Role of marination, natural antimicrobial compounds, and packaging on microbiota during storage of chicken tawook.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of marination, natural antimicrobials, and packaging on the microbial population of chicken tawook during storage at 4°C. Chicken meat was cut into 10 g cubes and marinated. The chicken was then mixed individually with 0.5% or 1% (w/v) vanillin (VA), ß-resorcylic acid (BR), or eugenol (EU), and stored under aerobic (AP) or vacuum (VP) packing at 4°C for 7 d. The marinade decreased microbial growth as monitored by total plate count, yeast and mold, lactic acid bacteria, and Pseudomonas spp. by about 1 log cfu/g under AP. The combination of marinade and antimicrobials under AP and VP decreased growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms by 1.5 to 4.8 and 2.3 to 4.6 log cfu/g, respectively. Change in pH in VP meat was less than 0.5 in all treated samples including the control. Marination decreased the lightness of the meat (L*) and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the redness (A*) and yellowness (B*). Overall acceptability was highest for marinated samples with 0.5% BR.

The perceived mental health experiences and needs of postpartum mothers living in the United Arab Emirates : A focus group study.

BACKGROUND: After childbirth, mothers are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems including anxiety and depression, which often remain undetected and untreated. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recent figures revealed a substantial prevalence of postpartum depression. However, postpartum mental health remains largely understudied in the country's clinical and research settings. Therefore, given the paucity of literature in the UAE and building upon previous epidemiological findings, this study aimed to explore the perceived mental health experiences and needs of mothers during the postpartum period to guide the development of targeted interventions that address mothers' unique mental health challenges. METHODOLOGY: Four focus groups were conducted, involving a total of 27 Emirati and multicultural expatriate mothers aged 32.47 ± 4.56 years old, living in the UAE and within their first year postpartum. Descriptive interpretive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. ANALYSIS: Six themes were generated that capture the mothers postpartum experiences and mental health needs: (1) distinct postpartum experiences of primiparous and multiparous mothers, (2) experiences of emotional distress in the initial postpartum stage, (3) multifaceted challenges in breastfeeding, (4) multifactorial influences on postpartum mental health, (5) postpartum social support resources and providers, and (6) the need for formal and informal resources. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of considering the unique cultural and societal factors that impact maternal mental health in the UAE, given its diverse population. A collaborative multidisciplinary approach, integrating culture sensitivity, is vital to address the mental health needs of postpartum mothers and to guide the development of tailored evidence-based interventions.

Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine.

BACKGROUND: While community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample. METHODS: Using a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants' answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS: 373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.

Influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth till 18 months: The MISC study.

BACKGROUND: The growth and development of infants during the first 1000 days of life are crucial for their health. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the impact of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth to 18 months. METHODS: Data were derived from the 2-year perspective Mother Infant Study Cohort (MISC) study which included six visits from the third trimester of pregnancy until 18 months postpartum. A convenient sample of 256 pregnant women aged 19-40 years was recruited from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: Amongst mothers' characteristics, Arab nationality, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, higher gestational weight gain and lower physical activity were found to increase the likelihood of infants being overweight at 6, 12 and 18 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 18 months (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.81). Breastfeeding for up to 6 months and the introduction of solid foods after 6 months was associated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 12 months old (aOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.1-14.6; aOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.09-8.08, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings spotlight the influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding on infant growth. This asserts the need for evidence-based programmes targeting mothers to promote optimal feeding practices and foster healthy child growth.

Molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota in cancer prevention.

A growing body of evidence suggests that cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, the molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota has emerged as a promising pathway for cancer prevention. Polyphenols, abundant in many plant-based foods, possess diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in a host's health and disease risks. This review highlights cancer suppressive and oncogenic mechanisms of gut microbiota, the intricate interplay between gut microbiota modulation and polyphenol biotransformation, and the potential therapeutic implications of this interplay in cancer prevention. Furthermore, this review explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning the synergistic effects of polyphenols and the gut microbiota, such as modulation of signaling pathways and immune response and epigenetic modifications in animal and human studies. The current review also summarizes the challenges and future directions in this field, including the development of personalized approaches that consider interindividual variations in gut microbiota composition and function. Understanding the molecular crosstalk could offer new perspectives for the development of personalized cancer therapies targeting the polyphenol-gut axis. Future clinical trials are needed to validate the potential role of polyphenols and gut microbiota as innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Intention to quit and its correlates among dieticians residing in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated increased workload, stress, and burnout on healthcare providers on the frontlines of the pandemic, dieticians were no exception. Such unprecedented occupational risks and stressors contributed to a higher intention to quit, potentially leading to workforce shortages, and hindering the delivery of quality care, especially for patients with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence factors associated with the intention to quit among dieticians in the United Arab Emirates during a public health emergency. METHODS: The study utilized a cross-sectional design with an online survey sent to dieticians between January and May 2021. The final version of the questionnaire included four sections: A sociodemographic section, intention to quit, work-related practices and challenges, as well as the resilience scale using the 25 items- Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale© (CD-RISC). Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore factors associated with the intention to quit among dieticians. RESULTS: Study results revealed that a quarter of dieticians intend to quit their jobs. Higher odds of intention to quit among dieticians were significantly associated with male gender, younger age, having a chronic condition, being non-resilient, feeling unappreciated, using online platforms for dietary counseling, reporting increased workload, and working from home or in a blended format during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high intention to quit among dieticians during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified a few correlates for the intention to quit that could support the development of evidence-based interventions. Such interventions should address through targeted programs the challenges faced by male dieticians, younger dieticians, as well as dieticians with Chronic health conditions. Furthermore, the findings of this study showed that promoting resilience among dieticians is crucial in reducing their intention to quit.

Preservative effect of pomegranate-based marination with ß-resorcylic acid and cinnamaldehyde on the microbial quality of chicken liver.

Chicken liver is considered a delicacy in the Middle East where pomegranate molass is commonly used as a salad dressing and in marinade recipes. Marinated chicken liver is a common entrée and represents a value-added product compared to the otherwise unmarinated liver which commands a lower price. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of a pomegranate-based marinade alone or following the addition of cinnamaldehyde or ß-resorcylic acid on the spoilage microorganisms present in chicken liver during storage for 14 d at 4°C or under mild temperature abuse conditions (10°C). The pH and microbial populations of total plate count (TPC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Pseudomonas spp. (PS), yeast and mold (YM), and Enterobacteriaceae (EN) were tested during the storage period and the shelf life was determined (defined as 107 log cfu/g). Sensory analysis was also conducted. The pH increased by a greater extent in unmarinated samples as compared to marinated samples (with or without antimicrobials) upon storage. The initial TPC, LAB, PS, YM, and EN microbial populations in the chicken liver were 3.85 ± 0.79, 3.73 ± 0.85, 3.85 ± 0.79, 3.73 ± 0.87, and 3.69 ± 0.23 log cfu/g, respectively. The marinade decreased the microbial populations by 2 to 4 log cfu/g. The marinade and antimicrobial mixture decreased the microbial populations by 3 to 4 log cfu/g. Except for 1 sample, none of the marinated chicken liver samples with or without antimicrobials reached the end of shelf life even up to 14 d of storage at both 4°C and 10°C. The overall sensory score was rated around 6/9 for the treated samples.

Caffeine intake and its association with nutrition, sleep, and physical activity among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates: a national cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Recent surveys indicate a significant increase in total caffeine intake among schoolchildren. Limited research has been published concerning the total intake of caffeine among schoolchildren in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey estimated the total caffeine intake from foods and beverages among 10,275 schoolchildren in the UAE. Caffeine intakes were related to the European Food Safety Authority's level of no safety concern (3.0 mg/kg BW) and level of effects on sleep (1.4 mg/kg BW). RESULTS: More than half (56.2%) of the students consumed more than 100 mg (the upper limit allowed) of caffeine from dietary sources. High intake of caffeine (> 100 mg/day) was significantly associated (p = 0.001) with reduced sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, infrequent exercising, using smart devices for more than 2 h a day, getting a lower GPA, skipping breakfast, eating fewer servings of vegetables than recommended, frequent consumption of fast food and more frequent snack consumption. CONCLUSION: Excessive intake of caffeine from different dietary sources coexists with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors and sleep problems. Tailoring educational programs and intervention strategies is warranted to correct the unhealthy intake of caffeine and the associated unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among schoolchildren in the UAE.

