[Effects of food restriction imposed to adult rats on the bone growth and the histological structure of the thyroid in their youth]. / Effets de la restriction alimentaire appliquée à des rates adultes sur la croissance osseuse et la structure histologique de la thyroïde chez leurs jeunes.

STUDY PURPOSE: Our objective was the study of the development and the maturation of pups whose mothers were subjected to intermittent fasting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pregnant female Wistar rats were distributed into two groups of four adult females. The rats of the first group were subjected to intermittent fasting beginning on the 14th day of gestation and continued 21 days after parturition. The rats of the second group were normally fed. The young of both groups of rats were sacrificed at the age of 21 days. RESULTS: The pups of the female rats submitted to food restriction showed a reduction of the body weight (-35%), of the thyroid iodine content (P<0.001) and of segment thyroxin (P<0.05). The histological study revealed that these pups presented colloid depletion of this follicular thyroid, non-anastomosing trabeculae, cortical bone thinning, decreased bone mineral content, absence of osteoid formation and decreased number of osteoclasts. CONCLUSION: Dietary restriction imposed on adult rats, from gestation, led to the installation in their pups of a state of malnutrition and a description of thyroid histology. This thyroid abnormality is associated with hypothyroidism that led, at least in part, to the collapse of the ability to regulate bone remodeling.

An infrared flash contemporaneous with the gamma-rays of GRB 041219a.

The explosion that results in a cosmic gamma-ray burst (GRB) is thought to produce emission from two physical processes: the central engine gives rise to the high-energy emission of the burst through internal shocking, and the subsequent interaction of the flow with the external environment produces long-wavelength afterglows. Although observations of afterglows continue to refine our understanding of GRB progenitors and relativistic shocks, gamma-ray observations alone have not yielded a clear picture of the origin of the prompt emission nor details of the central engine. Only one concurrent visible-light transient has been found and it was associated with emission from an external shock. Here we report the discovery of infrared emission contemporaneous with a GRB, beginning 7.2 minutes after the onset of GRB 041219a (ref. 8). We acquired 21 images during the active phase of the burst, yielding early multi-colour observations. Our analysis of the initial infrared pulse suggests an origin consistent with internal shocks.

Prevalence and predictors of hypertension self-care practice in primary health-care facilities in Southern Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Unmanaged hypertension (HTN) is usually accompanied with complications leading to disability in older adults. It has been demonstrated that self-care practice is essential for blood pressure control and reduction of HTN complications. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to estimate the level of implementation of HTN self-care practice and to identify their associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Sfax, Southern Tunisia in April 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 primary health-care facilities were approached for the study participants according to a single-stage cluster sample, by selecting six grapes randomly. A total of 270 participants were recruited, among whom 250 cases (92.6%) completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 250 hypertensive patients were included in the study, giving a male to female ratio of 0.77. There were 125 participants (50%) aged over 65years. Overall, 137 cases (54.8%) had a high total self-care practice score. The independent factors of good HTN self-care practice were≥65years [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=9.5; P<0.001], university educational level of the participants (AOR=21.2; P<0.001), as well as receiving a health education, by health-care providers (AOR=2.5; P=0.012) and family members (AOR=4.36; P=0.004). Advanced hypertension stage (II and III) (AOR=0.45; P=0.032) and chronic pulmonary diseases, including asthma (AOR=0.42; P=0.027) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (AOR=0.27; P=0.016) were independently associated with poor HTN self-care practice. CONCLUSION: Advanced hypertension stage, pulmonary co-morbidities, education level and lack of self-care education were predictive factors of poor self-care practice. These findings suggested that such factors should be considered when planning HTN self-care education.

Metformin effects on clomifene-induced ovulation in the polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex endocrine disorder for women on reproductive age. A high incidence of ovulation failure is observed in PCO women and perhaps linked to insulin resistance related to metabolic features In the last few years some studies assessed hyperinsulinimea and insulin resistance attenuation effects, by insulin sensitizing agents such as metformin, in PCOS women suggesting potential scope for these drugs in CC ovulation induction quality improvement. AIM: Our prospective study aim is to compare the effectiveness of clomifene citrate plus metformin and clomifene citrate plus placebo in women with newly diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: From February 24 to September 29 (2007), PCOS was explored on women attending the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology sterility consultation unit (CHU Hedi Chaker-Sfax) according to the Rotterdam 2003 diagnostic criteria. PCOS patients were randomized to receive, in addition to clomifene citrate treatment, placebo or metformin 850 mg two times a day all ovulatory cycle for three trials maximum. Ovulation detection was done by the E2 serum measurements and ovarian transvaginal ultrasonography' evolution controlling on 7th, 11th and 13th day of the cycle. RESULTS: Within 7 months, 32 PCOS women were recruited in the study and equally allocated to the two groups. Baseline characteristics were similar in metformin group and placebo one. Ovulation was characterized by the presence of at least one mature follicle (> 16 mm), a circulating estradiol concentration in the edge of 150-250 pg and accessory an endometrial depth > 8 mm. The ovulation rate in the metformin group was 62.5% compared with 37.5% in the placebo group, a non-statistically significant (small study population) but important difference (1.66 times). Analyses show a higher mature follicle number and estradiol concentration in metformin group than in the placebo one. Metformin effect was, in our study, his only insulinosensitizer property consequence far away a 'making thinner' or Hyperandrogenism reducing ones. CONCLUSION: The ovulatory response to clomifene can be increased in polycystic ovary syndrome women by decreasing insulin secretion with metformin.

