Abstract Background Advances in our understanding of the tumor microenvironment have radically changed the cancer field, highlighting the emerging need for biomarkers of an active, favorable tumor immune phenotype to aid treatment stratification and clinical prognostication. Numerous immune-related gene signatures have been defined; however, their prognostic value is often limited to one or few cancer types. Moreover, the area of non-coding RNA as biomarkers remains largely unexplored although their number and biological roles are rapidly...

Abstract Background COVID-19 infections could be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), increasing mortality risk. We sought to assess the methylome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in COVID-19 with ARDS. Methods We recruited 100 COVID-19 patients with ARDS under mechanical ventilation and 33 non-COVID-19 controls between April and July 2020. COVID-19 patients were followed at four time points for 60 days. DNA methylation and immune cell populations were measured at each time point. A...

Abstract Background Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with a high burden. We aim to be the first to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Syria and assess its risk factors. Methods A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the public to identify fibromyalgia patients using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 modified criteria. Identified cases were matched using age with controls free from rheumatic disorders that were randomly sampled from the same population. Results...

Abstract Background Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with a high burden. We aim to be the first to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Syria and assess its risk factors. Methods A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the public to identify fibromyalgia patients using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 modified criteria. Identified cases were matched using age with controls free from rheumatic disorders that were randomly sampled from the same population. Results...

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding is an essential need for mothers and newborn babies, but cultural practices and employment demands significantly influence feeding practices. The association between neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and breastfeeding outcomes are variable. Data for Qatar and Middle East, in particular, are limited. Hence, this study aims to estimate the rate of breastfeeding at the time of NICU discharge and the rate of successful breastfeeding after NICU discharge in Qatar during...

Abstract Introduction Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonize almost one third of human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, particularly in females. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of invasive GBS disease in Qatar from all age groups. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed GBS blood stream infections during the period between January 2015 and March 2019. Microbiological identification was performed using automated BD PhoenixTM...

Abstract Background This study aimed to enhance the cultural adaptation and training on administering the Arabic versions of the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia (CDSS) and The International Scale for Suicidal Thinking (ISST) to Arab schizophrenia patients in Doha, Qatar. Methods We applied the qualitative thematic analysis of the focus group discussions with clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Five CRCs met with the principal investigator for two sessions; we transcribed the conversations and analyzed the content....

Free-floating right-heart thrombus (FFRHT) in the context of a pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but serious encounter with no guidelines addressing its management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis addressing prevalence, clinical behavior, and outcomes of FFRHT associated with PE. Among the included 397 patients with FFRHT and PE, dyspnea was the main presenting symptom (73.3%). Obstructive shock was documented in 48.9% of cases. Treatment with thrombolytic therapy, surgical thrombectomy, and percutaneous thrombectomy...

Abstract Introduction Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonize almost one third of human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, particularly in females. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of invasive GBS disease in Qatar from all age groups. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed GBS blood stream infections during the period between January 2015 and March 2019. Microbiological identification was performed using automated BD PhoenixTM...

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding is an essential need for mothers and newborn babies, but cultural practices and employment demands significantly influence feeding practices. The association between neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and breastfeeding outcomes are variable. Data for Qatar and Middle East, in particular, are limited. Hence, this study aims to estimate the rate of breastfeeding at the time of NICU discharge and the rate of successful breastfeeding after NICU discharge in Qatar during...

Abstract Background COVID-19 infections could be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), increasing mortality risk. We sought to assess the methylome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in COVID-19 with ARDS. Methods We recruited 100 COVID-19 patients with ARDS under mechanical ventilation and 33 non-COVID-19 controls between April and July 2020. COVID-19 patients were followed at four time points for 60 days. DNA methylation and immune cell populations were measured at each time point. A...

Abstract Background Advances in our understanding of the tumor microenvironment have radically changed the cancer field, highlighting the emerging need for biomarkers of an active, favorable tumor immune phenotype to aid treatment stratification and clinical prognostication. Numerous immune-related gene signatures have been defined; however, their prognostic value is often limited to one or few cancer types. Moreover, the area of non-coding RNA as biomarkers remains largely unexplored although their number and biological roles are rapidly...

Abstract Background This study aimed to enhance the cultural adaptation and training on administering the Arabic versions of the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia (CDSS) and The International Scale for Suicidal Thinking (ISST) to Arab schizophrenia patients in Doha, Qatar. Methods We applied the qualitative thematic analysis of the focus group discussions with clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Five CRCs met with the principal investigator for two sessions; we transcribed the conversations and analyzed the content....

Free-floating right-heart thrombus (FFRHT) in the context of a pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but serious encounter with no guidelines addressing its management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis addressing prevalence, clinical behavior, and outcomes of FFRHT associated with PE. Among the included 397 patients with FFRHT and PE, dyspnea was the main presenting symptom (73.3%). Obstructive shock was documented in 48.9% of cases. Treatment with thrombolytic therapy, surgical thrombectomy, and percutaneous thrombectomy...