Ancient genomes illuminate Eastern Arabian population history and adaptation against malaria

The harsh climate of Arabia has posed challenges in generating ancient DNA from the region, hindering the direct examination of ancient genomes for understanding the demographic processes that shaped Arabian populations. In this study, we report whole-genome sequence data obtained from four Tylos-period individuals from Bahrain. Their genetic ancestry can be modeled as a mixture of sources from ancient Anatolia, Levant, and Iran/Caucasus, with variation between individuals suggesting population heterogeneity in Bahrain before the onset of Islam. We identify the G6PD Mediterranean mutation associated with malaria resistance in three out of four ancient Bahraini samples and estimate that it rose in frequency in Eastern Arabia from 5 to 6 kya onward, around the time agriculture appeared in the region. Our study characterizes the genetic composition of ancient Arabians, shedding light on the population history of Bahrain and demonstrating the feasibility of studies of ancient DNA in the region.

Rapid diversification of grey mangroves (Avicennia marina) driven by geographic isolation and extreme environmental conditions in the Arabian Peninsula

Biological systems occurring in ecologically heterogeneous and spatially discontinuous habitats provide an ideal opportunity to investigate the relative roles of neutral and selective factors in driving lineage diversification. The grey mangroves (Avicennia marina) of Arabia occur at the northern edge of the species' range and are subject to variable, often extreme, environmental conditions, as well as historic large fluctuations in habitat availability and connectivity resulting from Quaternary glacial cycles. Here, we analyse fully sequenced genomes sampled from 19 locations across the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Persian/Arabian Gulf (PAG) to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species in the region and to identify adaptive mechanisms of lineage diversification. Population structure and phylogenetic analyses revealed marked genetic structure correlating with geographic distance and highly supported clades among and within the seas surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. Demographic modelling showed times of divergence consistent with recent periods of geographic isolation and low marine connectivity during glaciations, suggesting the presence of (cryptic) glacial refugia in the Red Sea and the PAG. Significant migration was detected within the Red Sea and the PAG, and across the Strait of Hormuz to the Arabian Sea, suggesting gene flow upon secondary contact among populations. Genetic-environment association analyses revealed high levels of adaptive divergence and detected signs of multi-loci local adaptation driven by temperature extremes and hypersalinity. These results support a process of rapid diversification resulting from the combined effects of historical factors and ecological selection and reveal mangrove peripheral environments as relevant drivers of lineage diversity.

Development and Validation of R-hf Risk Score in Acute Heart Failure Patients in the Middle East

Objectives

The Rajan's heart failure (R-hf) score was proposed to aid risk stratification in heart failure patients. The aim of this study was to validate R-hf risk score in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Methods

R-hf risk score is derived from the product estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min), left ventricular ejection fraction (%), and hemoglobin levels (g/dL) divided by N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pg/mL). This was a multinational, multicenter, prospective registry of heart failure from seven countries in the Middle East. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was applied.

Results

A total of 776 patients (mean age = 62.0±14.0 years, 62.4% males; mean left ventricular ejection fraction = 33.0±14.0%) were included. Of these, 459 (59.1%) presented with acute decompensated chronic heart failure. The R-hf risk score group (≤ 5) was marginally associated with a higher risk of all-cause cumulative mortality at three months (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.28; 95% CI: 0.90-20.30; p =0.067) and significantly at 12 months (aOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.23-12.00; p =0.021) when compared to those with the highest R score group (≥ 50).

Conclusions

Lower R-hf risk scores are associated with increased risk of all-cause cumulative mortality at three and 12 months.

Estimate a patient's 10 years cardiovascular risk using the Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease tool in a cross-sectional study in Al-Harja, Asser, Saudi Arabia, 2021

Introduction

Recently, the cases of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have been increasing in the rural areas of southwest Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study sought to consider the relevant contributing factors, such as traditional dietary habits and a diet rich in cholesterol and fat, few opportunities for disease screening, false beliefs about chronic disease management medications, delays in diagnosis, and the great distances required for travel to cardiac specialist centers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 primary health care (PHC) centers, using the ASCVD tool. The total required sample was determined to be 440 participants after calculating based on the total population of Al-Harja. Systematic random sampling was performed using a list of PHC centers and fixed intervals. The study's outcome is ASCVD risk score divided into four categories: low risk <5%, borderline risk 5%-7.5%, intermediate risk >7.5%-20%, and high risk >20%. Data were collected through interview questionnaires, measurements, and laboratory sample investigations.

Result

It was revealed that 16.59% of the participants were classified in the high-risk category for having ASCVD in the next 10 years. There was a significant association between the ASCVD risk score and obesity (P = 0.03). Prior diagnoses for either hypertension or diabetes mellitus (P = 0.00) were significantly associated with an increased ASCVD risk score.

Conclusion

An alarmingly high prevalence of high-risk ASCVD scores was seen among male participants, with 54 (22.78%) in the high-risk category, while 19 female participants (9.36%) were in the same category. Therefore, we can conclude that male participants are two times as likely to have a high ASCVD risk than female participants.

The genomic history of the Middle East

The Middle East region is important to understand human evolution and migrations but is underrepresented in genomic studies. Here, we generated 137 high-coverage physically phased genome sequences from eight Middle Eastern populations using linked-read sequencing. We found no genetic traces of early expansions out-of-Africa in present-day populations but found Arabians have elevated Basal Eurasian ancestry that dilutes their Neanderthal ancestry. Population sizes within the region started diverging 15–20 kya, when Levantines expanded while Arabians maintained smaller populations that derived ancestry from local hunter-gatherers. Arabians suffered a population bottleneck around the aridification of Arabia 6 kya, while Levantines had a distinct bottleneck overlapping the 4.2 kya aridification event. We found an association between movement and admixture of populations in the region and the spread of Semitic languages. Finally, we identify variants that show evidence of selection, including polygenic selection. Our results provide detailed insights into the genomic and selective histories of the Middle East.

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Middle Easterners do not have ancestry from an early out-of-Africa expansion

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Basal Eurasian and African ancestry in Arabians deplete their Neanderthal ancestry

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Populations experienced bottlenecks overlapping aridification events

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Identification of recent single and polygenic signals of selection in Arabia

A high-quality genome assembly and annotation of the gray mangrove, Avicennia marina

The gray mangrove [Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.] is the most widely distributed mangrove species, ranging throughout the Indo-West Pacific. It presents remarkable levels of geographic variation both in phenotypic traits and habitat, often occupying extreme environments at the edges of its distribution. However, subspecific evolutionary relationships and adaptive mechanisms remain understudied, especially across populations of the West Indian Ocean. High-quality genomic resources accounting for such variability are also sparse. Here we report the first chromosome-level assembly of the genome of A. marina. We used a previously release draft assembly and proximity ligation libraries Chicago and Dovetail HiC for scaffolding, producing a 456,526,188-bp long genome. The largest 32 scaffolds (22.4-10.5 Mb) accounted for 98% of the genome assembly, with the remaining 2% distributed among much shorter 3,759 scaffolds (62.4-1 kb). We annotated 45,032 protein-coding genes using tissue-specific RNA-seq data in combination with de novo gene prediction, from which 34,442 were associated to GO terms. Genome assembly and annotated set of genes yield a 96.7% and 95.1% completeness score, respectively, when compared with the eudicots BUSCO dataset. Furthermore, an FST survey based on resequencing data successfully identified a set of candidate genes potentially involved in local adaptation and revealed patterns of adaptive variability correlating with a temperature gradient in Arabian mangrove populations. Our A. marina genomic assembly provides a highly valuable resource for genome evolution analysis, as well as for identifying functional genes involved in adaptive processes and speciation.

Late-onset MADD in Yemen caused by a novel ETFDH mutation misdiagnosed as ADEM

We report a case of late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) with recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, and impaired consciousness as the initial symptoms in Yemen; the case showed distinctive characteristics from those of Asian or Caucasian patients. Initially, he was misdiagnosed with pancreatitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis(ADEM), and fatty liver. Final diagnosis was further confirmed by electromyography, muscle biopsy, uric organic acid analysis, and a novel missense mutation in exon 7 (c.807A>C) of ETFDH was identified by next-generation sequencing. To our knowledge, we report this mutation in an adult MADD patient as well as late-onset MADD in a Middle East country for the first time. MADD is characterised by varied genotypes and broad spectrum of clinical manifestations among different populations and ages, which requires more attention and awareness in the clinic.

Systematics, biogeography and evolution of the Saharo-Arabian naked-toed geckos genus Tropiocolotes

Plate tectonics constitute one of the main mechanisms of biological diversification on Earth, often being associated with cladogenetic events at different phylogenetic levels, as well as with exchange of faunas and floras across previously isolated biogeographic regions. North Africa and Arabia share a complex geological history that dates back to the break-up of the Arabian plate from the African plate ~30-25 Mya, followed by various geological events, such as the formation of the Red Sea or the connection between the African, Arabian and Eurasian plates. Species with Saharo-Arabian distributions have shown a close association between their evolutionary history and these geological events. In this study, we investigate the systematics, biogeography and evolution of the genus Tropiocolotes, a group of small ground-dwelling geckos, comprised by 12 species distributed from the Atlantic coast of North Africa to southwestern Iran. Species delimitation analyses uncovered the existence of high levels of undescribed diversity, with forms here considered at the species level including Tropiocolotes tripolitanus (Mauritania and southern Morocco), T. nattereri (southern Israel) and T. scorteccii (Yemen and Oman). Phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses recovered two main clades, an exclusively African clade and a Saharo-Arabian clade, that split ~25 Mya following the vicariant event mediated by the separation of the Arabian and African plates. The complex geological activity around the Red Sea is associated with the diversification within the Saharo-Arabian clade, including the colonization of North Africa from a second Tropiocolotes group. Results also provide new insights into the geographic distribution of Tropiocolotes nubicus, previously considered as exclusively associated to the Nile River valley, extending its known distribution further west, up to the Central Mountains of the Sahara. Accordingly, the Nile River seems to act as a major biogeographic barrier, separating Tropiocolotes nubicus and T. steudneri in their western and eastern margins, respectively.

Characteristics and Demography of a Free-Ranging Ethiopian Hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus, Population in Qatar

Simple Summary

Information on population characteristics of Paraechinusis is valuable for ensuring long term survival of populations, however, studies are currently lacking. Here we investigate the population dynamics of Ethiopian hedgehogs based on a capture study in Qatar by fitting several statistical models. Over the 19 months of the study, we estimate a mean population of 60 hedgehogs, giving a density of 7 hedgehogs per km² in our 8.5 km² search area. The monthly abundance of hedgehogs decreased over the study and although survival was constant over the study period, with a mean monthly rate of 75%, there was a decline in the number of new entrants over time. We also studied these parameters over one year, excluding winter, and found that monthly estimates of juvenile and subadult survival decreased over time. We surmise that survival of juveniles may be a factor in the decrease in abundance and there may be implications for the persistence of this population in the future, with human influenced resources playing an important role. We caught between 91.3% and 100% of the estimated population at this site, indicating that our capture methodology was efficient. We conclude that the methodology used here is transferrable to other hedgehog species.

