Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD), the golden standard for healthy nutrition, has positive health impacts on metabolic disorders. Over the last few decades, Lebanon has been witnessing a gradual change in food intake nowadays referred to as “nutritional transitioning” defined as a shift from traditional to Western dietary pattern. Exploring the main determinants of adherence to the MD may be useful in understanding and counterbalancing this shift toward a Western diet. Objectives: The aims of our study were to assess the level of MD adherence and examine the associations between perceived ...

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 ...

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 ...

Background: Olive Oil (00) is premium oil which plays an important part of the Mediterranean cuisine due to its nutritional and sensory characteristics. Studies highlight the nutritional benefits associated with the consumption of 00 including the low level of saturated fatty acids (SFA), the high level of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the moderate level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) along with minor constituents including phenolic compounds. Studies highlight the importance of phenolic compounds as they are the major bioactive of 00 which contribute to its sensory, organoleptic ...

Introduction: according to the global report on drug use, the prevalence of people who use drugs (PWUD) and hence require treatment are estimated to be more than a quarter of a billion worldwide. Malnutrition is highly prevalent among PWUD and hyperphagia is also present in the early phases of treatment. Objective: this study aimed to assess the association between weight gain amongst PWUD currently undergoing treatment for recovery whether in the rehabilitation centers or the opioid substitution therapy (OST) program centers in Lebanon. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study, where demographics ...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to establish a set of measurable criteria for elderly nursing homes (ENHs) in Lebanon. Donabedian's model known by structure/process/outcome was used as the driving conceptual framework for the study. Design/methodology/approach – The study reports on a panel discussion where administrators, caregivers and specialists, separately established and exchanged key information on best practice approach. The work was carried out in the summer of 2008, using the consensus panel method. A group of expert opinions (Dalkey) made up of elderly home ...

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb widely used worldwide. However, it is produced in areas of high humidity and temperature which is favorable conditions for mold growth and mycotoxins production which pose public health risk. In Lebanon, no studies have been done to investigate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in thyme and thyme-based products. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of AFB1 and OTA in those products, related dietary exposure and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples of thyme and thyme-based products were collected and ...

Introduction: Eating Disorders (ED) are currently among the most important mental disorders in adolescents and young adults. Contradictory results are observed when studying the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among people with ED. Moreover, this vitamin plays several important roles in the human body which makes its deficiency an additional concern. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and correlates (mainly vitamin D status) of a positive screen for ED among Notre Dame University (NDU) employees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 270 NDU employees working at the main, ...

Among people who are living in community homes for the aged, a psychological strategy to cope with daily living is belief in a just world. In this study our aim was to determine the relationship between old people’s belief in a just world (BJW) and the activities of daily living (ADL). We selected a sample of 253 cognitively able people aged 60 years and over who were living in a nursing home. We collected data through surveys using a translated and validated Arabic Self-Belief in a Just World Scale and an ADL instrument. ...

Background and objective: Glyphosate, a nonselective herbicide widely-used in crop production, persists in food products leading to residues. Research findings on the health effects of glyphosate are highly controversial due to a perceived conflict of interest by the majority of research funders who are glyphosate manufacturers themselves. Glyphosate residues are detected in various tested food products globally, but data about exposure in Lebanon is lacking. Bread is a stable food in the Lebanese diet and the extend of its contamination with glyphosate is unknown. This study aimed at determining ...