Occupational health in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): A systematic review and call for comprehensive policy development.

Background: This systematic review evaluates occupational health within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on ergonomic, physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It identifies significant impacts of these hazards across various professions and underscores the highlights for region-specific strategies and further research.

Methods: A comprehensive search in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until October 2023 targeted occupational health studies in the GCC, adhering to PRISMA guidelines and NIH Quality Assessment Tools.

Cross-sectional study on urinary metal concentrations in young adult residents of Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Background: Human biomonitoring is crucial for regulatory toxicology, yet data on biomarker concentrations in the UAE are lacking. This study addresses this gap by analyzing urinary concentrations of 16 metals in UAE young adults, assessing correlations with personal characteristics, dietary patterns, and lifestyle habits.

Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 144 randomly selected young adults (71 males and 73 females) from Sharjah, UAE, between January and March 2023.

Heavy metals in spices and herbs from worldwide markets: A systematic review and health risk assessment.

Culinary spices and herbs, renowned for their flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties, contain essential nutrients but also may pose health concerns due to heavy metal contamination. This systematic review, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, investigates the global concentrations of heavy metals in culinary spices and herbs, and evaluates associated health risks. Fifty peer-reviewed studies from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were examined and findings revealed variations in heavy metal content based on country of origin and spice type.

Clinical evaluation and treatment outcomes of caustic ingestion injuries in Syrian pediatric patients: A retrospective study: Short title: High-dose steroids for pediatric caustic ingestions in Syria.

Introduction: Accidental ingestion of caustic agents poses a significant concern in pediatric emergency departments globally. It is a growing public health concern in low-to-middle income countries, which often lack comprehensive data reporting. This study examines high doses of corticosteroid treatment outcomes of caustic ingestion injuries in Syrian pediatric patients, addressing clinical features, and associated variables.

Human biomonitoring of environmental contaminants in Gulf Countries - current status and future directions.

Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the status of Human Biomonitoring (HBM) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and provide recommendations for future research, considering the increased environmental contaminants that pose a threat to human health in this rapidly industrializing area.

Methods: A thorough search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases up to February 2023 to identify biomonitoring studies on human exposure and levels in the GCC region. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility, conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment.