HAL Portal usj Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth-Liban
Not a member yet
1220 research outputs found
Sort by
13C position-specific isotopic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters using NMR with intramolecular isotopic referencing
International audienceAmong stable isotope measurement strategies at natural abundance, Position-Specific Isotope Analysis (PSIA) is a valuable approach for food authentication and metabolism understanding. In this context, carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (irm-13C NMR) has emerged as an efficient tool It enables the determination of the absolute 13C intramolecular composition (δ13Ci) when all NMR signals are well-resolved and the global 13C content (δ13Cg) is known. However, in the case of fatty acids with eight carbons or more, 13C-NMR can only resolve six carbon signals. δ13Ci values are thus not attainable without specialized methods. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel methodology that leverages the concept of isotopic intramolecular referencing by using the methoxy group in the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) as a reference. We thus determined δ13Ci values with improved trueness and repeatability without requiring δ13Cg measurement. Combining this enhancement with the acquisition of 13C NMR spectra using an adiabatic INEPT pulse sequence offered a more time-efficient, sample-efficient, and sustainable approach, rendering the entire process greener. We successfully applied this approach to FAMEs from butter and coconut oil. Subsequent studies will evaluate the effectiveness of the novel isotopomic biomarkers derived from our method in authenticating foodstuffs and elucidating metabolic differences among fatty acids. Additionally, the same intramolecular isotope referencing approach will be of interest for studying other molecules and isotopes
Efficacy and Safety of Lumasiran for Advanced Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1: 24-Month Follow-up of the Phase 3 ILLUMINATE-C Trial
International audienceNo abstract availabl
L'enseignement universitaire religieux au Liban. Etude comparée des cursus
International audienc
Shared realities, therapeutic settings, and countertransference in times of crisis: a multinational qualitative study of psychotherapists’ experiences
International audienceObjectives The main aim of this study is to capture the impact of shared external realities — such as global crises — on the therapeutic process, with particular attention to how these events challenge the traditional structures of psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic work. More specifically, the study seeks to understand how mental health professionals perceive and experience these disruptions, how they have been compelled to question their clinical frameworks, and how they have adapted their practices to maintain therapeutic continuity in a context marked by uncertainty, instability, and the frequent need for improvisation. Methods We conducted a qualitative study among a population consisting of mental health professionals, which were recruited in multiple countries through associations and societies of psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychoanalysts. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. A total of 40 participants were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which allowed for a dynamic exploration of the participants' lived experiences. Results The analysis of the data revealed three superordinate themes that are best presented by following the journey of the mental health professional as he or she navigates from external reality (1) to virtual reality (remote therapy) (2), ultimately plunging into the internal reality (internal reorganization linked to his or her ability to create novelty within these complex situations) (3). Conclusions Our research shows that analysts and therapists experienced significant challenges to their professional identity due to external factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. These shared experiences enabled the mobilization of creative internal resources and encouraged improvisation within an established framework. This facilitated working through the crisis and supported ongoing professional practice
Using network science to investigate the role of language context in the dynamics of semanticnetworks. A study of Lebanese Arabic-French bilinguals
International audienceThe lexicon can be particularly sensitive to effects of language use, in active bilinguals (Bailey et al., 2024) and potential attriters (Schmid & Köpke, 2009) alike. Verbal fluency tasks (VFT), involving not only vocabulary knowledge but drawing also heavily on processing related skills and executive functions, are promising to investigate these. They have been shown to be modulated by dominance (e.g., Giovanolli et al., 2023; Laam & Yoon, 2023), however, the results of L1 attrition studies using VFT in long term immigrants reviewed by Schmid & Jarvis (2014) showed mixed results. But results seem to vary a lot depending on the precise measures considered in the VFT. Recently, Chaouch Orozco and Martín Villena (2024) found differences in the degree of integration of semantic networks in both L1 and L2 of classroom learners vs. immersed learners with a network science approach. The present cross sectional pilot study seeks to challenge this approach with a population of early bilinguals who use both languages in daily life but live in different language contexts. Data collected with an ‘animal’ VFT with 40 Lebanese Arabic French bilinguals in Lebanon will be compared to data of 40 Lebanese bilinguals living in France. We will focus on the semantic networks in L1 Arabic and L2 French with the general hypothesis that there will be a shift in L1 networks towards less integrated and efficient semantic networks as reflected by network metrics such as clustering coefficient, shortestpath length, and modularity when Arabic is no longer the main context language, while the semantic networks for French L2 will be more integrated in the group living in France
Examination of the psychometric properties of Arabic version of the Body Vigilance Scale
