Microsatellite analysis of the population structure in Rhizopus arrhizus.

OBJECTIVES: Rhizopus arrhizus is recognized as an emergent agent of superficial and invasive mucormycosis. Despite an increasing number of these infections, the molecular epidemiology of Rhizopus species has not been well studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 43 R. arrhizus strains (25 environmental and 18 clinical isolates) were genotyped using six novel panels of microsatellite markers. RESULTS: Upon the analysis of 43 isolates, 4-8 distinct alleles were detected for each marker. The discriminatory power for the individual markers ranged from 0·522 to 0·830. The combination of all six markers yielded 33 different haplotypes with a high degree of discrimination (0·989 D value). A four-marker combination were selected as the most parsimonious panel achieving D > 0·95. One clinical isolate and one environmental isolate shared the same genotype suggesting the possible nosocomial outbreak of mucormycosis in hospitalized patients. We have noted that the strains isolated from cutaneous mucormycosis were different from the strains isolated from rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Then, the hypothesis of particular tropism of infectious strains for a given site is not excluded. The standardized indices of association IA and rBarD were significantly different from zero (P < 0·01), suggesting a prevailing clonal reproduction. The environmental population was significantly differentiated from clinical populations (Fst = 0·2249). CONCLUSIONS: Microsatellite typing method described in our study showed an excellent degree of discriminatory power. It is a promising tool for illuminating the molecular epidemiology of R. arrhizus species, including strain relatedness and transmission pathways.

Determination of Chlorophenols in Water Samples Using Solid-Phase Extraction Enrichment Procedure and Gas Chromatography Analysis.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure followed by derivatization and gas chromatography electron capture detection was evaluated for the determination of trace amounts of chlorophenols (CPs) in waters samples. Different parameters affecting extraction efficiency such as, volume of elution solvent, volume and pH of water sample, quantity of sorbent phase were studied and optimized. SPE was carried out on polystyrene-divinylbenzene (Bond Elut ENV) and high recoveries were obtained using 1000 mg of this cartridge for the treatment of 500 mL of acidified water sample. The described method was then tested on spiked tap, mineral, ground and surface water samples. The overall procedure provided limits of detection lower than 20 ng L(-1), recoveries of 70%-106% and an enrichment factor of 500 for the examined CPs in 500 mL water samples. Among the studied compounds, pentachlorophenol was detected in tap water at a concentration level of 0.06 µg L(-1).

[Predictive factors for recurrence after surgery of nasal polyposis].

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery has become the treatment of choice in the surgical management of patients with nasal polyposis. The aim of our study is to identify the role of some epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic factors in recurrence after surgery of nasal polyposis. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 11 years (between 2000 and 2010) including 184 patients operated for nasal polyposis after failure of prolonged medical treatment. We evaluated the impact of epidemiological and clinical factors (age, sex, asthma, Widal disease, allergy and stage of nasal polyposis at the time of surgery) and treatment (surgical technique, observance of postoperative topical steroids ) on postoperative recurrence. Results: Nasal poly­posis recurred in 26.6% of patients after an average period of 23 months. Widal disease, asthma and bad observance of the intranasal steroid therapy were significantly associated with postoperative recurrence in the univariate analysis. In multi­variate analysis the bad observance of the intranasal steroid therapy was the only factor significantly associated with recurren­ce. Conclusion: Postoperative steroids prescribed routi­nely in our practice can effectively prevent recurrence after endonasal surgery and this result was found in both uni­variate and multivariate analysis.

Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the atmosphere of Bizerte city, Tunisia.

The particle-phase concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in 13 air samples collected in an urban area of Bizerte (Tunisia) during 2009-2010. Atmospheric particulate samples were extracted by ultrasonic bath and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PAH were found in all the analyzed air samples and the most abundant compounds were pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene. ∑14-PAH concentrations ranging from 9.38 to 44.81 ng m(-3) with mean value of 25.39 ng m(-3). PAH diagnostic ratio source analysis revealed gasoline and diesel vehicular emissions as major sources. The mean total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent calculated for samples was 3.66 ng m(-3) and the mean contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene was determined to be 55.8 %. Concentrations of particulate PAH in Bizerte city atmosphere were approximately eight times greater than sampled at a nearby rural site.

