Enhancing the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of natamycin E235-ferulic acid loaded polyethylene glycol/carboxy methyl cellulose films as anti-microbial packaging for food application

This study investigated the development of biodegradable films made from a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and mixtures from natamycin and ferulic acid. The films were characterized for their surface microstructure, antioxidant activity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, permeability and antifungal/bacterial activity. The addition of natamycin and ferulic acid to the film matrix enhanced antioxidant activity, thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, reduced the water vapor permeability (WVP) to 1.083 × 10-10 g × m-1s-1Pa-1, imparted opaque color and increased opacity up to 3.131 A mm-1. The attendance of natamycin and ferulic acid inside films created a clear roughness shape with agglomerates on the surface of films and caused a clear inhibition zone for Aspergillus niger, E. coli and C. botulinum. The utilization of PG/CMC/N-F packaging material on Ras cheese had a noticeable effect, resulting in a slight decrease in moisture content from 34.23 to 29.17 %. Additionally, it helped maintain the titrable acidity within the range of 0.99 % to 1.11 % and the force required for puncture from 0.035 to 0.052 N with non-significant differences. Importantly, these changes did not significantly affect the sensory qualities of Ras cheese during the storage period.

SuperNatural inhibitors to reverse multidrug resistance emerged by ABCB1 transporter: Database mining, lipid-mediated molecular dynamics, and pharmacokinetics study

An effective approach to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) is P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) transport inhibition. To identify such molecular regulators, the SuperNatural II database, which comprises > 326,000 compounds, was virtually screened for ABCB1 transporter inhibitors. The Lipinski rule was utilized to initially screen the SuperNatural II database, identifying 128,126 compounds. Those natural compounds were docked against the ABCB1 transporter, and those with docking scores less than zosuquidar (ZQU) inhibitor were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Based on MM-GBA binding energy (ΔGbinding) estimations, UMHSN00009999 and UMHSN00097206 demonstrated ΔGbinding values of -68.3 and -64.1 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to ZQU with a ΔGbinding value of -49.8 kcal/mol. For an investigation of stability, structural and energetic analyses for UMHSN00009999- and UMHSN00097206-ABCB1 complexes were performed and proved the high steadiness of these complexes throughout 100 ns MD simulations. Pharmacokinetic properties of the identified compounds were also predicted. To mimic the physiological conditions, MD simulations in POPC membrane surroundings were applied to the UMHSN00009999- and UMHSN00097206-ABCB1 complexes. These results demonstrated that UMHSN00009999 and UMHSN00097206 are promising ABCB1 inhibitors for reversing MDR in cancer and warrant additional in-vitro/in-vivo studies.

Enhancement of the quality attributes and health benefits synbiotic yoghurt from cow's milk

The present work delighted on extraction of galactomannan polysaccharide from guar gum beans and microbial galactomannan source. Effect of replacing non-fat dry milk that used to fortify cow's milk in yoghurt industry with the two extracted galactomannans and commercial galactomannan as food additives was studied. Control yoghurt treatment was made from 3.0% fat cow's milk that was fortified with 1.5% non-fat dry milk. Another 6 yoghurt treatmentwas fortified with 0.15, 0.25% of commercial, guar and microbial galactomannan respectively. All treatments were cultured with the probiotic starter (1.0% Streptococcus thermophilus + 1.0% Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus + 1.0% Bifidobacteriumbifidum). The obtained results indicated that yoghurt supplementation with the three types of galactomannans increased the acidity, curd tension, total solids content, decreased pH values and syneresis of yoghurt treatments. Control yoghurt and commercial galactomannan yoghurt were not significantly different from the corresponding batches those made with either guar galactomannan and microbial galactomannan in fat, protein and ash content. Yoghurt treatments which supplemented with the three types of galactomannans have higher bifidobacteria counts and organoleptic scores than the control treatment yoghurt.

