[Assessment of cochlear effects and extra-auditory disorders in male rats exposed repetitively to low noise]

Background: The noise is considered as a factor of environmental stress, causing a wide range of health effects such as acoustic, cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems

Purpose: The present study was conducted to examine the affects of repeated exposure to noise on the peripheral auditory system, adrenal gland and heart tissue

Method: The White strain rats "Wistar" were exposed to chronic and repetitive exposure noise at two different intensity levels of 70 and 85dB [A]. The noise level was generated by the Audacity® software to an octave-band noise [8616 kHz]. The sound exposure duration was 6 hr/day, 5 days per week for 3 months. Quantitative and qualitative investigations were performed by using electron microscopy. The ganglion neuron counting was examined via light microscopy

Results: The results show that exposure to sound intensities 70 and 85 dB [A] for long periods, lead to changes in the morphological structure of the cochlea [inner ear], adrenal cortex and cardiac tissue which involve cell disruption which over time can lead to pathological effects

Conclusion: This study provides morphological evidence that repetitive exposure noise at moderate sound levels to 70 and 85 dB [A] induces changes in the peripheral auditory system, the adrenal cortex and heart tissue

Prise en charge des cancers primitifs des glandes submandibulaires

Introduction :Les tumeurs malignes de la glande submandibulaire se caracterisent par une grande diversite histologique. de ce travail est de rapporter notre experience dans la prise en charge de ces tumeurs et de suggerer une attitude therapeutique apres revue de la litterature. Patients et methode : Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective a propos de 20 patients colliges sur 17 ans. La decision therapeutique etait prise au sein d'un comite multidisciplinaire. Les moyens therapeutiques etaient la chirurgie tumorale et ganglionnaire; la radiotherapie et la chimiotherapie. Les pieces operatoires ont ete adressees pour examen anatomopathologique extemporane et definitif. Une surveillance clinique et radiologique a ete realisee. Le recul moyen etait de 35 mois. Resultats: L'age moyen etait de 60;75 ans. Le delai moyen de consultation etait de 6;15 mois. La tumefaction submandibulaire etait le motif de consultation chez tous les patients. Des adenopathies cervicales etaient notees chez 8 patients (40). Seize patients avaient beneficie d'une tomodensitometrie cervicale et du massif facial et un autre d'une Irm. La radiographie du thorax montrait un aspect de lacher de ballon chez un patient et une opacite mediastinale chez un autre. L'abstention chirurgicale avait ete decidee pour 2 patients. Les patients metastatiques ont ete operes uniquement dans un but diagnostique. Dix-huit patients (85) ont eu une submandibulectomie; dont une elargie a la mandibule. Pour le geste ganglionnaire; 11 patients ont eu un curage selectif triangulaire et 3 un curage fonctionnel complet. Une radiotherapie postoperatoire a ete realisee chez 14 patients (70). Une radiotherapie palliative isolee a ete realisee chez 2 patients. Une chimiotherapie palliative a ete indiquee chez les 2 patients presentant des metastases a distance lors du diagnostic; mais n'a ete administree que dans un cas. La remission complete etait notee dans 11 cas (55). Un seul patient avait presente une poursuite evolutive. Une recidive loco-regionale avait ete decelee chez 2 patients. Deux patients avaient developpe secondairement des metastases a distance. Le taux de mortalite dans notre serie etait de 25. Conclusion: Les cancers de la glande submandibulaire representent une pathologie peu frequente. Le diagnostic a grandement beneficie de l'apport de l'imagerie. La strategie therapeutique depend du stade tumoral au moment du diagnostic et de l'etat general du patient. Le pronostic de ces tumeurs reste toujours reserve; surtout pour les tumeurs de haut grade diagnostiquees a un stade avance

[Risk factors of children overweight and obesity]

The increase of the prevalence of children obesity in some countries as Tunisia, necessitate to welling known risk factors for obesity, to prevent and early management. To determine the prevalence of overweight and of obesity in a group of 4-6 year-old school children in Monastir and to investigate the association with possible risk factors. A descriptive transversal study including 121 children aged 4-6 years old [637 males, 698 females], was conducted in 10 Kindergartens in Monastir, in 2011. Personal data such as age, sex, birth weight, breastfeeding history and parental data including parental weights and heights, parental education level and occupation were collected by questionnaires completed by parents. Height and weight were measured with a weighing-scale and body mass index [BMI; kg/m2] was calculated. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was defined based according to the curves of the french reference of Rolland Cachera. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.1% and 11.6% respectively. Parental factors associated with overweight were: parental obesity: 44% vs 17% [p=0.005] [OR = 3.65: 1.27-10.57], artificial feeding: 68% vs 33% [p=0.0016] [OR= 4.25: 1.51-12.27], and the early diversification of food before the age of 6 months: 88% vs 65% [p=0.029] [OR= 3.84: 0.98 - 17.66]. Exclusive breast feeding duration >/= 6 months is probably protector factor against obesity: 0% vs 21% [p=0. 01] [OR=0: 0.00 < OR < 0.78]. We found no significant difference between overweight and non-overweight schoolchildren in frequency of high degree educated mother and father, birth weight, breakfast intake, eating habits and exercise. However overweight children intake high-caloric food, low in fiber, with troubles of nutritional comportment, and a sedentary lifestyle. Risk factors for obesity, well known in most industrialized countries, necessitate to be more understood in Tunisia, to place a preventive strategy included supervision of children weight, nutritional education and promote physical activity and reducing the time spent watching television

[Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx: a case report]

Inflammatory myofibroblatic tumor is a recently caracterized solid mesenchymal tumor. They are frequently localised in the lung. However, the head and neck forms are uncommon. To report a new case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx. This 47-year old man presented with dysphonia without dyspnea. Laryngoscopy showed a tumor of anterior vocal cord. CT scan of larynx confirmed diagnosis. The patient had a cordectomy. Histology concluded to the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. No relapses have been noted after 4 months. Only a few cases of laryngeal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor have been reported in the literature. Clinical presentation depends of tumor location. Radiological images are not specific and diagnosis is based on histology. The expected course is essentially marked by the risk of local recurrences. Surgical excision seems to be the treatment of choice

Liquefaction susceptibility mapping using geotechnical laboratory tests

The soil liquefaction potential has been evaluated for the Ariana region because of its important socio-economic interest and its location. Liquefaction susceptibility map is carried out using a decisional flow chart for evaluation of earthquake-induced effects, based on available data such as: paleoliquefaction, geological, groundwater depth, seismotectonic, sedimentary features and geotechnical parameters in particular laboratory testing like grain size analyses and state parameters. Survey results showed that some of these localities are considered as possible sites to soil liquefaction. Indeed, Quaternary alluvium deposits, paleo beaches and recent deposits that edge the lake and the sebka constitute the most susceptible locations to liquefaction. In the East and the West sides of the studied zone, quaternary deposits are less susceptible to the liquefaction due to the groundwater level deepening and to the relatively old age of the deposits. Elsewhere sedimentary formations are classified as non-liquefiable as they are heavily compacted and old

The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic (Allium sativum) feeding / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>to investigate the effects of crude garlic on adult male rat reproductive functions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (untreated) and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed for 30 days with 5%, 10%, 15% and 30% crude garlic, respectively. Testes and accessory organs were weighed and some markers were assessed. Light and electron microscopy observations were also performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A significant decrease was observed in the body weight of groups 4 (14%; P < 0.01) and 5 (20%; P < 0.01); of the prostate weight in group 5 (29.1%; P < 0.05) and of seminal vesicle weight in groups 3 (14.4%; P < 0.01), 4 (18.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (27.3%; P < 0.01). In contrast, testis and epididymis weights were unchanged. In epididymis tissue, the alpha glucosidase activity and the spermatozoa density were unchanged. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone serum levels in groups 3 (77.3%; P < 0.01), 4 (77.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (90.9%; P < 0.01), associated with a significant increase in LH serum levels (P < 0.01). Testicular histology showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Moreover, testicular function was affected; a significant decrease in phosphatase acid activity (P < 0.01) and testosterone (P < 0.05) contents were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.</p>

Evaluation et prise en charge de l'envahissement mandibulaire dans les carcinomes epidermoides de la cavite orale et de l'oropharynx

Objectif : Le but de notre etude est l'evaluation de l'atteinte mandibulaire dans les carcinomes epidermoides de la cavite orale et de l'oropharynx. Materiel et methodes : Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective a propos de 34 patients colliges sur 6 ans (1999-2004) et ayantun carcinome epidermoide de la cavite orale et/ou de l'oropharynx avec envahisse- ment mandibulaire confirme a l'anatomopathologie.L'atteinte mandibulaire a ete evaluee par l'examen clinique; l'orthopantomographie; la tomodensitometrie; et par les constata- tions peroperatoires du chirurgien. Tous les patients ont eu un evidement ganglionnaire; une exerese tumorale associee a une mandibulectomie segmentaire interruptrice ou conservatrice. Resultats : L'envahissement mandibulaire a ete suspecte cliniquement chez 70;5des patients devant l'adherence de la tumeur a l'os. Apres examen clinique et imagerie; cette atteinte a ete diagnostiquee chez 88;2des patients. Dans 11;8des cas; l'atteinte n'a ete suspectee qu'en peroperatoire. L'examen histologique a confirme l'atteinte osseuse chez tous les patients. La mandibulectomie segmentaire a ete pratiquee chez 17 patients devant l'atteinte du canal mandibulaire. Vingt-huit patients ont eu une radiotherapie postoperatoire a la dose moyenne de 64 Gy. Les taux de recidive; de metastase et de deces etaient respectivement de 11;7; 17;6et 17;6pour les patients qui ont eu une mandibulectomie segmentaire; et de 23;5; 17;6et 23;5pour ceux qui ont eu une mandibulectomie conservatrice. Par ailleurs; 76;5et 29;5 des patients ayant eu respectivement une mandibulectomie segmentaire et une mandibulectomie conservatrice avaient une gene fonctionnelle importante lors de l'alimentation.Conclusion : L'examen clinique; l'imagerie et l'examen peroperatoire sont d'un apport capital dans l'evaluation de l'atteinte mandibulaire. Une atteinte epargnant le canal mandibulaire justifie une mandibulectomie conservatrice permettant d'avoir de meilleurs resultats esthetiques et fonctionnels tout en assurant un controle carcinologiquement satisfaisant

Les cancers de l'orbite et l'etude retrospective : a propos de 31 cas

Introduction : Les cancers de l'orbite sont rares. Ils sont caracterises par leur diversite histologique et leur agressivite locoregionale rendant le traitement difficile et mutilant. Dans ce travail; nous rapportons notre experience dans la prise en charge diagnostique et therapeutique de ces tumeurs. Materiels et methodes : Notre etude retrospective a concerne 31 cas de cancers de l'orbite colliges sur 13 ans (1993- 2005). Tous les patients ont beneficie d'un examen clinique complet; d'une imagerie du massif facial (TDM et/ou IRM) et d'une biopsie de la tumeur. Le traitement a ete base sur la chirurgie; la radiotherapie et/ou la chimiotherapie. Resultats : La symptomatologie clinique etait dominee par les signes ophtalmologiques et les algies faciales. L'imagerie a montre dans tous les cas un processus expansif tissulaire a point de depart orbitaire; avec lyse osseuse orbitaire chez 16 patients (51;6); une extension au massif facial chez 7 patients (22;6); endocraniennes chez 6 patients (19;4) et des formes bilaterales atteignant les deux orbites dans 3 cas (9;7) L'anatomopathologie montrait une predominance des lymphomes malins non hodgkiniens (32;3) et des carcinomes epidermoides (32;3); suivis des rhabdomyosarcomes embryonnaires (19;4). Douze patients ont ete traites par chirurgie et radiotherapie postoperatoire; dix patients par une association radio-chimiotherapie; et neuf autres par une chimiotherapie neo-adjuvante. La survie globale etait de 67;8 a 3 ans; 48;4 a 5 ans et 22;6a 10 ans

[Air radon in Tunisia dwellings]

Radon is a natural radioactive gas produced by decay of uranium and radium present in soils. Diluted in air, in confined atmospheres, it may accumulate in high concentration. Inhalation of radio and its progeny is thought to increase lung cancer risk. For the first time, air radon concentrations were determined in 1151 dwellings situated in all the inhabited regions of Tunisia, using open alpha-track dosimeters exposed during two months. The median of 1864 measurements was 36 B[q] m[-3] [with a maximum of 512 B[q] M[-3] most of tem being less than 100 B[q] M[-3]. All results were under the International Instances recommended range

[Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix - a case report

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix is an uncommon highly malignant tumour. It usually presents in the adolescent age group. Only 4 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix had been reported in women in perimenopausal. Treatment had evolved since new chemotherapy protocols and better classification has been established by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study. One case of Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix is reported in a 47 years woman. She was treated with surgery and external radiotherapy. After 12 months, no signs of recurrence are reported

[Pseudo tumoral splenic tuberculosis - a case report]

Splenic tuberculosis is uncommon. It is reported in disseminated tuberculosis syndrome and can be a symptom of AIDS. Pseudo tumoral forms are rare. Diagnosis is difficult on the basis of the clinical and radiological presentation. Histological analysis confirms the diagnosis. We report the case of a 30 years old women treated for nodal tuberculosis. After 4 months of treatment, she consulted for non specific abdominal pain without other signs. Radiological exploration concluded for nodular spleen lesions. The patient had gone under a median laparotomy and a splenectomy was performed for multiple abscess in the spleen. Pathological exam of the spleen confirm that it was splenic tuberculosis

[Degenerated perianal giant acuminatum condyloma. About 2 cases]

The Giant condyloma acuminatum [GCA] is a rare cutaneous tumour, of sexual viral transmission origin, especially reaching perianal zones. We report the cases of two men who present perianal GCA treated at the surgical oncology unit of Salah Azaiz Institute. Diagnosis of degeneration was made before the treatment in the two cases. Treatment was surgical. With a follow up of 3 and 15 years, there are no signs of recurrence