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Background and Aims: Because of the plenty and abundance of risk factors and the expected increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the world in general and in low‐ and middle‐income countries in particular, this international cross‐sectional study was conducted in 15 low‐ and middle‐income countries according to our previous protocol, NCT05340400. Methods: Participants were recruited in the period from April 22, 2022 to June 14, 2022. The diagnosis of IBS was according to ROME IV. We determined the physical activity, daily stress, and fatigue of the participants. A large number of collaborators were chosen from different regions and institutions within each country to achieve diversity within the sample and reduce the probability of bias. Results: The prevalence of IBS appears to be higher in low‐ and middle‐income countries (mean = 25.2%, range [6.2%–44.2%]) than in high‐income countries, with a higher prevalence among Africans than Caucasians and Asians. The prevalence of IBS increased in the fourth decade by 32.1% and in the fifth decade by 31.1% (p‐value < 0.001). In addition to the previously known risk factors for IBS such as female sex, smoking, psychological stress, and chronic fatigue, other risk factors were discovered such as chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes, allergies to some substances, previous infection with COVID‐19, and the participant having a first‐degree relative with a patient. There are also some other modifiable risk factors, such as an abnormal body mass index (whether high or low), smoking, a protein‐ or fat‐rich diet, drinking caffeine‐containing beverages, and poor physical activity. Conclusions: Highlighting the prevalence and increasing risk factors of IBS in developing countries should draw the attention of those responsible for health care in these countries and reduce the risk factors. Key points: What is already known on this topic The criteria for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have evolved over time, and the disease, when diagnosed based on previous criteria such as ROME II and ROME III, has been associated with many risk factors, such as female gender, psychological distress, and chronic fatigue. The prevalence in many countries was calculated in previous studies. But so far, no study has reported the prevalence and risk factors for IBS in middle‐ and low‐income countries, according to ROME IV. What this study adds The prevalence of IBS was greater in middle‐ and low‐income countries than in high‐income countries, with a higher prevalence in African ethnicity compared to Caucasian and Asian countries. In addition to the well‐known risk factors that were also confirmed by our study, which are psychological distress, chronic fatigue, female sex, and a protein‐ or fat‐rich diet, we found many other risk factors, which are not doing enough physical activity, smoking, chronic diseases, especially hypertension and diabetes, allergy to some substances, previous infection with COVID 19 within 12 months, abnormal weight (either high or low), and sleep less than 6 h. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The lack of attention paid to chronic digestive diseases in developing countries has led to their spread and poor quality of life. Therefore, highlighting their prevalence and increasing risk factors, more attention must be drawn to those responsible for health care in these countries, and the modifiable risk factors must be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has been a global epidemic in our healthcare system. SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, but neurological involvement has also been reported, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) development. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male with known co-morbid hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency room with complaints of worsening shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever for the past 10 days. On day 20 of hospitalization, he developed neurological symptoms after being tested positive for COVID-19. A neuroelectrophysiology study was conducted to evaluate neurological symptoms and suggested that the patient suffers from acute motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathy (AMSAN). CSF analysis showed elevated protein levels that confirmed the diagnosis of GBS. He was subsequently treated with oral prednisolone and IVIG, which improved neurological symptoms. Conclusion: Ever since the emergence of COVID-19, GBS has surfaced as to its potentially dangerous outcome. Healthcare professionals should be mindful of GBS and should rule it out in anyone having sensory symptoms or weakness during or after a COVID-19 infection. Its early detection and treatment can result in improved clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiological imaging plays a vital role in clinically diagnosing TSC. TSC prognosis is largely determined by the severity and the extent of the systems affected by it. TSC patients are symptomatically managed, since no cure is present. Healthcare professionals must frequently check-up TSC patients who have a lifelong disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is classified as the most prevalent cancer worldwide. The incidence and prevalence of BC in Syria are not determined but expected to be high. Lack of awareness toward BC leads to higher incidence and mortality. There are no studies measuring BC awareness in Syria. Our study aims to evaluate BC awareness and attitudes, the obstacles preventing women from receiving BC-related medical care, and the prevalence of BC warning signs and risk factors among women in Aleppo. METHODS: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted during August 2019 in Aleppo, Syria. Participants were randomly recruited from multiple health-care and social facilities. We targeted adult females aged and avoided current or previous cancer patients and the visitor of oncology and pathology departments. The questionnaire had six main sections: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) knowledge of basic symptomatology and epidemiology of BC; (3) similar previous symptoms that the participant ever experienced; (4) attitude and behavior related to BC screening; (5) obstacles from seeking medical consultation related to BC, and (6) the prevalence of some BC risk factors among participants. RESULTS: BC awareness levels are disappointing. About 9.3% of the participants are confident that they have not ever heard of BC, and only 0.4% know the age-related risk of BC. About 8.7% of the respondents never or rarely self-examine their breasts, and only 10% of the 40 years or older participants screened for BC by the mammogram. Emotional barriers, especially feeling scared about what the doctor might find, were the main barriers preventing women from seeking medical help related to BC. Lack of enough physical activity and smoking headed the list of the prevalent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: BC awareness levels in Aleppo-Syria are worrying. It is recommended to launch more awareness campaigns, with a concentration on the weak points in women's knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatid disease (HD) is an infection with the metacestode stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus. It is commonly seen in South America, The Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and China. Hydatid cysts usually affect the liver followed by the lungs. Involvement in other organs has been reported. However, in the majority of the cases, cysts are localized in one organ or one region. We report a rare case of a 36-year-old woman who presented to the hospital in Syria with long-standing history of non-specific abdominal pain. Computerized tomography showed several hydatid cysts in the liver, spleen, left lung, mediastinum (adjacent to the aortic arch), both breasts and above the right gluteal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]