Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings Volume 2014 Issue 1

Background: Undetected repeated foot loading and temperature changes during walking in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy significantly increases risk of foot ulceration. Early detection of inflammation due to foot temperature and pressure changes from walking has shown to be a potentially effective strategy in prevention of foot ulcers. Therefore, a clinically feasible assessment of these changes is vi Read More

Obesity is a growing health concern in Qatar because of the increased risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other vascular disorders. One of the early adverse vascular events in obese individuals is an abnormal endothelial function which might alter the mechanism of vasodilatation. In particular, it is thought that loss of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilatation might be compensated by dilatation mediated by endotheli Read More

Background & Objectives: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is associated with repeated episodes of seizures. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neural activity is disturbed, causing the patient to experience various symptoms ranging from staring blanking for a few seconds to long periods of vigorous convulsions and unconsciousness. In many patients, the injuries they endure are a direct result of the confusion, loss of mus Read More

Oxygen is essential for the survival of all aerobic organisms but it is also, paradoxically, a toxic, mutagenic gas. Molecular oxygen is highly reactive and its partial reduction generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under normal physiological conditions, ROS are produced in low amounts as a result of active aerobic metabolism and have an important role as signaling molecules. At higher concentrations, ROS are cytotoxic and Read More

Although prostate cancer can be clinically managed in its early phases, the inability to control the more aggressive late-stage disease has prompted the search for novel therapies. We hypothesize that strategies targeting polyamine homeostasis may be effective against prostate cancer. The prostate has the highest level of polyamine biosynthesis of any tissue, and it is the only tissue in which polyamines are purposely synthes Read More

Insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction are core defects in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are intermediate states in the transition in glucose tolerance from normal to T2DM, both of which are associated with increased conversion rate to T2DM. Understanding the metabolic abnormalities that lead to the development of IFG and IGT will help develop strat Read More

Qatar experience in Standard Breast Cancer Screening Authers: Dr Salha Bujassoum ,Dr Hekmet Bugrein , Dr Reena ALaSSAM , Dr Mufid Elmistiri Abstract Qatar has one of the highest age-adjusted breast cancer incidences in the Arab world. Although this is much lower than the incidence in the West. Breast cancer incidence in Qatar was 45 per 100,000 in 2003-2007.These higher incidence rates in Qatar are mainly due to th Read More

The eye is the clearest and most accessible organ to observe anatomical and physiological characteristics of microvessels, the smallest blood vessels of the circulatory system. The microcirculatory bed of the retina shares similar anatomical and physiological characteristics with the cerebral and coronary circulations. Therefore, subtle changes in the retinal blood vessels can mirror early cardio- and cerebrovascular e Read More

A gradual shift from GHz to THz range in the past few years has celebrated the invention of many new technologies in the field of communications, computers, electronics and medicine. Nano-networks are the new era technologies defined as electronic components and their interconnection within a single chip on a nano-scale [1]. The concept of Network on Chip (NoC) is exploited on a scale ranging from micrometers to nano Read More

Rationale: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterised by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Enterovirus (EV) infections have been frequently linked to T1D, but a causal relationship has not been well-established. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. However, their role in virus-induced β-cell death has not been investigated. We hypothesize that EV infection of β-cells alters Read More

Background Bacterial superantigens (SAGs) are potent T cell stimulatory molecules and comprise a large family of disease-associated proteins. Superantigens bind to APCs on the outside of the MHC class II molecule and to T cells via the external face of the T cell receptor (TCR). This enables them to activate up to 20% of resting T cells, whilst conventional antigen presentation results in the activation of 0.001- 0.0001% of the Read More

Background: Healthcare in Qatar is undergoing a period of major reform, driven by a strong economy and vision for a world-class healthcare system. One area identified as a potential contributor to developing a world-class healthcare system is interprofessional education (IPE), with the goal of facilitating collaborative practice among healthcare workers. Several key steps have been taken towards developing IPE in Qatar Read More

Background & Objectives The state of Qatar has witnessed significant lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization, the introduction of labour-saving devices and the availability of high-caloric density food. This has impacted on the daily lifestyle and health habits of young adults leading to significant increases in non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2014). This study explored the risk factors associated with such diseases am Read More

Protein misfolding and amyloid formation is an underlying pathological hallmark in a number of prevalent diseases of protein aggregation, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The expansion in the prevalence of T2D, including in Qatar, where a high percentage of the population is affected by diabetes, poses considerable risks to individuals, the healthcare system and the economy. Ep Read More

Background: Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a genetically-inherited blood disorder caused by the occurrence of a point mutation in the bases coding for the sixth amino-acid of the β-chain of haemoglobin. The presence of Fetal Haemoglobin (HbF) in blood is known to show a number of beneficial effects in improving the conditions of SCA. Hence, clinical symptoms of SCA arise only after HbF levels drop. HbF is synthesized by the H Read More

Background: Strokes account for over 8% of deaths in men and 12% of deaths in women in the UK and the total cost of Stroke to the National Health Service within the UK is estimated to be over £7 billion per year. Carotid artery disease can cause stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and amaurosis fugax. Surgical intervention to remove the carotid plaque is likely to be helpful in symptomatic patients with > 50% steno Read More

Background & Objectives: Integration of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in mobile and smart environments helps to improve the quality of life of people with health problems. CDSS are used to derive clinical conclusions from patient data, in order to automate and help the process of diagnosing and treating the patient. One way that CDSS can be implemented is to formalize a clinical guideline (document detailing best Read More

Back ground Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (ADEPT) is a technique which has been used in cancer treatment. This therapy consists of two steps the aim of which is to convert a prodrug to a powerful cytotoxic drug only in the vicinity of the tumor. The technique requires a bacterial enzyme, glucarpidase (former name: carboxypeptidase G2, CPG2). The use of glucarpidase in ADEPT and in detoxification of the cytotox Read More

Background hypertrophic Cardiomayopathy is an inherited heart muscle disease with considerable heterogeneity at genetic and phenotypic levels and poor correlation between genotype and phenotype. Next generation sequencing could help in addressing this problem. Subjects and Methods The present study involved 144 unrelated consecutive index HCM patients enrolled in the BA HCM National Program in Egypt subjected t Read More

Background Obesity is an inflammatory disease associated with immune cell defects. The objective of this study is to characterize the adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) phenotype and function in human omental adipose tissue and peripheral blood in relation to obesity and its changes after gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss. Methods and subjects: Adipose tissue was obtained from morbid obese subjects with BMI > 40 kg Read More

Personalized medicine uses information about an individual's genes, proteins, environment, and phenotype data to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. In addition, the innovative bio-markers discovery as the key of personalized medicine across multiple tumor types has unlocked new information about cancer biology by providing critical insights to biological, pathogenic and pharmacologic responses to treatment. In th Read More

Abstract AIM: To generate soluble single chain variable fragments (ScFv) of monoclonal antibody recognizing the human breast cancer cell line (MCF7). METHODS: mRNA was isolated from the hybridoma cell line producing C3A8 monoclonal antibody and the cDNAs encoding variable domains of heavy and light chains (VH and VL) of the antibody were amplified Next, the ScFv DNA was ligated into the phagemid vector Read More

Description: Clinical nursing practice is on the cusp of significant and unrelenting change amid globalization, austerity measures, and technological advancements as the world moves out of the industrial age into the knowledge age. With advances in technology, theory, and research, the potential changes to future nursing practice are unlimited. Issues such as telehealth, nanotechnology, and globalization are but a few of Read More

Abstract: Over the past few years, tissue engineering in dentistry has achieved relevant results. Several methods have been described to enhance tissue engineering and low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has shown to play an important role in tissue formation and regeneration. (LIPUS) can accelerate bone fracture healing and osteogenic differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local use of autol Read More

Aims. A key function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in cardiovascular protection is cholesterol efflux, the removal of cholesterol from macrophage foam cells and first step in reverse cholesterol transport. This study prospectively investigated whether HDL cholesterol efflux capacity is associated with cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, and graft failure in renal transplant recipients, patients with accelerated Read More

Taking forward the research agenda: assessing the needs of pharmacists employed by Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar Background and Objective: Traditionally, pharmacists in Qatar have very limited formal training related to research. The aim was to determine the needs of Hamad Medical Corporation (the principal public healthcare provider) pharmacists in relation to research education, training and practice. Settin Read More

Pharmacists are expected to play an important role in applying pharmacogenetic discoveries to patient care. Despite the increased attention to genetic research in Qatar, clinicians' attitude towards pharmacogenetics' applications are not yet explored. Purpose: To determine the level of awareness, and perceived clinical implications of pharmacogenetics among health care professionals (physicians and pharmacists) in Q Read More

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems are information systems keeping electronic versions of patients€' medical records. The use of EMR systems has been steadily increasing in recent years, due to many potential benefits. A fully functional EMR system can record patient demographic and chart data, keep track of vital signs, current medications, drug allergies and many other important facets of the patie Read More

Human diabetic neuropathy is the commonest long-term complication of diabetes and leads to pain, impotence, foot ulceration and amputation. Currently there are no FDA approved therapies for human diabetic neuropathy. ARA 290 is a novel non-hematopoietic peptide designed from the structure of erythropoietin to preferentially interact with the innate repair receptor that mediates tissue protection and repair. It has sho Read More

Objective: Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Disease (COPCORD) were done in many countries to estimate the prevalence of rheumatic disease, we conducted COPCORD in Qatar for ages 16 and above for Qatari National of both sexes Methods: this is a cross sectional study with target of 1000 subjects, 500 males and 500 females. We conducted door to door survey using COPCORD Questionn Read More

Objectives: To report on the differences of blinding corneal ectasias in Qatari vs. Levante Arab patient populations with two diagnostic set-ups. Methods: Group 1: Over 6 months, 6432 consecutive patients were assessed by PENTACAM HR PREMIUM, 65 index persons (IP) (128 eyes) followed for 1 year. Group 2: Over 15 months 3232 patients were assessed by NIDEK OPD ARK 10000, 35 IP (67 eyes) followed. Demographic, fu Read More

Background & Objectives Patient perceived perceptions of psychosocial support are increasingly important to understanding appropriate holistic patient centred care. Psychological distress amongst female cancer patients has been discussed at length in the literature. Psychosocial distress has been noted to increase steadily even after treatment if left untreated and is found to hinder recovery and physical coping with the d Read More

Background: Recently, the role of autophagy in glucose and lipid metabolism has been emerging. Mice experiments showed that autophagy deficiency could prevent diet-induced obesity, characterized by less fat and a browning phenotype of white adipocyte (WAT). However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well explored and the data from human are limited. Method: The mRNA sequencing data of undi Read More

One of the fundamental goals of genetic research is to understand the pattern of heritability associated with the manifestation of various complex diseases. Elucidation of underlying genetic variation associated with common traits is one of the major challenges faced by clinical researchers. Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is multifactorial disorder of pregnancy. GDM refers to abnormal glucose tolerance that is first identifi Read More

Background: Sick building syndrome (SBS) describes a situation in which building occupants experience mild to severe health problems for no perceptible reason. Indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), namely benzene (C6H6) and formaldehyde (CH2O) are considered as potential contributors to the SBS condition. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies of human cancer and their exposure to b Read More

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, associated with a chronic inflammatory status, and an increased level of cytokines which are implicated in the destruction of joints. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the tooth structure, resulting also in a chronic inflammatory status. An association between the two diseases has been reported in numerous studies. Objecti Read More

Calreticulin (CRT) is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein that is involved in quality control process during protein folding and maturation. It plays an important role as a regulator of intracellular calcium homeostasis. Previously it has been shown that loss of CRT protein results in endoplasmic reticulum stress, increase in ubiquitin-proteasome activity, and resistance to apoptosis. Our preliminary studies illustrated t Read More

