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In the present work, sulfonamide chitosan derivatives were prepared via the reaction of chitosan (Cs) with diphenyl ether – 4, 4`- disulfonylchloride (DPE) in absence and/or presence of glutaraldehyde (G) to form the hydrogel (DPE-I) and (DPE-II) respectively. The nanogels (DPE-III) and (DPE-IV) were prepared via ionotropic gelation method in presence of sodium tri polyphosphate (TPP) under the same reaction conditions. The hydrogels (DPE-I, DPE-II, DPE-III, and DPE- IV) were characterized by different tools as: Elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrometer (FT-IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The adsorption efficiency of the prepared hydrogels for removal of congo red dye (CR) from aqueous solution under different parameters such as (time, pH, and concentration) was evaluated. The adsorption capacity of CR by the prepared hydrogels increased with time, adsorbent dosage and the initial concentration of CR. The optimum adsorption capacity for CR dye by the prepared hydrogels was at pH 7. Hydrogels (DPE-III and DPE-IV) showed the highest efficiency for adsorption of (CR) dye.

The present work focuses on the preparation of chitosan composite and chitosan nanocomposite derivatives for different applications. Chitosan was modified with bentonite or nano-bentonite to give chitosan composite and nanocomposite derivatives hydrogels I and II respectively, however chemical modification of chitosan with isonicotinic aldehyde via Schiff base formation in presence of bentonite or nanobentonite yielded chitosan composite and nanocomposite derivative hydrogels In and IIn respectively. The prepared hydrogels were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (X-Ray), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and swelling behavior. Adsorption studies for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous media and the biological activity for the new hydrogels were studied. Results of evaluation of the prepared chitosan derivatives hydrogel for metal ions uptake showed that the maximum adsorption capacity amounted to 68 and 22 mg/l and the highest efficiency for adsorption of cobalt and mercuric ions from aqueous solution by hydrogel IIn at 10 h (93.2%) and (97.8%) respectively, whereas the adsorption capacity of hydrogel IIn increased with the increase of the initial concentration of heavy metals ions ranging from 0.4 to 1 g/l. However, modified chitosan derivative hydrogels In and IIn showed remarkable MIC and MBC towards Gram-positive (B. subtilis) (19.5, 38) μg/ml compared to the standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (19, 38) μg/ml respectively.

Chemical modifications of chitosan were of interest to scientific researchers for its wide applications. Chitosan has been widely used for synthesis of unique compounds with potential biological activity and also effective for wastewater treatment. In the current study fabrication of new chitosan-based Schiff base hydrogels were fabricated through modification of chitosan with isonicotinic aldehyde to give hydrogel I or with epichlorohydrin or sodium tripolyphosphate via ionotropic gelation processes under the same reaction conditions to give hydrogels Ie, and nanohydrogels II, IIe respectively. FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM, and TEM tools were used for characterization of the fabricated hydrogels I, Ie, II, and IIe hydrogels. The swelling behavior of the fabricated hydrogels in different solvents were determined. Evaluation of the hydrogels for leaching metal ions and biological activity towards different Gram-positive and Gram-negative of microorganisms were studied. The results showed that the highest efficiency for adsorption of cobalt and mercuric ions was revealed for hydrogels Ie, IIe (91.3%, 95.9%) and (92.5%, 95.9%) respectively. However, hydrogel IIe showed remarkable MIC and MBC towards Gram-positive (B. subtilis) (19.5, 38) μg/ml compared to the standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (19, 38) μg/ml respectively.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is modified by N-phenyl itaconimide derivatives (N-(RPh)IM) as modifying agents or graft comonomers. The resulting modified polymers or graft copolymers were characterized using FTIR and UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The thermal properties of the modified polymers were investigated using thermogravimetry (TGA), which revealed that the synthesized polymers exhibited high thermal stability, as shown from the value of their initial decomposition temperatures and the percentage of weight loss at high temperatures. The polymer modified by 4-bromo itaconimide exhibited the most thermal stability. A mechanism for the modification reaction and the graft copolymerization of PVC was suggested.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) surface during embryogenesis leading to the genesis of the hematopoietic system, which is vital for immune function, homeostasis balance, and inflammatory responses in the human body. Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation, which initiates from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and is responsible for the generation of all adult blood cells. With their self-renewing and pluripotent properties, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide an unprecedented opportunity to create in vitro models of differentiation that will revolutionize our understanding of human development, especially of the human blood system. The utilization of hPSCs provides newfound approaches for studying the origins of human blood cell diseases and generating progenitor populations for cell-based treatments. Current shortages in our knowledge of adult HSCs and the molecular mechanisms that control hematopoietic development in physiological and pathological conditions can be resolved with better understanding of the regulatory networks involved in hematopoiesis, their impact on gene expression, and further enhance our ability to develop novel strategies of clinical importance. In this review, we delve into the recent advances in the understanding of the various cellular and molecular pathways that lead to blood development from hPSCs and examine the current knowledge of human hematopoietic development. We also review how in vitro differentiation of hPSCs can undergo hematopoietic transition and specification, including major subtypes, and consider techniques and protocols that facilitate the generation of hematopoietic stem cells.

The use of social networking by college students has become increasingly relevant to their academic lives. Smartphones have added great potential by enabling an increase in the use of social networking and in the number of hours spent on such sites. Being online for a long time and being able to access different information from different sources at the same time could cause information overload. Students could face problems in filtering the information they receive and they might find it difficult to decide which sources they can trust and, therefore, which to select. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of social networking on college students. To achieve this aim, the research employs various methodologies which include descriptive/interpretive studies of the literature and previous studies carried out by academics and industrial institutions. It also utilizes surveys taken among university students. A questionnaire was distributed among 179 students at different universities and higher education institutes in the Sultanate of Oman in order to explore the influence on college students of social networking using their smartphones. There are three main findings: 1) college students spend a long time on social networking sites, 2) college students are facing problems in trusting, filtering, and selecting all the different information accessed from social networking sites, and 3) social networks affect students in both positive and negative ways.

The current study aimed to test the neuroprotective action of topiramate in mouse peripheral diabetic neuropathy (DN) and explored some mechanisms underlying this action. Mice were assigned as vehicle group, DN group, DN + topiramate 10-mg/kg and DN + topiramate 30-mg/kg. Mice were tested for allodynia and hyperalgesia and then spinal cord and sciatic nerves specimens were examined microscopically and neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) immunostaining was performed. Results indicated that DN mice had lower the hotplate latency time (0.46-fold of latency to licking) and lower von-Frey test pain threshold (0.6-fold of filament size) while treatment with topiramate increased these values significantly. Sciatic nerves from DN control mice showed axonal degeneration while spinal cords showed elevated GFAP (5.6-fold) and inflammatory cytokines (∼3- to 4-fold) but lower plasticity as indicated by GAP-43 (0.25-fold). Topiramate produced neuroprotection and suppressed spinal cord GFAP/inflammation but enhanced GAP-43. This study reinforces topiramate as neuroprotection and explained some mechanisms included in alleviating neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan modified with diallylamine (CS-DAA) was synthesized and mixed with nano magnesium oxide (in various percentages) to prepare CS-DAA–MgO nanocomposites for use as a heterogeneous base catalyst for the synthesis of novel pyrazole derivatives. 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis confirmed the synthesis of the new functionalized chitosan CS-DAA. The nanocomposite containing 5% MgO exhibited the highest thermal stability as shown in the thermogravimetry curves. The X-ray diffraction pattern and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of the nanocomposite CS-DAA–MgO. The ecofriendly, biodegradable nanocomposite was used as a heterogeneous base catalyst for the synthesis of four novel pyrazole derivatives. Pyrazolone was condensed with thiocarbohydrazide in two different ratios to afford the corresponding hydrazones (1 and 2). These hydrazones were treated with α-haloesters or hydrazonoyl halides in the presence of the heterogeneous nanocomposite catalyst, resulting in the formation of thiadiazines (3) and thiazolidin-4-one (4). The catalytic effect of the nanocomposite showed higher catalytic efficiency compared to the traditional homogeneous base catalysts Et3N and NaOH. The four pyrazole structures were confirmed using elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. A molecular docking study was used to predict the inhibition potential for the four pyrazole derivatives as anti-bacterial drugs for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results showed that all the compounds exhibit good inhibition potential as anti-bacterial drugs, especially compound (3) and compound (4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution casting was used to synthesis polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites with graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanoparticles in various percentages (0.033, 0.166, 0.33, 1.665, and 3.3 wt%). XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of PMMA/C3N4 nanocomposites. Optical constants are obtained at room temperature in the 200–2500 nm wavelength range. The optical band gaps of PMMA/C3N4 doped films, both direct and indirect, are measured and have values change from 4.8 to 2.32 eV for Egind and changes from 5 to 3.7 eV for Egd. The refractive index values of the materials were also calculated using Moss, Reddy, Anani, and Kumar‐Singh relationships with average values vary from (2.109 to 2.529) and vary from 2.155 to 2.32 for indirect and direct transition, respectively. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC electrical conductivity at RT and the g‐C3N4 doping level was examined as frequency variables from 100 to 1 MHz. In consideration of Jonscher's universal power law, the variation of σAC with frequency was examined. The addition of C3N4 appears to raise the σAC of the studied films, making them attractive for semiconductor applications. According to the optical limiting results, the samples doped with g‐C3N4 are severely attenuated for the laser beam of 638.2 nm. PMMA doped with g‐C3N4 is a viable contender for electronic and optoelectronic applications, particularly laser power reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The housefly, Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae), is an important pest not only causing annoying to humans but is also known for its ability to transmit different infectious microorganisms to humans and animals. Recently, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized by microbial organisms have gained much attention in pest control because of their extensive antimicrobial activity, eco-friendliness, and simplicity. Therefore, the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was applied in the current study as a new and effective biopesticide against the house fly, Musca domestica by feeding the first instar larvae on different concentrations of ZnONPs synthesized by Bacillus foraminis (0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg). Results showed significant mortality values in the larval stage (1.84 ± 0.10, 3.50 ± 0.29, 5.75 ± 0.25, 7 ± 0.41, 8 ± 0.41 and 8.75 ± 0.25) while pupae recorded mortality values of (1.75 ± 0.14, 1 ± 0.00, 1.63 ± 0.13 and 1 ± 0.00) at the higher concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 mg), respectively and some morphological changes appeared in some pupae. Also, the adult emergence had a significant reduction (100 ± 0.00, 82.5 ± 2.50, 62.5 ± 4.79, 37.5 ± 2.50, 28.35 ± 0.95, 17 ± 0.08 and 0 ± 0.00), in comparison with the control group C (10 ± 0.00). ZnONPs showed effectiveness against M. domestica, suggesting it as a new and promising method in pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale. Results When adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit. Conclusion Pictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.

Measuring customer satisfaction is an efficient method for evaluating organisational performance of firms, especially in today’s competitive environment. In the Algerian context, where the industry is developing rapidly and the customer satisfaction and its antecedents have an importance for the most of the Algerian companies, it becomes crucial to explore the factors influencing customer satisfaction in the industrial sector. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop a specific model for a customer satisfaction index in the Algerian industrial environment. The inexistence of this type of models in the Algerian context has provided difficulties to companies in detecting what affects the satisfaction of their customers; this research can help them to find out what are the factors that impact on the customer satisfaction and improve it. To achieve this, we have examined previous studies conducted in other countries to identify the antecedents of customer satisfaction. The research methodology employed in this study follows a quantitative approach. We conducted a questionnaire survey among a sample of 203 customers of the BCR brand, which specialises in faucet production. The questionnaire was designed to measure various factors, including corporate image, customer expectations, perceived quality, perceived value, price, and handling of complaints. The collected data was analysed using SPSS software, and the model will be constructed using Smart-PLS software. The findings of the study confirmed that three variables significantly impact customer satisfaction in the studied context: perceived value, price, and perceived quality, specifically focusing on the sustainability dimension. Based on these results, we have developed a customer satisfaction index model, specifically focusing on the antecedents’ part, which incorporates these three variables.

