Primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck: Case series and review of the literature.

Primary non-cutaneous melanoma is a rare type of melanoma that occurs mostly on mucosal surfaces. The head and neck region is the most common site for these melanomas. The following cases described herein include patients diagnosed with primary non-cutaneous melanomas. The locations included the parotid gland (one case), the submandibular gland (one case), and the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (three cases). Among these patients, one patient developed lymph node metastasis and one patient had distant metastasis. Treatment included endoscopic surgery (one case), endoscopic surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (one case), open surgery (one case), and palliative chemotherapy (one case). One patient refused to receive treatment. After treatment, one patient had local recurrence. A local and distant recurrence was noted in one case. This report aims to describe clinical features, treatment options, and prognosis of primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck.

Overview of Memristor-Based Design for Analog Applications.

Memristor-based design has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize various fields such as artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, non-volatile memory, signal processing, filtering, and radio frequency design. These emerging devices offer unique advantages such as non-volatile memory, low power consumption, and a high integration density. Their scalability and compatibility with existing fabrication processes make them an attractive option for industry adoption, paving the way for faster and more efficient architecture design. Researchers are actively exploring ways to optimize memristor technology for practical applications to harness its full potential. This includes developing novel materials and structures as well as improving the reliability and performance of memristors in various applications. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in memristor technology and their potential impact on the design of future electronic systems, focusing on its applications in the analog domain. By exploring the latest research and development in this field, researchers can gain valuable insights into how analog memristors can be integrated into their designs to achieve enhanced performance and efficiency. The paper delves into the fundamental principles of memristor technology, exploring its unique characteristics and advantages over traditional electronic components. It discusses the potential impact of memristors and challenges in the analog field of electronics, and highlights the progress made in their integration with existing circuitry, enabling novel functionalities and improved performance. Furthermore, it highlights ongoing research efforts to improve the performance and reliability of memristors, as well as the potential limitations and challenges that need to be addressed for widespread adoption, including variability in performance and reliability.

Hyoid Bone Fracture Secondary to a Blunt Neck Trauma: A Report of 2 Cases.

Hyoid bone fracture unrelated to strangulation is a rare occurrence characterized by a subtle presentation. However, it may manifest as a fatal respiratory distress due to airway obstruction. We present 2 cases of hyoid bone fractures that occurred following a traffic accident in 2 male patients. Both patients presented with either a neck pain or a dysphagia. Physical examination findings were limited to neck sensibility at palpation, saliva stasis, and laryngeal congestion at the laryngeal endoscopy. In both patients, the diagnosis was confirmed through computed tomography. In the first patient, the fracture was simple and located at the body of the hyoid bone, while in the second patient, it involved the greater horn with a medial displacement of the fractured fragment. Due to the clinical presentation, we successfully treated both our patients conservatively through a 48 hour observation, analgesics, steroids, antibiotics, neck rest, and semiliquid diet. This study highlights a rare occurrence of 2 cases of hyoid bone fracture unrelated to strangulation, which emphasizes on the importance of a high clinical suspicion to make the diagnosis of this entity.

Cervical Aggressive Fibromatosis Causing Airway Obstruction.

Fibromatosis or desmoid tumors are rare benign fibroblastic lesions that are rarely present in the head and neck regions. When they do occur in these regions, however, they tend to be aggressive toward the surrounding tissue and be associated with heavy morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 26-year-old Tunisian female who presented with acute obstructive dyspnea and a 3-week history of cervical swelling. The swelling was initially only located in the left submandibular area, it then gradually extended to all the anterior cervical supra- and infrahyoid regions causing a clinical presentation resembling that of obstructive dyspnea, the patient was admitted, and an emergency tracheotomy was performed. Tissue samples were taken, pathological analysis revealed an aggressive case of fibromatosis. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and antihormonal therapy, the fibrous mass shrunk considerably allowing the removal of the tracheotomy cannula, no tumor recurrence was noted during the observation period. Due to the rarity of this disease, especially in the cervical region, there are no therapeutic guidelines available.

Trends in microalgal-based systems as a promising concept for emerging contaminants and mineral salt recovery from municipal wastewater.

