Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zainab Taha, Farid El Ktaibi, Aysha Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Dimitrios Papandreou, Ahmed Ali Hassan
Summary: The study highlights that grand multipara mothers compared to multipara mothers may have a greater impact on maternal and perinatal health in Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, the prevalence of grand multipara was lower than expected, with sociodemographic factors playing a significant role in association.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maysm N. Mohamad, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Lily Stojanovska, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Jack Feehan, Amjad H. Jarrar, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among young female Emirati college students in the UAE. It found a significant association between abnormal glycemic status with HDL and Hs-CRP, highlighting the importance of further evaluation on using HbA1c as a diagnostic test for diabetes in the UAE.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ibrahim Mahmoud, Nabil Sulaiman
Summary: The study found differences in the agreement between BMI, WC, WHR, and NC, with BMI and WC showing better performance in identifying cardiometabolic risks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ibrahim Mahmoud, Nabil Sulaiman
Summary: This study estimates the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors in the UAE. The results show a high burden of MetS, particularly among Emirati women and Asian non-Arab men. Aggressive intervention strategies are recommended to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Hania Ibrahim, Ziyad R. Mahfoud
Summary: The study found that there was no significant association between weight and suicidal ideation, planning, or attempts among adolescents in the UAE. However, being female, older, and having lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with increased suicidal behaviors. Increased parental involvement was associated with decreased suicidality.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Raghad Hashim, Afraa Salah, Fatemeh Mayahi, Saeedeh Haidary
Summary: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among dental students in the UAE and found that factors such as lack of exercise, history of trauma, longer clinical sessions, and higher BMI were significantly associated with MSP. The high prevalence of MSP highlights the need for increased awareness and attention from dental colleges to address this issue among students.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Nivine Hanach, Hadia Radwan, Randa Fakhry, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Wegdan Bani Issa, MoezAlIslam E. Faris, Reyad Shaker Obaid, Suad Al Marzooqi, Charbel Tabet, Nanne De Vries
Summary: This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women in the United Arab Emirates. It found that a considerable number of women experienced depressive symptoms within the first 6 months postpartum. Risk factors varied during this period, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach and follow-up screening for postpartum depression.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leila Cheikh Ismail, Hanin Kassem, Tareq M. Osaili, Mona Hashim, Reyad Obaid, Hadia Radwan, Maysm N. Mohamad, Sheima T. Saleh, Zein Al Zomut, Salma Abu Qiyas, Radhiya Al Rajaby, Rameez Al Daour, Habiba I. Ali, Lily Stojanovska, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
Summary: Restaurant menu calorie labeling is considered a promising method to raise awareness among consumers and prevent obesity. A study in the UAE found that the majority of participants support menu labeling and prefer to see calorie information on menus. Younger individuals with a normal BMI and higher education levels were more likely to eat at restaurants that provide caloric information.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tareq M. M. Osaili, Wael A. M. Bani Odeh, Maryam S. S. Al Sallagi, Ahmed A. S. A. Al Ali, Reyad S. S. Obaid, Vaidehi Garimella, Fatema Saeed Bin Bakhit, Hayder Hasan, Richard Holley, Nada El Darra
Summary: This study assessed the quality characteristics of honey imported by the UAE via Dubai ports from 2017 to 2021. 20.8% of the samples did not comply with the Emirates honey standard, suggesting possible adulteration, improper storage, or inappropriate heat treatment. India had the highest percentage of non-compliant samples at 32.5%, while Germany had the lowest at 4.5%. It is recommended to conduct comprehensive physicochemical analysis on internationally traded honey and strengthen honey inspection at Dubai ports to reduce the importation of adulterated products.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nahla Hwalla, Lara Chehade, Lynda M. O'Neill, Samer Kharroubi, Amira Kassis, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Habiba I. Ali, Sarah Ibrahim, Fatima Al Zahraa Chokor, Maysm N. Mohamad, Wafaa Ayesh, Lara Nasreddine, Farah Naja
Summary: This study investigates the anthropometric status and food consumption patterns of children in the UAE, as well as their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. Results show that a significant proportion of children suffer from stunted growth, wasting, and overweight/obesity. Many children consume excessive amounts of free sugars and saturated fats, while their intake of essential nutrients such as linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and dietary fiber is inadequate. Furthermore, low dietary adherence is seen in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk/dairy. These findings highlight the need for nutritional policies to improve children's diets in the UAE.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fatima Mezhal, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Abdishakur Abdulle, Abdulla AlJunaibi, Abdulla Alnaeemi, Amar Ahmad, Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Eiman AlZaabi, Fatma Al-Maskari, Fatme Alanouti, Fayza Alameri, Habiba Alsafar, Hamad Alblooshi, Juma Alkaabi, Laila Abdel Wareth, Mai Aljaber, Marina Kazim, Michael Weitzman, Mohammad Al-Houqani, Mohammad Hag Ali, E. Murat Tuzcu, Naima Oumeziane, Omar El-Shahawy, Rami H. Al-Rifai, Scott Sherman, Syed M. Shah, Thekra Alzaabi, Tom Loney, Wael Almahmeed, Youssef Idaghdour, Luai A. Ahmed, Raghib Ali
Summary: This study investigated the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors among young Emirati adults and explored the distribution in relation to sociodemographic and behavioral determinants. The results showed high prevalence of obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity among the young Emirati population. The distribution of these risk factors varied among different social and behavioral groups.
BMC CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mohammed A. Jabir, Mohammed Y. Ali, Ahmed Abdelmaksoud, Sadoon Morad, Alessandro Decarlis
Summary: The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, located in the southern part of the Arabian Gulf, has several significant oil and gas fields. By integrating seismic data, exploration well data, and geological analysis, we have investigated the tectonostratigraphic framework of Abu Dhabi and the neighboring areas. Our study identified seven seismic sequences and four tectonostratigraphic units, providing valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration in the region.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nasloon Ali, Iffat Elbarazi, Fatima Al-Maskari, Tom Loney, Luai A. Ahmed
Summary: This study investigated the level of happiness among pregnant women in the UAE and its associated factors. It found that higher levels of social support, planned pregnancies, and primi-gravidity were associated with higher happiness levels, while women anxious about childbirth were less happy.
Article
Entomology
Nighat Perveen, Sabir Bin Muzaffar, Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
Summary: Ticks, as carriers of diseases, have a negative impact on livestock and human health, potentially affecting the economy of the livestock industry. This study in the UAE found multiple tick species infesting camels, cows, sheep, and goats, with Hyalomma dromedarii being the most prevalent. The presence of these ticks raises concerns about the spread of tick-borne pathogens and highlights the importance of further research in the region.
Article
Economics
Francois Facchini, Louis Jaeck, Chafik Bouhaddioui
Summary: This study examines the cultural foundations of the lack of entrepreneurship among UAE nationals, revealing a cultural inclination to view entrepreneurship as risky and non-mainstream, and a preference for working in the public sector, resulting in UAE nationals making up less than 2% of the private sector workforce.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nahla Hwalla, Lara Chehade, Lynda M. O'Neill, Samer Kharroubi, Amira Kassis, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Habiba I. Ali, Sarah Ibrahim, Fatima Al Zahraa Chokor, Maysm N. Mohamad, Wafaa Ayesh, Lara Nasreddine, Farah Naja
Summary: This study investigates the anthropometric status and food consumption patterns of children in the UAE, as well as their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. Results show that a significant proportion of children suffer from stunted growth, wasting, and overweight/obesity. Many children consume excessive amounts of free sugars and saturated fats, while their intake of essential nutrients such as linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and dietary fiber is inadequate. Furthermore, low dietary adherence is seen in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk/dairy. These findings highlight the need for nutritional policies to improve children's diets in the UAE.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Haleama Al Sabbah, Enas A. Assaf, Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, Afra Salah AlSammach, Haifa Madi, Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail
Summary: This review study assesses the nutrition situation in the UAE from 2010 to 2022. It reveals multiple nutrition-related problems, such as underweight, overweight, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and chronic diseases. However, there is limited data available on these issues, especially regarding stunting, wasting, and underweight in children. The study emphasizes the urgent need for future research and effective health policies to address these problems.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Falak Zeb, Tareq Osaili, Reyad Shakir Obaid, Farah Naja, Hadia Radwan, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Hayder Hasan, Mona Hashim, Iftikhar Alam, Bismillah Sehar, MoezAllslam Ezzat Faris
Summary: Each individual has a unique gut microbiota, which can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, medications, diet, and lifestyle. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in producing vital substances, supporting the immune system, aiding digestion, and coordinating with host metabolism. Time-restricted feeding/eating (TRF/E), a form of intermittent fasting, can help restore the gut microbiome and its associated molecular pathways, contributing to personalized nutrition approaches for improving human health.