Climate change-induced saline intrusion into both surface and groundwater, extreme weather events, and unregulated water usage are serious threats to the drinking water supply in coastal areas worldwide, especially in least-developed countries. This research developed a data-driven decision-making methodology to evaluate the performance of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in the saline-prone southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Twenty-five community managed RWH systems, recently piloted in two major coastal districts, were considered the case study to develop and validate this evaluation tool. The evaluation methodology integrates daily water models, lifetime cost analysis, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based parameters supported by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and field observation. While the meteorological parameters as well as the hydrological and economic performance were found to be highly suitable, 36 % of the systems showed moderate performance, as challenges remain in ensuring proper operation and maintenance practices at the community level. However, 40 % of the systems showed high performance, with two systems showing very high suitability, which suggests community managed RWH systems as a sustainable adaptation for coastal water supply.

Abstract Background Previous linguistic validations of the 30-item Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ-30) have been performed in Western/Eastern populations, and no Arabic validated version exists to date for the wide Arabic-speaking populations in the Middle East-North African region and abroad. In this regard, we sought through the present study to test the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the MCQ-30 in a sample of Arabic-speaking community adults from Lebanon. Methods The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 423 participants (mean age: 38.13 ± 11.03 years; 61.2% females). The Metacognition Questionnaire-short form, Teruel Orthorexia Scale and Emotion regulation questionnaire were used to assess metacognition, orthorexia nervosa and emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) respectively. Results Findings of Confirmatory Factor Analyses revealed that the five-factor model provided a good fit to the data. McDonald’s ω coefficients ranged from 0.78 to 0.94 for the five MCQ-30 subscales, and was of 0.93 for the total score, hence supporting the adequacy of scale reliability. Results also supported configural, metric, and scalar equivalence of the five-factor model across gender groups. The MCQ-30 subscales showed patterns of correlations with the emotion regulation and disordered eating constructs in the expected directions, providing evidence of the criterion-related validity of the measure. In particular, positive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) were negatively correlated with cognitive self-consciousness and need to control thoughts; whereas maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression) showed positive correlations with lack of cognitive confidence, negative beliefs and need to control thoughts. Additionally, all metacognition dimensions (except for cognitive self-consciousness) were significantly and positively correlated with higher levels of orthorexia nervosa behaviors. Conclusions Our findings preliminarily suggest that the scale is valid, reliable, and can be recommended for use among the broad Arabic-speaking community worldwide.

Abstract Introduction The 9-item Body Dissatisfaction Subscale (BDS) of the Eating Disorder Inventory is one of the most used tools for assessing thinness-oriented body dissatisfaction in research and clinical practice. However, no validated Arabic version of this scale exists to date. In this study, we sought to validate this instrument in three samples of native Arabic-speaking adolescents, adults, and pregnant women from Lebanon. Methods A total of 826 adults, 555 adolescents, and 433 pregnant women were included. To examine the factor structure of the BDS, we performed an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), using a principal component analysis via the FACTOR software on the first split-half subsample among Lebanese adults. We used data from the second split-half in the adult sample to conduct a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) through the SPSS AMOS v.29 software. That verified model was tested via CFA on adolescents and pregnant women. Results The EFA showed a bidimensional structure for the BDS, with all 9 items retained and divided into Factor 1 = Body Satisfaction (negatively-worded items) and Factor 2 = Body Dissatisfaction (positively-worded items). The CFA demonstrated invariable goodness-of-fit of the instrument in the three studied populations. McDonald’s omega values were also adequate in the three samples, demonstrating its reliability. Moreover, the BDS showed invariance across sex among both adolescents and adults. Finally, higher BDS scores were correlated with more disordered eating, less body appreciation and less functionality appreciation, thus attesting to convergent validity of the scale. In addition, BDS scores correlated positively with depression and anxiety scores, indicating adequate patterns of divergent validity. Conclusion In light of our findings, we endorse the use of the BDS by healthcare professionals in Arabic-speaking countries, in order to assess thinness-oriented body dissatisfaction in an appropriate and timely manner and ease early referral to a specialist, thereby preventing the deleterious health-related risks associated with this condition.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a pandemic that resulted in extreme human and economic losses. A higher incidence of morbidity and mortality to COVID-19 was demonstrated in a special population. Factors that impact the disease severity include old age, obesity, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and immunosuppressive drugs. Fortunately, several COVID-19 vaccines were developed such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson among others. These vaccines have shown good efficacy and safety profiles in the general population, but serious rare adverse effects were reported related to specific vaccines. Several studies are undergoing to test the efficacy in special populations. Reduced efficacy or delayed immunological response to COVID-19 vaccines were suggested for patients with autoimmune disorders or organ transplant patients, especially those receiving certain medications such as rituximab. There is a concern about organ rejection in organ transplant patients. Despite these facts, there is an agreement among health care providers to consider prioritization of the above-mentioned groups for receiving vaccinations with the same precautions followed for the general population. It is recommended to ongoing studies determine the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with comorbidities based on clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The present study sought to examine the factor structure, reliability, validity and gender invariance of the Arabic Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), and its two short forms (the 3-item and 2-item BAS-2SF) among community Lebanese Arabic-speaking adults. Methods We carried-out an online cross-sectional survey. The 10-item BAS-2, the functionality appreciation scale and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 were completed by 826 Lebanese community adults (57.9% females, aged 25.42 ± 8.44 years). Results The Arabic 10-item, 3-item and 2-item BAS-2 converged on a one-factor solution, and demonstrated high internal consistency (McDonald’s ω value of .92, .88, and .86 respectively). All indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender. The 3-item and 2-item BAS-2SF were highly correlated with the original BAS-2 (r > 0.9). Higher 10-item, 3-item and 2-item BAS-2 scores correlated significantly and strongly with more positive eating attitudes and greater functionality appreciation, and higher 10-item BAS-2 scores correlated positively and weakly with BMI, supporting convergent validity. Conclusion The present work contributes to the literature by providing a psychometrically sound Arabic-translation of the BAS-2 and short-forms, benefitting both researchers and clinicians.

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent functional gastrointestinal disorders, but the condition is still underdiagnosed. The high of rate of unidentified IBS by patients can be related to different factors. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of unidentified IBS among Lebanese adults and investigate the role of socio-demographic factors, anxiety, depression, insomnia and eating attitudes on IBS diagnosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese adults older than 18 years between June 2022 and December 2022, using a self-reporting questionnaire distributed via social media. Results A total of 425 participants was enrolled in the study with around 184 (46.8%) having a possible unidentified IBS. Higher psychological distress (aOR = 1.07) and insomnia severity (aOR = 1.08) were significantly associated with higher odds of having possible unidentified IBS whereas a higher household crowding index (aOR = 0.67) was significantly associated with lower odds of having possible IBS. The correlation of eating attitudes with cigarette smoking (aOR = 1.33; p = .025; 95% CI 1.04; 1.70) and insomnia severity with cigarette smoking (aOR = .89; p = .023; 95% CI .80; .98) were significantly associated with the presence of possible IBS. In nonsmokers, higher psychological distress (aOR = 1.07) and insomnia severity (aOR = 1.10) were significantly associated with higher odds of having possible IBS. In smokers, higher BMI (aOR = .78) was significantly associated with lower odds of having possible IBS, whereas higher eating attitudes scores (more inappropriate eating) (aOR = 1.40) were significantly associated with higher odds of having possible IBS. Conclusion The study highlighted the implication of raising awareness about IBS among the Lebanese population to promote early diagnosis and minimize the rate of unidentified IBS by patients. Initiation of appropriate treatment plans, tailored symptomatic management approach, and diet programs should be highly encouraged.

