Telomere length and age-dependent telomere attrition: the blood-and-muscle model 1.

Short telomere length (TL) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) and other age-related diseases. It is unclear whether these associations originate from having inherently short TL or a faster TL attrition before or during disease development. We proposed the blood-and-muscle model to assess TL dynamics throughout life course. Our objective was to measure TL in leukocytes (LTL) and in skeletal muscle (MTL), which served as a proxy of TL at birth. The delta (MTL-LTL) represented life-long telomere attrition. Blood draws and skeletal muscle biopsies were performed on 35 Lebanese individuals undergoing surgery. Following DNA extraction, LTL and MTL were measured by Southern blot. In every individual aged between 30 and 85 years, MTL was longer than LTL. With age, MTL and LTL decreased, but the delta (MTL-LTL) increased by 14 bp/year. We validated the blood-and-muscle model that allowed us to identify TL, TL at birth, and lifelong TL attrition in a cross-sectional study. This model can be used in larger cross-sectional studies to evaluate the association of telomere dynamics with age-related diseases onset and progression.

Self-reported history of stroke and long-term living conditions near air pollution sources: results of a national epidemiological study in Lebanon.

Stroke is a disease related to high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Some studies have linked self-reported indoor and outdoor pollution to stroke and mini-stroke, while some others showed no association. Our objective was to assess this association in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern developing country. A national cross-sectional study was conducted all over Lebanon. In addition to self-reported items of pollution exposure, we assessed potential predictors of stroke and mini-stroke, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health information, and biological measurements. Moreover, we assessed dose-effect relationship of pollution items in relation with stroke. Self-reported indoor pollution exposure was associated with stroke and mini-stroke, with or without taking biological values into account. Moreover, we found a dose-effect relationship of exposure with risk of disease, but this effect did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for sociodemographics and biological characteristics. No association was found for any outdoor pollution item. Although additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings, sensitizing the population about the effect of pollution on chronic diseases, working on reducing pollution, and improving air quality should be implemented to decrease the burden of the disease on the population and health system.

Evaluating the safe zone for lumbar pedicle screws: are midline crossing screws indicative of pedicle breach?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Pedicle screw breach (PSB) is not uncommon following lumbar instrumentation, and in some instances, it may lead to vascular and/or neurologic complications. Previous literature suggested that screws crossing the vertebral midline on an anterior-posterior (AP) radiograph (or midsagittal on CT) are concerning for medial pedicle breach. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to map out the safe zones (SZ) of bilateral pedicle instrumentation and their relationship at each lumbar vertebral level. Our secondary aim was to evaluate the presence of SZs' intersection at each lumbar level, denoting safe midline pedicle screw crossing not otherwise associated with medial pedicle breach. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective Anatomical Study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult patients in the from "The Cancer Imaging Archive" (TCIA) database who have not had thoraco-lumbo-sacral fusion. OUTCOME MEASURES: Physiologic measures obtained through 3D analysis of CT images and virtual pedicle screws. METHOD: CT scans of 51 patients were randomly selected from "The Cancer Imaging Archive" (TCIA) online database for analysis. The Sectra 3D Spine software was used to create 3D renderings, place virtual screws, and make measurements. At each lumbar vertebra, the right and left pedicle corridors were mapped. At each pedicle, two screw positions were templated, the "medial limit screw" (MLS) and the "lateral limit screw" (LLS). Each limit screw was the most extreme position that the screw could exist in without causing a medial or lateral breach. The safe zone was defined as the zone between MLS and LLS. Measurements were taken for each level (between L1 and L5) and side (Left, Right). RESULTS: A total of 253 lumbar vertebrae from 51 patients (mean age 53.1, 56.9% male) were included. Two vertebrae from two patients were removed for poor image quality. Out of the 506 screw positions analyzed in our study, 97.4% had overlapping SZ and crossed the midplane without medial pedicle breach. The significant factors (p<.01) for safe midplane-crossing screws included: the screw length (L1-L5); the laterality of the screw entry point (L1-L4); and the pedicle diameter (L2 and L5). CONCLUSIONS: A midline crossing pedicle screw on a lumbar AP radiograph is not necessarily indicative of a medial pedicle screw breach. Anatomical (ie, larger pedicle diameter) and technical (ie, longer screws, and lateral entry points) factors allow for safety zone intersections and indicate safe midline crossing by pedicle screws.