[Para-pharyngeal tumors, contribution of imaging]. / Tumeurs parapharyngées, apport de l'imagerie.

OBJECTIVES: Para-pharyngeal tumors are located deeply. Imaging is mandatory for their management. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the contribution of imaging for their diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Imaging was performed for 20 cases of primary para-pharyngeal tumors between 1986 and 2008. We compared the imaging to the anatomic and histological features of these tumors. RESULTS: Computed tomography and MRI confirmed the para-pharyngeal location of tumors. Tumors were located in the prestyloid compartment in eight cases, in the retrostyloid compartment in five cases, and in the retropharyngeal compartment in one case. Six tumors had filled all the para-pharyngeal space. Salivary gland tumors had filled the prestyloid space in two cases, and in two other malignant cases all para-pharyngeal space were invaded. MRI failed to differentiate the nature of tumor and its malignancy except when there was obvious bone erosion. The treatment was mainly surgical. The mean follow-up was 5 years 6 months. DISCUSSION: Imaging contributes to the etiological diagnosis and assesses tumor extension, thus helping to choose the surgical approach. MRI is the most contributive examination; its resolution is more adapted to the diagnosis of deep tumors. CT scan is contributive when studying the bone structure.

Antifungal susceptibility of bloodstream Candida isolates in Sfax hospital: Tunisia.

UNLABELLED: Invasive candidiasis has emerged as an important nosocomial infection, causing significant morbidity and mortality especially among critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to determine specie distribution and resistance profiles of Candida species isolated from blood cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all episodes of candidemia diagnosed in our laboratory from January 2006 to May 2009. The susceptibility to antifungal agents of all Candida isolates was tested by using a Sensititre(®) YeastOne panel. RESULTS: A total of 130 Candida isolates were recovered from blood cultures. Candida tropicalis was the most frequent specie (37.7%), followed by C. albicans (22.3%), C. glabrata (19.2%), and C. parapsilosis (12.2%). All the isolates were inhibited by ≤1 µg/ml of amphotericin B and ≤2 µg/ml of caspofungin. For fluconazole, 7.3% of clinical isolates were resistant. It was most active against C. parapsilosis (100% susceptible), C. albicans (95.8% susceptible), and C. tropicalis (94% susceptible). All of the fluconazole-susceptible isolates were susceptible to voriconazole, as were 83.3% of the fluconazole-susceptible-dose-dependent isolates. Among fluconazole-resistant isolates, 85.7% were susceptible to voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS: In our institution, C. tropicalis was the most frequent specie isolated from the bloodstream. Caspofungin had an excellent in vitro activity against Candida isolates and was the drug of choice among fluconazole-resistant isolates.

[Ductal carcinomas of the parotid gland]. / Les carcinomes canalaires de la parotide.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of ductal carcinomas of the parotid gland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients with ductal carcinoma of the parotid gland (primary and secondary carcinoma) treated, between 2007 and 2019, in our ENT department, were reviewed. RESULTS: Four men and one woman were included. The mean age was 61,4 years. One patient had a history of an invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Four patients consulted for swelling in the parotid region. One patient referred to our department for dysfunction of facial nerve. Skin invasion was found in one case. Four patients underwent total parotidectomy with sacrifice of the facial nerve (three cases). One patient underwent extended parotidectomy involving the skin. An ipsilateral selective neck dissection was performed in four cases. One patient had a parotid gland biopsy. Ductal carcinoma was primary in four cases and metastatic from breast origin in one case. Four patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Remission was obtained in three cases. One patient had a local and meningeal recurrence. The patient with metastatic carcinoma had pulmonary, bone, hepatic and brain progression. CONCLUSION: Ductal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor of the parotid gland. It can be primary or secondary. The treatment is based on surgery and radiotherapy. The prognosis is poor.

Two missense mutations in SLC26A4 gene: a molecular and functional study.

