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Taneera J, Mohammed AK, Khalique A, Mussa BM, Sulaiman N, Bustanji Y, Saleh MA, Madkour M, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Huneidi W. Unraveling the significance of PPP1R1A gene in pancreatic β-cell function: A study in INS-1 cells and human pancreatic islets. Life Sci 2024; 345:122608. [PMID: 38574885 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122608] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 1A (PPP1R1A) has been linked with insulin secretion and diabetes mellitus. Yet, its full significance in pancreatic β-cell function remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the role of the PPP1R1A gene in β-cell biology using human pancreatic islets and rat INS-1 (832/13) cells. RESULTS Disruption of Ppp1r1a in INS-1 cells was associated with reduced insulin secretion and impaired glucose uptake; however, cell viability, ROS, apoptosis or proliferation were intact. A significant downregulation of crucial β-cell function genes such as Ins1, Ins2, Pcsk1, Cpe, Pdx1, Mafa, Isl1, Glut2, Snap25, Vamp2, Syt5, Cacna1a, Cacna1d and Cacnb3, was observed upon Ppp1r1a disruption. Furthermore, silencing Pdx1 in INS-1 cells altered PPP1R1A expression, indicating that PPP1R1A is a target gene for PDX1. Treatment with rosiglitazone increased Ppp1r1a expression, while metformin and insulin showed no effect. RNA-seq analysis of human islets revealed high PPP1R1A expression, with α-cells showing the highest levels compared to other endocrine cells. Muscle tissues exhibited greater PPP1R1A expression than pancreatic islets, liver, or adipose tissues. Co-expression analysis revealed significant correlations between PPP1R1A and genes associated with insulin biosynthesis, exocytosis machinery, and intracellular calcium transport. Overexpression of PPP1R1A in human islets augmented insulin secretion and upregulated protein expression of Insulin, MAFA, PDX1, and GLUT1, while silencing of PPP1R1A reduced Insulin, MAFA, and GLUT1 protein levels. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable insights into the role of PPP1R1A in regulating β-cell function and glucose homeostasis. PPP1R1A presents a promising opportunity for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Center of Excellence of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates..
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anila Khalique
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bashair M Mussa
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed A Saleh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Madkour
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates.; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Taneera J, Khalique A, Mohammed AK, Mussa BM, Sulaiman N, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Huneidi W, Saber-Ayad MM. Investigating the Impact of IL6 on Insulin Secretion: Evidence from INS-1 Cells, Human Pancreatic Islets, and Serum Analysis. Cells 2024; 13:685. [PMID: 38667300 PMCID: PMC11049194 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080685] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in metabolic disorders and inflammation, yet its precise influence on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism remains uncertain. This study examined IL6 expression in pancreatic islets from individuals with/without diabetes, alongside a series of functional experiments, including siRNA silencing; IL6 treatment; and assessments of glucose uptake, cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of key β-cell genes, which were conducted in both INS-1 cells and human islets to elucidate the effect of IL6 on insulin secretion. Serum levels of IL6 from Emirati patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were measured, and the effect of antidiabetic drugs on IL6 levels was studied. The results revealed that IL6 mRNA expression was higher in islets from diabetic and older donors compared to healthy or young donors. IL6 expression correlated negatively with PDX1, MAFB, and NEUROD1 and positively with SOX4, HES1, and FOXA1. Silencing IL6 in INS-1 cells reduced insulin secretion and glucose uptake independently of apoptosis or oxidative stress. Reduced expression of IL6 was associated with the downregulation of Ins, Pdx1, Neurod1, and Glut2 in INS-1 cells. In contrast, IL6 treatment enhanced insulin secretion in INS-1 cells and human islets and upregulated insulin expression. Serum IL6 levels were elevated in patients with T2D and associated with higher glucose, HbA1c, and triglycerides, regardless of glucose-lowering medications. This study provides a new understanding of the role of IL6 in β-cell function and the pathophysiology of T2D. Our data highlight differences in the response to IL6 between INS-1 cells and human islets, suggesting the presence of species-specific variations across different experimental models. Further research is warranted to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying the observed effects of IL-6 on insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Anila Khalique
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Bashair M. Mussa
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Maha M. Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (B.M.M.); (N.S.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.); (M.M.S.-A.)
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
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Sulaiman N, Shorbagi S, Guraya SY. Development, implementation, and evaluation of an undergraduate family medicine program in the United Arab Emirates. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:311. [PMID: 38509537 PMCID: PMC10953071 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05134-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare systems rely on well-trained family medicine physicians who can offer continuous quality services to their communities and beyond. The American Academy of Family Physicians and the World Organization of Family Doctors recommend that medical curricula should have adequately supervised education and training of the learners in family medicine during their preclinical and clinical placements. However, some medical schools don't have a comprehensive family medicine program to prepare graduates who can meet the community needs. This work aims to report the essential steps for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the family medicine program at the College of Medicine at the University of Sharjah in United Arab Emirates. METHODS We used the Kern's 6-step model to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of the family medicine program. This includes problem identification, needs assessment, goals setting, educational strategies, implementation, and evaluation. During 2014-2022, we longitudinally collected essential information about the family medicine program from different stakeholders including the feedback of clinical coordinators, adjunct clinical faculty, and medical students at the end-of-clerkship. All responses were analysed to determine the effective implementation and evaluation of the family medicine program. RESULTS Over the course of 8 academic years, 804 medical students, 49 adjunct clinical faculty and three College of Medicine faculty participated in the evaluation of the family medicine program. The majority of respondents were satisfied with various aspects of the family medicine program, including the skills gained, the organisation of program, and the variety of clinical encounters. The medical students and adjunct clinical faculty suggested the inclusion of e-clinics, faculty development program, and the expansion of more clinical sites for the effectiveness of the family medicine program. CONCLUSIONS We report a successful development, implementation, and evaluation of the family medicine program in United Arab Emirates with a positive and impactful learning experience. More attention should be paid towards a suitable representation of family medicine program in the medical curriculum with focused and targeted educational plans for medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Baker/ IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Sarra Shorbagi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Yousuf Guraya
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Taneera J, Khalique A, Abdrabh S, Mohammed AK, Bouzid A, El-Huneidi W, Bustanji Y, Sulaiman N, Albasha S, Saber-Ayad M, Hamad M. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is essential for insulin secretion and β-cell function: In vitro studies using INS-1 cells and human pancreatic islets. Life Sci 2024; 339:122421. [PMID: 38232799 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122421] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, we investigated the role of the FTO gene in pancreatic β-cell biology and its association with type 2 diabetes (T2D). To address this issue, human pancreatic islets and rat INS-1 (832/13) cells were used to perform gene silencing, overexpression, and functional analysis of FTO expression; levels of FTO were also measured in serum samples obtained from diabetic and obese individuals. RESULTS The findings revealed that FTO expression was reduced in islets from hyperglycemic/diabetic donors compared to normal donors. This reduction correlated with decreased INS and GLUT1 expression and increased PDX1, GCK, and SNAP25 expression. Silencing of Fto in INS-1 cells impaired insulin release and mitochondrial ATP production and increased apoptosis in pro-apoptotic cytokine-treated cells. However, glucose uptake and reactive oxygen species production rates remained unaffected. Downregulation of key β-cell genes was observed following Fto-silencing, while Glut2 and Gck were unaffected. RNA-seq analysis identified several dysregulated genes involved in metal ion binding, calcium ion binding, and protein serine/threonine kinase activity. Furthermore, our findings showed that Pdx1 or Mafa-silencing did not influence FTO protein expression. Overexpression of FTO in human islets promoted insulin secretion and upregulated INS, PDX1, MAFA, and GLUT1 expression. Serum FTO levels did not significantly differ between individuals with diabetes or obesity and their healthy counterparts. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that FTO plays a crucial role in β-cell survival, metabolism, and function and point to a potential therapeutic utility of FTO in T2D patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Center of Excellence of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Anila Khalique
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sham Abdrabh
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Bouzid
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Albasha
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Guraya SS, Umair Akhtar M, Sulaiman N, David LR, Jirjees FJ, Awad M, Al Kawas S, Hassan Taha M, Haider M, Maria Dias J, Kodumayil SA, Dash NR, Al-Qallaf A, Hasswan A, Salmanpour VA, Guraya SY. Embedding patient safety in a scaffold of interprofessional education; a qualitative study with thematic analysis. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:968. [PMID: 38110914 PMCID: PMC10729414 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04934-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regardless of a proliferation of interest in reducing unsafe practices in healthcare, threats to patient safety (PS) remain high. Moreover, little attention has been paid towards the role of interprofessional education (IPE) in enhancing PS. This qualitative study was conducted to unfold the insights of the senior medical, dental and health sciences students at the University of Sharjah (UoS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about PS in an online IPE-based workshop. METHODS This inductive thematic analysis study was conducted on senior medical and health students at the Colleges of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy of UoS. During an online workshop, students discussed plausible solutions for four real practice-based clinical scenarios with elements of unsafe healthcare practices. During the breakout rooms, the students exhibited high level of articulation and proactively participated in discussions. The data from the online workshop were transcribed and then coding, categorizing, and labelling of recurrent themes were carried out. Multiple individual deliberations, consolidation, incorporation of the identified preliminary themes, and merging and reorganizing sub-themes led to a final thematic framework. RESULTS This work delved into the perspectives of 248 students regarding teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other aspects concerning PS in interprofessional settings in an online workshop. The iterative process of data transcription, curating and qualitative analysis surfaced 32 codes. Later, the inductive themaric analysis yielded five themes with distinct yet interconnected nested subthemes in the context of PS in IPE settings. These themes of information sharing and grounding (problem-solving, social skills), maintaining communication (clinical reasoning, shared mental model), executing interprofessional activities (collaborative practice, collaboration scripts), professional cognitive abilities (cognitive maturity, metacognition), and negotiating professional identities (systematic change, socio-economic scaffolding) emerged as fundamental pillars for enhancing PS in healthcare. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the outcome of an innovative and team-based workshop which embedded PS within a scaffold of IPE environment. This research calls for incorporation of the emerging areas of clinical reasoning, problem solving, collaborative practice, and shared mental model into medical curricula for structured IPE in improving PS domains in medical education. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted dimensions of IPE imperatives for cultivating collaborative competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaista Salman Guraya
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Muhammad Umair Akhtar
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leena R David
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Manal Awad
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sausan Al Kawas
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamed Haider
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Shada Aysha Kodumayil
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Nihar Ranjan Dash
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Al-Qallaf
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Ahmed Hasswan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Teoh XY, Voo SYM, Sulaiman N. Evaluating the impact of a pre-recorded online video on doctor's knowledge and attitude towards leprosy in Sabah and Labuan - a quasi experimental study. Med J Malaysia 2023; 78:574-582. [PMID: 37775482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global actions have been implemented worldwide to eliminate leprosy. However, under-recognition and stigmatisation continue to be the challenges. In Sabah, the grade two disability rate was 0.15/100,000 population in 2019, implicating a significant delay in diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards leprosy and the impact of lecture intervention among doctors in Sabah and Labuan, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study consists of two parts. First, a cross-sectional study on the knowledge of and attitude towards leprosy using an online quesitonnaire was conducted among doctors working in the primary care clinics and hospitals in Sabah and Labuan. Subsequently, the participants were asked to watched an online prerecorded video lecture on leprosy and to answered the same questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 310 participants, one fifth (20.6%) had good knowledge and 36.5% had positive attitude towards leprosy. Being a specialist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17-9.57, p < 0.001), managed ≥ 5 leprosy cases (aOR 3.37, 95% CI 1.52-7.47, p = 0.003), and involved in educational activities related to leprosy within last year (aOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.69-13.04, p < 0.001) were the significant predictors of good knowledge. Working in tertiary care was significantly associated with good attitude towards leprosy (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.22-3.94, p = 0.025). There was a significant improvement in participants' knowledge post-intervention (87.0% participants post-lecture vs 20.6% participants pre-lecture with good knowledge, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The proportion of doctors in Sabah and Labuan with good knowledge and attitude towards leprosy was low. Knowledge of leprosy improved significantly postintervention. This highlights the need for educational and training programmes to improve doctors' knowledge of leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Y Teoh
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Department of Dermatology, Sabah, Malaysia.
