[Lung manifestations of sickle-cell disease]. / Manifestations respiratoires de la drépanocytose.

Sickle-cell disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder of hemoglobin that causes systemic damage. Hypoxia is the main actor of sickle-cell disease. It initiates acutely the pathogenic cascade leading to tissue damages that in turn induce chronic hypoxia. Lung lesions represent the major risk of morbidity and mortality. Management of sickle-cell disease requires a tight collaboration between hematologists, intensivists and chest physicians. Recurrent episodes of thrombosis and hemolysis characterize the disease. New therapeutic protocols, associating hydroxyurea, transfusion program and stem cell transplantation in severe cases allow a prolonged survival until the fifth decade. However, recurrent pain, crisis, frequent hospital admissions due to infection, anemia or acute chest syndrome and chronic complications leading to organ deficiencies degrade the patients' quality of life. In low-income countries where the majority of sickle-cell patients are living, the disease is still associated with a high mortality in childhood. This paper focuses on acute chest syndrome and chronic lung manifestations.

An Investigation of Parasitic Protozoa in Drinking Water in Samarra, Iraq.

Protozoan parasites are very important in drinking water production systems because their cystic forms are stable in the environment and resistant to conventional disinfection methods. The present study aimed to investigate protozoan parasites in the drinking water of different places in Samarra, Iraq. To this end, 100 samples of tap drinking water were collected from 10 places in Samarra, Iraq (i.e., Al-Sekek, Al-Kadesia, Alzeraa, Al-Shuhdaa, Al-Muthana, Al-Shorta, Al-Mamal, Al-Khedraa, Al-Efraz, and Al-Jubereaa), from the beginning of December to the end of February. After sample collection, water samples were examined to detect oocysts or cysts of protozoan parasites by using Direct wet smear, Lugol's iodine, and Modified Ziehle Nelseen stain methods. The results indicate that 80% of the samples under investigation were infected with protozoan parasites, and the ratio of diagnostic parasites in the samples under investigation was determined at 36% with Entamoeba histolytica, 23% with Giardia lamblia, and 21% with Cryptosporidium parvum. The findings reveal the presence of protozoan parasites in the drinking water of the area under study and specify the need for a rapid improvement of the monitoring systems for the treatment of drinking water to control diseases caused by these pathogens, as well as to identify the sources of contamination.

[A case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation treated surgically]. / Bisegmentectomie pour une malformation artérioveineuse pulmonaire.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a rare abnormality consisting of a direct connection between the arteries and the pulmonary veins. Most of the malformations are related to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, although 10 to 20% cases are idiopathic. Clinical manifestations are due to right-to-left shunting. Embolization is the treatment of choice, when it is possible and accessible. Surgery continues to be appropriate in certain cases. We report the case of a woman who presented with an isolated complex arteriovenous malformation fed by two afferent arteries, a lingular one and an antero-basal one. Surgical treatment by lingual and antero-basal bisegmentectomy was undertaken with a good outcome.

Nanoscale mechanical properties of chitosan hydrogels as revealed by AFM.

In the context of tissue engineering, chitosan hydrogels are attractive biomaterials because they represent a family of natural polymers exhibiting several suitable features (cytocompatibility, bioresorbability, wound healing, bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties, structural similarity with glycosaminoglycans), and tunable mechanical properties. Optimizing the design of these biomaterials requires fine knowledge of its physical characteristics prior to assessment of the cell-biomaterial interactions. In this work, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we report a characterization of mechanical and topographical properties at the submicron range of chitosan hydrogels, depending on physico-chemical parameters such as their polymer concentration (1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5%), their degree of acetylation (4% and 38.5%), and the conditions of the gelation process. Well-known polyacrylamide gels were used to validate the methodology approach for the determination and analysis of elastic modulus (i.e., Young's modulus) distribution at the gel surface. We present elastic modulus distribution and topographical and stiffness maps for different chitosan hydrogels. For each chitosan hydrogel formulation, AFM analyses reveal a specific asymmetric elastic modulus distribution that constitutes a useful hallmark for chitosan hydrogel characterization. Our results regarding the local mechanical properties and the topography of chitosan hydrogels initiate new possibilities for an interpretation of the behavior of cells in contact with such soft materials.

Isolation, characterization and determination of biotechnological potential of oil-degrading bacteria from Algerian centre coast.

AIMS: The Algerian coastline is exposed to several types of pollution, including hydrocarbons. The aim of this work was to isolate oil-degrading bacteria and to explore the intrinsic bioremediation potential of part of its contaminated harbour. METHODS AND RESULTS: A collection of 119 strains, capable to grow on mineral medium supplemented with hydrocarbons, were obtained from polluted sediment and seawater collected from Sidi Fredj harbour (Algiers). Twenty-three strains were selected for further studies. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that most isolates belong to genera of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (Alcanivorax), generalist hydrocarbons degraders (Marinobacter, Pseudomonas, Gordonia, Halomonas, Erythrobacter and Brevibacterium) and other bacteria not known as hydrocarbon degraders (Xanthomarina) but were able to degrade hydrocarbons. Strains related to Marinobacter and Alcanivorax were frequently isolated from our samples and resulted the most effective in degrading crude oil. Screening of catabolic genes alkB and xylA revealed the presence of alkB gene in several bacterial strains; one isolate harboured both catabolic genes while other isolates carried none of the studied genes. However, they grew in the presence of crude oil implying the existence of other biodegradation pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The samples of seawater and sediment from the Algerian coast contain high level of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria that could be interesting and useful for future bioremediation purposes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This investigation demonstrates the diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from a marine-contaminated area in Algeria, and their variable biodegradation abilities.

[Results of tuberculosis screening in children with household contact]. / Résultats du dépistage de la tuberculose chez les enfants contacts de parents tuberculeux.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis screening in children is important to identify and treat latent tuberculosis infection and thus avoid progression to disease. METHODS: It is a prospective study realized in 83 children between November 2009 and January 2013 who consulted after a household contact for tuberculosis in the pediatric department B of Abderrahmen Mami hospital of Ariana. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 4.8 years (3 months-15 years). A latent tuberculosis infection was diagnosed in 31.3% of children, 10.8% had tuberculosis and 57.8% were considered healthy. Fifty-seven children (68.7%) had a close daytime contact with the index and 57.8% slept in the same bedroom of the contaminator. The identified risk factors were the diagnosis delay of the index of more than 30 days (P=0.023), presence of cavitations on the chest X-ray of the index (P=0.029) and a close daytime contact (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high rate of contamination in children with a household contact. Efforts are needed to shorten the time to diagnosis of adults' tuberculosis.

Removal of lead(II) from aqueous solution using modified palygorskite, contribution of inverse gas chromatography.

Four modified palygorskite powders that had been milled in mortar, in air jet mill, in Pulverisette0 vibrating ball mill and treated with hydrochloric acid were used as adsorbents for lead removal from an aqueous solution. The adsorbents were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, size measurement, mercury porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution and finite concentration was also implemented to determine surface properties of the four samples, in particular the irreversibility indexes, a measurement of high-energy sites. In a second part, batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the effect of mechanical and chemical treatments on lead adsorption properties of the powder. The isotherm analysis indicated that the Langmuir model could represent the adsorption data. The sample ground in Pulverisette0 presented the highest cationic exchange capacity and led to the highest adsorption capacity despite the relatively low specific surface area and the complete destruction of the fibrous morphology of the raw powder. A correlation was shown between the cationic exchange capacity and irreversibility indexes obtained with isopropanol.

Effect of low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on oocyte differentiation and follicular development.

BACKGROUND: The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) as an environmental factor on different organs including female reproductive system is of critical concern. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of low-frequency (LF)-EMF on oocyte differentiation and follicular development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out in animal lab of Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. For this purpose, the BALB/c mice were divided into control and experimental group in animal lab. The pregnant mice in the experimental group were exposed to 3 mT EMF field, 4 h/day during the pregnancy period. The LF-EMF was produced by a system using 50 Hz alternative current, in the control group the pregnant mice were kept in a similar condition without exposure to EMF. The neonatal mice from both groups were sacrificed immediately after birth and their ovary was dissected apart and prepared for light and electron microscopy. RESULT: Microscopy revealed that in the experimental group, in comparison to control group, oocyte nests were mostly broken and irregularly arranged. The primordial follicles were less developed and nuclei of oocytes with an electron microscope appeared heterochromatic, shrunken and had vacuolated cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that exposure to EMF during the developmental period could affect both oocyte differentiation and folliculogenesis and may result in reduced fertility, by decreasing ovarian reservoir.

Soft-tissue necrosis complicating tibial osteotomy in a child with Proteus syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Proteus syndrome is a rare congenital hamartomatous disease frequently responsible for musculoskeletal deformities. The results and complications of surgical treatment are not well documented owing to the scarcity of reported cases. CASE REPORT: The authors report a case of poor evolution of valgus proximal tibial osteotomy in a 6-year-old girl with Proteus syndrome. The surgery was complicated by extensive deep wound necrosis exposing the tibial bone, necessitating surgical excision, antibiotherapy and controlled wound healing. At 1 year postoperatively, the deformity recurred. DISCUSSION: The possibility of serious wound complications and of recurrence must be kept in mind when operating on a limb deformity in patients with Proteus syndrome. Potential complications should be taken into account in selecting the surgical correction technique: epiphysiodesis may be preferable to osteotomy.

Adsorption of p-cresol on novel diatomite/carbon composites.

Hybrid inorganic/organic adsorbents were synthesized using mixtures of diatomite and carbon charcoal as precursors, and explored for the removal of p-cresol from aqueous solution. The carbon/diatomite composites displayed a bimodal and interconnected porous structure which was partially inherited from both precursors. They display moderate surface areas (between 100 and 400 m(2)g(-1)) due to their large inorganic content (between 70 and 90 wt.%), since the diatomite is a non-porous material. Compared to activated carbons with a more developed porosity, p-cresol adsorption on the prepared carbon/diatomite composites was much faster, showing adsorption capacities similar to those of conventional adsorbents over a wide pH range. These results show a good affinity of p-cresol molecules towards the hybrid inorganic/organic composites, and demonstrate the suitability of these novel materials for the removal of aromatic (polar) molecules, despite their dominant inorganic character.

Mitigation of indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions by a potent specific type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

AIM: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of vardenafil against indomethacin-induced gastric damage. METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1 received saline only. Group 2 (indomethacin) received indomethacin. Rats in group 3 and 4 were pretreated with different doses of famotidine. Group 5 and 6 were pretreated with different doses of vardenafil. Rats in groups 3 to 6 received 25 mg/kg indomethacin 30 min after pretreatment. The animals were sacrificed 6 h later and their stomachs were opened. Gastric lesions were counted and measured. The stomach of each animal was divided in two parts for histopathological examinations and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays, respectively. RESULTS: There were no gastric mucosal lesion in the saline group but all rats in the indomethacin group had gastric mucosal ulcerations (ulcer count; 6.25 +/- 3.49, and mean ulcer area; 21.00 +/- 12.35). Ulcer counts were diminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (4.12 +/- 2.47, P > 0.05), 20 mg/kg (2.37 +/- 4.43, P < 0.05), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (4.37 +/- 3.06), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (1.25 +/- 1.38, P < 0.05) compared to the indomethacin group. Gastric mucosal lesion areas were diminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (8.62 +/- 2.97, P < 0.001) , famotidine 20 mg/kg (0.94 +/- 2.06, P < 0.001), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (6.62 +/- 5.87, P < 0.001), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (0.75 +/- 0.88, P < 0.001) compared to the indomethacin group. MDA levels were significantly higher in indomethacin group (28.48 +/- 14.51), compared to the famotidine 5 mg/kg (6,21 +/- 1.88, P < 0.05), famotidine 20 mg/kg (5.88 +/- 1.60. P < 0.05), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (15.87 +/- 3.93, P < 0.05), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (10.97 +/- 4.50, P < 0.05). NO concentration in gastric tissues of the famotidine groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05), but the NO increases in the vardenafil groups were not statistically significant. Histopathology revealed diminished gastric damage for pretreatment groups compared to the indomethacin group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vardenafil affords a significant dose-dependent protection against indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.

Evaluation of a new hemostatic agent Ankaferd Blood Stopper in experimental liver laceration.

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death after trauma. It is also the major cause of operating room deaths among patients who undergo liver surgery. Various techniques and materials have been attempted to manage bleeding, but a standard method has not been defined yet. We studied the hemostatic effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on liver injury in comparison with regenerated oxidized cellulose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats underwent partial hepatic laceration by scissors. The animals were randomized to the treatment of resected surface with either Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS, n = 11) or regenerated oxidized cellulose (Surgicel, n = 9), or were left untreated (controls, n = 10). All the animals were resuscitated with lactated Ringer's solution at 3.3 ml/min/kg to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 100 mmHg. Survival time, total blood loss, resuscitation volume, and MAP were recorded for 30 min or until death. The rats that were alive at the end of 30 min were sacrificed with blood withdrawal from catheters. RESULTS: Rats in the ABS and Surgicel groups survived significantly longer than rats in the control group (p =.0001). There were no significant differences between the ABS and the Surgicel groups in survival (p =.91). Application of ABS and Surgicel was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss compared to controls (p =.008), with no significant differences between active treatment groups (p =.74). The resuscitation volume was not different. CONCLUSIONS: ABS is as effective as Surgicel in achieving hemostasis following partial liver excision in an experimental rat model.

Dynamic sorption of ionizable organic compounds (IOCs) and xylene from water using geomaterial-modified montmorillonite.

Adsorption of phenols and xylene onto composite material, Na-montmorillonite, activated carbon, cement and water mixture, 70%, 7%, 7% and 16% (w/w/w/w), respectively, was studied at pH values of 5.15, 4.55, 5.2 and 4.9, respectively, of phenol, 2-CP, 2-NP and xylene. Equilibrium isotherms and fixed-bed column studies were undertaken to evaluate the performance of clay-active coal-coated cement (CACC) in removing phenols from aqueous solution. Investigations revealed CACC to be a very efficient media for the removal of phenols from water. The suitability of the Langmuir adsorption model to the equilibrium data was investigated for all phenols-adsorbent systems. At the maximum sorption capacity of the composite material it was found that the uptake (mg phenols/g) of phenols increased in the order 2-CP>2-NP>phenol approximately m-xylene as do their solubilities. The LUB design approach was used to determine the equivalent length of unused bed. The lower LUB values imply a better utilization of CACC composite. A model, which considered the effect of axial dispersion, was successfully used to describe the fixed-bed operation, the axial dispersion coefficient increased significantly with solubility.

Influence of poly(methyl methacrylate) impregnation ratio on the surface properties of fumed silica and on the glassy temperature of poly(methyl methacrylate) using inverse gas chromatographic analysis.

The surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) impregnated fumed silicas, in a large range of impregnation ratios, were examined using inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution. It was observed that the dispersive component gamma(s)d does not decrease monotonously with the impregnation ratio. Two critical coverage ratios were evidenced corresponding at first to the shielding of the most energetic sites and then to the achievement of total coverage of the silica surface. The influence of the coverage ratio on the glassy temperature (tg) of the adsorbed PMMA was also studied, which was evidenced down to a very low coverage ratio (1 monomer unit/nm2).

Double rhomboid flap in ophthalmic plastic surgery.

The rhomboid flap is a useful plastic surgical technique used to cover defects created by simple excisions in the shape of a rhombus. The closure requires construction of a flap equal to the size of the defect. With larger defects, a parallelogram can be drawn and two rhomboid flaps can be utilized to close a single large defect. The peri-orbital area is an ideal location for this procedure.