Recent Publications

E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) play essential roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis under normal and stress conditions, as well as in disease states, particularly in cancer. However, the role of E3s in the initiation of human tumors is poorly understood. Previously, we reported that genetic ablation of the HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf2 induces carcinogenesis in mice; but whether and how these findings are pertinent to the inception of human cancer remain unknown. Here we show that SMURF2 is essential to protect human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from malignant transformation, and its depletion converts HDFs into tumorigenic entity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease of the central nervous system in young adults. Mitochondrial respiration provides fuel necessary for cellular function and is especially important in cells with large energy demand including neurons. Various studies suggest that the pathogenesis of MS may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Results obtained here show that mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in MS patients in comparison to healthy controls. In addition, there was a significant difference in mitochondrial activity depending on MS degree of disability. These initial findings in a peripheral examination hold potential for new diagnostic biomarkers to be considered in the future.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients for possible application as prognostic factors for the prediction of microalbuminuria and the progression of disease in patients with diabetes. (Tikva Assulyn, Rola Khamisy‐Farah, William Nseir, Amir Bashkin, Raymond Farah)

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disease of clinical importance that occurs commonly in old age and in various disease sub-categories. Widening the scope of knowledge of the genetics of muscle mass and strength is important because it may allow to identify patients with an increased risk to develop a specific musculoskeletal disease or condition such as sarcopenia based on genetic markers.

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare. This reports a rare case of a descent colon GCT in a 52-year-old male patient. (H. Said Ahmad, M. Mahamid, Q. Jawabreh, T. Khoury, A. Mari)

Assesses the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients with Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).(T. Khoury, A. Kadah, A. Mari, W. Sbeit, M. Mahamid)

The aim of this study was to compare pedicle dimensions in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) with those in the general population.

Chronic constipation (CC) is a common disorder in the elderly population globally and is associated with comorbidities and negative implications on the quality of life... This review aimed to summarize the most updated knowledge for primary care physicians in the approach and management of CC in elderly patients.

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge base regarding eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) including epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, common clinical presentations, the interplay between EoE and GERD, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options available to the PCP.

Tests whether alerting clinicians to severe weight loss in older patients leads to higher dietitian visit rates, to higher body mass index (BMI) levels and, mainly, to lower annual death risk

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) is commonly elected transport for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) known as a time-critical illness. This study conducted a systematic review in order to explore the HEMS impact on healthcare status, process and outcome measures for AIS patients.

The aim of the study was to compare the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, (ICD-11) with current terminology of vulvodynia, approved by a broad-based consensus of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS).

The data indicate that L-norvaline is a potential antihypertensive agent and deserves to be clinically investigated. 

This study was performed to test a protocol for trans-implant treatment of chronic recurrent maxillary sinusitis (CRS), via implants with an internal removable sealing screw. The appropriate indications for treatment, optimal number of treatment sessions, and general schedule of treatment and follow-up were assessed.

This study explored the effects of iron fortified wheat on gastrointestinal health.