Evaluation of native microalgae from Tunisia using the pulse-amplitude-modulation measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence and a performance study in semi-continuous mode for biofuel production.

BACKGROUND: Microalgae are attracting much attention as a promising feedstock for renewable energy production, while simultaneously providing environmental benefits. So far, comparison studies for microalgae selection for this purpose were mainly based on data obtained from batch cultures, where the lipid content and the growth rate were the main selection parameters. The present study evaluates the performance of native microalgae strains in semi-continuous mode, considering the suitability of the algal-derived fatty acid composition and the saponifiable lipid productivity as selection criteria for microalgal fuel production. Evaluation of the photosynthetic performance and the robustness of the selected strain under outdoor conditions was conducted to assess its capability to grow and tolerate harsh environmental growth conditions. RESULTS: In this study, five native microalgae strains from Tunisia (one freshwater and four marine strains) were isolated and evaluated as potential raw material to produce biofuel. Firstly, molecular identification of the strains was performed. Then, experiments in semi-continuous mode at different dilution rates were carried out. The local microalgae strains were characterized in terms of biomass and lipid productivity, in addition to protein content, and fatty acid profile, content and productivity. The marine strain Chlorella sp. showed, at 0.20 1/day dilution rate, lipid and biomass productivities of 35.10 mg/L day and 0.2 g/L day, respectively. Moreover, data from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements demonstrated the robustness of this strain as it tolerated extreme outdoor conditions including high (38 °C) and low (10 °C) temperature, and high irradiance (1600 µmol/m2 s). CONCLUSIONS: Selection of native microalgae allows identifying potential strains suitable for use in the production of biofuels. The selected strain Chlorella sp. demonstrated adequate performance to be scaled up to outdoor conditions. Although experiments were performed at laboratory conditions, the methodology used in this paper allows a robust evaluation of microalgae strains for potential market applications.

Microcystic transitional cell carcinoma: a rare tumor of the urinary bladder.

Microcystic urothelial carcinoma is a rare variant of invasive transitional cell carcinoma recognized by the WHO classification. It is characterized by its deceptively benign appearance. The clinical course of this uncommon variety of carcinoma is not well known and their histological and immunohistological features are not well defined. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with a microcystic transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. He was diagnosed 4 years ago with cystitis glandularis lesions and nephrogenic adenoma. Through this observation we will try to define the clinical and pathological features of this uncommon tumor which must be differentiated from a number of proliferative lesions of the urothelium. The poor prognosis and aggressiveness of this tumor seems to be related to a higher stage and grade at diagnosis.

[Occupational asthma: Clinical and professional profile of the Tunisian asthmatic worker]. / Asthme professionnel : profil clinique et professionnel du travailleur asthmatique tunisien.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma takes up a great importance in occupational diseases but remains underestimated as it is insufficiently diagnosed. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to access the clinical and professional profile of the Tunisian asthmatic worker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective descriptive study in a professional pathology unit in a university hospital. All patients referred by their doctor for symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma, during a period from 2000 to 2008, were included. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were selected from 172. The mean age was 40 years, with a male predominance (56 %). In 2/3 of the cases, it was the textile workers, food and chemical industry. The etiological agents incriminated were textile dust in 18.8 % of cases followed by isocyanates and flour. Typical episodes of wheezing dyspnea were present in 52 % and atopy in 54.2 % of workers. In 2 % of cases, symptoms disappeared and worsened in 18.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of OA depends on early end accurate diagnosis. The physician's role is to initiate the appropriate diagnostic approach, which must comply with the Tunisian conditions.

[Night-to-night variability of the obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome]. / Variabilité inter-nuits du syndrome d'apnée-hypopnée obstructive du sommeil.

The apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) is the primary measurement used to characterize the obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). Despite its popularity, there are limiting factors to its application such as night-to-night variability. AIM: To evaluate the variability of AHI in the OSAHS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was designed in our university hospital's sleep unit. Adults with clinical suspicion of OSAHS underwent 2 consecutive nights of polysomnographic recording. The population was divided in two groups according to an AHI>or<10. Patients with psychiatric disorders or professions that might result in sleep deprivation or an altered sleep/wake cycle were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50.6±9.3 years. OSAHS was mild in 4 cases, moderate in 6 cases and severe in 8 cases. AHI was less than 5 in two cases. AHI values were not significantly altered throughout both recording nights (33.2 vs. 31.8 events/h). A significant positive correlation was found between AHI measured on the first and the second night. However, a significant individual variability was noted. Comparison between both patient's groups showed a correlation between AHI and the body mass index. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the AHI in OSAHS patients is well correlated between two consecutive nights. However, a significant individual variability should be taken into consideration, especially when AHI is used in the classification of OSAHS or as a criterion of therapeutic success.

[Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder: A single centre retrospective study]. / Carcinome neuroendocrine de la vessie: étude rétrospective monocentrique.

PURPOSE: Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder is a rare tumour representing 0.5 to 1% of bladder tumours. It is a specific histological entity characterized by rapid metastatic dissemination and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic modalities and the evolutive aspects of patients receiving a treatment for bladder neuroendocrine carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and January 2014, seven patients received a treatment for a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder, at the department of oncology, Habib-Bourguiba Hospital, in Sfax, Tunisia. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years. All patients were male. Neuroendocrine carcinoma was pure in four cases and associated with urothelial carcinoma in the other three cases. Two patients were diagnosed at a metastatic stage. A cystectomy was performed in two cases. One patient received a chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The other four patients received chemotherapy alone. A single case of complete remission was observed. Median survival was 15 months (5-30 months). One patient is still alive 30 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The management of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder is not standardized and requires a multidisciplinary consultation.

Selection of native Tunisian microalgae for simultaneous wastewater treatment and biofuel production.

This paper focuses on the selection of native microalgae strains suitable for wastewater treatment and biofuel production. Four Chlorophyceae strains were isolated from North-eastern Tunisia. Their performances were compared in continuous mode at a 0.3 1/day dilution rate. The biomass productivity and nutrient removal capacity of each microalgae strain were studied. The most efficient strain was identified as Scenedesmus sp. and experiments at different dilution rates from 0.2 to 0.8 1/day were carried out. Maximal biomass productivity of 0.9 g/L day was obtained at 0.6 1/day. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium and phosphorus was in the range of 92-94%, 61-99% and 93-99%, respectively. Carbohydrates were the major biomass fraction followed by lipids and then proteins. The saponifiable fatty acid content was in the 4.9-13.2% dry biomass range, with more than 50% of total fatty acids being composed of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids.

[Allergic rhinitis]. / Rhinites allergiques.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a daily problem to which are confronted principally general practitioner, paediatrician, ear, nose and throat specialist and allergologist. also, this subject is still always alive because allergy seems in a constant progression in our society. AIM: To clarify diagnostic and therapeutic criteria of this affection. METHODS: we have realized a literature review concerning physiopathology, clinical symptoms, the position of paraclinical investigations and finally therapeutic modality of allergic rhinitis. RESULTS: Appropriated treatment of allergic rhinitis should be général it requires a knowledge and better comprehension of the disease and optimum prevention, if it is possible, of allergic symptoms.

[Corneal abscess presumed to be of bacterial origin]. / Les abcès cornéens présumés d'origine bactérienne.

AIM: To assess clinical, microbiological and therapeutical characteristics of patients presenting with a clinically diagnosed corneal abscess at the Nabeul Hospital Department of Ophthalmology (Tunisia). METHODS: A retrospective study of patients presenting corneal abscess was conducted over 6 years. The clinical aspects, the microbial isolation, the treatment, and the outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: sixty-one eyes of 61 patients were hospitalized from January 2000 to October 2006. The mean age was 59.2 years old. The mean delay for referral was 8.7 days. Risk factors were noted in 90% of cases: corneal trauma (24.6%), ocular surgery (19.7%) and chronic keratopathy (14.7%). Bacteriological cultures of corneal smears isolated an organism in 39.9% of cases. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (16.3%), streptococcus (13.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.1%) were the most frequent species. Poor visual outcome was correlated with anterior chamber inflammation and initial low visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Corneal trauma was the most common risk factor of corneal abcess. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important for successful management of bacterial keratitis to avoid corneal vision loss.

[Iridocyclitis in a patient with Behçet's disease and a familial form of retinitis pigmentosa]. / Iridocyclite chez une patiente atteinte d'une maladie de Behçet et d'une forme familiale de rétinopathie pigmentaire.

INTRODUCTION: Iridocyclitis associated with retinitis pigmentosa is rarely described in the medical literature. We report an unusual case of this association. OBSERVATION: A 55-year-old woman with a history of Behçet's disease presented with acute red and painful eyes and moderately blurred vision. Ophthalmologic examination concluded in bilateral acute hypertensive uveitis. Funduscopy and fundus fluorescein angiogram showed retinitis pigmentosa. The same fundus changes were found in the patient's siblings. Recurrences were frequent and topical steroids were always successful. CONCLUSION: This case is particular in its association of anterior uveitis as the exclusive manifestation of ocular Behçet's disease and familial retinitis pigmentosa.

Pediatric urolithiasis in Tunisia: a multi-centric study of 525 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate retrospectively the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and method of treatment of childhood urolithiasis, a major urological problem in Tunisia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 525 children with urolithiasis treated in Tunisia between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed in a multi-centric study with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, history, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Metabolic evaluation when performed included serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, 24-h urine collection for calcium and creatinine, and a sodium nitroprusside test for cystine. In all cases urine specimens were sent for culture. RESULTS: The stone was located in the upper tract in 420 (80%) and lower tract in 105 children. Of the urine cultures, 40% were positive. Metabolic investigation was performed in 201 patients and was normal in 170 (84%). Urinary stasis secondary to a urinary tract anomaly that led to the formation of stones was found in 77 patients. Stones were treated by surgery (80%), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%) and ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in 10 patients (2%). The stone passed spontaneously in 9% of cases. CONCLUSION: The use of ESWL and endourological methods of treatment for childhood urolithiasis must be generalized, with open surgery being reserved for particular and complex cases.

[Traumatic cataract: clinical and therapeutic aspects]. / Les cataractes traumatiques: aspects cliniques et therapeutiques.

PURPOSE: To assess clinical and therapeutic outcomes in traumatic cataracts. METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 cases of traumatic cataracts seen between 2001 and 2004. Mean age at diagnosis was 35 years (5-72 yr), 25% were infants. There were 11 women and 9 men. Extracapsular cataract extraction was performed in eighteen patients (90% of cases), 13 were implanted in posterior chamber, 3 having zonular rupture were implanted in anterior chamber. Two patients remained aphakic because of retinal lesions. Two patients with lens subluxation underwent intracapsular cataract extraction with anterior chamber implantation. The mean delay of surgery was 4 weeks. RESULTS: Overall satisfactory with 55% of final visual acuity more than 1/10. Visual acuity was better in implanted eyes, poorer in infants and after ocular perforation. Fibrinous uveitis was the common early postoperative complication especially in children. CONCLUSION: The majority of eyes with traumatic cataract could be safely rehabilitated after surgery and lensimplantation. In traumatic cataract, the vision can be severely threatened, preventive methods should be encouraged.

[Multifocal tubulopapillary tumors of the kidney. Morphologic features and prognosis. Three cases]. / Tumeurs tubulopapillaires multifocales du rein. Aspects morphologique et pronostique. Trois observations.

Tubulopapillary tumors of the kidney represent a particular group of renal tumors characterized by their less aggressive behavior. These tumors are distinguished from non papillary tumors by their morphologic, cytochemical and genotypic features. They correspond to a continuous spectrum of tumors ranging from papillary renal cell adenoma to papillary renal cell carcinoma. These TTPR show multifocal, bilateral development and chronic lesions of the kidney parenchyma in nearly all cases. The authors report three cases of multifocal TTPR, including one bilateral case. Based on analysis of these cases and a review of the literature, they discuss the histogenetic features and prognosis of TTPR.

[Hydatic cyst of the kidney. Eighteen cases]. / Le kyste hydatique du rein. A propos de 18 cas.

18 patients with 18 hydatid cyst of kidney, underwent surgical intervention from 1982 to 1994. There were 6 men in the series and 12 women who ranged in age from 7 to 65 years (mean 38 years). Flank pain was the chief complaint (55%). Abdominal mass was detected on physical examination in 38% of cases. Ultrasonographic examination, performed in all cases, made a correct diagnosis in 13 patients (72%). Excretory urogram (IVP), performed in 9 patients, showed signs of benign tumor process. All patients were operated on: the procedures performed included 12 resection of "protruding dome", 1 total nephrectomy, 3 partial pericystectomy, 2 total pericystectomy, 1 total nephrectomy. In postoperative course, there was one death (5.5%) and morbidity was 11%. We conclude that hydatid cyst of kidney still rare but possible in endemic areas; its treatment, usually surgical, still difficult because it should avoid recurrence of hydatic disease without sacrifice of the kidney.

[Malignant paratesticular mesothelioma]. / Mésothéliome malin paratesticulaire.

The authors report a case of malignant paratesticular mesothelioma with multiple metastasis.