Assessment of antimicrobial activity and GC-MS using culture filtrate of local marine Bacillus strains

Secondary metabolites produced by Bacillus species from marine sources encompass a variety of compounds such as lipopeptides, isocoumarins, polyketides, macrolactones, polypeptides and fatty acids. These bioactive substances exhibit various biological activities, including antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify a particular species of Bacillus from marine water and organisms that can produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Among the 73 Bacillus isolates collected, only 5 exhibited antagonistic activity against various viral and bacterial pathogens. The active isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing to determine their taxonomical affiliation. Among them, Bacillus tequilensis CCASU-2024-66 strain no. 42, with the accession number ON 054302 in GenBank, exhibited the highest inhibitory potential. It displayed an inhibition zone of 21 mm against Bacillus cereus while showing a minimum zone of inhibition of 9 mm against Escherichia coli and gave different inhibition against pathogenic fungi, the highest inhibition zone 15 mm against Candida albicans but the lowest inhibition zone 10 mm was against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum. Furthermore, it demonstrated the highest percentage of virucidal effect against the Newcastle virus and influenza virus, with rates of 98.6% and 98.1%, respectively. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis was employed to examine the bioactive substance components, specifically focusing on volatile and polysaccharide compounds. Based on these results, Bacillus tequilensis strain 42 may have the potential to be employed as an antiviral agent in poultry cultures to combat Newcastle and influenza, two extremely destructive viruses, thus reducing economic losses in the poultry production sector. Bacteria can be harnessed for the purpose of preserving food and controlling pathogenic fungi in both human and plant environments. Molecular docking for the three highly active derivatives 2,3-Butanediol, 2TMS, D-Xylopyranose, 4TMS, and Glucofuranoside, methyl 2,3,5,6-tetrakis-O-(trimethylsilyl) was carried out against the active sites of Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans, Newcastle virus and influenza virus. The data obtained from molecular docking is highly correlated with that obtained from biology. Moreover, these highly active compounds exhibited excellent proposed ADMET profile.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as an effective approach to enhance the growth and metabolism of soybean plants under thallium (TI) toxicity

Thallium (TI) is a toxic metal that can trigger harmful impacts on growth and metabolism of plants. Utilizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) proves to be an effective strategy for alleviating heavy metal toxicity in plants. To this end, AMF were applied to mitigate TI toxic effects on the growth, primary and secondary metabolism of soybean plants. Here, TI stress inhibited the growth and photosynthetic parameters of soybean plants. It also increased the oxidative damage as demonstrated by increased levels of oxidative markers, (MDA and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity). However, AMF could mitigate the reduction in growth and photosynthesis induced by TI, as well as the induction of oxidative damage. To overcome TI toxicity, AMF increased the levels and metabolism of osmolytes such as proline in soybean plants. This was in line with the increased activities of key enzymes that involved in proline biosynthesis (e.g., P5CS (pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase), P5CR (pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase) and OAT (ornithine aminotransferase) under the AMF and/or TI treatments. Furthermore, soybean plants could benefit from the synergism between AMF and TI to enhance the contents of individual (e.g., spermine and spermidine) and total polyamines as well as their metabolic enzymes (e.g., arginine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase). Overall, the combined application of AMF emerges as a viable approach for alleviating TI toxicity in soybean plants.

Carbon nanoparticles improve the effect of compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in drought-stressed corn cultivation

Drought is an important threat worldwide, therefore, it is vital to create workable solutions to mitigate the negative effects of drought stress. To this end, we investigated the interactive effect of compost (Comp), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) on maize plant crops under drought stress. The combined treatments were more effective at increasing soil fertility and promoting the growth of maize plants under both control and drought stress conditions by 20.1% and 39.4%, respectively. The interactions between treatments, especially the effects of Comp-AMF-CNPs mixture, reduce the activity of photorespiration induced H₂O₂ production that consequently reduces drought-related oxidative damages (lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation). Plants treated with Comp-AMF or Comp-AMF-CNPs showed an increase in their antioxidant defense system. Comp-AMF-CNPs increased enzyme activities by 50.3%, 30.1%, and 71% for ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydro-ASC reductase (DHAR), and monodehydro-ASC reductase (MDHAR), respectively. Comp-AMF-CNPs also induced the highest increase in anthocyanins (69.5%) compared to the control treatment. This increase was explained by increased anthocyanin percussor, by 37% and 13% under control and drought, respectively. While the increases in biosynthetic key enzymes, phenylalanine aminolayse (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS) were 77% and 5% under control and 69% and 89% under drought, respectively. This work advanced our understanding on how Comp-AMF-CNPs improve growth, physiology, and biochemistry of maize plants under drought stress conditions. Overall, this study suggests the effectiveness of Comp-AMF-CNPs as a promising approach to enhance the growth of maize plants in dry areas.

