Faculty Publications (CoM)

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

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Impact of acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol dependence on outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage
(2025-08-27) Kaddoura, Rachid
Background: Non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is most commonly caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Risk factors for rupture include hypertension, smoking, and substance use, but the relationship between alcohol use and clinical outcomes after SAH is poorly understood. The objective of this population-based, longitudinal, study is to characterize the relationships between alcohol use, alcohol dependence, and adverse clinical outcomes following SAH.
Dyslipidemia Prevalence and Risk Factors in Al Ain: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis
(Elmer Press, Inc., 2025-08) Suliman, Ala
Background: Dyslipidemia, defined by abnormal lipid profiles, is a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. Although dyslipidemia prevalence is high in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), data specific to Al Ain City remain limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors among adults in Al Ain City, UAE, and to inform targeted public health strategies.
A Rare Case Report of Deep Aggressive Angiomyxoma Mimicking Bartholin’s Cyst
(Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishing, 2024-10-23) Talo, Sami; Maryum, Rida
We present a case of deep aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) of a vulval lesion. This case report is of a 32-year-old female (para 1, living 1) who presented to the gynecological outpatient department with complaints of a lump felt in her left vagina for 1 month. This was initially misdiagnosed as a Bartholin gland cyst. She underwent excision of Bartholin’s gland under anesthesia. The histopathology reported a deep AA of the vulval lesion. Despite the rarity of this condition, with only 350 cases reported so far, it is crucial to include it in the range of differential diagnoses for a pelvic mass, considering the locally aggressive characteristics of this tumor and its tendency to recur.
Combinational regenerative inductive effect of bio-adhesive hybrid hydrogels conjugated with hiPSC-derived myofibers and its derived EVs for volumetric muscle regeneration
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Nasr, Mahmoud Lotfi
In regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess the potential to repair injured cells by delivering modulatory factors. However, the therapeutic effect of EVs in large-scale tissue defects, which are subject to prolonged timelines for tissue architecture and functional restoration, remains poorly understood. In this study, we introduce EVs and cell-tethering hybrid hydrogels composed of tyramine-conjugated gelatin (GelTA) that can be in-situ crosslinked with EVs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myofibers (hiPSCmyofibers) and hiPSC-muscle precursor cells. This hybrid hydrogel sustains the release of EVs and provides a beneficial nano-topography and mechanical properties for creating a favorable extracellular matrix. Secreted EVs from the hiPSC-myofibers contain specific microRNAs, potentially improving myogenesis and angiogenesis. Herein, we demonstrate increased myogenic markers and fusion/differentiation indexes through the combinatory effects of EVs and integrin-mediated adhesions in the 3D matrix. Furthermore, we observe a unique impact of EVs, which aid in maintaining the viability and phenotype of myofibers under harsh environments. The hybrid hydrogel in-situ crosslinked with hiPSCs and EVs is facilely used to fabricate large-scale muscle constructs by the stacking of micro-patterned hydrogel domains. Later, we confirmed a combinational effect, whereby muscle tissue regeneration and functional restoration were improved, via an in vivo murine volumetric muscle loss model.
Biopsychosocial Impact of Multiple Sclerosis in Omani Patients: A Multicenter Comparative Study
(2024-10-22) Jeyaseelan, Lakshmanan
Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by various clinical presentations and manifestations that include biopsychosocial impediments. This study has three interrelated goals relevant to biopsychosocial functioning: (i) compare reasoning ability, neuropsychological functioning, affective range, and quality of life (QoL) between people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and healthy controls; (ii) explore gender differences in reasoning ability and neuropsychological functioning, affective symptoms, and QoL among PwMS; and (iii) examine the relationship between QoL and cognitive performance in PwMS, focusing on those within adequate vs. adequate QoL.
Optimizing Large Language Models for Arabic Healthcare Communication: A Focus on Patient-Centered NLP Applications
(2024) Alkhnbashi, Omer S
Recent studies have highlighted the growing integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and Large Language Models (LLMs) in healthcare. These technologies have shown promising outcomes across various healthcare tasks, especially in widely studied languages like English and Chinese. While NLP methods have been extensively researched, LLM applications in healthcare represent a developing area with significant potential. However, the successful implementation of LLMs in healthcare requires careful review and guidance from human experts to ensure accuracy and reliability. Despite their emerging value, research on NLP and LLM applications for Arabic remains limited particularly when compared to other languages. This gap is largely due to challenges like the lack of suitable training datasets, the diversity of Arabic dialects, and the language’s structural complexity. In this study, a panel of medical experts evaluated responses generated by LLMs, including ChatGPT, for Arabic healthcare inquiries, rating their accuracy between 85% and 90%. After fine tuning ChatGPT with data from the Altibbi platform, accuracy improved to a range of 87% to 92%. This study demonstrates the potential of LLMs in addressing Arabic healthcare queries especially in interpreting questions across dialects. It highlights the value of LLMs in enhancing healthcare communication within the Arabic-speaking world and points to a promising area for further research. This work establishes a foundation for optimizing NLP and LLM technologies to achieve greater linguistic and cultural adaptability in global healthcare settings.
