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Labania L, Zoughbor S, Ajab S, Olanda M, Shantour SNM, Al Rasbi Z. The associated risk of Blastocystis infection in cancer: A case control study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1115835. [PMID: 36890816 PMCID: PMC9986623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1115835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Blastocystis is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan. Nine Blastocystis subtypes (STs) were detected in humans. A subtype-dependent association between Blastocystis and different cancer types has been debated in many studies. Thus, this study aims to assess the possible association between Blastocystis infection and cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). We also screened the presence of gut fungi and their association with Blastocystis. Methods We used a case-control design; cancer patients and cancer-free (CF) participants. The cancer group was further sub-group into CRC group and cancers outside the gastrointestinal tract (COGT) group. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed to identify intestinal parasites in participants' stool samples. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to identify and subtype Blastocystis. Furthermore, gut fungi were investigated molecularly. Results 104 stool samples were collected and matched between CF (n=52) and cancer patients (n=52); CRC (n=15) and COGT (n=37). As anticipated, Blastocystis prevalence was significantly higher among CRC patients (60%, P=0.002) and insignificant in COGT patients (32.4%, P=0.161) compared to CF group (17.3%). The most common subtypes were ST2 among cancer group and ST3 in the CF group. Conclusion Cancer patients have a higher risk of Blastocystis infection compared to CF individuals (OR=2.98, P=0.022). Increased risk of Blastocystis infection was associated with CRC patients (OR=5.66, P=0.009). Nevertheless, further studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms of Blastocystis and cancer association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Labania
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Zoughbor
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suad Ajab
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marie Olanda
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sulaiman N M Shantour
- General Surgery Division, Surgery Department, Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zakeya Al Rasbi
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Ajab S, Ádam B, Al Hammadi M, Al Bastaki N, Al Junaibi M, Al Zubaidi A, Hegazi M, Grivna M, Kady S, Koornneef E, Neves R, Uva AS, Sheek-Hussein M, Loney T, Serranheira F, Paulo MS. Occupational Health of Frontline Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Snapshot of Summer 2020. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:11410. [PMID: 34769927 PMCID: PMC8583571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The study aim was to understand the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was an online-based, cross-sectional survey during July and August 2020. Participants were eligible from the entire country, and 1290 agreed to participate. The majority of HCWs were females aged 30-39 years old, working as nurses, and 80% considered PPE to be available. Twelve percent of respondents tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Half of HCWs considered themselves physically tired (52.2%), reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort (54.2%), and perceived moderate-to-high levels of burnout on at least one of three burnout domains (52.8%). A quarter of HCWs reported anxiety (26.3%) or depression (28.1%). HCWs reporting not having musculoskeletal pain, having performed physical activity, and higher scores of available PPE reported lower scores of anxiety, depression, and burnout. UAE HCWs experienced more access to PPE and less anxiety, depression, and burnout compared with HCWs in other countries. Study findings can be used by healthcare organizations and policymakers to ensure adequate measures are implemented to maximize the health and wellbeing of HCWs during the current COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suad Ajab
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Balázs Ádam
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Muna Al Hammadi
- Tawam Hospital, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Najwa Al Bastaki
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mohamed Al Junaibi
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Mona Hegazi
- Department of Family Medicine, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 505004, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Suhail Kady
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Erik Koornneef
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 280, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.J.); (A.A.Z.); (S.K.)
| | - Raquel Neves
- Health Science Faculty, Higher College of Technology Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates;
| | - António Sousa Uva
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.S.U.); (F.S.)
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Florentino Serranheira
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.S.U.); (F.S.)
| | - Marília Silva Paulo
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (S.A.); (B.Á.); (M.G.); (E.K.); (M.S.-H.)