Abstract

Information on population characteristics of Paraechinusis is valuable for ensuring long term survival of populations, however, studies are currently lacking. Here we investigate the population dynamics of Ethiopian hedgehogs based on a capture-mark-recapture study in Qatar by fitting Jolly-Seber and Cormack-Jolly-Seber models. Over the 19 months of the study, we estimate a mean population of 60 hedgehogs, giving a density of 7 hedgehogs per km² in our 8.5 km² search area. The monthly abundance of hedgehogs decreased over the study and although survival was constant over the study period, with a mean monthly rate of 75%, there was a decline in the number of new entrants over time. We also studied these parameters over one year, excluding winter, and found that monthly estimates of juvenile and subadult survival decreased over time. We surmise that survival of juveniles may be a factor in the decrease in abundance and there may be implications for the persistence of this population, with anthropogenic influenced resources playing an important role. We caught between 91.3% and 100% of the estimated population at this site, indicating that our capture methodology was efficient. We conclude that the methodology used here is transferrable to other hedgehog species.

Novel frameshift mutation in the SACS gene causing spastic ataxia of charlevoix-saguenay in a consanguineous family from the Arabian Peninsula: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Familial cases of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of charlevoix-saguenay have not been reported in the Arabian Peninsula, although the consanguineous marriage rate is very high. We report the first family from the Arabian Peninsula harboring a novel frameshift mutation in the SACS gene.

CASE SUMMARY

A 33-year-old man presented to our neurology clinic with balance problems and weakness of distal upper and lower limbs. He was previously clinically diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia. However, the severity of polyneuropathy and the electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) findings are atypical features of Friedreich’s ataxia, and the deterioration was attributed to diabetic neuropathy. Close examination of other family members identified cerebellar ataxia, lower-limb pyramidal signs, peripheral neuropathy, and magnetic resonance imaging findings characterized by pontine linear hypointensities. Genetic testing for Friedreich’s ataxia did not yield a diagnosis. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel frameshift germline mutation in the SACS gene termed c.5824_5827delTACT using the transcript NM_014363.5, which is predicted to cause premature termination of the sacsin protein at amino acid position 1942 (p.Tyr1942Metfs*9) and disrupts the sacsin SRR3 and domains downstream from it. The mutation segregated with the disease in the family.

CONCLUSION

Our data add to the spectrum of mutations in the SACS gene and argues for a need to implement suitably integrated clinical and diagnostic services, including next generation sequencing technology, to better classify ataxia in this area of the world.

Using multilocus approach to uncover cryptic diversity within Pseudotrapelus lizards from Saudi Arabia

The agamid Pseudotrapelus lizards inhabit the mountainous areas of the Arabian Peninsula and eastern North Africa. Currently six Pseudotrapelus species are recognised, though diagnostic morphological characters are still lacking, creating great difficulty in describing new species. Recently, two specimens of Pseudotrapelus were collected from the vicinity of Riyadh in central Saudi Arabia, an area that was not sampled in previous phylogenetic studies. In here we used both mitochondrial and nuclear data to investigate the phylogenetic position of the new samples, and assess their phylogenetic relationships with the other recognised species of Pseudotrapelus from across the distribution range of the genus. We used a multilocus approach of haplotype networks, concatenated datasets and species trees, performed mitochondrial and nuclear species delimitation analyses, and estimated divergence times. In general, our results support previous molecular studies and uncover the presence of cryptic diversity within Pseudotrapelus. The phylogenetic structure of the genus is of two major clades and within them seven distinct, delimited phylogenetic groups belonging to the six recognised species and the seventh to the individuals from Riyadh. The Riyadh specimens were distinct in all analyses performed. We suggest that the new specimens from the Riyadh area are a distinct lineage, forming a clade with their phylogenetic relatives, P. sinaitus and P. chlodnickii. The clade formed by these three species diverged during the Late Miocene around 6.4 Ma, with cladogenesis possibly facilitated by vicariance and isolation caused due to climatic fluctuations and the progression of sandy areas. Our results suggest further morphological research is necessary to revise the taxonomic status of this lineage and of the entire genus.

