Retinal changes in multiple sclerosis: An optical coherence tomography and angiography study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with neuroaxonal damage. It is the principal driver of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Visual symptoms are common and optic neuritis (ON) may be the revealing feature in up to 30% of cases. Structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) represents a biomarker of central nervous system neurodegeneration in MS. OCT-angiography (OCT-A) is a noninvasive tool allowing the study of retinal vasculature and the detection of microvascular damage in neuro-retinal diseases. In this study, we aimed to assess structural and microvascular retinal changes in patients with MS with and without ON and to correlate the findings with visual function and MS disability. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria. All patients underwent complete neurological examination with evaluation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and an ophthalmological examination including OCT and OCT-A. Patients were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. The primary endpoints were assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell layer (GCL+), and ganglion cell complex (GCL++) thicknesses on OCT. Vascular densities in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) were assessed on OCT-A, as well as central avascular zone (CAZ) parameters, lacunarity and fractal dimension. RESULTS: A total of 160 MS eyes with and without a previous history of ON and 64 age- and gender-matched healthy eyes were analyzed. Among 160 eyes with MS, 69 had a history of ON. We observed a decrease in RNFL and GCL++ thickness in all 12 quadrants in MS patients when compared to healthy controls. Multivariate analysis by linear regression noted a significant correlation for temporal GCL++ and inferonasal RNFL thickness that were decreased in the MS group. A greater decrease in retinal layers thickness was identified in MS patients with a history of ON. On OCT-A, vascular density in (SCP) was significantly reduced in the MS group (P<0.002). A significant correlation between RNFL thickness and retinal vascular density was found but only in less than half of the hourly quadrants. A significant correlation was noted between visual acuity and CC density (P<0.0001). We also noted an inverse correlation between EDSS scores and CC density (P=0.02 and r=-0.275) and between MSSS and RNFL/GCL++ thicknesses. CONCLUSIONS: RNFL and GCL++ layers were thinner in MS patients with a history of ON and were reversely correlated with disease severity. Moreover, retinal vascular changes were observed in MS even in eyes without ON, and CC was reversely correlated with visual function and current disability. Thus, structural OCT coupled with OCT-A could represent a noninvasive and dynamic biomarker of MS severity and progression.

[An epidemiological and evolutionary profile of occupational asthma of Tunisian workers]. / Profil épidémiologique et évolutif de l'asthme professionnel des travailleurs tunisiens.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to identify the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of patients with occupational asthma (OA) and to assess their clinical evolution and occupational outcomes. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study over a period of five years (from 2012 to 2016) about the OA cases in the private sector reported in the Tunisian region of Zaghouan. RESULTS: All in all, 165 OA cases were reported during the study period, representing an annual incidence of 733.3 cases per 1,000,000 workers in the private sector. Our study population was composed predominantly (85.5%) of women, whose mean age was 41.5±6.8years. More than three quarters of the affected persons were working in the automobile industry, and most illnesses (77%) were attributable to isocyanates. The mean time to onset of the respiratory symptoms was longer for low molecular weight agents (13.6±3.1years) compared to high molecular weight agents (12.0±3.9years) (P=0.0006). The majority of OA cases (66.7%) lost their jobs. Job loss was significantly more frequent among asthmatic women and workers with OA due to isocyanates. Among the 62 cases of OA for whom risk factors were eliminated, 45 nonetheless remained symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Effective prevention strategies involving the various actors need to be implemented in work environments so as to reduce the frequency and the medico-legal repercussions of a disabling condition.