Effect of camel milk on lipid profile among patients with diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on lipid profile among patients with diabetes remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to calculate the effect size of CM intake on blood lipids among patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. We searched nine databases from inception until December 31, 2022, to identify relevant RCTs. Effect sizes for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were calculated and expressed using mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals (CI). Of 4,054 retrieved articles, 10 RCTs (a total of 347 participants aged 8-70 years, 60.5% male) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results from a random-effects model showed statistically significant decreases in TC (MD - 21.69, 95% CI: 41.05, - 2.33; p = 0.03; I2=99%), TG (MD - 19.79, 95% CI: -36.16, - 3.42; p=0.02, I2=99%), and LDL (MD -11.92, CI: -20.57, -3.26; p = 0.007, I2=88%), and a significant increase in HDL (MD 10.37, 95% CI, 1.90, 18.84; p=0.02, I2=95%) in patients with diabetes supplemented with CM compared with usual care alone. Subgroup analysis revealed that only long-term interventions (> 6 months) elicited a significant reduction in TC levels and TG levels. Consumption of fresh CM by patients with diabetes resulted in significant reductions in TC, TG, and LDL levels, while showing a significant increase in HDL levels. Patients with T1D elicited a more beneficial effect in lowering TC, LDL, and TG levels and in increasing HDL levels than their corresponding partners with T2D. In conclusion, long-term consumption of CM for patients with diabetes, especially those with T1D, could be a useful adjuvant therapy to improve lipid profile alongside prescribed medications. However, the high heterogeneity in the included studies suggests that more RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations are required to improve the robustness of the available evidence.

Caffeinated energy drink consumption among Emirati adolescents is associated with a cluster of poor physical and mental health, and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks (CED) has escalated during the last few years, especially among schoolchildren, with evident adverse health sequelae in this critical age group. Objective: This study examined the prevalence of CED consumption and its associations with sleep, physical and mental health, and dietary and lifestyle habits among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: A structured self-administered online questionnaire was developed and disseminated among schoolchildren aged 14-18 years, selected from schools of the seven emirates of the UAE. Results: More than 4,500 (N= 4,648) responses received. A relatively low prevalence of CED consumption (20%) was found among schoolchildren in the UAE. However, those who reported CED consumption were more likely to report unhealthy dietary (skipping breakfast, frequent snacking, and eating fast foods, low fruit, and vegetable intake) and lifestyle behaviors (long screen time, poor sleep health), in addition to poor self-reported mental and physical health than non-users. CED consumption was significantly and variably associated with multiple sociodemographic factors such as students' nationality, parental companionship, sex, school type, education level (children's and parents'), daily allowance, academic performance, screen time, sleep quality parameters, self-reported physical and mental health, and parents' employment. Sources of knowledge about CED were social media (55%), friends/schoolmates (52%), and family members (52%). Students believed that CED constitute sugar (87%), caffeine (69%), artificial flavors (67%) sweeteners (54%), and stimulating components (43%). The majority (70%) of students reported that CED consumption increases the risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood sugar (65%), addiction (64%), high blood pressure (59%), and obesity (57%). Conclusion: These results offer important insights for health professionals, child health specialists, policymakers, and parents in the UAE regarding adolescents' attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward CED consumption.

Changes in energy and macronutrient intakes during Ramadan fasting: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

CONTEXT: Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributable to changes in meal timing or changes in dietary energy and macronutrient intakes. Furthermore, the literature on the associations between RF, meal timing, and energy and macronutrient intakes is inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to estimate the effect sizes of RF on energy and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrates, protein, fats, dietary fiber, and water) and determine the effect of different moderators on the examined outcomes. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 31, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: The studies that assessed energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, and water intakes pre- and post-fasting were extracted. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 4776 identified studies, 85 relevant studies (n = 4594 participants aged 9-85 y) were selected. The effect sizes for the studied variables were as follows: energy (number of studies [K] = 80, n = 3343 participants; mean difference [MD]: -142.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -215.19, -69.71), carbohydrates (K = 75, n = 3111; MD: -23.90; 95% CI: -36.42, -11.38), protein (K = 74, n = 3108; MD: -4.21; 95% CI: -7.34, -1.07), fats (K = 73, n = 3058; MD: -2.03; 95% CI: -5.73, 1.67), fiber (K = 16, n = 1198; MD: 0.47; 95% CI: -1.44, 2.39), and water (K = 17, n = 772; MD: -350.80; 95% CI: -618.09, 83.50). Subgroup analyses showed age significantly moderated the 6 dietary outcomes, and physical activity significantly moderated water intake. There were significant reductions in energy, carbohydrate, and protein intakes during RF. CONCLUSIONS: The change in meal timing rather than quantitative dietary intake may explain various physiological and health effects associated with RF.

An innovative state-of-the-art health storytelling technique for better management of type 2 diabetes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic lifelong disease that requires long-term prevention and management strategies in a community setting. A health story is a novel technique that may be used as an effective tool for better prevention and management of T2D. Objective: The main objective of this study is to develop a story to be used as a social health technique based on contemporary scientific knowledge that may be used at a community level for better communication and management of T2D. Methods: A community-academic partnership was formed with a not-for-profit Nutrition Education, Awareness, and Training (NEAT) organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. We agreed to develop a story that may be used as a health and nutrition education communication tool for better management of patients with T2D. The following phases were followed during the story creation process: (1) the theory phase, (2) the modeling phase, and (3) the evaluation phase. Raters evaluated the story to determine its literary and scientific quality, comprehensiveness, and T2D specificity. Results: The title of the story translated into English is "The Story of Diabetes-The Story of Success." It is text based and contains 86 pages in the local language, "Pashto," with an English translation. The story is divided into five chapters and describes the initial diagnosis, fear associated with the disease, issues related to referral to certified practitioners, the importance of a balanced diet, and related lifestyle habits. After story evaluation, the raters suggested its literary and scientific quality, comprehensiveness, and T2D specificity (Pearson correlation scores of >0.8). Conclusion: This unique story was created for T2D and found to be of significant quality in terms of its literary and scientific quality, as well as its comprehensiveness and diabetes specificity. As a result, it may be suggested that it can be used in subsequent studies to improve T2D management among adult patients.

Public's calorie literacy and perceived effectiveness of restaurant menu calorie labeling in the United Arab Emirates.

Restaurant menu calorie labeling is regarded as a promising, cost-effective, and innovative method that will have an impact on the food environment, raise awareness among consumers, and aid in global efforts to prevent obesity. This study aimed to assess the public's calorie literacy, dining practices, and perceived effectiveness of restaurant menu labeling implementation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A descriptive, web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1279 adults in the UAE. Socio-demographic characteristics, calorie literacy, and perceived effectiveness of restaurant menu labeling among participants were investigated. Chi-square analysis was used to compare indicators across demographic characteristics. More females than males completed the online survey, (56.1% and 43.9%). Most of the participants aged < 30 years old (54.8%), The majority of participants reported eating away from home at least once per week (89.6%). 66.0% of participants were knowledgeable about calorie definition, but only 37.1% knew about average daily energy requirements. Younger participants, with a normal BMI, and higher education levels reported a significantly higher likelihood of eating at a chain restaurant with caloric information on the menu (p <0.05). The majority of participants (76.0%) preferred to see calorie information and other nutrition information on menus. To conclude, menu labeling is a welcomed policy to be implemented in food outlets. Further investigation is necessary to ascertain the most efficacious method of presenting nutrition information to consumers to facilitate informed purchasing decisions considering the potential benefits of mandating calorie declaration in obesity prevention efforts.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sleep hygiene education and FITBIT devices on quality of sleep and psychological worry: a pilot quasi-experimental study among first-year college students.

