NATURAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

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Performance Evaluation: Comparing Different Reagents for Calcium Level Measurement in Human Serum
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Aya Dajani; Dawod AlQadi; Deema Yaghmour; Sima Wari; Taleen Abu Gharbieh
Background: Calcium is a fundamental mineral in the human body, crucial for various physiological processes, especially in bones and muscles. Accurate measurement of calcium levels is essential for diagnosing and monitoring numerous medical conditions. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance of seven calcium measuring kits utilizing two different methodologies, Arsenazo-III and orthoCresolphthalein-complexone (o-CPC), using ELITROL-I human serumbased control material.
Antibiotic Resistance in Childhood Urinary Tract Infection in Palestine
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Shams Owdetallah; Esra Alhelale; Deema Zboun; Sara Alkhatib; Ibrahim Ghannam
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, with increasing antibiotic resistance posing a significant healthcare challenge. Current data on resistance patterns in Palestinian children is limited, hampering effective empirical treatment strategies.
Improving Soil with Biopolymer Hydrogel: Better Soil Quality and Water Retention
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Qais al Amri; Maathir Al-Shaqsi; Afrah Al-Shukaili
This study focuses on the development and evaluation of biodegradable polymer hydrogels to enhance soil quality, water retention, and irrigation efficiency in arid regions such as Oman. Three novel hydrogels were formulated using sodium alginate derived from brown seaweed: one with pure alginate, the second enriched with an extract from a local aromatic plant, and the third incorpo biochar rating powder. These were compared against a Russian hydrogel and a Saudi commercial hydrogel. Laboratory analyses included water absorption, thermal stability (TGA), functional group characterization (FTIR), soil pH and EC measurements, and microbial compatibility. Soil moisture retention was evaluated using pressure plate extractions at six pressure levels (0.5 to 15 bars), both with and without soil, followed by RETC modeling. A pot experiment simulated realistic conditions, with sealed pots irrigated from below to assess capillary rise and CO₂ emissions using the SKY8000-M4-X gas analyzer.
Investigating The Regulation of MIR503HG and POT1-AS1 Expression in Breast Cancer Cells by Microenvironmental Cues: Hypoxia, Oxidative Stress, Serum Starvation, and HGF
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Aseel Raqaban
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as key regulators within the tumor microenvironment, particularly in how cancer cells adapt to stressful conditions such as hypoxia, starvation, and oxidative stress through transcriptional reprogramming. However, the expression patterns of many lncRNAs, including MIR503HG isoform 2 and POT1-AS1, remain poorly understood under these conditions. This study aimed to investigate the expression of these two lncRNAs in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells exposed to serum starvation, H2O2-induced oxidative stress, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulation, and hypoxia. A semi-quantitative PCR approach was used, followed by gel electrophoresis and densitometric analysis using ImageJ software to quantify band intensities.
The Impact of Online Learning on the Physical, Mental, and Academic Well-Being of University Students during the 2023 – 2024 War in Palestine
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Saja Alkhatib; Shahd Abu Sneineh; Razan Mansour; Roa’a Khalil; Baraa Al-Shwaiki; Ibrahim Ghannam
Background: The 2023–2024 war in Palestine forced university students to shift to online learning, imposing unprecedented challenges that affected their physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. This study explores these impacts and examines how adaptability and institutional support influenced outcomes.
Upregulation of MIR4500HG003 LncRNA Expression in Response to Hypoxia, HGF, and Serum Starvation in the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Sadeen Jawabreh
Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) representing one of its most aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtypes. TNBC lacks expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2, eliminating the possibility of targeted hormonal therapies. As a result, it is associated with a high rate of early metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. Emerging research has identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key regulators of tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. One such lncRNA, MIR4500HG003, was recently reported to promote TNBC metastasis via the miR-483-3p/MMP9 axis, yet this is the only study that has investigated it to date. Beyond this single publication, nothing is known about how MIR4500HG003 is regulated in response to tumor microenvironmental stressors, which are critical for metastatic adaptation.
Data-Driven Insights on the Effectiveness of Cloud Seeding in Oman
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Ahmad Al-Ghafri
Oman, one of the most water-scarce countries, experiences an arid desert climate with limited rainfall. This study investigates the impact of cloud seeding on increasing rainfall during the summers of 2015, 2016, and 2017, using data-driven analysis. Datasets provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), along with data from weather stations and other sources, were thoroughly analyzed to assess the effects of cloud seeding.
Identification of Antinuclear Antibodies' Epitopes to be Used in Serodiagnostic Purposes Using M13 Phage Display Libraries
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Renal Abu Dhair; Ibrahim Abbasi
Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are specific autoantibodies that target components of the cell nucleus, including DNA, RNA, histones, and other proteins. They serve as well-established serological markers in various systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) and play a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment strategies. While molecular diagnostic techniques are highly sensitive and specific, but highly expensive, serodiagnostic approaches remain widely used for ANA detection. This study employed a phage display library, a serological approach, to identify specific ANA epitopes using human serum samples positive for ANAs. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the phage sequences, and the results were validated using an ELISA test. Three main epitopes, including “CLRCGR”, “VLRVR,” and “RLMVL” were identified as specific epitopes against ANAs, highlighting their potential utility in developing more efficient and targeted serodiagnostic tests for autoimmune diseases. These findings could contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
Automated Wildlife Species Detection and Classification in Oman’s Natural Reserves Using Few-Shot Learning
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Ethar Tamimi; Malak Abdul Hamid Al Hinai; Iman Said Al Hajri; Abdelhamid Abdessalem
Background: Wildlife monitoring is a critical component of biodiversity conservation, especially in regions like Oman, where ecological challenges and human-induced threats endanger various species. Camera traps have become invaluable tools for capturing wildlife activity, producing large volumes of image data over time. However, manually analyzing these images is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. Accurate species detection and recognition are essential for informing effective conservation strategies, yet traditional methods of reviewing images present limitations.
