Faculty Publications (CoM)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.mbru.ac.ae/handle/1/13

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1097

Pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm origin: A case report and review of literature.
(2024-12) Mousa, Ahmed Hafez
Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, a rarity comprising less than 1% of all cancers, present intricate challenges in clinical management, and their incidence is on the rise. Notably, these neoplasms tend to metastasize intraperitoneally, leading to peritoneal carcinomatosis and concurrent accumulation of mucinous material, resulting in pseudomyxoma peritonei. Due to its spectrum of presentation, the classification of the appendiceal mucinous neoplasms remains a controversial subject with a range of management from a simple appendicectomy to a complex hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). A 42-year-old Chadian male presented to the hospital with a sudden onset of right lower abdominal pain radiating to the inguinal region for 24 hours, associated with nausea and vomiting. The abdomen was distended and ascitic. Laboratory investigations revealed anemia, leukocytosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, elevated ESR, high CEA marker, and normal CA19-9. An abdominopelvic CT with contrast demonstrated extensive ascites and cystic masses in the liver, and pancreas with soft tissue thickening of the cecum; however, the appendix is not well-delineated. Patient was managed with chemotherapy and HIPEC followed by removal of all the affected parts. Nodules of the peritoneum and liver were submitted for histopathological analysis and a final diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei of primary appendicular origin was established. This case highlights a case of extensive pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendicular origin managed aggressively by HIPEC and multiple resections of the involved organs. Prognosis of such a case is determined by the grade of the appendiceal tumor and the extent of invasion.
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Review of Current and Potential Future Pharmacotherapies.
(2024-09-27) Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz
The treatment of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION), and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a topic of ongoing research with mixed evidence on some pharmacotherapies and a need for more consensus. This manuscript provides an overview of these conditions' current, potential future, and attempted pharmacotherapies. AAION's current treatment regimen consists of high-dose steroids, with methotrexate, tocilizumab, and abatacept, being the most viable steroid-sparing therapy candidates. As for NAAION, the treatments being tried are vast, with mixed evidence supporting each modality. Similarly, despite the various treatment options explored, there still needs to be a universally effective therapy for PION. More research is needed to formulate an agreed-upon treatment regimen for these conditions.
Chronic Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Children: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study
(2024) Kumar, Ramachandran R
Introduction: Childhood obesity is associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, which results in obesity-related comorbidities. This study compared the inflammatory markers between obese and normal children and assessed obesity-related comorbidities.
Microbial laden mobile phones from international conference attendees pose potential risks to public health and biosecurity.
(2024-09-26) Senok, Abiola
Introduction: Mobile phones, contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, have the potential to act as "trojan horses". The microbial signatures present on their surfaces most probably vary across different geographical regions. As a result, mobile phones belonging to international conference attendees may serve as a model for global microbial dissemination, posing potential risks to public health and biosecurity.
SARS-CoV-2 brainstem encephalitis in human inherited DBR1 deficiency
(2024) Tayoun, Ahmad Abou
Inherited deficiency of the RNA lariat-debranching enzyme 1 (DBR1) is a rare etiology of brainstem viral encephalitis. The cellular basis of disease and the range of viral predisposition are unclear. We report inherited DBR1 deficiency in a 14-year-old boy who suffered from isolated SARS-CoV-2 brainstem encephalitis. The patient is homozygous for a previously reported hypomorphic and pathogenic DBR1 variant (I120T). Consistently, DBR1 I120T/I120T fibroblasts from affected individuals from this and another unrelated kindred have similarly low levels of DBR1 protein and high levels of RNA lariats. DBR1 I120T/I120T human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hindbrain neurons are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Exogenous WT DBR1 expression in DBR1 I120T/I120T fibroblasts and hindbrain neurons rescued the RNA lariat accumulation phenotype. Moreover, expression of exogenous RNA lariats, mimicking DBR1 deficiency, increased the susceptibility of WT hindbrain neurons to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inborn errors of DBR1 impair hindbrain neuron-intrinsic antiviral immunity, predisposing to viral infections of the brainstem, including that by SARS-CoV-2.