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion gene which is translated into a polyglutamine stretch within the first exon of the Huntingtin protein (Htt). HD patients suffer from motor impairments, cognitive decline and depression. A hallmark of HD pathogenesis is the loss of neurons in the striatum and cortex which is closely linked to the formation of large cytoplasmi Read More

Background: Diabetes is one of the world's most rapidly growing metabolic disorders. In Qatar, one in five people may develop Diabetes. Despite the existence of well known metabolic biomarkers of diabetes, there is still an urgent need to study whether such markers are different in the Qatari population and investigate the interactions between metabolites to understand the underlying metabolism of such disorder. Wher Read More

Background: Thousands of Copy Number Variations (CNVs) obtained from Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies present a rich information for biologists. Such huge information is tempting for discovering the inherent characteristics for a population's genome. Copy Number Variations (CNVs) are deletions and duplications in the genome, that may associate with certain phenotypic characteristics as diseases o Read More

Background & Objectives Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent cause of blindness among working-age adults in the industrialized world and, among Qataris over the age of 40 with diabetes, has a prevalence of 31.8%. Diabetic retinopathy begins when metabolic changes and alterations in vascular perfusion cause capillary leakage and closure, due to dropout of pericytes, cells that stabilizes microvessels. Annexin A2 (A2), a Read More

In a rapidly changing society, knowledge and education are key factors for indivdual well-being and social development. To create ideal learning environments and achieve both, it is important to know how our mind develops over the life span. This is also highly relevant for mental health and especially the prevention of psychological stress. On the other hand, the physiological stress reaction is considered to play a vital role in Read More

ABSTRACT Introduction: A global health project undertaken in Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula immersed undergraduate nursing students in hands-on learning to address the question: what strategies are effective in preventing stillbirth? Worldwide stillbirth estimates of 2.6 million/year (Cousens et al., 2011) and the high rate in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of 27/1000 total live births provided the stimulus for this inquir Read More

Background The health system in Qatar is going through a digital health technology transformation. Along with upgrading its facilities and medical equipment, Qatar has invested hundreds of millions of Riyals in health information systems specifically deployment of an integrated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) across its national hospitals and primary health care centers. This has introduced the age of health informatics for Read More

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery allows minimally invasive procedures to be performed with greater precision, higher dexterity, and ergonomic comfort. The widely used daVinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, California, USA) consists of a central stereoscopic camera and three robotic surgical arms controlled by the surgeon using a console. Though the stereoscopic camera provides superior visualization of the surgical Read More

Background: The use of electrospinning technology (ET) in fabrication of three-dimensional biodegradable electrospun nanofibers scaffolds (BENS) has recently gained considerable attention in tissue engineering. BENS are superior to other existing scaffolds in tissue regeneration as they provide high surface area-to-volume ratio, possess high porosity, and offer a biomimetic environment in a nanometer scale. Objectives: To fabri Read More

Abstract: Background: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the chief organelle involved in protein homeostasis. Perturbations to the ER protein folding machinery caused by hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia has been shown to trigger ER stress and activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) as a defense mechanism. Accumulating evidences implicate the role of ER stress in the development of chronic kidney d Read More

Obesity is a highly heritable trait, with estimated heritability of about 40-70%. Genetic variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) have been associated with obesity. A large deletion (~600 kb) on chr16p11.2 has been found to cause a highly penetrant from of obesity often associated with hyperphagia and intellectual disabilities, in European populations. Here, we investigated Read More

Background: Brain retraction has been shown to cause brain trauma and consequent neurological deficits, as well as closure of blood vessels due to applied pressure from the retractor. Hence it becomes necessary to explore alternative means for intracranial procedures that minimize brain retraction, such as keyhole techniques. Such techniques offer minimally invasive means that reduce brain retraction, effectively reducin Read More