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Stroke is a global public health concern, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. In Syria, the current conflict and associated challenges have had a profound impact on healthcare infrastructure, including education and awareness programs related to stroke. An essential aspect of preventing stroke is the awareness of individuals. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke among Syrian people. A cross-sectional national representative study was conducted in Syria. The questionnaire was created on Google form and disseminated as a link through online platform social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. The population of the study was divided using proportionate random sampling into the 14 governorates. A random sample was selected from each area. The STROBE reporting guideline for cross-sectional studies was followed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with poor knowledge of stroke. A total of 1013 Syrian adults participated in the study. With more than half of them were females (53.5%) and employed (55.6%). Significant associations were found between ability to identify at least one correct risk factor and employability status (p = 0.029), single group (p = 0.036) and smokers (p < 0.001). In addition, significant associations were found between identifying at least one correct stroke symptom and smokers (p < 0.001) and no-obese people (p = 0.048). Furthermore, younger age group (below 30 years) were significantly able to list at least one correct stroke consequence compared to the older age groups (p = 0.025). Moreover, a significantly higher number of smokers compared to non-smokers correctly identified at least one stroke consequence (p = 0.019). The study revealed that there is a relatively weak understanding of the preventable nature of stroke among Syrian population. The overall awareness is still inadequate and varies depending on lifestyle factors and employment status.
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Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Humanos , Siria/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Transversales , Accidente Cerebrovascular/epidemiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , AncianoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The Arab world is one of the global regions the most directly concerned by, and suffering from climate change's adverse consequences. As such, there appears to be a strong need for an understanding of how Arab people may emotionally respond to climate change. Providing valid and reliable measures of climate change anxiety (CCA) can help gain a clear overview of the situation in Arab countries, and allow to intervene timely and effectively to mitigate any adverse effects on Arab people's mental health. To this end, the present study sought to validate the Arabic language version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) in a sample of native Arabic-speaking adults from the general population of Lebanon. METHODS: This study adopted a cross-sectional approach and enrolled 763 adults between July and September 2023. RESULTS: A confirmatory analysis of the one-factor model showed poor fit indices as follows: CFI = 0.90, GFI = 0.83, SRMR = 0.048 and RMSEA 0.131 [90% CI 0.123, 0.138). The two-factor model showed a satisfactory fit with a high CFI of and a GFI of 0.91 and a SRMR of 0.04 and RMSEA of 0.05 [90% CI 0.04, 0.06]. Both McDonald's omega and Cronbach alpha values were high for the overall CCAS score (α = 0.96 and ω = 0.96) in the whole sample. Configural, metric and scalar invariance across gender was demonstrated. No significant difference was found between males and females in terms of total CCAS scores (24.53 ± 10.59 vs. 26.03 ± 11.17, t(761) = -1.82, p = .069). Higher CCA, functional impairment and cognitive impairment scores were significantly associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION: The reliability and validity of the CCAS in its Arabic version were proven. The availability of this self-report measure could offer a chance to assess CCA among Adults speaking Arabic, and to spread its future use for screening and research purposes.
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Ansiedad , Cambio Climático , Psicometría , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Ansiedad/psicología , Ansiedad/diagnóstico , Líbano , Estudios Transversales , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica/normas , Traducciones , Árabes/psicología , Adulto Joven , Traducción , Anciano , LenguajeRESUMEN
Examining the microbiological characteristics of pet food is imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals, pet owners, and the surrounding environment. Domestic animals, known for carrying harmful microorganisms, pose a significant health risk, especially in close proximity to people and children. Notably, no studies have previously investigated pet food quality in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in particular, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study examined the microbiological quality of all stock keeping units (SKUs) of pet foods marketed in UAE (n = 118). Parameters assessed include Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Enterobacteriaceae, Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium species. Among the 118 samples, 33 (28%) exceeded the acceptable TAMC limit of 106 CFU/g, highlighting significant variations based on manufacturers and ingredients. Eight samples (7%) surpassed the maximum Enterobacteriaceae limit of 3 × 102 CFU/g. TYMC levels exhibited variation, with 33 (28%) exceeding the limit of 104 CFU/g. L. monocytogenes was identified in 44 (37%) of the samples, while Salmonella was not detected. Clostridium contamination was observed in 28 (24%) of the samples. Statistical analyses revealed associations between pet food characteristics and microbial quality, underscoring the imperative for international standards to ensure the safety of pet food. These findings carry significant implications for pet owners, regulatory bodies, and the pet food industry, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the overall quality and safety of pet food products.
