The Lebanese health economic evaluation guideline.

Background: Economic evaluation guidelines (EEGs) serve as a valuable tool to assist appraisers in making consistent and transparent recommendations, standardize EE studies, enhance their quality, and minimize methodological uncertainties. As other LMICs, Lebanon aims for UHC where EEG is a necessity. This paper aims to report on the Lebanese health EEG (LEEG) and its reference case, including the intermediate results leading to the final decisions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with a Religious Focus: An Observational Study.

: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder with poorly detailed subtypes/dimensions, such as religious OCD (ROCD). To date, little is known about ROCD characteristics. This work aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, along with the religiosity and spirituality, of Lebanese Muslim citizens diagnosed with OCD and exhibiting religious symptoms.

Exploring food safety knowledge and practices in Lebanon.

Background: Lebanon's economic and financial crises have affected the quality-of-life, including food safety and food security.

Aim: To assess food safety knowledge and practices among a sample Lebanese population and the association with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of participants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data online from 412 Lebanese adults aged ≥ 18 years [mostly female (77.

Predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay and mortality in adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in Lebanon: a monocentric retrospective study.

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication in patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus that could progress to fatal outcomes if not identified and treated promptly. DKA poses a substantial impact on healthcare systems. In this study, we aim to identify the predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality in patients admitted with DKA.

Comparison of Ceramic Bonding to Cobalt-Chromium, Zirconia and Nickel-Chromium Alloys Fabricated Using of Various Techniques.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the ceramic bonding to cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys fabricated by casting, milling, and additive manufacturing, compared with zirconia and nickel-chromium. One hundred specimens (N = 100), prepared with the dimensions of 25 × 3 × 0.5 mm, were assigned to five groups (n = 20): presintered milled Co-Cr (Group M), additively manufactured Co-Cr (Group SLM), cast Co-Cr (Group C), presintered zirconia (Group Zi), and cast Ni-Cr (Group Ni).

Awareness of Lung Cancer Among the Lebanese General Population: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Lung cancer is a significant contributor to mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of lung cancer awareness among the Lebanese general population.

Methods: An online-based questionnaire was completed by 410 participants all over Lebanon.

Healthcare professionals face ethical challenges in managing care for neurodevelopmental disorders: a qualitative study in Lebanon.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in managing children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in Lebanon. The primary research question addressed how HCPs navigate ethical dilemmas related to patient autonomy, surrogate decision-making and communication in the context of severe cognitive impairments.

Design: Qualitative, cross-sectional study using semi-structured interviews.

Diagnosis of infiltrating bladder endometriosis after fourth cesarean section.

Objectives: This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and effective management of bladder endometriosis, while emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.

Methods: A 32-year-old woman presented with severe pelvic pain, dysuria, and dyspareunia. Diagnosis of bladder endometriosis was achieved through clinical suspicion supported by vaginal ultrasound, 3D imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation of metronidazole in sheep and goats.

Metronidazole (MTZ) is a 5-nitroimidazole compound recognized for its dual anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties. Non-approved in many countries for farm medicine, due to a lack of data in the literature, the study aimed to determine its pharmacokinetics (PK) in sheep and goats following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administrations. Sheep (n = 5) and goats (n = 5) followed identical study protocols, which involved a two-phase, single-dose (2 mg/kg), cross-over study design with a one-week washout period between treatments.

Beyond Seizures: Psychiatric comorbidities in children with epilepsy.

Purpose: Children with epilepsy are at an increased risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities, which exacerbate the overall disease burden. However, these disorders are often underreported in developing countries. This study, conducted in a developing country, aims to evaluate the frequency of psychiatric disorders and associated factors in a large cohort of children with epilepsy.

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.

Diagnostic and prognostic potential of left atrial strain in cardiovascular disease: a narrative review.

Left atrial strain (LAS) was recently introduced as a parameter that reflects on left atrial function. Consequently, changes in LAS can inform the development of cardiovascular diseases, hence providing a window for non-invasive and cost-effective testing of these diseases and their complications at early stages of development, potentially offering a segway towards preventive interventions. LAS has yet to be implemented into standard practice.

Lesser-Known Cyanotoxins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Health and Environmental Impacts.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a diverse phylum of photosynthetic, Gram-negative bacteria and one of the largest microbial taxa. These organisms produce cyanotoxins, which are secondary metabolites that can have significant impacts on both human health and the environment. While toxins like Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsins are well-documented and have been extensively studied, other cyanotoxins, including those produced by and , remain underexplored.

Veratridine Induces Vasorelaxation in Mouse Cecocolic Mesenteric Arteries.

