Publications by authors named "Mattar L"

University students are at a pivotal stage of shaping cancer risk factors. Little is known about their dietary behavior in Lebanon, a country heavily burdened by cancer. This cross-sectional study assessed the dietary knowledge of and adherence to cancer prevention guidelines among university students in Beirut, Lebanon.

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Background: Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease whose prevalence is reaching pandemic proportions. Its implications constitute a major public health concern. To date, no validated tool measures knowledge and attitudes towards MAFLD in young adults in the Middle East and North Africa region.

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Background: The aim of the study was to quantify the effect of functional knee bracing on native knee kinematics and the in-situ force in the ACL in response to external loading.

Methods: A robotic testing system was used to apply three external loads from full extension to 60° of flexion to eight fresh frozen human cadaveric knees: 1) a 134 N anterior load, 2) a combined 5-Nm internal rotation +5-Nm valgus torque, and 3) a combined 5-Nm external rotation +5-Nm valgus torque. For native and braced states, kinematics were recorded and the in-situ force in the ACL was determined.

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Introduction: Weight regain after bariatric surgery remains a relevant and worrisome topic, requiring greater understanding and involvement in research into new adjuvant treatments. This study aims to compare the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion and Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy programs as opposed to usual treatments (workshops) on the eating behavior of patients with progressive weight gain after bariatric surgery in Brazilian patients at a private clinic. It was hypothesized that both interventions are feasible and that the self-compassion program may be more effective than the mindfulness program.

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Article Synopsis
  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a rising global health issue that remains poorly understood and underdiagnosed.*
  • A study conducted with 406 university students in Lebanon revealed that over half of participants knew nothing about MAFLD, and many exhibited unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and poor diet.*
  • Despite these knowledge gaps, students showed a generally positive attitude towards MAFLD; the study suggests educational interventions focused on lifestyle changes are needed to improve awareness and prevention.*
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It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Council on Exercise that nutrition and physical activity interventions delivered by qualified nutrition and exercise practitioners, within their scopes of practice, can improve lifestyle behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors for adults in the general population. Effective interventions require client-centered, evidence-based care provided by skilled practitioners using inclusive, dynamic methods, and collaboration with an interprofessional team, as appropriate. Increased access to evidence-based nutrition and physical activity interventions is necessary to improve public health and should be a target for policymakers, health care systems, and practitioners.

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Background: According to the Cognitive-Interpersonal model of anorexia nervosa (AN), the combined influence of cognitive and socio-emotional difficulties would constitute vulnerability and maintaining factors. Poor cognitive flexibility is one of the endophenotypic candidates (i.e.

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Purpose: To determine whether scapular morphology could predict isolated supraspinatus tendon tear propagation after exercise therapy. We hypothesised that a larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) and type III acromial morphology predict a positive change in tear size.

Methods: Fifty-nine individuals aged 40-70 years with isolated symptomatic high-grade partial or full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were included.

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Background: Although renal damage is increasingly reported among the most undernourished patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), it remains underestimated in current practice, and often associated with acute dehydration. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the frequency, the extent, and the risk factors of renal involvement among adolescents and adults hospitalized in specialized units for AN.

Methods: In this multi-center study, 197 consecutive participants were included, aged 13-65, from 11 inpatient eating disorder psychiatric units.

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Background: Single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) is an established technique used to map functional effective connectivity networks in treatment-refractory epilepsy patients undergoing intracranial-electroencephalography monitoring. While the connectivity path between stimulation and recording sites has been explored through the integration of structural connectivity, there are substantial gaps, such that new modeling approaches may advance our understanding of connectivity derived from SPES studies.

New Method: Using intracranial electrophysiology data recorded from a single patient undergoing stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) evaluation, we employ an automated detection method to identify early response components, C1, from pulse-evoked potentials (PEPs) induced by SPES.

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Background: Reaching behind the back is painful for individuals with rotator cuff tears. The objectives of the study were to determine changes in glenohumeral kinematics when reaching behind the back, passive range of motion (RoM), patient reported outcomes and the relationships between kinematics and patient reported outcomes following exercise therapy.

Methods: Eighty-four individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears were recruited for this prospective observational study.

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Exposure to different types of images on social media is known to affect physical and mental wellbeing including changes in perception of body image (BI) and dietary behavior. The present study aimed to assess the effects of junk food-related Instagram content exposure on body image, overall mood, and cravings in young adults. A randomized crossover experimental design was used.

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Background: Social restrictions and their possible impact on lifestyle make people with multimorbidity (≥2 co-existing chronic conditions) more vulnerable to poor perceived mental health and health behaviours modifications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To understand the mental health status and health behaviour modifications among individuals with multimorbidity during different levels of COVID-19 social restrictions.

