Prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and anal dysplasia among men with HIV in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types are linked to anal cancer, with elevated risk among men who have sex with men (MSM), especially men with HIV. Data on HPV-related malignancies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is scarce. This study aims to assess anal HPV strains, dysplasia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among asymptomatic MSM with HIV in Lebanon.

Investigating an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary healthcare centre in lebanon using next-generation sequencing.

The frequent occurrence of Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital settings and the elevated rate of antimicrobial resistance in this pathogen represent a serious clinical and public health threat worldwide, and particularly in Lebanon where outbreak surveillance and control are still insufficient. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a fast and reliable tool to study outbreaks at the molecular level and obtain actionable knowledge, leading to better control measures. A total of 59 A.

An unusual two-strain cholera outbreak in Lebanon, 2022-2023: a genomic epidemiology study.

Cholera is a life-threatening gastrointestinal infection caused by a toxigenic bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. After a lull of almost 30 years, a first case of cholera was detected in Lebanon in October 2022. The outbreak lasted three months, with 8007 suspected cases (671 laboratory-confirmed) and 23 deaths.

Patterns and predictors of positive multiplex polymerase chain reaction respiratory panel among patients with acute respiratory infections in a single center in Lebanon.

Background: Infectious agents associated with community-acquired acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain understudied in Lebanon. We aim to assess the microbiological profiles of ARIs by employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and identifying predictors of positive PCR results among patients admitted for ARI.

Methods And Results: We conducted a retrospective single-center study at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, including all respiratory PCR panels performed on pediatric (< 18) and adult (≥ 18) patients presenting with an ARI from January 2015 to March 2018, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biospecimen Repositories in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Insights From an American University of Beirut and Memorial Sloan Kettering Collaboration.

Purpose: Biobanking helps source tissue and blood for studying cancer genomics. Access to biorepository resources in low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) established a joint tissue biorepository at AUB in Beirut, Lebanon.

Comparison between the accuracy of chest computerized tomography vs. reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in a tertiary care center in Lebanon; along with their correlation to mortality, morbidity and symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives: Chest Computerized Tomography has been widely used in COVID patients' assessment. Hence the question arises as to whether there is any correlation between the Ct value and findings on Chest CT scan or clinical presentation of the patient. We wanted to test the hypothesis of whether low Ct values (≤30) in RT-PCR were associated with a high mortality rate, CT scan findings, or with comorbidities such as immunosuppression and lung disease.

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide challenges and outcome from a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

This letter describes the experience of the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon with haploidentical stem cell transplant (haplo-SCT) for hematological malignancies in adult patients. Haplo-SCT made it possible through universal and rapid donor availability for most of the adult patients with leukemia or lymphoma not only in the Middle East but also globally. Moreover, the use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens when indicated improved the outcome and decreased the toxicity of haploidentical stem cell transplant.

The Impact of an Educational Video in Arabic Language on Patients' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Genetic Testing for Cancer Therapy.

Rapid advances in cancer genetics are paving the way towards personalized cancer management, and genetic testing is now an important decision-making tool. Despite the advantages, genetic testing adds a layer of complexity in the management which is difficult to communicate with patients. The variability health literacy among patients may restrict their engagement in genetic procedures.

Frequency and mutational spectrum of PIK3CA gene mutations in breast cancer patients: Largest and first report from Lebanon.

The PIK3CA pathway is one of the most frequently altered pathways in human cancers, especially in breast cancer with approximately 40% of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer cases exhibiting mutations in the PIK3CA gene. While the mutations can occur across the entire gene, the most common are observed in exon 9 corresponding to the helical domain, and in exon 20 encompassing the kinase domain. This study constitutes the first attempt at determining the frequency and mutational spectrum in Lebanese breast cancer patients.

Sequence-based allelic variations and frequencies for 22 autosomal STR loci in the Lebanese population.

This is the first study that characterizes the sequence-based allelic variations of 22 autosomal Short Tandem Repeat (aSTR) loci in a population dataset collected from Lebanon. Genomic DNA extracts from 195 unrelated Lebanese individuals were amplified with PowerSeq 46GY System Prototype. Targeted amplicons were subjected to DNA library preparation and sequenced on the Verogen MiSeq FGx Sequencing System.

The under investigated facet of the COVID-19 pandemic: Molecular analysis of secondary bacterial infections at a COVID dedicated intensive care unit within a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. Secondary bacterial infections are associated with unfavorable outcomes in respiratory viral infections. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients admitted at a tertiary medical center in Lebanon.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 vaccinated healthcare workers in Lebanon.

Background: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants including the Delta and Omicron along with waning of vaccine-induced immunity over time contributed to increased rates of breakthrough infection specifically among healthcare workers (HCWs). SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance is an important tool for timely detection and characterization of circulating variants as well as monitoring the emergence of new strains. Our study is the first national SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance among HCWs in Lebanon.