The new isolated Archaea strain improved grain yield, metabolism and quality of wheat plants under Co stress conditions

Heavy metal (e.g. cobalt) pollution causes a serious of environmental and agricultural problems. On the other hand, plant growth-promoting microorganisms enhance plant growth and mitigate heavy metal stress. Herein, we isolated and identified the unclassified species strain NARS9, belong to Haloferax,. Cobalt (Co, 200 mg/kg soil) stress mitigating impact of the identified on wheat grains yield, primary and secondary metabolism and grain quality was investigated. Co alone significantly induced Co accumulation in wheat grain (260%), and consequently reduced wheat yield (130%) and quality. Haloferax NARS9 alone significantly enhanced grain chemicals composition (i.e., total sugars (89%) and organic acids (e.g., oxalic and isobutyric acids), essential amino acids (e.g., threonine, lysine, and histidine) and unsaturated fatty acids (e.g. eicosenoic, erucic and tetracosenoic acids). Interestingly, Co stress induced wheat grain yield, reduction were significantly mitigated by Haloferax NARS9 treatment by 26% compared to Co stress alone. Under Co stress, Haloferax NARS9 significantly increased sugar metabolism including sucrose and starch levels and their metabolic enzymes (i.e. invertases, sucrose synthase, starch synthase). This in turn increased organic acid (e.g. oxalic (70%) and malic acids (60%)) and amino acids. levels and biosynthetic enzymes, e.g. glutamine synthetase and threonine synthase. Increased sugars levels by Haloferax NARS9 under Co treatment also provided a route for the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic and stearic acids. Furthermore, Haloferax NARS9 treatment supported the wheat nutritive value through increasing minerals (Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn) and antioxidants i.e., polyphenol, flavonoids, ASC and GSH and total polyamines by 50%, 110%, 400%, 30%, and 90% respectively). These in parallel with the increase in the activity of (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (110%) in phenolic metabolism). Overall, this study demonstrates the potentiality of Haloferax NARS9 in harnessing carbon and nitrogen metabolism differentially in wheat plants to cope with Co toxicity. Our results also suggested that the use of Haloferax NARS9 in agricultural fields can improve growth and nutritional value of wheat grains.

How Carbon Nanoparticles, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, and Compost Mitigate Drought Stress in Maize Plant: A Growth and Biochemical Study

Drought negatively affects crop growth and development, so it is crucial to develop practical ways to reduce these consequences of water scarcity. The effect of the interactive potential of compost (Comp), mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and carbon nanoparticles (CNPS) on plant growth, photosynthesis rate, primary metabolism, and secondary metabolism was studied as a novel approach to mitigating drought stress in maize plants. Drought stress significantly reduced maize growth and photosynthesis and altered metabolism. Here, the combined treatments Com-AMF or Com-AMF-CNPs mitigated drought-induced reductions in fresh and dry weights. The treatments with AMF or CNPS significantly increased photosynthesis (by 10%) in comparison to the control plants. Results show that soluble sugars were accumulated to maintain the osmotic status of the maize plant under drought stress. The level and metabolism of sucrose, an osmo-protectant, were increased in plants treated with Com (by 30%), which was further increased under the triple effect of Com-AMF-CNPs (40%), compared to untreated plants. This was inconsistent with increased sucrose-phosphate synthase and sucrose-P-synthase activity. The combined treatment Com-AMF-CNPs increased the levels of oxalic and succinic acids (by 100%) and has been reflected in the enhanced levels of amino acids such as the antioxidant and omso-protectant proline. Higher increases in fatty acids by treatment with CNPS were also recorded. Com-AMF-CNPs enhanced many of the detected fatty acids such as myristic, palmitic, arachidic, docosanoic, and pentacosanoic (110%, 30%, 100%, and 130%, respectively), compared to untreated plants. At the secondary metabolism level, sugar and amino acids provide a route for polyamine biosynthesis, where Com-AMF-CNPs increased spermine and spermidine synthases, ornithine decarboxylase, and adenosyl methionine decarboxylase in treated maize. Overall, our research revealed for the first time how Cmo, AMF, and/or CNPS alleviated drought stress in maize plants.

