R). Measurements were carried out periodically every 30 days for the four prototypes. The degradation behavior of the optical properties of each cover surface (Ts, Rs) and the whole cover (T, R) was investigated for the four film covers during the exposure time. Results show that the degradation rate of Ts depends on the surface location and the cover orientation. Among the different surfaces of the four prototype covers, the maximum difference in the Ts value between the E and N surfaces for the tunnel cover oriented in the N–S direction was 15.5%. Although the variation of the Ts value among the different cover surfaces was found, the time dependences of the whole cover transmittance (T) for the four covers tested were almost similar. Accordingly, the shape and orientation of the small size greenhouses did not significantly affect the degradation rate of the cover optical properties. In the four covers tested, the reduction in the global solar radiation transmittance (T) was 27–31% after one-year exposure compared to the new film. Nonlinear correlation was developed to predict the degradation rate of the cover transmittance as a function of the accumulated solar irradiance.

In arid regions, drastic seasonal variations in the climatic parameters are common; thus, a high potential of geothermal effects for heating/cooling applications is expected. However, such applications are very limited in these regions due to the lack of information about underground temperature profiles of the surface and shallow zones. Therefore, this study aims to (i) measure the underground temperature profile for one year to determine the optimum depth for burying EAHE pipes; (ii) examine the possibility of water vapour condensation occurring in the buried EAHE pipes, if the air let into the pipes was humid; and (iii) quantify the maximum cooling/heating capacity, if an EAHE was implemented. The results show that a 3-m depth is optimal to bury EAHE pipes, where the ground temperature is 32 °C in the summer and 29 °C in the winter. These temperatures would provide a maximum cooling/heating capacity of 1000/890 MJ day−1 for each 1 m3 of humid air exhausted from a greenhouse. If the EAHE were to operate in a closed loop with a greenhouse, the condensation of water vapour in the EAHE pipes would be impossible during the cooling process. The results of this study are useful for designers using geothermal effects for indoor space cooling and heating in arid regions.

Abstract Background Little is known of how accurately a first-time seizure witness can provide reliable details of a semiology. Our goal was to determine how accurately first-time seizure witnesses could identify key elements of an epileptic event that would aid the clinician in diagnosing a seizure. Methods A total of 172 participants over 17 years of age, with a mean (sd) of 33.12 (13.2) years and 49.4% female, composed of two groups of community dwelling volunteers, were shown two different seizure videos; one with a focal seizure that generalized (GSV), and the other with a partial seizure that did not generalize (PSV). Participants were first asked about what they thought was the event that had occurred. They then went through a history-taking scenario by an assessor using a battery of pre-determined questions about involvement of major regions: the head, eyes, mouth, upper limbs, lower limbs, or change in consciousness. Further details were then sought about direction of movement in the eyes, upper and lower limbs, the side of limb movements and the type of movements in the upper and lower limbs. Analysis was with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results One hundred twenty-two (71.4%) identified the events as seizure or epilepsy. The accuracy of identifying major areas of involvement ranged from 60 to 89.5%. Horizontal head movements were significantly more recognized in the PSV, while involvement of the eyes, lateralization of arm movement, type of left arm movement, leg involvement, and lateralization of leg movement were significantly more recognized in the GSV. Those shown the GSV were more likely to recognize the event as "seizure" or "epilepsy" than those shown the PSV; 78 (84.8%) vs 44 (55.7%), (OR 0.22, p < 0.0001). Younger age was also associated with correct recognition (OR 0.96, P 0.049). False positive responses ranged from 2.5 to 32.5%. Conclusion First-time witnesses can identify important elements more than by chance alone, and are more likely to associate generalized semiologies with seizures or epilepsy than partial semiologies. However, clinicians still need to navigate the witness’s account carefully for additional information since routine questioning could result in a misleading false positive answer.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to stressful working conditions without adequate stress-coping strategies may lead to stress and even psychiatric morbidity. There are a dearth of studies on stress-coping strategies among consultant physicians in the Arabian Gulf. OBJECTIVES: Determine stress-coping strategies among consultants in Saudi Arabia and the relationship of strategies to level of stress. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Conducted between November 2014 and March 2015 among physician consultants registered at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Text messages were used to directly ask consultants to complete an online questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 28-item Brief COPE inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. SAMPLE SIZE: 582. RESULTS: The consultants were largely males (71%) and Saudi (56%), and their mean age was 46.9 (7.9) years. Adaptive stress-coping strategies were more frequently used than maladaptive stress-coping strategies (68% versus 49%). Stress levels were positively correlated with maladaptive stress-coping strategies (r=0.41, P