Optineurin in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis associated to atypical Parkinsonism in Tunisian population.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disorder and the phenotypic variability goes far beyond the used clinical stratification parameter. Evidence has emerged that ALS may coexist with distinct neurodegenerative diseases in single cases. We aim to study the clinical features of two familial cases of ALS carriers of two distinct variants harbored in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene. We included definite familial ALS followed up in the Department of Neurology of Razi University Hospital, Tunisia, and selected according to Byrne criteria. Preliminary screening for the four main ALS genes (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS) was conducted. Given the negative results, we proceeded to NGS target-re-sequencing with a custom panel including genes associated with ALS-FTD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Both families are carriers of two different OPTN variants and they present very different ALS clinical features. The first family comprises two siblings diagnosed with ALS and Corticobasal syndrome (ALS-CBS) at an early age of onset and carriers of OPTN p.E135X in the homozygous state. The proband for the second family was diagnosed with ALS at an early age of onset presenting as progressive muscular atrophy with rapid progression. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of the homozygous variant p.R520H. Our findings highlight the peculiarity of genetic Tunisian drift. Indeed, genes with a recessive mode of inheritance may explain part of ALS diversity in clinical features. Therefore, the screening of the OPTN gene is highly recommended among inbreeding populations such as the Tunisian one.

Contribution of Patch Tests with Occupational Handled Products in the Diagnosis of Occupational Contact Dermatitis: A 10-year Review.

Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common occupational disease. Its diagnosis is essentially based on interrogation and patch tests. However, commercially available batteries are sometimes not appropriate for the working conditions and the handled products, which must then be tested. In Tunisia, no previous study has focused on the contribution of patch tests with handled products in the workplace. The objective of this study is to establish the sociodemographic and occupational profile of the patients benefiting from patch tests with handled products in the workplace to identify the characteristics of these products as well as to evaluate the relevance of their positivity and their contributions in terms of aetiological diagnosis of occupational ACD. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study conducted for a period of 10 years from January 1st, 2006, to December 31, 2015, among patients exercising a professional activity and consulting the Dermato-Allergology Unit of the Occupational Medicine ward of the University Hospital Farhat Hached of Sousse for the exploration of ACD. Results: During the study period, 113 patients received patch tests of handled products in the workplace with a prevalence of 7.3% of patch-tested patients during the same period. The mean age was 35.79 ± 9.45 years with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.35). The most represented activity sectors were the health sector in 30.1% and the textile sector in 21.2%. The majority of patients were professionally active (61.9% of the study population) with an average professional seniority of 10.28 ± 8.49 months. In total, 138 patch tests with handled products were carried out of which 46 tests were positive (33.3%). After the analytical study, variables independently significantly associated with the positivity of patch tests with handled products in the workplace were the male gender and the working in the plastics industry. An occupational disease was declared to the National Health Insurance Fund for 8 patients, i.e., 7.1% of cases. Conclusion: Patch tests with handled products in the workplace can provide strong arguments for the professional origin of the ACD.

Arabic adaptation of the Edinburgh cognitive and behavioural Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis screen (ECAS-AR).

Current screening batteries for assessing neuropsychological function are not specific for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and are considered as limited tools due to the physical disabilities associated with ALS. The Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS screen (ECAS) was developed to detect the specific cognitive and behavioral changes that may occur among ALS patients. This study presents the ECAS developed for Arabic-speaking ALS patients (ECAS-AR) for use by healthcare professionals. ECAS was translated and modified to refined variety of Arabic language. Eighty-five ALS patients were included. Normative data were collected from 200 healthy controls (among them 97 were matched). Subjects were administered the ECAS-AR and two conventional cognitive screening batteries, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). ECAS-AR discriminated well between healthy controls and ALS patients. Significant differences were noted in language, executive functions, memory, and visuospatial domains between the two groups. The most prevalent deficit occurred in language and executive functions in ALS-specific functions. Whereas memory was more readily impaired in the lower and middle education groups concerning ALS non-specific functions. Verbal fluency tended to be preserved. Positive correlations were found between ECAS-AR and the standard cognitive tests supporting its full validity. The ECAS-AR version proposed will provide rapid, efficient and sensitive tools for healthcare professional to determine the cognitive-behavioural profile in Arabic-speaking ALS patients.

Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on anxiety and stress biomarkers in healthy volunteers.

