Calcium l-Malate and d-Tartarate Frameworks as Adjuvants for the Sustainable Delivery of a Fungicide.

Agrichemical adjuvants that combine a highly selective, efficient, and active mode of operation are critically needed to realize a more sustainable approach to their usage. Herein, we report the synthesis and full characterization of two new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), termed UPMOF-1 and UPMOF-2, that were constructed from eco-friendly Ca2+ ions and naturally occurring, low-molecular weight plant acids, l-malic and d-tartaric acid, respectively. Upon structural elucidation of both MOFs, a widely used fungicide, hexaconazole (Hex), was loaded on the structures, reaching binding affinities of -5.0 and -3.5 kcal mol-1 and loading capacities of 63% and 62% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively, as a result of the formation of stable host-guest interactions. Given the framework chemistry of the MOFs and their predisposition to disassembly under relevant agricultural conditions, the sustained release kinetics were determined to show nearly quantitative release (98% and 95% for Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2, respectively) after >500 h, a release profile drastically different than the control (>80% release in 24 h), from which the high efficiency of these new systems was established. To confirm their high selectivity and activity, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to illustrate the abilities of Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 to combat the known aggressive pathogen Ganoderma boninense that causes basal stem rot disease in oil palm. Accordingly, at an extremely low concentration of 0.05 µg mL-1, both Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 were demonstrated to completely inhibit (100%) G. boninense growth, and during a 26 week in vivo nursery trial, the progression of basal stem rot infection was completely halted upon treatment with Hex@UPMOF-1 and Hex@UPMOF-2 and seedling growth was accelerated given the additional nutrients supplied via the disassembly of the MOFs. This study represents a significant step forward in the design of adjuvants to support the environmentally responsible use of agrichemical crop protection.

Genomic architecture of autism spectrum disorder in Qatar: The BARAKA-Qatar Study.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social and communication skills, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD among children in Qatar was recently estimated to be 1.1%, though the genetic architecture underlying ASD both in Qatar and the greater Middle East has been largely unexplored. Here, we describe the first genomic data release from the BARAKA-Qatar Study-a nationwide program building a broadly consented biorepository of individuals with ASD and their families available for sample and data sharing and multi-omics research. METHODS: In this first release, we present a comprehensive analysis of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of the first 100 families (372 individuals), investigating the genetic architecture, including single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number variants (CNVs), tandem repeat expansions (TREs), as well as mitochondrial DNA variants (mtDNA) segregating with ASD in local families. RESULTS: Overall, we identify potentially pathogenic variants in known genes or regions in 27 out of 100 families (27%), of which 11 variants (40.7%) were classified as pathogenic or likely-pathogenic based on American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines. Dominant variants, including de novo and inherited, contributed to 15 (55.6%) of these families, consisting of SNVs/indels (66.7%), CNVs (13.3%), TREs (13.3%), and mtDNA variants (6.7%). Moreover, homozygous variants were found in 7 families (25.9%), with a sixfold increase in homozygous burden in consanguineous versus non-consanguineous families (13.6% and 1.8%, respectively). Furthermore, 28 novel ASD candidate genes were identified in 20 families, 23 of which had recurrent hits in MSSNG and SSC cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the value of ASD studies in under-represented populations and the importance of WGS as a comprehensive tool for establishing a molecular diagnosis for families with ASD. Moreover, it uncovers a significant role for recessive variation in ASD architecture in consanguineous settings and provides a unique resource of Middle Eastern genomes for future research to the global ASD community.

Genetic implications of Th/U, Th/K, and U/K ratios for U mineralizations: A case study from El-Missikat and El-Erediya shear zones, Eastern Desert, Egypt.

