Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the multi-ethnic population of the United Arab Emirates on genomic medicine and genetic testing.

INTRODUCTION: The adoption and implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics (PGx) in healthcare systems have been very slow and limited worldwide. Major barriers to knowledge translation into clinical practice lie in the level of literacy of the public of genetics and genomics. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) multi-ethnic communities toward genomic medicine and genetic testing. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using validated questionnaires was distributed to the participants. Descriptive statistics were performed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge of genomics. RESULTS: 757 individuals completed the survey. Only 7% of the participants had a good knowledge level in genetics and genomics (95% CI 5.3-9.0%). However, 76.9% of the participants were willing to take a genetic test if their relatives had a genetic disease. In addition, the majority indicated that they would disclose their genetic test results to their spouses (61.5%) and siblings (53.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study sets the stage for the stakeholders to plan health promotion and educational campaigns to improve the genomic literacy of the community of the UAE as part of their efforts for implementing precision and personalized medicine in the country.

Eco-friendly Fluorescent Sensor for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Zn2+ and Fe3+ Ions: Applications in Human Hair Samples.

A new eco-friendly sensor, 3-((6-((4-chlorobenzylidene)amino)pyridin-2-yl)imino)indolin-2-one (CBAPI) was synthesized and well characterized. The CBAPI sensor was employed for detecting Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions. It exhibited a low limit of detection at pH 6.0, with values of 2.90, for Zn2+ and 3.59 nmol L-1 for Fe3+ ions. The sensor demonstrated high selectivity over other interfering cations. Additionally, the high binding constants reflect the great affinity of sensor towards Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions. To further validate its quantification ability for Zn2+ ions, the synthesized CBAPI sensor was used to determine Zn levels in human hair samples, and the results were confirmed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The AGREE metric tool was used to assess the method's environmental impact and practical applicability. These positive outcomes indicated that the new method for detecting Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions is environmentally friendly and safe for humans. The developed CBAPI sensor represents a potential development in metal ion detection, combining sensitivity, selectivity, and rapidity.

Evaluation of knowledge and attitude concerning augmented renal clearance among physicians and clinical pharmacists in Al-Ain, UAE: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney function assessment is crucial in critical illness patients and is required before administering renally excreted medication, especially antibiotics and antiepileptics. Conventional clinical practice often focuses on renal impairment with low creatinine clearance (CrCl) and overlooks the augmented renal clearance (ARC), which is defined by (CrCl) more than 130 ml/min. This typical demonstration neglects individuals who experience hyperfunctioning kidneys. Among critically ill patients, the prevalence of (ARC) is approximately 20% to 65% of cases. This study aims to evaluate physicians' and clinical pharmacists' knowledge about ARC-associated risk factors, antibiotic regimen modification in ARC patients, and attitudes towards ARC workshops and guidelines in Al-Ain, UAE. METHODS: A cross-sectional, online self-administered survey-based study was designed to achieve this study's aim. The questionnaire was constructed on profound literature analysis, validated, and piloted. The survey was emailed to physicians and pharmacists working in two hospitals, private and governmental, and distributed through different social media platforms over three months, December 2022-February 2023. RESULTS: Of the 92 complete responses (32 clinical pharmacists, 60 physicians), 57 (61.9%), were aware of ARC, but 72 (78%) demonstrated poor knowledge overall. Clinical pharmacists had a higher mean rank of knowledge than the physician's group. Meanwhile, 70 (76.1%) participants were unaware of the eGFR threshold to determine ARC. There is a noticeable positive attitude toward seeking more information about antibiotic dose adjustment in ARC patients at 85 (92%) of the respondents. Remarkably, only 28 (30.4%) were directly involved with ARC patients' treatment plans. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, clinical pharmacists showed better knowledge than physicians. However, overall, the participating healthcare providers lacked knowledge about ARC, so a reliable source of information regarding ARC should be utilized. Future research could explore the implementation of professional development workshops for healthcare providers and national guidelines and then assess their impact on patient outcomes.

Major depressive disorder: point prevalence, suicidal ideation, and risk factors among Sudanese children and adolescents during Sudan army conflict: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tiredness, poor concentration, disturbed sleep and poor appetite can all be caused by depression, which is a common mental disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, and risk factors in Sudanese children and adolescents during the Sudanese army conflict. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among Sudanese children between 11 and 17 years old who living in Sudan at the start of the conflict by using a self-administered questionnaire under the guidance of parents, if necessary. The questionnaire was adapted from the Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) checklist for the assessment of major depression disorder symptoms according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Edition 5th Edition (DSM-5). The questionnaire was translated into Arabic by two expert translators, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software, and descriptive analysis and any appropriate statistical tests were performed. RESULTS: Among the 963 participants, the mean age was 15.18 ± 2.1 years, 65.5% were female, and 67.7% had major depressive disorder. There was a significant relationship between MDD score, age, sex, current residency status, and traumatic event exposure, with P values less than 0.001 for all variables. CONCLUSION: Major depressive disorder was highly prevalent among Sudanese children and adolescents included in the present study. Additionally, suicidal ideation, which requires immediate intervention, was reported to be very high. The findings will help the government to provide proper mental health interventions for affected people.

Pharmacists' Knowledge, Perception, and Prescribing Practice of Probiotics in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The human body is a complex and interconnected system where trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, coexist with these cells. Besides maintaining digestive health, this relationship also impacts well-being, including immune function, metabolism, and mental health. As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists are pivotal in promoting the benefits of probiotics for immune support. This study explored pharmacists' knowledge, perception, and practice behavior in the UAE towards the implication of probiotic application beyond digestive health, such as cardiovascular and mental health impacts and their diverse dosage forms. METHOD: An online self-administered survey was distributed among pharmacists in the UAE. Data were collected through personal visits to pharmacies, where pharmacists were approached and asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample size included 407 pharmacists, determined using the formula for proportions with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and survey responses. The knowledge levels were categorized into poor, moderate, and good. Chi-square analysis was employed to investigate associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, enhancing the robustness of the study's findings. RESULTS: This study included 407 completed eligible responses. About 63.56% of participants were female, with 52.1% employed in pharmacy chains. While 91.2% of pharmacists recognized probiotics' role in immune support, only 30% were aware of their cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, chewing gum was the least known dosage form of probiotics, recognized by only 16.7% of respondents. Additionally, only 57% of the participants recognized liposomes as a dosage form. In practice, most pharmacists recommended storing probiotics at room temperature, accounting for 66.6%. The most prevalent misconception encountered in the pharmacy setting was the belief that probiotics are primarily intended for gastrointestinal tract problems, at 79.1% of the respondents. Regarding perception, the agreement was observed regarding the safety of probiotics for all ages. Perceived barriers included the high cost of probiotics, with the majority (86.5%) indicating this as a significant obstacle, while lack of demand was identified as the minor barrier by 64.6%. Additionally, an association was found at a significance level of p < 0.05 with knowledge, gender, educational level, type and location of pharmacy, and source of information. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights knowledge gaps in pharmacists' understanding of probiotic applications beyond digestive health, particularly cardiovascular health and depression. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these gaps. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development for pharmacists, enhancing their role in patient education and the promotion of probiotics for overall health.

Knowledge and Practice Concerning Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Screening among Females in UAE.

Breast cancer is considered the most dangerous cancer for women, driving the highest number of mortalities in women worldwide. According to the WHO 2020 report, breast cancer showed the highest five-year prevalence in the UAE, among other cancers. This research assessed breast cancer awareness, potential risk factors, screening approaches and practices, barriers to screening, and attitudes toward seeking medical help among UAE women. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted through a web-based validated questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. The questionnaire was sent through social media platforms. The eligible completed were 616 responses. This study showed a prevalence of breast cancer of 3.1% among the study population. Regarding Breast cancer knowledge, most of the participants, 65.8% had moderate knowledge, 19% had poor knowledge, and only 7.6% had good knowledge. Breast cancer screening methods were the most recognized section at 76%, followed by knowledge of symptoms and while the least known section was the BC risk factors. Twenty-five percent of respondents had at least one breast cancer symptom. About 37.1% of women aged more than 40 years had never undergone mammography. In potential, most participants and 81.7% were having more than five of the BC risk factors had adequate knowledge about breast cancer with relatively higher knowledge scores for screening methods and symptoms. Participants who received information from healthcare providers or attended awareness events had a higher knowledge score. In contrast, insufficient mammography screening had been revealed. At the same time, potential risk evaluation revealed a high percentage of participants suffering from many potential risk factors.