Recurrent endocarditis on restrictive perimembranous septal defect causing aortic insufficiency.

Infective endocarditis (IE) in children is a rare entity which presents a high rate of events during follow-up. Congenital heart disease, i particular ventricular septal defect (VSD), is the main predisposing condition to IE at those ages. The long-term risk of IE is of concern and whose follow-up can be complicated by a relapse of IE and reintervention.

Viability Assessment During Normothermic Machine Liver Perfusion: A Literature Review.

The discrepancy between donor organ availability and demand leads to a significant waiting-list dropout rate and mortality. Although quantitative tools such as the Donor Risk Index (DRI) help assess organ suitability, many potentially viable organs are still discarded due to the lack of universally accepted markers to predict post-transplant outcomes. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) offers a platform to assess viability before transplantation.

Revisiting Africa's Stroke Obstacles and Services (SOS).

Background: As one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Africa, Stroke ought to be dealt with properly with intensifying efforts to control its burden and to face obstacles in its management.

Methods And Results: In this follow-up study we reanalyzed stroke services and related obstacles in 17 African countries that were previously studied in 2021/22 in aspects related to manpower, acute stroke services, rehabilitation programs, number of stroke units/centers, telestroke services, awareness campaigns, and national and international stroke registries through a survey that was sent to stroke specialists and national stroke societies. Overall, there is an improvement in many fields yet many obstacles in the implementation of telestroke services, acute management, secondary prevention, post-discharge services, and follow-ups whether governmental, medical, or societal are prevalent.

Rotating radial injection pattern for highly sensitive electrical impedance tomography of human lung anomalies.

Objective: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive technique used for lung imaging. A significant challenge in EIT is reconstructing images of deeper thoracic regions due to the low sensitivity of boundary voltages to internal conductivity variations. The current injection pattern is decisive as it influences the current path, boundary voltages, and their sensitivity to tissue changes.

Association of ABO Gene rs2073823 Polymorphism with Microvascular Complications, sP-Selectin Levels and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder linked to chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the development of microvascular complications (MVCs) such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic neuropathy (DN). Genetic factors, including variations in the ABO gene, may influence these complications. This study aimed to investigate the association between the ABO rs2073823 polymorphism and the risk of MVCs in patients with T2D, as well as its impact on inflammatory biomarkers, endothelial markers, and lipid profiles.

The BES1/BZR1 transcriptional factor SlBES2 regulates photosynthetic apparatus in tomato fruit.

Background: Fruit photosynthetic apparatus development comprises a series of biological processes which is essential in determining fruit development and quality formation. However, the understanding of the regulation of fruit photosynthetic apparatus development remains poor.

Results: In this study, we identified a transcriptional factor SlBES2, the closest homolog of BES1 and BZR1 in tomato BES1 family, is highly expressed in fruit at mature green (MG) stage and exhibited transcriptional inhibition activity.

From manure to megawatts: Navigating the sustainable innovation solution through biogas production from livestock waste for harnessing green energy for green economy.

This article aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on animal biomass and biogas plants through an analysis of externalities and benefits in economic, social, and environmental terms. In recent years, the spread of biogas plants has played an important role, especially in rural areas, generating benefits not only for the individual farm but for entire communities, contributing to the reduction of energy poverty and, at the same time, promoting the production of energy and organic manure. In light of the findings, the study argues that: (a) more public subsidies are needed; (b) the deployment of an appropriate policy mix would encourage the spread of small and medium-sized plants, with a reduction in road transport; and (c) targeted and diversified investments are needed on a geographic-by-geographic basis.

NEMS generated electromechanical frequency combs.

This paper presents a novel technique for low-power generation of frequency combs (FC) over a wide frequency range. It leverages modal interactions between electrical and mechanical resonators in electrostatic NEMS operating in air to provide a simple architecture for FC generators. A biased voltage signal drives the electrical resonator at resonance which is set to match an integer submultiple of twice the mechanical resonator's resonance.

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).

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a pediatric patient: A rare case report and literature review.

Introduction And Importance: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, or aorto-mesenteric clamp syndrome, is a rare condition where the third portion of the duodenum is compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This syndrome often affects adolescents and young adults, with predisposing factors including significant weight loss, anatomical variations, and spinal deformities. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome patients on endothelial function and atherosclerosis related-biomarkers: ATH-SGLT2i pilot study.

Little is known about the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on atherosclerosis. We aimed to determine if a 90-day intake of Dapagliflozin could improve atherosclerosis biomarkers (namely endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilatation [FMD] and carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT]) in diabetic and non-diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients when initiated in the early in-hospital phase. ATH-SGLT2i was a prospective, single-center, observational trial that included 113 SGLT2i naive patients who were admitted for ACS and who were prescribed Dapagliflozin at a fixed dose of 10 mg during their hospital stay for either type 2 diabetes or for heart failure.

sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium with plant growth-promoting potential, isolated from root nodules of in Northwestern Algeria.

A thorough polyphasic taxonomic study, integrating genome-based taxonomic approaches, was carried out to characterize the RB5 strain isolated from root nodules of growing on the coastal dunes of Bousfer Beach (Oran, Algeria). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain RB5 had the highest similarity to LMG27940 (98.94%) and IzPS32d (98.

