Mineralogy and Chemistry Characterization of the New Basaltic Intrusion at Maasser El Chouf/Lebanon

The importance of this study is to identify the newly reordered and recognized basaltic intrusion for the first time in Maasser El Chouf in Lebanon. The recorded basaltic intrusion cut the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous rock in this area. Necessary field inspection, geology, mineralogy and chemical tests were carried out on 8 basalt samples to determine their mineralogy, petrography and chemical composition. Representative samples have been tested with polarizing microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Petrographic and mineralogical studies show that the basalt is characterized by presence mainly of calcic-plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene-augite and olivine minerals. Secondary minerals of iron oxides also present (ilmenite and magnetite). The most appeared property is the alteration of olivine mineral to iddingsite that indicated highly weathered process. The composition of the basaltic samples reflects ultrabasic-basic type (Basanite-Tholeiitic basalt). The existence of volcanic activity occurred mostly with Pliocene age (< 2 Ma) as indicated by previous studies for similar basalt in Lebanon. Possibly, these boulders have been carried up from some deeper intrusive magmatic body under very active tension zones. Volcanism of Lebanon basalts belong to the alkaline olivine basalt, suite generally associated with tension, rifting and block faulting movements of the continental crust. Most of the volcanisms in Lebanon and in Harrat Ash Shaam Basalt from Syria and Palestine through Jordan to Saudi Arabia are related and connected to the opening of the Red Sea Rift System, making the area with tremendous volcanic tectonic activities.

Assessment of the Characteristics of the Municipal Solid Waste Compost in Lebanon

Waste management is crucial due to the fast increase of human population, causing an increase in solid waste generation which if not properly managed causes environmental problems. Around 57% of the wastes generated from homes are made up of green material (fruits, vegetables…). Thus, reusing and recycling green wastes through composting is one way of reducing the waste load to landfills. Composting is the transformation of raw organic materials into organic soil amendments that provide nutrients to crops and enhance the tilth, fertility, and productivity of soils. Aerobic windrow composting system at Sukomi Greensite facility located at Karantina is performed, where materials biodegrade under controlled conditions to produce compost. However, assessment of the quality of the compost is fundamental in order to determine its usages. Thus, regular testing of physical, chemical and biological parameters was performed for adequate monitoring purposes. The basic objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of the Lebanese municipal solid waste compost on a yearly basis and compare these characteristics amongst the years. Hence, each parameter was tested and compared to the BNQ international Canadian standards for proper classification of the compost and adequate identification of its usages. The preliminary data obtained were statistically diagnosed through principal component analysis by Spadv55 software. All the data reflected the normal content value of the studied parameters with minor differences between the years except for year 2007 which demonstrated higher levels of Potassium, Phosphate, Lead and Cadmium. The characteristics of the compost enabled it to be used as a soil amendment on all types of agricultural and landscape commodities at the adequate dosages and proper timing. This data will additionally reflect the efficiency of the solid waste management practices adopted via highlighting the importance of the implementation of the integrated solid waste management practices.

Prevalence and factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome among university students in Lebanon:Findings from a cross-sectional study

AIM: To describe the bowel habits and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and to investigate the influence of health behavior and social factors on IBS prevalence in university students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at five major universities in Greater Beirut and its suburbs, between February and June 2014. Using a convenience sample, a total of 813 students aged 18 years old and above participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive anonymous questionnaire which detailed characteristics on socio-demographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors, as well as IBS. The ROME Ⅲ criteria were used as a tool to ascertain IBS. A χ2 test was used to determine differences between categorical variables; stepwise logistic regression was used to measure the association between IBS and its risk factors.RESULTS: An overall prevalence of IBS of 20% was recorded among university students. The bivariate analysis showed that females were significantly more likely to report having IBS than males(29.1% vs 18.2%, P < 0.01). Those living at the school dormitory or in a private residence(39.5%) were more likely to have IBS than those living with their families(16.3%)(P < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that those who had a relatively high family income level(US$ > 2000) were almost 6 times more likely to report havingIBS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the nature of IBS among young adults in Lebanon. The prevalence of IBS among university students in our sample was higher than that reported in the West.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis among hospitalized children in Lebanon