Genomic Landscape of Advanced Solid Tumors in Middle East and North Africa Using Circulating Tumor DNA in Routine Clinical Practice
(2024-09-27) Dawood, Shaheenah
Introduction: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor DNA can detect actionable drivers and help guide therapy for patients with advanced-stage cancers. While tissue-based genotyping is considered a standard of care, blood-based genotyping is emerging as a valid alternative. Tumor genomic profiles may vary by region, and data from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are not widely available. This study elucidates the genomic landscape of advanced solid cancers in patients from the MENA region by retrospectively analyzing results from NGS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing.
Improving National and International Surveillance of Movement Behaviours in Childhood and Adolescence: An International Modified Delphi Study
(2024-10-23) Loney, Tom
Background: The actions required to achieve higher-quality and harmonised global surveillance of child and adolescent movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour including screen time, sleep) are unclear.
Targeting PAR2-mediated inflammation in osteoarthritis: a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of oleocanthal's potential as a functional food intervention for chondrocyte protection and anti-inflammatory effects.
(2024-10-01) Patnaik, Rajashree; Varghese, Riah; Jannati, Shirin; Naidoo, Nerissa; Banerjee, Yajnavalka
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive cartilage degradation, ultimately leading to joint dysfunction and disability. Oleocanthal (OC), a bioactive phenolic compound derived from extra virgin olive oil, has garnered significant attention due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which are comparable to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study pioneers the investigation into the effects of OC on the Protease-Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) mediated inflammatory pathway in OA, aiming to validate its efficacy as a functional food-based therapeutic intervention.
Post-Meningitic Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Consequences of Streptococcal Infections on the Central Nervous System.
(2024-10-15) Kaddoura, Rachid; Abdalbari, Karim; Badla, Beshr Abdulaziz; Hijleh, Amin Abu; Hanifa, Mohamed; AlAshkar, Masa; Asbaita, Mohamed; Othman, Deema; Faraji, Hanan; AlBakri, Orjwan; Tahlak, Sara; Hijleh, Amir Abu; Kabbani, Raneem; Resen, Murtadha; Du Plessis, Stefan S; Omolaoye, Temidayo S
Streptococcus species represent a significant global cause of meningitis, leading to brain damage through bacterial virulence factors and the host inflammatory response. Upon entering the central nervous system (CNS), excessive inflammation leads to various neurological and psychological complications. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms and associated outcomes of streptococcal meningitis, particularly its short- and long-term neurological sequelae. Neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, motor deficits, and sensory loss, are shown to vary in severity, with children being particularly susceptible to lasting complications. Among survivors, hearing loss, cognitive decline, and cranial nerve palsies emerge as the most frequently reported complications. The findings highlight the need for timely intervention, including neurorehabilitation strategies that focus on optimizing recovery and mitigating long-term disabilities. Future recommendations emphasize improving early diagnosis, expanding vaccine access, and personalizing rehabilitation protocols to enhance patient outcomes. As a novel contribution, this review proposes the term "post-meningitic syndrome" to showcase the broad spectrum of CNS complications that persist following streptococcal meningitis, providing a framework for a future clinical and research focus.
Equitable access to sustainable healthcare services for children with autism
(2024) Sultan, Meshal A
This perspective article addresses the critical issue of equitable access to sustainable healthcare services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the increasing prevalence of ASD globally, significant disparities persist in accessing appropriate healthcare services. The lack of comprehensive data on autism prevalence and incidence in many regions further exacerbates this challenge, hindering the development of targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation. This paper sheds light on barriers to equitable access, including geographical disparities, cultural stigma, communication barriers and inadequate training of healthcare providers. Strategies for achieving sustainable solutions are proposed, including the expansion of telehealth services, financial assistance programmes, competency training, community-based support programmes and investment in high-quality research. By addressing these challenges and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can work towards ensuring that all children with autism have access to the healthcare services they need for optimal development and well-being.