| | - S Y M Voo
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Department of Dermatology, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - N Sulaiman
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Clinical Research Centre, Sabah, Malaysia
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Hlaing PH, Hasswan A, Salmanpour V, Shorbagi S, AlMahmoud T, Jirjees FJ, Kawas SA, Guraya SY, Sulaiman N. Health professions students' approaches towards practice-driven ethical dilemmas; a case-based qualitative study. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:307. [PMID: 37131157 PMCID: PMC10152413 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04089-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In healthcare practice, ethical challenges are inevitable and their optimal handling may potentialy improve patient care. Ethical development in medical education is critical for the transition from a medical and health sciences student to an ethical healthcare practitioner. Understanding the health professions students' approaches towards practice-driven ethical dilemmas could harness i the effective ethical development in their medical education. This study attempts to identify the health professions students' approaches towards practice-driven ethical dilemmas. METHODS An inductive qualitative evaluation was conducted on six recorded videos of health professions students' case-based online group discussions, followed by a one-hour online ethics workshop. The online ethics workshop was organized with students from the College of Medicine, College of Dental Medicine and College of Pharmacy at the University of Sharjah, and the College of Medicine at the United Arab Emirates University. . The recorded videos were transcribed verbatim and imported to the qualitative data analysis software of MAXQDA 2022. Data were analyzed applying four stages of review, reflect, reduce and retrieve and two different coders triangulated the findings. RESULTS Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of the health professions students' approaches to the practice-based ethical dilemmas; (1) emotions, (2) personal experiences, (3) law and legal system, (4) professional background, (5) knowledge of medical research and (6) inter-professional education. In addition, during the case-based group discussions in the ethics workshop, students efficiently applied the relevant ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice in their reasoning process to reach an ethical decision. CONCLUSION The findings of this study explained how health professions students resolve ethical dilemmas in their ethical reasoning process. This work sheds light on ethical development in medical education by gaining students' perspectives in dealing with complex clinical scenarios. The findings from this qualitative evaluation will aid academic medical institutions in developing medical and research-based ethics curriculum to transform students to ethical leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyu Hnin Hlaing
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Hasswan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vida Salmanpour
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarra Shorbagi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tahra AlMahmoud
- College of Medicine and Health Science, United Arab Emirates University, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Sausan Al Kawas
- College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Mahgoub E, Taneera J, Sulaiman N, Saber-Ayad M. The role of autophagy in colorectal cancer: Impact on pathogenesis and implications in therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:959348. [PMID: 36160153 PMCID: PMC9490268 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.959348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as a global major cause of cancer death. Surgical resection is the main line of treatment; however, chemo-, radiotherapy and other adjuvant agents are crucial to achieve good outcomes. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a well-recognized key player in CRC progression, yet the processes linking the cancer cells to its TME are not fully delineated. Autophagy is one of such processes, with a controversial role in the pathogenesis of CRC, with its intricate links to many pathological factors and processes. Autophagy may apparently play conflicting roles in carcinogenesis, but the precise mechanisms determining the overall direction of the process seem to depend on the context. Additionally, it has been established that autophagy has a remarkable effect on the endothelial cells in the TME, the key substrate for angiogenesis that supports tumor metastasis. Favorable response to immunotherapy occurs only in a specific subpopulation of CRC patients, namely the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). In view of such limitations of immunotherapy in CRC, modulation of autophagy represents a potential adjuvant strategy to enhance the effect of those relatively safe agents on wider CRC molecular subtypes. In this review, we discussed the molecular control of autophagy in CRC and how autophagy affects different processes and mechanisms that shape the TME. We explored how autophagy contributes to CRC initiation and progression, and how it interacts with tumor immunity, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. The crosstalk between autophagy and the TME in CRC was extensively dissected. Finally, we reported the clinical efforts and challenges in combining autophagy modulators with various cancer-targeted agents to improve CRC patients’ survival and restrain cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglal Mahgoub
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Maha Saber-Ayad,
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9
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Khalique A, Mohammed AK, Al-khadran NM, Gharaibeh MA, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Huneidi W, Sulaiman N, Taneera J. Reduced Retinoic Acid Receptor Beta (Rarβ) Affects Pancreatic β-Cell Physiology. Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:biology11071072. [PMID: 36101450 PMCID: PMC9312298 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071072] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Various studies have suggested a link between vitamin A (VA), all-trans-retinol, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the functional role/expression of vitamin A receptors (Rarα, β, and γ) in pancreatic β-cells is not clear yet. Accordingly, we performed a series of bioinformatics, molecular and functional experiments in human islet and INS-1 cells to evaluate the role of Rarβ on insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. Microarray and RNA-sequencing (RAN-seq) expression analysis showed that RARα, β, and γ are expressed in human pancreatic islets. RNA-seq expression of RARβ in diabetic/hyperglycemic human islets (HbA1c ≥ 6.3%) revealed a significant reduction (p = 0.004) compared to nondiabetic/normoglycemic cells (HbA1c < 6%). The expression of RARβ with INS and PDX1 showed inverse association, while positive correlations were observed with INSR and HbA1c levels. Exploration of the T2D knowledge portal (T2DKP) revealed that several genetic variants in RARβ are associated with BMI. The most associated variant is rs6804842 (p = 1.2 × 10−25). Silencing of Rarβ in INS-1 cells impaired insulin secretion without affecting cell viability or apoptosis. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels were elevated and glucose uptake was reduced in Rarβ-silenced cells. mRNA expression of Ins1, Pdx1, NeuroD1, Mafa, Snap25, Vamp2, and Gck were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in Rarβ-silenced cells. For protein levels, Pro/Insulin, PDX1, GLUT2, GCK, pAKT/AKT, and INSR expression were downregulated considerably (p < 0.05). The expression of NEUROD and VAMP2 were not affected. In conclusion, our results indicate that Rarβ is an important molecule for β-cell function. Hence, our data further support the potential role of VA receptors in the development of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anila Khalique
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
| | - Nujood Mohammed Al-khadran
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mutaz Al Gharaibeh
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.-G.); (W.E.-H.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +97-165-057-743
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10
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Elemam NM, Hammoudeh S, Salameh L, Mahboub B, Alsafar H, Talaat IM, Habib P, Siddiqui M, Hassan KO, Al-Assaf OY, Taneera J, Sulaiman N, Hamoudi R, Maghazachi AA, Hamid Q, Saber-Ayad M. Identifying Immunological and Clinical Predictors of COVID-19 Severity and Sequelae by Mathematical Modeling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865845. [PMID: 35529862 PMCID: PMC9067542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence as a pandemic in March 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outcome has been explored via several predictive models, using specific clinical or biochemical parameters. In the current study, we developed an integrative non-linear predictive model of COVID-19 outcome, using clinical, biochemical, immunological, and radiological data of patients with different disease severities. Initially, the immunological signature of the disease was investigated through transcriptomics analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples of patients with different COVID-19 severity versus control subjects (exploratory cohort, n=61), identifying significant differential expression of several cytokines. Accordingly, 24 cytokines were validated using a multiplex assay in the serum of COVID-19 patients and control subjects (validation cohort, n=77). Predictors of severity were Interleukin (IL)-10, Programmed Death-Ligand-1 (PDL-1), Tumor necrosis factors-α, absolute neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and ferritin; with high predictive efficacy (AUC=0.93 and 0.98 using ROC analysis of the predictive capacity of cytokines and biochemical markers, respectively). Increased IL-6 and granzyme B were found to predict liver injury in COVID-19 patients, whereas interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-1 receptor-a (IL-1Ra) and PD-L1 were predictors of remarkable radiological findings. The model revealed consistent elevation of IL-15 and IL-10 in severe cases. Combining basic biochemical and radiological investigations with a limited number of curated cytokines will likely attain accurate predictive value in COVID-19. The model-derived cytokines highlight critical pathways in the pathophysiology of the COVID-19 with insight towards potential therapeutic targets. Our modeling methodology can be implemented using new datasets to identify key players and predict outcomes in new variants of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Elemam
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Hammoudeh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laila Salameh
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Dubai Health Authority, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Dubai Health Authority, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Emirates Bio-Research Centre, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman M Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Peter Habib
- School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mehmood Siddiqui
- Dubai Health Authority, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Azzam A Maghazachi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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11
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Elemam NM, Hasswan H, Aljaibeji H, Sharif-Askari NS, Halwani R, Taneera J, Sulaiman N. Profiling Levels of Serum microRNAs and Soluble ACE2 in COVID-19 Patients. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040575. [PMID: 35455065 PMCID: PMC9027848 DOI: 10.3390/life12040575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The main mechanism of viral entry in COVID-19 infection is through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor present in the lungs. Numerous studies suggested a clinical significance of risk factors, such as gender, obesity, and diabetes on the soluble form of ACE2 (sACE2) and related miRNAs in COVID-19 infection. This study aims to investigate the serum level of sACE2 and 4 miRNAs (miR-421, miR-3909, miR-212-5p, and miR-4677-3p) in COVID-19 patients and assess their associations with clinicopathological parameters. Methods: Serum samples were collected from non-diabetic and diabetic COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. sACE2 levels were quantified using ELISA, and serum miRNA levels were measured using qPCR. In addition, laboratory blood tests were retrieved from the clinical records of COVID-19 patients. Results: sACE2 levels were upregulated in COVID-19 patients regardless of sex, diabetes status, or obesity. Furthermore, the four investigated miRNAs were upregulated in COVID-19 patients and were positively correlated with each other. Furthermore, miR-421, miR-3909, and miR-4677-3p were positively associated with sACE2, suggesting a strong link between these markers. Notably, miR-212-5p was selectively upregulated in moderate, male, and non-obese COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, miR-212-5p was correlated with D-dimer, while sACE2 was correlated with coagulation tests, such as aPTT and platelets, indicating their potential as markers of coagulopathy in COVID-19. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between sACE2 and C-reactive protein in diabetic COVID-19 patients, indicating a promising role of this marker in the inflammatory status of these patients. Conclusion: sACE2 and its regulatory miRNAs were upregulated and correlated with laboratory investigations of COVID-19 patients, thus indicating their clinical significance as biomarkers in COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mousaad Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
| | - Hind Hasswan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
| | - Hayat Aljaibeji
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Prince Abdullah Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (H.H.); (N.S.S.-A.); (R.H.); (J.T.)
