Impact of treated sewage on meiobenthic nematodes: a case study from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company / Impacto de esgoto tratado em nematoides meiobentônicos: um estudo de caso da Tunisian Refining Industries Company

The organization of the roots, ganglia and the peripheral distribution of the cranial nerves of the fully formed embryos of Oreochromis niloticus are examined in the transverse serial sections. These nerves carry fibers, which were also analyzed. The results of this study demonstrated that the glossopharyngeal nerve originates by means of only one root, which leaves the cranium through the glossopharyngeal foramen. This nerve gives fibers (visceromotor) to the first internal and external levator arcus branchialis muscles. There is a single epibranchial (petrosal) ganglion located extracranially. Nervus glossopharyngeus has three rami; pharyngeus, pretramticus and posttrematicus. The ramus pharyngeus carries only viscerosensory fibers; general for the pharyngeal epithelium and special ones for the pseudobranch. General viscerosensory fibers are also carried by rami pretrematicus and posttrematicus for the pharyngeal epithelial lining. The special sensory fibers are carried by the ramus pretrematicus for the taste buds and by ramus posttrematicus for the gill filaments. The ramus pretrematicus also carries visceromotor fibers for the first adductor arcus branchialis and to the first obliquus ventralis muscles.

A organização das raízes, gânglios e a distribuição periférica dos nervos cranianos dos embriões totalmente formados de Oreochromis niloticus são examinados nas seções transversais seriais. Esses nervos carregam fibras, que também foram analisadas. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que o nervo glossofaríngeo se origina por meio de apenas uma raiz, que sai do crânio pelo forame glossofaríngeo. Este nervo fornece fibras (visceromotoras) para os primeiros músculos levantadores do arco branquial interno e externo. Existe um único gânglio epibranquial (petroso) localizado extracranialmente. Nervus glossopharyngeus tem três ramos; faríngeo, pretramticus e póstrematicus. O ramo faríngeo contém apenas fibras viscerossensoriais ­ gerais para o epitélio faríngeo e especiais para o pseudobrânquio. Fibras viscerossensoriais gerais também são transportadas por ramos pretrematicus e posttrematicus para o revestimento epitelial da faringe. As fibras sensoriais especiais são transportadas pelo ramus pretrematicus para as papilas gustativas e pelo ramus posttrematicus para os filamentos branquiais. O ramo pretrematicus também carrega fibras visceromotoras para o primeiro adutor arcus branchialis e para o primeiro músculo oblíquo ventral.

Spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Chironomidae communities in the wadis of Northern Tunisia / Padrões de distribuição espaço-temporal de comunidades Chironomidae nos wadis do norte da Tunísia

In Northern Tunisia, seasonal streams, called wadi, are characterized by extreme hydrological and thermal conditions. These freshwater systems have very particular features as a result of their strong irregularity of flow due to limited precipitation runoff regime, leading to strong seasonal hydrologic fluctuations. The current study focused on the spatio-temporal distribution of chironomids in 28 sampling sites spread across the Northern Tunisia. By emplying PERMANOVA, the results indicated a significant spatio-temporal variation along various environmental gradients. The main abiotic factors responsible for noted differences in the spatial distribution of chironomids in wadi were the conductivity and temperature, closely followed by altitude, pH, salinity, talweg slope and dissolved oxygen, identified as such by employing distance-based linear models' procedure. The Distance-based redundancy analysis ordination showed two main groups: the first clustered the Bizerte sites, which were characterized by high water conductivity, sodium concentration and salinity. The second main group comprised sites from the Tell zone and was characterized by low temperatures, neutral pH, low conductivity and nutrients content. The subfamily TANYPODIINAE (e.g., Prochladius sp., Prochladius choerus (Meigen, 1804) and Macropelopia sp.) was the dominant group at Tell zone, whereas species such as Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970) and Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838) were found only in Tell Wadis. In contrast, chironomid species such as Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970), Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838), Procladius choreus (Meigen, 1804) were specific for Tell Mountain. Cap Bon wadis region was dominated by genus Cladotanytarsus sp. The results of this survey liked the taxonomic composition of chironomid assemblages to the variation of hydromorphological and physic-chemical gradients across the northern Tunisia wadis.

No norte da Tunísia, riachos sazonais chamados wadi são caracterizados por condições hidrológicas e térmicas extremas. Esses sistemas de água doce têm características muito particulares como resultado de sua forte irregularidade de fluxo devido ao regime de escoamento de precipitação limitado, levando a fortes flutuações hidrológicas sazonais. O estudo atual enfocou a distribuição espaço-temporal dos quironomídeos em 28 locais de amostragem espalhados pelo norte da Tunísia. Ao aplicar PERMANOVA, os resultados indicaram uma variação espaço-temporal significativa ao longo de vários gradientes ambientais. Os principais fatores abióticos responsáveis pelas diferenças observadas na distribuição espacial dos quironomídeos no wadi foram a condutividade e a temperatura, seguidos de perto por altitude, pH, salinidade, declive do talvegue e oxigênio dissolvido, identificados como tais empregando o procedimento de modelos lineares baseados na distância. A ordenação da análise de redundância baseada em distância mostrou dois grupos principais: o primeiro agrupou os sítios Bizerte, que foram caracterizados por alta condutividade da água, concentração de sódio e salinidade. O segundo grupo principal compreendia locais da zona de Tell e era caracterizado por baixas temperaturas, pH neutro, baixa condutividade e conteúdo de nutrientes. A subfamília Tanypodiinae (por exemplo, Prochladius sp., Prochladius choerus [Meigen, 1804] e Macropelopia sp.) era o grupo dominante na zona de Tell, enquanto espécies como Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970) e Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838) foram encontradas apenas em Tell Wadis. Em contraste, espécies de quironomídeos, como Diamesa starmachi (Kownacki et Kownacha, 1970), Potthastia gaedii (Meigen, 1838), Procladius choreus (Meigen, 1804), eram específicas para Tell Mountain. A região de Cap Bon wadis foi dominada pelo gênero Cladotanytarsus sp. Os resultados desta pesquisa gostaram da composição taxonômica das assembleias de quironomídeos com a variação dos gradientes hidromorfológicos e físico-químicos nos wadis do norte da Tunísia.

Assessment of Hypnosis Knowledge Among Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the attitudes, experiences, training levels, and interest in future education regarding the use of hypnosis by dentists working in Dental Clinic of Monastir, Tunisia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 dentists working in Dental Clinic of Monastir in November 2019. Students, internship, residents, and professors were randomly selected. This was a survey with a structured questionnaire mailed to all dentists. The questionnaire was pre-fabricated, simple, and close-ended. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 statistical software. Results: A total of 202 dentists respond to this survey. 54% of the participants were interns with a female predominance (66.5%). Findings revealed that beliefs toward hypnosis in the sample were generally positive. Using a visual analogue scale, dentists reported having moderate acknowledge in hypnosis (3.4). 60% of the participants in our study consider that hypnosis is useful in dentistry and, more particularly, in pediatric dentistry. 78.2% of respondents want to follow training courses in hypnosis. Conclusion: Our survey highlights the weak knowledge of participants in hypnosis and reveals certain misconceptions about this procedure. More efforts are required to better educate dentists about hypnosis's benefits in their practice.

Hepatitis B and C viral infections screening in a Tunisian IBD population under immunosuppressive therapies / Detección de infecciones virales de hepatitis B y C en una población de EII de Túnez sometida a terapias inmunosupresoras

ABSTRACT Background : Immunosuppressive drugs have become a mainstay of therapy for the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These treatments expose to a risk of hepatitis B and C reactivation. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses in Tunisian IBD patients on immunosuppressive treatments. Materials and methods : Patients with inflammatory bowel disease were consecutively recruited over a 2 years period (2017-2018). Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C as well as clinical, biological and virological presentation, management and outcome were assessed. Factors associated to hepatitis B and C were also analyzed (SPSS software, p value <0.05). Results : Seventy four patients with IBD were included: 38 women and 36 men. Among them 62 (83.8%) had CD and (16.2%) had UC. Mean age was 43.5±14.2 years. Six patients (8.1%) had at least one positive HVB marker. Hepatitis C infection was found in 4% patients. HBs Ag was positive in only one patient (1.3%) with positive HBV DNA. Anti HBc and anti HBs antibodies were positive respectively in 6 and 4 patients. Vaccination against hepatitis B was proposed for 22% of our patients with negative anti HBc antibodies and HBs Ag. Two patients presented non-severe acute hepatitis C with sustained virological response after antiviral treatment. IBD did not relapse under antiviral treatment. A 3rd patient had chronic hepatitis C infection. She was treated with Pegylated Interferon alpha and Ribavirine. No cases of viral reactivation have been reported. Noassociated factors to hepatitis B and C viral infections were identified in our study. Conclusion : The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in IBD patients under immunosuppressive therapy was similar to the general population, while the hepatitis C prevalence was higher than the national prevalence. Screening for hepatitis B and C viral infections is mandatory in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Vaccination against hepatitis B is highly recommended.

RESUMEN Antecedentes : Los fármacos inmunosupresores se han convertido en un pilar de la terapia para las enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino (EII). Estos tratamientos exponen al riesgo de reactivación de la hepatitis B y C. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de los virus de la hepatitis B y C en pacientes tunecinos con EII que reciben tratamientos inmunosupresores. Materiales y métodos : Los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal fueron reclutados consecutivamente durante un período de 2 años (2017-2018). Se evaluó la prevalencia de las hepatitis virales B y C, así como la presentación, el tratamiento y los resultados clínicos, biológicos y virológicos. También se analizaron los factores asociados a la hepatitis B y C (software SPSS, valor de p<0,05). Resultados : Se incluyeron 74 pacientes con EII: 38 mujeres y 36 hombres. Entre ellos, 62 (83,8%) tenían EC y (16,2%) CU. La edad media fue de 43,5 ± 14,2 años. Seis pacientes (8,1%) tenían al menos un marcador HVB positivo. Se encontró infección por hepatitis C en el 4% de los pacientes. HBs Ag fue positivo en sólo un paciente (1,3%) con ADN del VHB positivo. Los anticuerpos anti-HBc y anti-HBs fueron positivos respectivamente en 6 y 4 pacientes. Se propuso la vacunación contra la hepatitis B para el 22% de nuestros pacientes con anticuerpos anti-HBc negativos y Ag HBs. Dos pacientes presentaron hepatitis C aguda no grave con respuesta virológica sostenida tras el tratamiento antiviral. La EII no recayó con el tratamiento antiviral. Un tercer paciente tenía infección crónica por hepatitis C. Fue tratada con interferón alfa pegilado y ribavirina. No se han notificado casos de reactivación viral. En nuestro estudio no se identificaron factores asociados a las infecciones virales por hepatitis B y C. Conclusión : La prevalencia de infección por hepatitis B en pacientes con EII bajo terapia inmunosupresora fue similar a la población general, mientras que la prevalencia de hepatitis C fue mayor que la prevalencia nacional. La detección de infecciones virales de hepatitis B y C es obligatoria en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Se recomienda encarecidamente la vacunación contra la hepatitis B.

Prevalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Among School Children aged 7-12 years in Tunis, Tunisia

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and the characteristics of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) in 7-12-year-old children in Tunis, Tunisia. Material and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, in which school children aged 7 to 12 years were included. A total of 510 children (257 girls and 253 boys) who had their first permanent molar and incisors were evaluated using the 2003 European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) recommendation criteria were examined. Descriptive data analysis and Pearson's chi-squared test were performed (p<0.05). Results: A total of 510 children were included in the study. MIH was present in 35.4 % of our study population. Boys exhibited slightly higher MIH (19,4%) and Post Eruptive Breakdown (PEB) (7,3%) prevalence compared to girls, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Moreover, demarcated opacities were more prevalent than PEB. More precisely, the main prevalence without PEB was MIH with white/creamy demarcated opacities, which was more frequent than yellow/brown demarcated opacities (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH in Tunis was 35.4%, with no difference between girls and boys. The main MIH type prevalence was white/creamy demarcated opacities without PEB.

Assessment of the quality of life of Egyptian and Tunisian autoimmune bullous diseases' patients using an Arabic version of the autoimmune bullous disease quality of life and the treatment of autoimmune bullous disease quality of life questionnaires

Abstract: Background: The Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL) and the Treatment of Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (TABQOL) questionnaires proved to be reliable tools that measure the disease and treatment burden. Objectives: We aimed to assess the ABQOL and TABQOL in the Arabic population. Methods: The English questionnaires were translated into the Arabic language by a certified translation agency. Eighty autoimmune bullous disease (AIBD) patients were included in this study. Patients were asked to answer 2 questionnaires. After 1 week the same patients were asked to answer the same questionnaires again. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 19 to 81 years (mean=46), 19 males, 61 females. The ABQOL ranged from 0-37 (mean=16.4±9.2). The TABQOL ranged from 2-43 (mean=21.5±9.4). Test-retest reliability was acceptable, Cronbach's alpha was 0.76 for ABQOL and 0.74 for TABQOL. There was no significant correlation between the age of the patients and ABQOL, r =-0.2, p value was 0.183. There was a significant negative correlation between the age of the patients and the TABQOL, r=-0.2, p value was 0.039. There was a significant negative correlation between the education of the patients and the TABQOL, r=-0.3, p value was 0.007. Study limitations: Small sample size of some AIBDs and patients with severe disease. Conclusion: Objective and valuable measurements such as ABQOL and TABQOL are now available to help physicians understand their patient's distress and should be used in every patient with AIBD. Younger and less educated patients appear to have more effects on their QOL from the treatments.

Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors associated with autism spectrum disorder / Fatores pré-natais, perinatais e pós-natais associados ao transtorno do espectrodo autismo

Abstract Objective: To identify prenatal, perinatal and postnatal risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by comparing them to their siblings without autistic disorders. Method: The present study is cross sectional and comparative. It was conducted over a period of three months (July-September 2014). It included 101 children: 50 ASD's children diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and 51 unaffected siblings. The severity of ASD was assessed by the CARS. Results: Our study revealed a higher prevalence of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors in children with ASD in comparison with unaffected siblings. It showed also a significant association between perinatal and postnatal factors and ASD (respectively p = 0.03 and p = 0.042). In this group, perinatal factors were mainly as type of suffering acute fetal (26% of cases), long duration of delivery and prematurity (18% of cases for each factor), while postnatal factors were represented principally by respiratory infections (24%). As for parental factors, no correlation was found between advanced age of parents at the moment of the conception and ASD. Likewise, no correlation was observed between the severity of ASD and different factors. After logistic regression, the risk factors retained for autism in the final model were: male gender, prenatal urinary tract infection, acute fetal distress, difficult labor and respiratory infection. Conclusions: The present survey confirms the high prevalence of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors in children with ASD and suggests the intervention of some of these factors (acute fetal distress and difficult labor, among others), as determinant variables for the genesis of ASD.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar fatores de risco pré-natal, perinatal e pós-natal em crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) ao compará-las com irmãos sem transtornos de autismo. Método: Estudo é transversal e comparativo. Foi conduzido em três meses (julho a setembro de 2014). Incluiu 101 crianças: 50 com TEA diagnosticadas de acordo com os critérios do DSM-5 e 51 irmãos não afetados. A gravidade do TEA foi avaliada pela Escala de Avaliação do Autismo na Infância (CARS). Resultados: Nosso estudo revelou uma prevalência maior de fatores pré-natais, perinatais e pós-natais em crianças com TEA em comparação com irmãos não afetados. Também mostrou uma associação significativa entre fatores perinatais e pós-natais e TEA (respectivamente p = 0,03 e p = 0,042). Nesse grupo, os fatores perinatais foram principalmente do tipo sofrimento fetal agudo (26% dos casos), longa duração do parto e prematuridade (18% dos casos em cada fator), ao passo que fatores pós-natais foram representados principalmente por infecções respiratórias (24%). No que diz respeito a fatores dos pais, nenhuma correlação foi encontrada entre a idade avançada dos pais no momento da concepção e o TEA. Da mesma forma, nenhuma correlação foi estabelecida entre a gravidade do TEA e fatores diferentes.Após regressão logística, os fatores de risco de autismo encontrados no modelo final foram: sexo masculino, infecção pré-natal do trato urinário, sofrimento fetal agudo, parto difícil e infecção respiratória. Conclusões: Esta pesquisa confirma a alta prevalência de fatores pré-natais, perinatais e pós-natais em crianças com TEA e sugere a intervenção de alguns desses fatores (sofrimento fetal agudo, parto difícil) como variáveis determinantes para a gênese do TEA.

MnSOD and GPx1 polymorphism relationship with coronary heart disease risk and severity

BACKGROUND: Disturbance of the equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-oxidants (AOX) has been implicated in various diseases, including atherosclerosis, the most common pathologic process underlying coronary heart disease (CHD). Thus, the defense systems against ROS are critical protecting blood vessel walls against oxidative damage. In this study, we investigate whether Ala16Val MnSOD and Pro198Leu GPx polymorphisms are associated with CHD susceptibility and/or severity. METHODS: Both polymorphisms were genotyped in a sample of 203 controls and 164 patients. CHD risk and severity, antioxidant status (enzymatic and/or non enzymatic) and biochemical parameters were assessed and analysed by genotype. RESULTS: A significant association of MnSOD variant to CHD risk was revealed in males. Males harboring the Val/Val genotype were approximately at twofold increased risk of CHD compared to controls (Ala carriers vs Val/Val, adjusted OR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.18-3.42, p = 0.03). Significant decreases in SOD activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were observed in Val carriers and by CHD status. Whereas, no association of GPx variant genotype (Leu/Leu) and activity to cardiopathy events was discerned. CHD severity, as demonstrated by the number of vessel stenosis, was associated with significantly higher frequency of Val allele and LDL levels in CHD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a lack of association of Pro198Leu GPx polymorphism to CHD risk and severity. However, they suggest that Ala16Val MnSOD polymorphism and decreased antioxidant defences are likely contributed to CHD risk in Tunisian men. Furthermore, the Val encoding MnSOD allele and decreased SOD activity were significantly correlated with CHD stenosis progression

South-South Cooperation: Brazilian experiences in South America and Africa / Cooperação Sul-Sul: experiências brasileiras na América do Sul e na África

Over recent years Brazil has played an increasingly active role internationally, the result of its model of integration and its foreign policy directives. The health sector is a valuable and strategic area for Brazilian technical cooperation to achieve various objectives, including its development goals. This article describes the main directives of Brazilian foreign policy, conceptually defining and characterizing South-South Cooperation, illustrated through an analysis of two Brazilian technical cooperation initiatives in healthcare: one in South America, the other in Africa. The study concludes that, irrespective of the interests and power asymmetries existing in South-South Cooperation, the objectives of this cooperation were achieved through the technical work.

Nos últimos anos, o Brasil foi ativo no âmbito internacional, tanto por seu modelo de inserção como pelas diretrizes de política externa. O setor saúde é uma ferramenta valiosa e estratégica utilizada pela cooperação técnica brasileira para lograr seus objetivos de desenvolvimento. Este artigo descreve as principais diretrizes de política externa brasileira, conceitua e caracteriza a Cooperação Sul-Sul, ilustrada mediante análise de duas iniciativas de cooperação técnica em saúde do Brasil: na América do Sul e na África. O estudo conclui que, independentemente dos interesses e das assimetrias de poder que existem na Cooperação Sul-Sul, os objetivos dessa cooperação foram alcançados por meio do trabalho técnico.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of seven Eucalyptus species essential oils leaves

