Inverted Follicular Keratosis: A Retrospective Study Over 10 Years

Inverted follicular keratosis (IFK) is a rare benign tumour of the follicular infundibulum characterized by exo-endophytic growing. Generally, the diagnosis of IFK is histopathologically made because clinical differentiation from other lesions is difficult. We present a retrospective series with thirteen patients with histologically confirmed IFK to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and histopathologic characteristics of IFK. The mean age of the patients at the time of the excision was 53 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 82 years. The sex ratio M/F was 3.3. The lesions affected the face in nine patients mainly the moustache, followed by the scalp in three cases and the arm in one case, and 92% of the localizations are sun-exposed. The diagnosis was never clinically evoked. The lesion had a pink colour in ten cases and was pigmented in two cases and hypopigmented in one case. More than half of the lesions (53%) had a keratotic centre. Histopathological examination showed endophytic intradermal proliferation of basaloid cells with a variable degree of squamoid differentiation. Horn cysts were present in all cases. According to our series, the IFK occurs predominantly in young men, in the face and more specifically in the moustache. Dermoscopy may suggest the diagnosis of the IFK. In fact, a histopathological examination is the gold standard for the diagnosis of the IFK and helps differentiate these benign tumours from possible malignant neoplasms.

Seed priming to optimize germination in Arthrocnemum Moq

BACKGROUND

Seed germination and seedling growth constitute the first stage of a plant's life cycle for crop establishment. Arthrocnemum Moq. is a halophyte of the subfamily Salicornioideae (Amaranthaceae), which could be recognized in the foreseeable future as an emerging candidate in applied biosaline agricultural programs, mainly due to the large biomass it represents in coastal and inland saltmarshes, in addition to its interesting nutritional and pharmacological properties. However, to ensure their subsequent use as a crop, it is necessary to optimize their germination through appropriate seed priming treatments. The main goal of this work was to seek the optimization of Arthrocnemum germination process using different pretreatments: exposure to sodium chloride (100 to 1200 mM) in the dark and its subsequent transferred to distilled water separately and together with the combination of pH (5, 7, 9), salinity (0, 100, 200 mM NaCl), and iron conditions (0, 200, 400 µM FeSO₄). The experiments were tested on six samples of two different species: A. meridionale (from Tunisia) and A. macrostachyum (from Spain).

RESULTS

Salinity priming of seeds for 15 days in darkness improved germination percentages by almost 25% at 600 mM NaCl, in both Tunisian and Spanish species. However, keeping seeds at different salt concentrations for 30 days produced higher improvement percentages at lower concentrations in A. meridionale (100-200 mM NaCl), while in A. macrostachyum the highest improvement percentages were obtained at 600 mM NaCl (percentage improvement of 47%). When the dark time period is reduced to 5 days at higher salt concentrations, the greater germination percentages were reached in all the samples at the concentration of 800 mM NaCl, increasing the improvement of germination between 17 and 50%. Finally, the conditions of pH = 7, pretreatment in darkness at 800 mM NaCl and 400 µM or iron, turned out to be an effective medium for seed germination.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, before using Arthrocnemum seeds in applied biotechnological programs, a seed priming treatment based on prior exposure to high salt concentrations (600-1000 mM NaCl) is recommended in order to maximize germination percentages.

Acral blisters in neonates: Three rare and benign diseases

Exclusive acral involvement in neonatal pemphigus is unusual. Blisters in neonatal bullous pemphigoid, affecting 2%–3% of newborns of mothers with gestational pemphigoid, can be located in the trunk, limbs and acral areas. Unlike neonatal bullous pemphigoid, which can appear up to 5 days after birth, neonatal pemphigus is often revealed at birth. They are benign diseases in newborns. There is no correlation between the disease severity in babies and mothers. Neonatal risk is dominated by the side effects of corticosteroid therapy.

A rare case of melanoma erysipeloides

Malignant melanoma presenting as an inflammatory skin metastasis has been described but is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. We report a case of inflammatory metastasis of cutaneous melanoma (CM).

Unusual facial lesions in H syndrome

H Syndrome is a rare genodermatosis. It may include facial involvement such as: facial telangiectasia, both hypo‐ and hyperpigmented lesions, hirsutism, swollen cheeks due to subcutaneous infiltration and eczematous lesions. We describe a new facial phenotype with dermoscopic and histological features in the spectrum of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of vitiligo : A 10- patient prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterised by loss of epidermal melanocytes. It has cosmetic and psychosocial impact. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the interest of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) in the treatment of vitiligo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study between January 2019 to September 2021.

RESULTS

Our descriptive study included 10 patients followed-up for vitiligo refractory to conventional therapies. The mean age was 36,2 years. Sex ratio was 0,25. Prior to PRP treatment, vitiligo was stable in all cases. The mean number of PRP sessions received by our patients was 2,6 (1-6). A visible improvement of lesions was obtained after a mean of 1,5 sessions. 40% of patients had obtained repigmentation of more than 50% for at least one lesion. An improvement of more than 75% (grade 4) was noted in 2 cases after a mean duration of 5,5 sessions. 40% of patients had obtained repigmentation of more than 50% for at least one lesion. A percentage of improvement between 50 and 74% (grade 3) was obtained for 2 patients. Four patients had an improvement of less than 25% (grade 1) after a mean of 1,75 sessions. There was no recurrence of depigmentation after a mean follow-up of 6 months (1 to 24 months).

CONCLUSION

Our series proves the benefit of PRP in the treatment of vitiligo. It is a safe and promising option for stable lesions in different body sites with few side effects.

Pigmented and polypoid tumor of the pubis

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign epidermal tumor occurring in patients aged over 50 years. It is located preferentially in the trunk, head and neck. The genital location is rare. We report a case of 59 year‐old‐men presenting a seborrheic keratosis of the pubis.

A case of a verrucous and pseudotumoral mass on the leg that resolved with cryotherapy

Various clinical forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis can be encountered such as: ulcerated, lupoïd, sporotrichoïd and other rare forms (eczematiform, erysipeloid, psoriasiform, verrucous, and pseudotumoral). We report an atypical presentation of verrucous and pseudotumoral cutaneous leishmaniasis that resolved following a course of cryotherapy.

Extragenital Lichen Sclerosus: A Retrospective Study of 17 Patients

Introduction

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory and atrophic dermatosis affecting preferentially the anogenital region. However, the cutaneous involvement remains less known and studied.

Methods

We collected 17 patients to study the clinical and therapeutic features of cutaneous lichen sclerosus.

Results

We noticed that the frequency of extragenital involvement in our series is high (about 40%). There is a female predominance (76%), with two infantile cases presenting a severe involvement. On the other hand, the absence of sclerosis, in early forms, does not eliminate the diagnosis. Moreover, breast involvement was frequent (41%) and atypical locations, such as the face, were reported. There was an equal frequency between the diffuse and the localized forms. A genital involvement must imperatively be sought.

Conclusions

Our series mention the frequency of isolated cutaneous lichen sclerosus. Clinical presentation can be misleading in the early forms because of lack of sclerosis, variability of localizations, variability of severity, and the absence of anogenital lichen sclerosus.

Compound blue nevus: A misleading pigmented melanocytic tumor

Compound blue nevus had clinical and histological similarities with other heavily pigmented melanocytic tumor, like the pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma. Distinctive genomic aberrations have allowed differentiating it. The defining characteristic of blue nevi family is the presence of activating mutations in the G protein α-subunits, GNAQ and GNA11.

[Repigmentation in vitiligo universalis triggered by hemodialysis]

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder. Vitiligo universalis is a rare form responsible for significant aesthetic damage. To date, the exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Its treatment, a real challenge, consists rather in removing the still pigmented areas. We report a case of a patient followed for stable vitiligo universalis from an early age who presented with repigmentation shortly after initiation of hemodialysis.

Converting multi-trait breeding objectives into operative selection indexes to ensure genetic gains in low-input sheep and goat breeding programmes

Small ruminant breeding programmes in low-input production systems are best organised at the community level. Participant farmers have to agree on goal traits and their relative importance. When BLUP breeding values of goal traits are not available in time, appropriate selection indexes can be used to aid visual selection. Taking Ethiopian Abergelle goat and Bonga sheep community-based breeding programmes (CBBPs) as an example, breeding objective functions were defined and selection indexes were constructed and evaluated. Breeding goals for Abergelle goats included early sale weight, survival and milk production. Breeding goals for Bonga included the number of offspring born, sale weight and survival. Economic weights of objective traits can be used in several ways depending on measured traits and the reliability of their genetic parameters. Selection indexes included combinations of objective traits measured on candidates and their dams and situations when Abergelle communities prefer to restrict genetic changes in number of offspring born or adult weight and when Bonga communities prefer to restrict changes in adult weight. Genetic and economic gains were evaluated as well as sensitivity to feed cost assumptions and to repeated dam records. After independent culling on preponderant traits such as coat colour and horn/tail type, sires in Abergelle goat community breeding programmes should be selected on indexes including at least own early live weight and their dams average milk production records. Sires for Bonga sheep programmes should be selected on own early live weight and desirably also on their dam's number of offspring born. Sensitivity to feed cost assumptions was negligible but repeated measurements of dam records improved index accuracies considerably. Restricting genetic changes in number of offspring born or adult weight is not recommended.

Evaluation of the frequency and predictive factors of ethanol consumption among students of the university of pharmacy of monastir

Introduction

Ethanol is widely consumed by the world’s population, especially young people as part of their university life. In Tunisia, surveys and studies about consumption of ethanol among students are rare or even exceptional.

Objectives

To evaluate the extent of the consumption of ethanol among pharmacy students in Monastir University, from the first year to residency, and to define the factors associated to this consumption.

Methods

This study was used to collected information about the participants using a questionnaire that covers the different parameters of the consumption of ethanol during student life and the factors influencing this consumption.

Results

154 participants aged 23.61 years +/- 2.63 among them 37.7% were men and 62.3% women. The prevalence of ethanol consumption was 44.8 %. The main reason for dirking was to party (79.2%). The consumption of ethanol was significantly associated with sex (p=0), place of residence (p=0.047), frequency of hang-outs (p=0), sex life (p=0) and students perception of the alcohol-health relationship (p=0). Various health problems were related to the frequency of consumption of ethanol, such as memory problems (p=0.002), violence and injuries (p=0.014).

Conclusions

The findings of this study underline the need to develop specific studies and general population surveys in order to better assess the situation in Tunisia and to put in place appropriate prevention strategies, such as information and awareness campaigns, aimed at reducing or at least rationing the consumption of ethanol.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.

Evaluation of the frequency and predictive factors of psychotropic drugs consumption among students of the university of pharmacy of monastir

Introduction

Psychotropic medications are widely used in Tunisia. Studies about frequency of substance use are rare

Objectives

The purpose of this work is to determine frequency of use of psychotropic medication among pharmacy students in Monastir University during their university years and during the last year and to assess the factors associated to this consumption

Methods

A retrospective study was used to collect the information about 145 participants using a questionnaire asking about the consumption of psychotropic medications and the factors associated to substance use

Results

145 subjects aged 22.71 years +/- 2.04 among them 25% was men and 75 % women. Psychotropic medication use was 20 % during university years and 17.24 % during the last year. 45 % of the users had their medications without a prescription from a doctor. 17 % of the users of psychotropic medication weren’t informed about the effects of the drugs. A higher consumption of psychotropic drugs was observed among older individuals (p=0.009; F=6.928), redoubling individuals (p=0.003), with conflictive relationships with family (p=0.001), using others psychotropic substances, feeling often nervous (p=0.003; F=9.318) and with personal history of mental illness (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Our finding underlines the need of larger more comprehensive surveys to determine the efficiency of the prevention strategies and to minimize the consumption of psychotropic drugs or to control it.

Keyword

dependence Risk factors drugs students

[Not Available]

Chemical corneal burns are a common pathology. Those with strong bases penetrate deeply into the anterior segment and are particularly severe. We report the case of a patient suffering from corneal perforation secondary to an accidental projection of soda, and we propose to discuss the clinical and therapeutic particularities.

Molecular survey and genetic characterization of Anaplasma centrale, A. marginale and A. bovis in cattle from Algeria

Bovine anaplasmosis could be caused by several Anaplasma species. The causative agents are transmitted by ticks and haematophagous arthropods with a high impact on both human and animal health. This study was conducted to estimate the infection rate and to characterize Anaplasma spp. in cattle from Algeria. A molecular survey was performed in Setif district (Northeast Algeria) where a total number of 180 cattle blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of Anaplasma spp. by PCR. Positive samples were genetically characterized based on the 16S rRNA and msp4 genes. PCRs revealed that the infection rates of Anaplasma spp., Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma bovis were 42.2%; 39.4%; 11.1% and 4.4%, respectively. All tested animals were negative for A. phagocytophilum. Co-infection occurred in 10% (18/180) of the tested animals, and the most common co-infection pattern was an association between A. centrale and A. marginale (5.5%). Five cattle (2.7%) were co-infected by the three Anaplasma species. Holstein animals (58.1%) were more infected by A. centrale than the other breeds (p = .01). The molecular prevalence of A. centrale was significantly higher in males (54.2%) than in females (34.1%) (p = .001). A. marginale msp4 genetic analysis indicated a high sequence diversity of Algerian strains, suggesting the importation of live cattle from different origins. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of A. bovis and A. centrale revealed a low degree of genetic diversity. Our study suggests that different species of Anaplasma are simultaneously present in the Algerian cattle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study and genetic characterization of Anaplasma spp. in Algerian cattle.

Femoral hypoplasia- unusual facies syndrome: A case report and literature review

The femoral hypoplasia- unusual facies syndrome (FH/ UFS); also known as femoral facial syndrome (FFS), is a rare condition characterized by a variable degree of unilateral or bilateral femoral hypoplasia associated with facial anomalies.The two principal characteristics of this syndrome, micrognathia and shortened femur, can be demonstrated by sonographic (US) imaging in the early stages of pregnancy. This disorder was first discovered by Daentt et al in 1975 and is more common in females. The femoral hypoplasia- unusual facies syndrome is a rarely considered clinical entity that has a strong association with maternal diabetes.This report describes a case of FH/ UFSfollowed in our Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) departmentfor proximal bilateral femoral agenesis.Hehad facial dysmorphia, bilateral testicular agenesis with a rare finding like bilateral second toe supraductus.

The management of Joubert Syndrome in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department

Since Joubert et al. first described a familial syndrome comprised of agenesis of the cerebellar vermis, episodic hyperpnea and apnea, abnormal eye movements, ataxia, and retardation associated with genesis of the cerebellar vermis, several additional cases have been reported from various parts of the world. Other abnormalities have been associated with Joubert syndrome, such as an occipital meningocele, polydactyly, facial asymmetry, and chorioretinal coloboma. We report the case of a 4-year-old male, referred to our rehabilitation department with a history of hypotonia and delayed psychomotor development. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) led to the clinical diagnosis of Joubert Syndrome.

Recurrent 3-day cycles of water deprivation for over a month depress mating behaviour but not semen characteristics of adult rams

This study aimed to investigate the effect of water deprivation (WD) on reproductive traits of rams. Ten mature rams were used and allocated to two groups balanced for body weight. Control (C) rams had free access to drinking water, while water-restricted rams (WD) were deprived from water for 3 consecutive days and early on the morning of day 4, they had ad libitum access to water for 24 h, similar to C animals. The experiment lasted 32 days, that is eight 4-day cycles of water deprivation and subsequent watering. Feed and water intake were significantly affected by water deprivation; in comparison with C rams, WD rams reduced their feed intake by 18%. During the watering day of the deprivation cycle, WD rams consumed more water than C rams on the same day (11.8 (SD = 3.37) and 8.4 (SD = 1.92) l respectively; p < 0.05). Glucose, total protein and creatinine were increased as a result of water deprivation. However, testosterone levels were lowered as a result of water deprivation and average values were 10.9 and 6.2 (SEM 1.23) ng/ml for C and WD rams respectively (p < 0.05). Semen traits were less affected by treatment; WD rams consistently had superior sperm concentrations than C animals; and statistical significances were reached in cycles 5 and 8 of water deprivation. Several mating behaviour traits were modified as a result of water deprivation. When compared to controls, WD rams had a more prolonged time to first mount attempt (p < 0.001), their frequency of mount attempts decreased [6.8 vs. 5.2 (SEM 0.1); p < 0.001] and their flehmen reaction intensity was negatively affected (p < 0.05). Water deprivation may have practical implications reducing the libido and therefore the serving capacity of rams under field conditions.

First Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep of the Maghreb Region

Theileria lestoquardi is the most prominent Theileria species in small ruminants that causes malignant theileriosis of sheep in Africa and Asia. In the present survey, blood samples and ticks were collected in Kebili (southern Tunisia) from 166 Queue Fine de l'Ouest sheep. Giemsa-stained blood smears, immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and PCR were performed. The DNA was extracted from blood and analysed by PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene of Theileria spp. and then sequenced. A total number of 140 ticks were collected from a total number of 166 sheep during the four seasons. The ticks belonged to two genera and 4 species; the most frequent tick was Hyalomma excavatum 84.3% (118/140) and then Rhipicephalus spp. 15.7% (22/140). Only two animals had positive Giemsa-stained blood smears, and they were also positive by IFAT. The amplicons had 99.3 and 99.6% homology with the BLAST published T. lestoquardi amplicons. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. lestoquardi in small ruminants within the Maghreb region.

Seasonality of oestrus, ovulation and ovulation rate of Sicilo-Sarde sheep

This study aimed to investigate monthly changes in oestrus and ovulatory activity of Sicilo-Sarde sheep. Experimental animals comprised 25 adult and 10 maiden ewes at the start of the experiment. For 12 consecutive months (September-August), the females were exposed to natural photoperiod and permanently kept in presence of seven aproned rams. Oestrus was checked daily and ovarian activity was monitored by monthly endoscopies during the last week of each month. Ovulation rate for a particular month was assessed as the sum of corpora lutea or corpora albicans present on both ovaries at the time of endoscopy. Proportions of ewes observed in oestrus at least once a month were lowest in March (24.3%) and highest in June and October (100%). They tended (p < 0.06) to be different according to age, dropping during summer from a common value of 100% in June to 85.7% and 90% in July and then to 57.1% and 70% in August for, respectively, the Adults and Maiden females. Overall, the experimental period, 92.5% and 83.8% of Adult and Maiden ewes ovulated at least once per month (p < 0.01) respectively. Least proportions ovulating, attained 60% and 30% in April for, respectively, Adult and Maiden ewes before peaking up at 100% again in May (p < 0.05). Mean (±SD) ovulation rate of Sicilo-Sarde sheep is 1.40 ± 0.503. Adult females had a higher (p < 0.001) ovulation rate than Maiden sheep with respective average values of 1.51 ± 0.516 and 1.16 ± 0.373. It varied little between months and decreased in Adults from a maximum value of 1.95 in October to a minimum value of 1.16 in April. It is concluded that benchmarking seasonal variations of reproductive activity in Sicilo-Sarde breed would be valuable in designing improved management calendars for this breed.

Effects of ρ-Da1a a peptidic α(1) (A) -adrenoceptor antagonist in human isolated prostatic adenoma and anaesthetized rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ρ-Da1a, a 65 amino-acid peptide, has subnanomolar affinity and high selectivity for the human α(1) (A) -adrenoceptor subtype. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pharmacological effects of ρ-Da1a on prostatic function, both in vivo and in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

ρ-Da1a was tested as an antagonist of adrenaline-induced effects on COS cells transfected with the human α(1) (A) -adrenoceptor as well as on human isolated prostatic adenoma obtained from patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Moreover, we compared the effects of ρ-Da1a and tamsulosin on phenylephrine (PHE)-induced increases in intra-urethral (IUP) and arterial pressures (AP) in anaesthetized rats, following i.v. or p.o. administration.

KEY RESULTS

On COS cells expressing human α(1) (A) -adrenoceptors and on human prostatic strips, ρ-Da1a inhibited adrenaline- and noradrenaline-induced effects. In anaesthetized rats, ρ-Da1a and tamsulosin administered i.v. 30 min before PHE significantly antagonized the effects of PHE on IUP. The pK(B) values for tamsulosin and ρ-Da1a for this effect were similar. With regards to AP, ρ-Da1a only reduced the effect of PHE on AP at the lowest dose tested (10 μg·kg(-1) ), whereas tamsulosin significantly reduced PHE effects at doses between 10 and 150 μg·kg(-1) .

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

ρ-Da1a exhibited a relevant effect on IUP and a small effect on AP. In contrast, tamsulosin antagonized the effects of PHE on both IUP and AP. We conclude that ρ-Da1a is more uroselective than tamsulosin. ρ-Da1a is the most selective peptidic antagonist for α(1A) -adenoceptors identified to date and could be a new treatment for various urological diseases.