Prenatal happiness and life satisfaction research are often over-shadowed by other pregnancy and birth outcomes. This analysis investigated the level of, and factors associated with happiness amongst ...pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates.
Baseline cross-sectional data was analyzed from the Mutaba'ah Study, a large population-based prospective cohort study in the UAE. This analysis included all expectant mothers who completed the baseline self-administered questionnaire about sociodemographic and pregnancy-related information between May 2017 and July 2021. Happiness was assessed on a 10-point scale (1 = very unhappy; 10 = very happy). Regression models were used to evaluate the association between various factors and happiness.
Overall, 9,350 pregnant women were included, and the majority (60.9%) reported a happiness score of ≥8 (median). Higher levels of social support, planned pregnancies and primi-gravidity were independently associated with higher odds of being happier; adjusted odds ratio (aOR (95% CI): 2.02 (1.71-2.38), 1.34 (1.22-1.47), and 1.41 (1.23-1.60), respectively. Women anxious about childbirth had lower odds of being happier (aOR: 0.58 (0.52-0.64).
Self-reported happiness levels were high among pregnant women in the UAE. Health services enhancing social support and promoting well-being during pregnancy and childbirth may ensure continued happiness during pregnancy in the UAE.
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a leading threat to public health. It has been studied extensively in North America and Europe but much less in Arab countries. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood ...Vaccines (PACV) survey is a validated tool for identifying vaccine-hesitant parents; however, Arabic version is not available. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the PACV survey in the Arabic language and to determine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods Forward and backward translation of the PACV in the Arabic language was carried out. The reliability of the Arabic-PACV survey was tested among parents with children. The same survey was used to study vaccine hesitancy among parents attending seven ambulatory health-care services in Al-Ain city, UAE. The associations between vaccine hesitancy and socio-demographic characteristics were explored.
Results: The Cronbach alpha for Arabic-PACV scores was 0.79. Three hundred participants answered the survey (response rate, 85.7%). The majority were Emirati mothers (77%) in the age group (30-49 years). Only 36 parents (12%, 95% CI 8.5,16.2) were found to be vaccine-hesitant. Parent's greatest concerns were mainly the side effects (35%), safety of vaccines (17% unsure and 28% concerned) and getting too many injections (28%). Divorced marital status was significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy (p < .001).
Conclusion: The Arabic-PACV survey could serve as a tool in the evaluation of vaccine hesitancy among parents in UAE and other Arabic-speaking countries. Many parents in our community were concerned about the vaccine safety. Targeted preventive measures are needed.
We investigated the efficiency of oxide based hierarchical heterostructure as adsorbent for the treatment of organic dyes, Methyl orange (MO) and Methylene Blue (MB), containing solution. ...Nanocrystals such as ZnO nanorods (at various temperatures of 30, 60 and 75 °C) and SnO
2
nanoparticles were synthesized by electrodeposition method and hydrothermal approaches, respectively. SnO
2
-ZnO heterostructures were formed by spin coating SnO
2
nanoparticles on ZnO nanorods matrix to form a heterostructured film. The surface morphologies and structural characterization of as-prepared heterostructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. While, absorption spectra of all samples were examined by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples for organic dyes degradation were tested under UV light as model reaction. The SnO
2
-ZnO heterostructured photocatalyst showed superior activities than individual ZnO and SnO
2
nanocrystals. This heightened behavior was attributed to its better charge separation capability and the slow charge recombination originating due to difference in energy values of conduction band edges of SnO
2
and ZnO. The SnO
2
-ZnO heterostructure demonstrated better stability and recyclability up to five times, which is highly desirable for potential industrial applications including dye degradation and wastewater treatment systems.
Oxidative stress (OS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are both key indicators implicated in neuro-inflammatory signalling pathways and their respective neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs targeting ...these factors can be considered as suitable candidates for treatment of neuronal dysfunction and memory impairment. The present study encompasses beneficial effects of a naturally occurring triterpenoid, friedelin, against scopolamine-induced oxidative stress and neurodegenerative pathologies in mice models. The treated animals were subjected to behavioural tests i.e., Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) for memory dysfunction. The underlying mechanism was determined via western blotting, antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile analyses. Molecular docking studies were carried out to predict the binding modes of friedelin in the binding pocket of p-JNK protein. The results reveal that scopolamine caused oxidative stress by (1) inhibiting catalase (CAT), peroxidase enzyme (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione enzyme (GSH); (2) the up-regulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in mice brain; and (3) affecting the neuronal synapse (both pre- and post-synapse) followed by associated memory dysfunction. In contrast, friedelin administration not only abolished scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, glial cell activation, and neuro-inflammation but also inhibited p-JNK and NF-κB and their downstream signaling molecules. Moreover, friedelin administration improved neuronal synapse and reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment accompanied by the inhibition of β-secretase enzyme (BACE-1) to halt amyloidogenic pathways of amyloid-β production. In summary, all of the results show that friedelin is a potent naturally isolated neuro-therapeutic agent to reverse scopolamine-induced neuropathology, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
Presently, there is an emerging research trend in the fabrication of Phytogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles (PMNPs) and their applications in the water/wastewater treatment (WWT), due to their dynamic ...morphology, desired size, super paramagnetic behavior and high saturation magnetization value. Green fabrication of PMNPs is clean, non-toxic, eco-friendly, fast and cost-effective as compared to other physico-chemical technologies, which make it a promising technology. However, certain aspects such as the optimization of the fabrication protocol in order to produce desired quality of PMNPs, regeneration and reusability, are the main hindrances in the transfer of this technology from the laboratory scale to the commercial applications. Therefore, the present study highlights the performance of PMNPs for the removal of aqueous pollutants from wastewater. In addition, the research developments of PMNPs regarding fabrication mechanism, regeneration and reusability for WWT are discussed. The study also provides a model of PMNPs based on zero effluent discharge and consequently, the WWT process is proposed. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are discussed to make PMNPs based green nanotechnology technically more feasible and economically sustainable.
Vaccine hesitancy is a growing public health concern that has fueled the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in several Muslim-majority countries. Although multiple factors are associated with ...vaccine hesitancy, certain religious deliberations are significant in determining individuals' vaccine-related decisions and attitudes. In this review article, we summarize the literature on religious factors linked to vaccine hesitancy among Muslims, thoroughly discuss the Islamic law (sharia) viewpoint on vaccination and offer recommendations to address vaccine hesitancy in Muslim communities. Halal content/labeling and the influence of religious leaders were identified as major determinants of vaccination choices among Muslims. The core concepts of sharia, such as "preservation of life," "necessities permit prohibitions," and "empowering social responsibility for the greater public benefit" promote vaccination. Engaging religious leaders in immunization programs is crucial to enhance the uptake of vaccines among Muslims.
Cancer Health literacy (CHL) is the health literacy related to cancer knowledge, prevention, treatment, screening, and access to services. It is an important indicator of people's adherence to ...screening and preventive measures, which helps to reduce the incidence and prevalence of cancer. The study assessed the CHL level and its association with relevant socio-demographic characteristics and sources of information among primary health care patients and visitors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A cross-sectional study recruited survey participants who consented to respond to an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The assessment of CHL was done by using 15 questions. CHL level was measured as a median score and also categorized as poor/inadequate, moderate, good/excellent. Nominal logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between CHL categories and participants' sociodemographic characteristics and CHL sources of information.
Of the total 492 participants, 45.5% were young adults (30-39 years old), 32.9% were males, and 70.8% were UAE nationals. The overall median CHL score was 8.0 (IQR = 5.0-10). 33.7% of the participants had a poor/inadequate level of CHL, 49.6% had a moderate level and 16.7% had a good to excellent level of CHL. 76.9% of the participants knew the importance of early cancer screening tests, 72.7% acknowledged the metastatic capacity of cancer, and the protective factors of cancer, especially, in colon cancer (71.7%). A high proportion of participants received health information about cancer via the internet (50.7%), television (45.3%), social media (40.2%), and doctors (43.6%). Nationality other than UAE (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.03-2.56,
= .038), having university education (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.21-3.99,
= .010) compared to those with lower than high school, and having a family history of cancer (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.33-4.41,
= .004) were positively associated with CHL. Older age (aOR = .36, 95% CI = .17-.75,
= .007 for 50-59 years, and aOR = .29, 95% CI = .11-.82,
= .019) for 60-69 years, higher-income (aOR = .57, 95% CI = .33-.99,
= .047 for 10,000-19,999 AED; aOR = .53, 95% CI = .33-.88,
= .013 for ≥20,000) compared with those earning <10,000 AED were negatively associated with CHL.
CHL among the resident UAE population was moderately adequate, therefore implementation of awareness campaigns seems to be warranted. Moreover, evaluation research targeting the CHL impact on cancer prevention practices and screening is also advocated.
Low hemoglobin (Hb) level is a leading cause of many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Patterns of changes in Hb levels during pregnancy are not well understood.
This study estimated Hb levels, described ...its changing patterns across gestational trimesters, and identified factors associated with these changes among pregnant women.
Data from the ongoing maternal and child health cohort study-The Mutaba'ah Study, was used (N = 1,120). KML machine learning algorithm was applied to identify three distinct cluster trajectories of Hb levels between the first and the third trimesters. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the study participants. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with change patterns in Hb levels.
The three identified clusters-A, B and C-had, respectively, median Hb levels (g/L) of 123, 118, and 104 in the first trimester and 119, 100, and 108 in the third trimester. Cluster 'A' maintained average normal Hb levels in both trimesters. Cluster 'B', on average, experienced a decrease in Hb levels below the normal range during the third trimester. Cluster 'C' showed increased Hb levels in the third trimester but remained, on average, below the normal range in both trimesters. Pregnant women with higher gravida, diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), nulliparity or lower level of education were more likely to be in cluster 'B' than the normal cluster 'A'. Pregnant women who reported using iron supplements before pregnancy or those with low levels of education. were more likely to be in cluster 'C' than the normal cluster 'A'.
