A member of the Board of Directors of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, Dr. Fatima al-Gabi reported an incidence of “multiple sclerosis” of 65 for every 100,000 people. In the United Arab Emirates, the incidence in females is higher than that in females, three times higher in males.
This disease is diagnosed in the early stage in young people between 20 and 40 years of age.
In detail, Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi confirmed to Emirates Today that international research and studies show that more than 2.8 million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis (which affects the brain and spinal cord). The actual number of victims is believed to be twice that.
He said, “Statistics show that the infection rate among women is three times higher than that of men. He explained that its symptoms are unpredictable and often cause physical and emotional challenges for its victims.
Multiple sclerosis is defined as affecting the central nervous system and disrupting the flow of information within the brain. Forms, which may be temporary or permanent, include numbness, tingling, mood swings, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness, paralysis, and others.
Al-Kaabi confirmed that the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the UAE is 65 per 100,000 people, according to most experts’ estimates. Therefore, efforts were coordinated and the government quickly established the National Multiple Sclerosis Society last April. -Government organization, with the aim of enabling patients to live better lives, through awareness, assistance and improved global efforts to find a cure.
Research grants
He emphasized that the establishment of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reflects the state’s interest in raising awareness and coordinating the importance of early diagnosis and treatment as the society seeks to consolidate its position as a scientific partner and researcher for international organizations. Works in the field of Multiple Sclerosis.
Two million dirhams have been allocated to support research grants to be shared with local and international researchers to better understand multiple sclerosis in the UAE and its most important characteristics and symptoms and provide innovative treatments.
National record
Al Gabi launched the first national multiple sclerosis registry, developed in collaboration with the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health and the G42 Institute. position, and is an important step towards helping researchers and clinicians in the emirate deliver advanced and personalized treatment plans. It includes all data from patients, patients and health care providers, and aims to track and report clinical outcomes, which will advance the future. Developing disease research, healthcare models, clinical care pathways and the patient journey.
attempts
Since its establishment earlier this year, Al-Kaabi has confirmed the association’s interest in launching several initiatives targeting people with recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis to promote awareness of the disease and facilitate engagement with the association. Providing support services for them, which will contribute to developing solutions to enable patients with the disease to lead better lives.
These initiatives include a series of group discussions with people living with the disease called “MS Circles” and recently launched a virtual program called “Your Journey from Disease to Treatment and Recovery” aimed at people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. , in addition to the association’s interest in digital presence in communication channels, social and website, it is a comprehensive platform that provides all information about Multiple Sclerosis.
It seeks to organize several additional projects to be announced later, including a volunteer initiative that will provide an opportunity for members of the UAE community to support the multiple sclerosis community.
Adopting the slogan “Our stories are many, our commitment is one”, he pointed out that the role of the association’s work in the next phase is crucial for people with multiple sclerosis to practice their lives better. Creating an integrated system to support the UAE by listening to their needs and the challenges they face, and contributing to the development of local and global research efforts to find a cure for the disease and discuss the best ways to tackle it.
It is worth noting that researchers believe that multiple sclerosis is not directly classified as an infectious or genetic disease. At the same time, epidemiologists noted that people with multiple sclerosis were infected with the Epstein-Barr virus during their lifetime. There are four general types of MS, including: isolated clinical syndrome, relapsing MS, secondary progressive MS, and primary progressive MS. People who have a family member with multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis, and it is not classified as a genetic disease.
Children of parents with multiple sclerosis have a 2% chance of developing symptoms.
6 Research Areas
Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi, the association supports research in six areas, including: the development of innovative and emerging treatments that can slow, stop or reverse multiple sclerosis, the identification of clinical characteristics and epidemiological research, the incidence and prevalence of the disease in the UAE and multiple in the world. Understanding the role of genetics in multiple sclerosis, identifying suspected risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis in the nation’s population, and knowing the effectiveness and impact of certain treatments in the population, including:
(New treatments in clinical trials, medical and radiological isolation treatments for the syndrome, disease-modifying therapies, “Covid-19” and the impact of pregnancy, as well as exploring ways to achieve treatment in the United Arab Emirates, Middle East and North Africa. Region and around the world).
Disease management
Dr. Fatima Al-Kaabi stressed that multiple sclerosis does not normally affect the practice of life, as most of the affected people live their lives with some lifestyle adjustments, including healthy nutrition and exercise, the physical and emotional impact of multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis should be revised.
He added: “The disease can affect the patient’s ability to work, medical care, rehabilitation, housing changes and other costs, especially since there is currently no cure. Currently there is medicine in the management of the disease. Treatments for acute inflammatory attacks or relapses, and drugs that reduce the risk of infection, disease- Modifiable therapies, as well as treatments that slow disease progression, are available to relieve and improve various symptoms.Successful management of multiple sclerosis includes healthy diet, exercise, and rehabilitation.
• 2 million dirhams to support research grants related to multiple sclerosis.
• “Epidemiologists observed that multiple sclerosis patients were infected with the (Epstein-Barr) virus.”
Some people like to eat a lot of spicy food and may not be able to resist it, although this may cause some problems with the taste buds of the tongue or the digestive system, and according to the website “My Health only“, can cause Chili pepper For various digestive problems like vomiting, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, there are ways to improve spice tolerance..
Cool ingredients from your diet to soothe chili problems
Eating cooling foods like yogurt, cucumber, mint and coconut are great ways to combat the heat of burning foods as they soothe the digestive system.
Stay hydrated
Spicy foods can cause dehydration, so be sure to stay hydrated, especially when eating spicy foods, drinking water and herbs to help balance and maintain balance.
Yogurt with hot dishes
Drinking curd after eating spicy food can help in relieving the heat caused by spicy food. Curd is a classic remedy, it contains probiotics and has a soothing effect on the digestive system.
Herbs like chamomile
Herbs like cilantro can help cut down on spicy flavors. Additionally, drinking herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint after meals can also help ease digestion after a spicy meal.
The painful earthquakes in Turkey, Morocco and Afghanistan in 2023, which caused severe losses beyond thousands of deaths and injuries and severe damage to infrastructure, confirm the importance of constructing earthquake-resistant buildings. Many technological solutions are now available to increase the resistance of buildings to earthquakes, which may protect lives or mitigate their psychological and economic effects and consequences. Many international universities are also racing to develop technologies that can help predict earthquakes using artificial intelligence.
Major universities are developing new technologies to help predict earthquakes with artificial intelligence (Shutterstock).
Earthquake resistant designs
Earthquake-resistant design includes a range of technologies and methods to improve a building’s ability to withstand seismic forces. In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, architect Muhammad Obaid, founder and CEO of Emcon Architecture and Engineering Consultancy, explains the basic techniques and methods currently used in earthquake-resistant design. “Basic isolation systems range from shear walls, moment-resisting frames, anchorage systems, tuned mass dampers, viscous dampers, reinforced concrete, steel framing, flexible materials, energy dissipation devices, seismic retrofitting, design of non-structural components,” Obaid said. says. , and soil optimization, seismic hazard assessment, computer modeling and simulation, and building codes and standards.” He adds, “Engineers and architects combine these techniques and methods to create detailed earthquake-resistant designs designed to meet the specific needs and conditions of the building and its location, and the choice of techniques depends on factors such as the type of building, location, budget, and level of seismic risk.” “
Architect Mohammad Obaid is the Founder and CEO of “EMKON” Architectural and Engineering Consulting Firm (EMKON).
Restoration of old buildings
Retrofitting existing buildings with sustainable, earthquake-resistant technologies is certainly possible, but it requires careful planning, engineering expertise and compliance with local regulations. Architect Muhammad Obaid, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, believes that “existing buildings can be modernized with sustainable and earthquake-resistant technologies, although the process varies in complexity depending on the specific technologies and the structural and architectural characteristics of the building.” Some of the considerations for retrofitting existing buildings with these techniques include “structural retrofitting, material improvements, architectural considerations, engineering expertise, building codes and permits, cost considerations, phased approach, seismic evaluation and integration of sustainable technologies,” he explains. “Operational challenges and issues vary from one building to another, and a customized approach is often necessary to achieve desired seismic and sustainability goals while minimizing disruption to building occupants,” he notes.
Stanford University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model that can predict aftershocks after an earthquake with more than 80 percent accuracy.
The model was trained on a dataset of more than 700,000 earthquakes from around the world, and it was able to identify patterns in more complex data that traditional methods could not detect, the researchers report.
The model works by analyzing seismic activity data sources, geological data and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and trends associated with the occurrence of earthquakes. It can predict the size and timing of a setback. The model is still under development, but it can be a valuable predictive tool that can improve the accuracy and timeliness of aftershock warnings and help save lives and property.
The Japanese DLEPM model was trained on a dataset of over 10 million global seismic events (Shutterstock).
High precision Japanese model
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have succeeded in developing a model called Deep Learning Earthquake Prediction Model (DLEPM) that can predict with high accuracy by analyzing seismic activity patterns. The model was trained on a dataset of over 10 million seismic events from around the world. DLEPM analyzes a variety of data sources, including geographic data and machine learning algorithms. Japanese university researchers say it has proven to be very accurate in predicting. It is 80 percent successful in predicting magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes within a week of their occurrence.
“DLEPM” is still under development, but its potential is not limited to saving lives and property, but improving researchers’ understanding of earthquake processes and how and why they occur to develop new strategies to prevent them and mitigate their effects.
Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States is developing an artificial intelligence model that could help predict earthquakes (Shutterstock)
Prediction of crack friction
Another AI model that can predict future fault friction is called the Deep Learning Fault Friction Model (DLFFM), developed by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US.
Trained on a dataset of more than one million laboratory earthquakes, the model analyzes various data sources to identify patterns and trends associated with fault friction. They can be used to predict future friction at a given location, and how friction will change over time. DLFFM is still under development, but could be a valuable tool for improving the accuracy and timeliness of earthquake warnings.
Kengo Kuma, a Japanese architect, used carbon fiber to stabilize buildings and protect them from earthquakes (Shutterstock)
The innovative Japanese method
Japan is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is known for frequent seismic activity, prompting the design and construction of earthquake-resistant buildings.
An architectural firm affiliated with Kengo Kuma used carbon fiber to stabilize buildings and protect them from earthquakes. These materials are made from thermoplastic carbon fiber, a material with amazing tensile strength that rivals traditional building materials like steel. The innovation provides additional reinforcement to the building structure as carbon fiber ropes extend through a metal frame above the eco-friendly roof and then drop down the sides to reach the ground. Carbon fibres, separated in curtain-like fashion, form doors that lead to interior spaces draped over time and covered in white fabric.
The Stanford model works by analyzing seismic and geological data sources and machine learning algorithms (Shutterstock).
Cost of earthquake resistant buildings
Earthquake-resistant technologies can have a significant impact on the overall cost of a construction project. While these technologies are essential to ensure a building’s safety and resilience during seismic events, they can also add cost to a project. Architect Muhammad Obaid, founder and CEO of Imcon Architecture and Engineering Consulting, explains in an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsad, “The degree of this influence depends on various factors, including specific technologies, the location of the project, the type of building and the level of seismic hazards. “Earthquake He believes that resisting technologies, materials and components, complexity of structural design, special systems, foundation systems, quality control and inspection, architectural modifications, seismic retrofits, local building codes, and degree of seismic risk affect construction costs. Project size and complexity and maintenance and life cycle costs.
While earthquake-resistant technologies add upfront construction costs, they also lead to long-term benefits. Architect Muhammad Obaid says, “These benefits include increased safety, lower repair and reconstruction costs after an earthquake, and a possible reduction in insurance premiums. Some regions offer incentives or subsidies to cover the initial costs of incorporating earthquake-resistant technologies.” Generally, building an earthquake-resistant building costs more than a conventional building. According to architect Muhammad Obaid, this cost is “10 percent to 30 percent more than the cost of building a conventional building.”
Some metabolic disorders can cause bad breath due to various problems in the intestines, blood or liver.
The following are the most important medical conditions that can cause complications:
diabetes
A common condition that causes bad breath in the mouth and throat is diabetes because high glucose levels can cause the growth of harmful bacteria.
Because people with diabetes have insulin problems, cells may not get the glucose they need for energy, and instead the body starts burning fat-forming compounds called ketones.
Ketones accumulate in the blood and urine and cause bad breath.
One of these ketones is acetone, and it can cause breath to smell like nail polish.
If someone with diabetes notices the smell, they should seek medical advice as it could be due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.
Liver disease
If a person’s breath has a strong, foul smell, this is a sign that the liver is not filtering out toxins.
Doctors call this distinctive smell “the breath of the dead” because of its association with severe and fatal liver disease.
Kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter the blood properly, which is why excess fluids and waste from the blood can build up in the body and cause other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
People with kidney failure may develop bad breath.
As the kidneys begin to fail, the metabolic urea cannot be excreted effectively in the urine, and it accumulates in the blood and saliva.
The body converts urea into ammonia, which causes bitterness in the mouth and bad breath.
One in three people on dialysis say their breath smells like urine.