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Baker/IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Shorbagi S, Sulaiman N, Hasswan A, Kaouas M, Al-Dijani MM, El-Hussein RA, Daghistani MT, Nugud S, Guraya SY. Correction to: Assessing the utility and efficacy of e-OSCE among undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med Educ 2022; 22:230. [PMID: 35365133 PMCID: PMC8972771 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Shorbagi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Baker/ IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ahmad Hasswan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mujtaba Kaouas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona M Al-Dijani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Adil El-Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mada Talal Daghistani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shumoos Nugud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Yousuf Guraya
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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13
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Shorbagi S, Sulaiman N, Hasswan A, Kaouas M, Al-Dijani MM, El-Hussein RA, Daghistani MT, Nugud S, Guraya SY. Assessing the utility and efficacy of e-OSCE among undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med Educ 2022; 22:156. [PMID: 35260144 PMCID: PMC8902284 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its quick progression to a global pandemic has urged medical schools to shift from didactic to distance learning and assessment approaches. The quality of clinical training and assessment have been jeopardized due to the regulatory restrictions and potential hazards to human lives. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the utility and efficacy of an electronic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (e-OSCE), which attempted to transform the format of a face-to-face OSCE to an e-OSCE. METHODS We conducted three end of clerkship e-OSCEs for final year medical students in Surgery, Medicine and Family Medicine using the teleconferencing application of Microsoft Teams (MST). The e-OSCE blueprint included the assessment of all clinical skills except physical examination and procedural skills. Examiners supervised e-OSCE from the college campus, while all students were remotely assessed through the MST channels. During the exam, the students stayed in their specified MST channel and examiners rotated across all students. The utility and efficacy of e-OSCE was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire for students, examiners and e-OSCE team. RESULTS The data analysis showed that 93.4% students and 92.2% examiners agreed with the quality and process of e-OSCE. Similarly, 83.6% students and 98% examiners agreed with the seamless organization of e-OSCE. As many as 45.9% students and 74.5% examiners agreed that e-OSCE was close to real life practice. Approximately one fifth of students and one third of examiners preferred e-OSCE over the face-to-face OSCE. The analysis of qualitative data generated the themes of e-OSCE structure and technology. While majority of participants were satisfied with e-OSCE, students were concerned about examiners' training and e-OSCE contents. Examiners and e-OSCE team recognized the paper-less, tech-savy, fast and reliable format of e-OSCE. CONCLUSION During and beyond COVID- 19 era, e-OSCE is a strong substitute to standard OSCE for assessing clinical competence except for physical examination and procedural skills. The planning and implementation of e-OSCE reflects an ingenuity in the assessment of clinical competencies of medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Shorbagi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Baker/ IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ahmad Hasswan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mujtaba Kaouas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona M Al-Dijani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Adil El-Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mada Talal Daghistani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shumoos Nugud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Yousuf Guraya
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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14
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Sulaiman N, Yaseen Hachim M, Khalique A, Mohammed AK, Al Heialy S, Taneera J. EXOC6 (Exocyst Complex Component 6) Is Associated with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction. Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:biology11030388. [PMID: 35336762 PMCID: PMC8945791 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030388] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
EXOC6 and EXOC6B (EXOC6/6B) components of the exocyst complex are involved in the secretory granule docking. Recently, EXOC6/6B were anticipated as a molecular link between dysfunctional pancreatic islets and ciliated lung epithelium, making diabetic patients more prone to severe SARS-CoV-2 complications. However, the exact role of EXOC6/6B in pancreatic β-cell function and risk of T2D is not fully understood. Herein, microarray and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) expression data demonstrated the expression of EXOC6/6B in human pancreatic islets. Expression of EXOC6/6B was not affected by diabetes status. Exploration of the using the translational human pancreatic islet genotype tissue-expression resource portal (TIGER) revealed three genetic variants (rs947591, rs2488071 and rs2488073) in the EXOC6 gene that were associated (p < 2.5 × 10−20) with the risk of T2D. Exoc6/6b silencing in rat pancreatic β-cells (INS1-832/13) impaired insulin secretion, insulin content, exocytosis machinery and glucose uptake without cytotoxic effect. A significant decrease in the expression Ins1, Ins1, Pdx1, Glut2 and Vamp2 was observed in Exoc6/6b-silenced cells at the mRNA and protein levels. However, NeuroD1, Gck and InsR were not influenced compared to the negative control. In conclusion, our data propose that EXOC6/6B are crucial regulators for insulin secretion and exocytosis machinery in β-cells. This study identified several genetic variants in EXOC6 associated with the risk of T2D. Therefore, EXOC6/6B could provide a new potential target for therapy development or early biomarkers for T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates; (M.Y.H.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Anila Khalique
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Saba Al Heialy
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates; (M.Y.H.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.); (A.K.M.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7743
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15
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Mamdouh H, Alnakhi WK, Hussain HY, Ibrahim GM, Hussein A, Mahmoud I, Alawadi F, Hassanein M, Abdullatif M, AlAbady K, Farooq S, Sulaiman N. Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension and pre-hypertension among the adult population: findings from the Dubai Household Survey, 2019. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:18. [PMID: 35090385 PMCID: PMC8796637 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal data is available on the prevalence and correlates of hypertension and prehypertension in Dubai. The study aims to measure the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension and the associated socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and comorbidities among the adult population of Dubai. METHODS This study used data from the Dubai Household Health Survey, 2019. A cross-sectional population survey based on a complex stratified cluster random design. The total eligible sample included 2530 adults (18+). Sociodemographic and behavioral factors were considered as independent covariates. The main study outcome variables, pre-hypertension and hypertension, were ordinal, with normotension as the reference group. RESULTS The overall prevalence of hypertension in adults was 32.5% (38.37% in males and 16.66% in females). Prehypertension was prevalent in 29.8% of adults in Dubai (28.85% in males and 32.31% in females). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age groups, gender, occupation, and high Body Mass Index were significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension at the level of P < 0.05. No clear trend toward a higher correlation of hypertension was noted with the increase in age, except after the age of 50 years. Males were five- times more likely to be hypertensive than females. Participants enrolled in skilled and service works had a five times higher risk of hypertension, compared with the reference group (professionals). Obese subjects had a 5.47-times greater correlation of hypertension compared with normal-weight subjects. Physically active individuals were less likely to develop hypertension. For the correlates with prehypertension in the present analysis, skilled and service workers and those working in elementary jobs had a higher risk of prehypertension, compared with the reference group (professionals) Individuals with a status of overweight were associated with a higher prevalence of prehypertension compared with people of normal weight. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a high prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among adults in Dubai. Some socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors were correlated with prehypertension and hypertension among the studied population. Interventions aiming at increasing public awareness about such risk factors are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Mamdouh
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.
- Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Wafa K Alnakhi
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Hamid Y Hussain
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Gamal M Ibrahim
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
- Department of Data Analysis, High Institute for Management Sciences, Belqas, Egypt
| | - Amal Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Ibrahim Mahmoud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatheya Alawadi
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mohamed Hassanein
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mona Abdullatif
- Public Health Protection Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Kadhim AlAbady
- Public Health Protection Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Sabya Farooq
- Public Health Protection Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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16
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Mahmoud I, Sulaiman N. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Risk Factors in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study. Front Public Health 2022; 9:811006. [PMID: 35141192 PMCID: PMC8818742 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.811006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated risk factors among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among adults living in Sharjah and Northern Emirates using the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB) data. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) guidelines were used to define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Results A total of 3,212 subjects (74.1% men, 25.9% women, mean age 39 ± 11.3 years old) were included in this study. The overall prevalence of MetS was 37.4% (32.7% in women and 39% in men). The prevalence was 33.6% in the Emirati population (38.7% in women and 28.8% in men), 34.5% in the Arab non-Emirati population (29.8% in women and 36.3% in men) and 40.7% in the Asian non-Arab population (25.8% in women and 43.1% in men). Age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, marital status and body mass index were positively associated with MetS. Conclusions This study indicates a high burden of MetS in the UAE, particularly among Emirati women and Asian non-Arab men. The young adult population in the UAE has a high prevalence of MetS compared to global estimates in the same age group. Aggressive intervention strategies targeting the whole population as well as individuals at a high risk are recommended to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mahmoud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, University of Sharjah College of Medicine, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, University of Sharjah College of Medicine, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Diabetes and Epidemiology Research Group, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nabil Sulaiman
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17
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Sulaiman N, Givens DI, Anitha S. A Narrative Review: In-vitro Methods for Assessing Bio-Accessibility/Bioavailability of Iron in Plant-Based Foods. Front Sustain Food Syst 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.727533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In-vitro measurement has the advantage of rapid and convenient method of screening the iron bioavailability within the range of plant-based foods. It is important to do preliminary screening as it provides information which will be useful to identify promising plant sources of iron before moving to human trials. A review on in-vitro methods of bio-accessibility and bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes is entailed here. The review will focus on in-vitro methods of iron bioavailability in plant-based foods and the effects of inhibitors and processing on the iron bioavailability. The variation of the methods and updates on a recent INFOGEST method used to measure the bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods will also be discussed.
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18
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Asyikha R, Sulaiman N, Mohd-Taib FS. Detection of Bartonella sp. in ticks and their small mammal hosts in mangrove forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Trop Biomed 2021; 37:919-931. [PMID: 33612746 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Bartonella have been known as emerging zoonotic pathogens for several human diseases including cat scratch disease, Carrion's disease and trench fever. Numerous species of small mammals have been reported to play a role as a suitable reservoir to many pathogenic Bartonella. These infections are thought to be transmitted through blood-feeding arthropod vectors such as ticks, fleas and lice. The purpose of this study is to detect the presence of Bartonella species from tick samples collected from small mammals in mangrove forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Herein, 38 individual ticks and their small mammals host were evaluated for the presence of Bartonella DNA by conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ITS) and partial sequencing of 460 bp from this locususing Bartonella genus-specific primers. Two tick individuals from Dermacentor auratus and Haemaphysalis hystricis collected from Rattus tiomanicus (host), were PCR-positive for Bartonella DNA amplification. No Bartonella amplification was possible in other tick species (Amblyomma sp.). Phylogenetic analysis of ITS fragments demonstrated that the sequences from ticks were closely related to Bartonella phoceensis, a species that has been reported from black rats (Rattus rattus) in Australia. This is the first report of a Bartonella bacteria detected in ticks from small mammals in Malaysia. Further research should be warranted to investigate the transmission of Bartonella and the potential impact of this zoonotic pathogen in animals and humans as this mangrove ecosystem is significant for local economy and tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Asyikha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - N Sulaiman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - F S Mohd-Taib
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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19
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Mahmoud I, Sulaiman N, Hussein A, Mohammed H, Al Nakhi WK, Hussain HY, Ibrahim GM. A hypertension risk score for adults: a population-based cross-sectional study from Dubai Household Survey 2019. Epidemiol Health 2021; 43:e2021064. [PMID: 34525498 PMCID: PMC8769801 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2021064] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop a risk score model for predicting hypertension specific to the population of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate prevention and early intervention. METHODS A retrospective analysis of data from the Dubai Household Health Survey 2019 was conducted. Demographic and physical parameters, as well as blood glucose levels, were included in the data. The risk factors for hypertension were identified using bivariate analysis. A risk score model was developed using the enter method, where all significant predictors of hypertension in bivariate analyses were entered in a single step with the primary outcome of hypertension status (yes/no). The model was validated internally by splitting the data into Emirati and non-Emirati populations. RESULTS A total of 2,533 subjects were studied. The significant risk factors for hypertension identified were male sex, older age (≥40 years), education level, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia. The model showed a high discrimination ability between individuals with and without hypertension, with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.79), excellent sensitivity (81.0%; 95% CI, 71.9 to 88.2) and moderate specificity (56.0%; 95% CI, 45.7 to 65.9). CONCLUSIONS The model developed by this study is simple, convenient, and based on readily available demographic and medical characteristics. This risk score model could support initial hypertension screening and provide an effective tool for targeted lifestyle counselling and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amal Hussein
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Heba Mohammed
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Wafa K Al Nakhi
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Community Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamid Y Hussain
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gamal M Ibrahim
- Department of Data Analysis, Research and Studies, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Tan WF, Voo SYM, Sulaiman N, Robinson S. Psychosocial burden of patients with atopic dermatitis at two tertiary referral centres in Malaysia. Med J Malaysia 2021; 76:643-652. [PMID: 34508369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic skin disorder that affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults. The disease course is unpredictable with periods of exacerbation and remission, thus having a significant impact on the mental health and quality of life (QOL). We evaluated the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their association with disease severity, QOL and their associated factors in adolescents (≥ 13 years old) and adults with AD. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients aged ≥ 13 years with AD who fulfilled the Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria. These patients were recruited from Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu and Hospital Kuala Lumpur between January 2020 to March 2021. Assessment instruments used were Scoring for Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS Of the 217 participants, 75 (34.6%) had mild eczema, 116 (53.5%) moderate eczema and 26 (12.0%) severe eczema with a mean SCORAD score of 30.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.70). Twenty-six (12.0%) and 17 (7.8%) had anxiety and depression, respectively. Patients with moderate to severe disease reported higher HADS-A (HADS-anxiety component), HADS-D (HADS-depression component), POEM, DLQI, itch, sleep loss and skin pain scores (p < 0.001 for all). Severe sleep loss (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 12.41, p < 0.001) and hospitalisation in the past year (AOR 6.44, p = 0.004) were significant predictors for anxiety whereas those aged 41 to 60 (AOR 10.83, p = 0.020), having severe skin pain (AOR 6.12, p = 0.028), DLQI ≥ 10 (AOR 5.27, p = 0.002) and history of hospitalisation in the past year (AOR 12.73, p = 0.002) had increased risk for depression. CONCLUSION The prevalence of anxiety was 12.0% while depression was 7.8% in our cohort. AD renders a significant burden on mental health and QOL with a higher impact on those with more severe disease. The use of screening tools such as HADS and DLQI for assessment of mental health and QOL should be considered to address the multidimensional burden of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- W F Tan
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Department of Dermatology, Sabah, Malaysia.
| | - S Y M Voo
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Department of Dermatology, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - N Sulaiman
- Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Clinical Research Centre, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - S Robinson
- Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Department of Dermatology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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21
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Mahmoud I, Sulaiman N. Significance and agreement between obesity anthropometric measurements and indices in adults: a population-based study from the United Arab Emirates. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1605. [PMID: 34465314 PMCID: PMC8408932 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rates of overweight and obese adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have increased dramatically in recent decades. Several anthropometric measurements are used to assess body weight status. Some anthropometric measurements might not be convenient to use in certain communities and settings. The objective of this study was to assess the agreement of four anthropometric measurements and indices of weight status and to investigate their associations with cardiometabolic risks. METHODS The study design was a cross-section population-based study. Adults living in the Northern Emirates were surveyed. Fasting blood samples, blood pressure readings and anthropometric measurements were also collected. RESULTS A total of 3531 subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of obesity/overweight was 66.4% based on body mass index (BMI), 61.7% based on waist circumference (WC), 64.6% based on waist-hip ratio (WHR) and 71% based on neck circumference (NC). There were moderate agreements between BMI and WC and between WC and WHR, with kappa (k) ranging from 0.41 to 0.60. NC showed poor agreement with BMI, WC and WHR, with k ranging from 0 to 0.2. Overweight and obesity based on BMI, WC and WHR were significantly associated with cardiometabolic risks. CONCLUSION Overall, there was a moderate to a poor agreement between BMI, WC, WHR and NC. Particularly, NC showed poor agreement with BMI, WC and WHR. BMI and WC showed better performance for identifying cardiometabolic risks than WHR and NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. .,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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22
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Sulaiman N, Rishmawy Y, Hussein A, Saber-Ayad M, Alzubaidi H, Al Kawas S, Hasan H, Guraya SY. A mixed methods approach to determine the climate of interprofessional education among medical and health sciences students. BMC Med Educ 2021; 21:203. [PMID: 33836727 PMCID: PMC8035734 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality patient care is a complex phenomenon that requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Interprofessional Education (IPE) carries promise to improve collaborative work and patient care. So far, collaboration among various health professionals remains a challenge. Very few focus group discussions to determine the medical students' readiness and positive attitudes towards IPE have been reported from the Arabian context. METHODS A two-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted among medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences students of the University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates. The perspectives of students toward IPE and collaborative practice were first gathered by administering a validated instrument, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). This was followed by focused group discussions. A quantitative as well as a qualitative data analysis was performed. RESULTS This study cohort included 282 students. All respondents showed readiness to adopt IPE as all statements of the RIPLS inventory scored high median scores. All participants showed positive attitudes and readiness towards IPE. Three main domains of themes were generated from focus group discussions; prior knowledge, need for IPE framework and its implementation. Information workload, lack of clarity and less focused teaching pedagogies of IPE were considered as perceived barriers. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated a substantial agreement of medical and health sciences students towards readiness and perceived effectiveness of IPE. Educators are urged to embed new IPE programs into existing curricular frameworks, which can potentially enhance collaborative learning and improve quality of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family & Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Youssef Rishmawy
- Department of Family & Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Hussein
- Department of Family & Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine & Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hamzah Alzubaidi
- Pharmacy Practice & Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sausan Al Kawas
- Department of Oral & Craniofacial Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Y. Guraya
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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23
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Taneera J, Awadallah S, Khader Mohammed A, Unnikannan H, Sulaiman N. Vitamin A levels are decreased but not influenced by glucose- or lipid-lowering medications in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:572-577. [PMID: 33424341 PMCID: PMC7783824 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.044] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex polygenic disease with unclear mechanisms. Clinical studies on the association of vitamin A with T2D in humans are still controversial. Herein, we aimed to investigate the plasma levels of vitamin A, predictor factors, and its correlations with clinical phenotypes in Emirati population. The effect of glucose-and lipid-lowering medications on vitamin A levels was also studied. Methods A cross-sectional cohort comprised 158 T2D-subjects and 90 healthy controls were recruited from the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes Study (UAEDIAB). All anthropometric, clinical, and biomedical measurements were collected. Plasma levels of vitamin A were determined using ELISA assay. Results Levels of vitamin A were significantly lower in T2D-subjects compared to healthy control (p < 0.01). Vitamin A levels were unaffected by gender base and inversely correlated with age, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), waist circumference, triglycerides, and body mass index (BMI). Regression analysis revealed that HbA1c and age are predictors for vitamin A. Intake of glucose- or lipid-lowering medications showed no effect on vitamin A levels. Conclusion HbA1c and age are predictors for low levels of vitamin A among Emirati-T2D subjects. No influence of glucose and lipid-lowering medications on the plasma levels of vitamin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samir Awadallah
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hema Unnikannan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Awadallah S, Taneera J, Mohammed AK, Unnikannan H, Sulaiman N. Combined intake of glucose-and lipid-lowering medications further elevates plasma levels of PCSK9 in type 2 diabetes patients. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2020; 14:2087-2092. [PMID: 33142230 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study examined the status of plasma levels of protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) in association with glucose-and lipid-lowering medications in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS This study comprised 177 diabetics and 115 non-diabetic subjects recruited from the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes Study (UAEDIAB). Clinical and biomedical data were collected by standard techniques. Plasma levels of PCSK9 were determined using ELISA. RESULTS PCSK9 levels were higher in diabetics than non-diabetics (P < 0.001). Diabetics with disease duration >5 years, HbA1c > 7.0%, or male subjects, had significantly higher levels of PCSK9 than their counterparts (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that HbA1c and age are predictors for PCSK9 in T2D subjects. Diabetic subjects with abnormal lipids profile on lipid-lowering medications had a higher level of PCSK9 compared to those with normal lipids profile (85.6 ± 40.5 vs. 63.7 ± 39.5 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.01). Diabetics on combined intake of insulin and oral glucose-lowering drugs had higher levels of PCSK9 than those not taking any (86.1 ± 41.6 vs 69.7 ± 36.1 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). The highest levels of PCSK9 however, were in diabetics on combined lipid- and glucose-lowering therapy when compared to those, not on any (96.2 ± 34.0 vs 66.0 ± 35.1 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Age and HbA1c are the most predictors for the elevated levels of PCSK9 in Emirati T2D subjects. Combined therapy of glucose-and lipid-lowering medications further elevates plasma levels of PCSK9 in diabetic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Awadallah
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Department of basic medical sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hema Unnikannan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Department of family medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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25
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Aljaibeji H, Elemam NM, Mohammed AK, Hasswan H, Thahyabat MA, Alkhayyal N, Sulaiman N, Taneera J. Let7b-5p is Upregulated in the Serum of Emirati Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Regulates Insulin Secretion in INS-1 Cells. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 130:22-29. [PMID: 33036033 DOI: 10.1055/a-1261-5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Let7b-5p is a member of the Let-7 miRNA family and one of the top expressed miRNAs in human islets that implicated in glucose homeostasis. The levels of Let7b-5p in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients or its role in β-cell function is still unclear. In the current study, we measured the serum levels of let7b-5p in Emirati patients with T2DM (with/without complications) and control subjects. Overexpression or silencing of let7b-5p in INS-1 (832/13) cells was performed to investigate the impact on insulin secretion, content, cell viability, apoptosis, and key functional genes. We found that serum levels of let7b-5p are significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2DM-patients or T2DM with complications compared to control subjects. Overexpression of let7b-5p increased insulin content and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas silencing of let7b-5p reduced insulin content and secretion. Modulation of the expression levels of let7b-5p did not influence cell viability nor apoptosis. Analysis of mRNA and protein expression of hallmark genes in let7b-5p transfected cells revealed a marked dysregulation of Insulin, Pancreatic And Duodenal Homeobox 1 (PDX1), glucokinase (GCK), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and INSR. In conclusion, an appropriate level of let7b-5p is essential to maintain β-cell function and may be regarded as a biomarker for T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah
| | | | | | - Hind Hasswan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah
| | | | - Noura Alkhayyal
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah.,Baker/IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah
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26
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Aljaibeji H, Mohammed AK, Alkayyali S, Hachim MY, Hasswan H, El-Huneidi W, Taneera J, Sulaiman N. Genetic Variants of the PLCXD3 Gene Are Associated with Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in the Emirati Population. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060665. [PMID: 32570874 PMCID: PMC7349663 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C X domain 3 (PLCXD3) has been shown to influence pancreatic β-cell function by disrupting insulin signaling. Herein, we investigated two genetic variants in the PLCXD3 gene in relation to type 2 diabetes (T2D) or metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Emirati population. In total, 556 adult Emirati individuals (306 T2D and 256 controls) were genotyped for two PLCXD3 variants (rs319013 and rs9292806) using TaqMan genotyping assays. The frequency distribution of minor homozygous CC genotype of rs9292806 and GG genotype of rs319013 were significantly higher in subjects with MetS compared to Non-MetS (p < 0.01). The minor homozygous rs9292806-CC and rs319013-GG genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of MetS (adj. OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.61–5.3; p < 0.001) (adj. OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.42–4.83; p = 0.002), respectively. However, no associations were detected with T2D. In healthy participants, the homozygous minor genotypes of both rs9292806 and rs319013 were significantly higher fasting glucose (adj. p < 0.005), HbA1c (adj. p < 0.005) and lower HDL-cholesterol (adj. p < 0.05) levels. Data from T2D Knowledge Portal database disclosed a nominal association of rs319013 and rs9292806 with T2D and components of MetS. Bioinformatics prediction analysis showed a deleterious effect of rs9292806 on the regulatory regions of PLCXD3. In conclusion, this study identifies rs319013 and rs9292806 variants of PLCXD3 as additional risk factors for MetS in the Emirati population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (H.A.); (A.K.M.); (H.H.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (H.A.); (A.K.M.); (H.H.)
| | - Sami Alkayyali
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Central Hospital of Växjö, Växjö 35188, Sweden;
| | - Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, UAE;
| | - Hind Hasswan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (H.A.); (A.K.M.); (H.H.)
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (H.A.); (A.K.M.); (H.H.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.); Tel.: +971-65057743 (J.T.); +971-65057206 (N.S.); Fax: +971-65585879 (J.T. or N.S.)
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.); Tel.: +971-65057743 (J.T.); +971-65057206 (N.S.); Fax: +971-65585879 (J.T. or N.S.)
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Hachim MY, Aljaibeji H, Hamoudi RA, Hachim IY, Elemam NM, Mohammed AK, Salehi A, Taneera J, Sulaiman N. An Integrative Phenotype-Genotype Approach Using Phenotypic Characteristics from the UAE National Diabetes Study Identifies HSD17B12 as a Candidate Gene for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040461. [PMID: 32340285 PMCID: PMC7230604 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The United Arab Emirates National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB) has identified obesity, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia as common phenotypic characteristics correlated with diabetes mellitus status. As these phenotypes are usually linked with genetic variants, we hypothesized that these phenotypes share single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-clusters that can be used to identify causal genes for diabetes. We explored the National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies (NHGRI-EBI GWAS) to list SNPs with documented association with the UAEDIAB-phenotypes as well as diabetes. The shared chromosomal regions affected by SNPs were identified, intersected, and searched for Enriched Ontology Clustering. The potential SNP-clusters were validated using targeted DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) in two Emirati diabetic patients. RNA sequencing from human pancreatic islets was used to study the expression of identified genes in diabetic and non-diabetic donors. Eight chromosomal regions containing 46 SNPs were identified in at least four out of the five UAEDIAB-phenotypes. A list of 34 genes was shown to be affected by those SNPs. Targeted NGS from two Emirati patients confirmed that the identified genes have similar SNP-clusters. ASAH1, LRP4, FES, and HSD17B12 genes showed the highest SNPs rate among the identified genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed high expression levels of HSD17B12 in human islets and to be upregulated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) donors. Our integrative phenotype-genotype approach is a novel, simple, and powerful tool to identify clinically relevant potential biomarkers in diabetes. HSD17B12 is a novel candidate gene for pancreatic β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Rifat A. Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Ibrahim Y. Hachim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Albert Salehi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Islets Cell Pathology, Lund University, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27273, UAE; (M.Y.H.); (H.A.); (R.A.H.); (N.M.E.); (A.K.M.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.)
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (N.S.)
