Evaluation of Apixaban standard dosing in underweight patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines recommend using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as first-line agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Research is currently investigating the use of Apixaban in underweight patients, with some results suggesting altered pharmacokinetics, decreased drug absorption, and potential overdosing in this population. This study examined the effectiveness and safety of standard Apixaban dosing in adult patients with atrial NVAF weighing less than 50 kg. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC); adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) below 25 who received a standard dose of Apixaban (5 mg twice daily) were categorized into two sub-cohorts based on their weight at the time of Apixaban initiation. Underweight was defined as patients weighing ≤ 50 kg, while the control group (Normal weight) comprised patients weighing > 50 kg. We followed the patients for at least one year after Apixaban initiation. The study's primary outcome was the incidence of stroke events, while secondary outcomes included bleeding (major or minor), thrombosis, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Propensity score (PS) matching with a 1:1 ratio was used based on predefined criteria and regression model was utilized as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 1,433 patients were screened; of those, 277 were included according to the eligibility criteria. The incidence of stroke events was lower in the underweight than in the normal weight group at crude analysis (0% vs. 9.1%) p-value = 0.06), as well in regression analysis (OR (95%CI): 0.08 (0.001, 0.76), p-value = 0.002). On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the odds of major and minor bleeding (OR (95%CI): 0.39 (0.07, 2.03), p-value = 0.26 and OR (95%CI): 1.27 (0.56, 2.84), p-value = 0.40, respectively). CONCLUSION: This exploratory study revealed that underweight patients with NVAF who received standard doses of Apixaban had fewer stroke events compared to normal-weight patients, without statistically significant differences in bleeding events. To confirm these findings, further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer observation durations are required.

Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Successfully Treated With R-CHOP Chemotherapy.

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (PCDLBCLs) represent approximately 10%-20% of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. They present as nodules in the skin or as rapidly growing aggressive behavior tumors with a poor prognosis. In this article, we report a case of PCDLBCL presented with an aggressively enlarging skin lesion on the right cheek. This case was diagnosed based on clinicopathological features and characteristic immunohistochemical expression. During the 11-month follow-up period, the patient showed significant clinical improvement after undergoing rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, abbreviated as R-CHOP chemotherapy, without evidence of extracutaneous dissemination or disease relapse.

Clinical pharmacy services in acute care setting during mass gatherings (Hajj): Insights from a task force.

BACKGROUND: Hajj is the largest mass gathering worldwide that takes place every year in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive guide and expectations for delivering and optimizing clinical pharmacy services during one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, Hajj pilgrimage METHODS: A task force initiated and included members of clinical pharmacists who previously participated in delivering clinical pharmacy services during the Hajj pilgrimage, members of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP), and policymakers from different sectors and representatives from pharmaceutical care of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The members established an expert task force to conceptualize and draft the proposed suggestions highlighting the roles and responsibilities of clinical pharmacists during the annual Hajj season. RESULTS: The task force determined the following key domains 1) pharmaceutical care (administration and strategic plan, resources, formulary management); 2) pharmacists' activities (clinical pharmacy services and documentation, professional training and development, and staff credentials, and qualifications); 3) challenges and proposed solutions. The task force was divided into groups to draft each domain and provide suggested statements and insights for each section. Finally, the group members of the task force issued 15 opinion statements. CONCLUSION: Mass gatherings such as Hajj pilgrimage, represent a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of pharmacists in advancing health care delivery within a multidisciplinary team. These suggestions and insights could guide the implementation of clinical pharmacy services in acute settings during mass gatherings (Hajj). Future studies should focus on assessing the applicability and the impact of the provided suggestions.

Herpetic Whitlow Associated With an Eating Disorder: A Case Report.

Herpetic whitlow is a localized cutaneous viral infection primarily affecting the fingers, caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) or 2 (HSV-2). It can be recurrent due to behavioral factors associated with eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa. We would like to introduce "Jehany Sign," suggesting the term for the association of bulimia nervosa with HSV infections. Here, we present the case of a 50-year-old pre-diabetic female with recurrent herpetic whitlow on her left index finger associated with self-induced vomiting and extreme concern about her weight and body shape. Skin examination showed an eroded group of vesicles on an erythematous base on her left finger. The diagnosis was established through history and clinical examination. Upon follow-up, the patient showed complete resolution in one week after receiving topical and systemic acyclovir, which led to a subsequent referral to a psychiatrist for further management regarding bulimia nervosa. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the complicated connections between eating disorders and dermatological diseases. Recognizing these allows healthcare providers to deliver more comprehensive care, improve patient outcomes, and further study in this area.

