Exploring the effects of health behaviors and mental health on students' academic achievement: a cross-sectional study on lebanese university students

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.None.Scopu

The effects of arsenic and copper on an aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC : evaluation of biomarkers for early detection of pollution

L’utilisation des plantes aquatiques comme indicateurs de la qualité des eaux de rivière a débuté dès le XXème siècle. Parmi les macrophytes utilisés, le myriophylle à fleurs alternes, Myriophyllum alterniflorum a démontré dans plusieurs études sa capacité bioaccumulatrice des métaux et son intérêt en tant que bioindicatrice de qualité de l’eau. L’objectif de cette étude est d’identifier chez cette espèce des biomarqueurs sensibles pour la détection précoce de pollution d’une rivière par un métal, le cuivre et un métalloïde, l’arsenic. Pour atteindre cet objectif, un milieu synthétique dont la composition est représentative de la qualité des eaux de la rivière Vienne, a été préparé (milieu Vienne). Une fois les conditions opératoires maîtrisées, le développement du macrophyte est suivi dans trois milieux : un milieu témoin, un milieu contaminé en cuivre et un autre en arsenic avec des concentrations d’exposition au polluant de 100 µg/L pendant 21 jours. Durant cette période, des biomarqueurs physiologiques (activités respiratoires et photosynthétiques, potentiel osmotique), biochimiques (les concentrations en chlorophylle a, b et en caroténoïdes, les teneurs en malondialdéhyde, les phytochélatines) ont été analysés. Ces suivis ont été réalisés en système fermé dans des boites de culture de 400mL in vitro en tenant compte de la trophie du milieu (condition eutrophe et oligotrophe), puis en système recirculé dans des aquariums de 150 L, toujours dans le milieu Vienne, mais cette fois en se plaçant dans différentes conditions hydrodynamiques (zones turbulente, laminaire à une vitesse de 3 cm/s et calme).Alternate watermilfoil, Myriophyllum alterniflorum is an aquatic macrophyte presented in the rivers of the Limousin region in France whose potential for bioindication of metal pollution has been demonstrated. The objective of this study is to identify in this species sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of pollution in a river by a metal copper, and a metalloid, arsenic. To achieve this goal, a synthetic medium whose composition is representative of the water quality of the river Vienne, was prepared (Vienne medium). The composition of the medium studied is verified by ICP-MS and ion chromatography (IC). The development of the macrophyte was followed in a control medium, a copper contaminated medium and another contaminated with arsenic at a concentration of 100 µg/L for 21 days. During this period, the respiratory and photosynthetic activities of Myriophyllum alterniflorum, the concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, levels of malondialdehyde, osmotic potential, and phytochelatins were recorded. This monitoring has been made in a closed system (400mL culture boxes) taking into account the trophy of the medium (eutrophic and oligotrophic conditions), and then in a recirculating system (aquariums of 150 L) taking into account the hydrodynamic conditions (turbulent, laminar and quiet areas)

A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb

A perennial wild shrub from the Lamiaceae family and native to the Mediterranean region, thyme is considered an important wild edible plant studied for centuries for its unique importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. Thyme is loaded with phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is pungent in taste, yet rich in moisture, proteins, crude fiber, minerals and vitamins. Its chemical composition may vary with geographical location but is mainly composed of flavonoids and antioxidants. Previous studies have illustrated the therapeutic effects of thyme and its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, against various diseases. This is attributed to its multi-pharmacological properties that include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic actions. Moreover, thyme has long been known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic activities, in addition to remarkable disruption of microbial biofilms. In the COVID-19 era, some thyme constituents were investigated for their potential in viral binding. As such, thyme presents a wide range of functional possibilities in food, drugs, and other fields and prominent interest as a nutraceutical. The aims of the current review are to present botanical and nutritive values of this herb, elaborate its major constituents, and review available literature on its dietetic and biological activities

Absorption and translocation of copper and arsenic in an aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. in oligotrophic and eutrophic conditions

International audienc

Absorption and translocation of copper and arsenic in an aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. in oligotrophic and eutrophic conditions

International audienc

Hydrolyzed collagen: Exploring its applications in the food and beverage industries and assessing its impact on human health – A comprehensive review

Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) consists of many small and low-molecular-weight amino acid chains (3–6 kDa) that can be produced either in basic or acidic media through enzymatic activity. This review details the sources of hydrolyzed collagen, its biosynthesis and its uses in the food industry, as well as its production process and beneficial health effects. HC can be extracted from a variety of sources, during which acetic acid is used for the extraction of collagen type I from bovine, porcine, marine, chicken, and fish cartilage. An enzymatic treatment combined with an acidic treatment has shown more efficient extraction results. Because of its properties, it is frequently employed in the food industry since it improves sensorial qualities, as well as in the cosmetic industry as a functional component in face and body cream because of its moisturizing properties. It is also used in the pharmaceutical development of antioxidant supplements often combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. HC has an excellent therapeutic effect on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, where a daily dose of 12 g enhances pain symptoms and contributes to bone health. It also increases mineral density and protects articular cartilage. This review presents the structure and properties of hydrolyzed collagen, which mainly consists of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline in a triple helix, its extraction process and its sources, as well as its applications. In particular, the creation of Enzymatic Membrane Reactor allows the production of HC with different molecular weight distributions, allowing wider application

Combined effect of copper and hydrodynamic conditions on Myriophyllum alterniflorum biomarkers

International audienceThe aim of this study is to determine the combined effect of copper and hydrodynamic conditions on the response of certain biomarkers of an aquatic macrophyte, namely Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Watermilfoil biomarkers are monitored in a synthetic medium enriched or not with copper (100 μg.L-1) for 21 days in aquarium systems (150 L), under three hydrodynamic conditions: laminar, turbulent, and calm. The studied biomarkers are: respiratory and photosynthetic activities; concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids; osmotic potential; hydrogen peroxide content; and growth. In addition, Cu contents in water and in Myriophyllum alterniflorum (roots and shoots) are investigated. The hydrodynamic conditions only affect watermilfoil morphology. Copper accumulates less in turbulent zones; moreover, it is more likely to accumulate in shoots than in roots, except within the calm zone. Cu leads to: i) a significant increase in H2O2 content, ii) a decrease in root growth, pigment content, osmotic potential, photosynthesis and respiration rates, and iii) an inhibition of shoot branching. Differential effects are also observed between younger and older parts, thus indicating the benefit of considering these two plant parts separately in water quality biomonitoring

Biochemical responses of Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali exposed to air and soil pollution near the industrial complex in Sfax, Tunisia

International audienceThis study aims to evaluate the impact of complex air and soil pollutions on Olea europaea L. cv. chemlali, one of the most important commercially valuable crops in Tunisia. These field experiments were performed in the vicinity of the industrial complex in the South of Sfax, Tunisia for the polluted olive trees and in unpolluted areas for control ones. Several biomarkers were studied belonging mainly to the antioxidant system like enzymes or antioxidant compounds. Main results indicate that air and sol pollutions induced an oxidative stress as demonstrated by an increase in the rate of hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2) production, electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation in all plant parts.This stress affects chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of leaves. Additionally, the activities of enzymes involved in reactive-oxygenspecies (ROS) detoxification were affected. Air and soil pollutions induce an increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, in polluted olive trees, the content of antioxidant molecules like polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins increases strongly. This is consistent with the role of these potent antioxidants in scavenging ROS such as H2O2. This study evidences the deleterious effects of industrial activity on antioxidative defense system of Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali