Uncovering the epidemiology of bladder cancer in the Arab world: A review of risk factors, molecular mechanisms, and clinical features

Objective:Bladder cancer(BC)is a significant public health concern in the Middle East and North Africa,but the epidemiology and clinicopathology of the disease and contributors to high mortality in this region remain poorly understood.The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the epidemiological features of BC in the Arab world and compare them to those in Western countries in order to improve the management of this disease.Methods:An extensive electronic search of the PubMed/PMC and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify all articles published until May 2022,following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A total of 95 articles were included in the final analysis after title,abstract,and full-text screening,with additional data obtained from the GLOBOCAN and WHO 2020 databases.

The Lebanese Society of Cardiology Consensus Statement on the Use of Natriuretic Peptides for the Management of Heart Failure

Plasma concentration of Natriuretic Peptide (NP) is a valuable diagnostic tool for heart failure (HF). It can help rule out or confirm a diagnosis of HF based on symptoms, but its use is not clearly defined. NPs should be used in conjunction with physical examination and other diagnostic tests. However, it is important to note that several conditions besides the diagnosis of HF may cause NPs levels to be elevated. Additionally, there are situations when NP concentrations may be below diagnostic thresholds in [1]. This consensus statement aims to provide a straightforward diagnostic flowchart for clinicians in both the emergency department and outpatient settings to aid in diagnosing both acute and chronic HF. The diagnosis of acute HF can be ruled out with a BNP level of 100 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 300 pg/mL, regardless of the patient’s age. To identify HF, a 3-level cut-off point based on the patient’s age is recommended. Chronic heart failure can be ruled out with a BNP level of 35 pg/mL or NTproBNP level of 125 pg/mL, regardless of thepatient’s age [1].

基于拓扑优化的人工晶状体襻柔性机构设计

为了解决目前人工晶状体不能实现大跨度调节问题,根据人体生物眼测量基础数据及调节机制,建立了人工晶状体襻结构生物力学模型.基于结构拓扑优化方法,对人工晶状体襻结构进行了拓扑优化分析,得到布局合理的基本骨架结构.经机构运动学分析,给出了机构目标点位移值的变化规律.采用柔性建模理论方法,考虑材料特性及关节柔性,深入研究了该放大机构的实际运动规律,给出了该柔性机构位移放大的一般规律.经本模型优化后得到柔性机构位移输出值可达输入值的3.34倍,光学部前置位移随之增加,理论上可实现视觉质量的提高.

Occult sporadic insulinoma: Localization and surgical strategy

Insulinomas continue to pose a diagnostic challenge to physicians, surgeons and radiologists alike. Most are intrapancreatic, benign and solitary. Biochemical diagnosis is obtained and imaging techniques to localize lesions continue to evolve. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Despite all efforts, an occult insulinoma (occult insulinoma refers to a biochemically proven tumor with indeterminate anatomical site before operation) may still be encountered. New localization preoperative techniques decreases occult cases and the knowledge of the site of the mass before surgery allows to determine whether enucleation of the tumor or pancreatic resection is likely to be required and whether the tumor is amenable to removal via a laparoscopic approach. In absence of preoperative localization and intraoperative detection of an insulinoma, blind pancreatic resection is not recommended.

Treatment options of inflammatory appendiceal masses in adults

At present, the treatment of choice for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in adults continues to be surgical. The inflammation in acute appendicitis may sometimes be enclosed by the patient's own defense mechanisms, by the formation of an inflammatory phlegmon or a circumscribed abscess. The management of these patients is controversial. Immediate appendectomy may be technically demanding. The exploration often ends up in an ileocecal resection or a right-sided hemicolectomy. Recently, the conditions for conservative management of these patients have changed due to the development of computed tomography and ultrasound, which has improved the diagnosis of enclosed inflammation and made drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses easier. New efficient antibiotics have also given new opportunities for nonsurgical treatment of complicated appendicitis. The traditional management of these patients is nonsurgical treatment followed by interval appendectomy to prevent recurrence. The need for interval appendectomy after successful nonsurgical treatment has recently been questioned because the risk of recurrence is relatively small. After successful nonsurgical treatment of an appendiceal mass, the true diagnosis is uncertain in some cases and an underlying diagnosis of cancer or Crohn's disease may be delayed. This report aims at reviewing the treatment options of patients with enclosed appendiceal inflammation, with emphasis on the success rate of nonsurgical treatment, the need for drainage of abscesses, the risk of undetected serious disease, and the need for interval appendectomy to prevent recurrence.

Acute mesenteric ischemia after cardio-pulmonary bypass surgery

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a highly-lethal surgical emergency. Several pathophysiologic events (arterial obstruction, venous thrombosis and diffuse vasospasm) lead to a sudden decrease in mesenteric blood flow. Ischemia/reperfusion syndrome of the intestine is responsible for systemic abnormalities, leading to multi-organ failure and death. Early diagnosis is difficult because the clinical presentation is subtle, and the biological and radiological diagnostic tools lack sensitivity and specificity. Therapeutic options vary from conservative resuscitation, medical treatment, endovascular techniques and surgical resection and revascularization. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis, and prompt treatment is the only hope of reducing the mortality rate. Studies are in progress to provide more accurate diagnostic tools for early diagnosis. AMI can complicate the post-operative course of patients following cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB). Several factors contribute to the systemic hypo-perfusion state, which is the most frequent pathophysiologic event. In this particular setting, the clinical presentation of AMI can be misleading, while the laboratory and radiological diagnostic tests often produce inconclusive results. The management strategies are controversial, but early treatment is critical for saving lives. Based on the experience of our team, we consider prompt exploratory laparotomy, irrespective of the results of the diagnostic tests, isthe only way to provide objective assessment and adequate treatment, leading to dramatic reduction in the mortality rate.

Consequences of dysthyroidism on the digestive tract and viscera

Thyroid hormones def ine basal metabolism throughout the body, particularly in the intestine and viscera. Gastrointestinal manifestations of dysthyroidism are numerous and involve all portions of the tract. Thyroid hormone action on motility has been widely studied, but more complex pathophysiologic mechanisms have been indicated by some studies although these are not fully understood. Both thyroid hormone excess and def iciency can have similar digestive manifestations, such as diarrhea, although the mechanism is different in each situation. The liver is the most affected organ in both hypo-and hyperthyroidism. Specifi c digestive diseases may be associated with autoimmune thyroid processes, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Grave's disease. Among them, celiac sprue and primary biliary cirrhosis are the most frequent although a clear common mechanism has never been proven. Overall, thyroid-related digestive manifestations were described decades ago but studies are still needed in order to conf irm old concepts or elucidate undiscovered mechanisms. All practitioners must be aware of digestive symptoms due to dysthyroidism in order to avoid misdiagnosis of rare but potentially lethal situations.

Atrial fibrillation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A comprehensive review

AIM: To analyze the potential relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Lebanon: Etiology and prognostic factors associated with short-term survival

AIM： To study the epidemiology of HCC in Lebanon and prognostic factors predictive of early mortality. METHODS： An observational follow-up cohort study of HCC cases diagnosed over a five-year period was carried out. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors in comparison to Cancer of the Liver italian Program （CUP） score. Multiple variables including the etiology of underlying liver disease, the demographic characteristics of patients, and the severity of liver disease evaluated by the Child-Pugh score were studied. Tumor parameters included the time of diagnosis of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein level, number and size of nodules, presence of portal vein thrombosis, and treatment modalities. Death or loss of follow-up was considered as an end-point event. RESULTS： Ninety-two patients （mean 60.5 ± 22.3 years） were included. Etiology of underlying disease was hepatitis B, C, and alcohol in 67%, 20%, and 23.5% respectively. Child-Pugh class at diagnosis was A, B, and C in 34.8%, 39.3% and 25.8% respectively. Overall survival was 44.8%, 32.8% and 17.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively （mean F/U 40.2 ± 23.5 mo）. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of early mortality （〈 6 mo）： bilirubin 〉 3.2 mg/dL （P 〈 0.01）, HCC as first presentation of liver disease （P = 0.035）, and creatinine 〉 1 mg/dL （P = 0.017）. A score based on these variables outperformed the CLIP score by Cox proportional hazard. ROC curve showed both models to be equivalent and moderately accurate.CONCLUSION： HBV is the leading cause of HCC in Lebanon. Independent predictors of early mortality are elevated bilirubin, creatinine and HCC as first manifestation of disease. Prospective validation of a score based on these clinical parameters in predicting short-term survival is needed.

Linking multiple pathogenic pathways in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder presenting as progressive cognitive decline with dementia that does not, to this day, benefit from any disease-modifying drug. Multiple etiologic pathways have been explored and demonstrate promising solutions. For example, iron ion chelators, such as deferoxamine, are a potential therapeutic solution around which future studies are being directed. Another promising domain is related to thrombin inhibitors. In this minireview, a common pathophysiological pathway is suggested for the pathogenesis of AD to prove that all these mechanisms converge onto the same cascade of neuroinflammatory events. This common pathway is initiated by the presence of vascular risk factors that induce brain tissue hypoxia, which leads to endothelial cell activation. However, the ensuing hypoxia stimulates the production and release of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory proteins. Furthermore, the endothelial activation may become excessive and dysfunctional in predisposed individuals, leading to thrombin activation and iron ion decompartmentalization. The oxidative stress that results from these modifications in the neurovascular unit will eventually lead to neuronal and glial cell death, ultimately leading to the development of AD. Hence, future research in this field should focus on conducting trials with combinations of potentially efficient treatments, such as the combination of intranasal deferoxamine and direct thrombin inhibitors.

Digestive manifestations of parathyroid disorders

The parathyroid glands are the main regulator of plasma calcium and have a direct influence on the digestive tract.Parathyroid disturbances often result in unknown long-standing symptoms.The main manifestation of hypoparathyroidism is steatorrhea due to a deficit in exocrine pancreas secretion.The association with celiac sprue may contribute to malabsorption.Hyperparathyroidism causes smooth-muscle atony,with upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea,heartburn and constipation.Hyperparathyroidism and peptic ulcer were strongly linked before the advent of proton pump inhibitors.Nowadays,this association remains likely only in the particular context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1/Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.In contrast to chronic pancreatitis,acute pancreatitis due to primary hyperparathyroidism is one of the most studied topics.The causative effect of high calcium level is confirmed and the distinction from secondary hyperparathyroidism is mandatory.The digestive manifestations of parathyroid malfunction are often overlooked and serum calcium level must be included in the routine workup for abdominal symptoms.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis:Abdominal cocoon

Abdominal cocoon,the idiopathic form of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis,is a rare condition of unknown etiology that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a f ibrocollagenous membrane.Preoperative diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion.The early clinical features are nonspecif ic,are often not recognized and it is diff icult to make a def inite pre-operative diagnosis.Clinical suspicion may be generated by the recurrent episodes of small intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging f indings and lack of other plausible etiologies.The radiological diagnosis of abdominal cocoon may now be conf idently made on computed tomography scan.Surgery is important in the management of this disease.Careful dissection and excision of the thick sac with the release of the small intestine leads to complete recovery in the vast majority of cases.

Vanek's tumor of the small bowel in adults

Inflammatory fibroid polyps(IFPs), or Vanek's tumor, are one of the least common benign small bowel tumors.IFP affects both sexes and all age groups, with a peak of incidence in the fifth and seventh decades.They can be found throughout the gastrointestinal tract but most commonly in the gastric antrum or ileum.The underlying cause of IFPs is still unknown.Genetic study of IFP showed mutations in platelet derived growth factor alpha in some cases.At the time of diagnosis most IFPs have a diameter of 3 to 4 cm.The lesions have always been recorded as solitary polyps.Symptoms depend on the location and the size of the lesion, including abdominal pain, vomiting, altered small bowel movements, gastrointestinal bleeding and loss of weight.IFPs arising below the Treitz ligament can present with an acute abdomen, usually due to intussusceptions.Abdominal computed tomography is currently considered the most sensitive radiological method to show the polyp or to confirm intussusceptions.Most inflammatory fibroid polyps can be removed by endoscopy.Surgery is rarely needed.Exploratory laparoscopy or laparotomy is frequently recommended as the best treatment for intussusceptions caused by IFP.The operation should be performed as early as possible in order to prevent the intussusceptions from leading to ischemia, necrosis and subsequent perforation of the invaginated bowel segment.This report aims at reviewing the diagnosis, etiology, genetics, clinical presentation, endoscopy, radiology, and best treatment of IFP.

Isolated fever induced by mesalamine treatment

Adverse reactions to mesalamine,a treatment used to induce and maintain remission in inflammatory bowel diseases,particularly ulcerative colitis,have been described in the literature as case reports.This case illustrates an unusual adverse reaction.Our patient developed an isolated fever of unexplained etiology,which was found to be related to mesalamine treatment.A 22-year-old patient diagnosed with ulcerative colitis developed a fever with rigors and anorexia 10 d after starting oral mesalamine while his colitis was clinically resolving.Testing revealed no infection.A mesalamineinduced fever was considered,and treatment was stopped,which led to spontaneous resolution of the fever.The diagnosis was confirmed by reintroducing the mesalamine.One year later,this side effect was noticed again in the same patient after he was administered topical mesalamine.This reaction to mesalamine seems to be idiosyncratic,and the mechanism that induces fever remains unclear.Fever encountered in the course of a mesalamine treatment in ulcerative colitis must be considered a mesalamine-induced fever when it cannot be explained by the disease activity,an associated extraintestinal manifestation,or an infectious etiology.

Impact of Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart Failure on Stroke Rehabilitation Care

Background: Stroke patients who have multiple comorbidities at inpatient rehabilitation admission might experience poorer outcomes than those without comorbidities. Some differences in outcomes between these two groups may be based on age and type of comorbidity. Materials and Methods: Retrospective administrative data from an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit in a Southwestern Ontario hospital were examined to determine the independent associations between diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure in stroke patients and rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), functional gains in rehabilitation, and discharge destination. We also examined the associations between CHADS2 score and rehabilitation LOS, functional gains in rehabilitation, and discharge destination. Results: Seven hundred and seven cases of stroke subcategorized as experiencing mild (n = 193), moderate (n = 454), and severe (n = 60) stroke were included in the study. Of these patients, 16.4% (n = 116) had type 2 diabetes, 58.7% (n = 415) had hypertension, and 5.8% (n = 41) had congestive heart failure (CHF) prior to stroke. CHF patients were significantly (p = 0.02) older, had significantly (p = 0.014) lower mean FIM gains and were discharged to residential care facilities compared to non-CHF cases. A higher CHADS2 score was significantly associated with Lower FIM gains and discharge to longer term settings. Conclusion: Significant differences exist in the functional gains and discharge disposition of stroke patients based on age of patient, type of comorbidity in stroke, and CHADS2 score.

Splenic artery aneurysm presenting as a submucosal gastric lesion: A case report

We are reporting the rare case of splenic artery aneurysm of 4 cm of diameter presenting as a sub mucosal lesion on gastro-duodenal endoscopy. This aneurysm was treated by endovascular coil embolization and stent graft implantation. The procedure was uneventful. On day 1, the patient presented an acute severe epigastric pain and cardiovascular arrest. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed an active leak of the intravenous contrast dye in the peritoneum from the splenic aneurysm. We performed an emergent resection of the aneurysm, and peritoneal lavage. Postoperatively, hemorrhagic choc was refractory to large volumes replacement, and intravenous vaso-active drugs. On day 2, he presented massive hematochezia. We performed a total colectomy with splenectomy and cholecystectomy for ischemic colitis, with spleen and gallbladder infarction. Despite vaso-active drugs and aggressive treatment with Factor VIIa, the patient died after uncontrolled disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Immunotherapies in sarcoma:Updates and future perspectives

Sarcomas are malignant tumors that are characterized by a wide diversity of subtypes with various cytogenetic profiles. Despite major treatment breakthroughs, standard treatment modalities combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery failed to improve overall survival. Therefore, high expectations are foreseen with immunotherapy upon its maturation and better understanding of its mechanism of action. This paper presents a targeted review of the published data and ongoing clinical trials in immunotherapies of sarcomas, mainly adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

CONTROL OF ANGIOGENESIS BY INHIBITOR OF PHOSPHOLIPASE A_2

Objective To investigate the potential effects of angiogenic process by secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)inhibitor-HyPE(linking N-derivatized phosphatidyl-ethanolamine to hyaluronic acid)on human bone marrow endothelial cell line(HBME-1). Methods In order to examine the suppressing effects of HyPE on HBME-1 proliferation, migration, and capillary-like tube formation, HBME-1 were activated by angiogenic factor, specifically by basic fibroblast growth factor(b-FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and oncostatin M(OSM)(at a final concentration of 25, 20, and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively), then HBME-1 proliferation, migration, and tube forma-tion were studied in the absence or presence of HyPE. HBME-1 tube formation was specially analyzed in fibrin gel. Results HyPE effectively inhibited HBME-1 proliferation and migration as a dose-dependent manner, whatever HBME-1 were grown in the control culture medium or stimulated with b-FGF, VEGF, or OSM. In fibrin, the formations of HBME-1 derived tube-like structures were enhanced by all angiogenic factors, but these were strongly suppressed by HyPE. Conclusions The results support the involvement of sPLA2 in angiogenesis. It is proposed that sPLA2 inhibitor introduces a novel approach in the control of cancer development.

A drospirenone-containing oral contraceptive improved bleeding pattern and personal satisfaction in 914 women from Jordan, Lebanon and Syria

Aim: We assessed bleeding pattern, tolerance and patient satisfaction of an oral contraceptive containing 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol (DRSP/EE) under real-life conditions. Study Design: We performed a multicenter, prospective, 6-cycle, observational study in Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Detailed analyses of the three Middle East countries, Jordan, Lebanon andSyriawere presented here. The efficacy variables included an assessment of bleeding patterns, premenstrual symptoms of water retention and patient satisfaction, as determined by a visual analogue scale. Results: A total of 914 women were enrolled. The percentage of women with intermenstrual bleeding decreased from 37.4%, 48.7% and 32.2% at baseline to 9.7%, 6.1% and 10.9% at the end of cycle6 inJordan, Lebanon and Syria, respectively (creased sharply in all three countries (p Amenorrhea decreased significantly in Lebanon and Syria (p < 0.005). In addition, signs of water retention like abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and swelling of extremities decreased significantly over the course of 6 treatment cycles (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased for all investigated items. Upon completion of the study, 82.7% of women answered “Yes” to continue treatment with this oral contraceptive. Conclusion: The oral contraceptive containing 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol has beneficial effects on bleeding pattern, symptoms of water retention and patient satisfaction.

Current Concepts in Bone Graft Substitutes

Purpose: Bone grafting is still requested to fill bone defects in traumatology, or after tumor removal, but also in orthopedic surgery for spine, arthroplasty revisions, and osteotomies. Due to the limitations of autografts and allografts, and the progress of biomaterial research, a large number of nonhuman bony scaffolds have been developed including synthetic calcium phosphates and highly processed xenografts. The most important parameters for bone ingrowth are the macroporosity of the scaffold with the suitable biological autologous cells and factors, optimal osteoinductive, osteointegrative and osteoconductive properties can be achieved. Methods and Results: The important factors regulating these properties are discussed in this paper, which also reports preclinical and clinical results obtained with such bone graft substitutes. Conclusions: Among different bone graft substitutes available, the porosity, the accessibility of pores, the internal surface exposed to the biological components of bone repair, are present in highly processed bovine hydroxyapatites. Compared to autografts, allografts and synthetic substitutes, they associate an initial conductivity, and a long term stability suitable for some orthopedic indications.