373 results on '"Dagher, A."'
Search Results
2. Multimodal imaging assessment for feasibility of endovascular reconstruction in cases of inferior vena cava atresia
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Kisling, Adam, primary, Basile, Sean, additional, Dagher, Adelle, additional, Sexton, Jonathan, additional, and Twerdahl, Eric, additional
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- 2024
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3. Debamestrocel multimodal effects on biomarker pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are linked to clinical outcomes
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Lindborg, Stacy R., primary, Goyal, Namita A., additional, Katz, Jonathan, additional, Burford, Matthew, additional, Li, Jenny, additional, Kaspi, Haggai, additional, Abramov, Natalie, additional, Boulanger, Bruno, additional, Berry, James D., additional, Nicholson, Katharine, additional, Mozaffar, Tahseen, additional, Miller, Robert, additional, Jenkins, Liberty, additional, Baloh, Robert H., additional, Lewis, Richard, additional, Staff, Nathan P., additional, Owegi, Margaret Ayo, additional, Dagher, Bob, additional, Blondheim‐Shraga, Netta R., additional, Gothelf, Yael, additional, Levy, Yossef S., additional, Kern, Ralph, additional, Aricha, Revital, additional, Windebank, Anthony J., additional, Bowser, Robert, additional, Brown, Robert H., additional, and Cudkowicz, Merit E., additional
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- 2024
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4. The role of procalcitonin in identifying high‐risk cancer patients with febrile neutropenia: A useful alternative to the multinational association for supportive care in cancer score
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Patrick Chaftari, Anne‐Marie Chaftari, Ray Hachem, Sai‐Ching J. Yeung, Hiba Dagher, Ying Jiang, Alexandre E. Malek, Natalie Dailey Garnes, Victor E. Mulanovich, and Issam Raad
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cancer patients ,febrile neutropenia ,immunocompromised ,lactate ,neutropenia ,procalcitonin ,Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 - Abstract
Abstract Background The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) risk index has been utilized to determine the risk for poor clinical outcomes in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) in an emergency center (EC). However, this index comprises subjective elements and elaborated metrics limiting its use in ECs. We sought to determine whether procalcitonin (PCT) level (biomarker of bacterial infection) with or without lactate level (marker of inadequate tissue perfusion) offers a potential alternative to MASSC score in predicting the outcomes of patients with FN presenting to an EC. Methods We retrospectively identified 550 cancer patients with FN who presented to our EC between April 2018, and April 2019, and had serum PCT and lactate levels measured. Results Compared with patients with PCT levels 2.2 mmol/L were more likely to be admitted and have an LOS >7 days, BSI, and 14‐day mortality than patients with lower levels. PCT level was a significantly better predictor of BSI than MASSC score (p = 0.003) or lactate level (p
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- 2021
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5. Utilizing imaging parameters for functional outcome prediction in acute ischemic stroke: A machine learning study
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Ozkara, Burak B., primary, Karabacak, Mert, additional, Hoseinyazdi, Meisam, additional, Dagher, Samir A., additional, Wang, Richard, additional, Karadon, Sadik Y., additional, Ucisik, F. Eymen, additional, Margetis, Konstantinos, additional, Wintermark, Max, additional, and Yedavalli, Vivek S., additional
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- 2024
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6. The Ankle Ligament Reconstruction‐Return to Sport after Injury (ALR‐RSI) is a valid and reliable measure to assess psychological readiness before returning to sport following peroneal tendon pathology surgery
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Saliba, Ibrahim, primary, Dagher, Tanios, additional, Valentin, Eugenie, additional, Cannell, Stuart, additional, Moussellard, Hugues Pascal, additional, Anract, Philippe, additional, Feruglio, Sylvain, additional, Vialle, Raphael, additional, Bauer, Thomas, additional, and Hardy, Alexandre, additional
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- 2024
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7. Two New Successive Addition Arguments
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Dagher, Ibrahim, primary
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- 2024
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8. Tracking mammals in a Lebanese protected area using environmental DNA‐based approach
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Liliane Boukhdoud, Carole Saliba, Rhea Kahale, and Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat
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conservation ,DNA barcoding ,East Mediterranean Region ,environmental DNA ,noninvasive method ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 ,Microbial ecology ,QR100-130 - Abstract
Abstract Mediterranean forest mammals are still poorly known, and few localities have been properly studied in the East Mediterranean Region (EMR). According to the IUCN Red List, many recorded species in this region are listed as threatened or endangered. Despite all threats, better management and more investments in species monitoring would surely improve the efficiency of biodiversity conservation projects to protect Mediterranean forest mammals. Protected reserves are of utmost importance for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Hereby, we provide a survey of mammals through a noninvasive technique based on environmental DNA extracted from scats. Samples were collected over 1 year covering all seasons from an important site for biodiversity conservation and scientific researches, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. A total of 18 vertebrate species were recorded, many of them are endemic for the region and/or threatened especially in Lebanon. The use of noninvasive sampling method combined with genetic analysis of scats proved to be a powerful tool for species detection in a highly biodiverse protected area and can be easily replicated in any region around the world to rapidly assess species richness and therefore to apply direct conservation and management strategies toward species of interest.
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- 2021
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9. Photoinactivation of Catalase Sensitizes Candida albicans and Candida auris to ROS‐Producing Agents and Immune Cells
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Pu‐Ting Dong, Yuewei Zhan, Sebastian Jusuf, Jie Hui, Zeina Dagher, Michael K. Mansour, and Ji‐Xin Cheng
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Candida auris ,photoinactivation of catalase ,reactive oxygen species ,synergistic therapy ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Microbes have developed their own specific strategies to cope with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase, a heme‐containing tetramer expressed in a broad range of aerobic fungi, shows remarkable efficiency in degrading hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for fungal survival and host invasion. Here, it is demonstrated that catalase inactivation by blue light renders fungal cells highly susceptible to ROS attack. To confirm catalase as a major molecular target of blue light, wild type Candida albicans are systematically compared with a catalase‐deficient mutant strain regarding their susceptibility to ROS through 410 nm treatment. Upon testing a wide range of fungal species, it is found that intracellular catalase can be effectively and universally inactivated by 410 nm blue light. It is also found that photoinactivation of catalase in combination with ROS‐generating agents is highly effective in total eradication of various fungal species, including multiple Candida auris strains, the causative agent of the global fungal epidemic. In addition, photoinactivation of catalase is shown to facilitate macrophage killing of intracellular Candida albicans. The antifungal efficacy of catalase photoinactivation is further validated using a C. albicans‐induced mouse model of skin abrasion. Taken together, the findings offer a novel catalase‐photoinactivation approach to address multidrug‐resistant Candida infections.
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- 2022
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10. HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS/ACC/AHA worldwide practice update for telehealth and arrhythmia monitoring during and after a pandemic
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Niraj Varma, Nassir F. Marrouche, Luis Aguinaga, Christine M. Albert, Elena Arbelo, Jong‐Il Choi, Mina K. Chung, Giulio Conte, Lilas Dagher, Laurence M. Epstein, Hamid Ghanbari, Janet K. Han, Hein Heidbuchel, He Huang, Dhanunjaya R. Lakkireddy, Tachapong Ngarmukos, Andrea M. Russo, Eduardo B. Saad, Luis C. Saenz Morales, Kristin E. Sandau, Arun Raghav M. Sridhar, Eric C. Stecker, and Paul D. Varosy
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COVID‐19 ,pandemic ,QT interval ,remote monitoring ,telemedicine ,Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ,RC666-701 - Published
- 2020
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11. The French Ankle Ligament Reconstruction ‐ Return to Sport after Injury (ALR‐RSI‐Fr) is a valid scale for the French population
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Nahi Ajaka, Pierre‐Alban Bouché, Michel Dagher, Ronny Lopes, Thomas Bauer, and Alexandre Hardy
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Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 - Abstract
Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to translate, adapt and validate in French the Ankle Ligament Reconstruction ‐ Return to Sport after Injury (ALR‐RSI), a 12‐item English language scale assessing the psychological impact of returning to sports after ACL reconstruction. Our hypothesis was that the French version of the ALR‐RSI scale would be valid and adaptable to the French population. Methods The procedure followed the guidelines for the intercultural adaptation of the self‐administered questionnaires. A version of the ALR‐RSI‐Fr questionnaire was validated according to the international guidelines of COSMIN (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments). A prospective study was conducted between March 2020 and June 2021. The study included two population groups, the first one being that of adult athletes of all levels who underwent arthroscopic ankle ligament reconstruction and the second being that of adult athletes who did not suffer from any ankle problems. After consent, patients completed three questionnaires, the ALR‐RSI‐Fr, the AOFAS and the Karlsson score. Results The study included 30 patients and 30 controls who were all athletes. The mean age of the patients was 34.6 with 60% male and 40% female. The average time for patients to return to sport was 5.6 months. Twenty‐nine patients (96.6%) underwent arthroscopic ankle reconstruction while only one was eligible for ligament reinsertion. The control group with demographic data matched to the patient group was included in this study. Correlations between ALRSI, the total Karlsson score and its different sub items and the AOFAS were estimated using Spearman coefficients. Discriminant validity was tested between the “patient” and “control” groups and sub‐groups using the Wilcoxon tests. Reliability was evaluated on the ρ intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCC). A strong correlation was noted between the ALR‐RSI‐Fr, Karlsson and AOFAS with a Spearman score of 0.90 [0.76‐0.96].A highly significant difference was found between the “patient” and “control” groups. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was excellent with a Cronbach's alfa of 0.94. Reproducibility was “excellent” with an interclass correlation coefficient of q = 0.97 [0.94‐0.99]. Conclusion This study showed that the cross‐cultural adaptation of the English version of the ALR‐RSI was successful and validated for the French‐speaking population. The discriminant capacity of the scale between patients who underwent reconstruction and healthy subjects was also confirmed. This questionnaire will allow surgeons to better evaluate the psychological impact of returning to sports after ankle ligament reconstruction in French speaking patients Level of evidence LEVEL II: Prospective cohort study (patients enrolled at different points in their disease) Control arm of randomized trial.
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- 2022
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12. Characterization of the biocontrol activity of three bacterial isolates against the phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora
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Fadi Dagher, Arvin Nickzad, Jie Zheng, Maria Hoffmann, and Eric Déziel
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apple ,antagonism ,Fire blight ,lipopeptide ,oxydifficidin ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Abstract Antibiotics are sprayed on apple and pear orchards to control, among other pathogens, the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight. As with many other pathogens, we observe the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains of E. amylovora. Consequently, growers are looking for alternative solutions to combat fire blight. To find alternatives to antibiotics against this pathogen, we have previously isolated three bacterial strains with antagonistic and extracellular activity against E. amylovora, both in vitro and in planta, corresponding to three different bacterial genera: Here, we identified the inhibitory mode of action of each of the three isolates against E. amylovora. Isolate Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum (now B. velezensis) FL50S produces several secondary metabolites including surfactins, iturins, and fengycins. Specifically, we identified oxydifficidin as the most active against E. amylovora S435. Pseudomonas poae FL10F produces an active extracellular compound against E. amylovora S435 that can be attributed to white‐line‐inducing principle (WLIP), a cyclic lipopeptide belonging to the viscosin subfamily (massetolide E, F, L, or viscosin). Pantoea agglomerans NY60 has a direct cell‐to‐cell antagonistic effect against E. amylovora S435. By screening mutants of this strain generated by random transposon insertion with decreased antagonist activity against strain S435, we identified several defective transposants. Of particular interest was a mutant in a gene coding for a Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporter corresponding to a transmembrane protein predicted to be involved in the extracytoplasmic localization of griseoluteic acid, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the broad‐spectrum phenazine antibiotic D‐alanylgriseoluteic acid.
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- 2021
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13. Attaining environmental sustainability amidst the interacting forces of natural resource rent and foreign direct investment: Is Norway any different?
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Udemba, Edmund Ntom, primary, Dagar, Vishal, additional, Peng, Xuhu, additional, and Dagher, Leila, additional
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- 2023
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14. Utility of a xanthene‐based dye for determination of nilotinib using two spectroscopic approaches. Applications to bulk powder, capsules, and spiked human plasma
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Diaa Dagher, Heba Elmansi, Jenny Jeehan Nasr, and Nahed El‐Enany
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Chemistry (miscellaneous) ,Biophysics - Published
- 2023
15. Comparison of Phase Estimation Methods for Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Using a Rotating-Tube Phantom
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Kathryn E. Keenan, Ben P. Berman, Slávka Rýger, Stephen E. Russek, Wen-Tung Wang, John A. Butman, Dzung L. Pham, and Joseph Dagher
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Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine ,R895-920 - Abstract
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) is an MRI tool with the potential to reveal pathological changes from magnetic susceptibility measurements. Before phase data can be used to recover susceptibility (Δχ), the QSM process begins with two steps: data acquisition and phase estimation. We assess the performance of these steps, when applied without user intervention, on several variations of a phantom imaging task. We used a rotating-tube phantom with five tubes ranging from Δχ=0.05 ppm to Δχ=0.336 ppm. MRI data was acquired at nine angles of rotation for four different pulse sequences. The images were processed by 10 phase estimation algorithms including Laplacian, region-growing, branch-cut, temporal unwrapping, and maximum-likelihood methods, resulting in approximately 90 different combinations of data acquisition and phase estimation methods. We analyzed errors between measured and expected phases using the probability mass function and Cumulative Distribution Function. Repeatable acquisition and estimation methods were identified based on the probability of relative phase errors. For single-echo GRE and segmented EPI sequences, a region-growing method was most reliable with Pr (relative error
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- 2021
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16. A frozen decade: Ten years outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation using a single shot device for pulmonary vein isolation
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Leonard Bergau, Vanessa Sciacca, Vinitha Nesapiragasan, Kerstin Rubarth, Frank Konietschke, Thomas Fink, Mustapha El Hamriti, Guram Imnadze, Lilas Dagher, Martin Braun, Moneeb Khalaph, Denise Guckel, Johannes Heintze, Georg Noelker, Jürgen Vogt, Philipp Sommer, and Christian Sohns
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Male ,Middle Aged ,Cryosurgery ,Treatment Outcome ,Pulmonary Veins ,Recurrence ,Physiology (medical) ,Atrial Fibrillation ,Catheter Ablation ,Humans ,Female ,Prospective Studies ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,Aged - Abstract
Cryoballoon-guided pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI) for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option with encouraging results in terms of safety and efficacy. Data reporting on long-term data beyond a follow-up (FU) period of 5 years is scarce. This prospective study aimed to evaluate very long-term outcome after CB-PVI for AF.Data from consecutive patients treated with CB-PVI for symptomatic and drug refractory AF between 2005 and 2012 were analyzed. Patients with a FU of ≥9 years after index CB-PVI were included. All patients were continuously followed-up in our outpatient clinic. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) lasting30 s beyond a 3-month blanking period.A total of 385 patients (71% male) were included. Mean age was 58 ± 10 years and paroxysmal AF was present in 93% of patients. Mean FU duration was 124 ± 24 months. At the end of the observational period, 73% of all patients were in stable sinus rhythm after a mean of 2 ± 0.8 ablation procedures. Patients with AF/AT recurrence were older (60 ± 8 vs. 57 ± 10 years; p = .019), had a higher CHACB-PVI as index procedure for AF ablation resulted in favorable long-term outcome in symptomatic AF. CB-PVI might be recommended as interventional therapy in patients with lower LA remodeling.
