Seasonal Variation in Patch Test Results with European Baseline Series.

AIM: To study the influence of season on patch tests results. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study which concerned all the patients of the Tunisian center, who consulted in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital-Sousse (Tunisia) over a period of 07 years. All the patients were tested by the European Standard Battery allergens (BSE). RESULTS: The data of 1000 patch tests were analyzed during the study period. More than half of the patch tests (58.6%) was positive. In winter, 63% of patch tests showed a positive reaction versus 52% of patch tests in summer without a statistically significant association. However, results of lanolin alcohols, epoxy resin, and Sesquiterpene lactone mix varied significantly with season. Atopy was significantly associated with 18.8% of positive reactions in winter and only with 5.2% of positive reactions in summer (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Seasonal variations in patch tests results were more significant with some allergens of European Standard Battery and in atopic patients.

Evaluation of Daily Laurus nobilis Tea Consumption on Lipid Profile Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers.

Introduction:Laurus nobilis is known in the field of herbal medicine and in vitro studies that it has beneficial effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties.Objective: We investigated whether L. nobilis tea consumption affects the plasma levels of lipid biomarkers in healthy volunteers.Methods: Thirty healthy Tunisian volunteers aged between 20 and 57 years old consumed L. nobilis infusion, prepared from 5 g of dried L. nobilis leaves in 100 ml boiled water, once a day during 10 days. Plasma concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol were measured by Beckman Coulter D × 600 analyzer before L. nobilis consumption and at the end of the experiment.Results:L. nobilis tea consumption significantly increased the concentration of HDL cholesterol ([HDL cholesterol] D0 = 1.34 ± 0.25 pg/mL, D11=1.42 ± 0.29, p = 0.01). However, a slight decrease that was statistically non-significant in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels was observed (p < 0.05).Conclusions: These findings highlight the improving blood lipidic profiles, which means a possible positive effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease of L. nobilis tea consumption in healthy volunteers. However, more powerful studies with an extended treatment period are required.

Seasonality of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Sousse (Tunisia).

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal variation of Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has attracted the attention in several regions of the world. AIM: To explore the relationship between variations of mean meteorological parameters (temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and duration of sunshine) and the occurrence of cases of pulmonary TB. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of two-time series (meteorological data, case of pulmonary TB) from 1th January 2010 to 31th December 2014.Meteorological data were collected throughout the 5-year period. RESULTS: We collected 180 cases confirmed by direct examination. The relationship between seasonality and the occurrence of TB cases was addressed in two ways considering either the date of the bacteriological diagnosis or the date date of onset of symptoms of TB as the date of the census of cases. Taking into account the date of bacteriological diagnosis, it appeared that spring (33.7%) and summer (25.9%) had the most days with positive diagnosis (p = 0.012). However, considering the date of onset of symptoms of TB , it appeared that winter (34.2%) and spring (28%) had the most days with positive diagnosis with a significant difference. The comparison of the mean of meteorological parameters between days with and without bacteriological diagnosis showed that only the mean duration of sunshine was significatively associated with more cases(p=0.002). This same comparison between the days with and without TB according to the date of onset of symptoms of TB showed significant difference only for mean temperatures which were lower  during the days when patients présented symptoms of TB (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Our results have highlighted the possible implication of meteorological parameters in the occurrence of pulmonary TB cases.

Influence of Weather Conditions on the Onset of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in the Region of Sousse (Tunisia): Analysis of Time Series.

INTRODUCTION: Weather conditions were implicated in the onset of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). AIM: Investigate the influence of weather conditions on the onset of SP. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with SP in Sousse (Tunisia) were enrolled in the study between January 2010 and December 2014. An analysis of two time series (meteorological data and pneumothorax cases) was performed. Data on weather conditions were collected daily throughout the 5-year period. RESULTS: A comparison of the mean temperature between days with and without SP showed significantly higher temperatures during the days with SP. A decrease of 1% in the relative humidity one day lag (D-1) was associated with an increase in the risk of SP by 1.6% (p=0,02). The occurrence of clusters was associated significantly with higher temperature averages on the same days. This same observation was made regarding the mean duration of sunshine two days before the cluster onset (p = 0.05). The occurrence of storms two days before clusters was also significantly associated with a risk multiplied by 1.96. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between clusters of spontaneous pneumothorax and weather conditions in the region of Sousse-Tunisia.

A 3-Year Workplace-Based Intervention Program to Control Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors in Sousse, Tunisia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 3-year workplace-based intervention program on the control of the main noncommunicable disease risk factors (poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use) among the employees of Sousse, Tunisia. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study (pre- and postassessments with intervention and control groups) in six companies of the governorate of Sousse in Tunisia.The intervention program consisted of health education programs (eg, workshops, films and open sensitization days). We also scheduled free physical activity sessions and free smoking cessation consultations. RESULTS: Our intervention program showed meaningful improvement among the employees toward dietary and physical activity behaviors but not for tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace is a crucial setting for health promotion, and future programs should consider a multisectoral approach to control the main noncommunicable disease risk factors.