Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among the Lebanese University students: Associated risk factors and repercussion on mental health

Background: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological illness characterized by persistent and intrusive preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. For individuals with BDD, these perceived defects are significant and prominent, leading to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and impairment in daily functioning. Despite its impact, no prior studies have explored the prevalence of BDD among Lebanese university students. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BDD and investigate its association with mental health status (depression and anxiety), religiosity, eating disorder risk, and self-esteem among Lebanese University students.  Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020, involving students from the Lebanese University. Data were collected using the dysmorphic concern questionnaire (DCQ), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE), religiosity scale, patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder assessment (GAD-7), Eating Attitude test-26 scale (EAT-26). Results: A total of 6448 participants were enrolled in our study. The overall prevalence of BDD among university students was (6.4%).Our results showed that Lebanese students with BDD were more likely to have anxiety ORadj 1.3 (95% CI:1.2-1.7) p-value 0.001, depression ORadj 1.2 (95% C:1.15-1.5) p-value 0.007, and eating disorder (Bulimia & Food preoccupation ORadj 1.06 (95% CI:1.03-1.2) P-value 0.0, and oral control ORadj 1.09 (95% CI:1.05-1.1)  P-value < 0.001) compared to those with no BDD. We also found that students with BDD had Lower Self-esteem ORadj 0.88 (95%CI: 0.78-0.9) P-value <0.001), and less likely to be religious ORadj 0.88 (95%CI: 0.82-0.9) P-value 0.02) compared to those with no BDD. Conclusion: This pioneering study in Lebanon sheds light on the prevalence of BDD among Lebanese university students and its associated factors. BDD was found to be significantly linked to elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, along with lower levels of self-esteem and religiosity. These findings underscore the importance of early detection of BDD during adolescence and young adulthood, necessitating timely psychological intervention to prevent chronicity and complications. Moreover, promoting widespread awareness through various social media and public platforms is essential to address this psychological issue effectively

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING VAGINAL RING AS A FORM OF CONTRACEPTION AMONG LEBANESE WOMEN

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of Lebanese women concerning the vaginal ring as a contraceptive means, and to assess their attitude regarding the usage of this form of contraception.502 participants of ages 20-49 were recruited to complete a 10-minute questionnaire to assess their contraceptive knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards the vaginal ring. Knowledge was evaluated among those who had heard about the ring by completing 16 questions. While those of no previous knowledge of the ring were directed towards a brief description about it. All participants completed 7 questions to assess their attitude towards the vaginal ring, and whether or not they might consider using it. Of all the participants 79.8 % recorded having knowledge about different forms of contraceptives, but only 29.1% knew about the ring. Of the latter, 105 had a score less than 50, and were thus considered to have poor knowledge. Whereas, 34 participants had a score of 50 and above, and were considered to have sufficient knowledge. Of the participants, 66.5% would not consider using the ring in the future. Age, level of education and enrollment in the medical field among other factors had a significant impact on the attitude of women towards the vaginal ring. Lack of advertisement, poor counselling from medical professionals, and unavailability of the product had a significant role in the inadequate awareness towards it. The ring did not seem appealing for most of the participants

Seroprevalence of Anti- Herpes Simplex Virus Type2 IgG, IgM Antibodies Among Pregnant Women in Diyala Province

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide. The acquisition of genital herpes during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, prematurity, and congenital and neonatal herpes. Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 among pregnant women in Diyala province. Materials and methods: Ninety one pregnant women were chosen from those attending the primary health care centers in Baquba - Diyala province, during the period from                    1st November / 2012 till 30th April / 2013. The age range between (15-37) years and the mean age was (25.10 ± 5.27) years. Anti- herpes simplex virus type 2 IgM and IgG antibodies were assayed by Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay technique. (ELISA). Results: The results showed that the anti- herpes simplex virus type 2 IgG, IgM antibodies seroprevalence among pregnant women was 2 out of 91(2.2%), and 2out of 91(2.2%)  respectively. The results of statistical analysis did not reveale significant differences with age, residence, educational levels, duration of pregnancy, previous of abortion and number of abortions on the prevalence of anti- herpes simplex type virus 2 IgM and IgG. The rate of susceptibility for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among pregnant women was 89 (97.8%). Conclusion: Low prevalence rate of HSV-2 seropositivity was appeared among pregnant women in studies area. However, it's necessary to focus on the women that demonstrated susceptibility for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection

Support for UNRWA's survival

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) provides life-saving humanitarian aid for 5·4 million Palestine refugees now entering their eighth decade of statelessness and conflict. About a third of Palestine refugees still live in 58 recognised camps. UNRWA operates 702 schools and 144 health centres, some of which are affected by the ongoing humanitarian disasters in Syria and the Gaza Strip. It has dramatically reduced the prevalence of infectious diseases, mortality, and illiteracy. Its social services include rebuilding infrastructure and homes that have been destroyed by conflict and providing cash assistance and micro-finance loans for Palestinians whose rights are curtailed and who are denied the right of return to their homeland

The combination of arsenic, interferon-alpha, and zidovudine restores an “immunocompetent-like” cytokine expression profile in patients with adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma

BACKGROUND: HTLV-I associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) carries a dismal prognosis due to chemo-resistance and immuno-compromised micro-environment. The combination of zidovudine and interferon-alpha (IFN) significantly improved survival in ATL. Promising results were reported by adding arsenic trioxide to zidovudine and IFN. RESULTS: Here we assessed Th1/Th2/T(reg) cytokine gene expression profiles in 16 ATL patients before and 30 days after treatment with arsenic/IFN/zidovudine, in comparison with HTLV-I healthy carriers and sero-negative blood donors. ATL patients at diagnosis displayed a T(reg)/Th2 cytokine profile with significantly elevated transcript levels of Foxp3, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-4 and had a reduced Th1 profile evidenced by decreased transcript levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-2. Most patients (15/16) responded, with CD4(+)CD25(+) cells significantly decreasing after therapy, paralleled by decreases in Foxp3 transcript. Importantly, arsenic/IFN/zidovudine therapy sharply diminished IL-10 transcript and serum levels concomittant with decrease in IL-4 and increases in IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA, whether or not values were adjusted to the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells. Finally, IL-10 transcript level negatively correlated with clinical response at Day 30. CONCLUSIONS: The observed shift from a T(reg)/Th2 phenotype before treatment toward a Th1 phenotype after treatment with arsenic/IFN/zidovudine may play an important role in restoring an immuno-competent micro-environment, which enhances the eradication of ATL cells and the prevention of opportunistic infections

A new method preparation and spectroscopic characterization of the nano organic reagent derivatives from pyrogallol and its complex with iron (III)

In this research, the nanoorganic reagent 4 (4-sulphophenylazo) pyrogallol was prepared by the method of forming diazonium salt in an acidic medium by coupling the compound sulfadiazine with the compound pyrogallol. The reagent complex with iron (III) was also prepared. The prepared reagent and complex were diagnosed through electronic spectrometers, UV-Visible Spectrophotometers, IR, and X-ray diffraction measurements, XRD, and 1H-NMR-C13-NMR measurements. The effect of the solvent, the acidity function, and the metal ratio of the 4-SPAP reagent were also studied, and the solid metal complex of iron was prepared from the transitional elements depending on the optimal conditions of concentration and molar ratio at the pH of this metal. The calibration curve of the iron complex was determined. Where the detection limit (LOD) was 2.2 ppm and the quantitative limit (LOQ) was 7.4 ppm.                                                                                                               

Direct quantification of a trace amount of iron (III) by using room-temperature fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy

In this research, the organ fluorescent reagent was used. 4 (4-sulphophenylazo) pyrogallol Prepared by the method of forming diazonium salt in an acidic medium by coupling the compound sulfadiazine with the compound pyrogallol, which is a solid substance with a brown color and a melting point of 167–165 C. The reagent (4-SPAP) was determined by fluorescence spectrometry, and the excitation and emission spectra were determined at room temperature by using maximum wavelength emission of 320 nm and excitation of 276 nm. With its high sensitivity, simplicity, and low cost compared to other analytical techniques, this technique was used to estimate and reagent some metal ions. This technique is widely employed for the selective reagent of metal ions. It was determined that the detector's limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are both 110.1031 ppb (equal to 367.0103 ppb)

Testing Performances of a Special AC Induction Motor Used in Electric Car

AbstractIN this practical research a laboratory testing desk was build with fully functional system including 3-Phase Induction Motor, AC Controller and Battery Bank with charger, enabling the practically verification of performances and behaviour of the complete electric drive system containing the exact parts that would be proposed to use in converting a diesel or petrol powered vehicle to an electric car. The tests were carried on a 3-Phase IM with special design and construction suitable to be used in electric car. The resistive loads of the car were simulated using a synchronous generator with a variable electric resistive load coupled to 3-Phase IM. An electronic car foot pedal and a battery bank were used as main source of power with a capacity suitable for the size of a light weight or medium size car.The performances of 3-Phase IM were tested in several practical cases simulating the running of 3-Phase IM on no load, running of 3-Phase IM to accelerate the car from stop position to reach a certain speed fixed by driver, for different resistive loads of the car. Running of 3-Phase IM to accelerate the car from stop position to reach a certain speed fixed by driver, keeping this speed for a certain period of time and decelerate, with different resistive loads of the car. Variations of rotation speed in time and variation of active torque in time of 3-Phase IM were studied for these cases, when different resistive load coupled to 3-Phase IM. Some conclusions and remarks about practical performances and behaviour of IM were given

Evaluation of CO2 Purification Requirements and the Selection of Processes for Impurities Deep Removal from the CO2 Product Stream

AbstractDepending on the reference power plant, the type of fuel and the capture method used, the CO2 product stream contains several impurities which may have a negative impact on pipeline transportation, geological storage and/or Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications. All negative impacts require setting stringent quality standards for each application and purifying the CO2 stream prior to exposing it to any of these applications.In this paper, the CO2 stream specifications and impurities from the conventional post-combustion capture technology are assessed. Furthermore, the CO2 restricted purification requirements for pipeline transportation, EOR and geological storage are evaluated. Upon the comparison of the levels of impurities present in the CO2 stream and their restricted targets, it was found that the two major impurities which entail deep removal, due to operational concerns, are oxygen and water from 300 ppmv to 10 ppmv and 7.3% to 50 ppmv respectively. Moreover, a list of plausible technologies for oxygen and water removal is explored after which the selection of the most promising technologies is made. It was found that catalytic oxidation of hydrogen and refrigeration and condensation are the most promising technologies for oxygen and water removal respectively