@article{Yassine2020,

title = {Performance evaluation of five ELISA kits for detecting anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies},

author = {Hadi M Yassine and Hadeel Al-Jighefee and Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Soha R Dargham and Salma N Younes and Farah Shurrab and Reham M Marei and Ali Ait Hssain and Sara Taleb and Hashim Alhussain and Maryam A Al-Nesf and Abdullatif Al-Khal and Hamda Qotba and Asmaa A Althani and Patrick Tang and Laith J Abu-Raddad and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220322463?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.042},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-10-27},

journal = {International Journal of Infectious Diseases},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {To evaluate and compare the performances of five commercial ELISA assays (EDI, AnshLabs, Dia.Pro, NovaTec, and Lionex) for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Ouhtit2020,

title = {Novel role of BRCA1 interacting C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1) in breast tumour cell invasion},

author = {Balsam Rizeq Saïd Sif Gheyath K Nasrallah Allal Ouhtit},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32888398/#:~:text=Functional%20assays%20validated%20further%20the%20physiological%20relevance%20of,significantly%20attenuated%20cell%20proliferation%20via%20cell%20cycle%20arrest.},

doi = {10.1111/jcmm.15761},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-10-05},

urldate = {2020-10-05},

journal = {Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2020d,

title = {Immune Modulatory Effects of Vitamins on Viral Infections},

author = {Maheen Siddiqui Judhell S Manansala Hana A Abdulrahman Gheyath K Nasrallah Maria K Smatti Nadin Younes Asmaa A Althani Hadi M Yassine},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32967126/},

doi = {10.3390/nu12092879},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-09-20},

urldate = {2020-09-20},

journal = {Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine },

abstract = {Viral infections have been a cause of mortality for several centuries and continue to endanger the lives of many, specifically of the younger population. Vitamin D has long been recognized as a crucial element to the skeletal system in the human body. Recent evidence has indicated that vitamin D also plays an essential role in the immune response against viral infections and suggested that vitamin D deficiency increases susceptibility to viral infections as well as the risk of recurrent infections. For instance, low serum vitamin D levels were linked to increased occurrence of high burdens viral diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, Covid-19, and AIDS. As immune cells in infected patients are responsive to the ameliorative effects of vitamin D, the beneficial effects of supplementing vitamin D-deficient individuals with an infectious disease may extend beyond the impact on bone and calcium homeostasis. Even though numerous studies have highlighted the effect of vitamin D on the immune cells, vitamin D's antiviral mechanism has not been fully established. This paper reviews the recent mechanisms by which vitamin D regulates the immune system, both innate and adaptive systems, and reflects on the link between serum vitamin D levels and viral infections.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Sadeq2020,

title = {The incidence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic patients: a systematic review},

author = {Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220305336?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.098},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-09-01},

journal = {International Journal of Infectious Diseases},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {The recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread globally since its discovery in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. A comprehensive strategy – including surveillance, diagnostics, research, and clinical treatment – is urgently needed to win the battle against COVID-19. Recently, numerous studies have reported the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients. Yet, the incidence and viral transmission from the asymptomatic cases are not yet apparent.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2020c,

title = {Immunomodulation Induced by Host Pathogen Interaction},

author = {Hadi M Yassine and Syed M Moin and Farhan S Cyprian and Adam K Wheatley and Gheyath K Nasrallah

},

url = {https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2019/9710910/},

doi = {10.1155/2019/9710910},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-07-22},

journal = {Journal of Immunology Research},

publisher = {Hindawi},

abstract = {Controlling and preventing infections require deep understanding of the complex interplay that occurs between the host and pathogen following infection. In essence, immunomodulation is any process leading to an immune response that can be altered to a desired level. In mammals, the immune system has developed an extensive array of cells and immunomodulators to recognize, identify, and eliminate foreign invaders. On the other hand, pathogens have evolved multiple mechanisms to combat the host immune system as they establish infections. In this context and under certain circumstances, an infection may result in a subverted immune system, which may lead to an exacerbated illness. Recent advances in biotechnology have enhanced our knowledge of the complex interplay that occurs between the host and invading pathogens following infection, through understanding of the microbial virulence strategies as well as the host’s approaches to combat the infection.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pintus2020c,

title = {Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Prevents Mitochondrial Damage Induced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)},

author = {Roberta Giordo Gheyath K Nasrallah Ola Al-Jamal Panagiotis Paliogiannis Gianfranco Pintus},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32481628/},

doi = {10.3390/ijms21113838.},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-28},

urldate = {2020-05-28},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences },

abstract = {Despite their wide industrial use, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a high toxic potential while concerns of their health-related risks are still present, urging additional in vivo clarification studies. Oxidative stress is recognized as the primary trigger of NP-associated toxicity, suggesting antioxidants as a promising counteractive approach. Here, we investigated the protective effect of the natural antioxidant resveratrol against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in vivo using the zebrafish model. Our findings demonstrate that resveratrol counteracts ZnO NP-induced zebrafish lethality preventing cardiac morphological and functional damage. NP-induced vascular structural abnormalities during embryonic fish development were significantly counteracted by resveratrol treatment. Mechanistically, we further showed that resveratrol inhibits ROS increase, prevents mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, and counteracts cell apoptosis/necrosis elicited by ZnO NP. Overall, our data provide further evidence demonstrating the primary role of oxidative stress in NP-induced damage, and highlight new insights concerning the protective mechanism of antioxidants against nanomaterial toxicity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Younes2020,

title = {Challenges in Laboratory Diagnosis of the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2},

author = {Nadin Younes and Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Hadeel Al-Jighefee and Salma Younes and Ola Al-Jamal and Hanin I Daas and Hadi Yassine and Gheyath K Nasrallah.},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/12/6/582},

doi = {10.3390/v12060582},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-26},

journal = {Viruses},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread worldwide since its discovery in Wuhan city, China in December 2019. A comprehensive strategy, including surveillance, diagnostics, research, clinical treatment, and development of vaccines, is urgently needed to win the battle against COVID-19. The past three unprecedented outbreaks of emerging human coronavirus infections at the beginning of the 21st century have highlighted the importance of readily available, accurate, and rapid diagnostic technologies to contain emerging and re-emerging pandemics. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) based assays performed on respiratory specimens remain the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnostics. However, point-of-care technologies and serologic immunoassays are rapidly emerging with high sensitivity and specificity as well. Even though excellent techniques are available for the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with COVID-19 in well-equipped laboratories; critical gaps still remain in screening asymptomatic people who are in the incubation phase of the virus, as well as in the accurate determination of live viral shedding during convalescence to inform decisions for ending isolation. This review article aims to discuss the currently available laboratory methods and surveillance technologies available for the detection of COVID-19, their performance characteristics and highlight the gaps in current diagnostic capacity, and finally, propose potential solutions. We also summarize the specifications of the majority of the available commercial kits (PCR, EIA, and POC) for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2020b,

title = {Systematic Review of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevalence, Genotype Distribution, and Seasonality in Children from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region},

author = {Hadi M Yassine and Muhammad U Sohail and Nadin Younes and Gheyath K Nasrallah

},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/5/713},

doi = {10.3390/microorganisms8050713},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-11},

journal = {Microorganisms},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viruses to infect children worldwide and is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness (LRI) in infants. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review by collecting and reviewing all the published knowledge about the epidemiology of RSV in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Therefore, we systematically searched four databases; Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from 2001 to 2019 to collect all the information related to the RSV prevalence, genotype distribution, and seasonality in children in MENA region. Our search strategy identified 598 studies, of which 83 met our inclusion criteria, which cover the past 19 years (2000–2019). Odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated to measure the association between RSV prevalence, gender, and age distribution. An overall prevalence of 24.4% (n = 17,106/69,981) of respiratory infections was recorded for RSV. The highest RSV prevalence was reported in Jordan (64%, during 2006–2007) and Israel (56%, 2005–2006). RSV A subgroup was more prevalent (62.9%; OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 2.64–3.13) than RSV B. RSV was most prevalent in children who were less than 12 months old (68.6%; OR = 4.7, 95%CI = 2.6–8.6) and was higher in males (59.6%; OR = 2.17, 95%CI = 1.2–3.8) than in female infants. Finally, the highest prevalence was recorded during winter seasons in all countries, except for Pakistan. RSV prevalence in the MENA region is comparable with the global one (24.4% vs. 22%). This first comprehensive report about RSV prevalence in the MENA region and our data should be important to guide vaccine introduction decisions and future evaluation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2020e,

title = {Antimicrobial Resistance of Commensal Escherichia coli Isolated from Food Animals in Qatar},