Biochar Mitigation of Phosphorus Leaching from Agricultural Soils and Reduction of Nutrient Pollution of Aquifers
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Hamood Al-Hajri; Qais Al-Amri; Rawan Al-Jamudi; Fatma Al-Kashri; Ruqia Al-Sarihi; Daniel Blackburn
Phosphorus (P) leaching from agricultural soils is a growing environmental concern in Oman, particularly in the Al Batinah region where sandy soils and heavy fertilizer use have led to elevated phosphorus levels near palm farms. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of iron-enriched biochar, produced from locally sourced palm tree waste through pyrolysis at 600 °C—in reducing phosphorus mobility and leaching in sandy soils.
Next Generation Sequencing-Based Assay for Oral HPV Screening and Genotyping in Healthy Patients from Dental Clinics in the West Bank, Palestine
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Bisan Safi; Abed Nasereddin
Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant contributor to oropharyngeal cancers globally. In Palestine, however, research on oral HPV prevalence and genotype distribution remains virtually absent, with no national HPV database or vaccination programs targeting HPV. This study pioneers the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate oral HPV epidemiology in a healthy Palestinian population, aiming to establish local and global epidemiological data and data to support public health strategies.
QUDS_ARS-III: A Novel Diagnostic Kit for Calcium Level Quantification in Human Serum
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Bisan Katbeh; Razan Sa'd; Rawan Mali; Dania Radaydeh; Karam Zagharneh; Mohammad Qabajah
Background: Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body, necessitating accurate and reliable methods for its quantification in clinical settings. Various techniques for measuring serum calcium are available, including the colorimetric method employing Arsenazo-III. This study aimed to develop a diagnostic assay utilizing Arsenazo-III for calcium quantification in human serum.
Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Enzymes Effects of Terfezia Arenaria from Palestine
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Ayat Abu Qaddum; Sawsan salameh; Mohand Qurie
Background: Terfezia arenaria is a species of desert truffle belonging to the Terfeziaceae family. Desert truffles typically grow in dry and semi-arid regions, including Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Palestine, and are generally classified as Terfezia or Tirmania. Beyond their unique aromatic properties, desert truffles are recognized for their nutritional and medicinal value. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, lipids, and amino acids (Wang and Marcone, 2011). Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, ergosterol, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and polysaccharides. Among these, flavonoids are particularly valuable due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anticancer properties. Unlike edible mushrooms, truffles can produce these metabolites naturally. Several studies have reported their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Regardless of species, desert truffles are highly valued both locally and internationally as luxury food items (Harir et al., 2019).
Prevalence, Attitudes, and Self-Reported Diagnosis of ADHD Among University Students on Campus: “a cross-sectional study”
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Lama Qaimari; Linda Darabee; Maisa Nabulsi
Attention Deficit Hyperreactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a behavioral pattern that affects multiple areas of life (e.g. home, school, work and social patterns) and is characterized by two main categories of symptoms: inattention (e.g. difficulty focusing or organizing) and hyperreactivity/ impulsivity (e.g. excessive talking and restlessness). American Psychiatric Association. (2013) For adult ADHD diagnosis, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is the official method used by the World Health Organization (WHO). ASRS includes 18 items of the DSM symptoms of ADHD. Other scales are also used for diagnosing adults with ADHD, such as: Clinician-Rated Scale “The Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale”, and Self Report Scales “Copeland Symptom Checklist, Wender Utah Rating Scale, and Brown Adult ADHD Scale”.
Exploring Stress Conditions Modulating the Expression of the Oncogenic LncRNA LINC01977 in Breast Cancer Cell Line
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Hala Abu Hilal
LncRNAs play an important role in accommodating cancer growth and tumorigenesis. Thousands of LncRNA have been discovered in the past decade, many of them play critical roles in human diseases, including cancer, and the majority of them remain poorly uncharacterized. LINC01977 is a long noncoding RNA recently implicated in several cancers. It is considered an oncogenic lncRNA with highlighted roles in previous literature, from promoting breast cancer chemoresistance to increasing aerobic glycolytic capacities of colorectal cancer cells. In an attempt to analyse LINC01977 behaviour under conditions seen in cancer, we have tested LINC01977 expression under normal and hypoxic environments, under oxidative stress from H2O2, HGF supplementation, and under serum-starved conditions. Our results were the first to identify an overexpression in LINC01977 that is caused by both conditions: HGF treatment and serum starvation. Our results also indicate the lack of LINC01977 modulation under hypoxia and H2O2 stress. These novel findings highlight the importance of further investigating the possibility of LINC01977’s metastatic potential being tethered to HGF presence and serum starvation.
SNP on Interleukin-10 Promoter Associated with Schizophrenia, not Bipolar Disorder & C/An Predict Symptom Susceptibility
(Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University, 2025-06-01) Yasmin Attili; Imad Matouk; Rasmi Abu Helo
Importance: The pathophysiological mechanisms of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders are not yet understood. Seeing as they occur in 1% and 4% of adults, respectively, recognition and targeted treatment are paramount. The rate of misdiagnosis between the two disorders is alarmingly significant and directly affects the appropriateness of treatment.

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