Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Volume 2011 Issue 1

Abstract Secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke (SHS) has been proposed to potentially increase risk of acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, exacerbated asthma and decreased lung function in children. The objectives of this study of Qatari schoolchildren were six-fold: to assess feasibility of a national study on athletic participation, healthy living and lung function; to provide estimates of height and weight; to esti Read More

Abstract This study investigated the combined effect of environmental temperature [neutral (22°C/30%rH) vs. warm (35°C/40%rH)] and altitude challenge [sea level (FIO2 0.21) vs. reduced O2 content (FIO2 0.15)] on locomotor performance and the degree of end-exercise neuromuscular fatigue. Eleven physically active subjects cycled to exhaustion at constant workload (66% of their VO2max) in four different environment Read More

Abstract Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the cellular component of plasma that settles after centrifugation, and contains numerous growth factors. There is increasing interest in the sports medicine about providing endogenous growth factors directly to the injury site, using autologous blood products such as PRP, to potentially facilitate healing and earlier return to. Despite this interest, and apparent widespr Read More

Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common sudden onset heart diseases. Early diagnosis of MI is essential for management and treatment initiation. Electrocardiogram (ECG), as a noninvasive electrical recording of the heart behavior is one of the most reliable diagnostic tools for identifying patients with suspected MI. The QRS complex is the major feature of an ECG. There have been many researches for QRS Read More

Abstract We consider the deformation of a blood vessel imbedded in soft tissue that is surrounded by a rigid structure. The vessel deforms when the difference between its external and internal pressures exceeds a certain value. To represent the deformation, we use a physical model consisting of two concentric cylinders tethered by numerous nonlinear springs representing the biological tissues surrounding the vessel Read More

Abstract Background: More than 45% of CML patients in Qatar resist the first line of treatment; Internationally, certain ABL mutations are the most common cause of IM resistance Objectives: To screen for BCR-ABL kinase mutations in CML patients treated in Qatar and to study if point mutations can be correlated with resistance to treatment. Methods: Peripheral Blood (PB) and Bone Marrow (BM) samples were collected from 25 Read More

Abstract Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) remain as an important public health problem in most developed and developing countries and may also result in temporary or permanent disability. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence pattern of the burden of severe TBIs among young children in Qatar and to suggest practical prevention policies that can be implemented in Qatar. Methods: The Read More

Abstract Many animals have evolved mechanisms to withstand the harsh desert environment, characterized by extreme high temperatures and scarce water supplies. The Arabian Camel, and the Arabian Oryx are valued economically and culturally. These animals can survive for several days without food or water. As the Arabian peninsula undergoes rapid and vast industrial changes, it is increasingly important to understand t Read More

Abstract Background: CML is the most common myeloproliferative disease observed among adults, its 1st line of treatment is IM with a response rate ranging between 55 – 90%. In Qatar the resistance rate is higher than 45%. Our collaborators in Italy recently reported on the relation between CML and PTPRG. Methods: One cohort of patients (n=25, period=3years) receiving Imatinib was studied for haematological, cy Read More