Search

Abstract Extreme environments significantly impact the metabolic profiles of plants, leading to variations in chemical composition and bioactivity. This study investigates the effects of altitude, plant part age, and light exposure on the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Moringa peregrina. Based on our results, mineral contents were plant location dependent; while dry matter, ash, total digestible nutrients (TDN), fibre, protein, and tannins, were greater in the samples from the mountain. Vitamin E was more concentrated in the wadi. Vitamin A, selenium, phenols, and heavy metals were undetectable in both environments. Antimicrobial assays revealed stronger activity in mountain samples than the other locations. Age-dependent analyses showed that nitrogen, protein, ash, and electrolyte leakage were higher in young plant parts, whereas chlorophyll a and b levels were elevated in mature leaves and younger branches, particularly in lower elevations. Interestingly, young leaves from mountain regions had higher chlorophyll concentrations compared to mature leaves, contrasting with trends at other elevations. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) measurements were also highest in the mountain region. These findings suggest that M. peregrina employs diverse metabolic adaptations for survival in challenging environments, potentially offering socioeconomic value to indigenous communities through its bioactive properties.

Objectives To evaluate the functional impact of a novel DNASE1L3 variant (c.572A>G, p.Asn191Ser) in three families with SLE and hypocomplementaemic urticarial vasculitis (HUV) from the United Arab Emirates.Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed on affected patients and findings were confirmed using Sanger sequencing in family members. DNASE1L3 protein expression, secretion and enzymatic activity were assessed in HEK293 cell lines. Plasma smear assay for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was evaluated in patients, family members and healthy control.Results A total of seven patients diagnosed with both SLE and HUV were identified from three unrelated families. All affected individuals were found to carry a homozygous c.572A>G, p.Asn191Ser (191S) variant in DNASE1L3. The variant 191S was shown to impact the secretion and activity of DNASE1L3. Patients homozygous for 191S variant had significantly higher burden (p=0.0409) of NET structure in comparison to heterozygous and healthy control.Conclusions We functionally evaluated the effect of a novel DNASE1L3 (c.572A>G, p.Asn191Ser) in familial SLE with a consistent pattern of HUV across seven patients. This variant resulted in impaired secretion and enzymatic activity of DNASE1L3 along with increased NETosis in patients with homozygous genotype.

Purpose. This cross-sectional survey study aimed to examine the association between vegetarian diet consumption and sleep quality, academic performance, and health-related quality of life among female undergraduate college students. Method. A sample of 158 undergraduate female college students was recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data collection utilized reliable and validated English-language instruments including the Vegetarian Quality of Life Questionnaire (VEGQOL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health-related quality of life scale (HRQoL). The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and appropriate descriptive statistics. Results. Vegetarians exhibited a significantly lower BMI compared to nonvegetarians (F (1, 156) = [6.09], p=0.015). Those strictly adhering to a vegan diet (48.79 ± 9.41) had the lowest vegetarian quality of life among all participants following various forms of a vegetarian diet (F (3, 68) = [2.78], p=0.04). The majority of female college students reported good to excellent general health (91.7%), with 53.2% perceiving their sleep quality as fairly good. However, the mean PSQI global score of 8.04 (±3.35) indicated poor sleep quality. No significant association was found between diet type (vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian) and academic performance (cGPA) (χ2 (4, N = 158) = 2.92, p=0.57). There was no significant relationship between diet types and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. Conclusion. Despite a significant association between vegetarian diet and lower BMI, surprisingly, no substantial relationships were identified between diet type and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the potential impacts of a vegetarian diet on various facets of female college students’ well-being and highlight the need for further exploration in this field.

Extreme environments significantly impact the metabolic profiles of plants, leading to variations in chemical composition and bioactivity. This study investigates the effects of altitude, plant part age, and light exposure on the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Moringa peregrina. Based on our results, mineral contents were plant location dependent; while dry matter, ash, total digestible nutrients (TDN), fibre, protein, and tannins, were greater in the samples from the mountain. Vitamin E was more concentrated in the wadi. Vitamin A, selenium, phenols, and heavy metals were undetectable in both environments. Antimicrobial assays revealed stronger activity in mountain samples than the other locations. Age-dependent analyses showed that nitrogen, protein, ash, and electrolyte leakage were higher in young plant parts, whereas chlorophyll a and b levels were elevated in mature leaves and younger branches, particularly in lower elevations. Interestingly, young leaves from mountain regions had higher chlorophyll concentrations compared to mature leaves, contrasting with trends at other elevations. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) measurements were also highest in the mountain region. These findings suggest that M. peregrina employs diverse metabolic adaptations for survival in challenging environments, potentially offering socioeconomic value to indigenous communities through its bioactive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tjalma syndrome, also known as pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome, is a rare manifestation of conditions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The syndrome is characterized by the presence of ascites, pleural effusion, and an elevated cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) level. We present the case of a 27-year-old female patient admitted in 2021 without any comorbidities, who presented with unintentional weight loss, gastrointestinal upset, and ascites. Further evaluation showed elevated CA-125 levels and pleural effusions, with no atypical cells. The patient was initially treated with antiemetics, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and total parental nutrition with no improvement in her symptoms or laboratory parameters. The results of an autoimmune workup met the criteria for the classification of SLE. After extensive investigation, she was diagnosed with Tjalma syndrome. She was subsequently treated with corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine, resulting in the rapid resolution of the patient's nausea and emesis, and discharge from the hospital. Her ascites resolved over 4 weeks. Prednisolone was tapered down and azathioprine was added as a steroid-sparing agent. The patient eventually had complete remission of her symptoms, as well as remarkable improvements in her laboratory results. However, 8 months after her initial diagnosis, the patient showed signs of increasing SLE activity with lupus nephritis, anemia, and leukopenia, despite being compliant with her treatment regimen. The patient was initiated on oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) and azathioprine was replaced with mycophenolate mofetil, which resulted in significant improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters within 3 weeks. Cases of Tjalma syndrome, and specifically, this presentation, are rarely reported in the literature. We present this condition to raise awareness about both the presenting symptoms and therapeutic options for Tjalma syndrome.

Background and objectives. The shortened dental arch (SDA) is a dentition of no more than twenty teeth with an intact anterior region but a reduced number of occluding pairs of posterior teeth. The SDA concept is a valid treatment option in cases in which anteriors and premolars can provide adequate aesthetics, function, and occlusal stability. This study investigated dentists’ awareness and opinion of the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept among UAE dentists and its application in their practice. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire anonymously to investigate the awareness and views of dentists about SDA. The questionnaire was sent to all 901 dentists registered with the Emirates Medical Association (EMA). The questionnaire consists of 17 questions, which comprise demographics, awareness, and application in dental practice, preferred treatment modality, and risks and benefits associated with SDA. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics. Results. The response rate reported was 40.3%. Two-thirds of the respondents (65.8%) were aware of the SDA concept; however, it was not usually applied in clinical practice (n = 196, 54.7%). Specialists were more aware of the concept (p≤0.001) and applied it more frequently in their clinical practice (p=0.041) than general dental practitioners (GDPs). Respondents agreed that SDA was associated with the risks of teeth migration (n = 211, 59.9%), tooth wear (n = 196, 55.8%), and/or temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (n = 163, 45.3%). The implant was the treatment of choice for many of the participants (n = 169, 46.6%) to replace missing molars, followed by the acrylic removal partial denture (RPD) (n = 129, 35.5%). Conclusions. Most dentists who responded to this survey were aware of the SDA concept and had a positive attitude about it. However, they did not apply it frequently in their clinical practice.

Purpose. This cross‐sectional survey study aimed to examine the association between vegetarian diet consumption and sleep quality, academic performance, and health‐related quality of life among female undergraduate college students. Method. A sample of 158 undergraduate female college students was recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data collection utilized reliable and validated English‐language instruments including the Vegetarian Quality of Life Questionnaire (VEGQOL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health‐related quality of life scale (HRQoL). The data were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and appropriate descriptive statistics. Results. Vegetarians exhibited a significantly lower BMI compared to nonvegetarians (F (1, 156) = [6.09], p = 0.015). Those strictly adhering to a vegan diet (48.79 ± 9.41) had the lowest vegetarian quality of life among all participants following various forms of a vegetarian diet (F (3, 68) = [2.78], p = 0.04). The majority of female college students reported good to excellent general health (91.7%), with 53.2% perceiving their sleep quality as fairly good. However, the mean PSQI global score of 8.04 (±3.35) indicated poor sleep quality. No significant association was found between diet type (vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian) and academic performance (cGPA) (χ2 (4, N = 158) = 2.92, p = 0.57). There was no significant relationship between diet types and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. Conclusion. Despite a significant association between vegetarian diet and lower BMI, surprisingly, no substantial relationships were identified between diet type and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the potential impacts of a vegetarian diet on various facets of female college students' well‐being and highlight the need for further exploration in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe COVID-19 outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, and it was officially declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak and the safety measures taken to control it caused many psychological issues in populations worldwide, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to assess the psychological effects of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak on university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to investigate the students’ awareness of mobile mental health care apps as well as their attitudes toward the use of these apps. MethodsA two-part self-administered web-based questionnaire was delivered to students at United Arab Emirates University. The first part of the questionnaire assessed the mental state of the participants using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), while the second part contained questions investigating the participants’ awareness of and attitudes toward mental health care apps. Students were invited to fill out the web-based questionnaire via social media and mailing lists. ResultsA total of 154 students participated in the survey, and the majority were female. The results of the GHQ-12 analysis showed that the students were experiencing psychological issues related to depression and anxiety as well as social dysfunction. The results also revealed a lack of awareness of mental health care apps and uncertainty regarding the use of such apps. Approximately one-third of the participants (44/154, 28.6%) suggested preferred functionalities and characteristics of mobile mental health care apps, such as affordable price, simple design, ease of use, web-based therapy, communication with others experiencing the same issues, and tracking of mental status. ConclusionsLike many groups of people worldwide, university students in the UAE were psychologically affected by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although apps can be useful tools for mental health care delivery, especially in circumstances such as those produced by the outbreak, the students in this study showed a lack of awareness of these apps and mixed attitudes toward them. Improving the digital health literacy of university students in the UAE by increasing their awareness of mental health care apps and the treatment methods and benefits of the apps, as well as involving students in the app creation process, may encourage students to use these tools for mental health care.

As Fujairah comprises extremely diverse natural landscapes which enforce us to protect and understand possible risks and challenges faced by the coastal waters of Fujairah, it is critical to mitigate, reduce, and eliminate the risks. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the effect of such anthropogenic activities on the offshore waters of Fujairah. Accordingly, two buoys were deployed after conducting a baseline survey for 30 locations targeting areas affected by the anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, two sites were chosen for the buoy deployment, nearshore which is across the desalination plant (Qidfa) and offshore which is across the oil and gas facility port (Skamkam). After analyzing the water quality measurements taken for 1 year from both deployed buoys and compared it with the baseline survey measurements, an indication of water quality deterioration in nearshore and offshore buoys was evinced, and the nearshore site which located in Qidfa has a higher deterioration in water quality measurements compared to the offshore site located in Skamkam. A long-term monitoring program needs to be conducted to gather additional data on water quality over several years to help identify the seasonal variations, trends, and long-term changes in water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble B vitamins participate in numerous crucial metabolic reactions and are critical for maintaining our health. Vitamin B deficiencies cause many different types of diseases, such as dementia, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and HIV. Vitamin B3 deficiency is linked to pellagra and cancer, while niacin (or nicotinic acid) lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A highly sensitive and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS-MS) method was developed to detect and quantify a vitamin B3 vitamer (nicotinamide) and vitamin B6 vitamers (pyridoxial 5′-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal hydrochloride (PL), pyridoxamine dihydrochloride (PM), pridoxamine-5′-phosphate (PMP), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (PN)) in human hair samples of the UAE population. Forty students’ volunteers took part in the study and donated their hair samples. The analytes were extracted and then separated using a reversed-phase Poroshell EC-C18 column, eluted using two mobile phases, and quantified using LC/MS-MS system. The method was validated in human hair using parameters such as linearity, intra- and inter-day accuracy, and precision and recovery. The method was then used to detect vitamin B3 and B6 vitamers in the human hair samples. Of all the vitamin B3 and B6 vitamers tested, only nicotinamide was detected and quantified in human hair. Of the 40 samples analysed, 12 were in the range 100–200 pg/mg, 15 in the range 200–500 pg/mg, 9 in the range of 500–4000 pg/mg. The LC/MS-MS method is effective, sensitive, and robust for the detection of vitamin B3 and its vitamer nicotinamide in human hair samples. This developed hair test can be used in clinical examination to complement blood and urine tests for the long-term deficiency, detection, and quantification of nicotinamide.

This paper is to investigate the pedestrian safety in Sharjah (UAE), and suggest recommendations to improve safety in the emirate. A survey data was collected from 570 participants in December, 2016, and included the following informations: measure the awareness of drivers and pedestrians, determine the behavior of road users, take general views from the road users, and measure the level of users` satisfaction. The results showed that characteristics of road users including (gender, age group, nationality, social status, education level and the income) can affect their behavior at different levels and that may lead to pedestrian accidents. Also, most participants noticed that there are differences in the behavior of drivers and pedestrians based on their nationalities, and they indicated that pedestrian mistakes are main cause of this type of accidents. Moreover, the data showed that most drivers confirmed that they give more attention to pedestrians in mixed land used than other areas and they mentioned that “traffic signal + marked lines” is the clearest place for them to be attentive to pedestrians crossing the road. Overall, based on the results of this paper, there is an urgent need to re-evaluate the pedestrian facilities in the Emirate such as (Design, locations, and their availability) as well as focusing more on the education and the law enforcement.

The paper investigates the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on Innovative Work Behavior (IWB). The mediating role of passion and organizational commitment is investigated for understanding the effect of CSR on companies' performances by adopting a behavioral perspective. Based on the exploratory literature review conducted during the period from 1990 to 2020 and the content analysis method, we explore possible relationships among CSR, human capital, relational capital, and innovative work behaviors. Building upon the evidence from the literature review, a set of propositions have been defined for supporting both researchers and practitioners in enhancing the potential contribution of perceived CSR to improve companies' performance by adopting IWBs. The paper enriches ongoing debate about CSR's influence on companies' performances investigating the pivotal role of perceptions about CSR practices in influencing IWBs within the business field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives. The shortened dental arch (SDA) is a dentition of no more than twenty teeth with an intact anterior region but a reduced number of occluding pairs of posterior teeth. The SDA concept is a valid treatment option in cases in which anteriors and premolars can provide adequate aesthetics, function, and occlusal stability. This study investigated dentists' awareness and opinion of the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept among UAE dentists and its application in their practice. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire anonymously to investigate the awareness and views of dentists about SDA. The questionnaire was sent to all 901 dentists registered with the Emirates Medical Association (EMA). The questionnaire consists of 17 questions, which comprise demographics, awareness, and application in dental practice, preferred treatment modality, and risks and benefits associated with SDA. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics. Results. The response rate reported was 40.3%. Two-thirds of the respondents (65.8%) were aware of the SDA concept; however, it was not usually applied in clinical practice (n = 196, 54.7%). Specialists were more aware of the concept (p ≤ 0.001) and applied it more frequently in their clinical practice (p = 0.041) than general dental practitioners (GDPs). Respondents agreed that SDA was associated with the risks of teeth migration (n = 211, 59.9%), tooth wear (n = 196, 55.8%), and/or temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (n = 163, 45.3%). The implant was the treatment of choice for many of the participants (n = 169, 46.6%) to replace missing molars, followed by the acrylic removal partial denture (RPD) (n = 129, 35.5%). Conclusions. Most dentists who responded to this survey were aware of the SDA concept and had a positive attitude about it. However, they did not apply it frequently in their clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tjalma syndrome, also known as pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome, is a rare manifestation of conditions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The syndrome is characterized by the presence of ascites, pleural effusion, and an elevated cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) level. We present the case of a 27-year-old female patient admitted in 2021 without any comorbidities, who presented with unintentional weight loss, gastrointestinal upset, and ascites. Further evaluation showed elevated CA-125 levels and pleural effusions, with no atypical cells. The patient was initially treated with antiemetics, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and total parental nutrition with no improvement in her symptoms or laboratory parameters. The results of an autoimmune workup met the criteria for the classification of SLE. After extensive investigation, she was diagnosed with Tjalma syndrome. She was subsequently treated with corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine, resulting in the rapid resolution of the patient's nausea and emesis, and discharge from the hospital. Her ascites resolved over 4 weeks. Prednisolone was tapered down and azathioprine was added as a steroid-sparing agent. The patient eventually had complete remission of her symptoms, as well as remarkable improvements in her laboratory results. However, 8 months after her initial diagnosis, the patient showed signs of increasing SLE activity with lupus nephritis, anemia, and leukopenia, despite being compliant with her treatment regimen. The patient was initiated on oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) and azathioprine was replaced with mycophenolate mofetil, which resulted in significant improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters within 3 weeks. Cases of Tjalma syndrome, and specifically, this presentation, are rarely reported in the literature. We present this condition to raise awareness about both the presenting symptoms and therapeutic options for Tjalma syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water-soluble B vitamins participate in numerous crucial metabolic reactions and are critical for maintaining our health. Vitamin B deficiencies cause many different types of diseases, such as dementia, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and HIV. Vitamin B3 deficiency is linked to pellagra and cancer, while niacin (or nicotinic acid) lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A highly sensitive and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS-MS) method was developed to detect and quantify a vitamin B3 vitamer (nicotinamide) and vitamin B6 vitamers (pyridoxial 5′-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal hydrochloride (PL), pyridoxamine dihydrochloride (PM), pridoxamine-5′-phosphate (PMP), and pyridoxine hydrochloride (PN)) in human hair samples of the UAE population. Forty students' volunteers took part in the study and donated their hair samples. The analytes were extracted and then separated using a reversed-phase Poroshell EC-C18 column, eluted using two mobile phases, and quantified using LC/MS-MS system. The method was validated in human hair using parameters such as linearity, intra- and inter-day accuracy, and precision and recovery. The method was then used to detect vitamin B3 and B6 vitamers in the human hair samples. Of all the vitamin B3 and B6 vitamers tested, only nicotinamide was detected and quantified in human hair. Of the 40 samples analysed, 12 were in the range 100–200 pg/mg, 15 in the range 200–500 pg/mg, 9 in the range of 500–4000 pg/mg. The LC/MS-MS method is effective, sensitive, and robust for the detection of vitamin B3 and its vitamer nicotinamide in human hair samples. This developed hair test can be used in clinical examination to complement blood and urine tests for the long-term deficiency, detection, and quantification of nicotinamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]