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Sulaiman N, Hussein A, Saddik B, Elbadawi S, Hasswan A, Emad Z, Mahmoud I. Community health perceptions of smoking, physical activity and eating habits: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Hamdan Med J 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/hmj.hmj_49_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Saheb Sharif-Askari F, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Halwani R, Abusnana S, Hamoudi R, Sulaiman N. Low Vitamin D Serum Level Is Associated with HDL-C Dyslipidemia and Increased Serum Thrombomodulin Levels of Insulin-Resistant Individuals. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2020; 13:1599-1607. [PMID: 32494176 PMCID: PMC7231785 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s245742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-resistant individuals are known to have dyslipidemia and are predicted to be at high risk of cardiovascular events. Vitamin D deficiency was shown to be associated with dyslipidemia; however, the type of dyslipidemia associated with vitamin D deficiency in insulin-resistant individuals is not determined. Furthermore, there is evidence linking insulin resistance with low-grade inflammation suggesting levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines to be increased in insulin-resistant states. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum level of 25(OH)D below 20 ng/mL, on lipid profile and inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL-6) and IL-8, as well as soluble thrombomodulin (TM) in the serum of insulin-resistant individuals. METHODS A total of 4114 individuals had simultaneous serum 25(OH)D, insulin, and lipid panel testing during 2013 as part of the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes and Lifestyle (UAEDIAB) study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between serum level of 25(OH)D and lipid profile in insulin-sensitive versus -resistant individuals. The lipid panel was stratified into high total cholesterol (TC: >6.2 mmol/L), high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C: >2.59 mmol/L), high triglycerides (TG: >2.3 mmol/L), and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C: <1.55 mmol/L) dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory and vasculoprotective effects of 25(OH)D were assessed by measuring the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and soluble TM in serum using ELISA. RESULTS More than half of the 4114 individuals were insulin resistant (n=2760, 67%) and around one-fifth of them were vitamin D-deficient (n=796, 19%). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, ethnicity, and educational level, the only dyslipidemia associated with vitamin D-deficient-insulin-resistant individuals (OR 2.09 [95]; P=0.009) was lower HDL-C. Furthermore, deficient 25(OH)D individuals with low HDL-C levels had higher circulatory IL-6 and IL-8 levels, and higher serum soluble TM compared to individuals with sufficient 25(OH)D and normal lipid profiles (median, IL-6 pg/mL 0.82 vs 1.71, P=0.001; median, IL-8 pg/mL 51.31 vs 145.6, P=0.003; and median, soluble TM ng/mL 5.19 vs 7.38, P<0.0001; in sufficient vs deficient groups, respectively). CONCLUSION The results of our study showed that in insulin-resistant individuals, vitamin D deficiency status is associated with HDL-C dyslipidemia and higher serum inflammatory and endothelial damage markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Epidemiology, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Correspondence: Nabil Sulaiman College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesTel +971 65057206 Email
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Taneera J, Mohammed I, Mohammed AK, Hachim M, Dhaiban S, Malek A, Dunér P, Elemam NM, Sulaiman N, Hamad M, Salehi A. Orphan G-protein coupled receptor 183 (GPR183) potentiates insulin secretion and prevents glucotoxicity-induced β-cell dysfunction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110592. [PMID: 31550518 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The expression and functional impact of most orphan G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in β-cell is not fully understood. Microarray expression indicated that 36 orphan GPCRs are restricted in human islets, while 55 receptors overlapped between human islets and INS-1 cells. GPR183 showed higher expression in diabetic compared to non-diabetic human islets. GPR183 expression co-localized with β-cells while it was lacking in α-cells in human islets. The GPR183 agonist (7α-25-DHC) potentiated insulin secretion and protected against glucotoxicity-induced β-cell damage in human islets. Silencing of GPR183 in INS-1 cells decreased the expression of proinsulin genes, Pdx1, Mafa and impaired insulin secretion with a concomitant decrease in cAMP generation. Cultured INS-1 cells with 7α-25-DHC were associated with increased proliferation and expression of GPR183, INS2, PDX1, NeuroD, and INSR. In conclusion, the beneficial impact of GPR183 activation on β-cell function makes it a potential therapeutic target to prevent or reverse β-cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Israa Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Science, UMAS, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Dhaiban
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Malek
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pontus Dunér
- Department of Clinical Science, UMAS, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Noha M Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Albert Salehi
- Department of Clinical Science, UMAS, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Metabolic Research Unit, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Hamoudi R, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Saheb Sharif-Askari F, Abusnana S, Aljaibeji H, Taneera J, Sulaiman N. Prediabetes and diabetes prevalence and risk factors comparison between ethnic groups in the United Arab Emirates. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17437. [PMID: 31767874 PMCID: PMC6877520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The economic growth has paralleled the rise of diabetes and its complications in multiethnic population of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Previous studies have shown that characteristics of diabetes is variable across different ethnicities. The objective of this study was to compare diabetes prevalence and risk factors between UAE nationals and different expatriate’s ethnic groups in UAE using data from UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB). The UAE nationals made one-fourth (n = 797, 25%) of total cohort and the remaining 75% belonged to immigrants. Across different ethnicities, adjusted prevalence of prediabetes ranged from 8% to 17%, while adjusted prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes ranged from 3% to 13%. UAE nationals, Arabs non-nationals and Asians had the highest number of pre-diabetic as well as newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Adjusted prevalence of diabetes was highest in UAE nationals (male 21% and female 23%) as well as Asian non-Arabs (male 23% and female 20%), where 40% of both groups fell under the range of either prediabetes or diabetes conditions. Multivariate factors of diabetes versus non-diabetes included older age, ethnicities of Asian non-Arabs and local UAE nationals, family history of diabetes, obesity, snoring, decreased level of high density lipoprotein, elevated levels of triglycerides and blood pressure. In conclusion, diabetes prevalence and risk factors vary across the different ethnic groups in UAE, and hence interventions towards identification and prevention of diabetes should not treat all patients alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifat Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatemeh Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. .,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine and describe the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidaemia and its associated risk factors among an adult Emirati population. DESIGN Population-based, cross-sectional study. SETTING Adults living in the Northern Emirates. PARTICIPANTS 824 adult participants (51.8% men, 48.2% women, mean age 42.8±13.4 years old). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Fasting blood samples were collected, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured. RESULTS The overall dyslipidaemia prevalence was 72.5%, with 42.8% of the participants showing high total cholesterol (TC) level, 29% showing high triglyceride (TG) level, 42.5% showing low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level, 38.6% showing high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and 72.3% showing high cholesterol ratio. The regression models showed that gender was a significant predictor of a high TG level, low LDL-C level and high cholesterol ratio. Middle-aged individuals (30-59 years old) had a significantly higher risk of having high TC, TG and LDL-C levels than young (<30 years old) and elderly (≥60 years old) individuals. Diabetes mellitus was a significant predictor of low TC, high TG and low HDL-C levels, while central obesity was a significant predictor of a high TG level, low HDL-C level and high cholesterol ratio. Smoking was a significant predictor of a high TG level only in men. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was considerably high among the local adult Emiratis. The identified dyslipidaemia predictors were gender, age, smoking, central obesity and diabetes. Further studies are recommended to assess other important risk factors and aggressive preventive measures in the United Arab Emirates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mahmoud
- Department of Family and Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, University of Sharjah College of Medicine, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine & Behavioral Sciences, University of Sharjah College of Medicine, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Mussa BM, Taneera J, Mohammed AK, Srivastava A, Mukhopadhyay D, Sulaiman N. Potential role of hypothalamic microRNAs in regulation of FOS and FTO expression in response to hypoglycemia. J Physiol Sci 2019; 69:981-991. [PMID: 31728912 PMCID: PMC10717546 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-019-00718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF) is a serious complication of diabetes which is associated with the absence of physiological homeostatic counter-regulatory mechanisms that are controlled by the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system. Identification of biomarkers for early detection of HAAF requires an advanced understanding of molecular signature of hypoglycemia which is yet to be identified. The outcomes of the present study have shown that the viability and the apoptotic rate of the hypothalamic neurons (mHypoE-N39) were decreased significantly due to hypoglycemia in a dose-dependent fashion (p < 0.05). Although there are more than 1000 miRNAs differentially expressed in hypothalamus, only twelve miRNAs (miR-7a, miR-7b, miR-9, miR-29b, miR-29c, miR-30a, miR-30b, miR-30c, miR-101b-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-378-3p and miR-873-5p) were correlated to two main hypothalamic regulatory proteins, FOS and FTO. Expression of these proteins was very sensitive to hypoglycemia. We demonstrated that hypoglycemia modulates the expression of hypothalamic miRNAs that are related to FOS and FTO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashair M Mussa
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Family Medicine and Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Taneera J, Dhaiban S, Mohammed AK, Mukhopadhyay D, Aljaibeji H, Sulaiman N, Fadista J, Salehi A. GNAS gene is an important regulator of insulin secretory capacity in pancreatic β-cells. Gene 2019; 715:144028. [PMID: 31374326 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex polygenic disease with unclear mechanism. In an attempt to identify novel genes involved in β-cell function, we harness a bioinformatics method called Loss-of-function tool (LoFtool) gene score. METHODS RNA-sequencing data from human islets were used to cross-reference genes within the 1st quartile of most intolerant LoFtool score with the 100th most expressed genes in human islets. Out of these genes, GNAS and EEF1A1 genes were selected for further investigation in diabetic islets, metabolic tissues along with their correlation with diabetic phenotypes. The influence of GNAS and EEF1A1 on insulin secretion and β-cell function were validated in INS-1 cells. RESULTS A comparatively higher expression level of GNAS and EEF1A1 was observed in human islets than fat, liver and muscle tissues. Furthermore, diabetic islets displayed a reduced expression of GNAS, but not of EEF1A, compared to non-diabetic islets. The expression of GNAS was positively correlated with insulin secretory index, GLP1R, GIPR and inversely correlated with HbA1c. Diabetic human islets displayed a reduced cAMP generation and insulin secretory capacity in response to glucose. Moreover, siRNA silencing of GNAS in INS-1 cells reduced insulin secretion, insulin content, and cAMP production. In addition, the expression of Insulin, PDX1, and MAFA was significantly down-regulated in GNAS-silenced cells. However, cell viability and apoptosis rate were unaffected. CONCLUSION LoFtool is a powerful tool to identify genes associated with pancreatic islets dysfunction. GNAS is a crucial gene for the β-cell insulin secretory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Sarah Dhaiban
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Joao Fadista
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC), Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Albert Salehi
- Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC), Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Taneera J, Mussa B, Saber-Ayad M, Dhaiban S, Aljaibeji H, Sulaiman N. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young: An Overview with Focus on the Middle East. Curr Mol Med 2019; 17:549-562. [PMID: 29473506 DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666180222121158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Today, there are more than 32 million patients with diabetes in the Middle East (ME), the number is expected to double by 2040. In contrast to Europe and North America and despite the high prevalence of diabetes in ME, epidemiological data about incident and types of diabetes in the region is very limited. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a subtype of monogenic diabetes representing 2-5% of all diabetes patients. The disease is autosomal dominant mode of inheritance characterized by β-cell malfunction below the age of 35 years. To date, there are 15 different MODY forms that have been identified; each has a distinct genetic etiology. It is very common that MODY is misdiagnosed between with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Hence, accurate genetic diagnosis is crucial to individualize the treatment and to improve glycaemia control. New technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) offer an excellent alternative to screen and identify causative MODY mutations. In this review, we summarize the main clinical and genetic characteristics for each MODY form. In addition, we shed light on MODY studies that have been executed in the ME region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Taneera
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - B Mussa
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Saber-Ayad
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,College of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Dhaiban
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - H Aljaibeji
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - N Sulaiman
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Saravanan C, Attlee A, Sulaiman N. A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge, Beliefs and Psychosocial Predictors of Shisha Smoking among University Students in
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:903-909. [PMID: 30912413 PMCID: PMC6825792 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.3.903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Smoking is now prohibited in all educational institutions and other public places in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but shisha smoking is considered as one of the major problems among the students population. This study aimed to identify the (a) prevalence of ever shisha, current shisha and shisha dependency smokers among university students in the University of Sharjah (UOS), (b) knowledge and belief differences among ever shisha, current shisha as well as shisha dependency smoking students, (c) relationship between precipitating factors and shisha dependency and (d) precipitating factors (stimulation, handling, pleasure, tension reduction, addiction (dependency), automatism (habit) and social interaction, parents smoking behavior, knowledge and beliefs about smoking predict shisha dependency among students in UOS. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 633 students participated from UOS, UAE. Knowledge and Belief scale, Modified Reason for Smoking Scale and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were used to measure knowledge, beliefs, shisha dependency and predictive factors of smoking behavior among undergraduate students in UOS. Results: Nearly103 (16.3%) of students were addictive to shisha smoking based on FTND. Students had adequate knowledge that smoking led to cardiac problems; however, their knowledge about the other consequences of smoking was inadequate and believed that smoking was not harmful. There was a significant positive relationship between addiction, pleasure, social interaction, habit, parental smoking behavior and shisha dependency behavior among current shisha dependency students. Habit, addiction, pleasure, social interaction and parental smoking were the predictors of shisha smoking dependency among this population. Step wise multiple regressions showed that social interaction was the highest significant predictor for shisha dependency behavior. Conclusions: Hence, there is a need to enhance the knowledge and modify irrational beliefs about shisha smoking as these students possess inadequate knowledge about consequences of shisha smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coumaravelou Saravanan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Amita Attlee
- College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Sulaiman N, Guraya S, Hasswan A. Mapping the perceptions of trainees for promoting surgical competence at the Sharjah clinical training centre. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2019; 14:31-38. [PMID: 31435387 PMCID: PMC6695043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.11.011] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Despite the pressing need for a standard, worldwide surgical training program, there is a dearth of accredited surgical training centres that harmonize learning experiences. Following concerns about patient safety and the long learning curve in surgical training, the role of accredited surgical training centres is being emphasized. This research reports on the perceptions of surgical trainees at an accredited training centre in the UAE. Methods We used a questionnaire with 10 close-ended statements about demographic data and the quality of course contents in dry and wet labs as well as in theoretical training sessions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted using SPSS software, and NVIVO was used to identify common themes. Results Of 2124 respondents who attended 934 courses, 1866 (87.6%) were men and 258 (12.1%) were women. Most respondents (1848; 87%) represented the Middle East, and 1093 (51.5%) of them worked in hospitals. Although most attendees were satisfied with the quality of the contents and materials used for surgical training, they were dissatisfied for ‘Would you prefer to have more surgical training by lectures, oral interactive sessions, or videos’? A significant number of respondents proposed more hands-on surgical training and did not like theoretical sessions (p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, there were great variations in responses in terms of the participants' regional and workplace profiles. Conclusion This study underlines the need for more hands-on surgical training. These findings urge educators to modify surgical training programs to embed more practical and hands-on surgical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salman Guraya
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Hasswan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Abstract
Little is known about the expression and function of Retinoic acid-related orphan receptors (RORA, B, and C) in pancreatic β cells. Here in, we utilized cDNA microarray and RNA sequencing approaches to investigate the expression pattern of ROR receptors in normal and diabetic human pancreatic islets. Possible correlations between RORs expression and HbA1c levels as well as insulin secretory capacity in isolated human islets were evaluated. The impact of RORB and RORC expression on insulin secretion in INS-1 (832/13) cells was validated as well. While RORA was the highest expressed gene among the three RORs in human islet cells, RORC was the highest expressed in INS-1 cells (832/13) and while RORB was the lowest expressed gene in human islet cells, RORA was the highest expressed in INS-1 cells (832/13). The expression of RORB and RORC was significantly lower in diabetic/hyperglycemic donors as compared with non-diabetic counterparts. Furthermore, while the expression of RORB correlated positively with insulin secretion and negatively with HbA1c, that of RORC correlated negatively with HbA1c. The expression pattern of RORA did not correlate with either of the two parameters. siRNA silencing of RORB or RORC in INS-1 (832/13) cells resulted in a significant downregulation of insulin mRNA expression and insulin secretion. These findings suggest that RORB and RORC are part of the molecular cascade that regulates insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells; and insight that provides for further work on the potential therapeutic utility of RORB and RORC genes in β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- CONTACT Jalal Taneera Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | - Sarah Dhaiban
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Rashmi B. Prasad
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Islet Cell Physiology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Albert Salehi
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Islet Cell Physiology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Aljaibeji H, Mukhopadhyay D, Mohammed AK, Dhaiban S, Hachim MY, Elemam NM, Sulaiman N, Salehi A, Taneera J. Reduced Expression of PLCXD3 Associates With Disruption of Glucose Sensing and Insulin Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:735. [PMID: 31781030 PMCID: PMC6851018 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous work has shown that reduced expression of PLCXD3, a member of the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases (PI-PLC) family, impaired insulin secretion with an unclear mechanism. In the current study, we aim to investigate the mechanism underlying this effect using human islets and rat INS-1 (832/13) cells. Microarray and RNA sequencing data showed that PLCXD3 is among the highly expressed PI-PLCs in human islets and INS-1 (832/13) cells. Expression of PLCXD3 was reduced in human diabetic islets, correlated positively with Insulin and GLP1R expression and inversely with the donor's body mass index (BMI) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Expression silencing of PLCXD3 in INS-1 (832/13) cells was found to reduce glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and insulin content. In addition, the expression of Insulin, NEUROD1, GLUT2, GCK, INSR, IRS2, and AKT was downregulated. Cell viability and apoptosis rate were unaffected. In conclusion, our data suggest that low expression of PLCXD3 in pancreatic β-cells associates with downregulation of the key insulin signaling and insulin biosynthesis genes as well as reduction in glucose sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Aljaibeji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Debasmita Mukhopadhyay
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Khader Mohammed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Dhaiban
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Albert Salehi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC), Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Jalal Taneera
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Saber-Ayad M, Manzoor S, El Serafi A, Mahmoud I, Hammoudeh S, Rani A, Abusnana S, Sulaiman N. The FTO rs9939609 "A" allele is associated with impaired fasting glucose and insulin resistance in Emirati population. Gene 2018; 681:93-98. [PMID: 30273662 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fat mass and obesity-associated protein gene variants have shown diverse influence on body weight and metabolism across different populations. Overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome are multifactorial major health problems in the UAE and worldwide. Insulin resistance represents the link between overweight and development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated two (FTO) variants in Emirati population, in relation to insulin resistance and different parameters of metabolic syndrome. METHODS We recruited 259 Emiratis through the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Project. Ethical approval was obtained. Besides basic data collection, venous blood samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose, Lipid profile, and insulin levels were measured. Genotyping for (FTO) rs9939609 (A>T) and rs9930506 (G>A) were performed using real time-PCR. Insulin resistance were identified using HOMA2-IR calculation; with a cut-off point of 1.4 for female and 1.18 for male subjects. RESULTS The study included 259 Emiratis (age range 30-53 years, mean 41.76 years, 54.4% females), 24.5% are diabetic and 30.8% are hypertensive, with body mass index of 28.4 ± 5.9 and 28.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2 in female and male subjects, respectively. Homozygous A of rs9939609 showed significantly higher fasting glucose compared to other genotypes (p = 0.04) with a trend of higher insulin level and HOMA-2IR. The A/A diabetic patients (n = 13) showed significantly higher insulin levels compared to other genotypes. G allele of rs9930506 showed a trend of higher fasting glucose and HOMA-2IR, but lower insulin level and HbA1c. No association of genotypes was detected with other components of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION There is an association of FTO rs9939609 A/A genotype and impaired fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Homozygous A genotype diabetic patients may be more vulnerable to blood glucose fluctuation. Focused genotyping can help the health care providers to identify high risk groups of both normal population and diabetic patients to intervene accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Shaista Manzoor
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed El Serafi
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Hammoudeh
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aghila Rani
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Saber-Ayad M, Manzoor S, El-Serafi A, Mahmoud I, Abusnana S, Sulaiman N. Statin-induced myopathy SLCO1B1 521T > C is associated with prediabetes, high body mass index and normal lipid profile in Emirati population. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2018. [PMID: 29534995 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statin-induced myopathy has been linked to the C allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs4149056) of SLCO1B1 gene. This effect is more significant, but not restricted to simvastatin. Many studies have included European, American, African and Southeast Asian ancestries, but few were carried out on Middle Eastern population. AIM To detect the prevalence of SLCO1B1 rs4149056 (521T > C) in Emirati population. METHOD We recruited 282 Emiratis through the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Project. Ethical approval was obtained before the study starts. Besides basic data collection, venous blood samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose, Lipid profile, and insulin levels were measured. Genotyping for rs4149056 (521T > C) was tested in triplicates through Real Time-PCR using TaqMan® Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assay. rs2306283 (388A > G) was analyzed for comparison. In addition, presence of minor alleles of both SNPs define stronger association with statin-induced myopathy. RESULTS The study included 282 individuals, 52.8% were males with median age of 39.5 years. 10% had Diabetes Mellitus and 23% were hypertensive. Median of body mass index (BMI) was 27.68 kg/m2 in males and 28.38 kg/m2 in females. One-hundred ninety-seven (69.9%) showed abnormal lipid profile (either increased LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides or both). For rs4149056, C allele was present in 21.3% (2.8% homozygous C and 18.4% heterozygous CT). Although homozygous C genotype prevalence was low, compared with Caucasians (4%) and Africans (0%), C allele was associated with a trend of having higher BMI and abnormal lipid profile. C allele subjects were all pre-diabetics with mean glycated hemoglobin above 6%. Mean BMI in CC, CT, and TT genotypes was 30.91 ± 4.4, 29.48 ± 4.2, 27.96 ± 5.5 kg/m2 respectively, with lack of such a trend observed with the different genotypes of the rs2306283 (used for comparison). Abnormal lipid profile was observed in 7/8(87.5%), 38/52(73.1%) and 152/222(70%) of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes respectively. CONCLUSION There is lower prevalence of statin-induced myopathy-linked C allele of rs4149056 in SLCO1B1 gene in Emirati population, compared to Caucasians and Africans. However, there is a trend of higher glycosylated hemoglobin and BMI associated with normal lipid profile in patients having this allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Shaista Manzoor
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed El-Serafi
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Mahmoud
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Sulaiman N, Albadawi S, Abusnana S, Mairghani M, Hussein A, Al Awadi F, Madani A, Zimmet P, Shaw J. High prevalence of diabetes among migrants in the United Arab Emirates using a cross-sectional survey. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6862. [PMID: 29717208 PMCID: PMC5931603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the 10th highest diabetes prevalence globally, but this was based on data that excluded migrants who comprise 80% of the population. This study assessed diabetes prevalence across the UAE population. A random sample of migrants was recruited from the visa renewal centers. Data were collected using interviews, anthropometric measurements and fasting blood for glucose, lipids and genetic analyses. 2724 adults completed the questionnaires and blood tests. Of these, 81% were males, 65% were ≤40 years old and 3% were above 60 years. Diabetes, based on self-report or fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l, showed a crude prevalence of 15.5%, of whom 64.2% were newly diagnosed. Overall age- and sex-adjusted diabetes prevalence, according to the world mid-year population of 2013, was 19.1%. The highest prevalence was in Asians (16.4%) and non-Emirati Arabs (15.2%) and lowest in Africans and Europeans (11.9%). It increased with age: 6.3% in 18–30 years and 39.7% in 51 to 60 years. Lower education, obesity, positive family history, hypertension, dyslipidemia, snoring, and low HDL levels, all showed significant associations with diabetes. The high diabetes prevalence among migrants in the UAE, 64% of which was undiagnosed, necessitates urgent diabetes prevention and control programs for the entire UAE population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
| | | | - Salah Abusnana
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Maisoon Mairghani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Amal Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | | | - Paul Zimmet
- Baker/IDI, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
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Azmi S, Sulaiman N. Validity of selected cardiovascular field-based test among Malaysian healthy female adult. J Fundam and Appl Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.4314/jfas.v9i6s.91] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sulaiman N, Mahmoud I, Hussein A, Elbadawi S, Abusnana S, Zimmet P, Shaw J. Diabetes risk score in the United Arab Emirates: a screening tool for the early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2018; 6:e000489. [PMID: 29629178 PMCID: PMC5884268 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to develop a simple non-invasive risk score, specific to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens, to identify individuals at increased risk of having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle data was conducted. The data included demographic and anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood glucose. Univariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for diabetes. The risk score was developed for UAE citizens using a stepwise forward regression model. RESULTS A total of 872 UAE citizens were studied. The overall prevalence of diabetes in the UAE adult citizens in the Northern Emirates was 25.1%. The significant risk factors identified for diabetes were age (≥35 years), a family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, body mass index ≥30.0 and waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.90 for males and ≥0.85 for females. The performance of the model was moderate in terms of sensitivity (75.4%, 95% CI 68.3 to 81.7) and specificity (70%, 95% CI 65.8 to 73.9). The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.86). CONCLUSIONS A simple, non-invasive risk score model was developed to help to identify those at high risk of having diabetes among UAE citizens. This score could contribute to the efficient and less expensive earlier detection of diabetes in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Hussein
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Salah Abusnana
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Rashid Center for Diabetes and Research, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paul Zimmet
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Shaw
- Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Sulaiman N, Elbadawi S, Hussein A, Abusnana S, Madani A, Mairghani M, Alawadi F, Sulaiman A, Zimmet P, Huse O, Shaw J, Peeters A. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2017; 9:88. [PMID: 29118852 PMCID: PMC5667520 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe current prevalence of obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS We used data from the cross-sectional UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB), which surveyed adult expatriates living in the UAE for at least 4 years. We report crude prevalence of overweight and obesity, indicated by gender and ethnicity-specific body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) cut-offs, by lifestyle and biomedical characteristics, as well as age and sex-adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS Out of a total of 3064 recruited expatriates (response rate 68%), 2724 had completed all stages of the UAEDIAB study. Expatriates were; 81% men, mean age 38 years (range 18-80), 71% South East Asians, and 36% university graduates. In this sample, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, by BMI, were 43.0 and 32.3%, respectively. 52.4 and 56.5% of participants were at a substantially increased risk according to WC and WHR, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were 15.5, 31.8, and 51.7%, respectively, with the prevalence of each being higher in those with obesity. CONCLUSION Prevalence of obesity and associated NCDs are extremely high in UAE expatriates. Without comprehensive prevention and management, levels of disease will continue to increase and productivity will fall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | - Amal Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmad Sulaiman
- College of Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Oliver Huse
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia
| | | | - Anna Peeters
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia
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Abdulrahman M, Makki M, Shaaban S, Al Shamsi M, Venkatramana M, Sulaiman N, Sami MM, Abdelmannan DK, Salih AMA, AlShaer L. Specialty preferences and motivating factors: A national survey on medical students from five uae medical schools. Educ Health (Abingdon) 2017; 29:231-243. [PMID: 28406108 DOI: 10.4103/1357-6283.204225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workforce planning is critical for being able to deliver appropriate health service and thus is relevant to medical education. It is, therefore, important to understand medical students' future specialty choices and the factors that influence them. This study was conducted to identify, explore, and analyze the factors influencing specialty preferences among medical students of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS A multiyear, multicenter survey of medical student career choice was conducted with all five UAE medical schools. The questionnaire consisted of five sections. Chi-squared tests, regression analysis, and stepwise logistic regression were performed. RESULTS The overall response rate was 46% (956/2079). Factors that students reported to be extremely important when considering their future career preferences were intellectual satisfaction (87%), work-life balance (71%), having the required talent (70%), and having a stable and secure future (69%). The majority of students (60%) preferred internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, or family Medicine. The most common reason given for choosing a particular specialty was personal interest (21%), followed by flexibility of working hours (17%). DISCUSSION The data show that a variety of factors inspires medical students in the UAE in their choice of a future medical specialty. These factors can be used by health policymakers, university mentors, and directors of residency training programs to motivate students to choose specialties that are scarce in the UAE and therefore better serve the health-care system and the national community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahera Abdulrahman
- Department of Medical Education, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maryam Makki
- Department of Surgery, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sami Shaaban
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maryam Al Shamsi
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manda Venkatramana
- Department of Surgery, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabil Sulaiman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal M Sami
- Department of Pathology, Ras al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dima K Abdelmannan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dubai Medical College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Laila AlShaer
- Department of Hematology, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Saber-Ayad M, Manzoor S, El-Serafy A, Eltayeb I, Abusnana S, Sulaiman N. Statin-Induced Myopathy SLCO 1B1 Gene Polymorphisms in Emirati Population. Clin Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.05.291] [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: 10/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Caplan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - N. Sulaiman
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - D. Mangin
- University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - N. Aimonino Ricauda
- Unit of Geriatrics and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Molinette Hospital, “AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza” of Torino;, Torino, Italy,
| | - A. Wilson
- Universtiry of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom,
| | - L. Barclay
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,
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Tesoro S, Ali I, Morozov AN, Sulaiman N, Marenduzzo D. A one-dimensional statistical mechanics model for nucleosome positioning on genomic DNA. Phys Biol 2016; 13:016004. [DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/13/1/016004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Sulaiman N, George S, Suleiman MS, Ascione R. Effect of decellularization protocol of human saphenous veins on cytotoxicity and matrix component. Atherosclerosis 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.10.085] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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