East Mediterranean Region Research Articles

Human health risk assessment for PAHs, phthalates, elements, PCDD/Fs, and DL-PCBs in PM2.5 and for NMVOCs in two East-Mediterranean urban sites under industrial influence

This study evaluates the carcinogenic and the non-carcinogenic health risks related to non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and elements, dioxins, furans, dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls, phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 samples collected during a one-year field campaign in two urban industrial areas in the East Mediterranean region. The health risk was assessed for the three exposure pathways (ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact) and for different age categories (newborns, children, adolescents, and adults). The non-carcinogenic risk calculated for the different species showed that benzene and n-heptane explained 78–94% of the total hazard index (HI) for NMVOCs at both sites. The total HI for NMVOCs varied between 2.9 and 26.8 at Zouk and between 0.8 and 6.6 at Fiaa for adults and newborns respectively exceeding the recommended USEPA limit of 1 for most age categories. PM2.5-bound elements had values higher than the recommended USEPA limit for newborns with Mn, Pb, V, and Ni as the major contributors. The other species under study presented moderate risk values. The lifetime cancer risk due only to the exposure to NMVOCs was 170 and 46 times higher than the threshold limit at Zouk and Fiaa, respectively. PM2.5-bound PAHs, As, Co, Cr(VI), Ni and V concentrations showed lifetime cancer risk exceeding the threshold limit of 10−6 with 58 and 28 additional cancer cases per million habitats at Zouk and Fiaa, respectively. To our knowledge, this assessment is a first evaluating the health risk of several classes of compounds from both particulate and gas phases.

Notes on the Malachiini of the East-Mediterranean region, with description of a new species (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Malachiinae)

New distributional data are here presented for the genera Clanoptilus Motschulsky 1854 and Malachius Fabricius 1775 in the East-Mediterranean region. Malachius saltinii n.sp. is described from Lebanon.

Outpatient cardiovascular diseases and diabetes medicines dispensing in the population with government health insurance in Syria between 2018 and 2019: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundLow- and middle-income countries bear the highest burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mortality and morbidity. Syria has undergone an epidemiological transition from infectious diseases to NCDs in the past decades. Despite the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes in Syria, little is known about medicines utilization or prescriptions for these diseases. The aims of this study are to present the patterns and rates of dispensing medicines used for CVDs and diabetes among patients with government health insurance in Syria and examine age, sex, and regional variation in the dispensing of these medicines.MethodsOutpatient data from June 2018 to May 2019 on dispensed medicines for 81,314 adults with government health insurance were obtained. The dispensing rate was expressed as the number of defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 beneficiaries per day (DID). The DID is a measurement that is used in drug utilization research to control for differences or changes in population size between or within countries. The number of DIDs was adjusted according to beneficiaries’ sex, age, and governorate.ResultsBeneficiaries received 302.09 DIDs of CVDs medicines and 35.66 DIDs of diabetes medicines, including 0.96 DID of insulin (2.99% of the total of diabetes medicines). CVDs and diabetes medicine dispensing rates were low during the study period and included very low rates of insulin dispensing compared to the dispensing rates of these medicines in other countries in East Mediterranean Region or in Europe. We found lower dispensing rates of CVDs medicines among female beneficiaries (249.59 DIDs) than male beneficiaries (388.80 DIDs). Similarly, the dispensing rates of diabetes medicines among female beneficiaries (29.42 DIDs) were lower than those among male beneficiaries (45.98 DIDs). In addition, there were lower rates of CVDs and diabetes medicines and very low to no dispensing of insulin in some governorates that were partly controlled by the Syrian government compared to other governorates that were completely or mostly controlled by the Syrian government.ConclusionsAdditional efforts are needed to raise awareness about the prevention and management of CVDs and diabetes especially among females in Syria and consider cultural issues that might influence access to healthcare services. There is a crucial need to address the political and geographical challenges caused by the conflict which have limited access to CVDs and diabetes medicines in some regions in Syria.

1486Preference for person-centered care model, perceptions of family physicians and patients of East Mediterranean Region

Abstract Background Person-centered care is one of the vital components of a health care system and signifies the concept of health promotion and disease prevention. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of patients and physicians regarding person-centered care in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six countries of EMR during June 2019 to August 2019. In first phase, 190 family physicians (FPs) practicing for atleast six months were recruited. In the next phase, the recruited FPs then approached their patients aged more than 18 years. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. Results Of a total of 300 patients, 25% were aged 40 years or above and the majority 56% were females. Among physicians, 62.8% were between 25 to 35 years and 88% had a postgraduate training in Family Medicine. Thirty six percent of patients and 62.6% of physicians, preferred a person-centered care model of care. Among physicians, field of specialization (ORadj= 0.7; 95% C.I: 0.3-0.9) and regularity in continuing medical education sessions (ORadj= 0.3; 95% C.I: 0.1-0.5) while, among patients, educational status was significantly associated with preference for person-centered care model. Conclusions The transition towards person centered care model has already started and most care providers endorse it. However, there is a need to apply this approach consistently, keeping the cultural aspects in mind. Key messages There is a need for intensive research on the development of integrated primary care models to improve access to person-centered care.

TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS AND GEOPOLITICAL FRAGILITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

The landmasses of the USA and EU which are on the opposing sides of the Atlantic Ocean have come into focus once again, socially and culturally linked ideals, such asdemocracy and human rights were always the backbone in the transatlantic relationship along with the joint commitments for free-market capitalism which were entrenched within theinterests of the two major partners. The transatlantic relationship is reportedly plagued by difficulties. Since the establishment of NATO in 1949, transatlantic relationship has been at thecentre of discussions for the United States and Europe. It keeps the two regions working together to combat the challenges in the world where there are conflicts. Common Institutionsand Shared Identity are the core principles which unites the two regions. From relations with Russia and China to the policies on Iran and Syria's weapons control and climate change,transatlantic relations have arisen on world affairs today. On the other hand the geopolitical dynamics with the recent discoveries of significant natural gas deposits in the EastMediterranean region in the offshores of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel has become a hot spot for energy extraction. With the discovery of Eastern Mediterranean's natural gas fields likeTamar, Leviathan, Zohr and Aphrodite, and it has made transformative effect on the region. Energy is going to be crucial for future economic development in the Eastern Mediterraneanregion. The recent gas discoveries have been anticipated as offering an impetus for new levels of energy cooperation, as well as generating space for a larger power base and solidifyingstability in the region.Keywords: EU, USA, NATO, East-Mediterranean Sea, Russia, China, Energy, Security

The role of Anatolia in the origin of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot illustrated by land snails in the genus Oxychilus.

Several taxa that are distributed in the Caucasus and/or the adjacent Pontic Mountains also have representatives in the East Mediterranean region. These disjunctions could have been caused by long-distance dispersal or be the result of extinctions in Central Anatolia caused by the aridification of the Anatolian Plateau during the Pliocene. We studied the Longiphallus-Hiramia group of Oxychilus as an example showing such distribution patterns. Phylogenetic analyses of the Oxychilus species previously classified in Longiphallus, Hiramia and related subgenera resulted in a new delimitation of these taxa and the recognition of Anatoloxychilus Neiber, Walther & Hausdorf n. subgen. as an additional clade. Based on phylogenetic and population genetic analyses, O. reticulatus from Mingrelia is revalidated and the populations from the Pontic Mountains previously identified with O. mingrelicus koutaisanus are recognised as a distinct species. Three species pairs of the Longiphallus-Hiramia group with deep splits predating the aridification of the Anatolian Plateau during the Pliocene show disjunctions between the Caucasus/Pontic region and the Mediterranean. The majority of taxa with such a distribution pattern probably had more continuous distributions before the aridification started. The relationships between the Hiramia species from the Caucasus, the Pontic Mountains and the East Mediterranean highlight the importance of the Anatolian land as a source area for the colonisation of the Caucasus region. The dating of the divergences of the Caucasian Hiramia species in the middle to late Miocene indicated that they colonised the Caucasus when it was still an island in the Paratethys Sea and that their divergence was triggered by the orogenesis of the Greater Caucasus. A common pattern within the Caucasus region, also found in Hiramia, is the separation of taxa in the north-western Greater Caucasus from taxa inhabiting the southern slopes of the central Greater Caucasus.

A Comparative Study of Malaria Diagnosis Using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and Microscopy in Fever Patients in East and West Kupang District, Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease that is still a world health problem, especially in tropical countries including Indonesia. Itis still a major cause of death in both adults and children. The majority of cases occur in the African region (93%), followed by Southeast Asia including Indonesia (3.4%), and the East Mediterranean region (2.1%). The number of deaths due to malaria globally in 2018 reached 405,000, a decrease compared to416,000 in 2017 and 585,000 in 2010. In the era of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Aim: This study is useful to provide a descriptive picture of the number of malaria casesthat presented with fever, which is also a common symptom of COVID-19. Methods:This research is an interventional descriptive study with the aim of comparing the number of malaria cases with fever symptoms diagnosed through microscopic examination and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) at the Batakte Health Centre located in West Kupang (Group 1) and at the Naibonat Health Centre (Group 2) located in East Kupang. The total sample in this study were 128 people with fever symptoms. In each group, the malaria blood smear was examined and RDT was carried out. Result: The Result of the study revealedthat there were no malaria cases found in both Batakte Health Center and the Naibonat Health Center during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the Batakte and Naibonat Health centres in terms of malaria diagnosis using both microscopy and RDT.

A comparative study of malaria diagnosis using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and microscopy in fever patients in East and West Kupang district, Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease that is still a world health problem, especially in tropical countries including Indonesia. Itis still a major cause of death in both adults and children. The majority of cases occur in the African region (93%), followed by Southeast Asia including Indonesia (3.4%), and the East Mediterranean region (2.1%). The number of deaths due to malaria globally in 2018 reached 405,000, a decrease compared to416,000 in 2017 and 585,000 in 2010. In the era of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Aim: This study is useful to provide a descriptive picture of the number of malaria casesthat presented with fever, which is also a common symptom of COVID-19. Methods: This research is an interventional descriptive study with the aim of comparing the number of malaria cases with fever symptoms diagnosed through microscopic examination and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) at the Batakte Health Centre located in West Kupang (Group 1) and at the Naibonat Health Centre (Group 2) located in East Kupang. The total sample in this study were 128 people with fever symptoms. In each group, the malaria blood smear was examined and RDT was carried out. Result: The Result of the study revealedthat there were no malaria cases found in both Batakte Health Center and the Naibonat Health Center during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the Batakte and Naibonat Health centres in terms of malaria diagnosis using both microscopy and RDT. How to cite this article:Lidia K, Setianingrum ELS, Folamauk CL, Pakan P. A Comparative Study of Malaria Diagnosis Using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and Microscopy in Fever Patients in East and West Kupang District, Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Commun Dis. 2021; 53(2): 57-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202126

Notes on the Distribution of the Genus Oreochromis in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Tilapias are freshwater species which are the common name of three genera of cichlids, Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Coptodon . Many of the species belonged to these genera have been used for aquaculture products. Although their main native distribution areas are tropical and subtropical regions, they have spread to other areas due to their high invasive characteristics. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution of genus Oreochromis in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The study was conducted at 18 stations located in Adana and Mersin from 2014 to 2017. The introduction of the species in these systems was mainly recorded weed control, transfers of fisherman, and escape from aquaculture facilities. However, the distribution of genus Oreochromis in Turkey and their effects on the aquatic ecosystems are unknown. The results showed that the species of genus Oreochromis were easily adapted the different conditions such as various flow rates, salinity, and temperature.

Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) Fauna of Natural Protection Areas in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey, Part II

In order to study fauna of Cryptinae, Pimplinae and Tryphoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), three Natural Protection Areas (Halep Camligi, Kengerliduz, and Habib-i Neccar) were chosen sampled by various techniques from East Mediterranean Region of Turkey between 2007-2008. The same localities were again sampled between 2014-2015 and added. A total of 112 samples were collected and 38 species determined. Eleven species are new records for Turkey. Centers of diversity are given for each species.

