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Ingestion and killing of bacteria by phagocytic cells are critical processes to protect the human body from bacterial infections. In addition, some immune cells (neutrophils, NK cells) can release microbicidal molecules in the extracellular medium to eliminate non-ingested microorganism. Molecular mechanisms involved in the resulting intracellular and extracellular killing are still poorly understood. In this study, we used the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum as a model phagocyte to investigate the mechanisms allowing intracellular and extracellular killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When a D. discoideum cell establishes a close contact with a P. aeruginosa bacterium, it can either ingest it and kill it in phagosomes, or kill it extracellularly, allowing a direct side-by-side comparison of these two killing modalities. Efficient intracellular destruction of P. aeruginosa requires the presence of the Kil2 pump in the phagosomal membrane. On the contrary, extracellular lysis is independent on Kil2 but requires the expression of the superoxide-producing protein NoxA, and the extracellular release of the AplA bacteriolytic protein. These results shed new light on the molecular mechanisms allowing elimination of P. aeruginosa bacteria by phagocytic cells.
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Dictyostelium , Humanos , Dictyostelium/metabolismo , Dictyostelium/microbiologia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolismo , Fagossomos/metabolismo , Neutrófilos , Antibacterianos/metabolismo , BactériasRESUMO
The coronavirus crisis impact on the digital sector is undoubtedly an important issue that deserves to be studied. Researchers mostly focused on specific sectors such as tourism, healthcare sector, or the economy. This paper used a dynamic panel model to examine the COVID-19 crisis impact on the digital companiesfl stock return. The findings indicate that both of the monthly growth in total infected cases and total death cases caused by COVID-19 have significant positive effects on stock returns across digital companies. This novel results contradicts previous research findings and highlights that this crisis is slowing down all the economic sectors.
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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are one of the most common childhood morbidities characterized by deficits in communication and social skills. Increasing evidence has suggested associations between immune genes located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex and etiology of autism. In this study, we investigated whether the non-classical class I HLA-G, -E, and -F polymorphisms are associated with genetic predisposition to autism in Tunisia. We aimed to find a correlation between HLA-G genotypes and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels. We have analyzed the HLA-G, -E, and -F genotypes of 15 autistic children and their parents. DNA typing of HLA class I genes was performed using PCR-SSP and PCR-RFLP methods. Also, we evaluated the serum levels of HLA-G (1 and 5) by a validated ELISA technique in autistic probands and their parents. No association was found between any polymorphism and autism in the study subjects. Additionally, we found no correlation between sHLA-G1 and sHLA-G5 and autism. Also, no significant difference in sHLA-G testing in parents and offspring was found. However, parents carrying [GG] genotype presented a higher sHLA-G levels than those carrying ([CC]+[GC]) genotypes (p = 0.037). From this preliminary study, we conclude that the investigated polymorphisms of HLA-G, -E, and -F genes did not lead to autism susceptibility in Tunisian children. However, the CGTIGA haplotype was found to be associated with the disease.
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AIM: The aim of the present study was to characterize the molecular basis of complement factor I deficiency in Tunisian atypical haemolytic and uremic syndrome patients with low factor I levels. METHODS: Six adults and seven children were enrolled in this study. Complement factor I levels were assessed by a homemade sandwich ELISA and ranged between 12.5% and 60%. Genomic DNA was amplified by way of a polymerase chain reaction using intronic primers flanking the 13 coding exons. Sequencing of amplified products was carried out by the dye terminator sequencing method. Molecular study was performed on parental samples for three dead paediatric patients. The control group consisted of 100 healthy Tunisian donors. RESULTS: We identified a total of 13 substitutions and one insertion: seven in introns, four in exons and three in UTR. The new mutations were c.-132G > C, c.71 + 181 T > A in 5'UTR and intron 1, respectively. Three intronic polymorphisms were predicted to have impact on splicing events: c.482 + 6C > T, c.884-42_884-41insTTAAA (rs34422850) and c.1429 + 33 A > G (rs9998151). They were three missense mutations leading to a p.Ile 357Met, p.Ile416Leu and p.GLu548Gln. p.Ile 357Met was found in two patients and one relative. Half of the patients had associated mutation and/or polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: This is the first genetic study in Tunisian and Maghrebin atypical haemolytic and uraemic syndrome patients. The high occurrence of Ile357Met mutation may reflect a founding effect. Functional impact of the two new mutations c.-132G > C and c.71 + 181A > T have to be studied. Association of simultaneous genetic abnormalities may explain the variability of atypical haemolytic and uraemic syndrome, penetrance and disease phenotype.
