Lipid Accumulation Product Outperforms BMI and Waist Circumference in Metabolic Disorders.

Obesity is a global health issue intricately linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Anthropometric indices, particularly those measuring central obesity, have emerged as more reliable predictors of these metabolic disorders than general obesity indices such as body mass index (BMI). However, the relative predictive power of these indices remains debated, particularly across sexes.

Purchase, consumption, and ownership of chickens and chicken products among households in Maputo, Mozambique: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Chickens are an important source of animal protein, nutrition, and income in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They are also a major reservoir of enteropathogens that contribute to the burden of illnesses among children. Food systems present a risk for transmission of enteropathogens from poultry to humans, but there is a lack of population-level data on the pattern of purchase, ownership, and consumption of live chickens and their products in LMICs to better characterize that risk.

Olfactory combinatorial coding supports risk-reward decision making in .

Olfactory-driven behaviors are essential for animal survival, but mechanisms for decoding olfactory inputs remain poorly understood. We have used whole-network Ca imaging to study olfactory coding in We show that the odorant 1-octanol is encoded combinatorially in the periphery as both an attractant and a repellant. These inputs are integrated centrally, and their relative strengths determine the sensitivity and valence of the behavioral response through modulation of locomotory reversals and speed.

Purchase, consumption, and ownership of chickens and chicken products among households in Maputo, Mozambique: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Chickens are an important source of animal protein, nutrition, and income in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They are also a major reservoir of enteropathogens that contribute to the burden of illnesses among children. Food systems present a risk for transmission of enteropathogens from poultry to humans, but there is a lack of population-level data on the pattern of purchase, ownership, and consumption of live chickens and their products in LMICs to better characterize that risk.

Photoinduced Magnetic Exchange-Jump Promotes Ground State Biradical Electron Spin Polarization.

Photoinduced electron spin polarization (ESP) is reported in the electronic ground states of three Pt(II) complexes comprised of two S = 1/2 nitronyl nitroxide (NN) radicals attached through different length -phenylethynyl bridges to the 3,6 positions of a catecholate (CAT, donor) and 4,4'-di--butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, acceptor). Complexes - have from 17 to 41 bonds separating NN radicals and display cw-EPR spectra consistent with || ≫ ||, || ≥ ||, and || < ||, respectively, where is the magnetic exchange coupling between NN radicals in the electronic ground state, and is the isotropic N hyperfine coupling constant. Light-induced transient EPR spectra characterized as enhanced ground-state absorption were observed for all three complexes using 532 nm pulsed laser excitation into the ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LL'CT) band of the (CAT)Pt(bpy) chromophore.

Removal of Toxic Lead from Wastewater by Seed Hull.

In this work, we address two concerns at once: waste reduction and the development of a lead removal adsorbent. The potential of seed hull (LSH) powder as an efficient, innovative, and economical adsorbent for Pb(II) absorption was examined in this study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy investigations were used to determine the structural and morphological properties of the LSH adsorbent.

Competitive reversed quartet mechanisms for photogenerated ground state electron spin polarization.

Photoinduced electron spin polarization (ESP) of a spin-½ organic radical (nitronyl nitroxide, NN) in a series of Pt(ii) complexes comprised of 4,4'-di--butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 3--butylcatecholate (CAT) ligands, where the CAT ligand is substituted with (CH)--phenyl-NN (bridge-NN) groups, is presented and discussed. We show the importance of attenuating the energy gap between localized NN radical and chromophoric excited states to control both the magnitude and sign of the optically-generated ESP, and to provide deeper insight into the details of the ESP mechanism. Understanding electronic structure contributions to optically generated ESP will enhance our ability to control the nature of prepared states for a variety of quantum information science applications, where strong ESP facilitates enhanced sensitivity and readout capabilities at low applied magnetic fields and higher temperatures.

Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic.

The increasing frequency of spillover of zoonotic pathogens from animals to humans in recent years highlights a need to develop a more comprehensive framework to investigate and prevent pathogens of animal origin, including rodents. Despite the presence of several species of rodents, there is a certain knowledge gap regarding rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar. The current review provides an update on rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar, its possible drivers and transmission dynamics, and proposed a One Health framework for intervention.

Substituent-Induced Control of / Isomerism in Azine-NHC Fe(II) Complexes.

The stereoselective synthesis of geometrical iron(II) complexes bearing azine-NHC ligands is described. Facial and meridional selectivity is achieved as a function of the steric demand of the azine unit, with no remarkable influence of the carbene nature. More specifically, meridional complexes are obtained upon selecting bulky 5-mesityl-substituted pyridyl coordinating units.

A new One Health Framework in Qatar for future emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases preparedness and response.

One Health is increasingly recognized as an optimal approach to address the global risk of health threats originating at the human, animal, and ecosystem interface, and their impact. Qatar has successfully practiced One Health approach for investigation and surveillance of zoonotic diseases such as MERS-CoV, and other health threats. However, the current gaps at institution and policy level hinder the sustainment of One Health.

Endocrine Complications and the Effect of Compliance with Chelation Therapy in Patients with Beta Thalassemia Major in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Endocrinopathies and metabolic complications are common in beta thalassemia major patients receiving blood transfusions. Chelation therapy has a role in preventing or delaying such complications. However, patients may face difficulties adhering to chelation therapy for several reasons.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in animals of the Arabian Peninsula between 2000-2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with felids acting as its definitive host. Thus, understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in animal populations is vital to controlling its transmission to humans as well as to other animal groups.

Single-Photon-Induced Electron Spin Polarization of Two Exchange-Coupled Stable Radicals.

Transient electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to probe photoinduced electron spin polarization of a stable exchange-coupled organic biradical in a Pt(II) complex comprising 4,4'-di--butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 3,6-bis(ethynyl--phenyl-nitronyl nitroxide)--catecholate (CAT(-C≡C-Ph-NN)). Photoexcitation results in four unpaired spins in excited states of this complex, with spins being localized on each of the two radicals, CAT and bpy. The four spins are all exchange-coupled in these excited states, and an off-diagonal matrix element in the CAT-NN exchange allows for exchange-enhanced intersystem crossing to the T state, which possesses (bpy)Pt(CAT) chromophoric triplet character.

A novel green preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles with L.: photocatalytic performance, evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

This study investigates the eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing an aqueous solution of L. flower extract, which is acts as reducing agent as well as capping agent. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenols in the plant extract, indicating that they were the major agents capable of reducing zinc nitrate salt.

Diversity of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance profile among commensal rodents in Qatar.

Rodents are sources of many zoonotic pathogens that are of public health concern. This study investigated bacterial pathogens and assessed their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents were captured between August 2019 and February 2020, and blood, ectoparasites, and visceral samples were collected.

Multidrug resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence genes of from backyard poultry farms.

Background And Aim: Backyard chicken flocks have traditionally been regarded as an essential food source in developed countries; however, they may act as reservoirs and spread various zoonotic bacterial pathogens. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence, phenotypic resistance, biofilm formation (BF), and pathotypes of isolates from backyard poultry farms.

Materials And Methods: Cloacal swabs (n=150) and internal organs (n=150) were collected from 30 backyard chicken flocks; 20 of them were experiencing systemic infection, and the other ten were apparently healthy.

The Impact of Simulation-Based Education on Nurses' Perceived Predeployment Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic Within the Cultural Context of a Middle Eastern Country.

Anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic is prevalent among the nursing workforce and has the potential to affect well-being and performance in the workplace. This paper reports on a joint education/nursing and midwifery workforce quality improvement initiative in the State of Qatar to address an urgent need for COVID-19 preparedness during the second wave of infection. A Simulation-Based Education (SBE) program was developed and delivered over a period of 2 months (February to April 2021) to prepare nurses for deployment to COVID-19 facilities.

A Series of Iron(II)-NHC Sensitizers with Remarkable Power Conversion Efficiency in Photoelectrochemical Cells*.

A series of six new Fe(II)NHC-carboxylic sensitizers with their ancillary ligand decorated with functions of varied electronic properties have been designed with the aim to increase the metal-to- surface charge separation and light harvesting in iron-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). ARM130 scored the highest efficiency ever reported for an iron-sensitized solar cell (1.83 %) using Mg and NBu I-based electrolyte and a thick 20 μm TiO anode.

Human AGR2 Deficiency Causes Mucus Barrier Dysfunction and Infantile Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background & Aims: The gastrointestinal epithelium plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis with the gut microbiome. Mucins are essential for intestinal barrier function and serve as a scaffold for antimicrobial factors. Mucin 2 (MUC2) is the major intestinal gel-forming mucin produced predominantly by goblet cells.

Qatar Biobank: A Paradigm of Translating Biobank Science into Evidence-Based Health Care Interventions.

Biobank science is progressively becoming indispensable for the development of novel diagnostic tools in health care, by pairing standardized high-quality biological samples, phenotypic, and omics data required to best characterize the underlying biological mechanisms of response to therapy and survival. Qatar Biobank (QBB), Qatar's National Repository Centre for biological samples and health information, aligning with these endeavors, has developed a strategic framework to enable biobanking science that can be transformed into tangible health care diagnostic tools. In this concept, QBB works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders: (1) governmental authorities ( = 2), (2) health providers ( = 3), (3) academic institutions ( = 28), (4) other research institutions ( = 6), and (5) the Qatar National Research Fund, by providing data and biospecimens to research projects.

The Implementation of an Integrated Management System at Qatar Biobank.

Qatar Biobank (QBB) is a platform that will make vital health research possible through its collection of samples and information on health and lifestyle from the local population of Qatar. The goal of QBB is to collect, process, store, and finally share high-quality biological samples and associated data for research purposes with the research community. To do this, a series of standardized procedures following evidence-based practices are required, and QBB is achieving this by implementing an integrated management system (IMS) that incorporates ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 27001: 2013 standards.

Qatar Biobank Cohort Study: Study Design and First Results.

We describe the design, implementation, and results of the Qatar Biobank (QBB) cohort study for the first 10,000 participants. QBB is a prospective, population-based cohort study in Qatar, established in 2012. QBB's primary goal was to establish a cohort accessible to the local and international scientific community, providing adequate health data and biological samples to enable evidence-based research.

Clinical exome sequencing in 509 Middle Eastern families with suspected Mendelian diseases: The Qatari experience.

Background: Clinical exome sequencing (CES) is rapidly becoming the diagnostic test of choice in patients with suspected Mendelian diseases especially those that are heterogeneous in etiology and clinical presentation. Reporting large CES series can inform guidelines on best practices for test utilization, and improves accuracy of variant interpretation through clinically-oriented data sharing.

Methods: This is a retrospective series of 509 probands from Qatar who underwent singleton or trio CES either as a reflex or naïve (first-tier) test from April 2014 to December 2016 for various clinical indications.