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The interplay between insomnia and PTSD symptoms remains misunderstood, and seems to be influenced by other factors like individual resilience. Our study examined the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between insomnia and PTSD symptoms among a sample of Lebanese adolescents, in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake. This cross sectional study, conducted in April, 2 months after the earthquake, enrolled 546 Lebanese adolescents. We used the Sleep Self Report, the Resilience Scale for Adolescents and the 13-item Children's Impact of Event Scale. The interaction insomnia severity by resilience was significantly associated with PTSD scores. At low, moderate and high resilience levels, higher insomnia severity was significantly associated with lower PTSD. Resilience moderated the relationship between insomnia and PTSD, mitigating the detrimental impact of disrupted sleep on PTSD symptoms. This data can guide healthcare administrators and psychiatric caregivers in classifying risk factors and implementing interventions to predict PTSD development.
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This study aimed to identify the perceived advantages and drawbacks of teleworking and their correlates, including health problems, among Lebanese workers holding a university degree. A web-based cross-sectional self-report questionnaire created on Google Forms was used to survey 230 participants through snowball sampling between October 2022 and March 2023. The majority of respondents recognized both the advantages (67.03%) and drawbacks (66.34%) associated with teleworking, suggesting mixed feelings toward this format. Despite the limited satisfaction with teleworking, respondents acknowledged the advantages associated with remote working; in particular, younger, less physically active, and more educated participants valued teleworking more than their counterparts. The mean perception of advantages and drawbacks of telework did not significantly change with participants' work status (hybrid, online, and in-person). The study revealed a high prevalence of consistent sleeping difficulty (35.7%), limited regular physical activity (60.4%), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (48.7%), back pain (5.7%), and visual disorders (48%) among Lebanese workers. Despite the limited satisfaction with teleworking, respondents acknowledged advantages such as cost and time savings. Older workers showed a preference against teleworking, potentially due to its impact on well-being. Factors such as education, career satisfaction, and prior teleworking experience influenced individuals' perceptions of telework benefits.
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COVID-19 , Teletrabajo , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , COVID-19/psicología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Líbano , Persona de Mediana Edad , Universidades , Recesión Económica , SARS-CoV-2 , Adulto Joven , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Introduction: Stroke, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, demands heightened awareness and knowledge for effective preventive strategies and tailored response. Sudan is classified as a low income country with a low rate of literacy, lack of knowledge, and awareness about diseases. Thus, this study aimed to assess stroke awareness and knowledge among Sudanese population, and identify the associated factors influencing awareness. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between October and November 2022 through a self-administered online survey distributed via various social media platforms. The study involved adults aged 18 years and above through snow-ball sampling technique. The survey covered general awareness and knowledge concerning stroke risk factors, consequences, and the appropriate responses taken during acute stroke attacks. Results: A total of 410 participants were enrolled in the study, majority (93.4%) were from urban area and had university degree (92.4%). Furthermore, 92.2% were aware about stroke and 74.9% were able to recognize the symptoms of stroke. Only 40.2% identified all correct answers, 96.3, 92.3, and 95.1% recognized at least one risk factor, early symptom, and consequences, respectively. Females were significantly more than males able to identify at least one risk factor. Almost all participants (99.5%) perceived stroke as a serious disease (99.5%). Notably, 86.3% would promptly transport a suspected stroke patient to the hospital. The multivariable analysis showed that females versus males and patients with depression versus without depression had significantly higher odds to identify at least one risk factor (OR of 14.716 [95% CI 1.901; 113.908] and 0.241 [95% CI 0.059; 0.984], respectively). Conclusion: The study concluded that stroke knowledge and awareness among Sudanese population is suboptimal. Furthermore, early stroke recognition and intake of the appropriate management strategies are lacking which highlights the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns.