The vegetal alkaloid toxin veratridine (VTD) is a selective voltage-gated Na (Na) channel activator, widely used as a pharmacological tool in vascular physiology. We have previously shown that Na channels, expressed in arteries, contribute to vascular tone in mouse mesenteric arteries (MAs). Here, we aimed to better characterize the mechanisms of action of VTD using mouse cecocolic arteries (CAs), a model of resistance artery.

Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor Among Lebanese Patients with Substance Use Disorder Undergoing Treatment for Recovery Through Rehabilitation or Opioid Substitution Treatment.

Data about metabolic syndrome (MS) in people who use drugs (PWUD) undergoing treatment for recovery are limited. We aimed to explore the extent of the MS and its predominant components and determinants in a sample of PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery through rehabilitation or opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Lebanon. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of each treatment modality on the MS; This was a cross-sectional study, in which demographics and treatment-related, nutritional, and biochemical data of the participants were collected.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Bladder cancer is one of the main causes of urogenital cancer (30-35% of the total urological cancers). Although metastases from urologic tumors are rare, it is associated with a high mortality rate. The location and pattern of metastasis are random and unpredictable.

Access to specialist plastic surgery in rural vs. Urban areas of Africa.

Introduction: Plastic surgery is an essential yet underdeveloped field in many African nations, especially in rural areas. The demand for plastic surgery is increasing, but differences in access to respective services between rural and urban domiciles remain ever existent, despite the exponentiation of trauma, burns, and congenital disorders. According to this review, urban areas have access to better facilities and specialized surgeons, while rural areas frequently lack infrastructure, educated healthcare personnel, and medical resources.

Chitosan-Camphor Beads as a Novel Starting Biomaterial: Insights Into Methodological Approaches for Preparation.

Biomaterials with antimicrobial and muco-adhesive properties represent an efficient system for different applications. In this paper, a new biomaterial based on chitosan-camphor beads and their crosslinked form with glutaraldehyde was optimized. Low and high molecular weight chitosan were considered.

Suboptimal Attainment of Global Goals of Human Rights, Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals in Gaza During 2023-2024.

The Israel military occupation, ongoing for over 75 years, has profoundly impacted the health and well-being of Palestinians. Despite longstanding calls for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable development, the response of global health systems and organizations to crises such as the recent large-scale military assault on Gaza in October 2023 has been inadequate. There is a critical need to examine why these global health approaches have failed and how they can be restructured to address the unique challenges in Gaza effectively.

Food insecurity and lifestyle behaviours in university students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative survey across three countries.

Background: University students, often unemployed and reliant on low-nutrition foods, are susceptible to food insecurity (FI) with potential physical and mental health challenges. This study explores FI and its impact on lifestyle behaviours among university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was performed by sending an online questionnaire to university students in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bullous Pemphigoid Induced by Cefixime: A Rare Side Effect.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most prevalent autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. This disease typically affects the elderly and manifests with pruritus and localized or, most commonly, generalized bullous lesions. Numerous studies have established the association between BP and oral antidiabetic agents, particularly dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, diuretics, and certain antibiotics, notably levofloxacin and cephalexin.

Undergraduate student nurses' experience of using standardized patient simulation in mental health course: A qualitative study.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of Lebanese student nurses on use of standardized patient simulations in the undergraduate mental health course.

Design: A qualitative descriptive research design informed by descriptive phenomenology was employed.

Method: Semi-structed interviews were carried out among 19 student nurses at one major private university in Beirut.

Decoding diets: insights on ultra-processed food consumption among Lebanese adults from the updated LEBANese natiONal food consumption survey (LEBANON-FCS).

Introduction: Ultra-processed foods are evident to play a role in the development of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs). There's a scarcity of data in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) regarding ultra-processed food consumption, which highlights the need for such data in this region that is witnessing a nutrition transition. This study was conducted to assess the dietary pattern of Lebanese adults according to different degrees of food processing.

Microbiological and physicochemical water quality assessments of the Upper Basin Litany River, Lebanon.

The Litany River has encountered severe environmental pollution. This study focused on assessing the pollution level in the upper basin of the Litany River by monitoring seasonal variation of water quality and testing physicochemical parameters and microbial qualities. A total of 72 freshwater samples were taken from six sites for 1 year during the four seasons.

The Role of Telemedicine in Enhancing Surgical Care Delivery in Africa: A Literature Review.

Background And Aims: In Africa, telemedicine holds great potential to revolutionize surgical care delivery, especially in areas where access to quality treatment is scarce. Data about the use of these services in African countries is, however, limited. To outline the present issues in surgical care delivery, as well as the significant role of telemedicine in advancing surgical care delivery in Africa.