The current work is an attempt to reveal the possible utilization of the radiometric measurements to build-up a complete genetic scenario for magmatic, hydrothermal, and supergene uranium mineralization. For this purpose, ground gamma-ray survey was performed through the exploratory tunnels dug perpendicular to El-Missikat and El-Erediya shear zones, the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Contents of U, Th, and K were measured for the host pink granite (e.g., avg.15.94 U ppm, 35.62 Th ppm, and 6.63% K), alteration zones (brecciation, silicification, greisenization, kaolinization and hematitization) (e.g., avg. 124.01 U ppm, 63.67 Th ppm, and 3.13% K), and mineralized silica veins (e.g., avg. 312.65 U ppm, 92.22 Th ppm, and 2.62% K). All of these data were graphically represented as correlation plots of Th vs. U, Th/U vs. U, Th vs. K, and U/K vs. Th/K. The overall results indicate magmatic, hydrothermal, and supergene sources of El-Missikat and El-Erediya U mineralization. The magma-derived U contents are enclosed mainly in the pink granite that is mostly characterized by normal Th/U (2.5-5) and Th/K ratios (3-5*10-4). The hydrothermal processes through the alteration zones and mineralized silica veins are reflected by the weak correlation of Th with U (e.g. r = 0.13 and - 0.39), the strong negative correlation of Th/U ratio with U (e.g. r = - 0.82), 2.5˃Th/U˃0.1, Th/K˃5*10-4, Th/K < 3*10-4, and the strong positive correlation of U/K with Th/K (e.g. r = 0.91) as well as the occurrence of thorite, columbite, xenotime and hydrothermal zircon (0.5 > Th/U ≤ 0.1). Afterwards, the hydrothermal mineralization underwent some degrees of chemical weathering that resulted in supergene U mineralization whose fingerprints can be traced by the occurrence of secondary U minerals (e.g. kasolite and uranophane), Th/U ratios ≤ 0.1, and the weak correlation between Th/K and U/K (e.g. r = 0.39 and - 0.11).

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Antibacterial and In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Novel Macroacyclic Schiff Bases and Their Cu (II) Complexes Derived from S-Methyl and S-Benzyl Dithiocarbazate.

A series of novel macroacyclic Schiff base ligands and their Cu (II) complexes were synthesised via reacting dicarbonyls of varying chain lengths with S-methyl dithiocarbazate (SMDTC) and S-benzyl dithiocarbazate (SBDTC) followed by coordination with Cu (II) ions. X-ray crystal structures were obtained for compound 4, an SBDTC-diacetyl analogue, and Cu7, an SMDTC-hexanedione Cu (II) complex. Anticancer evaluation of the compounds showed that Cu1, an SMDTC-glyoxal complex, demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 1.7 µM and 1.4 µM, respectively. There was no clear pattern observed between the effect of chain length and cytotoxic activity; however, SMDTC-derived analogues were more active than SBDTC-derived analogues against MDA-MB-231 cells. The antibacterial assay showed that K. rhizophila was the most susceptible bacteria to the compounds, followed by S. aureus. Compound 4 and the SMDTC-derived analogues 3, 5, Cu7 and Cu9 possessed the highest antibacterial activity. These active analogues were further assessed, whereby 3 possessed the highest antibacterial activity with an MIC of <24.4 µg/mL against K. rhizophila and S. aureus. Further antibacterial studies showed that at least compounds 4 and 5 were bactericidal. Thus, Cu1 and 3 were the most promising anticancer and antibacterial agents, respectively.

Neurocysticercosis presenting as a locked-in lateral ventricle: A case report and evidence-based review.

Human neurocysticercosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infestations of the central nervous system. It is considered the most frequent underlying etiology of acquired epilepsy in endemic areas in Central and South America, East Europe, Africa, and Asia, with over 50 million people affected globally. Ventricular involvement is a severe form of neurocysticercosis commonly manifests as arachnoiditis, raised intracranial pressure, or hydrocephalus, secondary to CSF flow obstruction of the ventricular system by cysts of Taenia solium, hence requiring prompt, aggressive intervention to alleviate the increased intracranial pressure to prevent imminent lethal complications. Ventricular neurocysticercosis can involve any brain ventricle but with a paramount preference for the fourth ventricle, causing non-communicating hydrocephalus and symmetric ventriculomegaly. However, in this clinical report, we present an uncommon case of trapped (locked-in) lateral ventricle caused by an isolated cysticercus trapped at the ipsilateral foramen of Monro, which is an atypical location for neurocysticercosis, adding more challenges to diagnosis and during the process of surgical extraction. We additionally provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the clinical course and management options relevant to the entity of ventricular neurocysticercosis, besides recent relevant clinical updates.

Intrafamilial and interfamilial heterogeneity of PINK1-associated Parkinson's disease in Sudan.

PINK1 is the second most predominant gene associated with autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease. Homozygous mutations in this gene are associated with an early onset of symptoms. Bradykinesia, tremors, and rigidity are common features, while dystonia, motor fluctuation, and non-motor symptoms occur in a lower percentage of cases and usually respond well to levodopa. We investigated 14 individuals with parkinsonism and eleven symptom-free siblings from three consanguineous Sudanese families, two of them multigenerational, using a custom gene panel screening 34 genes, 27 risk variants, and 8 candidate genes associated with parkinsonism. We found a known pathogenic nonsense PINK1 variant (NM_032409.3:c.1366C>T; p.(Gln456*)), a novel pathogenic single base duplication (NM_032409.3:c.1597dup; p.(Gln533Profs*29)), and another novel pathogenic insertion (NM_032409.3:c.1448_1449ins[1429_1443; TTGAG]; p.(Arg483Serfs*7)). All variants were homozygous and co-segregated in all affected family members. We also identified intrafamilial and interfamilial phenotypic heterogeneity associated with PINK1 mutations in these Sudanese cases, possibly reflecting the nature of the Sudanese population that has a large effective population size, which suggests a higher possibility of novel findings in monogenic and polygenic diseases in Sudan.

Fostering formative assessment: teachers' perception, practice and challenges of implementation in four Sudanese medical schools, a mixed-method study.

Formative assessment (assessment for learning) enhances learning (especially deep learning) by using feedback as a central tool. However, implementing it properly faces many challenges. We aimed to describe the perception of medical teachers towards FA, their practice, challenges of implementing FA and present applicable solutions. A mixed-method, explanatory approach study was applied by administering a validated questionnaire to 190 medical teachers in four medical schools in Sudan. The obtained results were further studied using the Delphi method. Quantitative analysis revealed that medical teachers perceived their grasping of the concept of FAs and their ability to differentiate formative from summative assessments as very well (83.7%) and (77.4%), respectively. However, in contradiction to the former results, it was noteworthy that (41%) of them mistakenly perceived FA as an approach conducted for purposes of grading and certification. The qualitative study defined the challenges into two main themes: lack of understanding of formative assessment and lack of resources. Medical teachers' development and resource allocation were the main recommendations. We conclude that there is misunderstanding and malpractice in implementing formative assessment attributed to the lack of understanding of FA as well as the lack of resources. We as well present suggested solutions derived from the perception of the medical teachers in the study and evolved around three approaches: faculty development, managing the curriculum by allocating time and resources for FA, and advocacy among stakeholders.

Stress Levels and Coping Strategies of Families of Adults With Intellectual Disability and Challenging Behaviours During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar.

This study investigated the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of caregivers of adults with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 7 to September 7, 2020 for caregivers of adults diagnosed with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours. Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory. Results showed moderate to high perceived stress levels in most caregivers (69%). The most frequent coping strategy was religion, followed by acceptance and active coping. Substance use and self-blame were less frequently used. The study revealed that emotional support, informational support and venting coping strategies were significant predictors of perceived stress levels. Restrictions on physical activity and social mobility caused by pandemic-related lockdowns have placed tremendous pressure on caregivers. Appropriate supportive measures should be implemented for the caregivers.

Adsorptive Removal of Naproxen from Water Using Polyhedral Oligomeric Silesquioxane (POSS) Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs).

