Faculty Publications (CoM)

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  • Publication
    The Intraoperative Role of Artificial Intelligence Within General Surgery: A Systematic Review
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-11-04) Deema, Othman
    The role of artificial intelligence has been explored in many industries across the world. The medical field is no exception with studies regarding its use for development of algorithms in cancer screening and its diagnostic utility in clinical radiology. This study aims to review current literature on intraoperative use of artificial intelligence within general surgery to identify the latest developments, the major challenges and the trajectory of this field. A literature search was done on PubMed on May 28, 2024, using the terms: ((artificial intelligence) AND (general surgery)). Only publications in English and studies involving human subjects were considered. Exclusion criteria included duplicate papers, irrelevant titles, abstracts, themes, and non-English papers. A literature search on PubMed yielded 13 relevant articles. Among these, five articles focused on intraoperative guidance, four addressed surgical education and training, and four were survey-based exploring perceptions regarding artificial intelligence. Key themes included the development of artificial intelligence-based autonomous actions during surgery and its role in enhancing surgical training. Limitations identified included restricted data availability, ethical concerns, and a lack of validation tools, which pose significant obstacles to progress in this area. Despite existing limitations, the potential for integrating artificial intelligence into general surgery is promising. Careful attention is needed to overcome challenges and maximize its benefits.
  • Publication
    A retrospective study investigating semen parameter profiles among male patients attending a fertility center in the UAE: Insights from a nationality perspective.
    (2024-11-30) Omolaoye, Temidayo S; Lakshmanan, Jeyaseelan; Du Plessis, Stefan S
    Objectives: The current study assessed the epidemiological trends of semen phenotypes and their association with ethnicity among men seeking fertility treatment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • Publication
    Serotonergic psychedelics as potential therapeutics for post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID): A comprehensive review.
    (2025-03-20) Alfaresi, Mubarak
    Rationale: In our ongoing battle against the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a major challenge is the enduring symptoms that continue after acute infection. Also known as Long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) often comes with debilitating symptoms like fatigue, disordered sleep, olfactory dysfunction, and cognitive issues ("brain fog"). Currently, there are no approved treatments for PCS. Recent research has uncovered that the severity of PCS is inversely linked to circulating serotonin levels, highlighting the potential of serotonin-modulating therapeutics for PCS. Therefore, we propose that serotonergic psychedelics, acting mainly via the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, hold promise for treating PCS.
  • Publication
    Individualised shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction: importance of establishing precise therapeutic range
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-02-08) Giezen, Romeq BM
    This correspondence aims to provide insight into treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) using shockwave therapy and specifically focuses on the importance of establishing a precise therapeutic range based on ED severity. While shockwave therapy settings were often based on manufacturer’s guidelines, recent studies have shown that the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of shockwave therapy rely on individualising the treatment’s energy flux density (EFD) and frequency. The aim is to underline t he importance of individualised treatment in optimising clinical outcomes as well as minimising potential adverse effects such as penile fibrosis or potential scarring in the long-term.
  • Publication
    Understanding Residents' and Supervisors' Views on Developing Support-Autonomy Balance Through Supervision Methods in Postgraduate Dental Training: A Qualitative Study.
    (2024-11) Amir Rad, Fatemeh
    Background: Supervisors continuously need to decide when to provide clinical opportunities for unsupervised patient care to facilitate residents' development in the complex clinical learning context. The aim of this study is to explore residents' and supervisors' views and understanding of the influence of clinical supervision on affording a balanced support-autonomy from the cognitive apprenticeship (CA) theoretical lens.
  • Publication
    Effects of fascial manipulation, vibration exercise, motor imagery, or neuro-muscular electrical stimulation on the coagulation system: A pilot study.
    (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.
  • Publication
    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.
  • Publication
    Medwakh smoking induces alterations in salivary proteins and cytokine expression: a clinical exploratory proteomics investigation.
    (2025-01-17) Soares, Nelson C; Giddey, Alexander D
    Background: Medwakh smoking has radically expanded among youth in the Middle East and around the world. The rising popularity of medwakh/dokha usage is linked to the onset of several chronic illnesses including cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Medwakh smoking is reported to increase the risk of inflammation in the lower respiratory tract owing to oxidative burden. To date, there are no reported studies investigating the impact of medwakh smoking on salivary protein profile. The current study aims to elucidate alterations in the salivary proteome profile of medwakh smokers.
  • Publication
    Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review.
    (2025-01-14) Sultan, Meshal A; Alattar, Batol; Tegginmani, Shakeel
    Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents through a systematic review of relevant studies.
  • Publication
    Characterizing Circulating microRNA Signatures of Type 2 Diabetes Subtypes.
    (2025-01-14) Sulaiman, Fatima; Khyriem, Costerwell; Dsouza, Stafny; Abdul, Fatima; Alkhnbashi, Omer; Faraji, Hanan; Tawfik, Abdel Rahman; Khamis, Amar Hassan; Bayoumi, Riad
    Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a heterogeneous disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggest that T2D subtypes may exhibit distinct gene expression profiles. In this study, we aimed to identify T2D cluster-specific miRNA expression signatures for the previously reported five clinical subtypes that characterize the underlying pathophysiology of long-standing T2D: severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD), severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), mild age-related diabetes (MARD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD), and mild early-onset diabetes (MEOD). We analyzed the circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in 45 subjects representing the five T2D clusters and 7 non-T2D healthy controls by single-end small RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analyses identified a total of 430 known circulating miRNAs and 13 previously unreported novel miRNAs. Of these, 71 were upregulated and 37 were downregulated in either controls or individual clusters. Each T2D subtype was associated with a specific dysregulated miRNA profile, distinct from that of healthy controls. Specifically, 3 upregulated miRNAs were unique to SIRD, 1 to MARD, 9 to MOD, and 18 to MEOD. Among the downregulated miRNAs, 11 were specific to SIRD, 9 to SIDD, 2 to MARD, and 1 to MEOD. Our study confirms the heterogeneity of T2D, represented by distinguishable subtypes both clinically and epigenetically and highlights the potential of miRNAs as markers for distinguishing the pathophysiology of T2D subtypes.
