Rare Bilateral Variations in the Origin of the Plantaris Muscle: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The plantaris muscle is spindle-shaped in the posterior compartment of the leg. It is distinguished for its small muscle belly and an exceptionally long tendon. It presents with great variability in its origin and insertion when present.

Evidence for a Role of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics in Aneurysmal Pathogenesis and Possible Therapeutics: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Several studies investigated the implication of the gut microbiota (GM) in the formation and progression of aneurysms, suggesting a key role for GM metabolites in aneurysmal pathogenesis and prognosis.

Aim: This systematic review aims to collect key findings concerning the impact of gut bacterial compositions, GM-related metabolites, probiotics administration, and inflammatory markers in aneurysmal development and rupture.

Methods: A PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science database search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, targeting all studies assessing the GM's role in aneurysms till 2023.

The Effects of Green Spaces and Noise Exposure on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study in Lebanon.

Background: Environmental surroundings reduce the rate of several diseases, especially those related to stressful events. Ischemic stroke can be affected by such events, either directly or through its risk factors. Therefore, the present study evaluates the effects of green spaces and noise exposure on the risk of ischemic stroke.

Contemporary Update on Clinical and Experimental Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: A Multi-Omics-Focused Approach to Detection and Risk Stratification.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health challenge, being the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. This review discusses the critical advancements in biomarker discovery using single-omics and multi-omics approaches. Multi-omics, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic data, offers a comprehensive understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of prostate cancer, leading to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Combining Sensory Room and Conventional Therapies for Lebanese Children With Autism: A 10-Year Study.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by sensory difficulties, which pose a significant challenge. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory room therapy in conjunction with traditional therapy, comparing it to traditional therapy alone, among children diagnosed with ASD in Lebanon. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study with cross-sectional survey (mixed study) was conducted over a 10-year period, involving 548 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Colorectal cancer: Recent advances in management and treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. In 2020, the estimated number of deaths due to CRC was approximately 930000, accounting for 10% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Accordingly, there is a vast amount of ongoing research aiming to find new and improved treatment modalities for CRC that can potentially increase survival and decrease overall morbidity and mortality.

Stem cell transplantation in cerebrovascular accidents: A global bibliometric analysis (2000-2023).

Background: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a major global contributor to death and disability. As part of its medical management, researchers have recognized the importance of promising neuroprotective strategies, where stem cell transplantation (SCT) is thought to confer advantages trophic and neuroprotective effects.

Aim: To evaluate the current state of research on SCT in patients with CVA, assess key trends and highlight literature gaps.

Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet as a Protective Factor for Ischemic Stroke and Its Influence on Disability Level: A Case-Control Study in Lebanon.

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. An important strategy in controlling hypertension is dietary modification. The present study evaluates the effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the risk of ischemic stroke.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition accompanied by severe adverse events that affect several aspects of the patient's life, such as motor, sensory, and functional impairment. Despite its severe consequences, definitive treatment for these injuries is still missing. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing treatment strategies aimed at ensuring full recovery post-SCI.

Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: An Umbrella Review and a Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) versus open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has superior outcomes remains a controversial topic. Therefore, we sought to perform an umbrella review and meta-analysis to compare ECTR and OCTR with regards to (1) postoperative functional ability, (2) operative outcomes, and (3) time to return to work.

Methods: A PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane database search was conducted for all meta-analyses comparing ECTR and OCTR performed between 2000 and 2022 in accordance to PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for umbrella reviews.

Mechanism of Action of Melatonin as a Potential Adjuvant Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a continuum of chronic inflammatory diseases, is tightly associated with immune system dysregulation and dysbiosis, leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and multiple extraintestinal manifestations. The pathogenesis of IBD is not completely elucidated. However, it is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies.

Lack of Syndecan-1 promotes the pathogenesis of experimental rheumatoid arthritis.

Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1), a transmembrane heparan sulfate protein, is implicated in several pathophysiological processes including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The exact role of Syndican-1 in this autoimmune disease is still undetermined. This study explores the involvement level of Sdc-1 in the development of RA in a collagen II-induced arthritis mice model.

The Mechanism and Potential Therapeutic Effects of Cyclosporin, Cyclophilin, Probiotics and Syndecan-1 in an Animal Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have several treatment modalities including immunoregulators, like cyclosporine A, an immunosuppressant that interacts with cytoplasmic cyclophilin A, and probiotics. This study explored and compared the possible role of syndecan-1 in the IBD pathogenic process as well as the effectiveness of cyclophilin A, cyclosporine A, and their combination in the management of IBDs in the presence of probiotics. IBD was induced in a total of 112 mice equally divided between knock-out (KO) and Balb/c wild-type mice, using 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) followed by intraperitoneal treatment with cyclosporine A, cyclophilin A, or a combination of both.

Probiotics, gut microbiome, and cardiovascular diseases: An update.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the most challenging diseases and many factors have been demonstrated to affect their pathogenesis. One of the major factors that affect CVDs, especially atherosclerosis, is the gut microbiota (GM). Genetics play a key role in linking CVDs with GM, in addition to some environmental factors which can be either beneficial or harmful.

Osteoporosis and vitamin D consumption: knowledge and practice in different Arab countries.

Unlabelled: Despite the high prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, the knowledge about osteoporosis and vitamin D-related practices were moderate in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Improving knowledge through awareness campaign and screening programs is essential to enhance vitamin D-related practices.

Purpose: Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease, which usually remains silent until fractures occur.

Current state of clinical trials on xenograft.

Background: Xenotransplantation is a worth investing branch of science, since it aims to fulfil the demand on human cells, tissues and organs. Despite decades of consistent work in preclinical assessments, clinical trials on xenotransplantation are far from reaching the targeted goal. Our study aims to track the characteristics, assess the content and summarize the plan of each trial on skin, beta-island, bone marrow, aortic valve and kidney xenografts, leading to a clear sorting of efforts made in this field.

Highlights on two decades with microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease from etiology to therapy.

Inflammatory Bowel diseases (IBDs) constitute a complex panel of disorders characterized with chronic inflammation affecting the alimentary canal along with extra intestinal manifestations. Its exact etiology is still unknown; however, it seems to be the result of uncharacterized environmental insults in the intestine and their immunological consequences along with dysbiosis, in genetically predisposed individuals. It was the main target of our team since 2002 to explore the etiology of IBD and the related role of bacteria.

Cancer research activity in the Arab world: a 15-year bibliometric analysis.

Background: The Arab region comprises 22 countries located in the Middle East and North Africa, sharing cultural and linguistic ties. Arab countries have continued to lag in terms of biomedical research compared to other nations for several past decades. Cancer is a major public health concern, being the second leading cause of death globally.

Menstrual abnormalities post-COVID vaccination: a cross-sectional study on adult Lebanese women.

Background: In the year 2020, the coronavirus pandemic invaded the world. Since then, specialized companies began to compete, producing many vaccines. Coronavirus vaccines have different adverse events.

Current state of clinical trials regarding lung transplant rejection.

Background: Over the last several decades, the field of lung transplantation has made significant advances. Despite these advancements, morbidity and mortality rates are still high when compared to other solid organ transplants. Clinical trials have a significant role bringing new medications with better effects than their predecessors.

Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Contemporary Breast Cancer Care: A Review of the Literature and Clinical Applications.

Substantial progress has been made in contemporary breast cancer care, resulting in a consistently declining breast cancer mortality rate and an improvement in quality of life. Advancements include deescalation of therapy in low-risk populations and refining systemic therapy options. Research into molecular biomarkers continues to evolve and holds the promise of achieving the goal of precision medicine, while guidelines for supportive care and survivorship have been created to address the needs of an ever-increasing number of breast cancer survivors.