Hepatic effects of GLP-1 mimetics in diabetic milieu: A mechanistic review of involved pathways
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Rizzo, Manfredi
Patients with diabetic are at a higher risk of developing hepatic disorders compared to non-diabetic individuals. This increased risk can be attributed to the diabetic environment, which triggers and exacerbates harmful pathways involved in both diabetic complications and hepatic disorders. Therefore, it is important to consider the use of antidiabetic agents that offer benefits beyond glycemic control and have positive effects on liver tissues. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics are a novel class of antidiabetic medications known for their potent blood sugar-lowering effects. Emerging evidence suggests that these drugs also have favorable effects on the liver. However, the precise effects and underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this review, we aim to provide a mechanistic perspective on the liver benefits of GLP-1 mimetics and outline the mediating mechanisms involved.
Integrating virtual reality to enhance remote teaching of anatomy during unprecedented times
(Korean Association of Anatomists, 2024-12-03) Boillat, Thomas; Prithishkumar, Ivan James; Suresh, Dineshwary; Naidoo, Nerissa
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a global paradigm shift in the teaching of human anatomy. Most institutions successfully transitioned from traditional in-person teaching methods, to various distance-learning strategies. Since virtual reality (VR) offers immersive three-dimensional (3D) experiences, this study investigated students’ experiences regarding the capacity of VR to support distance-learning of anatomy. Using the VR application, 3D Organon Virtual Reality Anatomy, anatomy instructors pre-recorded learning content as 360-degree videos with live voice-over and integrated it into the teaching material of the MBBS first-year abdomen, pelvis, and perineum-structure and function course. A 19-item 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, comprising of two major categories, “VR experience in anatomy lessons” and “VR in anatomy lessons vs. traditional cadaveric dissection” was disseminated. Post-evaluation analysis revealed a response rate of 63.5%. Almost 70% of students agreed that VR was instrumental in solidifying their theoretical understanding and improved spatial awareness with better retention of anatomical relationships. Approximately 50% wanted to continue using VR even if instruction becomes onsite. Though 72% of participants agree that VR addressed the session learning objectives only 24% agree that it is similar or better than cadaveric dissection, thus preferring cadaveric dissection to VR. Only 12.1% agree that VR is more beneficial to cadaveric dissection. Our exploration into the integration of VR technology in anatomy teaching has revealed promising opportunities. While VR can augment traditional teaching methods in unprecedented times such as war, floods or global pandemic, it should not replace hands-on cadaveric learning entirely, but rather complement existing approaches.
Response to the letter from members of the ICBE-EMF
(Elsevier BV, 2025-01) Loney, Tom
Response: We strongly disagree with the assertions and conclusions made by Frank et al. as we were comprehensive and transparent with our systematic review and meta-analytic approach, which has been peer- reviewed by multiple experts in the area. We can only review and analyse the available evidence and we have highlighted that there are limitations to the included studies and data which has some impact on the ability to draw definitive conclusions; hence, our rating of “moderate certainty evidence” that 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.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis of Patient Feedback Using Large Language Models
(MDPI AG, 2024-11-21) Alkhnbashi, Omer S
Online medical forums have emerged as vital platforms for patients to share their experiences and seek advice, providing a valuable, cost-effective source of feedback for medical service management. This feedback not only measures patient satisfaction and improves health service quality but also offers crucial insights into the effectiveness of medical treatments, pain management strategies, and alternative therapies. This study systematically identifies and categorizes key aspects of patient experiences, emphasizing both positive and negative sentiments expressed in their narratives. We collected a dataset of approximately 15,000 entries from various sections of the widely used medical forum, patient.info. Our innovative approach integrates content analysis with aspect-based sentiment analysis, deep learning techniques, and a large language model (LLM) to analyze these data. Our methodology is designed to uncover a wide range of aspect types reflected in patient feedback. The analysis revealed seven distinct aspect types prevalent in the feedback, demonstrating that deep learning models can effectively predict these aspect types and their corresponding sentiment values. Notably, the LLM with few-shot learning outperformed other models. Our findings enhance the understanding of patient experiences in online forums and underscore the utility of advanced analytical techniques in extracting meaningful insights from unstructured patient feedback, offering valuable implications for healthcare providers and medical service management.
Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation for Airway Surgeries: A Comprehensive Review
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-12-10) Bodhey, Abhay; Al Nadhari, Mansour; Griess, Hany F; Al Ani, Osama; Sainuddin, Shaji; Thomas, Kurian P; ElHanfi, Osama; Jose, Suraj
Airway surgeries pose great challenges for the anesthesiologists as the airway is shared by them and the surgeon. It is of paramount importance to have control of the airway during such surgeries. Many techniques have been employed to provide uninterrupted oxygenation to the patient with or without the presence of a definitive airway. Recently, biphasic cuirass ventilation (BCV) has been used effectively to provide tubeless airway management in patients undergoing airway surgeries. This article discusses the feasibility and viability of using BCV for various airway surgeries and also reviews the existing literature regarding its use in the perioperative period for such indications.
Persistent Menorrhagia and Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst in a Patient With Bernard-Soulier Syndrome: A Case Report
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-12-22) Hasani, Maria; Shriya, Sadia Rounak; Thahira, Mariyam; Tayb,Tasnima; Yaseen, Hasan Aal
Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare qualitative condition of platelets wherein deficiency of platelet surface glycoproteins (GP) Ib, IX, and V forms the Ib-IX-V complex, leading to impaired hemostasis. Although it commonly presents as prolonged bleeding in general, women in the reproductive phase report additional complications during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. In women of reproductive age, menorrhagia is a frequent complaint. It is reported that secondary to hormonal and other causes, hemostatic disorders are present in a substantial proportion of women presenting with persistent menorrhagia. Women with bleeding disorders also hold an additional risk of developing complications like hemorrhagic corpus luteum. While corpus luteum rupture may go unnoticed in healthy women, it can cause life-threatening intraperitoneal hemorrhage in women with bleeding disorders. This report presents a case of a young woman with BSS who developed menorrhagia against the backdrop of a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Owing to the rarity of reported management of hemorrhagic cysts with underlying BSS, this report aimed to potentially serve as a guide in facilitating decision-making for physicians.
Transomental Hernia: Rare Presentation in a Virgin Abdomen
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-12-21) Shafi, Asiyah; Karmustaji, Fatema
Internal hernias are characterized by the protrusion of abdominal viscera through congenital or acquired apertures within the abdominal cavity and are a recognized etiology of intestinal obstruction. Internal hernias can cause symptoms ranging from mild abdominal discomfort to complete intestinal obstruction. Transomental hernias are often associated with postoperative anatomical changes and are rare in patients without prior abdominal surgeries. This report details one case of a 31-year-old otherwise healthy female with no history of prior surgery, highlighting the clinical variability associated with internal hernias. The patient presented with severe epigastric pain and nausea, with initial ultrasound findings unremarkable. Hours later, she returned with left iliac fossa pain and vomiting. A CT scan of the abdomen with contrast showed free fluid and dilated bowel loops, suggestive of small bowel obstruction. Emergency laparoscopy revealed small bowel herniation through a congenital omental band and ischemia, which resolved after the band was released. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on day three. Transomental herniation exhibits nonspecific clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction. Radiographic presentations are generally nonspecific; however, a conclusive diagnosis is typically reached during surgery, where the detection of gangrenous bowel tissue is common, especially during exploratory laparoscopy. The postoperative mortality is largely attributed to bowel necrosis and delays in initiating treatment. This emphasizes the significant risk posed by undiagnosed cases and the critical importance of timely and effective intervention.
Neurotropic Tick Borne Flavivirus in Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra), Austria, 2017, Italy, 2023
(2025) Nowotny, Norbert
The European subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV-Eur; species Orthoflavivirus encephalitidis, family Flaviviridae) was the only tick-borne flavivirus present in central Europe known to cause neurologic disease in humans and several animal species. Here, we report a tick-borne flavivirus isolated from Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) with encephalitis and attached ticks, present over a wide area in the Alps. Cases were detected in 2017 in Salzburg, Austria, and 2023 in Lombardy and Piedmont, Italy. The virus strains exhibit 94.8-97.3% nucleotide identities to each other and are more closely related to Louping ill viruses (LIV; Orthoflavivirus loupingi; 90-92% identities) than to TBEV-Eur (less than 88%). The chamois-derived virus strains, tentatively termed "Alpine chamois encephalitis virus", form a well-supported independent genetic clade with Spanish goat encephalitis virus, clearly separated from other LIV. This supports its designation as a new virus subtype with the proposed shared taxonomic name "Spanish goat and Alpine chamois encephalitis virus subtype" within the species Orthoflavivirus loupingi. The zoonotic potential of this newly identified virus subtype as well as its host range in other animal species including farm animals needs to be further investigated.
