A compilation of antimicrobial susceptibility data from a network of 13 Lebanese hospitals reflecting the national situation during 2015-2016.

Background: There is a lack of official national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data in Lebanon. Individual hospitals generate their own antibiotic susceptibility data in the form of yearly pamphlets.

Methods: In this study, antibiotic susceptibility data from 13 hospitals distributed across different governorates of Lebanon were collected to conduct a compilation-based surveillance of AMR in Lebanon for the years 2015-2016.

Genome Mining and Comparative Analysis of Causing Brain Abscess in a Child.

(SI) is associated with prolonged hospitalization and low survival rates. The genetic mechanisms involved in brain abscess development and genome evolution in comparison to other members of the group are understudied. We performed a whole-genome comparative analysis of an SI isolate, LAU_SINT, associated with brain abscess following sinusitis with all SI genomes in addition to and .

Regenerative Surgery of the Corneal Stroma for Advanced Keratoconus: 1-Year Outcomes.

Purpose: This study evaluated 1-year safety and efficacy outcomes of corneal stroma cell therapy. Therapy consisted of implanting autologous adipose-derived adult stem cells (ADASc) with or without sheets of decellularized donor human corneal stroma within the stroma of patients with advanced keratoconus.

Design: This was a prospective interventional non-randomized series of cases.

Primary Hepatic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Mimicking Acute Fulminant Hepatitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Unlabelled: Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diffuse hepatic involvement is uncommon and therefore presentation as progressive hepatitis or acute fulminant hepatic failure is rare. Acute onset of signs and symptoms can mimic a variety of infectious and inflammatory disorders, thus delaying the diagnosis.

Correlation between antifungal consumption and the distribution of Candida species in different hospital departments of a Lebanese medical Centre.

Background: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of fungal infections attributed to Candida species worldwide, with a major shift toward non-albicans Candida (NAC). In this study, we have described the distribution of Candida species among different hospital departments and calculated the antifungal consumption in our facility. We also correlated the consumption of certain antifungals and the prevalence of specific Candida species.

Inhibition of the RhoGTPase Cdc42 by ML141 enhances hepatocyte differentiation from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells via the Wnt5a/PI3K/miR-122 pathway: impact of the age of the donor.

Background: Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) are promising cells that may promote hepatocyte differentiation (Hep-Dif) and improve liver function, but the involvement of Cdc42, a key small RhoGTPase which plays a crucial role in aging, is still not well established. We hypothesized that the inhibition of Cdc42 may rescue the hepatogenic potential of hADSCs derived from aged donors.

Methods: hADSCs isolated from 61 women of different ages were cultured for evaluation of the proliferation of cells, adherence, apoptosis, immunomodulation, immunophenotyping, multipotency, gene expression, and cell function during Hep-Dif.

Insights into the genome diversity and virulence of two clinical isolates of Burkholderia cenocepacia.

Purpose: Burkholderia cenocepacia is among the most common members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The factors triggering the high rates of morbidity and mortality in CF patients are not well elucidated. In this study, we aim to highlight the genome diversity of two clinical isolates of B.

Epidemiology and susceptibility profiles of diabetic foot infections in five hospitals in Lebanon.

Introduction: Approximately 80% of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. Global studies on the epidemiology of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) infections and guidelines detailing the most common pathogens and their respective antimicrobial susceptibilities are available. While Gram-positive cocci, mainly Staphylococcus species (spp.

Cellular therapy with human autologous adipose-derived adult cells of stromal vascular fraction for alopecia areata.

Background: Most common forms of hair loss (alopecia) are caused by aberrant hair follicle cycling and changes in hair follicle morphology. However, current treatments for alopecia do not specifically target these processes. Adipose-derived stromal vascular cells (ADSVCs) that can be harvested from fat cells are one of the latest breakthroughs in the aesthetic field.

Essential role of ATP6AP2 enrichment in caveolae/lipid raft microdomains for the induction of neuronal differentiation of stem cells.

Background: The subcellular distribution of prorenin receptor and adaptor protein ATP6AP2 may affect neurogenesis. In this study, we hypothesized that ATP6AP2 expression and subcellular relocalization from caveolae/lipid raft microdomains (CLR-Ms) to intracellular sites may correlate with neuronal differentiation (Neu-Dif) of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).

Methods: Human ADSCs isolated from 24 healthy donors and 24 patients with neurological disorders (ND) were cultured and induced for Neu-Dif.