author = {Dalal A Alhababi Nahla O Eltai Gheyath K Nasrallah Elmoubasher A Farg Asmaa A Al Thani Hadi M Yassine},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32233963/},

doi = {10.1089/mdr.2019.0402},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-04-26},

urldate = {2020-04-26},

journal = {Microbial drug resistance},

abstract = {Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of 18 clinically relevant antibiotics in food animals in Qatar. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from camels, cattle, and pigeons (300) were collected from different slaughterhouses and farms. Escherichia coli isolates were recovered on selective media, confirmed biochemically, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility using a disk diffusion assay. Any isolate that showed resistance to colistin was confirmed using the E-test and polymerase chain reaction for mcr genes. Results: Overall, a total of 88.7% (n = 266/300) recovery rate was achieved from all samples. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was recorded in 70.7% of pigeons, 37.2% of cattle, and only 20.8% of camel samples. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was highest in isolates from pigeons, 50% (n = 44). Moreover, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections) resistance was present in 22.2% (n = 59) of all E. coli isolates. Only one E. coli isolate from a pigeon showed resistance to colistin (mcr-1 gene encoded), a drug of last resort in human medicine against gram-negative bacterial infection. Conclusions: We previously reported high multidrug resistance of E. coli in chickens, with significant resistance to colistin. We observed a lower AMR profile in ruminants. The high resistance profile observed in pigeons (70.7%), including high multidrug resistance (50%), is alarming as these animals could rapidly disseminate resistant bacteria to various locations. Continuous monitoring of AMR in livestock in Qatar is necessary toward introducing an antimicrobial stewardship program and control of antibiotic usage in the veterinary sector.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pintus2020,

title = {Herbal Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Safety},

author = {Abdullah Shaito Duong Thi Bich Thuan Hoa Thi Phu Thi Hieu Dung Nguyen Hiba Hasan Sarah Halabi Samar Abdelhady Gheyath K Nasrallah Ali H Eid Gianfranco Pintus},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32317975/},

doi = {10.3389/fphar.2020.004},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-04-07},

urldate = {2020-04-07},

journal = {Frontiers in Pharmacology },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Sadeq2020b,

title = {The Spectrum of Mutations of Homocystinuria in the MENA Region},

author = {Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Gheyath K Nasrallah

},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/11/3/330},

doi = {10.3390/genes11030330},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-03-20},

journal = {Genes},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {Homocystinuria is an inborn error of metabolism due to the deficiency in cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) enzyme activity. It leads to the elevation of both homocysteine and methionine levels in the blood and urine. Consequently, this build-up could lead to several complications such as nearsightedness, dislocated eye lenses, a variety of psychiatric and behavioral disorders, as well as vascular system complications. The prevalence of homocystinuria is around 1/200,000 births worldwide. However, its prevalence in the Gulf region, notably Qatar, is exceptionally high and reached 1:1800. To date, more than 191 pathogenic CBS mutations have been documented. The majority of these mutations were identified in Caucasians of European ancestry, whereas only a few mutations from African-Americans or Asians were reported. Approximately 87% of all CBS mutations are missense and do not target the CBS catalytic site, but rather result in unstable misfolded proteins lacking the normal biological function, designating them for degradation. The early detection of homocystinuria along with low protein and methionine-restricted diet is the best treatment approach for all types of homocystinuria patients. Yet, less than 50% of affected individuals show a significant reduction in plasma homocysteine levels after treatment. Patients who fail to lower the elevated homocysteine levels, through high protein-restricted diet or by B6 and folic acid supplements, are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neural tube defects, and other severe clinical complications. This review aims to examine the mutations spectrum of the CBS gene, the disease management, as well as the current and potential treatment approaches with a greater emphasis on studies reported in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Rizeq2019,

title = {Synthesis, bioapplications, and toxicity evaluation of chitosan-based nanoparticles},

author = {Balsam R Rizeq and Nadin N Younes and Kashif Rasool and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/22/5776},

doi = {10.3390/ijms20225776},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-11-16},

journal = {International Journal o Molecular Sciences },

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {The development of advanced nanomaterials and technologies is essential in biomedical engineering to improve the quality of life. Chitosan-based nanomaterials are on the forefront and attract wide interest due to their versatile physicochemical characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, which play a promising role in biological applications. Chitosan and its derivatives are employed in several applications including pharmaceuticals and biomedical engineering. This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in chitosan derivatives and nanoparticle synthesis, as well as emerging applications in medicine, tissue engineering, drug delivery, gene therapy, and cancer therapy. In addition to the applications, we critically review the main concerns and mitigation strategies related to chitosan bactericidal properties, toxicity/safety using tissue cultures and animal models, and also their potential environmental impact. At the end of this review, we also provide some of future directions and conclusions that are important for expanding the field of biomedical applications of the chitosan nanoparticles.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ElBakri2019,

title = {Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis from Diverse Animals in the United Arab Emirates},

author = {Raed AbuOdeh Sinda Ezzedine Mohamed Madkour Christen Rune Stensvold Amidou Samie Gheyath Nasrallah Enas AlAbsi Ali ElBakri},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31580985/},

doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2019.125679},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-11-07},

journal = {Protist},

abstract = {The contribution of Blastocystis from non-human hosts to zoonotic transmission is only partly known. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of Blastocystis genetic subtypes in different animal species in United Arab Emirates. A total of 114 stool samples were tested using PCR of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and sequence analysis. Twenty-three Blastocystis-positive samples were identified. The following detection rates were observed: cattle, 22.7%; sheep, 63.6%; rabbits, 33.3%; rodents, 37.5%; reptiles, 21.2%. Four subtypes were identified in this study; ST4, ST10, ST14, and ST17; ST10 was isolated from sheep and cattle, corroborating previous data indicating that these are natural hosts for this subtype. Cases of mixed subtype colonization were also detected. Conspicuously, we found ST14 in rabbits. The discovery of ST17 in a squirrel indicates a novel host for this subtype. Furthermore, the discovery of ST4 in rodents suggests that these may serve as reservoir for human Blastocystis ST4 colonization. Six tortoises and one iguana were positive for Blastocystis. In conclusion, this is the first report of Blastocystis infection in various animals in the UAE. Apart from ST4, no potentially zoonotic subtypes were detected.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2019d,

title = {Negative epidemiological association between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Soha R Dargham and Laith J Abu-Raddad

},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844019362097?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02549},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-10-23},

journal = {Heliyon},

publisher = {Europe PMC},

abstract = {Existing evidence on an epidemiological association between herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 infections remains conflicting and inconclusive. Using a multi-national database of HSV-1/2 serological testing, we aimed to assess the existence of an association between both infections. Design Setting and Participants:An HSV-1/2 cross-sectional serological testing database was assembled by merging databases of seroprevalence studies on men blood donors residing currently in Qatar, but from different countries. Specimens were tested for anti-HSV-1 IgG antibodies using HerpeSelect® 1 ELISA, and for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies following a two-test algorithm: HerpeSelect® 2 ELISA to test the sera, and Euroline-WB to confirm positive and equivocal specimens. Logistic regressions were conducted to estimate unadjusted and adjusted infection odds ratios. Results:Serological testing for HSV-1/2 was performed on 2522 specimens. Sero-positivity for HSV-1 and HSV-2 was identified in 2053 (81.5%) and 87 (3.5%) specimens, respectively. Univariable analyses estimated higher odds of HSV-2 infection with increasing age and increasing country income level, and an unadjusted odds ratio with HSV-1 sero-positivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.43-1.17; p-value 0.172). Adjusting for age and country income level, the adjusted odds ratio of HSV-2 infection with HSV-1 sero-positivity was 0.51 (95% CI 0.30-0.87; p-value 0.013). Sensitivity analyses confirmed this association. Conclusions:There is a negative association between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections, suggestive of a protective effect for HSV-1 sero-positivity against HSV-2 acquisition. This finding supports earlier pooled but inconclusive evidence from prospective studies, yet contrasts with pooled findings of earlier cross-sectional studies.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2019,

title = {Measuring Influenza HA Stem-Specific ADCC in Human Sera Using Novel Stabilized Stem Nanoparticle Probes},

author = {Maria K Smatti Gheyath Nasrallah Asmaa Althani Hadi Yassine},

url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6808922/},

doi = {10.1093/ofid/ofz359.095},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-10-16},

urldate = {2019-10-16},

journal = {Vaccine},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Hijji2019,

title = {Curcumin a colorimetric and fluorimetric cyanide probe in aqueous system and living cells},

author = {Yousef M Hijji and Anas G Elsafy and Hala Sultan Al-Easa and Bassam Attili and Mahmoud Abdelrasoul and Nura Mohamed and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ay/c9ay01557d#!divAbstract},

doi = {10.1039/C9AY01557D},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-09-12},

journal = {Analytical Methods },

publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},

abstract = {Curcumin, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-hepta-diene-3,5-dione, is a natural product obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been demonstrated to be a strong antioxidant with anticancer properties and other diverse biological activities. In addition, curcumin and its derivatives have been applied in chemo sensing for the detection of cations, anions, molecular recognition and bio imaging. Herein, we have investigated the development and application of curcumin as a molecular probe for the detection of cyanide in aqueous medium. Cyanide causes a dramatic color change of the curcumin solution (acetonitrile : water 90 : 10) from bright yellow to dark orange. It causes dramatic spectral changes in the UV-vis spectrum of curcumin by the decrease in the absorption band intensity at 421 nm and a concomitant appearance of a strong band at 520 nm. A bathochromic shift of 99 nm is also observed. Other monovalent anions tested such as F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, AcO−, H2AsO4− and N3− caused no significant color or spectral changes. Hydroxide did show a similar change but gave a more intense color. The lower limit of detection was determined to be 2.3 × 10−6 M. The fluorescence emission of curcumin at 520 nm was quenched upon the addition of cyanide, while other anions tested caused no change. Curcumin was introduced into living cells and it was observed to have strong fluorescence. Upon the addition of cyanide, the fluorescence in the cells quenched slowly with time. We were able to use cyanide as a tool for the detection and quantification of curcumin in aqueous media using both UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Ben-Omran2019,

title = {Natural history, with clinical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of classical homocystinuria in the Qatari population},

author = {Nader Al-Dewik Alaa Ali Yassmin Mahmoud Noora Shahbeck Rehab Ali Laila Mahmoud Mariam Al-Mureikhi Fatma Al-Mesaifri Sara Musa Karen El-Akouri Mariam Almulla Reem Al Saadi Gheyath K Nasrallah Muthanna Samara Ghassan Abdoh Hilal Al Rifai Johannes Häberle Beat Thöny Warren Kruger Henk J Blom Tawfeg Ben-Omran},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30968424/},

doi = {10.1002/jimd.12099},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-09-11},

urldate = {2019-09-11},

journal = {Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease },

abstract = {Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is the most common inborn error of metabolism in Qatar, with an incidence of 1:1800, and is caused by the Qatari founder p.R336C mutation in the CBS gene. This study describes the natural history and clinical manifestations of HCU in the Qatari population. A single center study was performed between 2016 and 2017 in 126 Qatari patients, from 82 families. Detailed clinical and biochemical data were collected, and Stanford-Binet intelligence, quality of life and adherence to treatment assessments were conducted prospectively. Patients were assigned to one of three groups, according to the mode of diagnosis: (a) late diagnosis group (LDG), (b) family screening group (FSG), and (c) newborn screening group (NSG). Of the 126 patients, 69 (55%) were in the LDG, 44 (35%) in the NSG, and 13 (10%) in the FSG. The leading factors for diagnosis in the LDG were ocular manifestations (49%), neurological manifestations (45%), thromboembolic events (4%), and hyperactivity and behavioral changes (1%). Both FSG and NSG groups were asymptomatic at time of diagnosis. NSG had significantly higher intelligence quotient, quality of life, and adherence values compared with the LDG. The LDG and FSG had significantly higher methionine levels than the NSG. The LDG also had significantly higher total homocysteine levels than the NSG and FSG. Regression analysis confirmed these results even when adjusting for age at diagnosis, current age, or adherence. These findings increase the understanding of the natural history of HCU and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. SYNOPSIS: A study in 126 Qatari patients with HCU, including biochemical, clinical, and other key assessments, reveals that patients with a late clinical diagnosis have a poorer outcome, hereby highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Analysis of the Qatari R336C cystathionine β‐synthase protein in mice},

author = {Sapna Gupta Lorena Gallego-Villar Liqun Wang Hyung-Ok Lee Gheyath Nasrallah Nader Al-Dewik Johannes Häberle Beat Thöny Henk J Blom Tawfeg Ben-Omran Warren D Kruger},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31240737/},

doi = {10.1002/jimd.12140},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-09-04},

urldate = {2019-09-04},

journal = {Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease},

abstract = {Classical homocystinuria is a recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) gene. The highest incidence of CBS deficiency in the world is found in the country of Qatar due to the combination of high rates of consanguinity and the presence of a founder mutation, c.1006C>T (p.R336C). This mutation does not respond to pyridoxine and is considered severe. Here we describe the creation of a mouse that is null for the mouse Cbs gene and expresses human p.R336C CBS from a zinc-inducible transgene (Tg-R336C Cbs -/- ). Zinc-treated Tg-R336C Cbs -/- mice have extreme elevation in both serum total homocysteine (tHcy) and liver tHcy compared with control transgenic mice. Both the steady-state protein levels and CBS enzyme activity levels in liver lysates from Tg-R336C Cbs -/- mice are significantly reduced compared to that found in Tg-hCBS Cbs -/- mice expressing wild-type human CBS. Treatment of Tg-R336C Cbs -/- mice with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib results in stabilization of liver CBS protein and an increase in activity to levels found in corresponding Tg-hCBS Cbs -/- wild type mice. Surprisingly, serum tHcy did not fully correct even though liver enzyme activity was as high as control animals. This discrepancy is explained by in vitro enzymatic studies of mouse liver extracts showing that p.R336C causes reduced binding affinity for the substrate serine by almost 7-fold and significantly increased dependence on pyridoxal phosphate in the reaction buffer. These studies demonstrate that the p.R336C alteration effects both protein stability and substrate/cofactor binding.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Viruses and Autoimmunity: A Review on the Potential Interaction and Molecular Mechanisms},

author = {Maria K Smatti Farhan S Cyprian Gheyath K Nasrallah Asmaa A Al Thani Ruba O Almishal Hadi M Yassine},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31430946/},

doi = {10.3390/v11080762},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-08-07},

urldate = {2019-08-07},

journal = {Viruses},

abstract = {For a long time, viruses have been shown to modify the clinical picture of several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), celiac disease (CD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Best examples of viral infections that have been proposed to modulate the induction and development of autoimmune diseases are the infections with enteric viruses such as Coxsackie B virus (CVB) and rotavirus, as well as influenza A viruses (IAV), and herpesviruses. Other viruses that have been studied in this context include, measles, mumps, and rubella. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental studies in animal have shown that viral infections can induce or protect from autoimmunopathologies depending on several factors including genetic background, host-elicited immune responses, type of virus strain, viral load, and the onset time of infection. Still, data delineating the clear mechanistic interaction between the virus and the immune system to induce autoreactivity are scarce. Available data indicate that viral-induced autoimmunity can be activated through multiple mechanisms including molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation, and immortalization of infected B cells. Contrarily, the protective effects can be achieved via regulatory immune responses which lead to the suppression of autoimmune phenomena. Therefore, a better understanding of the immune-related molecular processes in virus-induced autoimmunity is warranted. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral-induced autoimmunity and the mechanisms that are associated with this phenomenon.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nomikos2019,

title = {Arrhythmogenic calmodulin E105A mutation alters cardiac RyR2 regulation leading to cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish" in its current form for publication.},

author = {Sahar I Da'as Angelos Thanassoulas Brian L Calver Konrad Beck Rola Salem Alaaeldin Saleh Iris Kontogianni Ali Al-Maraghi Gheyath K Nasrallah Bared Safieh-Garabedian Egon Toft George Nounesis F Anthony Lai Michail Nomikos},

doi = {10.1111/nyas.14033},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-07-11},

urldate = {2019-07-11},

journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences },

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Sadeq2019,

title = {Hepatitis B virus molecular epidemiology, host-virus interaction, coinfection, and laboratory diagnosis in the MENA Region: an update},

author = {Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Sara A Taleb and Roan E Zaied and Sara M Fahad and Maria K Smatti and Balsam R Rizeq and Asmaa A Al Thani and Hadi M Yassine and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/8/2/63},

doi = {10.3390/pathogens8020063},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-11},

journal = {Pathogens},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pintus2019,

title = {Flavin oxidase-induced ROS generation modulates PKC biphasic effect of resveratrol on endothelial cell survival},

author = {Anna Maria Posadino Roberta Giordo Annalisa Cossu Gheyath K Nasrallah Abdullah Shaito Haissam Abou-Saleh Ali H Eid Gianfranco Pintus},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151226/},

doi = {10.3390/biom9060209},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-09},

urldate = {2019-05-09},

journal = {Biomolecules},

abstract = {Background: Dietary intake of natural antioxidants is thought to impart protection against oxidative-associated cardiovascular diseases. Despite many in vivo studies and clinical trials, this issue has not been conclusively resolved. Resveratrol (RES) is one of the most extensively studied dietary polyphenolic antioxidants. Paradoxically, we have previously demonstrated that high RES concentrations exert a pro-oxidant effect eventually elevating ROS levels leading to cell death. Here, we further elucidate the molecular determinants underpinning RES-induced oxidative cell death.