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Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Sudán , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de Riesgo , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , AncianoRESUMEN
Diabetes Mellitus develops when the body becomes unable to fuel its cells with glucose, which results in the accumulation of sugar excess in the bloodstream. Because it has diverse pathophysiological impacts on the body, diabetes mellitus represents a significant issue of concern in an attempt to find suitable treatment modalities and medications for afflicted diabetic patients. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) plays a pivotal role in the incretin effect, emerging as a prospective treatment for diabetes mellitus and a promising means of regenerating pancreatic cells, whether directly or through its receptor agonists. It has been shown that GLP-1 efficiently increases insulin production, lowers blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and decreases appetite, craving, and hunger, therefore amplifying the sensation of fullness and satiety. Moreover, since they are all dependent on GLP-1 effect, intricate signaling pathways share some similarities during specific phases, although the pathways continue to exhibit significant divergence engendered by specific reactions and effects in each organ, which encompasses the rationale behind observed differences. This triggers an expanding range of GLP-1 R agonists, creating new unforeseen research and therapeutic application prospects. This review aims to explain the incretin effect, discuss how GLP-1 regulates blood glucose levels, and how it affects different body organs, as well as how it transmits signals, before introducing selenium's role in the incretin impact.
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BACKGROUND: Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a new diagnosis added to the DSM-5 characterized by pathological eating habits without body image disturbances. Previous findings demonstrated a general association between high levels of perfectionism and low levels of self-esteem in association with general eating disorders. However, research is scant when it comes to ARFID specifically. Subsequently, although self-esteem is seen to moderate the association between perfectionism and general eating disorders, this research study aims to explore the same moderation but with ARFID specifically. METHODS: For this study, 515 Lebanese adults from the general Lebanese population were recruited from all over Lebanon, 60.1% of which were females. The Arabic version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale- Short Form (BTPS-SF) was used to measure self-critical, rigid and narcissistic perfectionism; the Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS) was used to score the ARFID variable; the Arabic-Single Item Self-Esteem (A-SISE) was the scale used to measure self-esteem. RESULTS: Across the different perfectionism types, self-esteem was seen to moderate the association between narcissistic perfectionism and ARFID (Beta = - 0.22; p =.006). At low (Beta = 0.77; p <.001), moderate (Beta = 0.56; p <.001) and high (Beta = 0.36; p =.001) levels of self-esteem, higher narcissistic perfectionism was significantly associated with higher ARFID scores. CONCLUSION: This study brought to light some crucial clinical implications that highlight the need for interventions that help in the enhancement of self-esteem in patients with high perfectionism and ARFID. This study suggests that clinicians and healthcare professionals should focus more on risk factors influencing the development and maintenance of ARFID-like symptoms.
