• Title/Summary/Keyword: Lebanon

Search Result 39, Processing Time 0.021 seconds

Association of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia with Polymorphisms in VDR, CYP17, and SRD5A2 Genes among Lebanese Men

  • El Ezzi, Asmahan Ali;Zaidan, Wissam Rateeb;El-Saidi, Mohammed Ahmed;Al-Ahmadieh, Nabil;Mortenson, Jeffrey Benjamin;Kuddus, Ruhul Haque
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.15 no.3
    • /
    • pp.1255-1262
    • /
    • 2014
  • Background: The aim of the study was to investigate any associations between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene (FokI, BsmI, ApaI and Taq${\alpha}$I loci) and the CYP17 gene (MspA1I locus), as well as TA repeat polymorphism in SRD5A2 gene among Lebanese men. Materials and Methods: DNA extracted from blood of 68 subjects with confirmed BPH and 79 age-matched controls was subjected to PCR/PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The odds ra=tio (OR) of having a genotype and the relative risk (RR) of developing BPH for having the genotype were calculated and the alleles were designated risk-bearing or protective. Results: Our data indicated that the A and B alleles of the VDR ApaI and BsmI SNPs were highly associated with increased risk of BPH (p=0.0168 and 0.0002, respectively). Moreover, 63% of the controls compared to 43% of the subjects with BPH were homozygous for none of the risk-bearing alleles (p=0.0123) whereas 60% of the controls and 28% of the subjects with BPH were homozygous for two or more protective alleles (p<0.0001). Conclusions: For the first time, our study demonstrated that ApaI and BsmI of the VDR gene are associated with risk of BPH among Lebanese men. Our study also indicated that overall polymorphism profile of all the genes involved in prostate physiology could be a better predictor of BPH risk.

KOMPSAT-2 COMMERCIAL USER SUPPORT TEAM (KOCUST) - ORGANIZATION AND ITS OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS -

  • Kim, Youn-Soo;Jeun, Gab-Ho;Jeun, Jung-Nam;Blet, Didier
    • Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
    • /
    • v.2
    • /
    • pp.808-811
    • /
    • 2006
  • The KOMPSAT-2 was developed by KARI and it was successfully launched from Plesetsk, Russia on 28th July 2006. The Korean government decided the commercialization of the KOMPSAT-2 image data and direct reception services worldwide. SPOT Image, based in Toulouse (France) was selected by KARI through an international open bidding as a foreign company for the KOMPSAT-2 image promotion over the entire world except the territory of Republic of Korea including the North Korea, the United States of America, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. KAI (Korea Aerospace Industry Ltd.) is an engaged Korean company for this area. KARI has responsibility to operate the satellite, data acquisition, archiving for the worldwide commercialization. For the processing and delivery of the KOMPSAT-2 image data to the users of KAI and SPOT Image, KAI has the binding contract with KARI. So KAI has the responsibility for the commercial ground station operation such as user support, data processing, and the data delivery. The KOMPSAT-2 ground station is hosted in KARI, so KARI has developed the concept of KOCUST (KOMPSAT-2 Commercial User Support Team) jointly with KAI to support the data processing and delivery as KOMPSAT-2 developer and satellite operator. The main purpose of the KOCUST is to support the operational activities to provide the data and service quality to satisfy customers. KOCUST will be organized by the members of KARI and KAI together. KARI members will mainly take the role of KOCUST coordination, data processing and user support in a public sector. KAI members are going to take user desk, data validation and delivery et cetera, which are related with users. This paper describes a summarized concepts of KOCUST like organization, dedicated tasks of each part and work flow of daily operation.

  • PDF

Incidence and Mortality of Testicular Cancer and Relationships with Development in Asia

  • Sadeghi, Mostafa;Ghoncheh, Mahshid;Mohammadian-Hafshejani, Abdollah;Gandomani, Hamidreza Sadeghi;Rafiemanesh, Hosein;Salehiniya, Hamid
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.17 no.9
    • /
    • pp.4251-4257
    • /
    • 2016
  • Background: Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men between ages 20-34 in countries with high or very high levels of the Human Development Index (HDI). This study investigated the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer and the relationship with the HDI and its dimensions in Asia in 2012. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted based on data from the world data of cancer and the World Bank (including the HDI and its components). Standardized incidence and mortality rates of testicular cancer were calculated for Asian countries. Correlations between incidence and/ormortality rates, and the HDI and its components were assessed with the use of the correlation test, using SPSS software. Results: There was a total of 14902 incidences and 5832 death were recorded in Asian countries in 2012. Among the Asian countries, the five countries with the highest standardized incidence rates of testicular cancer were Israel, Georgia, Turkey, Lebanon and Kazakhstan and the five countries with the highest standardized mortality rates were Turkey, Georgia, Jordan, Cambodia and the Syrian Arab Republic. A positive correlation of 0.382 was observed between the standardized incidence rates of testicular cancer and the HDI (p=0.009). Also a negative correlation of 0.298 between the standardized mortality rate of testicular cancer and the Human Development Index was noted although this relation was statistically non-significant (p=0.052). Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between HDI and the standardized incidence rate of testicular cancer and negative correlation with standardized mortality rate.

Informational Needs of Women with Breast Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy

  • Abi Nader, Elie;Kourie, Hampig Raphael;Ghosn, Marwan;El Karak, Fadi;Kattan, Joseph;Chahine, Georges;Nasr, Fadi
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.17 no.4
    • /
    • pp.1797-1800
    • /
    • 2016
  • Background: Research in the field of informational needs of breast cancer patients is scarce. In the few published articles, these needs were usually not satisfied. The main objective of this study was to evaluate satisfaction regarding informational needs in women with breast cancer. The long-term goal was to guide physician-patient communication to meet these needs. Materials and Methods: A survey with 21 questions was completed by 84 female patients receiving chemotherapy in a one-day hospital in Beirut, Lebanon. All patients were aware of their disease and agreed to participate in the survey. Results: The doctor was the major source of information for patients followed by media (radio and television). The level of knowledge of patients concerning their disease was proportional to the number of information sources. Women aged younger than 45 years, diagnosed during the last three months before the survey and certified from high school were less satisfied with information given by the oncologist. The missing information was in relation with the steps of the treatment after the chemotherapy regimen, the risk of a family member (sisters and daughters) of developing the disease and management of lymphedema. Conclusions: This study generated a scale for the degree of satisfaction of information received by women with breast cancer from their oncologist. The physician can use this scale to improve his or her skills of communication to patients and diminish their level of fear and anxiety.

Urinary Bladder Cancer Risk Factors: A Lebanese Case-Control Study

  • Kobeissi, Loulou Hassan;Yassine, Ibrahim Adnan;Jabbour, Michel Elias;Moussa, Mohamad Ahmad;Dhaini, Hassan Rida
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
    • /
    • v.14 no.5
    • /
    • pp.3205-3211
    • /
    • 2013
  • Background: Bladder cancer is the second most incident malignancy among Lebanese men. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with this observed high incidence. Methods: A case-control study (54 cases and 105 hospital-based controls) was conducted in two major hospitals in Beirut. Cases were randomly selected from patients diagnosed in the period of 2002-2008. Controls were conveniently selected from the same settings. Data were collected using interview questionnaire and blood analysis. Exposure data were collected using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine N-acetyltransferase1 (NAT1) genotype by PCR-RFLP. Analyses revolved around univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, along with checks for effect modification. Results: The odds of having bladder cancer among smokers was 1.02 times significantly higher in cases vs. controls. The odds of exposure to occupational diesel or fuel combustion fumes were 4.1 times significantly higher in cases vs controls. The odds of prostate-related morbidity were 5.6 times significantly higher in cases vs controls. Cases and controls showed different clustering patterns of NAT1 alleles. No significant differences between cases and controls were found for consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, or artificial sweeteners. Conclusions: This is the first case-control study investigating bladder cancer risk factors in the Lebanese context. Results confirmed established risk factors in the literature, particularly smoking and occupational exposure to diesel. The herein observed associations should be used to develop appropriate prevention policies and intervention strategies, in order to control this alarming disease in Lebanon.

