50 research outputs found
Mycorrhized wheat and bean plants tolerate bismuth contaminated soil via improved metal detoxification and antioxidant defense systems
No full texthttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004242 Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman Universit
Treatment planning study of cyberKnife prostate SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) using CT-based vs MRI-based prostate volumes
No full textThis study has been conducted for the purpose of investigating the systematic dose reduction of rectum and neurovascular bundles (NVBs) during treatment planning of the CyberKnifeTM prostate SBRT using CT-Based volumes versus MRI-based volumes. Three prostate cancer patients were Planned for the CyberKnifeTM prostate SBRT and they underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preplanning exams. The patients were positioned during both exams using an immobilizing device. A radiation oncologist and a radiologist delineated the prostate gland, intra-prostatic and peri-prostatic structures, and pelvic organs of interest in both CT and MRI images. The CT and MRI images were fused based on fuducial markers to accurately align the prostate. Radiation Therapy Oncology protocol RTOG 0938 was followed to meet the target volume (prostate plus margin) dose coverage requirement, and dose-volume constraints for organs at risk, including rectum, bladder, femoral heads, penile bulb, urethra, skin and NVBs. Radiation dose volume parameters were recorded for both volumes and compared. The preliminary result shows that the CT-based volumes were generally larger than MRI-based volumes of the prostate. Therefore, the CT-based volumes resulted in less accurate treatment planning and dose delivery to radiosensitive structures
RETRACTED: Alotaibi et al. Morpho-Physiological and Proteomic Analyses of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as a Bioremediator in Copper-Polluted Soil in Saudi Arabia. Plants 2019, 8, 43
No full textThe Plants Editorial Office has been made aware that there are partly inadequate materials in the published paper [...
Genetic Variation of Harmal (Peganum Harmala L. and Rhazya Stricta Decne) Based on Polymorphism in Protein Profile, Soil Analysis and Internode Anatomy
No full textThe vernacular name 'harmal' is applied to Peganum harmala L. and another noxious weed Rhazya stricta Decne. The study aimed to clarify the genetic relationships among different populations of harmal by employing ecological, anatomical characters and a pattern of leaf protein analysis. The soil and plant samples were collected from three regions of Saudi Arabia for each species. Soil texture of the harmal populations was characterized by loamy sand and sandy. Soil type had a significant effect on the internode anatomical characters of the soil textures of both hamal populations. The anatomical characters were observed in the cuticle layer on the stem. Similarly, compact epidermis, wide cortex and many water storing tissues were observed. In the present study, it was also observed that plants have numerous cortical cells to store large amount of water, so as to fight against the dry environment. This interaction between the soil type and the plant anatomical characters was found to be well adapted to the environment of different habitats. The sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of pattern profiles showed limited variations between the two species of harmal, which indicated the genetic similarity among populations of both species at different habitats. These variations were considered as successful adaptations leading to tolerance
Morpho-Physiological and Proteomic Analyses of <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i> as a Bioremediator in Copper-Polluted Soil in Saudi Arabia
No full textThe present investigation aimed to assess the impact of copper (Cu) stress on the physiological and proteomic behavior of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. E. camaldulensis is likely a potential phytoremediator in areas vulnerable to Cu contamination, such as the industrial areas of Riyadh. To realize this objective, young seedlings of E. camaldulensis were potted in an open area with soil comprised of clay and sand. Different doses of Cu (30, 50, and 100 µM) were applied to the plants as CuSO4·5H2O for 6 weeks. Plant growth was monitored during the Cu exposure period, and morphological and physiological indicators were measured once a week to determine the growth rates. A proteomics study was also conducted to find out the influence of Cu stress on proteins. Our results showed that growth was negatively affected by Cu treatment, particularly at the highest concentrations. Moreover, using a proteomic analysis showed 26 targets involved in protein expression. Elevated levels of Cu increased the expression of 11 proteins and decreased the expression of 15 proteins. Changes were detected in proteins involved in photosynthesis, translation, transcription, metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes. Our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms related to Cu stress, in addition to its influence on the morphological and physiological attributes of E. camaldulensis seedlings. This investigation aimed to characterize the mechanism behind the impact of Cu stress on the plant
Biallelic ELOVL1 Variants Are Linked to Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophy, Movement Disorder, and Ichthyosis