Rhodospirillum sp. JY3: An innovative tool to mitigate the phytotoxic impact of galaxolide on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) plants

To date, several studies have considered the phytotoxic impact of cosmetics and personal care products on crop plants. Nonetheless, data are scarce about the toxic impact of galaxolide [hexahydro-hexamethyl cyclopentabenzopyran (HHCB)] on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of plants from different functional groups. To this end, the impact of HHCB on biomass, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant production, and detoxification metabolism of grass (wheat) and legume (faba bean) plants has been investigated. On the other hand, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be effectively applied to reduce HHCB phytotoxicity. HHCB significantly reduced the biomass accumulation and the photosynthetic machinery of both crops, but to more extent for wheat. This growth reduction was concomitant with induced oxidative damage and decreased antioxidant defense system. To mitigate HHCB toxicity, a bioactive strain of diazotrophic plant growth-promoting Rhodospirillum sp. JY3 was isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soil in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and applied to both crops. Overall, Rhodospirillum mitigated HHCB-induced stress by differently modulating the oxidative burst [malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and protein oxidation] in both wheat and faba beans. This alleviation was coincident with improvement in plant biomass and photosynthetic efficiency, particularly in wheat crops. Considering the antioxidant defense system, JY3 augmented the antioxidants in both wheat and faba beans and the detoxification metabolism under HHCB stress conditions. More interestingly, inoculation with JY3 further enhanced the tolerance level of both wheat and faba beans against contamination with HHCB via quenching the lignin metabolism. Overall, this study advanced our understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying HHCB stress and mitigating its impact using Rhodospirillum sp. JY3, which may strikingly reduce the environmental risks on agriculture sustainability.

Selection of Newly Identified Growth-Promoting Archaea Haloferax Species With a Potential Action on Cobalt Resistance in Maize Plants

Soil contamination with cobalt (Co) negatively impacts plant growth and production. To combat Co toxicity, plant growth-promoting microorganisms for improving plant growth are effectively applied. To this end, unclassified haloarchaeal species strain NRS_31 (OL912833), belonging to Haloferax genus, was isolated, identified for the first time, and applied to mitigate the Co phytotoxic effects on maize plants. This study found that high Co levels in soil lead to Co accumulation in maize leaves. Co accumulation in the leaves inhibited maize growth and photosynthetic efficiency, inducing oxidative damage in the tissue. Interestingly, pre-inoculation with haloarchaeal species significantly reduced Co uptake and mitigated the Co toxicity. Induced photosynthesis improved sugar metabolism, allocating more carbon to defend against Co stress. Concomitantly, the biosynthetic key enzymes involved in sucrose (sucrose-P-synthase and invertases) and proline (pyrroline-5- carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR)) biosynthesis significantly increased to maintain plant osmotic potential. In addition to their osmoregulation potential, soluble sugars and proline can contribute to maintaining ROS hemostasis. Maize leaves managed their oxidative homeostasis by increasing the production of antioxidant metabolites (such as phenolics and tocopherols) and increasing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes (such as POX, CAT, SOD, and enzymes involved in the AsA/GSH cycle). Inside the plant tissue, to overcome heavy Co toxicity, maize plants increased the synthesis of heavy metal-binding ligands (metallothionein, phytochelatins) and the metal detoxifying enzymes (glutathione S transferase). Overall, the improved ROS homeostasis, osmoregulation, and Co detoxification systems were the basis underlying Co oxidative stress, mitigating haloarchaeal treatment's impact.

