Biography:

Aisha Almulla has completed her bachelor and master degree from the University of Gothenburg , Sweden in the clinical nutrition and dietitic field in 2014. She is a regesteried dietitian working in Tawam hospital in the Community Nutrition Department dealing with patients and conducting researches in the nutrition field. She is  a member in the American Sociaty for Nutrition and the Swedish Association of Clinical Dieticians and the United Arab Emirates nutrition group

Abstract:

Introduction: There are many factors that are related to postpartum weight retention such as pre-pregnancy weight, breastfeeding, physical activity level (PAL) and total energy intake (EI). Studies investigating  maternal eating frequency (EF) postpartum and its relation to body weight (BW) and body fat (BF) are limited. Objectives: To examine if there are relationships between maternal EF, lactation and changes in BW and BF from 2 weeks to 12 months postpartum. And to investigate if there is a difference in maternal EF in relation to lactation behavior, or changes over time in BW, BF, Body Mass Index (BMI), PAL, EF and EI depending on lactation duration. Methods: 83 postpartum healthy women (25-40 years) from Gothenburg were included. Study visits were at 2 weeks, 4 months and 12 months postpartum. At all time points,BW and BF were measured and data from four-day diet records were used to determine EF at each time point.Women were also classified in accordance with their lactation behavior and duration  at 4 months postpartum. Results: There was a significant increase in BW from estimated pre-pregnancy BW to 4 months postpartum within all lactation duration groups. A significant reduction in BW, BF and a significant increase in PAL was shown from 2 weeks to 12 months postpartum only among those who breastfed longer than 4 months. EI was higher at 4 and 12 months postpartum, among those who breastfed longer than 4 months. There were no significant relationships between EF at 4, and 12 months postpartum, respectively,and changes in BW and BF. There were significant positive relationships between EF and EI both at 4 and 12 months postpartum. EF at 4 months postpartum was significantly higher in the full breastfeeding group compared to the no breastfeeding group.Conclusion: Changes in BW and BF postpartum are related to factors such as lactation behavior and duration, PAL and total EI, but the relation to maternal EF is still unclear.

Biography:

M Karavetian earned her PhD in “Health Promotion in Medical Sciences” from Maastricht University, Netherlands; and her dietetics degree from American University of Beirut, Lebanon. She has extensive experience in nutrition management of the chronically and critically ill; she shares her experience in conferences and workshops locally and regionally in the aim of improving health care. Her research is focused on finding effective strategies to change dietary behavior in chronically ill patients.  Her publications focus on dietary management of hemodialysis patients and finding the optimal dietitian-to-patient ratio needed in the hemodialysis unit in the Arab world for optimal clinical outcomes. 

Abstract:

Physical activity protects from the development of chronic diseases. Preclinical studies suggest that circulating levels of the myokine β-amino-isobutyric acid (BAIBA) may prevent obesity and improve cardiometabolic health. We aimed at assessing among healthy young individuals whether serum BAIBA is associated with physical activity, markers of cardiometabolic risk, and whether gender differences exist. The design was cross-sectional, conducted on 80 university students.

Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, cortisol and physical activity were measured and analyzed against serum BAIBA levels.

Mean age of the sample was 19.3 ±2.0 years. BAIBA levels were 1.57±0.61 mM. Males had significantly larger waist (86.0±9.6 cm), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (124.9±11.7 mmHg and 77.9±9.9 mmHg, respectively), fasting blood glucose (84.6±7.5 mg/dL), cortisol (594.8±158.9 nmol/L) and physical activity levels than females. They also had significantly lower HDL (46.9±7.3 mg/dL). BAIBA concentrations in males and females were not significantly different. No significant association was found between BAIBA concentrations and nutritional, metabolic and functional parameters, except for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in males (P=0.03). BAIBA in males predicted DBP as disclosed by ROC curve analysis. The BAIBA value of 0.97µM was estimated as the best predictive value in distinguishing normotensive DBP in males whereby lower levels would distinguish higher diastolic blood pressure.

In conclusions;  among healthy, young individuals, serum BAIBA levels were not related to nutritional status, metabolic status, and physical activity, but they were inversely related to DBP in males only.

