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.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Triggered by Mosquito Bite Manifesting as Febrile Targetoid Rash.

Insect bites can trigger disease flare in systemic lupus erythematosus, including atypical targetoid rash. Awareness of such triggers and appropriate preventive measures are crucial for effective SLE management.

Haematometra arising from multiple abortions: a comprehensive case report.

Haematometra, a rare and delayed complication, can emerge following medical termination of pregnancy, also known as 'postabortal post-caesarean syndrome' or 'redo syndrome'. Treatment requires the immediate evacuation of both liquid and clotted blood for quick resolution, followed by administration of an oxytocic agent to ensure complete recovery. This current report describes a female patient in her mid-30s who presented with colicky lower abdominal pain following a medically-induced abortion at 10 weeks.

Dupilumab-Induced Erythrodermic Psoriasiform Dermatitis in Chronic Actinic Dermatitis: Case Report and Innovative Treatment Approach.

The off-label use of dupilumab has proven to be an effective treatment option for severe chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD). We present the first case of CAD presenting with dupilumab-induced erythrodermic psoriasiform dermatitis. A modified, spaced dupilumab dosing regimen, combined with cyclosporine, successfully managed both conditions, offering a promising strategy for managing dupilumab adverse effects while maintaining control over chronic actinic dermatitis.

Assessing awareness of danger signs of pregnancy and its associated factors among pregnant women in Libya: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The maternal mortality rate in Libya surpasses the regional average and is primarily due to sepsis, hemorrhages, hypertension, and other factors, highlighting gaps in maternal knowledge and access to quality care. This study aimed to assess the awareness of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending the outpatient clinic of Tobruk Medical Center, Libya.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2023, involving 301 pregnant women visiting the outpatient clinic.

Refractory ulcerative colitis: Upadacitinib versus other biologics.

In this editorial we comment on an article published in in 2024, in which a case of refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) was discussed based on the response to different lines of biologics. Different studies showed that different classes of biologics have their advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of refractory UC. Certain classes are superior to others and if tried earlier on would lead to a possible change in the outcome.

A structural, genetic and clinical comparison of CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells: companions or competitors?

In recent years, following the groundbreaking achievements of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematological cancers, and advancements in cell engineering technologies, the exploration of other immune cells has garnered significant attention. CAR-Therapy extended beyond T cells to include CAR natural killer (NK) cells and CAR-macrophages, which are firmly established in the clinical trial landscape. Less conventional immune cells are also making their way into the scene, such as CAR mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells.

Exploring the need for surgical face masks in operating room: a comprehensive literature review.

Surgical face masks (SFM) are pivotal in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in the operating room (OR). However, there are currently no specific recommendations for their most effective use. SFM effectiveness is influenced by factors such as material, fit, and duration of use, sparking ongoing debates about their benefits and risks in surgery.

The Association of Cognitive Impairment and Depression with Malnutrition among Vulnerable, Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Large Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Mental health issues in older adults, particularly cognitive impairment and depression, can affect nutritional status. This study investigates the prevalence of malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults at risk of social exclusion and dependency in Lebanon and its association with cognitive impairment and depression. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the TEC-MED project, involving 1410 older adults aged 60 and above in Beirut.

Delivering therapy over telephone in a humanitarian setting: a pilot randomized controlled trial of common elements treatment approach (CETA) with Syrian refugee children in Lebanon.

Background: In recent years, the number of forcibly displaced persons has risen worldwide, with approximately 40% being children and adolescents. Most of them are hosted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many individuals meet the criteria for mental health issues, which can also be exacerbated by a number of risk factors, including low socioeconomic status, displacement, and stressors linked to conflicts in their country or region of origin.

Sarcoidosis presenting as isolated massive splenomegaly: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with an unknown cause, marked by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in the affected organs. While the pulmonary interstitium is most frequently involved, the disease can affect almost any other organ system. Extrapulmonary involvement can occur with or without lung involvement, but isolated extrapulmonary involvement is a rare event.

UPC2 mutations and development of azole resistance in Candida albicans hospital isolates from Lebanon.

Objectives: This study evaluated the role of Upc2 in the development of azole resistance in Candida albicans isolates from Lebanese hospitalized patients and determined a correlation between resistance and virulence.

Methods: The UPC2 gene which codes for an ergosterol biosynthesis regulator was sequenced and analysed in two azole-resistant and one azole-susceptible C. albicans isolates.

Incidental Finding of Triple Ectopic Thyroid: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare congenital anomaly, with the presence of three simultaneous ectopic foci being exceedingly rare. We describe a case of a totally asymptomatic 26-year-old male discovered to have triple ectopic thyroid following incidental elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Subsequent ultrasonography of the neck showed an absent thyroid gland in its conventional location.

Management of massive haemorrhage in transfusion medicine services in the Middle East and North Africa.

Background And Objectives: Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) are critical in managing haemorrhage, yet their utilization varies. There is lack of data on the utilization of MTPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study aims to assess the degree of utilization of MTPs in the region.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Candida parapsilosis complex isolates from a Lebanese Hospital.

The opportunistic fungal pathogen is a major causative agent of candidiasis leading to death in immunocompromised individuals. Azoles are the first line of defense in treatment by inhibiting involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, the main sterol fungal sterol. Resistance to azoles is on the increase worldwide including in Lebanon.

Biomechanical and biological advantages of retaining the silicone-induced capsule for cartilage graft survival in revision rhinoplasty.

To answer the increased demand for augmentation rhinoplasty, particularly in Asian demographics, a shift from autogenous materials to synthetic implants like silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene has been witnessed. These materials present an increased risk of complications like infection, extrusion, capsular contracture, and dissatisfaction. This study focuses on a case of revision rhinoplasty in a 48-year-old patient with a previous silicone implant and propose an innovative approach in managing the implant capsule.

Adhesive and biofilm-forming Candida glabrata Lebanese hospital isolates harbour mutations in subtelomeric silencers and adhesins.

Background: The prevalence of Candida glabrata healthcare-associated infections is on the rise worldwide and in Lebanon, Candida glabrata infections are difficult to treat as a result of their resistance to azole antifungals and their ability to form biofilms.

Objectives: The first objective of this study was to quantify biofilm biomass in the most virulent C. glabrata isolates detected in a Lebanese hospital.

Angiomyxolipoma of the spermatic cord: A case report.

Lipomas are considered one of the most frequent benign mesenchymal tumors with copious variants. Among these variants is angiomyxolipoma (AML) which is considered an extremely rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, only 19 cases have been reported in the English medical literature, of which three of them involving the spermatic cord.

Sequential Induction of Drug Resistance and Characterization of an Initial Drug-Sensitive Isolate.

Background: The pathogenic fungus is a leading agent of death in immunocompromised individuals with a growing trend of antifungal resistance.

Methods: The purpose is to induce resistance to drugs in a sensitive strain followed by whole-genome sequencing to determine mechanisms of resistance. Strains will be assayed for pathogenicity attributes such as ergosterol and chitin content, growth rate, virulence, and biofilm formation.

Patient research partner involvement in rheumatology research: a systematic literature review informing the 2023 updated EULAR recommendations for the involvement of patient research partners.

Background: Patient research partners (PRPs) are people with a disease who collaborate in a research team as partners. The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to assess barriers and facilitators to PRP involvement in rheumatology research.

Methods: The SLR was conducted in PubMed/Medline for articles on PRP involvement in rheumatology research, published between 2017 and 2023; websites were also searched in rheumatology and other specialties.