Obesity and the gut microbiota in the Middle East: a cross-cultural study of Lebanese and Emirati adults.

Gut microbiota composition plays a crucial role in host health and may be influenced by age and disease conditions. This study investigates the gut microbiota diversity of 175 dogs across three age groups (Junior (20-46 months, 43 dogs), Adult (47-92 months, 58 dogs), and Senior (93-168 months, 74 dogs), and examined the impact of osteoarthritis on microbial composition. Alpha diversity analysis using the Shannon and Chao1 indices were significant (p < 0.05) in Senior dogs Beta diversity analysis based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity indices demonstrated substantial overlap in gut microbiota composition across age groups, with no significant clustering observed (p > 0.05). A second analysis compared the microbiota of 69 healthy dogs and 81 dogs affected by osteoarthritis (OA) in the three classes of age. No significant differences were shown for alpha diversity and beta diversity between healthy and OA dogs. This indicates that aging and osteoarthritis do not induce significant shifts in microbial beta diversity, although high inter-individual variability was noted. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified distinct bacterial taxa associated with different age groups. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified distinct bacterial taxa associated with different age groups. Junior dogs exhibited enrichment in Blautia, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium, while Adult dogs were characterized by higher abundances of Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcaceae. Senior dogs had increased representation of Prevotella and Ruminococcus. In OA dogs, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Clostridiaceae, and Coprobacillus were significantly enriched in comparison to healthy dogs, suggesting potential microbiota shifts associated with osteoarthritis. Overall, these findings indicate that gut microbiota diversity varies across different life stages, specific bacterial taxa were differentially enriched in relation to age and OA. This study enhances our understanding of gut microbiota dynamics in dogs and provides insights into potential age- and disease-related microbial signatures.

Gut microbiota composition plays a crucial role in host health and may be influenced by age and disease conditions. This study investigated the gut microbiota diversity of 175 dogs across three age groups (Junior (20&amp;ndash;46 months), Adult (47&amp;ndash;92 months), and Senior (93&amp;ndash;168 months), and examined the impact of osteoarthritis on microbial composition. Alpha diversity analysis using the Shannon and Chao1 indices showed no statistically significant differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among age groups or between healthy and osteoarthritic dogs, suggesting stable microbial diversity across life stages and health conditions. Beta diversity analysis based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity indices demonstrated substantial overlap in gut microbiota composition across age groups, with no significant clustering observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05). This indicates that aging and osteoarthritis do not induce significant shifts in microbial beta diversity, although high inter-individual variability was noted. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified distinct bacterial taxa associated with different age groups. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis identified distinct bacterial taxa associated with different age groups. Junior dogs exhibited enrichment in Blautia, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium, while Adult dogs were characterized by higher abundances of Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcaceae. Senior dogs had increased representation of Prevotella and Ruminococcus. In osteoarthritic dogs, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Clostridiaceae, and Coprobacillus were significantly enriched, suggesting potential microbiota shifts associated with osteoarthritis. Overall, these findings indicate that while gut microbiota diversity remains stable across different life stages, specific bacterial taxa were differentially enriched in relation to age and osteoarthritis. This study enhances our understanding of gut microbiota dynamics in dogs and provides insights into potential age- and disease-related microbial signatures.