Multiple radiations of spiny mice (Rodentia: Acomys) in dry open habitats of Afro-Arabia: evidence from a multi-locus phylogeny

Background

Spiny mice of the genus Acomys are distributed mainly in dry open habitats in Africa and the Middle East, and they are widely used as model taxa for various biological disciplines (e.g. ecology, physiology and evolutionary biology). Despite their importance, large distribution and abundance in local communities, the phylogeny and the species limits in the genus are poorly resolved, and this is especially true for sub-Saharan taxa. The main aims of this study are (1) to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of Acomys based on the largest available multilocus dataset (700 genotyped individuals from 282 localities), (2) to identify the main biogeographical divides in the distribution of Acomys diversity in dry open habitats in Afro-Arabia, (3) to reconstruct the historical biogeography of the genus, and finally (4) to estimate the species richness of the genus by application of the phylogenetic species concept.

Results

The multilocus phylogeny based on four genetic markers shows presence of five major groups of Acomys called here subspinosus, spinosissimus, russatus, wilsoni and cahirinus groups. Three of these major groups (spinosissimus, wilsoni and cahirinus) are further sub-structured to phylogenetic lineages with predominantly parapatric distributions. Combination of alternative species delimitation methods suggests the existence of 26 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), potentially corresponding to separate species. The highest genetic diversity was found in Eastern Africa. The origin of the genus Acomys is dated to late Miocene (ca. 8.7 Ma), when the first split occurred between spiny mice of eastern (Somali-Masai) and south-eastern (Zambezian) savannas. Further diversification, mostly in Plio-Pleistocene, and the current distribution of Acomys were influenced by the interplay of global climatic factors (e.g., Messinian salinity crisis, intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation) with local geomorphology (mountain chains, aridity belts, water bodies). Combination of divergence dating, species distribution modelling and historical biogeography analysis suggests repeated “out-of-East-Africa” dispersal events into western Africa, the Mediterranean region and Arabia.

Conclusions

The genus Acomys is very suitable model for historical phylogeographic and biogeographic reconstructions of dry non-forested environments in Afro-Arabia. We provide the most thorough phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus and identify major factors that influenced its evolutionary history since the late Miocene. We also highlight the urgent need of integrative taxonomic revision of east African taxa.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1380-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease prevalence among school teachers of Saudi Arabia and its impact on their daily life activities

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common upper gastrointestinal disorder encountered in the elderly patient. It is highly prevalent worldwide with a prevalence of 10-20% in the western world. The health-related quality of life (HRQL) is lower in individuals with GERD than in the general population and is comparable to that in individuals with other chronic diseases. It has a considerable impact on the quality of the patient's life through its symptoms and economically by following consultation procedures and medical care. A few studies have been done in Saudi Arabia using general population as subject and have reported a very high prevalence.

OBJECTIVE

(1) Estimation of gastro GERD prevalence among school teachers in Qassim region. (2) To assess the impact of GERD symptoms on teacher's daily life activity. (3) To compare prevalence and risk factors of GERD between age-groups and gender.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study that was conducted among 200 school teachers selected by multi-stage stratified random sample method in Qassim region during 2015. A reliable and valid self-administered GERD questionnaire for diagnosis of GERD was used. GERD-HRQL questionnaire was used to assess the impact of GERD on the patient's life quality. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20.0; Chi-square was used to test the association between GERD and sociodemographic data.

RESULTS

The total number of the participants was 200 with an equal male to female ratio. 55% (116/200) of the participants reported with GERD. 53 point 5% of these (62/116) were female and 46.6% (54/116) were male. The commonest age group was 31-40 years with 45.5% (91/200) participants. 13/200 (6.5%) participants were smokers, of which only 15.9% were female. 41 point 3% (48/116) of the GERD +ve participants were having blood group O +ve 7.8% (9/116) of GERD participants reported symptoms which affected their daily life activity.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a prevalence of GERD symptoms among 58% of school teachers. 7 point 8% of GERD participants reported symptoms which affected their daily life activities. These data indicate a need for a comprehensive approach to managing the GERD and related diseases and a more intensified level of awareness about GERD symptoms and its complications. In addition, a health care and preventive measure may be implemented to tackle the problem among school teachers.