Laurus nobilis is known in the field of herbal medicine and in vitro studies for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti- diabetes, and anti-inflammatory beneficial effects. Laurus nobilis tea consumption was investigated with regard to its effects on anxiety and stress in healthy individuals, measured by subjective tools and by plasmatic cortisol levels. The study included thirty healthy Tunisian volunteers aged between 20 and 57 years consuming Laurus nobilis infusion, prepared from 5g of dried Laurus nobilis leaves in 100 ml boiled water, once a day during 10 days. Plasma concentrations of serum cortisol were measured before Laurus nobilis consumption and at the end of the experiment. Laurus nobilis tea consumption significantly decreased the concentration of plasmatic cortisol ([cortisol] D0= 93.5± 43.01ng/mL, D11=72.23± 25.37, p=0.001). A statistically significant decrease in PSS and STAI scores (p=0.006 and p=0.002 respectively) was also noted.These findings highlight the decrease in blood cortisol levels, which means a possible positive effect on reducing the risk of stress related-diseases in healthy volunteers consuming Laurus nobilis tea. However, more powerful studies with extended treatment periods are required.

Tunisian version of the brief international cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis: Validation and normative values.

BACKGROUND: The Brief International cognitive assessment for Multiple sclerosis (BICAMS) is a specific batterie used to identify cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a reliable and easy way. To date, for the Arabic-speaking Tunisian MS patients, there is no consensus for the use of specific cognitive batteries in MS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our work was to develop and validate the Tunisian version of the BICAMS (T-BICAMS) and to determine our own normative values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with MS and followed up in the department of Neurology of Razi Hospital were recruited and matched to healthy controls according to age, sex and educational level. T-BICAMS validity was established by comparing MS and healthy controls for symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), brief visual memory test (BVMT-R) and Tunisian verbal learning tests (TVLT) which was used instead of the California verbal learning test (CVLT-II). RESULTS: The 104 MS patients and 104 healthy controls were comparable for age, sex and educational level. The MS group exhibited lower performances in all T-BICAMS domains compared to healthy controls: SDMT (x003Dp<10-3), BVMT-R (p = 0.002) and TVLT (p x003D<10-3). T-BICAMS Cronbach alpha value was 0.741. Normative values were identified for patients with MS: SDMT [39-40], BVMT-R [26-27] and TVLT [43-44]. Cognitive impairment was identified among 76 patients (73.1%). Males, lower educational levels and progressive MS were associated with a more severe cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The current study has established the BICAMS as a valid and reliable tool for the identification of cognitive impairment in the Tunisian MS population.

Clinical predictors of disease progression in a cohort of Tunisian progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is mainly based on Caucasian studies. In our North-African context, MS exhibits particular characteristics that are mainly related to a more severe phenotype. Given the limited data available, there is an imminent need to characterize progressive MS in our latitudes. OBJECTIVE: To describe the specificities of progressive MS and identify the inherent clinical predictors of disability accrual with a Tunisian cohort. METHODS: A retrospective, hospital-based study was conducted in the department of neurology of Razi hospital. Patients, who had been diagnosed with MS, were divided into relapsing MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical data were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Of the 504 patients, a progressive MS was described among 115 patients. This percentage of (22.8%) is divided into 13.9% SPMS and 8.9% PPMS. During the first clinical attack, motor symptoms have revealed to be predominant during PPMS (91.1%). For SPMS onset, the median time was 10 years, and was significantly delayed for patients with visual onset or full recovery from the first relapse. Patients with progressive MS exhibited a more rapid disability accumulation. CONCLUSION: Compared to Caucasians, Tunisians exhibited a faster rate of conversion to SPMS. According to our natural progressive MS history, early clinical features are predictors of MS disability accrual.

Multiple sclerosis 2017 McDonald criteria are also relevant for Tunisians.

