Groundwater quality evaluation and human health risks assessment using the WQI, NPI and HQnitrate models: case of the Sfax intermediate aquifer, Sahel Tunisia.

Groundwater is a vital natural resource required to satisfy the domestic and agricultural needs. In general, human health is linked to the quality of the consumed water. For instance, long-term exposure to high nitrate levels in groundwater may cause problems. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the nitrate contamination of groundwater as well as its related health risks for the inhabitants of the Sfax region, Sahel Tunisia. Irrigation groundwater suitability has been evaluated with sodium content (%Na), electrical conductivity (EC), magnesium hazard (MH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR) and soluble sodium percent (SSP). The results indicate that the selected groundwater is characterized by low to moderate quality for irrigation. Furthermore, the drinking water quality index (DWQI) was assessed using potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solids (TDS), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3-) and nitrate (NO3-). The results indicate that 3.63% of samples have good quality of water, while 41.82% have poor to very poor water quality and the rest (54.55%) are unfit for drinking. The nitrate pollution index (NPI) model revealed that about 42% of the samples present significant to very significant type of pollution. Based on human health risk assessment, the children are at higher risks compared to the other affected groups. The obtained results could be used as a basic document for realistic management of groundwater quality and to provide an overview for decision-making authorities to take necessary actions.

Knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy among people in Sfax region, Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is one of the most stigmatizing disorders. Stigma and negative attitudes associated with epilepsy are due to poor public awareness and knowledge. This study evaluated knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward epilepsy among Tunisian general population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between 2017 and 2019. On national epilepsy day on February and during awareness campaigns at Sfax Tunisia, we asked people who visited the epilepsy stand to anonymously answer a 31-item questionnaire on epilepsy. RESULTS: Five hundred and four participants have been included. About 43.6% of participants had personal or familial history of epilepsy. More than seventy percent of subjects thought that epilepsy is a neurological disease and 34.1% believed it is psychiatric. Majority (92.1%) of our population believed that epilepsy is non-contagious but 37.7% thought it is hereditary and 55.8% thought it causes intellectual deficiency. EEG was the most reported diagnostic method (61.7%). The two most popular therapeutic modalities reported in our population were drug treatment alone (85.3%) and associated with Quran (35.3%). Most (91.1%) of people thought that a person with epilepsy can get married. A person with epilepsy is able to study according to 92.7% of respondents, but 66.3% assumed that he/she suffers from difficulty concentrating. Subjects younger than 45 years were more aware of the ability of people with epilepsy to study and get married. We did not find any significant differences in knowledge and attitudes between subjects familiar with epilepsy and the rest of the population. CONCLUSION: The public knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy were acceptable with regard to this study. However, negative attitudes and misunderstanding still exist.

Morphological and molecular identification of free living amoeba isolated from hospital water in Tunisia.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are opportunistic and ubiquitous protozoa that are widely found in various environmental sources. They are known to cause serious human infections. The aim of our study was to detect FLA and Acanthamoeba spp. in hospital water circuits. Eighty-four water samples were collected over a period of 4 months (September-December 2011) from different wards of the Sfax University Hospital (surgical services, intensive care unit, operating theater, and water storage tanks). FLA were detected in 53.5 % of samples as follows: surgical services (80 %), operating theater and surgical intensive care unit (13.3 %), medical intensive care unit (0 %), water storage tanks (6.6 %). The predominant morphotype was the acanthopodial (89 %). The others morphotypes were as follows: monopodial (40 %), dactylopodial (22 %), rugosa (62 %), eruptive (24 %), fan shaped (18 %), and polypodial (18 %). Acanthamoeba was found in 40 samples (47.6 %). 64.2 % of isolates were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. by PCR, using primers to amplify a region of 18S rDNA which showed variation in the product length. Sequence analysis of five PCR products identified Acanthamoeba sp. These isolates belong to T4, T10, and T11 genotypes, and to our knowledge this is the first report of the T10 and T11 genotype in Tunisia.The occurrence of potentially pathogenic FLA in the hospital environment may represent a health risk for patients, since these organisms can cause severe opportunistic illness and also can harbor pathogenic agents. Thus, increased awareness regarding these parasites and recognition of their importance, particularly in immunocompromised patients is crucial.

Spatial and temporal variations of dust particle deposition at three "urban/suburban" areas in Sfax city (Tunisia).

Particle deposition in three selected "urban/suburban" sites in Sfax city, southern Tunisia, was studied through biweekly monitoring particulate deposits from April 12 to November 26, 2014. Two sites (S1 and S2) were located at the proximity of well-exposed cross-roads; however, the third (S3) was located at a street canyon. A very high fluctuation in those particle fluxes, ranging from 0.1 and 17.9 g/m(2), was clearly observed. Spatiotemporal distribution of the deposited particulate fluxes proved the concomitant effects of multiple (local and synoptic) sources. The industrial contribution rate in terms of particulate deposits was demonstrated to be negligible, and as for that of traffic, it was confirmed to be more significant. The highest particulate deposition seemed to be associated with the sirocco wind phenomenon. Humidity appeared as a main parameter reinforcing the particle deposition (by gathering process); however, the rain was considered as an important factor in terms of atmosphere washing. The intersite distribution was also threatened by local wind movements, shown as a non-negligible factor in terms of deposition, especially in the street canyon.

Geochemical behaviour of PM10 aerosol constituents under the influence of succeeding anticyclonic/cyclonic situations: case of Sfax City, southern Tunisia.

The present study investigates the geochemical behaviour of PM10 aerosol constituents (Cl, Na, Si, Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn, S) at Sfax City (Tunisia) under succeeding meteorological conditions, including short-lived anticyclonic, cyclonic and prolonged anticyclonic situations. The results revealed daily total concentrations fluctuating between 4.07 and 88.51 µg/m(3). The highest level recorded was noted to occur under the effect of the short-lived anticyclonic situation characterized by low wind speeds. It was 1.5 times higher than those recorded during cyclonic and long-lived anticyclonic situations characterized by moderate to high wind speeds. During the cyclonic situation, the marked increase of (Na and Cl) concentrations is associated with relatively high sea wind speeds (6 to 9 m/s), which are in turn responsible for a slight increase of crustal elements such as Al, Ca, Si, Fe and Mg, by the entrainment in the air of dust from roads and undeveloped areas. During the two anticyclonic situations, the simultaneous increase (due to communal transport) of crustal (Ca, Si, Al, Fe, Mg) and man-made (Mn, S, Pb, Zn) elements was noted to be associated with the dominance of terrigenious wind flows with speeds varying between 1.5 and 4 m/s. However, the significant contribution rates observed for Cl under the prevalence of such winds as compared to other crustal elements such as Fe suggested the influence of the sebkhas of Southern Tunisia.

[Psychiatric comorbidity related to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at schools in Sfax, Tunisia]. / Comorbidité psychiatrique au trouble déficit de l'attention/hyperactivité en population scolaire dans la région de Sfax. Tunisie : étude transversale.

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent behavioral disorder particularly noticed among school children. It is often associated with other psychological troubles at the origin of an additional difficulty that has to be overcome. OBJECTIVE: Our research's aim was to study the comorbidity of school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD in Sfax, Tunisia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from 1st April 2008 to 1st October 2008. Five hundred and thirteen pupils aged between 6 and 12, from primary arbitrarily chosen schools from Sfax were subjected to this study. Measurements were carried out in two steps: parents and teachers of each child filled in separately Conners questionnaire, then children with a score in subscales inattention, hyperactivity impulsivity higher than 70 were selected for psychiatric interview that was intended to confirm or to invalidate the ADHD diagnosis and the possible comorbid diagnosis. The diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV-TR. RESULTS: We have noticed that 109 pupils exhibited at least one pathological score on the Conners questionnaire. After interviewing these 109 pupils, the results have shown that 51 among them fulfilled criteria of ADHD. Prevalence of ADHD was found to be 9.94 %. About 72.54 % of children with ADHD had one or more comorbid disorder: learning disabilities (23.52 % of cases), anxiety disorder (31.37 % of cases), oppositional defiant disorder in (15.68 % of cases), mood disorder (3.92 % of cases), enuresis (13.72 % of cases) and slight mental retardation (1.95 % of cases). CONCLUSION: We can say that this study has shown that ADHD school children's psychiatric comorbidity is similar to any other previous study.