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- 2022
17. Electrical behavior of vertical Pt/Au Schottky diodes on GaN homoepitaxy
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Dagher, Maroun, primary, Sonneville, Camille, additional, Brémond, Georges, additional, Planson, Dominique, additional, Frayssinet, Eric, additional, Cordier, Yvon, additional, Haas, Helge, additional, Iretki, Mohammed Reda, additional, Buckley, Julien, additional, Maurya, Vishvajeet, additional, Charles, Matthew, additional, and Bluet, Jean-Marie, additional
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- 2023
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18. Probing mechanisms and improving management of glaucoma following Boston keratoprosthesis surgery
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Geoffrion, Dominique, primary, Koenekoop, Robert K., additional, and Harissi‐Dagher, Mona, additional
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- 2023
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19. Utility of a xanthene‐based dye for determination of nilotinib using two spectroscopic approaches. Applications to bulk powder, capsules, and spiked human plasma
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Dagher, Diaa, primary, Elmansi, Heba, additional, Nasr, Jenny Jeehan, additional, and El‐Enany, Nahed, additional
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- 2023
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20. Improving the Component-Based Face Recognition Using Enhanced Viola–Jones and Weighted Voting Technique
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Issam Dagher and Hussein Al-Bazzaz
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Electronic computers. Computer science ,QA75.5-76.95 - Abstract
This paper enhances the recognition capabilities of the facial component-based techniques using the concepts of better Viola–Jones component detection and weighting facial components. Our method starts with enhanced Viola–Jones face component detection and cropping. The facial components are detected and cropped accurately during all pose-changing circumstances. The cropped components are represented by the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG). The weight of each component was determined using a validation process. Combining these weights was done by a simple voting technique. Three public databases were used: the AT&T database, the PUT database, and the AR database. Several improvements are observed using the weighted voting recognition method presented in this paper.
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- 2019
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21. The Impact of EGDT on Sepsis Mortality in a Single Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
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Christopher El Khuri, Gilbert Abou Dagher, Ali Chami, Ralph Bou Chebl, Tarek Amoun, Rana Bachir, Batoul Jaafar, and Nesrine Rizk
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Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid ,RC86-88.9 - Abstract
Background. EGDT (Early Goal Directed Therapy) or some portion of EGDT has been shown to decrease mortality secondary to sepsis and septic shock. Objective. Our study aims to assess the effect of adopting this approach in the emergency department on in-hospital mortality secondary to sepsis/septic shock in Lebanon. Hypothesis. Implementation of the EGDT protocol of sepsis in ED will decrease in-hospital mortality. Methods. Our retrospective study included 290 adult patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary center in Lebanon with severe sepsis and/or septic shock. 145 patients between years 2013 and 2014 who received protocol care were compared to 145 patients treated by standard care between 2010 and 2012. Data from the EHR were retrieved about patients’ demographics, medical comorbidities, and periresuscitation parameters. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression for the outcome in-hospital mortality after adjusting for protocol use and other confounders was done and AOR was obtained for the protocol use. 28-day mortality, ED, and hospital length of stay were compared between the two groups. Results. The most common infection site in the protocol arm was the lower respiratory tract (42.1%), and controls suffered more from UTIs (33.8%). Patients on protocol care had lower in-hospital mortality than that receiving usual care, 31.7% versus 47.6% (p=0.006) with an AOR of 0.429 (p =0.018). Protocol patients received more fluids at 6 and 24 hours (3.8 ± 1.7 L and 6.1 ± 2.1 L) compared to the control group (2.7 ± 2.0 L and 4.9 ± 2.8 L p=
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- 2019
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22. Gasoline fume inhalation induces apoptosis, inflammation, and favors Th2 polarization in C57BL/6 mice
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Wared Nour‐Eldine, Katia Sayyed, Zeina Harhous, Carole Dagher‐Hamalian, Stephanie Mehanna, Donna Achkouti, Hanan ElKazzaz, Rony S. Khnayzer, Firas Kobeissy, Christian Khalil, and Aniella Abi‐Gerges
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Inflammation ,Mice, Inbred C57BL ,Inhalation Exposure ,Mice ,Animals ,Apoptosis ,Female ,Toxicology ,Lung ,Gasoline - Abstract
Gasoline exposure has been widely reported in the literature as being toxic to human health. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms triggered by its inhalation have not been thoroughly investigated. We herein present a model of sub-chronic, static gasoline vapor inhalation in adult female C57BL/6 mice. Animals were exposed daily to either gasoline vapors (0.86 g/animal/90 min) or ambient air for 5 days/week over 7 consecutive weeks. At the end of the study period, toxic and molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic effects triggered by gasoline vapors, were examined in the lungs and liver of gasoline-exposed (GE) mice. Static gasoline exposure induced a significant increase (+21%) in lungs/body weight (BW) ratio in GE versus control (CON) mice along with a pulmonary inflammation attested by histological staining. The latter was consistent with increases in the transcript levels of proinflammatory cytokines [Interleukins (ILs) 4 and 6], respectively by ~ 6- and 4-fold in the lungs of GE mice compared to CON. Interestingly, IL-10 expression was also increased by ~ 10-fold in the lungs of GE mice suggesting an attempt to counterbalance the established inflammation. Moreover, the pulmonary expression of IL-12 and TNF-α was downregulated by 2- and 4-fold, respectively, suggesting the skewing toward Th2 phenotype. Additionally, GE mice showed a significant upregulation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspases 3, 8, and 9 with no change in JNK expression in the lungs, suggesting the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Static gasoline exposure over seven consecutive weeks had a minor hepatic portal inflammation attested by HE staining along with an increase in the hepatic expression of the mitochondrial complexes in GE mice. Therefore, tissue damage biomarkers highlight the health risks associated with vapor exposure and may present potential therapeutic targets for recovery from gasoline intoxication.
