Search

Aim: The current sperm selection procedure for intracytoplasmic sperm injection has limited ability to detect structural and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of sperm tail swelling observed during hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may predict sperm quality.Materials & methods: Sixty semen samples were collected from men investigated for couple infertility. For each sample, sperm parameters, HOST and sperm chromatin status were evaluated. The relationship between the different HOST-induced tail swelling patterns (‘a’ to ‘g’) and sperm quality was evaluated.Results: The HOST significantly correlated with higher sperm motility and vitality, and with better morphology and nuclear quality. The HOST grades ‘b’ and ‘c’ were associated with better motility (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on affective well-being (anxiety and mood), cognitive variables (sustained attention and reaction time), and aggressive behavior in female athletes during menstruation. Forty-five athletes age 18–22 years were randomly assigned to three groups: an experimental group (n = 15) undergoing eight sessions of 30-min progressive muscle relaxation, a breathing group (n = 15) engaging in eight sessions of 30-min deep breathing, and a control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. The participants were evaluated during menstruation, at baseline, and after the intervention. Results showed significant improvements in mood ( η P 2 =.27) and anxiety ( η P 2 =.2) in the experimental group compared with the breathing group and the control group. No significant effects were found for aggressive behavior and cognitive variables. Progressive muscle-relaxation training is beneficial for improving mood and reducing anxiety in sportswomen during menstruation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven yeast strains were isolated from Tunisian dates. The strains were identified by sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the nuclear large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Based on this all strains in the study were almost identical with that of the type strain of Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus (CBS 5767) indicating that they belong to this species. All strains were characterized physiologically and biochemically. All strains grew in the presence of 50 % sucrose, 10 % sodium chloride and at 42 °C. The potential of these yeasts as biocontrol agent against mycotoxigenic Penicillium species inhabiting date, was evaluated. All yeast strains inhibited the growth of P. citrinum P10 and P. chrysogenum C17 previously isolated from dates, with inhibition percentages ranging between 43.6 % and 70.3 % on dual culture plate assays. Moreover, the volatile compounds (VCs) produced by these yeasts inhibited the mycelial growth rate and sporulation of both fungus strains, up to 76.5 and 100 %, respectively, on inverted culture plate assay. The VCs of W. subpelliculosus strains Y4 and Y24, which exhibit strong inhibitory activity against toxigenic Penicillium, were determined by head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results revealed significant levels of alcohols (27.36 % for Y4 and 23.35 % for Y24) and esters (66.19 % for Y4 and 75.82 % for Y24). Their significant bioactivity, along with the lack of reported adverse effects on consumer health or the environment, makes them a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic fungicides for the biocontrol of mycotoxigenic Penicillium affecting stored dates.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in a sample of medical students and to examine the relationship between ON, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey among medical students of the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax (Tunisia). Participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. We collected their sociodemographic and clinical data. ON was assessed using the self-reported scale, ORTO-15. We used the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to assess self-esteem and the level of perceived stress, respectively. Results: Ninety-five medical students (75 [78.9%] females and 20 [21.1%] males) were included in the study. The mean age was 25.9 ± 3.3 years. A history of psychiatric disorders was reported by 17 (17.9%) of participants, 26 (27.4%) tried to control their weight, and 39 (41.1%) were physically active. We found a tendency for ON in 49 (51.6%) participants. The mean scores were 39.19 ± 4.48 for the ORTHO-15 scale, 29.74 ± 6.59 for the Self-Esteem Scale, and 21.25 ± 6.79 for the PSS. Orthorexia was significantly correlated with the use of weight control methods (P = 0.03), physical activity (P = 0.04), and history of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.04). Neither self-esteem (P = 0.1) nor the level of perceived stress (P = 0.5) was associated with ON. Conclusions: Our study found a high prevalence of orthorexic behaviors in medical students. No association was found between ON and self-esteem and perceived stress. Further clinical and longitudinal studies are needed to identify the risk factors of ON.

This investigation focuses on the dynamical effects caused by varying the central-cut width within the Box Assembly with Removable Component (BARC) system. The central-cut widths included in this study are a 0.5″ cut, a 0.25″ cut, a thin 0.1″ cut, and a structure that did not have a cut at all. Finite element analysis was conducted to determine the mode shapes and natural frequencies of each of the BARC structures. Structural dynamics experiments were run to examine the effects of the central-cut width on the dynamical responses and nonlinear characteristics of the BARC system. Free vibration testing with an impact hammer was carried out to excite the system and extract the dominant frequencies and directions of the significant responses. A pseudorandom vibration test that allows for the qualitative determination of any nonlinear behavior within the system was performed. This type of behavior can include nonlinear softening, nonlinear hardening, and the most common, nonlinear damping due to the presence of several bolted-joint connections and the possible activation of geometric and inertia nonlinearities. To quantitatively investigate the impacts of the central-cut width on the dynamics of the system, swept sinusoidal testing was conducted. It is determined that almost all systems with central cuts demonstrate the presence of nonlinear softening, but at times, nonlinear hardening trends are seen, particularly in the 0.1″ cut and no-cut systems when testing harmonically. Each of the central-cut systems displays nonlinear damping, with the amount of damping generally increasing as the central cut decreases in size. The effect of the central cut of the BARC system on the mode-switching ability of the system is negligible; however, mode switching takes place when comparing the central-cut configurations to the no-cut one. These results show the significance of accurately measuring the central-cut width and how geometric uncertainty may change the dynamical responses and nonlinear properties of the system.

An investigation into the Box Assembly with Removable Component (BARC) structure is conducted by utilizing computational simulations and experimental structural testing in order to determine the complex dynamical responses instigated by the central cut of the system. Because the dynamics of the BARC system is complex, this study focuses primarily on analyzing the behavior of the box assembly (BA) system. The investigation explores the dynamics of the BA system by varying the central cut widths, ranging from a cut as wide as 0.5” cut to a 0.25” cut system, as well as a 0.1” cut and a system with no cut at all. Experimental testing is performed on each system including a free vibration test using an impact hammer to excite and identify the dominant frequencies of each structure. This testing is followed by pseudo-random vibration tests and swept sinusoidal excitation tests to determine the nonlinear aspects of these systems, such as the possible existence of nonlinear softening, hardening, and/or damping. The results show that nonlinear softening and nonlinear damping are present in each system. The no-cut system demonstrated the highest peak frequencies throughout all the tests, being the most rigid structure. The 0.25” cut system was shown to have the highest peak frequencies among all the cut systems in both the finite elemenet analysis (FEA) and impact testing. This trend did not continue, though, in the random and harmonic testing, possibly due to the added stiffness of the test setup with the slip table and stinger. The results show the importance of accurately measuring the central cut width and how possible geometric uncertainties change the overall dynamical behaviors of complex systems, such as natural characteristics, nonlinear responses, coupling of modes, and oscillating amplitudes.

Abstract Introduction Addressing acquired laryngotracheal stenosis presents a complex healthcare dilemma. Results We present a case series of 48 acquired post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis cases managed within our Department of ENT Surgery at Farhat Hached Tunisia. Diagnosis relied on imaging and endoscopic findings. Among these cases, 28 exhibited tracheal stenosis, with 60% falling into grade 2–3 severity. Management approaches included sole endoscopic dilation for 17 patients, surgical intervention for 19 patients, and T-tube placement for 10 patients. Conclusions The management of laryngotracheal stenosis poses a challenge for ENT surgeons. Prevention is paramount, encompassing various measures such as employing high-volume, high tracheostomy, and extended intubation practices.

Introduction Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to a wide variety of psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety related to pregnancy and childbirth. Objectives The purpose of our study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women and investigate their relationship with pregnancy-related anxiety. Methods The study was conducted from February to July 2023 among pregnant women in their 3rd-trimester consulting at the Gynecology-obstetrics department of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia. Women with obstetric conditions favorable to vaginal delivery (cephalic presentation and eutrophic fetus) were interviewed using a questionnaire including their sociodemographic characteristics and the brief version of the pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire PRAQ-R2. Results A total of 350 women were included in our study. The mean age of the participants was 28 years [16-41 years] with the majority being married (95.7%). One hundred and eighty-eight women (53.7%) did not graduate from high school and 213 (60.9%) were housewives. Half of the participants (52.9%) lived in the city, and 38.9% reported low income. Almost half of them (46.28%) were multiparous. The mean score of the PRAQ-R2 was 31.24 ± 7.53. We found a positive correlation between the PRAQ-R2 scale score and age younger than 30 years (p

