Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Alexithymia can be associated with worse addictive traits, while emotional intelligence is associated with better addictive outcomes. In Lebanon, the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking is on the rise, although people are aware of the associated harms. Also, around 11% of Lebanese adults have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to assess the association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking (cigarette and waterpipe), and AUD among a sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2020, during the lockdown period, enrolled 408 community-dwelling adults. The survey link was shared on social media to reach participants from all Lebanese districts/governorates. RESULTS: Taking antidepressants (Beta = 4.37) was significantly associated with more cigarette dependence, while female gender (Beta = -1.52) and having a high vs. low monthly income (Beta = 1.02) were significantly associated with less cigarette dependence. None of the variables, including alexithymia, were significantly associated with waterpipe dependence. Female gender (Beta = -0.15) and higher emotional intelligence (Beta = -0.003) were significantly associated with less AUD, whereas higher alexithymia (Beta = 0.003) was significantly associated with more AUD. CONCLUSION: This study could demonstrate a significant association between alexithymia and cigarette smoking and alexithymia and alcohol consumption. Future research is warranted to investigate the mediating effect of emotional intelligence and how these results may be used to meet the needs of alexithymic individuals with addictions.

Frontiers of Ferroptosis in Cancer Treatment.

Recent phenomenal advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies and rapid breakthroughs in the interpretation of large gene expression datasets have enabled scientists to comprehensively characterize the gene signatures involved in ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death that has gained the worthwhile attention of both basic and clinical researchers. Ferroptosis has dichotomous, context-dependent functions both as a tumor suppressor and promoter of carcinogenesis. Essentially, pharmacological modulation of ferroptosis by its induction as well as its inhibition holds enormous potential to overcome drug resistance and to improve the therapeutic potential of chemotherapeutic drugs in a wide variety of cancers.

Probiotics Properties: A Focus on Pregnancy Outcomes.

A healthy microbiome plays an important role in the prevention of illness and maintenance of overall health, including reproductive health. Although the therapeutic advantages of probiotics have been shown to run across multiple organ systems, their role in pregnancy is not well explored. The aim of this review is to highlight the potential advantages and adverse effects of probiotics in pregnancy. Data were collected from the literature over the past decade using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Ovid, Scopus, and Science Direct. A total of 40 articles were utilized in this review. Collected data indicated that prenatal and post-natal supplementation with lactobacilli alone or lactobacilli with Bifidobacterium spp. seems to be protective. Probiotics may improve insulin resistance and consequently reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Probiotics may also reduce anxiety and depression by influencing brain activity. Additionally, they interfere with vaginal flora to make it friendlier to beneficial bacteria, and enhance anti-inflammatory or reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. They may also decrease eczema in breastfed infants and prevent allergic reactions by downregulating Th2 responses to specific allergens from mid to late gestation. Leveraging the cervicovaginal microbiota could promote a number of positive pregnancy-related health outcomes. Caution should be exercised in the selection, dosing, and monitoring of probiotics administration. More comprehensive randomized clinical trials are needed to reach a more meaningful evidence-based clinical knowledge.

Association between mental illness and cycle phases and physical, social, and task attraction in female university students.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between menstrual cycle phases and other factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) with social, physical, and task attraction. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 662 female university students (December 2019-January 2020). RESULTS: Higher stress was associated with higher social and task attraction. Higher stress and depression were associated with higher physical attraction, whereas higher anxiety was associated with lower physical attraction. None of the cycle's phases was associated with attraction. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study results showed a lot of contradictory information to what is present in the literature, in addition to new associations that are not tackled enough in the literature. Therefore, there is a crucial need for new firm studies that explore the relationship between women's hormonal levels and attraction levels.

Regulation of cell signaling pathways by Wogonin in different cancers: Mechanistic review.

Natural products have historically been invaluable as a premium source of therapeutic agents. Recent advancements in genomics and structural biology have portrayed a high-resolution landscape of the diversity of proteins targeted by pharmacologically active products from natural sources. Natural product research has generated valuable wealth of information and cutting-edge research-works have leveraged our conceptual knowledge altogether to a new level. Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is an O-methylated flavone and has attracted noteworthy appreciation because of its ability to pharmacologically target plethora of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. In this mini-review, we have gathered scattered pieces of available scientific evidence to summarize how wogonin pharmaceutically targeted Wnt/?-catenin, JAK/STAT, VEGF/VEGFR and TRAIL-driven apoptotic pathways in wide variety of cancers. We have also critically analyzed how wogonin prevented carcinogenesis and metastasis in tumor-bearing mice. Although researchers have uncovered pleiotropic role of wogonin in the regulation of different oncogenic signaling cascades but there are visible knowledge gaps in our understanding related to regulation of non-coding RNAs by wogonin. Future studies must converge on the unraveling of additional drug targets for wogonin to achieve a fuller and realistic understanding of the chemopreventive properties of wogonin.