The Genealogy of Trousers in the Eurasian Region (유라시아 지역 바지 구조의 계보)

  • 김문영;조우현
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
    • /
    • v.53 no.7
    • /
    • pp.95-109
    • /
    • 2003
  • The style of different styles of clothing have been developed by not only the natural environment and social effects. but also by various variables such as the peculiar cultures and religions of different ethnic groups. It is naturally accepted without question that the origin of trousers was derived from the Skytie race in the modern style of dress. And the style of those trousers has changed and developed throughout a long history in different environments and surroundings. As part of the research of the process in this styles of clothing, it is essential to know how the fabric of trousers has been developed and how the styles have been changed because of different weather conditions and different religions. Nowadays, Eurasian countries was scattered from western and eastern Asian countries to middle Asian countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Iran and China. These countries are located on the way to the Silk Road. They are fully developed in a cultural area among the different religions. In terms of cultural aspects within the different religions, men's trousers had developed the traditional style of this dress as one of the importnat items on the cultural basis. The ranges and types of these traditional trousers are divided by the regions, such as west and southern Asia, central Asia and China. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Israel was a part of the west and southern Asian countries which were located between western countries and eastern countries. This tribes wore Shalwar trousers which is a wide style of trousers. Shalwar in the western and eastern Asian region has a specific feature by the each nation but has the same distinctions such as by using very wide and loose style and tying a fine thread around the waist. Some central Asian countries consisted of part of China, Turkmenistan. the Republic of Tajikistan. the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Afganistan. These style of trousers are compound types which appeared with mixing Draperian Greek culture. So it can be inferred from this data that the horse-riding nomadic trousers which had been handed down from Skytie tribe through Persia. The style of the trousers in those regions has small pieces. The style of the trousers in China, which is located on the way to the far eastern countries, has developed new trousers put together two pieces of the textile. These widen trousers can be worn by using a sash belt. So we can find out that those trousers of countries which mentioned above have a common point and a rule.

The Post modern parodies in "The Congress" (<더 콩그레스 The Congress>에 나타난 포스트모던 패러디)

  • Moon, Jae-Cheol;Choi, Sook-Young
    • Cartoon and Animation Studies
    • /
    • s.39
    • /
    • pp.157-182
    • /
    • 2015
  • Mr. Folman, an Israeli director, used a highly stylized form of animation in a decidedly adult way to make his documentary about the 1982 war in Lebanon, "Waltz With Bashir," in 2008. After 5 years, he has used another distinctive approach, fusing animation with live action in his latest film, a trippy and surreal undertaking called "The Congress." He dismantled the means through parodies, the core of post-modernism art and built a new meaning to create a unique world view and unique aesthetics. In this study, parodies of the modern concept of post-modernism being used as a major strategy in the creation of art have appeared the four characteristics of post-modern parody: 1) intertextuality, 2) dissolution and fusion of genres, and 3) strengthening of irony, and 4) pastiche. This study is characteristic of post-modern parody that discusses the relevance of contemporary parody and postmodernism being developed by analyzing how they appear on the practical work. Furthermore, through analysis of "The Congress", this study discusses the post-modernist world view and the creative way of creating an experimental art with parody.

A Study on the Vegetables Mentioned in the Bible (성서에 언급된 채소류에 관한 연구)

  • Woo, Ja-Won
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
    • /
    • v.22 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-9
    • /
    • 2007
  • This paper is intended to study what kinds of the vegetables are mentioned in the Bible and how they were used in those days. While one hundred and twenty-eight different plants are mentioned in the Bible, there are today 2,384 plant species in modem Israel, most of which have been introduced in recent centuries. These plants obviously did not exist there in biblical times and were only recently introduced from Australia and South America, respectively. This article will study only the vegetables mentioned in the Bible and known to have existed in the old and new testament times. Since the first book devoted exclusively to biblical botany was that of Levinus Lemmens in 1566, the modem systematic study of biblical plants, began with F. Hasselquist, a student of Linnaeus, the founder of modem botany. In 1928, Immanuel Loew approached the subject differently, reviewing all known data pertaining to biblical plants. His work not only discussed biblical plants, but also plants in later Jewish literature, particularly the Talmud. The British scholar G. E. Post provided a broad field study of modem plants in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. More recent major treatments of the subject include those of A. and H. Moldenke (1952), M. Zohary (1982), N. Hareuveni (1984), and Y. J. Choi(1996). Today, articles on specific biblical plants listed in the Bible can be found in any number of encyclopedias. This study attempts to provide a synthesis of the work of a number of scholars who studied the vegetables and plants mentioned in the Bible. As a preliminary study on the culture of food in the biblical period, this study has focused on the identity and features of the vegetables of the Bible. In only a limited number of instances, because of the paucity of the informations and the broad and generic descriptions of the plants, we can't be certain about the identification of the vegetables named in the Bible. In many instances the traditions established by the Greek, Aramaic, and English translations are helpful, although sometimes they are misleading. This paper subdivides the vegetables into broad areas, the general vegetables and the flavoring herbs. Vegetables formed very important part of the diet in the biblical times. Two main types were used: those whose nutritious seeds could be easily stored and those which were eaten freshly gathered from gardens. Pulse seeds provided a useful source of vegetable protein, while fresh green vegetables were vitamin rich. Pulses could be eaten boiled, or their dried seeds could be ground up into flour and then made into nutritious soups. Fresh vegetables were eaten either raw or lightly cooked, usually by boiling in water. The general vegetables in the Bible are herbs(garden rocket), cucumber(snake cucumber), watermelon, leeks, chicory, and onions. Also the flavoring herbs in the Bible are rue, dill, cummin, black cummin, frankincense, cinnamon, cassia, myrrh, black mustard, coriander, mint, saffron, ginger grass, syrian hyssop, aloes(eagle wood), manna which have the flavor, aroma, and medical values.

The Current Status of the Discussions on International Norms Related to Space Activities in the UN COPUOS Legal Subcommittee (우주활동 국제규범에 관한 유엔 우주평화적이용위원회 법률소위원회의 최근 논의 현황)

  • Jung, Yung-Jin
    • The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
    • /
    • v.29 no.1
    • /
    • pp.127-160
    • /
    • 2014
  • The UN COPUOS was established in 1959 as a permanent committee of the UN General Assembly with the aims to promote international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, to formulate space-related programmes within the UN, to encourage research and dissemination of information on space, and to study legal problems arising from the outer space activities. Its members have been enlarged from 24 members in 1959 to 76 in 2014. The Legal Subcommittee, which has been established under COPUOS in 1962 to deal with legal problems associated with space activities, through its first three decades of work has set up a framework of international space law: the five treaties and agreements - namely the Outer Space Treaty, Rescue Agreement, Liability Convention, Registration Convention, Moon Agreement - and the five declarations and legal principles. However, some sceptical views on this legal framework has been expressed, concerning the applicability of existing international space law to practical issues and new kinds of emerging space activities. UNISPACE III, which took place in 1999, served as a momentum to revitalize the discussions of the legal issues faced by the international community in outer space activities. The agenda of the Legal Subcommittee is currently structured into three categories: regular items, single issue/items, and items considered under a multi-year workplan. The regular items, which deal with basic legal issues, include definition and delimitation of outer space, status and application of the five UN treaties on outer space, and national legislation relevant to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. The single issues/items, which are decided upon the preceding year, are discussed only for one year in the plenary unless renewed. They include items related to the use of nuclear power sources in outer space and to the space debris mitigation. The agenda items considered under a multi-year work plan are discussed in working group. Items under this category deal with non-legally binding UN instruments on outer space and international mechanism for cooperation. In recent years, the Subcommittee has made some progress on agenda items related to nuclear power sources, space debris, and international cooperation by means of establishing non-legally binding instruments, or soft law. The Republic of Korea became the member state of COPUOS in 2001, after rotating seats every two years with Cuba and Peru since 1994. Korea's joining of COPUOS seems to be late, in considering that some countries with hardly any space activity, such Chad, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Lebanon, Cameroon, joined COPUOS as early as 1960s and 1970s and contributed to the drafting of the aforementioned treaties, declarations, and legal principles. Given the difficulties to conclude a treaty and un urgency to regulate newly emerging space activities, Legal Subcommittee now focuses its effort on developing soft law such as resolutions and guideline to be adopted by UN General Assembly. In order to have its own practices reflected in the international practices, one of the constituent elements of international customary law, Korea should analyse its technical capability, policy, and law related to outer space activities and participate actively in the formation process of the soft law.