Covalent organic frameworks are porous crystalline compounds made up of organic material bonded together by strong reversible covalent bonds (these are novel types of materials which have the processability of extended or repeated structures with high performance, like those of thermosets and thermoplastics that produce high surface coverage). These have a long-term effect on an arrangement's geometry and permeability. These compounds are entirely made up of light elements like H, B, C, N, O and Si. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have emerged as a new threatened species. A hazardous substance known as an "emerging toxin," such as naproxen, is one that has been established or is generated in sufficient amounts in an environment, creating permanent damage to organisms. COF-S7, OAPS and 2-methylanthraquionone(2-MeAQ), and COF-S12, OAPS and terephthalaldehyde (TPA) were effectively synthesized by condensation (solvothermal) via a Schiff base reaction (R1R2C=NR'), with a molar ratio of 1:8 for OAPS to linker (L1 and L2), at a temperature of 125 °C and 100 °C for COF-S7 and COF-S12, respectively. The compounds obtained were assessed using several spectroscopy techniques, which revealed azomethine C=N bonds, aromatic carbon environments via solid 13C and 29Si NMR, the morphological structure and porosity, and the thermostability of these materials. The remedied effluent was investigated, and a substantial execution was noted in the removal ability of the naproxen over synthesized materials, such as 70% and 86% at a contact time of 210 min and 270 min, respectively, at a constant dose of 0.05 g and pH 7. The maximum adsorption abilities of the substances were found to be 35 mg/g and 42 mg/g. The pH result implies that there is stable exclusion with a rise in pH to 9. At pH 9, the drop significance was attained for COF-S7 with the exception of COF-S12, which was detected at pH 11, due to the negative Foster charge, consequent to the repulsion among the synthesized COFs and naproxen solution. From the isotherms acquired (Langmuir and Freundlich), the substances displayed a higher value (close to 1) of correlation coefficient (R2), which showed that the substances fit into the Freundlich isotherm (heterogenous process), and the value of heterogeneity process (n) achieved (less than 1) specifies that the adsorption is a chemical process. Analysis of the as-prepared composites revealed remarkable reusability in the elimination of naproxen by adsorption. Due to its convenience of synthesis, significant adsorption effectiveness, and remarkable reusability, the as-synthesized COFs are expected to be able to be used as potential adsorbents for eliminating AIDs from water.

Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses Comparing Open and Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has benefits over open surgery for lumbar decompression and/or fusion. Published literature on its cost-effectiveness vs open techniques is mixed. OBJECTIVE: Systematically review the cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive vs open lumbar spinal surgical decompression, fusion, or discectomy using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. METHODS: A systematic electronic search of databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and a manual search from the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) database and National Health Service economic evaluation database was conducted. Studies that included adult populations undergoing surgery for degenerative changes in the lumbar spine (stenosis, radiculopathy, and spondylolisthesis) and reported outcomes of costing analysis, CEA, or incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were included. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included. Three studies assessed outcomes of MIS vs open discectomy. All 3 reported statistically significant lower total costs in the MIS, compared with the open group, with similar reported gains in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Two studies reported cost differences in MIS vs open laminectomy, with significantly lower total costs attributed to the MIS group. Twelve studies reported findings on the relative direct costs of MIS vs open lumbar fusion. Among those, 3 of the 4 studies comparing single-level MIS-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and open TLIF reported lower total costs associated with MIS procedures. Six studies reported cost evaluation of single- and 2-level TLIF procedures. Lower total costs were found in the MIS group compared with the open fusion group in all studies except for the subgroup analysis of 2-level fusions in a single study. Three of these 6 studies reported cost-effectiveness (cost/QALY). MIS fusion was found to be more cost-effective than open fusion in all 3 studies. CONCLUSION: The studies reviewed were of poor to moderate methodological quality. Generally, studies reported a reduced cost associated with MIS vs open surgery and suggested better cost-effectiveness, particularly in MIS vs open single- and 2-level TLIF procedure. Most studies had a high risk of bias. Therefore, this review was unable to conclusively recommend MIS over open surgery from a cost-effectiveness perspective. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The incidence of spinal decompressive and fusion surgey and financial constraints on healthcare services continue to increase. This study aims to identify the cost and clinical effectiveness of common approaches to spinal surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3a.

