Proportion, domains, and risk factors of cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Cognitive impairment (CI) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is quite common and is an important prognostic factor due to its severity. The aim of our study was to determine the proportion and type of CI in SLE and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study (January - March 2022).

Axillary hair removal with simultaneous emission of LP alexandrite 755 nm and LP Nd:YAG 1064 nm: a prospective comparative evaluation of both lasers used individually and in dual mode.

Background: Alexandrite laser is more adapted for lighter hair but not for darker skin, while the Nd:YAG laser is more suitable for darker skin but not for lighter hair.

Objective: To evaluate both laser used as single treatment and in simultaneous emission for axillary hair removal.

Method: Ten patients (18-40 years old) were selected for this study.

Drainage of tuberculous pneumothorax in a Northern African country: Characteristics and difficulties.

Introduction-aim: Tuberculous pneumothorax (TP) is a serious complication of cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to identify TP drainage characteristics and difficulties.

Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients hospitalized for TP between 1999 and 2021 in three hospitals from Tunis (Tunisia): Abderahmen Mami, La Rabta, and Charles Nicolle.

Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19: A test negative case-control study in Tunisia, August 2021.

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple vaccines to protect against COVID-19 disease have been developed rapidly. Precise estimates of vaccine effectiveness (VE) vary according to studies design, outcomes measured and circulating variants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-covid-19 vaccine effectiveness in Tunisia.

Associated factors with liver fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate.

Introduction: There are conflicting findings on the link between liver fibrosis and cumulative methotrexate dosages. We aimed to determine the frequency of liver fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate and to identify its associated factors.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over 9 months (April-December 2021), including rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate.

Impact of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in Children with Cancer.

Background: Music therapy (MT) is a non-pharmacological treatment increasingly used to reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalized children affected by cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MT on quality of life in children with cancer and determine its effect on cardiorespiratory rates.

Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study between 1 April and 31 August 2021 at Bechir Hamza children's Hospital in Tunis, including children treated for cancer.

EMERGENCY SURGERY FOR OBSTRUCTING COLON CANCER: MORBIDITY AND RISK FACTORS OF EARLY POSTOPERATIVE MORTALITY - A COHORT STUDY OF 118 CASES.

Background: Occlusion is the most common complication of colon cancer. Surgical treatment is associated with the highest morbidity and mortality rate (10-27%) and has the worst prognosis. It is necessary for immediate management, avoiding colic perforation and peritonitis.

Factors associated with hip involvement in spondyloarthritis: a retrospective study.

Background: Hip involvement is a life-changing event during spondyloarthritis (SpA) since it's responsible for significant disability and functional impairment. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with hip involvement in patients with SpA.

Methods: This was a retrospective study, including patients with axial and/or peripheral SpA divided into two groups: patients without and with hip involvement.

Outbreak investigation of an unknown gastrointestinal illness in District Victoria, Country Mala, 2016.

This case study is based on an outbreak investigation conducted by multisectoral team from animal and public health offices in Kaktong (a remote village in Zhemgang District Bhutan) during July-September 2010. This outbreak caused by ingestion of infected cow meat which had died after a brief illness (bleeding of unclotted blood from nostrils). The owner of the affected cow had opened the carcass and dressed the meat, which he shared or sold within the village for human consumption.

Cholera outbreak in Funpur, Winland.

Vibrio Cholerae is a category B agent which has moderate to high potential to be used in bioterrorist events. This fictitious case study is based on man-made outbreak investigation and response carried out by disease surveillance and response unit of country Winland. The numbers of acute watery diarrhoea cases (AWDs) were concentrated in city Funpur of country Winland which share international border with Robiland, another country with poor health infrastructure.

Humoral and Cellular Immunogenicity of Six Different Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in Adults: A Comparative Study in Tunisia (North Africa).

Background: The mass vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 was started in Tunisia on 13 March 2021 by using progressively seven different vaccines approved for emergency use. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity in subjects aged 40 years and over who received one of the following two-dose regimen vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, namely mRNA-1273 or Spikevax (Moderna), BNT162B2 or Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Gam-COVID-Vac or Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute), ChAdOx1-S or Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), BIBP (Sinopharm), and Coronavac (Sinovac).

Material And Methods: For each type of vaccine, a sample of subjects aged 40 and over was randomly selected from the national platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccination and contacted to participate to this study.

