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Advances in Huntington’s Disease Biomarkers: A 10-Year Bibliometric Analysis and a Comprehensive Review
No full textNeurodegenerative disorders (NDs) cause progressive neuronal loss and are a significant public health concern, with NDs projected to become the second leading global cause of death within two decades. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, progressive ND caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, leading to severe neuronal loss in the brain and resulting in debilitating motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Given the complex pathology of HD, biomarkers are essential for performing early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, the identification of consistent HD biomarkers is challenging due to the prolonged premanifest HD stage, HD’s heterogeneous presentation, and its multiple underlying biological pathways. This study involves a 10-year bibliometric analysis of HD biomarker research, revealing key research trends and gaps. The study also features a comprehensive literature review of emerging HD biomarkers, concluding the need for better stratification of HD patients and well-designed longitudinal studies to validate HD biomarkers. Promising candidate wet HD biomarkers— including neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), microRNAs, the mutant HTT protein, and specific metabolic and inflammatory markers— are discussed, with emphasis on their potential utility in the premanifest HD stage. Additionally, biomarkers reflecting brain structural deficits and motor or behavioral impairments, such as neurophysiological (e.g., motor tapping, speech, EEG, and event-related potentials) and imaging (e.g., MRI, PET, and diffusion tensor imaging) biomarkers, are evaluated. The findings underscore that the discovery and validation of reliable HD biomarkers urgently require improved patient stratification and well-designed longitudinal studies. Reliable biomarkers, particularly in the premanifest HD stage, are crucial for optimizing HD clinical management strategies, enabling personalized treatment approaches, and advancing clinical trials of HD-modifying therapies.This publication was partially supported by a grant from Qatar University QUCG-BRC-23/24-125 to A.A.S. to hire A.F. APC charges were covered by Qatar National Library (QNL) and Qatar University office of VPRGS
Equity in Basic Medical Education accreditation standards: a scoping review protocol
No full textIntroduction Accreditation in Health Professions Education is a pivotal process to ensure the quality of medical institutions and health professionals. 'Equity' is an umbrella term reflecting the principles of justice and support to disadvantaged entities according to their needs. While commonly applied to various domains in medical education, there is potential to determine how 'equity' is considered or discussed while practically implementing accreditation standards for Basic Medical Education (BME) globally. Methods and analysis The scoping review protocol has been drafted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocol (PRISMA-P) checklist. We will conduct a planned scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping review and adhere to the PRISMA-Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. A systematic literature search, from inception to May 2024, will be conducted across search engines and databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and ProQuest, in collaboration with a qualified librarian. Peer-reviewed research articles, commentaries, opinion papers and reviews that explicitly or implicitly discuss equity in reference to accreditation standards will be eligible for inclusion. A qualitative inductive thematic analysis will be employed to systematically identify categories and themes from the extracted data and draw conclusions. The review team anticipates the development of a conceptual map that will evolve during the synthesis of the literature, as a description of the term 'equity' in the implementation of BME accreditation standards. We also anticipate finding any methodological or theoretical framework that is used in the literature to discuss the concept of 'equity' in the implementation of BME accreditation standards. Ethics and dissemination This scoping review aims to systematically map the literature on the burgeoning domain of accreditation in BME. The scoping review entails the collection and synthesis of literature and does not require ethical approval as per local regulations, as it does not involve primary data collection or interaction with human participants. The research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, social media platforms, and academic presentations at workshops and conferences.Scopu
Megameatus intact prepuce: a systematic review of surgical techniques and long-term outcomes
No full textMegameatus intact prepuce (MIP) presents with diverse phenotypes that complicate the management of this rare but complex hypospadias variant. Current data on optimal treatment methods and patient outcomes are sparse, unintegrated, and therefore challenging to implement clinically. A comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature on MIP was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles published up to [2024]. Key aims were to assess the safety and efficacy of different surgical interventions, and synthesize corresponding outcomes reported in the literature. The search yielded 18 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 524 enrolled patients across multiple geographic regions. Diagnosis of MIP typically involves clinical examination, imaging studies, and urological evaluation. Surgical management options included preputial reconstruction, urethroplasty, and meatal advancement with glanuloplasty. Reported outcomes varied, with success rates ranging from [77.1-100%]. Long-term follow-up data on functional and cosmetic outcomes were limited. Megameatus intact prepuce presents diagnostic and management challenges due to low prevalence and variable presentation. This systematic review presents a current understanding of MIP diagnosis, surgical techniques, and patient outcomes. Future studies should assess the long-term functional outcomes of different surgical approaches, and investigate the underlying genetic and environmental factors contributing to the diverse clinical manifestations of MIP.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.Scopu
Self-Healing Solar Panels with Microalgae Biofilms
Get PDFThe integration of microalgae biofilms into solar panel technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in renewable energy. Self-healing solar panels address critical challenges in solar energy systems, such as degradation and efficiency loss over time due to environmental factors and physical damage. Microalgae, microscopic photosynthetic organisms, are known for their resilience and rapid regeneration, making them suitable for creating self-healing biofilms
Research Title: Effect of Hydrophobic Coating on Solar PV Panels
Get PDFPhotovoltaic (PV) panels are essential for sustainable energy generation, converting sunlight into electricity without producing harmful emissions. However, dust accumulation on PV panels, especially in arid regions like Qatar, can significantly reduce their efficiency. To address this issue, this study investigates the application of a professional-grade ceramic hydrophobic nano-coating (Drexler Ceramic Glass Coat), on PV panels, aimed at mitigating dust buildup and enhancing PV panel performance under varying environmental conditions. Using a PV monitoring system, the study compared the power output of two panels, one coated with nano-coating and an uncoated control over the summer months (June, July, and August). Results demonstrated that the coated panel consistently outperformed the uncoated panel, with peak power output during high sunlight periods. The efficiency varied slightly due to factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, however, the hydrophobic coating consistently contributed to better performance by reducing dust accumulations and enhancing power generations. These findings were significant in highlighting the potential use of hydrophobic coating in improving both efficiency and durability of PV panels, providing a practical approach for sustainable renewable energy in dusty climates
Wearable Glucose Monitoring devices in Energy-Challenged Regions of the GCC: A Logistical and Medical Approach to Remote Healthcare for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Get PDFIn energy-challenged regions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, providing
accessibility to quality healthcare is often hindered by environmental, logistical, and
infrastructural barriers. Wearable health monitoring devices are viable for facilitating access to
medical services, particularly for people in rural and geographically isolated areas. This paper
examines the logistical and medical strategies necessary to implement effective remote
healthcare solutions in the GCC. An effective supply chain management system combined with
wearable health technology can help healthcare providers overcome these limitations and depend
less on in-person treatment. This technique requires providing wearable health devices that
provide live data, allowing for on-the-clock remote monitoring while ensuring supply chain
optimization and device’s energy sustainability The study emphasizes the significance of
tailoring remote healthcare services energy-challenged regions, showcasing the role of wearable
health monitoring in revolutionizing the medical sector across the GCC for more accessible and
sustainable healthcare.
This paper targets type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, focusing on glucose monitors as our choice
of health care monitor device. Non Adherence with medications or unexplained impairment with
automatic insulin pumps can lead to severe health complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
This study will use a mixed-method approach, including interviews with healthcare logistics
experts and surveys with potential users in rural areas to evaluate device usability, acceptance,
and perceived health benefits. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to optimize
supply chain routes, ensuring effective device distribution across remote areas. Statistical
analysis was conducted on quantitative data to assess device reliability, energy consumption, and
healthcare impact
Solar-Powered Smart Air Purifiers for Healthcare Facilities: A Sustainable Innovation
Get PDFMaintaining high air quality in clinical settings is essential to safeguard patient and staff health, particularly in dental clinics where procedures generate airborne contaminants. This study presents an innovative approach to air quality management tailored for dental clinics, focusing on solar-powered air purifiers equipped with smart monitoring and automation systems. Using solar thermal energy, the system ensures continuous air purification without relying on grid electricity, aligning with sustainability goals specific to healthcare environments. A Raspberry Pi controller is employed for prototyping, processing real-time data from air quality sensors, while the full-scale implementation will transition to a custom-built controller to enhance efficiency.