[Inverted Takotsubo Syndrome due to Severe Scorpion Envenomation: Report of one Case]. / Syndrome de Takotsubo dans sa forme Inversée Secondaire à une Envenimation Scorpionique Grave: À Propos D'un Cas.

Scorpion envenomation (SE) is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Cardio-respiratory manifestations, mainly cardiogenic shock and pulmonary oedema are the leading causes of death after scorpion envenomation. Cardiac failure can be due to massive release of catecholamines, myocardial damage induced by the venom or myocardial ischemia. Although it has been exceptionally reported, Takotsubo syndrome during SE can help to better elucidate the pathophysiology of this cardiomyopathy. We report a case of inverted Takotsubo following a SE in a 26-year-old patient admitted to the Intensive care unit department for severe scorpion envenomation. His evolution was favorable. We concluded that cardiac involvement in this case fulfills all clinical and paraclinical criteria of Takotsubo syndrome emphasizing the importance of catecholaminergic discharge during scorpion envenomation. We discuss again the management of this syndrome in this specific condition.

Assessment of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers Using Multivariate Statistical Analyses and Hydrochemical Facies Evolution-Based Model.

Groundwater (GW) studies have been conducted worldwide with regard to several pressures, including climate change, seawater intrusion, and water overexploitation. GW quality is a very important sector for several countries in the world, in particular for Tunisia. The shallow coastal aquifer of Sfax (located in Tunisia) was found to be under the combined conditions of continuous drop in GW and further deterioration of the groundwater quality (GWQ). This study was conducted to identify the processes that control GWQ mainly in relation to mineralization sources in the shallow Sfax coastal aquifer. To perform this task, 37 wells are considered. Data include 10 physico-chemical properties of groundwater analyzed in water samples: pH, EC, calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4), bicarbonate (HCO3), and nitrate (NO3), i.e., investigation was based on a database of 370 observations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hydrochemical facies evolution (HFE) were conducted to extract the main factors affecting GW chemistry. The results obtained using the PCA model show that GWQ is mainly controlled by either natural factors (rock-water interactions) or anthropogenic ones (agricultural and domestic activities). Indeed, the GW overexploitation generated not only the GWQ degradation but also the SWI. The inverse distance weighted (IDW) method, integrated in a geographic information system (GIS), is employed to achieve spatial mapping of seawater intrusion locations. Hydrochemical facies evolution (HFE) results corroborate the seawater intrusion and its spatial distribution. Furthermore, the mixing ratio showed that Jebeniana and Chaffar-Mahares localities are characterized by high SWI hazard. This research should be done to better manage GW resources and help to develop a suitable plan for the exploitation and protection of water resources.

Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dry atmospheric deposits from Sfax solar saltern area in southeast of Tunisia.