Mutations in the SLC26A4 gene encoding pendrin, an anion transporter, are responsible for non-syndromic hearing loss (HL) (DFNB4) and Pendred syndrome (PS). PS is a genetic disorder that causes early HL and affects the thyroid gland. Here, we report eight Tunisian families affected with profound HL. Clinical investigations revealed goiter in few patients. Genotyping using microsatellite makers showed linkage to SLC26A4, and missense mutations p.L445W and p.M147T were identified by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The p.L445W mutation segregated in seven families and haplotype analysis suggested its founder effect. In order to understand the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of p.L445W and p.M147T mutations, SLC26A4 wild-type and mutant cDNA constructs were transiently expressed in COS7 cells and several human cell lines including Thyroid 8305C cells. Reverse transcription-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence demonstrated that these two mutations abolished complex glycosylation of pendrin and prevented its targeting to the plasma membrane.

[Xanthogranuloma of the parotid gland in adults]. / Xanthogranulome parotidien de l'adulte.

UNLABELLED: Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a cutaneous non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis affecting infants. We report the first case of JXG in the parotid gland of an adult. CLINICAL CASE: A 52 year-old man consulted for a painful swelling of the left parotid region, progressively increasing. On physical examination, the mass was 4 cm in diameter. A second 1.5 cm diameter tumor was found in the right parotid region. MRI revealed masses with heterogeneous hypodense on T1-weighted images and with hyper dense on T2 weighted images associated with heterogeneous enhancement after gadolinium injection. The superficial and deep lobes of the parotid gland were involved. Per-operative left-side exploration revealed a lipomatous degeneration of the parotid gland and facial nerve. A lower polar parotidectomy was performed. The histological examination identified a parotid xanthogranuloma. DISCUSSION: The JXG is usually revealed by cutaneous lesions. In fact, the morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of this affection lead to its diagnosis. Extra-cutaneous localizations are less frequent. The differential diagnosis is X histiocytosis.

[Acinic cell carcinoma of the nasal septum]. / Carcinome à cellules acineuses du septum nasal.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal cavity acinic carcinoma are exceptional and often of turbinal origin. We report a case of acinic carcinoma of septal origin and discuss this histological type rare in this site. OBSERVATION: A 47-year-old women, with no pathologic history, consulted for right nasal obstruction and hyposmia having evolved for a year. The clinical examination revealed a right nasal cavity lesion adhesive to the septum. Tomodensitometry showed a right nasal cavity and ethmoid opacity without bone destruction. The surgical treatment was endonasal tumor resection. The histological examination revealed a nasal fossa acinic carcinoma completely resected. A postoperative radiotherapy was initiated. The evolution was uneventful without recurrence after 4 years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Acinic carcinoma is rarely located in the nasal cavity. Its septal origin is exceptional. It is usually located at the salivary gland level. Curative treatment is surgery associated or not to radiotherapy. The prognosis is related to tumor extension and quality of resection.

Unusual case of otomycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis.

Saksenaea vasiformis is a species of the order Mucorales rarely reported as a cause of human mucormycosis. We report an unusual case of S. vasiformis otitis occurring in a diabetic woman after penetration of an insect in the right ear. Direct microscopic examination of the clinical sample showed hyaline and non septate hyphae belonging to the order Mucorales. Fungal identification was performed by sequencing the ITS region of the rDNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. vasiformis infection in Tunisia.

[Cutaneous basosquamous carcinoma]. / Carcinome basocellulaire métatypique.

INTRODUCTION: Basosquamous carcinoma is a rare entity that essentially affects the head and neck region in male patients. The authors present the clinical signs and progression as well as the therapeutic consequences of this disease through two observations. CASE REPORT 1: A 41-year-old man presented with basosquamous carcinoma of the right temporoparietal region treated initially with surgery alone. Five years later, he was operated on for a local and lymph node recurrence followed by radiation therapy, stabilizing the disease for 4 years; subsequently a second recurrence with metastasis to the chest area occurred. The patient died 10 years after the onset of his disease of diffuse pneumopathy with severe septicemia. CASE REPORT 2: A 71-year-old man presented retroauricular basosquamous carcinoma at first treated with wide resection, but the surgical limits were invaded. He developed local recurrences treated with surgical resection until total petrosectomy, but the surgical limits were always invaded. Radiotherapy was delivered. Seven years after the end of treatment, he developed a local recurrence invading the brain, which was deemed untreatable. DISCUSSION: Basosquamous carcinoma is characterized by its severe aggression and its tendency to recur. Treatment is essentially surgical. Radiotherapy is an adjuvant for the cases with high risk of recurrence. The role of chemotherapy is not yet proved.

[Cervical spondylodiskitis revealed by retropharyngeal abscess]. / Spondylodiscite cervicale révélée par un abcès rétropharyngé.

INTRODUCTION: Spondylodiskitis is rare in the cervical vertebrae. We report a case of cervical spondylodiskitis revealed by a retropharyngeal abscess caused by a pyogen agent. The aim of our work was to shed light on the diagnosis and therapeutic difficulties of spondylodiskitis associated with a retropharyngeal abscess. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency department for a progressive laryngeal dyspnoea of 3 months duration. Clinical examination showed severe dyspnoea. Oropharynx and pulmonary exams were unremarkable. Failure of medical treatment led to the performance of an emergency tracheotomy after which the patient developed a flaccid quadriparesis. Medullar MRI revealed a spondylodiskitis with medullary compression and a retropharyngeal abscess. Surgical biopsy concluded to a pyogen osteitis. Treatment in the form of antibiotics and cervical immobilisation was instituted. Evolution was marked with septicaemia, multiple organ failure and ionic disturbance leading to death. COMMENTS: Cervical spondylodiskitis is rare. Its revelation by retropharyngeal abscess is also rare. MRI is the tool of choice for diagnosing discovertebral infections and its prevertebral extensions. Treatment is medical and surgical.

[Neurofibromatosis type 1 revealed by malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor]. / Tumeur maligne des gaines nerveuses périphériques révélant une neurofibromatose type 1.

UNLABELLED: Neurofibromatosis type 1 or Von Recklinghausen's disease is an affection with variable clinical expression. Malignant transformation is rare and dangerous. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to study diagnostic criterias as well as treatment of this malignant transformation. CASE REPORT: Sixteen years old patient presented with gradually progressive basicervical mass without compression nor dysthyroidy signs. Physical examination revealed a painless, hard and well limited mass measuring 4 cm. It was located in front of sternal manuhrium and associated to multiples "café au lait" spots, iris Lisch nodules and generalized neurofibromas. This mass was excised by cervical surgery. The histological exam concluded to a low grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour Unfortunately despite a larger reoperation including resection of the manubrium, the limit of this excision were not safe. Early recurrence was observed, although treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient died by mediastinal invasion.

[Multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone: late revelation in a 76-year-old woman]. / Histiocytose langerhansienne osseuse multifocale: révélation tardive chez une femme de 76 ans.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis or histiocytosis X has a variable course from a self-limited eosinophilic granuloma to an aggressive disseminated disease. It mainly affects children. We report a 76-year-old woman with multifocal bone histiocytosis X, involving the rachis, an iliac bone and the skull. The diagnosis has been established by histological exam. Outcome was favourable after chemotherapy.

[Head and neck sarcoma]. / Les sarcomes de la tête et du cou.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous and biologically diverse set of rare neoplasms. The difficulty treating the disease requires multidisciplinary consultation to improve outcome. In an effort to clarify the clinical behavior of head and neck sarcomas and evaluate treatment, we present our experience and review the relevant literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 15 patients with histologically proven head and neck sarcoma treated in the ENT department between 1998 and 2007. All cases were confirmed by histologic exam with immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Nine women and six men were included in the study. The mean age was 38.4 years (range: 6-73 years). Computed tomography and MRI were done in 66.7% and 60% of the patients, respectively, to evaluate tumor extension. Metastases were demonstrated in three cases. Curative treatment in eight cases was based on different combinations of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Complete remission was obtained in eight cases. Local recurrence was noted in two cases. Two patients died from tumor metastasis. Two patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Head and neck sarcomas present diverse rare neoplasms. They make up 5%-20% of all soft tissue sarcomas. All age groups can be affected by this neoplasm, with no predominance in one sex or the other. The most common histologic type is rhabdomyosarcoma, especially in children. Because of the potential for systemic metastasis, extension must be assessed. Treatment is based essentially on the association of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to optimize therapeutic results. Five-year survival varies between 44% and 80%.