Sociodemographic and diagnostic trends of users accessing psychiatry outpatient clinic in Dubai from 2019 to 2023: a cross-sectional retrospective study
(2024) Salamah, Fares; Khan, Zainab; Hassan, Layla Alaa Ibrahim; Marashi, Sahar Mahmoud; Shukry, Anood Ahmed Ali Ahmed; Murad, Layla Ahmed Abdelmuti; Alshehhi, Meera Ahmed; Alameeri, Shahad Nasir Mohamed Sabir; Alghaithi, Shaeikha Abdulla
Cultural awareness on mental health is enhancing over time in the Middle East, thus increasing number of individuals who feel more confident to seek the help they require. This epidemiological cross-sectional retrospective analytical study aims to identify and observe the impact of COVID-19 on sociodemographic trends and diagnostic profiles of outpatient attendees at Rashid Hospital, Dubai in a 5-years period. From a cohort of 5135 newly registered patients at Rashid Hospital outpatient department, demographic data, diagnoses and devised treatment plan of 3679 patients – between the ages of 18–59 years were analyzed. SPSS software was employed to analyze trends across the presenting population. Chi-square analysis was utilized to identify possible associations between trends. Overall increasing trend in the frequency of patients presenting to Rashid Hospital Psychiatry outpatient clinic. Key findings included equal gender distribution, highest frequency of 21–40 years old attendees, depressive and anxiety related disorders occupied the majority of diagnoses. The findings highlight key demographic and clinical trends across patients. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep related disorders emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistently increasing number of attendees favor the increase in mental health awareness and the positive attitudes towards seeking help.
Effects of fascial manipulation, vibration exercise, motor imagery, or neuro‐muscular electrical stimulation on the coagulation system: A pilot study
(Wiley, 2025-01) Goswami, Nandu
Available evidence suggests that various medical/rehabilitation treatments evoke multiple effects on blood hemostasis. It was therefore the aim of our study to examine whether fascial manipulation, vibration exercise, motor imagery, or neuro-muscular electrical stimulation can activate the coagulation system, and, thereby, expose patients to thrombotic risk. Ten healthy young subject were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained pre and posttreatment. Besides standard laboratory methods, calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and thrombelastometry (TEM) were used allowing sensitive detection of hyper- and hypocoagulable states. Application of fascial manipulation, motor imagery, or neuro-muscular electrical stimulation had vitually no effect whereas a single bout of vibration exercise caused significant coagulation activation. For example, TEM-derived coagulation times were significantly shortened (209 ± 34 vs. 187 ± 41 s, p = 0.0098) and CAT-derived thrombin peaks were significantly higher (235 ± 88 vs. 268 ± 82 nM, p = 0.0020) in post compared with preexercise samples. Moreover, vibration exercise, motor imagery, and neuro-muscular electrical stimulation caused significant plasma expansion (6.15%, 7.53%, and 3.88% plasma volume changes, respectively). We conclude that vibrational exercise apparently represents a potential procoagulant stimulus, and ongoing studies have to clarify whether VE should be applied particularly to patients with an elevated risk for thrombosis.
Response to the letter from Di Ciaula et al
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Loney, Tom
Re: Di Ciaula et al. Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and risk of cancer: epidemiology is not enough! We thank the authors for their comments and the opportunity to clarify the points raised related to our systematic review. The conclusion of our systematic review are based on the best available human evidence at the time of the review, with moderate certainty, near field RF-EMF exposure to the head from mobile phone use likely does not increase the risk of glioma, meningioma, acoustic neuroma, pituitary tumours, and salivary gland tumours in adults, or of paediatric brain tumours. We are aware that absence of evidence does not definitively equate to evidence of absence; however, we can only review and meta-analyse the available data and evidence, which pre dominantly came from case-control studies which by design have some limitations with retrospective exposure assessment when exploring causal relationships (hence, moderate certainty) and we acknowledge this in the Discussion (see 5.2. Limitations in the evidence).
Improving Therapeutic Adherence and Reducing Therapeutic Inertia in the Management of People with Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Call-to-Action from the Middle East
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-01-22) Hafidh, Khadija
Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes are highly prevalent and poorly controlled cardiometabolic diseases in the Middle East. Therapeutic non-adherence and therapeutic inertia are major contributors to this suboptimal disease control. Regardless of the cardiometabolic disease, evidence-based solutions may be used to improve therapeutic non-adherence and overcome inertia, and thereby help to alleviate the heavy burden of cardiovascular disease in the Middle East. Such solutions include the routine and early use of single-pill combinations, educational initiatives for patients, and multidisciplinary team-based care. This article highlights these and other potential solutions for therapeutic non-adherence and inertia, as discussed at the 2024 Evidence in the Cardiometabolic Environment (EVIDENT) Summit. There is now a 'call-to-action' from healthcare providers and other stakeholder groups to ensure that the solutions discussed at this meeting are implemented within health systems in the Middle East to significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes.Infographic available for this article.
Hand hygiene remains key in mobile phone cross-infection risk – Author response
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Senok, Abiola
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Letter-to Editor written by Ting, 2024 entitled ‘Hand Hygiene re mains key in mobile phone cross-infection risk’., that comments on our recently published article in Infection, Disease & Health entitled Microbial Laden Mobile Phones from International Conference Attendees Pose Potential Risks to Public Health and Biosecurity [1]. It was not the authors’ intention to be discriminating. Our report describes the findings of our research. It is important to point out that our sentence reads “may pose a real risk to Australian biosecurity and public health”. Through the paper we raise a legitimate question that mobile phones may disseminate microbes. In our abstract we clearly call for ‘further research’ to investigate whether or not mobile phones pose a potential risk to biosecurity and public health. Further research may show the question is false but without asking and investigating, the potential risk will remain. Our research invites the entire scientific community to further research and shed light on these potential risks.
Approach to anaemia in gastrointestinal disease: A position paper by the ESPGHAN Gastroenterology Committee
(Wiley, 2025-01-25) Tzivinikos, Christos
Anaemia is a frequent consequence of many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in children and it can even be the initial presenting symptom of underlying chronic GI disease. The definition of anaemia is age and gender‐dependent and it can be classified based on pathophysiology, red cell morphology, and clinical presentation. Although nutritional deficiencies, including GI malabsorption of nutrients and GI bleeding, play a major role, other pathophysiologic mecha nisms seen in chronic GI diseases, whether inflammatory (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) or not (e.g., coeliac disease and dysmotility), are causing anaemia. Drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors, mesalamine, methotrexate and sulfasalazine, are also a potential cause of anaemia. Not uncommonly, due to a combination of factors, such as iron deficiency and a chronic inflam matory state, the underlying pathophysiology may be difficult to decipher and a broad diagnostic work‐up is required. The goal of treatment is correction of anaemia by supplementation of iron and vitamins. The first therapeutic step is to treat the underlying cause of anaemia including bleeding control, restoration of intestinal integrity and reduction of inflammatory burden. The route of iron and vitamin supplementation is guided by the severity of anaemia.
Premarital genomic screening in Arab populations of the Middle East
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-01-09) Chekroun, Ikram; Rabea, Fatma; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi; Tayoun, Ahmad Abou
Premarital genomic screening can help curb the burden of rare reces sive disorders in populations with high rates of consanguineous mar riages. Arab populations of the Middle East have a unique genetic blend characterized by founder mutations due to historical bottlenecks, and diverse allelic series shaped by a long history of migrations and intermixing. The risk of homozygous pathogenic variants, which can lead to reces sive genetic disorders, is elevated because of the high prevalence of consanguineous mar riages, particularly unions between first cous ins, culturally rooted in this region1 . As a result, the cumulative incidence of rare recessive dis orders is expected to be higher in Arab popu lations compared to others, often leading to chronic, severe and life-limiting conditions, such as hemoglobinopathies, spinal muscular atrophy, congenital malformations and meta bolic disorders2 . This places an immense emo tional and financial strain on affected families and healthcare systems across the region.