BACKGROUND: In this paper, we have studied the essential oils chemical composition of the leaves of seven Eucalyptus species developed in Tunisia. Eucalyptus leaves were picked from trees growing in different arboretums in Tunisia. Choucha and Mrifeg arboretums located in Sedjnene, region of Bizerte (Choucha: E. maideni, E. astrengens et E. cinerea; Mrifeg : E. leucoxylon), Korbous arboretums located in the region of Nabeul, North East Tunisia with sub-humid bioclimate, (E. lehmani), Souiniet-Ain Drahem arboretum located in region of Jendouba (E. sideroxylon, E. bicostata). Essential oils were individually tested against a large panel of microorganisms includingStaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6539), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), Listeria ivanovii (RBL 30), Bacillus cereus (ATCC11778). RESULTS: The yield of essential oils ranged from 1.2% to 3% (w/w) for the different Eucalyptus species. All essential oils contain α-pinene, 1,8-cineol and pinocarveol-trans for all Eucalyptus species studied. The 1,8-cineol was the major compound in all species (49.07 to 83.59%). Diameter of inhibition zone of essential oils of Eucalyptus species varied from 10 to 29 mm. The largest zone of inhibition was obtained for Bacillus cereus (E. astrengens) and the lowest for Staphylococcus aureus (E. cinerea). The essential oils from E. maideni, E. astrengens, E. cinerea (arboretum of Bizerte), E. bicostata(arboretum of Aindraham) showed the highest antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii and Bacillus cereus. CONCLUSION: The major constituents of Eucalyptus leaves essential oils are 1,8-cineol (49.07 to 83.59%) and α-pinene (1.27 to 26.35%). The essential oils from E. maideni, E. astrengens, E. cinerea, E. bicostatashowed the highest antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii and Bacillus cereus, they may have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products.

Metabolic interactions between hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelin-1 among Tunisian patients with acute coronary diseases

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are complex and polygenic diseases which are a real problem of public health. These syndromes require multidisciplinary studies to understand the pathogenesis mechanisms and metabolic interactions between different risk factors.This study aimed to explore the variation of two coronary risk parameters not mentioned by Framingham cohorts, hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in Tunisian coronary and the study of the variation of these parameters based on various cardiac risk factors and metabolic relationship between them.To 157 coronary and 142 healthy subjects, the concentration of homocysteine was quantified by fluorescence polarization immunoassay; the concentration of ET-1 was measured by an analytical technique, the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Our study showed that homocysteine and ET-1 were significantly higher in patients compared to healthy subjects (24.40 ± 12.5 µmol/L vs 7.44 ± 2.5 µmol/L p <0.00001) for homocysteine and (15.2 ± 5.3 nmol/L vs 7.1 ± 2.7 nmol/L, p <0.00001) for ET-1. On the other hand, homocysteine varies according to tobacco and diabetes while ET-1 depends on the sex, hypertension, smoking, obesity and dyslipidemia and a statistically negative correlation was shown between homocysteine and ET-1 in coronary patients (r = -0.66 p <0.00001. CONCLUSION: The study of the variation of these two parameters in coronary patients and metabolic exploration of the relationship between homocysteine and ET-1 according to various risk factors and the interactions between themselves facilitates the decision of therapeutic treatment.

Essential oils from two Eucalyptus from Tunisia and their insecticidal action on Orgyia trigotephras (Lepidotera, Lymantriidae)

BACKGROUND: Essential oils extracted from aromatic and medicinal plants have many biological properties and are therefore an alternative to the use of synthetic products. The chemical composition of essential oils from two medicinal plants (Eucalyptus globulus and E. lehmannii) was determined and, their insecticidal effects on the third and fourth larval stages of Orgyia trigotephras were assessed. RESULTS: Larvae were collected from Jebel Abderrahmane (North-East of Tunisia), conserved in groups of 50/box (21 × 10 × 10 cm) at a temperature of 25°C. Larvae were tested for larvicidal activities of essential oils. Each oil was diluted in ethanol (96%) to prepare 3 test solutions (S1 = 0.05%, S2 = 0.10% and S3 = 0.50%). Essential oils were used for contact, ingestion and Olfactory actions and compared to reference products (Bacillus thuringiensis and Decis). Olfactory action of essential oils shows that larvae mortality is higher than contact action, lower than ingestion action. MTM and FTM of S3 of E. lehmannii were respectively 1 h 32 min and 1 h 39 min are higher than those of E. globulus (MTM = 51 min and FTM = 1 h 22 min 34 sec). Contact action of E. lehmannii oil shows low insecticidal activity compared to E. globulus. MTM are respectively (1 min 52 sec and 1 min 7 sec), FTM are (2 min 38 sec, 1 min 39 sec), are the shortest recorded for S3, on the third stage of larvae. The fourth stage of larvae, MTM are (2 min 20 sec and 2 min 9 sec), FTM are (3 min 25 sec, 3 min 19 sec). Ingestion action of essential oils is longer than the contact action, since the time of death exceeds 60 minutes for all species. CONCLUSION: Results shows that essential oils have a toxic action on nerves leading to a disruption of vital system of insects. High toxic properties make these plant-derived compounds suitable for incorporation in integrated pest management programs.