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- 2022
23. Probing mechanisms and improving management of glaucoma following Boston keratoprosthesis surgery
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Geoffrion, Dominique, primary, Koenekoop, Robert K., additional, and Harissi‐Dagher, Mona, additional
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- 2022
- Full Text
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24. Multi‐contrast unbiased MRI template of a Parkinson’s disease population
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Madge, Victoria, primary, Fonov, Vladimir S, additional, Xiao, Yiming, additional, Zou, Lucy, additional, Jackson, Courtney, additional, Postuma, Ronald B, additional, Dagher, Alain, additional, Fon, Edward A, additional, and Collins, D Louis, additional
- Published
- 2022
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25. Gram‐negative bacteremia in solid organ transplant recipients: Clinical characteristics and outcomes as compared to immunocompetent non‐transplant recipients
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Eichenberger, Emily M., primary, Troy, Jesse, additional, Ruffin, Felicia, additional, Dagher, Michael, additional, Thaden, Joshua T., additional, Ford, Mandy L., additional, and Fowler, Vance G., additional
- Published
- 2022
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26. Green synthesis of CdWO 4 Nanorods with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Utilizing Hyphaene Thebaica Fruit
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Mohamed, Hamza Elsayed Ahmed, primary, Hilal‐Alnaqbi, Ali, additional, Dagher, Sawsan, additional, Akhozheya, Boshra, additional, and Maaza, Malik, additional
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- 2022
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27. Multi‐contrast unbiased MRI template of a Parkinson’s disease population
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Victoria Madge, Vladimir S Fonov, Yiming Xiao, Lucy Zou, Courtney Jackson, Ronald B Postuma, Alain Dagher, Edward A Fon, and D Louis Collins
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Psychiatry and Mental health ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,Developmental Neuroscience ,Epidemiology ,Health Policy ,Neurology (clinical) ,Geriatrics and Gerontology - Published
- 2022
28. Gram‐negative bacteremia in solid organ transplant recipients: Clinical characteristics and outcomes as compared to immunocompetent non‐transplant recipients
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Emily M, Eichenberger, Jesse, Troy, Felicia, Ruffin, Michael, Dagher, Joshua T, Thaden, Mandy L, Ford, and Vance G, Fowler
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Transplantation ,Infectious Diseases - Abstract
Outcomes from Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are poorly understood.This is a single center prospective cohort study comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SOT recipients with GNB to immunocompetent non-SOT patients with GNB between 1/1/2002 through 12/31/2018. Outcomes of interest included incidence of septic shock, respiratory failure, and time to death. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with incidence of septic shock and respiratory failure. Time to death was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models.A total of 297 SOT and 1245 immunocompetent non-SOT patients were included. Incidence of septic shock did not significantly differ between the groups (SOT 25.3% vs. non-SOT 24.6%, p = .8225). Overall survival did not significantly differ by transplant status (30-day survival: SOT 76%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70, 92, non-SOT 74%, 95% CI 71, 77: log rank: p = .76). SOT recipients taking three immunosuppressive medications had significantly lower odds of developing septic shock or respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation than those taking ≤1 agent (shock: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.29, 95% CI 0.09, 0.90, p = .0316; respiratory failure: aOR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.49, p = .0020).SOT recipients with GNB do not experience higher rates of septic shock, respiratory failure, or mortality than immnon-SOT recipients with GNB. Among SOT recipients, a greater number of immunosuppressive medications may be associated with improved outcomes during GNB. Future studies are needed to understand the potential relationship between levels of immunosuppression and clinical outcome in SOT recipients with GNB.
- Published
- 2022
29. Green synthesis of CdWO 4 Nanorods with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity Utilizing Hyphaene Thebaica Fruit
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Hamza Elsayed Ahmed Mohamed, Ali Hilal‐Alnaqbi, Sawsan Dagher, Boshra Akhozheya, and Malik Maaza
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General Chemistry - Published
- 2022
30. Systematic review of major osteoporotic fracture to hip fracture incidence rate ratios worldwide: implications for Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX)‐derived estimates
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Ziyad Mahfoud, Nariman Chamoun, Robert M. Boudreau, Marlene Chakhtoura, Sima L. Sharara, Sara Ajjour, Jane A. Cauley, Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, and Hiba Dagher
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,FRAX ,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism ,Osteoporosis ,Population ,Risk Assessment ,Article ,Bone Density ,Risk Factors ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Humans ,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine ,education ,Aged ,Hip fracture ,education.field_of_study ,Hip Fractures ,Incidence ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,fungi ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Confidence interval ,Female ,Observational study ,Osteoporotic Fractures ,Demography - Abstract
The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) is the most widely used tool for fracture prediction. It provides 10-year probabilities for hip and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF). It uses country-specific hip fracture incidence and life expectancy data, and for most countries, MOF/hip fracture incidence rate ratios (IRRs) from Malmo Sweden. However, the risk of MOF varies by age, sex, and geography. The objective is to compare the MOF/hip IRRs across countries, by sex and age. This systematic review targeted observational studies of MOF and hip fractures in individuals >50 years (PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019129259). One reviewer screened potential articles. Two reviewers completed duplicate and independent data abstraction, and assessed study quality based on population representativeness, study design and duration, definition of ethnicity, and fracture characteristics. We calculated the MOF/hip IRRs (95% confidence interval) and Z-values to compare IRRs in various countries to those for Sweden. We included 27 studies, of fair to good quality in the majority, from Europe (15), US and Canada (7), Asia (3), and Australia (2). The IRRs were twofold to 10-fold higher in younger compared to older age categories, and in women compared to men, with few exceptions. Within Europe, and using Sweden as a reference, MOF/Hip IRRs in women 50-54 years from Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, and UK were significantly lower by 38% to 60%. Findings were similar in men. At older ages, MOF/Hip IRRs were consistently lower in women from European countries compared to Sweden, by 10%-40% and 11%-51%, at 75-79 years and 85-89 years, respectively. Findings were heterogenous in men and in non-European countries. In conclusion, the MOF/hip fracture IRR may vary between countries. The variability at older ages may affect FRAX prediction when country-specific fracture IRRs are not used. Further research is needed to elucidate the implication of our findings to FRAX-derived MOF estimates in various countries. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
- Published
- 2021
31. Tracking mammals in a Lebanese protected area using environmental DNA‐based approach
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Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, Carole Saliba, Rhea Kahale, and Liliane Boukhdoud
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noninvasive method ,Ecology ,QR100-130 ,conservation ,Biology ,Tracking (particle physics) ,environmental DNA ,DNA barcoding ,Environmental sciences ,Microbial ecology ,Evolutionary biology ,East Mediterranean Region ,Genetics ,Environmental DNA ,GE1-350 ,Protected area ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Mediterranean forest mammals are still poorly known, and few localities have been properly studied in the East Mediterranean Region (EMR). According to the IUCN Red List, many recorded species in this region are listed as threatened or endangered. Despite all threats, better management and more investments in species monitoring would surely improve the efficiency of biodiversity conservation projects to protect Mediterranean forest mammals. Protected reserves are of utmost importance for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Hereby, we provide a survey of mammals through a noninvasive technique based on environmental DNA extracted from scats. Samples were collected over 1 year covering all seasons from an important site for biodiversity conservation and scientific researches, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. A total of 18 vertebrate species were recorded, many of them are endemic for the region and/or threatened especially in Lebanon. The use of noninvasive sampling method combined with genetic analysis of scats proved to be a powerful tool for species detection in a highly biodiverse protected area and can be easily replicated in any region around the world to rapidly assess species richness and therefore to apply direct conservation and management strategies toward species of interest.