Correction: Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV/AIDS in Lebanon.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249025.].

Cancer chemopreventive role of fisetin: Regulation of cell signaling pathways in different cancers.

It is becoming progressively more understandable that pharmaceutical targeting of drug-resistant cancers is challenging because of intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity. Interestingly, naturally derived bioactive compounds have unique ability to modulate wide-ranging deregulated oncogenic cell signaling pathways. In this review, we have focused on the available evidence related to regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/ß-catenin, NF-κB and TRAIL/TRAIL-R by fisetin in different cancers. Fisetin has also been shown to inhibit the metastatic spread of cancer cells in tumor-bearing mice. We have also summarized how fisetin regulated autophagy in different cancers. In addition, this review also covers fisetin-mediated regulation of VEGF/VEGFR, EGFR, necroptosis and Hippo pathway. Fisetin has entered into clinical trials particularly in context of COVID19-associated inflammations. Furthermore, fisetin mediated effects are also being tested in clinical trials with reference to osteoarthritis and senescence. These developments will surely pave the way for full-fledge and well-designed clinical trials of fisetin in different cancers. However, we still have to comprehensively analyze and fully unlock pharmacological potential of fisetin against different oncogenic signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs. Fisetin has remarkable potential as chemopreventive agent and future studies must converge on the identification of additional regulatory roles of fisetin for inhibition and prevention of cancers.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV/AIDS in Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: Up till today, studies carried in Lebanon have focused more on the prevalence of HIV and behaviors and quality of life of infected individuals, however, none of these studies discussed the degree of stigma towards these populations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to measure the rate of stigma in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice towards patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) and examine the factors associated with this stigma. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, enrolling 862 participants, was carried across the five governorates in Lebanon: Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South and Bekaa. The survey was a self-administered questionnaire which covered information about participants' general demographics, their knowledge, attitudes, practices and awareness towards HIV/AIDS in Lebanon., attitudes towards PLWHA, practices related to HIV/AIDS and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS situation in Lebanon. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 78.36% (862 participants). Being Muslim (Beta = -2.56) or Druze (Beta = -2.64) compared to Christians were significantly associated with lower knowledge towards HIV/AIDS, whereas having a secondary (Beta = 2.71) and a university (Beta = 3.04) levels of education compared to illiteracy and higher age (Beta = 0.05) were significantly associated with higher knowledge. Higher knowledge (Beta = 0.66) was significantly associated with better attitude, whereas higher age (Beta = -0.14) and being Muslim compared to Christian (Beta = -3.44) were significantly associated with worse attitude. Better attitude (Beta = 0.02) was significantly associated with better practice, whereas females compared to males (Beta = -0.39), having a secondary level of education compared to illiteracy (Beta = -0.88) and being Muslim compared to Christian (Beta = -0.32) were significantly associated with worse practice. CONCLUSION: Our results stress the need for educational programs, advocacy campaigns and policies to help reduce HIV stigma. This will then help start developing interventions and strategies for a possible reduction in the stigmatization level.

Social media use disorder and alexithymia: Any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults.

PURPOSE: To learn more about the association between social media use disorder and alexithymia among Lebanese people. DESIGN/METHODS: Four hundred fifty-six residents participated in this cross-sectional study which was carried out between January and December 2018. FINDINGS: The results showed that 107 (23.7%) participants were classified as having social media use disorder. Higher social media use disorder score (ß = .52), higher perceived stress (ß = .35), and higher depression (ß = .12) were significantly associated with more alexithymia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our results have shown that social media use disorder and being depressed and stressed were associated with higher levels of alexithymia. Psychologists/health practitioners can benefit from these findings in their future prevention and intervention plans. People who negatively utilize social media platforms can then be offered with appropriate counseling and coping mechanisms.

Correction to: Social media use disorder and loneliness: any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Social media use disorder and loneliness: any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults.