Association of HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms and haplotypes with colorectal cancer susceptibility and prognosis.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G has been considered as an immune modulator in several types of cancers. Its genetic polymorphisms may potentially affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The overall purpose of this study was to analyze the implication of HLA-G 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) polymorphisms particularly 14 pb insertion/deletion (Ins/Del; rs371194629) and + 3142C/G (rs1063320) in CRC susceptibility and progression.

Reasons for and barriers to biosafety and biosecurity training in health-related organizations in Africa, Middle East and Central Asia: findings from GIBACHT training needs assessments 2018-2019.

Introduction: the Global-Partnership-Initiated-Biosecurity-Academia for Controlling Health Threats (GIBACHT) consortium conducts a biosafety and biosecurity training for fellows from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. To achieve a multiplier effect, fellows conduct trainings in their own organizations. It was during such trainings that training needs assessments were done assessing reasons for and barriers to biosafety and biosecurity training.

Assessment of Incubation Period of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to in Tunisia.

The period between the infective sandfly bites and appearance of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions is still hypothetical and little studied. This work aimed at assessing the incubation time of zoonotic CL (ZCL) due to using a standardized methodology. The retrospective analysis used the epidemiological, clinical, and biological information available in the database recording all the CL cases diagnosed at the Parasitology Department of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis during 2015-2019.

[Contribution of Real-Time PCR in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Experience of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis].

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of real-time PCR (qPCR) in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Culture, direct microscopic examination (DE) and qPCR were performed on dermal exudate samples collected from 235 confirmed CL cases. The qPCR was found to be more sensitive than other diagnostic techniques and was able to correct the diagnosis in 49 patients (20.

[Polymorphism of human platelet antigens in Tunisian population: Clinical and anthropological interests].

Objectives: Human Platelet Antigens (HPA) are of considerable interest in obstetric transfusion medicine and anthropological genetics. This study aims to provide clinicians with a detailed database of HPA antigenic variants, which allows them to estimate the probability of allo-immunisation of each antigen. In addition, it aims to make an interethnic comparison of the Tunisian population with other populations.

Cost estimation of medical care management of lung cancer in Tunisia.

Background: Lung cancer management is very expensive for the Tunisian healthcare system.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct costs of treating lung cancer in Tunisia, and to identify the main treatment of high expenditure.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 2012 including all patients admitted between 2008 and 2010 for lung cancer management.

Observational study of vaccine effectiveness 20 years after the introduction of universal hepatitis B vaccination in Tunisia.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the national prevalence of hepatitis B infection in Tunisia using data from a nationwide survey, to compare results with those obtained in 1996 survey and to evaluate the impact of vaccination twenty years after its introduction.

Methods: A National household-based cross sectional and serological survey was undertaken in 2015 from randomly selected districts using two-stage sampling. Data collection was performed using standardized and pretested questionnaires and collected blood samples were tested for markers of hepatitis B virus infection.

Modeling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence in central Tunisia from 2009-2015: Forecasting models using climate variables as predictors.

Transmission of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) depends on the presence, density and distribution of Leishmania major rodent reservoir and the development of these rodents is known to have a significant dependence on environmental and climate factors. ZCL in Tunisia is one of the most common forms of leishmaniasis. The aim of this paper was to build a regression model of ZCL cases to identify the relationship between ZCL occurrence and possible risk factors, and to develop a predicting model for ZCL's control and prevention purposes.

Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Prevalence Among Farmers in Central Tunisia, 2014.

Objective: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is endemic in central Tunisia and is more prevalent in rural agricultural areas. The aim of this work was to determine ZCL prevalence among farmers and to test their availability to take ownership of the problem and participate actively to fight and address the disease.

Methods: A sample of farmers from Sidi Bouzid, central Tunisia, was selected randomly.

Psychological and Psychosocial Consequences of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among Women in Tunisia: Preliminary Findings from an Exploratory Study.

Background: The incidence of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) makes it the most widespread parasitic disease in Tunisia and the Arab world. Yet, few studies have addressed its psychological and psychosocial effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of ZCL scars among Tunisian women.

Development and validation of a food photography manual, as a tool for estimation of food portion size in epidemiological dietary surveys in Tunisia.

Background: Estimation of food portion sizes has always been a challenge in dietary studies on free-living individuals. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a food photography manual to improve the accuracy of the estimated size of consumed food portions.

Methods: A manual was compiled from digital photos of foods commonly consumed by the Tunisian population.