The risk of tuberculosis infection in 410 Saudipatients receiving adalimumab therapy.

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-a used to treat various autoimmune disorders. Adalimumab poses a risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection, especially in countries where TB is endemic. OBJECTIVE: Determine the rate of TB infection after adalimumab therapy in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Medical record review. SETTINGS: Tertiary care center in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the electronic healthcare records of all patients who received adalimumab treatment from 2015 to 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Occurrence of TB after adalimumab therapy. SAMPLE SIZE: 410 patients (median ([QR] age, 37 [28], range 4-81 years), 40% males RESULTS: Rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent indication (n=153, 37%). The patients were followed for a mean of 36 (8.9) months. No case of TB infection or reactivation was observed. An inter-feron-gamma release assay (IGRA) was requested in 353/391 (90.3%) patients, prior to initiating therapy. The IGRA was positive in 26 cases (6.6%). The IGRA-positive patients received isoniazid prophylactically. Bacterial infectious complications of adalimumab therapy occurred in 12 (2.9%) patients. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent complication (culture requested in 48 patients, positive in 8). CONCLUSION: Adalimumab treatment was not associated with a risk of TB disease or TB reactivation in our cohort over the follow-up observation period. No TB reactivation occurred with adalimumab therapy when TB prophylaxis was used. The positive IGRA rate in patients on adalimumab treatment was low (7%). LIMITATIONS: Single center and one geographical area in Saudi Arabia. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Composition of the root mycorrhizal community associated with Coffea arabica in Fifa Mountains (Jazan region, Saudi Arabia).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute a key functional group of soil biota that can greatly contribute to crop productivity and ecosystem sustainability. They improve nutrient uptake and enhance the ability of plants to cope with abiotic stresses. The presence of AMF in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plant roots have been reported in several locations but not in Saudi Arabia despite the fact that coffee has been in cultivation here since ancient times. The objective of the present study was to investigate the diversity of AMF communities colonizing the roots of coffee trees growing in two sites of Fifa Mountains (south-west Saudi Arabia): site 1 at 700 m altitude and site 2 at 1400 m. The AMF large subunit rDNA regions (LSU) were subjected to nested PCR, cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Microscopic observations indicated higher mycorrhizal intensity (24.3%) and spore density (256 spores/100 g of soil) in site 2 (higher altitude). Phylogenetic analysis revealed 10 phylotypes, six belonging to the family Glomeraceae, two to Claroideoglomercea, one to Acaulosporaceae and one to Gigasporaceae family. Glomus was the dominant genus at both sites and the genus Gigaspora was detected only at site 2. This is the first study reporting the presence of AMF in coffee roots and the composition of this particular mycorrhizal community in Saudi Arabia.

Determination of seed viability of eight wild Saudi Arabian species by germination and X-ray tests.

Our purpose was to evaluate the usefulness of the germination vs. the X-ray test in determining the initial viability of seeds of eight wild species (Salvia spinosa, Salvia aegyptiaca, Ochradenus baccatus, Ochradenus arabicus, Suaeda aegyptiaca, Suaeda vermiculata, Prosopisfarcta and Panicumturgidum) from Saudi Arabia. Several days were required to determine viability of all eight species via germination tests, while immediate results on filled/viable seeds were obtained with the X-ray test. Seeds of all the species, except Sa.aegyptiaca, showed high viability in both the germination (98-70% at 25/15 °C, 93-66% at 35/25 °C) and X-ray (100-75%) test. Furthermore, there was general agreement between the germination (10% at 25/15 °C and 8% at 35/25 °C) and X-ray (5%) tests that seed viability of Sa.aegyptiaca was very low, and X-ray analysis revealed that this was due to poor embryo development. Seeds of P.farcta have physical dormancy, which was broken by scarification in concentrated sulfuric acid (10 min), and they exhibited high viability in both the germination (98% at 25/15 °C and 93% at 35/25 °C) and X-ray (98%) test. Most of the nongerminated seeds of the eight species except those of Sa.aegyptiaca were alive as judged by the tetrazolium test (TZ). Thus, for the eight species examined, the X-ray test was a good and rapid predictor of seed viability.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Euphorbia Triaculeata Forssk. Extract

Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of Euphorbia triaculeata Forssk. plant extract from Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, in an in vitro cancer model, which could be beneficial in anticancer therapy against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), prostate cell line (PC-3), human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HEPG2) and normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). The human foreskin fibroblast cell line, (Hs68), was also included in the cell panel. Doxorubicin and 5-Flurouracil, broad-spectrum anticancer drugs, were used as the positive control. Methods: Cytotoxicity of Euphorbia triaculeata plant extract was investigated by employing MTT assay and the genotoxicity was assessed by using comet assay. Results: Both toxicity tests exhibited significant toxicity results. In the comet assay, the Euphorbia triaculeata extract exhibited genotoxic effects against MCF-7 DNA and PC 3 but not on HEPG2 cell lines in a time-dependent manner by increasing the mean percentage of DNA damage. Euphorbia triaculeata extract showed significant toxicity against cancer cells. Comparison with positive control signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by methanol extract might have moderate activity. Conclusion: The present work confirmed the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Euphorbia triaculeata plant. However, the observed toxicity of this plant extract needs to be confirmed by additional studies. Based on our results, further examination of the potential anticancer properties of Euphorbia triaculeata plant species and the identification of the active ingredients of these extracts is warranted.

A re-examination of the Salicornias (Amaranthaceae) of Saudi Arabia and their polymorphs.

During the period from 1964 to 1999 Saudi Arabian species of Salicornia were wrongly treated under the European species, S. europaea L. Recent explorations proved that there are two separate allopatric species of Salicornia in Saudi Arabia, one inhabiting the inland salt-marshes of the Najd (highlands) and the other inhabiting the Arabian Gulf Coast (lowlands). Morphological, ecological and exploratory studies confirm that they are two distinct species. The two species differ in features of bark, axillary spikes, basal vegetative segment(s) of spike, fertile segments, colour of senescent plants, and flowering, fruiting and germination phenology. As both the species have been described earlier from Iran, they are now new records for Saudi Arabia. The species are, S. persica ssp. iranica (Akhani) Kadereit & Piirainen and S. sinus-persica Akhani. S. sinus-persica, of which the status was thought doubtful has been confirmed. Both the species have been described and illustrated. Each species comprises a number of polymorphs. As leaves and flowers are rudimentary, confusing species circumscriptions, a proliferation of binomials has resulted in the taxonomy of Salicornia. To mitigate such confusion, the full range of variability of the Saudi Arabian species has been documented.

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of phenolic constituents in honey from various floral sources using multiwalled carbon nanotubes as extraction sorbents.

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry method has been developed for the simultaneous separation, identification and determination of 22 phenolic constituents in honey from various floral sources from Yemen. Solid-phase extraction was used for extraction of the target phenolic constituents from honey samples, while multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as solid-phase adsorbent. The chromatographic separation of all phenolic constituents was performed on a BEH C18 column using a linear gradient elution with a binary mobile phase mixture of aqueous 0.1% formic acid and methanol. The quantitation was carried out in selected ion reaction monitoring acquisition mode. The total amount of phenolic acids, flavonoids and other phenols in each analyzed honey was found in the range of 338-3312, 122-5482 and 2.4-1342 µg/100 g of honey, respectively. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid was found to be the major phenolic acid. The main detected flavonoid was chrysin, while cinnamic acid was found to be the major other phenol compound. The regeneration of solid phase adsorbent to be reused and recovery results confirm that the proposed method could be potentially used for the routine analysis of phenolic constituents in honey extract.

Prominent corneal nerves: a novel sign of lipoid proteinosis.

