Analysis of the cuticular wax composition and ecophysiological studies in an arid plant - (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn.

Plants in arid regions are exposed to various abiotic stresses and the presence of the waxy cuticular layer acts as a defensive barrier, which consists mainly of long chain fatty acids, hydrocarbons and other derived compounds. Studies on the chemical composition and properties of cuticles of arid plants are scanty. The present study deals with the analysis of cuticular wax composition and effect of temperature on some ecophysiological parameters of an important arid plant .

Ecology of endangered Hand.-Mazz. in Jabal Al-Lauz, Saudi Arabia: Plant associations, size structure, and nutritional screening.

The wild has a restricted distribution in small scattered areas of Jabal Al-Lauz (2580 m above sea level), a mountain in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Major objective of current study is to provide information about by analyzing its ecology in terms of floristic diversity, plant associations, environmental features, and its size structure and nutritional value. For this purpose, 12 stands of 20 m were selected along the Jabal Al-Lauz mountain ridge.

Threatened in an ancient volcanic protected area of Saudi Arabia: Floristic diversity and plant associations.

(Oliv.) Meikle is an endangered shrub with a restricted distribution, which inhabits banks of flood flow channels in small sites of ancient volcanic activity dominated by black basaltic boulders within the Harrat Al-Harrah protectorate, Northern Saudi Arabia. It is with limited information about its ecology and hence, the present study is focusing on its phytosociological behavior and ecological features.

Ultrastructural changes induced by Solanum incanum aqueous extract on HCT 116 colon cancer cells.

Medicinal plants have recently gained increasing scientific interest as an important source of molecules with different therapeutic potentials. Accordingly, the present study was carried out to investigate ultrastructural changes induced by the aqueous extract of Solanum incanum (SI) fruit on human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT 116 cells). Examination of SI-treated HCT 116 cells with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated numerous ultrastructural changes in the form of loss of the surface microvilli, mitochondrial damage and dilatation of cristae, and formation of autophagic vacuoles and increasing numbers of lipid droplets.

A digenic human immunodeficiency characterized by IFNAR1 and IFNGR2 mutations.

Primary immunodeficiencies are often monogenic disorders characterized by vulnerability to specific infectious pathogens. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of a patient with disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus, Streptococcus viridians bacteremia, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia and identified mutations in 2 genes that regulate distinct IFN pathways. The patient had a homozygous frameshift deletion in IFNGR2, which encodes the signal transducing chain of the IFN-γ receptor, that resulted in minimal protein expression and abolished downstream signaling.

Divorce and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Study.

The association between marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD) is supported by numerous epidemiological studies. While divorce may have an adverse effect on cardiac outcomes, the relationship between divorce and severe CAD is unclear. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period between April 1, 2013, and March 30, 2014.

Polygamy and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Men Undergoing Angiography: An Observational Study.

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a link between psychosocial risk factors such as marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD). Polygamy (multiple concurrent wives) is a distinct marital status practiced in many countries in Asia and the Middle East, but its association with CAD is not well defined. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period from April 1, 2013, to March 30, 2014.

Acute viral respiratory infections among children in MERS-endemic Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2012-2013.

The emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia has intensified focus on Acute Respiratory Infections [ARIs]. This study sought to identify respiratory viruses (RVs) associated with ARIs in children presenting at a tertiary hospital. Children (aged ≤13) presenting with ARI between January 2012 and December 2013 tested for 15 RVs using the Seeplex RV15 kit were retrospectively included.

Birth anthropometric parameters in high and low altitude areas of Southwest Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To study the anthropometric parameters of Southwestern Saudi newborns in Abha (a high altitude area) and Baish (a sea level area of Southwestern Saudi Arabia); to compare these parameters with those of the United States Center for Disease Control 2000 growth charts and to estimate the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) among the study population.

Methods: The study sample included all births from Abha Central Hospital (N=4300), and all births from Baish General Hospital (N=1200), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January 2001 to January 2003. Only term births (>37-42 weeks gestation) were included.