Southwest Saudi Arabia Research Articles

Pharmacological activities of a novel plant species, Huernia Sp. Nov. aff. Boleana growing in the high mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia.

Huernia Sp. Nov. aff. Boleana, Apocynaceae, grows in the high mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia and is widely used as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes. The present study investigated the anti‑inflammatory, wound healing and inhibitory effects on migration of Huernia Sp. Nov. aff. Boleana. The anti‑inflammatory effect was assessed in mice using formalin‑induced edema. Wound healing effects were assessed in rats using a circular excision wound model. An invitro 'scratch' test was used to investigate the inhibitory effects on melanoma cell (B16‑F10) migration. The anti‑inflammatory effects of total extract, hexane and chloroform fractions were greater or equal to indomethacin (control). The relatively non‑polar fractions (hexane and chloroform) exhibited higher anti‑inflammatory activities compared with the aqueous fraction. The percentage of wound contraction among animals treated with the plant extract was higher compared with the control; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The total plant extract increased wound healing by inhibiting the inflammatory response, promoting angiogenesis, and significantly promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts, particularly on days7 and 14 post‑wounding. Furthermore, the plant extract promoted wound repair via the enhancement of collagen synthesis, and complete epithelization with well‑formed and differentiated epithelial tissues. The in vitro 'scratch' test indicated the inhibitory effects of this plant on melanoma cell migration in a dose‑dependent manner. The present study indicated that Huernia Sp. Nov. aff. Boleana may have potential as an anti‑inflammatory, wound-healing and migration-inhibiting ethno medicine.

Optimizing coffee cultivation and its impact on economic growth and export earnings of the producing countries: The case of Saudi Arabia.

Coffee is one of the historical socioeconomic crops. It has received an increasing attention at the global level, due to its positive interlinkage with the economic growth and on the gross domestic product for most of the producing countries, particularly, developing and least developed countries. Saudi Arabia is one of the coffee producing countries that has a relative comparative advantage of coffee cultivation. Yet, coffee cultivation has not received as much attention in Saudi Arabia as that of producing countries around the world. This study aims to assess the current state of coffee cultivation in Saudi Arabia and to investigate the potential to optimize coffee cultivation in Saudi Arabia that maximizes the net national economic return and export earnings, given limitation of cultivated areas, local market activities, and international trade activities. The study statistically analyzed primary data collected from around (65) coffee farms and traders in the study regions at the south and southwest Saudi Arabia, and optimized coffee cultivation in Saudi Arabia using LINGO optimization software. Empirical results of the study revealed the great potential of Saudi Arabia to expand coffee cultivation at south and southwest regions to meet the escalating local demand and to increase its share at the world market up to 2%. Optimization of coffee cultivation in Saudi Arabia showed a high potential to meet the local demand for coffee by producing 80.07 thousand tons grown over 2861.78 hectares and to generate a net return equivalent to $395.72 million a year, which is equivalent to $138.28 thousand per hectare and $4.94 thousand per ton of coffee. Optimizing coffee cultivation will play a substantial role to increase market share of Saudi Arabia to about 1–2% of the world market by increasing its export volume, respectively, to about 69.66 and 112.56 thousand tons, the national net economic return by about $395.86 and $395.95 million a year, and the export earnings of coffee by about $219.43–354.57 million a year, which in turns, will serve the national strategic trend to diversify the economic base and lower the dependency of incomes generated from oil exportation.

Implications of increasing the ferruginous cement on the physical and mechanical properties of the Cambro-Ordovician Wajid Sandstone in southwest Saudi Arabia: applications for construction purposes

The main target of the present study is to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of the Wajid Sandstones in SW Saudi Arabia and to evaluate its economic value for construction purposes. A number of samples were collected representatively for the upper Gray ‘UGU’ and lower red ‘LRU’ units of the Wajid Sandstones from three sites in the area of study. The studied physical properties include porosity ‘∅’, capillary water absorption ‘Sw’ and bulk specific gravity ‘SPG’, while the mechanical properties include the uniaxial compressive strength ‘UCS’, the ultimate tensile strength ‘UTS’, the Schmidt hammer number ‘RN’ and degree of Abrasion ‘Ab’. Petrographically, the studied Wajid samples are composed of fine to coarse quartz grains cemented by siliceous cement with some ferruginated cement in the ‘LRU’ unit. In addition, some samples were studied using the ‘SEM’ and ‘XRD’ analyses to reveal their mineral composition and homogeneity of their internal fabrics and cement type. The ‘XRD’ and SEM studies indicate that the ‘LRU’ samples are cemented by a ferruginated siliceous silica cement (8.12 ≤ hematite ≤ 13.96%) in the form of iron spherules attached to the pore and grain surfaces. Both the physical and mechanical values of the studied samples have given weights and ratings, and their quality index ‘QI’ was then calculated. The ‘QI’ values indicate that the sandstone samples of the ‘UGU’ unit are fair to poor (19.8 ≤ QI ≤ 22.5) at the different sites and not suitable for construction purposes. On the other hand, the ‘QI’ values of the ‘LRU’ samples are good (32.5 ≤ QI ≤ 37.6) and are suitable for construction purposes. A model has been introduced to predict in precise the ‘UCS’, ‘UTS’, ‘∅’ and ‘SPG’ of the studied Wajid Sandstones during further quarrying. Statistical equations of the proposed model are characterized by very high reliability (0.876 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.975). Finally, the areal extension of the studied fluvial silici-clastic deposits of the Wajid Sandstones have been traced through their regional extensions in the Arabian Peninsula and it has been stated that they are comparable with the Nubia sandstone sequences in NW Africa.

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.

GC-MS Analysis of Ethanol Extract of Solanum Species and Populations from Saudi Arabia and their Systematics Implications

THIS INVESTIGATION deals with assessment of the diversity of 14 populations representing eleven species of Solanum from southwest Saudi Arabia based on differences in the secondary metabolites by using GC-MS analysis. The analysis was carried out using ethanol extract of the examined Solanum species/populations and 87 different phyto-constituents were detected at six different retention times. The highest M.wt. for the identified compounds was 641 and was recorded in S. villosum at a retention time of 15 min; its formula is C38H35N5O5 and its decided name is N-benzoyl-9-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl pentofuranosyl)-9H-purin-6-amine. On the other hand, the lowest M.wt. for the identified compounds was 84; its formula is C6H12 and its decided name is 1Hexane and it was recorded in all Solanum species/populations except the two populations of S. incanum, S. coagulans and S. schimperianum at the retention time of 5 min. Based on differences in the phyto-constituents, genetic similarity coefficients were calculated and two distance trees were constructed to illustrate the relatedness of the examined species. The results support a hypothesis that S. villosum and S. nigrum can be regarded as one complex species. The results also revealed that S. coagulans is related to S. macracanthum and S. glabratum and also S. schimperianum is related to S. incanum. The results also revealed that S. torvum, S. sisymbriifolium and S. dulcamara are closely related species. This is generally congruent with the relatedness of the examined specie based on morphological variation and to some extend agree with their systematic treatments.

THE USE OF NESTED-PCR TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF PLASMODIUM IN ANOPHELES ARABIENSIS IN JAZAN REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

The present study was carried out in 26 viJlages at two Governates (Al-Khobah, and Haroob) in Jazan Region in Southwest Saudi Arabia to identify and detect the presence of Plasmodium in Anopheles arabiensis using nested-PCR technique. An. Arabiensis was identified by PCR and it was the predominant Anopheles mosquito in all the collection sites. A total of 257 An. Arabiensis females were collected and two samples from two villages (Almuatan and Alsabkha) out of 107 (1.87%) female mosquitoes from Haroob Governorate were found positive for the sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum. Similarly, 3 out of 150 (2%) female mosquito samples from Um-alkhameir, AL-Khobah Governorate, were also found positive. Around fourfold increase of the sporozoite rate (from 0.61 to 2.0%) in An. arabiensis in Al-Khobah Governorate has been observed compared to the previous study of 2007-2008. The wide spread of An. arabiensis in Jazan region with >90% of the malaria cases caused by P. falciparum, along with infectivity rate ranges between 1.87 to 2.0% for P. falciparum in Al-Khobah and Haroob Governorates, suggests that P. falciparumn is the most predominant malaria parasite and An. Arabiensis is a very efficient malaria vector in the region. It also suggests more in-depth researches on the ecology, behavior, and control of An. Arabiensis to promote area-specific control programs.