AIM To assess the burden of norovirus(No V) and to determine the diversity of circulating strains among hospitalized children in Lebanon. METHODS Stool samples were collected from children presenting with acute gastroenteritis to six major hospitals in Lebanon. A total of 739 eligible stool samples, testing negative for diarrhea caused by rotavirus as a possible viral pathogen, were collected between January 2011 and June 2013. A standardized questionnaire including demographic, epidemiological and clinical observations was used at the time of hospitalization of children presenting with diarrhea. Viral RNA was extracted from stool samples followed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing of a fragment of the viral protein 1 capsid gene. Multiple sequence alignments were carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed using the MEGA 6 software.RESULTS Overall, 11.2% of stool samples collected from children aged < 5 years tested positive for No V genogroups Ⅰ(GⅠ) and Ⅱ(GⅡ). GⅡ accounted for 10.6% of the gastroenteritis cases with only five samples being positive for GⅠ(0.7%). The majority of hospitalized children showed symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and fever. Upon sequencing of positive samples and based on their clustering in the phylogenetic tree, 4/5 of GⅠ gastroenteritis cases were designated GⅠ.3 and one case as GⅠ.4. GⅡ.4 was predominantly detected in stool of our study participants(68%). We report a JB-15/KOR/2008 GⅡ.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like variant strain circulating in 2011; this strain was replaced between 2012 and 2013 by a variant sharing homology with the Sydney/NSW0514/2012/AUS GⅡ.4 Sydney 2012 and Sydney 2012/FRA GⅡ.4 strains. We also report the co-circulation of non-GⅡ.4 genotypes among hospitalized children. Our data show that No V gastroenteritis can occur throughout the year with the highest number of cases detected during the hot months.CONCLUSION The majority of No V-associated viral gastroenteritis cases among our participants are attributable to GⅡ.4, which is compatible with results reported worldwide.

Palynological Analysis of Amber-Bearing Clay from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Lebanon

An amber-bearing lignitic layer of sandy clay from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Lebanon （Mderej-Hammana）yielded a well-preserved,moderately variegated palynoflora,which origin is mixed between land plants and marine microflora.Its detailed analysis led to fulfill its inventory,to propose a paleoenvironmental reconstruction,and to draw the paleoclimate which prevailed over the region：an estuarian area under a rather humid,temperate climate;a variety of ferns grew near the shore-side and in the inward land.A tiny piece of amber containing angiospermous pollen grains of stratigraphical interest allows a precise dating.The marine microflora,poorly diversified,includes chitinous foraminifer linings and dinoflagellate cysts,among which Early Aptian guide taxa are present;their occurrence slightly narrows the stratigraphical range indicated by some palynological taxa which are related to land plants.

A New Thorny Lacewing (Insecta:Neuroptera:Rhachiberothidae) from the Early Cretaceous Amber of Lebanon

A new genus and species of Rhachiberothidae, Raptorapax terribilissima gen. et sp. nov. from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon is described. The new genus is assigned to the subfamily Paraberothinae. The new material confirms the great diversity of the group in the Cretaceous age and its decrease in diversity in recent times.

Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Lebanon

The continuous awareness campaigns about Colorectal Cancer (CRC) directed towards the Lebanese population in order to foster preventive medicine are on the rise. The impact has been positive and reported in previous research, although the number of victims is still high. This paper aims to perform a recent cross-sectional study of Lebanese residents’ CRC awareness by comparing the findings of two studies carried out in the years 2016 and 2018. The samples of the current study include 1140 (2016) and 993 (2018) participants who completed a simple structured questionnaire directed to assess their knowledge of colon cancer and the behavioral intentions of obtaining CRC screening. Upon comparing results, the percentage of those who know about CRC has increased significantly from 40.4% in 2016 to 78.7% in 2018, the proportion of respondents who believed that family history is the major risk factor for CRC did increase significantly from 47.7% in 2016 to 90.8% in 2018. Likewise, the proportions of respondents who believed that overweight, age, and stress are among the major risk factors for CRC increased from 26.9%, 26.7% and 11.3% in 2016 to 86.2%, 52.1% and 21.51% in 2018, respectively. On the other hand, the proportions for the risk factors related to alcohol and smoking have dropped from 37.7% and 37.3% to 27.4% and 24.2%, respectively. Moreover, the most important source of information for CRC was friends (18.4% in 2016 versus 73.8% in 2018), followed by family (18.7% in 2016 versus 56.7% in 2018), and then physicians (18.9% in 2016 and 40.2% in 2018). In fact, the efforts of the non-governmental organization (NGO) SAID (118 different major activities in the span of 3 years) did make a significant difference in what relates to CRC awareness among the Lebanese population. These findings are used to encourage and support other NGOs to adopt targeted new awareness campaigns which have proven successful, and to present evidence based on facts to government officials in the Ministry of Health to support and possibly sponsor national awareness campaigns and preventive efforts to mitigate CRC levels.

