Biomedicine & Healthcare Research

Editorial

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We are pleased to present this new issue of Biomedicine & Healthcare Research, the official scientific journal of the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse. This volume brings together original research articles, a comprehensive review, and a series of instructive case reports, illustrating the journal’s commitment to advancing high-quality, clinically relevant, and translational research.

This issue opens with three original research articles addressing important challenges in infectious diseases, critical care, and applied microbiology. Mansour et al. report on the genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, with particular emphasis on the ISAba-1–blaOXA-23 association and plasmid analysis, providing valuable insights into resistance mechanisms and their epidemiological implications. Ben Saida et al. present a prospective observational study proposing a predictive rule for 30-day mortality in critically ill patients after ICU discharge, offering a pragmatic tool for post-ICU risk stratification and improved patient management. Dhif et al. contribute an original study on the isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from wheat and fenugreek, demonstrating their antifungal and antibacterial activities and highlighting their potential applications in health-related and biotechnological fields.

The review article by Limam et al. focuses on Olea europaea leaves and human health, offering an integrative overview that spans from basic experimental research to clinical applications. This work underscores the growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds and their potential role in preventive and therapeutic strategies.

This volume also includes a diverse collection of case reports and case-based literature reviews that emphasize rare entities and diagnostic challenges across multiple medical specialties. Bacha et al. report a case of cystic lymphangiomyoma of the uterus mimicking an ovarian cyst, as well as a rare prenatal association of complete trisomy 15 with 69,XXX triploidy, both highlighting the importance of careful diagnostic evaluation. El Omri et al. describe a meningioma of the cerebellar peduncle revealed by sudden deafness, illustrating an uncommon presentation of a central nervous system tumor. Mahmoudi et al. contribute two instructive reports: a cardiac synovial sarcoma in children, accompanied by a literature review, and a case of tibial hydatid disease mimicking osteosarcoma, both underscoring the complexity of diagnosing rare and misleading clinical conditions.

We sincerely thank all authors and reviewers for their valuable contributions and their commitment to scientific rigor and quality. This issue reflects our shared objective of advancing evidence-based medicine through meaningful research that is both clinically impactful and regionally grounded.

We hope our readers will find this volume informative and stimulating, and we look forward to their continued readership and future contributions to Biomedicine & Healthcare Research.

Olea europaea Leaves and Human Health: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications

Inès Limam, Mohamed Abdelkarim — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.), once considered an agricultural by-product, are now recognized as a valuable source of bioactive polyphenols—mainly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol—with high biomedical potential. Extensive experimental evidence demonstrates their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiometabolic, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. These effects are mediated through key molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress regulation, inflammation control, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Notably, olive leaf compounds exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells while preserving normal cell viability, supporting their potential role in integrative oncology. Although clinical investigations still limited in number, available trials have reported significant improvements in blood pressure, lipid metabolism, glucose tolerance, and cognitive performance, with a generally good safety profile in the available trials. Beyond their pharmacological promise, olive leaves offer an environmentally sustainable avenue for the valorization of olive cultivation by-products, aligning human health benefits with circular economy principles. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and clinical findings, while also discussing current limitations such as extract variability and the need for further clinical validation.

Cystic Lymphangiomyoma of the Uterus Mimicking an Ovarian Cyst: A Case Report

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Cystic lesions of the uterus are rare and are frequently misdiagnosed as adnexal pathology on imaging. Cystic lymphangiomyoma is an uncommon benign lesion characterized by dilated lymphatic channels within the uterine wall. Because imaging features are nonspecific, diagnosis generally requires histopathological confirmation supported by immunohistochemistry.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with a pelvic cystic mass initially presumed to be of ovarian origin. Pelvic ultrasound and MRI suggested a paratubal cyst. Laparoscopy revealed a 6-cm intramural uterine cyst arising from the uterine wall. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed with meticulous dissection to preserve the myometrium. Histopathological examination demonstrated multiple cystic spaces lined by flattened endothelial cells, consistent with uterine cystic lymphangiomyoma.

Conclusion: The postoperative course was uneventful. This rare case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing uterine cystic lesions from adnexal pathology based solely on imaging. Accurate diagnosis relies on histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, while complete surgical excision ensures definitive cure.

Meningioma of the cerebellar peduncle revealed by sudden deafness: A case report

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Meningiomas in adults represent the most frequent of all primary intracranial tumors in adults. Location and size of such tumors dictate their clinical characteristics. Multiple locations are extremely rare, resulting in atypical clinical presentation and complications, such as a cerebellar peduncle-based meningioma discussed in this case report, manifesting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss. We aim to discuss an exceptional etiology of sudden deafness, describing its clinical and therapeutic features in order to ensure a better understanding of meningioma of this location.