Evaluation of the use of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in asthma critically ill patients with COVID-19: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown mortality benefits with corticosteroids in Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, there is inconsistency regarding the use of methylprednisolone over dexamethasone in COVID-19, and this has not been extensively evaluated in patients with a history of asthma. This study aims to investigate and compare the effectiveness and safety of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in critically ill patients with asthma and COVID-19. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the in-hospital mortality. Other endpoints include 30-day mortality, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (MV), acute kidney injury (AKI), acute liver injury, length of stay (LOS), ventilator-free days (VFDs), and hospital-acquired infections. Propensity score (PS) matching, and regression analyses were used. RESULTS: A total of one hundred-five patients were included. Thirty patients received methylprednisolone, whereas seventy-five patients received dexamethasone. After PS matching (1:1 ratio), patients who received methylprednisolone had higher but insignificant in-hospital mortality in both crude and logistic regression analysis, [(35.0% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.22) and (OR 2.31; CI: 0.56 - 9.59; P = 0.25), respectively]. There were no statistically significant differences in the 30-day mortality, respiratory failure requiring MV, AKI, acute liver injury, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, and hospital-acquired infections. CONCLUSIONS: Methylprednisolone in COVID-19 patients with asthma may lead to increased in-hospital mortality and shorter VFDs compared to dexamethasone; however, it failed to reach statistical significance. Therefore, it is necessary to interpret these data cautiously, and further large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed to establish more conclusive evidence and support these conclusions.

Lifestyle Assessment of Primary Healthcare Physicians in Taif, Saudi Arabia in the Year 2022.

Objective This study aims to evaluate primary healthcare physicians' lifestyles to promote their well-being and improve care quality for the general population. Methods This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted on primary healthcare physicians in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), using self-administered questionnaires. Results We included 206 participants aged 26-66. Most participants were 35 years old or younger (67%), male (62.1%), and residents (52.4%). Of all participants, 49.5% held a Bachelor's degree, 40.8% had completed their board certificate or Ph.D., and 69.9% had at least 10 years of experience. Of all participants, 16.5% and less than 9% reported having hypercholesterolemia and other comorbidities, respectively. More than 50% were physically inactive, 26.2% were moderately inactive, and 17.4% were moderately active or active individuals. Physical activity was significantly associated with job titles (p < 0.018). The qualification was associated with dietary score (p = 0.034), and 42.7% of participants were in need of diet change. About a quarter (25.2%) were smokers, and 92.3% of them smoked daily. Male participants were associated with a greater likelihood of smoking (p < 0.001). Overall, 41.7% were overweight, and 25.7% were obese. Increased BMI was associated with older age and male gender (p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively), as well as the title of the physician and years of experience (p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Participants' unhealthy lifestyles indicate the need to establish measures to promote healthy lifestyles among physicians.

The effect of oseltamivir use in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter propensity score-matched study.

Background: Oseltamivir has been used as adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with COVID-19. However, the evidence about using oseltamivir in critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oseltamivir in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study includes critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were categorized into two groups based on oseltamivir use within 48 hours of ICU admission (Oseltamivir vs. Control). The primary endpoint was viral load clearance. Results: A total of 226 patients were matched into two groups based on their propensity score. The time to COVID-19 viral load clearance was shorter in patients who received oseltamivir (11 vs. 16 days, p = 0.042; beta coefficient: -0.84, 95%CI: (-1.33, 0.34), p = 0.0009). Mechanical ventilation (MV) duration was also shorter in patients who received oseltamivir (6.5 vs. 8.5 days, p = 0.02; beta coefficient: -0.27, 95% CI: [-0.55,0.02], P = 0.06). In addition, patients who received oseltamivir had lower odds of hospital/ventilator-acquired pneumonia (OR:0.49, 95% CI:(0.283,0.861), p = 0.01). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups in the 30-day and in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Oseltamivir was associated with faster viral clearance and shorter MV duration without safety concerns in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-induced methemoglobinemia in pediatric patient: A case report.