Methods: Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the effect of increasing concentrations of RES on DNA synthesis and apoptosis was studied. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of cell survival or apoptosis genes, as well as protein kinase C (PKC) activity were determined.



Results: While high concentrations of RES reduce PKC activity, inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis, low RES concentrations elicit an opposite effect. This biphasic concentration-dependent effect (BCDE) of RES on PKC activity is mirrored at the molecular level. Indeed, high RES concentrations upregulate the proapoptotic Bax, while downregulating the antiapoptotic Bcl-2, at both mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, high RES concentrations downregulate the cell cycle progression genes, c-myc, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and cyclin D1 protein levels, while low RES concentrations display an increasing trend. The BCDE of RES on PKC activity is abrogated by the ROS scavenger Tempol, indicating that this enzyme acts downstream of the RES-elicited ROS signaling. The RES-induced BCDE on HUVEC cell cycle machinery was also blunted by the flavin inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), implicating flavin oxidase-generated ROS as the mechanistic link in the cellular response to different RES concentrations. Finally, PKC inhibition abrogates the BCDE elicited by RES on both cell cycle progression and pro-apoptotic gene expression in HUVECs, mechanistically implicating PKC in the cellular response to different RES concentrations.



Conclusions: Our results provide new molecular insight into the impact of RES on endothelial function/dysfunction, further confirming that obtaining an optimal benefit of RES is concentration-dependent. Importantly, the BCDE of RES could explain why other studies failed to establish the cardio-protective effects mediated by natural antioxidants, thus providing a guide for future investigation looking at cardio-protection by natural antioxidants.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2019c,

title = {Demographics and Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in the State of Qatar: A Five-Year Surveillance-Based Incidence Study},

author = {Hamad E Al Romaihi Nandakumar Ganesan Elmoubasher A Farag Maria K Smatti Gheyath K Nasrallah Sayed M Himatt Moutaz F Derbala Maha Alshamali Lylu K Mahadoon Hayat S Khogali Mohamed Sallam Asmaa A Al Thani Mohammed Al Thani Saad Al Kaabi Hadi M Yassine },

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31117254/},

doi = {10.3390/pathogens8020068},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-08},

journal = {Pathogens},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Kandari2019,

title = {Ecotoxicological assessment of thermally-and hydrogen-reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 photocatalytic nanocomposites using the zebrafish embryo model},

author = {Halema Al-Kandari and Nadin Younes and Ola Al-Jamal and Zain Z Zakaria and Huda Najjar and Farah Alserr and Gianfranco Pintus and Maha A Al-Asmakh and Aboubakr M Abdullah and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/4/488},

doi = {10.3390/nano9040488},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-28},

journal = {Nanomaterials },

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have recently attracted great interest in water pollution management. Using the zebrafish embryo model, we investigated the environmental impacts of two thermally (RGOTi)- and hydrogen (H2RGOTi)-reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 semiconductor photocatalysts recently employed in AOPs. For this purpose, acutoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurobehavioral toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, and hatching rate were determinate. For the RGOTi, the no observed effect concentration (NOEC, mortality/teratogenicity score <20%) and the median lethal concentration (LC50) were <400 and 748.6 mg/L, respectively. H2RGOTi showed a NOEC similar to RGOTi. However, no significant mortality was detected at all concentrations used in the acutoxicity assay (up to1000 mg/L), thus indicating a hypothetical LC50 higher than 1000 mg/L. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service Acute Toxicity Rating Scale, RGOTi can be classified as “practically not toxic” and H2RGOTi as “relatively harmless”. However, both nanocomposites should be used with caution at concentration higher than the NOEC (400 mg/L), in particular RGOTi, which significantly (i) caused pericardial and yolk sac edema; (ii) decreased the hatching rate, locomotion, and hematopoietic activities; and (iii) affected the heart rate. Indeed, the aforementioned teratogenic phenotypes were less devastating in H2RGOTi-treated embryos, suggesting that the hydrogen-reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 photocatalysts may be more ecofriendly than the thermally-reduced ones.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2019,

title = {Biocompatibility and toxicity of novel iron chelator Starch-Deferoxamine (S-DFO) compared to zinc oxide nanoparticles to zebrafish embryo: An oxidative stress based apoptosis, physicochemical and neurological study profile},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Rola Salem and Sahar Da'as and Ola Loay Ahmad Al-Jamal and Mark Scott and Ibrahim Mustafa},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0892036218301338},

doi = {10.1016/j.ntt.2019.01.004},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-01},

journal = {Neurotoxicology and Teratology},

publisher = {Pergamon},

abstract = {Clinically approved iron chelators are effective in decreasing significant transfusional iron accumulation. Starch-Deferoxamine (S-DFO), a novel high molecular weight iron chelator, was produced to increase binding capacity to iron and reduce toxicity. Although its efficacy was established in one small cohort clinical trial, its potential adverse effect was not adequately addressed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Younes2019,

title = {“Safe” Chitosan/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Has Minimal Organ-Specific Toxicity in Early Stages of Zebrafish Development},

author = {Nadin Younes and Gianfranco Pintus and Maha Al-Asmakh and Kashif Rasool and Salma Younes and Simone Calzolari and Khaled A Mahmoud and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01144},

doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01144},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-22},

journal = {ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering},

publisher = {American Chemical Society},

abstract = {Marine biofouling is considered to be one of the most challenging issues affecting maritime industries worldwide. In this regard, traditional biocides, being used to combat biofouling, have high toxicity toward aquatic systems. Recently, a new chitosan/zinc oxide nanoparticle (CZNC) composite has been used as a promising “green” biocide. It is thought that because of the ecofriendly nature of chitosan, CZNCs may pave the way to developing less toxic surfaces for combating marine fouling. Zebrafish has become one of the most employed models for ecotoxicology studies. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate any potential acute, cardio, neuro, or hepatotoxic effect of CZNCs using zebrafish embryos. As evidenced by the acute toxicity assays, exposing zebrafish embryos to CZNCs (25–200 mg/L) did not elicit any signs of acute toxicity or mortality, suggesting a hypothetical LC50 higher than the maximum dose employed. CZNCs, at a concentration of 250 mg/L, also showed no cardiotoxic or neurotoxic effects. At the same dosage, a minor hepatotoxic effect was observed in zebrafish embryos exposed to CZNCs. However, the observed hepatotoxicity had no effect on embryo survival even after long-term (10-days) exposure to CZNCs. We believe our results add valuable information to the potential toxicity of chitosan/metal oxide nanocomposites, which may provide new insights into the synthesis of ecofriendly coatings with improved antifouling performance and a low adverse impact on the marine environment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Kahlout2019,

title = {Comparative serological study for the prevalence of anti-MERS coronavirus antibodies in high-and low-risk groups in Qatar},

author = {Reham A Al Kahlout and Gheyath K Nasrallah and Elmoubasher A Farag and Lingshu Wang and Erik Lattwein and Marcel A Müller and Mohamed E El Zowalaty and Hamad E Al Romaihi and Barney S Graham and Asmaa A Al Thani and Hadi M Yassine},

url = {https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2019/1386740/},

doi = {10.1155/2019/1386740},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-18},

journal = {Journal of Immunology Research },

publisher = {Hindawi},

abstract = {Infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) could be asymptomatic or cause mild influenza-like illness. Therefore, the prevalence of MERS-CoV infections in the general population could be underestimated, which necessitates active surveillance to determine the epidemiological importance of asymptomatic cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of various serological assays and to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in high- and low-risk groups in Qatar. A total of 4858 samples were screened, including 4719 samples collected from healthy blood donors (BD) over a period of five years (2012-2016), 135 samples from baseline case contacts (CC) collected from individuals in close contact with three positive PCR-confirmed patients (CP), and four samples from MERS-CoV CP. Initial screening using anti-MERS-CoV IgG (IgG rS1-ELISA kit) revealed ten reactive samples from BD (10/4719, 0.21%), one from CC (1/135, 0.74%), and three from CP (3/4, 75%). Samples from CP but not from BD were also reactive by whole-virus anti-MERS-CoV IgG () and IgM () indirect immunefluorescent tests (IIFT) and pseudoparticle neutralization test (ppNT). The reactive sample from CC was also confirmed by ppNT. Surprisingly, one out of thirteen (7.7%) randomly selected IgG rS1-ELISA-negative BD samples from the initial screening was reactive by the IgM-IIFT (but not by the IgG-IIFT) and was subsequently confirmed by ppNT. All IgG rS1-ELISA-reactive samples from BD exhibited considerable reactivity to the four circulating human coronaviruses (HKU1, OC43, 229E, and NL63). Cross-reactivity with SARS was only reported for samples from CP using IgG and IgM-IIFT. In conclusion, we report a low prevalence of anti-MERS antibodies in the general population, which coincides with the low number of all reported cases by the time of our study (2017) in Qatar (). The false-positive results and the observed cross-reactivity between MERS-CoV and other circulating human coronavirus necessitate more detailed evaluation of available serological assays.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2019e,