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- 2021
32. Collaboration between two CF centers; one in USA and one in Turkey before and during CoV2 pandemic
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Nasr, Samya Z., primary, Gökdemir, Yasemin, additional, Erdem, Ela, additional, Karakoc, Fazilet, additional, Ergenekon, Pinar, additional, Tapley, Christopher, additional, Dagher, Sharyn, additional, Bouma, Sandra, additional, Coşkun, Özge Keniş, additional, Kocamaz, Damla, additional, and Karadag, Bulent, additional
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- 2022
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33. Cognitive and behavioural development in children presenting with complex febrile seizures: at onset and school age
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Marc-Philippe Lafontaine, Sarah Lippé, Inga Sophia Knoth, Ève Lalancette, Jocelyn Gravel, Fanny Thébault-Dagher, and Emilie Sheppard
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Schools ,business.industry ,Neuropsychology ,Infant ,Cognition ,Context (language use) ,General Medicine ,Audiology ,Executive functions ,Seizures, Febrile ,Language development ,Status Epilepticus ,Complex febrile seizure ,Neurology ,Seizures ,Child, Preschool ,Cohort ,Cognitive development ,Humans ,Medicine ,Neurology (clinical) ,Child ,business - Abstract
Objective Our goal was to assess development, cognition and behaviour following an initial complex febrile seizure (FS), at onset and school age, in the context of known risk factors for cognitive development. Methods Two cohorts were recruited. Thirty-five infants with an initial complex FS were assessed within the first year post-seizure and compared to 30 controls (simple FS) based on measures of cognitive, motor and language development, behaviour and emotions. Additionally, 19 school-age children with previous complex FS (11 multiple, eight prolonged) were assessed and compared to 19 controls (simple FS) based on measures of intelligence, learning/memory, executive functioning, behaviour and emotions. Results Within the first year post-onset, infants with complex FS did not significantly differ from controls based on developmental measures. Seizure duration and age at seizure onset did not impact developmental outcome. School-age children with complex FS showed unaltered global intelligence, but lower executive functioning, compared to controls. Children with prolonged FS also showed evidence of a lower level of learning and memory abilities. Neuropsychological scores correlated with seizure duration. Children with complex FS showed more attentional problems and anxious/depressed symptomatology at onset and school age, and more hyperactivity at school age. Significance Infants with complex FS seemed to show normal development within the first year post-seizure onset. However, challenges in executive functioning, learning and memory at school age were found in children with a history of FS. Hence, at school age, cognitive challenges cannot be excluded based on undifferentiated early cognitive development, and may occur even in the absence of the most severe form of FS (i.e., FSE). Beyond the limits of this study (i.e., small sample size, use of parental questionnaires for emotional/behavioural outcome, absence of focal cases in the school-age cohort), our results suggest that a follow-up is necessary beyond the early preschool years in order to understand the long-term outcome.
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- 2021
34. Endothelial STAT3 Modulates Protective Mechanisms in a Mouse Ischemia-Reperfusion Model of Acute Kidney Injury
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Shataakshi Dube, Tejasvi Matam, Jessica Yen, Henry E. Mang, Pierre C. Dagher, Takashi Hato, and Timothy A. Sutton
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Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
STAT3 is a transcriptional regulator that plays an important role in coordinating inflammation and immunity. In addition, there is a growing appreciation of the role STAT3 signaling plays in response to organ injury following diverse insults. Acute kidney injury (AKI) from ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common clinical entity with devastating consequences, and the recognition that endothelial alterations contribute to kidney dysfunction in this setting is of growing interest. Consequently, we used a mouse with a genetic deletion of Stat3 restricted to the endothelium to examine the role of STAT3 signaling in the pathophysiology of ischemic AKI. In a mouse model of ischemic AKI, the loss of endothelial STAT3 signaling significantly exacerbated kidney dysfunction, morphologic injury, and proximal tubular oxidative stress. The increased severity of ischemic AKI was associated with more robust endothelial-leukocyte adhesion and increased tissue accumulation of F4/80+ macrophages. Moreover, important proximal tubular adaptive mechanisms to injury were diminished in association with decreased tissue mRNA levels of the epithelial cell survival cytokine IL-22. In aggregate, these findings suggest that the endothelial STAT3 signaling plays an important role in limiting kidney dysfunction in ischemic AKI and that selective pharmacologic activation of endothelial STAT3 signaling could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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- 2017
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35. Infection Control Measures in Private Dental Clinics in Lebanon
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Jihad Dagher, Charles Sfeir, Ahmad Abdallah, and Zeina Majzoub
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Dentistry ,RK1-715 - Abstract
Purpose. Evaluate infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice in Lebanese private dental clinics. Materials and Methods. A survey including 46 questions related to routine safety procedures was sent to 1150 Lebanese dentists between July 1st and 2nd, 2015. The study sample was selected from the database of registered dentists based on a proportional random sampling ensuring equitable representation of the 5 geographic regions of Lebanon. A subset of 29 questions was used to generate an overall score of compliance (excellent, good, fair, and poor). Comparisons according to gender, type, region, and years of practice were performed. Results. 417 dentists returned the completed questionnaires. 96% expressed concern about infection transmission, 90.6% were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and 61.8% asked routinely about patients medical history. Only 43% used protective eyewear. Although most dentists (65%) used autoclaves, dry heat was still used. Significant correlations were found between gender and use of personal protective equipment. Less compliance was shown by clinicians with fewer years of experience. In the overall compliance questionnaire, the mean percentage of correct answers was roughly 54% with
- Published
- 2017
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36. Quality matters: International standards for biobanking
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Georges Dagher
- Subjects
Biomedical Research ,Humans ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,Biological Specimen Banks - Abstract
Human biospecimens provide the basis for research, leading to a better understanding of human disease biology and discovery of new treatments that are tailored to individual patients with cancer or other common complex diseases. The collection, processing, preservation, storage and providing access to these resources are key activities of biobanks. Biobanks must ensure proper quality of samples and data, ethical and legal compliance as well as transparent and efficient access procedures. The standards for biobanking outlined herein are intended to be implemented in biobanks and to supply researchers with high-quality samples fitted for an intended use.