Introduction The coronavirus pandemic has affected mental health since its outbreak in 2019 and several studies have revealed that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients were adversely affected. Objectives The aim of our present report is to study the impact of the coronavirus infection on OCD. Methods We illustrate a case of new emerging obsessions and compulsions after a COVID-19 infection in a patient consulting at the Psychiatry C department of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital. Results Mr. HB first presented in our outpatient unit of the Psychiatry C department at the age of 32. His medical history was unremarkable except for a COVID-19 infection in June 2022 that did not cause any organic complications. His family history was negative without neurological and psychiatric diseases. Further history revealed that OCD symptoms already started before his infection with COVID-19. At that time, he suffered from compulsions with the urge to constantly wash his hands and check rituals, but his symptoms were not severe enough to make him seek a psychiatric consult or treatment. However, since July 2022, soon after his infection with COVID-19, he suffered from new obsessions and compulsions, he would spend hours calculating all the numbers he sees and counting the number of letters in the words he came across. Non-surprisingly, OCD symptoms caused relevant problems in social life, and at work, he had difficulties concentrating and working. Due to his symptoms, he had neglected hobbies, avoided social contact, spent less time with his family, and even had suicidal thoughts. Therefore, pharmacotherapy with clomipramine was initiated with a maximal dose of 150 mg/d. Because of adverse events and lack of efficacy, he stopped medication and decided to consult our department to seek a different treatment. Therefore, sertraline was started at the dose of 50 mg/d along with psychotherapy. Conclusions People with OCD are likely to be more susceptible to the mental health impact of COVID-19. Responses to the pandemic are not only associated with an increase in all Obsessive-Compulsive (OC) symptoms and their severity but also the emergence of new types of obsessions and compulsions. Consequently, therapists should consider the effects of the pandemic on all OC symptom dimensions and adjust their treatment plans accordingly. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Fear of childbirth is attracting growing interest because of its impact on the experience of pregnancy and on the progress of childbirth and it seems that some women are more susceptible to fear of childbirth than others are. Objectives Our objective is to identify pregnancy factors that predict the fear of childbirth. Methods We approached 350 pregnant women consulting at the Gynecology-Obstetrics department of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax. We collected their sociodemographic and clinical data. Fear of childbirth was assessed using the French version of the Traumatic Event Scale (TES), adapted to assess fear of childbirth. Results The mean age of the participants was 28 years (16-41) and the mean gestational weak was 36.27. Half of the participants (53.7%) were nulliparous, and eight reported a history of infertility. The pregnancy was not planned in 61% of cases. As many as 67% of the participants had regular checkups, 50.3% had exaggerated somatic symptoms and 34.3% had pregnancy-related diseases. The mean score for the TES was 48.73 ± 13.72. We found a positive correlation between the TES score and nulliparity (p=0.01), gestational age ≥ 40 weeks (p=0.01), planned pregnancy (p=0.002), exaggerated somatic symptoms (p=0.03), and pregnancy-related diseases (p

Introduction Non-adherence to treatment is a major concern for mental health professionals. Knowledge of prescribed medications can influence patients’ willingness to adhere to them. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of patients with mental disorders about their prescribed medication and to evaluate their attitudes and beliefs toward treatment. Methods Our quantitative descriptive study involved 52 patients hospitalized in the psychiatric “C” department of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sax between the 23rd and 30 October 2023. Excluded were aggressive patients, those who were unable to communicate, and those who refused to participate. Thirty-nine patients were included. For each patient, we collected sociodemographic, clinical, and disease progression data, as well as information, beliefs, and attitudes concerning the prescribed treatment. Results The mean age of our patients was 35.49 ± 10.24 years, with an exclusively male sample. Most patients had no occupation (69.2%). Only 10.3% were married. Over half of the patients had achieved primary school (61.5%) and lived in rural areas (64.1%). The mean duration of the mental disorder was 10.69 ± 9.07 years. Patients were hospitalized 3.62 times on average. The most frequent diagnoses were schizophrenia (35.9%) and bipolar disorder (33.3%). More than half of the patients (61.5%) knew the color and shape of the prescribed medication, and 48.2% knew the name and dose. The source of treatment information was mainly doctors (33.3%) and family members (15.4%). Adherence to treatment was poor in 69.2% of cases. The majority of patients denied stopping treatment and 12.8% reported that they stopped treatment because of financial difficulties. Twenty-four patients confirmed that taking the treatment made people see them differently and that they preferred not to reveal they were taking it. Two-thirds of patients reported that the treatment relaxed them (71.8%) but could be stopped when they felt better (69.2%). Conclusions It is essential for mental health professionals to develop and implement effective intervention strategies that maximize therapeutic impact and reduce the risk of relapse. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Violence against women is a public health problem worldwide and a violation of human rights. It affects women’s lives due to its potential short-, medium- or long-term physical and psychological consequences. Objectives The aim of our study is to explore the link between violence against women and self-esteem. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2023 among Tunisian women consulting in three health care centers in Sfax, Tunisia. We have included women victims of violence (psychological, physical, sexual, and economic). We have used a semi-structured interview and the Rosenberg scale to determine the quality of self-esteem. Results Among one hundred interviewed women, fifty-four women who had reported being violence victims were included in our study. The mean age of the participants was 44 years with the majority being married (87 %). Only 29.6% had a high school level and 51.9% had a profession. A total of 29.6% had a low socioeconomic status. We found that 79.6% are victims of domestic violence (57.4% being victims of spousal violence). Psychological violence seemed to be the most frequent type (59.3%). Almost all those who were abused (90.6%) experienced psychological (emotional) violence. The mean score of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale was 31.54. Self-esteem was very low in 16.7%, low in 37%, medium in 18.5%, and high in 27.8% of the women. A statistically significant association was found between being a victim of spousal violence and low self-esteem (p=0.032). The semi-structured interview demonstrates that women with low self-esteem are more likely to accept violence. Conclusions These results justify the implementation of screening and support programs for women victims of violence to improve their self-esteem. Disclosure of Interest None Declared