In the context of climate change leading to water scarcity for many people in the world, the treatment of municipal wastewater becomes a necessity. However, the reuse of this water requires secondary and tertiary treatment processes to reduce or eliminate a load of dissolved organic matter and various emerging contaminants. Microalgae have shown hitherto high potential applications of wastewater bioremediation thanks to their ecological plasticity and ability to remediate several pollutants and exhaust gases from industrial processes. However, this requires appropriate cultivation systems allowing their integration into wastewater treatment plants at appropriate insertion costs. This review aims to present different open and closed systems currently used in the treatment of municipal wastewater by microalgae. It provides an exhaustive approach to wastewater treatment systems using microalgae, integrating the most suitable used microalgae species and the main pollutants present in the treatment plants, with an emphasis on emerging contaminants. The remediation mechanisms as well as the capacity to sequester exhaust gases were also described. The review examines constraints and future perspectives of microalgae cultivation systems in this line of research.

Olfactory cleft mass as the first presentation of asymptomatic metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Renal cell carcinoma metastasis in the sinonasal cavities is rare. They account for less than 1 % of all metastases of these renal cancers. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient with an unremarkable pathological history, who consulted for recurrent right epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy revealed a reddish mass located medial to the right middle turbinate. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion located at the level of the olfactory cleft. The patient had a complete removal of the mass and the anatomopathological examination concluded to a metastasis of a clear cell carcinoma of renal origin. Taking into account these results, a thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was performed and it discovered a left renal tumor. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The most frequent functional sign of Renal cell carcinoma metastases is epistaxis. This is explained by the rich vascularity of these metastases. The imaging data are not specific and do not allow differentiation between primary tumor and metastasis. The definitive diagnosis can be confirmed only by histologic examination. CONCLUSION: Faced with any hypervascularized tumor of the nasal cavity, the ENT physician must evoke a metastasis of a renal cancer, even in the absence of history and symptoms evoking this cancer.

Burkitt's Thyroid Lymphoma Revealed in a Pregnant Woman With Acute Dyspnea.

Extraganglionic Burkitt's lymphoma is rare. Primary thyroid localization accounts for 1% to 5% of malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. The association of Burkitt's lymphoma and pregnancy is even rarer. Our patient was pregnant at 36 weeks. She was brought to the emergency department with anterior cervical swelling, rapidly increasing in volume and becoming compressive for 15 days, in addition to dysphonia and inspiratory dyspnea. Cervical ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed a compressive and plunging goiter. Surgery attempted after fetal extraction proved impossible due to massive tumor infiltration into adjacent structures shielding the cervical region. Accordingly, the act was limited to a glandular biopsy. The newborn was healthy. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. Given the poor general condition of the patient, chemotherapy was not administered and the patient died after 15 days of stay in intensive care unit.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the External Auditory Canal.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) originating from the external auditory canal are uncommon; only few cases have been reported in the literature. In this article, we report a case of a 35-year-old man who presented with a 6-month history of a gradual swelling in the entrance of the left external auditory meatus associated with hearing loss. The tumor was surgically removed, and histological examination showed spindle-cell proliferation with a collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD34 confirming the diagnosis of an SFT. Although SFTs are benign, complications such as relapses and metastasis after excision were reported. Thus, a careful and long follow-up is recommended.

Role of chemical exposure in the incidence of vitiligo: a case-control study in Tunisia.

Vitiligo is a multifactorial dermatosis with many etiological hypotheses that have been suggested for its occurrence. To our knowledge, few epidemiological studies are available on vitiligo induction factors and particularly on the role of exposure to chemicals in the onset of the disease has been found. Therefore, there is need to investigate the relationship between vitiligo and chemical exposures in order to understand this mysterious disease. We conducted a case-control study of patients with vitiligo whose diagnosis was made by a specialist in dermatology. The total study period was of 6 months extending from 1 July to 31 December 2019. The minimum sample size was determined as 46 cases and 92 controls. The control group was gender, age, and professional status matched to the vitiligo group. In the binary logistic regression model, household chemicals/colored toothpaste use, a history of a repeated antibiotic use, and an occupational exposure to phenol/catechol derivatives were significantly associated with vitiligo (three to fourfold increase). Our results suggest that chemical factors play a key role in the occurrence of vitiligo. Therefore, prevention of this dermatosis requires the identification of exposure to the incriminated chemicals in any patient followed for vitiligo. The earlier the diagnosis of 'chemical' or chemically aggravated vitiligo, the better the prognosis for this disease.

