Afif Ben Mahmoud | Genomics | Excellence in Research

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 Dr. Afif Ben Mahmoud | Genomics | Excellence in Research  

 Dr at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute,  Qatar

Afif Ben Mahmoud, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Associate at the Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, in Doha, Qatar. A Tunisian national, Dr. Ben Mahmoud specializes in human molecular genetics and has dedicated over ten years to researching neurological disorders and genetic diseases. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and has made significant contributions to understanding neurodevelopmental disorders through innovative research techniques and mentoring graduate students. His work emphasizes the identification of genetic factors in various disorders, making him a vital asset to the scientific community in Qatar and beyond.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Ben Mahmoud earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Human Molecular Genetics) from the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia, in 2015. Prior to this, he obtained a Master’s degree in Genetics and Biodiversity from the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Tunisia, in 2009. His academic journey began with an Engineering degree in Animal Production from the Higher School of Agronomy of Mateur, University of Carthage, Tunisia, in 2007. This solid educational foundation has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in his research endeavors.

Experience 💼

Since 2019, Dr. Ben Mahmoud has served as a Senior Research Associate at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, where he identifies and characterizes candidate genes for neurodevelopmental disorders by analyzing whole exome and whole genome sequencing data. Before this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of UAE, from 2016 to 2018, focusing on genomic and cellular studies of autosomal recessive disorders. He has also taught cell biology and genetics at various higher education institutions in Tunisia, contributing to the academic development of future scientists.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Ben Mahmoud has received recognition for his contributions to genetic research and education. He participated in the development of cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology at UAEU, which aims to better understand diseases. His work has been featured in multiple peer-reviewed publications, establishing him as an authority in his field. He has been actively involved in mentoring students, fostering the next generation of researchers, and enhancing the academic environment in which he works.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Ben Mahmoud’s research primarily focuses on neurological disorders and human genetic diseases, specifically identifying the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders. He employs advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing and molecular biology methods to analyze candidate genes. His recent studies aim to elucidate the cellular mechanisms behind disease-causing mutations, contributing to the broader understanding of genetic disorders. Dr. Ben Mahmoud’s work is instrumental in developing targeted therapeutic strategies, enhancing the potential for personalized medicine in treating complex genetic conditions.

Conclusion 📝

Dr. Afif Ben Mahmoud exemplifies excellence in research through his substantial contributions to the field of neurological disorders and human genetics. His extensive experience, technical expertise, and commitment to mentorship position him as a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. By addressing potential areas for improvement, such as broadening his research focus and enhancing public engagement, Dr. Ben Mahmoud could further amplify his impact within the scientific community and beyond. His ongoing work promises to advance our understanding of complex genetic diseases, making him a valuable asset to the field.

Publications Top Notes

  • Antagonist effects of Bacillus spp. strains against Fusarium graminearum for protection of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum)
    • Authors: I Zalila-Kolsi, AB Mahmoud, H Ali, S Sellami, Z Nasfi, S Tounsi, …
    • Journal: Microbiological Research, 2016
    • Pages: 148-158

 

  • Mitochondrial DNA mutations and polymorphisms in asthenospermic infertile men
    • Authors: S Baklouti-Gargouri, M Ghorbel, A Ben Mahmoud, E Mkaouar-Rebai, …
    • Journal: Molecular Biology Reports, 2013
    • Volume/Pages: 40, 4705-4712

 

  • A novel mutation MT-COIII m.9267G>C and MT-COI m.5913G>A mutation in mitochondrial genes in a Tunisian family with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD)
    • Authors: M Tabebi, E Mkaouar-Rebai, M Mnif, F Kallabi, AB Mahmoud, WB Saad, …
    • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2015
    • Volume/Pages: 459(3), 353-360

 

  • Genetics of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism—Human and mouse genes, inheritance, oligogenicity, and genetic counseling
    • Authors: ED Louden, A Poch, HG Kim, A Ben-Mahmoud, SH Kim, LC Layman
    • Journal: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2021
    • Volume: 534, 111334

 

  • Identification of a novel m.9588G>A missense mutation in the mitochondrial COIII gene in asthenozoospermic Tunisian infertile men
    • Authors: S Baklouti-Gargouri, M Ghorbel, A Ben Mahmoud, E Mkaouar-Rebai, …
    • Journal: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2014
    • Volume/Pages: 31, 595-600

 

  • A novel aberrant splice site mutation in COL27A1 is responsible for Steel syndrome and extension of the phenotype to include hearing loss
    • Authors: N Gariballa, A Ben-Mahoud, M Komara, AM Al-Shamsi, …
    • Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 2017
    • Volume/Pages: 173(5), 1257-1263

 

  • Whole mitochondrial genome screening of a family with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) associated with retinopathy: A putative haplotype associated to MIDD and its phenotypic implications
    • Authors: M Tabebi, N Charfi, F Kallabi, O Alila-Fersi, AB Mahmoud, A Tlili, …
    • Journal: Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 2017
    • Volume/Pages: 31(1), 253-259

 

  • Two novel mutations in COII and tRNAHis mitochondrial genes in asthenozoospermic infertiles men
    • Authors: BG Siwar, G Myriam, BM Afif, MR Emna, C Nozha, S Afifa, F Faiza, …
    • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2014
    • Volume/Pages: 450(1), 610-615

 

  • A novel m.6307A>G mutation in the mitochondrial COXI gene in asthenozoospermic infertile men
    • Authors: S Baklouti-Gargouri, M Ghorbel, A Ben Mahmoud, E Mkaouar-Rebai, …
    • Journal: Molecular Reproduction and Development, 2013
    • Volume/Pages: 80(7), 581-587

 

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: Harnessing Its Potential for Industrial, Medical, and Agricultural Applications—A Comprehensive Review
    • Authors: I Zalila-Kolsi, A Ben-Mahmoud, R Al-Barazie
    • Journal: Microorganisms, 2023
    • Volume/Pages: 11(9), 2215

 

  • Novel cases of Tunisian patients with mutations in the gene encoding 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and a founder effect
    • Authors: BB Rhouma, F Kallabi, N Mahfoudh, AB Mahmoud, RT Engeli, H Kamoun, …
    • Journal: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2017
    • Volume/Pages: 165, 86-94

 

  • Eif2b3 mutants recapitulate phenotypes of vanishing white matter disease and validate novel disease alleles in zebrafish
    • Authors: YR Lee, SH Kim, A Ben-Mahmoud, OH Kim, TI Choi, KH Lee, B Ku, J Eum, …
    • Journal: Human Molecular Genetics, 2021
    • Volume/Pages: 30(5), 331-342

 

Prem Sagar Mathangi | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Prem Sagar Mathangi | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Izmir Yüksek Teknoloji EnstitüsüThis link is disabled., Izmir, Turkey

👩‍🔬 As an M.Sc. student in agricultural sciences, I bring a dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture through impactful research in plant breeding and plant physiology. With a background in agronomy and plant developmental biology, I thrive in collaborative environments, driven by visionary thinking, consistency, and self-motivation. My commitment to excellence and responsibility shapes my contributions as an Early Career Researcher in the Wheat Initiative’s Expert Working Group (EWG).🌟

🌱 Expertise

My expertise spans across Plant Developmental Biology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, and Data Analysis. I have hands-on experience in Digital Phenotyping, particularly in cereals like wheat. Additionally, I possess skills in laboratory work, seed sciences, and wheat cultivation.

Profile

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Orcid

📚 Education

  • Master of Science Agricultural Sciences: University of Hohenheim Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 2022 – Present
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture: Suresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur, Rajasthan, Aug 2017 – Oct 2021

💼 Work Experience

I have held various research positions, including:

Junior Scientist at CIMMYT Mexico, focusing on Wheat Improvement ConsortiumResearch Assistant in departments of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Biotechnology and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology of Crops, and Plant Quality Products in Stuttgart, GermanyScientific Assistant analyzing the effects of nitrogen fertilization on wheat qualityResearch Intern working on a solar PV power system for shea-butter productionInternships at NACL Industries Limited and Bellamkonda Allied Farmers Produce Company in India

🤝 Volunteer Experience

I actively engage in volunteer work with organizations like Plantgenomia and Green Community, organizing events and programs in agricultural research and community outreach.

📝 Projects

My project experiences include studies on maize cultivation under salt conditions, phosphorus fertilization in maize starch digestion, and the impact of chemicals on rice germination.

🎓 Trainings

I’ve participated in training programs focusing on Smart Farming, Precision Agriculture, and the application of AI, Robotics, IoT, and Cloud Computing in agriculture.

🏆 Awards & Honors

I’ve been recognized as an Early Career Researcher by the Wheat Initiative and have received scholarships like DAAD PROMOS and MSc Career Exploration Scholarship.

🛠️ Skills

My skill set includes abilities in leadership, teamwork, data analysis, laboratory work, crop cultivation, and effective communication. I excel in presentations and possess proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

Publications Top Notes 📝

  1. Title: Principles of focused ultrasound
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 27
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 41-50
    • Authors: S Mihcin, A Melzer
    • Citations: 29

 

  1. Title: Investigation of wearable motion capture system towards biomechanical modelling
    • Conference: 2019 IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements and Applications
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: S Mihcin, H Kose, S Cizmeciogullari, S Ciklacandir, M Kocak, A Tosun, …
    • Citations: 17

 

  1. Title: A focused ultrasound treatment system for moving targets (part I): generic system design and in-silico first-stage evaluation
    • Journal: Journal of therapeutic ultrasound
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 5
    • Pages: 1-14
    • Authors: M Schwenke, J Strehlow, D Demedts, S Haase, D Barrios Romero, …
    • Citations: 16

 

  1. Title: Wearable motion capture system evaluation for biomechanical studies for hip joints
    • Journal: Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 143
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 044504
    • Authors: S Mihcin, S Ciklacandir, M Kocak, A Tosun
    • Citations: 12

 

  1. Title: Finite element study of PEEK materials applied in post-retained restorations
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 14
    • Issue: 16
    • Pages: 3422
    • Authors: H Yu, Z Feng, L Wang, S Mihcin, J Kang, S Bai, Y Zhao
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Evidence-based cross validation for acoustic power transmission for a novel treatment system
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 26
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 151-161
    • Authors: S Mihcin, J Strehlow, D Demedts, M Schwenke, Y Levy, A Melzer
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Feasibility study of pre-clinical Thiel embalmed human cadaver for MR-guided focused ultrasound of the spine
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2016
    • Volume: 25
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 154-161
    • Authors: I Karakitsios, S Mihcin, T Saliev, A Melzer
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Optimization of hip implant designs based on its mechanical behaviour
    • Book: Biomechanics in Medicine, Sport and Biology
    • Year: 2022
    • Pages: 37-43
    • Authors: H Göktaş, E Subaşi, M Uzkut, M Kara, H Biçici, H Shirazi, KN Chethan, …
    • Citations: 8

 

  1. Title: Database covering the prayer movements which were not available previously
    • Journal: Scientific data
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 10
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 276
    • Authors: S Mihcin, AM Sahin, M Yilmaz, AT Alpkaya, M Tuna, S Akdeniz, …
    • Citations: 6

 

  1. Title: Simultaneous validation of wearable motion capture system for lower body applications: Over single plane range of motion (ROM) and gait activities
    • Journal: Biomedical Engineering/Biomedizinische Technik
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 67
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 185-199
    • Authors: S Mihcin
    • Citations: 6

Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

I am a highly skilled researcher specializing in Medical Genetics with a focus on Cancer Biology, Cancer Drug Resistance, Noncoding RNAs, Computational Biology, and Genetics of Rare Diseases. With a Ph.D. from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and a strong background in Cellular and Molecular Biology, I’ve conducted extensive research on genetic analysis of male infertility, identification of genes involved in various cancers, and prediction of regulatory networks using bioinformatics tools. Proficient in a wide range of experimental techniques and software applications, I am dedicated to advancing knowledge in genetics and contributing to the development of innovative therapies.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Education 📚

PhD in Medical Genetics Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran September 23, 2019 – October 7, 2023 PhD Thesis: Genetic investigation of non-obstructive azoospermia families with cytogenetic and molecular genetic tests, and determining the relationship between genetic and clinical findings of patients.M.Sc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran September 23, 2010 – October 27, 2012 Master Thesis: Alkaloid extract of Peganum harmala L. seed on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes involved in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in cancer cells.B.Sc. in Molecular Genetics Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran September 23, 2005 – October 7, 2009

Research Interests 🔬

  • Cancer Biology
  • Cancer Drug Resistance
  • Noncoding RNAs
  • Computational Biology
  • Genetics of Rare Diseases

Research Projects 🧬

Genetic analysis of male infertility in a family using Whole Exome Sequencing. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico prediction of non-coding RNA-gene regulatory network in primary gonad failure defects. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico identification of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of azoospermia genes. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)In silico prediction of coagulation system functional polymorphisms. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Identification of genes involved in Imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Genetic analysis of families with non-obstructive azoospermia by Whole Exome Sequencing. (Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2024)Genetic investigation of infertility in an Iranian family with infertility in both sexes. (Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2023)Prediction of tissue-specific inflammatory LncRNAs in COVID-19 patients. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of inflammatory miRNAs associated with COVID-19 and determination of their potential target genes using bioinformatics tools. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2023)Identification of genes involved in the development of chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of common polymorphisms in the host antioxidant pathway against viruses and prediction of their effects. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2024)Identification of genes involved in the development of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. (Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2021-2023)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on miR-125b and miR-34a expression in ovarian cancer cell lines. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on miR-181b and miR-21 expression in breast cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Investigation of the effect of oleuropein on the expression of genes involved in apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2019-2020)Study of the effect of nanoparticles containing altretiamine and arstin on ferroptosis in ovarian cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2016-2020)Study of the effect of nanoparticles containing altretamine on ferroptosis-apoptosis in ovarian cancer cell line. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2018-2019)Genetic etiology determination of non-syndromic hearing loss families using Whole Exome Sequencing. (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; 2018-2019)

Skills 🛠️

A. Experimental Techniques:Human cell cultureMTT assay (Drugs, Natural products, Nanoparticles)DNA and RNA extractionApoptosis assayROS assayElectrophoresisQuantitative PCRConventional PCRSonicationNanodropKaryotypingSanger sequencingWhole exome sequencingB. Software Ability:Various microRNA databases (TargetScan, miRBase, miRWalk, etc.)Various lncRNA databases (starBase, LncBase, etc.)Pathway databases (KEGG, WikiPathways, Reactome)Variant prediction tools (SIFT, Mutation Taster, Polyphen, CADD, etc.)Genome browsers (NCBI, Ensembl, UCSC)Primer design software and tools (AlleleID, Primer3, Oligo 7, etc.)Sequence analysis software (QIAGEN CLC Genomics Workbench, Mutation Surveyor, FinchTV, etc.)STRINGDBCytoscapeGene RunnerGenome expression databases (GEO, GTEx, etc.)

Workshops 📚

 

  • Various workshops covering topics such as predicting LncRNAs, the role of biological systems in cancer, electronic resource investigation, Next Generation sequencing, molecular techniques, article writing, PCR, and bioinformatics.

📚Top Noted Publication

  1. Title: The effect of oleuropein on apoptotic pathway regulators in breast cancer cells
    • Journal: European Journal of Pharmacology
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 886
    • Pages: 173509
    • Citations: 43

 

  1. Title: Peganum harmala L.’s anti-growth effect on a breast cancer cell line
    • Journal: Biotechnology reports
    • Year: 2015
    • Volume: 8
    • Pages: 138-143
    • Citations: 39

 

  1. Title: Oleuropein reduces cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by targeting apoptotic pathway regulators
    • Journal: Life Sciences
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 278
    • Pages: 119525
    • Citations: 26

 

  1. Title: Growth inhibitory impact of Peganum harmala L. on two breast cancer cell lines
    • Journal: Iranian journal of biotechnology
    • Year: 2014
    • Volume: 12
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 8-14
    • Citations: 23

 

  1. Title: The impact of oleuropein on miRNAs regulating cell death signaling pathway in human cervical cancer cells
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 71
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 61-71
    • Citations: 1

 

  1. Title: In Silico Prediction of Functional SNPs Interrupting Antioxidant Defense Genes in Relation to COVID-19 Progression
    • Journal: Biochemical Genetics
    • Year: 2024
    • Pages: 1-27

 

  1. Title: Meta-analysis of microarray data to determine gene indicators involved in the cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
    • Journal: Cancer Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 12
    • Pages: e1884