- Published
- 2022
37. Efficacy of LGE‐MRI‐guided fibrosis ablation versus conventional catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: The DECAAF II trial: Study design
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Oussama M. Wazni, Moussa Mansour, Gerhard Hindricks, Johannes Brachmann, Tom Greene, Francis E. Marchlinski, Hugh Calkins, Nassir F. Marrouche, Prashanthan Sanders, Lilas Dagher, Eugene G. Kholmovski, Nazem Akoum, David J. Wilber, Christian Mahnkopf, J. Michael Dean, Pierre Jaïs, Leonie Morrison-de Boer, Jereon Bax, and Decaaf Ii Investigators
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,guided ablation ,medicine.medical_treatment ,cardiac magnetic resonance imaging ,Contrast Media ,Gadolinium ,Catheter ablation ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Recurrence ,Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging ,Physiology (medical) ,Multicenter trial ,Internal medicine ,Atrial Fibrillation ,Clinical endpoint ,Humans ,Medicine ,Prospective Studies ,cardiovascular diseases ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Atrial tachycardia ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Atrial fibrillation ,Ablation ,medicine.disease ,Fibrosis ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,fibrosis‐ ,persistent atrial fibrillation ,Treatment Outcome ,Pulmonary Veins ,Catheter Ablation ,cardiovascular system ,Cardiology ,medicine.symptom ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business ,Atrial flutter - Abstract
Introduction Success rates of catheter ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remain suboptimal. A better and more targeted ablation strategy is urgently needed to optimize outcomes of AF treatment. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of targeting atrial fibrosis during ablation of persistent AF patients in improving procedural outcomes. Methods The DECAAF II trial (ClinicalTrials. gov identifier number NCT02529319) is a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial of patients with persistent AF. Patients with persistent AF undergoing a first-time ablation procedure were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive conventional pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation (Group 1) or PVI + fibrosis-guided ablation (Group 2). Left atrial fibrosis and ablation induced scarring were defined by late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and at 3-12 months postablation, respectively. The primary endpoint is the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia postablation, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia after the 90-day postablation blanking period. Patients were followed for a period of 12-18 months with a smartphone ECG Device (ECG Check Device, Cardiac Designs Inc.). With an anticipated enrollment of 900 patients, this study has an 80% power to detect a 26% reduction in the hazard ratio of the primary endpoint. Results and conclusion The DECAAF II trial is the first prospective, randomized, multicenter trial of patients with persistent AF using imaging defined atrial fibrosis as a treatment target. The trial will help define an optimal approach to catheter ablation of persistent AF, further our understanding of influencers of ablation lesion formation, and refine selection criteria for ablation based on atrial myopathy burden.
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- 2021
38. Can Lebanon's Economy Be Saved? A Plan for Revival
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Raoul Nehme and Leila Dagher
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Government ,Sociology and Political Science ,Economy ,Political science ,Political Science and International Relations ,Public institution ,International community ,Plan (drawing) ,Road map ,Exchange-rate regime ,Port (computer networking) ,Comparative advantage - Abstract
The recent financial and economic meltdown in Lebanon is the result of 30 years of social, economic, financial, and fiscal mismanagement, amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic and further exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion. Lebanese citizens? trust, as well as the international community's trust in the government, have unfortunately been destroyed. Consequently, Lebanon's sole option is to rebuild confidence in the government and public institutions by implementing economic reforms and to seek an IMF program to pave the way for additional financing from other international sources. The most important confidence-building step is a clear financial and economic plan that has the support of all key stakeholders. This article presents a road map for a reforms-driven, export-led growth strategy for Lebanon. Ultimately, the goal is to jump-start the economy and put it on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth. Such growth should be grounded in a small, open-economy model and driven by low tariffs, a flexible exchange rate regime, and a dynamic export sector built on competitive and comparative advantages. This plan partially builds on proposals and recommendations provided by previous economic plans and policy notes.
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- 2021
39. Evidence for Non‐Mendelian Inheritance in Spastic Paraplegia 7
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Mehrdad Asghari Estiar, Oksana Suchowersky, Nicolas Dupré, Fulya Akçimen, Alain Dagher, Mark A. Tarnopolsky, Jean-François Trempe, Jay P. Ross, Ziv Gan-Or, Ikhlass Haj Salem, Guy A. Rouleau, Eric Yu, Dan Spiegelman, Kym M. Boycott, Jennifer A. Ruskey, Farnaz Asayesh, Grace Yoon, Etienne Leveille, Patrick A. Dion, and Kheireddin Mufti
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Canada ,Non-Mendelian inheritance ,Biology ,Genetic analysis ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,ATP-Dependent Proteases ,Spastic ,medicine ,Humans ,Gene ,Paraplegia ,Genetics ,Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary ,Metalloendopeptidases ,Oligogenic Inheritance ,medicine.disease ,Digenic inheritance ,3. Good health ,030104 developmental biology ,Neurology ,Mutation ,Spinocerebellar ataxia ,ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities ,Epistasis ,Neurology (clinical) ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Transcription Factors - Abstract
Background Although the typical inheritance of spastic paraplegia 7 is recessive, several reports have suggested that SPG7 variants may also cause autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Objectives We aimed to conduct an exome-wide genetic analysis on a large Canadian cohort of HSP patients and controls to examine the association of SPG7 and HSP. Methods We analyzed 585 HSP patients from 372 families and 1175 controls, including 580 unrelated individuals. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 400 HSP patients (291 index cases) and all 1175 controls. Results The frequency of heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic SPG7 variants (4.8%) among unrelated HSP patients was higher than among unrelated controls (1.7%; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.24-6.66, P = 0.009). The heterozygous SPG7 p.(Ala510Val) variant was found in 3.7% of index patients versus 0.85% in unrelated controls (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.49-13.07, P = 0.005). Similar results were obtained after including only genetically-undiagnosed patients. We identified four heterozygous SPG7 variant carriers with an additional pathogenic variant in known HSP genes, compared to zero in controls (OR 19.58, 95% CI 1.05-365.13, P = 0.0031), indicating potential digenic inheritance. We further identified four families with heterozygous variants in SPG7 and SPG7-interacting genes (CACNA1A, AFG3L2, and MORC2). Of these, there is especially compelling evidence for epistasis between SPG7 and AFG3L2. The p.(Ile705Thr) variant in AFG3L2 is located at the interface between hexamer subunits, in a hotspot of mutations associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 that affect its proteolytic function. Conclusions Our results provide evidence for complex inheritance in SPG7-associated HSP, which may include recessive and possibly dominant and digenic/epistasis forms of inheritance. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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- 2021
40. Getting Under the Skin
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Rada K. Dagher, Tilda Farhat, Chandra L. Jackson, Jung S. Byun, and Kevin Gardner
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Gerontology ,business.industry ,Medicine ,Social determinants of health ,business ,Sleep in non-human animals ,Health equity ,Allostatic load ,Depression (differential diagnoses) - Published
- 2021
41. Genome‐wide footprints in the carob tree ( Ceratonia siliqua ) unveil a new domestication pattern of a fruit tree in the Mediterranean
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Baumel, Alex, primary, Nieto Feliner, Gonzalo, additional, Médail, Frédéric, additional, La Malfa, Stefano, additional, Di Guardo, Mario, additional, Bou Dagher Kharrat, Magda, additional, Lakhal‐Mirleau, Fatma, additional, Frelon, Valentine, additional, Ouahmane, Lahcen, additional, Diadema, Katia, additional, Sanguin, Hervé, additional, and Viruel, Juan, additional
- Published
- 2022
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42. Quality matters: International standards for biobanking
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Dagher, Georges, primary
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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43. A frozen decade: Ten years outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation using a single shot device for pulmonary vein isolation
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Bergau, Leonard, primary, Sciacca, Vanessa, additional, Nesapiragasan, Vinitha, additional, Rubarth, Kerstin, additional, Konietschke, Frank, additional, Fink, Thomas, additional, El Hamriti, Mustapha, additional, Imnadze, Guram, additional, Dagher, Lilas, additional, Braun, Martin, additional, Khalaph, Moneeb, additional, Guckel, Denise, additional, Heintze, Johannes, additional, Noelker, Georg, additional, Vogt, Jürgen, additional, Sommer, Philipp, additional, and Christian Sohns, MD, additional
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- 2022
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44. A Prodromal Brain‐Clinical Pattern of Cognition in Synucleinopathies
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Jacques Montplaisir, Christina Tremblay, Jean-François Gagnon, Julie Carrier, Frédéric Blanc, Chun Yao, Simon J.G. Lewis, Alain Dagher, Ronald B. Postuma, Shady Rahayel, Kaylena A. Ehgoetz Martens, Bratislav Misic, Malo Gaubert, Andrew Vo, Oury Monchi, and Elie Matar
- Subjects
Lewy Body Disease ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Synucleinopathies ,Polysomnography ,Prodromal Symptoms ,REM Sleep Behavior Disorder ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cognition ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,mental disorders ,medicine ,Humans ,Dementia ,Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance ,Least-Squares Analysis ,Aged ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Dementia with Lewy bodies ,business.industry ,Case-control study ,Brain ,Parkinson Disease ,Odds ratio ,Middle Aged ,Mental Status and Dementia Tests ,medicine.disease ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,030104 developmental biology ,Neurology ,Case-Control Studies ,Biomarker (medicine) ,Female ,Neurology (clinical) ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Objective Isolated (or idiopathic) rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Biomarkers are lacking to predict conversion to a dementia or a motor-first phenotype. Here, we aimed at identifying a brain-clinical signature that predicts dementia in iRBD. Methods A brain-clinical signature was identified in 48 patients with polysomnography-confirmed iRBD using partial least squares between brain deformation and 27 clinical variables. The resulting variable was applied to 78 patients with iRBD followed longitudinally to predict conversion to a synucleinopathy, specifically DLB. The deformation scores from patients with iRBD were compared with 207 patients with PD, DLB, or prodromal DLB to assess if scores were higher in DLB compared to PD. Results One latent variable explained 31% of the brain-clinical covariance in iRBD, combining cortical and subcortical deformation and subarachnoid/ventricular expansion to cognitive and motor variables. The deformation score of this signature predicted conversion to a synucleinopathy in iRBD (p = 0.036, odds ratio [OR] = 2.249; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.053-4.803), specifically to DLB (OR = 4.754; 95% CI = 1.283-17.618, p = 0.020) and not PD (p = 0.286). Patients with iRBD who developed dementia had scores similar to clinical and prodromal patients with DLB but higher scores compared with patients with PD. The deformation score also predicted cognitive performance over 1, 2, and 4 years in patients with PD. Interpretation We identified a brain-clinical signature that predicts conversion in iRBD to more severe/dementing forms of synucleinopathy. This pattern may serve as a new biomarker to optimize patient care, target risk reduction strategies, and administer neuroprotective trials. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:341-357.
- Published
- 2020
45. Intracellular reactive oxygen species trafficking participates in seed dormancy alleviation in Arabidopsis seeds
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Jurdak, Rana, primary, Rodrigues, Guilherme de Almeida Garcia, additional, Chaumont, Nicole, additional, Schivre, Geoffrey, additional, Bourbousse, Clara, additional, Barneche, Fredy, additional, Bou Dagher Kharrat, Magda, additional, and Bailly, Christophe, additional
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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46. Photoinactivation of Catalase Sensitizes Candida albicans and Candida auris to ROS‐Producing Agents and Immune Cells
- Author
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Dong, Pu‐Ting, primary, Zhan, Yuewei, additional, Jusuf, Sebastian, additional, Hui, Jie, additional, Dagher, Zeina, additional, Mansour, Michael K., additional, and Cheng, Ji‐Xin, additional
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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47. Cool enough? Lessons learned from cryoballoon‐guided catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in young adults
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Martin Braun, Christian Sohns, Claus P. Nowak, Moneeb Khalaph, Guram Imnadze, Stephan Molatta, Henrik Fox, Georg Nölker, Kerstin Rubarth, Lilas Dagher, Leonard Bergau, Mustapha El Hamriti, and Philipp Sommer
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Multivariate analysis ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Ablation of atrial fibrillation ,Catheter ablation ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Cryosurgery ,Pulmonary vein ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Recurrence ,Left atrial ,Physiology (medical) ,Internal medicine ,Atrial Fibrillation ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Young adult ,Child ,business.industry ,Hazard ratio ,Atrial fibrillation ,medicine.disease ,Treatment Outcome ,Pulmonary Veins ,Catheter Ablation ,Cardiology ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business - Abstract
Cryoballoon (CB)-guided ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is established in symptomatic AF patients. This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of CB pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in young adults.A total of 93 consecutive patients aged45 years referred to our center for AF ablation were included in this observational study. All patients received CB-guided PVI according to a standardized institutional protocol. Follow-up was performed in our outpatient clinic using 72-h Holter monitoring and periodic telephone interview. Recurrence was defined as any AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) episode30 s following a 3-month blanking period. A propensity matched control group consisting of patients older than 45 years were used for further evaluation. Mean age was 35 ± 7 years, 22% suffered from persistent AF, 85% were male. Mean follow-up was 2.6 ± 2 years. At the end of the observational period, 83% of patients were free of any AF/AT episodes. There was an excellent overall 12-month success rate of 92%. In comparison to a matched group the overall recurrence rate was noticeably lower in the young group (15% vs. 27%). Increasing age was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.16 for recurrence. In a multivariate analysis model, left atrial diameter remained as significant predictor of AF/AT recurrence. The complication rate was low, no permanent phrenic nerve palsy was observed.CB-guided PVI in young adults is safe and effective with favorable long-term results. It may be considered as first-line therapy in this relatively healthy population.
- Published
- 2020
48. Cytological description of testicular cell populations in sexually mature cats with normal spermatogenesis
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Elie Dagher, Olivier Albaric, Emmanuel Topie, Anne Gogny, Lucile Bodet, and Florian Chocteau
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Male ,endocrine system ,Biopsy, Fine-Needle ,Semen ,Biology ,Abnormal spermatogenesis ,Electroejaculation ,Andrology ,Endocrinology ,Testis ,Biopsy ,medicine ,Animals ,Spermatogenesis ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,urogenital system ,Sertoli cell ,Spermatozoa ,Sperm ,Semen Analysis ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Fine-needle aspiration ,Cats ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Biotechnology - Abstract
In cats, assessment of the testicular function is mainly based on sperm evaluation. Whatever the technique used, the volume of collected sperm is often small, which may lead to technical difficulties to achieve the semen evaluation in routine practice. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the testicular parenchyma is one of the other methods used to assess testicular function. The aim of this study was to explore the relevance of FNA in the assessment of testicular cells in sexually mature cats. Eighteen cats over one year of age were recruited among animals presented for surgical neutering. Semen was collected by electroejaculation before it was evaluated. FNA biopsies of the testicles were taken using a 21-gauge needle. After castration, histological analysis of the testes was performed. Semen evaluation and histological analysis showed no anomalies, which confirmed normal spermatogenesis in all the cats and allowed a proper interpretation of the cytological findings. The cells identified through cytological examination were spermatogonia (1.99 ± 0.17%), primary spermatocytes (10.49 ± 0.74%), round spermatids (34.80 ± 1.57%), elongated spermatids (23.59 ± 2.02%), spermatozoa (21.56 ± 1.86%), Sertoli cells (7.53 ± 1.23%) and Leydig cells (0.04 ± 0.03%). However, spermatocytes II were not identified. This is due to the low proportions of these cells, related to their very short lifespan. Likewise, the very low number of Leydig cells observed is probably due to the damage caused during the aspiration stage. This study showed that fine-needle aspiration is an efficient method to describe cytologically normal testicular populations, a cornerstone for future research aimed to study abnormal spermatogenesis and to correlate it to cytological proportion of germ cells.
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- 2020
49. Impact of a risk‐stratified thromboprophylaxis protocol on the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism and bleeding
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Hilmy Ismail, Bernhard Riedel, K. Yee, Kate Burbury, J. G. Dagher, Marliese Alexander, Rani Chahal, and C. M. K. Jun
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Adult ,Male ,Relative risk reduction ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Postoperative Hemorrhage ,Risk Assessment ,03 medical and health sciences ,Postoperative Complications ,0302 clinical medicine ,Clinical Protocols ,030202 anesthesiology ,Anesthesiology ,Prevalence ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Protocol (science) ,business.industry ,Incidence ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,Australia ,Thrombosis ,Venous Thromboembolism ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Quality Improvement ,Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine ,Medical risk ,Emergency medicine ,Female ,Guideline Adherence ,business ,Risk assessment ,Venous thromboembolism ,Algorithms - Abstract
Efforts to reduce postoperative venous thromboembolism are challenging due to heterogeneity in thromboprophylaxis practice. As a result, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach that accounts for surgery-specific risk, but fails to account for patient-level variation, is often adopted by healthcare networks. Updated clinical practice guidelines have advocated an individualised risk-stratified approach that balances the risk:benefit ratio associated with thromboprophylaxis; however, there are limited data confirming effectiveness of these recommendations on the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism and bleeding. We developed the surgical-thrombo-embolism-prevention protocol, a novel risk-stratified algorithm that classified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk profiles according to surgical procedure and patient baseline medical risk. Expert-endorsed risk-specific thromboprophylaxis strategies were then applied. A staged quality improvement program was developed to implement the protocol. We postulated that compliance with the protocol would reduce postoperative venous thromboembolism rates without increasing the incidence of postoperative bleeding. Between June 2013 and March 2018, we evaluated the efficacy, safety and sustainability of this risk-stratified approach in 24,953 surgical admissions at a dedicated cancer centre. By final implementation, program compliance was 91%. Postoperative venous thromboembolism rates reduced from 3.1 per 1000 surgical admissions to 0.6 per 1000 surgical admissions (relative risk reduction 79%; p < 0.005). Postoperative bleeding rates also declined from 10.0 per 1000 surgical admissions to 6.3 per 1000 surgical admissions (relative risk reduction 37%; p = 0.02). Sustained improvement was evident more than 3 years after implementation. Implementation of the surgical-thrombo-embolism-prevention protocol significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism supporting its validation at other institutions.
- Published
- 2020
50. Interindividual Variability in Lymphocyte Stimulation and Transcriptomic Response Predicts Mycophenolic Acid Sensitivity in Healthy Volunteers
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Ying Hua Cheng, Chloe White, Pierre C. Dagher, Nida A. Khan, Ricardo Melo Ferreira, Danielle Janosevic, Michael T. Eadon, Kimberly S. Collins, Matthew D. Dollins, and Hongyu Gao
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Graft Rejection ,Male ,Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase ,Lymphocyte ,Drug Resistance ,Lupus nephritis ,Stimulation ,Lymphocyte Activation ,Biomarkers, Pharmacological ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Medicine ,Lymphocytes ,RNA-Seq ,General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics ,Gene knockdown ,General Neuroscience ,Articles ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Lupus Nephritis ,Healthy Volunteers ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Gene Knockdown Techniques ,Female ,Single-Cell Analysis ,Immunosuppressive Agents ,medicine.drug ,Adult ,Lymphotoxin-beta ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Primary Cell Culture ,Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors ,Guanosine ,Article ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Mycophenolic acid ,Young Adult ,Internal medicine ,Humans ,Viability assay ,Aged ,business.industry ,Research ,Mycophenolic Acid ,medicine.disease ,Kidney Transplantation ,Endocrinology ,Biological Variation, Population ,Gene Expression Regulation ,chemistry ,business ,Ex vivo - Abstract
Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant commonly used to prevent renal transplant rejection and treat glomerulonephritis. MPA inhibits IMPDH2 within stimulated lymphocytes, reducing guanosine synthesis. Despite the widespread use of MPA, interindividual variability in response remains with rates of allograft rejection up to 15% and approximately half of individuals fail to achieve complete remission to lupus nephritis. We sought to identify contributors to interindividual variability in MPA response, hypothesizing that the HPRT1 salvage guanosine synthesis contributes to variability. MPA sensitivity was measured in 40 healthy individuals using an ex vivo lymphocyte viability assay. Measurement of candidate gene expression (n ± 40) and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (n ± 6) in lymphocytes was performed at baseline, poststimulation, and post‐MPA treatment. After stimulation, HPRT1 expression was 2.1‐fold higher in resistant individuals compared with sensitive individuals (P ± 0.049). Knockdown of HPRT1 increased MPA sensitivity (12%; P ± 0.003), consistent with higher expression levels in resistant individuals. Sensitive individuals had higher IMPDH2 expression and 132% greater stimulation. In lymphocyte subpopulations, differentially expressed genes between sensitive and resistant individuals included KLF2 and LTB. Knockdown of KLF2 and LTB aligned with the predicted direction of effect on proliferation. In sensitive individuals, more frequent receptor‐ligand interactions were observed after stimulation (P ± 0.0004), but fewer interactions remained after MPA treatment (P ± 0.0014). These data identify a polygenic transcriptomic signature in lymphocyte subpopulations predictive of MPA response. The degree of lymphocyte stimulation, HPRT1, KLF2, and LTB expression may serve as markers of MPA efficacy.
- Published
- 2020
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