N-Lactoyl Phenylalanine Disrupts Insulin Signaling, Induces Inflammation, and Impairs Mitochondrial Respiration in Cell Models.

N-lactoyl amino acids (Lac-AAs) are key players that regulate appetite and body weight. The most prominent and well-studied member is N-lactoyl phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), which can be induced by food intake, exercise and metformin treatment. However, its broader metabolic impact remains insufficiently characterized.

Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Sciences: A Scoping Review.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly playing important roles in healthcare diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of diseases. Despite this widespread implementation of AI in biomedical sciences, it has yet to be characterized.

Aim: The aim of this scoping review is to explore AI in biomedical sciences.

Machine learning applications in the analysis of sedentary behavior and associated health risks.

Background: The rapid advancement of technology has brought numerous benefits to public health but has also contributed to a rise in sedentary lifestyles, linked to various health issues. As prolonged inactivity becomes a growing public health concern, researchers are increasingly utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques to examine and understand these patterns. ML offers powerful tools for analyzing large datasets and identifying trends in physical activity and inactivity, generating insights that can support effective interventions.

Current epidemiological status of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Gulf countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Mosquito-borne viral (MBV) infections caused by dengue virus (DENV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), West Nile virus (WNV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) pose a significant global public health concern. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the reported prevalence data for these viruses in Gulf countries.

Methods: A web search in four electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) was conducted, and forty-four eligible studies were fulfilled the selection criteria and were therefore included in this study.

Knockdown Induces Obesity and AHO Features in Early Zebrafish Larvae.

(Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating) is a complex gene that encodes the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gα), critical for signaling through various G protein-coupled receptors. Inactivating genetic and epigenetic changes in , resulting in Gα deficiency, cause different variants of pseudohypoparathyroidism, which may manifest features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO, a syndrome characterized by early-onset obesity and other developmental defects). Recent findings have linked Gα deficiency with isolated, severe, early-onset obesity, suggesting it as a potential, underrecognized cause of monogenic, non-syndromic obesity.

Evaluating the Effects of BSA-Coated Gold Nanorods on Cell Migration Potential and Inflammatory Mediators in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Albumin-coated gold nanoparticles display potential biomedical applications, including cancer research, infection treatment, and wound healing; however, elucidating their interaction with normal cells remains an area with limited exploration. In this study, gold nanorods (GNR) were prepared and coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to produce GNR-BSA. The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized based on their optical absorption spectra, morphology, surface charge, and quantity of attached protein.

Application of proteomics for novel drug discovery and risk prediction optimisation in stroke and myocardial infarction: a review of in-human studies.

The use of proteomics in human studies investigating stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) has been increasing, prompting a review of the literature. This revealed proteinaceous biomarkers of stroke from thrombi, brain tissue, cells, and particles, some of which cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several proteins were also implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD), which often underlies MI, cholesterol transportation, and inflammation.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Biomedical Science Curricula: Advancing Healthcare Education.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare practice has improved patient management and care. Many clinical laboratory specialties have already integrated AI in diagnostic specialties such as radiology and pathology, where it can assist in image analysis, diagnosis, and clinical reporting. As AI technologies continue to advance, it is crucial for biomedical science students to receive comprehensive education and training in AI concepts and applications and to understand the ethical consequences for such development.

The impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on psychomotor and cognitive skills in adolescent athletes.

Introduction: Intermittent fasting (IF) represents a dietary intervention similar to caloric restriction, characterized by the strategic limitation of food consumption. Among the diverse array of practices for IF, Ramadan IF (RIF), a religious observance in Islam, mandates that healthy adult Muslims abstain from both food and drinks during daylight hours. In sports, researchers have extensively studied IF effects on health, including sleep and physical performance, but its impact on cognitive functions during RIF remains understudied.

Smoking induced salivary microbiome dysbiosis and is correlated with lipid biomarkers.

Background: The oral microbiome plays an essential role in maintaining oral homeostasis and health; smoking significantly affects it, leading to microbial dysbiosis. The study aims to investigate changes in the oral microbiome composition of smokers in the Qatari population and establish a correlation with lipid biomarkers.

Methods: The oral microbiota was profiled from saliva samples of 200 smokers and 100 non-smokers in the Qatari population, and 16s rRNA V3-V4 region were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform.

Facilitating inclusive education: Assessing faculty awareness and attitudes towards students with special educational needs at Qatar university.

Introduction: An increasing number of students with special educational needs (SEN) are attending higher education institutions. Faculty members are key players in the implementation of inclusive policies, the success of which depends on their attitudes and awareness to help students with SEN.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess faculty attitudes toward SEN students and awareness of the support provided by the university for SEN students.

Zebrafish Model in Illuminating the Complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: A Unique Research Tool.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological condition that may develop in certain individuals following exposure to life-threatening or traumatic events. Distressing symptoms, including flashbacks, are characterized by disrupted stress responses, fear, anxiety, avoidance tendencies, and disturbances in sleep patterns. The enduring effects of PTSD can profoundly impact personal and familial relationships, as well as social, medical, and financial stability.

Exploring the role of oral microbiome dysbiosis in cardiometabolic syndrome and smoking.

Oral microbiome research has gained significant interest in recent years due to its potential impact on overall health. Smoking has been identified as a significant modulator of the oral microbiome composition, leading to dysbiosis and possible health consequences. Research has primarily focused on the association between smoking and oral microbiome, as well as smoking's association with cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS).

Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The world has witnessed one of the largest pandemics, dubbed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of December 2020, the USA alone reported 98,948 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy, with 109 related maternal deaths. Current evidence suggests that unvaccinated pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at a higher risk of experiencing complications related to COVID-19 compared to nonpregnant women.

The Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Narrative Review.

Spirulina ( is a cyanobacterium associated with multiple health benefits. Cardiometabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes are prevalent yet usually preventable non-communicable diseases. Modifiable risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases include excessive body weight, body inflammation, atherogenic lipid profile, and imbalanced glucose metabolism.

Zebrafish () as a Model for the Study of Developmental and Cardiovascular Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes.

The increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as an alternative to conventional tobacco products has raised concerns regarding their potential adverse effects. The cardiovascular system undergoes intricate processes forming the heart and blood vessels during fetal development. However, the precise impact of e-cigarette smoke and aerosols on these delicate developmental processes remains elusive.

Intermittent fasting favorably modulates adipokines and potentially attenuates atherosclerosis.

Adipose tissue is now recognized as an endocrine organ that secretes bioactive molecules called adipokines. These biomolecules regulate key physiological functions, including insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, appetite regulation, endothelial function and immunity. Dysregulated secretion of adipokines is intimately associated with obesity, and translates into increased risk of obesity-related cardiovasculo-metabolic diseases.

Association of Vitamin D Genetic Risk Score with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review.

The genetic risk score (GRS) is an important tool for estimating the total genetic contribution or susceptibility to a certain outcome of interest in an individual, taking into account their genetic risk alleles. This study aims to systematically review the association between the GRS of low vitamin D with different noncommunicable diseases/markers. The article was first registered in PROSPERO CRD42023406929.

The Immunomodulatory Role of Microbiota in Rheumatic Heart Disease: What Do We Know and What Can We Learn from Other Rheumatic Diseases?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) represents a serious cardiac sequela of acute rheumatic fever, occurring in 30-45% of patients. RHD is multifactorial, with a strong familial predisposition and known environmental risk factors that drive loss of immunological tolerance. The gut and oral microbiome have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of RHD.

The Qatari population's genetic structure and gene flow as revealed by the Y chromosome.

The Y-chromosome has been widely used in forensic genetic applications and human population genetic studies due to its uniparental origins. A large database on the Qatari population was created for comparison with other databases from the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and Africa. We provide a study of 23 Y-STR loci included in PowerPlex Y23 (Promega, USA) that were genotyped to produce haplotypes in 379 unrelated males from Qatar, a country at the crossroads of migration patterns.

Biochemical and cellular basis of oxidative stress: Implications for disease onset.

Cellular oxidation-reduction (redox) systems, which encompass pro- and antioxidant molecules, are integral components of a plethora of essential cellular processes. Any dysregulation of these systems can cause molecular imbalances between the pro- and antioxidant moieties, leading to a state of oxidative stress. Long-lasting oxidative stress can manifest clinically as a variety of chronic illnesses including cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Testing the Anticancer Effect of Matcha Using Zebrafish as an Animal Model.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients show the poorest prognosis and survival and the highest metastasis prevalence among all breast cancer subtypes. Matcha has recently been associated with multiple health benefits, and in vitro studies showed the potential effect of matcha in inhibiting cancer development and metastasis. We aimed to determine the safe, non-toxic dose of matcha suitable for zebrafish and to investigate the anticancer effect of matcha on the metastasis and growth of human TBNC cells using a zebrafish xenograft model.

The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.

Matcha is a powdered form of Japanese green tea that has been gaining global popularity recently. Matcha tea has various health benefits, including an enhancing effect on cognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, and anti-tumorogenesis. To date, randomized clinical trials (RCT) showed that matcha decreases stress, slightly enhances attention and memory, and has no effect on mood.

Developmental Toxicity of Surface-Modified Gold Nanorods in the Zebrafish Model.

Background: nanotechnology is one of the fastest-growing areas, and it is expected to have a substantial economic and social impact in the upcoming years. Gold particles (AuNPs) offer an opportunity for wide-ranging applications in diverse fields such as biomedicine, catalysis, and electronics, making them the focus of great attention and in parallel necessitating a thorough evaluation of their risk for humans and ecosystems. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the acute and developmental toxicity of surface-modified gold nanorods (AuNRs), on zebrafish () early life stages.