Key components include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, air quality sensors, and automated feedback mechanisms. The system activates automatically based on particulate levels, ensuring energy-efficient operation and optimal indoor air quality. A mobile and web dashboard provides remote access for monitoring, control, and data logging, offering facility managers an easy-to-use solution for maintaining clean air.
A working prototype of the solar-powered air purifier has been designed and built, currently undergoing testing in a controlled environment to assess its real-time performance and efficiency. These tests aim to validate the system’s ability to meet strict air quality standards, ensuring that energy use is optimized through automated responses. The results will guide any refinements to the custom-built controller and inform plans for large-scale deployment within dental clinics.
The solar thermal collectors capture sunlight and store energy to power the purifier, ensuring operation even during low-light conditions. This system reduces carbon emissions and operational costs and meets strict health and safety standards by mitigating airborne pathogens generated during dental procedures. Future developments will include proprietary filters tailored to the specific needs of dental clinics, further enhancing filtration performance and energy efficiency.
This project bridges the gap between sustainability and healthcare by showcasing a scalable solution designed specifically for dental clinics. The integration of renewable energy and automation provides a seamless, environmentally conscious air purification system. These innovations contribute to sustainable healthcare infrastructure by improving both air quality and operational efficiency in energy-constrained environments
Hyperglycemia is associated with poorer cognitive performance in a cohort of middle-aged people in Qatar: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground
Diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence in Qatar is among the highest worldwide. DM has been shown to be associated with reduced performance on numerous domains of cognitive function in elderly population. Here, we sought to determine whether such association also exists in a middle-aged cohort.
Research design and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 981 participants aged 40–65 years from the Qatar Biobank. We analyzed glycemic indices: HbA1c, serum glucose, insulin levels, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Cognitive function was assessed using two domains of CANTAB: the paired episodic memory (visual memory) and reaction time (motor and mental speed).
Results
We found significant associations between DM and cognitive impairment. Poor reaction speed was linked to DM (beta 36.80, P < 0.01), higher HbA1c levels (beta 10.73, P < 0.05), larger waist circumference (beta 1.70, P < 0.001), and higher waist-to-hip ratio (beta 252.56, P ≤ 0.01). Poor memory performance was also associated with increased waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.
Conclusion
The negative association between DM, its biomarkers, and cognitive impairment reported previously in elderly populations also exists in middle-aged individuals. Further research is needed to explore the causality and impact of dysglycemia on other cognitive domains.This study was supported by a grant [NPRP13s-0213\u2013200352] from LD. The APC for this manuscript was covered by the Health Sector at Qatar University. We thank the Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, Qatar University for their support in this study. We also thank the QBB for providing the data used in this studyScopu
THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT ON ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION IN QATAR: AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT IN ECONOMIC GROWTH
No full textThe aim of this study is to study the effect of local medical equipment's manufacturing can have on the economic diversification and non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of Qatar. Amid growing interest in reducing economic dependency on hydrocarbons, Qatar has prioritized industrialization and innovation through its National Vision 2030. One emerging area of strategic importance is the local manufacturing of medical equipment - a sector that offers potential not only for import substitution and export expansion but also for job creation, technological advancement, and economic resilience. Despite its importance, little empirical research exists on how this sector influences macroeconomic indicators in the Qatari context. To bridge that gap, this study analyses how such relationship varies such manufacturing variables with non-oil GDP growth, using the medical manufacturing sub-sector as a case study. The research adopts a quantitative methodology, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. A synthetic dataset, modeled on plausible economic scenarios from 2015 to 2024, was generated due to limited publicly available data specific to the medical manufacturing sector in Qatar. The key variables examined include manufacturing output, research and development (R&D) investment, medical equipment exports, sectoral employment, and innovation performance. The dependent variable is non-oil GDP growth, which serves as a proxy for economic diversification and structural transformation. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the study investigates the extent to which these variables individually and collectively influence GDP growth. It finds a strong positive relationship between local medical manufacturing and economic performance. Specifically, manufacturing output and export growth emerged as the most influential predictors of GDP growth, suggesting that the sector holds substantial potential for enhancing Qatar's export base and reducing reliance on imported goods. Investment in R&D was also found to have an impact though slightly less pronounced, effect on economic growth, underlining the importance of innovation in industrial development. Employment generation and innovation index scores showed moderate positive effects, suggesting that workforce development and creative capacity are supporting factors in economic diversification. The study also tests several hypotheses, all of which indicate statistically significant relationships at the 95% confidence level, it is between the independent variables and non-oil GDP growth. These results reinforce the strategic importance of medical manufacturing in Qatar's broader economic transformation agenda. By fostering local production capabilities, Qatar can not only reduce its healthcare equipment dependency on global supply chains but also boost its resilience to external shocks, such as pandemics or international trade disruptions. Finally, since this is one of the few cases on sector specific industrialization in the Gulf region, this study provides policy relevant insights for Qatari economic planners. It recommends increased investment in medical technology infrastructure, incentives for R&D, and the creation of export-driven industrial clusters. These steps can collectively accelerate the role of local manufacturing in achieving long-term economic sustainability and fulfilling Qatar's national development goals. Future research should incorporate real-time firm-level data and explore comparative analyses with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to deepen regional insights
Global, regional, and national burden of household air pollution, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Get PDFBackgroundDespite a substantial reduction in the use of solid fuels for cooking worldwide, exposure to household air pollution (HAP) remains a leading global risk factor, contributing considerably to the burden of disease. We present a comprehensive analysis of spatial patterns and temporal trends in exposure and attributable disease from 1990 to 2021, featuring substantial methodological updates compared with previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, including improved exposure estimations accounting for specific fuel types. MethodsWe estimated HAP exposure and trends and attributable burden for cataract, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, tracheal cancer, bronchus cancer, lung cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and causes mediated via adverse reproductive outcomes for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We first estimated the mean fuel type-specific concentrations (in μg/m3) of fine particulate matter (PM2·5) pollution to which individuals using solid fuels for cooking were exposed, categorised by fuel type, location, year, age, and sex. Using a systematic review of the epidemiological literature and a newly developed meta-regression tool (meta-regression: Bayesian, regularised, trimmed), we derived disease-specific, non-parametric exposure–response curves to estimate relative risk as a function of PM2·5 concentration. We combined our exposure estimates and relative risks to estimate population attributable fractions and attributable burden for each cause by sex, age, location, and year. FindingsIn 2021, 2·67 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·63–2·71) people, 33·8% (95% UI 33·2–34·3) of the global population, were exposed to HAP from all sources at a mean concentration of 84·2 μg/m3. Although these figures show a notable reduction in the percentage of the global population exposed in 1990 (56·7%, 56·4–57·1), in absolute terms, there has been only a decline of 0·35 billion (10%) from the 3·02 billion people exposed to HAP in 1990. In 2021, 111 million (95% UI 75·1–164) global disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were attributable to HAP, accounting for 3·9% (95% UI 2·6–5·7) of all DALYs. The rate of global, HAP-attributable DALYs in 2021 was 1500·3 (95% UI 1028·4–2195·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, a decline of 63·8% since 1990, when HAP-attributable DALYs comprised 4147·7 (3101·4–5104·6) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population. HAP-attributable burden remained highest in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, with 4044·1 (3103·4–5219·7) and 3213·5 (2165·4–4409·4) age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 population, respectively. The rate of HAP-attributable DALYs was higher for males (1530·5, 1023·4–2263·6) than for females (1318·5, 866·1–1977·2). Approximately one-third of the HAP-attributable burden (518·1, 410·1–641·7) was mediated via short gestation and low birthweight. Decomposition of trends and drivers behind changes in the HAP-attributable burden highlighted that declines in exposures were counteracted by population growth in most regions of the world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. InterpretationAlthough the burden attributable to HAP has decreased considerably, HAP remains a substantial risk factor, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Our comprehensive estimates of HAP exposure and attributable burden offer a robust and reliable resource for health policy makers and practitioners to precisely target and tailor health interventions. Given the persistent and substantial impact of HAP in many regions and countries, it is imperative to accelerate efforts to transition under-resourced communities to cleaner household energy sources. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating health risks and promoting sustainable development, ultimately improving the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of people. FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation