INTRODUCTION:Evidence from the literature suggests a link between social media addiction (SMA) and academic procrastination, both of which are negatively correlated with academic performance. OBJECTIVES:To assess the relationships between SMA, academic procrastination, and self- control strategies for social media use among medical students. METHODS:We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed to Tunisian medical students. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, characteristics of social media use, and the Arabic versions of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and the Academic Procrastination Scale. RESULTS:A total of 156 responses were collected. Sixteen percent of students had SMA. The median Academic Procrastination Scale score was 67.5. We found a moderate positive correlation (ρ = 0.514, p < 0.001) between the Academic Procrastination Scale score and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale score. The most commonly used self-control strategy among medical students to regulate social media use was "direct self-control" (23.7%). Students using self-control strategy 1 had significantly lower Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale scores compared with those using strategies 4 (p = 0.03), 5 (p = 0.036), or 7 (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION:Targeted interventions aimed at reducing problematic social media use and academic procrastination could improve students' well-being and academic performance.
INTRODUCTION:A psychometric analysis of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is an important step in the assessment process. It makes sure that MCQ items are valid and reliable. The residency competition is an important part of medical training. It is how we choose future doctors who can meet the clinical and scientific requirements. Our aim is to find out what the medical residency competition's MCQs are like. METHODS:150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) were analysed from the October 2025 medical residency exam. There were 760 candidates in the exams. This analysis looked at the difficulty index (DIF I), the discrimination index (DI), and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS:78 (52%) of the multiple-choice questions were at a recommended/acceptable level of difficulty, with an average DIF I of 43± 2,03. 45 (30%) were too difficult. 97 items (64%) had a DI between excellent and acceptable, and 40 (26%) were rejected, with an overall average DI of 0,325± 0,017. There was a relationship between DIF I and DI (r=0.36, p0.01). The reliability of the items was satisfactory at 0.84, as measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. CONCLUSION:Our study allowed us to find good MCQs to add to the question bank for future tests, as well as MCQs that needed to be changed. This thorough analysis makes sure that the assessments are valid and reliable. It makes sure that the selection process is tough and that it meets the necessary academic and practical standards.
BACKGROUND:Oncogeriatrics is a sensitive medical specialty dealing with malignant neoplastic diseases in elderly patients. Ethical challenges have emerged due to both the specific characteristics of the affected population and the severity of the disease. AIM:To report and analyze the ethical issues raised in oncogeriatrics. RESULTS:Oncogeriatrics is an emerging specialty that has developed in response to two major epidemiological observations: the aging population and the increasing number of cancer patients. Assessing these patients using specific scoring tools is essential to identify their particular needs. The unique characteristics of this population give rise to several ethical dilemmas, including end-of-life issues (such as therapeutic obstinacy and euthanasia) and those related to the patient's capacity for discernment and informed consent. The main ethical concerns discussed in this paper include access to care, research, consent and the right to information, and end-of-life issues. Addressing these challenges involves applying the four fundamental principles of medical ethics: respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. CONCLUSION:Adhering to the four principles of ethics provides a framework for managing ethical issues. However, in oncogeriatrics, applying these principles must be carefully evaluated due to the specific characteristics of the elderly population.
INTRODUCTION:Biotherapies have revolutionised the management of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Despite these advances, there is still a proportion of patients with multiple changes in biological markers, which may correspond to difficult-to-treat spondyloarthritis (SPA D2T). Our study aims to explore the prevalence of this particular entity and to characterise its clinical aspects in a Moroccan population. METHODS:This is a comparative cross-sectional study that included patients with SpA admitted to the department on biologic therapies. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data were collected. Patients who had received at least two biologics were considered to be SpA D2T. A comparison was made with a control group of non-multi-switchers (SpA-non-D2T). RESULTS:210 patients were included, 56.2% of whom were men. The prevalence of multi-switchers was 32,7%. D2T SpA patients were predominantly female (53,6% versus 39%, p= 0,04), had more axial involvement (76,8% versus 91,5%, p= 0,003), CsDMARD use (97,1% versus 31,9%, p= 0,001). Disease activity at the initiation of biotherapy was higher in D2T-ASDs. The time between diagnosis and use of the first biologic was longer (4 [2,25-6] years versus 3 [1-4] years, p = 0,03). All D2T-SPA patients had received anti-TNFα. CONCLUSION:Our study found a high prevalence of D2T-SpA.
Introduction: Le défi reel avec la maladie asthmatique consiste essentiellement dans le contrôle de celle-ci. Les objectifs du travail étaient de décrire le niveau de contrôle de l’asthme dans une population Tunisienne et de rechercher les facteurs associés au mauvais contrôle de la maladie.Méthodes: Nous avons mené une étude descriptive observationnelle transversale sur une série de cas dans un service de pneumologie sur une période de 02 mois. Etaient inclus les patients vus à la consultation d’âge supérieur ou égal à 15 ans avec un diagnostic d’asthme confirmé et soustraitement anti-asthmatique depuis au moins 6 mois. Un asthme non contrôlé était défini par un score au test de contrôle de l’asthme inférieur à20.Résultats : Cent treize patients étaient inclus. L’âge moyen de la population était de 45 ± 15 ans. Treize pourcent des patients étaient tabagiquesactifs. Les principales comorbidités associées à l’asthme étaient l’obésité (34,5%), le reflux gastro-œsophagien (17%). Trente-sept patients (32,8%)étaient observants aux traitements. L’asthme était classé bien contrôlé chez 64 patients (56,6%). Les facteurs associés au mauvais contrôleétaient : le tabagisme actif (p= 0,04), l’exposition au tabagisme passif (p= 0,02), les mauvaises conditions socio-économiques (p= 0,003), certaines comorbidités comme le reflux gastro- œsophagien, l’obésité, le début de la maladie au jeune age (p= 0,008) ainsi qu’avec l’observance thérapeutique(p = 0,008) et la technique d’inhalation (p = 0,002).Conclusions : Une prise en charge adéquate de l’asthme doit être obligatoirement multidisciplinaire prenant en considération les comorbidités et la lutte anti-tabac.
Introduction: Activated charcoal (AC), a common decontamination method in acute poisoning, is most effective when given shortly after ingestionof an adsorbable toxin, as its high surface area enables toxin adsorption and reduces gastrointestinal absorption. We aimed to identify the most common toxins treated with activated charcoal in an intoxicated patient presenting to the emergency department (ED). Secondly, we aimed todetermine the tolerance after its administration.Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in the ED of Mahmoud Yaacoub Center over two years (from January 2023 to December 2024). Patients aged ≥15 years who were conscious on admission and received a single 50 g dose of AC for acute charcoal adsorbeddrug intoxication was included. Collected data encompassed demographics, intoxication characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, and AC tolerance.Results: We included 88 patients who received a single dose of AC. Median age was 28 years: 65.9% were female. The median delay of consultation was one hour. Most involved drugs were acetaminophen (21.6%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (13.6%), metformin (12.5%), sodiumvalproate (12.5%) and carbamazepine (9.1%). Cases of Co-ingestion were reported in 57% of patients. AC was administered to the patient, with good tolerance in 89% of cases. Ten patients (11%) had poor tolerance (vomiting, abdominal discomfort). Multivariate analysis identified cases of co-ingestion as significantly associated with better AC tolerance (OR =6.4, 95% CI: 1.27 – 32.19; p = 0.024).Conclusion: In our study, the most common indications for AC ...( abstract truncated at 250 words).