Unveiling the Reaction Mechanism of Diels-Alder Cycloadditions between 2,5-Dimethylfuran and Ethylene Derivatives Using Topological Tools.

The [4+2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction between 2,5-DMF (1) and ethylene derivatives (2a-h) activated by electron-withdrawing groups has been studied at the density functional theory levels using a panoply of tools to unravel the reaction mechanisms. From the analysis of the reactivity indices, 2a-h behave as electrophiles while 1 as nucleophile, and the activation of the double bond of ethylene increases its electrophilicity, which is accompanied by an enhancement of the polarity of the reaction. The activation Gibbs free energy decreases linearly as a function of this increase of polarity, as estimated by the electrophilicity difference between the reactants.

An unusual cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in an infant: A case report and brief literature review.

Introduction: Nemaline myopathy (NM), also known as Nemalinosis, is a rare congenital muscle disease with an incidence of 1 in 50000. It is characterized by nemaline rods in muscle fibers, leading to muscle weakness. We reported a case of NM revealed by cardiac involvement, and we highlighted the challenges in diagnosing this condition as well as its poor prognosis.

Diagnostic d'un myélome multiple à immunoglobuline D Lambda avec une atteinte rénale sévère 10 ans après un plasmocytome solitaire : Un cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

Introduction: Immunoglobulin D (IgD) myeloma is a rare subtype often described as aggressive with advanced disease at diagnosis. Primary renal involvement is seen in scarce cases.

Observation: This case features a 55-year-old man with IgD lambda myeloma presenting severe renal failure at diagnosis.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on dietary habits and weight among Tunisian adults.

Background: COVID-19 lockdown measures have profoundly altered lifestyle habits, exposing individuals to significant health risks Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of quarantine measures in Tunisia, with a focus on examining changes in dietary habits, levels of physical activity, psychological patterns, and factors contributing to weight gain.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1,016 participants and employed a mixed-methods approach to gather data on dietary habits, physical activity levels, and psychological indicators. Statistical analyses, including binary logistic regression, were conducted to identify independent risk factors associated with weight gain during the quarantine period.

Chronic total occlusion- Percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI) experience in a single, multi-operator Tunisian center : A Five-Year Report.

Introduction: In recent years, advancements in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been notable, improving procedural techniques, imaging, and management of complications.

Aim: We sought to assess the performance and the practice of a high-volume Tunisian PCI center in treating patients with a CTO.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data from consecutive CTO patients who underwent percutaneous revascularization from October 2019 to January 2024 at the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Teaching Hospital, Tunisia.

Varicocele management in Tunisia: Overview of practices and comparison with latest international guidelines.

Introduction: Varicocele has a detrimental effect on testicular growth and spermatogenesis, hence the importance of its management. This management remains controversial among Tunisian urologists; diagnostic and therapeutic choices tend to vary from one urologist to another.

Aim: The aim of this survey is to evaluate the practices of Tunisian urologists regarding varicocele management compared to the latest international guidelines.

Risk factors of the appearance of anencephaly in Tunisia.

Introduction: Anencephaly is a serious developmental defect of the central nervous system in which the brain and cranial vault are grossly malformed. The cerebrum and cerebellum are reduced or absent, but the hindbrain is present. Anencephaly is a part of the neural tube defect spectrum.

Keratoconus in children in Tunisia: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features.

Aim: To report the clinical and therapeutic particularities of pediatric keratoconus (KC).

Methods: Retrospective study focusing on patients aged less than 18 years, presenting with KC and followed in a tertiary reference center in Sfax, Tunisia.

Results: Our study involved 38 eyes of 20 children.

Comparative Analysis of Long-Standing and Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Tunisian Multicenter Study.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a global public health issue due to its increasing prevalence and the increased risk of developing cancers. Pancreatic cancer is believed to be both a consequence of pre-existing diabetes and a potential cause of new-onset diabetes.

Aim: This study aims to compare the characteristics of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and newly diagnosed or long-standing diabetes mellitus.

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ratio as a predictor of outcome in acute heart failure.

Unlabelled: Introduction Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition that requires swift diagnosis and tailored management to enhance patient outcomes. In the pursuit of more precise prognostic indicators, Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and Pulmonary Arterial Systolic Pressure (PASP) have emerged as potential significant advancements. The TAPSE/PASP ratio, a novel parameter, has recently gained attention as a promising predictor of outcomes in acute heart failure.

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Unlabelled: Introduction-Aim: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health problem. To succeed its management and prevent its complications, good therapeutic adherence must be ensured. The objectives of our work were to estimate the prevalence of poor therapeutic adherence in our patients and to identify its associated factors.

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Introduction: Acute decompensation represents a remarkable event in cirrhotic patients, particularly if it is complicated by Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF). Epidemiological data of ACLF are limited.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictive factors of ACLF in patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis.

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Introduction: Work-related open-globe injuries are a major cause of preventable vision loss worldwide with a significant socioeconomic impact.

Aim: To describe the demographics and clinical characteristics, identify the prognostic factors of work-related open-globe injuries and suggest preventive measures to minimize the incidence of these accidents.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients hospitalized in the Ophthalmology Department of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, for occupational open-globe injuries, between January 2020 and December 2022.