BACKGROUND: Validation of the 2017 revised McDonald criteria was based on data from Caucasians. Among North Africans, Multiple Sclerosis prevalence, clinical phenotype and differential diagnosis are different. Hence, verifying the relevance of the latest revised criteria applied in North Africans was recommended. The aim of our study was to investigate the applicability and reliability of the revised 2017 McDonald criteria, compared to the 2010 version, with the relevance to the diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis in a Tunisian cohort. METHODS: Data from patients, with a typical clinically isolated syndrome, were re-analyzed retrospectively. Also, clinical, immunological and imaging characteristics were reviewed, according to the 2010, then 2017, McDonald criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were evaluated to analyze the impact of the new criteria in everyday clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were included. Eighty-eight patients developed a definite Multiple Sclerosis, while ten had a different diagnosis. With relevance to the 2010 criteria, 41 patients (42%) were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, after the first clinical attack. The 2017 revised criteria allowed to diagnose 32 more cases (73 patients = 74%). Sensitivity of the 2017 criteria was higher (77% versus 44%), but specificity was lower (33% versus 63%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the 2010 version, the 2017 McDonald criteria highlighted higher sensitivity, but lower specificity for Tunisians.

Effects of music therapy on occupational stress and burn-out risk of operating room staff.

The operating theatre staff is exposed to various constraints such as excessive working hours, severe medical conditions and dreadful consequences in case of malpractice. These working conditions may lead to high and chronic levels of stress, which can interfere with medical staff well-being and patients quality of care. The aim of this study is toassess the impact of music therapy on stress levels and burnout risk on the operating room staff. This is a pre-experimental study including the operating rooms staff of urology and maxillofacial surgery in the academic hospital of Sahloul Sousse (Tunisia) over a period of six weeks. The study consisted of three phases. The first was an initial assessment of stress level with a predefined survey. The second included three music therapy sessions per day over one month. The third was an immediate stress level reassessment following the intervention. Stress levels were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale version PSS-10 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The overall response rate was 73.9%.The average age of the study population was 37.8 ± 7.7 years with a female predominance (64.7%). After the music therapy program, Perceived Stress Scale average score decreased from 22 ± 8.9 to 16 ± 7.9 (p = 0.006). Concerning the burnout, only the average score of emotional exhaustion decreased significantly from 27 ± 10.8 to 19.2 ± 9.5 (p = 0.004). Music therapy is an innovative approach that seems to reduce operating theatre staff stress. It must be considered as a non pharmacological, simple, economic and non invasive preventive tool.

Impact of Allergic Contact Dermatitis on the Quality of Life and Work Productivity.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common chronic skin disease that generates considerable public-health and socioeconomic costs. This disease affects the quality of life and the occupational activity of patients. AIMS: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with ACD and study the impact of this disease on their work productivity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out from January 2012 to December 2014. All patients diagnosed with ACD in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of the Occupational Medicine Department at Farhat Hached University Hospital, in Sousse, were included. The impact of skin disease on the QOL of affected persons was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The work productivity was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Allergic Specific questionnaire (WPAI: AS). RESULTS: The study population consisted of 150 patients. The average score of DLQI was 6.5. Over the previous 7 days, absenteeism rate was 25.9 ± 15.3%, presenteeism rate was 50.2 ± 32%, overall work productivity loss was 29.6 ± 19.4%, and daily activity impairment was 50.4 ± 32.3%. The DLQI score was significantly associated with atopy (p = 0.03), relapses strictly greater than 10 (p = 0.02), presenteeism (p <10-3), overall work productivity loss (p = 0.01), and daily activity impairment (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The impact of ACD on QOL and occupational activity seems important and requires specific attention from the occupational physician.

[Impact of occupational noise in the development of arterial hypertension: A survey carried out in a company of electricity production]. / Impact du bruit professionnel sur le développement de l'hypertension artérielle : enquête réalisée au sein d'une centrale de production d'électricité et de gaz en Tunisie.

BACKGROUND: Noise pollution is one of the major environmental pollutants that can adversely affect public health. Cardiovascular diseases are the primary out-auditory adverse outcome caused by occupational noise exposure. AIMS: To investigate the association between occupational exposure to high level of noise and blood pressure among a group of workers in a company of electricity production in the Centre of Tunisia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 occupational noise-exposed workers and 120 non-exposed employees were recruited to conduct a cross-sectional survey exploring the association between occupational noise-exposed and arterial hypertension. Data collection was based on a questionnaire, a clinical exam and biomarkers. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer following a standard protocol. The occupational noise level was measured with a portable calibrated sound meter. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) of noise exposure adjusted by potential confounders. RESULTS: The noise level to which our population was exposed ranged from 75dB to 103dB with an average noise level of 89dB. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the prevalence of hypertension were significantly higher in exposed individuals than in non-exposed. In multivariate analysis, elevated SBP in exposed workers was associated with high-salt diet (OR adjusted=1.71, 95% CI adjusted [1.14-1.98]) and occupational seniority more than 8 years (adjusted OR=5.31, 95% CI [2.22-12.72]). The factors associated with high BP in the exposed group were diabetes (OR adjusted to 15.31; 95% adjusted CI [2.61-89.58]), history of hypertension in the family (OR adjusted to 11.46; 95% adjusted CI [5.18-83][1.58-83.05]), mean of age (OR adjusted to 6.65; 95% adjusted CI [1.87-23.59]) and high-salt diet (OR adjusted to 0.29; 95% adjusted CI [0.09-0.95]). CONCLUSION: Occupational chronic noise exposure was associated with higher levels of SBP, DBP, and the risk of hypertension. These findings indicate that effective and feasible measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of hypertension caused by occupational noise exposure in companies of electricity production.

[Specificities of occupational asthma in women and its interactions with hormonal status]. / Spécificités de l'asthme professionnel chez les femmes et son interaction avec le statut hormonal.

BACKGROUND: Occupational asthma (OA) is described as the most common respiratory disease in industrialized countries. A female predominance characterizes many populations of asthmatic workers. Differences in occupational exposures by gender as well as hormonal variations could affect OA in women. PURPOSE: To identify the socio-occupational and medical characteristics of OA in women compared to men and to investigate a possible hormonal influence on OA in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study, based on medical records of out patients of the Department of Occupational Medicine during the period between 1st January 2009 and 30 June 2016 for OA completed by a phone call to collect missing data. RESULTS: Over 222 cases of OA, a female predominance was noted (60.81%), which was predominantly in the textile sector (61.5%). Clinically, men had more exercise dyspnea and wheezing, whereas the association with rhinitis was significantly greater in women. The majority of women with asthma had irregular menstrual cycles (46.2%), they were multiparous in 54%, menopaused in 13% of cases with a mean age of menarche of 12±1.65 years. A worsening of OA was noted in 58% of women during their perimenstrual period, 75% during pregnancy and 14% of women when taking hormonal contraceptives. In asthmatic women, only the presence of non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity was significantly associated with menarche age (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Differences between men and women in OA with variability of symptoms during female genital life have been identified. Further studies to personalized care strategies for women need to be undertaken.

The effect of environmental factors on the incidence of perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency. Its etiopathogenesis appears to be multifactorial. Several studies suggested a relationship between the development of acute appendicitis and some environmental factors. Air pollution predisposes some people to develop perforated appendicitis. However, data are relatively scarce and the results still controversial. AIM: Determine the seasonal variation of acute appendicitis and study the association between perforated appendicitis and short-term exposure to climatic factors and to air pollutants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients hospitalized in the general surgery department of Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse for acute appendicitis between January 1st and December 31st, 2014. Climatic conditions were collected from the National Institute of Meteorology. Data on air pollution were given by the National Agency for the Protection of the Environment and obtained by the modeling of the atmospheric pollution. For statistical analysis, we used mean concentrations of each environmental factor corresponding to the day of hospital admission and lagged by the 7 previous days. These factors were compared between the group of patients with perforated appendicitis and patients with nonperforated appendicitis. RESULTS: We collected 246 cases of acute appendicitis. Perforated appendicitis was reported in 15.2% of the cases. The incidence of acute appendicitis was higher during summer. Compared to nonperforated appendicitis, perforated appendicitis was significantly associated with the mean relative humidity of the 5 day lag (p = 0.046), rainfall of the 7 day lag (p = 0.043), and consultation delay (p <10-3). Furthermore, perforated appendicitis was significantly associated with the daily mean concentration of carbon dioxide (p = 0.042), the 2- day lag mean concentration of particulate matter less than 10 µ (PM10 ) (p = 0.016), and the 2-day lag mean concentration of ozone (p = 0.048). After multivariate statistical analysis, predictive factors for perforated appendicitis were the consultation delay (OR: 1.621, 95% CI [1.288 - 2.039]; p<10-3) and the 2 day lag mean concentration of PM10 (OR: 1.066, 95% CI [1.007- 1.130]; p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Short-term exposure to particulate matter was associated with perforated appendicitis. Further large-scale studies are needed to support this conclusion. KEY WORDS: Air pollution, Appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, Climateparticulate matter.

