PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE

 

 

Publication Record

 

Ahmad, S., G. F. Araj, P. K. Akbar, F. Fares, T. D. Chugh, and A. S. Mustafa. 2000. Characterization of rpoB mutations in rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from the Middle East. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease 38 (4):227–232.

 

Araj, G. F. 1999. Antimicrobial resistance in Lebanon. Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Newsletter 17(1): 1,4.

 

———. 1999. Human brucellosis: A classical infectious disease with persistent diagnostic challenges. Clinical Laboratory Science 12 (4):207–12.

———. 2000. Available laboratory tests to guide antimicrobial therapy. Lebanese Medical Journal 48 (4):199–202.

———. 2000. Human brucellosis revisited: A persistent saga in the Middle East. British Medical Journal (Middle East).

———. 2001. Laboratory Diagnosis of Bacterial Infection.  In Textbook of Clinical Pediatrics, eds. A. Y. Elzouki, H. Al-Harfa, H. Nazer, 289–295. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

 

Araj, G. F., H. A. Bey, L. Y. Itani, and S. S. Kanj. 1999. Drug resistance among isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Lebanon: Implication for presumptive therapy. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy 12 (4):349–354.

Araj, G. F., N. M. Daher, and M. M. El-Zaatari.1999. CANDIFAST. Laboratory Medicine 30 (3):199-202.

 

Araj, G. F., L. Y. Itani, N. A. Kanj, and G. W. Jamaleddine. 2000. Comparative study of antituberculous drug resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis recovered at the American University of Beirut Medical Center: 1996-98 vs 1994-95. Lebanese Medical Journal 48 (1):18–22.

Araj, G. F., and S. S. Kanj. 2000. Current status and changing trends of antimicrobial resistance in Lebanon. Lebanese Medical Journal 48 (4):221–226.

Araj, G. F., R. S. Talhouk, L. Y. Itani, W. Jaber, and G. W. Jamaleddine. 2000. Comparative performance of  PCR-based assay vs microscopy and culture for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical respiratory specimen in Lebanon. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease 4 (9):877–881.

Araj, G. F., R. S. Talhouk, C. J. Simaan, and M. J. Massad. 1999. Discrepancies between mecA PCR and conventional tests used for detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 11 (1):47–52.

Azar, S. T., H. Tamim, H. N. Beyhum, M. Z. Habbal, and W. Almawi. 1999. Type I Insulin dependent diabetes is a Thl and Th2 mediated autoimmune disease. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology 6 (3):306–3l0.

 

Baba, N., K. Antoniades, and Z. Habbal. 1999. Effects of canola, olive, and linolenic acid enriched olive oils on plasma lipids, lipids peroxidation and lipoprotein lipase activity in rats. Nutrition Research l9 (4): 601–612.

 

Baba, N. H., Z. Ghossoub, and Z. Habbal. 2000. Differential effects of dietary oils on plasma Lipids, lipid peroxidation and adipose tissue lilprotein lipase activity in rats Nutrition Research 20 (8):1113–1125.

 

Baba, N., R. Sultan, N. Cortas, and Z. Habbal. 1999. Diet composition affects weight gain, adiposity and blood parameters in healthy human volunteers. Nutrition Research 19 (9):313–326.

 

Baba, N., S. Sawaya, N. Torbey, Z. Habbal, S. Azar, and S. Hashim. 1999. Hypoenergetic high protein diet in contrast to hypoenergetic high carbohydrate diet induces more rapid weight loss in obese hyperinsulinemic subjects. International Journal of Obesity 23:l202–1206.

 

Baldi, P. C., G. F. Araj, G. C. Racaro, J. C. Wallach, and C. A. Fossati. 1999. Detection of antibodies to brucella cytoplasmic proteins in the cerebro-spinal fluid of patients with neurobrucellosis. Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology 6 (5):756–759.

Bulbul, M. A., H. Kaspar, R. Naser, and A. Khalil. 1999. Urothelial carcinoma of the vagina six years following cystectomy for invasive cancer. Eur J Gynec Oncol 20 (3): 233-234.

 

Halwani, R., M. Z. Habbal, and A. M. Abdelnoor. 1999. The antibacterial effect of some constituents of Nigella sativa oil. Arab J. of Pharmaceutical Sciences 1 (1):87–96.

 

Habbal, M.ILZ., R. Chidiac-Tannoury. 2001. Lactic aci immer an artifact in the gas chromatography analysis of urine with massive lactic acid aciduria. Clinical Chemistry 47 (5):979–980.

 

Hadi, U. M., H. N. Jammal, A. I. Hamdan, A. Saad, and G. Zaatari. 2001. Lateral cervical bronchogenic cyst: an unusual cause of lump in the neck.  Head and Neck 24:590–592.

 

Hadi, U., M. El-Bitar, G. Zaatari. 2001. Post-adenoidectomy inflammatory pseudotumor. Rhinology 39:l76–l79.

 

Haidar, J. H., O. Hermine, and H. De The. 1999. Arsenic trioxide and interferon alpha synergism to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-transformed cells. Blood 93:278–283.

  

Hasbini, D., Mikati, M., Habbal, M.Z.:  Isolated aipic aciuria resulting from Foo. A case report.  Pediatric Neurology 24 (1) 77-78, 2001.

 

Kanj, S. S., N. Adel, and G. F. Araj. 2001. The continued prevalence of gram-negative infections in febrile neutropenic patients in Lebanon: Comparison with studies from the Middle East. British Medical Journal (Middle East).

Kanj, S. S., and G. F. Araj. 1999. The impact of new technology on infectious diseases. Lebanese Medical Journal 47 (5):276–280.

Kanj, S. S., M. Chedid, and G. F. Araj. 2001. Susceptibility of bacterial isolates to cefepine in comparison to other broad spectrum antimicrobial agents at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. Lebanese Medical Journal 49:l3–l7.

 

Kaspar, H. G., A. Abu-Musa, A. Hannoun, M. Seoud, M. Shammas, and A. Khalil. 2000. The placenta in meconium staining: Lesions and early neonatal outcome. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 27 (1):63–66.

 

Kfoury Baz, E. M., M. F. Khatib R. A. R. Mahfouz, and G. W. Jamaleddine. 2001. Respiratory decompensation in critically ill patients during therapeutic plasma exchange. Journal of Clinical Apheresis 16:143–147.

 

Kfoury Baz, E. M., R. A. R. Mahfouz, and A. F. M. Masri. 1999. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Therapeutic Apheresis 3:314–316.  

 

Kfoury Baz, E. M., R. A. R. Mahfouz, A. F. M. Masri, G. W. Jamaleddine. 2001. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a case of scleroderma renal crisis treated with twice daily therapeutic plasma exchange. Renal Failure 23 (5):737–742.

 

Kfoury Baz, E. M., J. Zheng, K. Mazuruk, A. V. Le, and D. L. Peterson. 2001. Characterization of a     novel hepatitis B virus mutant: demonstration of mutation induced hepatitis B virus surface antigen group specific "a" determinant conformation change and its application in diagnostic assays. Transfusion Medicine 11:355–36.

 

Mahfouz, R., G. Al-Oreibi, N. Darwiche, S. El-Kheshen, and L. Zahed. 2001. Constitutional chromosome abnormalities among patients referred for blood karyotype analysis: A 5-year study at the AUBMC. Lebanese Medical Journal.

 

Ma'luf, R., G. Dbaibo, G. F. Araj, and B. Noureddin. 2001. Bacterial flora of the ocular fornix in patients with lacrimal silicone tubes. Annals of Opthalmology.

Mooty, M. Y., S. S. Kanj, M. Y. Obeid, G. Y. Hassan, and G. F. Araj. 2001. A case of Trichosporon beigelii endocarditis. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 20 (2):139–142.

Musharrafieh, U. M., G. F. Araj, and N. S. Fuleihan. 1999. Viral supraglottitis in an adult: A case presentation and literature update. Journal of Infection 39 (2):157–160.

Nabulsi, M. M., G. F. Araj, I. Nuwayhid, M. Ramadan, and M. Ariss. 2001. Prevalence of hepatitis B infection markers in Lebanese children: The need for an expanded programme on immunization. Epidemiology and Infection 126 (2):285–289.

 

Qatanani, M., A. Taher, S. Koussa, C. Fisher, J. Old, and L. Zahed. 2000.Beta-thalassemia intermedia in Lebanon. European Journal of Haematology 64 (4):237–244.

Seoud, M., A. Shamseddine, A. Khalil, Z. Salem, N. Saghir, K. Bikhazi, N. Bitar, G. Azar, and H. Kaspar. 1999. Tamoxifene and endometrial pathologies:  A prospective study. Gyn Onc 75 (1):l5–19.

 

Shamseddine, A, A. Taher, H. Jaafar, J. H. Haidar, R. Nasr, V. Arzoumanian, and A. Salm Bazarbachi. 2000. Interferon alpha is an effective therapy for congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I.  Eur. J. Haem 65:207–209.

 

Zahed, L., G. Al-Oreibi, N. Darwiche, and S. El-Khechen. 2000. Karyotype of amniotic fluid cells at the AUBMC: Results on 2000 cases. Lebanese Medical Journal 48 (3):121–126.