title = {In-silico and in-vivo models for Qatari specific classical homocystinuria as basis for development of novel therapies},

author = {Hesham M Ismail Navaneethakrishnan Krishnamoorthy Nader Al-Dewik Hatem Zayed Nura A Mohamed Valeria Di Giacomo Sapna Gupta Johannes Häberle Beat Thöny Henk J Blom Waren D Kruger Tawfeg Ben-Omran Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30408270/},

doi = {10.1002/humu.23682},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-05},

urldate = {2019-02-05},

journal = {Human Mutation},

abstract = {Homocystinuria is a rare inborn error of methionine metabolism caused by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency. The prevalence of homocystinuria in Qatar is 1:1,800 births, mainly due to a founder Qatari missense mutation, c.1006C>T; p.R336C (p.Arg336Cys). We characterized the structure-function relationship of the p.R336C-mutant protein and investigated the effect of different chemical chaperones to restore p.R336C-CBS activity using three models: in silico, ΔCBS yeast, and CRISPR/Cas9 p.R336C knock-in HEK293T and HepG2 cell lines. Protein modeling suggested that the p.R336C induces severe conformational and structural changes, perhaps influencing CBS activity. Wild-type CBS, but not the p.R336C mutant, was able to restore the yeast growth in ΔCBS-deficient yeast in a complementation assay. The p.R336C knock-in HEK293T and HepG2 cells decreased the level of CBS expression and reduced its structural stability; however, treatment of the p.R336C knock-in HEK293T cells with betaine, a chemical chaperone, restored the stability and tetrameric conformation of CBS, but not its activity. Collectively, these results indicate that the p.R336C mutation has a deleterious effect on CBS structure, stability, and activity, and using the chemical chaperones approach for treatment could be ineffective in restoring p.R336C CBS activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2019b,

title = {Performance of four diagnostic assays for detecting herpes simplex virus type 2 antibodies in the Middle East and North Africa},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Soha R Dargham and Afifah S Sahara and Malaz S Elsidiq and Laith J Abu-Raddad},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653219300010},

doi = {10.1016/j.jcv.2019.01.001},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical Virology},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Assessments of commercial assays in detecting herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibodies have shown variable sensitivity and specificity, and variation in performance by global population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Humphrey2019,

title = {Dengue and chikungunya seroprevalence among Qatari nationals and immigrants residing in Qatar},

author = {John M Humphrey and Enas S Al-Absi and Munia M Hamdan and Sara S Okasha and Diyna M Al-Trmanini and Hend G El-Dous and Soha R Dargham and John Schieffelin and Laith J Abu-Raddad and Gheyath K Nasrallah

},

url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211574#:~:text=A%20seroprevalence%20of%203.5%25%20for,in%20Qatar%20to%20our%20knowledge.},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0211574},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-31},

journal = {Plos One},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {The objective of this study is to characterize the seroprevalence of anti-dengue (DENV) and anti-chikungunya (CHIKV) antibodies among blood donors residing in Qatar who are Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nationals and non-nationals. Sera were collected from adult blood donors in Qatar from 2013 to 2016 and tested for anti-DENV and anti-CHIKV IgG using commercial microplate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Age-specific seroprevalence was summarized by region/nationality: Asia (India, Philippines), Middle East (Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Yemen), North Africa (Egypt, Sudan), Qatar. The adjusted odds of anti-DENV and anti-CHIKV IgG seropositivity was estimated by logistic regression. Among 1,992 serum samples tested, Asian nationals had higher adjusted odds of being seropositive for anti-DENV antibodies compared to nationals of the Middle East (aOR 0.05, 95% CI 0.04–0.07), North Africa (aOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.10–0.20), and Qatar (aOR 0.01, 95% CI 0.01–0.03). Asian nationals also had higher adjusted odds of being seropositive for anti-CHIKV antibodies compared to those from the Middle East (aOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.07–0.27), North Africa (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26–0.96), and Qatar (aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.96). The adjusted odds of being anti-DENV seropositive was higher among anti-CHIKV seropositive adults, and vice versa (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.09–3.44), suggesting co-circulation of these viruses. DENV and CHIKV exposure is lower in Qatar and MENA nationals compared to Asian nationals suggesting a lower burden of DENV and CHIKV disease in the MENA. Antibodies to both viruses were detected in nationals from most MENA countries, supporting the need to better understand the regional epidemiology of these viruses.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Abou-Saleh2019,

title = {Impaired Liver Size and Compromised Neurobehavioral Activity are Elicited by Chitosan Nanoparticles in the Zebrafish Embryo Model},

author = {Haissam Abou-Saleh and Nadin Younes and Kashif Rasool and Manaf H Younis and Rafael M Prieto and Hadi M Yassine and Khaled A Mahmoud and Gianfranco Pintus and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/1/122},

doi = {10.3390/nano9010122},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-19},

journal = {Nanomaterials},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {The use of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) in various biological and environmental applications is attracting great interest. However, potential side effects related to ChNP toxicity remain the major limitation hampering their wide application. For the first time, we investigate the potential organ-specific (cardiac, hepatic, and neuromuscular) toxicity of ChNPs (size 100–150 nm) using the zebrafish embryo model. Our data highlight the absence of both acute and teratogenic toxic effects of ChNPs (~100% survival rate) even at the higher concentration employed (200 mg/L). Although no single sign of cardiotoxicity was observed upon exposure to 200 mg/L of ChNPs, as judged by heartbeat rate, the corrected QT interval (QTc, which measures the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave in the heart's electrical cycle), maximum cardiac arrest, and ejection fraction assays, the same dosage elicited the impairment of both liver size (decreased liver size, but without steatosis and lipid yolk retention) and neurobehavioral activity (increased movement under different light conditions). Although the observed toxic effect failed to affect embryo survival, whether a prolonged ChNP treatment may induce other potentially harmful effects remains to be elucidated. By reporting new insights on their organ-specific toxicity, our results add novel and useful information into the available data concerning the in vivo effect of ChNPs.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Yassine2019b,

title = {Mixed Viral-Bacterial Infections and Their Effects on Gut ‎Microbiota and Clinical Illnesses in Children},

author = {Shilu Mathew Maria K Smatti Khalid Al Ansari Gheyath K Nasrallah Asmaa A Al Thani Hadi M Yassine},

doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-37162-w},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

urldate = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

abstract = {Acute gastroenteritis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among young children worldwide. It accounts for approximately 1.34 million deaths annually in children younger than five years. Infection can be caused by viral, bacterial and/or parasitic microorganisms. Dysbiosis due to such infections could dramatically affect disease prognosis as well as development of chronic illness. The aim of this study was to analyze gut microbiome and clinical outcomes in young children suffering from viral or mixed viral-bacterial infection. We evaluated gut microbiota composition in children suffering from viral or mixed viral-bacterial infection with two major viruses rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) and two pathogenic bacteria [Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)]. We sequenced 16S ribosomal RNA (V4 region) genes using Illumina MiSeq in 70 hospitalized children suffering from gastroenteric infections plus nine healthy controls. The study summarized Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) abundances with the Bray-Curtis index and performed a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis to visualize microbiome similarities. We used a permutational multivariate analyses of variance to test the significance of group differences. We also analyzed the correlation between microbiome changes and clinical outcomes. Our data demonstrated a significant increase in the severity score in children with viral-bacterial mixed infections compared to those with virus infections alone. Statistical analysis by overall relative abundance denoted lesser proportions of Bacteroides in the infected children, whereas Bifidobacteriaceae richness was more prominent in the bacterial-viral mixed infections. Pairwise differences of gut microbiota were significantly higher in RV + EAEC (P = 0.009) and NoV + EAEC (P = 0.009) co-infections, compared to EPEC mixed infection with both, RV (P = 0.045) and NoV (P = 0.188). Shannon diversity index showed considerable more variation in microbiome diversity in children infected with RV cohort compared to NoV cohort. Our results highlight that richness of Bifidobacteriaceae, which acts as probiotics, increased with the severity of the viral-bacterial mixed infections. As expected, significant reduction of relative numbers of Bacteroides was characterized in both RV and NoV infections, with more reduction observed in co-infection pathogenic E. coli. Although mixed infection with EAEC resulted in significant microbiota differences compared to viral infection only or mixed infection with EPEC, the clinical condition of the children were worsened with both pathogenic E.coli co-infections. Further, in comparison with RV cohort, augmented number of differential abundant pathogenic OTUs were peculiarly noticed only with NoV mixed infection.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Ismail2018,