[Quality of life in adult patient (Tunisian) with severe OSA]. / Qualité de vie du patient (tunisien) adulte atteint de SAOS sévère.

INTRODUCTION: The negative impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on quality of life of affected individuals is a central consequence of this disease. The recognition of the quality of life as a therapeutic target is a relatively new concept. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of life and its determinants in patients with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study during the period from 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2013. The target population was patients with OSA and in employment examined in consultations of pneumology in the teaching hospital Farhat-Hached in Sousse (Tunisia). This study was based on a generic questionnaire (SF-36) to assess the quality of life. RESULTS: The study population included 103 cases with a mean age of 55.15±11.4years and a sex ratio of 0.71. Our patients were obese in 95.1 % of cases with an average BMI of 39.13±7.19kg/m2. The majority of our patients had an impaired quality of life with an average score of 44.76 (SF36) and extremes of 22 and 70. There was a positive linear relationship between physical and mental components of the SF-36 and gender, age, BMI, and anxiety and depressive disorders. CONCLUSION: The OSA is a demanding disease whose impact on the quality of life seems important and requires special attention. The management of this disease should not be limited to controlling the disease but aspire to overall patient satisfaction.

Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome revealing dual malignancy.

Dual malignancy has been rarely associated to paraneoplastic syndromes. We describe an unusual case of metachronous small cell lung carcinoma revealed by opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome in a 69-year-old patient with known prostate adenocarcinoma, with positive anti-Hu and anti-Yo antibodies and good responsiveness to corticosteroids and chemotherapy.

[Impulsivity and externalization and internalization problems in adolescents]. / Impulsivité et problèmes d'internalisation et d'externalisation chez l'adolescent.

OBJECTIVES: The multidimensional aspect of the concept of impulsivity is proven by the composite structure of the rating scales of impulsivity. Several studies have already found correlations between trait-impulsivity and externalizing disorders. However, the studies interested in the relationship between trait-impulsivity and internalizing problems are rare. We have tried to explore correlations between impulsivity and externalization and internalization problems, in a population of adolescent outpatients. METHODS: We recruited 31 adolescent out-patients in the child and adolescent psychiatry department in the University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) was used to evaluate a multidimensional concept of trait-impulsivity, including the dimensions of "Motor", "Non-planning" and "Attentional" impulsivities. The Strength and Difficulties Scales (SDQ) was used to assess different domains of externalizing and internalizing problems, including "Emotional symptoms", "Conduct problems", "Hyperactivity" and "Peer problems". RESULTS: The sex-ratio was 1.21. The mean age was 15.19±1.27 years. All patients but one were attending school. The diagnosis was "Major Depressive Episode" in 32% and "Behavior Disorder" in 38%. The means of the scores of externalizing and internalizing problems were 9.35±4.41 and 9.65±3.26, respectively. The total score of the BIS was significantly related to both scores of externalizing and internalizing problems. The "Motor" impulsivity was specially correlated with the externalizing dimension of the SDQ. The non-planning impulsivity was correlated with both scores of externalizing and internalizing problems, but it was mainly related to internalizing problems. The attentional impulsivity was also correlated with both dimensions of externalizing and internalizing problems. CONCLUSION: The dimensions of trait-impulsivity were correlated with various dimensions of the SDQ concerning externalizing and internalizing problems. That confirms the hypothesis that the impulsiveness is associated with wide domains of the psychopathology of the teenager which are not limited to behavior disorders. We can process these problems by influencing the "Motor impulsivity" and "Non-planning impulsivity". The cognitive and behavioral therapy and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be efficient.