In this report, a case of high dose of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim-induced methemoglobinemia and is reported in a young boy with ventilator-associated pneumonia and was treated successfully with methylene blue and cessation of the offending agent.

Prevalence of Carbapenem Non-susceptible Gram-Negative Bacteria at Tertiary Care Hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Background Antibiotics significantly increased life expectancy and decreased mortality rates due to infections. However, this trend is starting to fade with the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDR); these strains are becoming a global burden on healthcare and the economy. The dramatic increase and spread of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) has become a serious global public health concern. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we aimed to estimate the rates of gram-negative bacteremia in five tertiary care hospitals in different geographical locations in Saudi Arabia for five years. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia among patients with bacteremia due to CRGNB. Electronic medical records were used to retrieve data regarding patient demographics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) over five years between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients with positive blood cultures for carbapenem-resistant Escherichia (E.) coli, Klebsiella (K.) pneumonia, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii comprise the final study population. Results This retrospective multicentric study was conducted between 2016 and 2020 in five tertiary care hospitals across five cities in Saudi Arabia. E. coli (n=2190, 38.03%), K. pneumoniae (n=2154, 37.41%), P. aeruginosa (n = 918, 15.94%), and A. baumannii (n=496, 8.61%) constitute the 5758 gram-negative bacteria isolates. E. coli was the most frequently identified species in Riyadh, AlAhsa, Dammam, and Madinah (40%, 46.50%, 61.67%, and 43.66%, respectively), with a p-value of (p<0.001), except in Jeddah, where K. pneumoniae was the most prevalent (42%). The mean age of patients across Riyadh, AlAhsa, Dammam, and Madinah was 62.2 years (± 4.24). In contrast to Jeddah, where the majority of isolates (702; 41.8%) belonged to the adult age group. Most isolates were from male patients (3045; 52.9%), compared to 2713 (47.1%) from female patients. K. pneumoniae 1226 (40.3%) was the most prevalent isolate among male patients while E. coli (1135; 41.8%) was the most prevalent isolate among female patients. Conclusion Our study showed that the prevalence of carbapenem non-susceptible Gram-negative bacteria is relatively high, which therefore makes them very challenging to treat. The results show an urgent need for improved antibiotic stewardship strategies, including better surveillance and more effective infection control measures to reduce this issue. Further research into the molecular epidemiology and risk factors associated with these infections is necessary to guide public health policymakers in developing interventions to help control the spread of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Cutaneous Complications of Tattoos and Piercings Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction  Tattooing and piercing, which were uncommon in affluent countries, have recently spread throughout societies. Over the past two decades, young people have shown considerable excitement for the practice. This reported growth creates more difficulties because of the numerous operations performed without awareness of health and hygiene requirements. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the general population toward the cutaneous complications of tattoos and piercings in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a web-based descriptive cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers, which included participants' demographic data, their knowledge of tattoos and piercings with associated health effects and possible infections, their attitude towards tattoos and piercings, and their practice and experienced complications regarding tattooing and body piercing. The final validated questionnaire was made publicly available via social media until no more new responses were obtained. Results Eight hundred and forty-eight individuals completed the study questionnaire. The ages of the participants varied from 18 to more than 55 years old, with a mean age of 25.2 ± 13.9 years, and (589 [69.5%]) were female. The most reported health effects and infections were bacterial infections in place of body modification (479 [56.5%]), purpura (380 [44.9%]), cutaneous abscesses (380 [44%]), melanoma (338 [39.9%]), hepatitis B virus (321 [37.9%]), HIV (311 [36.7%]), sepsis (306 [36.2%]), allergic contact dermatitis (296 [35%]), and hepatitis C virus (279 [33.1%]). In total, 336 (39.6%) had an overall good knowledge of tattooing and body piercing hazards, with higher knowledge among females with high education (p< 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that one in three individuals knew about the health risks and infections associated with tattooing and body piercing. Higher awareness was found among females with high education levels. Of all the associated complications, procedure-related infections were the most common among participants.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Skin Care in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional, Survey-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Skin care is the maintenance of the hygienic state of the skin toward optimal conditions of cleanliness and comfort and includes skin cleansing, skin product use, and photoprotection. AIM: This study aimed to assess skincare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Saudi populations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from February to April 2022. Data were collected using a survey distributed through social media to participants of both genders aged 12 years and above. RESULTS: A total of 710 subjects participated in this study. More than half were aged between 18 and 30 years (54.8%), had a bachelor's degree (56.2%), had no income (55.8%), and resided in the Western region (58.0%). Females represented most respondents (77.3%). Skin disease was prevalent among 19.9% of the population. The combined skin type was most frequently reported for the face (52.1%), while for the body, the dry skin type predominated (42.8%). Using skincare products was significantly associated with the female gender (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and practices concerning of skin care are acceptable within the Saudi population. Being a female and having oily facial skin influenced skincare behavior the most among the Saudi population.

