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Biomedical subjects

A Abdelghani

Publications and source records attributed to A Abdelghani.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Tuberculous pneumothorax. Retrospective study of 23 cases in Tunisia].

The tubercular pneumothorax is a rare and severe form of tuberculosis which persists in Tunisia. We reviewed retrospectively our experience at the Pneumology-Allergology Department of the Sousse Hospital with 23 cases of tubercular pneumothorax observed between 1985 and 2003. The suggestive symptom, pneumothorax, always occurred within a context poor general health and fever. The chest roentgengraph showed pneumothorax (n=8) or hydropneumothorax (n=15), and pulmonary lesions associated in 82.5% of patients. Bacteriological proof was obtained in 21 cases; in the two other patients, histological examination of the surgical specimen was highly suggestive of tuberculosis. Treatment associated antitubercular chemotherapy in compliance with the National Plan of against Tuberculosis (n=23), chest drainage (n=21) and respiratory physiotherapy (n=18). Five patients underwent surgery: pleural decortications (n=3), pulmonary resections (n=2). Two were lost to follow-up. The course was favourable in 78% of patients; there were two cases of partitioned pyopneumothorax and one post-operative death. In our experience, tubercular pneumothorax was always associated with active cavitated tuberculosis. The course was almost favorable with antitubercular chemotherapy and chest drainage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Large bilateral lung opacities].

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman operated for neurofibroma of the scalp on two occasions who consulted for bilateral chest pain which reveated two voluminous bilateral pulmonary masses. Biopsy of one of these masses was in favor of secondary or primary leiomyosarcoma. The association of Von Recklinghausen's disease and soft tissue sarcoma is rare: most often neurofibroma which degenerates is observed. Other types of sarcoma, like leiomyosarcoma, have been described.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Decorated surfaces by biofunctionalized gold beads: application to cell adhesion studies.

We describe a simple but versatile method to decorate solid surfaces randomly with colloidal gold particles to which ligands of cell receptors can be coupled to generate local attraction sites for the control of cell adhesion. A self-assembled monolayer of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane was deposited on glass slides. Gold beads were anchored to the functionalized surface through the sulfur group. We characterized the gold bead distribution on the functionalized surface with reflection interference contrast microscopy. The gold beads were functionalized with a disulfide-coupled cyclic pentapeptide containing an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) tripeptide sequence which is selectively recognized by integrin receptors alpha(V)beta(3) of endothelial cells. A blocking layer of bovine serum albumin was adsorbed onto the surface to prevent non-specific binding of the cells. We demonstrate that the RGD-functionalized colloidal gold beads act as local attraction centers, mediating rapid cell anchoring on a substrate impeding cell adhesion in the absence of attraction centers. Surprisingly, microinterferometry shows that after a time delay of about 1 h, the regions of the cell surface between the gold beads form close contacts with the substrate, which is attributed to strong van der Waals attraction after escape of repeller molecules from the contact surface.

Biophysics↗
PubMed1985

Determination of the half life of fenthion in New Zealand White rabbits using three routes of administration.

The purpose of this research was to determine if the route of administration influenced the biological half life of fenthion, an organophosphorous insecticide. Twenty mg/kg fenthion was given to groups of New Zealand White Rabbits via the oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes respectively. The distribution of fenthion in the blood of New Zealand rabbits followed an open two compartment model. There were no significant differences in the kinetic parameters (2, beta, K12, K21, Kel) derived for the three different routes of administration. The biological half life of slightly over 11 hours, did not differ significantly with the route of administration.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chlorpyrifos: an unwelcome pesticide in our homes.

Chlorpyrifos is an extensively used organophosphate insecticide having many urban and agricultural crop pest control uses. Studies conducted in indoor environments after termiticide, crack-and-crevice, broadcast, or fogger applications have shown that chlorpyrifos exposure can occur via inhalation of residual air concentrations, dermal or oral exposure from residues on floors and carpets, children toys, food, and dust. Not long ago the weight of scientific evidence supported safe indoor use, but recent studies support the possibility that when pregnant female rats are given the pesticide, chlorpyrifos causes brain damage in fetal rats. Moreover, the exposure of young rats to chlorpyrifos impairs early nervous system development. After finding that chlorpyrifos is an exposure risk especially to children, in June 2000 the United States Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturers agreed to voluntary measures that will reduce the exposure of children to chlorpyrifos-containing products. This action implies a search for less harmful new products to replace it and/or safer ways to control pests through basic hygiene. Whichever pest control method is selected, one should keep in mind that preventing environmental pesticide exposure in children is always better than treating the resulting disease.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