Smoking Habits and Nicotine Dependence Among the General Lebanese Population Before and During Both the Economic Crisis and COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: Smoking habits have widely changed over time; however, they remain a well-known fashion that risks people's health. In addition, nicotine addiction depends on the interplay between several factors. Our study aimed to understand the smoking habits and nicotine dependence in the Lebanese population before (September 2019) and during (June 2020) the economic crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This observational cross-sectional survey-based study included 1560 Lebanese individuals aged between 13 and 75 years old from June till October 2020. Data collection was performed through an electronic survey including patients' demographics and validated instruments to assess addiction to nicotine (CAGE, Four C's, Fagerström test, and Smoker's profile scores). Results: Out of 1560 participants, 794 (50.9%) were males. The mean age was 26.5 ± 11.69 years, and 67.8% were aged between 18 and 25 years old. We found that 865 (55.4%) participants were smokers. In addition, smoking cigarettes or vaping, significantly increased between September 2019 and June 2020. Our smoker group showed a high CAGE positivity (P < .001), marked compulsion (P < .001), and a considerable lack of self-control to surcease smoking (P < .001). Furthermore, the nicotine dependence score (NDS) increased with age (B = .166) and decreased with higher educational levels (B = -.219). Conclusion: During the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lebanese population showed an increased prevalence of smoking, a high level of CAGE positivity, strong compulsion, and a significant lack of self-control when it came to quitting smoking. This strongly entails public health measures for smoking cessation through national awareness campaigns.

School-Based Pre- and Post-Intervention Tests Assessing Knowledge about Healthy Lifestyles: A National School Health Awareness Campaign on Children Aged between 3 and 12 Years Old.

In response to the diverse health challenges faced by today's youth and their extensive time spent in schools, we conducted a school health awareness campaign aimed at prioritizing well-being and academic performance. This analytical longitudinal study, spanning 27 schools in Lebanon, aimed to assess the impact of the awareness campaign on the health knowledge and practices of 5-, 8-, and 11-year-old students throughout pre- and post-intervention testing focused on general health and healthy habits, employing 11, 14, and 15 questions tailored to 5, 8, and 11 year olds, respectively. The questions covered various aspects, including sleep, personal and dental hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, addiction, security measures, and bullying. Out of the 7100 students who participated, 16.11% (1144 students) were evaluated before and after the campaign. The results indicated a significant increase in health awareness post-intervention across all age groups. For instance, in 5-year-olds, limited awareness decreased from 91.6% to 36.38%, while adequate awareness rose from 8.03% to 62.3%. Improvement varied across health knowledge topics, with security-related questions showing the highest enhancement. Factors such as governorate, normal-weight status, and close supervision influenced improvement. However, no significant correlations were found with school type, size, gender, age, nationality, parental factors, or comorbidities. The study concludes that the school health awareness campaign successfully heightened children's health awareness, advocating for the integration of regular health promotions into the standard educational curriculum.

Referrals and Determinant Factors of a National School Health Campaign in Lebanon on Children Aged between 3 and 12 Years Old.

In this extensive study examining the health of 7184 school children aged 3 to 12 in 27 Lebanese schools, screenings involved medical evaluation and interviews, complemented by phone interviews with 3880 parents. Notably, one in two students received a medical referral, revealing prevalent issues such as dental cavities (33%), under-vaccination (25%), undetected vision problems (13%), abnormal growth (6%), underweight (27%), and overweight (33%). Additional concerns encompassed abnormal vital signs (3%), abuse signs (0.6%), infectious skin lesions (1.6%), scoliosis (1.7%), abnormal auscultation (heart 1.1%, lungs 1.2%), ear problems (3.3%), precocious puberty (0.7%), and neurologic signs (0.6%). Mental health challenges affected 20-25% of students. Public schools and Beirut exhibited higher referral rates, with girls, older children, overweight students, those lacking regular pediatrician visits, and children of self-employed or less educated parents facing elevated referral rates. In contrast, children of healthcare workers experienced fewer referrals. Against this backdrop, the study emphasizes the imperative for targeted health initiatives, particularly in marginalized areas and for socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Priority areas include dental care, weight issues, mental health, vaccination compliance, and addressing vision problems to enhance learning outcomes.

A National School Health Campaign in Lebanon on Children Aged between 3 and 12 Years Old: Concordance Level between Parents' Reports and Medical Visit Findings about Physical and Mental Health.

A school's commitment to promoting health extends beyond students' efforts to encompass parental involvement and must recognize the critical role of parents in enhancing overall student well-being. This study, conducted in 27 schools across Lebanon, assessed parents' awareness of their children's physical and mental health. A school health campaign involved direct medical interventions on 7184 students, followed by phone interviews with 3880 parents to compare their responses with the medical findings. Discordances ranged from extreme mismatches (≥50%) to mild mismatches (<15%), with notable disparities in incomplete vaccination (67.8%), BMI (59%), and mental health indicators (expressions of sadness (69.1%), loneliness (61.0%), and anxiety (53.4%)). Factors such as school type, child's age, governorate, family income, parents' occupation, education level, and marital status significantly influenced discordance rates. Notably, mental health aspects exhibited higher disparities, emphasizing the need for improved communication between parents, physicians, and children. Bridging these gaps could empower parents with better knowledge, fostering environments conducive to lifelong healthy behaviors in children. The study underscores the urgency for enhanced communication strategies to bridge discrepancies and ensure a more comprehensive understanding of children's physical and mental well-being.

Competencies required for graduated physicians: the integration of Englander's common taxonomy in a validated scale for the assessment of competency acquiring in undergraduate medical education.

BACKGROUND: Competency-based medical education has been emerging as a new educational model for learning. The development of medical education in Middle Eastern countries lacks basic literature in the area of medical education, particularly competency-based medical education (CBME). AIM: Our objective is to validate a brief/rapid scale that informs us on the current perception of the acquiring of competencies of medical students and graduates from the Lebanese University, Lebanon. METHODS: A survey containing the Englander's common taxonomy for medical competencies-a set of 57 items-was distributed to medical students and graduates from the Lebanese University. Three parameters were used for the validation of this scale: construct validity using the principal component analysis technique, internal reliability using Cronbach alpha, and convergent validity using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: A total of 377 participants responded to the survey. Factor analysis, using Varimax rotation, showed appropriate loading of domains; loadings varied between 0.648 and 0.899. Construct validity showed for all competencies loaded appropriately in their respective domains; loadings ranged between 0.656 and 0.913. Cronbach alpha values were very good to excellent (0.868 to 0.932). Pearson correlation coefficients showed a good correlation with the total score and varied between 0.739 and 0.893 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The Englander's common taxonomy scale is valid and reliable among Lebanese medical students and could be used for concise assessment of current and past medical education in faculties among Lebanese medical students. Using such scales can be used in assessing the improvement of medical education towards CBME.

Statins, commonly coprescribed drugs, and concomitant risk factors: A protective, neutral, or harmful association with common cancer types development: A 10-year multicentric retrospective lebanese study.

Elevated blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are a major cardiovascular risk factor, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide. Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between cancer development and statins intake is controversial, and there are no clear studies in Lebanon and the Middle East concerning this topic. Hence, our study aimed to search for any possible association of statin intake as well as other medications (proton pump inhibitors [PPI], metformin, Aspirin, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors, and fenofibrate) with lung, colorectal cancer (CRC), and bladder cancer development in the Lebanese population. A retrospective study was performed on 709 subjects divided into 2 main groups: control (no cancer ± statin intake), and cases (either lung, or colorectal, or bladder cancer ± statin intake). Collected data included the age and gender of the patient, socioeconomic status, presence of cardiovascular disease and comorbidities, cancer risk factors, and the intake type, dose, and duration of statins. Bivariate, multivariate, and binary logistic analyses were enrolled. Out of 709 participants, 63.2% were males and 75% were cancer-positive (24.1%: lung cancer, 26.7%: CRC, 24.1%: bladder cancer). The overall intake of statins was not shown to significantly affect cancer development. However, a duration-response relationship was established between Simvastatin and lung cancer (odds ratio [OR]=1.208) as well as bladder cancer (OR=1.189). No significant association was found between each statin and CRC. Although PPIs intake was associated with a possibly harmful effect on lung cancer development (OR=3.42), it revealed a protective association with CRC development (OR=0.38). Other risk factors such as smoking and age were strongly associated (harmful) with lung and bladder cancer development. Physical inactivity and a family history of CRC were each associated with a harmful effect on CRC development. A harmful association with the development of lung and bladder cancer was found with the increasing duration of intake of Simvastatin. Other drugs such as PPIs and specific risk factors were also associated negatively or positively with the development of these 3 cancers. These findings should be validated by further investigations to guide clinicians on optimal treatment options for their patients.

