"Toxic pleasures”: A study of eating out behavior in Arab female university students and its associations with psychological distress and disordered eating

University years are a critical period in which young people establish independence and adopt lasting health behaviors. The aim of this study was to estimate the associations between eating out, psychological distress, and disordered eating behaviors among young Arab females in Qatar a rapidly developing small nation. A cross-sectional probability-based survey of 1615 Qatar University's female students assessed the frequency of eating out (main independent variable) and other eating behaviors in relation to two main dependent variables, disordered eating and psychological distress, which were measured using the Eating Attitudes Test and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, respectively. Multivariable logistic-regression analyses were used to estimate these two main associations with and without adjustment for other potential confounding variables, including the main effects of psychological distress and disordered eating on each other. Of the students, 45% reported eating out 3 times or more a week. Furthermore, approximately 18% screened positive for disordered eating and 33% reported high levels of psychological distress in the past 30 days. After adjustment for other variables, eating out 5 times or more a week was not significantly associated with the odds of disordered eating (OR 1.21, p=0.32). However, eating out 5 times or more per week was significantly associated with odds of having psychological distress (OR 1.46, p=0.03). Both psychological distress and disordered eating were strongly associated with each other (OR 2.58, p < 0.001)

Isolation, biochemical and molecular characterization of 2-chlorophenol-degrading Bacillus isolates

Pure cultures of 2-chlorophenol degrading bacteria were isolated from a natural enrichment that may be adapted to chlorophenols in the industrial zone at Umm-Saied city (Qatar). The bacteria were identifiedby 16S rDNA analysis, using PCR with universal primers. Comparative analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence (~ 550 bp) in the GenBank database revealed that these bacteria are related to the genusBacillus. Molecular heterogeneity among 2-chlorophenol-degrading bacteria was investigated using REP-PCR chromosomal fingerprinting and correlated with antibiotic profile analysis. REP-PCR resultsstrongly confirmed that the bacterial isolates from different Qatari soils produced different fingerprinting patterns. The distribution of phenol hydroxylase catabolic gene among examined isolates revealed thatthree isolates out of six yielded positive PCR products. Degradation of 2-chlorophenol was studied using theses cultures in liquid medium under aerobic conditions, at initial concentrations of 0.25 – 2.5mM 2-chlorophenol. Undegraded 2-chlorophenol was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Degradation rates by isolates could be determined at concentrations up to 1.5 mM. However, higher concentrations of 2-chlorophenol (2.5 mM) were inhibitory to cell growth

Tod’s role in enhancing urban quality of life and preserving built heritage: The case of Msheireb Downtown Doha

The term ‘Transit-Oriented Development’ or TOD was firstly used by the American planner Peter Calthorpe in 1993. To address the urban sprawling caused by extensive car use and the disappearance of historical community centers, the strategy for TOD is based on planning land use on a regional scale integrated to public transport systems. TOD became part of the movement known broadly as ‘new urbanism’. Lately, Doha faced rapid growth in social, economic, and built environmental aspects that shaped its current and future urban planning. TOD is seen as an efficient and energetic approach to resolve the existing challenges in urban planning of the city through a sustainable strategy in urban developmental planning. Msheireb Downtown, the heritage district of Doha, is the selected case study under investigation. The research study focuses on modeling a new pattern of sustainable traditional urban developmental planning, which supports integration of transportation planning, land use and cultural/identity heritage. The study intends to explore “new urbanism” theories, which are the basis for TOD, while investigating the role of TOD in enhancing urban quality of life by following a number of principles that address physical, social, economic, environmental and mobility concerns. The research study adopts a qualitative approach. Oral and visual data are collected via (i) interviews with urban planners and consultants from Msheireb Properties, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and Qatar Rail; (ii) walk- through studies; (iii) site visits and observations about the spatial form of buildings, streets and open spaces; (iv) on-site interviews; and (v) a survey conducted during the walk-through studies. The study aims at revealing the extent to which the TOD principles can be implemented in the selected study area, by exploring (i) its conditions [site analysis] and (ii) how the urban quality of life in the vernacular urbanism is achieved in modern times

Computational screening of known broad-spectrum antiviral small organic molecules for potential influenza HA stem inhibitors.

With the emergence of new influenza virus strains that are resistant to current inhibitors such as oseltamivir (anti-neuraminidase (NA)) and amantadine (anti-M2 proton channel), influenza A viruses continue to be a serious threat to the public health worldwide. With this in view, there is a persistent need for the development of broader and more effective vaccines and therapeutics. Identification of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that recognize relatively invariant structures ‎on influenza haemagglutinin (HA) stem has invigorated efforts to develop universal influenza vaccines. The current computational study is designed to identify potential flavonoid inhibitors that bind to the contact epitopes of HA stem that are targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb). In this study, we utilized the three-dimensional crystallographic structure of different HA subtypes (H1, H2, H5, H3, and H7) in complex with bNAb to screen for potential broadly reactive influenza inhibitors. We performed Quantitative Structure-Activity and Relationship (QSAR) for 100 natural compounds known for their antiviral activity and performed molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2 suite. Furthermore, we conducted virtual screening of 1413 bioassay hit compounds by using virtual lab bench CLC Drug Discovery. The results showed 18 lead flavonoids with strong binding abilities to bNAb epitopes of various HA subtypes. These 18 broadly reactive compounds exhibited significant interactions with an average of seven Hbonds, docking energy of -22.43 kcal·mol-1, and minimum interaction ‎ energy of -4.65 kcal·mol-1, with functional contact residues. Procyanidin depicted strong interactions with group 1 HAs, whereas both sorbitol and procyanidin exhibited significant interactions with group 2 HAs. Using in silico docking analysis, we identified 18 bioactive flavonoids with potential strong binding cababilities to influenza HA-stems of various subtypes, which are the target for bNAb. The virtual screened bioassay hit compounds depicted a high number of Hbonds but low interaction and docking values compared to antiviral flavonoids. Using structure-based design and nanotechnology-based approaches, identified molecules could be modified to generate next generation anti-influenza drugs

Molecular epidemiology of Rotavirus in children with gastroenteritis in Qatar

Acute gastroenteritis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality of young children worldwide. The vast majority of diarrhea cases in developing and developed countries are attributable to the viruses and to a lesser extent to bacteria, fungi and toxins. Rotavirus (RV) is recognized as the most important etiological agent leading to acute gastroenteritis globally. In order to determine the burden and characteristics of RV infections in children in Qatar, profiling of circulating genotypes and their correlation with demographics and clinical manifestations were evaluated

An integrated design strategy for the urban regeneration of west bay, business district of Doha (State of Qatar)

Emergent communities have integrated land use and transportation plan based on transit-oriented developments (TODs) and light rail transit with the sole purpose to enliven and redevelop the constructed environment. Doha has undergone some major transformation in urban growth context due to surge in the economy instigated by oil and gas production. It is noticed that the rapid growth has led to negative impacts in terms of urban design, connectivity, and transportation. It is essential to understand the impact of the TOD model with regards to the challenges and approaches in terms of planning procedures and tactics. The purpose of TOD module is to facilitate access for public transportation and to enable transit commutation which is a missing aspect in the current setting. TODs support and enable sustainable urbanism by revitalizing the livability through integration of land use schemes in the city. This paper focuses on bringing together TOD livability approaches within West Bay, the business district of Doha and its adjacent surroundings. The objective of this research is to assess the livability in West Bay with the implementation of the TOD model. The research findings help to revisit the design and application of TOD models and to enhance the livable conditions for its occupants. The finding suggests a design model based on livability, compactness, public realms, walkability, and accessibility.This research study was developed under two grant schemes awarded by Qatar University. English editing, proof reading, and open access (OA) publication fees of this paper were supported by Qatar University (Grant ID: QUCG-CENG-19/20-4) (Grant ID: QUST-2-CENG-2020-14)

Profiling the Oral Microbiome and Plasma Biochemistry of Obese Hyperglycemic Subjects in Qatar

The present study is designed to compare demographic characteristics, plasma biochemistry, and the oral microbiome in obese ( = 37) and lean control ( = 36) subjects enrolled at Qatar Biobank, Qatar. Plasma hormones, enzymes, and lipid profiles were analyzed at Hamad Medical Cooperation Diagnostic Laboratory. Saliva microbiome characterization was carried out by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. Obese subjects had higher testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations compared to the control group. A negative association between BMI and testosterone ( < 0.001, r = -0.64) and SHBG ( < 0.001, r = -0.34) was observed. Irrespective of the study groups, the oral microbiome was predominantly occupied by , , and species. A generalized linear model revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2.25 ± 1.83 vs. 1.76 ± 0.58; corrected -value = 0.04) was higher, and phylum Fusobacteria concentration (4.5 ± 3.0 vs. 6.2 ± 4.3; corrected -value = 0.05) was low in the obese group compared with the control group. However, no differences in microbiome diversity were observed between the two groups as evaluated by alpha (Kruskal-Wallis ≥ 0.78) and beta (PERMANOVA = 0.37) diversity indexes. Certain bacterial phyla (Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) were positively associated ( = 0.05, r ≤ +0.5) with estradiol, fast food consumption, creatinine, breastfed during infancy, triglycerides, and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations. In conclusion, no differences in oral microbiome diversity were observed between the studied groups. However, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a recognized obesogenic microbiome trait, was higher in the obese subjects. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.Qatar National Research Fun

Clinical Presentation and Time-Based Mortality in Patients With Chest Injuries Associated With Road Traffic Accidents

Background: Blunt chest trauma (BCT) poses significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objectives: We investigated the clinical presentation and outcome of BCT related to road traffic accidents (RTA). Patients and Methods: A retrospective observational analysis for patients who sustained BCT secondary to RTA in terms of motor vehicle crash (MVC) and pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents (PMVA) who were admitted to the trauma center at Hamad general hospital, Doha, Qatar, between 2008 and 2011. Results: Of 5118 traumatic injury cases, 1004 (20%) were found to have BCT secondary to RTA (77% MVC and 23% PMVA). The majority were males (92%), and expatriates (72%). Among MVCs, 84% reported they did not use protective devices. There was a correlation between chest abbreviated injury score (AIS) and injury severity scoring (ISS) (r = 0.35, r2 = 0.12, P < 0.001). Regardless of mechanism of injury (MOI), multivariate analysis showed that the head injury associated with chest AIS and ISS was a predictor of mortality in BCT. Overall mortality was 15%, and the highest rate was observed within the first 24 hours post-trauma. Conclusions: Blunt chest trauma from RTA represents one-fifth of the total trauma admissions in Qatar, with a high overall mortality. Pedestrians are likely to have more severe injuries and higher fatality rates than MVC victims. Specific injury prevention programs focusing on road safety should be implemented to minimize the incidence of such preventable injuries

Prevalence and Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome in Qatar: Results from a National Health Survey

OBJECTIVES: To determine optimum measurements for abdominal obesity and to assess the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in Qatar. DESIGN: National health survey. SETTING: Qatar National STEPwise Survey conducted by the Supreme Council of Health during 2012. PARTICIPANTS: 2496 Qatari citizens aged 18-64 representative of the general population. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Measure of obesity (body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-height ratio) that best identified the presence of at least 2 other factors of metabolic syndrome; cut-off values of waist circumference; frequency of metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Waist circumference ≥102 for men and ≥94 cm for women was the best predictor of the presence of other determinants of metabolic syndrome (raised blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Using these values, we identified 28% of Qataris with metabolic syndrome, which is considerably lower than the estimate of 37% calculated using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Restricting the analysis to participants without known elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar or diabetes 16.5% would be classified as having metabolic syndrome. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased steadily with age (OR=3.40 (95% CI 2.02 to 5.74), OR=5.66 (3.65 to 8.78), OR=10.2 (5.98 to 17.6) and OR=18.2 (7.01 to 47.5) for those in the age group \u2730-39\u27, \u2740-49\u27, \u2750-59\u27, \u2760-64\u27 vs \u2718-29\u27; p CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference was the best measure of obesity to combine with other variables to construct a country-specific definition of metabolic syndrome in Qatar. Approximately 28% of adult Qatari citizens satisfy the criteria for metabolic syndrome, which increased significantly with age. Education and physical activity were inversely associated with this syndrome

Impact of Physical Exercise on Gut Microbiome, Inflammation, and the Pathobiology of Metabolic Disorders.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harbors a complex and diverse microbial composition that outnumbers our own body cells and their gene contents. These microbes play a significant role in host metabolism and energy homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that the GIT microbiome significantly contributes to host health and that impairments in the microbiome may cause the development of metabolic diseases. The microbiome architecture is shaped by several genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. Physical exercise has preventive or therapeutic effects in respiratory, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and muscular diseases. Yet, we still have little information of the beneficial effects of physical exercise on GIT health and microbial composition. Furthermore, we are not aware whether exercise-derived benefits on microbiome diversity can beneficially influence other tissues and body organs. The aim of this article is to review the available literature on exercise-induced microbiome changes and to explain how these changes may induce inflammatory, immune, and oxidative responses that may contribute to the improvement of metabolic disorders. A systemic and comprehensive search of the relevant literature using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases was conducted during fall 2018 and spring 2019. The search identified sixty-two research and review articles that discussed exercise-induced microbiome changes. The review of the relevant literature suggests that exercise-induced microbial changes affect the host's immune pathways and improve energy homeostasis. Microbes release certain neuroendocrine and immune-modulatory factors that may lower inflammatory and oxidative stress and relieve patients suffering from metabolic disorders. Exercise-induced changes in microbial diversity are able to improve tissue metabolism, cardiorespiratory fitness, and insulin resistance