An integrative systematic revision and biogeography of Rhynchocalamus snakes (Reptilia, Colubridae) with a description of a new species from Israel

BACKGROUND

The colubrid snakes of the genus Rhynchocalamus are seldom studied and knowledge of their ecology and life history is scarce. Three species of Rhynchocalamus are currently recognized, R. satunini (from Turkey eastwards to Iran), R. arabicus (Yemen and Oman), and R. melanocephalus (from the Sinai Peninsula northwards to Turkey). All are slender, secretive, mainly nocturnal and rare fossorial snakes. This comprehensive study is the first to sample all known Rhynchocalamus species in order to review the intra-generic phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of the genus.

METHODS

We revised the systematics of Rhynchocalamus using an integrative approach and evaluated its phylogeography. The phylogenetic position within the Colubridae and the phylogenetic relationships within the genus were inferred using 29 individuals belonging to the three known species, with additional sampling of two other closely-related genera, Muhtarophis and Lytorhynchus. We analysed three mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cytb) and one nuclear (c-mos) gene fragments. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods; the latter method also used to provide the first time-calibrated molecular phylogeny of the genus. We generated a nuclear network and carried out a topology test and species delimitation analysis. Morphological comparisons were used to differentiate among species and to describe a new species from Israel. The studied material was comprised of 108 alcohol-preserved specimens, 15 photographs, and data from the literature for the examination of 17 mensural, 14 meristic, and two categorical characters.

RESULTS

The molecular results support Rhynchocalamus as monophyletic, and as having split from its sister genus Lytorhynchus during the Late Oligocene. The three recognized species of Rhynchocalamus comprise four independently evolving groups. The molecular results reveal that the genus began to diverge during the Middle Miocene. We revealed that the best-studied species, R. melanocephalus, is paraphyletic. A population, formally ascribed to this species, from the Negev Mountain area in southern Israel is phylogenetically closer to R. arabicus from Oman than to the northern populations of the species from Israel, Syria and Turkey. Herein we describe this population as a new species: Rhynchocalamus dayanaesp. nov.

DISCUSSION

We identify four species within Rhynchocalamus: R. satunini, R. arabicus, R. melanocephalus, and R. dayanaesp. nov., the latter, to the best of our knowledge, is endemic to southern Israel. The onset of Rhynchocalamus diversification is very old and estimated to have occurred during the Middle Miocene, possibly originating in the Levant region. Radiation probably resulted from vicariance and dispersal events caused by continuous geological instability, sea-level fluctuations and climatic changes within the Levant region.

Microendemicity in the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates with the description of two new species of geckos of the genus Asaccus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae)

BACKGROUND

The Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the highest mountain range in Eastern Arabia. As a result of their old geological origin, geographical isolation, complex topography and local climate, these mountains provide an important refuge for endemic and relict species of plants and animals with strong Indo-Iranian affinities. Among vertebrates, the rock climbing nocturnal geckos of the genus Asaccus represent the genus with the highest number of endemic species in the Hajar Mountains. Recent taxonomic studies on the Zagros populations of Asaccus have shown that this genus is much richer than it was previously thought and preliminary morphological and molecular data suggest that its diversity in Arabia may also be underestimated.

METHODS

A total of 83 specimens originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus (including specimens of the two new species described herein), six other Asaccus species from the Hajar and the Zagros Mountains and two representatives of the genus Haemodracon were sequenced for up to 2,311 base pairs including the mitochondrial 12S and cytb and the nuclear c-mos, MC1R and ACM4 genes. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood approaches and the former method was also used to calibrate the phylogenetic tree. Haplotype networks and phylogenetic trees were inferred from the phased nuclear genes only. Sixty-one alcohol-preserved adult specimens originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus from the northern Hajar Mountains were examined for 13 morphometric and the five meristic variables using multivariate methods and were also used to diagnose and describe the two new species.