Determining anatomically-safe corridors for placement of lateral mass screws in the first cervical vertebra of the Emirati population – a CT study
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-01-15) Suresh, Dineshwary; Naidoo, Nerissa; AlSharhan, Rashid; Lakshmanan, Jeyaseelan; Prithishkumar, Ivan James
The first cervical vertebra (C1) is atypical in shape and bears a complex relationship with important neurovascular structures such as the vertebral artery and cervical spinal cord which are at risk of injury during misplaced screw fixation of C1. Placement of screws into the lateral mass of C1 vertebra is performed for stabilization of the craniovertebral junction. The objective of this study was to describe ideal screw dimensions, precise entry points, safe bony corridors, and ideal trajectories for placement of lateral mass screws in the Emirati population. CT scans of 160 Emirati patients (> 18 years) were studied and variables relevant to lateral mass screw fixation were measured. Screw entry at the centre of lateral mass, below its junction with the posterior arch, allowed straight screws of lengths of 20 mm and 19.5 mm in Emirati males and females, respectively. A medial angulation of 20° in males and 15° in females allowed maximum bone purchase. Screw entry at the junction of medial margin of posterior arch and lateral mass allowed straight screws of length 18 mm in both males and females. We recommend safe cephalic angulations of 19° and 16°in males and females, respectively. The mean critical width was 7.6 mm in males and 6.8 mm in females which would safely permit screws of width 4.0 mm. Pre-operative knowledge of the above dimensions would help in greater precision, minimizing the risk of injury to neurovascular structures in the vicinity of C1 lateral mass.
Challenges in Elucidating HIV Genetic Diversity in the Middle East and North Africa: A Review Based on a Systematic Search
(MDPI AG, 2024-12-31) Sallam, Mohammed
The extensive genetic diversity of HIV-1 represents a major challenge to public health interventions, treatment, and successful vaccine design. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where limited data among other barriers preclude the accurate characterization of HIV-1 genetic diversity. The objective of this review was to analyze studies conducted in the MENA region to delineate possible barriers that would hinder the accurate depiction of HIV-1 genetic diversity in this region. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted for published records on HIV-1 genetic diversity in the English language up until 1 October 2024 across 18 MENA countries. The pre-defined themes of challenges/barriers included limited sampling, data gaps, resource and infrastructure constraints, HIV-1-specific factors, and socio-cultural barriers. A total of 38 records were included in the final review, comprising original articles (55.3%), reviews (21.1%), and sequence notes (10.5%). Libya (15.8%), Morocco (13.2%), Saudi Arabia, and MENA as a whole (10.5% for each) were the primary sources of the included records. Of the 23 records with original MENA HIV-1 sequences, the median number of sequences was 46 (range: 6–193). The identified barriers included the following: (1) low sampling density; (2) limited clinical data (21.7% with no data, 60.9% partial data, and 17.4% with full data); (3) reliance solely on population sequencing and insufficient use of advanced sequencing technologies; (4) lack of comprehensive recombination analysis; and (5) socio-cultural barriers, including stigma with subsequent under-reporting among at-risk groups. The barriers identified in this review can hinder the ability to map the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the MENA. Poor characterization of HIV-1’s genetic diversity in the MENA would hinder efforts to optimize prevention strategies, monitor drug resistance, and develop MENA-specific treatment protocols. To overcome these challenges, investment in public health/research infrastructure, policy reforms to reduce stigma, and strengthened regional collaboration are recommended.