Physiological and environmental control of seed germination timing in Mediterranean mountain populations of Gundelia tournefortii

Fruit and seed morphology interact with embryo physiology and environmental conditions to control seed germination timing. This interaction plays a pivotal role in ecosystems with narrow windows for seedling establishment, such as the Mediterranean mountains. In this study, we investigated the germination responses of the secondary capitula (disseminules) of Gundelia tournefortii from East Mediterranean mountain populations. When incubated at 15 °C, intact capitula did not reach 20% of final germination, with or without the addition in the germination substrate of GA3 (250 mg L−1), while extracted fruits reached 50% of germination, which increased to ca. 70% when treated with GA3. Cold stratification enhanced final germination of the capitula at 15 °C to ca. 65%, although almost half of the initially sown capitula germinated during the second month of stratification at 5 °C. During the stratification at 5 °C, peak puncture force needed to pierce the basal part of the capitula decreased linearly and capitula started germinating after one month, which corresponded to a peak puncture force of 0.41–0.35 N. These findings highlight the presence of mechanical and hormonal components of physiological seed dormancy. The morphology of the disseminules controls seed germination timing, by interacting with cold winter temperatures and starting seed germination only in early winter. These findings not only provide new insights on the reproduction from seeds of this plant, but by highlighting high germination of cold-stratified intact capitula, can also support plant propagation programmes for this key wild edible species, very important for food security and the livelihoods of local communities in the East Mediterranean region.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis shows that causal agent of maize rough dwarf disease in Iran is closer to rice black-streaked dwarf virus

Maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD) is one of the most important viral diseases around the world. Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) and maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV) cause MRDD in East Asia and Mediterranean regions, respectively. RBSDV and MRDV are similar in many features such as host range, disease symptoms, vector, and serological relationships, which make it hard to differentiate them based on serological and biological properties. However, molecular analyses as powerful tools could be used for differentiating species of fijiviruses. In this study, the complete genome sequence, genetic variation of 13 isolates using the nucleotide sequence of segment 10 ORF, and host range of MRDD causal agent in Iran were determined. Whole-genome comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that Iranian isolate shared high nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 86.5–91.3% and closest evolutionary relationship to the RBSDV Chinese isolates. The Iranian isolates showed over 99% homology based on amino acid sequence of ORF10 and were grouped in one clade through phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed that ORF10 of MRDD causal agent was under negative selection. Iranian isolate of MRDD was experimentally transmitted to maize, rice, barley, wheat, millet, oat, rye, and some grasses by Loadelphax striatellus with about 32% efficiency. The results of this study revealed that the MRDD causal agent in Iran had the closest genetic similarity to RBSDV demonstrating it is closer to RBSDV than MRDV.

The Complex Political Game of Government Formation: A Nash Non-Cooperative Game Perspective

We use the Nash Equilibrium to solve the complex Lebanese political game of forming a government. We solve for a probable and logical outcome given each player’s priority issues relative to each other player’s priority issues. The results indicate that there is a global best response equilibrium between Hizballah/Amal (“H/A”), Other National Parties (“ONP”), and France. The equilibrium requires a cooperative approach between H/A and ONP to find a solution that satisfies both, particularly in respect of control over the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”), which represents an important executive position in the country’s domestic political system. For example, H/A (given its relatively higher utility for this variable) maintains nominal control over MOF while ONP shares in some manner in the nomination. This would ensure stability of the political regime, which could then facilitate at least some economic reforms. Under this scenario, France is the biggest winner in respect of its regional interests as the success or failure of its initiative in Lebanon may have significant consequences on its credibility in the East Mediterranean region. However, this equilibrium is sensitive to national and regional variables. Further analysis of the statistics indicates that France, in this game, is not the primary player, as the USA has the capability to sway the game in its favor. The results further indicate a clear conflict between the regional interests of France and the USA. The USA’s payoff function was not clear related to the other players and their preferential interests. This may be due to the USA’s main interests residing in other national and regional considerations not considered in this game.

Variation in Seasonal Precipitation over Gaza (Palestine) and Its Sensitivity to Teleconnection Patterns

The seasonal precipitation (SP) trend and its sensitivity to teleconnection patterns over the East Mediterranean (EM) region remain inconsistent. Based on rainfall records during 1974–2016 at seven meteorological stations in the Gaza region, this study aims to (1) analyze the observed SP trend over the Gaza region, and (2) examine the SP sensitivity to climate indices. Pearson and Spearman correlations between climate indices and SP in the current and following years were calculated, and the seasonal period (particular month) with the highest correlation was identified. Results show that the climate indices, with greater impact on SP over the Gaza region in the autumn and spring, were in the order; El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) > East Atlantic/Western Russia (EAWR) > North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) > Arctic Oscillation (AO). The indices’ impact was minimal in the winter precipitation. ENSO types’ correlations (Southern Oscillation Index-SOI and Niño 3.4) were moderate and significant at α = 0.05. Rainfall at most stations positively correlates with AO and EAWR in spring and autumn. During the study period, warm phases of ENSO (i.e., El Niño) intensified autumn precipitation. Simultaneously with warm phases of EAWR or AO, more influence on autumn precipitation is exerted. Cold phases of ENSO (i.e., La Niña) have an adverse impact compared to El Niño. EAWR co-variation was evident only with the ENSO. Regarding AO, a non-meaningful action was noticed during the neutral phases of ENSO and EAWR. The findings of this study help understand and predict the seasonal trend of precipitation over the Gaza region. This is essential to set up climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the EM region.

Tracking mammals in a Lebanese protected area using environmental DNA‐based approach

AbstractMediterranean forest mammals are still poorly known, and few localities have been properly studied in the East Mediterranean Region (EMR). According to the IUCN Red List, many recorded species in this region are listed as threatened or endangered. Despite all threats, better management and more investments in species monitoring would surely improve the efficiency of biodiversity conservation projects to protect Mediterranean forest mammals. Protected reserves are of utmost importance for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Hereby, we provide a survey of mammals through a noninvasive technique based on environmental DNA extracted from scats. Samples were collected over 1 year covering all seasons from an important site for biodiversity conservation and scientific researches, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. A total of 18 vertebrate species were recorded, many of them are endemic for the region and/or threatened especially in Lebanon. The use of noninvasive sampling method combined with genetic analysis of scats proved to be a powerful tool for species detection in a highly biodiverse protected area and can be easily replicated in any region around the world to rapidly assess species richness and therefore to apply direct conservation and management strategies toward species of interest.

Multi-centennial reconstruction of drought events in South-Western Iran using tree rings of Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.)

Semi-arid regions are among the most vulnerable areas prone to the negative impacts of climate change. Long-term high-resolution proxy climate data will enable us to put the recent climate trends into a long-term context of natural climate variability. We developed the hitherto first regional ring-width chronology (1450–2015C.E.) from Cupressus sempervirens L. in the Zagros Mountains, western Iran and reconstructed precipitation variability for the semi-arid region during the period 1560–2015C.E. Climate-growth relationships revealed that precipitation and minimum temperatures are positively correlated with radial growth, whereas maximum temperatures reveal negative impacts. Spatial correlations with gridded precipitation data, Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), and standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI 01) further indicate that the climate signals contained in tree-ring width variations capture the precipitation variability in the Near East and other eastern Mediterranean regions. The southern Zagros Mts. experienced multiple megadroughts during the reconstructed period. The longest dry period occurred from 1956 to 1971 and the highest frequency of dry events occurred in the 20th century. In addition, documented famines in Iran occurred within prolonged droughts. The southern Zagros Mts. has experienced high frequency of extreme/severe dry events and long dry phases during the Little Ice Age (1560–1850C.E.). The reconstructed dry and wet events occurred irregularly, and one-year and two-year drought/wet events showed the highest frequency during the reconstructed period, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management strategies for the semi-arid southern Zagros region.

Bacterial and yeast microbial diversity of the ripened traditional middle east surk cheese

Surk is a cheese produced by the addition of certain spices to the skim-milk cheese and it is known especially in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East. Surk is also named as shanklish, shinklish, shankleesh, sorke, or sürke. In this study, the bacteria, and the yeasts in ripened surk cheeses obtained from the market were identified. 103 bacterial isolates and 40 yeast isolates were obtained from 27 surk samples. The LAB isolated from ripened surk cheese were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Companilactobacillus alimentarius, Ligilactobacillus acidipiscis. The non-LAB isolated from samples were Staphylococcus sciuri, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus lentus, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The yeasts identified were Debaryomyces hansenii, Candida zeylanoides, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Kluyveromyces lactis. The microbial diversity of surk shows that it may be a natural functional food. This is the first identification study about the bacterial and yeast diversity in ripened surk.