Background: College students report disturbed sleep patterns that can negatively impact their wellbeing and academic performance. Objectives: This study examined the effect of a 4-week sleep hygiene program that included sleep education and actigraph sleep trackers (FITBITs) on improving sleep quality and reducing psychological worry without control group. Design settings and participants: A pilot quasi-experimental design, participants were randomly selected medical and health sciences from a university students in the United-Arab-Emirates. Methods: Students were asked to wear FITBITs and log their daily sleep data and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Extensive sleep hygiene education was delivered via lectures, a WhatsApp group, and the Blackboard platform. In total, 50 students completed pre-and post-assessments and returned FITBIT data. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of good sleep postintervention compared with pre-intervention (46% vs. 28%; p = 0.0126). The mean PSQI score was significantly lower post-intervention compared with pre-intervention (6.17 ± 3.16 vs. 7.12.87; p = 0.04, Cohen's d 0.33). After the intervention, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction were significantly improved compared with pre-intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, FITBIT data showed total sleep time and the number of restless episodes per night were significantly improved postintervention compared with pre-intervention (p = 0.013). The mean PSWQ score significantly decreased from pre-intervention to p = 0.049, Cohen' d = 0.25. The correlation between PSQI and PSWQ scores was significant post-intervention (ß = 0.40, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our results may inform university educational policy and curricular reform to incorporate sleep hygiene awareness programs to empower students and improve their sleep habits.

Association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in UAE: a pilot cross sectional study.

Background: Obesity and dental caries among adolescents is a growing worldwide public health issue. They share some common and modifiable influences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study enrolled 161 adolescents 13-19 years old from private and public schools in the UAE. Participants were classified as normal weight, underweight, overweight or obese. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Independent t-tests were used to compare average number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) by age, sex, school type, mothers' employment, BMI categories, waist circumference, oral health habits and plaque index. Additionally, a multiple linear regression model was applied to analyze the association between BMI, waist circumference and dental caries, adjusted for confounding factors considered in this study. Results: The average age of the participants was 16.2 ± 1.4 years old. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 42% (N = 68) measured by BMI. In addition, 82% (N = 132) had average waist circumference and 18% (N = 29) with above average waist circumference. Overall, the average DMFS score was 4.35 ± 4.5, with significantly lower dental caries rates among girls ([3.3 (SD:4.0)] than boys (6.7 (SD:5.3), (p < 0.05). The linear regression model revealed that, being a male, attending a public school and having average waist circumference were all positively and significantly associated with dental caries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity measured by waist circumference was significantly associated with dental caries among adolescents in the UAE. Further research is required to investigate the complex association between obesity and dental caries and how dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, and parental socioeconomic status mediate the association between obesity and dental caries.

Effect of Eugenol, Vanillin, and ß-Resorcylic Acid on Foodborne Pathogen Survival in Marinated Camel Meat.

The combined inhibitory effect of essential oils (EOs) with meat-based marinades has not been fully studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to gauge the effect of a yogurt-based marinade when individually combined with three EOs, namely eugenol (EU), vanillin (VA), or ß-resorcylic acid (BR) on camel meat cubes inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7 during storage. Fresh camel meat cubes of 10 g were inoculated with bacteria and dipped in the mixture of marinade and EO. Overall, the study had six EO treatments (EU 0.5%, EU 1%, VA 0.5%, VA 1%, BR 0.5%, and BR 1%) and two controls (meat without marinade and marinated meat). Treated meat cubes were stored at 4°C or 10°C for 1, 4, and 7 d. Adding only marinade to the camel meat at 10°C decreased the pathogens by 0.8-2.4 log CFU/g. At 10°C, BR decreased L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. by 2.0, 1.5, and 1.3 log CFU/g, while EU caused a decrease (p < 0.05) of 1.9, 1.2, and 0.9 log CFU/g, respectively. Similarly, VA caused a reduction in these microorganisms of 1.3, 1.1, and 1.0 log CFU/g, respectively (p < 0.05). The combination of marinade and EO resulted in a decrease of the pathogens ranging from 0.9-1.4 and 2.8-3.7 log CFU/g at 4 and 10°C, respectively. The antimicrobial efficacy of EO alone or when combined with marinade was higher at 10°C than at 4°C with all three pathogens at both 0.5% and 1%. Overall, EOs were found to enhance the microbial safety of camel meat. In addition, they are antimicrobials that occur naturally, require a minimum investment, and may prove to be a great asset for marinated camel meat producers.

A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils.

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.

Gut Microbiota and Time-Restricted Feeding/Eating: A Targeted Biomarker and Approach in Precision Nutrition.

Each individual has a unique gut microbiota; therefore, the genes in our microbiome outnumber the genes in our genome by about 150 to 1. Perturbation in host nutritional status influences gut microbiome composition and vice versa. The gut microbiome can help in producing vitamins, hormones, and other active metabolites that support the immune system; harvest energy from food; aid in digestion; protect against pathogens; improve gut transit and function; send signals to the brain and other organs; oscillate the circadian rhythm; and coordinate with the host metabolism through multiple cellular pathways. Gut microbiota can be influenced by host genetics, medications, diet, and lifestyle factors from preterm to aging. Aligning with precision nutrition, identifying a personalized microbiome mandates the provision of the right nutrients at the right time to the right patient. Thus, before prescribing a personalized treatment, it is crucial to monitor and count the gut flora as a focused biomarker. Many nutritional approaches that have been developed help in maintaining and restoring an optimal microbiome such as specific diet therapy, nutrition interventions, and customized eating patterns. One of these approaches is time-restricted feeding/eating (TRF/E), a type of intermittent fasting (IF) in which a subject abstains from food intake for a specific time window. Such a dietary modification might alter and restore the gut microbiome for proper alignment of cellular and molecular pathways throughout the lifespan. In this review, we have highlighted that the gut microbiota would be a targeted biomarker and TRF/E would be a targeted approach for restoring the gut-microbiome-associated molecular pathways such as hormonal signaling, the circadian system, metabolic regulators, neural responses, and immune-inflammatory pathways. Consequently, modulation of the gut microbiota through TRF/E could contribute to proper utilization and availability of the nutrients and in this way confer protection against diseases for harnessing personalized nutrition approaches to improve human health.

Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women living in the United Arab Emirates.

PURPOSE: Postpartum depression received almost no attention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and the associated risk factors among women in the UAE. METHODS: A prospective cohort study recruited women from postpartum wards in hospitals across four emirates in the UAE. Women completed questionnaires immediately after childbirth and at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS > 12). Risk factors were identified using the generalized estimating equation. A stratified analysis of the postpartum period was performed. RESULTS: Among the 457 women recruited, 35% exhibited depressive symptomatology within the first 6 months postpartum. Younger women (< 25 years), part-time employment, the receipt of financial support from the family, and difficulty in managing monthly income were associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. Husband's employment, husband's support, and living in own house were associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression. Maternity leave of more than 3 months increased the risk of depression during the first 3 months postpartum. From 3 to 6 months postpartum, Muslim women had a higher risk of depression whereas women who breastfed other children and in the past 7 days, and perceived their infant as healthy had a lower risk of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of maternal depressive symptomatology is considerable in the UAE. Risk factors change over the 6-month postpartum period suggesting the need for an innovative multidisciplinary approach to the management of postpartum depression, including follow-up screening.

Association between quality of sleep and screen time during the COVID-19 outbreak among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on people of all ages. Adolescents' exposure to online learning is linked to excessive screen time on digital devices, which leads to poor sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between screen time on different electronic devices and sleep quality among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. This study was based on a self-reported questionnaire, which was administered online to school-aged adolescents (aged 12-19 years). The multicomponent questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and screen time (minutes) on TV, TV-connected devices, laptops, smartphones, and tablets on weekdays, weeknight, and weekends using the Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors correlated with poor sleep quality. A total of 1720 adolescents were recruited from private and public schools (mean age 14.6 ± 1.97 years). The mean PSQI score was 8.09 ± 3.37, and 74.3% of participants reported poor sleep (cutoff score >5). Mean scores were highest for the sleep latency (1.85 ± 0.97) and sleep disturbance (1.56 ± 0.62) domains. The highest STQ score was observed for smartphones, with a median screen time of 420 min on weekdays and 300 min on weekends. Screen time related to smartphones on weekends (p = 0.003) and increased screen time in bed (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor sleep. Our results confirmed the correlation between sleep and screen time in adolescents. The results may inform educational polices that target screen time and sleep among adolescents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.