Dandy-Walker malformation and intermittent explosive disorder: A case report.

Dandy-Walker malformation is a group of brain malformations that sometimes present with psychotic features, violent and impulsive behavior, or mood symptoms. Here, we present a case report of a patient with Dandy-Walker malformation who presented with intermittent explosive disorder. A young man, aged 18 years, was brought to the author's hospital [Hamad Medical Corporation] with anger outbursts, irritable mood, and violent behavior. His magnetic resonance imaging scans showed typical alterations of Dandy-Walker malformation. He also had mild intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. After a few weeks of treatment with sodium valproate 1000 mg/day and risperidone 2 mg/day, his condition improved, and his violent behavior was significantly reduced in 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year of follow-up. There is broad consensus that Dandy-Walker malformation is associated with psychosis and other behavioral abnormalities because of a possible disruption in the prefrontal, thalamic, and cerebellar circuits. The link between Dandy-Walker malformation and intermittent explosive disorder may help us understand this type of brain malformation as a potential psychiatric comorbidity.

Methylation of alpha-synuclein in a Sudanese cohort.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggested a significant role of epigenetic changes, including alterations in miRNA, histone modifications, and DNA methylation of α-synuclein (SNCA) in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenicity. As of yet, only very few studies have been carried out in this field in Africa and none in Sudan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected DNA from 172 Sudanese individuals (90 cases, 82 controls) who donated saliva for DNA extraction (mean age of onset: 40.6 ± 22.4 years). A family history of PD was evident in 64 patients. DNA preparation and bisulfite sequencing of SNCAintron1 was performed as described earlier. RESULTS: Of the fourteen analyzed CpGs of SNCAintron1, CpGs 16-23 were hypomethylated in PD (P-value ranged from 0.023 to 0.003). P-values improved, when sporadic cases were excluded from the analysis. CONCLUSION: We identified the presence of a specific pattern of DNA methylation in a young Sudanese cohort of familial PD, which confirms the importance of the methylation of SNCAintron1 for PD. This phenomenon appears to be independent of ethnicity, the impact of environmental factors, drug history, or familial clustering.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers in the Stateof Qatar: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has established an association between changes to the daily routine of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and increase in maladaptive behaviours. The relationship between maladaptive behaviours in autistic individuals and increase in care burden among their caregivers is also well established. However, no study has yet examined these associations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on autistic individuals and their caregivers. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted with the caregivers of 58 autistic individuals across the mental health services at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The extent of care burden was measured using the Care Burden Interview, whereas changes in behaviour in autistic individuals was assessed using the Revised Overt Aggression Scale. RESULTS: A total of 58 caregivers participated in the study. Out of these, 24 (41 %) reported a clinically significant increase in their care burden. Among caregivers reporting an increase in care burden, two-third were caring for individuals whose behaviour either remained unchanged or improved during social restrictions. Nine autistic people (15.5 %) were reported to have no aggression prior to the implementation of COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 13 (22.4%) individuals during COVID-19 social restrictions. Minimal, mild and moderate aggression were reported in 27 (46.6 %), 21 (36.2 %), and 1 (1.7 %) patients respectively, before COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 29 (50 %), 15 (25.9), and 1 (1.7 %) during COVID-19 restrictions. Severe aggression was not reported in any patient either before or during COVID-19 social restrictions. CONCLUSION: This study showed reduced levels of aggression in autistic individuals but an increase in care burden among their caregivers during the COVID-19 social restrictions highlighting the need of supporting patients and caregivers alike.

The validity argument: Addressing the misconceptions.

Assessment of students necessitates validity. Validity provides strong reasoning for decisions made based on students' scores. It is a unitary concept; the extent to which evidence supports and justify the proposed interpretations of test scores. However, the comprehension of the concept of validity has been associated with some observed misconceptions in the literature. With the consequent impact on the research and application being in consideration, this work aims to address some associated misconceptions to clarify the concept of validity. In doing so, we are adopting the current standard framework that is based on the five sources of validity.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antidengue activity of enantiomeric Schiff bases derived from S-substituted dithiocarbazate.

