The changing profile of consanguinity rates in Bahrain, 1990-2009

Consanguineous marriage is traditional and respected in most communities of North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia, including Bahrain, with intra-familial unions accounting for 20-50+% of all marriages. Significant secular changes in consanguinity rates have been reported in recent decades in different populations. Among parents of 14,237 newborns in Bahrain in 2008-2009, the total consanguinity and first cousin marriage rates over a period of four months in 2008 were 10.9% and 6.9% respectively, while during all of 2009 the rates were 11.4% and 6.8% respectively. The study confirms that over a ten-year period first cousin marriage rates in Bahrain have declined from 24% to nearly 7%. Although advice against cousin marriages was not attempted at any stage in the comprehensive community genetics programmes in Bahrain, increasing the literacy of the public and of the health care providers on prevention strategies for genetic diseases could have contributed to this decline in consanguinity rate in Bahrain.     

The Qatar v. Bahrain Maritime Delimitation and Territorial Questions Case

During the decade-long Qatar v. Bahrain proceedings, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rendered two Judgments on jurisdiction and admissibility (1994-1995), followed by its decision not to rely on the 82 Qatar documents challenged by Bahrain (1999), and by Judgment on the merits (2001). This article surveys how these complex proceedings led to settlement of a long-standing dispute in the Arabian/Persian Gulf to the satisfaction of both parties and how have they enriched the contributions of the Court to the development of international law. The contributions of the two Qatar v. Bahrain (Jurisdiction and Admissibility) Judgments, including their Opinions, are highlighted in the context of important issues pertaining to the interpretation of treaties and various aspects of the jurisdiction conferred upon the ICJ by a "framework agreement" (as distinct from a compromis). The analysis of the Qatar v. Bahrain (Merits) Judgment, including its Opinions, substantiates the significant consolidation and further development--in continuation of the formidable jurisprudence of the ICJ and other tribunals, notably the Eritrea/ Yemen Arbitral Tribunal--of the principles and rules governing the acquisition of territorial sovereignty and maritime boundary delimitation.     

Genotyping of Burkholderia mallei from an Outbreak of Glanders in Bahrain Suggests Multiple Introduction Events

Background

Glanders, caused by the gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia mallei, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease of solipeds causing severe disease in animals and men. Although eradicated from many Western countries, it recently emerged in Asia, the Middle-East, Africa, and South America. Due to its rareness, little is known about outbreak dynamics of the disease and its epidemiology.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We investigated a recent outbreak of glanders in Bahrain by applying high resolution genotyping (multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats, MLVA) and comparative whole genome sequencing to B. mallei isolated from infected horses and a camel. These results were compared to samples obtained from an outbreak in the United Arab Emirates in 2004, and further placed into a broader phylogeographic context based on previously published B. mallei data. The samples from the outbreak in Bahrain separated into two distinct clusters, suggesting a complex epidemiological background and evidence for the involvement of multiple B. mallei strains. Additionally, the samples from Bahrain were more closely related to B. mallei isolated from horses in the United Arab Emirates in 2004 than other B. mallei which is suggestive of repeated importation to the region from similar geographic sources.

Conclusion/Significance

High-resolution genotyping and comparative whole genome analysis revealed the same phylogenetic patterns among our samples. The close relationship of the Dubai/UAE B. mallei populations to each other may be indicative of a similar geographic origin that has yet to be identified for the infecting strains. The recent emergence of glanders in combination with worldwide horse trading might pose a new risk for human infections.     

Herbal plants in the traditional medicine of Bahrain

Plant samples collected in Bahrain and data reported in the literature indicate the flora of Bahrain to contain 52 species (49 genera; 20 families) of medicinal interest. Of these plant species 20 appear to be indigenous and are being used in traditional herbal remedies for numerous afflictions. Preparation of such remedies appears to be simple and includes boiling, infusions, extraction of milled dry or fresh leaves, flowers, seeds or whole plants. Direct consumption of plant parts, raw or cooked, is also practiced. None of these plants has been studied systematically to evaluate their medicinal potential.     