The association between angiotensin receptor blockers and lung, bladder, and colon cancer development: A 10-year multicentric retrospective Lebanese study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally, followed by cancer. Angiotensin II contributes greatly to CVD pathogenesis, and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) constitute a mainstay in hypertension and CVD management. However, the relationship between ARBs and cancer initiation is controversial, with no clear data in Lebanon. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the association between ARBs intake and lung, bladder, and colorectal cancers development in the Lebanese population. A retrospective study was conducted on 709 subjects divided into 2 main groups: Control (subjects without cancer; n = 177), and Cases (patients with cancer (n = 532): lung, bladder, or colorectal), taking ARBs (n = 236, (n = 121 in control and n = 115 in cases)) or not (n = 473). Collected information included the patients demographics, comorbidities, cancer's risk factors, and ARBs dose and duration intake. Bivariate, multivariate, and binary logistic analyses were enrolled. ARBs use was significantly protective (P value = 0.000) against overall cancer development (odds ratio [OR] = 0.127) and against each, lung (OR < 1), bladder (OR < 1), and colorectal cancers (OR < 1). A duration-response relationship was established. This protective effect and the time-dependent relationship remained unchanged after omitting the most relevant risk factors. In summary, a significant overall protective effect of ARBs against lung, bladder and colorectal cancers was found. This beneficial response was time-dependent. These results can guide patients on treatment options and clinicians for informed decision-making.

Oxidized LDL enhances stretch-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation through alterations in nuclear protein import.

Mechanical stress contributes to hypertension and atherosclerosis partly through the stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is another important atherogenic factor that can increase VSMC proliferation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether oxLDL could further enhance the proliferative action of mechanical stretch on VSMC, and to determine the mechanism responsible for this interaction. Because nuclear protein import is critical in regulating gene expression, transcription, and cell proliferation, its involvement in the mitogenic effects of oxLDL and mechanical stress was studied. OxLDL enhanced the proliferative effects of mechanical stretch on its own in rabbit aortic VSMC, and induced increases in the expression of HSP60 in an additive manner. Adenoviral-mediated overexpression of HSP60 induced increases in cell proliferation compared with uninfected VSMC. Mechanical stretch and oxLDL stimulated the rate of nuclear protein import in VSMC and increased the expression of nucleoporins. These effects were sensitive to inhibition of the MAPK pathway. We conclude that oxLDL and mechanical stretch have a synergistic effect on VSMC proliferation. This synergistic effect is induced through a stimulation of nuclear protein import via HSP60 and an activation of the MAPK pathway.

Therapeutic targeting of nuclear protein import in pathological cell conditions.

Proteins enter the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex. Once in the nucleus, some proteins, such as transcriptional regulators, can turn genes on or off, and change the composition of the cell and its function to meet the demands of its environment. This process of protein import into the nucleus is highly controlled and regulated by the expression or function of single cargoes, transport receptors, or the transport channels themselves. Thus, these components of the import process have an impact on transport capacity, which subsequently affects gene expression, signal transduction, and cell growth and development. With such a key position in the process of cell growth, it is reasonable to hypothesize that alterations in nuclear protein transport may play an important role in pathological cell conditions that have abnormal cell growth as a central feature. Indeed, there are now sufficient data to demonstrate that alterations in nuclear protein transport participate in alterations in cell proliferation and hypertrophy. Further study is needed to provide definitive proof that changes in nuclear protein import directly participate in the pathogenesis of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer, viral infection, and diabetes. However, the data to date have, on select occasions, led to a clear association of alterations in nuclear transport with disease states. Furthermore,this research has led to the important identification of new targets within the process of nuclear protein import that hold therapeutic promise to inhibit viral replication, to improve drug delivery during cancer therapy, and, in general, to modify cell growth and viability during disease conditions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Cardiovascular Diseases in the Lebanese Population.

Background & Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. Assessing CVD knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) is necessary to spread awareness about CVD in Lebanon, their corresponding risk factors, and behaviors in which individuals can avoid or minimize the possibility of developing a CVD. Subjects & Methods: This was a case-control analytical study that targeted 921 CVD and non-CVD subjects. A questionnaire form was used to collect data related to patients' demographics, socioeconomic status, habits, medical and family history, KAP towards CVD, and source of information. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.25. Results: Data from 921 participants were distributed over the CVD group (52.6% males aged 58.3 ± 13.7 years [n = 460]) and the non-CVD group (47.7% males aged 36.3 ± 15.4 years [n = 461]). CVD patients were significantly older than non-CVD subjects (p < 0.001). All three KAP scores of both groups were of poor to fair levels. Both CVD knowledge and attitude mean scores in CVD patients (26.6 ± 5.2 over 40 [66.50%] and 63.3 ± 10.2 over 85 [74.47%], respectively) were significantly higher than the ones of non-CVD subjects (23.5 ± 7.9 over 40 [58.75%] and 61.4 ± 12.4 over 85 [72.74%], respectively, p < 0.001). However, the CVD mean practice score was significantly lower in CVD patients (6.0 ± 1.7 over 9 [66.67%]) than the one of non-CVD subjects (6.3 ± 2.2 over 9 [70.00%] p < 0.001). Mostly, educational level (p < 0.001), governorate (p < 0.01), and smoking (p < 0.001) were predictors of KAP CVD in both groups. Conclusion: With an overall limited knowledge, attitude, and practice toward CVDs, the Lebanese population (with CVD or non-CVD) needs targeted national campaigns about CVD according to the identified predictors of CVD KAP to prevent and to alleviate the complications due to CVDs.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Hypertension Among Hypertensive Patients Residing in Lebanon.

Background and Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is a major health concern that leads to cardiovascular disease and premature death. Assessing HTN knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) is crucial for controlling HTN. This study aimed to determine HTN KAP among hypertensive patients residing in Lebanon. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 342 hypertensive patients. A questionnaire form was used to collect data related to patients' characteristics. SPSS was used to determine KAP scores, descriptive statistics, and correlations. Results: Data from HTN patients was analyzed of whom 98.2% were Lebanese and 51.2% were males. The median age was 59.15 ± 13.55 years old. A proportion of 40.4% had HTN duration for at least 10 years and 67.3% had HTN family history. Patients had fair HTN knowledge and practice, but good attitude toward HTN. Only 45.3% regularly checked their blood pressure. Positive correlations were observed between HTN attitude and each of knowledge and practice. HTN knowledge and attitude were associated with many studied factors, whereas no relationship was found regarding practice. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients had fair levels of knowledge and practice, and a good level of attitude concerning their disease. We provided a model for predictors of HTN KAP scores that will allow the development of efficient campaigns related to HTN.

Validation of the PHILIPS DL8760 upper arm blood pressure monitor, in oscillometry mode, for self-measurement in a general population, according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the PHILIPS DL8760, an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measuring device designed for self-measurement in the general population according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP) revision 2010. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The PHILIPS DL8760 measures BP at the brachial level. The validation was performed in 33 subjects. The mean age of the participants was 55.8 ± 14 years. SBP 146.1 ± 26 mmHg (range: 103-193), DBP was 86.8 ± 17.0 mmHg (range: 47-123), and arm circumference was 28.3 ± 4.0 cm (range: 22-39). RESULTS: The PHILIPS DL8760 fulfilled the criteria of the ESH-IP by passing phases one and two for both SBP measurements and DBP measurements. The device overestimated SBP by 1.5 ± 5.0 mmHg and underestimated DBP by 0.7 ± 3.9 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The PHILIPS DL8760 BP device, with its specially designed cuff covering a broad range of arm circumferences, fulfilled the requirements of the International Protocol Revision 2010.

Oxidized LDL affects smooth muscle cell growth through MAPK-mediated actions on nuclear protein import.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis partly through an action on cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Nuclear protein import (NPI) is critical in regulating gene expression, transcription, and subsequently cell proliferation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine if exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to oxLDL affects cell growth by inducing alterations in NPI and nuclear pore density. VSMC were exposed for different times to oxLDL. Cells were then injected with a protein import substrate (Alexa488-BSA-NLS) to visually monitor nuclear transport with the confocal microscope. The effect of MAPK inhibitors (SB203580 and PD98059) was investigated and western immunoblottings were also performed. Shorter exposure times of VSMC to oxLDL, but not to native LDL, significantly increased NPI, nuclear pore expression (p62), PCNA expression, and cell number. These changes occurred through an ERK MAPK-dependent mechanism. However, longer exposures to oxLDL decreased NPI, nuclear pore expression, and increased apoptosis marker (cleaved PARP) expression through a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism. We conclude that limited exposure to oxLDL may influence cell proliferation and apoptosis through an action on nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. The nucleus and NPI may represent a novel therapeutic target to control diseases like atherosclerosis that have changes in cell growth as a central feature.

Bioavailability of alpha-linolenic acid in subjects after ingestion of three different forms of flaxseed.

