Serum β2-microglobulin levels in Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19): Another prognosticator of disease severity?

β2-microglobulin (β2-m), a 11.8 kDa protein, pairs non-covalently with the α3 domain of the major histocompatibility class (MHC) I α-chain and is essential for the conformation of the MHC class I protein complex. Shed β2-m is measurable in circulation, and various disorders are accompanied by increases in β2-m levels, including several viral infections.

High blood pressure and its association with body weight among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and its relationship with obesity among children and adolescents.

Methodology/principal Findings: In this cross-sectional population (Emirati) representative study, we invited a random sample of 1600 students (grades 1-12) attending 23 out of all 246 schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. But analysis was restricted to Emirati nationals aged 6-17 years.

The obesity paradox in patients with acute coronary syndrome: results from the Gulf RACE-2 study.

We investigated the association between in-hospital and peri-hospital mortality and body mass index (BMI)/waist circumference (WC) in a prospective acute coronary syndrome (ACS) registry in the Arabian Gulf. No significant associations with in-hospital mortality were found. Normal BMI had highest peri-hospital mortality, notably those with high WC.

Gender disparities in the presentation, management and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients: data from the 2nd Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE-2).

Background: Gender-related differences in mortality of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been reported. The extent and causes of these differences in the Middle-East are poorly understood. We studied to what extent difference in outcome, specifically 1-year mortality are attributable to demographic, baseline clinical differences at presentation, and management differences between female and male patients.

Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes and heart failure in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a serious complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and is associated with high in-hospital mortality and poor long-term survival. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical characteristics, management and in-hospital outcomes of coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with HF in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings: The study was selected from the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE), a prospective multi-national, multicenter registry of patients hospitalized with ACS in six Middle East countries.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and In-Hospital Outcomes of Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the United Arab Emirates.

Objective: To evaluate clinical profiles, management and in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: MetS was defined according to the criteria for its diagnosis by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI). Participants were admitted to various hospitals in the UAE with a diagnosis of ACS in 2007 as part of the Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE) project.

Erythrocyte reference values in Emirati people with and without α+ thalassemia.

Background: Interpreting the erythroid lineage in populations with high frequency of α+ thalassemia allele is challenging due to the high prevalence of α+ thalassemia homozygotes. For such populations, separate reference values for normal and α+ thalassemia homozygotes are needed.

Methods: We studied the erythroid lineage in 1,079 citizens of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Screening strategy for type 2 diabetes in the United Arab Emirates.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among Emirati nationals is one of the highest in the world. The recently released United Arab Emirates National DM guidelines call for screening all adults aged 30 years and more. The authors explored the need for such a modification of current American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines.

Choice of kin in consanguineous marriages: effects of altruism and ecological factors.

Background: Despite being associated with multiple genetic problems, consanguineous marriages continue to remain extremely prevalent worldwide. Studying the variation of kin preferences in diverse inbred societies may provide some answers to this paradox.

Aim: To find the reasons for specific kin choice in different geographical areas of the world.

Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on in vitro contractions of stimulated detrusor muscle strips of female rats.

Aims: We studied the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on the in vitro detrusor muscle contractions in female rats.

Methods: Two adjacent detrusor muscle strips from the bladder dome of 18 female Wistar rats (230-250 gm) were mounted in an organ bath for the recording of isometric tension. Carbachol (10(-9)-10(-3) M), alpha,beta methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) (10(-9)-10(-3) M) and potassium chloride (KCl) (10(-4)-10(-3) M) were applied (n = 6 x 3 groups).

Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and quality of care in diabetic patients followed at primary and tertiary clinics in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Aims: To investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) at primary health care (PHC) clinics, and to assess the quality of care of diabetic patients followed at a tertiary hospital diabetes center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: Between May 2009 and October 2010, adult patients attending two PHC clinics, and adult diabetic patients attending the diabetes center, were invited to participate in the study. After overnight fast, participants returned for interview and laboratory tests.

Physical activity and reported barriers to activity among type 2 diabetic patients in the United arab emirates.

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the physical activity practice among type 2 diabetic patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of type 2 diabetic patients who participated in the outpatient clinics in Al-Ain District, during 2006. The patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and measurements of blood pressure, body mass index, body fat, abdominal circumference, glycemic control (HbA1c), and fasting lipid profile.

Effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed infants.

Severe vitamin D deficiency in mothers and their breastfed infants is a significant health problem in the Middle East. Supplementation of the breastfed infant alone with the recommended dose of vitamin D may be insufficient in high-risk population. We investigated the effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of the breastfed infant.

Soothing methods used to calm a baby in an Arab country.

Unlabelled: This study was undertaken to determine how mothers soothed their crying infants. A total of 1137 mothers of different cultural backgrounds were approached, 998 agreed to participate in the study, but only 716 completed the questionnaire through a telephone interview. Analysis was restricted to 702 mothers from the UAE nationality, other Arabs, other Muslims, Indians and Philippinos.

National growth charts for the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Information on the health and growth status of the population is essential for planning and administering health promotion programs.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the anthropometric measurements of United Arab Emirates (UAE) children aged 0-18 years, by a multistage stratified random sampling technique based on age and sex. Healthy, full-term children of UAE nationality who did not have any diseases that could affect their growth pattern were included in the study.

R58fs mutation in the HGD gene in a family with alkaptonuria in the UAE.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of alkaptonuria in the UAE population and to identify the genotype of affected individuals. In a 3 stage sampling technique 2981 pupils from Government schools in Al Ain and private schools in Dubai were selected to take part in the study, of whom 2857 provided urine samples. Urine collected was analysed for homogentisic acid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Assessment of dietary practice among diabetic patients in the United arab emirates.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess dietary practices and risk profile (hypertension, obesity, lipid profile and glycemic control) among people with diabetes in Al-Ain District, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods: During 2006, we performed a cross-sectional study of diabetic patients attending diabetic outpatient clinics at Tawam Hospital and primary health care centers in Al-Ain District. Subjects completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire, blood pressure, body mass index, percentage body fat and abdominal circumference were measured and recorded and the most recent HbA1c levels and fasting lipid profile were identified.

Child care practice in the United Arab Emirates: the ESACCIPS study.

Aims: This study was undertaken to monitor infant care practice associated with SIDS and establish the incidence of SIDS in the UAE.

Methods: A total of 996 families were recruited for the study. One questionnaire was completed during the first 7 days after delivery, and was used to collect information about the socio-demographic features, mother's medical history, delivery status and infant's medical history, and another questionnaire was completed after 12 weeks through telephone interviews of the mothers.

Association of TCF7L2 polymorphism with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and markers of beta cell function and insulin resistance in a population-based sample of Emirati subjects.

Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among Emirati subjects is one of the highest in the world. This has been attributed to rising prevalence of obesity acting on genetically susceptible individuals. We analyzed the associations between TCF7L2 polymorphism and DM, metabolic syndrome, and markers of beta cell function and insulin resistance in a population-based sample of Emirati subjects.

Trace element composition of plasma and breast milk of well-nourished women.

A wide variation in the composition of breast milk has been reported from various countries. This study was undertaken to determine the trace element content of breast milk and plasma in lactating women. Mothers of children 4 weeks to 80 weeks in age, were studied.

Efficacy of daily and monthly high-dose calciferol in vitamin D-deficient nulliparous and lactating women.

Background: We previously found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and low medication regimen compliance in Arab and East Indian women residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The appropriate dosing regimen for improving vitamin D status in this population is not known.

Objective: We aimed to determine the efficacy of daily and monthly supplementation with vitamin D2, the only high-dose calciferol available in the UAE, in lactating and nulliparous women.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications in a population-based sample in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications in the adult population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and assess the degree of metabolic control in subjects with diagnosed DM.

Methods: A random sample of houses of Emirati citizens living in Al Ain, UAE was surveyed. Fasting blood glucose was determined by glucose meter and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted if blood sugar was <7 mmol/l.

Predictors and relationships of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentration with bone turnover markers, bone mineral density, and vitamin D receptor genotype in Emirati women.

Objectives: To determine factors influencing serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration and relationships between serum 25OHD concentration, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotype in Emirati women.

Methods: Serum 25OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and urinary deoxypyrdinoline (UDPD) concentrations and VDR genotype were determined in Emirati women volunteers who were participating in a study aiming at establishing a reference database for BMD.

Results: Serum 25OHD concentration in the 259 women volunteers was 25.