LS7International audienceIntroduction The Body Vigilance Scale (BVS) was designed and validated as a short and concise measure to assess attentional focus on bodily sensations and related processes. The BVS is available in the English language, but no Arabic version have been developed, and no validation of the scale exists in Lebanon. The current study aimed to determine the reliability, validity and factor structure of the Arabic version of the Body Vigilance Scale. Methods This study has a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from October 2 to November 20, 2024, enrolling Lebanese adults. The study was carried out in the Arabic language and included the BVS, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory. Results In total, 641 participants participated in this study, with a mean age of 35.11 ± 12.67 years and 70.5% females. Internal reliability of BVS was adequate (ω = .87/ α = .86). Invariance was shown at the metric and scalar levels in terms of genders. A significantly higher mean BVS score was found in females compared to males. Higher depression (r = 0.26; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.29; p < 0.001), insomnia (r = 0.29; p < 0.001) and mindfulness (r = 0.27; p < 0.001) correlated significantly with higher body vigilance scores. Conclusion The Arabic version of the BVS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing somatic attention in Arabic-speaking populations. Its psychometric robustness, demonstrated measurement invariance across genders, and associations with psychological distress measures underscore its utility in both clinical and research settings
Survival of Ceramic Veneers: Impact of Dentin Exposure and Tooth Vitality After 1 to 15 Years of Follow‐Up
International audienceObjective: This retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the survival rates of ceramic laminate veneers in relation to dentin exposure, endodontic treatment, preparation design, and the type of dual-cure resin cement used. Materials and Methods: A total of 672 veneers were placed in 189 patients and followed for 1 to 15 years. Veneer supporting teeth were categorized after etching based on the degree of dentin exposure into three groups: GA1 (enamel only), GA2 (< 30% dentin), and GA3 (> 30% dentin). Additional variables included endodontic treatment, preparation design, and the resin cement system used. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-Rank tests (α = 0.05), and Odds Ratios (ORs) were computed. All procedures were performed by a single clinician, veneers were fabricated by a single ceramist, and the study was performed by a different, single examiner. Results: The cumulative 15-year estimated survival rate was 96%, mean survival 5.98 years. Veneers in the GA1 group showed an estimated survival rate of 96.7%, compared to 95.3% in GA2 and 93.9% in GA3. A statistically significant difference was found between GA1 and GA3 (p = 0.033). Endodontically treated teeth and those with dentin exposure exhibited higher risks of failure (OR = 1.68 and 3.47, respectively). Endodontic treatment, preparation design, and resin cement type did not significantly affect survival (p > 0.05).Conclusions: The extent of dentin exposure significantly impacts the survival of bonded ceramic veneers after 1 to 15 years of follow-up. Preservation of enamel is critical for optimizing outcomes. Clinical Significance: These findings suggest that meticulous patient selection, preparation techniques, optimal bonding protocols, and bonding exclusively to enamel, whenever possible, are essential for ensuring the clinical success of CLV bonded with dual-cured resi
Quality of life and access to treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis during economic crisis: the Lebanese experience
International audiencePurpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that can lead to lifelong disability, significantly impacting patient's quality of life (QOL). The current Lebanese economic crisis led to limited accessibility to MS therapies and had a major impact on QOL.The aim of this study was to assess QOL in a cohort of Lebanese MS patients, and its association with socio-demographic factors, disease characteristics, and treatment accessibility.Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted between June and September 2022 in Lebanese patients with confirmed MS diagnosis as per the 2017 McDonald criteria. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain (1) socio-demographic and medical information, (2) QOL assessment using the MS International QOL questionnaire (MusiQoL), and (3) information related to barriers in accessing MS therapies. All questionnaires were administered via telephone call.Results: A total of 350 MS patients were included in the study. Most participants (92.3%) were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS and were females (65.1%) with a mean age of 39.4 ± 11.4 years. The mean MusiQol global index was 69.2 ± 11.5. In the multivariate analysis, younger age, higher level of education, being employed, being married, living outside the capital Beirut, and having no physical disability were significantly associated with higher MusiQol global index scores. A total of 216 Lebanese MS patients (61.7%) had no access to MS treatments due to the economic crisis. Treatment discontinuation and lack of governmental or private insurance were significant predictors of lower MusiQol scores.Conclusion: The economic crisis and resultant recession in Lebanon had a significantly negative impacted on QOL and treatment accessibility of MS patients. Socio-demographic factors, disease characteristics and treatment accessibility were strong predictors of QOL
Redefining physiological whole-body alignment according to pelvic incidence: normative values and prediction models
International audienceBackground context: Spinopelvic alignment assessment needs to account for pelvic incidence (PI).Purpose: This study aimed at providing normative values for commonly used parameters in whole-body alignment analysis based on PI.Design: Multicentric prospective study.Patient sample: This study included healthy volunteers with full-body biplanar radiograph in free-standing position.Outcome measures: All radiographic data were collected from 3D reconstructions: Sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), spino-sacral angle (SSA), sagittal odontoid-hip axis angle (ODHA), pelvic parameters, sacro-femoral angle (SFA), knee flexion angle (KFA), ankle flexion angle (AA), Pelvic shift (PSh), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK) and cervical lordosis (CL).Methods: Population was divided into five groups according to PI. Normative values were described for each group. Linear regressions including age and PI provided prediction formulas for PT, TPA, SSA and SFA.Results: 642 subjects were included. Mean age was 37.7 ± 16.3 years (range: 18-90). Mean PI in the cohort was 49.3 ± 9.5°. LL, PT, SFA, SSA and TPA correlated with PI and age. ODHA, TK, CL and the other lower limb parameters were not associated with PI. All normative values across PI groups are provided for segmental, regional and global alignment parameters. Prediction formulas were: PT=-12.7 + 0.38*PI + 0.14*Age, TPA=-16.9 + 0.34*PI + 0.15*Age, SSA = 109.8 + 0.58*PI-0.19*Age, and SFA = 173 + 0.39*PI + 0.11*Age.Conclusions: SSA, PT, TPA and SFA must be assessed according to patient's PI. This study provides normative values for each PI group, and predictive formulas taking age and PI into account. PI cannot be used to define thoracic and cervical curvatures.Level of evidence: II