BACKGROUND: Dietary flaxseed may have significant health-related benefits due to its high content of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, before extensive work can be undertaken in clinical populations to determine its efficacy, basic information on ALA bioavailability from flaxseed and the physiological effects of its ingestion need to be examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine the bioavailability of ALA when the flaxseed was ingested in the form of whole seed, milled seed or as flaxseed oil. DESIGN: The flaxseed components (30 g of seed or 6 g of ALA in the oil) were baked into muffins for delivery over a 3 month test period in healthy male and female subjects. RESULTS: Flaxseed ingestion over a 1 month period resulted in significant (P = 0.005) increases in plasma ALA levels in the flaxseed oil and the milled flaxseed supplemented groups. The former group had significantly (P = 0.004) higher ALA levels than the milled flaxseed group. The subjects supplemented with whole flaxseed did not achieve a significant (P > 0.05) increase in plasma ALA levels. An additional two months of flaxseed ingestion did not achieve significantly higher levels of plasma ALA in any of the groups. However, no significant increase was detected in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in any of the flax-fed groups. There were no changes in plasma cholesterol or triglycerides or in platelet aggregation at any time point in any of the groups. Subjects in all of the groups exhibited some symptoms of gastro-intestinal discomfort during the early stages of the study but these disappeared in the oil and milled seed groups. However, compliance was a problem in the whole flaxseed group. CONCLUSION: In summary, ingestion of flax oil and milled flaxseed delivered significant levels of ALA to the plasma whereas whole flaxseed did not. Whole seed and oil preparations induced adverse gastrointestinal effects within 4 weeks and these were severe enough to induce the withdrawal of some subjects from these two groups. No one withdrew from the group that ingested milled flaxseed and, therefore, may represent a good form of flaxseed to avoid serious side-effects and still provide significant increases in ALA to the body.

Validation of BP devices QardioArm® in the general population and Omron M6 Comfort® in type II diabetic patients according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP).

BACKGROUND: Following the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP) Revision 2010, QardioArm® and Omron M6 Comfort IT® oscillometric devices were evaluated in the general population and in patients with type II diabetes, respectively, for self-blood pressure (BP) measurement. METHODS: Both devices, QardioArm® and Omron M6 Comfort®, measure BP at the brachial level. The ESH-IP Revision 2010 includes a total number of 33 subjects. For each measure, the difference between observer and device BP values was calculated. In all, 99 pairs of BP differences are classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg). The protocol procedures were followed precisely. RESULTS: QardioArm® and Omron M6 Comfort® fulfilled the requirements of the ESH-IP and passed the validation process successfully. For QardioArm®, a total of 69 out of 99 comparisons for systolic blood pressure (SBP) showed an absolute difference within 5 mmHg and 82 out of 99 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP). As for Omron M6 Comfort®, a total of 83 out of 99 comparisons for SBP showed an absolute difference within 5 mmHg and 77 out of 99 for DBP. The mean differences between the device and mercury readings were 0.7±5.9 mmHg for SBP and 0.3±4.1 mmHg for DBP for QardioArm® and -1.4±4.7 mmHg for SBP and -2.1±4.3 mmHg for DBP for Omron M6 Comfort®. With regard to part 2 of ESH-IP 2010, 27 out of 33 subjects had a minimum of two out of three measurements within 5 mmHg difference for SBP and 31 out of 33 subjects for DBP for the QardioArm®, and 29 out of 33 patients had a minimum of two out of three measurements within 5 mmHg difference for SBP and 26 out of 33 patients for DBP for Omron M6 Comfort®. CONCLUSION: QardioArm® and Omron M6 Comfort® readings differing from the mercury standard by <5, 10, and 15 mmHg fulfill the ESH-IP Revision 2010 requirements. Consequently, these two devices are suitable for use in the general population and non-insulin-dependent type II diabetic patients, respectively.

Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

There is limited epidemiologic data on hypertension (HTN) in Lebanon. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HTN in the adult Lebanese population and evaluate the association between dietary and psychological factors on systolic blood pressure (SBP). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. A total of 2014 participants were included. The prevalence and control rates of HTN were 31.2% and 28.7%, respectively. In women, educational level and physical activity were negatively associated with HTN (P < .05 for both) and adherence to the Lebanese Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower SBP. Other factors were associated with HTN in men. There was no relationship with SBP and psychological distress. Of the modifiable risk factors, body mass index persisted as the only contributory factor in both sexes (P < .01). Accordingly, prevention of HTN at the population level should focus mainly on overweight prevention.