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Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are frequently encountered by physicians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the mutations underlying a large number of these disorders have not yet been determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the mutations underlying a number of IEM disorders among UAE residents from both national and expatriate families. A case series of patients from 34 families attending the metabolic clinic at Tawam Hospital were clinically evaluated, and molecular testing was carried out to determine their causative mutations. The mutation analysis was carried out at molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories. Thirty-eight mutations have been identified as responsible for twenty IEM disorders, including in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, steroids, metal transport and mitochondrial energy metabolism, and lysosomal storage disorders. Nine of the identified mutations are novel, including two missense mutations, three premature stop codons and four splice site mutations. Mutation analysis of IEM disorders in the UAE population has an important impact on molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling for families affected by these disorders.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolic byproducts that regulate various cellular processes. However, at high levels, ROS induce oxidative stress, which in turn can trigger cell death. Cancer cells alter the redox homeostasis to facilitate protumorigenic processes; however, this leaves them vulnerable to further increases in ROS levels. This paradox has been exploited as a cancer therapeutic strategy with the use of pro-oxidative drugs. Many chemotherapeutic drugs presently in clinical use, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, induce ROS as one of their mechanisms of action. Further, various drugs, including phytochemicals and small molecules, that are presently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies attribute their anticancer activity to ROS induction. Consistently, this review aims to highlight selected pro-oxidative drugs whose anticancer potential has been characterized with specific focus on phytochemicals, mechanisms of ROS induction, and anticancer effects downstream of ROS induction.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Framework (HSF) with its 6 building blocks is a widely accepted tool for accurate evaluation of health systems. However, its role in the developing world has not been widely assessed yet. Methods: Six Questionnaires with 5-point Likert-scale were designed and distributed to all the attendees of Libya Health 500 (LH500) Conference, and collected just before the group discussion of Libyan health system's session. Results: There were high levels of agreement of the respondents to the questionnaires items about the 6 building blocks. The application of evidencebased medicine and equal provision of health service to all, received the highest levels of agreement. Most of the attendees agreed that health services should be paid by the health insurance system, as it has many advantages, including the peace of mind for the public. The fairness and efficiency of the workforce and the establishment of regulatory mechanisms to address the needs of the health workforce had a high level of agreement. Moreover, a functioning health technology requires an effective supply and distribution system of technology elements. The participants agreed that health information technology is important to improve healthcare services and to prevent financial and administrative corruptions. Conclusion: It is feasible to adapt the WHO-HSF to identify the needs and ways to enhance health systems in the developing world. The Libyan healthcare providers were fully aware and committed to the need for the applicability of the WHOHSF to the National Health Service in Libya.