WATERPIPE: A GLOBAL ALARMING PROBLEM

Waterpipe popularity has increased significantly in the recent decades to become the major cause of death worldwide. This practice, which is also known as hookah, shisha and Narghile that is based on tobacco burning, increases the percentage of tobacco smokers especially among young people, due to several factors such as the attracting effect of sweetened tobacco, the marketing role and the social acceptance of waterpipe. A literature review was constructed using Pub med as a searching tool to confirm by studies the differences in adverse effects between waterpipe and cigarette by analyzing the toxicant’s levels generated from them, evaluating the smoke volume which is affected by the duration of smoking, the puffing intensity, and investigating the factors which enhance the toxicity of waterpipe such as the type of the hose and charcoal used during smoking practice. In addition, highlighting the misconceptions regarding the protective effect of water bubbling which has been considered to be a filtering factor for removing several toxicants, showing the type of microorganisms which colonize the different parts of waterpipe device and how they can be transmitted between smokers, focusing on their health hazards and their effects on waterpipe smokers. Finally, emphasizing the importance of specific regulatory policies in controlling the widespread of waterpipe preventing its dangerous consequences and saving human lif

Effets de l'Interleukine-17A et le facteur de nécrose tumorale alpha (TNF-α) sur la différenciation ostéoblastique

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of several arthritic diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint damage is a result of an increase in bone destruction and a decrease in bone repair. In contrast, in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a bone mass loss accompanied by a significant ectopic ossification is observed leading to the formation of syndesmophytes. Recent studies led to contradictory findings regarding the role of IL-17A and TNF-α in arthritic disease. Therefore, our objective was to study the effect of these two cytokines on the osteogenic differentiation of isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and fibroblasts of the synovial membrane (FLS). In all the cell models used, we demonstrated that Il-17A and TNF α synergistically increase osteogenesis. This seems to approach the model of AS where ectopic bone formation is observed and in which IL-17A and TNF-α both are involved. These cytokines stimulate osteoclasts locally resulting in loss of bone mass observed in both RA and osteoporosis. Thus, targeting IL-17A and TNF-α could lead to a decrease in cell infiltration and joint destruction which is observed in RA and may reduce the effects of RA FLS on the activation of osteoclastogenesisL'interleukine-17A (IL-17A) et le facteur de nécrose tumorale alpha (TNF-α) sont des cytokines pro-inflammatoires impliquées dans la pathogénèse de plusieurs maladies articulaires. Au cours de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR), une augmentation de la destruction osseuse ainsi qu'un defaut de réparation sont responsables des dommages articulaires. Cependant au cours de la spondylarthrite ankylosante (AS), une importante ossification ectopique est observée, conduisant à la formation de syndesmophytes, associé à une perte de la masse osseuse systémique. Récemment, l'étude de ces cytokines a conduit à la publication de résultats contradictoires. Notre objectif a donc été d'étudier l'effet de ces deux cytokines sur la différenciation ostéogénique de cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines isolées (hMSCs) et de fibroblastes de la membrane synoviale (FLS). Tous les modèles de cellules utilisés, ont démontré que l'IL-17A et le TNF-α augmentent de manière synergique l'ostéogénèse. Ceci semble se rapprocher du modèle de l'AS où une formation d'os ectopique est observée dans laquelle l'IL-17A et le TNF-α jouent un rôle majeur. En parallèle, ces deux cytokines stimulent localement les ostéoclastes, entraînant une perte de masse osseuse observée à la fois dans la PR et dans l'ostéoporose. Cibler simultanément l'IL-17A et le TNF-α pourrait conduire à une diminution de l'infiltration de cellules et de la destruction articulaire observée dans la PR et pourrait ainsi réduire les effets des FLS PR sur l'activation de l'ostéoclastogénès

Biomonitoring airborne pollution: a case study of “Urginea maritima” species in Bentael natural reserve – Lebanon

Biomonitoring airborne pollution has been a widespread practice. Its advantages make it an alternative to costly technological techniques. In this context, a rare species “Urginea maritima” was tested to measure the changes surrounding Bentael natural reserve in Lebanon, triggered by the inauguration of a new road on its south side, and revealed alarming results through two years study (2015–2016). Three environmental indicators were evaluated: Air Pollution Tolerance Index, Total Antioxidant Capacity and leaf Relative Water Content. These factors showed the escalated evolution of the air pollution during the studied months. In addition, six parameters, separated between pollution markers and scavengers, were studied: hydrogen peroxide, pheophytin, proline, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and total phenolic compounds showed a gradual and sharp increase. The passive biomonitoring with plants confirmed to be a reliable method to evaluate airborne pollution effects which will expose new extent to establish a routine monitoring program in Lebanon

Adipose stem cells contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance through both TH-17 polarisation and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion

International audienc

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population