Methods: Longitudinal multinational cohort study consisting of two online questionnaires with its first wave taken place while social restrictions were imposed (May 2020), and its second wave with less social restrictions in place (November 2020).

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Introduction: High quality and effective primary healthcare is a national priority in Qatar. Continuing professional development (CPD) for physicians is a cornerstone of this objective, yet little is known about physicians' preferences or barriers to CPD participation.

Method: A needs assessment was conducted using a cross-sectional web-based survey of primary care physicians registered with the Department of Healthcare Practitioners (DHP) between March and June 2017.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates exercise dependence, referred to as problematic physical activity (PPA), highlighting challenges in its theoretical and methodological frameworks.
  • Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a bifactor model, researchers analyzed the French version of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R) among 435 selected students to determine its dimensional structure.
  • Findings suggest that most items on the EDS-R are better indicators of a general exercise dependence factor, with withdrawal being identified as a distinct sub-dimension, contributing to ongoing discussions around behavioral addiction and how to conceptualize exercise dependence.
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Exercise therapy for individuals with rotator cuff tears fails in approximately 25.0 % of cases. One reason for failure of exercise therapy may be the inability to strengthen and balance the muscle forces crossing the glenohumeral joint that act to center the humeral head on the glenoid.

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Background: Single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) is an established technique used to map functional effective connectivity networks in treatment-refractory epilepsy patients undergoing intracranial-electroencephalography monitoring. While the connectivity path between stimulation and recording sites has been explored through the integration of structural connectivity, there are substantial gaps, such that new modeling approaches may advance our understanding of connectivity derived from SPES studies.

New Method: Using intracranial electrophysiology data recorded from a single patient undergoing sEEG evaluation, we employ an automated detection method to identify early response components, C1, from pulse-evoked potentials (PEPs) induced by SPES.

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Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the structural properties of the cadaver bone-screw interface for cementless intramedullary screw fixation in the context of total elbow arthroplasty.

Methods: The intramedullary canals of seven humerus and seven ulna specimens from fresh-frozen cadavers were drilled using custom drill bits until the inner cortex was reached and then hand tapped for the corresponding thread size. Titanium screws were advanced into the tapped holes until securely seated.

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Background: In the presence of an isolated supraspinatus tear, the force applied to the greater tuberosity is reduced, which may lead to bony morphologic changes. Thus, diagnostic or surgical identification of landmarks to properly repair the torn tendon might be difficult if the anatomy of the greater tuberosity is altered. The objectives of the study were to assess the presence of the superior, middle, and inferior facets of the greater tuberosity in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears and the associations between tear size, tear location and presence of each facet.

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It has been previously established that sexual minorities are more likely to suffer from mental health illnesses due to experiencing unique stressors such as fear, anxiety, stigma, harassment, and prejudice. Results revealed two noteworthy mental health disorders reported by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, disordered eating behaviors and disturbed body image. Yet, a-priori studies revealed inconsistent results with regards to body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms and attitudes among sexual minorities.

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Article Synopsis
  • A nutritious diet and regular physical activity are essential for preventing diseases, yet many adults fail to follow recommended guidelines.
  • Qualified nutrition and exercise practitioners can help overcome barriers to healthy habits by offering personalized and evidence-based support.
  • The practice guideline emphasizes how practitioners can tailor interventions for healthy adults or those at risk for cardiometabolic issues, focusing on understanding individual client needs while fostering inclusivity and behavior change.
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Objectives: This study aimed to explore the nutritional content and quality of food parcels distributed in Lebanon and assess their adherence to dietary guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented economic crisis.

Design: Cross-sectional study (June-July 2020); phone survey (thirty items).

Setting: Lebanon.

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Objective: The Lebanese Active Healthy Kids Work Group (LAHKWG) synthesized literature published on physical activity (PA) indicators among ages 5- to 17- year-olds, using a recommended harmonized process by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA), to explore Lebanon's performance since its previous report card publication.

Methods: Peer reviewed literature, national surveys, and gray literature published since 2017, on 10 common AHKGA and two LAHKWG recommended indicators were examined. Common indicators included overall PA, organized sport and PA, active play, active transportation, community and environment, sedentary behaviors, physical fitness, family and peers, school, and government.

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The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among college students and explore its association with indicators of mental and psychosocial health. Data were collected using a cross-sectional online survey from college students in different universities in Lebanon during the Spring 2021 semester. FI was assessed using the validated eight-item food insecurity experience scale.

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Background & Aims: To improve hospital malnutrition care, assessing actual malnutrition practices and knowledge is essential. Our objectives are to assess malnutrition care practices, evaluate dietitians' malnutrition knowledge, and explore barriers and facilitators to optimal malnutrition care in a LMIC hospitals.

Methods: This is a national cross-sectional study of mixed-method design.

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