A Longitudinal Study in Tunisia to Assess the Anti-RBD IgG and IgA Responses Induced by Three Different COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination constitutes the best strategy against COVID-19. In Tunisia, seven vaccines standing for the three main platforms, namely RNA, viral vector, and inactivated vaccines, have been used to vaccinate the population at a large scale. This study aimed to assess, in our setting, the kinetics of vaccine-induced anti-RBD IgG and IgA antibody responses. METHODS: Using in-house developed and validated ELISA assays, we measured anti-RBD IgG and IgA serum antibodies in 186 vaccinated workers at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis over 12 months. RESULTS: We showed that RNA vaccines were the most immunogenic vaccines, as compared to alum-adjuvanted inactivated and viral-vector vaccines, either in SARS-CoV-2-naïve or in SARS-CoV-2-experienced individuals. In addition to the IgG antibodies, the vaccination elicited RBD-specific IgAs. Vaccinated individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited more robust IgG and IgA antibody responses, as compared to SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals. CONCLUSIONS: After following up for 12 months post-immunization, we concluded that the hierarchy between the platforms for anti-RBD antibody-titer dynamics was RNA vaccines, followed by viral-vector and alum-adjuvanted inactivated vaccines.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of a Crude Polysaccharide Derived from Green Seaweed Halimeda tuna: Computational and Experimental Evidences.

In this study, we investigated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of crude polysaccharide (PSHT) extracted from green marine algae Halimeda tuna. PSHT exhibited anti-oxidant activity in vitro through scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl free radical, reducing Fe3+/ferricyanide complex, and inhibiting nitric oxide. PSHT maintained the erythrocyte membrane integrity and prevented hemolysis. Our results also showed that PSHT exerted a significant anti-edematic effect in vivo by decreasing advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde levels and increasing the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat's paw model and erythrocytes. Interestingly, PSHT increased the viability of murine RAW264.7 macrophages and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells by decreasing pro-inflammatory molecule levels, including nitric oxide, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Our findings indicate that PSHT could be used as a potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic, and anti-oxidant agent. These results could be explained by the computational findings showing that polysaccharide building blocks bound both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and TNF-α with acceptable affinities.

HBHA-IGRA and cytotoxic mediators release assays for the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis.

IMPORTANCE: Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL), the most frequent extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis, is currently a major health problem in Tunisia and in several regions around the world. CTL diagnosis is challenging mainly due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease and the potential misdiagnosis as cervical non-tuberculous lymphadenitis. This study demonstrates the added value of the heparin-binding hemagglutinin-interferon-gamma release assay as an immunoassay in the context of CTL.

Interplay between Signaling Pathways and Tumor Microenvironment Components: A Paradoxical Role in Colorectal Cancer.

The study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become an important part of colorectal cancer (CRC) research. Indeed, it is now accepted that the invasive character of a primary CRC is determined not only by the genotype of the tumor cells, but also by their interactions with the extracellular environment, which thereby orchestrates the development of the tumor. In fact, the TME cells are a double-edged sword as they play both pro- and anti-tumor roles. The interaction of the tumor-infiltrating cells (TIC) with the cancer cells induces the polarization of the TIC, exhibiting an antagonist phenotype. This polarization is controlled by a plethora of interconnected pro- and anti-oncogenic signaling pathways. The complexity of this interaction and the dual function of these different actors contribute to the failure of CRC control. Thus, a better understanding of such mechanisms is of great interest and provides new opportunities for the development of personalized and efficient therapies for CRC. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways linked to CRC and their implication in the development or inhibition of the tumor initiation and progression. In the second part, we enlist the major components of the TME and discuss the complexity of their cells functions.

[Efficacy of misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy in second trimester : Prospective study]. / Efficacité du misoprostol pour l'interruption médicale de grossesse au 2éme trimestre: Etude prospective.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of misoprostol used alone, and the time of fetal expulsion for medical termination of pregnancy in the second trimester. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 patients were enrolled in a prospective study over two years and in whom termination of pregnancy was indicated between 14 and 28 weeks of amenorrhea. Misoprostol was reported in a well-defined protocol: group 1: 2 tablets every 3 hours as intra vaginal, group 2: half dose for women bull 4th or more or carrying a scarred uterus for terms greater than or equal to 22 weeks of amenorrhea. RESULTS: 48 patients expelled misoprostol alone and we have used an aspiration in two cases. The period of expulsion for 24 hours was 97% for the first group and 90% for the second. CONCLUSION: using misoprostol within this protocol is effective and reduce the time required for the fetal expulsion of the second trimester pregnancy.

[Epidemiological profile, etiological diagnosis and prognosis of uterine synechias: report of 86 cases]. / Epidemiological profile, etiological diagnosis and prognosis of uterine synechias: report of 86 cases

BACKGROUND: Uterine synechias may pose real problems for fertility prognosis. It depends mainly on its etiology. AIM: To study the epidemiological profile of patients, describe the circumstances of discovery of uterine synechias, specify the diagnostic procedures for pelvic ultrasound, hysterography and hysteroscopy and estimate the benefits on fertility. METHODS: A retrospective study over a period of 10 years from 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2009 in the department of obstetrics gynecology B Charles Nicolle's Hospital in Tunis. RESULTS: We collected 86 patients. The age average was 35.42 years, gestit average of 1.36 with 37.2% of nulligeste and an average parity of 0.67. The uterine revision was the main etiology (55.8%). The main circumstance of discovery was the exploration of infertility (60%). Hysterosalpingography showed a luminal filling defect in 79% of patients mostly fundic location (37.3%). Faced with data from the hysteroscopy sensitivity of HSG was 78% and positive predictive value was 100%. For the seat of the synechia its sensitivity is only 40%. The surgical procedure took place in one time in 74 cases. Our complication rate is 8.14%: 2 uterine perforations, 2 falseroads and 3 cases of hemorrhage stopping surgery. CONCLUSION: The main etiology is a history of uterus revision. The main circumstance of discovery is the exploration of infertility. Anatomic results were generally good as testified hysteroscopy control.

Conservative management of cervical pregnancy. A case-report.

BACKGROUND: cervical pregnancy is one of the rarest ectopic locations. It can be responsible of spontaneous haemorrhage enquiring hysterectomy. Ultrasonography technical improvements allow early diagnosis and conservative treatment. AIM: This study aims to report a new case of cervical pregnancy treated conservatively. CASE REPORT: patient with cervical pregnancy diagnosed on ultrasonography and treated by one dose systemic methotrexate requiring a second injection because of no decreasing of serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin level leading to expulsion of the pregnancy one month later. CONCLUSION: methotrexate is the standard treatment of early diagnosed cervical pregnancy. When haemorrhage occurs, many therapeutic methods allow conservative treatment in order to preserve fertility.