Smell disorders evolution after chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps surgery

The effects of chronic rhino sinusitis with polyps (CRSWP) surgery on smell symptoms have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CRSWP surgery on smell symptoms over short and long-term follow-up and to identify the factors that might influence their evolution. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study about 184 patients operated endoscopically for CRSWP. In post operative period, long-term local steroids were prescribed systematically. The sense of smell was evaluated preand post-operatively according to a subjective score (1: good smell, 2: hyposmia, 3: anosmia). Some factors, related to the patient, the CRSWP and the treatment, were tested in order to identify predictors of smell outcome after surgery.. Results: Before surgery, the anosmia and the hyposmia were noted in 90.8% and in 8.7% of cases, respectively. At six months after surgery, the improvement of olfactory score was significant: 84% of patient had the score 1 compared with 0.5% preoperatively (p < 0.0001). This improvement was maintained during the 2 first years and decreased significantly at 3 years, although an average delay of polyps recurrence was 23.4 months. Among the factors studied in our series, only the observance of postoperative corticosteroids was retained as a predictor of smell recovery after surgery (p = 0,011). Conclusion: CRSWP surgery can significantly improve the smell sense, especially during the two first years. This effect can be sustainable if good post operative compliance for local corticosteroid are achieved.

Effet de la prémédication par des corticoïdes systémiques sur la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne / Effect of premedication with systemic corticosteroids on endonasal surgery for naso-sinus polyposis

Déterminer si une cure préopératoire de corticoïdes systémiques réduirait le saignement au cours de la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne (PNS) et améliorerait la visualisation du champ opératoire. Méthodes: Étude prospective randomisée incluant des adultes (>18 ans) atteints de PNS primitive résistante au traitement médical et qui vont bénéficier d'une chirurgie endoscopique endonasale. Ces patients sont randomisés en deux groupes: un groupe préparé par des comprimés de prednisolone 20mg, à la posologie de 0.5mg/Kg/j pendant 7 jours avant la chirurgie et un groupe non préparé. Les critères d'évaluation sont: la perte sanguine avec la comparaison des hémoglobines (Hb) pré et postopératoires, le temps opératoire et la visibilité du champ opératoire évaluée par le chirurgien selon le score de Boezaart. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 32 patients. Dix-sept patients dans le groupe non préparé et 15 patients dans le groupe préparé. Les deux groupes étaient comparables sur le plan épidémiologique, clinique et paraclinique (p>0,05). La perte sanguine moyenne était plus importante dans le groupe non préparé (700±487 ml versus 500±480 ml) mais sans différence significative (p=0,38). La différence était statistiquement non significative (p=0,24) entre les 2 groupes pour l'Hb postopératoire et pour la différence d'Hb préopératoire - Hb post opératoire. Le temps opératoire était plus court dans le groupe préparé (80±24 min versus 90±64 min) sans différence statistiquement significative (p=0,11). Le score de Boezaart était comparable (médiane=3) (p=0,29). Conclusion: Cet essai clinique n'a pas démontré que l'administration d'une cure préopératoire de corticothérapie orale peut réduire considérablement la perte de sang au cours de la chirurgie de la PNS et améliorer la visualisation du champ opératoire.

[Parathyromatosis: An uncommon cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism]. / Parathyromatose : une cause rare d'hyperparathyroïdie récidivante.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyromatosis is a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism. It results from hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue scattered throughout the thyroid bed region. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old man with a history of parathyroidectomy, presented 18 years later with recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgical exploration identified a single parathyroid gland. The act was completed by a central compartment dissection and ipsilateral lobectomy. The patient was free of recurrence after a one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Parathyromatosis a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Its management is challenging. Extensive surgery is required with clearance of the central neck compartment and homolateral lobectomy. Medical therapy could be used to decrease parathormone level in recurrent parathyromatosis.