Early results of total hip arthroplasty using dual-mobility cup in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains a therapeutic challenge for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The majority of these patients are young with high functional demand, and show an increased risk of dislocation following surgery than patients with osteoarthritis. The use of double mobility cup (DMC) has been linked with lower rates of complications when compared to conservative cups; however, the literature is scarce over DMC results in patients with ONFH.

Correlation between antifungal consumption and distribution of Candida spp. in different departments of a Lebanese hospital.

Introduction: Recently there has been a significant increase in the incidence of fungal infections attributed to Candida species worldwide, with a major shift toward non-albicans Candida (NAC). Herein, we described the distribution of Candida species among different departments in a Lebanese hospital and calculated the antifungal consumption in this facility. We, then, correlated the consumption of antifungals and the prevalence of Candida species.

Epidemiology of pneumococcal infections in hospitalised adult patients in Lebanon with a highlight on non-invasive disease.

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a wide range of infections classified as invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease (non-IPD).

Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed over a decade the clinical course and outcome of 103 adult subjects infected with S. pneumoniae.

Epidemiology of bacteremia after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Introduction: Bacterial infections are frequent complications occurring after autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT). Herein, we identified the bacterial ecology and its antibiogram in AHSCT patients. We assessed the incidence, contributing factors and outcome of prolonged neutropenia and bacteremia post-AHSCT in the absence of antibacterial prophylaxis.

International consensus (ICON) on audiological assessment of hearing loss in children.

The prevalence of hearing loss in newborns and infants is estimated between 1 to 3.47 cases per 1000 live births. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation of congenital hearing loss are mandatory in order to achieve a satisfactory linguistic and cognitive development.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in wastewaters and refugee camp in Lebanon.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of population influx of refugees on the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in wastewater networks in Lebanon.

Materials & Methods: Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing and antibiotic resistance genes typing were performed.

Results: 53.

Fistula Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Proposed Classification and Algorithm for Optimal Management.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an accepted restrictive procedure with a hormonal component. There is no definitive course of treatment for post-LSG fistula; it remains a feared complication. We aimed to classify post-LSG fistulas and propose an algorithm to optimize their treatment.

Optimizing patellar positioning during total knee arthroplasty: an anatomical and clinical study.

Introduction: Optimal positioning of the patellar component is crucial for the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Usually, the patellar component is placed empirically over the presumed centre of the patellar cut. Medialization of the prosthetic patella has been recommended; however, no evidence-based guidelines have been reported.

Genome sequencing and comparative analysis of an NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15 isolated from a refugee patient.

The escalating problem of antibiotic resistance, specifically cabarpenemase and extended-spectrum β-lacatamase (ESBL) producing K. pneumoniae strains, is directly correlated with increased patient morbidity and mortality and prolonged hospitalization and costs. In this study, a comprehensive genomic analysis encompassing the resistomics, virulence repertoire and mobile genetic elements of an NDM-1 positive ESBL-producing K.

Outcomes of dual mobility cups in a young Middle Eastern population and its influence on life style.

Dual mobility cups (DMC) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are becoming popular among orthopaedic surgeons. Substantial benefit of their use has been reported among high risk patients, particularly in reducing post-operative hip instability (dislocation). Many reports stated some concern when implanted in young and active people where complications such as polyethylene wear and mechanical loosening could potentially be higher.

Acute pancreatitis caused by intragastric balloon: A case report.

Obesity represents a global hazard that predisposes to many serious health problems. Various solutions have been proposed to overcome obesity ranging from dietary balance to bariatric surgery. Intragastric balloons are a widely used measure to decrease weight, although they are advocated as safe devices, some major complications have been reported.

Regulation of SREBPs by Sphingomyelin in Adipocytes via a Caveolin and Ras-ERK-MAPK-CREB Signaling Pathway.

Sterol response element binding protein (SREBP) is a key transcription factor in insulin and glucose metabolism. We previously demonstrated that elevated levels of membrane sphingomyelin (SM) were related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), which is a known target gene of SREBP-1 in adipocytes. However, the role of SM in SREBP expression in adipocytes remains unknown.

High Incidence of ACE/PAI-1 in Association to a Spectrum of Other Polymorphic Cardiovascular Genes Involving PBMCs Proinflammatory Cytokines in Hypertensive Hypercholesterolemic Patients: Reversibility with a Combination of ACE Inhibitor and Statin.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are significantly high in the Lebanese population with the two most predominant forms being atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. The purpose of our study was to assess the association of a spectrum of CVD related genes and combined state of hypertension hypercholesterolemia (HH) in unrelated Lebanese. Twelve polymorphisms were studied by multiplex PCR and reverse hybridization of DNA from 171 healthy individuals and 144 HH subjects.