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Biomedical subjects

A Toumi

Publications and source records attributed to A Toumi.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Meningitis revealing Rickettsia typhi infection].

INTRODUCTION: Neurological manifestations are rarely observed in murine typhus. We present a case of meningitis caused by Rickettsia typhi. EXEGESIS: We report a case of Tunisian 57-year-old woman admitted for suspicion of meningitis. Clinical examination revealed fever at 39,5 degrees C and nuchal rigidity. There were no focal neurologic signs, cutaneous rash or eschar. Lumbar puncture showed clear cerebrospinal fluid containing normal glucose, 0,48 g/l protein and 30 WBC (78% lymphocyte). Gram-stained smear and culture were negative. Serology confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was initially treated by ampicillin 12 g daily but remained febrile. Retinal lesions were detected on ophthalmic examination, suggesting rickettsial infection. Clinical outcome was good after 7-day treatment with oral ciprofloxacin 1,5 g daily. The mean follow-up was six months. CONCLUSION: Murine typhus is an endemic zoonosis. Neurological manifestations were uncommon. An ophthalmic examination is recommended if rickettsiosis was suspected.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2006

[Prevalence of diabetes-related autoantibodies in celiac disease].

THE AIM: of this study is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes-related autoantibodies in a group of children with celiac disease and to compare it with a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 31 celiac children at diagnosis (on gluten containing diet) and 31 age and sex matched healthy children. Anti-islet cell antibodies (ICA) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on monkey pancreas. Anti-glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) and anti-tyrosine phosphatase (anti-IA2) antibodies were assessed by a radio-immuno- precipitation method. RESULTS: Three out of 31 celiac patients (9.7%) had one or more diabetes-related autoantibodies. ICA, anti-GAD and anti-IA2 were found in respectively 3.2%; 3.2% and 9.7% of patients. Only one control (3.2%) had anti-GAD. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The risk to develop diabetes seems to be the same in celiac patients and in healthy subjects thus screening of diabetes-related autoantibodies is not justified in celiac patients.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMed2005

[Phalengeal actinomycosis: a rare disease].

INTRODUCTION: Bone involvement in actinomycosis is rare. EXEGESIS: We report a case of a 38 year-old woman with foot bone actinomycosis. The clinical symptoms were non-specific and the diagnosis was difficult. An X-ray revealed an osteolysis and a sclerosis of the proximal phalanx of the big toe. A phalengiectomy was carried out after the failure of antistaphylococcic antibiotherapy. The diagnosis of actinomycosis was substantiated by a histological examination. The clinical outcome was good after six-month treatment by penicillin G substitutes for cotrimoxazol. The patient completely recovered and was feeling well. The mean follow up was fifteen months. CONCLUSION: Clinical and therapeutic aspects of this rare localization are reviewed.

Actinomycosis↗
PubMed2005

[Pyogenic splenic abscesses. A review of 8 cases].

PURPOSE: Pyogenic splenic abscess is un uncommon and potentially life-threatening disease. Due to inconspicuous and nonspecific clinical picture, it remains a diagnostic challenge. Medical imaging progresses are helpful for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We tried to establish epidemiologic and clinical features and therapeutic possibilities of 8 cases of splenic abscesses occurred between 1993 and 2002. RESULTS: There were 5 male patients and 3 female patients. Aged ranged from 17 to 53 years, with a median of 34 years. One patient was immunocompromised (colonic carcinoma). Common clinical presentations included fever (n=8) and left upper quadrant abdominal pain (n=7). Positive blood cultures were found in only four patients (50%) : Staphylococcus aureus (3) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (1). Staphylococcus aureus and Bacteroïdes fragilis were isolated in one abscess pus respectively. The diagnosis was obtained by ultrasonography in all 8 cases. Antibiotics were prescribed in all cases for a mean length of 60 days (30 - 110 days). Splenectomy and percutaneous CT-guided drainage were performed in one case respectively. Evolution was good in all cases. CONCLUSION: Splenic abscesses are increasingly recognized. The combination of clinical features and imaging findings, early diagnosis and treatment can be made.

Abdominal Abscess↗
PubMed2003

Optimization of simulated moving bed and Varicol processes.

A new continuous chromatographic process (Varicol) has been presented recently. Its basic principle consists, in contrast to the traditional simulated moving bed (SMB) technology, of an asynchronous shift of the inlet/outlet lines in a multi-column system with a recycle loop. Due to the stronger influence of the discrete dynamics on the plant behavior, the design of a Varicol process requires the use of model-based optimization to take advantage of the very high flexibility of this process. The equilibrium theory which has been successfully applied to SMB by many practitioners fails to predict the region of complete separation accurately. In this paper, we present a rigorous model-based optimization framework, which can handle the SMB and the novel Varicol process in a systematic manner. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by the separation of a mixture of propranolol isomers which exhibits a highly non-linear multi-component adsorption behavior. Experimental results are presented and discussed.

Chromatography↗
PubMed2003

The fate of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) in an integrated wastewater treatment plant: two phase anaerobic reactor (RAP) - high rate algal pond (HRAP).

Removal of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) by an integrated wastewater treatment system, Two Phase Anaerobic Reactor (RAP) - High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP), was investigated. Results indicate a good reduction of these micro-pollutants by this system. Global elimination rates of treatment system are 80%, 87%, 38%, 60% and 63%, respectively for Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr. Primary treatment (RAP) was not involved in this reduction. Metal concentrations detected in RAP effluent are higher than those detected in raw wastewater. However, the essential metal removal was ensured by the HRAP and thetwo maturation ponds. Sedimentation of metals adsorbed on suspended matters is the principal factor that intervened in metal elimination by these ponds. Indeed, metal analysis of wastewater dissolved and particulate fractions showed that the majority of these cations was in particulate fraction, notably for Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr. Their distribution between these fractions evolved towards their solubilization, during the treatment. Otherwise, metal sediment analysis of different ponds showed that sludges accumulate important quantities of metals, especially in RAP sludges. Thereafter, Zn, Cu and Cd concentrations increased in HRAP sludges, but Pb and Cr contents decreased. However, in maturation pond sludges metal quantities are lower. On the other hand, metal contents in sludges are variable from upstream to downstream of each pond.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1992

[Rapid micromethod for CH50 determination using an algorithm].

The titration of haemolytic complement in biological liquid cause inconvenient in calculating concentration, it was long and fastidious. We report a fast technic based on measure of hemolysis in microplate++ method, which exploitation of results, it does with an appropriate algorithm.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1988

Effects of capsicum fruit on theophylline absorption and bioavailability in rabbits.

Absorption and bioavailability of theophylline from a sustained-release gelatin capsule were investigated in 10 male rabbits after oral administration (20 mg/kg), with and without a ground capsicum fruit suspension. Comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters showed that the concomitant absorption of capsicum increases areas under plasma curves (from 86.06 +/- 9.78 mg H/liter to 138.32 +/- 17.27 mg H/liter, P less than 0.001), peak plasma levels (from 6.65 +/- 0.76 to 8.78 +/- 0.98 mg/liter, P less than 0.01), and mean residence times (from 14.94 +/- 2.97 to 20.98 +/- 5.75 H, P less than 0.001). A second administration of the capsicum suspension, 11 hours after dosing, produced a new rise of theophylline plasma levels in every rabbit. The variations in pharmacokinetic and bioavailability parameters are discussed in accordance with the mechanisms of action of capsaicin, an active compound present in capsicum fruit.

Absorption↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bioequivalence study of two pharmaceutical forms of rifampicin capsules in man.

In this study the bioavailability of a new pharmaceutical form of rifampicin, Rifampicine Generic (300 mg capsules), was compared to a reference form Rimactan (300 mg capsules). Twelve healthy volunteers participated in a cross-over study. Each dosage form was administered, one after the other, to each subject in the morning after a fasted night period. Both forms were well tolerated and no side effects were observed in any of the subjects during the study. Blood samples were collected over 10 h. The rifampicin plasma concentrations were determined by an HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters, Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-10h (mean +/- SD), were 6.06 +/- 2.95 micrograms/ml, 2.33 +/- 1.60 h, 25.57 +/- 12.6 micrograms.h.ml-1, respectively, for the new form and 6.55 +/- 2.47 micrograms/ml, 2.04 +/- 1.37 h, 26.11 +/- 9.10 micrograms.h.ml-1, respectively, for the reference form. The statistical analysis of different parameters with the Westlake method, ANOVA, and the Wilcoxon test with a probability of 95% showed no differences between the two forms of rifampicin. It was concluded that Rifampicine Generic 300 mg capsules are bioequivalent to Rimactan 300 mg capsules.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Calendula arvensis L. Impact of saponins on toxicity, hemolytic effect, and anti-inflammatory activity].

The study of the chemical composition of Calendula arvensis var. eu arvensis Maire reveals the presence of saponins. These saponins confer a haemolytic property on the plant. In our work we have, first determined the saponin responsible for the haemolytic property; and then we have studied the impact of the saponins on the acute toxicity and the anti-inflammatory activity induced by carrhageenin oedema.

Animals↗