Hydrochemical characteristics and evaluation of the granite aquifer in the Alwadeen area, southwest Saudi Arabia

This study was carried out in the Alwadeen area of Khamis Mushayt district of southwestern Saudi Arabia to evaluate the hydrochemical characteristics of the shallow hard rock aquifers. These hard rock aquifers mostly comprise granites and contain significant quantities of groundwater that complement the available groundwater from the unconsolidated alluvial sediments in the nearby wadis. The field investigation indicates two main fracture sets which intersect each other and are oriented in the west-northwest and east-west directions. The granitic rocks in the area are intruded by coarse-grained and quartz-rich monzogranite and pegmatite veins. Hydrogeologically, the fracture systems are important since they facilitate the groundwater storage and assume the transmissive function during times of groundwater abstraction. Given the fact that groundwater in the fractured rock aquifers generally occurs at shallow depths, it may be exposed to contamination from surface and/or near-surface sources, and it is therefore important to evaluate its quality. To this end, a hydrochemical analysis was carried out on six groundwater samples collected from the area. The hydrochemistry revealed that the groundwater is fairly fresh, and facies analysis reveals mixed Na-Cl and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 types. Overall, the results reveal that the groundwater is saturated with calcite and dolomite, but unsaturated with gypsum and halite. The degree of salinity increases in the direction of the groundwater flow due to increased rock-water interaction.

Analysis of lineaments within the Wajid Group, SW Saudi Arabia, and their tectonic significance

The Wajid Group is a Cambro-Permian sedimentary succession in southwest Saudi Arabia. This group is a well-known groundwater aquifer in the Wadi Al-Dawasir and Najran areas. The group also represents siliciclastic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Rub' Al-Khali Basin. The Wajid Group is exposed in an area extending from Wadi Al-Dawasir southward to Najran city. This study aims to map and characterize the lineament traces of the Wajid Group outcrops. Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS satellite images with 30-m resolution, Spot-5 satellite images with 2.5-m resolution and SRTM digital elevation models (DEM) with 30-m resolution were used for lineament trace detection. Those lineament traces supplemented by aeromagnetic lineaments detected from reduced to pole magnetic anomaly map of the studied outcrop. Multi-scale lineament trace maps were generated, and the lineament datasets, including orientation and length, were analyzed statistically. Eight lineament trace trends were identified including NW-SE, NNW-SSE, N-S, NNE-SSW, NE-SW, ENE-WSW, E-W, and WNW-ESE. The northerly, northwesterly, and northeasterly trending lineament traces are predominant. The lineament trace lengths are generally followed the power law distribution. The lineament trace trends were validated through field investigation of the Wajid Group outcrop. The reported outcrop fracture trends are consistent with major lineament trace trends. Lineaments within the Wajid Group outcrop are also consistent with those of the southern portion of the Arabian Shield. The results of this study provide insight into the tectonic origin of the Wajid Group outcrop lineaments, and understanding of the lineaments distribution which can help to predict the fluid flow behavior within the groundwater fractured aquifers or hydrocarbon fractured reservoirs in Rub’ Al-Khali Basin.

Concentration Level of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Emitted from Oud Incense: Al-Baha City, Southwest Saudi Arabia

Burning incense often produces air pollutants that may represent a health risk for humans. The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified in Oud incense which is matter of great concern because nowadays, incense is used inside homes as well as in public places and its adverse health effect cannot be ignored. Our main objective was to assess the concentration of individual PAHs compound in the smoke of Oud incence. The PAHs concentrations were determined by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). All Oud samples were collected from local market of Al-Baha city southwest Saudi Arabia. The total mean concentration of PAHs in Oud samples was 2.79 mg/m3 and the mean concentration of individual PAHs namely naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a) pyrene was 0.10, 0.26, 1.22, 0.12, 1.06, 0.02, 0.32, 0.26, 0.03, 0.10, 0.08 and 0.18 mg/m3 respectively. The highest values of total PAHs were 5.72 and 4.05 mg/m3 found in samples 5 and 7 respectively and the lowest total concentration of 1.25 mg/m3 was found in sample 3. The dominant PAHs were acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene.