RESULTS

The results of the molecular and morphological analyses indicate that the species originally classified as Asaccus caudivolvulus is, in fact, an assemblage of three different species that started diversifying during the Mid-Miocene. The molecular phylogenies consistently recovered the Hajar endemic A. montanus as sister taxon to all the other Asaccus species included in the analyses, rendering the Arabian species of Asaccus polyphyletic.

DISCUSSION

Using this integrative approach we have uncovered a very old diversification event that has resulted in a case of microendemicity, where three morphologically and ecologically similar medium-sized lizard species coexist in a very short and narrow mountain stretch. Asaccus caudivolvulus is restricted to a small coastal area of the UAE and at risk from heavy development, while the two new species described herein are widely distributed across the northern tip of the Hajar Mountains and seem to segregate in altitude when found in close proximity in the Musandam Peninsula (Oman). Similarly to other integrative analyses of Hajar reptiles, this study highlights the high level of diversity and endemicity of this arid mountain range, underscoring its status as one of the top hotspots of reptile diversity in Arabia.

Out of Africa, but how and when? The case of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas)

Many species of Arabian mammals are considered to be of Afrotropical origin and for most of them the Red Sea has constituted an obstacle for dispersal since the Miocene-Pliocene transition. There are two possible routes, the 'northern' and the 'southern', for terrestrial mammals (including humans) to move between Africa and Arabia. The 'northern route', crossing the Sinai Peninsula, is confirmed for several taxa by an extensive fossil record, especially from northern Egypt and the Levant, whereas the 'southern route', across the Bab-el-Mandab Strait, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is more controversial, although post-Pliocene terrestrial crossings of the Red Sea might have been possible during glacial maxima when sea levels were low. Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) are the only baboon taxon to disperse out of Africa and still inhabit Arabia. In this study, we investigate the origin of Arabian hamadryas baboons using mitochondrial sequence data from 294 samples collected in Arabia and Northeast Africa. Through the analysis of the geographic distribution of genetic diversity, the timing of population expansions, and divergence time estimates combined with palaeoecological data, we test: (i) if Arabian and African hamadryas baboons are genetically distinct; (ii) if Arabian baboons exhibit population substructure; and (iii) when, and via which route, baboons colonized Arabia. Our results suggest that hamadryas baboons colonized Arabia during the Late Pleistocene (130-12 kya [thousands of years ago]) and also moved back to Africa. We reject the hypothesis that hamadryas baboons were introduced to Arabia by humans, because the initial colonization considerably predates the earliest records of human seafaring in this region. Our results strongly suggest that the 'southern route' from Africa to Arabia could have been used by hamadryas baboons during the same time period as proposed for modern humans.

Two newly recognized species of Hemidactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the Arabian Peninsula and Sinai, Egypt

A recent molecular phylogeny of the Arid clade of the genus Hemidactylus revealed that the recently described H. saba and two unnamed Hemidactylus species from Sinai, Saudi Arabia and Yemen form a well-supported monophyletic group within the Arabian radiation of the genus. The name ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ is suggested for this clade. According to the results of morphological comparisons and the molecular analyses using two mitochondrial (12S and cytb) and four nuclear (cmos, mc1r, rag1, rag2) genes, the name Hemidactylus granosus Heyden, 1827 is resurrected from the synonymy of H. turcicus for the Sinai and Saudi Arabian species. The third species of this group from Yemen is described formally as a new species H. uliisp. n. The phylogenetic relationships of the members of ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ are evaluated and the distribution and ecology of individual species are discussed.