[Active smoking: A major risk factor for human non-communicable diseases in a hospital survey]. / Le tabagisme actif : un facteur de risque majeur des maladies non transmissibles humaines dans une enquête hospitalière.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco is the main preventable cause of death worldwide. Our study aimed to determine the role of tobacco in the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including all NCDs patients during 2015-2016. NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), cancers (CS) and diabetes mellitus (DM). RESULTS: We identified 3643 cases of NCDs (43%) among 8478 hospitalizations, all diseases combined. Active smoking was found in 1076 cases (29.5%). Among the NCDs groups, CVD was the most common (65%). Tobacco was significantly associated with CVD (P<0.001), CRD (P=0.002), bronchopulmonary CS (P<0.001), haematological malignancy (P=0.023), and DM (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis performing binary logistic regression revealed that tobacco was an independent factor associated with CVD (OR=2.6, P<0.001), CRD (OR=1.5, P<0.001), bronchopulmonary CS (OR=1.8, P=0.013) and DM (OR=3.6, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Active smoking was a major risk factor in the occurrence of NCDs. Thus, smoking cessation represents the cornerstone for preventing the spread of these diseases, especially in countries with limited resources.

[Virus and Atypical Pathogens Detected in Community-Acquired Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Infants and Children of Sfax Region, Tunisia]. / Virus et bactéries atypiques détectés dans les infections respiratoires basses communautaires de l'enfant dans la région de Sfax en Tunisie.

Little is known about viral and atypical bacteria pathogen spectra of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection in children in Tunisia. Thus, a prospective study was carried out between January 2009 and March 2010 in Sfax. Nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from 368 patients (78 with pneumonia and 290 with acute bronchiolitis) were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and PCR to detect influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus, human enterovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumonia (Mpn) and Chlamydia pneumonia (Cpn). One or more etiology was documented in 319 cases (86.7%). The most detected viruses were RSV (42.7%), rhinovirus (32.9%) and adenovirus (28.5%). Co-detection of two or three pathogens was found in 40% of positive samples. This study highlights the importance of respiratory viruses in lower respiratory tract infection in children of Sfax region as well as the high rate of co-detection of multiple viruses, resulting in challenges in clinical interpretation.

Le profil étiologique microbien des infections respiratoires basses (IRB) communautaires de l'enfant a été peu étudié en Tunisie. Une étude prospective a été menée à Sfax entre janvier 2009 et mars 2010 sur 368 enfants hospitalisés pour pneumonie (n = 78) ou bronchiolite aiguë (n = 290). Les aspirations nasopharyngées ont été analysées par immunofluorescence et par PCR à la recherche des virus influenza, virus para-influenza, virus respiratoire syncytial (VRS), métapneumovirus, rhinovirus, entérovirus, adénovirus, coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mpn) et Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn). Une étiologie ou plus a été retrouvée dans 319 cas (86,7 %) : principalement le VRS (42,7 %), des rhinovirus (32,9 %) et des adénovirus (28,5 %). Dans 40 % des prélèvements positifs, deux ou trois agents pathogènes ont été codétectés. Cette étude a permis de montrer la prévalence élevée des virus dans les IRB de l'enfant dans la région de Sfax et leur détection fréquente en co-infection posant la question sur leur rôle pathogène réel.

[Bacteriological profile of infectious endocarditis in the area of Sfax (Tunisia)]. / Profil bactériologique des endocardites infectieuses dans la region de Sfax (Tunisie).