Concentrations of six heavy metals such as Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn in dry atmospheric deposits weekly collected through 20 sample sites from Sfax solar saltern during two successive sampling campaigns, selected from a long time monitoring, have been examined in order to evaluate their contamination levels as well as their human health risk; such concentrations (expressed in mg/kg) have shown that Fe varied from 7006.24 to 7856.45, Pb from 8.64 to 344.45, Cu from 9.33 to 298.67, Cd from 0.16 to 85.24, Ni from 6.02 to 150.02, and Zn from 12.23 to 624.57. During the study period, average concentrations (mg/kg) have been 7315.99, 103.08, 82.34, 15.93, 46.21 and 142.39, for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn, respectively. Except for Fe, the other concentrations in dry atmospheric deposits have recorded the highest level during the first campaign especially in the sites which are close and more exposed to emissions of local pollutant industries, as well as nearby main road, resulting from high exposure frequencies. Statistical approaches, such as principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis have been applied to all data, revealing an affinity between analyzed metals resulting from their origins, and confirming the influence of exposure frequencies on the spatial variability of heavy metal concentrations. Human health risk assessment has revealed that ingestion of heavy metals is the main exposure pathway for the local population. Computed Hazardous Quotient and Hazardous Index have been higher for children than for adults, thus indicating that the former may be subjected to potentially higher health risk than the latter especially during the first campaign. Calculated carcinogenic risks through ingestion and dermal contact, as well as the total carcinogenic risk for the selected heavy metals, have shown that cancer could occur more probably through ingestion than dermal contact, for children than adult, and during the first campaign (during C1: average values CRing = 8.72 × 10-4 and CRder = 1.40 × 10-6 for child; average values CRing = 5.61 × 10-5 and CRder = 2.84 × 10-6 for adult) than the second one (during C2: average values CRing = 1.59 × 10-4 and CRder = 2.54 × 10-7 for child; average values CRing = 1.02 × 10-5 and CRder = 5.19 × 10-7 for adult). The total calculated carcinogenic risk through all the sites have infrequently signaled high to very high carcinogenic risk in the first campaign (average CRA = 8.73 × 10-4 for child and CRA = 5.89 × 10-5 for adult) and occasionally exceeded the safe range for the local population in the second one (average CRA = 1.59 × 10-4 for child and CRA = 1.07 × 10-5 for adult).

[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.

First investigation of trace metal distribution in surface seawater and copepods of the south coast of Sfax (Tunisia).

The increased metal loading from anthropogenic sources has affected aquatic ecosystems and has cascaded through food webs worldwide. Therefore, the evaluation of ecological impacts of anthropogenic metal has become increasingly important. In this paper, we monitored the concentration of six trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the three copepod groups (cyclopoida, calanoida, and harpacticoida) and in seawater samples collected from the south coast of Sfax (Tunisia). Results showed that the concentration of Fe and Zn for all copepod groups was higher than that for other metals and that of Cd was the lowest in all groups. The mean increase in bioconcentration factor of metals in copepods ranged from 0.05 to 18.93 and followed the sequence Zn (18.93) > Fe (14.34) > Pb (6.41) > Cd (1.53) > Cu (0.10) > Ni (0.05). The copepods in the south coast of Sfax were found to have a great capacity to accumulate trace metals and act as contamination indicators. Comparative studies with those from the Luza zone indicate considerable bioaccumulation of trace metals (Pb and Ni) in all copepod groups namely in cyclopoida.

Origin and distribution of hydrocarbons and organic matter in the surficial sediments of the Sfax-Kerkennah channel (Tunisia, Southern Mediterranean Sea).

We investigated the origin and distribution of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs and PAHs) and organic matter (OM) in surficial sediments of the Sfax-Kerkennah channel in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia, Southern Mediterranean Sea). TOC, AH and PAH concentrations ranged 2.3-11.7%, 8-174µgg-1sed.dw and 175-10,769ngg-1sed.dw, respectively. The lowest concentrations were recorded in the channel (medium sand sediment) and the highest ones in the Sfax harbor (very fine sand sediment). AHs, PAHs and TOC were not correlated for most of the stations. TOC/N and δ13C values revealed a mixed origin of OM with both marine and terrestrial sources. Hydrocarbon molecular composition highlighted the dominance of petrogenic AHs and the presence of both petrogenic and pyrogenic PAHs, associated with petroleum products and combustion processes. This work underscores the complex distribution patterns and the multiple sources of OM and hydrocarbons in this highly anthropogenized coastal environment.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination levels and toxicity in sediments and fishes from the Mediterranean Sea (southern coast of Sfax, Tunisia).