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Trastorno de la Ingesta Alimentaria Evitativa/Restrictiva , Perfeccionismo , Autoimagen , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Líbano , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , AdolescenteRESUMEN
Overcoming the limited bioavailability and extensive metabolism of effective in vitro drugs remains a challenge that limits the translation of promising drugs into clinical trials. Resveratrol, despite its well-reported therapeutic benefits, is not metabolically stable and thus has not been utilized as an effective clinical drug. This is because it needs to be consumed in large amounts to overcome the burdens of bioavailability and conversion into less effective metabolites. Herein, we summarize the more relevant approaches to modify resveratrol, aiming to increase its biological and therapeutic efficacy. We discuss combination therapies, derivatization, and the use of resveratrol nanoparticles. Interestingly, the combination of resveratrol with established chemotherapeutic drugs has shown promising therapeutic effects on colon cancer (with oxaliplatin), liver cancer (with cisplatin, 5-FU), and gastric cancer (with doxorubicin). On the other hand, derivatizing resveratrol, including hydroxylation, amination, amidation, imidation, methoxylation, prenylation, halogenation, glycosylation, and oligomerization, differentially modifies its bioavailability and could be used for preferential therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the encapsulation of resveratrol allows its trapping within different forms of shells for targeted therapy. Depending on the nanoparticle used, it can enhance its solubility and absorption, increasing its bioavailability and efficacy. These include polymers, metals, solid lipids, and other nanoparticles that have shown promising preclinical results, adding more "hype" to the research on resveratrol. This review provides a platform to compare the different approaches to allow directed research into better treatment options with resveratrol.
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BACKGROUND: Little evidence is available about psychological stressors in Lebanese asthmatic adolescents, where health-risk behaviors are a serious threat to public health. In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic has had a substantial influence on adolescents' mental health globally, especially in Lebanon, where the ongoing economic and political challenges have largely impacted their psychological well-being. This study aimed to explore the association of asthma and the COVID-19 infection with behaviors among Lebanese adolescents. METHODS: Data were collected in July 2023, using the snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria for participation in the study included being of a resident and citizen of Lebanon and aged 12-18 years. Behavioral problems were assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR) scale, which yields nine subscales (anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, aggressive behavior, and other problems) and a total score. RESULTS: Asthma was significantly associated with somatic complaints (Beta [ß] = 2.98), attention problems (ß = 0.01), and other behavioral problems (ß = 0.68). Having contracted the COVID-19 infection, compared to healthy asymptomatic state (ß = 1.55), was significantly associated with more anxious behaviors. In the case of stratifying the analysis in terms of gender, the results showed that the presence of asthma was significantly associated with more social behaviors (ß = 3.31), thought problems (ß = 2.91), attention problems (ß = 0.02), other behavioral problems (ß = 1.71), and total behavioral problems (ß = 5.71) in males. In case stratifying the analysis as to school type, the presence of asthma was significantly associated with more somatic complaints (ß = 2.77) in participants from private schools whereas it was significantly associated with more total behavioral problems (total YSR scores) (ß = 5.05) in participants from public schools. CONCLUSION: It is confirmed that asthma and psychiatric disorders are interconnected, so it would be of great importance to include screening through a psychological intervention in treating asthmatic adolescents by means of (1) recognizing factors affecting patients' mental health, and (2) regulating uncontrolled behaviors that can exacerbate symptoms in order to avoid the future morbidity.
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COVID-19 , Trastornos Mentales , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , COVID-19/epidemiología , Trastornos Mentales/epidemiología , Autoinforme , Estudios Longitudinales , Instituciones AcadémicasRESUMEN
Background: Thromboembolism is reported to be up to 27% in COVID-19 patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dysregulated systemic inflammation and various patient traits play a vital role in thrombosis progression. Purpose: To assess odds and associated factors for thrombosis development among Lebanese COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a case-control retrospective study conducted in January-May 2021. Patients infected with COVID-19 and developed thrombosis were classified as cases and patients who were thrombosis-free identified as control. A questionnaire assessed socio-demographics, clinical parameters, and WHO COVID-19 disease severity. Results: Among 267 patients, 26 (9.7%) developed thrombosis and the majority of thrombosis 34.6% was myocardial infarction, and the least (3.8%) was for catheter-related thrombosis. Results showed that the risk of thrombosis development is higher in patients with previous thromboembolic event (OR = 9.160) and previous intake of anti-hypertensive medications at home (OR = 3.116). However, females (OR = 0.330; CI: 0.118-0.925), intake of anticoagulants during hospital admission (OR = 0.126; CI: 0.053-0.300) and non-severe COVID-19 were at lower thrombosis risk (OR = 0.273). Patients who developed thromboembolic events had longer hospital stay (OR = 0.077). Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 and thromboembolism were at higher risk of mortality as compared to patients with COVID-19 but without thromboembolism. The use of anticoagulants significantly reduced the risk for thromboembolism.
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The Locust Bean (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an ancient Mediterranean fruit that is used to make locust bean gum from seeds, which is a popular ingredient in many foods today. Locust Bean fruit and Gum are rich in bioactive compounds that can be helpful in the treatment of conditions involving the digestive system, as well as cancer, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. The locust bean gum is a polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of the locust bean seed through different thermomechanical or chemical processes. It is an approved food additive with the European number E410 and a number of different food uses. It is a galactomannan and it is frequently used in dairy products for its water-binding and thickening properties to improve their rheological properties. This review aims to study the functional, and nutritional characteristics of Locust Bean Gum, the extraction of Locust Bean Gum, as well as its applications in the food sector and its impacts on dairy product processing. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05765-5.
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BACKGROUND: Exploring the levels of death anxiety and factors that can undermine its impact are crucial for the Lebanese nationals. Even though studies have shown various relationships between death anxiety and several factors, very few to no research has been done to show the relationship of death anxiety, gratitude and optimism. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to assess the mediating role of optimism in the association between gratitude and death anxiety, along with investigating the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Death Anxiety Scale. METHODS: A one-time-point online survey was conducted among Arabic-speaking community adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 601; mean age 29.91 ± 12.61; 62.7% females). The following scales were used: Scale of Death Anxiety, Optimism-Pessimism Short Scale-2, and Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form. RESULTS: The results of the mediation analysis showed that optimism fully mediated the association between gratitude and death anxiety. Higher gratitude was significantly associated with more optimism; higher optimism was significantly associated with less death anxiety. Finally, higher gratitude was not directly associated with death anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals the relationship between gratitude and death anxiety and the mediating role of optimism. Our results need to be confirmed in a longitudinal study, but point to the importance of assessing optimism in prevention and management of persons with death anxiety.
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Terremotos , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Masculino , Estudios Longitudinales , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Optimismo , AnsiedadRESUMEN
Diabetes-related distress (DRD) is a psychological syndrome with worsened prognosis in uncontrolled diabetic patients. The current study aimed to assess the factors contributing to DRD among the Lebanese population using the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) score and its sub-scores. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted between March and September 2021 enrolling. 125 diabetic from six Lebanese governorates through an online survey. The survey included two parts: the first section gathered sociodemographic data sociodemographic and socioeconomic data and the second one focused on assessing the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) score. Participants 30 years old and above had higher emotional distress compared to younger patients, (65.2 % versus 45.5 %). Those with a primary educational level showed significantly higher emotional distress than those with a secondary and tertiary level of education (72.5 %, versus 66.7 % and 46.4 %). Participants who were treated with both insulin and non-insulin medications or had a diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 mmHg showed significantly moderate to high distress (63.6 % or 53.8 %). Participants who lived in rural areas showed higher distress (35.6 %). Obese and overweight had significant moderate to high distress (64.1 %, and 48.0 %). The same results were found in non-married (divorced or widowed) and married participants (76.9 % and 51.3 %). The association between medical history with total distress showed that participants with glycemic store HbA1c of more than 6.5 followed by those who had HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4 showed moderate to high total distress (45.9 % and 40.0 %). It is concluded that the prevalence of DRD is high in Lebanon, more common among rural residents, and among participants high HbA1c, low educational level, unmarried and on complex treatment regimens. Screening for DRD and providing better support can optimize clinical outcomes.
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INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to everyone's health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vaccines are very effective in preventing COVID-19-related severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Children's vaccination exerts its protecting effect by preventing the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate of COVID-19 immunization among Lebanese children aged 1 to 11 years and assess parental factors that affect immunization rates. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. The online survey was distributed across all social media channels, including the Ministry of Public Health website. RESULTS: A total of 390 parents filled the survey (mean age = 37.48 ± 8.39 years; 50.5% mothers; 70% with a university level of education). Mothers compared to fathers, having a history of bad reaction to a vaccine vs. not, and higher vaccine hesitancy were significantly associated with less willingness to administer the vaccine to the child. Trusting pharmaceutical companies was significantly associated with more willingness to administer the vaccine to the child. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the factors associated with parents' decisions to vaccinate their children may vary. Our findings conclude that vaccine acceptance is being highly associated with parental concerns, trust, and information regarding the vaccine safety and efficacy.
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COVID-19 , Vacunas , Niño , Humanos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Confianza , Estudios Transversales , Pandemias , Vacilación a la Vacunación , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Vacunación , Inmunización , Padres , Preparaciones FarmacéuticasRESUMEN
Cornflakes are a popular and convenient breakfast cereal made from corn and widely consumed worldwide, including in Lebanon. However, they are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, which can have harmful effects on human health. Our study evaluated the occurrence of five mycotoxins (AFB1, OTA, FUM, ZEA, DON) levels in packed cornflakes marketed in Lebanon. A market screening identified 35 different cornflake stock-keeping units (SKU) in the Lebanese market, originating from 10 different brands and having different tastes and shapes. SKUs were collected and tested for five mycotoxins in triplicates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results showed the presence of the five mycotoxins in the samples. The average levels of AFB1, OTA, ZEA and FUM among positive samples (above limit of detection) were 1.58, 1.2, 15.1 and 774.1 µg/kg, respectively, and were below the EU limits. On the other hand, the average level of DON was 1206.7 µg/kg, exceeding the EU limit. Furthermore, out of the positive samples, 60%, 17%, 9%, 14%, and 6% exceeded the EU limits for DON, OTA, AFB1, FUM, and ZEA, respectively. Notably, SKUs made in Lebanon had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of AFB1 and FUM. The packing size of the cornflakes had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the levels of the five mycotoxins detected in the samples. AFB1, FUM and ZEA levels differed significantly among SKUs (p > 0.05). Considering these findings, further studies should be conducted to assess the exposure to mycotoxins from the consumption of cornflakes in Lebanon, especially among children.
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Micotoxinas , Niño , Humanos , Micotoxinas/análisis , Líbano , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Zea maysRESUMEN
Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally and in Saudi Arabia as well. Prevention and management of stroke depend highly on raising knowledge and awareness about the disease. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Saudi adult's knowledge and awareness about stroke and determine the associated factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May-July 2022 among Saudi citizens. Assessments of stroke knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and response to stroke symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge. Results: A total of 389 participants were enrolled with the majority (81.7%) being male participants. Less than half of the study subjects (43.3%) identified four out of five correct answers related to general knowledge about stroke. Almost all the participants were able to identify at least one risk factor associated with stroke. The majority of the participants (81.2%) believed that physical inactivity was the most common risk factor associated with stroke. Approximately three-quarters of participants considered difficulty speaking and understanding speech, followed by the sudden loss of consciousness as the most common stroke manifestation. Participants with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one early stroke symptom (OR 2.271 [95% CI 1.402 3.677], 2.059 [95% CI 1.273 3.328], and 2.665 [95% CI 1.431 4.963], respectively). Conclusion: Our study revealed that participants have good knowledge about stroke. Nonetheless, further efforts are required to raise awareness and educate the public to optimize and ensure better treatment outcomes.
