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Accelerometer Measured Physical Activity Patterns Of Children During Segmented School Day In Abu Dhabi, Rahma Ajja, Ludmilla F. Wikkeling-Scott, Keith Brazendale, Rafiq Hijazi, Abdishakur Abdulle Dec 2021

Accelerometer Measured Physical Activity Patterns Of Children During Segmented School Day In Abu Dhabi, Rahma Ajja, Ludmilla F. Wikkeling-Scott, Keith Brazendale, Rafiq Hijazi, Abdishakur Abdulle

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Background: The overwhelming majority of United Arab Emirates (UAE) school-aged children do not meet the 60 min per day recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Understanding the different school day segments contribution to children reaching this goal is a crucial step toward developing successful strategies to promote school day MVPA levels. This study aimed to objectively measure children’s’ physical activity levels and to examine the difference in physical activity levels between high active and low active children during the school day in Abu Dhabi. Methods: A total of 133 school children (56% boys; mean age 10.5 years; grades 4–7) from …


Characterizing Individuals Accessing Mental Health Services In The Uae: A Focus On Youth Living In Dubai, Mariapaola Barbato, Shaikha Al Hemeiri, Shorouk Nafie, Baraa A. Dhuhair, Nadia T. Dabbagh Dec 2021

Characterizing Individuals Accessing Mental Health Services In The Uae: A Focus On Youth Living In Dubai, Mariapaola Barbato, Shaikha Al Hemeiri, Shorouk Nafie, Baraa A. Dhuhair, Nadia T. Dabbagh

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Background: Most mental health issues develop during adolescence, therefore identifying youth mental health needs and pathways to care is critical to improve prevention. To date, studies have typically focused on Western samples, while the impact of cultural diversity on perception of health and illness, and pathways to care, remain poorly understood. To address the shortage of studies conducted in the Arab world, and particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the present investigation aims to identify the characteristics of youth accessing mental health services in Dubai. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from patients’ records at Rashid Hospital Child Psychiatry Service. …


Vitamin D Status And Blood Pressure In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review Of Observational Studies, Myriam Abboud, Fatme Al Anouti, Dimitrios Papandreou, Rana Rizk, Nadine Mahboub, Suzan Haidar Dec 2021

Vitamin D Status And Blood Pressure In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review Of Observational Studies, Myriam Abboud, Fatme Al Anouti, Dimitrios Papandreou, Rana Rizk, Nadine Mahboub, Suzan Haidar

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© 2021, The Author(s). Background: Childhood hypertension is a growing public health problem. Simultaneously, hypovitaminosis D is widespread in this population and could be associated with hypertension. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the relationship between vitamin D status and blood pressure (BP) in children and adolescents. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov and the gray literature without language or time restrictions were searched. We included observational studies, assessed their risk of bias, and extracted data on population characteristics, vitamin D status and BP measurements, and the association between the two variables. …


The Interrelationship And Accumulation Of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Amongst Young Adults In The United Arab Emirates: The Uae Healthy Future Study, Fatima Mezhal, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Abdishakur Abdulle, Abdulla Aljunaibi, Abdulla Alnaeemi, Amar Ahmad, Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, E. Murat Tuzcu, Eiman Alzaabi, Fatma Al-Maskari, Fatme Alanouti, Fayza Alameri, Habiba Alsafar, Hamad Alblooshi, Juma Alkaabi, Laila Abdel Wareth, Mai Aljaber, Marina Kazim Dec 2021

The Interrelationship And Accumulation Of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Amongst Young Adults In The United Arab Emirates: The Uae Healthy Future Study, Fatima Mezhal, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Abdishakur Abdulle, Abdulla Aljunaibi, Abdulla Alnaeemi, Amar Ahmad, Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, E. Murat Tuzcu, Eiman Alzaabi, Fatma Al-Maskari, Fatme Alanouti, Fayza Alameri, Habiba Alsafar, Hamad Alblooshi, Juma Alkaabi, Laila Abdel Wareth, Mai Aljaber, Marina Kazim

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Introduction: Similar to other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), people who develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) typically have more than one risk factor. The clustering of cardiovascular risk factors begins in youth, early adulthood, and middle age. The presence of multiple risk factors simultaneously has been shown to increase the risk for atherosclerosis development in young and middle-aged adults and risk of CVD in middle age. Objective: This study aimed to address the interrelationship of CVD risk factors and their accumulation in a large sample of young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: Baseline data was drawn from the UAE Healthy …


Effect Of Ketogenic Diet On Quality Of Life In Adults With Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Myriam Abboud, Fatme Alanouti, Evridiki Georgaki, Dimitrios Papandreou Dec 2021

Effect Of Ketogenic Diet On Quality Of Life In Adults With Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Myriam Abboud, Fatme Alanouti, Evridiki Georgaki, Dimitrios Papandreou

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Background: Chronic diseases adversely affect quality of life (QOL). The ketogenic diet (KD) may improve the QOL. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effect of KD on the QOL in adults with chronic diseases. Methods: Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted on adults with chronic disease including an intervention group that received KD and a control group, and where QOL was reported as outcome. We searched PubMed, APA PsycInfo, EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), …


Associations Between Genetic Variants In The Vitamin D Metabolism Pathway And Severity Of Covid-19 Among Uae Residents, Fatme Al-Anouti, Mira Mousa, Spyridon N. Karras, William B. Grant, Zainab Alhalwachi, Laila Abdel-Wareth, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Guan K. Tay, Bassam Mahboub, Habiba Alsafar Nov 2021

Associations Between Genetic Variants In The Vitamin D Metabolism Pathway And Severity Of Covid-19 Among Uae Residents, Fatme Al-Anouti, Mira Mousa, Spyridon N. Karras, William B. Grant, Zainab Alhalwachi, Laila Abdel-Wareth, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Guan K. Tay, Bassam Mahboub, Habiba Alsafar

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Vitamin D has many effects on cells in the immune system. Many studies have linked low vitamin D status with severity of COVID-19. Genetic variants involved in vitamin D metabolism have been implicated as potential risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study investigated how genetic variations in humans affected the clinical presentation of COVID-19. In total, 646 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into two groups: noncritical COVID-19 (n = 453; 70.12%) and a critical group (n = 193; 29.87%). Genotype data on the GC, NADSYN1, VDR, and CYP2R1 genes along with data on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were …


Study Of Atmospheric Pollution And Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study For The Sharjah And Ajman Emirates (Uae), Yousef Nazzal, Nadine Bou Orm, Alina Barbulescu, Fares Howari, Manish Sharma, Alaa E. Badawi, Ahmed A. Al-Taani, Jibran Iqbal, Farid El Ktaibi, Cijo M. Xavier, Cristian Stefan Dumitriu Nov 2021

Study Of Atmospheric Pollution And Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study For The Sharjah And Ajman Emirates (Uae), Yousef Nazzal, Nadine Bou Orm, Alina Barbulescu, Fares Howari, Manish Sharma, Alaa E. Badawi, Ahmed A. Al-Taani, Jibran Iqbal, Farid El Ktaibi, Cijo M. Xavier, Cristian Stefan Dumitriu

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Dust is a significant pollution source in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that impacts population health. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the air in the Sharjah and Ajman emirates’ urban areas and assesses the health risk. Three indicators were used for this purpose: the average daily dose (ADD), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the health index (HI). Data were collected during the period April–August 2020. Moreover, the observation sites were clustered based on the pollutants’ concentration, given that the greater the heavy metal concentration is, …


Oral Health Of Children And Adolescents In The United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review Of The Past Decade, Fatme Al Anouti, Myriam Abboud, Dimitrios Papandreou, Suzan Haidar, Nadine Mahboub, Rana Rizk Sep 2021

Oral Health Of Children And Adolescents In The United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review Of The Past Decade, Fatme Al Anouti, Myriam Abboud, Dimitrios Papandreou, Suzan Haidar, Nadine Mahboub, Rana Rizk

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Oral diseases are a universal public health problem with serious health and economic burdens. These diseases are a major concern in the pediatric population specifically. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among all the diseases that affect children, oral diseases, particularly early childhood caries, are the most common despite improvement in the provision of oral health services. Enhancing oral health status is one of the key public health goals in the country. This current systematic review aims to summarize the available data on oral health among children and adolescents in the UAE over the past decade (2011–2021). The review was …


Investigating The Role Of Functional Polymorphism Of Maternal And Neonatal Vitamin D Binding Protein In The Context Of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Cutoffs As Determinants Of Maternal‐Neonatal Vitamin D Status Profiles In A Sunny Mediterranean Region, Spyridon N. Karras, Erdinç Dursun, Merve Alaylıoğlu, Duygu Gezen‐Ak, Cedric Annweiler, Fatme Al Anouti, Hana M.A. Fakhoury, Alkiviadis Bais, Dimitrios Kiortsis Sep 2021

Investigating The Role Of Functional Polymorphism Of Maternal And Neonatal Vitamin D Binding Protein In The Context Of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Cutoffs As Determinants Of Maternal‐Neonatal Vitamin D Status Profiles In A Sunny Mediterranean Region, Spyridon N. Karras, Erdinç Dursun, Merve Alaylıoğlu, Duygu Gezen‐Ak, Cedric Annweiler, Fatme Al Anouti, Hana M.A. Fakhoury, Alkiviadis Bais, Dimitrios Kiortsis

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Recent results indicate that dysregulation of vitamin D‐binding protein (VDBP) could be involved in the development of hypovitaminosis D, and it comprises a risk factor for adverse fetal, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Until recently, there was a paucity of results regarding the effect of maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms on vitamin D status during pregnancy in the Mediterranean region, with a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. We aimed to evaluate the combined effect of maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms and different maternal and neonatal 25‐hy-droxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) cut‐offs on maternal and neonatal vitamin D profile. Blood samples were obtained from …


A Mysterious Sensation About Sleep And Health: The Role Of Interoception, Teresa Arora, Mariapaola Barbato, Shaikha Al Hemeiri, Omar M. Omar, Maryam A. Aljassmi Aug 2021

A Mysterious Sensation About Sleep And Health: The Role Of Interoception, Teresa Arora, Mariapaola Barbato, Shaikha Al Hemeiri, Omar M. Omar, Maryam A. Aljassmi

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BACKGROUND: Interoception is mental awareness, recognition and acknowledgement of physiological body signals. Understanding the role of sleep and interoception may provide a better understanding surrounding the sleep-health connection. Our primary objective was to examine the potential relationships between subjective sleep quality and multiple dimensions of interoceptive abilities in a large sample of young adults, a group who are vulnerable to sleep impairment and its widespread health consequences. METHODS: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey targeting young adults, aged 18-25 years. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to identify subjective sleep quality and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness …


Levels Of Trust In Information Sources As A Predictor Of Protective Health Behaviors During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Uae Cross-Sectional Study, Maria J. Figueiras, Jihane Ghorayeb, Mariana V. C. Coutinho, João Marôco, Justin Thomas Jul 2021

Levels Of Trust In Information Sources As A Predictor Of Protective Health Behaviors During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Uae Cross-Sectional Study, Maria J. Figueiras, Jihane Ghorayeb, Mariana V. C. Coutinho, João Marôco, Justin Thomas

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Health information sources and the level of trust in a particular source may influence the subsequent adoption of advocated health behaviors. Information source preference and levels of trust are also likely to be influenced by sociodemographic (culture, age, gender) variables. Understanding these source-trust-behavior relationships across various national and cultural contexts is integral to improved health messaging. The present study identified the sources most frequently consulted to obtain information about COVID-19 during the pandemic's early stages in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study quantified levels of trust across an array of information sources, factoring in sociodemographic variables. Finally, the study …


Patterns Of Tobacco Smoking And Nicotine Vaping Among University Students In The United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study, Luai A. Ahmed, Marina Verlinden, Mariam Ali Alobeidli, Reem Hamad Alahbabi, Radeya Alkatheeri, Basema Saddik, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Rami H. Al-Rifai Jul 2021

Patterns Of Tobacco Smoking And Nicotine Vaping Among University Students In The United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study, Luai A. Ahmed, Marina Verlinden, Mariam Ali Alobeidli, Reem Hamad Alahbabi, Radeya Alkatheeri, Basema Saddik, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Rami H. Al-Rifai

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Various forms of tobacco smoking and nicotine vaping tools are available on the market. This study quantified the prevalence of and identified factors associated with patterns of smoking and nicotine vaping among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional sample of students enrolled in three public universities was surveyed. Self-reported current smoking and nicotine vaping were recorded. Of 1123 students, 81.7% completed the online survey (mean age, 20.7 ± 3.4 (SD) years; 70.7% females). The prevalence of current smoking was 15.1% while the prevalence of current nicotine vaping was nearly 4.0%. Among current smokers, 54.7% reported conventional …


Measuring Mental Health Literacy: Adaptation And Validation Of The Portuguese Version Of The Mental Health Literacy Scale (Mhls), David Dias Neto, Ines Rocha, Maria João Figueiras, Ana Nunes Da Silva Jun 2021

Measuring Mental Health Literacy: Adaptation And Validation Of The Portuguese Version Of The Mental Health Literacy Scale (Mhls), David Dias Neto, Ines Rocha, Maria João Figueiras, Ana Nunes Da Silva

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Understanding mental health literacy is essential for promoting empowerment and proactivity in patients, reducing stigma, and increasing population awareness. The constitutive dimensions of mental health literacy are still being researched, and instruments’ research can shed light on the involved processes. The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) is a self-report measure of mental health literacy. This study aimed to adapt the MHLS to Portuguese and evaluate mental health literacy in a broad sample. A broad sample of 337 individuals participated in the adaptation. Besides filling out the MHLS, the participants were invited to fill out a general lifestyle measure. The global …


Adequate Management Of Phosphorus In Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Using A Dietary Smartphone App: Prospective Pilot Study, Cosette Fakih El Khoury, Rik Crutzen, Jos Mga Schols, Ruud J.G. Halfens, Mirey Karavetian Jun 2021

Adequate Management Of Phosphorus In Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Using A Dietary Smartphone App: Prospective Pilot Study, Cosette Fakih El Khoury, Rik Crutzen, Jos Mga Schols, Ruud J.G. Halfens, Mirey Karavetian

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Background: The renal diet is complex and requires alterations of the diet and careful monitoring of various nutrients. Elevated serum phosphorus is common among patients undergoing hemodialysis, and it is associated with many complications. Smartphone technology could be used to support both dietitians and patients by providing a source of accessible and reliable information. Objective: The aim of this pilot is to assess the potential efficacy of an intervention using the educational and self-monitoring mobile app KELA.AE on the phosphorous management in hemodialysis patients. Results will be used to improve both the app and a planned, rigorous large-scale trial intended …


Factors Associated With Delayed Initiation And Cessation Of Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers In Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates, Zainab Taha, Ahmed Ali Hassan, Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott, Dimitrios Papandreou Jun 2021

Factors Associated With Delayed Initiation And Cessation Of Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers In Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates, Zainab Taha, Ahmed Ali Hassan, Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott, Dimitrios Papandreou

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Introduction Despite the enormous benefits of breastfeeding, working mothers face more challenges to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding successful breastfeeding practices. Little research has been done to understand the breastfeeding practices among working mothers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with delayed initiation and cessation of breastfeeding among working mothers with children under the age of two years in Abu Dhabi, the UAE. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted from March to September 2017. The study included both Emirati and non-Emirati mothers …


Gaming Disorder And Well-Being Among Emirati College Women, Marina Verlinden, Justin Thomas, Mahra Hasan Abdulla Ahamed Almansoori, Shamil Wanigaratne May 2021

Gaming Disorder And Well-Being Among Emirati College Women, Marina Verlinden, Justin Thomas, Mahra Hasan Abdulla Ahamed Almansoori, Shamil Wanigaratne

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Background: The present study examined Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and depressive symptom levels among a predominantly female sample of college students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: IGD was assessed among two successive cohorts of students at the beginning of the academic year in 2016 and 2019, respectively. All participants (n = 412) completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) and the WHO-5 Well-being Index (WHO-5), a tool widely used for the screening and assessment of depressive symptomatology. Results: Mean IGDS9-SF scores (15.85, SD = 6.40) were fairly similar to those observed in other nations. The prevalence …


Nutritional Status And Eating Habits Of People Who Use Drugs And/Or Are Undergoing Treatment For Recovery: A Narrative Review, Nadine Mahboub, Rana Rizk, Mirey Karavetian, Nanne De Vries May 2021

Nutritional Status And Eating Habits Of People Who Use Drugs And/Or Are Undergoing Treatment For Recovery: A Narrative Review, Nadine Mahboub, Rana Rizk, Mirey Karavetian, Nanne De Vries

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A comprehensive overview is presented of the nutritional issues faced by people who use drugs or are undergoing treatment for recovery. Chronic substance use affects a person's nutritional status and body composition through decreased intake, nutrient absorption, and dysregulation of hormones that alter the mechanisms of satiety and food intake. Anthropometrics alone is not the best indicator of nutritional status, because this population has hidden deficiencies and disturbed metabolic parameters. Socioeconomic factors (eg, higher education, higher income, presence of a partner, living at home) positively affect nutritional status. Scarce available data on users undergoing treatment indicate improvement in anthropometric and …


A Novel Mra-Based Framework For Segmenting The Cerebrovascular System And Correlating Cerebral Vascular Changes To Mean Arterial Pressure, Fatma Taher, Heba Kandil, Yitzhak Gebru, Ali Mahmoud, Ahmed Shalaby, Shady El‐Mashad, Ayman El‐Baz May 2021

A Novel Mra-Based Framework For Segmenting The Cerebrovascular System And Correlating Cerebral Vascular Changes To Mean Arterial Pressure, Fatma Taher, Heba Kandil, Yitzhak Gebru, Ali Mahmoud, Ahmed Shalaby, Shady El‐Mashad, Ayman El‐Baz

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Blood pressure (BP) changes with age are widespread, and systemic high blood pressure (HBP) is a serious factor in developing strokes and cognitive impairment. A non‐invasive methodology to detect changes in human brain’s vasculature using Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) data and correlation of cerebrovascular changes to mean arterial pressure (MAP) is pre-sented. MRA data and systemic blood pressure measurements were gathered from patients (n = 15, M = 8, F = 7, Age = 49.2 ± 7.3 years) over 700 days (an initial visit and then a follow‐up period of 2 years with a final visit.). A novel segmentation algorithm …


Covid-19 Disease Severity And Death In Relation To Vitamin D Status Among Sars-Cov-2-Positive Uae Residents, Habiba Alsafar, William B. Grant, Rafiq Hijazi, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Guan Tay, Bassam Mahboub, Fatme Al Anouti May 2021

Covid-19 Disease Severity And Death In Relation To Vitamin D Status Among Sars-Cov-2-Positive Uae Residents, Habiba Alsafar, William B. Grant, Rafiq Hijazi, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Guan Tay, Bassam Mahboub, Fatme Al Anouti

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Insufficient blood levels of the neurohormone vitamin D are associated with increased risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Despite the global rollout of vaccinations and promising preliminary results, the focus remains on additional preventive measures to manage COVID-19. Results conflict on vitamin D’s plausible role in preventing and treating COVID-19. We examined the relation between vitamin D status and COVID-19 severity and mortality among the multiethnic population of the United Arab Emirates. Our observational study used data for 522 participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at one of the main hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Only 464 of those …


Diabetes And Cancer: Metabolic Association, Therapeutic Challenges, And The Role Of Natural Products, Wamidh H. Talib, Asma Ismail Mahmod, Sara Feras Abuarab, Eliza Hasen, Amer A. Munaim, Shatha Khaled Haif, Amani Marwan Ayyash, Samar Khater, Intisar Hadi Al-Yasari, Lina T. Al Kury Apr 2021

Diabetes And Cancer: Metabolic Association, Therapeutic Challenges, And The Role Of Natural Products, Wamidh H. Talib, Asma Ismail Mahmod, Sara Feras Abuarab, Eliza Hasen, Amer A. Munaim, Shatha Khaled Haif, Amani Marwan Ayyash, Samar Khater, Intisar Hadi Al-Yasari, Lina T. Al Kury

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Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide and in 2018 it was responsible for approximately 9.6 million deaths. Globally, about one in six deaths are caused by cancer. A strong correlation was found between diabetes mellitus and carcinogenesis with the most evident correlation was with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Research has proven that elevated blood glucose levels take part in cell proliferation and cancer cell progression. However, limited studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of conventional therapies in diabetic cancer patients. In this review, the correlation between cancer and diabetes will be discussed and the …


Impact Of The Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) Lockdown On Mental Health And Well-Being In The United Arab Emirates, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Maysm N. Mohamad, Mo'ath F. Bataineh, Abir Ajab, Amina M. Al-Marzouqi, Amjad H. Jarrar, Dima O. Abu Jamous, Habiba I. Ali, Haleama Al Sabbah, Hayder Hasan, Lily Stojanovska, Mona Hashim, Reyad R. Shaker Obaid, Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri Mar 2021

Impact Of The Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) Lockdown On Mental Health And Well-Being In The United Arab Emirates, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Maysm N. Mohamad, Mo'ath F. Bataineh, Abir Ajab, Amina M. Al-Marzouqi, Amjad H. Jarrar, Dima O. Abu Jamous, Habiba I. Ali, Haleama Al Sabbah, Hayder Hasan, Lily Stojanovska, Mona Hashim, Reyad R. Shaker Obaid, Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri

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United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) …


Impact Of Covid-19 On Mental Health And Quality Of Life: Is There Any Effect? A Crosssectional Study Of The Mena Region, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Mo'ath F. Bataineh, Maysm N. Mohamad, Abir Ajab, Amina Al Marzouqi, Amjad H. Jarrar, Carla Habib-Mourad, Dima O.Abu Jamous, Habiba I. Ali, Haleama Al Sabbah, Hayder Hasan, Lily Stojanovska, Mona Hashim, Osama A.Abd Elhameed, Reyad R.Shaker Obaid, Samar Elfeky, Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Leila Cheikh Ismail Mar 2021

Impact Of Covid-19 On Mental Health And Quality Of Life: Is There Any Effect? A Crosssectional Study Of The Mena Region, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Mo'ath F. Bataineh, Maysm N. Mohamad, Abir Ajab, Amina Al Marzouqi, Amjad H. Jarrar, Carla Habib-Mourad, Dima O.Abu Jamous, Habiba I. Ali, Haleama Al Sabbah, Hayder Hasan, Lily Stojanovska, Mona Hashim, Osama A.Abd Elhameed, Reyad R.Shaker Obaid, Samar Elfeky, Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Leila Cheikh Ismail

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The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). The IES-R …


An Evaluation Of The Covid-19 Pandemic And Perceived Social Distancing Policies In Relation To Planning, Selecting, And Preparing Healthy Meals: An Observational Study In 38 Countries Worldwide, Charlotte De Backer, Lauranna Teunissen, Isabelle Cuykx, Paulien Decorte, Sara Pabian, Sarah Gerritsen, Christophe Matthys, Haleama Al Sabbah, Kathleen Van Royen Feb 2021

An Evaluation Of The Covid-19 Pandemic And Perceived Social Distancing Policies In Relation To Planning, Selecting, And Preparing Healthy Meals: An Observational Study In 38 Countries Worldwide, Charlotte De Backer, Lauranna Teunissen, Isabelle Cuykx, Paulien Decorte, Sara Pabian, Sarah Gerritsen, Christophe Matthys, Haleama Al Sabbah, Kathleen Van Royen

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Objectives: To examine changes in planning, selecting, and preparing healthy foods in relation to personal factors (time, money, stress) and social distancing policies during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods: Using cross-sectional online surveys collected in 38 countries worldwide in April-June 2020 (N = 37,207, Mage 36.7 SD 14.8, 77% women), we compared changes in food literacy behaviors to changes in personal factors and social distancing policies, using hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: Increases in planning (4.7 SD 1.3, 4.9 SD 1.3), selecting (3.6 SD 1.7, 3.7 SD 1.7), and preparing (4.6 SD 1.2, 4.7 SD 1.3) healthy …


User Acceptance Of Smart Watch For Medical Purposes: An Empirical Study, Rana Saeed Al-Maroof, Khadija Alhumaid, Ahmad Qasim Alhamad, Ahmad Aburayya, Said Salloum Jan 2021

User Acceptance Of Smart Watch For Medical Purposes: An Empirical Study, Rana Saeed Al-Maroof, Khadija Alhumaid, Ahmad Qasim Alhamad, Ahmad Aburayya, Said Salloum

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This study aims to investigate the most effective and interesting variables that urge use of the smartwatch (SW) in a medical environment. To achieve this aim, the study was framed using an innovative and integrated research model, which is based on combining constructs from a well-established theoretical model’s TAM and other features that are critical to the effectiveness of SW which are content richness and personal innovativeness. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to detect the determinants affecting the adoption of SW. The current study depends on an online questionnaire that is composed of (20) items. The questionnaire is …


Data-Fusion For Epidemiological Analysis Of Covid-19 Variants In Uae, Anoud Bani-Hani, Anaïs Lavorel, Newel Bessadet Jan 2021

Data-Fusion For Epidemiological Analysis Of Covid-19 Variants In Uae, Anoud Bani-Hani, Anaïs Lavorel, Newel Bessadet

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Since December 2019, a new pandemic has appeared causing a considerable negative global impact. The SARS-CoV-2 first emerged from China and transformed to a global pandemic within a short time. The virus was further observed to be spreading rapidly and mutating at a fast pace, with over 5,775 distinct variations of the virus observed globally (at the time of submitting this paper). Extensive research has been ongoing worldwide in order to get a better understanding of its behaviour, influence and more importantly, ways for reducing its impact. Data analytics has been playing a pivotal role in this research to obtain …


Human Milk Microbiota And Oligosaccharides: A Glimpse Into Benefits, Diversity And Correlations, Carole Ayoub Moubareck Jan 2021

Human Milk Microbiota And Oligosaccharides: A Glimpse Into Benefits, Diversity And Correlations, Carole Ayoub Moubareck

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Human milk represents a cornerstone for growth and development of infants, with extensive array of benefits. In addition to exceptionally nutritive and bioactive components, human milk encompasses a complex community of signature bacteria that helps establish infant gut microbiota, contributes to maturation of infant immune system, and competitively interferes with pathogens. Among bioactive constituents of milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are particularly significant. These are non-digestible carbohydrates forming the third largest solid component in human milk. Valuable effects of HMOs include shaping intestinal microbiota, imparting antimicrobial effects, developing intestinal barrier, and modulating immune response. Moreover, recent investigations suggest correlations between …


Towards Refining Wcrf/Aicr Cancer Prevention Recommendations For Red And Processed Meat Intake: Insights From Alberta's Tomorrow Project Cohort, Ala Al Rajabi, Geraldine Lo Siou, Alianu K. Akawung, Kathryn L. Mcdonald, Tiffany R. Price, Grace Shen-Tu, Paula J. Robson, Paul J. Veugelers, Katerina Maximova Jan 2021

Towards Refining Wcrf/Aicr Cancer Prevention Recommendations For Red And Processed Meat Intake: Insights From Alberta's Tomorrow Project Cohort, Ala Al Rajabi, Geraldine Lo Siou, Alianu K. Akawung, Kathryn L. Mcdonald, Tiffany R. Price, Grace Shen-Tu, Paula J. Robson, Paul J. Veugelers, Katerina Maximova

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Current cancer prevention recommendations advise limiting red meat intake to <500g/week and avoiding consumption of processed meat, but do not differentiate the source of processed meat. We examined the associations of processed meat derived from red vs. non-red meats with cancer risk in a prospective cohort of 26,218 adults who reported dietary intake using the Canadian Diet History Questionnaire. Incidence of cancer was obtained through data linkage with Alberta Cancer Registry with median (IQR) follow-up of 13.3 (5.1) years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were adjusted for covariates and stratified by age and gender. The median (IQR) consumption (g/week) of red meat, processed meat from red meat and processed meat from non-red meat were 267.9 (269.9), 53.6 (83.3), and 11.9 (31.8), respectively. High intakes (4th Quartile) of processed meat from red meat was associated with increased risk of gastro-intestinal cancer Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) (95% CI): 1.68 (1.09-2.57) and colorectal cancers AHR (95% CI): 1.90 (1.12-3.22), respectively in women. No statistically significant associations were observed for intakes of red meat or processed meat from non-red meat. Results suggests that the carcinogenic effect associated with processed meat intake may be limited to processed meat derived from red meats. The findings provide preliminary evidence toward refining cancer prevention recommendations for red and processed meat intake.