title = {In silico and in vivo models for Qatari‐specific classical homocystinuria as basis for development of novel therapies},

author = {Hesham M Ismail and Navaneethakrishnan Krishnamoorthy and Nader Al‐Dewik and Hatem Zayed and Nura A Mohamed and Valeria Di Giacomo and Sapna Gupta and Johannes Häberle and Beat Thöny and Henk J Blom and Warren D Kruger and Tawfeg Ben‐Omran and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/humu.23682},

doi = {10.1002/humu.23682},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-11-08},

journal = {Human mutation},

publisher = {Wiley online library},

abstract = {Homocystinuria is a rare inborn error of methionine metabolism caused by cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) deficiency. The prevalence of homocystinuria in Qatar is 1:1,800 births, mainly due to a founder Qatari missense mutation, c.1006C>T; p.R336C (p.Arg336Cys). We characterized the structure–function relationship of the p.R336C‐mutant protein and investigated the effect of different chemical chaperones to restore p.R336C‐CBS activity using three models: in silico, ΔCBS yeast, and CRISPR/Cas9 p.R336C knock‐in HEK293T and HepG2 cell lines. Protein modeling suggested that the p.R336C induces severe conformational and structural changes, perhaps influencing CBS activity. Wild‐type CBS, but not the p.R336C mutant, was able to restore the yeast growth in ΔCBS‐deficient yeast in a complementation assay. The p.R336C knock‐in HEK293T and HepG2 cells decreased the level of CBS expression and reduced its structural stability; however, treatment of the p.R336C knock‐in HEK293T cells with betaine, a chemical chaperone, restored the stability and tetrameric conformation of CBS, but not its activity. Collectively, these results indicate that the p.R336C mutation has a deleterious effect on CBS structure, stability, and activity, and using the chemical chaperones approach for treatment could be ineffective in restoring p.R336C CBS activity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018f,

title = {The Current Status of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Prevalence in the MENA Region: A Systematic Review},

author = {Hassan Al Mana Hadi M Yassine Nadin N Younes Anjud Al-Mohannadi Duaa W Al-Sadeq Dalal Alhababi Elham A Nasser Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31683687/},

doi = {10.3390/pathogens8040213.},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-10-17},

urldate = {2018-10-17},

journal = {Pathogens},

abstract = {Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a highly prevalent herpesvirus worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), CMV infects people of all ages, and by the age of five, approximately one-third of children in the United States are infected. Although the infection is generally asymptomatic, it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients, transplant and transfusion recipients, as well as newborn neonates. The objective of this study is to systematically review published literature on CMV in the MENA region to estimate its incidence in the region and describe its epidemiological and clinical significance. The literature was searched through four scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. A total of 72 studies from 11 countries satisfied the inclusion criteria, covering a period from 1988-2019. The CMV IgG seroprevalence ranged from 8.7%-99.2% (SD = 38.95%). CMV incidence in these countries ranged between 1.22% and 77% in transplant and transfusion recipients, with an increase in incidence with advanced age. However, the incidence rate was unclear for congenital CMV due to the variability of the reporting. This review highlights the need for more robust and well-designed studies to better estimate CMV incidence in the MENA region, standardize diagnostic criteria, and consider prophylactic and pre-emptive treatments to limit the morbidity and mortality of the disease.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Younes2018,

title = {Toxicity evaluation of selected ionic liquid compounds on embryonic development of Zebrafish},

author = {Nadin Younes and Rola Salem and Maha Al-Asmakh and Tausif Altamash and Gianfranco Pintus and Majeda Khraisheh and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147651318304500?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.05.064},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-10-15},

journal = {Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety},

publisher = {Academic Press},

abstract = {Hydrate formation in seafloor pipelines is considered an economic and flow assurance issue for the oil and gas industries. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been recently used as potential hydrate inhibitors. Although branded as green compounds, their ecotoxicity in case of leakage from pipelines onto the aquatic environment needs more deep evaluations. Here, we investigate the impacts of three ILs previously used as successful thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors namely choline chloride (ChC1), 1-methyl-1-propyl pyrrolidinium triflate (PMPy [triflate]) and tetra-methyl ammonium acetate (TMAA). Mortality (including LC50), teratogenicity, locomotion and neurotoxicity, and hatching rate were utilized to investigate any potential acute toxicity of these ILs on embryonic development of zebrafish. No significant mortality or teratogenic effects were found for all tested compounds in a concentration range between 50 and 200 mg/L. The LC50 was significantly higher than the tested dose >200 mg/L. While, up to 200 mg/L all compound had no impact on the survival rate, ChCl showed a significant effect on neuromuscular development as judged by the increase of spontaneous tail coiling activity (25 VS 4 burst/ minutes of the negative control-treated embryos). Further, apart from PMPy [triflate], ChC1 and TMAA had a significant adverse effect on the hatching rate of the treated embryos at concentrations of 200 mg/L. However, this effect was very mild at lower concentrations (≤100 mg/L). Our data indicate that within the tested concentrations both TMAA and PMPy [triflate] had no or little potential harmful effect on embryonic development of aquatic fauna “green”, while ChC1 should be used with caution.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018e,

title = {Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Indian and Filipino migrant populations in Qatar: a cross-sectional survey},

author = {Gheyath Nasrallah and Soha Dargham and Manale Harfouche and Laith Abu‐Raddad

},

url = {https://applications.emro.who.int/emhj/v26/05/10203397202605609615-eng.pdf},

doi = {10.26719/2020.26.5.609},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-09-18},

journal = {Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal},

publisher = {World Health Organization},

abstract = {The epidemiology of herpes simplex virus infections is of growing interest but information on its seroprevalence in many countries is scarce. Aims: This study aimed to measure the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in Filipino and Indian men living in Qatar. Methods: Blood serum specimens were collected from male blood donors aged ≥ 18 years in Qatar from 2013 to 2016. HerpeSelect® 1/2 and Euroline‐WB assays were used to measure antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in 120 Filipino and 325 Indian men. Results: The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus‐1 was 84.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.4–90.0%) in Filipino men and 48.3% (95% CI: 43.6–53.0%) in Indian men. The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus‐2 was 8.3% (95% CI: 4.6–13.7%) in Filipinos and 3.7% (95% CI: 2.2–5.9%) in Indians. The seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 increased with age, but this trend was only statistically significant in Indian men (P = 0.013 and P = 0.011 respectively). Conclusions: The seroprevalence rates of herpes simplex virus‐2 in Filipino and Indian men living in Qatar were similar to those found in the Philippines and India. However, the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus‐1 in Indians, while similar to that found in India, was substantially lower than that of other countries in Asia and developing countries worldwide, which needs further investigation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pintus2018,

title = {A potential Link Between Oxidative Stress and Endothelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition in Systemic Sclerosis},

author = {Duong Thi Bich Thuan Hatem Zayed Ali H Eid Haissam Abou-Saleh Gheyath K Nasrallah Arduino A Mangoni Gianfranco Pintus },

