MEASUREMENT OF CORTISOL AND CORTISONE IN HUMAN SALIVA BY UPLC-MS/MS

Objective: To develop and validate a simple and rapid assay for simultaneous measurement of cortisol and cortisone in human saliva by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods: Chromatographic analysis was performed on an Atlantis dC18 column (2.1 x 100 mm, 3 µm) using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 2 mmol ammonium-acetate (50:50, v; v) that was delivered at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The eluents were monitored using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode set at transition set of mass-to-charge (m/z): 363.11 → 121.00, 361.18 → 163.11, and 367.19 → 121.24 for cortisol, cortisone and internal standard (IS), respectively the method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery, according to international guidelines. Results: The retention times of cortisol, cortisone and internal were about 1.38, 1.43 and 1.38 min, respectively. Cortisol level and cortisone level relationship to the ratio of their respective peak-area to IS’s peak-area was linear (range of 0.5-100 ng/ml). Coefficients of variation and inaccuracy were, ≤9.9% and-0.3 to 6.9 for cortisol and ≤8.4 and-1.5 to 4.8 for cortisone, respectively. Extraction recoveries for cortisol, cortisone, and the IS were 90%, 94%, and 98%, respectively. Cortisol and cortisone stability was evaluated in processed saliva samples (stored at room temperature for 24 h) and unprocessed saliva samples (stored at room temperature for 24 h or at-20 °C for 10 w) and after 3 freeze-thaw cycles was ≥ 86%. Conclusion: The proposed method is simple, precise, and accurate for the rapid simultaneous measurement of cortisol and cortisone levels in saliva. The assay was successfully applied to determine levels of cortisol and cortisone in human saliva samples obtained from healthy volunteers

Efecto del extracto de cáscara de granada tunecina sobre la estabilidad oxidativa del aceite de maíz en condiciones de calentamiento

The effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on the oxidative stability of corn oil during heating was studied. Oxidation was followed by determining peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), free fatty acid value (FFA), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes hydroperoxides (CT) and the calculated total oxidation value (TOTOX). Polyphenol (TPC) and ortho-diphenol (TOPC) contents as well as the antioxidant activity of each oil sample were evaluated before and after heating. PPE showed a significant inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation. Heating samples for 8 hours supplemented by PPE to a level of 1000 ppm resulted in the highest significant decreases in investigated indices compared to the control and BHT values. It was concluded that the antioxidant activity of PPE delayed oxidation and can be used in the food industry to prevent and reduce lipid deterioration in oil.Se estudió el efecto del extracto de cáscara de granada (ECG) sobre la estabilidad oxidativa del aceite de maíz durante condiciones de calentamiento. La oxidación se siguió mediante la determinación del índice de peróxido (IP), el índice de p-anisidina (p-AV), el índice de acidez (IA), los dienos conjugados (DC), los hidroperóxidos de trienos conjugados (TC) y el valor calculado de la oxidación total (TOTOX). Se evaluó el contenido de polifenoles totales (PT) y de orto-difenoles (o-DF), así como la actividad antioxidante de cada muestra de aceite, antes y después del calentamiento. El ECG mostró un efecto inhibidor significativo sobre la oxidación de lípidos. El calentamiento de las muestras, durante 8 horas suplementadas con ECG a un nivel de 1000 ppm, dio como resultado una significativa disminución de los índices investigados en relación con los valores de control y con BHT. Se concluyó que la actividad antioxidante de los ECG retrasó la oxidación y que se puede utilizar en la industria alimentaria para prevenir y reducir el deterioro de los lípidos del aceite

QUANTITATION OF AMLODIPINE IN HUMAN PLASMA BY LCMS/MS ASSAY

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Objective: To develop and validate a simple, precise, and rapid liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for quantification of amlodipine in human plasma.Methods: Chromatographic analysis was performed on Atlantis dC18 column (2.1 x 100 mm, 3 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 10 mM formic acid (80:20, v: v) that was delivered at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The eluents were monitored using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode set at transition 409 → 238.4 and 254.3 → 43.9 for amlodipine and tizanidine hydrochloride (IS), respectively. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery as per US-FDA guidelines.Results: The retention times of amlodipine and tizanidine (IS) were 1.26 and 1.22 respectively. The relationship between amlodipine concentration and peak height ratio of amlodipine to the IS was linear (R2³ 0.9868) in the range of 0.2–20 ng/ml, and the intra-and inter-day coefficient of variations and bias were ≤14.4% and ≤13.6% and ≤13.7% and ≤11.2%, respectively.Conclusion: The proposed method is simple, precise, and accurate for rapid measurement of amlodipine level using 0.5 ml human plasma. Further, the assay was successfully applied to determine amlodipine level in human plasma samples obtained from a healthy volunteer

L'atteinte du sinus caverneux dans le carcinome adenoïde systique

Introduction: Head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm, developing from salivary gland tissue. Cavernous sinus and skull base invasion by perinervous spread is a particular behavior of this tumor entity. We report two cases of cavernous sinus invasion.Cases report: The first one was originated in the parotid gland, invaded infratemporal fossa and extended to cavernous sinus through perineural infiltration along trigeminal nerve. Second case of ACC was developed in submandibular gland. An invasion of cavernous sinus was observed two years later despite a surgical resection with post operative  chemoradiotherapy.Discussion: ACC is characterized by locally aggressive invasion and a strong tendency to recur. Perineural spread extension is common in ACC, as a precursor of skull base invasion and cavernous sinus involvment along the mandibular, maxillary and facial nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting perineural spread. Surgical therapy is the choice treatment although complete resection is not possible in all cases due to the infiltration andperineural spread. So, radiation therapy is considered effective, and has been used successfully in ACC invading cavernous sinus. The place of chemotherapy has yet to be determinate. The prognosis of these extensive tumors is bad because high frequency of local recurrence and distant metastases.Key-words: adenoid cystic carcinoma, cavernous sinus, skull base, perineural invasion

Isokinetic muscle strengthening after acquired cerebral damage: A literature review

AbstractObjectiveIsokinetic strengthening is a rehabilitation technique rarely used in stroke patients. However, the potential benefits of force and endurance training in this population are strongly suspected.MethodThis literature review synthesizes the results of clinical trials on this topic. The research was conducted on PubMed, using “Stroke”, “rehabilitation”, “isokinetic”, “upper limb” and “training” as keywords.ResultsSeventeen studies focusing on the use of isokinetics in assessment or rehabilitation (six studies) following stroke were reviewed. For the lower limb, muscle strength and walking ability improved after isokinetic rehabilitation programs. For the upper limb, the only two studies found in the literature suggest improvement in the strength of the trained muscles, of grip force, of the Fugl-Meyer motor score and of global functional capacities. This review does not reveal any consensus on the protocols to be implemented: type of muscle contraction, velocities….ConclusionWhile isokinetic strengthening has not proven its efficiency in rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke, its interest with regard to rehabilitation of the lower limbs has been recognized. Randomized controlled trials in this field are necessary to confirm its efficiency, especially concerning upper arm rehabilitation

USE OF CHROMAGAR ORIENTATION FOR PRESEMPTIVE IDENTIFICATION OF ENTEROCOCCI AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF THE ISOLATES

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of CHROMagar Orientation for presumptive identification of enterococci from poultry, and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. Strains identification with conventional methods allowed confirmation of Enterococcus genus membership of all of the isolates on CHROMagar orientation (100%). Of the 141 enterococci isolates obtained from chicken, 81 (57.45%) were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and 60 (42.55%) as Enterococcus faecium. The antimicrobial susceptibility test presented high level of resistance to Tetracycline (89%) and Erythromycin (65%), low level of resistance to High Level of Streptomycin, Penicillin and Ciprofloxacin (13%, 10% and 9% respectively). Few of isolates were resistant to Chloramphenicol (2%). All the strains were susceptible to High Level of Gentamycin, Ampicillin, Vancomycin and Nitrofurantoin. The predominant phenotype of resistance pattern identified in both E.faecalis and E.faecium was (Erythromycin -Tetracycline)

La tuberculose extra-ganglionnaire de la sphere O.R.L.

La tuberculose extra ganglionnaire est une pathologie rare en ORL. Elle pourrait poser des problèmes diagnostiques surtout avec la pathologie tumorale. Nous rapportons 10 cas de localisations extra-ganglionnaires, colligés au service ORL de l\'hôpital Tahar Sfar de Mahdia entre 1988 et 2004. Il s\'agissait de 7 femmes et 3 hommes, âgés entre 19 et 77 ans (moyenne : 39 ans). La maladie a touché le cavum dans 3 cas, les glandes salivaires dans 3 cas, les amygdales palatines dans 2 cas et le larynx chez 2 patients. Le diagnostic était dans tous les cas histo-pathologique. Tous nos patients ont reçu un traitement anti-tuberculeux. L\'évolution était favorable avec un recul moyen de 11 mois. Conclusion : La tuberculose extra-ganglionnaire en ORL pose surtout des problèmes diagnostiques. Son diagnostic est le plus souvent histo-pathologique. Son traitement repose sur la himiothérapie anti-tuberculeuse. Extra-nodal tuberculosis is a rare in ENT practice. We report 10 cases of extra-ganglionic localizations of tuberculosis, treated in ENT department of the Tahar Sfar hospital of Mahdia between 1988 and 2004. They were 7 women and 3 men, aged between 19 and 77 years (average: 39 years) . The disease has touched the nasopharynx in 3 cases, the salivary glands in 3 cases, the tonsils in 2 cases and the larynx in 2 cases. The diagnosis was in all cases histo-pathological. All our patients received an anti-tubercular treatment. The evolution was favorable with 11 months average outcome. Conclusion: Extra-nodal tuberculosis in ENT poses especially diagnostic problems. Its treatment is based on anti-tubercular chemotherapy. Journal Tunisien d\'ORL et de chirurgie cervico-faciale Vol. 16 2006: pp. 36-3

On the global uniform stability analysis of non-autonomous dynamical systems: A survey

In this survey, we introduce the notion of stability of time varying nonlinear systems. In particular we investigate the notion of global practical exponential stability for non-autonomous systems. The proposed approach for stability analysis is based on the determination of the bounds of perturbations that characterize the asymptotic convergence of the solutions to a closed ball centered at the origin

Carcinome basocellulaire métatypique : a propos de deux cas

Introduction : : Le carcinome métatypique est une entité rare. Il touche essentiellement la région cervico-faciale chez un sujet de sexe masculin. Les auteurs étudieront, à travers deux observations, les caractéristiques cliniques et évolutives du cancer métatypique ainsi que les difficultés thérapeutiques. Observation 1 : Un homme âgé de 41 ans, a présenté un carcinome métatypique temporo-pariétal droit traité initialement par chirurgie. Cinq ans plus tard, il a été réopéré pour une récidive locale et ganglionnaire et a bénéficié ensuite d’une cobaltothérapie, stabilisant ainsi la maladie pendant 4 ans au bout desquels on a noté la survenue d’une deuxième récidive locale avec des métastases pulmonaires. Le malade est décédé, à 10 ans de recul, dans un tableau de pneumopathie diffuse avec septicémie sévère. Observation 2 : Un homme de 71 ans, a présenté un carcinome métatypique de la région rétro- auriculaire. Il a eu une exérèse tumorale avec des limites chirurgicales envahies. Il a présenté plusieurs récidives locales traitées par des exérèses larges jusqu’à une pétrectomie totale. Les limites chirurgicales étaient toujours tumorales. Une radiothérapie postopératoire a été réalisée pour chaque récidive. A 7 ans de recul, il a présenté une récidive locale envahissant l’angleponto-cérébelleux et le cerveau, jugée en dehors de toutes ressources thérapeutiques. Discussion : Le carcinome métatypique est caractérisé par son agressivité et sa tendance à la récidive. Son traitementest essentiellement chirurgical. Une large marge de sécurité lors de l’exérèse est indispensable. La radiothérapie est un traitement adjuvant, devenu incontournable vu le haut risque de récidive. Le rôle de la chimiothérapie n’est pas encore prouvé.

Facteurs predictifs de survenue de pharyngostome après laryngectomie totale

Objectif : Déterminer l’incidence de survenue de la fistule pharyngo-cutanée ou pharyngostome après laryngectomie totale ainsi que les facteurs prédisposants.Matériel et méthodes: C’est une étude rétrospective qui a porté sur 187 malades ayant eu une laryngectomie totale à notre département (Janvier 1985-Décembre 2007). Nous avons étudié les facteurs cliniques, histologiques, les modalités thérapeutiques ainsi que évolutives à la recherche de corrélation avec la survenue de pharyngostome après laryngectomie totale. -Résultats : Les pharyngostomes ont été observé dans14,4% des cas. La chimioradiothérapie préopératoire était significativement corrélée à l’apparition de pharyngostome (p=0,008). L’infection postopératoire est un facteur hautement significatif de survenue de pharyngostome (p=0,000). De même que l’hémorragie postopératoire (p=0,016), les troubles de ladéglutition (p=0,037), et les bronchopneumopathies (p=0,032). La rupture capsulaire lors d’un envahissement ganglionnaire était très  significativement corrélée à la survenue d’un pharyngostome (p = 0,001).Conclusion : en présence de facteurs de risque significatifs de  pharyngostome, cette complication peut ainsi être prévue même si sa prévention demeure encore difficile.Mots-clés : Pharyngostome, Laryngectomie totale, Incidence, facteurs prédisposants