Innovating the Synergistic Assets of β-Amino Butyric Acid (BABA) and Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in Improving the Growth, Nitrogen Metabolism, Biological Activities, and Nutritive Value of Medicago interexta Sprouts

In view of the wide traditional uses of legume sprouts, several strategies have been approved to improve their growth, bioactivity, and nutritive values. In this regard, the present study aimed at investigating how priming with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 25 mg L^-1) enhanced the effects of β-amino butyric acid (BABA, 30 mM) on the growth, physiology, nitrogen metabolism, and bioactive metabolites of Medicago interexta sprouts. The results have shown that the growth and photosynthesis of M. interexta sprouts were enhanced by the treatment with BABA or SeNPs, being higher under combined treatment. Increased photosynthesis provided the precursors for the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. In this regard, the combined treatment had a more pronounced effect on the bioactive primary metabolites (essential amino acids), secondary metabolites (phenolics, GSH, and ASC), and mineral profiles of the investigated sprouts than that of sole treatments. Increased amino acids were accompanied by increased nitrogen metabolism, i.e., nitrate reductase, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), glutamine synthase (GS), cysteine synthesis serine acetyltransferase, arginase, threonine synthase, and methionine synthase. Further, the antioxidant capacity (FRAP), the anti-diabetic activities (i.e., α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities), and the glycemic index of the tested sprouts were more significantly improved by the combined treatment with BABA and SeNPs than by individual treatment. Overall, the combined effect of BABA and SeNPs could be preferable to their individual effects on plant growth and bioactive metabolites.

Bacterial Endophytes as a Promising Approach to Enhance the Growth and Accumulation of Bioactive Metabolites of Three Species of Chenopodium Sprouts

Sprouts are regarded as an untapped source of bioactive components that display various biological properties. Endophytic bacterium inoculation can enhance plant chemical composition and improve its nutritional quality. Herein, six endophytes (Endo 1 to Endo 6) were isolated from Chenopodium plants and morphologically and biochemically identified. Then, the most active isolate Endo 2 (strain JSA11) was employed to enhance the growth and nutritive value of the sprouts of three Chenopodium species, i.e., C. ambrosoides, C. ficifolium, and C. botrys. Endo 2 (strain JSA11) induced photosynthesis and the mineral uptake, which can explain the high biomass accumulation. Endo 2 (strain JSA11) improved the nutritive values of the treated sprouts through bioactive metabolite (antioxidants, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acid, and essential amino acids) accumulation. These increases were correlated with increased amino acid levels and phenolic metabolism. Consequently, the antioxidant activity of the Endo 2 (strain JSA11)-treated Chenopodium sprouts was enhanced. Moreover, Endo 2 (strain JSA11) increased the antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria and the anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by the reduced activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Overall, the Endo 2 (strain JSA11) treatment is a successful technique to enhance the bioactive contents and biological properties of Chenopodium sprouts.

Developmental Stages-Specific Response of Anise Plants to Laser-Induced Growth, Nutrients Accumulation, and Essential Oil Metabolism

Compared to seeds and mature tissues, sprouts are well known for their higher nutritive and biological values. Fruits of Pimpinella anisum (anise) are extensively consumed as food additives; however, the sprouting-induced changes in their nutritious metabolites are hardly studied. Herein, we investigated the bioactive metabolites, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties of fruits, sprouts (9-day-old), and mature tissue (5-week-old) of anise under laser irradiation treatment (He-Ne laser, 632 nm). Laser treatment increased biomass accumulation of both anise sprouts and mature plants. Bioactive primary (e.g., proteins and sugars) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolic compounds), as well as mineral levels, were significantly enhanced by sprouting and/or laser light treatment. Meanwhile, laser light has improved the levels of essential oils and their related precursors (e.g., phenylalanine), as well as enzyme activities [e.g., O-methyltransferase and 3-Deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS)] in mature tissues. Moreover, laser light induced higher levels of antioxidant and anti-lipidemic activities in sprouts as compared to fruits and mature tissues. Particularly at the sprouting stage, anise was more responsive to laser light treatment than mature plants.

Effect of Elevated CO2 on Biomolecules' Accumulation in Caraway (Carum carvi L.) Plants at Different Developmental Stages

Caraway plants have been known as a rich source of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, monoterpenoid glucosides and alkaloids. In this regard, the application of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) as a bio-enhancer for increasing plant growth and phytochemical content has been the focus of many studies; however, the interaction between eCO₂ and plants at different developmental stages has not been extensively explored. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the changes in growth, photosynthesis and phytochemicals of caraway plants at two developmental stages (sprouts and mature tissues) under control and increased CO₂ conditions (ambient CO₂ (a CO₂, 400 ± 27 μmol CO₂ mol^-1 air) and eCO₂, 620 ± 42 μmol CO₂ mol^-1 air ppm). Moreover, we evaluated the impact of eCO₂-induced changes in plant metabolites on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of caraway sprouts and mature plants. CO₂ enrichment increased photosynthesis and biomass accumulation of both caraway stages. Regarding their phytochemical contents, caraway plants interacted differently with eCO₂, depending on their developmental stages. High levels of CO₂ enhanced the production of total nutrients, i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, fats and crude fibers, as well as organic and amino acids, in an equal pattern in both caraway sprouts and mature plants. Interestingly, the eCO₂-induced effect on minerals, vitamins and phenolics was more pronounced in caraway sprouts than the mature tissues. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of caraway plants were enhanced under eCO₂ treatment, particularly at the mature stage. Overall, eCO₂ provoked changes in the phytochemical contents of caraway plants, particularly at the sprouting stage and, hence, improved their nutritive and health-promoting properties.

Soil arsenic toxicity differentially impacts C3 (barley) and C4 (maize) crops under future climate atmospheric CO2

Soil arsenic (As) contamination limits global agricultural productivity. Anthropogenic emissions are causing atmospheric CO₂ levels to rise. Elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) boosts plant growth both under optimal and suboptimal growth conditions. However, the crop-specific interaction between eCO₂ and soil arsenic exposure has not been investigated at the whole plant, physiological and biochemical level. Here, we tested the effects of eCO₂ (620 ppm) and soil As exposure (mild and severe treatments, 25 and 100 mg As/Kg soil) on growth, photosynthesis and redox homeostasis in barley (C3) and maize (C4). Compared to maize, barley was more susceptible to soil As exposure at ambient CO₂ levels. Barley plants accumulated more As, particularly in roots. As accumulation inhibited plant growth and induced oxidative damage in a species-specific manner. As-exposed barley experienced severe oxidative stress as illustrated by high H₂O₂ and protein oxidation levels. Interestingly, eCO₂ differentially mitigated As-induced stress in barley and maize. In barley, eCO₂ exposure reduced photorespiration, H₂O₂ production, and lipid/protein oxidation. In maize eCO₂ exposure led to an upregulation of the ascorbate-glutathione (ASC/GSH)-mediated antioxidative defense system. Combined, this work highlights how ambient and future eCO₂ levels differentially affect the growth, physiology and biochemistry of barley and maize crops exposed to soil As pollution.

Elevated CO2 improves the nutritive value, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypocholestecolemic activities of lemongrass sprouts

Sprouts have been regarded as a big store for bioactive compounds with a wide range of biological activities. Elevated CO2 (eCO2, 620 μmol mol-1)was employed to enhance the nutritive and health promoting values of sprouts of two species of lemongrass, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon proximus. eCO2 improved the biomass production of sprouts, and their levels of primary metabolites e.g., amino acids and oils and active secondary metabolites e.g., phenolic compounds. As a result, eCO2 increased total antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines, and antibacterial activities of Cymbopogon sprouts. We also recorded a significant increase in hypocholesterolaemic potential and anti-inflammatory activities of eCO2-treated sprouts, as indicated by inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility and pancreatic lipase activity, as well as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activities, respectively. Thus, the present investigation supports the use of eCO2 as a promising approach to produce lemongrass sprouts with effective phytochemicals and enhanced biological activities.

Global metabolic changes induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in oregano plants grown under ambient and elevated levels of atmospheric CO2

