The tracers L 15N-proline and L(1-13C)-leucine were used to explore the synthesis of skin proteins in vivo in rabbits. They orally received a single dose containing an equimolecular mixture of L(1-13C)-leucine and L15N-proline. The changes in the amounts of these tracers in blood and skin were monitored for a total of 8h. The data showed the appearance of the two tracers in blood within 15min and their clearance in 8h. They were both rapidly (15min) incorporated into skin proteins, but more proline was incorporated than leucine. We therefore consider L 15N -proline to be a better tracer than ...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess quality of life in relation to wellbeing among Lebanese nursing home elderly residents. The study attempts to understand the impact of structures, processes and skills on elderly health status. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, 220 normally functioning elderly respondents from 33 nursing homes were studied. A quasi‐experimental approach measured psychological and health‐related factors using the Geriatric Depression Scale, Activity of Daily Living, EuroQol EQ‐5D and the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instruments. Findings – ...

Several theorists have contended that belief in a just world may be one way elderly rest home residents cope with anxiety, fear, and depression and thus maintain their well-being. In this study we explored belief in a just world and length of time elderly have been residing in rest homes in Lebanon in relation to their levels of self-rated quality of life. A sample of 354 cognitively able elderly people were selected from 36 nursing homes. Interview questionnaires including a translated and validated Self-beliefs in a Just World Scale (BJW-S; Lipkus, Dalbert, & Siegler, 1996) and the EuroQol ...

Background: This study described the differences between elderly men and women living in Lebanese long-term care nursing homes on socio-economic, health and nutritional status. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. Field researchers obtained data from 221 residents; 148 (67%) women and 73 (33%) men, living in 36 nursing homes. Data on health conditions; nutritional, psychological, and functional status; socio-demographic characteristics, as well as social relations were collected. The analysis used both chi-square and t-test tests. Results: The majority of elderly had low ...

This study investigated the attribution of kinship responsibility by drawing on attribution theory of locus and controllability. The analysis draws on the actor versus observer model using income as an intervening variable. A cluster sampling technique resulted in a sample of 935 respondents. Analysis of covariance using gender as a covariate resulted in non-significant main effects. An interaction effect was statistically significant in the high income group who supported the attribution of responsibility of the government and the low and middle income ...

Background: Micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals are present in small quantities in food and are essential in a healthy diet for disease prevention and well­ being. They enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances and provide a range of critical biological functions. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the dietary intakes of 19 micronutrients to recommended micronutrient intakes, in order to identify inadequate/ excess micronutrient intakes among a sample of Lebanese adults. Subjects and methods: Dietary Intakes of individuals ...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess nutrient intakes in elderly living in Lebanese nursing homes (NHs). Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 long-term care institutions from all over Lebanon. Out of 2,094 residents, 98 (69 women and 29 men) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Dietary food intake was assessed using the 24-h food recall. The analysis used a Chi-square test and independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney test, as appropriate. Findings: A high percentage of elderly ...

Background: Worldwide, the prevalence of insulin resistance ranges from 15.5% to 46.5%, among adults. Lebanon reported one of the highest rates reaching 44.6%. The literature is suggesting an association between dairy product consumption and insulin resistance, however results are still inconclusive. To our knowledge, no study has examined this association in the Middle Eastern Region. Objectives: Examine the association between dairy products' consumption and insulin resistance in a sample of Lebanese adults and to assess the effect of different types of dairy products on insulin ...

Background – Breastfeeding is an effective public health intervention that improves infants and mothers’ health worldwide. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Lebanon are low. The extent to which gynecologists, pediatricians, and family doctors in Lebanon play a role in women’s breastfeeding practices is not well-understood. Lebanese physicians’ perceived and actual knowledge, beliefs about the benefits of breastfeeding, and self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding are also not fully investigated. Methods – In this pilot cross-sectional study, we used interview-administered questionnaires to ...

Fluoride is one of the most abundant elements found in nature. Water is the major dietary source of fluoride. The only known association with low fluoride intake is the risk of dental caries. Initially, fluoride was considered beneficial when given systemically during tooth development, but later research has shown the importance and the advantages of its topical effects in the prevention or treatment of dental caries and tooth decay. Water fluoridation was once heralded as one of the best public health achievements in the twentieth century. Since this practice is not feasible or cost effective ...