No full textAbstract Background Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are an integral component of myelin and the epidermal water barrier. Variants in genes encoding enzymes responsible for catalyzing the first and rate limiting step in the production of VLCFAs, elongation of VLCFAs (ELOVLs), underlie a novel group of metabolic disorders. Objectives The goal was to describe the clinical phenotype and disturbance in VLCFA metabolism associated with variants in the ELOV1 gene. Methods The following methods were employed: Exome sequencing, clinical phenotyping, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), metabolomics, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, fatty acid elongation assay. Results We, here, describe seven patients with autosomal recessive variants in ELOVL1 . Common clinical features included ichthyosis (5/7), developmental delay (7/7), progressive spasticity (7/7), nystagmus (5/6), and a complex movement disorder characterized by pronounced head tremor (7/7), myoclonus (6/7), and dysarthria (6/6). Brain MRI revealed non‐progressive hypomyelination (6/6) and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum (5/6). Plasma VLCFA analysis in one patient showed reduced concentrations of C24:0 and C26:0. Biochemical analysis of fibroblasts from this patient revealed elongation defects in VLCFA synthesis and dysregulation of other ELOVL enzymes. Conclusions We show that biallelic variants in ELOVL1 are associated with a unique and recognizable phenotype of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, ichthyosis, and a complex movement disorder including progressive spasticity, head tremor, and myoclonus. Biochemical analyses confirmed a defect in VLCFA synthesis. Variants in genes encoding enzymes involved in the elongation of VLCFAs are a novel group of metabolic disorders with overlapping symptoms. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Elicitor-Mediated Response of Growth, Yield, and Quality of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Wall. ex Nees, Family Acanthaceae)
No full textWith the objective of studying the influence of elicitors on the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh, we carried out an investigation for two consecutive years. Nine treatments with three replications were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Chitosan (CHT), yeast extract (YE), jasmone acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA)were evaluated at different concentrations. The CHT treatment at 1000 ppm exhibited the tallest plant height (73.91 cm) and the highest number of secondary branches (29.07) at the time of harvest. The primary branches and number of leaves per plant were highest with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (26.36; 88.32), and were not significantly different with the SA treatment at 200 ppm (26.28; 81.51). The plant spread was the highest with the SAtreatment at 200 ppm (35.46 cm2) and was not significantly different with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (35.11 cm2). The CHT and SA sprays did not result in significant changes in yield parameters, but the highest fresh (42.34 g) and dry (18.30) herbage yields per plant were exhibited with the SA treatment at 200 ppm. The highest total chlorophyll (4.459 mg g−1) and total andrographolide (3.494%) contents were recorded after treatment with the SA spray at 200 ppm. A significant and positive improvement in the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh was noticed with the salicylic acid spray treatment at 200 ppm 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS), signifying its benefits for the cultivation of kalmegh in terms of high productivity, quality, and better returns for farmers
Pollution Indexing and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy-Metals-Laden Indoor and Outdoor Dust in Elementary School Environments in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
No full textThe prevalence of potentially toxic heavy metals (HMs)-bearing dust in the environment is posing serious health risks to humans. Therefore, the occurrence of HMs in indoor and outdoor dust samples of elementary school’s environment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were reported, and associated potential human health risks were estimated in this study. Dust samples were collected from outdoor and indoor environments from eighteen elementary schools using a soft plastic brush. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in collected indoor dust samples were much higher (0.08, 3.45, 59.20, 15.20, 4.99, and 94.10 mg kg−1, respectively) than that of outdoor dust samples (0.07, 3.07, 42.20, 13.60, 4.57, and 62.40 mg kg−1, respectively), due to fans operation, opened windows, and resuspension of dust by children’s activities. The values of estimated enrichment factor revealed that both the outdoor and indoor dusts were moderately contaminated with Zn and Cu, while highly contaminated with Cd and Pb. However, the estimated potential ecological risks associated with HMs were lower. Health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) calculations exhibited no potential risks of HMs in the schools’ dust toward children. However, health risks for children were determined in the following order: up to 6 years > 6–12 years > adults. Therefore, assessing the potential health risks posed by HM-contaminated dust in school environments is necessary to avoid any possible children’s health concerns