Comparative Analysis of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Left Main Disease Stratification by Angiographic SYNTAX Score
(SAGE Publications, 2025-02-19) Abourehab, Nadine
Using the SYNTAX score (SS) for decision-making between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) revascularization is under scrutiny. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of LMCA revascularization stratified by SS. This multicenter study included 2138 patients recruited between 2015 and 2020 who underwent LMCA disease revascularization using PCI or CABG and were categorized based on their SS into three groups: low (≤22), intermediate (23-32), and high (≥33). Patients with a high SS compared with those with an intermediate SS experienced increased hospital mortality (Odds ratio: 1.99; P = .026) and Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Event (MACCE; OR: 2.17; P = .006). With an average follow-up of 24.7 months, no substantial differences emerged in MACCE (Hazard ratio: 1.23; P = .52) or mortality (HR: 3.26; P = .073] between patients with high and intermediate SSs. A significant interaction between the SS category (low vs intermediate) and LMCA revascularization modality was observed for hospital MACCEs, favoring PCI over CABG (OR: 0.32; P = .033). However, no noteworthy interactions between SS categories and revascularization modalities were noted concerning hospital or follow-up mortality or follow-up MACCEs. These findings raise doubts about the utility of SS alone in selecting left-main revascularization modalities for LMCA disease.
Assessment of cognitive domains in major depressive disorders using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): Systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
(Elsevier BV, 2025-02) Arnone, Danilo
Cognitive difficulties are known to persist after remission of symptoms and to affect psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Cognitive function, measured with the Cambridge Neuro-psychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), is a reliable approach to measure cognitive function in major depression. This systematic review and meta-analysis appraise cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that used specific CANTAB tests to measure cognitive function in major depression and the effect of treatment (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022355903). 1212 studies were identified and 41 were included, 1793 patients and 1445 healthy controls. Deficits in executive functions were detected with the Stocking Of Cambridge (SOC) 'number of problems solved with minimal number of moves' and 'subsequent thinking time', Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift 'number of trials to complete the test', Spatial Working Memory 'strategy score' and 'between errors score', Spatial Span. Memory deficits were detected with Paired Associates Learning 'number of total errors', Pattern Recognition Memory (PRM) '% of correct answers' and 'response latency', Spatial Recognition Memory '% of correct answers', Delayed Matching To Sample (DMS) '% of total responses'. Impaired attention was detected by Rapid Visual Information Processing 'response latency' and probability to detect target'. Mental and motor responses increased when Reaction Time was measured. SOC 'number of problems solved with minimal number of moves', PRM 'response latency' and DMS '% of total responses' improved after a course of treatment. A range of variables including year of publication, age, IQ, severity and duration of illness influenced cognitive changes. The presence of significant cognitive deficits requires novel targeted interventions.
The Identification of Novel Therapeutic Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Combined Bioinformatics and Integrated Multi-Omics Approach
(MDPI AG, 2025-03-19) Advani, Dia
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifaceted autoimmune disease that is marked by a complex molecular profile influenced by an array of factors, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental elements. Despite significant advancements in research, the precise etiology of RA remains elusive, presenting challenges in developing innovative therapeutic markers. This study takes an integrated multi-omics approach to uncover novel therapeutic markers for RA. By analyzing both transcriptomics and epigenomics datasets, we identified common gene candidates that span these two omics levels in patients diagnosed with RA. Remarkably, we discovered eighteen multi-evidence genes (MEGs) that are prevalent across transcriptomics and epigenomics, twelve of which have not been previously linked directly to RA. The bioinformatics analyses of the twelve novel MEGs revealed they are part of tightly interconnected protein-protein interaction networks directly related to RA-associated KEGG pathways and gene ontology terms. Furthermore, these novel MEGs exhibited direct interactions with miRNAs linked to RA, underscoring their critical role in the disease's pathogenicity. Overall, this comprehensive bioinformatics approach opens avenues for identifying new candidate markers for RA, empowering researchers to validate these markers efficiently through experimental studies. By advancing our understanding of RA, we can pave the way for more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.

Browse

Recent Submissions