Toll-like receptor 2 Arg677Trp polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Tunisian patients

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is critical in the immune response to mycobacteria. Herein, we report that the frequency of a human TLR2 Arg677Trp polymorphism (C2029T nucleotide substitution) in tuberculosis patients in Tunisia is significantly higher than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001). This finding suggests that this polymorphism could be a risk factor for tuberculosis.     

Proliferation, activity, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells cultured on calcium titanium phosphate microspheres

In this study, the behavior of bone marrow stromal cells cultured on calcium titanium phosphate (CTP) microspheres was analyzed. Cell adhesion and proliferation were estimated by the neutral red assay and by total DNA quantification. Morphology and deposition of extracellular matrix were assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and/or scanning electron microscopy. The expression of the osteoblastic phenotype was evaluated by monitoring alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin secretion. Results revealed that cells were able to attach and spread on the surface of CTP microspheres, and gradually grow into nearly confluent monolayers. Moreover, cells were able to bridge adjacent microspheres forming microsphere-cell clusters. Cells produced an abundant amount of fibrillar extracellular matrix that covered the substrate surface. Alkaline phosphatase activity peaked around days 7-14 and then decreased until day 21. Cells secreted osteocalcin, with higher levels being detected at day 14 than at day 21. Taken together, these results suggest that CTP microspheres are appropriate scaffolds for the growth and differentiation of cells along the osteoblastic lineage.     

Eosinophilic granuloma revealed by torticollis: a case report]

Langerhans cell histiocytose is a rare condition in childhood. It presents in different ways ranging from a single bony disease to a multisystemic disease involving vital organs. CASE REPORT: We report a case of single bone involvement revealed by torticollis in an eight-year-old boy. The diagnosis was evocated on radiological findings and confirmed by histologic aspects. After a period of 2,5 years, this child is in total spontaneous remission. CONCLUSION: Torticollis must be explored and watched. Eosinophilic granuloma can be a rare aetiology in children. The outcome is often favorable.     

Assessing the SAIN,LIM nutrient profile of foods sold by fast food restaurants in Tunisia: Exploring ways for improvement

ObjectivesNon-communicable diseases have increased in Tunisia after the epidemiological transition. That is why the national strategy to prevent and control obesity was elaborated and implemented. Improving the quality of foods is one axis of this strategy. The purpose of this paper was to estimate and evaluate the nutritional profiles of Tunisian foods sold by fast food restaurants, and explore ways for improvement.Material and methodsNutritional quality of 35 average recipes or items was assessed by 70 recipes of dishes sold by fast food restaurants. The SAIN,LIM French scoring system was used. Foods were classified into the four SAIN,LIM classes, i.e. from the healthiest (class 1) to the least healthy (class 4). The recipes were then reformulated and improved by deleting or reducing some unfavorable ingredients like salt.ResultsBefore reformulation, the items were spread over the 4 SAIN,LIM classes (class 1: 42.9%; class 2: 8.6%; class 3: 20.0% and class 4: 28.6%). After reformulation, the items were spread over class 1 (85.7%) and class 3 (14.3%), showing clear improvement of their nutritional quality.ConclusionIn Tunisia, an important percentage of foods sold by fast food restaurant have a good nutrient profile (43%). After reformulation, most items were in the healthiest class. This study is the first to show that it is possible to improve the nutritional quality of foods sold by fast food restaurants, and that the SAIN,LIM system can help to that end.