Jurassic Amber in Lebanon

Reports of amber predating the Lower Cretaceous are unusual and scarce; they mostly refer to amber pieces of millimetric dimension. In the present study, we report the discovery of 10 new outcrops of Jurassic amber in Lebanon. Some of these had large centimetric-sized pieces of amber. The new localities are described, amber is characterized, and its infrared spectra given. Although the new Jurassic amber yielded to date no more than fungal inclusions, this material is significant and promising. The discovery, of several Jurassic outcrops provides crucial information on the prevailing paleoenvironment of that time.

Support of Space Techniques for Groundwater Exploration in Lebanon

Lebanon is known by the availability in water resources whether on surface or among the existing rock for-mations. However, the status-quo does not reflect this availability due to a number of physical factors, as well as the mismanagement of these resources. Hence, the per capita has been reduced by about 50% in the last three decades. There are sixteen exposed rock formations in Lebanon, two of them are major aquifers and they are characterized by highly fractured and karstified carbonate rocks. Recently, challenges for groundwater in Lebanon have been developed. These are the: overexploitation, climate change and the acute geologic setting, which led to decline in rainfall rate, and thus exacerbated water demand. The existing chal-lenges resulted with a number of problems in ground water resources management, namely: quality deterio-ration, impact on springs and groundwater behavior, loss of groundwater o the sea, saltwater intrusion and exacerbated by the lack of data and mismanagement in water sector. In this respect, new technologies can be utilized as a helpful instrument in managing groundwater resources to treat the unfavorable situation. Space techniques and GIS have been recently raised in several topics on water resources management, including, mainly exploration and monitoring. They proved to be capable to extract hydrogeologic information and thus to manipulate this information in creditable approaches of analysis. This study introduced the present status on the Lebanese groundwater resources and the existing challenges and problems. Thus, it extends an appli-cation from Lebanon on the used new approaches for exploring groundwater.

Influence of production processes in quality of fermented milk "Laban"in Lebanon

Yoghurt (Laban) is one of the most consumed food products in Lebanon. Thus its quality has given a concern. In this study, the sensory, chemical and rheological properties of commercial and traditional samples were investigated in order to characterize this fermented milk. Hence, Laban samples were collected from 14 areas in Lebanon;especially from mountainous regions and from the capital Beirut. Forty-two samples were provided by processing industry whether at small, medium, or large scale. A statistical analysis was carried out, and thus sensory and physicochemical properties were subjected to two approaches of variance analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients between attributes were also calculated. Both, the analyses of variance and correlations were conducted using SPSS 3. The physicochemical analysis and the microbiological analysis exhibit a significant effect of the date, and the manufacturing process. Also, the instrumental data showed no significant correlation between physicochemical and microbiological parameters, which indicates that they are completely independent. Moreover, the general appreciation of descriptive sensory analysis of products display that this appreciation is not dependant on the production process. It is also noticed that some sensory characteristics can be dread by instrumental measures. This research endorses the essential role of quality control for the manufacturing of yoghurt in Lebanon.

Eriophyoid Mite of the Genus <i>Trisetacus</i>Reported on <i>Juniperus excelsa</i>in Lebanon

We report for the first time the occurrence of Trisetacus acari Eriophyoid parasite infesting Juniperus excelsa seeds in Lebanon. The specimen studied belong most probably to the species T. kirghizorum (Shevchenko 1962) living on J. semiglobosa in the Kirghiz mountains. We suggest that Trisetacus spp. found in the seed cones of Kirghiz junipers as well as J. excelsa comprise a complex of cryptic species that might be distinguished using molecular markers. It is necessary to revise the group cupressi in the genus Trisetacus and an integrated phylogenetic study of the mites belonging to this genus could elucidate the patterns of eriophyoid mites evolution on conifers and could help in a better resolution of the Juniper phylogeny.

Musculoskeletal wounds characteristic of the Second Lebanon War

The Second Lebanon War between Hezbollah and Israel broke out on July 12, 2006, and lasted until August 14, 2006. Out of the wounded Israeli soldiers, 128 were treated at the orthopedic departments of the Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. Aretrospective study was carried out on these 128 combatants. The objective of the study was to characterize musculoskeletal combat wounds with regard to age, type, location, mechanism, side and intensity. The average age of an injured soldier was 25.7 years. Most injuries (63.9%) were caused by shrapnel. The prevalence of injury to the lower limb was much higher compared with upper limb (43.4% vs. 28.3%). There was no side preference. A considerable number of soldiers had more than one injury (60%). The majority of wounds that occurred in the Second Lebanon War were orthopedic-related, particularly involving the upper and lower extremities. Fragmenting weapons were responsible for most injuries.