Work productivity loss due to musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoe and leather industry.

Objectives. This study aimed to explore the work productivity loss (WPL) due to musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) and its explanatory psychosocial, ergonomic and personal factors in Tunisian shoe and leather industry workers. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 337 workers. We evaluated WPL using the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire. We used the Nordic questionnaire to assess the MS prevalence, the job content questionnaire of Karasek to examine the psychosocial work environment and the quick exposure check (QEC) tool to estimate the ergonomic exposure levels. Results. The mean WPL was 44.9 ± 33%. In the multiple linear regression model, WPL was positively correlated with a history of MS, professional seniority, a rhythm perceived as restrictive, low social support and decision latitude, the number of symptomatic sites and the QEC strain level of the back. Conclusion. There was a decline in work productivity due to MS that results from a combination of personal, psychosocial and biomechanical factors. Once addressed, both work productivity and workers' well-being should be restored.

Dataset from healthy and defective spot welds in refill friction stir spot welding using acoustic emission.

The dataset presented in this paper deals with real-time measurements carried out during the welding of 78 spot welds including heathy and defective states. These measurements are composed of acoustic emission signals and welding parameters. Acoustic emission signals were captured by three different piezoelectric sensors, which are connected to a Vallen AMSY5 system through preamplifiers. Welding parameters where digitized using the M-SCOPE software. Both measurements can be used for the establishment of an automatic criterion able to detect defective spot welds in Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding.

Allergic contact dermatitis to isothiazolinones in a rubber factory: A case report.

Isothiazolinones, used as preservative, are known to be skin sensitizers. Although cosmetics represent their main source, occupational exposure may be a significant origin of eczema. While allergic eczema related to these derivates have been reported in a number of professional sectors, their presence in the same workplace was not common.

Asymptomatic ameloblastoma of the maxilla with infratemporal fossa involvement: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Diagnosis of odontogenic tumors can be challenging due to their rarity and diverse morphology. The clinical diagnosis could be suspected when it had raised near the tooth. But, when their location is not typical, like inside the paranasal sinuses, the diagnosis is less easy. Maxillary ameloblastomas are rare with only sparse information on their epidemiological, histological and effective management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman presented with ameloblastoma of the left maxillary sinus. Intraoral examination revealed partially edentulous with a 2 cm painless ulceration of the left alveolar process of the maxilla. A biopsy was performed which showed a follicular ameloblastoma. The treatment was surgical. She had a combined endoscopic and transoral resection of the tumor. The patient was diagnosed with recurrence within 3 months from surgery. DISCUSSION: although rarely reported, clinicians should still suspect and know how to manage such as rare and locally invasive tumor as a maxillary ameloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: As odontogenic tumors are rare, some entities are infrequently encountered, making the diagnosis more difficult. Clinicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists should be familiar with the ameloblastoma and its differential diagnosis for accurate diagnosis and management.

Occupational exposure to coal and risk of multiple health outcomes: A case report.

Occupational cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma has an increased incidence, but rarely suspected. When located in an uncovered skin area, it is closely linked to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure. However, single pulmonary anthracosis nodule is rarely described in the literature. The association of both diseases due to the same exposure remains uncommon.

Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland: A rare entity.

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a rare benign salivary gland tumor accounting for only 1-2% of all salivary gland tumors. We report a case of a 50-year-old man presenting a BCA of the parotid gland. A pleomorphic adenoma was initially suspected based on radiological features and fine needle aspiration cytology findings (FNAC).

Parapharyngeal Lymph Node Metastasis From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Metastatic parapharyngeal lymph nodes (LNs) from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) are uncommon and can easily remain undetected. We describe a case that involves a 62-year-old woman treated for a PTC, who presented a rise in serum thyroglobulin (TG) levels. A computed tomography scan was performed, and revealed metastatic nodes in the left parapharyngeal space (PPS). A surgical resection of the nodes was performed with external cervical approach. A histological exam confirmed the diagnosis of a metastatic LN of a PTC. The aim of this report is to emphasize on the possibility of parapharyngeal metastatic nodes in PTC and to describe the diagnosis methods, treatment options, and impact on the prognosis.