Case presentation: This was a 35-year-old woman with no medical history of pathology who was admitted to our department for a sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the left ear. The physical examination revealed a normal, complete eardrum on both sides, as well as a neurovestibular examination without abnormalities. Audiometry showed left cochleosis. We completed a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and the pontocerebellar angle, which showed a meningioma next to the left cerebellar peduncle associated with vestibular signal abnormalities related to a hemorrhagic rearrangement of the meningioma. We referred the patient to neurosurgery for additional management.

Clinical discussion: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a well-recognized clinical condition, typically idiopathic in origin. Meningiomas located outside the cerebellopontine angle are rarely implicated as a cause of hearing loss. Surgical resection of the meningioma can lead to significant restoration of auditory function. This underscores the importance of considering prompt surgical intervention in cases of SSNHL to potentially reverse hearing deficits.

Conclusion: Sudden deafness is rare, and its occurrence in association with cerebellopontine angle tumors is even rarer.

Cardiac Synovial Sarcoma in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Synovial sarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal tumors, primarily observed in adolescents and young adults. These tumors are predominantly located in the extremities. Cardiac involvement is exceptionally rare, infrequently reported in the literature, and presents diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic challenges.

Case Presentation: We report a case of cardiac synovial sarcoma in a 12-year-old child, located in the right ventricle and measuring 67 mm at its largest dimension. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the diagnosis. The extension workup was negative. The tumor was resected by morcellation, and chemotherapy with an ifosfamide–doxorubicin regimen was initiated, combined with adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient is currently alive but presents with a recurrence at the initial site after 23 months.

Conclusion: Cardiac synovial sarcomas are rarely documented in the literature. Although rare, it is crucial to consider this diagnosis in the presence of a malignant cardiac tumor with biphasic or spindle cell morphology.

Tibial Hydatid Disease Mimicking Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Diagnostic Challenges

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, most commonly involving the liver and lungs. Osseous involvement is rare and can mimic malignant tumors, leading to diagnostic challenges and potential delays in treatment.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old woman presenting with a rapidly progressive, painful swelling of the anterior right leg. Imaging studies suggested an aggressive bone lesion consistent with osteosarcoma. However, ultrasound findings raised suspicion of osseous hydatidosis, which was later confirmed by aspiration cytology and histopathological analysis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the cyst with intraoperative sterilization, followed by histopathological confirmation of tibial hydatid disease.

Discussion: Osseous hydatidosis remains a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical and radiological features. The main differential diagnoses include osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, and benign cystic lesions. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a crucial role, but definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological examination. Treatment involves surgical excision combined with antiparasitic therapy to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions, especially in endemic regions. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Rare Prenatal Association of complete Trisomy 15 with 69, XXX Triploidy: Case Report and Literature Review

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Trisomy 15 and triploidy are both rare chromosomal abnormalities usually observed in early pregnancy losses. Their coexistence in a viable gestation has never been reported. This case describes an exceptional prenatal association of complete trisomy 15 and 69XXX triploidy, providing detailed clinical, sonographic, and cytogenetic documentation.

Case presentation: A 41‑year‑old pregnant woman underwent a second‑trimester morphology ultrasound showing severe, proportionate fetal growth restriction, absent nasal bones, and clenched hands. Amniocentesis at 26 weeks identified 69, XXX by FISH, and conventional karyotyping subsequently revealed complete trisomy 15. Multidisciplinary counseling led to termination at 29 weeks. Postmortem examination confirmed a female phenotype with craniofacial dysmorphia (flat forehead, mild nasal flaring, hypertelorism, retrognathism), elongated limbs with clenched hands, and a bulging thorax, without visceral or cerebral malformations.

Conclusions: This case illustrates an exceptionally uncommon combination of numerical chromosomal abnormalities. Although isolated trisomy 15 and triploidy can each present with growth restriction and multiple abnormalities, their co‑occurrence likely confers near‑certain lethality. Early detailed ultrasound followed by definitive cytogenetic testing is critical for counseling and management in suspected multiple aneuploidies.

Genotyping and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: ISAba-1-blaOXA-23 association and plasmid analysis

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: To characterize the mechanisms responsible for carbapenem resistance among a collection of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered at the Tahar Sfar University hospital in Tunisia.

Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing were studied on Muller Hinton agar plates. Southern blot and PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) were performed. Beta-lactamases genes were screened by PCR and sequencing. Conjugation experiments were carried out to determine whether the resistance determinants were transferable. Clonality of isolates was assessed by PFGE.

Results: Sixteen carbapenem-resistant Acientobacter baumannii strains were collected over a 3-years period from patient hospitalized in different wards of the Tahar Sfar University hospital. Resistance to carbapenems was mostly due to the expression of the acquired bla_OXA-23 and the intrinsic bla_OXA-66 genes, both genes being associated with the ISAbaI insertion sequence. Mating-out assays showed that all carbapenem-resistant isolates carried the bla_OXA-23 gene on plasmids that all belonged to the GR6 replicase group.

Conclusions: This study reports on the molecular characterization of carbapenem resistance determinants in A. baumannii isolates. There is an urgent need for control measures to prevent dissemination of those multi-drug resistant strains.

A Predictive Rule of 30-Day Mortality of Critically Ill Patients after ICU Discharge. A Prospective Observational Study

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors have a high and ongoing risk of death after discharge. Aim: To determine the rate and predictors of 30-day post-ICU mortality in critical care survivors to develop a predictive triage model for ICU discharge.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study included all consecutive survivors admitted to the ICU. Data were collected between January 2014 and December 2015. Outcomes were assessed by telephone interviews at 30 days after ICU discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with 30-day post-ICU mortality used to develop a predictive triage model.

Results: Among 573 ICU-admitted patients, 215 discharged survivors were included. Thirty-four (16%) died within the first month. At ICU admission, patients had, WHO performance status > 3, 72(33.5%), severe acute respiratory failure 130(60.5%), invasive mechanical ventilation, 111(51.6). Mean length of stay, 8.5±9.7days. Multivariate regression analysis identified, (OR, 95%CI, p): SAPS II ≥30, (3.258 [1.1-9.6], <0.032), tachycardia at discharge (heart rate≥90b/mn) (3.024 [1.01- 9.11], <0.049), decline in functional handicap status (15.868 [15.18- 48.56], <0.000), and WHO performance status ≥3 (6.57 [2.03- 21.25], <0.002), as independent risk factors of 30-day post-ICU mortality. AUC/ ROC curve of the predictive triage model, 0.914 (95%CI, [0.86-0.96]).

Conclusion: The present study revealed a high rate of mortality among ICU survivors at 30-day post-ICU discharge. A predictive triage model including the severity at ICU admission, performance status at ICU discharge, decline of physiological reserve, and persistent tachycardia demonstrated good discriminative properties to identify patients at risk of 30-day post-ICU mortality.

Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from wheat and fenugreek and evaluation of their antifungal and antibacterial activities

Haifa Dhif, Jalila Ben Salah-ABBES, Kamel Chaieb, Samir Abbès — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute a major group of probiotic microorganisms recognized for their ability to inhibit pathogenic microbes, modulate the microbiota, and enhance host protection through the production of organic acids, antimicrobial compounds, and other bioactive metabolites.

Methods: The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria from wheat and fenugreek seeds and to evaluate their antibacterial and antifungal activities for potential probiotic and biocontrol applications. Eight LAB strains isolated from wheat and fenugreek seeds were characterized morphologically, biochemically, and functionally, and subsequently assessed for their antibacterial and antifungal potential.

Results: Macroscopic and microscopic observations showed that all strains were Gram-positive, primarily cocci and rods, devoid of DNase activity, and capable of producing biofilm, suggesting profiles compatible with probiotic use. Antibacterial activity varied depending on both the LAB strain and the target pathogen. Inhibition zones ranged from 0 to 15 mm against Staphylococcus aureus (0–10 mm), Escherichia coli (6–11 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (0–15 mm), Bacillus cereus (0–11 mm), Micrococcus luteus (0–11 mm), and Salmonella typhimurium (0–7 mm). Activity was attributed to medium acidification and the production of antimicrobial metabolites, including organic acids and bacteriocins. Selective antifungal activity was also observed, with inhibition zones ranging from 0 to 27 mm against Candida albicans (0–20 mm), Candida krusei (0–22 mm), Candida neoformans (0–26 mm), Aspergillus brasiliensis (0–25 mm), and Aspergillus fumigatus (0–27 mm). These results reflect strain–target-specific interactions and confirm the potential of the LAB strains to inhibit opportunistic yeasts and molds of sanitary relevance.

Conclusion: Overall, these findings quantitatively demonstrate the biotechnological potential of LAB strains derived from wheat and fenugreek seeds as biocontrol agents and probiotic candidates for the prevention of foodborne infections and reduction of fungal contamination.