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Tea is among the oldest and most-known beverages around the world, and it has many flavors and types. Tea can be easily contaminated in any of its production steps, especially with mycotoxins that are produced particularly in humid and warm environments. This study aims to examine the level of ochratoxin A (OTA) and total aflatoxin (AF) contamination in black and green tea sold in Lebanon, evaluate its safety compared to international standards, and assess the effect of different variables on the levels of OTA and AFs. For this, the Lebanese market was screened and all tea brands (n = 37; 24 black and 13 green) were collected twice. The Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) method was used to determine OTA and AFs in the samples. AFs and OTA were detected in 28 (75.7%) and 31 (88.6%) samples, respectively. The average of AFs in the positive (above detection limit: 1.75 µg/kg) samples was 2.66 ± 0.15 µg/kg, while the average of OTA in the positive (above detection limit: 1.6 µg/kg) samples was 3.74 ± 0.72 µg/kg. The mean AFs in black and green tea were 2.65 ± 0.55 and 2.54 ± 0.40 µg/kg, respectively, while for OTA, the mean levels were 3.67 ± 0.96 and 3.46 ± 1.09 µg/kg in black and green tea samples, respectively. Four brands (10.8%) contained total aflatoxin levels above the EU limit (4 µg/kg). As for OTA, all samples had OTA levels below the Chinese limit (5 µg/kg). No significant association (p > 0.05) was found between OTA and tea type, level of packaging, country of origin, country of packing, and country of distribution. However, AF contamination was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unpacked tea, and in brands where the country of origin, packing, and distributor was in Asia. The results showed that the tea brands in Lebanon are relatively safe in terms of AFs and OTA.
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Aflatoxinas , Líbano , Embalaje de Productos , TéRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: High academic achievement, an important determinant of future success, is known to be influenced by many factors including dietary behavior, lifestyle and mental health, among others. The objectives of the current study were to explore university students' nutritive habits, daily lifestyle, and mental status, and to scrutinize the associations between these factors and students' academic achievement. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private Lebanese university, using an electronic survey. Diet, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and smoking were evaluated, and mental health was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the combined Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-8). Academic achievement was measured using the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS). RESULTS: A total of 1677 students participated in the questionnaire. The results of a linear regression taking the SAAS score as the dependent variable, showed that students who have a non-scientific versus scientific major (Beta = 0.53), and having breakfast ≥ 4 days per week compared to less than 2 days (Beta = 0.28) were significantly associated with higher SAAS scores. More psychological distress (Beta = - 0.06) and a higher number of days of eating out (Beta = - 0.07) were significantly associated with lower SAAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation on a Lebanese university students' academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental profiles. Better academic achievement was demonstrated by students having healthier dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as less distressing mental status. Such results, in light of the compounded and unprecedented crises with which Lebanon has been assailed, suggest the need to focus on promoting healthy habits among students in higher education as a possible driver of better academic success.
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Éxito Académico , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Universidades , Salud Mental , Estudiantes , Conductas Relacionadas con la SaludRESUMEN
The coexistence of different properties in the same material often results in exciting physical effects. At low temperatures, the pyrite transition-metal disulphide NiS2 hosts both antiferromagnetic and weak ferromagnetic orders, along with surface metallicity dominating its electronic transport. The interplay between such a complex magnetic structure and surface-dominated conduction in NiS2, however, is still not understood. A possible reason for this limited understanding is that NiS2 has been available primarily in bulk single-crystal form, which makes it difficult to perform studies combining magnetometry and transport measurements with high spatial resolution. Here, NiS2 nanoflakes are produced via mechanical cleaving and exfoliation of NiS2 single crystals and their properties are studied on a local (micron-size) scale. Strongly field-asymmetric magnetotransport features are found at low temperatures, which resemble those of more complex magnetic thin film heterostructures. Using nitrogen vacancy magnetometry, these magnetotransport features are related to exchange-bias-type effects between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic regions forming near step edges at the nanoflake surface. Nanoflakes with bigger steps exhibit giant magnetoresistance, which suggests a strong influence of magnetic spin textures at the NiS2 surface on its electronic transport. These findings pave the way for the application of NiS2 nanoflakes in van der Waals heterostructures for low-temperature spintronics and superconducting spintronics.