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis in a child with type 1 diabetes: A case report.

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis is a rare but potentially severe fungal infection in children with high rate of morbidity and mortality. In pediatric patients, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is considered to be a predisposing factor only in 15% of cases. To prevent and reduce mortality rate of this severe disease, early diagnosis based on clinical findings and biopsy is highly recommended. Herein, we report a case of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis in a 12-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes to demonstrate that a multimodal management approach, involving early surgery which consists in frequent endoscopic sinus debridement and appropriate antifungal therapy, is essential to effectively reduce the spread of infection and achieve effective outcome.

[Performance of the magnetic resonance imaging in parotid gland tumor histopathology]. / Performance de l´imagerie par résonance magnétique dans l´approche histopathologique des tumeurs parotidiennes.

INTRODUCTION: salivary gland tumors mainly occur in the parotid gland. These tumors are rare but are characterized by histological heterogeneity, thus posing diagnostic challenges. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the most reliable imaging test for the evaluation of these tumors. The purpose of this study was to highlight the diagnostic value of MRI and its role in parotid gland tumor histopathology. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study of 50 patients with parotid gland tumor, operated and treated in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) Department and in the Department of cervicofacial surgery at the Tahar Sfar University Hospital of Mahdia between 2001 and 2019. All patients underwent preoperative MRI of the parotid gland. RESULTS: out of 50 patients included in the study, 36 (72%) had benign tumor and 14 (28%) malignant tumor. The sensitivity of MRI for the diagnosis of malignant tumor was 92.8% with a specificity of 97.2%, a negative predictive value of 93% and a positive predictive value of 97%. With respect to benign tumor characterization, MRI suggested the diagnosis of Warthin tumor in all cases (13 cases) and of pleomorphic adenoma in 22 out of 23 cases. There were two diagnostic errors: MRI suggested the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma instead of adenoid cystic carcinoma in one case and of malignant tumor instead of pleomorphic adenoma due to diffusion restriction. CONCLUSION: MRI is highly efficient in the assessment of parotid tumor histology and, especially, after the advent of new functional sequences. However, only histological examination allows to confirm with certainty the diagnosis.

An efficient design for real-time obstructive sleep apnea OSA detection through esophageal pressure Pes signal.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially common sleep disorder in which the upper airways are collapsed either partially or completely. The golden standard method for treating OSA, is the full night Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Yet, due to the ensuing discomfort, it incurs on patients, researchers have been motivated to investigate other alternatives, whereby, OSA can be effectively treated. Recently, an increasingly popular OSA treatment has been developed that consists in activating the protrusion muscles of the tongue by stimulating the Hypoglossal Nerve (HGN). In this context, the present work is conducted to propose the design of apnea detector module as part of an implantable HGN stimulator based on the esophageal Pressure Pes signal as a new approach for controlling OSA occurrence. Specifically, an effective real-time apnea event detecting algorithm is put forward. Following the achievement of satisfactory simulation results, attained through the Modelsim simulation tool, we proceeded with assessing the possibility of its hardware implementation on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. To this end, the apnea detector module was synthesized and designed. The low power consumption and the small size, characterizing this module, which have made it possible to integrate it as part of a wirelessly-powered implantable HGN stimulator.

Optimization of microwave assisted extraction of simmondsins and polyphenols from Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed cake using Box-Behnken statistical design.

A closed-vessel microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of simmondsins and polyphenols from defatted Jojoba cake using Box-Benkhen design with four independent variables (solvent/cake ratio, ethanol concentration, extraction time and microwave power) was investigated. ANOVA results showed that the obtained models were significant at 95% confidence level. Optimal extraction conditions were found for highest values of microwave power (500 W) and extraction time (15 min) and for moderate values of solvent to cake ratio (41 - 45 mL/g). Optimum simmondsins yield (23.35%) was obtained with pure water as solvent. However, optimum polyphenols yield (2.33%) and ORAC antioxidant activity (656 µmol TE/g) were obtained with 46.79% and 42.04% ethanol in water, respectively. ORAC antioxidant activity was found to be well correlated to polyphenol and simmondsin contents. These results indicate that MAE is an effective technique for recovery of bioactive compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries from Jojoba by-products.