Composite films based on carboxy methyl cellulose and sodium alginate incorporated Thymus vulgaris purified leaves extract for food application: Assessment, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

The current study was conducted to develop biodegradable films with matrix composed from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA) and different concentrations from Thymus vulgaris purified leaves extract (TVE). The color properties, physical properties, shape of surface, manners of crystallinity, mechanical properties and thermal properties of produced films were investigated. The continuous addition of TVE up to 1.6 % inside films matrix imparted the yellow color of extract that increased opacity to 2.98 and reduced moisture, swelling, solubility and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films up to 10.31 %, 30.17 %, 20.18 % and (1.12× 10^-10 g.m^-1 s^-1 pa^-1), respectively. Furthermore, the surface micrographs showed smoother surface after using small concentrations of TVE and turned to irregular with rough surface at higher concentrations. The FT-IR analysis indicated typically bands that demonstrated physical interaction between TVE extract and CMC/SA matrix. The fabricated films showed suitable thermal stability with decreasing trend by incorporation of TVE inside CMC/SA films. Furthermore, the developed CMC/SA/TVE2 showed significant effects on preserving the levels of moisture content, titrable acidity, force to puncture and sensory properties of cheddar cheese during cold storage days compared with commercial packaging materials.

Chetomin, a SARS-CoV-2 3C-like Protease (3CLpro) Inhibitor: In Silico Screening, Enzyme Docking, Molecular Dynamics and Pharmacokinetics Analysis

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to over 6 million deaths. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) enzyme of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is an attractive druggable target for exploring therapeutic drug candidates to combat COVID-19 due to its key function in viral replication. Marine natural products (MNPs) have attracted considerable attention as alternative sources of antiviral drug candidates. In looking for potential 3CLpro inhibitors, the MNP database (>14,000 molecules) was virtually screened against 3CLpro with the assistance of molecular docking computations. The performance of AutoDock and OEDocking software in anticipating the ligand-3CLpro binding mode was first validated according to the available experimental data. Based on the docking scores, the most potent MNPs were further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the binding affinities of those molecules were computed using the MM-GBSA approach. According to MM-GBSA//200 ns MD simulations, chetomin (UMHMNP1403367) exhibited a higher binding affinity against 3CLpro than XF7, with ΔGbinding values of −55.5 and −43.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The steadiness and tightness of chetomin with 3CLpro were evaluated, revealing the high stabilization of chetomin (UMHMNP1403367) inside the binding pocket of 3CLpro throughout 200 ns MD simulations. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic features of chetomin were also predicted, and the oral bioavailability of chetomin was demonstrated. Furthermore, the potentiality of chetomin analogues −namely, chetomin A-D− as 3CLpro inhibitors was investigated. These results warrant further in vivo and in vitro assays of chetomin (UMHMNP1403367) as a promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidate.

Naturally occurring plant-based anticancerous candidates as prospective ABCG2 inhibitors: an in silico drug discovery study

Abstract

ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) is an efflux transporter related to the clinical multidrug resistance (MDR) phenomenon. Identifying ABCG2 inhibitors could help discover extraordinary curative strategies for carcinoma remediation. Hitherto, there is no medication drug inhibiting ABCG2 transporter, notwithstanding that a considerable number of drugs have been submitted to clinical-trial and investigational phases. In the search for unprecedented chemical compounds that could inhibit the ABCG2 transporter, an in silico screening was conducted on the Naturally Occurring Plant-based Anticancer Compound-Activity-Target (NPACT) database containing 1574 compounds. Inhibitor-ABCG2 binding affinities were estimated based on molecular docking and molecular minimization (MM) calculations and compared to a co-crystallized inhibitor (BWQ) acting as a reference inhibitor. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations pursued by molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding energy estimations were further executed for compounds with MM-GBSA//MM binding energies lower than BWQ (calc. − 60.5 kcal/mol). NPACT00968 and NPACT01545 demonstrated auspicious inhibitory activities according to binding affinities (ΔGbinding) over the 100 ns MD simulations that were nearly one and a half folds compared to BWQ (− 100.4, − 94.7, and − 62.9 kcal/mol, respectively). Throughout the 100 ns MD simulations, structural and energetical analyses unveiled outstanding stability of the ABCG2 transporter when bound with NPACT00968 and NPACT01545. In silico calculations hold a promise for those two inhibitors as drug candidates of ABCG2 transporter and emphasize that further in vitro and in vivo experiments are guaranteed.

Graphical abstract

Genotyping for Dombrock blood group alleles in Northern Pakistani blood donors

Genotyping can be used to identify rare blood group antigens and to solve suspected blood group discrepancies, particularly when serologic methods are limited. Unfortunately, only a few such studies have been performed in Pakistan. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of Dombrock blood group alleles by genotyping samples from blood donors from the north of Pakistan. Blood samples were taken with consent from 300 blood donors; DNA was extracted and tested for DO*01 and DO*02 alleles by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), followed by gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies were calculated. The observed and expected genotype frequencies were compared using the χ² test. The allele frequencies for DO*01 and DO*02 were 0.40 and 0.60, respectively. Genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This study in Pakistani blood donors provides Dombrock blood group allele frequencies by PCR-SSP. This approach is efficient and economical and can be applied in developing countries. The findings can contribute to the development of in-house red blood cell panels, identification of rare blood types, and establishment of a national rare blood donor program.

Genotyping can be used to identify rare blood group antigens and to solve suspected blood group discrepancies, particularly when serologic methods are limited. Unfortunately, only a few such studies have been performed in Pakistan. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of Dombrock blood group alleles by genotyping samples from blood donors from the north of Pakistan. Blood samples were taken with consent from 300 blood donors; DNA was extracted and tested for DO*01 and DO*02 alleles by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), followed by gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies were calculated. The observed and expected genotype frequencies were compared using the χ² test. The allele frequencies for DO*01 and DO*02 were 0.40 and 0.60, respectively. Genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This study in Pakistani blood donors provides Dombrock blood group allele frequencies by PCR-SSP. This approach is efficient and economical and can be applied in developing countries. The findings can contribute to the development of in-house red blood cell panels, identification of rare blood types, and establishment of a national rare blood donor program.

Effects of Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 and magnetite nanoparticles on yield improvement of rice by urea fertilizer under different watering regimes

AIMS

The present research aimed to examine the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in combination with phyto-beneficial rhizobacterium (PhBR) for improvement of applied N recovery (ANR) from urea fertilizer in rice grown under deficient and optimum watering conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 was positive for acetylene reduction, phosphate solubilization and ACC deaminase activity at temperature ranges 35-45°C. In a pot experiment, urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 were applied either alone or in combination to rice plants grown in pots under water deficit and optimal watering conditions. Combined application of urea, MNPs and Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 increased the plant N content and ANR by 27 and 65%, respectively, over their respective control values in rice grown under optimum watering conditions, whereas these increases were 27 and 41%, respectively, in rice grown under water deficit conditions. This treatment also increased the kernel weight and plant dry matter by 36 and 60%, respectively, over control (urea alone) values in rice grown under water deficit conditions, whereas these increases were 31 and 21·8%, respectively, in rice grown under optimum watering conditions. Values of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase and ethylene concentration were higher in control treatment under both the watering regimes. The application of Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 either alone or in combination with MNPs and urea reduced MDA contents, APX, catalase and ethylene production in the rice plants.

CONCLUSION

The combined application of MNPs+Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 reduced the N losses from applied urea, increased N uptake and ANR in rice, decreased MDA contents, APX and catalase activity and ethylene level in rice grown under deficit and optimum water conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The application of MNPs together with Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 may help to increase ANR and rice productivity under water deficit conditions with low cost of production.

