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Sinclair Steele
- Associate Professor
- Ext: 5342
Dr. Sinclair Steele is a distinguished medical professional with a BA in Biochemistry from Oxford University, a BA in Physiological Sciences from Cambridge University, and a DPhil in Biochemistry from Oxford. He also holds a BM BCh in Clinical Medicine from Oxford University and MRCPath Pt 1 certification. Dr. Steele is the author of several notable publications, including FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (2011), Steele’s Guide to Scientific, Technical, and Medical English (2011), Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (2012), and Short Answer Questions for Preclinical Phase Final Examinations (2014). His work in medical education and pharmacology has earned him wide recognition. Dr Steele is currently an Associate Professor and the lead Pathologist in the Pathological Sciences Department at AUCOM.
Education
- CELTA (EFL), University of Cambridge, UK, 2015.
- MRCPath Pt. 1 (Pathology), Royal College of Pathologists, UK, 2006.
- BM BCh (Clinical Medicine), Oxford University, UK, 1998.
- DPhil (Biochemistry), Oxford University, UK, 1995.
- BA in Physiological Sciences/Preclinical Medicine, Cambridge University, UK, 1992.
- BA in Biochemistry, Oxford University, UK, 1988.
CELTA (EFL), University of Cambridge, UK, 2015.
MRCPath Pt. 1 (Pathology), Royal College of Pathologists, UK, 2006.
BM BCh (Clinical Medicine), Oxford University, UK, 1998.
DPhil (Biochemistry), Oxford University, UK, 1995.
BA in Physiological Sciences/Preclinical Medicine, Cambridge University, UK, 1992.
BA in Biochemistry, Oxford University, UK, 1988.
Experience
- Deputy Cluster Manager and Director of the Curriculum Development Unit (Science and Maths), English, Ministry of Education, UAE, 2017–2019.
- Associate Professor of Pathology and Biochemistry, Preclinical, British College of Osteopathic Medicine, UK, 2012–2013.
- Clinical Education Fellow, Medical Education, Warwick University, UK, 2009–2012.
- Associate Professor in Pathology and Biochemistry, Medical Education, UK, 2010–Present.
- Specialist Registrar in Histopathology, Pathology, Nottingham University Teaching Hospitals, UK, 2000–2009.
- Senior House Officer in Pathology, Sheffield University Teaching Hospitals, UK, 1999–2000.
- Pre-registration House Officer (PRHO), Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, 1998–1999.
- Demonstrator in Biochemistry, Oxford University, UK, 1992–1995.
- Chemistry Tutor, Science, D’Overbroeck’s and Cherwell Tutorial Colleges, Oxford, UK, 1988–1990.
Deputy Cluster Manager and Director of the Curriculum Development Unit (Science and Maths), English, Ministry of Education, UAE, 2017–2019.
Associate Professor of Pathology and Biochemistry, Preclinical, British College of Osteopathic Medicine, UK, 2012–2013.
Clinical Education Fellow, Medical Education, Warwick University, UK, 2009–2012.
Associate Professor in Pathology and Biochemistry, Medical Education, UK, 2010–Present.
Specialist Registrar in Histopathology, Pathology, Nottingham University Teaching Hospitals, UK, 2000–2009.
Senior House Officer in Pathology, Sheffield University Teaching Hospitals, UK, 1999–2000.
Pre-registration House Officer (PRHO), Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, 1998–1999.
Demonstrator in Biochemistry, Oxford University, UK, 1992–1995.
Chemistry Tutor, Science, D’Overbroeck’s and Cherwell Tutorial Colleges, Oxford, UK, 1988–1990.
Teaching Area
- Pathology (College of Medicine)
- Biochemistry (Pre-clinical Basic Science)
- Medical English
Pathology (College of Medicine)
Biochemistry (Pre-clinical Basic Science)
Medical English
Research
- Pathology Consultant Distinction award holders are from four UK universities.
- Response to local anaesthetic injection as a predictor of success in hip surgery.
- Do certain medical schools produce a significantly higher proportion of 'Leaders in Medicine' than others?
- Regulation of Total Creatine Content in a Myoblast Cell Line.
- Assessment of mitochondrial function and control in normal and diseased states.
- A review of creatine transport.
- Control of intracellular creatine concentration in a mouse myoblast cell line.
- Characterization of peptide fluxes into human erythrocytes: A proton NMR study.
- Measurement of peptide transport using proton NMR spectroscopy.
Pathology Consultant Distinction award holders are from four UK universities.
Response to local anaesthetic injection as a predictor of success in hip surgery.
Do certain medical schools produce a significantly higher proportion of 'Leaders in Medicine' than others?
Regulation of Total Creatine Content in a Myoblast Cell Line.
Assessment of mitochondrial function and control in normal and diseased states.
A review of creatine transport.
Control of intracellular creatine concentration in a mouse myoblast cell line.
Characterization of peptide fluxes into human erythrocytes: A proton NMR study.
Measurement of peptide transport using proton NMR spectroscopy.
Publications
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FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Mock Paper 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018).
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FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Mock Paper 1. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018).
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EmSAT English Achieve (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018). First edition.
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EmSAT English Achieve. By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018). First edition.
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Short Answer Questions for Preclinical Phase Final Examinations. By Dr S Steele, Mr J Harding and Dr S O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2014).
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Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2012).
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Viva Voce Examination in Undergraduate Medicine; 1000 questions. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
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FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
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Steele’s guide to Scientific, Technical and Medical English. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
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Dermatopathology. Sinclair Steele, Journal of Pathology (2002); 198: 415.
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Pathology Consultant Distinction award holders come from four UK universities. Sinclair Steele, ACP News, Autumn 2001: 37-39
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null, Abstract from (13) was presented at the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology in Bled Slovenia on 30/11/98; and was published in the European Journal of Radiology.
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Response to local anaesthetic injection as a predictor of successful hip surgery. (Sinclair Steele), Georgina Allen and David Wilson. Clinical Radiology (1999); 54: 430 - 433
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Do any medical schools produce a significantly higher proportion of "Leaders in Medicine" than others. (Sinclair Steele), Samir Mehta, Alison Blakeley, Kate Pike, Rachel Beck, Christopher Bulstrode. Abstract from the Oxford Medical School GMC Inspection Committee 1997.
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Prize Duodenum. (Steele, S). Oxford Medical School Gazette (1997); XLVII (1): 30-31
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The regulation of total creatine content in a myoblast cell line. (Steele S.), Kemp G.J. and Radda G.K. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (1996); 158: 179-188.
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Assessment of mitochondrial function and control in normal and diseased states. By Radda, G.K., (Steele, S.), Kemp, G.J., Taylor, D.J., Thompson, C. And Styles, P. Proceedings of the Nobel Symposium, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1995; 1271(1): 15-19
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A review of creatine transport. By (Sinclair Steele) from Experimental Observations of Creatine and Creatine Phosphate Metabolism. Joseph F. Clark, (Sinclair Steele), Irene Tracey, Jeff Dunn, Ernie A. Boehm, Giovanni Paternostro and George K. Radda in Creatine and Creatine phosphate; Scientific and Clinical Perspectives ed. Michael A. Conway MD and Joseph F. Clark PhD ATC Published by Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Co. pp33-50 (1996).
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Control of intracellular creatine concentration in a mouse myoblast cell line. (Steele S), Kemp G.J. and Radda G.K. Biochemistry Society Transactions (1993); 21: 441S
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Characterization of peptide fluxes into human erythrocytes. A proton NMR study. (Sinclair Steele), Iain D. Campbell and Glenn F. King. Biochemical Journal (1990); 267: 141-147
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Measurement of peptide transport using proton NMR spectroscopy. (Sinclair Steele), Iain D. Campbell, Glenn F. King. Biochemistry Society Transactions (1989); 16(4): 635
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Book ChapterDr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021)., EmSAT Chemistry Achieve, Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 978-0956644381
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Book ChapterDr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021). First Edition, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve (eBook), Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9780956644398
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Book ChapterDr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT English Achieve (Global version). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021). First edition., EmSAT English Achieve (Global Version), Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 978-1739852207
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Book ChapterDr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT English Achieve (Global version) (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., EmSAT English Achieve (Global Version) eBook, Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852238
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Book ChapterDr S. Steele Dr S. O'Connor, FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Chapters 1 and 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022)., FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Chapters 1 and 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022)., Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852214
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Book ChapterDr S Steele, Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (eBook). By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (eBook). By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852221
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JournalA national analysis of the medical schools of training for merit award-winning laboratory medical doctors working in Britain, BMC Medical Education, Apr 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04161-z
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JournalS. Steele, G. Andrade & N. Sambandan , Medical school origins of award-winning surgeons; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, May 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04362-6
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JournalIbrahim El-Serafi and Sinclair Steele, Cyclophosphamide Pharmacogenomic Variation in Cancer Treatment and Its Effect on Bioactivation and Pharmacokinetics, Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jun 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4862706
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JournalYehia S. Mohamed, Anastasiya Spaska, Gabriel Andrade, Mohamed A. Baraka, Hafiz Ahmad, Sinclair Steele, Eman Y. Abu-rish, Eiman Mohamed Nasor, Kowthar Forsat, Hajar Jamal, Ibrahim Bani, Debadatta Panigrahi, Hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice before, during and post COVID-19: a cross-sectional study among university students in the United Arab Emirates, Infection Prevention in Practice, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infpip.2024.100361
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JournalSinclair Steele1, Abdulaziz Shalaby, Mustafa Khafaja and Gabriel Andrade, Medical school origins of award-winning anaesthetists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Aug 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05873-6
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JournalSinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade, Marwah Abdulkader and Yehia Mohamed, Medical school origins of award-winning pathologists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Jul 2024, doi: 4:814 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05790-8
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JournalSinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade, Nisha Shantakumari and Debadatta Panigrahi, Medical school origins of award-winning physicians; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05200-z
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JournalSinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade and Jigna Stott, Medical school origins of award‑winning psychiatrists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05135-5
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JournalAmine Bahi and Sinclair Steele, Novel Roles for Urokinase- and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activators in the Pathogenesis of Mood Disorders, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Jul 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146899
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JournalSinclair Steele, Niranjan Nayak, Yehia Mohamed, Debadatta Panigrahi1, The Generation and Use of Medical MCQs: A Narrative Review, Advances in Medical Education and Practice, Aug 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S513119
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JournalAbdelazeem M. Algammal, Mahmoud Mabrok, Bian K. Almessiry, Banan Atwah, Amenah S. Al-otaibi, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Mohamed Enany, Geraldine B. Dayrit, Fatma M. Yousseff and Marwa E. Abo Hashem, Unraveling the pathogenic potential, virulence traits, and antibiotic resistance genes of multidrug-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae strains retrieved from Nile tilapia, BMC Microbiology, Oct 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04405-6
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JournalManar T. El-Morsy, Nadine M. Askar, Ali Emad Khurkhash, Nagm Al-Din Mahrous, Yusuf Ahmed Elberry 4, Mohamed Ramadan Sayed, Norhan Ashraf Ahmed, Rowayda A. Ahmed, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Ahmad Ahmeda, Rudaynah Mohamed and Doaa S. R. Khafaga , Nanozymes as Emerging Therapeutics for Asthma: A Redox-Responsive and Immunomodulatory Strategy, Biomedicines, May 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051107
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JournalSinclair Steele, Pedzisai Mazengenya and Ramadhani Chambuso, Pathology-derived clinical micro-architectural diagnostics of tumour-microbiome interactions in colorectal cancer, Journal of Translational Medicine, Jul 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-026-08426-1
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JournalRamadhani Salum Chambuso, Md Shohel Ul Islam, Rosa M Xicola, Raj Ramesar, Xavier Llor, Sinclair Steele, Unique circulating miRNAome signatures captured with distinct molecular states in Lynch syndrome and sporadic colorectal cancer, Molecular Oncology, Jul 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.70338
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JournalAmine Bahi and Sinclair Steele, Novel Roles of Urokinase- and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activators in Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Aug 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167401
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JournalMahmoud Mabrok, Abdelazeem M. Algammal, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Marfat Alatawy, Asma Massad Alenzi, Amenah S. Al-otaibi, Abdulaziz M. Almuzaini, Muhammad Fadhlullah Mursalim8 Geraldine B. Dayrit & Marwa E. Abo Hashem, Pathogenic potential of MDR Enterococcus faecalis in tilapia and mullet with insight into virulence traits, antibiotic resistance genes, and multidrug resistance patterns, Scientific Reports, Sep 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-69570-8
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JournalYehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Doaa S. R. Khafaga, Youssef Basem, Arwa M. Shawky, Youssef G. Mostafa and Samar M. Solyman, Integrated Algal Bioenergy Platforms: Advances in Microbial Fuel Cell Integration and Nanotechnology-Enabled Biorefineries, Nanomaterials, Sep 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16181182
FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Mock Paper 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018).
FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Mock Paper 1. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018).
EmSAT English Achieve (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018). First edition.
EmSAT English Achieve. By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2018). First edition.
Short Answer Questions for Preclinical Phase Final Examinations. By Dr S Steele, Mr J Harding and Dr S O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2014).
Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2012).
Viva Voce Examination in Undergraduate Medicine; 1000 questions. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
Steele’s guide to Scientific, Technical and Medical English. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2011).
Dermatopathology. Sinclair Steele, Journal of Pathology (2002); 198: 415.
Pathology Consultant Distinction award holders come from four UK universities. Sinclair Steele, ACP News, Autumn 2001: 37-39
null, Abstract from (13) was presented at the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology in Bled Slovenia on 30/11/98; and was published in the European Journal of Radiology.
null
About the journal
Response to local anaesthetic injection as a predictor of successful hip surgery. (Sinclair Steele), Georgina Allen and David Wilson. Clinical Radiology (1999); 54: 430 - 433
Do any medical schools produce a significantly higher proportion of "Leaders in Medicine" than others. (Sinclair Steele), Samir Mehta, Alison Blakeley, Kate Pike, Rachel Beck, Christopher Bulstrode. Abstract from the Oxford Medical School GMC Inspection Committee 1997.
Prize Duodenum. (Steele, S). Oxford Medical School Gazette (1997); XLVII (1): 30-31
The regulation of total creatine content in a myoblast cell line. (Steele S.), Kemp G.J. and Radda G.K. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (1996); 158: 179-188.
Assessment of mitochondrial function and control in normal and diseased states. By Radda, G.K., (Steele, S.), Kemp, G.J., Taylor, D.J., Thompson, C. And Styles, P. Proceedings of the Nobel Symposium, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1995; 1271(1): 15-19
A review of creatine transport. By (Sinclair Steele) from Experimental Observations of Creatine and Creatine Phosphate Metabolism. Joseph F. Clark, (Sinclair Steele), Irene Tracey, Jeff Dunn, Ernie A. Boehm, Giovanni Paternostro and George K. Radda in Creatine and Creatine phosphate; Scientific and Clinical Perspectives ed. Michael A. Conway MD and Joseph F. Clark PhD ATC Published by Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Co. pp33-50 (1996).
Control of intracellular creatine concentration in a mouse myoblast cell line. (Steele S), Kemp G.J. and Radda G.K. Biochemistry Society Transactions (1993); 21: 441S
Characterization of peptide fluxes into human erythrocytes. A proton NMR study. (Sinclair Steele), Iain D. Campbell and Glenn F. King. Biochemical Journal (1990); 267: 141-147
Measurement of peptide transport using proton NMR spectroscopy. (Sinclair Steele), Iain D. Campbell, Glenn F. King. Biochemistry Society Transactions (1989); 16(4): 635
Dr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve. By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021)., EmSAT Chemistry Achieve, Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 978-0956644381
This is a book written by the author to assist students preparing for the EmSAT Chemistry Achieve examination. Accordingly, it contains multiple choice questions and answers for the EmSAT Chemistry Achieve exam.
About the journal
Dr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021). First Edition, EmSAT Chemistry Achieve (eBook), Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9780956644398
First two chapters of EmSAT Chemistry Achieve (hardcopy) as an eBook.
About the journal
Dr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT English Achieve (Global version). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2021). First edition., EmSAT English Achieve (Global Version), Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 978-1739852207
Practice questions, answers and explanations for the EmSAT English Achieve exam.
About the journal
Dr Sinclair Steele, EmSAT English Achieve (Global version) (eBook). By Dr Sinclair Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., EmSAT English Achieve (Global Version) eBook, Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852238
First two chapters of EmSAT English Achieve (Global version) as an eBook.
About the journal
Dr S. Steele Dr S. O'Connor, FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Chapters 1 and 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022)., FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide (eBook) Chapters 1 and 2. By Dr S. Steele and Dr S. O’Connor. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022)., Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852214
First two chapters of the FRCPath Part 1: Examination Preparation Guide hardcopy, as an eBook.
About the journal
Dr S Steele, Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (eBook). By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (eBook). By Dr S. Steele. Published by Academic Medical Press (2022). First edition., Academic Medical Press, ISBN: 9781739852221
First two chapters of hardcopy Revising Basic and Clinical Pharmacology as an eBook
About the journal
A national analysis of the medical schools of training for merit award-winning laboratory medical doctors working in Britain, BMC Medical Education, Apr 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04161-z
About the journal
S. Steele, G. Andrade & N. Sambandan , Medical school origins of award-winning surgeons; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, May 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04362-6
Abstract Background Britain attracts doctors from all over the world to work in the National Health Service. Elucidating the educational backgrounds of award-winning doctors working in the country is potentially an important medical education issue and merit award audit. Using the British clinical merit award schemes as outcome measures, we identify medical school origins of award-winning doctors who have been identified as having achieved national or international prominence. Methods The Clinical Excellence Awards/Distinction Awards schemes select doctors in Britain who are classified as high achievers, with categories for national prominence and above. We used this outcome measure in a quantitative observational analysis of the 2019 dataset of all 901 award-winning doctors. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used where appropriate. Results Seven medical schools (London university medical schools, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Oxford, Cambridge and Manchester) accounted for 52.7% of the surgical award-winning doctors in the 2019 round, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. Surgeons with the lower grade national awards came from a more diverse educational background of 43 medical schools. International medical graduates accounted for 16.1% of the award-winning surgeons and 9.8% of the award-winning non-surgeons. 87.1% of the surgical award-winners were from European medical schools, whereas 93.2% of the non-surgical award-winners were from European medical schools. Conclusions The majority of the award-winning surgeons originated from only seven, overrepresented, medical schools. A greater diversity of medical school origin existed for the lowest grade national merit awards. These comprised 43 medical schools and indicated greater globalization effects in this category. International medical graduates contributed substantially to these award holders; surgical award-winners were more likely to be international medical graduates (16.1%) than non-surgical award-winners (9.8%). This study not only indicates educational centres associated with the production of award-winners but also provides students with a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting medical schools.
About the journal
Ibrahim El-Serafi and Sinclair Steele, Cyclophosphamide Pharmacogenomic Variation in Cancer Treatment and Its Effect on Bioactivation and Pharmacokinetics, Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jun 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4862706
Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is a prodrug that is mainly bioactivated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 enzyme. Several other enzymes are also involved in its bioactivation and afect its kinetics. Previous studies have shown the efect of the enzymes’ genetic polymorphisms on Cy kinetics and its clinical outcome. Tese results were controversial primarily because of the involvement of several interacting enzymes in the Cy metabolic pathway, which can also be afected by several clinical factors as well as other drug interactions. In this review article, we present the efect of CYP2B6 polymorphisms on Cy kinetics since it is the main bioactivating enzyme, as well as discussing all previously reported enzymes and clinical factors that can alter Cy efcacy. Additionally, we present explanations for key Cy side efects related to the nature and site of its bioactivation. Finally, we discuss the role of busulphan in conditioning regimens in the Cy metabolic pathway as a clinical example of drug-drug interactions involving several enzymes. By the end of this article, our aim is to have provided a comprehensive summary of Cy pharmacogenomics and the efect on its kinetics. Te utility of these fndings in the development of new strategies for Cy personalized patient dose adjustment will aid in the future optimization of patient specifc Cy dosages and ultimately in improving clinical outcomes. In conclusion, CYP2B6 and several other enzyme polymorphisms can alter Cy kinetics and consequently the clinical outcomes. However, the precise quantifcation of Cy kinetics in any individual patient is complex as it is clearly under multifactorial genetic control. Additionally, other clinical factors such as the patient’s age, diagnosis, concomitant medications, and clinical status should also be considered.
About the journal
Yehia S. Mohamed, Anastasiya Spaska, Gabriel Andrade, Mohamed A. Baraka, Hafiz Ahmad, Sinclair Steele, Eman Y. Abu-rish, Eiman Mohamed Nasor, Kowthar Forsat, Hajar Jamal, Ibrahim Bani, Debadatta Panigrahi, Hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice before, during and post COVID-19: a cross-sectional study among university students in the United Arab Emirates, Infection Prevention in Practice, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infpip.2024.100361
Aims: Hand hygiene (HH) is an essential practice to evade the transmission of germs and minimize community-acquired infections. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HH and other health and safety measures before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. in university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, targeting university students from all disciplines and study levels. A 44- item questionnaire was used which included student demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of HH, as well as the anticipated risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Participants consented before commencing the questionnaire, and the col- lected data were analysed using the student’s t-test and ANOVA test, as required. Results: A total of 378 responses were received nationwide, with a valid response rate of 98%. The HH knowledge revealed an average score of 62%, which was significantly higher in students with moderate family income. Additionally, the average attitude score was 74.7%, as measured on the Likert scale, and the score lacked any correlation with the other variables. HH practice showed an average score of 86.8%, which was correlated with the students’ gender and field of study. Conclusions: This study showed a moderate level of knowledge, a good attitude, and good practice around HH and other safety measures among the UAE’s university students. Socioeconomic status, gender, and field of study influenced the study outcomes. This study highlights the need for effective awareness campaigns to reinforce students’ health and safety, especially for male and non-health science students, in order to protect against communicable diseases.
About the journal
Sinclair Steele1, Abdulaziz Shalaby, Mustafa Khafaja and Gabriel Andrade, Medical school origins of award-winning anaesthetists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Aug 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05873-6
Background The ultimate aim of medical education is to produce successful practitioners, which is a goal that edu- cators, students and stakeholders support. These groups consider success to comprise optimum patient care with consequently positive career progression. Accordingly, identification of the common educational features of such high-achieving doctors will facilitate the generation of clinical excellence amongst future medical trainees. In our study we source data from British clinical merit award schemes and subsequently identify the medical school origins of anaesthetists who have achieved at least national distinction. Methods Britain operates Distinction Award/Clinical Excellence Award schemes which honour National Health Service doctors in Scotland, Wales and England who are identified as high achievers. This quantitative observational study used these awards as an outcome measure in an analysis of the 2019–20 dataset of all 901 national award-win- ning doctors. Where appropriate, Pearson’s Chi-Square test was applied. Results The top five medical schools (London university medical schools, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Glas- gow) were responsible for 56.4% of the anaesthetist award-winners, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. 93.6% of the anaesthetist merit award-winners were from European medical schools. 8.06% of the anaes- thetist award-winners were international medical graduates compared with 11.5% non-anaesthetist award-winners being international medical graduates. Conclusions The majority of anaesthetists who were national merit award-winners originated from only five, appar- ently overrepresented, UK university medical schools. In contrast, there was a greater diversity of medical school origins among the lower grade national award-winners; tier 3 award-winners represented 20 different medical schools from three continents. As well as ranking educationally successful university medical schools, this study assists UK and international students, by providing a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting anaesthetist and non-anaesthetist medical education pathways that are more likely to fulfil their career ambitions.
About the journal
Sinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade, Marwah Abdulkader and Yehia Mohamed, Medical school origins of award-winning pathologists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Jul 2024, doi: 4:814 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05790-8
Background The ultimate aim of medical education is to produce successful practitioners, which is a goal that educators, students and stakeholders support. These groups consider success to comprise optimum patient care with consequently positive career progression. Accordingly, identification of the common educational features of such high-achieving doctors will facilitate the generation of clinical excellence amongst future medical trainees. In our study we source data from British clinical merit award schemes and subsequently identify the medical school origins of pathologists who have achieved at least national distinction. Methods Britain operates Distinction Award/Clinical Excellence Award schemes which honour National Health Service doctors in Scotland, Wales and England who are identified as high achievers. This quantitative observational study used these awards as an outcome measure in an analysis of the 2019-20 dataset of all 901 national award- winning doctors. Where appropriate, Pearson’s Chi-Square test was applied. Results The top five medical schools (London university medical schools, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge) were responsible for 60.4% of the pathologist award-winners, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. 96.4% of the pathologist merit award-winners were from European medical schools. 9.0% of the pathologist award-winners were international medical graduates in comparison with 11.4% of all 901 award-winners being international medical graduates. Conclusions The majority of pathologists who were national merit award-winners originated from only five, apparently overrepresented, UK university medical schools. In contrast, there was a greater diversity in medical school origin among the lower grade national award-winners; the largest number of international medical graduates were in these tier 3 awards (13.9%). As well as ranking educationally successful university medical schools, this study assists UK and international students, by providing a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting pathologist and non-pathologist medical education pathways that are more likely to fulfil their career ambitions.
About the journal
Sinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade, Nisha Shantakumari and Debadatta Panigrahi, Medical school origins of award-winning physicians; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05200-z
Background Educators and medical students share the same objective of achieving success in medical practice. Both groups consider doctors’ successes to include optimum patient care outcomes and positive career progressions. Accordingly, identifying common educational features of such high-achieving doctors facilitates the generation of excellence amongst future medical trainees. In this study we use data from the British clinical merit award schemes as outcome measures in order to identify medical school origins of doctors who have achieved national or international prominence. Methods Britain has Clinical Excellence Awards/Distinction Awards schemes that financially reward all National Health Service doctors in England, Scotland and Wales who are classified as high achievers. We used these outcome measures in a quantitative observational analysis of the 2019-20 dataset of all 901 national award-winning doctors. Where appropriate, Pearson’s Chi-Square test was applied. Results The top five medical schools (London university medical schools, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge) were responsible for 51.2% of the physician merit award-winners in the 2019-20 round, despite the dataset representing 85 medical schools. 91.4% of the physician merit award-winners were from European medical schools. The lowest national award-winners (tier 3) originated from 61 medical schools representing six continents. International medical graduates comprised 11.4% of all award-winners. Conclusions The majority of physicians who were national merit award-winners originated from only five, apparently overrepresented, UK university medical schools. In contrast, there was a greater diversity in medical school origin among the lower grade national merit awards; the largest number of international medical graduates were in these tier 3 awards (13.3%). As well as ranking educationally successful university medical schools, this study assists UK and international students, by providing a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting physician and non- physician medical education pathways that are more likely to fulfil their career ambitions.
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Sinclair Steele, Gabriel Andrade and Jigna Stott, Medical school origins of award‑winning psychiatrists; analysis of a complete national dataset, BMC Medical Education, Mar 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05135-5
Abstract Background Britain attracts doctors from all over the world to work in the National Health Service. Elucidating the educational backgrounds of award-winning doctors working in the country is potentially an important medi- cal education issue and a merit award audit. Using the British clinical merit award schemes as outcome measures, we identify medical school origins of award-winning doctors who have been identified as having achieved national or international prominence. Methods The Clinical Excellence Awards/Distinction Awards schemes select doctors in Britain who are classified as high achievers, with categories for national prominence and above. We used this outcome measure in a quan- titative observational analysis of the 2019–20 dataset of all 901 award-winning doctors. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used where appropriate. Results Five university medical schools (London university medical schools, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Cambridge) accounted for 59.1% of the psychiatrist award-winning doctors in the 2019 round, despite the data- set representing 85 medical schools. 84.1% of the psychiatrist award-winners were from European medical schools, compared to 92.1% of the non-psychiatrist award-winners. International medical graduates accounted for 22.7% of the award-winning psychiatrists. Psychiatrists with the lower grade national awards came from a more diverse edu- cational background of 17 medical schools. IMGs represented diverse medical schools from five continents and were most represented in the lowest grade of national merit awards at 24.2%. Conclusions The majority of the award-winning psychiatrists originated from only five medical schools. A greater diversity of medical school origin existed for the lowest grade national psychiatrist award-winners. International medi- cal graduates contributed substantially to these award-winners; psychiatrist award-winners were more likely to be international medical graduates (22.7%) than non-psychiatrist award-winners (10.8%). This study not only indicates educational centres associated with the production of award-winners but also provides students with a roadmap for rational decision making when selecting medical schools. Keywords Psychiatrists, Medical schools, Medical careers, Award-winners, Globalization, International Medical Graduates
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Amine Bahi and Sinclair Steele, Novel Roles for Urokinase- and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activators in the Pathogenesis of Mood Disorders, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Jul 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146899
Abstract This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between the plasminogen activator system (PAS), comprising urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depres- sion and anxiety. By synthesizing existing preclinical and clinical evidence, we clarify the roles of uPA and tPA in the pathogenesis and potential treatments of these conditions. This narrative review emphasizes their involvement in modulating neuronal plasticity, synaptic remodeling, and neurotransmitter systems, which are pivotal in maintaining brain function and behavior. Additionally, this review highlights key mechanisms by which these activators influence the neurobiological processes underlying mood and cognitive dysfunction. Critical analysis identifies areas of consensus, such as the role of plasminogen activators in neuroinflammation and stress responses, while also addressing gaps and con- troversies in the literature. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting the uPA/tPA system for innovative interventions. By offering a nuanced understanding of their contributions to mood disorders, this review aims to inspire future research toward developing novel, mechanism-based treatment strategies that harness the PAS’ capacity to restore neural homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Keywords: plasminogen activator system; neuronal plasticity; urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA); tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA); therapeutic strategies; mood disorders; depression
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Sinclair Steele, Niranjan Nayak, Yehia Mohamed, Debadatta Panigrahi1, The Generation and Use of Medical MCQs: A Narrative Review, Advances in Medical Education and Practice, Aug 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S513119
Abstract: The use of multiple-choice questions in medical assessments is ubiquitous and extends in breadth from undergraduate formative and summative assessments to postgraduate certifications and reaccreditations. Despite the clear importance of multiple- choice questions in medicine, in the last thirty years there has been no authoritative peer reviewed publication that reviews the overall generation and use of multiple-choice questions in medicine. Producing effective and useful medical multiple-choice questions is as much of an art form as it is a science - unfortunately, every new writer of such questions tends to rely on their own experiences of such questions and then travel along their individual and tortuous pathway to produce “acceptable” questions. Our review article provides practical guidance and information that will assist writers of medical multiple-choice questions. As well as extensively discussing common pitfalls, we provide a checklist that represents optimum practice in question generation. We directly compare examples of good and poor multiple-choice questions. We describe the metrics for measuring effective questions; specifically, the discrimination and difficulty indices. We discuss the optimum approach to training faculty to produce flawless multiple-choice questions. We describe the potential role and benefits of students in writing multiple-choice questions. We address the current and future effectiveness of the major artificial intelligence software brands in developing objectively functional multiple-choice questions. We continue to support the pragmatic use of MCQs in undergraduate and postgraduate medical training, with the caveat that ongoing training is made available to the creators in order to facilitate the production of the highest quality questions. Keywords: multiple-choice questions, difficulty index, discrimination index, problem-based question, undergraduate education, postgraduate education, summative assessment
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Abdelazeem M. Algammal, Mahmoud Mabrok, Bian K. Almessiry, Banan Atwah, Amenah S. Al-otaibi, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Mohamed Enany, Geraldine B. Dayrit, Fatma M. Yousseff and Marwa E. Abo Hashem, Unraveling the pathogenic potential, virulence traits, and antibiotic resistance genes of multidrug-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae strains retrieved from Nile tilapia, BMC Microbiology, Oct 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-025-04405-6
Abstract Background Streptococcus agalactiae is implicated in severe infections in humans and causes considerable financial losses in the aquaculture industry, particularly in tilapia farming. Given its dual threat to public health and food security, this study was conducted to comprehensively assess the prevalence, molecular identification, multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns, virulence traits, antimicrobial resistance genes, and pathogenic potential of S. agalactiae strains isolated from Oreochromis niloticus. Notably, this study highlights the detection of critical virulence genes (cfb, hylB, lmb, and cylE), which play essential roles in host invasion and immune evasion. In parallel, the presence of resistance determinants such as pbp1A, aac(6’)-aph(2’’), tetM or tetK, and ermB or ermA underscores the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments. Methods A total of 180 Oreochromis niloticus samples—comprising 90 apparently healthy and 90 moribund fish— were collected from private fish farms in Ismailia, Egypt. Clinical and postmortem (PM) examinations, along with bacteriological analysis, were subsequently performed. The recovered isolates were then subjected to molecular identification via 16 S rRNA gene amplification, antibiotic susceptibility testing via standard protocols, and PCR-based screening for key virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Results All recovered Streptococcus agalactiae isolates were confirmed by the presence of the species-specific 16 S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of S. agalactiae among the examined O. niloticus was 10% (18/180), with the brain identified as the primary target organ for infection. PCR analysis revealed that the most frequently detected virulence-associated genes among the isolates were cfb (100%), hylB (82.1%), lmb (78.5%), and cylE (57.1%). Additionally, 35.7% of the S. agalactiae isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to seven different antimicrobial classes and harbored resistance genes including pbp1A, aac(6’)-aph(2’’), tetM, and ermB. Another 17.8% of the isolates were MDR to six antimicrobial classes and carried the pbp1A, tetM, and ermA genes. Pathogenicity assays demonstrated a strong correlation between the presence of virulence genes and the observed mortality rates in experimentally infected fish. Notably, mortality sharply increased within the first 7 days post-inoculation, reaching approximately 73.3%, underscoring the high virulence potential of the recovered strains. Conclusion Briefly, this study highpoints the development of MDR S. agalactiae in O. niloticus, affirming a public health risk. The emerging MDR S. agalactiae strains in O. niloticus frequently harbor the cfb, hylB, lmb, and cylE virulence genes, and the pbp1A, aac(6’)aph(2’’), tetM or tetK, and ermB or ermA resistance genes. Keywords MDR S. agalactiae, Oreochromis niloticus, Virulence genes, Multidrug resistance patterns, Pathogenicity
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Manar T. El-Morsy, Nadine M. Askar, Ali Emad Khurkhash, Nagm Al-Din Mahrous, Yusuf Ahmed Elberry 4, Mohamed Ramadan Sayed, Norhan Ashraf Ahmed, Rowayda A. Ahmed, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Ahmad Ahmeda, Rudaynah Mohamed and Doaa S. R. Khafaga , Nanozymes as Emerging Therapeutics for Asthma: A Redox-Responsive and Immunomodulatory Strategy, Biomedicines, May 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051107
Asthma is a chronic, etiologically diverse lung disease that contributes to worldwide mor- bidity and healthcare burdens. Although bronchodilators and corticosteroids remain the cornerstones of asthma treatment, their long-term use is associated with significant side ef- fects. Furthermore, steroid resistance in severe asthma emphasizes the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology has emerged as a viable alternative to these stan- dard approaches, allowing for targeted, prolonged, and precise drug delivery. Nanozymes, or synthetic nanomaterials that imitate natural enzyme functions, are gaining popularity among nanomedicine platforms due to their redox-regulating and immunomodulatory properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the present landscape of nanozyme-based treatments for asthma, with a focus on carbon-based nanozymes, while discussing MOF-derived and single-atom nanozymes in terms of their physicochemical properties and potential applicability to airway inflammatory diseases. Moreover, we look at current advancements in nanozyme-enabled drug delivery systems, their biocompatibil- ity profiles, and potential strategies for designing nanozyme therapies according to asthma endotypes. These findings establish nanozymes as a transformational and therapeutically promising platform for next-generation asthma treatment.
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Sinclair Steele, Pedzisai Mazengenya and Ramadhani Chambuso, Pathology-derived clinical micro-architectural diagnostics of tumour-microbiome interactions in colorectal cancer, Journal of Translational Medicine, Jul 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-026-08426-1
Background Classical tumour pathology reports contain a largely untapped layer of information that may indicate tumour-microbial interactions. However, routine colorectal cancer pathology staging does not take into account microbiome-associated tumour micro-architecture signatures, thus limiting insights into intratumoral microbial ecology, prognostic stratification and treatment-relevant microbial information. In this study, we analysed scanned USA pathology reports to quantify likely intratumoral microbiome-associated micro-architectural signatures. Methods We studied 1,978 TCGA colorectal cancer pathology reports from 1,249 colon adenocarcinomas, 559 rectal adenocarcinomas and 170 reports without a definitive anatomic site using rule-based natural language processing to extract microbiome-linked micro-architectural features. Barrier-disruption and invasion-access signatures were identified from the reports as microbiome-associated pathology micro-architecture signatures that occur with microbial-related necrosis, hypoxia, toxins, colonisation, persistence, metabolic activity and/or tumour interaction. We developed a z-scored composite index called Report-based Microbial Ecology Likelihood Score (RMELS) and used Kaplan-Meier log-rank analyses, multivariable Cox regression, Kruskal-Wallis tests and receiver operation characteristic curves with bootstrap confidence intervals. Proportional hazards assumptions were tested for statistical significance at two-sided p < 0.05. Results Microbiome-associated pathology micro-architectural signatures were highly prevalent in the pathology reports. Barrier-disruption features, including ulceration (41.1%) and mucin alteration (16.7%), were common and increased with tumour stage (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.0001). Prominent invasion-access features included infiltrative growth (59.4%, 95% CI 57.2–61.5), lymphovascular invasion (18.6%, 95% CI 17.0–20.4) and perineural invasion (22.9%, 95% CI 21.1–24.8). All showed heterogeneous, non-monotonic distributions across pathologic stages, indicating activation of microbial injury and invasion programmes. Integration of these features into our signature score, ordered tumours along a continuous microbiome-permissiveness gradient independent of pathological stage. With limited information, our signature score discriminated early (T1) from advanced (T4) disease more effectively than barrier or invasion features alone (AUC=0.66, 95% CI 0.58–0.74, p < 0.0001). Right-sided colonic tumours exhibited significantly higher scores than left-sided colonic and rectal tumours (FDR q < 0.001), aligning with known microbial biogeography. In multivariable Cox models adjusted for pathological stage, our signature score RMELS showed modest but directionally consistent association with overall and progression-free survival, capturing microbiology-relevant risk notresolved by pathological staging. Conclusions Routine classical colorectal cancer pathology reports contain intratumoral microbiome-associated pathology micro-architectural signatures. Quantifying these exploratory tumour-microbial signatures using digital pathology will enable scalable, microbiology-informed risk stratification and prognostic modelling to complement the current pathological staging.
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Ramadhani Salum Chambuso, Md Shohel Ul Islam, Rosa M Xicola, Raj Ramesar, Xavier Llor, Sinclair Steele, Unique circulating miRNAome signatures captured with distinct molecular states in Lynch syndrome and sporadic colorectal cancer, Molecular Oncology, Jul 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.70338
Abstract Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), usually termed Lynch syndrome (LS), is the most prevalent hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, yet molecular biomarkers to differentiate nonmalignant from malignant LS cases remain limited. We performed a secondary analysis of the circulating miRNAome in 155 individuals, including healthy controls (CTRL), nonmalignant LS (H-LS), cancer-associated LS (C-LS), and sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). We observed that LS variant heterozygotes, especially those without overt cancer, exhibit a transitional miRNAomic architecture distinct from both healthy controls and CRC patients in different age groups. Age-stratified differential expression and miRNA-mRNA network analyses revealed distinct regulatory hubs across groups. Group-specific miRNAs targeted oncogenic, immune, and DNA repair pathways. The analysis suggested that nonmalignant LS variant heterozygotes occupy a circulating miRNAome state distinct from both healthy controls and overt CRC, whereas C-LS and sporadic CRC shared selected malignant-associated miRNA features. To assess external concordance, we performed orthogonal validation of a prespecified six-miRNA panel in the independent GSE30454 primary colorectal tissue cohort, comprising normal, LS, sporadic MSI, and MSS samples. The composite panel preserved disease-axis structure across the external cohort, with strongest discrimination in biologically relevant mismatch repair-related contrasts. These findings suggest candidate circulating miRNA molecular states across LS and sporadic colorectal cancer.
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Amine Bahi and Sinclair Steele, Novel Roles of Urokinase- and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activators in Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Aug 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167401
The plasminogen activator system (PAS), comprising urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), their receptors, and endogenous inhibitors, has been extensively investigated for its established roles in haemostasis, fibrinolysis, vascular remodelling and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that the functions of the PAS extend well beyond the cardiovascular system and have important regulatory roles in neuronal plasticity, synaptic remodelling, neuroin- flammation, and neurotrophic signalling. These processes are increasingly recognized as central contributors to the neurobiological adaptations underlying substance use disorders (SUDs). In this narrative review, we critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the involvement of the PAS in SUDs, with particular emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which uPA and tPA influence addiction-related neuroplasticity. The available literature is predominantly derived from preclinical studies, while direct clinical evidence remains limited. Experimental findings support roles for uPA and tPA in mod- ulating reward-related circuitry, behavioural sensitization, relapse-like behaviours, and neurotrophic signalling, including potential interactions with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-related pathways, although the relative contributions of plasmin-dependent and plasmin-independent pathways remain incompletely understood. We also discuss the potential involvement of the PAS in neuroinflammatory responses and synaptic re- modelling, together with the challenges associated with translating these findings into clinically relevant biomarkers or therapeutic strategies. Finally, we identify important gaps in current knowledge, including the need for independent replication, mechanistic clarification, and well-designed human studies to establish the clinical relevance of PAS dysregulation in addiction. Collectively, the available evidence supports a modulatory role for the PAS in addiction-related neurobiology and provides a rationale for further translational investigation, while highlighting that PAS-directed therapeutic approaches remain experimental and require substantial preclinical and clinical validation.
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Mahmoud Mabrok, Abdelazeem M. Algammal, Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Marfat Alatawy, Asma Massad Alenzi, Amenah S. Al-otaibi, Abdulaziz M. Almuzaini, Muhammad Fadhlullah Mursalim8 Geraldine B. Dayrit & Marwa E. Abo Hashem, Pathogenic potential of MDR Enterococcus faecalis in tilapia and mullet with insight into virulence traits, antibiotic resistance genes, and multidrug resistance patterns, Scientific Reports, Sep 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-69570-8
Enterococcus faecalis represents a potential public health threat and leads to significant economic losses in the fish producing sectors. To investigate the prevalence, multidrug resistance profiles, virulence characteristics, antibiotic resistance genes, and pathogenicity of E. faecalis, 240 fish samples, including 120 Oreochromis niloticus and 120 Mugil cephalus, were obtained from fish farms in Ismailia, Egypt, and subjected to clinical, postmortem, and bacteriological investigations. The total prevalence of E. faecalis in the examined fish was 14.17% (34/240), with rates of 16.67% (20/120) in O. niloticus and 11.67% (14/120) in M. cephalus. From these positive fish, 62 organ-specific isolates were obtained for further characterization. The liver was the most frequently infected organ. PCR analysis revealed that the predominant virulence-related genes in the recovered E. faecalis strains were gelE (100%), esp (88.70%), hyl (74.19%), and cylA (70.97%). Furthermore, 32.20% of E. faecalis isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to seven classes of antimicrobials and harbored the ermB, tetM, vanA, blaZ, and aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia genes. Additionally, 19.30% (12/62) of E. faecalis isolates were MDR across six antibiotic classes and harbored the ermB, tetM, vanA, and blaZ genes. The pathogenicity of the recovered E. faecalis isolates was evaluated by experimental challenge in O. niloticus and T. zillii. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant differences in survival probabilities among the challenged groups, reflecting marked variation in isolate virulence. Mortality outcomes were associated with the distribution of virulence-associated genes, suggesting that the pathogenicity of E. faecalis is governed by isolate-specific virulence determinants and varies between host species. In summary, the study highlights the emergence of MDR E. faecalis in both O. niloticus and M. cephalus, underscoring a potential public health concern that warrants further investigation. MDR E. faecalis strains in fish increasingly possess the resistance genes ermB, tetM, vanA, blaZ, and aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)- Ia, as well as the virulence genes gelE, esp, hyl, and cylA. Keywords: MDR E. faecalis, O. niloticus, M. cephalus, Antibiogram, Virulence traits, MDR patterns, Pathogenicity Assay
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Yehia S. Mohamed, Sinclair Steele, Doaa S. R. Khafaga, Youssef Basem, Arwa M. Shawky, Youssef G. Mostafa and Samar M. Solyman, Integrated Algal Bioenergy Platforms: Advances in Microbial Fuel Cell Integration and Nanotechnology-Enabled Biorefineries, Nanomaterials, Sep 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16181182
The use of algae-based bioenergy platforms in establishing circular bioeconomy systems is due to their capacity to generate biomass of renewable origin, using solar energy and carbon dioxide (CO2), while the process also involves remediation and recovery of re- sources. The introduction of algae to bioenergy systems is still limited by obstacles related to biomass productivity, efficiency of harvesting, and energy demands of further utilization of biomass, not to mention lack of system integration. The present paper provides a review of the new developments in the area of algal bioenergy platforms, focusing on the use of algae-assisted microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and biotech solutions based on nanotechnology. The combination of algae with MFC technology allows for the generation of bioelectricity and the use of algal systems for carbon fixation, nutrient removal, bioconversion of biomass, etc. Meanwhile, nanotechnology has become an important approach to enhance the de- velopment of algal bioenergy technologies by providing better cultivation activity, light absorption, nutrient transport, biomass extraction, catalysis, and electrodes. Advanced nanomaterials, such as magnetic nanoparticles, metal oxides, carbon-containing nanos- tructures, and combined nanomaterials, have allowed the industry to overcome the most important problems in algal biomass processing and bioelectrochemical energy production. At the same time, integrated algal biorefineries make it possible to transform a variety of biomass forms into biofuels or something even more valuable. Nevertheless, despite achieving significant resolution of many concerns, the scalability of technologies and the safety of the nanoparticles are still among major challenges to industrial implementation. The further development of algae-based technologies should allow sufficient integration of advanced nanomaterials, genetically engineered microbes, and scaling of reactor technolo- gies. This review provides a unique integrated framework connecting algae cultivation, microbial fuel cell technologies, and nanotechnology-enabled biorefineries toward scalable circular bioenergy systems. Keywords: microalgae; microbial fuel cells; MFC; biodiesel; bioethanol; biogas; biohydrogen
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Conference Presentation
- Workshops for Academic Medical Press from 2010-16 in Pathology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.
- Workshops for Academic Medical Press and Oxford Intensive School of English from 2010-16 in Medical English, and Scientific English.
- Symposia referenced in the publications above.
Workshops for Academic Medical Press from 2010-16 in Pathology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.
Workshops for Academic Medical Press and Oxford Intensive School of English from 2010-16 in Medical English, and Scientific English.
Symposia referenced in the publications above.
Memberships, Awards and Honors
- Member, American Society for Clinical Pathology.
- Member, European Medical Writers Association.
- Member, Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society.
- Member, Intertel.
- Member, Mensa.
- Voted Best Healthcare Worker, Mediplacements Agency, 2014.
- Oxford Graduate Medical Prize, Final MB Essay Prize, 1998.
- Sir William Osler Essay Prize, Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, 1996.
- Graduate Scholarship, Green Templeton College, Oxford University, 1992.
- Wolfson College Medical Bursary, Cambridge University, 1991.
- Lady Margaret Hall (Oxford University) Travelling Award, 1986.
- Ian Walker Travelling Award (Oxford University award), 1986.
- Exhibition to Study Biochemistry at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, 1984.
- Member Sigma Xi