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Síndrome Hemolítico-Urêmica Atípica , Complemento C3/deficiência , Fator I do Complemento , Doenças Genéticas Inatas , Adulto , Síndrome Hemolítico-Urêmica Atípica/diagnóstico , Síndrome Hemolítico-Urêmica Atípica/epidemiologia , Síndrome Hemolítico-Urêmica Atípica/genética , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos de Coortes , Complemento C3/genética , Fator I do Complemento/análise , Fator I do Complemento/genética , Feminino , Doenças Genéticas Inatas/sangue , Doenças Genéticas Inatas/epidemiologia , Doenças Genéticas Inatas/genética , Doenças da Deficiência Hereditária de Complemento , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Mutação , Polimorfismo Genético , Tunísia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Mental image (or mental practice), a psychological representation of a task to be carried out, is a technique that could enhance skills in several areas areas including medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the practice of the mental image tool for the training of hand hygiene with Hydro-alcoholics solutions among students of DCEM2. METHODS: Randomized trial including DCEM2 students in Neonatology and Pediatrics at Charles Nicolle Hospital during the same period. Group1: group training in the mental image, Group 2 of reference. The assessment of student achievement was evaluated in terms of obtained scores. RESULTS: The total number of students was 37. The overall score in group 1 was 17.17 ± 3.82 versus 11.58 ± 4.05 in group 2, p <10 -3. The friction duration of hands in group 1 was 30.56 S ± 4.52S versus 24 ± 5.17 in group 2, p <10-3. CONCLUSION: Mental practice may be a time- and cost-effective strategy that improves hand hygiene with Hydro-alcoholics solutions.
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Educação Médica/métodos , Higiene das Mãos , Estudantes de Medicina , Percepção Visual , Avaliação Educacional , Etanol , Higienizadores de Mão , Humanos , Controle de InfecçõesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm infants are newborns born before 28 weeks of gestation. Survival of these immature newborns depends on resuscitation and the quality of care during hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To determine survival and neurologic outcomes at2 years after extremely preterm birth. METHODS: It is a retrospective multicentric study in 5 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in 2012-2013.All live births less than 28 weeks gestation were included. RESULTS: A total of 109 births were recorded. Prenatal corticosteroids were given in 47% of cases. Mean weight was 989g and mean age was 26 weeks gestation. Ninety percent of patients had respiratory distress syndrome and 67% of them needed respiratory support. Surfactant was given to 29% of newborns. The mortality rate atdischarge was 76%.The first cause of mortality was nosocomial infections. At thecorrected age of 2 years, 27% of survivors had abnormal neurologic outcome. CONCLUSION: In our study, survival and neurologic outcomes ofextremely preterm infants were poor.In this high-risk population, improving perinatal care remains a challenge to improve long-term outcome in Tunisia.
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Lactente Extremamente Prematuro , Doenças do Prematuro/epidemiologia , Resultado da Gravidez/epidemiologia , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/epidemiologia , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/etiologia , Feminino , Idade Gestacional , Mortalidade Hospitalar , Humanos , Lactente , Mortalidade Infantil , Lactente Extremamente Prematuro/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Lactente Extremamente Prematuro/psicologia , Recém-Nascido , Doenças do Prematuro/mortalidade , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal/estatística & dados numéricos , Masculino , Morbidade , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/etiologia , Gravidez , Nascimento Prematuro , Estudos Retrospectivos , Taxa de Sobrevida/tendências , Tunísia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Script concordance test aims to evaluate knowledge organization, which represents an essential component of the clinical competence. OBJECTIVE: To build a script concordance test and demonstrate its relevance in the evaluation of Neonatology skills. METHODS: A script concordance test including 20 vignettes and 20 items, was provided to 52 fourth year medical students and 11 family medicine interns. RESULTS: Script concordance test scores obtained by experts were higher then those obtained by students and family medicine interns. The scores (out of 100) were 82.52 ± 7.35 CI95% [77.26-87.78] for the experts, 58.52 ± 9.72 CI95% [55.82-61.23] for the students, and 63.17±11.36 IC95% [55.53-70.81] (p<0.0001) for the interns. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that script concordance tests could be used to assess the acquisition of clinical reasoning among fourth year medical students in neonatolgy.
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Competência Clínica , Educação Médica/métodos , Avaliação Educacional/métodos , Aprendizagem , Neonatologia/educação , Competência Clínica/normas , Tomada de Decisões , Medicina de Família e Comunidade/educação , Medicina Geral/educação , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Internato e Residência/métodos , Internato e Residência/normas , Neonatologia/normas , Projetos de Pesquisa , Estudantes de MedicinaRESUMO
AIMS: This study investigates the relationships between matrix metalloproteinases, inflammations mediators and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisians metabolic syndrome (Mets) patients. METHODS: The study has included 239 MetS patients and 247 controls. Mets was defined according to the NCEP-ATPIII report. Mets patients were also divided into two categories: 29 MetS non-diabetics and 210 MetS diabetics. Dysglycemia markers, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and White Blood Cells (WBC) counts were determined in patients and controls. RESULTS: In our study, the level of inflammatory markers WBC, TNF-α and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-8 and MMP-9) were significantly higher in diabetic patients with MetS, as compared with non-diabetic MetS patients. Inflammation mediators and MMP-9 were significantly associated with many clinical characteristics of MetS. The use of ROC "Receiver Operating Characteristic" analysis revealed the impact of TNF alpha on diabetes patients with MetS. In fact TNF alpha was found as a sensitive parameter in these patients with a sensitivity of 85%. CONCLUSION: Inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases and dysglycemia markers are not expressed in isolation but rather concurrently and are continuously interacting with each other, in MetS and diabetics patients. These markers fit with an early stage of cardiovascular disease (CVD); and measuring them could improve the risk evaluation, an early diagnosis, and the prognosis of CVD.
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Biomarcadores/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/diagnóstico , Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Metaloproteinases da Matriz/sangue , Síndrome Metabólica/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Doenças Cardiovasculares/sangue , Doenças Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/sangue , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/etnologia , Feminino , Humanos , Inflamação/sangue , Masculino , Metaloproteinase 9 da Matriz/sangue , Síndrome Metabólica/etnologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Curva ROC , Inibidor Tecidual de Metaloproteinase-1/sangue , Inibidor Tecidual de Metaloproteinase-2/sangue , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangueRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the Y-chromosome haplogroup diversity in the Kuwaiti population to gain a more complete overview of its genetic landscape. METHOD: A sample of 117 males from the Kuwaiti population was studied through the analysis of 22 Y-SNPs. The results were then interpreted in conjunction with those of other populations from the Middle East, South Asia, North and East Africa, and East Europe. RESULTS: The analyzed markers allowed the discrimination of 19 different haplogroups with a diversity of 0.7713. J-M304 was the most frequent haplogroup in the Kuwaiti population (55.5%) followed by E-M96 (18%). They revealed a genetic homogeneity between the Kuwaiti population and those of the Middle East (FST = 6.1%, P-value < 0.0001), although a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was found (r = 0.41, P-value = 0.009). Moreover, the nonsignificant pairwise FST genetic distances between the Kuwait population on the one hand and the Arabs of Iran and those of Sudan on the other, corroborate the hypothesis of bidirectional gene flow between Arabia and both Iran and Sudan. CONCLUSION: Overall, we have revealed that the Kuwaiti population has experienced significant gene flow from neighboring populations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and East Africa. Therefore, we have confirmed that the population of Kuwait is genetically coextensive with those of the Middle East.
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Cromossomos Humanos Y/genética , Variação Genética , Árabes , Emigração e Imigração , Haplótipos , Humanos , Kuweit , Masculino , Filogeografia , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
Many studies based on genetic diversity of North African populations have contributed to elucidate the modelling of the genetic landscape in this region. North Africa is considered as a distinct spatial-temporal entity on geographic, archaeological, and historical grounds, which has undergone the influence of different human migrations along its shaping. For instance, Libya, a North African country, was first inhabited by Berbers and then colonized by a variety of ethnic groups like Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and, in recent times, Italians. In this study, we contribute to clarify the genetic variation of Libya and consequently, of North African modern populations, by the study of Libyan male lineages. A total of 22 Y-chromosome-specific SNPs were genotyped in a sample of 175 Libyan males, allowing the characterization of 18 Y-chromosomal haplogroups. The obtained data revealed a predominant Northwest African component represented by haplogroup E-M81 (33.7%) followed by J(xJ1a,J2)-M304 (27.4%), which is postulated to have a Middle Eastern origin. The comparative study with other populations (â¼5,400 individuals from North Africa, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe) revealed a general genetic homogeneity among North African populations (FST = 5.3 %; P-value < 0.0001). Overall, the Y-haplogroup diversity in Libya and in North Africa is characterized by two genetic components. The first signature is typical of Berber-speaking people (E-M81), the autochthonous inhabitants, whereas the second is (J(xJ1a,J2)-M304), originating from Arabic populations. This is in agreement with the hypothesis of an Arabic expansion from the Middle East, shaping the North African genetic landscape.
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População Negra/genética , Cromossomos Humanos Y/genética , Haplótipos/genética , Antropologia Física , Genética Populacional , Humanos , Líbia , Masculino , Repetições de Microssatélites/genética , Filogeografia , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética , Análise de Componente PrincipalRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has been associated with oxidative stress, abnormal plasma lipid metabolism, and high frequency of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine lipid profile variations in Tunisian psoriatic patients. METHODS: This study was designed and conducted as a case-control assay with 91 psoriatic patients and 91 controls. The lipid profiles, including serum level of triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: The two groups consisted of 91 patients and 91 controls, each with 45 males and 46 females. In the psoriatic group, serum triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05), while the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) was significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis compared to controls (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences concerning insulin or insulin resistance and total cholesterol between the two groups. The insulin secretion was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in the control group (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant correlation between severity of psoriasis and serum lipid and insulin secretion. A negative correlation (r = -0.253, p = 0.019) was found between PASI index and HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: A high serum lipid level is significantly more common in psoriatic patients. This could be responsible for higher prevalence of cardiovascular incidents in psoriatic patients. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment of hyperlipidaemia in psoriatic patients to prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.
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Lipídeos/sangue , Psoríase/sangue , Adulto , Glicemia/metabolismo , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , Insulina/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psoríase/epidemiologia , Estatísticas não Paramétricas , Tunísia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Protein function is dependent on charge interactions and charge biased regions, which are involved in a wide range of cellular and biochemical processes. We report the development of a new algorithm implemented in Python and its use to identify charge clusters CC (NegativeCC: NCC, PositiveCC: PCC and MixedCC: MCC) and compare their presence in mitochondrial proteins of plant groups. To characterize the resulting CC, statistical, structural and functional analyses were conducted. The screening of 105 399 protein sequences showed that 2.6 %, 0.48 % and 0.03 % of the proteins contain NCC, PCC and MCC, respectively. Mitochondrial proteins encoded by the nuclear genome of green algae have the biggest proportion of both PCC (1.6 %) and MCC (0.4 %) and mitochondrial proteins coded by the nuclear genome of other plants group have the highest portion of NCC (7.5 %). The mapping of the identified CC showed that they are mainly located in the terminal regions of the protein. Annotation showed that proteins with CC are classified as binding proteins, are included in the transmembrane transport processes, and are mainly located in the membrane. The CC scanning revealed the presence of 2373 and 784 sites and 192 and 149 motif profiles within NCC and PCC, respectively. The investigation of CC within pentatricopeptide repeat-containing proteins revealed that they are involved in correct and specific RNA editing. CC were proven to play a key role in providing insightful structural and functional information of complex protein assemblies which could be useful in biotechnological applications.