Evaluation of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) treatment for moderate-to-severe ARDS in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is used as rescue therapy in patients with refractory hypoxemia due to severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) despite the recommendation against the use of this treatment. To date, the effect of iNO on the clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS remains arguable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of iNO in critically ill COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included critically ill adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 treated from March 01, 2020, until July 31, 2021. Eligible patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS were subsequently categorized into two groups based on inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use throughout their ICU stay. The primary endpoint was the improvement in oxygenation parameters 24 h after iNO use. Other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score matching (1:2) was used based on the predefined criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1598 patients were screened, and 815 were included based on the eligibility criteria. Among them, 210 patients were matched based on predefined criteria. Oxygenation parameters (PaO2, FiO2 requirement, P/F ratio, oxygenation index) were significantly improved 24 h after iNO administration within a median of six days of ICU admission. However, the risk of 30-day and in-hospital mortality were found to be similar between the two groups (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.82; p = 0.45 and HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 0.94, 2.11; p= 0.10, respectively). On the other hand, ventilator-free days (VFDs) were significantly fewer, and  ICU and hospital LOS were significantly longer in the iNO group. In addition, patients who received iNO had higher odds of acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR (95% CI): 2.35 (1.30, 4.26), p value = 0.005) and hospital/ventilator-acquired pneumonia (OR (95% CI): 3.2 (1.76, 5.83), p value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In critically ill COVID-19 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS, iNO rescue therapy is associated with improved oxygenation parameters but no mortality benefits. Moreover, iNO use is associated with higher odds of AKI, pneumonia, longer LOS, and fewer VFDs.

The impact of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors use on the clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter, cohort study.

Background: The cardiovascular complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be attributed to the hyperinflammatory state leading to increased mortality in patients with COVID-19. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) are known to have pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effects and may have antiviral activity along with their cholesterol-lowering activity. Thus, statin therapy is potentially a potent adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection. This study investigated the impact of statin use on the clinical outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on the statin use during ICU stay and were matched with a propensity score based on patient's age and admission APACHE II and SOFA scores. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, while 30 day mortality, ventilator-free days (VFDs) at 30 days, and ICU complications were secondary endpoints. Results: A total of 1,049 patients were eligible; 502 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The in-hospital mortality [hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.54, 0.89), P = 0.004] and 30-day mortality [hazard ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), P = 0.03] were significantly lower in patients who received statin therapy on multivariable cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Moreover, patients who received statin therapy had lower odds of hospital-acquired pneumonia [OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.32, 0.69), P < 0.001], lower levels of inflammatory markers on follow-up, and no increased risk of liver injury. Conclusion: The use of statin therapy during ICU stay in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may have a beneficial role and survival benefit with a good safety profile.

Systolic Blood Pressure Variability When Transitioning From Intravenous to Enteral Antihypertensive Agents in Patients With Hemorrhagic Strokes.