BACKGROUND: In Lebanon, it is already established that mental disorders are prevalent among the population. Lebanese people are active users of social media platforms. To date, no study has previously explored the relationship between mental health and social media use disorder in Lebanon. The present study aims to learn more about the link between social media use disorder and loneliness among Lebanese people. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2018. It enrolled 456 residents of the community randomly selected from Lebanon's governorates in a proportionate rate. RESULTS: The results showed that 107 (23.7%) participants were classified as having social media use disorder. The results of a stepwise linear regression, taking the loneliness score as the dependent variable, showed that female gender compared to males (Beta = 0.42), having a secondary level of education compared to illiteracy (Beta = 0.65), higher social media use disorder (Beta = 0.03) and higher insomnia (Beta = 0.02) and alexithymia (Beta = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher loneliness. CONCLUSION: The present study was able to contribute to the literature and showed the association between social media use disorder and loneliness. These findings can benefit psychologists and public health practitioners in their future prevention and intervention plans.

Correction to: Social media use disorder and loneliness: any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Factors associated with undiagnosed type II diabetes mellitus, undiagnosed impaired fasting glucose and these patients' quality of life in Lebanon.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between undiagnosed impaired fasting glucose (UIFG) and diabetes (UD), their risk factors and the patients' knowledge about diabetes and their quality of life (QOL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2017 in four laboratories enrolling 495 patients. We used the Diabetes Knowledge and SF-12 questionnaires to assess the patients' knowledge about diabetes and QOL. This study meets the Wilson and Jungner criteria for disease screening. RESULTS: A higher knowledge score (ORa = 0.85) was significantly associated with the absence of diabetes compared to UPD, whereas an increased age (ORa = 1.2) and a positive family history of diabetes (ORa = 1.81) were significantly associated with higher odds of UPD. An increased knowledge score (ORa = 0.55) was significantly associated with an absence of diabetes compared to UD, whereas an increased BMI (ORa = 1.40) and an increased age (ORa = 1.07) were associated with increased odds of having UD.UD (Beta = -5.799) was significantly associated with decreased total physical component QOL score, whereas increased diabetes knowledge score (Beta = 0.415) was significantly associated with increased physical QOL. A higher diabetes knowledge score (Beta = 0.459) were associated with increased mental QOL. CONCLUSION: Seeing the relatively high percentage of UD and UIFG, we propose that screening should be considered and subject to proper assessment in the light of the findings of this study.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Macroscopic Fibro-Fatty Infiltration of the Myocardium in Pediatric Patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia.

Background: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is an inherited, progressive form of cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium. While the gold standard for diagnosis remains pathologic evaluation of biopsy, advances in noninvasive imaging, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), have led to improved clinical diagnosis.Case report: We report three additional cases of pediatric patients that have pathologically confirmed ARVC/D with CMRI images, demonstrating extensive macroscopic fatty infiltration of the right and left ventricular myocardium. The identification using CMRI allowed timely transplantation and patient survival.Conclusion: Our study is designed to highlight how fibrofatty changes are minimal using CMRI in the pediatric population and how this can be a valuable tool to provide an additional method of diagnosis.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia in the Coronary Artery: An Unusual Cause of Massive Myocardial Infarction in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Background: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign vascular lesion that usually involves the head and neck or extremities. Involvement of the coronary arterial system is unreported. Case: A 1-month-old patient born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome died from a massive myocardial infarction shortly after first stage palliation with Norwood/Sano. Autopsy demonstrated a massive univentricular hemorrhagic infarction with complete occlusion of the left main coronary artery and its intramural branches by intraluminal papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH). Immunostaining with CD34 and CD31 confirmed the diagnosis. The inferior and superior mesenteric artery branches also had IPEH. Conclusion: IPEH can involve the coronary vasculature, can be multifocal and can occur in the newborn.

Previous, current, and cumulative dose effect of waterpipe smoking on LDL and total cholesterol.

The popularity of waterpipe smoking is dramatically increasing in Lebanon, reaching 36.9%, the highest among countries in the region. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have assessed the impact of waterpipe smoking on lipid levels in the Lebanese population. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between waterpipe smoking and LDL-C and total cholesterol levels in exclusive Lebanese waterpipe smokers compared to non-smokers. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017, enrolling 308 patients (156 non-smokers and 147 waterpipe smokers) from four laboratories. Current and previous WS (beta = 66.64 and beta = 71.49) were significantly associated with higher LDL scores. Current WS was significantly associated with and total cholesterol levels (beta = 34.12). Cumulative WS (number of waterpipes per week × duration in years) was significantly associated with higher LDL-C and total cholesterol levels respectively (p < 0.001 for all 3 variables). The university level of education (beta = 8.89) and current alcohol drinking (beta = 8.81) were significantly associated with higher LDL scores. Our study demonstrated an association between previous or current waterpipe smoking and lipid level. Future research are needed to detect the direct cause of the relation between waterpipe smoking and CVD. Concerned authorities should set up awareness campaigns to increase alertness on dangers of WS and dependence, and encourage these young adults to embrace health-promoting behaviors.