  • Publication
    Conservative Management of Pediatric Patients With Appendicolith Appendicitis Versus Non-appendicolith Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
    (2025-01-20) Akbarpoor, Fatemeh; Blanco, Karen; Rowaiaee, Rasha; Khokar, Mohammed Amaan
    Introduction: Up to one-third of pediatric patients with acute appendicitis present with radiological evidence of appendicoliths. However, whether appendicolith presence influences prognosis under conservative management compared to non-appendicolith appendicitis remains uncertain.
  • Publication
    Noninvasive Assessment of the Severity of Liver Fibrosis in MASLD Patients with Long-Standing Type 2 Diabetes.
    (2025-01-22) Khan, Farooq; Dsouza, Stafny; Khamis, Amar Hassan; Abdul, Fatima; Sulaiman, Fatima; Mulla, Fahad; Bayoumi, Riad
    BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which have a reciprocal relationship compounded by obesity, are highly prevalent in the Middle East affecting morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
  • Publication
    Effects of population-based screening for atrial fibrillation on quality of life.
    (2025-01-11) Krieger, Derk
    Background: Screening for atrial fibrillation is rising and may worsen or improve quality of life.
  • Publication
    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: The Shifting Landscape in the United Arab Emirates
    (2025-01-02) Boucherabine, Syrine; Nassar, Rania; Mohamed, Lobna; Khansaheb, Hamda Hassan; Olowoyeye, Victory; Soares, Nelson Cruz; Hachim, Mahmood; Senok, Abiola
    Background: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is a significant burden globally, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rising MRSA prevalence, with increasing diversity in the clonal complexes (CCs) identified. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its increased hospitalization rates and antibiotic use, may have further influenced MRSA's genetic evolution and epidemiology in the country.
  • Publication
    Evolutionary constrained genes associated with autism spectrum disorder across 2,054 nonhuman primate genomes.
    (2025-01-23) Uddin, Mohammed
    Background: Significant progress has been made in elucidating the genetic underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the link between genomics, neurobiology and clinical phenotype in scientific discovery. New models are therefore needed to address these gaps. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have been extensively used for preclinical neurobiological research because of remarkable similarities to humans across biology and behaviour that cannot be captured by other experimental animals.
  • Publication
    Utilization of Low-Dose Phentermine for Weight Loss Prior to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    (2025-01) Rivas, Homero
    Introduction: Studies examining preoperative weight loss using pharmacotherapy in metabolic and bariatric patients are limited. The objective was to investigate if patients taking a low-dose formulation of phentermine had improved weight loss.
  • Publication
    The Impact of Focused Hip Ultrasound Training on Imaging Quality in Infants With Hip Dysplasia.
    (2024-11) Alawadhi, Ahmad; Basha, Kenan S; Khamis, Amar H; Alshryda, Sattar
    Background: The orthopedic department at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital (AJCH) was opened in April 2018. A focused hip ultrasound training course was conducted in April 2019 to improve hip ultrasound imaging quality.
  • Publication
    Multi-organ clinical manifestations of Mpox: an umbrella review of systematic reviews.
    (2024-09-17) Alfaresi, Mubarak
    Background: Mpox is a severe viral zoonosis that has emerged as a public health concern due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and severe illness. Understanding its clinical manifestations is crucial for effective management and control. Several systematic reviews have assessed various manifestations of Mpox. This umbrella review synthesizes evidence on Mpox's manifestations across different organ systems.
  • Publication
    Lethal Borna disease virus 1 infections of humans and animals - in-depth molecular epidemiology and phylogeography.
    (2024-09-10) Nowotny, Norbert
    Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is the causative agent of Borna disease, a fatal neurologic disorder of domestic mammals and humans, resulting from spill-over infection from its natural reservoir host, the bicolored white-toothed shrew (Crocidura leucodon). The known BoDV-1-endemic area is remarkably restricted to parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. To gain comprehensive data on its occurrence, we analysed diagnostic material from suspected BoDV-1-induced encephalitis cases based on clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis. BoDV-1 infection was confirmed by RT-qPCR in 207 domestic mammals, 28 humans and seven wild shrews. Thereby, this study markedly raises the number of published laboratory-confirmed human BoDV-1 infections and provides a first comprehensive summary. Generation of 136 new BoDV-1 genome sequences from animals and humans facilitated an in-depth phylogeographic analysis, allowing for the definition of risk areas for zoonotic BoDV-1 transmission and facilitating the assessment of geographical infection sources. Consistent with the low mobility of its reservoir host, BoDV-1 sequences showed a remarkable geographic association, with individual phylogenetic clades occupying distinct areas. The closest genetic relatives of most human-derived BoDV-1 sequences were located at distances of less than 40 km, indicating that spill-over transmission from the natural reservoir usually occurs in the patient´s home region.
  • Publication
    The WHO genomics program of work for equitable implementation of human genomics for global health.
    (2024-10) Abou Tayoun, Ahmad N
    The publication of the first draft of the human genome sequence in 2001 was followed by the advent of high-throughput methodologies, which together have driven the expansion of genomic tools and technologies. These efforts have enabled the sequencing of millions of genomes and expedited the functional and clinical annotation of the human genome. The resulting discovery of thousands of gene–disease associations and the characterization of human genetic variation at scale has extended the application of genomics to enable diagnosis, prognosis and clinical management of disease, as well as risk prediction and implementation of preventive measures.