LIVIVO - The Search Portal for Life Sciences

zur deutschen Oberfläche wechseln
Advanced search

Search results

Result 1 - 10 of total 40

Search options

  1. Article ; Online: Changing particle content of the modern desert dust storm: a climate × health problem.

    Williams, Claire G / Samara, Fatin

    Environmental monitoring and assessment

    2023  Volume 195, Issue 6, Page(s) 706

    Abstract: Climate and land use changes together are altering the particle content of desert dust storms on regional and local scales. These storms now carry a wide variety of pollutants and pathogens arising from urbanization, industrialization, mass ... ...

    Abstract Climate and land use changes together are altering the particle content of desert dust storms on regional and local scales. These storms now carry a wide variety of pollutants and pathogens arising from urbanization, industrialization, mass transportation, warfare, or aerosolized waste in locations worldwide where deserts are intertwined with built infrastructure, transportation centers, and high-density human habitation. Accordingly, the modern desert dust storm has an anthropogenic particle load which presumably sets it apart from pre-industrial dust storms. Evidence for how particle content for modern dust storms is changing over the Arabian Peninsula holds relevance because dust storms are now more frequent and more severe. Furthermore, the Arabian Peninsula has asthma rates which are the highest worldwide. How the modern desert dust storm contributes to asthma and human health is a nascent issue. Meanwhile, public health decisions can benefit from a climate × health framework for dust storms, as proposed here. An imperative is testing each dust storm's particle content type, and for this, we propose the A-B-C-X model. Sampling a dust storm for its particle content data and then archiving samples for future analyses is advised. A storm's particle content data, once combined with its atmospheric data, allows a particle's source, transport, and deposition to be determined. In closing, the modern desert dust storm's changing particle content has far-reaching consequences for public health, transboundary issues, and international climate dialog. SIGNIFICANCE : Locally and regionally sourced particle pollution is a growing problem in deserts worldwide. Proposed here is a climate × health framework for studying how dust storm particles, entrained from both natural and engineered systems, may be contributing to declining human respiratory health.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Environmental Monitoring ; Climate ; Dust/analysis ; Asthma ; Air Pollutants/analysis ; Desert Climate
    Chemical Substances Dust ; Air Pollutants
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-22
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 782621-7
    ISSN 1573-2959 ; 0167-6369
    ISSN (online) 1573-2959
    ISSN 0167-6369
    DOI 10.1007/s10661-023-11287-6
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  2. Article: A literature review addressing midwakh and e-cigarette use in the Gulf region.

    Dalibalta, Sarah / Makhlouf, Zinb / Rabah, Layal / Samara, Fatin / Elsayed, Yehya

    The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association

    2023  Volume 98, Issue 1, Page(s) 21

    Abstract: A notable decrease in conventional cigarette smoking has been witnessed on a global scale. However, this decrease has been accompanied by an equally striking global increase in the consumption of alternative tobacco products (ATPs), namely e-cigarettes ... ...

    Abstract A notable decrease in conventional cigarette smoking has been witnessed on a global scale. However, this decrease has been accompanied by an equally striking global increase in the consumption of alternative tobacco products (ATPs), namely e-cigarettes and midwakh in the Arabian Gulf region. A literature review was used to outline the chemical composition of these two ATPs and review their impacts on health. The study was conducted using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, MDPI, and WorldCat. The literature search included terms such as "e-cigarettes," "midwakh," "dokha," "heath impacts," "psychological effects," "social influences," and "cigarette smoking" with emphasis on literature from the Arabian Gulf region. Data shows that midwakh contains markedly high levels of tar, nicotine, and various compounds of notable effects on the human body. Similarly, it was found that e-cigarettes contain non-negligible amounts of nicotine and other chemical compounds that may not have been extensively investigated. Alarming reports of system-specific effects brought about by midwakh, and e-cigarette consumption, have been reported, although further research is needed to deduce the mechanism. We also discussed some of the social and psychological factors leading to their consumption within this population. Hence, this review raises questions around the safety of these two types of ATPs and encourages comprehensive studies globally and regionally.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-12-19
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 604779-8
    ISSN 2090-262X ; 0013-2446
    ISSN (online) 2090-262X
    ISSN 0013-2446
    DOI 10.1186/s42506-023-00146-4
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  3. Article ; Online: Factors influencing the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the United Arab Emirates.

    Dalibalta, Sarah / Abukhaled, Yara / Samara, Fatin

    Reviews on environmental health

    2022  Volume 37, Issue 3, Page(s) 311–319

    Abstract: Statistics indicate that at least 20-25% of women suffer from PCOS in the Gulf region. Despite its prevalence and negative implications on reproductive, metabolic, and physiological heath the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, in part due to the diversity ... ...

    Abstract Statistics indicate that at least 20-25% of women suffer from PCOS in the Gulf region. Despite its prevalence and negative implications on reproductive, metabolic, and physiological heath the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, in part due to the diversity of symptoms manifested by this disorder. In this review, we investigate causes of PCOS globally and draw on these studies, to determine the potential contributing factors for PCOS pathogenesis in the UAE population. The most frequently identified factors promoting PCOS pathogenesis that may be pertinent to this population include physiological factors such as insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, genetic factors, obesity, and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in the body as well as environmental factors such as air pollution, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and pesticide use. This evidence will help inform healthcare workers and government agencies to set up optimal guidelines for control and awareness of PCOS in the UAE.
    MeSH term(s) Anti-Mullerian Hormone ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/epidemiology ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/etiology ; Prevalence ; United Arab Emirates/epidemiology
    Chemical Substances Anti-Mullerian Hormone (80497-65-0)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-05-11
    Publishing country Germany
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 184450-7
    ISSN 2191-0308 ; 0048-7562 ; 0048-7554
    ISSN (online) 2191-0308
    ISSN 0048-7562 ; 0048-7554
    DOI 10.1515/reveh-2021-0036
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  4. Article ; Online: Are Disinfectants for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Safe?

    Samara, Fatin / Badran, Rina / Dalibalta, Sarah

    Health security

    2020  Volume 18, Issue 6, Page(s) 496–498

    MeSH term(s) COVID-19/prevention & control ; Decontamination ; Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control ; Disinfectants ; Humans ; Infection Control/trends
    Chemical Substances Disinfectants
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-09-01
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2823049-8
    ISSN 2326-5108 ; 2326-5094
    ISSN (online) 2326-5108
    ISSN 2326-5094
    DOI 10.1089/hs.2020.0104
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  5. Article ; Online: Midwakh: Assessment of Levels of Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nicotine in Dokha Tobacco Smoke.

    Samara, Fatin / Alam, Isra Arshad / ElSayed, Yehya

    Journal of analytical toxicology

    2021  Volume 46, Issue 3, Page(s) 295–302

    Abstract: Midwakh, which originated in the Middle East, has started to spread globally with different brands commercialized online and in local stores across Europe and the USA. Dokha is the tobacco used in midwakh. To this day, risk of midwakh smoking is poorly ... ...

    Abstract Midwakh, which originated in the Middle East, has started to spread globally with different brands commercialized online and in local stores across Europe and the USA. Dokha is the tobacco used in midwakh. To this day, risk of midwakh smoking is poorly understood. Three different types of dokha were evaluated in this study, classified as cold, medium, and hot using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of nicotine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in raw and smoked dokha samples were measured, and the results were compared to data in the literature on different types of tobacco products. PAH concentrations were used to estimate the toxic equivalency quotient, daily exposures, incremental lifetime cancer risk, and hazard quotient. The level of nicotine in raw dokha exceeded by far the levels reported in cigarettes, cigar, waterpipe, and chewing tobacco. Although only a portion of the nicotine is released into the smoke, the amount of nicotine in dokha smoke exceeded those reported for cigarettes. Two PAHs were found in raw dokha at trace amounts and 12 PAHs were detected in dokha smoke in amounts that exceeded those reported for cigarette smoke. The PAHs distribution showed a specific pattern in the smoke and a higher risk factor than that obtained for cigarettes and other tobacco products. Dokha products present a potential higher risk and immediate action should be taken to avoid its global consumption.
    MeSH term(s) Nicotine/analysis ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis ; Nicotiana/chemistry ; Tobacco Products ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis ; Tobacco, Waterpipe/analysis
    Chemical Substances Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Nicotine (6M3C89ZY6R)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-20
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 752391-9
    ISSN 1945-2403 ; 0146-4760
    ISSN (online) 1945-2403
    ISSN 0146-4760
    DOI 10.1093/jat/bkab012
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  6. Article ; Online: Microplastic pollution in oyster bed ecosystems

    Meera Al Hammadi / Sandra Knuteson / Sofian Kanan / Fatin Samara

    Environmental Advances, Vol 8, Iss , Pp 100214- (2022)

    An assessment of the northern shores of the United Arab Emirates

    2022  

    Abstract: Microplastics pollution in oyster bed ecosystems was investigated in this study. Microplastics in both sediments and oysters from five sites collected along the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) oyster bed ecosystem were assessed for abundance, as ... ...

    Abstract Microplastics pollution in oyster bed ecosystems was investigated in this study. Microplastics in both sediments and oysters from five sites collected along the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) oyster bed ecosystem were assessed for abundance, as well as shape, size, color, and composition. The mean abundance in the sediment samples was 191.7 ± 95.5 MP/Kg of d.w., while the mean abundance in the oyster samples was 101.2 ± 93.8 MP/Kg of sample. In general, 100% of the sediment samples and 51% of the oysters showed the presence of microplastics, yet no correlation patterns between sediment and oysters were seen in the abundance of microplastics. The major shape of microplastics found in all the samples were fibers, accounting for 93 % in all the sites; while the most occurring color was black, accounting for 53% in both the sediment and oyster samples. The most dominant size range was 1.0-2.0mm, which accounted for 34% in both the sediment and oyster samples. This is the first study in the region investigating the presence of microplastics in oyster beds. Considering the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the sediments of the oyster beds in this study, their sources should be investigated and managed further as they can pose a potential threat to the marine ecosystem.
    Keywords Microplastics abundance ; Oyster bed ecosystem ; Sediments ; Arabian Gulf ; Oysters ; ATR-FTIR ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 551
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Elsevier
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    More links

    Kategorien

  7. Article ; Online: Carbon Footprint at a United Arab Emirates University

    Fatin Samara / Sahar Ibrahim / Mohammed Ekrima Yousuf / Rose Armour

    Sustainability, Vol 14, Iss 2522, p

    GHG Protocol

    2022  Volume 2522

    Abstract: Background: University campuses can be leaders of change by tracking carbon footprints and establishing strategies for reductions. The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has led this effort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), establishing an Office of ... ...

    Abstract Background: University campuses can be leaders of change by tracking carbon footprints and establishing strategies for reductions. The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has led this effort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), establishing an Office of Sustainability to address energy consumption on its campus, resulting in a reduction of 30% by 2015. AUS campus uses the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to annually track carbon footprint. The purpose of this paper is to stablish a framework that institutions can use to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) on their university campuses. Methods: The GHG Protocol, which categorizes emissions into three scopes; 1: direct, 2: indirect, and 3: other indirect emissions, was used as a guideline. This paper covers the following: Scope 1: emissions from university fleet, Scope 2: emissions from electricity and water consumption, Scope 3: emissions from the university commute, limited business air travel and waste. The data for each category are analyzed and recommendations to reduce the carbon footprint are presented. Results: The total CO 2 emissions for the AUS campus in 2018–2019 were 94,553.30 tCO 2 e. Additionally, the percentage contribution of total emissions for Scope 1, 2 and 3 were 0.37%, 61.12% and 38.51%. Conclusions: The two highest contributors of CO 2 emissions at the AUS campus are electricity consumption (60.91%) and university commute (36.54%). AUS has hosted numerous educational campaigns and awareness programs to try to reduce carbon emissions, which helped in reducing electricity consumption throughout campus; however, these are still insufficient; hence, the importance of quantifying the CF of the AUS campus. Based on the results obtained, recommendations can be made to reduce overall CO 2 emissions for AUS and other higher education institutions in the region and internationally.
    Keywords carbon footprint ; GHG Protocol ; sustainability ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    More links

    Kategorien

  8. Article ; Online: Applicability of Titanium-Based Catalysts in the Photocatalytic Degradation of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran.

    Samara, Fatin / Darra, Rasha / Mohamed, Ahmed A / Ahmad, Waqas / Abu-Farha, Nedal / Lee, Haesung / Han, Changseok / Kanan, Sofian

    Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

    2023  Volume 28, Issue 22

    Abstract: Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are persistent toxic compounds that are ubiquitous in the environment. Nanocomposites of titanium(IV) oxide-vanadium(III) oxide (Ti3V2O7) and titanium(IV) oxide-silicon dioxide (Ti2Si7O30) were prepared and ... ...

    Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are persistent toxic compounds that are ubiquitous in the environment. Nanocomposites of titanium(IV) oxide-vanadium(III) oxide (Ti3V2O7) and titanium(IV) oxide-silicon dioxide (Ti2Si7O30) were prepared and spectroscopically analyzed as potential decontaminants for dioxin-like materials. The analysis confirmed a homogeneous morphology with nanoscale particle size. The Ti-Si sample was found to have a high surface area compared to the Ti-V composite. Vanadium(III) oxide (V
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-08
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1413402-0
    ISSN 1420-3049 ; 1431-5165 ; 1420-3049
    ISSN (online) 1420-3049
    ISSN 1431-5165 ; 1420-3049
    DOI 10.3390/molecules28227488
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  9. Article ; Online: Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in the tissues of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) from the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates.

    Yaghmour, Fadi / Samara, Fatin / Alam, Isra

    Marine pollution bulletin

    2020  Volume 160, Page(s) 111574

    Abstract: The level of contamination of selected priority pollutants consisting of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated from the tissues of stranded green sea turtles, ... ...

    Abstract The level of contamination of selected priority pollutants consisting of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated from the tissues of stranded green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, from the Gulf of Oman coast of the United Arab Emirates. Tissue samples - muscle and liver - were collected from 22 stranded green sea turtles from the coasts of Kalba and Khorfakkan from 2016 to 2018. Overall, we detected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 77% of the turtles. PAH's were the most frequently detected followed by high concentrations of OCP's (71% and 25% of the turtles, respectively). PCB's were not detected in any samples. Factors such as specimen size, mass of debris ingested and toxin hydrophobicity were not important factors affecting the concentrations of these compounds.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Environmental Monitoring ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated ; Oman ; Pesticides ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; Turtles ; United Arab Emirates ; Water Pollutants, Chemical
    Chemical Substances Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated ; Pesticides ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls (DFC2HB4I0K)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-09-30
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2001296-2
    ISSN 1879-3363 ; 0025-326X
    ISSN (online) 1879-3363
    ISSN 0025-326X
    DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111574
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

To top