Effect of exclusive cigarette smoking and in combination with waterpipe smoking on lipoproteins.

OBJECTIVE: A significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C is well shown in tobacco users, as compared to non-tobacco users. The additive effects of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels have not been studied. The study's objective was to assess the correlation between cigarette smoking and LDL levels in Lebanese cigarette smokers and to check the interaction effect of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017 in 4 different laboratories, enrolling 308 patients (188 non-smokers, 105 cigarette smokers, 15 previous smokers). RESULTS: Current cigarette smoking (Beta=25.57; p<0.0001) was significantly associated with higher LDL levels and higher total cholesterol levels (Beta=53.29; p<0.0001) in exclusive cigarette smokers. Among current cigarette smokers who were current waterpipe smokers, a significant increase in LDL level was observed relative to current cigarette smokers who were not waterpipe smokers (Beta=66.64 vs Beta=37.37; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, LDL levels increased relative to nonsmokers, consistent with findings in other populations. In addition, among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, current waterpipe smoking might increase adverse lipid profiles associated with adverse coronary effects more than cigarette smoking alone. The direct cause responsible for these observed variations in our study remains unidentified, with the hope that future research will reveal it.

Does MAP2 have a role in predicting the development of anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with benign ovarian teratoma? A report of six new pediatric cases.

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a potentially fatal neurologic syndrome in which patients present with a spectrum of central nervous system deficits. Sixty percent of the cases can be attributed to the presence of tumors, most often ovarian teratomas. This report examines 6 pediatric patients who presented with neurologic deficits associated with the presence of such tumors. These cases illustrate a perplexing phenomenon, where benign teratomas could have a possible association with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The purpose of this study was to compare the histology and immunohistochemistry of tumors associated with this syndrome to ovarian teratomas found in patients presenting with no neurologic symptoms. After obtaining institutional review board approval, 57 cases of ovarian teratomas were identified at our institution over 12 years. Six patients were identified with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. A panel of immunostains, including S100, GFAP, MAP2, and NeuN was applied to patients' tumor sections as well as the 6 controls from age-matched patients. No qualitative histologic or immunohistochemical differences were seen between the study cases and control group. Because no qualitative differences were identified between the study cases and the control group, testing of paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid remains the best method for diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Tumor banking with molecular analysis of ovarian teratomas, including whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic hybridization between ovarian tissue saved from patients with and without anti-NMDAR encephalitis, is necessary to fully understand the etiopathogenesis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Pellucid-like keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To study the tomographic features of pellucid-like keratoconus (PLK), and to report a new sign on the pachymetry map (PM) in pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive case series was performed in Damascus University in 2011. Clinical and tomographic findings of 15 eyes (9 patients) that had the claw pattern of the anterior sagital map (ASM) were reviewed. Patients were distributed into two groups: (1) 4 eyes were considered PMD since they had inferior corneal thinning on both slitlamp biomicroscopy and PM; (2) 11 eyes were considered as PLK since they did not show inferior corneal thinning. Patients were studied using slitlamp biomicroscopy and Scheimpflug-based tomography (Pentacam HR). The ASM, anterior elevation map (AEM) and PM were analyzed and compared to study the "kissing birds" sign, the "bell" sign, and cone location. RESULTS: Patients' average age was 25.93±8.05 (16-44 years). In total, 60% of patients were male. In group 1, the AEM in the best fit sphere (BFS) mode revealed no kissing birds sign, and the cone was central in 1 eye (25%) and paracentral in 3 eyes (75%). PM showed the bell sign in 4 eyes (100%). In group 2, the AEM in the BFS mode revealed the kissing birds sign in 2 eyes (18.2%), and the cone was central in 1 eye (9.1%), paracentral in 8 eyes (72.7%) and peripheral in 2 eyes (18.2%). PM didn't show the bell sign in any eye. CONCLUSION: The claw pattern on the ASM is not a hallmark of PMD; it can be seen in PLK. Cone location does not relate to diagnosis. The "bell" sign on the PM is a deferential diagnostic sign in PMD.