Vitamin D and inflammation in the prevention of type 2 diabetes: public health relevance

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. To reduce the disease risk and burden at the population level, preventative strategies should be developed with minimal cost and effort and with no side-effects. Low-grade inflammation resulting from imbalances in the innate immune system has been associated with an array of chronic disorders that predispose to the later development of T2DM (e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance). As a result, inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Therefore, attenuation of this inflammatory response via modulating the innate immune system could lead to improved insulin sensitivity and delayed disease onset. Dietary supplementation with vitamin D may represent a novel strategy toward the prevention and control of T2DM at the population level due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review examines current knowledge linking T2DM to chronic low-grade inflammation and the role of vitamin D in modulating this relationship. The concept that vitamin D, via attenuating inflammation, could be employed as a novel preventive measure for T2DM is evaluated in the context of its relevance to health care and public health practices

Integrated TOPSIS-COV approach for selecting a sustainable PET waste management technology: A case study in Qatar

In 2018, the global annual consumption of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles was approximately 27.64 million tons, with one million bottles sold worldwide every minute. Unmanaged PET bottles in the environment lead to a series of negative effects on the health of humans and ecosystems. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the sustainability of eight different PET waste bottle treatment methods using a holistic multi-criteria decision-making approach that combined the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with analytic hierarchy (AHP; TOPSIS-AHP) and coefficient of variation (COV; TOPSIS-COV) approaches. To the best of our knowledge, TOPSIS-COV has not yet been used for waste management. The treatment methods were compared and analyzed against twelve different performance criteria representing three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. Both approaches determined closed-loop recycling to be optimal for treating PET waste bottles. The weights of performance indicators obtained using the COV and AHP approaches were comparable, except for cost, photochemical oxidant potential, and human toxicity. The large dispersion in the values of the photochemical oxidant potential causes it to have a higher weight in the COV approach. For cost, the weight was higher using the AHP approach by approximately 12%, which reflects the preference of decision-makers to reduce costs of ventures. 2022 The Author(s)This work was supported by the Awards GSRA4-1-0524-17104 from Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). The contents herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.Scopu

FACULTY MEMBERS’ VIEWS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING: A CASE STUDY OF QATAR UNIVERSITY

Effective teaching (ET) has recently drawn attention within higher educational intuitions owing to the need for greater accountability, and high quality learning outcomes.  The present study investigated Qatar University faculty member’s (QUFM) perception of ET, characteristics, practices, and impediment, by assembling data from a cluster sample of 75, using a quantitative approach. The methodology that was utilized took the form of five research questions were answered using a basic descriptive and inferential statistical approach. Results indicate that; 52% of QUFM consider the ET term is ambiguous that means 48% of QUFM population are not contributing in fulfilling the adapted strategy of education and learning excellency, which is based on achieving ET. Moreover, the data revealed that 57.14% of QUFM’s instructional knowledge is not at the acceptable rate. Finally, the results suggested that further training in implementing ET concepts is required for most academic staff.  Article visualizations

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

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

Arab female and male perceptions of factors facilitating and inhibiting their physical activity: Findings from a qualitative study in the Middle East

Objectives: Physical inactivity is a leading global risk to health by contributing to obesity and other chronic diseases. Many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity [PA]. However, prevalence of insufficient physical activity and obesity is high in the Middle East Region. In Qatar, the incidence rates of CVDs, diabetes, colon, and breast cancer have been rising rapidly. The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers influencing PA of adult Arab men and women living in Qatar and to understand what they think would be helpful to increase PA. The goal of the research is to identify culturally appropriate and effective interventions that improve the health of Arab population. Design: Using the socioecological model as the theoretical framework, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 128 Arab adult men and women living in Qatar. We utilized focus group interviews to collect the data and performed thematic analysis to generate themes. Results: At the individual level, perceived benefits of PA, presence of diseases, person’s will, motivation and goals, and time to exercise influenced the individual’s PA. At the sociocultural level, religious teachings of Islam, cultural, attitude, beliefs, and practices, and informal support influenced the participants’ PA. At the organizational and political level, physical environment to exercise, accessibility of facilities, organizational support, and health information about PA influenced their PA. Conclusion: Arab men and women are aware of the importance and benefits of PA. They have the motivation to be physically active, but in the absence of supportive environment, their knowledge might not translate into action. Creating supportive environments at multiple levels that are conducive to PA is warranted

S. Cheema et al .

Objectives Oral health is a crucial determinant of quality of life. We aimed to determine oral health condition and factors associated with poor oral status in the adult national population of Qatar. Methods We used data from the World Health Organization supported STEPS (STEPwise approach to Surveillance) Survey conducted by the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar in 2012. A total of 2,496 Qataris (1,053 men, 1,443 women) answered the national survey. The Rao-Scott Chi-Square test was used to analyze oral health characteristics and multinomial logistic regression to assess risk factors. Results The self-perceived oral status of approximately 40 percent of respondents was either "average" or "poor" rather than "good." Poor oral status was more often reported by women (OR = 1.93; 95%CI = 1.30-2.80), by older (OR = 3.38; 95%CI = 1.59-7.19) and less educated respondents (OR = 3.58; 95%CI = 2.15-5.96). Other risk groups included people with diabetes (OR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.24-2.81), smokeless tobacco users (OR = 3.90; 95%CI = 1.75-8.68), or ever tobacco users (OR = 1.66; 95%CI = 1.03-2.67). Oral health status appeared to be independent of diet, BMI status, and history of hypertension. Difficulties and behaviors related to oral health were more frequently reported by women than by men. These included pain (P < 0.001), difficulty chewing (P < 0.001), and discomfort over appearance of teeth (P < 0.001). Participants used toothbrushes, toothpicks, dental floss, and miswak to maintain oral hygiene. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that oral health remains a public health concern in Qatar

Al Ain Oases Mapping Project: Qattārah Oasis, past and present (poster)

The Al Ain Oases Mapping Project is a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Zayed University. It aims to document the present oasis landscape and identify surviving historic components, while at the same time engaging Emirati students with their heritage and building capacity for archaeology in the UAE. The project utilizes a non-intrusive field-walking methodology suitable for a class of undergraduate students. It further draws on the students\u27 community links and bilingualism to contact former residents of the oasis villages and undertake oral history interviews. The first season\u27s work focused on Qattārah Oasis and contributes to the established programme of works there; future seasons will expand the survey to neighbouring Jīmī Oasis and the other oases of al-\u27Ayn. The results will inform continued archaeological exploration of the oases by TCA

The retrospective study of the metabolic patterns of BCG-vaccination in type-2 diabetic individuals in COVID-19 infection

BackgroundThe cross-protective nature of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 virus was previously suggested, however its effect in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the underlying metabolic pathways has not been addressed. This study aims to investigate the difference in the metabolomic patterns of type 2 diabetic patients with BCG vaccination showing different severity levels of COVID-19 infection.MethodsSixty-seven COVID-19 patients were categorized into diabetic and non-diabetic individuals who had been previously vaccinated or not with BCG vaccination. Targeted metabolomics were performed from serum samples from all patients using tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis included multivariate and univariate models.ResultsData suggested that while BCG vaccination may provide protection for individuals who do not have diabetes, it appears to be linked to more severe COVID-19 symptoms in T2D patients (p = 0.02). Comparing the metabolic signature of BCG vaccinated T2D individuals to non-vaccinated counterparts revealed that amino acid (sarcosine), cholesterol esters (CE 20:0, 20:1, 22:2), carboxylic acid (Aconitic acid) were enriched in BCG vaccinated T2D patients, whereas spermidine, glycosylceramides (Hex3Cer(d18:1_22:0), Hex2Cer(d18:1/22:0), HexCer(d18:1/26:1), Hex2Cer(d18:1/24:0), HexCer(d18:1/22:0) were higher in BCG vaccinated non- T2D patients. Furthermore, data indicated a decrease in sarcosine synthesis from glycine and choline and increase in spermidine synthesis in the BCG vaccinated cohort in T2D and non-T2D groups, respectively.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests increased severity of COVID-19 in BCG vaccinated T2D patients, which was marked by decreased sarcosine synthesis, perhaps via lower sarcosine-mediated removal of viral antigens

A Retrospective Study of Non-Communicable Diseases amongst Blue-Collar Migrant Workers in Qatar

BACKGROUND: South Asian workers have a greater predisposition to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that is exacerbated by migration and length of residence in host countries. Aims: To examine the association between length of residence in Qatar with diagnosis of NCDs in male blue-collar workers. METHODS: A retrospective investigation of the electronic health records (EHRs) of 119,581 clinical visits by 58,342 patients was conducted. Data included age, nationality and confirmed ICD-10 diagnosis. Based on duration of residence, the population was divided into groups: ≤6 months, 6–12 months, 1–≤2 years, 2–≤5 years, 5–≤6 years, >6 years. It was assumed that the group that had been resident in Qatar for ≤6 months represented diseases that had been acquired in their countries of origin. Results: South Asian (90%) patients presented with NCDs at a younger (mean ± SD age of 34.8 ± 9.0 years) age. Diabetes and hypertension were higher in those who had just arrived (<6 months’ group), compared to the other durations of residence groups. Conversely, acute respiratory infections, as well as dermatitis and eczema, all increased, perhaps a consequence of shared living/working facilities. Only patients with diabetes and hypertension visited the clinic multiple times, and the cost of medication for these NCDs was affordable, relative to earnings. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Blue-collar workers were predominantly South Asian, from lower socioeconomic classes, with early onset chronic NCDs. Notably, residence in Qatar gave them better access to affordable, significantly subsidized healthcare, leading to effective management of these chronic conditions