CR Climate Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials CR 69:25-43 (2016) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01389 Recent changes in continentality and aridity conditions over the Middle East and North Africa region, and their association with circulation patterns Ahmed M. El Kenawy1,2,*, Matthew F. McCabe1, Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano3, Sayed M. Robaa4, Juan I. Lopez-Moreno3 1Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia 2Department of Geography, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt 3Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Spanish National Research Council (IPE-CSIC), Zaragoza, 50059, Spain 4Department of Astronomy, Space Science and Meteorology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University 12613, Egypt *Corresponding author: kenawy@mans.edu.eg ABSTRACT: A long-term (1960-2013) assessment of the variability of continentality and aridity conditions over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region was undertaken. Monthly gridded temperature and precipitation data from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) (TS3.22 version) were used to compute the Johansson Continentality Index (JCI) and the Marsz Oceanity Index (MOI). In addition, the De Martonne index and the Pinna index were employed to assess recent changes in aridity conditions. All indices revealed a statistically significant increase in continental influences over the region, particularly in the Nile Basin and the Fertile Crescent. For aridity, the results suggested a generally statistically insignificant increase, with the most rapid changes occurring over the most humid regions (i.e. the Ethiopian Highlands and the Fertile Crescent). In order to explain the observed changes in the continentality and aridity conditions, we assessed the relationship between aridity and continentality indices and a wide range of large-scale circulation patterns. Results indicate that the spatial variability of continentality (as well as aridity) was closely coupled with the Atlantic modes of variability, e.g. the Eastern Atlantic pattern and the Atlantic Meridional Mode, compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. The results of this work highlight change processes in 2 important climate features in one of the hottest regions on Earth. Improving our understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of climate continentality and aridity has implications for a diversity of socio-political, economic, hydrological, and ecological activities in the MENA region. KEY WORDS: Continentality · Aridity · Precipitation · Temperature · Circulation patterns · Middle East and North Africa · MENA Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: El Kenawy AM, McCabe MF, Vicente-Serrano SM, Robaa SM, Lopez-Moreno JI (2016) Recent changes in continentality and aridity conditions over the Middle East and North Africa region, and their association with circulation patterns. Clim Res 69:25-43. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01389 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in CR Vol. 69, No. 1. Online publication date: May 30, 2016 Print ISSN: 0936-577X; Online ISSN: 1616-1572 Copyright © 2016 Inter-Research.

Two decades after the fall of the shah, Iran is still going through a long and frequently interrupted post-revolutionary transition, which has a significant impact on the country's politics and its external relations. This paper discusses the implications of Iran's foreign policy on security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a specific focus on the national security of Egypt. The study was carried out in Egypt and North Africa, and it studied a sample of 50 adult male and female professors who specialize in Iranian affairs, politics, and diplomats. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Iran's foreign policy in the MENA region. The specific objectives of the study were: 1) to examine the current situation of Iran's foreign policy on security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); 2) to assess how Iran's foreign policy on security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) impact’s on Egypt's stability and; 3) to investigate strategies being used by Egypt to navigate security challenges and improve relations with Iran. The study is based on the shock theory. Data gathered from interviews and questionnaires using both qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used in the research. After gathering the data, they were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings of the study indicate that security challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are highly complex and are influenced by various factors such as politics, history, economics, and religion. The insights contained herein form the basis for understanding how Iran's foreign policy affects regional security and geopolitical stability, thereby necessitating context-dependent measures to address contemporary security threats in the MENA region.

PurposeThis article explores the current trends in civic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after a decade of social media growth in the region.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is based on a case studies approach. In these case studies, the authors use an exploratory approach to case study research. The authors employ a mixed-method approach to exploring the development of civic engagement in the MENA region.FindingsThe study’s finding shows that the MENA region's social media growth has enabled digital natives to play a vital role in enriching and empowering their communities and their lives.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper could have explored more examples from around the MENA region.Practical implicationsThe paper's practical significance is the understanding that the ground is shifting around Internet access and how digital natives in the MENA region are employing it for their civic engagement initiative. It is an important indication that the MENA region's next innovation could be in the civic engagement arena. Unlike their parents, who are digital immigrants, these young and energetic digital natives are out to shape all aspects of their lives. Paving the way for more innovative and creative ways of civic engagement in the MENA region.Originality/valueThe paper explores civic engagement development in the MENA region, shedding light on the issues concerning MENA region youth such as cleaning the environment, waste and food recycling, combating extremism, developing education curricula and even promoting peace. The paper's value is that it gives an update on civic engagement in the MENA region.

e13567 Background: Similar to other regions of the world, cancer incidence in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is rising, which has been attributed to increased life expectancy and adoption of western lifestyle habits. Conducting clinical trials in the region is important to assess efficacy and safety of oncology medications in the specific population (response to drugs can be impacted by genetics, demographics and lifestyle factors). Although the MENA comprises around 5% of the global population, the region only participates in approximately 3% of clinical trials worldwide. It is important to understand the challenges in conducting trials in MENA and identify strategies to overcome these in order to facilitate advances in clinical research in the region. Methods: A literature review was conducted (via e.g. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) to understand the current oncology clinical research landscape in MENA (from Jan 2015-Dec 2020), with the aim of identifying key challenges and potential strategies to overcome these. Results: Conduct of oncology clinical trials (phases 1-4) has risen in recent years in MENA, from 47 trials in 2015 to 53 trials in 2020. Despite the presence of various research-favourable factors in MENA (large patient pool, high demand for medication, lower clinical trial operational costs, compliance with ICH-GCP standards), the region still falls behind other countries in clinical research. Key factors identified as challenges in conducting clinical trials in MENA include the research infrastructure and patient awareness/understanding of research. We propose the following strategies to support the advancement of clinical research in the region: (1) Enhance research infrastructure through bolstering national clinical research networks and supporting collaboration between healthcare institutes, academia and the pharma industry; (2) Diversify methods of patient engagement (e.g. patient advisory groups and social media networks) and provide education on pros/cons of participating in research to raise awareness and improve trial participation rates; and (3) Improve availability of comprehensive oncology registries to enhance understanding of disease burden and support clinical research. Conclusions: The conduct of oncology clinical trials in MENA is increasing, yet the region is still under-represented in the global clinical trial market, despite its significant potential. The advancement of clinical research in the region will require a multi-level approach, involving collaboration between multiple stakeholders including the pharma industry, regulators, government, and healthcare professionals.

COVID-19 response in the Middle East and north Africa: challenges and paths forward

Gut microbiota are integral to host health and ecological adaptation, yet their interactions with environmental microbial communities remain understudied in migratory waterbirds. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we compared gut microbiota of captive and wild Siberian cranes and their associations with soil microbiota in the Poyang Lake wetlands. Alpha diversity was significantly higher in soil than in gut microbiota, with captive cranes exhibiting greater microbial richness and evenness than wild individuals. Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct gut and soil microbiota, with partial overlap between captive and wild crane gut microbiota. Firmicutes dominated gut communities, with Ligilactobacillus and Romboutsia enriched in captive cranes, whereas Acidobacteria were predominant in soil. Escherichia-Shigella was more abundant in wild cranes and soil. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified 34 differentially enriched taxa, and microbial network analysis indicated stronger gut-soil microbial associations than those between captive and wild hosts. Network analysis further revealed distinct co-occurrence patterns between captive and wild groups, suggesting potential shifts in microbial interaction structures under different living conditions. These findings provide preliminary insights that may inform future conservation strategies for Siberian cranes.

The main purpose of this study is to measure the technical efficiency of twenty health systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to inform evidence-based health policy decisions. In addition, the effects of alternative stochastic frontier model specification on the empirical results are examined. We conducted a stochastic frontier analysis to estimate the country-level technical efficiencies using secondary panel data for 20 MENA countries for the period of 1995-2012 from the World Bank database. We also tested the effect of alternative frontier model specification using three random-effects approaches: a time-invariant model where efficiency effects are assumed to be static with regard to time, and a time-varying efficiency model where efficiency effects have temporal variation, and one model to account for heterogeneity. The average estimated technical inefficiency of health systems in the MENA region was 6.9% with a range of 5.7-7.9% across the three models. Among the top performers, Lebanon, Qatar, and Morocco are ranked consistently high according to the three different inefficiency model specifications. On the opposite side, Sudan, Yemen and Djibouti ranked among the worst performers. On average, the two most technically efficient countries were Qatar and Lebanon. We found that the estimated technical efficiency scores vary substantially across alternative parametric models. Based on the findings reported in this study, most MENA countries appear to be operating, on average, with a reasonably high degree of technical efficiency compared with other countries in the region. However, there is evidence to suggest that there are considerable efficiency gains yet to be made by some MENA countries. Additional empirical research is needed to inform future health policies aimed at improving both the efficiency and sustainability of the health systems in the MENA region.

Emphasizes the importance of water security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in a global context, including impacts on human well-being and economic prosperity. Chronic scarcity, variable hydrology, poor governance, and soaring demand are causing overexploitation of the region’s scarce water resources. The surface water resources of the MENA region are not only the scarcest; they also constitute the most variable and unpredictable in the world. The MENA region, as well as Central Asia and parts of South and East Asia, stand out as areas in which water resources are being unsustainably exploited. Achieving water security involves actions across a range of elements related to water resources management and service delivery; without enhanced water security, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will prove difficult, in particular SDG 6, the so-called water SDG, which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region suffers a drastic change from a traditional diet to an industrialized diet. This has led to an unparalleled increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. This review discusses the role of nutritional genomics, or the dietary signature, in these dietary and disease changes in the MENA. The diet-genetics-disease relation is discussed in detail. Selected disease categories in the MENA are discussed starting with a review of their epidemiology in the different MENA countries, followed by an examination of the known genetic factors that have been reported in the disease discussed, whether inside or outside the MENA. Several diet-genetics-disease relationships in the MENA may be contributing to the increased prevalence of civilization disorders of metabolism and micronutrient deficiencies. Future research in the field of nutritional genomics in the MENA is needed to better define these relationships.

The case method has made inroads as a pedagogical tool that can sharpen students’ analytical skills and better prepare them for the reality awaiting them professionally. Despite its deep-seated origins in the West, the case method remains underused in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The purpose of this study is to explore the main challenges that MENA business higher education institutions face in effecting case-based learning and the key initiatives that may help in addressing them. Building on our extensive experience with case studies production and teaching in the MENA context, and a pioneering exploratory research involving 40 instructors, students, and administrators from three leading business schools in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, we shed new light on the skills and contextual challenges that MENA business higher education institutions encounter when implementing the case method. We also propose a framework that integrates a wide range of initiatives to promote case-based learning in MENA. At the heart of this framework is the “community building” effort advocated as a catalyst to support case writing, teaching, solving, and publishing, as well as the development of a culture conducive to an effective deployment of the case method in the specific MENA context.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now widely recognized as engines of economic development. This paper discusses the importance of SMEs in the MENA economic area and identifies the challenges and barriers facing SMEs in MENA countries. In addition, this study analyses the effects of two &amp;#39;black swan&amp;#39; Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) phenomena and a decline in oil prices on the economy of MENA in 2020. The current study found that the most significant challenges were identified as lack of access to finance, lack of managerial expertise, inefficiencies of government, lack of a well-trained workforce, inadequate infrastructure, corruption and bureaucratic obstacles. Among these challenges, the lack of access to finance appears to be the major challenge and suggests that future research is required to identify the role of Islamic finance models in the financing of SMEs in MENA countries. This research provides all stakeholders with policy implications intended for enhancing the different features of SME improvement in the MENA region and generally in developing countries.

Regional Environmental Cooperation on Transboundary Air Pollution in the Middle East and North Africa Inkyoung Kim (bio) Introduction1 Since the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, international communities have endeavored to clarify the right and responsibility of states regarding transboundary pollution. Principle 21 of the 1972 Declaration at this Conference stated that countries have "the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction."2 Europe has been successful in tackling transboundary air pollution through the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution in 1979. Furthermore, the Agenda 21 of the 1992 Declaration of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development urged European countries to share their successful experiences with other regional communities to help them solve transboundary pollution issues. Have European experiences on transboundary air pollution been shared [End Page 1] with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? What are the main sources of transboundary air pollution in MENA? To address those issues, what kinds of cooperative mechanisms have been created in this region? While many studies have attempted to tease out the motivations, success, and limitations of European regional environmental cooperation, regional environmental cooperation in MENA has been understudied. This study aims to investigate regional environmental cooperation in MENA, focusing on transboundary air pollution. Transboundary Pollution Most pollution problems are caused by local or regional sources, but pollution does not stay within and stop at national borders. It can travel by air or water thousands of miles. Transboundary flows of pollutants occur among countries in the same region as well as between continents. The United Nations (UN) defines transboundary pollution as "pollution that originates in one country but, by crossing the border through pathways of water or air, is able to cause damage to the environment in another country."3 More specifically, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) defines transboundary air pollution as "air pollution whose physical origin is situated wholly or in part within the area under the national jurisdiction of one State and which as adverse effects in the area under the jurisdiction of another State at such a distance that it is not generally possible to distinguish the contribution of individual emission sources or groups of sources" in Article 1 of the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.4 It is known that some air pollutants circulate even globally and deposit on land and water bodies far from their original sources.5 Acid rain problems in Europe have led 51 countries to adopt the Convention on the Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and various numbers of countries to ratify eight protocols on the reduction of sulfur, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and ozone emissions since 1979.6 East Asia has also addressed acid rain [End Page 2] and dust sandstorms since the 1990s. As the Sahara Desert in North Africa and the whole region of the Middle East are the two hot spots of primary dust storms around the world, it is important to understand what the main sources of dust storms are and if MENA has developed any significant cooperative mechanisms to tackle transboundary impact of dust storms originated in this region. MENA Different entities identify the MENA region differently. For example, the World Bank identifies MENA as one of six regions of the world.7 It classifies the 19 countries or territories as part of the Middle East and North Africa, including Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen.8 The OECD does not include Iran but does include Mauritania and Palestinian Authority instead of West Bank and Gaza. The UN does not identify MENA as one of its five regional groups.9 Its agencies and programs define the MENA region differently and sometimes contradictorily. For instance, United Nations Environment Programme has six regional offices including Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia. The regional office for Africa covers the entire African continent...

ObjectivesDespite the rising risk factor exposure and non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality across the Middle East and the North African (MENA) region, public health policy responses have been slow and appear discordant with the social, economic and political circumstances in each country. Good health policy and outcomes are intimately linked to a research-active culture, particularly in NCD. In this study we present the results of a comprehensive analysis of NCD research with particular a focus on cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in 10 key countries that represent a spectrum across MENA between 1991 and 2018.MethodsThe study uses a well validated bibliometric approach to undertake a quantitative analysis of research output in the ten leading countries in biomedical research in the MENA region on the basis of articles and reviews in the Web of Science database. We used filters for each of the three NCDs and biomedical research to identify relevant papers in the WoS. The countries selected for the analyses were based on the volume of research outputs during the period of analysis and stability, included Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.ResultsA total of 495,108 biomedical papers were found in 12,341 journals for the ten MENA countries (here we consider Turkey in the context of MENA). For all three NCDs, Turkey's output is consistently the highest. Iran has had considerable growth in research output to occupy second place across all three NCDs. It appears that, relative to their wealth (measured by GDP), some MENA countries, particularly Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, are substantially under-investing in biomedical research. In terms of investment on particular NCDs, we note the relatively greater commitment on cancer research compared with diabetes or cardiovascular disease in most MENA countries, despite cardiovascular disease causing the greatest health-related burden. When considering the citation impact of research outputs, there have been marked rises in citation scores in Qatar, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Oman. However, Turkey, which has the largest biomedical research output in the Middle East has the lowest citation scores overall. The level of intra-regional collaboration in NCD research is highly variable. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the dominant research collaborators across the MENA region. However, Turkey and Iran, which are amongst the leading research-active countries in the area, show little evidence of collaboration. With respect to international collaboration, the United States and United Kingdom are the dominant research partners across the region followed by Germany and France.ConclusionThe increase in research activity in NCDs across the MENA region countries during the time period of analysis may signal both an increasing focus on NCDs which reflects general global trends, and greater investment in research in some countries. However, there are several risks to the sustainability of these improvements that have been identified in particular countries within the region. For example, a lack of suitably trained researchers, low political commitment and poor financial support, and minimal international collaboration which is essential for wider global impact.