Rethinking empathy development in childhood and adolescence: a call for global, culturally adaptive strategies
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-08-26) Khan, Nusrat N
Empathy – the ability to recognize, understand, and respond to others’ emotions – is fundamental to human development and mental health. It unfolds across the lifespan, shaped by a complex interplay of biological maturation, social learning, and cultural context. Despite its universal importance, current clinical, educational, and policy frameworks often fail to integrate empathy-building interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resource constraints and cultural barriers hinder progress. This paper argues for a paradigm shift toward scalable, culturally adaptive strategies to foster empathy in diverse settings. We review developmental trajectories of empathy from infancy through adolescence, highlighting critical periods and influences, and examine practical interventions including caregiver–infant programs, school-based social–emotional learning (SEL), and clinician empathy training. We also address cross-cultural variations, proposing a framework to embed empathy-driven initiatives within healthcare, education, and policy. By prioritizing culturally sensitive, evidence-based approaches, global mental health systems can enhance therapeutic relationships, strengthen prosocial development, and address empathy gaps at a structural level. This perspective underscores an urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration to position empathy as a cornerstone of global mental health initiatives.
Analysis of tracrRNAs reveals subgroup V2 of type V-K CAST systems
(2025) Alkhnbashi, Omer S
Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated transposons (CAST) consist of an integration between certain class 1 or class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems and Tn7-like transposons. Class 2 type V-K CAST systems are restricted to cyanobacteria. Here, we identified a unique subgroup of type V-K systems through phylogenetic analysis, classified as V-K_V2. Subgroup V-K_V2 CAST systems are characterized by an alternative tracrRNA, the exclusive use of Arc_2-type transcriptional regulators, and distinct differences in the length of protein domains in TnsB and TnsC. Although the occurrence of V-K_V2 CAST systems is restricted to Nostocales cyanobacteria, it shows signs of horizontal gene transfer, indicating its capability for genetic mobility. The predicted V-K_V2 tracrRNA secondary structure has been integrated into an updated version of the CRISPRtracrRNA program available on GitHub under https://github.com/BackofenLab/CRISPRtracrRNA/releases/tag/2.0.
Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review
(2025) Menon, Arya; Jalal, Ayesha
Introduction: Hericium erinaceus (HE), commonly known as the Lion's Mane mushroom, is an edible, medicinal fungus containing bioactive polysaccharides. It shows promising properties, including neuroprotective, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The mushroom's bioactive chemical components, derived from its fruiting bodies and mycelia (erinacines), demonstrate promising neural-stimulating activity. This systematic review investigates existing literature on the clinical use of HE, outlining its benefits and side effects related to neural stimulation, apoptotic activity, the abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing microbiota, and its role in mood dysregulation, with the aim of establishing a safety profile for the supplement.
Exploring human-to-food contamination potential: Genome-based analysis of diversity, toxin repertoire, and antimicrobial resistance of methicillin-resistant in United Arab Emirates retail meat
(2025-12) Nassar, Rania
Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) has moved beyond healthcare settings and is increasingly documented in food, yet genomic data from the Arabian Peninsula are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the genomic diversity, antimicrobial-resistance (AMR), and virulence repertoire of MRSA in retail red meat sold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to evaluate evidence for potential human-to-food transmission. In a cross-sectional survey (September 2024 - February 2025), 140 red-meat samples (beef, mutton, camel) were collected from supermarket chains. Fifty-one MRSA isolates were confirmed by multiplex PCR and phenotypic testing. Short-read whole-genome sequencing was followed by bioinformatic characterization of the isolates for clonal complex (CC) multilocus sequence typing (ST), typing, SCC assignment, AMR and virulence genes identification, plasmid-replicon detection, and core-genome phylogeny. Genotype, meat commodity, and products' origin associations were statistically assessed. Eight sequence types were detected; CC5-ST6 (27.5 %) and CC8-ST789 (23.5 %) predominated. SCC IV and V accounted for 82.3 % of genomes, and no livestock-associated CC398 was found. CC5/ST6-t304 and CC8-t091 comprised 47 % of isolates but showed no association with meat type ( = 0.451). Core-genome analysis split the collection into six clusters with shallow branch lengths, signaling recent clonal expansion across local and imported meat products. All genomes carried the methicillin resistance gene plus a median of five additional resistance genes; 41 % carried multidrug-resistant determinants. Classical enterotoxin genes occurred in 80.4 % of isolates, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes in 27.5 %, mainly within CC8 and CC22. Distinct plasmid backbones-RepA_N-RepL-Rep_trans in CC5-ST6 and Inc18-Rep3 in CC8-ST789-were associated with lineage-specific AMR profiles. Retail red meat in the UAE is contaminated by clinically important, community-associated MRSA clones, likely introduced via human handling rather than animal reservoirs. Genomic surveillance at the human-food interface can guide regional One Health policies and help curb foodborne antimicrobial resistance dissemination.

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