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30283435/},

doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2018.01985},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-09-12},

journal = {Frontiers in Immunology },

abstract = {Systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease that is associated with a number of genetic and environmental risk factors, is characterized by progressive fibrosis and microvasculature damage in the skin, lungs, heart, digestive system, kidneys, muscles, joints, and nervous system. These abnormalities are associated with altered secretion of growth factor and profibrotic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and connective-tissue growth factor (CTGF). Among the cellular responses to this proinflammatory environment, the endothelial cells phenotypic conversion into activated myofibroblasts, a process known as endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), has been postulated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) might play a key role in SSs-associated fibrosis and vascular damage by mediating and/or activating TGF-β-induced EndMT, a phenomenon that has been observed in other disease models. In this review, we identified and critically appraised published studies investigating associations ROS and EndMT and the presence of EndMT in SSc, highlighting a potential link between oxidative stress and EndMT in this condition},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Absi2018,

title = {Performance evaluation of five commercial assays in assessing seroprevalence of HEV antibodies among blood donors},

author = {Enas S Al-Absi and Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Manaf H Younis and Hadi M Yassine and Omnya M Abdalla and Areej G Mesleh and Tameem A Hadwan and Joshua O Amimo and Lukman Thalib and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.000807},

doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.000807},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-09-01},

journal = {JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY },

publisher = {Microbiology Society},

abstract = {Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mainly transmitted via the faecal–oral route, the rate of HEV transmission via blood donation is on the rise. However, the seroprevalence of HEV among blood donors is not well established and is thought to be affected by the type of diagnostic assay used. We aimed to evaluate performance and correlation among widely used commercial diagnostic assays for the seroprevalence assessment of HEV-IgM/IgG among blood donors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Pintus2018b,

title = {Protective Effect of Cyclically Pressurized Solid–Liquid Extraction Polyphenols from Cagnulari Grape Pomace on Oxidative Endothelial Cell Death},

author = {Anna Maria Posadino Grazia Biosa Hatem Zayed Haissam Abou-Saleh Annalisa Cossu Gheyath K Nasrallah Roberta Giordo Daniela Pagnozzi Maria Cristina Porcu Luca Pretti Gianfranco Pintus},

doi = {10.3390/molecules23092105},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-08-07},

journal = {Molecules},

abstract = {The aim of this work is the evaluation of a green extraction technology to exploit winery waste byproducts. Specifically, a solid⁻liquid extraction technology (Naviglio Extractor®) was used to obtain polyphenolic antioxidants from the Cagnulari grape marc. The extract was then chemically characterized by spectrophotometric analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, revealing a total polyphenol content of 4.00 g/L ± 0.05, and the presence of anthocyanins, one of the most representative groups among the total polyphenols in grapes. To investigate potential biological activities of the extract, its ability to counteract hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and cell death was assessed in primary human endothelial cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, used to assess potential extract cytotoxicity, failed to show any deleterious effect on cultured cells. Fluorescence measurements, attained with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H₂DCF-DA), revealed a strong antioxidant potential of the marc extract on the used cells, as indicated by the inhibition of the hydrogen peroxide-induced ROS generation and the counteraction of the oxidative-induced cell death. Our results indicate the Naviglio extraction, as a green technology process, can be used to exploit wine waste to obtain antioxidants which can be used to produce enriched foods and nutraceuticals high in antioxidants.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018b,

title = {A systematic investigation of the bio-toxicity of core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres using zebrafish model},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Yu Zhang and Moustafa M Zagho and Hesham M Ismail and Areej Abdulkareem Al-Khalaf and Rafael M Prieto and Kholoud E Albinali and Ahmed A Elzatahry and Yonghui Deng},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1387181118300672},

doi = {10.1016/j.micromeso.2018.02.008},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-07-15},

journal = {Microporous and Mesoporous Materials},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {In this work, shearing interface coassembly in biliquid phase systems is employed to synthesize biocompatible core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres with uniform size of about 600 nm, perpendicular mesopores of 6.0 nm and large pore volume of 0.77 cm3/g. The toxicology assays based on the zebrafish model was conducted to test under a high-throughput manner for the biosafety of Fe3O4@RF@mSiO2 microspheres. The highest no observed toxic effect concentration (NOEC) estimated by the acute toxicity assay for the microspheres was 1.6 mg/mL. The estimated number (measured by ICP-MS) of the penetrated microspheres at this concentration was 2 × 106 per embryo. The results of three different performed toxicity assays show no overall acute toxicity, teratogenicity, or neurotoxicity of the microspheres on zebrafish embryos at any of the tested concentrations (from 0.1 to 1.6 mg/mL) via its multifunctional microstructure. Here, gemcitabine (GEM) as a model of anti-cancer drug was loaded into the mesopores of Fe3O4@RF@mSiO2 microspheres to study their drug release behavior. The microspheres were found to exhibit pH responsive property, which benefits for the GEM release under cancer therapy. Overall, this study offers promising avenue for effective evaluation of magnetic core-shell microspheres for drug delivery and cancer therapy applications.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018h,

title = {Epstein–Barr virus epidemiology, Serology, and Genetic variability of LMP-1 Oncogene Among Healthy Population: An Update},

author = {Maria K Smatti Duaa W Al-Sadeq Nadima H Ali Gianfranco Pintus Haissam Abou-Saleh Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29951372/},

doi = {10.3389/fonc.2018.00211},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-06-14},

journal = {Frontiers in Oncology},

abstract = {The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA lymphotropic herpesvirus and the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent since it affects more than 90% of individuals worldwide and has been linked to several malignancies including PTLDs, which are one of the most common malignancies following transplantation. Among all the EBV genes, most of the recent investigations focused on studying the LMP-1 oncogene because of its high degree of polymorphism and association with tumorigenic activity. There are two main EBV genotypes, Type 1 and 2, distinguished by the differences in the EBNA-2 gene. Further sub genotyping can be characterized by analyzing the LMP-1 gene variation. The virus primarily transmits through oral secretions and persists as a latent infection in human B-cells. However, it can be transmitted through organ transplantations and blood transfusions. In addition, symptoms of EBV infection are not distinguishable from other viral infections, and therefore, it remains questionable whether there is a need to screen for EBV prior to blood transfusion. Although the process of leukoreduction decreases the viral copies present in the leukocytes, it does not eliminate the risk of EBV transmission through blood products. Here, we provide a review of the EBV epidemiology and the genetic variability of the oncogene LMP-1. Then, we underscore the findings of recent EBV seroprevalence and viremia studies among blood donors as a highly prevalent transfusion transmissible oncovirus.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Aldisi2018,

title = {Performance evaluation of four type-specific commercial assays for detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies in a Middle East and North Africa population},

author = {Rana S Aldisi and Malaz S Elsidiq and Soha R Dargham and Afifah S Sahara and Enas S Al-Absi and Mariam Y Nofal and Layla I Mohammed and Laith J Abu-Raddad and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138665321830074X?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.jcv.2018.03.011},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-06-01},

journal = {Journal of Clinical Virology},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {The number of diagnostic assays for the detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) antibodies has increased over the years. However, their performance characteristics could vary among global populations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Elzatahry2018,

title = {Recent advances in functional nanostructures as cancer photothermal therapy},

author = {Essraa A Hussein Moustafa M Zagho Gheyath K Nasrallah Ahmed A Elzatahry},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29844672/},

doi = {10.2147/IJN.S161031},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-05-22},

urldate = {2018-05-22},

journal = {International Journal of Nanomedicine },

abstract = {Being a non-invasive and relatively safe technique, photothermal therapy has attracted a lot of interest in the cancer treatment field. Recently, nanostructure technology has entered the forefront of cancer therapy owing to its ability to absorb near-infrared radiation as well as efficient light to heat conversion. In this study, key nanostructures for cancer therapy including gold nanoparticles, magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles, organic nanomaterials, and novel two-dimensional nanoagents such as MXenes are discussed. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the characteristics of the nanostructures of these photothermal nanomaterial agents, while focusing on how nanostructures hold potential as cancer therapies. Finally, this review offers promising insight into new cancer therapy approaches, particularly in vivo and in vitro cancer treatments.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al-Sadeq2018,

title = {Laboratory challenges in the diagnosis of hepatitis E virus},

author = {Duaa W Al-Sadeq and Amin F Majdalawieh and Areej G Mesleh and Omnya M Abdalla and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.000706},

doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.000706},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-04-01},

journal = {Journal of Medical Microbiology },

publisher = {Microbiology Society},

abstract = {Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus that is an important cause of both acute and chronic hepatitis worldwide. To date, there are eight HEV genotypes that can infect mammals. HEV-1 and HEV-2 infect exclusively humans, while HEV-3 and HEV-4 infect humans and various animals, mainly pigs and deer. Additionally, two new genotypes (HEV-5 and HEV-6) infect mainly wild boar. Recently, newly discovered genotypes HEV-7 and HEV-8 were found to infect camels and possibly humans. Nevertheless, the epidemiological distribution of HEV-7 is not well established. HEV-8 is another newly discovered genotype that was identified in 2016 in Chinese Bactrian camels. Although faecal–oral transmission is the most common route of HEV transmission, HEV can be vertically transmitted from infected mothers to their fetuses. HEV may also spread by zoonotic transmission from infected animals to humans and through person-to-person contact. Nowadays, since the number of reported cases linked to blood donations is increasing annually, HEV is recognized as a transfusion-transmitted virus. Laboratory diagnostic techniques vary in their specificity and sensitivity for HEV detection. Direct techniques allow for detection of the viral proteins, antigens and viral nucleic acid, while HEV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies can help establish a diagnosis in acute and chronic infections. In this review, we will discuss recent technologies in the laboratory diagnosis of HEV, including serological and molecular methods to assess the specificity and sensitivity of currently available HEV commercial assays.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018,

title = {Ecotoxicological assessment of Ti 3 C 2 T x (MXene) using a zebrafish embryo model},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Maha Al-Asmakh and Kashif Rasool and Khaled A Mahmoud},

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/EN/C7EN01239J#!divAbstract},

doi = {10.1039/C7EN01239J},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-28},

journal = {Environmental Science: Nano},

publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry},

abstract = {The recent application of 2D Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanomaterials as adsorbents and membranes for water treatment as well as for biomedical applications is attracting a growing interest. However, the environmental impact of MXene nanomaterials, especially their potential risks on aquatic biota and ecosystems of the aquatic environment, has never been explored. Herein, we have studied the biocompatibility of Ti3C2Tx by analyzing its potential toxicity in vivo using a zebrafish embryo model. Ti3C2Tx morphology, surface charge, and stability were characterized by SEM, TEM, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The aggregation patterns of Ti3C2Tx suspensions in seawater were investigated. The ICP-MS results showed that the zebrafish embryos can uptake Ti3C2Tx in a dose dependent manner. The acute toxicity of attached/absorbed Ti3C2Tx was tested at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg mL−1. According to the 96-hour sigmoidal mortality curve, the LC50 of Ti3C2Tx was calculated to be 257.46 μg mL−1 and the highest NOEC (<20% mortality) was 50 μg mL−1. The LOEC (≥20% mortality) of Ti3C2Tx was detected to be 100 μg mL−1, as this concentration showed a slight increase in mortality (21%). However, no significant teratogenic effects were observed on zebrafish embryos at 100 μg mL−1. This nontoxicity was confirmed by locomotion and neurotoxicity assays, as 50 μg mL−1 of Ti3C2Tx showed no harmful effects on neuromuscular activities. In conclusion, because the LC50 of Ti3C2Tx was greater than 100 μg mL−1, it can be classified as within the “practically nontoxic” group according to the Acute Toxicity Rating Scale by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); thus, we suggest the safe use and discharge of Ti3C2Tx MXene in the aquatic ecosystem at concentrations below 100 μg mL−1.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018d,

title = {“Green” ZnO-Interlinked Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Efficient Inhibition of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Inject Seawater},

author = {Gheyath Nasrallah and Younes Nadin and Kashif Rasool and Ravi Pandey and P Abdul Rasheed and Khaled Mahmoud},

url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b04248},

doi = {10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b04248},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-09},

journal = {ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering},

publisher = {American Chemical Society},

abstract = {Antimicrobial agents and corrosion inhibitors are widely used as biocides in the oil and gas industry to disinfect water and inhibit excessive biofilm formation caused mainly by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRBs). However, traditional biocides may induce bacterial resistance and/or be detrimental to environment by forming harmful disinfection byproducts. In this first systematic study, we synthesized a “green” and highly stable biocide formulations composed of ZnO-interlinked chitosan (Ch) nanoparticles (CZNCs) and evaluated their antimicrobial activity against mixed SRBs culture isolated from real oil field sludge. SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR suggested the formation of stable nanocomposites with strong interaction between ZnO and Ch nanoparticles. Synthesized nanocomposites showed highly stable behaviors in the high salt concentrations of inject seawater. The inhibition of SRBs activity was concentration-dependent and more than 73% and 43% inhibition of sulfate reduction and total organic carbon (TOC) removal, respectively, was observed at 250 μg/mL CZNCs at 10% initial ZnO loading. Biocompatibility and environmental impact of the nanocomposite was evaluated by analyzing their potential toxicity in vivo using the zebrafish embryos. Neither mortality nor teratogenic effects were observed on zebrafish embryos using the acute toxicity assay. The hypothetical LC50 for the CZNCs was much higher than 250 μg/mL. It is expected that the new nanocomposite can contribute to the development of “green” biocides for oil/gas industries that will be eco-friendly and will have no adverse impact on the environment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018c,

title = {Zebrafish larvae as a model to demonstrate secondary iron overload},

author = {Gheyath K Nasrallah and Nadin N Younes and Missbah H Baji and Amjad M Shraim and Ibrahim Mustafa},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejh.13035},

doi = {10.1111/ejh.13035},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-27},

journal = {European Journal of Haematology },

publisher = {Wiley online library},

abstract = {Thalassemia is the most common genetically inherited blood disorder arising from a defect in hemoglobin production, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and severe hemolytic anemia. While transfusion therapy corrects the anemia, it gives rise to secondary iron overload. Current iron chelation therapy performed using deferoxamine, and the efficiency of this drug was demonstrated here using the zebrafish animal model.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Nasrallah2018g,

title = {Adipose tissue dysfunction in cancer cachexia},

author = {Sahar I Daas Balsam R Rizeq Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30078199/},

doi = {doi.org/10.20900/immunometab20200032},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-05},

urldate = {2018-01-05},

journal = {Journal of Cellular Physiology},

abstract = {Cancer-associated cachexia is defined by systemic inflammation, bodyweight loss, adipose tissue remodeling, and muscle wasting. Interestingly, until nowadays, the etiology for this syndrome still unclear. It is well known that multiple factors can contribute to adipose tissue remodeling, and longitudinal studies show that adipose tissue is affected early in the course of this syndrome. During cancer cachexia, adipose tissue remodeling is associated with adipocyte atrophy, impairment of fatty acid turnover, inflammation, reorganization of the extracellular matrix, and increased thermogenic gene programming of adipose tissue. Another attractive pathway is the adipose tissue lipolysis, which is the catabolic process that is leading to the breakdown of triglycerides stored in adipocytes and the release of fatty acids and glycerol. This pathway is highly involved in the adipose tissue wasting during cancer cachexia. Whole-body deletion of the genes that encode the lipolytic enzymes attenuates the effects of the syndrome on the reduction of body fat and muscle mass. These sets of changes, in addition to metabolites derived from this process, may be the initial trigger of the sequence of events that result in the remodeling and consequent dysfunction of adipose tissue during cancer cachexia. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the main morpho-functional events that are resulting in adipose tissue remodeling in the context of cancer-associated cachexia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{AbuOdeh2017,

title = {First study in Qatar to reveal high Legionella counts in cooling towers.},

author = {Raed O AbuOdeh and Hassan A Aziz and Houda Moussa and Samah Hussien and Tameem Hadwan and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://applications.emro.who.int/EMHJ/v23/10/EMHJ_2017_23_10_703_707.pdf},

doi = {10.26719/2017.23.10.703.},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-12-01},

journal = {Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal },

publisher = {World Health Organization},

abstract = {Legionella spp. is transmitted from water to humans by aerosol-generating devices, including cooling towers (CTs). There have not been published reports about Legionella in these systems in Qatar. Ten CTs in Qatar University were sampled on a monthly basis. Bacteria were recovered from 90 water samples by filtration and concentration. Legionella DNA copy number (CN) was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Legionella DNA was detected in 100% of the samples. The bacterial counts ranged from 0.006 to 199.56 CFU/mL, and critical counts were found in 51 (56.7 %) samples. Moreover, 7 (7.8%) samples showed a count of more than 100 CFU/mL. The highest counts were found in the months of May and June. These results suggest that this organism is found in high number in tested CTs, presenting a potential health risk to the local population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Al‐Sadeq2017,

title = {Seroprevalence and incidence of hepatitis E virus among blood donors: a review},

author = {Duaa W Al‐Sadeq and Amin F Majdalawieh and Gheyath K Nasrallah},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/rmv.1937},

doi = {10.1002/rmv.1937},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-09-16},

journal = {Reviews in Medical Virology},

publisher = {Wiley online library},

abstract = {Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus with 4 main genotypes. HEV‐1 and HEV‐2 infect solely humans, while HEV‐3 and HEV‐4 infect humans and various animals such as pigs, deer, and rabbits. HEV‐5 and HEV‐6 infect mainly wild boar. Recently, new genotypes, known as HEV‐7 and HEV‐8, were found to infect camels and humans. HEV is globally distributed into different epidemiological patterns based on socioeconomic factors and ecology. Although HEV is mainly transmitted through the fecal‐oral route, it was also recognized as a transfusion‐transmitted virus. Transmission through blood donation was documented worldwide with rising annual observations, accounting for more than 2.5% of all transmissions. HEV infection is usually asymptomatic or subclinical in immunocompetent individuals, so it remains questionable whether there is an urgent need to screen for HEV prior to blood transfusion. Moreover, recent studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region indicate that HEV is highly endemic. Here, we provide a review on HEV epidemiology, transmission, and laboratory diagnosis, giving special emphasis to the newly discovered genotypes, HEV‐7 and HEV‐8. Furthermore, we underscore the findings of recent HEV seroprevalence and viremia studies among blood donors worldwide. We also shed light on similar studies performed among blood donors in the MENA region.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}