Thrombotic Microangiopathy in the Setting of Colorectal Cancer: A Therapeutic Challenge with a Bad Prognosis.

While most cases of thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemias are idiopathic, some can occur in the setting of a malignancy. Differentiating both conditions is crucial to initiate the appropriate treatment. In this case report and literature review, we discuss the occurrence of a thrombotic microangiopathy in a 61-year-old male patient with a treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer invading his bone marrow.

Challenges of genetic diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in a major tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Inborn errors of metabolism are rare genetic disorders; however, these are prevalent in countries with high consanguinity rates, like Lebanon. Patients are suspected, based on a combination of clinical and biochemical features; however, the final confirmation relies on genetic testing. Using next generation sequencing, as a new genetic investigational tool, carries several challenges for the physician, the geneticist, and the families.

Heritable cancer predisposition testing in pediatric cancer patients excluding retinoblastoma in a middle-income country.

Resource-limited settings often have financial barriers to genetic testing for heritable cancer. This retrospective study investigated the pattern of heritable cancer predisposition testing in a middle-income country over the period 2014-2021, excluding retinoblastoma. After establishing a specific fund in 2019, rate of tests increased from 1.

Safety and Efficacy of Elective Switch from Nilotinib to Imatinib in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

The treatment of newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with nilotinib has resulted in a higher rate of major molecular (MMR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) at 12 months compared to imatinib but at a higher cumulative cost and increased risk of serious adverse events. To maintain long-term efficacy and minimize both toxicity and costs, we aimed at evaluating in a prospective single-center trial the efficacy and safety of a response-directed switch from nilotinib to imatinib after 12 months in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase CML. Thirteen adult patients were enrolled.

Tumor profiling of KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS gene mutations in patients with colorectal cancer: A Lebanese major center cohort study.

Background: In the era of precision medicine, treatment schemes for advanced Colorectal (CRC) disease include monoclonal antibodies which block the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) implicated in tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and neovascularization. Resistance to these agents has been correlated with activating downstream mutations in KRAS, BRAF and NRAS genes, among others, leading to constitutive activation of the EGFR axis bypassing EGFR blockade. The assessment of tumor RASandBRAFmutational status has thus become standard clinical practice.

The Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 1 Insertion/Deletion Genetic Polymorphism in the Risk and Severity of COVID-19 Infection.

Individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus present with different symptoms of varying severity. In addition, not all individuals are infected despite exposure. Risk factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities play a major role in this variability; however, genetics may also be important in driving the differences in the incidence and prognosis of the disease.

COVID-19 vaccination immune response in patients with solid organ and haematologic malignancies: call for active monitoring.

Vaccines against COVID-19 have demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in decreasing hospitalisations and deaths; however, clinical trials leading to vaccine approvals did not include immunocompromised individuals such as patients receiving antineoplastic therapies. Emerging data suggest that patients on active anti-cancer therapy may have a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccination compared to the general population and may be at greater risk of COVID-19 infection as measures to reduce transmission in the community are relaxed. We report preliminary data from the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon demonstrating relatively low seroconversion rates.

Treatment-induced cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic malignancies: New risk factors to consider.

Background: Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is one of the many side effects encountered during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Due to the rarity of cases, lack of data, and consensus management, no recommendations exist to target the population at risk.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 229 consecutive patients diagnosed with ALL with an age range of 1-21 years, treated at the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon between October 2007 and February 2018.

Molecular prevalence of eight different sexually transmitted infections in a Lebanese major tertiary care center: impact on public health.

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are caused by a variety of pathogens transmitted by sexual activity. Untreated infections can cause major complications with a substantial high cost on health sector. With the development of molecular techniques, STD screening became easier with a high sensitivity and specificity.

Sebaceous neoplasms: prevalence of HPV infection and relation to immunohistochemical surrogate markers.

Background: Sebaceous neoplasms (SNs) and carcinomas (SCs) represent rare skin adnexal tumours.

Objectives: To establish the prevalence of HPV in SNs, assess the relationship between HPV, p16 and p53 expression, and further elucidate the carcinogenetic course of SCs.

Materials & Methods: A total of 113 resected SNs (five sebaceous adenomas, 10 sebaceomas and 98 SCs) from the Near-East were reviewed.

Risk adapted therapeutic strategy in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: Refining the outcomes of ELN 2017 intermediate-risk patients.

Introduction: Despite advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard induction regimen.

Patients And Methods: In this single center retrospective study, we assessed outcomes of 99 consecutive adult AML patients treated with a risk-adapted strategy with a median follow-up of 35.5 months.