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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Baniyas N, Sheek-Hussein M, Al Kaabi N, Al Shamsi M, Al Neyadi M, Al Khoori R, Ajab S, Abid M, Grivna M, Abu-Zidan FM. COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices of United Arab Emirates medical and health sciences students: A cross sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246226. [PMID: 33979340 PMCID: PMC8115851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest viral pandemic of the 21st century. We aimed to study COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical and health sciences students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We performed a cross-sectional study between 2 June and 19 August 2020. The survey was distributed online using Survey Monkey. It was conducted in English and comprised two parts: socio-demographic characteristics, and KAP towards COVID-19. 712 responses to the questionnaire were collected. 90% of respondents (n = 695) were undergraduate students, while 10% (n = 81) were postgraduates. The majority (87%, n = 647) stated that they obtained COVID-19 information from multiple reliable sources. They were highly knowledgeable about the COVID-19 pandemic, but 76% (n = 539) did not recognize its routes of transmission. Medical students were significantly more knowledgeable compared with allied health students (P<0.0001, Mann Whitney U test) but there was no difference in knowledge between undergraduate and postgraduate students (P = 0.14, Mann Whitney U test). Medical students thought that more could be done to mitigate the COVID-19 situation compared with the allied health students (66.2% compared with 51.6%, p = 0.002 Fisher's Exact test). 63% (n = 431) were worried about getting COVID-19 infection, while 92% (n = 633)) were worried that a family member could be infected with the virus. 97% (n = 655) took precautions when accepting home deliveries, 94% (n = 637) had been washing their hands more frequently, and 95% (n = 643) had been wearing face masks. In conclusion, medical and health sciences students in the UAE showed high levels of knowledge and good attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, they were worried about themselves or their family members becoming infected. Medical students had more knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic which was reflected in their opinion that more can be done to mitigate its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Baniyas
- United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nouf Al Kaabi
- United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - Rauda Al Khoori
- United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suad Ajab
- Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Abid
- Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fikri M. Abu-Zidan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Hosani FA, Aden B, Memari SA, Mazrouei SA, Ajab S, Abid M, Alsuwaidi AR, Grivna M, Paulo MS, Sheek-Hussein M. Epidemiology of asymptomatic and symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 confirmed cases in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25219. [PMID: 33761710 PMCID: PMC9282025 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to describe demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of 3827 confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 between March 12 and April 22, 2020 in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Data were extracted from the Infectious Diseases Notification Surveillance System of the Department of Health. The descriptive analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26 and reported according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement.We analyzed 3827 cases; 82% were men, 18% women, 14% UAE citizens, and 86% were of other nationalities. Most cases (72%) had lower exposure to low-risk occupations of infectious disease as per the classification of the department of health while high exposure risk occupations, which included healthcare worker accounts only for 3%. While 43% of cases were asymptomatic, 57% displayed symptoms, which were mostly mild. Only 12% of patients had comorbidities, which were significantly higher in men (9%) than women (3%). Among those who have comorbid conditions; hypertension (27%) and diabetes (21%) were the most common comorbidities. Viral pneumonia (11%) was the most common sequela documented in records. Only 51 patients (4%) required admission to the intensive care units, and 4 patients died (0.1%).The significant number of asymptomatic patients was identified by active case finding and contact tracing from the early period of the epidemic. A small percentage of severe, critical cases, and death reported in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which may have been due to public health measures implemented for early detection, contact tracing, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ahmed R. Alsuwaidi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al-Rifai RH, Loney T, Sheek-Hussein M, Zoughbor S, Ajab S, Olanda M, Al-Rasbi Z. Prevalence of, and Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasites in Multinational Expatriate Workers in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates: An Occupational Cross-Sectional Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 22:359-374. [PMID: 31250249 PMCID: PMC7066269 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00903-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To estimate the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with intestinal parasites (IPs) in expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All expatriate workers (N = 115) in a conveniently selected workplace in the industrial district of Al Ain city were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study. Consenting workers completed an interviewer-led questionnaire and self-collected stool samples. Stool samples were microscopically and molecularly screened for the presence of IPs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Overall, 102 (88.7%) workers participated in the survey and 84.3% provided stool samples. Over three-quarters (79.4%) of workers were living in labour accommodation, 76.0% were sharing a bedroom with ≥ 4 workers, 80.2% were sharing a toilet with > 5 other people. Fifteen species of IPs were identified. Microscopically, 17.4% of the screened stool samples were positive for at least one parasite. Entamoeba species was the most common (8.1%) followed by Cryptosporidium species (3.5%). Thirty-six (41.8%) of the tested stool samples were positive for at least one parasite by molecular testing. The most prevalent parasite was Cryptosporidium species (16.3%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis (14.0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%). Overall, 47.8% of the tested expatriate workers were positive for at least one IP, microscopically or molecularly. Educational attainment was negatively associated with being positive for at least one IP. IPs were very common amongst expatriate workers in Al Ain city. Efficacious and cost-effective public health interventions are required to reduce the burden of, and prevent the onward transmission of IPs in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 505055, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Zoughbor
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suad Ajab
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marie Olanda
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zakeya Al-Rasbi
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Al Rasbi Z, Al Rifai R, Loney T, Zoughbor S, Ajab S, Sheek-Hussein M. Occupational Study of the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections amongst Labors in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. J Infect Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Al Rasbi Z, Zoughbor S, Al Rifai R, Loney T, Ajab S, Sheek-Hussein M. Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites (Helminths and Protozoa) amongst Labors in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. J Infect Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Ajab S, Begum S, Stanley H, Matthews S, Fisher P, Socci L, Deeley Y, Edwards J. 166: Searching for MARS-2: The North Trent Cancer Research Network Specialist Mesothelioma MDT screening experience. Lung Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(17)30216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ajab S, Marlow J, Delisle K, Walshaw M, Ledson M. P235 Temocillin for Burkholderia Infection in Cystic Fibrosis – adding to Treatment Options? Thorax 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207770.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Marlow JE, Delisle K, Ajab S, Ledson M, Greenwood J, Walshaw M. P229 Use of Inhaled Antibiotics in CF Burkholderia spp Chronic Infection: Abstract P229 Table 1. Thorax 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207770.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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