Weight loss trial among obese patients in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, overweight and obesity affect more than 75% of the adult population. National studies concluded that the two most contributing factors leading to obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia are intake of imbalanced diet and lack of regular physical activities. The purpose of this paper is to study the trial of weight loss and the factors that determine it among adult overweight/obese in Abha city, southwest Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Aseer Mall, Abha city during August 2014. To achieve the objectives of this study, the investigators created a questionnaire in Arabic language with the following parts: demographic data, history of any medical condition, awareness about current weight, awareness about harm of obesity, past trials to lose weight, types of interventions to lose weight, and results of trial. The questionnaire was validated by two family physicians and then administered by well-trained nurses to all adult people visiting to “Obesity Exhibition” which was executed by Saudi Arabian society of metabolic and bariatric surgery (SASMBS) in August 2014 for 1 week. Data of the questionnaire were coded, entered and analyzed by SPSS. Results: A total of 422 clients visited the obesity exhibition site during 1 week of the study. Out of them, 263 individuals (62%) were either overweight or obese. The mean age was 36 years; majority of participants were females (71%) and married (67%); housewives and officers constituted 27 and 29% of participants, respectively. About 85% of them knew their current weight, and 92% reported that obesity may give harmful effect on their health. More than 80% of the participants mentioned that they tried to lose their weight in the past, but about quarter (26%) of them reported its success. About one third (37%) of them used both diet and exercise; 3% of them used drugs, while 26% used traditional therapies as an intervention to lose weight. Most of participants (74%) fail to lose weight as they were not adequately compliant with diet and exercise. Average weight loss was 7.5 kg (standard deviation = 6 kg) and a minimum of 1 kg. It was found that females (27%) use herbal products to reduce their weight when compared to males (6%) (P = 0.000). Practicing a physical activity to lose weight was higher among males (31%) compared to females (19%), but no association was found with other demographic variables. Conclusion: Majority of obese patients failed to achieve the target weight loss. The underlying reasons for failure were poor compliance to diet and physical activities.

Reliable water with automatic control valves

The city of Abha, in south west Saudi Arabia, has a new reservoir on top of a hill which releases water down to a main reservoir 6 km away. Problems with dangerous pressure differentials threatened to disrupt the water supply until a Canadian manufacturer of automatic control valves came up with a solution.

The Harrat Al-Birk basalts in southwest Saudi Arabia: characteristic alkali mafic magmatism related to Red Sea rifting

Harrat Al-Birk volcanics are products of the Red Sea rift in southwest Saudi Arabia that started in the Tertiary and reached its climax at ~5 Ma. This volcanic field is almost monotonous and is dominated by basalts that include mafic–ultramafic mantle xenoliths (gabbro, websterite, and garnet-clinopyroxenite). The present work presents the first detailed petrographic and geochemical notes about the basalts. They comprise vesicular basalt, porphyritic basalt, and flow-textured basalt, in addition to red and black scoria. Geochemically, the volcanic rock varieties of the Harrat Al-Birk are low- to medium-Ti, sodic-alkaline olivine basalts with an enriched oceanic island signature but extruded in a within-plate environment. There is evidence of formation by partial melting with a sort of crystal fractionation dominated by clinopyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides. The latter have abundant titanomagnetite and lesser ilmenite. There is a remarkable enrichment of light rare earth elements and depletion in Ba, Th and K, Ta, and Ti. The geochemical data in this work suggest Harrat Al-Birk basalts represent products of water-saturated melt that was silica undersaturated. This melt was brought to the surface through partial melting of asthenospheric upper mantle that produced enriched oceanic island basalts. Such partial melting is the result of subducted continental mantle lithosphere with considerable mantle metasomatism of subducted oceanic lithosphere that might contain hydrous phases in its peridotites. The fractional crystallization process was controlled by significant separation of clinopyroxene followed by amphiboles and Fe–Ti oxides, particularly ilmenite. Accordingly, the Harrat Al-Birk alkali basalts underwent crystal fractionation that is completely absent in the exotic mantle xenoliths (e.g. Nemeth et al. in The Pleistocene Jabal Akwa Al Yamaniah maar/tuff ring-scoria cone complex as an analogy for future phreatomagmatic to magmatic explosive eruption scenarios in the Jizan Region, SW Saudi Arabia 2014).

Patterns of Use, Cessation Behavior and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Smoking in Saudi Arabia: a Cross- Sectional Multi-Step Study.

Smoking is accountable for the fatality of a substantial number of persons and increases the likelihood of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Although data have shown high prevalence rates of cigarette smoking in Saudi Arabia, relatively little is known about the broader scope. The objectives of this study were to investigate socio-demographic factors, patterns of use and cessation behavior associated with smoking in Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study utilized a cross-sectional, multi-step design of sampling. Residents (N=1,497; aged 15 years and older) were recruited from seven administrative areas in Southwest Saudi Arabia. A pretested questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on participant cigarette smoking, including their daily use, age, education, income, marital status and employment status. The current study is the first of its kind to gather data cessation behavior of Saudi subjects. With the exception of 1.5% females, all the respondents were male. The majority of the respondents were married, had a university level of education, were employed, and were younger than 34 years old. The same trends were also observed among smokers' samples. The current prevalence of cigarette smoking was 49.2% and 65.7% of smokers had smoking at less than 18 years of age. The mean daily use amongst smokers was 7.98 cigarettes (SD=4.587). More than 50% of the study sample had tried at least once to quit smoking. However, 42% of the smokers participating had never. On the other hand, about 25% of the respondents were willing to consider quitting smoking in the future. Modeling of cigarette smoking suggested that the most significant independent predictors of smoking behavior were geographic area, gender, marital status, education, job and age. Considerable variation in smoking prevalence was noted related with participant sociodemographics. Findings recommend the necessity for control and intervention programs in Saudi community.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Patients Aged 65 Years or Older: Indications and Main Findings From a Referral Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Background: It is well known that incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease increases with age. Endoscopy for the evaluation of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms in elderly patients frequently provides useful diagnostic information. Objectives: To ascertain the indications for and describe the outcomes of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in older patients (65+ years) referred to King Fahd Central Hospital (KFCH), Jazan, South West Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at KFCH. Records of 591 elderly patients were reviewed during the period of 11 years from 1994 to 2005. Indications for and diagnoses from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients studied was 73.5 years, with men representing 64.8% (n = 383). The most common indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were: UGI bleeding, indicated by hematemesis or melena (139, 23.5%); epigastric pain (67, 11.3%); and acid peptic disease (60, 10.2%). Gastritis was the most common finding of the procedure, with no significant differences between males (20.9%) and females (23.6%). Esophageal varices was the second most common upper GI endoscopy finding among the study participants (102, 17.3). Conclusions: The most common indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were UGI bleeding, epigastric pain and Acid Peptic Disease, Gastritis and esophageal varices were the most common findings of upper GI endoscopies performed in the studied population.

The harrat al-birk basalts in southwest Saudi Arabia: A characteristic alkali mafic magmatism related to the red sea rifting

The harrat al-birk basalts in southwest Saudi Arabia: A characteristic alkali mafic magmatism related to the red sea rifting

Saltwater Intrusion in Jizan Coastal Zone, Southwest Saudi Arabia, Inferred from Geoelectric Resistivity Survey

This work focuses on the causes of water quality deterioration in the coastal plain of Jizan area, southwest Saudi Arabia using vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys. Schlumberger electrode array is used in the study with the current electrode spacing ranging from 400 to 600 m to delineate the thickness of the shallow aquifer and its possible interaction with the sea water. The differences in resistivity are associated with the variations in lithology and groundwater saturation and salinity. The interpretation of VES curves reveals low resistivity zones characterizing the study area. These zones reflect saline water intrusion in the coastal aquifer. Generally, it is observed that the resistivity of saturated zone decreases towards the sea, indicating the influence of seawater. Based on the interpretation of the constructed resistivity pseudo-sections and 1-D sequential inversion models, three factors are identified to control the seawater intrusion into the shallow groundwater aquifers: 1) presence of faults that contribute extensively in the seawater intrusion as the seawater invades the coastal aquifers through the crushed rocks in fault zones related to the Red Sea rifting, 2) over-withdrawal of groundwater from the coastal aquifers, resulting in saline water intrusion from the sea into the freshwater aquifer, and 3) the lithological variation where the alluvial sediments of the ancient buried wadi (dry valley) channels provide potential pathways for saltwater intrusion and make a hydraulic connection between the aquifer and the sea water.

Molecular investigation of mixed malaria infections in southwest Saudi Arabia.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of mixed-species (MS) malaria infection, and compare the results with microscopically confirmed cases of malaria.Methods:During 2010, blood spots collected from 371 clinically suspected cases of malaria were microscopically examined in a cross-sectional study. The DNA was extracted from the samples, and a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. The results obtained by the 2 methods were compared.Results:From the microscopic analysis it was determined that 369 samples (99.5%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and 2 were Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) mono-infections. There were no mixed malaria infections. The PCR analysis, however, showed that in 7 cases (1.9%) the infection was caused by MS malaria comprising of P. falciparum and P. vivax, 2 of these representing the cases that were microscopically diagnosed as P. vivax mono-infections. All cases were negative for Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi.Conclusion:Mixed malaria infections are currently overlooked when using microscopy. The PCR assays are essential complementary techniques that should be used with microscopic examination of blood smears.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of OptiMAL-IT? Test for the Detection of Plasmodium falciparum in South-West Saudi Arabia