Contamination of heavy metals in sediment is regarded as a global crisis with a large share in industrializing cities like Sfax (Tunisia). Seven heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn), and one metalloid such as Arsenic (As) in sediments and fish (D. annularis, L. aurata, and S. vulgaris) were investigated from the Southern coast of Sfax in Tunisia. The range of metals in sediments were 13.11-36; 4.42-7.92; 8.23-28.56; 50,564-11,956; 2.9-6.8; 9.13-30.51; 65.06-151.50, and 47-546 kg(-1) DW for As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The level of studied metals in sediment samples exceeded the limits of the quality assessment guidelines (SQGs). The potential ecological risk index (PERI) proved that the investigated region could pose moderate risk for the aquatic biota. Metal bioaccumulation in the fish muscles varied significantly among species. Indeed, S. vulgaris and D. annularis accumulated higher amount of metal than L. aurata. The target hazard quotients (THQ) of individual heavy metals in fish, except for As and Hg, revealed safe levels for human consumption. Nevertheless, the total THQ indexes exceeded 1 suggesting the combined effects on muscles fish, which may constitute a risk to population's health.

Rhodotorula fungemia: Report of two cases in Sfax (Tunisia).

Rhodotorula is emerging as an important cause of nosocomial and opportunistic infections. We present two cases of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fungemia diagnosed at our hospital during the last decade. The first case was of a term neonate who presented congenital heart disease (interventricular communication) and body dysmorphic disorder. He was admitted for respiratory failure and sepsis. The second case involved in a 33-year-old woman that had Hodgkinien lymphoma associated to tuberculosis. Identification was performed using commercial systems and confirmed by PCR sequencing of internal transcribed spacer, ITS1 and ITS2 regions of rDNA. Antifungal susceptibility tested by sensititre yeast revealed susceptibility to amphotericin B and resistance to fluconazole for the two strains. These cases emphasize the emerging importance of Rhodotorula sp. as a pathogen and it must be considered a potential pathogen in patients with immunosupression and with central venous catheters. Correct identification is mandatory for appropriate management, as Rhodotorula spp. are resistant to antifungal agents, such as fluconazole.

Heavy metal accumulation in Diplodus annularis, Liza aurata, and Solea vulgaris relevant to their concentration in water and sediment from the southwestern Mediterranean (coast of Sfax).

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) were measured in the liver, gills, and muscle of Solea vulgaris, Liza aurata, and Diplodus annularis, collected from the south coast of Sfax (Gabes Gulf, southwestern Mediterranean). The concentrations of heavy metals in water exhibited the following decreasing order (expressed in µg l(-1)): Fe > Ni > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd whereas the trend is somewhat different in sediments (mg kg(-1) D.W.) Fe > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. The levels of heavy metals varied significantly among fish species and tissues. Heavy metal levels were found generally higher in the liver and gills than the muscle in all species. The liver was the target organ for Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn accumulation. Nickel and lead, however, exhibited their highest concentrations in the gills. The three studied fishes showed a difference in metals accumulation decreasing in following order S. vulgaris > D. annularis > L. aurata. Solea vulgaris with the highest TFwater, TFsediment, and metal concentrations in tissues would be considered as a potential bio-indicator in the south coast of Sfax for the assessment of environmental pollution status. Comparative studies with Luza zone indicate considerable bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb and Zn) in the various tissues of fish samples of the south coast of Sfax.

Assessment of anthropogenic inputs in the surface waters of the southern coastal area of Sfax during spring (Tunisia, Southern Mediterranean Sea).

The coastal marine area of Sfax (Tunisia), which is well-known for its high productivity and fisheries, is also subjected to anthropogenic inputs from diverse industrial, urban and agriculture activities. We investigated the spatial distribution of physical, chemical and biogeochemical parameters in the surface waters of the southern coastal area of Sfax. Pertinent tracers of anthropogenic inputs were identified. Twenty stations were sampled during March 2013 in the vicinity of the coastal areas reserved for waste discharge. Phosphogypsum wastes dumped close to the beaches were the main source of PO4(3-), Cl(-) and SO4(2-) in seawater. The high content in total polyphenolic compounds was due to the olive oil treatment waste water released from margins. These inorganic and organic inputs in the surface waters were associated with elevated COD. The BOD5/COD (<0.5) and COD/BOD5 (>3) ratios highlighted a chemical pollution with organic load of a low biodegradability.