Article
Oncology
Abdullah E. Al-Anazi, Bader S. Alanazi, Huda M. Alshanbari, Emad Masuadi, Maaweya E. Hamed, Iman Dandachi, Abdulrahman Alkathiri, Atif Hanif, Islam Nour, Hanadi Fatani, Hadel Alsaran, Fahad AlKhareeb, Ali Al Zahrani, Abdullah A. Alsharm, Saleh Eifan, Bandar Alosaimi
Summary: This study retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data of 146 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and found a high prevalence (96%) of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection, with genotype I being the most common. EBV infection was associated with lung metastasis but not with metastasis to other sites. The majority of patients were in advanced stages of cancer, and the overall survival mean time was 5.59 years. Further multi-center studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the true burden of EBV-associated NPC.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Felicia Siew Kay Ng, Jie Hong Chiang, Grace Cui Fang Ng, Cheryl Si Hui Lee, Christiani Jeyakumar Henry
Summary: This study investigated the suitability of plant-based proteins and fats as substitutes for dairy ingredients in developing frozen desserts. The plant-based desserts had comparable nutrition profiles to dairy desserts but higher dietary fiber content, resulting in improved texture and taste. The desserts containing both chickpea protein concentrate and soymilk powder showed the highest sensory scores and can be a suitable food supplement for elderly individuals at risk of malnutrition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jamil Ahmed, Aseel AlSaleh, Amer J. Almarabheh, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Aysha A. M. Almuqahwi, Hussa W. A. AlOmer, Ibrahim M. AlAlhareth, Sabiha J. M. Albader, Saad S. Alhajeri, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
Summary: This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, perceived weight, sleep, and physical activity in Bahrain. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 adult Bahrainis using an online questionnaire. The results showed that there was an increase in fast food consumption and reliance on takeaways during the pandemic. Participants also reported higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and poor sleep quality. Screen time use for entertainment doubled during the pandemic. These changes highlight the need for promoting healthier lifestyle modifications during similar pandemic situations.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lily Stojanovska, Habiba I. Ali, Afaf Kamal-Eldin, Usama Souka, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Serene Hilary
Summary: This study investigated whether enzymes are essential in analyzing insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fiber (IDF, SDF and TDF) contents in dry fruits with low starch and protein contents. The results showed agreement between both enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods in measuring IDF, SDF, and TDF values in date fruits. The study confirmed that dates are a rich source of dietary fiber and the non-enzymatic technique is a viable substitute for enzymatic analysis of dietary fiber in dry fruits.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Flavia Silva, Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, Carl Lachat, Cintia Curioni, Fabio Gomes, Gary S. Collins, Gilberto Kac, Jennifer Anne de Beyer, Jonathan Cook, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Matthew Page, Neha Khandpur, Sarah Lamb, Sally Hopewell, Shona Kirtley, Solange Durao, Colby J. Vorland, Michael M. Schlussel
Summary: Two independent meta-research studies aim to assess the reporting completeness and limitations of diet-and nutrition-related RCTs and meta-analyses. A sample of RCTs and meta-analyses published in PubMed-indexed journals were selected for data extraction, and the results will be presented in descriptive statistics. The studies are expected to be completed by the beginning of 2023.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Wesley Tay, Rina Quek, Joseph Lim, Bhupinder Kaur, Shalini Ponnalagu, Christiani Jeyakumar Henry
Summary: This study aims to model the replacement of a diet consisting of animal-based proteins with plant-based alternatives in a group of Asians. The results showed that the consumption of plant-based alternatives led to a significant increase in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sodium, and calcium intake, but a significant decrease in overall energy, protein, and fat intake. The substitution of animal-based proteins with plant-based alternatives may have benefits for bone health and individuals on a caloric restriction diet, but may also have negative effects on individuals with cardiovascular conditions and hypertension, as well as iron deficient populations.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yazan Ranneh, Abdulmannan Fadel, Abdah Md Akim, Iskandar Idris, Bolaji Lilian Ilesanmi-Oyelere, Leila Cheikh Ismail
Summary: This article explores the relationship between metabolic endotoxemia (ME) and chronic inflammation, and discusses the role of dietary fiber in improving ME and inflammation. The study uses a systematic review approach to evaluate the intervention effects of dietary fiber on ME by collecting and analyzing data from clinical trials.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Hala Zakaria, Salah Abusanana, Bashair M. Mussa, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Lily Stojanovska, Maysm N. Mohamad, Sheima T. Saleh, Habiba I. Ali, Leila Cheikh Ismail
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy-related endocrinopathy, affecting up to 25% of pregnancies globally. It increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery, and also raises the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This risk can be passed onto the next generation, creating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction. Recent studies have identified promising preventive measures for GDM, such as lifestyle interventions including physical activity and dietary changes. More research is needed to investigate the timing of lifestyle interventions and to personalize the approach based on individual risk factors.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maryam Linjawi, Hira Shakoor, Serene Hilary, Habiba I. Ali, Ayesha S. Al-Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Lily Stojanovska
Summary: Since it emerged, COVID-19 has had a global impact on various industries, including healthcare. Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems. The scarcity of resources and healthcare workers in hospitals, coupled with increased COVID-19 cases, has disrupted cancer care and led to higher mortality rates among cancer patients.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maryam Naveed Muhammad Tariq, Lily Stojanovska, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Habiba I. Ali
Summary: The increased incidences of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among adults in Arab countries are a major concern for public health. Economic expansion has led to a shift in nutrition habits towards a Westernized diet and sedentary lifestyle. This review discusses the effectiveness of nutritional interventions focusing on diet and physical activity in managing NCDs among Arab adults. Structured lifestyle interventions involving behavioral therapy and personalized goals for diet and physical activity have been found to improve health outcomes, especially with longer duration interventions and follow-ups. A combination of online and face-to-face sessions has proven to be effective.