Biography:

Christine Greaves is the Corporate Affairs Director for Mars GCC with over 38 years in the food industry she has been based in the Gulf markets for close to 16 years, working for Mars Incorporated in a number of different capacities. In 2009, Christine led the formation of the GCC Food & Beverage Alliance (GCC FBA) and is currently the chairperson of the group.   As with the International Food & Beverage Alliance, the GCC FBA is a forum for bringing together food and soft drinks companies based in the GCC,  around a common goal of helping people to achieve balanced diets and healthy lifestyles.  

Abstract:

The International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA),  is a group of twelve global food and soft drink companies - The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, Ferrero, General Mills, Grupo Bimbo, Kellogg, Mars, McDonald’s, MondelÄ“z  International, Nestlé,  PepsiCo and Unilever - that share a common goal of helping people around the world achieve balanced diets and healthy lifestyles. 

IFBA was formed in 2008 in response to a call for action contained in the 2004 WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. Building on individual efforts already underway, IFBA came together and made a set of global commitments to the WHO:

-          to develop products that help people eat healthy, balanced diets;

-          to provide clear, fact-based nutrition information to consumers;

-          to market responsibly to children;

-          and to promote healthy lifestyles in our workplaces and in communities around the world.

In 2009 IFBA members based in the GCC came together with the objective of implementing the IFBA commitments across the GCC.  Since then industry members implemented many voluntary initiatives to meet these commitments.

We believe that an effective response to the global burden of NCDs requires a “whole of society” effort”, which includes the participation of the private sector. Furthermore we believe that food and non-alcoholic beverage companies have an important and unique role to play in helping to address NCDs.  Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and particularly obesity, are prevalent in the Middle East and have become an important public health issue and a major economic burden on the countries in the region. This presentation will provide an overview of global and regional policy trends, and industries voluntary pledges & initiatives implemented in the GCC. 

Biography:

Shabana Anjum has completed her PhD in 2015 from Banaras Hindu University. She has published 5 papers and book chapters in reputed international journals and has been awarded in national conference on society for reproductive biology and comparative endocrinology. She has presented many papers in national and international conference.

Abstract:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the roles of RFamide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide, as an endocrine link between increasing adiposity and impaired testicular function in mice. To achieve this, the effect of RFRP-3 on changes in nutrients uptake and hormonal synthesis/action in the adipose tissue and testis was investigated simultaneously by in vivo study and separately by in vitro study. Mice were treated in vivo with different doses of RFRP-3 for 8 days. In the in vitro study, adipose tissue and testes of mice were cultured with different doses of RFRP-3 with or without insulin or LH for 24 h at 37⁰C. The RFRP-3 treatment in vivo showed increased food intake, up-regulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and increased uptake of triglycerides in the adipose tissue. These changes may be responsible for increased accumulation of fat into white adipose tissue, resulted in increase in the body mass. On the contrary to the adipose tissue, treatment with RFRP-3 both in vivo and in vitro showed decreased uptake of glucose by down-regulation of glucose transporter 8 (GLUT8) expressions in the testes, which in turn resulted in the decreased synthesis of testosterone. The RFRP-3 treatment in vivo also showed the decreased expression of insulin receptor protein in the testis which may also be responsible for the decreased testicular activity in the mice. These findings thus suggest that RFRP-3 increases the uptake of glucose and triglycerides in the adipose tissue resulting in increased accumulation of fat, whereas simultaneously in the testis RFRP-3 suppressed the GLUT8 mediated glucose uptake, which in turn may be responsible for decreased testosterone synthesis. This study thus demonstrates RFRP-3 as mediator of increasing adiposity and impaired testicular function in mice and may be use as therapeutic agent for male infertility.

Biography:

A PhD candidate in Biochemistry lab in the department of Biological Sciences. Has read his Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Huazong Normal University in the republic of China in 2012. Has been working at the University of Botswana as Medical Scientist lecturer in the faculty of Medicine in the republic of Botswana before perusing doctoral studies.

Abstract:

Obesity has become the recent times prevailing phenomenon which has serious implications on human health. This is a process where the body accumulates fats due to factors such as genetics, diet and physical inactivity. Lipid metabolism is the synthesis and degradation of lipids in cells. Lipid metabolism is the break down or storage of fats for energy; these fats are obtained from consuming food and absorbing them or they are synthesized by an animal's liver. Lipid synthesis and oxidation are two processes which plays an important in lipid metabolism. Mitochondria are organelles for cellular metabolism and function through regulation of energy production. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses" or "energy factories" of a cell because they are in charge of making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy-carrying molecule. Therefore, lipid metabolism, signaling and apoptosis and its alterations may add to the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiovascular related diseases. The statistics shows that there is great intake of fructose worldwide due to fast foods, this consequently leads to obesity across the world. Oleanolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid complex which possesses many promising pharmacological activities, such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. However, there is limited information about direct influence of oleanolic acid on mechanism of antidiabetic activity of oleanolic acid. The morphological changes (weekly weight recordings), GC-MS for lipid analysis, RT-qPCR differentiation marker genes, and Western blot analysis was done as well. In this study, the results showed that oleanolic acid down regulated the expression of genes responsible for fat deposition such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) while on the other hand up regulated the expression of genes which are play significant role in alleviating lipid oxidation such as Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), consequently reducing obesity. 

Biography:

Seham M. AlRaish is pursuing her PhD study at the age of 31 years in United Arab Emirates University after she completed her master in Enviromental Sc. with master thesis title " Nutritional status, dietary habits, practises and knowledge and their relationship with performance among young athletes in the united arab emirates"and BSc. In Dietitics .She has published two poster presentation papers in reputed conference. 

Abstract:

Nutrition is a critical part of human health and development. However, overweight and obesity prevalence is raising worldwide, with associated obesity related diseases. Body mass index (BMI) is an index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify weight category, the skinfold measurement method is the most widely used body fat composition testing method for assessing body fat percentage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of body weight, body fat and waist circumference. A cross-sectional study among 59 male soccer players aged 13-18 years recruited from Al Jazira Academic sports clubs in the United Arab Emirates were Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentages calculated by different skinfold thickness and by body fat analyzer and waist circumference were calculated for each subject, WHO classification was used for defining the cut points. The results indicate that the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 1.69%, 6.7% and 0%, respectively while the healthy weight was 91.50%. The average mean body fat percentage measured by body fat analyzer of the respondents was 16.46±3.28%. The mean body fat percentages calculated by different skinfold thickness were: biceps 4.66±2.20 mm, triceps 7.44±2.58 mm, supra-iliac 7.55±2.94 mm and subscapular 8.17±2.00 mm. Skinfold reading for athletes fell into average for triceps was 55.91% and sub-scapular=72.85%. Waist circumference classification according to NCHS waist percentiles show 69.60%, athletes fell into 5^th-25^th percentile and 26.80% in 50^th and the rest were <5^th. Our findings could be used in obesity awareness promotion and nutrition education program as it show there are some athletes fell in unhealthy weight, skin fold and waist circumference category where they should be in optimal status comparing to others. However, further investigation about the determinants of obesity and body fat, including age, sex, race and nutrition and changes over time, is needed.

Biography:

Completed her Ph.D in Biochemistry from Aligarh Muslim University, India in 1998. Currently working as Associate Professor in Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE and has published 20 papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Aim: To assess the prevalence and perception of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among the adults of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey. Healthcare related population excluded. Data analyzed using SPSS version 21. Result: 1367 Arab and expatriate population with 700 being young adults (18-25 years) participated. Personal history reveals 47% overweight/obese, 25% current/Ex-users of tobacco, 60% perceive their life moderately or highly stressful and 74% do not follow the recommended physical-activity. 8.1% reported to have diabetes mellitus (DM), 11.8% hypercholesterolemia and 14.4% hypertension. Family history of DM (42.6%), Hypertension (30%) and heart attack (23.6%) was also reported. 55% of the population perceive that obese people and those with hypercholesterolemia are at high risk of developing CVD; 49% perceive Hypertension and 30% think Diabetes to be a risk factor. 59% recognized “more risk factors you have, greater is your chance of developing CVD”. “No smoking, regular exercise, healthy diet, control of diabetes and blood pressure may prevent the development of CVD?” 68% of younger age group and 80% of older acknowledged this fact. Few thought they are at risk of developing heart attack (21%) or stroke (16%) in next 10 years. 60% of younger and significantly higher number (73%) of older were planning to make changes in their lifestyle in near future. 80% feel people need more knowledge regarding CVD. Conclusion: There is a need for public health education to increase the level of correct perceptions regarding risk factors of CVD in this high-risk population. 

Biography:

Dr. Masum poudel  completed Master degree in general practice and finished fellowship in Emergency medicine , working as additional professor in BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal. She is involved in teaching, learning in undergraduate and postgraduate student and also involved in academic research.        

Abstract:

Background: The Rose Questionnaire (RAQ)was designed to assess the probability of underlying coronary artery disease in epidemiologic studies of population groups. Since then, the RAQ has been used in many countries to detect coronary heart disease  in epidemiological research as well  in Emergency department. Rose suggested that the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire may vary between countries. Objectives: To validate the Rose angina questionnaire to detect   Myocardial infarction (MI) by comparison with emergency diagnosis in Nepali population and to find out the sensitivity and specificity between Emergency diagnosis and diagnosis by RAQ   regarding MI. Methods:  A Hospital based Cross -sectional study from Jan 1^st to March 30^th  2017, conducted in the Emergency ward   among   patient  age 40-70 years  with chest pain.. All participating  were asked  detailed multi component questionnaire for possible myocardial infarction considering  53% sensitivity and 89% specificity according the study  by Rahma MA et al in Bangladesh . Results: Mean age of participants was 63.78 years (standard deviation ±11.60 years). Male were 66%. History of diabetics, hypertension and Dyslipidemia  secondary to obesity were   positive in 30, 41 and 3  patients respectively. Among MI Incidence by RAQ and MI Investigation    study showed that Sensitivity was92.59% Specificity was 89.47%. crohnback  alpha was found 0.78. Conclusion; The RAQ could be used as a useful screening tool to screen for Coronary heart disease  in an emergency department and  helps to identify the risk factor for coronary heart disease like hypertension, diabetes ,dyslipidemia secondary to obesity and also  reduce  the overcrowding of the patient at emergency  department by avoiding  reparative investigation and help to reduce the cost burden of the patient.

Biography:

Dr Ashok Kumar Yadav has done graduate from Chittagong Medical College, Bangladesh and post graduate from BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal. He worked as medical officer in the department of forensic medicine and internal medicine. He has been working as associate professor in the department of General practice and Emergency medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) from 2009.

Abstract:

Background: Universal precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources to a susceptible host. The CDC guideline recommends Universal Precautions for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. It is mandatory to treat all blood and other potentially infectious materials with appropriate precautions. Objectives: To assess components and the associated factors for not practicing the rules of universal precaution and also to assess the knowledge and practice regarding universal precaution among Resident doctors. Methods: it is cross-sectional survey, conducted in BPKIHS in tertiary hospital teaching hospital Dharan in 2016.A total of 275resident doctors were interviewed with the help of self-designed questionnaire. Result: Out of 275 resident doctors, 94% participants practiced hand washing if contacted different patients, 91% practiced hand washing after taking of gloves whereas 94% practice hand washing after contact with blood and body fluid. 93% agreed to wear gloves while   drawing of body fluid whereas 91 % participants agreed to changes gloves if contacted different patients. 63% used gloves always, 35% used gloves sometimes and 3% never used gloves. 52% participants used personal protective equipment, 26% resident doctors did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) due to lack of materials 14 % due to lack of awareness, 11% due to carelessness. 63 % participants faced needle stick injury, among whom 38% had one time injury, 22% had two times whereas 21 % had more than 3 times injury.37% faced needle stick during recapping syringe, 33% during securing IV cannulation, whereas 14% during suturing. 77% took prophylaxis vaccination whereas 23% have   not vaccinated. Conclusion: Careful adherence to universal precautions can protect both health personal and patients from infections through proper execution of norms of universal precaution. 

Biography:

Souama Oualid is currently in Fifth year in anesthesiology residency, ULB. He is also Currently on-call senior physician, Emergency Department, Tournai & on-call senior physician, Acute Care Unit, Parc Léopold, Brussels. 

Abstract:

Biography:

Dr. Hadil Subih, An assistant professor in Clinical Nutrition-Jordan University of Science and Technology. I'm also a Clinical Nutrition counselor in King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH)/Jordan. She got her PhD from Texas Tech University (2014). She finished her MA from New Mexico State University. Her research interest is the study of obesity, diabetes and health biomarkers. 

Abstract:

Background: T2DM is considered as one of the most prevalent diseases in Jordan and worldwide in the last decades. Preventive strategies are needed urgently due to the chronic complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, blood vessels damage, nerves atrophy, kidney damage and blindness. Dietary modification, physical activity, medical care, body weight and abdominal obesity, and family support are crucial factors which may either improve or worsen glycemic control in diabetic patients. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate lifestyle and dietary practices/behaviors that may correlate with the glycemic status of diabetic patients in Jordan. Methods and Participants: One hundred sixteen subjects (51 male and 65 females: 27-75 years) who visited the dietitian clinic at King Hussain Hospital, Amman, based on the referral of the endocrinologist were recruited in the study and approved to sign a consent form. All subjects had a baseline serum HbA1c of ≥ 6.5 % and followed the standard regimen that included an individualized balanced diet based on the baseline anthropometric measurement and dietary assessment. Along comprehensive questionnaire was filled out at their first visit with the assistance of trained researcher. Body composition was also measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770). Results: Female subjects had poorer glycemic control (HbA1c >7) compared to males. BMI, waist circumference, body fat % and waist to hip ratio were significantly correlated with poor glycemic control (P≤0.05). Skipping breakfast and eating with others were also significantly associated with poor glycemic control while the speed of eating, sleeping right after eating were not associated with glycemic control. Conclusion: Lifestyle practices, body weight, abdominal obesity, body fat %, and dietary habits may correlate significantly with glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Biography:

Abdul Kareem is the head of surgical department, Teaching Hospital-Basrah-Iraq. He is an Arab Board Certified Surgeon. He is an international member of society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He worked as a Registrar in General Surgery at Teaching Hospital.

Abstract:

Gall stone commonly occur after bariatric surgery. This prospective study in Basrah for 2 years to compare between incidence of gall stone after sleeve gastrectomy in comparison to gastric bypass. Some authers said that gall stone after sleeve gasrectomy less than gastric bypass because no change in enteric endocrine reflex. Patient and Methods: Prospective study for patients underwnt SG and RyGBP for 2 years in Basrah between 2013 to 2015. Patients with previous cholecystectomy were excluded also with known history of gall stone. Result: Group A gastric sleeve470 patient 70 case were excluded (14.8%) Group B 89 case 17 excluded (19.1%) No significant difference in occurrence of gall stone between 2 groups (6.7% vs2.6% p=0.9)

Biography:

Roula Zougheibe is a Ph.D. student at Curtin University for Spatial Science Department. She holds Master degree in Geoinformation Systems from ITC institution, the Netherlands and BSc. in Geography from Damascus University, Syria. She has about 15 years of working experiences in Enterprise Geographic Information Systems solutions across several industry sectors.

Abstract:

The prevelance of overweightness and obesity among Australians has been steadily increasing for the past 30 years. A report from the Department of Health in Australia (2008) states that 25% of children are currently overweight or obese. Studies suggest that the overweight and obese are less active while others find that physical movement plays an important role in the prevention of becoming overweight and obese in childhood and adolescence. The State of Western Australia’s Children and Young People reported that less than one-half (48.9%) of 5 to 15 year-olds in WA met the recommended amount of physical activity in 2012. Ongoing research is conducting a variety of studies to find reasons and solutions. To effectively prevent and reduce childhood obesity it is helpful to understand children’s mobility behaviour in relation to the surrounding environment. Spatial Information has been recently used to show spatial movements for kids. However the evidence base on what might work to increase children’s mobility is still poor.  This paper aims to presents findings of relevant literature and outlines the roles of spatial technologies played in understanding child mobility behaviours in relation to their sourrounding environment. Also, assess the impact of behavoiural change on childrens weight. The research output will be a great opportunity to magnify our understanding of the contributions of spatial technologies in explaining individual children’s mobility and what may influence movement behaviours including spatial techonologies which may help promote new conversations on health measures.