 

Zahed, L., M. Nabulsi, M. Bou-Ghanim, and I. Usta. 1999. Acceptance of pre-natal diagnosis for genetic disorders in Lebanon. Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (12):1109–1112.

Zahed, L., M. Qatanani, M. Nabulsi, and A. Taher. 2000. B-thalassemia mutations and haplotype analysis in Lebanon. Hemoglobin 24 (4):269–276.

Zouin, M. G., and G. F. Araj. 2001. Antimicrobial resistance of Enterococci in Lebanon. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 17 (3):209–213.

 

 

Abstracts, Conferences, and Proceedings

 

Kanj, S. S., P. A. Ghaleb, and G. F. Araj. May 2001. Glycopeptide and oxacillin activity against Staphylococcus aureus isolated at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in Lebanon, Abstract C-275. 101th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Orlando, Florida, USA.

Baz, E. 2000. Blood component therapy and adverse transfusion reactions. Khoury General Hospital, Zahle.

 

———. 2001. Pediatric transfusion: Hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest. DiaMed AG, Switzerland Scientific Seminar, Marriott Hotel Lebanon.

 

Bazarbachi, A., E. Fadel, J. H. Haidar, H. Jaafar, R. Mahfouz, T. Jisr, and A. Ibrahim. 1999. Stem cell cryopreservation is not required for single autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. Blood 92 (suppl 1).

 

Bazarbachi, A., E. Fadel, H. Jaafar, R. Mahfouz, J. H. Haidar, R. Jalloul, T. Jisr, and A. Ibrahim.  Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells is not required for autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. European bone marrow transplantation group, INNSBRUCK, Austria 2000.

 

———. 2000. Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells is not required for autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation, Beirut, Lebanon.

 

Daher, R., and M. Nasr. 2001. Evaluation of two immunoassays for insulin: Elecsys 2010 and IMX. Presented during EuromedLab, Prague, Czech Republic, May 26-31 May 2001. Clin Chem Lab Med 39:S242.

 

Daher, R., and M. Zouain. 2000. IV albumin plasma concentrations measured using different automated methods. Presented at the Third Pre-analytical Phase Workshop sponsored by Becton Dickinson, Beirut, April 28, 2000.

 

Ibrahim, A, E. Fadel, T. Jisr, R. Mahfouz, H. Jaafar, A. Mokdad, J. H. Haidar, and A. Bazarbachi. 1999. Autotransplantation for relapsed, refractory or high risk lymphoma with non cryopreserved hematopoietic peripheral stem cells. Blood 92 (suppl 1).

 

Ibrahim, A., J. H. Haidar, T. Jisr, R. Mahfouz, L. Abs, H. Jaafar, A. Mugharbel, and A. Bazarbachi. Autologous non-cryopreserved peripheral stem cell transplantation for malignant lymphomas. European bone marrow transplantation group, INNSBRUCK, Austria 2000.

 

———. 2000. Autologous non-cryopreserved peripheral stem cell transplantation for malignant lymphomas. Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation, Beirut, Lebanon.

 

Kaspar H. G. 2001. Uro-Gynecological problems:  Epidemiology, diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, surgical management, and pelvic floor reeducation.  Session moderator at the 9th clinical congress of the American College of Surgeons, February 22-24, 2001, Beirut, Lebanon.

 

Kfoury Baz, E. M., M. F. Khatib, R. A. R. Mahfouz, and G. W. Jamaleddine. 2000. Oxygen desaturation in patients undergoing plasmapheresis in the intensive care unit. The European Respiratory Journal 16 (Suppl. 31) 580s. (Posted at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress, Florence August 2000).

 

Khalid, A. Yunis, Nahed El Hassan, Lina Shalak, Ch. Boulghourjian, and Z. Habbal. 2000. Asymptomatic Hypoglycemia (Hyp) in exclusively breasted (EBF) term newborns (NB). Pediatric Research 750610.

 

Manasfi, H, I. Uthman, Arayssi, F. Masri, G. Zaatari, and F. Nasr. 2001. The rheumatic manifestations of human parvovirus infection. Panarab Society of Rheumatology Meeting, Sep. 2001, Damascus, Syria.

 

Medawar, W. A., H. G. Kaspar, H. Ibrahim, A. Al-Tayeh, S. G. Nasr, M. E. El-Sabban, and M. G. Nasser. 1999. Reversal by indepamide of monocrotaline-induced changes in the pulmonary circulation and in the right ventricle in the rat.  Presented at the 21st congress of the European Society of Cardiology, Aug. 29, l999.

 

Usta, I, A. Nassar, N. Aswad, H. Kaspar, and M. Seoud. 2001.  Mode of delivery of singleton breech:  11-year experience at a single center. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 184:1.  Presented at the 21st annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-fetal Medicine, February 5-l0, 2001, Reno, Nevada, USA.