Background: OptiMAL-IT® test is a rapid malarial diagnostic test designed to detect at least one protein specific to Plasmodium LDH (pLDH). The diagnostic performance of OptiMAL-IT® was evaluated and compared with the microscopic examinations of thick and thin blood smears, taken as gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria infection. Methods: A four-year retrospective analysis was done for 238 consecutive suspected patients and 475 apparently healthy blood donors, who were tested for malaria at Rijal Almaa Central Hospital, Asir region, Saudi Arabia between January 2011 and January 2015. Results: Of the 713 subjects, 74 (10.38%) were confirmed with Plasmodium falciparum infections by cross-checking. All 74 patients (61 patients; 82.4%, and 13 blood donor; 17.6%) were accurately diagnosed with malaria by routine microscopy. 28.15% (67/238) of patients and 3.37% (16/475) of blood donors were positive for malaria by OptiMAL-IT test. OptiMAL-IT® had the following performance indicators for detection of P. falciparum among patients, and blood donors enrolled: Sensitivity—98.36% [95% CI (90.02–99.91)], 100% [95% CI (71.66–100)]; Specificity—96.02% [95% CI (91.65–98.25)], 99.35% [95% CI (97.96–99.83)]; Predictive values for positive tests—89.55% [95% CI (79.06–95.34)], 81.25% [95% CI(53.69–95.03%)]; Predictive values for negative tests—99.41% [95% CI (96.27–99.97)], 100% [95% CI (98.97–100)]; Likelihood ratio for positive tests—24.7, 155; Likelihood ratio for negative tests—0.017, 0.00. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance of OptiMAL-IT malaria test seems to be satisfactory, particularly as a good negative test. OptiMAL-IT can assist in the diagnosis of malaria cases and can be considered for quick screening of blood donor in potentially-endemic settings to prevent transfusion transmitted malaria.

Neuropsychological Functioning Among Chronic Khat Users in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACTBackground: Khat chewing effects in the central nervous system are attributed to cathinone and cathine, which are structurally related to amphetamine. However, studies on neuropsychological problems arising from khat use in humans are not extensive and have only included observational and single-case studies. The aims of this study were to (1) to examine neuropsychological functions among khat chewers, and (2) to determine factors affecting neuropsychological outcomes among khat chewers. Methods: A sample of 70 adult male khat chewers and a control group of 72 nonchewers were recruited from the Jazan region in southwest Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire examining socioeconomic background, medical and occupational history, education, and khat chewing behaviors was administered. Neuropsychological performance was assessed using computerized tests from the Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) that assessed learning, episodic and working memory, motor speed/coordination, attention/information processing speed, sustained attention, set-shifting/response inhibition, and perceptual functions; noncomputerized tests, Trail Making A and B, Block Design, and Benton Visual Retention tests were also administered. Results: Khat chewers performed significantly worse on 3 out of 14 neuropsychological subtests compared with the control group, representing learning, motor speed/coordination, and set-shifting/response inhibition functions. Age and educational level were identified as predictors of neuropsychological outcomes of khat chewers. Conclusions: The chronic chewing of khat leaves is associated with deficits in some neuropsychological functions, which may affect the mental and neurological health of communities in which khat chewing is a common habit.

Compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge of wild plants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia

This study presents a survey of wild plants commonly used by local inhabitants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia. Based upon literature review, direct observation of local inhabitants, and questionnaire interviews, 36 plant species were assessed and given scores according to their use. The gaps between scientific and indigenous knowledge on the use of plants were estimated using a “compatibility ratio”. The score values were estimated based on seven different use categories of ecosystem services, including food, forage, medicine, wood, beekeeping, research, and education. Additional structural categories include source of materials, shade, hedges, ornamental plantings, and soil stabilization. There are discrepancies between indigenous knowledge (IK) and scientific knowledge (SK) but in most cases, SK of the species supports the IK and plant users preference. The results also provide information that challenges assumptions about the consistency of IK with SK. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and uses of wild plants. Biodiversity-based knowledge holds promise for contributing to sustainable use of wild plant resources and related traditions. The success of such endeavours depends on the compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge.