Can risk factors and risk scores help predict colonization and infection in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is positioning as one of the most relevant threats to global public health and threatens the effective treatment of an ever-growing number of bacterial infections in various healthcare settings, particularly in acute care and surgical units, as well as in the community. Among multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB), , and require special attention, since they account for most of the mortality associated with bacterial infections and are often MDR. It is clear that there is an important global variation in antibiotic resistance profiles among MDRGNB species.

The many faces of brucellosis: diagnostic and management approach.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of brucellosis, emphasizing the latest advancements in its diagnosis and management. Given the global prevalence and potential complications of brucellosis, understanding recent advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies is crucial for clinicians.

Recent Findings: Recent literature reveals significant progress in diagnostic methods, including the application of fluorescence polarization immunoassay and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer technologies as well as the invention of artificial Brucella antigens, which offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity.

Ibrexafungerp: A narrative overview.

Ibrexafungerp (IBX) is a new antifungal drug that recently entered the antifungal landscape. It disrupts fungal cell wall synthesis by non-competitive inhibition of the β-(1,3)-D-glucan (BDG) synthase enzyme. It has demonstrated activity against a range of pathogens including and spp.

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.

Recent advances in the treatment of Ebola disease: A brief overview.

Ebola disease (EBOD) remains a significant and ongoing threat to African countries, characterized by a mortality rate of 25% to 90% in patients with high viral load and significant transmissibility. The most recent outbreak, reported in Uganda in September 2022, was declared officially over in January 2023. However, it was caused by the Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV), a culprit species not previously reported for a decade.

Metallo-beta-lactamases: mechanisms, treatment challenges, and future prospects.

Introduction: Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are responsible for resistance to almost all beta-lactam antibiotics. Found predominantly in Gram-negative bacteria, they severely limit treatment options. Understanding the epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of infections caused by MBL-producing organisms is essential to reduce their burden.

Immunotherapy and immunoevasion of colorectal cancer.

The tremendous success of immunotherapy in clinical trials has led to its establishment as a new pillar of cancer therapy. However, little clinical efficacy has been achieved in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC), which constitutes most CRC tumors. Here, we discuss the molecular and genetic heterogeneity of CRC.

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.

Effects of night eating and binge eating disorders on general health in university students in Lebanon.

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) have an important impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, especially in a young population. There is a lack in research about EDs in the Middle East, and especially in Lebanon, where the co-occurring obesity is a widespread health problem.

Aim: Our study aims to assess the relation between night eating syndrome (NES) with binge eating disease (BED) and obesity (BMI) on one hand, and between NES and general health on the other hand, in university students.

Current state of clinical trials regarding liver transplant rejection.

Background: Liver transplant (LT) is the second most common transplant intervention. The rate of acute cellular rejection (ACR) is 15-25% after LT, while being higher in chronic rejection (CR). Clinical trials had a major role in getting more potent and selective immunosuppressive medications.

Contribution of Arab world in transplant research: A PubMed-based bibliometric analysis.

Background: The Arab world consists of 22 countries situated in the Middle East and North Africa, tied together by linguistic and cultural bonds. Over numerous past decades, this region tended to fall behind regarding biomedical research. Organ, tissue, and cell transplantation are life-saving and life-improving treatments for various diseases.

Prolonged intensive care treatment of octogenarians after cardiac surgery: a reasonable economic burden?

Objectives: In accordance with the rising prevalence of octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery, these patients utilize an increasing portion of intensive care unit (ICU) capacities, provoking economic and ethical concerns. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes and costs generated by the prolonged postoperative ICU treatment of octogenarians.

Methods: Between July 2009 and August 2010, 109 of 1063 patients required ICU treatment of at least 5 days after cardiac surgery.

Survival, functional capacity, and quality of life after cardiac surgery followed by long-term intensive care stay.

Background: The rising prevalence of multimorbid patients undergoing cardiac surgery often leads to prolonged postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. The fate of these patients after discharge is poorly investigated. This study is aimed to assess survival, functional outcome, and quality of life (QOL) in patients after an ICU stay of at least 5 days.

Suction-irrigation drainage: an underestimated therapeutic option for surgical treatment of deep sternal wound infections.

Objectives: Deep sternal wound infections are significant and severe complications following cardiac surgery and substantially influence perioperative morbidity and mortality. We present the experience of our department using two different surgical treatments over a three-year period.

Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2011, a total of 3274 cardiac procedures with complete median sternotomy were performed in our department.

Surgery of the ascending aorta, root remodelling and aortic arch surgery with circulatory arrest through partial upper sternotomy: results of 50 consecutive cases.

Objectives: Partial upper sternotomy is a routine approach to aortic valve surgery. For surgery of the ascending aorta or the aortic arch, this method is not well established yet.

Methods: From October 2007 to October 2010, 50 consecutive patients underwent procedures of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch using partial upper sternotomy.

Clinical advantages of using mini-bypass systems in terms of blood product use, postoperative bleeding and air entrainment: an in vivo clinical perspective.

Objective: In an effort to minimize the effect of extracorporeal circulation (ECC), mini-bypass is gaining clinical acceptance in routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). These small circuits target combine the clinical advantages of reduced prime, 100% bio-coating and suction blood separation. We demonstrate that the use of mini-bypass in routine CABG reduces homologous blood product use and postoperative bleeding.

Impact of high intensity transient signals on the choice of mechanical aortic valve substitutes.

Objective: High intensity transient signals (HITS) observed during extracorporeal circulation and following mechanical valve replacement are suspected of causing cognitive dysfunction (deterioration of episodic and working memory). This study evaluates the role played by valve design (bileaflet versus tilting disc) and other parameters in the incidence of HITS.

Methods: Thirty patients were selected for the study as follows: 18 males, 58-78 years of age; ten St.