 

Zouin, M. G., and G. F. Araj. May 2000. Resistance of enterococci to antimicrobial agents in Lebanon. 100th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Los Angeles, California, USA.

 

 

 

Research Projects

 

Drugs of abuse and alcohol intoxication in trauma patients.

 

The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of alcohol and drug intoxication in trauma admissions to AUB-MC Emergency Department.  Subsequently, depending on the results of this study toxicology testing policies at admission to ER may be reviewed. Daher, R., M. Chedid, I. Dandan, and G. Zaatari.

 

Supported by Department Chairman’s Fund

 

 

Effect of change inαalpha-2-macroglobulin concentration on PSA free-to-total ratio.

 

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of changes in A2M and CRP concentrations on PSA F/T ratio.  In a preliminary study we determined significant negative correlations between A2M or CRP and PSA F/T in surgically stressed individuals.  These changes can have major implications on the interpretation of F/T results and thus on the followup of patients. Daher, R., and R. Mahfouz.

 

Supported by Department Chairman’s Fund

 

 

Evaluation of BTA ELISA versus CYFRA 21-1 in comparison to other markers for the monitoring of bladder cancer

 

An ELISA test for quantitative determination of BTA has been introduced to the market.  We wish to study the utility of this more sensitive test in combination with CYFRA 21-1 and others [ cystoscopy, cytology, hemoglobin, and BTA-STAT ] for better predicting superficial bladder tumor recurrence. Daher, R., M. Zouain, M. Nasr, N. Salem-Shabb, M. Bulbul, and J. H. Haidar.

 

Supported by Bion Diagnostics and Department Chairman’s Fund

Study in progress

 

 

Flt-3 Ligand as Prognosticator and Indicator of Recovering Bone Marrow elements

 

Summary: Flt-3 Ligand, a cytokine that stimulate progenitor and stem cells proliferation and not differentiation.  An isoform of this ligand is present on stem cells which is increased concominantly with the serum form in cases of severe Aplastic Anemia. Monitoring the serum level and the mononuclear population receptor in different situations may prove helpful in: the evaluation of the effectivness of chemotherapy; and the possibility of differentiation between malignant blasts and regenerative normal stem cells. Haidar, J. H., R. Daher and A. Bazarbachi.

 

 

Membrane Bound flt3 Ligand Synthesis is Inhibited when Anchored to Its Receptor on Stem Cells

 

Summary:   the reciprocal relation between serum Flt-3 ligand and neutropenia suggest an inhibitory process of this ligand in case of bone marrow reconstitution. Co-culture of Mesenchyaml Stem Cells after confluence, with and without Hematopoietic Stem Cells, and with or without membrane separation is an excellent Model to measure an inhibitory process.  The entitle measurement of, secreted and bound Flt-3 Ligand, and the induction of its m-RNA. Haidar, J. H., R. Daher and A. Bazarbachi.

 

 

Attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy among health professionals

Confidential questionnaires were sent to physicians and geneticists concerning various genetic and non-genetic conditions, including case scenarios, in order to assess their attitudes towards prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination. The questionnaires were based on previously published questionnaires used in various countries, and some questions were adapted to local situations. Pediatricians, obstetricians, and family doctors were included in the study. A scoring system was used in order to compare specialties and evaluate responses to different conditions and scenarios. Zahed, L. (PL), and M. Nabulsi.

No funding required
Completed or in progress at AUB

 

The molecular basis of albinism in Lebanon

There are currently no data on the frequency and types of Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) in Lebanon. This project incorporates both clinical and genetic data on cases with albinism. Sequencing of the TYR gene, involved in the most frequent type of OCA, namely, OCA1, will identify the molecular basis of this disorder in the Lebanese population and allow the establishment of phenotype-genotype correlation. Zahed, L. (PL), B. Noureddine, N. Rubeiz, and P. Zalloua.

Supported by AUB Medical Practice Plan
Completed or in progress at AUB

 

B-thalassemia: Population genetics and ancient thalassemias

The project aims to analyze a large number of chromosomes with the IVSI-110 mutation, the most frequent b-thalassemia mutation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In order to analyze the origin of this mutation, the RFLP haplotype of the b-globin gene cluster is studied, as well as a sequence polymorphism in an intergenic region upstream of the b-globin gene, including 9 polymorphic sites and a microsatellite (AT)xTy. We will also attempt to study ancient DNA extracted from pre-historic skeletal material in order to confirm the findings from modern DNA. Zahed, L. (PL), and P. Perrin.

 
Supported by Cooperation pour L’Evaluation et la Dιveloppement de la Recherche
Completed or in progress at AUB and Lyon I