Survey ofFusarium species in an arid environment of Bahrain

The prevalence and distribution of soil-inhabitingFusarium species in the soil of vegetable crops grown under custom-made plastic tunnels were studied at three geographical locations on the island of Bahrain. Six species ofFusarium representing a total of 1154 isolates were isolated on modified Komada medium. All species reported in this survey are recorded for the first time from the hot, arid desert of Bahrain.Fusarium solani andF. oxysporum were among the most frequently isolated fungi in all locations and crops.     

Hemoglobinopathies, G6PD deficiency, and hereditary elliptocytosis in Bahrain

The native population of Bahrain has a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency, probably as a result of past malarial endemism. We used the Biorad-Variant hemoglobin testing system for primary screening of hemoglobinopathies in 20,000 individuals. Hemoglobin abnormalities were detected in 7,206 (36.3%) cases.     

Mental health services in the Arab world

This paper summarizes the current situation of mental health services in the Arab world. Out of 20 countries for which information is available, six do not have a mental health legislation and two do not have a mental health policy. Three countries (Lebanon, Kuwait and Bahrain) had in 2007 more than 30 psychiatric beds per 100,000 population, while two (Sudan and Somalia) had less than 5 per 100,000. The highest number of psychiatrists is found in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, while seven countries (Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) have less than 0.5 psychiatrists for 100,000 population. The budget allowed for mental health as a percentage from the total health budget, in the few countries where information is available, is far below the range to promote mental health services. Some improvement has occurred in the last decade, but the mental health human resources and the attention devoted to mental health issues are still insufficient.     

The mandible--an analysis.

In this study, an attempt has been made to examine and analyse the ancient mandibles of people who have died several hundreds of years ago during the second and first millenium B.C. These mandibles have been recovered from the burial mounds in Bahrain (Arabian Gulf) and preserved in the National Museum and the Department of Antiquities in Bahrain. The dental conditions recorded are e.g. attrition, caries, fluorosis, periodontitis or antemortem tooth loss. The results indicate the age, sex, diet, occupation and environmental conditions that existed and even the culture of the people. A comparative study of the ancient mandibles and those of the present generation has been carried out.     

A novel method for increased yield of immunocompetent virus for vaccine production

Cultured human cells exposed to the pesticide emulsifier Atlox, 6 to 8 h prior to Infection with influenza A virus, increased virus production approximately 10-fold. Antibodies against the enhanced virus neutralized plaque formation and reacted equally well with non-enhanced virus in serological tests (haemagglutination-inhibition and radioimmunoassays). The procedure has great potential in cutting costs of production for some virus vaccines.The author is with the Department of Biology, University of Bahrain, PO Box 32038, Isa Town, Bahrain, Arabian Gulf.     

Middle East and North Africa consensus on osteoporosis

With the increasing life expectancy, osteoporosis is becoming a major worldwide health problem. The magnitude of the disease may become larger in developing countries, more particularly in the Middle East region where the prevalence of low bone mass is higher than in western countries. Although several local organizations and countries have developed guidelines for osteoporosis, no previous regional guidelines have been developed encompassing all Middle-Eastern and North African countries. The present document reviews all the regional published data on bone mineral density, risk factors, fracture prevalence and vitamin D status. It also gives simple recommendations applicable to all these countries. This document was endorsed by leading members of all the different regional countries including, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.     

Association of Luminous Bacteria with Artificial and Natural Surfaces in Arabian Gulf Seawater

Luminous bacteria in seawater around the islands of Bahrain are predominantly Vibrio harveyi and have the capability to adhere to artificial fibrous surfaces. Phytoplankton did not appear to have any specific relationship with luminous bacteria, but macroalgae were shown to possess an enhanced concentration of luminous bacteria.     

ELECTROPHORETIC AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS IN POPULATION DIFERENTIATION OF THE PEARL OYSTER, PINCTADA RADIATA (LEACH), FROM AROUND BAHRAIN

Variation at the leucine aminopeptidase (Lap), glucose phosphateisomerase (Gpi) and tetrazolium oxidase (To) loci was investigatedin samples of three populations, Al-Mayana (MAY), Shigita (SH)and Mina Salman (MS), of Pinctada radiata from pearl oysterbeds around Bahrain. The To locus was monomor-phic. SignificantLap and Gpi heterozygote deficiencies were evident and it issuggested that these were generated by selection. The MS population,to the East of Bahrain, differed significantly in Gpi allelefrequencies from both Northern populations (MAY, SH) and Nei'sgenetic identity indicates a close relationship between theNorthern populations. Measurements of shell morphometrics were used both as ratiosof one dimension to another, and as regressions of one dimensionon another to examine relatedness between populations. Boththese mor-phometric approaches gave different results from eachother and also differed from the electrophoretic data. It isconcluded that estimates of relatedness in pearl oysters basedon electrophoretic data will be more reliable than those basedon shell shape. (Received 20 November 1990; accepted 12 April 1991)     

Growth Characteristics and Enzyme Activity in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Isolates

Eighty soil samples were collected from various sites of Bahrain and screened for presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting techniques for isolation. Thirty-six isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified using macro- and micromorphological features. Their identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Gene bank data and compared with deposited sequences for confirmation. Eight species of five genera were isolated viz. Aphanoascus fulvuscence (8.75%), Aphanoascus punsolae (20.00%), Chrysosporium indicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium tropicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium zonatum (3.75%), Spiromastix warcupii (1.25%), Microsporum gypseum (3.75%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.50%). In conclusion, our study indicates that keratinophilic fungi do occur in the various soils of Bahrain. Moreover, the narrow diversity and low density of keratinophilic fungi in the investigated soils is expected and is emblematic to other hot arid environments.     

The zoogeographical composition and distribution of the Arabian termite fauna

Thirty-three termite species have been recorded from the Arabian peninsula (from Saudi Arabia, North and South Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Kuwait). The fauna is predominantly Afro-tropical (Ethiopian) but with a major Palaearctic (Eremic) element. The greatest diversity occurs in the south-west where mountainous regions provide greater habitat diversity than elsewhere. The Afro-tropical influence decreases towards the north and east, the Palaearctic influence increasing correspondingly; the Oriental influence is negligible and the level of endemism is high.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and T2DM in a case�Ccontrol association study of the Bahraini population

Bahrain has one of the highest incidence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) as a complication was noticed in some patients while absent in others. This interesting observation raises the role of certain genetic risk factors for the development of DN. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism was found to be associated with T2DM. While some patients have predisposition to DN in the population, others have negative association. The present case-control association study was designed to investigate the association of ACE I/D polymorphism in T2DM patients in Bahrain especially in those who developed DN. A total of 360 T2DM patients (110 with DN and 250 without DN) and 360 healthy (non-diabetic) age-matched subjects were recruited for this study for comparison. The presence (insertion)/absence (deletion) (I/D) polymorphism of a 287-bp Alu1 element inside intron 16 of the ACE gene was investigated using PCR-gel electrophoresis. The results show that the distribution of the homozygote DD genotype of the ACE gene was high among Bahraini T2DM patients compared to the healthy non-diabetic subjects. In addition, the distribution of the deletion (D) allele was high among Bahraini T2DM patients with DN when compared to the healthy non-diabetic subjects. However, there was no significant difference in the distribution of ACE I/D allele and genotypes between DN patients when compared to those T2DM patients without DN. The results obtained in this study are in closely agreement with some previous reports which show a strong association of ACE polymorphism with T2DM patients, yet not a risk factor for development of DN.     

Contrasting association of Leptin receptor polymorphisms and haplotypes with polycystic ovary syndrome in Bahraini and Tunisian women: a case–control study

Background: The present study examined the contribution of ethnicity to the association of leptin receptor gene (LEPR) gene variants with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Tunisian and Bahraini Arabic-speaking women.Methods: Subjects consisted of 320 women with PCOS, and 446 eumenorrhic women from Tunisia, and 242 women with PCOS and 238 controls from Bahrain. Genotyping of (exonic) rs1137100 and rs1137101 and (intronic) rs2025804 LEPR variants was done by allelic exclusion.Results: The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of rs1137100 and rs1137101 were significantly different between PCOS cases and control women from Bahrain but not Tunisia, and LEPR rs1137101 was associated with increased PCOS susceptibility only in Bahraini subjects. Furthermore, rs1137100 was associated with decreased PCOS risk among Bahrainis under codominant and recessive models; rs1137100 was negatively associated with PCOS in Tunisians after controlling for testosterone. In addition, rs2025804 was associated with increased PCOS risk among Tunisian but not Bahraini women, after adjusting for key covariates. Negative correlation was seen between rs1137101 and triglycerides in Tunisians, while homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin correlated with rs2025804 and rs1137101 among Bahraini subjects, and rs1137101 correlated with estradiol and prolactin. Taking TAG haplotype as common, positive association of TAA and negative association of TGG haplotype with PCOS was seen among Bahraini women; no three-locus PCOS-associated haplotypes were found in Tunisians.Conclusions: The present study is the first to demonstrate the contribution of ethnicity to the association of LEPR gene variants with PCOS, thereby highlighting the significance of controlling for ethnicity in gene association investigations.     

The Middle East's majority problems: minoritarian regimes and the threat of democracy

This article examines the phenomenon of minoritarian regimes in the Middle East, focusing on Bahrain, Syria and Israel/Palestine. It considers, in each, how minority rule was established, the mechanisms through which it is maintained, and the means through which it is legitimated. Although these regimes are not typically analyzed as a category, they have important features in common. In all three, the state's political and security institutions are controlled by members of an ethnic/religious group that is a numerical minority in the country, at the expense of a majority group with a competing claim to indigeneity. While the legal and political mechanisms that these regimes use to restrict access to power vary, they employ similar strategies for legitimating minority rule, presenting democracy as a threat not only to the regime's survival, but also to the security of the group whose interests it claims to represent.     

Three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterocola</Emphasis> van Beneden, 1860 (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) from ascidian hosts

Three new species of Enterocola are described: E. dicaudatus n. sp., from the ascidian host Polysyncraton rostrum Monniot & Monniot collected in Tanzania, E. monnioti n. sp., from the ascidian host Polyclinum constellatum Savigny collected in Bahrain, and E. parapterophorus n. sp., from the ascidian host Didemnum granulatum Tokioka taken in Djibouti. In all three species, the mandibles are interpreted as being represented by a pair of setulose seta-like elements that are largely concealed beneath similar paired setulose structures, the labral palps, carried on the labrum. The paired elements interpreted as mandibles are transversely orientated and lie in a groove, the anterior margin of which forms a defined ridge ornamented with spinules.     

Understanding the Dynamics of Violent Political Revolutions in an Agent-Based Framework

This paper develops an agent-based computational model of violent political revolutions in which a subjugated population of citizens and an armed revolutionary organisation attempt to overthrow a central authority and its loyal forces. The model replicates several patterns of rebellion consistent with major historical revolutions, and provides an explanation for the multiplicity of outcomes that can arise from an uprising. The relevance of the heterogeneity of scenarios predicted by the model can be understood by considering the recent experience of the Arab Spring involving several rebellions that arose in an apparently similar way, but resulted in completely different political outcomes: the successful revolution in Tunisia, the failed protests in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and civil war in Syria and Libya.     

Rare or rarely collected? Comatricha mirabilis from the desert of Bahrain

A rarely collected myxomycete, Comatricha mirabilis, developed on five collections of bark of large shrubs from the desert in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The distinctive morphology of this specimen is identical or very similar to that of specimens previously known from goat droppings in the USA (Illinois, Holotype), straw (England) and an unreported substrate in France. The spore and capillitium of the new specimens are compared to those from USA and England with light and scanning electron micrographs. The new collections are considered in the light of the previously known distribution of this taxon and other species. Comatricha mirabilis is suggested to be a myxomycete that is more common in certain arid habitats than previously recognized.