We performed a study to analyze epidemiological characteristics and bacteriological profile of infectious endocarditis (I.E) in the area of Sfax (Tunisia). We analyzed, retrospectively, all cases of I.E, according to Duke Criteria, hospitalized in the CHU Hédi Chaker of Sfax between January 1997 and December 2000. Bacteriological investigation included blood culture, cardiac valve culture and serology. Seventy-two cases of I.E were diagnosed. The average of age was 32.3 years. 47.3% of the patients did not have cardiac disease, 25% had a valvular prosthesis, 20.8% a native valvulopathy and 6.9% a congenital cardiopathy. Antecedent of acute rheumatic fever was noted in 66% of I.E on native valvulopathy and in 55.5% of I.E on prosthesis. The mitral valve was involved in 39%, the aortic in 27.5% and the two in 26% of the cases. The origin of bacteremia was found or supposed in 55.5% of the cases and was commonly dental (33 % of EI). The bacteriological diagnosis was positive in 51 cases (70.8%). Staphylococci were isolated in 17 cases (23.6%), Streptococci in 17 cases (23.6%) and dominated by oral streptococci (12 cases). Chlamydial serology was positive in 8 cases (11.1%). Diagnosis of infectious endocarditis due to Chlamydia pneumoniae was confirmed in a case by genomic amplification (PCR) and in situ hybridization on the valve. Endocarditis in Tunisia remains frequent. It reaches with predilection the young person in particular with rheumatic heart diseases. The bacteriological profile remains dominated by Streptococci and the Staphylococci.

[Validity and reliability of Spinal Mouse to assess lumbar flexion]. / Validité et reproductibilité du Spinal Mouse pour l'étude de la mobilité en flexion du rachis lombaire.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Spinal Mouse model to assess lumbar spine flexion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the validity study, patients with low-back pain underwent radiography to produce 2 lateral radiographs, first from the neutral position, and then with full trunk flexion. The correlation between mobility as assessed by radiography and the Spinal Mouse were evaluated by use of Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC) for segmental mobility (L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1) and global mobility (L1-L5 and L1-S1). Reliability was studied in healthy volunteers by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (8 women) aged 41.6+/-8.6 (range 24-63), were included in the validity study. The SCC between radiography and Spinal Mouse measures were 0.55; 0.64; 0.69; 0.54; 0.19; 0.7; and 0.86 for flexion mobility of the L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1, L1-L5 and L1-S1, respectively. A total of 45 subjects aged 24.2+/-3.7 (range 20-29) were included for the reliability study. For intrarater reliability, the ICC was 0.84; 0.89; 0.96; 0.97; 0.63; 0.95 and 0.83 for the L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1, L5-S1, L1-L5 and L1-S1, respectively. For interrater reliability, the ICC was 0.75; 0.81; 0.79; 0.60; 0.83; 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Spinal Mouse has acceptable metrological properties to assess segmental and global lumbar mobility during trunk flexion. Its metrological properties are not acceptable to assess mobility of L5-S1.

[Bacteriology of community acquired meningitis in Sfax, Tunisia (1993-2001)]. / Bactériologie des méningites communautaires dans la région de Sfax, Tunisie (1993-2001).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of bacteria responsible for community-acquired meningitis and the pattern of resistance of common species. DESIGN: All bacteriologically confirmed cases of community-acquired meningitis were recorded between 1993 and 2001. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-four cases of bacterial meningitis were recorded. The most frequent species were Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae followed by Neisseria meningitidis with respectively 37.1%, 32.1%, and 10.7% of cases. The yearly distribution of these bacteria did not show any epidemic peak. Enterobacteria and group B Streptococcus were the most frequently identified pathogens in neonatal meningitis. H. influenzae was the predominant microorganism in children between one month and five years of age, (66.4%) followed by S. pneumoniae (23.5%). S. pneumoniae was the predominant bacteria responsible fore more than half of the cases over five years of age. 28.8% of H. influenzae strains produced beta-lactamase. 27.2% of S. pneumoniae strains were less susceptible to penicillin. Resistance rates for amoxicillin and cefotaxime were respectively 10.6% and 7.5%. Only one strain of N. meningitidis (4.2%) presented with a decreased susceptibility to penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were the main microorganisms responsible for community-acquired meningitis. High resistance rates were found for these bacteria: 28.8% of H. influenzae to ampicillin and 27.2% of S. pneumoniae to penicillin.

[Prevalence of hemoglobin abnormalities in Kebili (Tunisian South)]. / Prévalence des anomalies de l'hémoglobine à Kebili (sud Tunisien).

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin abnormalities constitute a public health problem in many countries in the world. In Tunisia, these disorders were thought to affect only the North-western population. However, the existence of hemoglobinosis concentration in Kebily in south Tunisia has been suggested by previous work. In order to estimate their frequencies, we performed a screening of hemoglobin abnormalities in the North-Kebili region, to establish a prevention program of the homozygous forms. METHODS: This screening concerned all 1st and 2nd grade primary school pupils in North Kebily. After a questionnaire, a blood sample was drawn from every child. Hemogram, sickling test, and hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH were performed for all children. Hemoglobin electrophoresis at acid pH and a specific hemoglobin A2 titration were performed for some children. RESULTS: The study concerned 1,400 children, aged between 5 and 12 years, the mean age was 7 years and 7 months +/- 10 months. Consanguinity rate and coefficient were respectively 44% and 2249 x 10(5). Endogamy was very high. The global rate of hemoglobin abnormalities was 9.4%. Drepanocytosis with a rate of 4.9% was the most frequent, followed by beta thalassemia (3.1%) and C hemoglobinosis (1.6%). These abnormalities were unequally distributed; very frequent in some localities, they were quite absent in others. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a hemoglobinosis concentration in Tunisia, which can be classified second after that of Beja in North-western Tunisia. The heterogeneous distribution of the hemoglobin abnormalities in North-Kebili region and the high consanguinity and endogamy rates constitute factors that promote homozygous and double heterozygous forms to arise and justify the elaboration of a preventive strategy.

[Ultrasonography of acute osteomyelitis of the long bones in children. Diagnostic and prognostic value]. / Echographie des ostéomyélites aiguës des os longs chez l'enfant. Valeur diagnostique et pronostique.

Between 1991 and 1994, ultrasonography was used to investigate 90 consecutive children with acute osteomyelitis. Ultrasonographic findings were analyzed taking into account the time elapsed from first symptoms. Outcome in 47 children who were treated and followed for at least 6 months was also studied. Deep soft tissue swelling adjacent to the affected bone was found to be an early but nonspecific sign which persisted all along the course of the disease. Periosteal elevation smaller than 3 mm, secondary to exsudation or septic fluid, confirmed the disease in earliest stage and was the most frequent ultrasonographic sign in first three days of disease. Treated at that stage, total resolution was obtained in 66% of patients and stabilization, in 34% of cases, without any evolution toward chronicity. Acute osteomyelitis with subperiosteal abscess progressed toward stabilization in 66% of cases and toward chronic osteomyelitis in 8% of cases. 32% of subperiosteal abscess were ruptured; in such situation, progression to chronicity was observed in 26% of patients. Since ultrasonography has been used in our institution for the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis, the rate of evolution to chronicity spectacularly dropped from 63% to 11%. The main advantage of ultrasonography is an earlier detection of subperiosteal collection that indicates surgical drainage without any delay.

[Quality control in tumor marker values: methology, results and potential problems]. / Le controle de qualite dans le dosage des marqueurs tumoraux: methodologie, resultats et problemes poses.

Ensuring the quality is one of the first preoccupations of every biologist. However, measuring the circulating tumor markers could be more vital especially that the result is decisive for the diagnostic and the therapeutic attitude. In this study, we report methods used for an internal and external < or = quality control < or = program applied in the immunology laboratory of Sfax university hospital for the dosage of tumor markers AFP, CEA and CA15-3. The results obtained are analysed comparatively with those reported in literature. Factors causing discrepancies in the results of tumor marker measurements are recalled.

[Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy. 5-year results]. / La commissurotomie mitrale percutanee. Resultats a 5 ans.

Long-term results of percutaneous mitral commissurotomy were evaluated in 410 patients with mean age of 31 years (18 to 68 years). 48% of patients had mean thickened leaflets, 35% had calcified valves and 17% had flexible leaflets and subvalvular apparatus. Procedure was performed with a double balloon in 57% and with Inoue's balloon in 43% patients. A good immediate results was obtained in 77% of patients. A good result was defined as a mitral valve area > or = 1.5 cm2 without mitral regurgitation. Clinical follow-up concern 378 patients. The actuarial 5 years rate were 84% in our serie, without surgery or new percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and good functional results (NYHA class I or II) were 71%. Valvular anatomy, immediate results (mitral valve area), history of mitral commissurotomy, old patients, atrial fibrillation can influence strongly the results.