Variability in Spatial Distribution of Precipitation Overall Rugged Topography of Lebanon, Using TRMM Images

Rain gages data represents limited spatial coverage, especially in rugged terrains like Lebanon. Other precipitation data sources are the developing satellite and radar technologies. In this study, Tropical Rain Measurement Mission (TRMM) monthly rainfall data of 18 years (1998-2014 and 2017) was used to understand monthly and yearly precipitation spatial distribution overall Lebanon. Topographic effect of rainfall spatial distribution was investigated in comparison to Plassard’s map of 1971. The annual precipitation over the country ranged between 850 mm and 200 mm that differs than the existing historical map. The maximum rainfall rate decreased by about 700 mm between the derived TRMM rainfall map and Plassard’s one. Spatial distribution of maximum precipitation rates does not coincide between maps. TRMM map of elevated terrains did not show similar trends of rainfall distribution as Plassard’s. Pixels (Lebanon was divided into 27 pixels) of lower rainfall rates was found toward the eastern side of Lebanon, in contrast to Plassard’s results. Anti-Lebanon did not show an increase in precipitation in accordance to altitude. Spatial variability of precipitation was about 50 mm between pixels which reveals the importance of considering topography while implemented rain gages as observation points. TRMM and satellite rainfall data aid in investigating complete spatial distribution of rainfall over continuous periods. Accumulating knowledge of spatial rainfall distribution on timely basis will lead to better future modelling on floods and drought conditions in Lebanon.

Heavy Metals Content in Water and Sediments in the Upper Litani River Basin, Lebanon

Surface water quality is largely influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic inputs. This study involves the characterization of the concentration of heavy metals of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and the sources of pollution in water and sediment of the Upper Litani River Basin (ULRB) in Lebanon. The investigation was performed during three seasons of rainy, mid-rainy spring and wet periods for two years during different flow rates. Sediments were characterized by a set of chemical analyses, cation exchange capacity (CEC), mineralogy of the sediments, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To assess metal contamination in sediment, Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines of Wisconsin (CBSQG) were applied. The metals contamination in the sediments was also evaluated by contamination factor (Cf). The test results showed that the effect of seasonal variations was significant in the Upper Litani River Basin. Principal Compound Analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation were also performed in this study to compare and determine the correlation between metals in water and sediments. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr and Zn in all sediment samples are above the norms in winter, while Fe was increased in summer. The results showed that the importance of monitoring of changes of heavy metals values and physico-chemical characterization of different parameters could represent the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of negative pressures on the water and soil ecosystem of Litani River Basin during different seasons.

Waste Related Pollutions and Their Potential Effect on Cancer Incidences in Lebanon

Pollution represents an important threat to human health. Waste pollution with its adverse health risks, mainly cancer incidences, is one of the main issues present in Lebanon. Random disposal of wastes is instilling a complex and challenging situation that is affecting the entire population. Here, a comprehensive study is presented along with collected data addressing the correlation between long-term exposure to the different forms of pollution and the chances of being affected with cancer. Lebanon, a country currently facing an extensive garbage crisis, is undergoing alarming surges in pollution rates. Inevitably, these environmental factors become chief elements in influencing disease statistics. It is therefore of urgent importance to seek all solutions possible while raising awareness in order to reduce life threatening risks.

Obesity in Lebanon: A National Problem

Obesity is a major health problem, because of its relationship with serious medical illnesses and significant economic consequences. This article explores various factors and variables affecting the prevalence of obesity in Lebanon, to focus public health initiatives and medical interventions in the management of obesity. This study interviewed 593 subjects, of more than 20 years, from all governorates of Lebanon. The interview covered personal and demographic data, awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices towards obesity including diet and physical activity. Males’ and females’ percentages were 51.6% and 48.4%, respectively, and a young population profile was with 52.8% less than 40 years of age. The BMI index showed that 52.77% were obese with 70.6% males and 34.27% females. The great majority were educated. TV was the most used media outlet, 79.61% watching daily between 1 - 4 hours. Obesity was considered as the most important health problem by 27.6% and ranking the 5th after cancer, cardiovascular, smoking and HIV/AIDS. About two thirds considered it a risk factor for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus and 80.27% for cardiovascular diseases. Interventions should include changes in diet habits whereby, approximately one third (33.5%) drink carbonated beverages on a daily basis and 50.76% eat fast food, with a lack of awareness about daily calories intake by 75.38%. About half of the population (56.32%) walks daily for 20 minutes. Most people favored behavioral and lifestyle modifications in management rather than medications and surgery (67.79%). This study provides baseline data regarding several aspects of an obesogenic environment, a major risk factor for several diseases including hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. After describing the factors and variables affecting the prevalence of obesity, some suggestions for appropriate interventions are included, with the hope of reducing the health burden of obesity in Lebanon.