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The Charge Clusters (CCs) are involved in key functions and are distributed according to the organism, the protein's type, and the charge of amino acids. In the present study, we have explored the occurrence, position, and annotation as a first large-scale study of the CCs in land plants mitochondrial proteomes. A new python script was used for data curation. The Finding Clusters Charge in Protein Sequences Program was performed after adjusting the reading window size. A 44316 protein sequences belonging to 52 species of land plants were analysed. The occurrence of Negative Charge Clusters (NCCs) (1.2%) is two times more frequent than the Positive Charge Clusters (PCCs) (0.64%). Moreover, 39 and 30 NCCs were conserved in 88 and 41 proteins in intra and in inter proteomes respectively, while 14 and 21 PCCs were conserved in 53 and 85 protein sequences in intra and inter proteomes consecutively. Sequences carrying mixed CCs are rare (0.12%). Despite this low abundance, CCs play a crucial role in protein function. The CCs tend to be located mainly in the terminal regions of proteins which guarantees specific protein targeting and import into the mitochondria. In addition, the functional annotation of CCs according to Gene Ontology shows that CCs are involved in binding functions of either proteins or macromolecules which are deployed in different metabolic and cellular processes such as RNA editing and transcription. This study may provide valuable information while considering the CCs in understanding the environmental adaptation of plants.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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INTRODUCTION: The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important member of the host's innate immune response, is coded by a polymorphic gene. This polymorphism could be a predisposing factor for NasoPharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). AIM: To determine the association between TLR4 gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to NPC in a cohort of Tunisian affected patients. METHODS: Genomic DNAs from 245 unrelated patients affected by undifferentiated carcinoma type (UCNT) and 264 unrelated healthy controls were genotyped for the five single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR4 locus (4434 A>G (rs1927914),7263 G>C (rs10759932), 6134 A>G(rs4986790), 8851C>T (rs 4986791), 5272 T>C(rs11536889), +8469 T>C (rs11536891)) by Taqman® 5'-nuclease assay. RESULTS: Among all polymorphisms studied, only the rs4986790 G and rs4986791 T alleles were significantly more prevalent in patients' group than controls (45% vs. 38%; p=0.03; pc=0.06) and increased the risk of the NPC (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.01-1.69). Also, we found that the frequency of the rs4986790 AA and rs4986791 TT genotypes was significantly higher in controls than in patients (25.7% vs 37%; p=0.006, pc=0.02) and conferred a protector factor in NPC (OR= 0.59, 95% CI= 0.39-0.87). Further, based on the Kaplan-Meier survival curve we observed also the positive effect ofrs1927914 AA genotype on a prognostic of NPC (p=0.006; pc=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that impaired production of TLR4 seems to be a risk factor of NPC development but functional studies are needed to confirm these findings. As to rs1927914 AA appears to be a good biomarker for better survival in a patient with NPC.
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Predisposição Genética para Doença , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas , Humanos , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Genótipo , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo/epidemiologia , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo/genética , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas/genética , Receptor 4 Toll-Like/genéticaRESUMO
Background: Ps48/45, a Plasmodium gametocyte surface protein, is a promising candidate for malaria transmission-blocking (TB) vaccine. Due to its relevance for a multispecies vaccine, we explored the cross-reactivity and TB activity of a recombinant P. vivax Ps48/45 protein (rPvs48/45) with sera from P. falciparum-exposed African donors. Methods: rPvs48/45 was produced in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines and tested by ELISA for its cross-reactivity with sera from Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Mali, and Nigeria - In addition, BALB/c mice were immunized with the rPvs48/45 protein formulated in Montanide ISA-51 and inoculated with a crude extract of P. falciparum NF-54 gametocytes to evaluate the parasite-boosting effect on rPvs48/45 antibody titers. Specific anti-rPvs48/45 IgG purified from African sera was used to evaluate the ex vivo TB activity on P. falciparum, using standard mosquito membrane feeding assays (SMFA). Results: rPvs48/45 protein showed cross-reactivity with sera of individuals from all four African countries, in proportions ranging from 94% (Tanzania) to 40% (Nigeria). Also, the level of cross-reactive antibodies varied significantly between countries (p<0.0001), with a higher antibody level in Mali and the lowest in Nigeria. In addition, antibody levels were higher in adults (≥ 17 years) than young children (≤ 5 years) in both Mali and Tanzania, with a higher proportion of responders in adults (90%) than in children (61%) (p<0.0001) in Mali, where male (75%) and female (80%) displayed similar antibody responses. Furthermore, immunization of mice with P. falciparum gametocytes boosted anti-Pvs48/45 antibody responses, recognizing P. falciparum gametocytes in indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Notably, rPvs48/45 affinity-purified African IgG exhibited a TB activity of 61% against P. falciparum in SMFA. Conclusion: African sera (exposed only to P. falciparum) cross-recognized the rPvs48/45 protein. This, together with the functional activity of IgG, warrants further studies for the potential development of a P. vivax and P. falciparum cross-protective TB vaccine.
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BACKGROUND: The genetic differentiation of Bahrain natives is unclear because of the absence of adequate genetic studies. AIM: Eight Alu insertion polymorphisms have been analysed in Bahrainis and southern Iranians to examine the origins of Bahrainis and to determine their genetic position among wider Middle East populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two representative samples of 97 Bahrainis and 65 southern Iranians have been determined. Genetic relationships among populations have been estimated by a principal component plot based on the R-matrix software. Mantel tests have been used to check the statistical significance of correlation between genetic and geographic distances. RESULTS: The results show that Bahrainis are in an intermediate genetic position between Emirians and Southern Iranians. Although a general significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was found between the 16 populations included in the analysis, a lack of this correlation may occur in some particular situations such as the case of populations from southern Iran, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, separated by the Persian Gulf. CONCLUSION: The results support the idea that Bahrainis ancestors were mainly emigrants from Arabia and Iran. In addition the results show that the Iranian component may reach 69.2% of the current genetic pool of Bahrainis.
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Elementos Alu/genética , Mutagênese Insercional , Polimorfismo Genético , Barein , Frequência do Gene , Marcadores Genéticos , Variação Genética , Humanos , Irã (Geográfico) , Oriente Médio , Análise de Componente Principal , Emirados Árabes UnidosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) system is often used as a genetic marker for analysing populations. HLA antigen distribution among the Tunisian population is not well defined because of the lack of a general population study. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the polymorphism of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR and -DQ loci in the South Tunisian population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study has investigated HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR and -DQ polymorphisms in 123 unrelated healthy individuals originating from the south of Tunisia. HLA class I was studied by serology and completed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP). HLA class II was performed using PCR-SSP. RESULTS: The most common alleles were A-2 (0.2154), B-44 (0.1179), C7 (0.2114), DR4 (0.1626) and DQ2 (0.313). A1-B-8-C7-DR3-DQ2 (2.84%) was the predominant haplotype in this population. Comparisons with data of other worldwide populations based on phylogenetic tree and multidimensional scaling analysis were done. This study suggests that both HLA class I and class II polymorphism specificities demonstrate a high diversity in this South Tunisian population, which reflects ancient and recent admixture with neighbouring populations. CONCLUSION: The results provide useful information for further studies of Tunisian population evolution, anthropology and for resolving HLA frequencies when searching for HLA-compatible donors in transplantation and for the analysis of disease associations.
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Genes MHC da Classe II , Genes MHC Classe I , Polimorfismo Genético , Adolescente , Adulto , Alelos , Feminino , Frequência do Gene , Antígenos HLA-A/genética , Antígenos HLA-B/genética , Antígenos HLA-C/genética , Antígenos HLA-DQ/genética , Antígenos HLA-DR/genética , Haplótipos/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Filogenia , Tunísia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Despite current recommendations, most asthmatics remain insufficiently controlled. This is largely due to non-adherence to medications. Looking for factors associated with lack of therapeutic adherence is mandatory in order to improve the management of these patients. AIM: To assess the degree of compliance in a population of Tunisian asthmatic patients and to identify the factors associated with poor compliance. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study over a period of six months. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test. Treatment compliance was specified using the Morisky questionnaire. Associations between adherence to treatment and certain patient characteristics were sought. RESULTS: During the study period, 165 adult patients were included (average age: 46.8 years±15.3 years; 114 women). The median duration of asthma evolution was 10.5 years [1-60 years]. Asthma was uncontrolled in 50% of the cases. Lack of treatment adherence was observed in 45% of patients. Compliance was better in women (p <0.05) and in patients with better socioeconomic status (p= 0.04). Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were also more observant (p=0.03); however, those with obesity were less (p> 0.05). In multivariate analysis, patients with good socioeconomic conditions (OR=4,516; IC95% [1.433-14.232]; p=0,01) and those with a previous a history of coronary artery disease (OR=15,37 ; IC95% [1.25-188.857] ; p=0.03) were more likely to have good adherence. CONCLUSION: Although it is a key element in the management of asthma, treatment compliance remains insufficient in Tunisian patients with asthma. Patient education is essential in order to correct the factors incriminated in uncontrolled asthma. The challenge remains to overcome the socioeconomic difficulties and the lack of access to treatment in our context.
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Antiasmáticos , Asma , Adulto , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Antiasmáticos/uso terapêutico , Estudos Transversais , Adesão à Medicação , Asma/terapia , Asma/tratamento farmacológico , ObesidadeRESUMO
Background: Food allergy (FA) has become a major public health concern affecting millions of children and adults worldwide. In Tunisia, published data on FA are scarce. Methods: This study, was intended to fill the gap and estimate the frequency of allergy to different foods in the Sfax region, Tunisia, within self-reported FA. One hundred twenty-five (125) children (56% males, 1-17 years old), and 306 adults (17% males, 18-70 years old) were interviewed using a bilingual questionnaire. Results: The number of self-reported food allergens in this sample was 105; allergens were clustered in 8 foods: fruits, seafood, eggs, milk and dairy, cereals, nuts, vegetables, and peanuts. Cutaneous reactions were the most frequent symptoms, in both children and adults. About 40% of children and 30% of adults had a family history of FA. About 81% of adults and 38% of children are allergic to at least 1 non-food allergen. The most prevalent food allergen was the fruit group in both adults and children, followed by seafood. Most food allergies were mutually exclusive and 90% of individuals have a single FA. The relationship between self-declared FA was modeled using a Bayesian network graphical model in order to estimate conditional probabilities of each FA when other FA is present. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the prevalence of self-reported FA in Tunisia depends on dietary habits and food availability since the most frequent allergens are from foods that are highly consumed by the Tunisian population.
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During the last years, several applications of biosurfactants with medical purposes have been reported. Biosurfactants are considered relevant molecules for applications in combating many diseases. However, their use is currently extremely limited due to their high cost in relation to that of chemical surfactants. Use of inexpensive substrates can drastically decrease its production cost. Here, twelve solid substrates were screened for the production of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant and the maximum yield was found with millet. A Plackett-Burman design was then used to evaluate the effects of five variables (temperature, moisture, initial pH, inoculum age, and inoculum size). Statistical analyses showed that temperature, inoculum age, and moisture content had significantly positive effect on SPB1 biosurfactant production. Their values were further optimized using a central composite design and a response surface methodology. The optimal conditions of temperature, inoculum age, and moisture content obtained under the conditions of study were 37°C, 14 h, and 88%, respectively. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of this compound was carried out against 11 bacteria and 8 fungi. The results demonstrated that this biosurfactant exhibited an important antimicrobial activity against microorganisms with multidrug-resistant profiles. Its activity was very effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and so forth.