Rickets and osteomalacia in Saudi children and adolescents attending endocrine clinic, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This is a retrospective study in which we report our clinical experience during the period from January 1990 to December 2009, from a paediatric endocrine clinic at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The diagnosis of rickets and oestomalacia was based on clinical, biochemical and radiological data. Eighty-one (34 males and 47 females) children and adolescents with rickets or osteomalacia aged 2 to 18 years (mean; 9.5 years) were evaluated. The commonest causes were nutritional; either low Vitamin D or calcium, or both. In 58 (71.60%) patients, eight patients (9.87%) were due to chronic use of anticonvulsant medications, while five (6.17%) patients were diagnosed to have celiac disease. Non-specific symptoms, such as bone pain and fatigue were the most common presenting symptoms which may indicate that other cases were possibly missed. Lack of direct sun exposure and malnutritional practices were evident. Several genetically inherited disorders were diagnosed; including; hypophosphataemic rickets in three (3.70%), vitamin D-dependent-rickets type 2 in five (6.17%) and pseudohypo-hyperparathyroidism in one (1.23%) child. Rickets was secondary to chronic renal failure in only one patient (1.23%). In conclusion, a diversity of disorders caused rickets or osteomalacia in our series. Paediatricians should be familiar with such different types and able to differentiate them from disorders mimicking rickets. rickets, such as hypophosphatasia, and metaphyseal dysplasias. An active plan should be put in place to prevent rickets and osteomalacia among young age groups.

monomorium group from Saudi Arabia, with a key to the Arabian Monomorium monomorium-group

A new ant species, Monomorium dryhimi, is described based on workers from a single colony collected in Al Bahah, Asir Province, Saudi Arabia. This is the fourth species of the Monomorium monomorium-group collected from Arabian Peninsula, and appears to be closely related to Monomorium holothir Bolton, 1987, from Kenya. It can be distinguished by the following characters: head in profile with a weakly convex dorsal surface and a clearly convex ventral surface; eyes of moderate size with maximum diameter EL 0.19–0.25 × HW and with 6 ommatidia in the longest row; body colour yellow to light brownish yellow. In some individuals, head and gaster slightly but conspicuously darker than rest of body. Second halves of first and second gastral tergites with two characteristic brownish transverse bands. An identification key to the workers of the Arabian species of the Monomorium monomorium-group is presented. Scanning electron micrographs are given to illustrate the new species.

gibbosus-group from Oman (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) with a key to the Technomyrmex species of the Arabian Peninsula

Technomyrmex montaserisp. n. is described and illustrated from Oman based on the worker caste collected in Bani Sur. It belongs to the Technomyrmex gibbosus-group, with closest resemblance to Technomyrmex vexatus (Santschi, 1919) and Technomyrmex gibbosus W. M. Wheeler, 1906. A key to the Arabian Technomyrmex is given.

n

The myrmicine ant genus Carebara is recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia from the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. A new species Carebara abuhurayrisp. n. is described based on workers collected from Al Bahah region. One of the smallest ant species known to occur in Arabia, Carebara abuhurayri is found in an area inhabited by many ant species including Tetramorium sericeiventre Emery, 1877, Pheidole minuscula Bernard, 1952, Pheidole sp., Monomorium destructor (Jerdon, 1851), Monomorium exiguum (Forel, 1894) and Monomorium sp. and Crematogaster sp.

Medical ethics and the Islamic tradition

After tracing the main features of the foundational ethical perspectives and their relationship to the rise of medical practice in early Islam, the paper focuses on the development of the moral concept of adab. This concept served as an important tool in defining and shaping an ethical tradition based on the integration of the Hippocratic tradition into Muslim medicine and its underlying moral values. The existence of plural therapeutic systems and their moral and theological sources are also noted and an attempt is made to show how all of these diverse modes co-existed through most of the pre-modern history of medicine among Muslims. The paper ends by outlining the impact the European colonial and cultural encounter with the World of Islam had, in creating a duality in medical practice, education and institutions, thus limiting sustained and meaningful discourse between modern medical science and the ethical values of Islam.