Rasha Abu-El-Ruz, Ali Hasan, Dima Hijazi, Ovelia Masoud, Atiyeh M Abdallah, Susu M Zughaier, Maha Al-Asmakh
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Sciences: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Rasha Abu-El-Ruz, Ali Hasan, Dima Hijazi, Ovelia Masoud, Atiyeh M Abdallah, Susu M Zughaier, Maha Al-Asmakh","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14362","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly playing important roles in healthcare diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of diseases. Despite this widespread implementation of AI in biomedical sciences, it has yet to be characterized.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this scoping review is to explore AI in biomedical sciences. Specific objectives are to synthesize six scopes addressing the characteristics of AI in biomedical sciences and to provide in-depth understanding of its relevance to education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review has been developed according to Arksey and O'Malley frameworks. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using broad search terms without restrictions. Citations were imported into EndNote for screening and extraction. Data were categorized and synthesized to define six scopes discussing AI in biomedical sciences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,249 articles were retrieved for screening and extraction, and 192 articles were included in this review. Six scopes were synthesized from the extracted data: Scope (1): AI in biomedical sciences by decade, highlighting the increasing number of publications on AI in biomedical sciences. Scope (2): AI in biomedical sciences by region, showing that publications on AI in biomedical sciences mainly originate from high-income countries, particularly the USA. Scope (3): AI in biomedical sciences by model, identifying machine learning as the most frequently reported model. Scope (4): AI in biomedical sciences by discipline, with microbiology the discipline most commonly associated with AI in biomedical sciences. Scope (5): AI in biomedical sciences education, which was limited to only six studies, indicating a gap in research on the educational application of AI in biomedical sciences. Scope (6): Opportunities and limitations of AI in biomedical sciences, where major reported opportunities include efficiency, accuracy, universal applicability, and real-world application. Limitations include; model complexity, limited applicability, and algorithm robustness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AI has generally been under characterized in the biomedical sciences due to variability in AI models, disciplines, and perspectives of applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14362"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12360964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144943606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Using mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases other than COVID-19.","authors":"Athina Sofroniou, Anna Ridley","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14557","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although mRNA-based vaccines have been in development for over two decades, their widespread use only emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of these vaccines has brought mRNA technology to the forefront of efforts to develop novel vaccines. However, as this is a rapidly evolving field, there is a need for a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current evidence base to guide further research and development. This study, therefore, systematically reviewed the literature on clinical trials using mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases other than COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of the literature, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identified clinical trials in infectious diseases other than COVID-19. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened for such clinical trials using search terms related to mRNA vaccines, and the results of the two independent searches were combined. Clinical trials using mRNA vaccines against either COVID-19 or non-communicable diseases were removed, as were duplicated studies. The remaining clinical trials were then stratified based on pathogen, status, and phase.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine hundred and seventy-six clinical trials were identified, of which 83 met the inclusion criteria. These included candidate mRNA vaccines against 14 viral, two bacterial and one protozoan infection. Of these, 43 trials have concluded, 21 are active, and a further 12 are recruiting, with the remaining not yet recruiting, enrolling by invitation, or withdrawn. Of the 43 completed clinical trials, 26 were phase I trials, eight were phase I/II trials, three were phase II trials, and six were phase III trials. The clinical trials captured in this systematic review included combined vaccines, with two or more vaccines administered at the same time, and mRNA vaccines designed to encode pathogen structural components, in addition to pathogen-specific antibodies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This systematic review identified clinical trials investigating mRNA vaccine candidates against multiple infectious diseases, other than COVID-19, with the majority targeting viral infections. Despite the lack of long-term data, this systematic review suggests that these mRNA vaccine candidates are safe and effective with the potential to shape the field of preventive medicine. Beyond the prevention of infectious diseases, mRNA vaccines are showing promise against cancer and potential applications in autoimmune and other diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14557"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12313548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144774707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pierpaolo Pellicori, Jonathan Douxfils, Robert J Mentz, John G F Cleland, Charlotte Beaudart
{"title":"The Growing Demand for Peer Review: Current Challenges and Potential Reforms.","authors":"Pierpaolo Pellicori, Jonathan Douxfils, Robert J Mentz, John G F Cleland, Charlotte Beaudart","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14930","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14930","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14930"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12301256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144728062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matteo Zurlo, Alessia Finotti, Maria Rita Gamberini, Roberto Gambari
{"title":"Co-Induction of ULK-1 and AHSP mRNAs in Erythroid Precursor Cells Isolated From a Sirolimus-Treated β-Thalassemia Patient: A Case Report Study.","authors":"Matteo Zurlo, Alessia Finotti, Maria Rita Gamberini, Roberto Gambari","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14311","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The β-thalassemias are inherited genetic disorders affecting the hematopoietic system and caused by mutations of the adult β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin. In addition, an excess of free α-globin is associated with ineffective erythropoiesis. In fact, the free α-globin molecules are prone to precipitate, causing toxicity to the erythroid cells, and interference with red cell maturation. In order to counteract the detrimental effects of the excess of α-globin, two pathways might be activated in β-thalassemia erythroid cells, i.e. Unc-51-like kinase 1 (Ulk-1)-mediated induction of autophagy and increased expression of the α-hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP).</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>The studied case was a male transfusion dependent TM (Thalassemia Major) patient, aged 43 years, with a β<sup>0</sup>39/β<sup>+</sup>IVSI-110 genotype (XmnI polymorphism: -/-), starting the first blood transfusion when he was 5 months old, and participating to the NCT03877809 (Sirthalaclin) clinical trial.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Expression of AHSP and Ulk-genes in Erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) was studied by Reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR and Western blotting ErPCs were isolated from the propositus after 90 and 180 days of treatment with sirolimus.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>This study demonstrates for the first time that increase in the production of γ-globin2 mRNA and HbF in ErPCs from a patient with β-thalassemia treated with sirolimus might be associated with co-induction of Ulk-1 and AHSP genes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14311"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12245733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial: Dermatopathology and Associated Laboratory Investigations in the Study of Skin Disease.","authors":"Guy Edward Orchard","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14810","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2025.14810","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14810"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Carotid Body Size on CT Angiography in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia.","authors":"Kamber Goksu, Ahmet Vural, Ahmet Nedim Kahraman","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14489","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14489","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Many pathophysiological theories have been expressed regarding increased sympathetic activity along with respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, the carotid bodies, which are directly related to increased blood oxygen levels and sympathetic activity, are known to be very rich in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which the COVID-19 causative virus uses to enter the cell. Therefore, the probability of carotid bodies being affected in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is quite high. Carotid bodies can be visualized with contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA), and we aimed to visualize possible carotid body enlargement in COVID-19 patients with CTA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively evaluated patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia during the pandemic in our hospital and who had CTA examinations at least 3 months after treatment. We drew a Region of Interest (ROI) from the periphery of both carotid bodies and measured the area from the widest part. Similarly, measurements were taken in the control group without a history of COVID-19, and the results of the two groups were compared statistically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We performed measurements on CTA images of 104 control subjects and 108 patients. The total carotid body area of the patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was 4.9 ± 3.7 mm<sup>2</sup>, and the carotid body area of the control group was 3.7 ± 2.4 mm<sup>2</sup>. In comparing the two groups, the carotid body area was found to be statistically significantly larger (p < 0.05) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The size of the carotid body was found to be larger in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia compared to the control group. This finding may indicate conditions that lead to the activation of carotid body chemo and baroreceptors, such as increased sympathetic activity and a decrease in blood oxygen pressure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Apart from this, it may also be possible for the carotid body to be directly infected with the virus. More specific studies that shed light on this aspect are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12150061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144265278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachael M Tomb, Siobhan K McManus, David Kipgen, Sawsan Yaqub, Sally Taylor, Rory N Gunson
{"title":"JC Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy Case Report: Clinical and Laboratory Learning.","authors":"Rachael M Tomb, Siobhan K McManus, David Kipgen, Sawsan Yaqub, Sally Taylor, Rory N Gunson","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2025.14170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>John Cunningham (JC) virus is commonly associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. However, this polyomavirus can also be a rare etiological agent of nephropathy in renal transplant recipients. Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) can be difficult to treat, resulting in graft dysfunction and failure.</p><p><strong>Details: </strong>We report a rare case of JC-PVAN in a deceased donor kidney transplant recipient. Following a decline in renal function approximately 4 years post-transplant, the patient underwent biopsy and SV40 staining. A diagnosis of early/mild PVAN was made. Confirmatory PCR testing for BK virus, the virus most commonly associated with PVAN, was repeatedly negative. PCR for JC virus, a much rarer cause of nephropathy, was not performed as testing was not within our laboratory testing scope. Approximately 6 years post-transplant, following further pathological examination and exclusion of BK virus, JC virus was confirmed as the cause of graft dysfunction via off-scope PCR testing. Reductions in immunosuppression were implemented following the initial PVAN diagnosis, however, decline in renal function continued. The patient returned to haemodialysis 8 years post-transplant.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This paper highlights the challenges faced achieving the diagnosis of JC virus and importance of collaboration between clinical and laboratory teams to ensure appropriate testing to aid diagnosis. In addition, we aim to increase the inclusion of JC virus in the differential diagnosis in cases of nephropathy in allograft recipients with unclear aetiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143969348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Erratum: Abnormally Low HbA<sub>1c</sub> Caused by Hemolytic Anemia, a Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14355","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2025.14355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2024.13898.].</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"82 ","pages":"14355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11841675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143482231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Education and Training Assessment and Artificial Intelligence. A Pragmatic Guide for Educators.","authors":"Philip M Newton, Sue Jones","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2024.14049","DOIUrl":"10.3389/bjbs.2024.14049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The emergence of ChatGPT and similar new Generative AI tools has created concern about the validity of many current assessment methods in higher education, since learners might use these tools to complete those assessments. Here we review the current evidence on this issue and show that for assessments like essays and multiple-choice exams, these concerns are legitimate: ChatGPT can complete them to a very high standard, quickly and cheaply. We consider how to assess learning in alternative ways, and the importance of retaining assessments of foundational core knowledge. This evidence is considered from the perspective of current professional regulations covering the professional registration of Biomedical Scientists and their Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved education providers, although it should be broadly relevant across higher education.</p>","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"81 ","pages":"14049"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11837776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143457081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Letter to the Editor: The Peer Review Process: Past, Present, and Future.","authors":"Ahmed A Khalifa","doi":"10.3389/bjbs.2024.14125","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2024.14125","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9236,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Biomedical Science","volume":"81 ","pages":"14125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11774645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}