Dyeing and antibacterial activation with methylene blue of a cyclodextrin modified polyester vascular graft.

The aim of this study was to develop an antiseptic and blue dyed polyester (PET) vascular graft in order to reach two distinct properties: (i) the prevention of postoperative infections, (ii) the improvement of the graft compatibility with the coelioscopy surgical technique. This work consisted of dyeing a vascular prosthesis with methylene blue (MB) which is known as a cationic dye with antiseptic properties. Therefore, the functionalization of the PET fibers of the prosthesis with a cyclodextrin-citric acid polymer (PolyCD) was achieved in order to improve its sorption capacity. The NMR experiments demonstrated that a 1:2 complex occurred between hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ßCD) and MB. Kinetic and sorption isotherm studies showed that an impregnation of the polyCD modified prosthesis (PET-CD) in a 1 g L(-1) of MB solution for 150 min was sufficient to reach the saturation of the device. Results proved that the adsorption mechanism followed the Langmuir model and a maximum of 20 mg g(-1) of MB on the graft. A sustained release of MB in batch tests was observed in PBS and in vitro microbiological assays displayed a prolongation of the bactericidal effect of PET-CD whose extent varied with the amount of MB preliminarily adsorbed onto the PET-CD.

[Eye movement recordings in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. / Étude des mouvements oculaires dans les troubles hyperactifs avec déficit de l'attention chez l'enfant.

INTRODUCTION: Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 5% of school-aged children. Diagnosis is based on criteria defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV), and there is no specific marker for the disease. Eye movements may be altered in ADHD. The goal of this study was to identify difficulties in oculomotor tasks in children with ADHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subjects were children with untreated ADHD (n=7) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=7). Two different tasks (prosaccades and pursuit) were used to examine functions necessary for the planning and execution of eye movements. Student's t-test was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Prosaccades were able to be recorded in five children with ADHD and in all control subjects. In two patients, no saccades could be recorded due to their hyperactivity. There were significant differences (P<0.01) in prosaccade latency, children with ADHD showing significantly longer latency on the prosaccade task than controls (299±91 ms versus 197±14 ms). Pursuit performance was saccadic with a gain of 0.4 versus 0.6 and was not significantly altered in the ADHD group with respect to controls. CONCLUSION: Oculomotor measurements can be a simple, non-invasive test, easily performed in children with ADHD. Longer latency on the prosaccade task is observed in ADHD children.

Anticoagulant and antimicrobial finishing of non-woven polypropylene textiles.

The aim of this work is to prepare non-woven polypropylene (PP) textile functionalized with bioactive molecules in order to improve its anticoagulation and antibacterial properties. This paper describes the optimization of the grafting process of acrylic acid (AA) on low-pressure cold-plasma pre-activated PP, the characterization of the modified substrates and the effect of these modifications on the in vitro biological response towards cells. Then, the immobilization of gentamicin (aminoglycoside antibiotic) and heparin (anticoagulation agent) has been carried out on the grafted samples by either ionic interactions or covalent linkages. Their bioactivity has been investigated and related to the nature of their interactions with the substrate. For gentamicin-immobilized AA-grafted samples, an inhibition radius and a reduction of 99% of the adhesion of Escherichia coli have been observed when gentamicin was linked by ionic interactions, allowing the release of the antibiotic. By contrast, for heparin-immobilized AA-grafted PP samples, a strong increase of the anticoagulant effect up to 35 min has been highlighted when heparin was covalently bonded on the substrate, by contact with the blood drop.