Symbiotic plant-microorganisms interaction is a promising approach to avoid the environmental hazards of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Among these, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to improve the growth and quality of many plant species; however the detailed metabolic mechanisms behind such beneficial effects are far from complete. Further, elevated levels of atmospheric CO₂ (eCO₂) could affect such AMF-plant association. Herein, we have investigated the individual and synchronous impact of AMF and eCO₂ (620 ppm) on nutrient uptake, growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and levels of primary and secondary metabolites in oregano (Oreganum vulgare), an economically important herbal plant. Enhanced AMF colonization rate and a better mycelial growth were observed in roots of oregano grown under eCO₂. Both AMF and eCO₂ treatments significantly enhanced the growth and photosynthesis of oregano plants, however much improvements were observed by their synchronous application. eCO₂ further increased the AMF-induced dark respiration and accumulation of macro and microelements. Hierarchical clustering analysis of individual primary and secondary metabolites revealed a metabolite-dependent response toward AMF and eCO₂. The synchronous application of AMF and eCO₂ resulted in promoted accumulation of the majority of the detected sugars, organic acids, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic acids and flavonoids, as compared with the sole treatments. Moreover, AMF and eCO₂ acted synergistically in improving the antioxidant capacity and anti-lipid peroxidation activity of oregano. Therefore, this study suggests that AMF treatment induces a global metabolic change in oregano, the effect that is strengthened under eCO₂.

Heroin addiction in Bahrain: 15 years experience

This study describes the development and outcome of a new treatment programme for the management of heroin addiction in Bahrain. The problem reached its peak in the early 1980s with several reported deaths and with the involvement of many disciplines in the overall response. In 1983, treatment of all addicts was restricted by law to the government psychiatric hospital. The newly established specialized drug unit was overwhelmed by the number of patients seeking treatment. The lack of sufficient resources and suitably trained staff forced the unit to adopt an outpatient maintenance therapy approach for most of its clients. In 1987, a new comprehensive treatment programme was introduced that relies on a clear philosophy, safe detoxification (using objective scales for withdrawal manifestations) rather than maintenance therapy, followed by psychological and social rehabilitation. A national committee for drug addiction was formed and an intensive programme of education was started at all levels. The results indicate an initial increase at inpatient level but a marked drop of outpatient attendance. The use of the Opioid Objective Withdrawal Manifestations Scale (OOWMS) revealed that only a small number of our patients developed moderate or severe signs of withdrawal that required detoxification, and the rate of dispensed controlled medication was reduced by 99%. The effect of this approach is discussed, with special reference to the need for a collaborative effort from all disciplines in planning, implementing, continuously evaluating and modifying the national programmes for handling the serious problem of addiction.

Development of a comprehensive treatment program for chemical dependency at Al Amal Hospital, Dammam

An experience in developing a treatment program of addiction in an Arabic Muslim Society. The three major waves of knowledge and methodology are reviewed in historical perspective. General description of Al Amal Hospital, Dammam, K.S.A, and the three phases which the hospital treatment program underwent. Drug therapy was the main line of treatment in the first phase, which resulted in a massive consumption of controlled drugs exposing patients to iatrogenic dependence. The second phase introduced a wider concept of treatment using a bio-psycho-social model in the context of the 12 steps program of the AA. This approach did not reflect positively on patients' care due to the resistance of both patients and staff. The third phase addressed the causes of this resistance and formulated the basis for a comprehensive treatment program for addiction that relies on a clear philosophy and defined treatment stages. A multitude of treatment components were introduced and monitored by a daily clinical program audit. During the three phases, hospital records showed a progressive decrease in the amount of medications consumed (> 90%) and dropouts (24%-2.8%). The overall number of patients completing the treatment program markedly increased and although the average daily census dropped, there was, in fact, an increase in the number of voluntary patients.

Diagnostic agreement in psychiatry. A comparative study between ICD-9, ICD-10 and DSM-III-R

A random sample of 100 new patients referred consecutively to the psychiatric hospital was assessed using the Arabic translation of the PSE. An abstract form was designed to include all PSE scores as well as the necessary extra data to make ICD-9, ICD-10, and DSM-III-R diagnoses. Kappa correlation was calculated for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Overall reliability and reliability of each major psychiatric diagnosis were compared between the three systems. The use of the PSE helped in achieving good agreement between Arab psychiatrists for all the three systems, but ICD-10 was found to have the highest reliability figures both for three-digit and four-digit psychiatric diagnoses.

Zuclopenthixol: a new generation of antipsychotic drugs. An open clinical trial

Fifteen patients (20-49 years of age) with mania or acute psychosis were treated with zuclopenthixol acetate (Clopixol, Acuphase). One injection of 75-100 mg produced significant amelioration of psychotic symptoms with minimal side effects. The duration of action of the drug was found to be about 72 hours.