A series of Schiff bases have been successfully synthesized through the acid-catalyzed condensation of S-substituted dithiocarbazates and three enantiomerically pure monoterpenes, (1 R )-(+)-camphor, (1 S )-(-)-camphor, (1 R )-(-)-camphorquinone, (1 S )-(+)-camphorquinone, ( R )-(-)-carvone and ( S )-(+)-carvone. Spectroscopic results revealed that the Schiff bases containing camphor or carvone likely adopted an E -configuration along the characteristic imine bond while those containing camphorquinone assumed a Z -configuration. The antidengue potential of these compounds was evaluated based on DENV 2 caused cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction-based in vitro evaluation. The compounds were validated through secondary foci forming unit reduction assay (FFURA). Compounds were also tested for their cytotoxicity against Vero cells. The compounds showed variable degrees of antiviral activity with the camphor compounds displaying the highest antidengue potential. The enantiomers of the compounds behaved almost similarly during the antiviral evaluation.

Crystal structure of benzyl N'-[(1E,4E)-1,5-bis-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)penta-1,4-dien-3-yl-idene]hydrazine-1-carbodi-thio-ate.

In the title hydrazinecarbodi-thio-ate derivative, C27H26N2O2S2, the asymmetric unit is comprised of four mol-ecules (Z = 8 and Z' = 4). The 4-meth-oxy-phenyl rings are slightly twisted away from their attached olefinic double bonds [torsion angles = 5.9 (4)-19.6 (4)°]. The azomethine double bond has an s-trans configuration relative to one of the C=C bonds and an s-cis configuration relative to the other [C=C-C= N = 147.4 (6)-175.7 (2) and 15.3 (3)-37.4 (7)°, respectively]. The torsion angles between the azomethine C=N double bond and hydrazine-1-carbodi-thio-ate moiety indicate only small deviations from planarity, with torsion angles ranging from 0.9 (3) to 6.9 (3)° and from 174.9 (3) to 179.7 (2)°, respectively. The benzyl ring and the methyl-enesulfanyl moiety are almost perpendicular to each other, as indicated by their torsion angles [range 93.7 (3)-114.6 (2)°]. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O, N-H⋯S and C-H⋯π(ring) hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into a three-dimensional network. Structural details of related benzyl hydrazine-1-carbodi-thio-ate are surveyed and compared with those of the title compound.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a conformationally unsymmetrical bis-chalcone: (1E,4E)-1,5-bis-(4-bromo-phen-yl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one.

In the title bis-chalcone, C17H12Br2O, the olefinic double bonds are almost coplanar with their attached 4-bromo-phenyl rings [torsion angles = -10.2 (4) and -6.2 (4)°], while the carbonyl double bond is in an s-trans conformation with with respect to one of the C=C bonds and an s-cis conformation with respect to the other [C=C-C=O = 160.7 (3) and -15.2 (4)°, respectively]. The dihedral angle between the 4-bromo-phenyl rings is 51.56 (2)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a zigzag chain propagating along [001] by weak C-H⋯π inter-actions. The conformations of related bis-chalcones are surveyed and a Hirshfeld surface analysis is used to investigate and qu-antify the inter-molecular contacts.

Evaluation of undergraduate psychiatric teaching in Sudan.

Development of an undergraduate psychiatric teaching programme and curriculum is a challenge in the current atmosphere of increasing knowledge and vast literature. However, the curriculum remains the cornerstone for future doctors' development and career. Doctors need to have the abilities to recognise, assess and manage common psychiatric conditions presenting at different levels of health services. This paper aims to look at the current status of psychiatric teaching and evaluate the curricula through interviews with teaching staff, to make appropriate recommendations for the future. Teaching staff and psychiatrists involved in undergraduate teaching were interviewed using a data collection format.