Lipids, proteins, phenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of seeds of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea l) cultivated in Tunisia

Fatty acid composition of peanut seed oil in four varieties cultivated in Tunisia showed that linoleic (C18:2), oleic (C18:1) and palmitic (C16) acids account for more than 84% for Chounfakhi and Massriya and for more than 85% of the total fatty acids of Trabilsia and Sinya seed oil respectively. Seed oil contents were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) and did not exceed 48%. The study of total phenolics revealed that Chounfakhi contained more total phenolics (2.1 mg GAE/g DW), followed by the Massriya and Sinya cultivars (1.35 mg GAE/g DW for each); Trabilsia presented the lowest total phenolic content with 1 mg GAE/g DW. Considerable antiradical ability was found, especially in the Trabilsia peanut seed cultivar (IC50 = 1550 μg/ml), the Massriya and Sinya cultivars had, respectively, 720 and 820 mg/ml IC50. In the Massriya variety the sterol fraction showed antibacterial activity against Listeria ivanovii, Listeria inocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococus aureus, Enterococcus hirae and Bacillus cereus.

Nephropathy following Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisian population / Nefropatía tras la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en la población Tunesina

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare the characteristics of Tunisians with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) and nephropathy with those without nephropathy. This study assessed whether or not phenotypic characteristics can predict nephropathy development in Type 2 DM. The prevalence of nephropathy in Tunisian Type 2 DM patients, and their relationship with clinical and biochemical factors as well as chronic complications of the disease were determined. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with diabetes diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2010. Altogether, 73 Type 2 DM and 42 healthy volunteers from the Basic Health Group of Sousse, were targeted for the study. Clinical, biochemical data, as well as complications of diabetes were collected. Kidney malfunction was defined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR). RESULTS: Diabetic patients were older. Diabetic women were more likely to have higher body mass index than men (p = 0.004). Obesity was more in women than men (60/23%). Complications including hypertension and dyslipidaemia were co-associated in women. Urinary creatinine clearance in Type 2 DM patients without nephropathy was significantly lower than in healthy participants (p < 0.0001). Microalbuminuria and urinary creatinine clearance were associated only in women with Type 2 DM with nephropathy (R² = 0.95); 1.5% of Type 2 DM patients without nephropathy had GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² and 76% had a GFR between 60 and 89 mL/min/1.73m². Glomerular filtration rate difference between Type 2 DM patients with/without nephropathy, as well as between Type 2 DM patients with nephropathy/Type 2 DM without nephropathy, and with retinopathy was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: By analysing factors associated with nephropathy in Type 2 DM Tunisian patients, this study demonstrated their susceptibility to nephropathy. In addition, retinopathy is potentially associated with incipient nephropathy in Type 2 DM Tunisian patients.

OBJETIVO: El propósito fue comparar las características de los tunesinos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) y nefropatía, con aquéllos que no padecen nefropatía. Este estudio evaluó la posibilidad de saber si las características fenotípicas pueden predecir el desarrollo de una nefropatía en pacientes de DMT2. Se determinó la prevalencia de la nefropatía en los pacientes tunesinos con DMT2, y su relación con factores clínicos y bioquímicos, así como las complicaciones crónicas de la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal de pacientes con diabetes diagnosticada entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2010. En total, 73 voluntarios con DMT2 y 42 saludables del Grupo Básico de Salud de Sousse, fueron escogidos para el estudio. Se recogieron los datos clínicos y bioquímicos, así como las complicaciones por diabetes. El grado de mal funcionamiento renal fue determinado por la tasa de filtrado glomerular (GFR). RESULTADOS: Los pacientes diabéticos tenían más edad. Las mujeres diabéticas presentaban una mayor probabilidad de tener un índice de masa corporal más alto que los hombres (p = 0.004). Hubo mayor obesidad en las mujeres que en los hombres (60/23%). Las complicaciones - incluyendo hipertensión y dislipidemia - estuvieron co-asociadas en las mujeres. La depuración de la creatinina urinaria en los pacientes de DMT2 sin nefropatía fue significativamente más baja (p < 0.0001) que en los participantes saludables. La microalbuminuria y la depuración de la creatinina urinaria estuvieron asociadas en las mujeres con DMT2 con nefropatía (R² = 0.95); 1.5% de los pacientes con DMT2 sin nefropatía, tuvo una tasa GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m² y 76% tuvo una GFR entre 60 y 89 mL/min/1.73m². La diferencia de la tasa de filtrado glomerular entre los pacientes de DMT2 con/sin nefropatía, así como entre los pacientes de DMT2 con nefropatía/DMT2 sin nefropatía, y con retinopatía, no fue significativa. CONCLUSIONES: Analizando factores asociados con la nefropatía en pacientes tunesinos con DMT2, este estudio demostró que estos últimos son susceptibles a la nefropatía. Además, la retinopatía se halla potencialmente asociada con la nefropatía incipiente en los pacientes tunesinos que padecen DMT2.

Research of the origin of a particular Tunisian group using a physical marker and Alu insertion polymorphisms

The aim of this study was to show how, in some particular circumstances, a physical marker can be used along with molecular markers in the research of an ancient people movement. A set of five Alu insertions was analysed in 42 subjects from a particular Tunisian group (El Hamma) that has, unlike most of the Tunisian population, a very dark skin, similar to that of sub-Saharans, and in 114 Tunisian subjects (Gabes sample) from the same governorate, but outside the group. Our results showed that the El Hamma group is genetically midway between sub-Saharan populations and North Africans, whereas the Gabes sample is clustered among North Africans. In addition, The A25 Alu insertion, considered characteristic to sub-Saharan Africans, was present in the El Hamma group at a relatively high frequency. This frequency was similar to that found in sub-Saharans from Nigeria, but significantly different from those found in the Gabes sample and in other North African populations. Our molecular results, consistent with the skin color status, suggest a sub-Saharan origin of this particular Tunisian group.

Does minor histocompatibility antigen HA-1 disparity affect the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease in tunisian recipients of hematopoietic stem cells?

INTRODUCTION: Minor histocompatibility antigen HA-1 (MiHAg-HA-1) disparity between a patient and his or her human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genoidentical donor has been widely associated with an increased risk of graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of HA-1 disparity on the incidence of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease in Tunisian recipients of hematopoietic stem cells. METHODS: A total of 60 patients and their 60 respective sibling hematopoietic stem cell donors were enrolled in this study. All patients prophylactically received cyclosporine A and/or methotrexate for graft-versus-host disease. An HA-1 genotyping assay was performed with the SSP-PCR method, and HLA-A*0201- and/or HLA-A*0206-positive samples were identified using the Luminex HLA typing method. RESULTS: The Luminex HLA typing assay showed that 54 patients were positive for either the HLA-A*0201 or HLA-A*0206 alleles. Among these cases, six pairs were mismatched for MiHAg-HA-1. Both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in four mismatched patients (Fisher's p-values were 0.044 and 0.170, respectively). A univariate logistic regression model analysis showed that only acute graft-versus-host disease may be affected by recipient MiHAg-HA-1 disparity (p: 0.041, OR: 6.727), while chronic graft-versus-host disease correlates with both age and recipient/donor sex mismatch (p: 0.014, OR: 8.556 and p: 0.033, OR: 8.664, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings support previously reported data suggesting a significant association between HA-1 disparity and the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.