AIM: Detailed longitudinal evaluation of corneal and other ophthalmological features of patients with lipoid proteinosis (LP). METHODS: Ophthalmological examinations, chart review, ultrasound biomicroscopy, corneal confocal microscopic examinations with Nidek confoScan 4 and direct sequencing of the extracellular matrix protein 1 gene in individuals from three consanguineous Saudi families with LP. RESULTS: Seven individuals affected with LP (four female and three male subjects) were evaluated together with nine unaffected parents and siblings. All affected individuals had homozygous mutations in extracellular matrix protein 1. Four patients were examined frequently (every 6 months) beginning in infancy and early childhood. Globe and vision were normal in all individuals, and moniliform blepharosis always appeared after the age of 4 years. Prominent corneal nerves were detected in all patients regardless of age and were more apparent in patients with more severe genetic mutations. Conversely, the severity of moniliform blepharosis seemed age-dependent rather than genotype-related. CONCLUSION: Prominent corneal nerves can be helpful in the early diagnosis of LP and should be added to the list of LP ophthalmological diagnostic features.

Computational and spectral investigation of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde.

A conformational search of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde predicted the presence of twelve conformations. The geometry of the twelve conformations established at the B3LYP/6-31G* level showed only six unique ones. Vibrational frequencies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. The calculated vibrational frequencies enabled us to interpret the appearance of two bands corresponding to the C=O stretching mode of 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde. The first band corresponded to the 5,12-dihydro-5,12-ethanonaphthacene-13-carbaldehyde structure where the aldehyde group O atom was above the benzene or naphthalene ring. The other band was due to the O atom of the aldehyde group pointing out of the benzene or naphthalene ring.

Microbiology and visual outcome of bleb-associated endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To identify the microbiological spectrum and visual outcome of bleb-associated endophthalmitis. METHODS: The medical records of patients treated for bleb-associated endophthalmitis were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were identified. Vitreous cultures were positive in 48 (64%) patients. The most common isolates were Streptococcus species in 24 (50%) eyes, gram-negative bacteria in 10 (20.8%) eyes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in 7 (14.6%) eyes. Good visual outcome was achieved in 33 (44%) patients. On univariate analysis, shorter interval from onset of symptoms and treatment (p = .005), better initial visual acuity (p = .004), clear cornea at presentation (p = .048), isolation of less virulent organisms (p < .001), and absence of diabetes mellitus (p = .048) were significant positive predictors for good visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Bleb-associated endophthalmitis is associated with severe visual impairment. Clinical features associated with better visual outcome include early presentation, better presenting visual acuity, clear cornea at presentation, culture of a less virulent organism, and absence of diabetes mellitus.

Bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma after hyperopic LASIK correction.

Acute angle closure glaucoma is unexpected complication following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We are reporting a 49-years-old lady that was presented to the emergency department with acute glaucoma in both eyes soon after LASIK correction. Diagnosis was made on detailed clinical history and examination, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement and gonioscopy. Laser iridotomy in both eyes succeeded in controlling the attack and normalizing the intraocular pressure (IOP) more than 6 months of follow-up. Prophylactic laser iridotomy is essential for narrow angle patients before LASIK surgery if refractive laser surgery is indicated.

Tetrazolo[1,5-a] quinoline derivatives as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents [1].

Tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives bearing in the 4-position various thiazolidinone 3a-c, 5a-c and 7a-c, thiazinone 8a,b, thiazoline 9a-d and thiadiazoline 10a,b moieties have been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity and antimicrobial properties. The synthetic routes involved the reaction of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde 1 with amines and hydrazines to give the corresponding aniles 2a-c and hydrazones 4a-c respectively The latter compounds when treated with thioglycolic acid, furnished the corresponding thiazolidinone derivatives 3a-c and 5a-c. Moreover; thiosemicarbazone 6a-c derivatives were subsequently cyclized by various reagents giving rise the title compounds. Some of the products proved to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.