Publications by authors named "Remie El-Helou"
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.
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- Monkeypox (mpox), caused by the MPX virus, had a global outbreak in 2022-2023 due to a new variant, clade IIb, primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).
- A study analyzed mpox case reports submitted to the WHO from May 2022 to December 2023, revealing that most cases were adult males, predominantly MSM, with common symptoms including rash and fever.
- Concerns were raised about data completeness, as reported cases might be significantly lower than actual occurrences, affecting regional response strategies; however, collaborative efforts among EMR countries showed promise for future preparedness.
Article Synopsis
- A cross-sectional study in Beirut, Lebanon assessed diet quality and physical activity adherence among cancer survivors in remission, revealing significant gaps in compliance with the American Cancer Society/American Institute Research Fund (ACS/AICR) guidelines.
- Out of 268 participants, many faced food insecurity, low physical activity levels, and high rates of overweight/obesity, with an average adherence score of 9.0 out of 15.
- The study noted that while survivors largely adhered to moderate meat and alcohol guidelines, a staggering 98% did not meet whole grain consumption recommendations, indicating important areas for targeted interventions.
Background: Antimicrobial Resistance, a global concern, worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a surge of critically ill patients, increased antimicrobial consumption, and the spread of infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) aim to optimize antimicrobial utilization to fight resistance. We aim to describe the ASP experience and to study antimicrobial consumption and MDRO rates among COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care center in Beirut.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aims: In light of the inconclusive evidence on the association between vitamin C status and colorectal cancer (CRC) outcome, this study assessed the prognostic value of vitamin C in participants with metastatic CRC (mCRC).
Methods: Adults with mCRC and cancer-free controls were recruited in this prospective cohort study to allow for comparison of vitamin C levels with healthy individuals from the same population. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical variables, BRAF and KRAS mutations, as well as Vitamin C plasma level and food intake were evaluated.
Circulating miRNA as Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Liver Metastasis.
Diagnostics (Basel)
February 2021
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Stage IV CRC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of 14%. Liver metastasis is the main cause of mortality in CRC patients.
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