Potential role of killer immunoglobulin receptor genes among individuals vaccinated against hepatitis B virus in Lebanon

AIM To explore the role of killer immunoglobulin receptor(KIR) genes in responsiveness or non-responsiveness to vaccination against hepatitis B virus.METHODS We recruited 101 voluntary participants between March 2010 and December 2011. Sera samples from vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants were tested for the presence of anti-HBs antibodies as a measure of protection against hepatitis B, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antibody as indicators ofinfection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. KIR gene frequencies were determined by polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Sera samples from 99 participants were tested for the levels of anti-HBs as an indicator of protection(≥ 10 mI U/ml) following vaccination as defined by the World Health Organization international reference standard. Among the vaccinated participants, 47%(35/74) had anti-HBs titers above 100 mI U/ml, 22%(16/74) had antiHBs ranging between 10-100 mI U/ml, and 20%(15/74) had values of less than 10 mI U/ml. We report the lack of significant association between the number of vaccine dosages and the titer of antibodies among our vaccinated participants. The inhibitory KIR2Dl1, KIR2Dl4, KIR3Dl1, KIR3Dl2, and KIR3 Dl were detected in more than 95%, whereas KIR2Dl2, KIR2Dl3, KIR2Dl5(KR2Dl5A and KIR2Dl5B) were expressed in 56%, 84% and 42%(25% and 29%) of participants, respectively. The observed frequency of the activating KIR genes ranged between 35% and 55% except for KIR2DS4, detected in 95% of the study participants(40.6% 2DS4*001/002; 82.2% 2DS4*003/007). KIR2DP1 pseudogene was detected in 99% of our participants, whereas KIR3DP*001/02/04 and KIR3DP1*003 had frequencies of 17% and 100%, respectively. No association between the frequency of KIR genes and anti-HBs antibodies was detected. When we compared the frequency of KIR genes between vaccinated individuals with protective antibodies titers and those who lost their protective antibody levels, we did not detect a significant difference. KIR2Dl5 B was significantly different among different groups of vaccinated participants(group Ⅰ > 100 mI U/ml, group Ⅱ 10-100 mI U/ml, group Ⅲ < 10 mI U/ml and group Ⅳ with undetectable levels of protective antibodies). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study screening for the possible role of KIR genes among individuals vaccinated against hepatitis B virus(HBV). Our results can be used to design larger studies to better understand the role of KIR genes in protection against or susceptibility to HBV post vaccination.

Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in hemodialysis patients in Lebanon

AIM: To determine the incidence and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients on hemodialysis(HD) across Lebanon.METHODS: We reviewed the data registry at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health where records of monthly hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) and hepatitis C virus(HCV) serology are reported from 60 affiliated HD centers across Lebanon. All patients who were on HD or who started HD between October 2010 and July 2012 were included in the study. Patients from seven HD centers were excluded due to inadequate and incomplete results reporting. During the selected period, HBs Ag and HCV serology were available for 3769 patients from 53 HD centers distributed at all Lebanese governorates. The prevalence was calculated by dividing the number of patients with positive HBs Ag or HCV serology to the total number of patients. The Incidence was calculated by dividing the number of newly acquired infection to number of patients-years(p-y). Incidence rates at different governorates were compared to each other using two tailed Z test and a P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: Sixty out of 3769 HD patients were found to have positive HBS Ag and 177 out of 3769 were positive for HCV Antibodies. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus(HBV) and HCV in HD patients across Lebanon was 1.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. The comparison of prevalence according to geographic distribution could not be done accurately due to the frequent shift of patients between dialysis centers at different governorates. The incidence rate was 0.27 per 100 p-y for HBV and 0.37 per 100 p-y for HCV. There was no significant difference concerning the incidence of HBV between HD centers at different governorates(all P values > 0.1), but this difference was highly significant concerning the incidence rates of HCV which occurred predominantly in the southern centers(1.47 per 100 p-y) with a P value of 0.00068 and 0.00374 when compared to Mount Lebanon(0.21 per 100 p-y) and the Northern centers(0.19 per 100 p-y), respectively.CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of HBV and HCV is very low in the Lebanese HD centers and their prevalence is decreasing over the last two decades.