The present investigation was conducted to understand the role of enriched biochar on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics, leaching losses of nutrients, and growth attributes of wheat. Buffalo slurry (BS) was used to enrich the biochar for 24 h and 2% biochar (SB) or enriched biochar (SEB) was used. Enrichment of biochar with BS as SEB improved the C and N contents of biochar by 33–310% and 41–286% respectively. The application of biochar (SB) and enriched biochar (SEB) reduced the net nitrification by 81% and 94%, ammonification by 48% and 74%, and carbon dioxide by 50% and 92% respectively as compared to control. The leaching losses minerals i.e., C (by 30%), N (by 125%), P (by 50%), K (by 82%), Na (by 9%), Ca (by 24%), and Mg (by 12%) was decreased in SEB treatments compared to control. The soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass (MBC and MBN), wheat agronomy, soil bulk density and soil pore density, mineral uptake from the soil, and mineral contents in the plant body were improved in the SEB as compared to SB and control treatments. Our results revealed that the biochar enrichment process could improve the C and N storage in the soil reservoir and lower the environmental risks to soil and water.

The authors wish to make the following change to the funding section in their paper [1] [...]

The development of squamous cell carcinoma in sites of split skin graft harvest is a rare complication with only 12 documented cases in the literature. The growth of squamous cell carcinoma after arterial puncture is a rarer phenomenon, with no previous cases documented. This series describes two cases. The first case is of a 70-year-old male who developed rapidly growing squamous cell carcinoma in a graft donor site, 9 weeks after split skin graft repair of pretibial squamous cell carcinoma excision. The second case is of an 84-year-old male who developed a large exophytic squamous cell carcinoma in the right wrist that developed 5 months after radial artery puncture. This case series explores the various mechanisms of de-novo squamous cell carcinoma development in areas of cutaneous surgical intervention, including graft harvest. It also provides recommendations regarding the necessary precautions to avoid implantation of squamous cell carcinoma into distant sites. Lastly it highlights the importance of surveillance for any suspicious lesions arising from areas of previous cutaneous surgical intervention.

Abstract We present a novel way to select for highly polygenic traits. For millennia, humans have used observable phenotypes to selectively breed stronger or more productive livestock and crops. Selection on genotype, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome profiling, is also now applied broadly in livestock breeding programs; however, selection on protein/peptide or mRNA expression markers has not yet been proven useful. Here we demonstrate the utility of protein markers to select for disease-resistant hygienic behavior in the European honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). Robust, mechanistically-linked protein expression markers, by integrating cis- and trans- effects from many genomic loci, may overcome limitations of genomic markers to allow for selection. After three generations of selection, the resulting marker-selected stock outperformed an unselected benchmark stock in terms of hygienic behavior, and had improved survival when challenged with a bacterial disease or a parasitic mite, similar to bees selected using a phenotype–based assessment for this trait. This is the first demonstration of the efficacy of protein markers for industrial selective breeding in any agricultural species, plant or animal.

Birds and human interaction add harmful effects on conservation and behavior of bird. To develop a buffer between human activities and number of birds, a comprehensive study is necessary to assess the response of birds and their flight initiation distance. An experimental design was employed to record the bird’s response and their flight initiation distance, for 109 birds of Langh lake, Sindh. Fifty percent of passerine birds showed medium response towards disturbance and 39% of water birds showed high response toward disturbance. 13 species of family Scolopacidae were recorded during study and 84.62% species of this family showed high response which was the highest response recorded from all families of birds recorded during study. It indicated that maximum representatives of this family were very sensitive towards disturbance. During the study period a total of 131 bird species belonging to 14 orders were recorded from Langh lake. From identified species, order of Passeriformes was recorded the highest. Fifty percent of species recorded were resident, 35% were winter migrant, 9% were passage migrant and only 5% were summer migrant.

Long-term continuous light exposure (CL) and western diet (WD) effects on Adropin expression, RORα, and Rev-erb-α nuclear receptors and energy homeostasis were studied in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (250–290 g) were enrolled for 3 months in the following groups (n = 8/group): (a) Normal control group (NC), (b) CL group, (c) WD group, and (d) CL + WD group. Then, indirect calorimetry and food intake (FI) were measured. Finally, Adropin, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured. Additionally, the histopathology and gene expression of Enho, RORα, and Rev-erb-α genes were done. The CL alone elevated the Adropin plasma level and gene expression, increased RORα expression, and decreased the Rev-erb-α nuclear receptor expression mainly in the liver and kidney. Besides, CL increased the total energy expenditure (TEE) and decreased the respiratory quotient. WD alone or in combination with the CL reversed gene expression of Enho, RORα, and Rev-erb-α. Combined CL and WD increased the TEE, reduced the food intake, increased the ATGL, and reduced the Adropin level in addition to widespread degenerative changes in the liver, spleen, and renal tissues. The deleterious effects of CL and WD on energy homeostasis may include Adropin with the involvement of the RORα and Rev-erb-α nuclear receptors.

Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr. is an evergreen tree that yields edible fruits, oil, and resin. It is a source of “gamboge”, a gum/resin that has a wide range of uses. The fruits, leaves, and seeds of this tree are rich in bioactive compounds, including xanthones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and terpenoids. Evidence from different studies has demonstrated the antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and larvicidal activities of the fruit, leaf, and seed extracts of G. morella. This review summarizes the information on the phytochemicals of G. morella and the biological activities of its active constituents.

Many underutilized tree species are good sources of food, fodder and possible therapeutic agents. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is popularly known as “desert date”, reflecting its edible fruits. This tree grows naturally in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Local inhabitants use fruits, leaves, roots, stem and root bark of the species for the treatment of various ailments. Several research studies demonstrate that extracts and phytochemicals isolated from desert date display antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and molluscicidal activities. Mesocarp of fruits, seeds, leaves, stem and root bark are rich sources of saponins. These tissues are also rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and polysterols. Some constituents show antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. The objective of this review is to summarize studies on diverse bioactive compounds and the beneficial properties of B. aegyptiaca.

In hot and sunny regions, extensive solar radiation transmitted into greenhouses makes it essential to select a greenhouse cover with specific characteristics. Reflection and diffusion are the most important properties of covers for reducing solar heating load and scattering solar beams for better growth of plants. Three types of plastic films that are commonly used for covering greenhouses in arid climate were selected for this study. These were reflective-diffusive (RDF), diffusive (DF), and locally produced (CF) films. The films were used to cover three identical twin-span greenhouse models; the radiation components, air temperature (Ti), and relative humidity (RHi) were measured in each model. Transmission of solar radiation through each cover was characterized by determining: (i) The beam that is diffused during transmission, and (ii) the unscattered beam that is transmitted directly through the film. The results show that the diffuse radiation transmitted through the DF, RDF, and CF covers was enhanced, respectively by 77%, 85%, and 109% as a result of diffusing 34%, 33%, and 43% of the transmitted beam radiation by the DF, RDF, and CF covers, respectively during transmission. The diffusive nature of the tested covers increased the ratio of diffuse to direct beam radiation (D/B) from 0.3 outside the greenhouse to 0.77, 0.69, and 0.95 inside a greenhouse covered with DF, RDF, and CF, respectively. At around noon, the CF cover decreased Ti by about 5−10 °C and increased RHi by about 3%−5% compared to those under the DF and RDF covers. However, DF and RDF covers showed almost similar effects in Ti and RHi. The low-price CF cover showed higher diffusive-radiative properties than DF and RDF covers and can serve effectively in arid climate as an alternative covering material.

