Radioactivity measurements in tap water in Gaza Strip (Al-Naser Area)

Ionizing radiation comes from outer space (cosmic), the ground (terrestrial), and even from within our own bodies. It is present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and in the construction materials used to build our homes. Exposure to radon and its progeny is believed to be associated with increased risks of several kinds of cancer. When radon or its progeny is inhaled, lung cancer accounts for most of the total incremental cancer risk. Ingestion of radon in water is suspected of being associated with increased risk of tumors of several internal organs, primarily the stomach

Endemic Gastrointestinal Anthrax in 1960s Lebanon: Clinical Manifestations and Surgical Findings

Anthrax is an ancient disease caused by the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis; recently, it has gained much attention because of its potential use in biologic warfare. Anthrax infection occurs in three forms: cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal. The last type results from ingestion of poorly cooked contaminated meat. Intestinal anthrax was widely known in Lebanon in the 1960s, when a series of >100 cases were observed in the Bekaa Valley. We describe some of these cases, introduce the concept of the surgical management of advanced intestinal anthrax, and describe some of the approaches for treatment

Post-graduation migration intentions of students of Lebanese medical schools: a survey study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The international migration of physicians is a global public health problem. Lebanon is a source country with the highest emigration factor in the Middle East and North Africa and the 7th highest in the World. Given that residency training abroad is a critical step in the migration of physicians, the objective of this study was to survey students of Lebanese medical schools about their intentions to train abroad and their post training plans.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Our target population consisted of all students of Lebanese medical schools in the pre-final and final years of medical school. We developed the survey questionnaire based on the results of a qualitative study assessing the intentions and motives for students of Lebanese medical schools to train abroad. The questionnaire inquired about student's demographic and educational characteristics, intention to train abroad, the chosen country of abroad training, and post-training intention of returning to Lebanon.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 576 eligible students, 425 participated (73.8% response rate). 406 (95.5%) respondents intended to travel abroad either for specialty training (330 (77.6%)) or subspecialty training (76 (17.9%)). Intention to train abroad was associated with being single compared with being married. The top 4 destination countries were the US (301(74.1%)), France (49 (12.1%)), the United Kingdom (31 (7.6%)) and Canada (17 (4.2%)). One hundred and two (25.1%) respondents intended to return to Lebanon directly after finishing training abroad; 259 (63.8%) intended to return to Lebanon after working abroad temporarily for a varying number or years; 43 (10.6%) intended to never return to Lebanon. The intention to stay indefinitely abroad was associated male sex and having a 2^ndcitizenship. It was inversely associated with being a student of one of the French affiliated medical schools and a plan to train in a surgical specialty.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>An alarming percentage of students of Lebanese medical schools intend to migrate for post graduate training, mainly to the US. A minority intends to return directly to Lebanon after finishing training abroad.</p

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mucinous cystic neoplasms arise in the ovary and various extra-ovarian sites. While their pathogenesis remains conjectural, their similarities suggest a common pathway of development. There have been rare reports involving the mesentery as a primary tumour site.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A cystic mass of uncertain origin was demonstrated radiologically in a 22 year old female with chronic abdominal pain. At laparotomy, the mass was fixed within the colonic mesentery. Histology demonstrated a benign mucinous cystadenoma.</p> <p>Methods and results</p> <p>We review the literature on mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery and report on the pathogenesis, biologic behavior, diagnosis and treatment of similar extra-ovarian tumors. We propose an updated classification of mesenteric cysts and cystic tumors.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the mesentery present almost exclusively in women and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of mesenteric tumors. Only full histological examination of a mucinous cystic neoplasm can exclude a borderline or malignant component. An updated classification of mesenteric cysts and cystic tumors is proposed.</p

History of mastectomy before and after Halsted

The operation described by Halsted, in 1894 and called radical mastectomy, represents a milestone in the treatment of breast cancer. It consisted of removal of the breast, muscles and axillary lymph nodes. The pre-Halsted era saw attitudes ranging from the willful abstention to brutal treatments by cauterization or amputation. The introduction of anesthesia and asepsis enabled more advanced surgical attempts. The stratification of patients into operable and non-operable categories has improved surgical outcome. After attempts to extend Halsted procedure (by extended or super-radical mastectomies) proved to be of little benefit, a minimally-invasive trend emerged gradually. It started with modified radical mastectomy that spares the muscles and was then followed by breast conservative surgery that leaves breast tissue behind. Then sentinel lymph node mapping was introduced with the hope of reducing the extent of axillary dissection. Finally, skin sparing mastectomy appeared in order to conserve skin and facilitate breast reconstruction.