Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Culex pipiens pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) from Tunisia

Resistance toward 2 pyrethro?d insecticides (permethrin and deltamethrin), and an organochloric one (DDT) was analyzed in 18 samples of Culex pipiens pipiens common mosquitoes collected from different Tunisian areas between March 2002 and November 2005. Bioassays were performed over different larvae samples. The recorded mortalities, after 24h exposure to increased doses of insecticides, were compared to those obtained on a susceptible reference strain (S-LAB). All samples were resistant to permethrin. However, a large variation in the tolerance to this insecticide was observed between samples. Resistance ratio levels at LC50 (RR50) for the analyzed samples were ranged from 1.5 to 9092 folds. For deltamethrin, 14 among 17 studied samples were resistant. RR50, in the resistant samples, were ranged from 3 to 453 folds. Resistance to the two tested pyrethroids and DDT were correlated. The use of synergists showed that the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases had a major contribution to the permethrin and deltamethrin resistance and that the esterases (and/or glutathione-S-transferases) had only a minor contribution. Results were discussed in relation to resistance mechanisms and mosquito's control.     

Osteogenesis imperfecta and Ledderhose disease: Is there a link? A report of two Tunisian siblings

IntroductionOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or “brittle bone disease” is a rare genetic disorder tissue due to an abnormal production of type I collagen. It can cause hearing loss, dentinogenesis imperfecta, heart failure, spinal cord problems and permanent deformities. Ledderhose’s disease or Plantar fibromatosis (PF) is also a rare condition that may be caused by an abnormal proliferation of collagen tissue. It is a benign fibroblastic proliferative disorder in which fibrous nodules may develop in the plantar aponeurosis, more specifically on the medial plantar side of the foot arch and on the forefoot region. Rare cases of association of polyfibromatosis with keloids or arthritis have been reported.Case reportWe report two Tunisian brothers aged 17 and 14 years old, from a first-degree consanguineous marriage and with medical history of multiple bone fractures. The elder brother has medical history of juvenile arthritis treated with methotrexate and etanercept. Clinical examination of both patients showed blue sclera, bone deformities with humeral and femoral curvature and unequal leg length. They were diagnosed with OI and received bisphosphonate to prevent further fractures. One year later, they developed lumps under the sole skin of their feet. They were diagnosed with PF and received conservative treatment including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and orthotic support.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, the association of PF with OI has never been reported. Both diseases suggest an association with abnormalities involving collagen. A question remains currently with no answer: is it a fortuitous association?     

Analysis of FMR1 gene premutation and X chromosome cytogenetic abnormalities in 100 Tunisian patients presenting premature ovarian failure

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of FMR1 premutations and X chromosome cytogenetic abnormalities in a large cohort of Tunisian women with premature ovarian failure (POF).

Patients and methods

The cohort consisted of 127 Tunisian women with POF referred by endocrinologists and gynecologists for genetic investigation in the context of idiopathic POF and altered hormonal profiles. Clinical information concerning the reproductive function in the family, previous hormonal measurements and/or possible fertility treatment were collected. Karyotype, FISH analyses, FMR1 and FMR2 testing were performed for all patients.

Results

Fifteen patients (11.81%) presented structural or numerical X chromosomal abnormalities. Moreover, we detected in 12 patients (10.71%) a high level of X mosaicism. Analysis of FMR1 gene in the 100 patients without X chromosomal abnormalities showed that five percent of the patients carried a FMR1 premutation allele. On the other hand, the FMR2 screening did not reveal any deletion.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the major role of X chromosome abnormalities in POF and highlights the importance of karyotype analyses and FMR1 screening. These investigations provide valuable information for diagnosis and genetic counseling for these women who still have a 5% chance of spontaneous conception.     

Effectiveness,safety and drug survival of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in the treatment of spondyloarthritis: A real-life study in Tunisia

Aim of the work

The aim of the present study was to evaluate effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNFα) in the treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to assess their safety and drug survival.

Angiodysplasie colique et hémodialyse chronique. Traitement par coagulation au plasma argon. À propos d’un cas

IntroductionGastrointestinal angiodysplasia is a very common cause of digestive haemorrhage among patients with chronic renal insufficiency. It is well known that bleeding from angiodysplasias can be a difficult therapeutic problem since therapeutic possibilities are scarce and surgery is scolded with high mortality rate. Endoscopic argon plasma ablation therapy is a new, effective and safe treatment in the management of gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.Case reportWe reported a case of a female haemodialysis patient aged 40 years. She was haemodialysed since 6 years in our center from unknown nephropathy. In March 2006, she complained of black stools and melena, and developed severe anaemia (Haemoglobin at 4 g/dL). Exploratory endoscope examination of the digestive tract showed the presence of bleeding from angiodysplastic lesions of the right colon. The patient had severe clinical picture extension of angiodysplastic lesions and frequent bleeding episodes. Bleeding arrest was observed after argon plasma coagulation, with a significant decrease of blood transfusions and improvement of anaemia.ConclusionGastrointestinal angiodysplasia was reported to be an important complication in dialysis patients and was recognized as an important cause of erythropoietin-resistant anaemia. It can worsen vital prognosis. Argon plasma coagulation is an effective treatment in these patients.