Background: Identifying the most sensitive markers of RV dysfunction is of immense importance in daily clinical practice in the patients with pulmonary hypertension, and Myocardial performance index (tei index) is used to estimate both systolic and diastolic function of the right ventricle, the value of this index correlates; to IVRT, IVCT, and ET. Objectives: 1- To validate the accuracy of MPI as an easy and fast surrogate instead of conventional methodology assessment of the right ventricular dysfunction in patients with pulmonary hypertension. 2- Discussing the advantages of calculating the latter index by tissue doppler imaging versus conventional Doppler method. 3- Looking for an easy and accurate method to detect early stages of right ventricular dysfunction in cases of pulmonary hypertension, in which the function appear to be normal. Methods and results: We studied series of 64 patients (men and women) with (pulmonary hypertension) divided into three age groups and compared with 47 healthy age matched volunteers as a control group. We selected subjects from Tishreen university hospital, Lattakia over the year 2016. The MPI has been derived from pulse and tissue Doppler. Systolic s wave and IVRT have been derived from tissue Doppler imaging. Finally, TAPSE has been obtained from M-mode echocardiography. Bland–Altman analysis showed very good agreement between MPI and tMPI in patients (the mean difference was - 0.07, absolute difference -0.38 to 0.24; 95% intervals of agreement). A weak positive correlation was found between MPI Doppler and RVSP (mmHg) (r=0.18، p=0.05) and TRV (m/s)( r=0.18، p=0.05), and negative correlation with TAPSE (mm) (r=-0.21، p=0.03). A stronger positive correlation was found between tMPI and RVSP (mmHg) (r=0.28، p=0.02) and TRV (m/s) (r=0.29، p=0.02). Conclusion: from our patient, we found that tei index have a good correlation with pulmonary hypertension, and could reveal myocardial dysfunction before the developing of frank right ventricular failure. The assessment could be done with conventional or tissue method, even though the tissue imaging is little more preferred. Nevertheless, using both methods can increase the index value. وظيفة البطين الأيمن في مرضى ارتفاع التوتر الرئوي ؛ قيمة مشعر الأداء القلبي (Tei index) بطريقة التصوير بالدوبلر النسيجي مقدمة: يعد تحديد المشعرات الأكثر حساسية لسوء وظيفة البطين الأيمن على درجة عالية من الأهمية في الممارسة السريرية اليومية في مرضى ارتفاع التوتر الرئوي. و يستعمل مشعر الأداء القلبي (Tei index) لتقدير الوظيفة الانقباضية والانبساطية معا للبطين الأيمن، و ترتبط قيمة هذا المشعر بزمني الاسترخاء و الانقباض متساوي الحجوم و بزمن القذف البطيني. هدف البحث: 1- إثبات أن مشعر الأداء القلبي بديل سهل و سريع للمنهجية التقليدية في تقدير سوء وظيفة البطين الأيمن في مرضى ارتفاع الضغط الرئوي. 2- مناقشة ميزات حساب المشعر السابق بطريقة التصوير بالدوبلر النسيجي على الطريقة التقليدية بالدوبلر النبضي. 3- الكشف الباكر عن سوء وظيفة البطين الأيمن في حالات ارتفاع الضغط الرئوي و التي تبدو فيها الوظيفة البطينية محفوظة. مواد البحث و نتائجه: شملت الدراسة 111 شخصا منهم 47 شاهدا متطوعا من الأصحاء من الرجال و النساء و 64 مريضا (بارتفاع الضغط الرئوي) تمت مقارنتهم مع مجموعة الشاهد المماثلة لهم بالفئة العمرية بعد تقسيمهم إلى ثلاث فئات عمرية و ذلك من المراجعين لمستشفى تشرين الجامعي باللاذقية خلال عام 2016 م. تم اشتقاق مشعر الأداء القلبي بكل من الدوبلر النبضي التقليدي و الدوبلر النسيجي و أيضا حساب الموجة الانقباضية S و زمن الاسترخاء متساوي الحجوم IVRT بالدوبلر النسيجي و أخيرا قياس الانزياح الانقباضي لمستوى حلقة مثلث الشرف TAPSE بالإيكو وحيد البعد. وجدنا من مخططات بلاند و ألتمان توافقا جيد جدا بين ال tMPI و ال MPI Doppler، حيث بلغ متوسط الفرق -0.07 و تراوح الفرق المطلق بين -0.38 و0.24 و و كانت جميع القيم ضمن مجال الثقة 95%. و وجدنا كذلك علاقة طردية ضعيفة بين MPI Doppler وكل من RVSP (mmHg) (r=0.18، p=0.05) و TRV (m/s)( r=0.18، p=0.05) و علاقةعكسية ضعيفة مع TAPSE (mm) (r=-0.21، p=0.03). كما وجدنا علاقة طردية أقوى بين نسبيا بين tMPI وكل من RVSP (mmHg) (r=0.28، p=0.02) و TRV (m/s) (r=0.29، p=0.02). الخلاصة: لقد تبين من دراستنا أن مشعر تاي يمتلك علاقة جيدة مع ارتفاع الضغط الرئوي و يمكن أن يكشف سوء الوظيفة البطينية قبل تطور قصور القلب الأيمن الصريح، و يمكن للتقييم أن يتم بالطريقة النسيجية أو التقليدية مع وجود بعض الأفضلية للتصوير النسيجي. كما يشار كذلك إلى أن استخدام الطريقتين معا يزيد من قيمة المشعر.

This study concentrated on local private companies' evaluation to solve crises. It explains the factors that have an effect on these companies’ success by developing strategies, establishing general budget supporting up their conditions, fair dealing with tax and clear corporate responsibility duties. The companies that get government support may reach their aims of solving the crises or may develop trickeries to get unfair profits besides government support which increases depression. The researcher suggests the use of three tables which will be presented in this study, as models to evaluate the fair general budget policies, the ability of local private companies to get support, and also to evaluate the sharing between companies and government. These tables are important and need to be monitored and can provide direction for companies to a condition which is to cover citizens’ need locally, at appropriate prices, at a suitable time and place. On another hand, a figure displayed in this research can be used to watch a company’s reaction in crises.