Codification and description of growth stages in persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) using the extended BBCH scale

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is one of the most important fruit that is grown commercially worldwide including the East Asia and Mediterranean regions, and it has been cultivated for its fruit with high nutritional values. Phenology of fruits has attracted the interest of many breeders, growers, and researchers for accurately schedule timing of horticultural managements, but detailed and specific scale for persimmon, especially for the pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA) and androecious persimmons, remain non-available. In this study, we characterized persimmon phenological growth stages in four persimmon cultivars containing two important morphological traits of sexuality and astringency using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt Chemische Industrie) scale. The principal growth stages of persimmon were divided into the vegetative and reproductive phenology. We first investigated the vegetative phenology, including: bud development stage (0), leaf development stage (1), shoot development stage (3), and senescence and rest stage (9). The consequent reproductive phenology contained the four following stages, inflorescence emergence stage (5), flowering stage (6), fruit development stage (7), and fruit maturity stage (8). To better understand these phenological growth stages, we next provided illustrative photos with codification and description in persimmon. In addition, the phenological records over two growing seasons in the National Field Genebank for Persimmon (NFGP) were used to draw a schematic representation of principal growth stages. Correct identification of phenological stages is of great importance for the characterization and management in persimmon. Thus, this study will provide the dissemination of knowledge of persimmon cultivars among growers and researchers.

Libya, COVID-19, health diplomacy, and COVAX

The Pandemic of SARS-2 coronavirus with its associated disease (COVID-19) could not have hit the ailing health System in Libya in worse times;[[1]],[[2]] Close to 100,000 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Libya by the end of 2020.[[2]] This represents the highest number (1405 cases in every 100,000 inhabitants) in North Africa. The reported mortality rate of (20 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) is also among the worst in the WHO's East Mediterranean region.[[2]] All that despite a relatively small number (total 535,108) of polymerase chain reaction tests performed in the whole country since the beginning of the pandemic, with 17.9% cumulative positivity rate[[2]] which is far higher than the 5% target threshold in testing for COVID-19, i.e., the actual number of infections and COVID19-related mortality in Libya could be 3–4 times higher than the figures reported above particularly among vulnerable groups including the internally displaced, residents of nursing homes, illegal immigrants, etc.

Quality Properties, Fatty Acid and Sterol Compositions of East Mediterranean Region Olive Oils.

In this study, important physicochemical properties, fatty acid and sterol compositions of olive oils from the olives which harvested from Mersin (Buyuk Topak Ulak, Gemlik, Sari Ulak), Adana (Gemlik), Osmaniye (Gemlik) and Hatay (Gemlik, Kargaburun, Hasebi, Halhali) in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey have been investigated. Ripening index and oil yield analysis of the olives and free fatty acids, peroxide value, UV absorbance (K232, K270), fatty acid composition, sterol composition, erythrodiol+uvaol content, and total sterol analysis of the olive oil samples were carried out. The levels of free acidity in the olive oil samples ranged from 0.39% (Hatay Gemlik: HG3) to 2.23% (Mersin Gemlik: MG). Peroxide value ranged from 8.87 to 18.87 meq O2/kg. As K232 values in the oils fluctuated between 1.4370 and 2.3970, K270 values varied between 0.1270 and 0.1990. The results showed that all ΔK values were lower than the maximum legal limit of 0.01. The main fatty acid in all oil samples was oleic acid, ranging from 58.72% (Hatay Hasebi: HHs) to 74.54% (Hatay Gemlik: HG2). Palmitic acid values were within the percentage of 12.83% (Hatay Kargaburun: HK) to 18.50% (HHs). Total sterol content varied from 720.41 mg/kg (Hatay Kargaburun: HK) to 4519.17 mg/kg (Buyuk Topak Ulak: BTU). The β-sitosterol percentage of olive oils ranged from 76.12% (Adana Gemlik: AG) to 94.23% (Buyuk Topak Ulak: BTU). The results of this study indicated that variety significantly affect the quality indices, fatty acid and sterol compositions of olive oils significantly varied among varieties.