[Life years lost and epidemiological transition in the Sfax region (Tunisia)]. / Années de vie perdues et transition épidémiologique dans le gouvernorat de Sfax (Tunisie).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the burden of disease in the Sfax region and identify the main diseases that are the cause of lost life years due to premature death. METHODOLOGY: The calculation of lost life years due to premature death was conducted using the demographic mortality data for the region obtained from the National Institute of Statistics combined with data on the classification of the causes of death collected through a survey on these causes conducted through a random sample taken from half of the deaths in the region. As described by Murray and Lopez, years of life lost as a result of premature death represent the difference between the age of death and an age corresponding to life expectancy falling between 65 and 85 years. RESULTS: Out of a total of 52,316 life years lost that were recorded 27,902 were in the male population and 24,414 in the female. The main diseases found in males which cause lost life years are accidents (24.9%), cardiovascular diseases (17.3%), communicable diseases (17%), respiratory diseases (10.8%), prenatal problems (59.5%), and cancer (7.5%). For women the main causes were cardiovascular diseases (26.5%), respiratory illness (15.5%), accidents (11.5%), communicable diseases (10.3%) and cancer (9.5%). RECOMMENDATIONS: These results marking the epidemiological transition in the region should serve to steer decision-makers to better rationalize and plan for health care costs and expenditure.

[Results of a pilot study for breast cancer screening by mammography in Sfax region, Tunisia]. / Résultats d'un essai pilote de dépistage de cancer du sein par mammographie dans la région de Sfax, Tunisie.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of three rounds of mammography screening pilot programme operated between 2004 and 2010 in Sfax by the founders of Dar El Amal association. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A biennial screening was offered to women aged over 45years and residing in five delegations of Sfax. Two radiologists independently interpret the mammograms. RESULTS: Twelve thousand six hundred and fifty-seven mammographies were performed. The rate of participation was 17.35%. Women under 50years had the higher rate of participation (34.7%). Some 17.2%/8% (prevalent/incident round) of participants were recalled for further assessment. The chirurgical biopsy rate was 2.1% in prevalence and 1.34% in incidence. The predictive positive value (PPV) of biopsy was 26.5% and 47.14% in the prevalent and incident rounds, respectively. The cancer detection rate amounted to 5.6‰ in prevalent round and to 6.3‰ in incident round. Twenty-five percent of invasive detected cancers were less or equal to 10mm in size and 65.5% were node-negative. The rate of interval cancer was 0.78‰. The performance of screening in this study was undermined by the relative importance of women younger than 50years. The cost of one test was 26,200TD and the cost of one cancer case screening was 6142TD. CONCLUSION: This study identified the benefits and limitations of this pilot programme to inform policy makers on the importance and feasibility of an organized mammography screening of breast cancer in Tunisia in a context of a generalization.

[Medication adherence of a sample of hypertensive patients in the region of Sfax (Tunisia)]. / Observance médicamenteuse chez un échantillon d'hypertendus dans la région de Sfax (Tunisie).

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Medication noncompliance is one of the daily problems of the physician. Improving the medication adherence allows better management of hypertension. The aim of this work was to determine the level of compliance for patients with hypertension and to identify factors that determine compliance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among a sample of hypertensive patients attending general and specialist practitioners in public or private clinics of Sfax. Two hundred and seventy-three participants had accepted to be interviewed. Patients were identified as noncompliants using a questionnaire developed by the Comité de lutte contre l'hypertension artérielle (CFLHTA). RESULTS: Non-compliance rate was 63.4%. The low level of education was associated with a lower adherence. The monotherapy, the once-daily regimen with fewer number of tablets were associated with a better adherence (p<10(-6)). The welcome and the availability of drugs in the public clinic affect positively the adherence of patients (p<0.0002). A patient very satisfied with his consultation and the explanation given by the doctor about his illness and its treatment had a better adherence (p<0.00003). CONCLUSION: Our study had demonstrated a low compliance with antihypertensive drug therapy. Tunisian health care system should elaborate a management plan which takes into account our particular predictors of compliance to improve adherence to antihypertensive medication.

[Childhood pharyngitis in Sfax (Tunisia): epidemiology and utility of a rapid streptococcal test]. / Les angines aiguës de l'enfant dans la région de Sfax (Tunisie) : épidémiologie et intérêt du test de diagnostic rapide.

OBJECTIVE: The authors studied the epidemiology of pharyngitis in children and evaluated the contribution of a rapid streptococcal test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from June 2007 to May 2008 in a primary health care institution (Policlinique de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale) in Tunisia. Clinical findings were recorded; throat swabs were performed, and a rapid streptococcal test was made. RESULTS: Five hundred and four children were included in this study. The mean age was 5 years and 8 months. Culture was positive for group A streptococcus in 166 cases (32.9 %). Group A streptococcus was more frequently isolated in children aged 5 to 8 years. There was no difference in clinical features between groups of streptococcal and non-streptococcal pharyngitis. The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test were respectively 93.2 and 95.3 %. CONCLUSION: Pharyngitis was of bacterial origin in one third of cases; among these, group A streptococcus was the most frequent bacterium. The rapid test is a quick and reliable tool for the diagnosis of pharyngitis and hence an appropriate treatment.