An association between exposure to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and mortality rate of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to find an association between exposure of a population to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and mortality rate due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) across different countries worldwide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To find the relationship between exposure to MERS-CoV and mortality rate due to SARS-CoV-2, we collected and analyzed data of three possible factors that may have resulted in an exposure of a population to MERS-CoV: (1) the number of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) cases reported among 16 countries since 2012; (2) data of MERS-CoV seroprevalence in camels across 23 countries, as working with camels increase risk of exposure to MERS-CoV; (3) data of travel history of people from 51 countries to Saudi Arabia was collected on the assumption that travel to a country where MERS is endemic, such as, Saudi Arabia, could also lead to exposure to MERS-CoV.

RESULTS

We found a significantly lower number of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths per million (deaths/M) of a population in countries that are likely to be exposed to MERS-CoV than otherwise (t-stat=3.686, p<0.01). In addition, the number of COVID-19 deaths/M of a population was significantly lower in countries that reported a higher seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in camels than otherwise (t-stat=4.5077, p<0.01). Regression analysis showed that increased travelling history to Saudi Arabia is likely to be associated with a lower mortality rate due to COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides empirical evidence that a population that was at an increased risk of exposure to MERS-CoV had a significantly lower mortality rate due to SARS-CoV-2, which might be due to cross-protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in that population because of an earlier exposure to MERS-CoV.

Innovative Nutritious Biscuits Limit Aflatoxin Contamination

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Incorporation of food byproducts in biscuit could increase the safety, nutritional and enhance dough properties. These byproducts were wheat bran (WB), goldenberry fruit (GBF) and goldenberry peel (GBP) contains active ingredients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Wheat flour (WF) was partially replaced in biscuit dough. Antioxidant activity, chemical composition and baking quality were evaluated. Anti-aflatoxigenic and antifungal activities of WB, GBF and GBP have estimated also aflatoxin reduction was evaluated.

RESULTS

The results were showed biscuit acceptable sensories. The GBF and GBP exhibited the highest antioxidant and phenolic content explaining its antimicrobial behaviour. The addition of WB, GBF or GBP to fungal media inhibited the growth, however, using 20% GBF in Aspergillus flavus media showed the greatest aflatoxin reduction. The biscuit-specific volume was more pronounced when GBF and GBP were included in the formulation. No great differences were seen for colour, baking quality or texture of biscuit mixes.

CONCLUSION

This novel safe biscuit appears a safer alternative to traditional biscuits.

Enhancing the pro-health and physical properties of ice cream fortified with concentrated golden berry juice

BACKGROUND

Ice cream is a product rich in calories, due to its high carbohydrate, protein, and fat contents, but poor in antioxidants, fibers, and vitamins. The golden berry is a fruit rich in phenols, fibers, minerals, and vitamins. This study was carried out to improve the functional properties of ice cream by incorporating concentrated golden berry juice (CGBJ) in its formulation.

METHODS

The fresh juice of mature golden berries was concentrated (41.01% total solids) and added at the level of 0, 3, 6 and 10% respectively to the ice cream formulations.

RESULTS

The CGBJ contained a high level of total soluble solids (37.69 Brix), total phenolic compounds (21.31 mg TAE/100 g) and ascorbic acid (97.15 mg/100 g). It was also rich in some elements, including K (1522.8 mg/100 g), Fe (9.49 mg/100 g) and Zn (3.05 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activity of CGBJ measured using DPPH and ABTS methods were 440.4 and 420.4 &mu;g TE/g, respectively. The acidity, surface tension, and apparent viscosity of the ice cream mixture increased, but the pH value and freezing point decreased as the level of CGBJ in the formulation increased. The addition of 6% CGBJ improved both the whipping ability and overrun of the ice cream with more acceptability and quality. Inversely, ice cream containing 10% CGBJ had the lowest overrun and melting properties, while also having the highest fat destabilization compared to any other ice cream.

CONCLUSIONS

The physical and sensory properties of ice cream can be improved by adding CGBJ up to 6%. In addition, CGBJ can be used to produce a functional ice cream rich in bioactive components including antioxidants, vitamins, and some elements.

Protective efficacy using Cape- golden berry against pre-carcinogenic aflatoxins induced in rats

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Vacuum drying saves the CGB bioactive components.

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Addition of CGB to rats’ diet presents good health effects.

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Aflatoxins caused vigorous impacts for rats’ biochemical parameters and tissues.

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CGB showed an ability for AF–precarcinogenicity reduction in liver tissues.

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CGB recorded enhancing the liver enzymes and blood parameters of AFs-rats.

Aflatoxins are harmful compounds that induced carcinogenic impacts on tissues. It could generate oxidative stress causing cells damage. Bioactive substances from natural plants could avoid mycotoxins’ bad impacts. Cape-goldenberry (CGB), a source of active substances, was vacuum-dried at 30 °C then milled. Fresh and dried CGB-powder properties were estimated. Animal experiment was designed using six rat-groups to evaluate CBG effect to reduce harmful effect of aflatoxins. Rats treated groups were orally administrated by aflatoxins (AFs) with or without CGB in diets. Blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, serum lipids, and liver histological changes were estimated. The CGB powder showed several time doubles of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants than fresh fruits. Diet supplementation by CGB of AFs-treated rats showed enhancement in final weight, food efficiency, and weight gain compared to AFs treatment only. Also, liver and kidney functions, liver enzymes, iron level, tumors indicator, and serum lipids of AFs- rats. Moreover, total protein, albumin, and globulin reduction by AFs have been improved by CGB presence in diets. Histopathological studies for AFs-rats liver showed dilated blood sinusoids with aggregation of inflammatory, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, degenerated hepatocytes, and apoptotic cells. However, in AFs-rat groups fed CGB in diets, liver hepatocytes appeared to be almost normal similar to the control. Results pointed out that CGB recorded a corrective action for aflatoxin B₁ and G₁ toxicity. This was recorded for the blood and serum parameters, and liver enzymes. This CGB action avoiding AFs-toxicity was more clearly declared in the liver tissues.

Effect of CuSO4 and nano copper on serum antioxidant capacity in Weaned piglets

Copper is the most essential trace element in the animal body. Nano-sized copper particles have been widely used in a number of different animal species in modern medicinal practice. The present study was designed to examine the effect of dietary copper sulfate/(CuSO4) and nano copper supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity of weaning piglets. A total of 28 Duroc piglets (21 days, and weighing ~7 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups. The control group (n=4) was administered with a normal standard diet; however the CuSO4 (n=12) and nano copper (n=12) groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day body weight, respectively. After 28 days, blood serum copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), ceruloplasmin (CP), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), peroxidase (POD), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and inhibition of hydroxyl radical (CIHR) were analyzed from all groups. The results indicated that nano copper supplementation has significant (P less than 0.05) effect on the serum antioxidant capability as compared to dietary CuSO4 group in weaned piglets. Nano-size copper 100 mg/kg/day supplementation was confirmed to improve the immunity level by strengthening the antioxidant capacity of weaning piglets. Dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg body weight nano copper could be a potential substitute for weaned piglets.

exomeSuite: Whole exome sequence variant filtering tool for rapid identification of putative disease causing SNVs/indels

Exome and whole-genome analyses powered by next-generation sequencing (NGS) have become invaluable tools in identifying causal mutations responsible for Mendelian disorders. Given that individual exomes contain several thousand single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions, it remains a challenge to analyze large numbers of variants from multiple exomes to identify causal alleles associated with inherited conditions. To this end, we have developed user-friendly software that analyzes variant calls from multiple individuals to facilitate identification of causal mutations. The software, termed exomeSuite, filters for putative causative variants of monogenic diseases inherited in one of three forms: dominant, recessive caused by a homozygous variant, or recessive caused by two compound heterozygous variants. In addition, exomeSuite can perform homozygosity mapping and analyze the variant data of multiple unrelated individuals. Here we demonstrate that filtering of variants with exomeSuite reduces datasets to a fraction of a percent of their original size. To the best of our knowledge this is the first freely available software developed to analyze variant data from multiple individuals that rapidly assimilates and filters large data sets based on pattern of inheritance.