The majority of pregnant women experienced low Hb levels during pregnancy. Changes in Hb levels during pregnancy were associated with parity, gravida, use of iron before pregnancy, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2).
هذه الدراسة تبحث في ارتباط التدابير الوقائية مع الإيجابية المصلية لمرض كوفيد-١٩.
أجريت هذه الدراسة المقطعية في كلية الطب في المستشفى العسكري المشترك خريان، باكستان في سبتمبر ٢٠٢٠. وتم تسجيل ما مجموعه ...٤٤٢ مشاركا من ثلاث طبقات مختلفة (أعضاء هيئة التدريس والطلاب والإدارة/الموظفين والفنيين) باستخدام أسلوب مناسب لأخذ العينات. تم استخدام طريقة اختبار للكشف السريع عن الأجسام المضادة. اختبار أيكروما وهو جهاز تشخيصي في المختبر يساعد على تشخيص عدوى فيروس كورونا الجديد بتعاقب سريع من خلال قياس الأجسام المضادة؛ الغلوبولين المناعي G والغلوبولين المناعي M لمرض كوفيد-١٩. وهو كشف نوعي للأجسام المضادة للغلوبولين المناعي G وM في الدم. وكان الجهاز المستخدم للتحليل النوعي نظام المناعة الفلورسنت الآلي مع حساسية سريرية ٩٥.٨٪ وخصوصية سريرية ٩٦.٧٪. واستُخدمت استبانة ذاتية الإدارة لجمع البيانات.
شملت الدراسة ما مجموعه ٤٤٢ مشاركا؛ ٤٠(٩٪) أعضاء هيئة التدريس، ٢٩٩ (٦٧٪) الطلاب و١٠٣ (٢٣.٣٪) الموظفون الإداريون/الفنيون. ما يصل إلى ١٤.٩٪ من المشاركين كانت لديهم أعراض، و٣٢.٤٪ تستخدم دائما الكمامة و١٤٪ لم يرتدوا الكمامة. وعلاوة على ذلك، قام ٦٩.٧٪ بغسل أيديهم بشكل متكرر لمدة ٢٠ ثانية و٧٥.٦٪ كانوا على وعي بالتباعد الاجتماعي. أظهر الاختبار ما مجموعه ١٦.٩٦٪ نتيجة إيجابية للأجسام المضادة الغلوبولين المناعي G. وعلاوة على ذلك، فإن معظم الموظفين الإداريين والتقنيين، الذين كانت نتيجة الفحص لديهم إيجابية بالنسبة للغلوبولين المناعي G، كانوا غير مُعدين (٦٨.٤٢٪). تم العثور على ارتباط كبير بين ارتداء الكمامة، وغسل اليدين، والتباعد الاجتماعي والعدوى بمرض كوفيد-١٩.
أظهرت هذه الدراسة ارتفاع معدل الانتشار المصلي حيث تم إجراؤها قرب نهاية الموجة الأولى من جائحة مرض كوفيد-١٩. ما زلنا بعيدين عن تحقيق حصانة القطيع. وعلاوة على ذلك، فإن الامتثال الصارم للتدابير الوقائية هو الوسيلة الوحيدة للنجاح حتى تطوير لقاح فعال.
This study investigates the association of preventive measures with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) seropositivity.
This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital Kharian Medical College, Pakistan, in September 2020. A total of 442 participants from three different strata (faculty, students, and administration/technical staff) were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. A rapid antibody testing method was used to detect antibodies. The Ichroma™ COVID-19 Ab test is an in vitro diagnostic device that helps in the rapid identification of COVID-19 by measuring the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the blood. An automated fluorescent immunoassay system (AFIAS-6), with a clinical sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 96.7%, was used for qualitative analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.
In total, 442 participants were included in the study: 40 (9%) faculty members, 299 (67%) students, and 103 (23.3%) administrative/technical staff. As many as 14.9% of the participants were symptomatic; 32.4% always used masks, and 14% never wore masks. Furthermore, 69.7% of participants frequently washed their hands for 20 s, and 75.6% were aware of social distancing. A total of 16.96% of participants tested positive for IgG antibodies. Moreover, most of the administration/technical staff who tested positive for IgG were asymptomatic (68.42%). A significant association (p < 0.001) was found between following the safety guidelines (wearing masks, handwashing, and social distancing) and the occurrence of COVID-19.
This study showed a higher seroprevalence rate than other studies as it was conducted toward the end of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are still far from achieving herd immunity. Furthermore, strict compliance with preventive measures is the only way to ensure safety until an effective vaccine is developed.
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