Abstract Utilizing micromagnetic modeling, we have explained the unprobed characteristics of 360° full cycle in-plane magnetization rotation and the resulting propagation of a magnetization wave along a ferromagnet nanowire. The magnetization wave, which is generated by setting off spin oscillation at one end of a ferromagnetic strip, propagates till the end of the wire. A perpendicular spin torque oscillator (STO) could generate magnetization rotation at one end of the ferromagnetic strip that is also part of the STO. Our results demonstrate that the oscillation frequency of the spins along the wire maintains excellent fidelity while the spatial wavelength of the magnetic wave increases. The driving mechanism behind the propagation of the wave is found to be exchange-springs, which enables the propagation of the wave without the need for a 'carrier' force, such as spin-transfer torque (STT) or spin Hall effect (SHE). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the gradient of the exchange energy drives the magnetic wave forward, while the in and out of plane anisotropy fields govern the shape of spin oscillation trajectories along the wire. Additionally, we show that stopping the oscillation at the STO end causes the wave to cease propagation after relaxation, and altering the STO rotational chirality leads to merging and annihilating domain walls of opposite winding numbers.

Abstract Background The Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (IEQ) is an 11-item instrument designed to evaluate the behavioural and psychological components of inflexible eating. However, the psychometric properties of the instrument have been infrequently examined, and no previous work has examined its utility in the context of the Middle East. Methods A total of 826 Lebanese citizens and residents completed a novel Arabic translation of the IEQ, as well as previously validated measures of body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and disordered eating. Results The unidimensional factor structure of the IEQ was upheld through both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with all 11 items retained. We obtained evidence of scalar invariance across gender and found that there were no significant differences in observed IEQ scores between men and women. IEQ scores were also found to have adequate composite reliability and adequate patterns of concurrent validity. Conclusion The present findings provide support for the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the IEQ in examining inflexible eating in Arabic-speaking adults in Lebanon. Plain English Summary Inflexible or rigid dietary restraint reflects an all-or-none approach that encompasses feeling compelled to obey a set of self-imposed dieting rules (e.g., avoiding high-calorie food, calorie counting, fasting to lose weight and/or skipping meals), having a sense of self-control and feeling empowered when adhering to these rules, and not respecting or following internal/external cues of hunger, satiety, and appetite. Therefore, the inflexible eating construct is composed of two dimensions, the first one is behavioural (i.e., obeying restrictive dietary rules) and the second one is psychological (i.e., the belief that following these rules is a consistent must). Until recently, the measures designed to assess inflexible eating focused on the behavioral dimension, while omitting to account for the psychological processes underlying the construct. To bridge this gap, the Inflexible Eating Questionnaire (IEQ), an 11-item self-report measure, was developed to assess both the behavioural and psychological components of dietary restraint. To date, the IEQ is not yet validated in Arabic. Through the present study, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the IEQ, which would in turn facilitate improved research and clinical practices related to dietary restraint in Arabic-speaking nations. Overall, findings provided support for the good psychometric qualities of the Arabic version of the IEQ, which suggests its utility for detecting inflexible eating in Arabic-speaking adults.

High-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are classified according to morphology as well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) G3 or poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Little data exist concerning which morphological criteria this subdivision should be based on. Uncertainty exists if the NEC group should be further subdivided according to proliferation rate. Clinical data on NET G3 and NEC with a lower Ki-67 range are limited. A total of 213 patients with high-grade GEP-NEN (Ki-67 >20%) were included from the Nordic NEC Registries. Four experienced NET pathologists re-evaluated the cases to develop the best morphological criteria to separate NET G3 from NEC, assuming longer survival in NET G3. Organoid growth pattern, capillary network in direct contact to tumour cells, and absence of desmoplastic stroma were found to best separate NET G3 from NEC. Of 196 patients with metastatic disease, NET G3 was found in 12.3%, NEC with a Ki-67 <55% (NEC < 55) in 29.6%, and NEC with a Ki-67 ≥55% (NEC ≥ 55) in 56.6%. Only in 1.5%, the morphology was ambiguous. Of 164 patients receiving first-line chemotherapy, 88% received platinum/etoposide treatment. Response rate was higher for NEC ≥ 55 (44%) than that of NEC < 55 (25%) and NET G3 (24%) (p = 0.025 and p = 0.026). Median progression-free survival was 5 months for all groups. Median overall survival was 33 months for NET G3 compared to 11 months for both NEC < 55 and NEC ≥ 55 (p = 0.004 and 0.003). Specific morphological criteria can separate NET G3 from NECs and show prognostic significance. High-grade GEP-NEN patients stratified by morphology and proliferation rate demonstrate significant differences in response to chemotherapy and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Meta-analytic findings documented a substantial impact of self-esteem on a broad range of psychological and behavioral indicators, thus highlighting its high clinical relevance. Proving a simple and cost-effective measure of global self-esteem to the Arabic-speaking community, who mostly live in low- and middle-income countries, and where research may be challenging, would be highly valuable. In this context, we sought to investigate the psychometric characteristics of an Arabic translation of the Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale (A-SISE) in terms of factor structure, reliability, and construct validity. Methods A total of 451 participants were enrolled between October and December 2022. An anonymous self-administered Google Forms link was shared on WhatsApp. To examine the factor structure of the A-SISE, we used the FACTOR software. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), using a principal component analysis on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) items first, then after adding the A-SISE. Results The results of the EFA of the RSES revealed two factors (F1 = negatively-worded items; F2 = positively-worded items), which explained 60.63% of the common variance. When adding the A-SISE, the two-factor solution obtained explained 58.74% of the variance, with the A-SISE loading on the second factor. Both RSES and A-SISE correlated significantly and positively with each other, as well as with extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, open mindedness and satisfaction with life. Moreover, they correlated significantly and negatively with negative emotionality and depression. Conclusion These results suggest that the A-SISE is a simple-to-use, cost-effective, valid and reliable measure of self-esteem. We thus recommend its use in future research among Arabic-speaking people in Arab clinical and research settings, particularly when researchers are limited by time or resources constraints.

Abstract Background Problematic use of social networks is a widespread problem that may exert deleterious impacts on cognitive functions. Moreover, studies have added an important link between loneliness and its harmful effect on cognitive functions. Other studies have also revealed that problematic use of social networks among teenagers has a pejorative influence on their social interactions, leading to increased social isolation. Therefore, the goal of our research was to investigate the link between problematic use of social networks and cognitive function in a group of Lebanese adolescents while also taking into consideration the indirect role of loneliness in this relationship. Methods This cross-sectional study, which was carried out between January and April 2022, included 379 teenagers (aged between 13 and 17 years), from all Lebanese governorates. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.4, model four was used to compute three pathways. Pathway A determined the regression coefficient for the effect of problematic use of social networks on loneliness; Pathway B examined the association between loneliness and cognitive function, and Pathway C’ estimated the direct effect of problematic use of social networks on cognitive function. Results Higher negative social comparison, addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks, and loneliness were significantly associated with worse cognitive function. Loneliness mediated the association between negative social comparison and worse cognitive function, as well as between addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks and worse cognitive function. In addition, higher financial burden was significantly correlated with worse cognitive function, whereas higher physical activity was related to better cognitive function. Conclusion In sum, the current study supports that problematic use of social networks is negatively associated with adolescents’ cognitive function, where loneliness seems to play a pivotal role in this equation. The results thus endorse the importance of helping Lebanese adolescents to overcome problematic use of social networks and recover from their loneliness, to achieve a better cognitive/academic performance.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use for children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to April 2019 at 15 randomly selected primary health centres in Muscat, Oman. A total of 384 parents with children under 12 years old were recruited. A validated questionnaire was utilised to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use for children with URTIs. Results: All 384 parents participated in the study (response rate: 100%). Almost half of the participants (n = 173; 45.1%) agreed that antibiotics were the first and best treatment for URTIs in children, with 184 parents (47.9%) reporting that influenza symptoms in children improved more rapidly after the administration of antibiotics and 203 (52.9%) believing that antibiotics prevented complications. The majority (n = 219; 57.0%) of parents never gave their children antibiotics without a prescription, and 291 (75.8%) never used leftover antibiotics. Most participants (n = 233; 60.7%) stated that it was the doctor’s decision to prescribe antibiotics, 192 (50.0%) had never asked a physician to prescribe antibiotics for their child and 256 (66.7%) had never changed doctors because they did not prescribe antibiotics. Conclusion: This study found that parents had confidence in their healthcare providers; however, it also showed the extent of their lack of knowledge regarding the use of antibiotics for children with URTIs. There is a need for both public- and healthcare professional-oriented educational initiatives to promote rational antibiotic usage in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure developed to assess narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability. We aimed to validate the Arabic version of the original Pathological Narcissistic Inventory (PNI) and its brief form (B-PNI) in a community sample of Lebanese adults. Methods The English language PNI items were translated into Arabic following a rigorous translation, back-translation, and linguistic evaluation. A total of 401 participants were administered the translated PNI, as well as previously validated Arabic versions of the Big Five Inventory-2, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Impulsivity-8 Scale. Results Exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported the existence of seven first-order and two second-order factors of the PNI and B-PNI. Except for exploitativeness where females scored lower than males, no other significant differences by gender were observed for the remaining PNI subscale scores. Additionally, scores on all the subscales exhibited good reliability, while the associations with external measures supported the concurrent validity of the translated instrument. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that scores on the PNI and B-PNI are highly reliable with satisfactory concurrent and factorial validity, providing an assessment of broadly defined pathological narcissism among the Lebanese young adult population. The availability of the Arabic PNI and its brief form should facilitate improved understanding of pathological narcissism in Arabic cultures and the different factors that govern narcissistic personality pathology.

Background: Obesity is considered one of the risk factors for dermatophytosis and warrants systemic therapy. Itraconazole is the most commonly used antifungal, but owing to pharmacokinetic challenges, super-bioavailable itraconazole (SITZ) was approved globally, recently. For the management of dermatophytosis in obese patients, there are mixed opinions regarding the dosing of systemic antifungals. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of SITZ-130 mg once daily in glabrous tinea or dermatophytosis in obese and non-obese patients for a total duration of 10 weeks on 87 eligible patients. Efficacy and safety assessments were done at weeks 3 and 6 with follow-up at week 10 for relapse. The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients achieving complete cure at week 6 with the assessment of safety, clinical, and mycological cure rates as secondary objectives. Results: Out of 87 patients, 80 were considered for analysis. At week 6, 22/35 (63%) and 33/45 (73%) patients in obese and non-obese groups were completely cured (P = 0.47). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference for mycological and clinical cure in both the groups (P = 0.17 and P = 0.61, respectively). Four patients in the obese group (18% of completely cured), while one patient in the non-obese group (3% of completely cured), relapsed within 4 weeks of completion of treatment (P = 0.14). The therapy was well tolerated by both groups, with only one patient in the non-obese group experiencing pruritus. Conclusion: SITZ-130 mg once daily achieved desired and similar clinical response in obese patients as of non-obese patients suffering from dermatophytosis, and hence, a higher dose may not require in obesity.

Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) was blended with acrylonitrile/diallyl amine derivatives [diallyl amine (DAA), diallyl amine acetate (DAAA), diallyl guanidine (DAGA)] copolymers for the improvement of thermal and photo stabilization of the polymer as well as the improvement of its mechanical properties. Thermal properties are investigated using thermal gravimetry (TG). The determination of Young's modulus, which is considered as a measure of the crystallinity of the polymeric matrix occurred using testometric machine. The plasticity of the film will be investigated by the determination of the elongation at the break value. The ESEM is used to determine the homogeneity of the blend films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite a large body of research has shown that smartphone addiction (SA) is associated with aggressive behaviors, only a few mediators have been previously examined in this relationship among early adolescent students. No previous studies have explored, to our knowledge, the indirect role of cognitive function despite its great importance during this life period. This study is intended to verify whether cognitive function have indirect effects on the relationship between SA and aggression among high-school students in the context of Lebanese culture. Methods This was a cross-sectional designed study, conducted between January and May 2022, and enrolling 379 Lebanese adolescent students (aged 13–17 years). The Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale, the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short form were used. Results The bivariate analysis results revealed that higher SA and worse cognitive function were significantly associated with more physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. The mediation analyses found that cognitive function mediated the association between SA and physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Higher SA was significantly associated with worse cognitive function and more physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Finally, worse cognitive function was significantly associated with more physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Conclusion Our findings cautiously suggest that, to reduce adolescent students’ aggression, interventions that promote cognitive performance may be effective. Particularly, students who are addicted to smartphones and show aggressive tendencies require interventions designed to improve cognition function.