A semiconductor laser with monolithically integrated dynamic polarization control

We report the first demonstration of a semiconductor laser monolithically integrated with an active polarization controller, which consists of a polarization mode converter followed by an active, differential phase shifter. High speed modulation of the device output polarization is demonstrated via current injection to the phase shifter section.

The relationship of D-dimer levels with risk for developing deep-vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary thromboembolism after orthopaedic trauma surgery

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common complications in trauma patients. Fibrin-related markers (FRMs), such as fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs), D-dimer, and soluble fibrin (SF), are considered to be useful for the diagnosis of thrombosis (DVT).

OBJECTIVE

We report on 3-month follow-up of fibrinolytic activity after Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery (OTS).

METHODS

Patients who entered the study were divided into (group 1) patients who did not develop DVT/PE after OTS while patients who developed DVT/PE were included in (group 2). Blood samples were obtained on day of surgery and postoperative days 1, 7 and 30, and assayed for blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimers. Demographic and clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Postoperative levels of D-dimers of both groups increased on day 1, and remained elevated on day 30. Postoperative levels of D-dimers on day 1, 7 and 30 were higher in group 2 (p < 0.05). There were no differences in perioperative levels of CRP between groups, and they correlated with D-dimers both preoperatively and on day 30. Taken together, these data suggest that orthopaedic trauma surgery induced an activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. This situation lasts at least as late as 30 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients developing DVT/PE post OTS.

A rare case of thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anaemia syndrome: a disorder of high-affinity thiamine transport

A three year old boy presented with sensory neural hearing loss since birth, Diabetes mellitus and anaemia. On investigation he was found to be suffering from thiamine responsive megaloblastic anaemia (TRMA) a very rare condition diagnosed in our settings.

Serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia from eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels were determined in 61 sickle cell anaemia patients of various age groups and both sexes in their steady state by nephelometry. Serum IgG was found to be consistently elevated in 46% cases of all age groups. Increase in the levels of IgA, IgM and in the complement values (C3, C4) was also observed. Although the mechanism responsible for these variations was unclear, however, this study gave an idea about the general pattern of serum immunoglobulin and complement levels in sickle cell anaemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Relationship of haemoglobin F and alpha thalassaemia to severity of sickle-cell anaemia in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

To define the natural history of sickle cell anaemia a cord blood screening programme was initiated and during the first 3 years a total of 129 newborns with FS phenotype were detected, of whom 83 infants were followed up regularly. Forty-three of them had attained the ages of between 1 and 3 years and the analysis of their data revealed that in 21 of 43 cohort children (14 FS and 7 FS + Barts) who had almost identically raised levels of haemoglobin F, the clinical manifestations of the disease appeared to be influenced by the size of the RBC, with the microcytic group having a relatively milder clinical course as compared with the normocytics. Similar observations were made in about 50% (47/93) of non-cohort older children and adults with sickle-cell anaemia, suggesting that alpha thalassaemia in combination with increased levels of fetal haemoglobin was probably an important predictor of the clinical severity in patients with sickle-cell anaemia in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Pathological fracture of vertebral column in association with sickle cell anemia in Saudi Arabia

We describe two cases of sickle cell anemia who were admitted in the hospital with the complaint of backache. X-ray examination and bone scan revealed pathological fracture of vertebral column. These cases are of interest since sickle cell anemia in the Eastern part of Saudi Arabia is reported to run a relatively 'benign' course.

Priapism in association with sickle cell anemia in Saudi Arabia

A questionnaire study of 42 Saudi patients with sickle cell anemia revealed that none of them had ever suffered from priapism. A comparison of hematological parameters between Jamaican priapism patients and Saudi non-priapism patients suggested that high Hb F levels and hypochromic microcytosis in Saudi patients might play an important role in preventing this complication.