Spatial and seasonal variability of pico-, nano- and microphytoplankton at the bottom seawater in the north coast of Sfax, Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

In the frame of the Taparura Project, we studied the distribution of pico-, nano- and microphytoplankton communities in relation to environmental variables at 18 stations sampled during four coastal cruises conducted between October 2009 and July 2010 at the bottom, on the north coast of Sfax (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean Sea). The restoration effect on coastal ultraphytoplankton (<10 µm) and microphytoplankton (<200 µm) was investigated using conventional flow cytometry and inverted microscopy. Flow cytometry analysis of ultraphytoplankton resolved six groups (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, nanoeukaryotes and three distinct subgroups within picoeukaryotes). In addition to these autotrophic groups, two unknown groups were characterised on the north coast. Picophytoplankton abundance shifted from a summer dominance of Synechococcus to a dominance of picoeukaryotes and Prochlorococcus during spring. Nanoeukaryotes were the most abundant in spring. Microphytoplankton was resolved into five groups, labelled Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae, Cyanobacteriae, Euglenophyceae and Chlorophyceae. A total of 90 microphytoplankton species were identified in all stations, with an overwhelming abundance of large diatoms, a typical trait of benthic communities (Coscinodiscus sp., Grammatophora sp., Navicula sp., Pleurosigma sp., Striatella unipunctata …). Results collected in this study are favouring a beneficial impact on the ecosystem of the Sfax north coast restoration achieved by the Taparura Project.

Seasonal distribution of ultraphytoplankton and heterotrophic prokaryotes in relation to abiotic variables on the north coast of Sfax after restoration.

The Taparura project was set up to restore the north Sfax coast (Tunisia) by shutting down the northern phosphate plant responsible for chronic pollution and uncontrolled phosphogypsum dumping. The restoration effect on coastal ultraphytoplankton (<10 µm) and heterotrophic prokaryotes was investigated using conventional flow cytometry over four successive seasons during 2009-2010. Cell concentrations were generally higher than values reported for the open sea, both in the western and eastern Mediterranean basins. One striking point was that chl a concentration on the north Sfax coast was unchanged after restoration but was still one order of magnitude higher than in the Gulf of Gabès. Restoration of pH, following the shutdown of the phosphate processing plants on the north coast, appeared to reach normal levels for seawater during the study, whereas seawater acidification persisted on the south coast where plants are still in operation. The largest ultraphytoplankton biomass was from an unknown cell group, whose identity and role needs to be established.

Invasive fungal infections in renal transplant recipients: about 11 cases.

UNLABELLED: Invasive fungal infections are a major complication and an important cause of morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients. Their diagnosis is difficult and their prognosis is often pejorative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the cases of invasive fungal infections in renal transplant recipients in Habib Bourguiba Sfax university hospital and to identify the main fungal agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective study of invasive fungal infections in renal transplant recipient reported in our hospital from January 1995 to February 2013. RESULTS: Invasive fungal infections were diagnosed in 11 cases (3.4%) among 321 renal transplant recipients. These infections included four cases of pneumocystosis, two cases of candidiasis, two cases of aspergillosis, two cases of cryptococcosis and one case of mucormycosis. There were six men and five women. The mean age was 37 years. The infection was late in 63% of cases (>3 months after transplantation). The prolonged corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy were the main risk factors (100%) followed by renal failure (45%), graft rejection (45%), broad spectrum antibiotics (45%), CMV infection (36%), neutropenia (36%) and dialysis (18%). The evolution under treatment was favourable only in two cases (18%). CONCLUSION: Invasive fungal infections are not common among kidney transplant recipients. However, they remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this group of patients. Prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate management are necessary to improve prognosis and reduce mortality rate.