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Pediatric cancers represent a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric cancers managed at a reference center in Tunisia, analyze treatment pathways, and identify prognostic factors associated with net survival. METHODS:A retrospective, single-center, observational prognostic study was conducted at the Pediatric Oncology Unit (POU) of Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital of Tunis over ten years (January 2012 - December 2021), in accordance with STROBE guidelines. All children diagnosed with cancer before age 16 years were included. RESULTS:A total of 563 children were included (sex ratio 1.18). Mean age at diagnosis was 4.3 ± 3.8 years (median: 3.0 years). Solid tumors predominated (81%), led by neuroblastoma (23.6%), renal tumors (17.2%), and retinoblastoma (10.7%). Five-year net survival was 69%. Multivariate Cox regression identified four independent prognostic factors: leukemia (HR=3.33, 95% CI: 2.07-5.35, p<0.001), metastatic disease (HR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.92-3.66, p<0.001), relapse (HR=2.74, 95% CI: 1.96-3.82, p<0.001), and residence >100 km from the POU (HR=1.32, 95% CI: 0.97-1.80, p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS:Satisfactory survival outcomes are achievable in resource-limited settings with a well-structured oncology unit. Reducing geographic barriers to care and strengthening early diagnosis remain key priorities to further improve outcomes.
Introduction: Silicone oil (SO) tamponade is widely employed in the management of complex retinal detachments. Despite its advantages, SOrequires subsequent removal, which carries a risk of complications and variable visual recovery.Aim: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes, as well as postoperative complications, following SO removal in patients with complex retinal detachments.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent SO removal between January 2020 and June 2025 at a tertiary ophthalmic care center. Inclusion criteria comprised adults with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, or trauma-related detachment, with ≥6 months of postoperative follow-up. Primary outcomes were anatomical reattachment and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Secondary outcomes included rates of recurrent detachment, hypotony, ocular hypertension, cataract progression, and corneal complications.Results: Ninety-eight eyes of 94 patients were analyzed. The mean SO tamponade duration was 11.56 ± 4.8 months. Final anatomical success was achieved in 88.8% of eyes. Functional success (BCVA ≥ 20/200 at 6 months) was observed in 53.1% of cases. Recurrent retinal detachmentoccurred in 11.2% of eyes. Hypotony developed in 17.3%, ocular hypertension in 8.2%, and corneal complications in 12.2%. Cataract extraction was combined with SO removal in 83.9% of phakic eyes. Significant BCVA improvement was noted across all major etiological subgroups (p < 0.01).Conclusion: SO removal yields high anatomical reattachment rates but variable functional recovery. Complication risks remain clinically relevant,underscoring the importance of individualized timing and surgical planning to optimize long-term visual and anatomical outcomes.
Background and aim: Blood transfusion is not without risk, particularly the infectious risk related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The objective of our study is to report the evolution of HIV indicators in blood donors (BDs) at the regional blood transfusion center of Sfax (Tunisia).Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study including both replacement and voluntary BDs collected from mobile and fixed donation units over a 10-year period (January 2014–December 2023). Combined screening for HIV antigens and antibodies was carried out by ELISA, with confirmation of positive results by Western blot. Prevalence and seroconversions according to age group, gender, and donation type were analyzed using the Hématos II G3.8 software by GPI. Incidence and residual risk were calculated using the Schreiber mathematical model.Results: Forty-seven BDs were confirmed to be HIV-positive, with a male predominance (87.23%). The overall HIV prevalence was 0.16‰, with a peak of 0.4‰. During the study period, 21 seroconversions were recorded. The incidence was 9.38 per 100,000 person-years, and increased from33.28 per 100,000 person-years in 2014-2015 to 97.22 per 100,000 person-years in 2022-2023. The residual risk was 0.46 per 100,000 donations.Conclusion: Prevention is the key pillar in reducing the residual risk of HIV transmission through transfusions. It is based on improved HIV awareness in the general population and rigorous BDs selection.
Background: Imported malaria remains a public health challenge in malaria-free countries. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are used alongside microscopy, but their performance varies with clinical presentation and epidemiological context.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study (2020–2023) at the Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory of Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunisia, including 25 symptomatic patients and 246 asymptomatic non-permanent resident students from sub-Saharan Africa. Microscopy (thick and thin smears)served as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and Cohen’s kappa (κ) were calculated to assess the performance of the ABON™ PLUS Malaria (Abon biopharm, China) et I-test® (Bacterovir laboratoire) RDTs.Results: Malaria was diagnosed in 35 individuals (13%), comprising 12 symptomatic patients (48%) and 23 asymptomatic patients (9.35%). Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species (95%). In symptomatic subjects, parasitemia ranged from 0.5% to 20%, and both tests demonstrated excellent agreement with the thick blood smear(κ=0.91 for ABON™ Plus; κ=1 for I-test®). In contrast, parasitemia was low (<0.1%) in asymptomatic students. For this group, the ABON™ Plus test showed a sensitivity of 48% and a specificity of 100% (PPV: 100%; NPV: 95%), while the I-test® had a sensitivity of 23.8% and a specificity of 100%(PPV: 100%; NPV: 90%). Consequently, agreement with the reference smear was good for the ABON™ Plus test (κ=0.62) but poor for the I-test®(κ=0.35).Conclusion: Both RDTs performed well in symptomatic cases, but low sensitivity in asymptomatic individuals highlights the importance of microscopy and targeted screening to prevent malaria reintroduction in malaria-free countries.
Contexte: L’essoufflement est fréquent, anxiogène et souvent difficile à préciser en soins primaires. Lorsqu’il persiste au-delà de quatre semaines, il altèrefortement la qualité de vie, la capacité fonctionnelle et le pronostic, et peut conduire à des consultations en urgence si les causes sous-jacentes ne sont pasidentifiées et prises en charge. L’essoufflement chronique est généralement multifactoriel, associant causes cardio-respiratoires et facteurs contributifs telsque l’obésité, le déconditionnement, les troubles du schéma respiratoire, l’anxiété, l’anémie ou l’affection post- coronavirus 2019.Objectif: Cette fiche technique propose aux médecins de soins primaires une démarche structurée, pragmatique et centrée sur la personne pour l’évaluation et la prise en charge de l’essoufflement chronique.Contenu: La fiche technique insiste sur le repérage précoce des tableaux aigus/urgents de l’essoufflement chez les adultes (dont l’oxymétrie de pouls sidisponible), l’exploration systématique (anamnèse, examen, examens accessibles: spirométrie, radiographie thoracique, électrocardiogramme, numération formule sanguine, peptide natriurétique de type B N-terminal, bilans biologiques ciblés, dépistage de l’anxiété/ de la dépression et évaluation du niveau d’activité physique), et une démarche diagnostique progressive nécessitant parfois plusieurs consultations, tout en sécurisant le suivi. La prise en charge de l’essoufflement combine l’optimisation du traitement des maladies sous-jacentes et l’introduction précoce de stratégies non pharmacologiques fondées sur des preuves. Le modèle «Respirer-Penser-Fonctionner» structure le contrôle symptomatique: Correction des schémas respiratoires inadaptés, réduction de la détresse, et lutte contre le déconditionnement via réadaptation fonctionnelle et reprise d’activité.Conclusion: Une approche structurée, associée à la mise en œuvre précoce d’interventions non pharmacologiques, pourrait améliorer le suivi en consultation, favoriser l’autogestion et optimiser la qualité de vie.
BACKGROUND:Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly used by medical students for learning and examination preparation. However, their reliability in mechanistically demanding disciplines such as respiratory physiology remains insufficiently evaluated using authentic examination material. This study aimed to assess and compare the performance of three AI chatbots on validated undergraduate respiratory physiology examination questions. METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study including all respiratory physiology multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each comprising five propositions, used in official undergraduate examinations at the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis during the academic years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 (101 questions). Three AI chatbots (ChatGPT-5.1, Qwen-3 Max, and Perplexity AI) were evaluated using standardized French-language prompts. Exact question-level concordance with the faculty-validated answer key, established by the teaching staff responsible for respiratory physiology examinations, was compared using Cochran's Q test and pairwise McNemar tests. At the proposition level, responses were analyzed as binary outcomes (true/false) to compute accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS:Question-level exact concordance differed significantly across models (Cochran's Q = 10.18, p = 0.006). ChatGPT showed the highest concordance rate (79.2%), followed by Qwen (74.3%) and Perplexity (62.4%). At the proposition level (505 propositions), ChatGPT achieved the highest overall accuracy (94.1%) and sensitivity for true propositions (96.5%), whereas Qwen demonstrated the highest specificity for false propositions (94.2%). CONCLUSION:Although all evaluated AI chatbots performed well on respiratory physiology MCQs, substantial variability was observed across models. These findings indicate that AI chatbots are not interchangeable and underscore the need for institution-level evaluation using local examination material before their integration into medical education.
Introduction-Aim: This work highlights the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of Tamarix canariensis, an underexplored plant already recognized for its traditional therapeutic uses.Methods: The phytochemical profile was assessed using HPLC-UV-MS/MS, on extracts obtained via maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Antioxidant activity was quantified through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by measuring inhibition of protein denaturation.Results: The extracts were found to contain bioactive compounds such as quercetin glucuronide, 2’-hydroxy-3,4,4’,6’-tetramethoxychalcone, and ferulic acid sulfate, with tamarixetin-3-O-hexoside detected exclusively in the hexane extract. They exhibited strong antioxidant effects, with IC₅₀values of 242.62 ± 1.09 µg/mL (DPPH) and 243.95 ± 0.95 µg/mL (H₂O₂), which correlated closely with total phenolic content. Additionally, at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the extracts inhibited protein denaturation by 90% in bovine albumin and 97.73% in egg white albumin.Conclusion: These findings indicate that Tamarix canariensis is a promising natural source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use and underscoring its potential for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.
Introduction : Dans les pays à revenu intermédiaire, la durée des consultations médicales constitue un déterminant essentiel de la qualité des soins, notamment en raison du faible niveau d’instruction d’une partie de la population. Cette étude analyse son impact au Maroc, en explorant les perceptions des assurés de l’AMO.Méthodes : Une approche mixte a combiné une revue de la littérature et une enquête auprès de 240 assurés de l’AMO. Les données ont été recueillies au moyen d’un questionnaire portant sur l’écoute, la clarté des explications, la durée des consultations et les attentes des patients. Résultats : La majorité des patients se sentent écoutés et jugent les explications compréhensibles. Toutefois, une proportion significative exprime des besoins non satisfaits, notamment en matière de durée des consultations et de clarté du langage médical. La durée moyenne (15 à 20 minutes) est jugée suffisante par deux tiers des patients, mais un tiers souhaiterait davantage de temps. Le taux global de satisfaction atteint 80 %. Conclusions : L’étude confirme que la durée de consultation représente un levier majeur pour renforcer la communication médecin-patient et la qualité perçue des soins. Dans un contexte de ressources limitées, des mesures telles que la simplification du langage médical, la formation des professionnels à la communication et une meilleure gestion du temps de consultation apparaissent prioritaires. Ces enseignements dépassent le cadre marocain et sont transposables aux pays à revenu intermédiaire confrontés à des défis similaires.
Introduction: Doxycycline is considered as the standard treatment of rickettsiosis. Fluoroquinolones used as an alternative therapy, until recent studies have shown that Fluoroquinolones are associated with a deleterious outcome.Objectives: To compare therapeutic efficacy and safety of fluoroquinolones and doxycycline in the treatment of RickettsiosisMethods: we conducted an open-label randomized controlled multicenter study. This study aim to compare the efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin (1000 mg/day) or ofloxacin (400mp/day) in 2 doses with those of oral doxycycline (200mg/day) once daily for 3 to 10 days, accordingto the severity of illness, in the treatment of Rickettsioses, We included patients more than 15 year-old who presented the characteristic clinical triad (eschar + rash + fever) and/or microbiological confirmation (positive serology and/or positive qPCR).Results: Among 112 enrolled patients, 82 retained. Thirty-four patients received fluoroquinolones and 48 received doxycycline. Patients in both groups were comparable with respect to age. Two severe cases were noted with fluoroquinolones (meningitis = one, encephalitis= 1) and three with doxycycline (myocarditis=one, severe sepsis = l and encephalitis =1) .|The defervescence period was 2.6 + 1.04 days in the doxycyclinegroup and2.31.09 days in the fluoroquinolones group (p20.05). All patients recovered. One patient treated by doxycycline had a digital necrosis, generating amputation.Conclusions: Both fluoroquinolones and doxycycline were effective for treating patients with rickettsia infections. Even that doxycycline remains the standard of treatment, with the advantage of a single daily dose; fluoroquinolones are an interesting alternative with no deleterious outcome.
Introduction: L’analyse psychométrique des QCM est une étape essentielle dans le processus d’évaluation. Elle permet de vérifier la validité et la fiabilité des items des QCM. Le concours de résidanat constitue un passage clé dans la formation médicale, visant à sélectionner les futurs médecins capables de répondre aux exigences cliniques et scientifiques. Notre objectif est d’identifier les caractéristiques psychométriques desQCM du concours de résidanat de médecine.Méthode: 150 QCM ont été analysés à l’issue des épreuves du concours de résidanat de médecine session d’octobre 2025. Les épreuves ont inclus 410 candidats. Cette analyse a porté sur l’indice de difficulté (DIF I), l’indice de discrimination (DI) et le coefficient de l’alpha Cronbach.Résultats: 78 (52 %) des QCM, présentaient un niveau de difficulté recommandé/acceptable, avec un DIF I moyen de 43± 2,03. 45 (30 %) étaient trop difficiles. 97 items (64 %) présentaient un DI entre excellent à acceptable et 40 (26 %) sont à rejeter, avec un DI moyen global de 0,325±0,017. Une corrélation modérée et statistiquement significative a été observée entre le DIF I et le DI (r=0,36, p<0,01). La fiabilité des items, alpha de Cronbach, était satisfaisante (0,84).Conclusion: Notre étude nous a permis d’identifier les QCM de qualité pouvant être intégrés à la banque de questions pour les évaluations futures, ainsi que les QCM nécessitant une révision. Cette rigueur dans l’analyse garantit la validité et la fiabilité des évaluations. Elle garantit une sélection rigoureuse conforme aux exigences académiques et pratiques.
Background: Chalk talks are a dynamic teaching method that combine real-time visual explanations with active learner engagement, fostering deeper understanding and participation. Despite being a traditional approach, chalk talks remain highly relevant, particularly when integrated with modernpedagogical strategies.Methods: This narrative review was conducted to explore implementation strategies that enhance the effectiveness of chalk talks in medical education. A targeted search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed using keywords such as “chalk talk”, “medical education”, “PowerPointintegration”, “simulation”, “bedside teaching”, and “case-based learning”. Peer-reviewed articles, editorials, and educational reports published in English between 2000 and 2025 were considered. Out of 92 references initially screened, 22 articles were selected for analysis and narrative synthesis.Results: The analysis showed varying emphasis on different teaching methodologies. PowerPoint presentations were discussed in 16 articles, reflecting their central role as a structured digital tool. Simulations were reported in 9 articles. Demonstrations and bedside teaching were discussed in 7 articles each, while case-based learning was reported in 6 articles. Across studies, effective chalk talks were consistently linked with careful planning, clear visual organization, and interactive delivery. Integration with complementary methods enhanced learner engagement, participation, and knowledgeretention. Reported limitations included reduced suitability for complex visuals, time constraints, and visibility challenges in large classrooms.Conclusion: Chalk talks remain a versatile and effective teaching method when strategically combined with complementary approaches. Their adaptability allows educators to create interactive, learner-centered environments that strengthen conceptual understanding and promote skilldevelopment in medical education.
Objectives: Chronic pain has emerged as a significant health issue among women treated for breast cancer, representing a substantial burden that negatively affects quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain among Tunisian breast cancer survivors.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study including 100 Tunisian women treated for breast cancer at the Medical Oncology Department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital (Monastir, Tunisia). Data collected included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle habits, and medical history. Validated instruments were used, including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain CatastrophizingScale (PCS), DN4 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Family APGAR score.Results: The prevalence of chronic pain in our population was 100%. All participants reported persistent pain following breast cancer surgery, without any other identified medical cause. The most common pain locations were the breast and ipsilateral upper limb. Pain interference was generally mild in both affective and activity domains. Most participants (88%) belonged to highly functional families. Higher pain intensity wassignificantly associated with a greater number of children and a history of dysthyroidism. Multivariate analysis identified body mass index, number of children, and number of lymph nodes removed as independent predictors of pain intensity. Higher pain intensity was also associated with increased anxiety levels.Conclusions: Chronic pain is highly prevalent among breast cancer survivors and is influenced by multiple factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessment and management strategies.
Introduction: Research analyzing COVID-19 CT imagery categorizes visual findings into three specific groups, the third of which is lung consolidation (LC).Objective: This study evaluates CT scans from RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases to define the digital signature of lung consolidation based on grayscale pixel intensity.Methods: By leveraging statistical analysis and modelization techniques, we implemented a dual-threshold filter in Python to achieve efficient CT image segmentation.Results:1- The pixel’s grayscale values of Covid-19 related lung consolidation are normally distributed2- The proposed filter successfully isolates the lung consolidation spotsConclusion: This study presents a novel statistical framework for identifying COVID-19 lung consolidation patterns in CT imagery. Given the observedvariability across different imaging hardware and geographic cohorts, further investigation is required to improve the model's generalizability.
Introduction : Les fractures de l'acétabulum représentent un défi majeur en traumatologie en raison de leur retentissement fonctionnel majeur. Le profil patient, clinico-radiologique et thérapeutique de cette entité est susceptible d’évoluer dans le temps. En Tunisie, les données sur ces fractures sont limitées.Objectif : Décrire les aspects épidémio-cliniques et thérapeutiques des fractures acétabulaires dans un centre de traumatologie.Méthodes : Une étude descriptive rétrospective, étendue sur 10 ans (Janvier 2014-Décembre 2023), a inclus des patients pris en charge pour unefracture acétabulaire dans un centre de traumatologie. Les données démographiques, cliniques, radiologiques et thérapeutiques ont été recueillies.Résultats : L’étude a inclus 297 patients. L’âge moyen était de 47,8 ans. Le genre-ratio était de 3,8. Les accidents de la voie publique étaient lemécanisme lésionnel prédominant (62%). Les fractures les plus fréquentes étaient celles de la paroi postérieure (21,9%), de la paroi antérieure(19,2%) et des deux-colonnes (9,8%). Une luxation de la hanche était présente dans 27,3%. Le traitement chirurgical était indiqué dans 35,4%. Une augmentation de l’incidence des fractures acétabulaires a été notée de 2014 à 2023 (23 à 40). Le recours au traitement chirurgical et à aux voiesd’abord antérieures a augmenté au fil des années (p<0,001 pour les deux).Conclusion : l’augmentation de l’incidence des fractures acétabulaires, la prédominance des accidents de la circulation et le recours croissant à une approche chirurgicale suggèrent l’importance d’élaborer des recommandations portant sur la prévention routière, le renforcement des capacitésd’accueil des centres de traumatologie et l’optimisation des moyens chirurgicaux.