Background/Objective: Systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality. SBPV is a strong predictor of poor functional outcomes in patients with ICH. Intravenous (IV) antihypertensive agents are commonly used to achieve sustained target blood pressure goals; however, this is not a feasible long-term option. The transition from IV to enteral antihypertensives is not yet well established in patients with ICH and SAH. This study aimed to assess the effect of the number of antihypertensive agents and overlap time during the transition period from IV to enteral route on SBPV in patients with ICH and SAH. Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were extracted from electronic medical records after obtaining Institutional Review Board approval. Patients were included if they were >18 years old, admitted with spontaneous ICH or SAH, and received continuous infusion antihypertensives prior to transitioning to the enteral route. The major outcome was the effect of the number of antihypertensive agents and overlap time on SBPV during the transition process. Minor outcomes included the effect of the number of antihypertensive agents and overlap time on heart rate variability and the incidence of AKI on day 7. Results: After the screening, we included 102 patients. Based on our regression model, the number of enteral antihypertensive agents upon transitioning from IV to enteral antihypertensive therapy had no effect on SBPV in the intensive care unit (ICU) among our patients (p-value = 0.274). However, the prolonged overlap was associated with reduced SBPV in the ICU (p-value = 0.012). No differences were observed between the groups in heart rate variation or AKI rate. Conclusions: In patients with ICH and SAH, prolonged overlap of enteral antihypertensive agents to overlap with intravenous antihypertensive therapy may result in lower SBPV. This finding needs to be confirmed on a larger scale with more robust study designs for patients with ICH and SAH.

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards antibiotic use among patients attending Al Wazarat health center.

Background: Despite recent government efforts to control antibiotic purchase by the public, the rate of self-prescription is still alarmingly high in Saudi Arabia. Increased and inappropriate antibiotic use has been identified as an important factor behind bacterial resistance. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the Saudi public's awareness of antibiotic use and resistance. However, none of the local studies examined the awareness and practices among patients attending primary care services. Additionally, the influencing factors of awareness and practices have never been comprehensively examined. Objective: To assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use and their influencing factors among a sample of patients at a primary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine patients attending Al Wazarat Health Center in Riyadh between 1 January 2018 and 31 March 2018. Data was collected using a structured study questionnaire which included data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, as well as knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use. Scores were calculated for knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use and were translated to a 100-point scale for easy interpretation. Results: The current analysis included 343 participants. The average age was 32.5 ± 10.0 years. The majority of the participants were women (63.0%), married (65.9%), and had college or higher education (57.0%). The overall antibiotic awareness level was 54.7% (including 43.9% for knowledge and 71.7% for attitude) and appropriate antibiotic practices were 68.3%. The scores of both awareness and practices were positively and significantly correlated (correlation coefficient = 0.440, P < 0.001). In addition to appropriate antibiotic practices, awareness was significantly associated with higher educational level and having children. Conclusions: The current findings indicate the need to improve awareness and understanding of the public regarding appropriate antibiotic use by targeting patients who attend primary care services with posters, structured educational sessions, and physician advice.

Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations in the Adult Population of Jazan Region.

Background Physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of health because of its role in preventing multiple chronic diseases. A better understanding of the relationship between PA and factors that promote or hinder PA is necessary for adherence to PA recommendations. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of adults of the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia adhering to PA recommendations and to examine the effects of socio-economic factors on meeting these recommendations. Method The official short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess PA. Participants aged 17-74 years (n = 709) were categorized into active or inactive categories. Independent associations between PA categories and socio-economic factors were explored using binary logistic regression. Results The proportion of the adults of the Jazan region who were inactive, i.e., not adhering to the PA recommendations, was 58.3%. Those with body mass index >30 kg /m2 (OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.32-0.84) were less likely to be more active than those with normal weight. Participants who rated their health as very good (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96) and good (OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22-0.70) were less likely to be more active than those who rated their health as excellent.  Conclusions More than half of the adult population of the Jazan region did not adhere to the PA levels necessary to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Such a high prevalence of low PA is a major health problem. Thus, efforts are warranted to promote PA in the Jazan region, particularly among obese female adults. High self-perceived health was an important correlate of PA among the adult population of Jazan. Because of the wide range of physical activity levels among population subgroups, a social-ecological approach for physical activity promotion may be warranted.

Impacts of Nicotiana glauca Graham Invasion on the Vegetation Composition and Soil: A Case Study of Taif, Western Saudi Arabia.

Invasive species are considered a serious problem in different ecosystems worldwide. They can compete and interfere with native plants, leading to a shift in community assembly and ecosystem function. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nicotiana glauca Graham invasion on native vegetation composition and soil of the most invaded locations in the Taif region, Western Saudi Arabia, including Alwaht (WHT), Ar-Ruddaf (RDF), and Ash-shafa (SHFA). Plant species list, life span, life form, and chorotypes were assessed. Six locations highly infested with N. glauca shrubs were selected, and the morphological parameters of the shrubs were measured. Within each location, richness, evenness, relative density of species, and soil were measured either under the canopy of N. glauca shrubs or outside the canopy. Floristic analysis revealed the existence of 144 plant species, mainly perennial. The shrubs at the SHFA1 location showed the highest values of all measured morphological parameters. The WHT 1 location showed high richness and evenness, while the WHAT 2 location showed less richness and evenness. The invaded locations showed substantial variation in the community composition. Additionally, the effect of N. glauca on the understory species varied from competition to facilitation, where most of the understory species were inhibited. As an average of all locations, 65.86% of the plant species were recorded only outside the canopy of N. glauca. The vegetation analysis revealed that the SHFA location is more vulnerable to invasion that could be ascribed to its wide range of habitats and high disturbance. The soil-vegetation relationships showed significant variations among the studied locations regarding soil composition, and thereby showed a wide ecological range of the invasive shrubs N. glauca. Therefore, the invasion of N. glauca in the Taif region altered the species interactions, nutrients, and soil properties.

Influence of the invasive shrub Nicotiana glauca Graham on the plant seed bank in various locations in Taif region, western of Saudi Arabia.

Invasive species have been considered as one of the most serious threats to the biodiversity of various ecosystems, particularly in arid regions. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the invasive shrub Nicotiana glauca on the biodiversity of different habitats in Taif region, Saudi Arabia as well as to determine the highest habitat with seed bank of N. glauca. Soil samples were collected from three locations (Alwaht, Ash-shafa, and Ar Ruddaf), invaded with N. glauca, and analyzed for the soil seed bank. A soil seed experiment was designed in a greenhouse, whereby emerged plant seedlings were left to grow for three months and identified as well as the species density and biodiversity were assessed under and outside the canopy of N. glauca. Also, the floristic composition, life forms, and chorotype spectra of the plant species of the seed bank were analyzed. A total of 42 species, belonging to 23 families, were recorded in the soil seed bank. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae were the major families (42.9%). The life form spectra of the recorded species were dominated by Therophytes (59.5%). Chorotype spectra analysis revealed that Mediterranean, Saharo-Arabian, and Irano-Turanian were the most represented elements. The species richness and evenness were higher outside the canopy, which indicates a negative effect of the invasive shrub N. glauca on the plant biodiversity in the study area, particularly in Ar Ruddaf location. This could be attributed to the competition or allelopathic effect of N. glauca. In contrast, the density of N. glauca seeds was higher under the canopy compared to outside. The soil nutrients and moisture under the canopy were higher than outside canopy. The present study provides a deeper understanding of the most susceptible habitats or communities to the invasion by N. glauca and thereby open the challenge toward control of this noxious plant and vegetation restoration.

Phytotoxic Effects of Plant Essential Oils: A Systematic Review and Structure-Activity Relationship Based on Chemometric Analyses.

Herbicides are natural or synthetic chemicals used to control unwanted plants (weeds). To avoid the harmful effects of synthetic herbicides, considerable effort has been devoted to finding alternative products derived from natural sources. Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are auspicious source of bioherbicides. This review discusses phytotoxic EOs and their chemical compositions as reported from 1972 to 2020. Using chemometric analysis, we attempt to build a structure-activity relationship between phytotoxicity and EO chemical composition. Data analysis reveals that oxygenated terpenes, and mono- and sesquiterpenes, in particular, play principal roles in the phytotoxicity of EOs. Pinene, 1,8 cineole, linalool, and carvacrol are the most effective monoterpenes, with significant phytotoxicity evident in the EOs of many plants. Caryophyllene and its derivatives, including germacrene, spathulenol, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, are the most effective sesquiterpenes. EOs rich in iridoids (non-terpene compounds) also exhibit allelopathic activity. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of these compounds in pure forms, determine their activity in the field, evaluate their safety, and assess their modes of action.