Background: Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is a common autosomal recessive metabolic disorder in Qatar and the Arab world. It is treatable if detected early, making it essential to understand the genetic variants involved. This study aimed to investigate the carrier frequency of BD-related variants in a healthy Qatari population, reflecting the genetic landscape of the broader Middle Eastern region; classify them using bioinformatics tools; and compare findings with global datasets. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing data from 14,669 participants in the Qatar Genome Program (QGP), a multiethnic cohort including Qatari nationals and long-term residents (≥15 years), were analyzed to identify BTD variants. A total of 723, including 653 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 70 structural variants (SVs) in BTD associated with BD, were screened against the Qatari cohort and compared with international data. In silico tools were used to assess variant pathogenicity, conservation, and protein stability. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate structural and functional changes in the BTD. Results: A total of 80 SNPs and 3 SVs were identified, among which 21 variants (19 SNPs and 2 SVs) were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, according to ClinVar. The carrier frequency of BTD-related variants in Qatar was 1:20, primarily driven by rs13078881 (D444H). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed significant conformational changes with H323R, D444H, and P497S, which demonstrated increased flexibility (higher RMSD/RMSF and PCA trace values). Additionally, R209C and D444H showed reduced compactness (higher Rg) and distinct energy minima, suggesting altered conformational states. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high carrier frequency of pathogenic BTD variants in the Qatari population, underscoring the need to integrate these SNPs and SVs into the national genomic neonatal screening program (gNBS) for enhanced early detection and treatment strategies. The mild structural deviations observed in the D444H mutant through MD simulations may explain its association with milder clinical phenotypes of BTD, offering valuable insights for personalized therapeutic approaches.

Background: As the world becomes increasingly multicultural, the demand for a diverse nursing workforce rises to provide equitable and high‐quality patient care. However, limited research has been conducted on these dynamics within the multicultural healthcare landscape of the Gulf region, especially in Qatar. Therefore, examining Qatar’s multicultural workforce and the diversity interaction among nurses is essential to fill this research gap. Aim: This study explored the experience of nurses and their level of interaction with a diverse workforce in a multicultural healthcare setting. Method: Sequential exploratory mixed‐methods research was conducted at a tertiary maternity facility in Doha, Qatar. In Phase I, a survey was performed with 735 nurses using the Workforce Diversity Questionnaire II, followed by focus group discussions with 10 nurses from April to June 2024. Results: The findings revealed that nurses rated highly across all domains of workforce diversity interaction. The level of interaction is influenced by age, nationality, clinical experience, diversity of patient interactions, and the length of residency in a diverse community. While there were key barriers, some factors facilitated workforce diversity interaction. Implications for Nursing Management: This study recommends the development of training programs that focus on essential competencies for nurses to enhance their performance in diverse work settings. Further investigations are also recommended to assess the impact of these competencies and training programs to patient outcomes and organizational performance.

Background: COVID‐19 preventive behaviors and preparedness are essential for healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives providing perinatal care who face higher exposure risks. However, data on compliance and readiness in maternity settings are limited. This study examined COVID‐19 preventive behaviors and outbreak preparedness among perinatal nurses and midwives in Qatar. Methods: A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 253 respondents from four maternity facilities in Qatar. Participants completed a self‐reported prevention checklist, a preventive behaviors survey, and a COVID‐19 preparedness scale. Results: Among respondents, 86.6% reported adherence to preventive behaviors, with 79.2% routinely practicing measures such as hand hygiene, mask‐wearing, and disinfection. Preparedness for managing a COVID‐19 outbreak was reported by 81.4% of participants, and 60.1% had received formal training on outbreak management. Preventive behaviors and preparedness were significantly associated with age, duration of work experience, educational qualification, nationality, and length of stay in the Middle East. Conclusion: Perinatal nurses and midwives in Qatar demonstrate generally high compliance with COVID‐19 preventive behaviors and outbreak preparedness. These behaviors can be further strengthened through needs‐based training, simulation‐based drills, resource provision, surveillance, and organizational support. Such initiatives are crucial in enhancing readiness to future outbreaks and protecting healthcare workers and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and newborns.

Background: Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been widely investigated as genetic determinants of neurodegenerative diseases, yet findings remain inconsistent and population-dependent. Evidence from the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENA&T) regions, which is characterized by widespread vitamin D deficiency and distinct genetic backgrounds, has not been comprehensively synthesized. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating associations between four common VDR polymorphisms (ApaI rs7975232, FokI rs2228570, TaqI rs731236, and BsmI rs1544410) and the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in MENA&T populations. Six databases were searched from inception to November 2025. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models across multiple genetic contrasts. Subgroup analyses by ethnicity were conducted for MS. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: Nineteen unique case–control studies (20 reports), including 4744 participants, were included. For MS, the ApaI polymorphism showed consistent associations with increased risk across genetic models (random-effects ORs = 1.4–1.9), with stronger effects in Arab and Iranian populations and no association in Turkish cohorts. FokI showed associations with MS under selected genetic models, particularly recessive and homozygous contrasts, although findings were not consistent across all analytical approaches. TaqI showed model-dependent associations with substantial heterogeneity, while BsmI showed no significant association. For AD, a meta-analysis of two studies showed no significant associations. For PD, ApaI showed associations with increased risk across several models without heterogeneity; however, these findings were based on a limited number of studies. Overall certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Conclusions: In MENA&T populations, VDR ApaI polymorphism shows consistent evidence of association with MS susceptibility, while FokI may be associated under specific genetic models; evidence for AD and PD remains limited and should be considered exploratory. These findings highlight population-specific genetic heterogeneity and underscore the need for further large-scale studies to confirm these associations. These population-specific genetic associations underscore the importance of incorporating VDR genotyping into precision medicine frameworks for neurodegenerative disease risk stratification in MENA&T populations, where vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent.