25 results
Impact of COVID 19 on sleep quality: a study of 154 patients
- N. Halouani, D. Gdoura, A. Guermazi, M. Turki, N. Moussa, S. Ellouze, J. Aloulou
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S786
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Introduction
In addition to psychological distress, neurological and neurocognitive manifestations, the COVID19 pandemic and its medium- and long-term consequences combine other risk factors to alter sleep.
ObjectivesTo screen for COVID19 sleep disorders and to identify epidemiological and clinical factors correlated with this disorder in post COVID19 patients.
MethodsThis is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from the 1rst of March to the 15th of May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID unit19 at the Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax Tunisia.
The sleep evaluation, made by telephone, was performed using the “Insomnia Severity Index” scale.
ResultsThe mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the study population.
In our study, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively.
The mean score of the sleep disorder severity index was 3.94 with extremes of score ranging from zero to 24. Thirty-six patients (23.4%) had insomnia, which was severe in 2.6% of patients.
We found a significant association between gender and sleep disorders. Thus, women were more likely to have insomnia.
A significant association was found between insomnia, anxiety-depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
No significant association was found between disease characteristics and sleep disorders.
ConclusionsIn post COVID, patients suffer from an important sleep disorder. Indeed, the management of these sleep disorders in post Covid-19 is essential to improve the quality of life of these people.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Neuropsychological effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents: A study of 37 cases
- A. Moussa, D. Brahim, N. Mechergui, H. Ziedi, W. Ayed, S. Ernez, I. Youssef, N. Ladhari
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S962
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Introduction
Occupational exposure to organic solvents can have multiple health effects for exposed employees.Neuropsychic effects represent an important part of these effects and have a significant impact on patients’ ability to work
Objectives- To describe the socio-professional and medical characteristics of workers exposed to organic solvents
- To screen among the study population for neuropsychological effects related to an organic psychosyndrome using the Q16 questionnaire.
MethodsA retrospective descriptive study of workers exposed to organic solvents, who were referred to the occupational medicine department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis for a medical assessment of their fitness for work over the period from 2016 to 2022. The socio-professional data were collected from the medical records. The Swedish Q16 questionnaire in its French version was used to screen for neuropsychological signs of organic psycho-syndrome.
ResultsA total of 37 workers were included. The mean age was 45.38 ± 8.63 years with a clear male predominance (77%). The mean occupational seniority was 21.39 ± 11.11 years. The average duration of the occupational exposure to organic solvents was 18.25 ± 11.29 years. The most represented sectors of activity were the plastics industry (11%), the automotive industry (19%), the carpentry sector (14%) and the aeronautics sector (9%). Our population was represented by polyvalent workers in 49% of cases and by painter in 24% of cases. Psychiatric history was noted in only one case. The main functional signs reported by the workers were wheezing dyspnea with breathing difficulties (13%) and headaches (11%).
The Q16 questionnaire was found to be positive in 65% of the cases, with a higher rate of positivity for the items relating to unusual fatigue (73%), irritability for no particular reason (67%), short memory (64%) and headaches (58%). Acquired dyschromatopsia detected by a Lanthony test was found in 39% of the cases, 23% of which was associated with a positive Q16 questionnaire. Additional exploration by specific psychotechnical tests was carried out in five cases, all of which came back positive with significant attentional and cognitive impairment.
A declaration of an occupational disease according to the Table n°23 (Halogenated derivatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons) and Table n°40 (other liquid organic solvents for professional use) of the Tunisian list of occupational diseases eligible for compensation was made in three and two cases respectively. A definitive exemption from exposure to organic solvents was indicated for all workers with a positive Q16 questionnaire.
ConclusionsExposure to organic solvents is a risk encountered in various occupational sectors. Thus, education of the employees to the dangers encountered with a reinforcement of the collective and individual technical protection means are essential in order to avoid their detrimental effects on health.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Assessment of the quality of life of workers exposed to organic solvents: Study of 33 cases
- H. Ziedi, D. Brahim, H. Ben Said, A. Moussa, W. Ayed, S. Ernez, I. Youssef, N. Ladhari
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S963-S964
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Introduction
Exposure to organic solvents (SO) is a significant occupational hazard in industrial settings. This can lead to neurobehavioural and physical effects that can affect the quality of life of workers
ObjectivesTo assess, using a validated questionnaire, the quality of life of workers exposed to SO.
MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the occupational medicine department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, which interested patients exposed to SO who had consulted for a medical opinion on fitness for duty during the period from January 1, 2017 to August 31, 2022. The data collection was carried out by a telephone call using the SF12 questionnaire. Socio-demographic and medical data were completed from medical records.
ResultsWe identified 51 workers exposed to OS. Thirty-three employees agreed to answer the SF12 questionnaire, for a response rate of 65%. The average age was 44 8 years with a clear male predominance of 75%. The most represented sectors of activity were the automobile industry (34%), followed by the leather and footwear industry (15%) and the plastics industry (12%). The jobs most exposed to SO were manual workers (54%) and painters (9%). The median occupational seniority was 15[10; 23] years. Comorbidities were observed in 72% of employees. The average physical composite score was 48%. The average mental composite score was 49%. The average overall score was 49%. Average quality of life (overall SF12 score above 50) was noted in 60% of the population. Moderate disability (overall SF12 score between 30 and 39) was found in 18% of respondents. Twenty-one percent of workers had a severe disability (overall SF12 score below 30).
ConclusionsIn addition to socio-professional conditions, exposure to SO may be implicated in altering the quality of life of exposed workers. This implies the need to strengthen preventive measures in order to preserve the mental and physical health of these workers.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Subjective memory disorders and psychological distress in post COVID 19
- N. Halouani, D. Gdoura, O. Bouattour, A. Chamseddine, N. Moussa, S. Ellouze, J. Aloulou
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S786
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Introduction
In addition to psychological distress in patients with COVID 19, neurological and neurocognitive manifestations, such as memory impairment, are increasingly reported. Screening for cognitive impairment is therefore crucial.
ObjectivesIdentify cognitive impairment inpost COVID19.
MethodsThis is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1 st March 15 th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital Sfax. The psychometric evaluation, done by telephone, was performed using the "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" for the screening of anxiety-depressive disorders, the "Impact of Event Scale-Revised" for the screening of post-traumatic stress disorder, the Insomnia Severity Index for the evaluation of sleep, the "The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire" scale and the Mac Nair questionnaire for the evaluation of subjective memory.
ResultsThe mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the population. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively. For the assessment of subjective memory, the mean total score of the PRMQ was 27.72 ± 7.71, with that of prospective and retrospective memory 15.41 ± 4.44 and 12.16 ± 3.73 respectively. According to the Mac Nair scale, 18.8% of patients had memory impairment (Mac Nair score >15). Anxious patients showed more memory impairment. Depressed patients had the most impaired scores for total memory (p= 0.03) and retrospective memory (p= 0.022). Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder had more memory impairment (p=0.021).
ConclusionsPsychological distress is multifactorial in its etiology. The medium and long term management of COVID+ patients must therefore be multidisciplinary.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The social stigma and psychological impact in post COVID 19
- N. Halouani, D. Gdoura, O. Bouattour, M. Turki, N. Moussa, S. Ellouze, J. Aloulou
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S786-S787
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Introduction
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19) is a contagious disease. Infected patients are not only the vectors of the disease but also often the victim of the social stigma attached to it.
ObjectivesTo assess the social stigma perceived by post-COVID19 patients.
MethodsThis is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1st March to 15th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax.
The anxiodepressive disorders were screened using the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale”. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.
Perceived stigma due to COVID19 was assessed by items from the psychometric tool: self-reported instrument measuring COVID19-related stigma.
ResultsThe mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years. Male patients represented 60.4% of the study population.
In our study, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was 24.7%, 11% and 13.6% respectively.
In our study, 21.4% of the participants felt discrimination and social stigma, especially from neighbors (18.2%).
Anxiety was statistically correlated with the presence of stigma related to COVID19.
We have a highly significant relationship between depression and stigma. (p=0.002)
No correlation was found between stigma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
ConclusionsIn addition to social stigma, people with COVID 19 may perceive themselves as different from normal in terms of physical or mental abilities, leading to a high likelihood of self-stigma and social isolation.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Post-traumatic stress disorder and post COVID 19 syndrome
- N. Halouani, D. Gdoura, N. Bouattour, M. Turki, N. Moussa, S. Ellouze, J. Aloulou
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S212-S213
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Introduction
Patients hospitalized in the case of COVID19 have had to face a complex and potentially very stressful situation. In this context a screening program for psychological distress in patients with COVID19 is necessary.
ObjectivesTo screen for post-traumatic stress disorder post COVID19 and to identify the epidemiological and clinical factors correlated with this disorder in post COVID19 patients.
MethodsA descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place during the period from 1st March to 15th May 2021 with 154 patients who were hospitalized at the COVID19 unit at Hedi Chaker Hospital Sfax.
We used a pre-established form to record sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data. The post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed by the “Impact of Event Scale-Revised”.
ResultsThe mean age was 66.62 ± 13.34 years with a male predominance of 60.4%. In our sample, 77.9% of the patients had a somatic history, of which hypertension was the most frequent pathology (46.1%). The average length of hospitalization was 9.5 days ± 6.3. The form was considered severe in 27.9 cases.
According to the IES-R scale, twenty-one patients (13.6%) had post-traumatic stress disorder, with a predominance of women (57.1%).
A significant association was found between marital status and post-traumatic stress disorder. Thus, married or widowed patients are more likely to develop PTSD.
In the present study, we did not find statistically significant associations between the clinical characteristics of the disease (severity of the disease, length of hospitalization, functional signs) and post-traumatic stress disorder.
ConclusionsPsychological support interventions in surviving patients of COVID 19 is necessary aiming to increase resilience, manage coping strategies and decrease the deleterious impact of the pandemic on mental health.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
22 - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- from Part IV - Statistical Approaches
- Edited by Austin Lee Nichols, Central European University, Vienna, John Edlund, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
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- Book:
- The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Published online:
- 25 May 2023
- Print publication:
- 08 June 2023, pp 468-493
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Summary
What are statistics and why do we need them? This chapter introduces descriptive statistics and then creates a bridge from describing data concisely to answering questions using hypothesis testing and inferential statistics. The chapter leads the reader to an understanding of how descriptive statistics summarize and communicate meaning, based on data, and how they underpin inferential statistics. Research study examples, figures, and tables throughout the chapter explain the topics addressed by applying the ideas discussed. The chapter begins with the basics of descriptive statistics – normal distributions, options for displaying frequencies, measures of central tendency and variability, and correlations. The transition to inferential statistics covers standardization and the z-score, sampling, confidence intervals, and basics of hypothesis testing including Type I and II errors. We then introduce inferential statistics using three methods – t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests.
Topcross pearl millet hybrids for Africa: A case study for Mali
- Moussa D. Sanogo, S. B. Coulibaly, Moussa Mariko, John R. Witcombe
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- Journal:
- Experimental Agriculture / Volume 58 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 August 2022, e31
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Single-cross pearl millet hybrids are widely grown in India, but this cultivar type has not been adopted in Africa. Hybrids from India have proven to be highly susceptible to downy mildew disease in Africa, the continent where the disease originated. We investigated an alternative strategy of growing topcross hybrids where both the parents are of African origin and both are only partially inbred. We investigated root characteristics – length, diameter, area, volume and dry weight – under drought stress and well-watered controlled conditions in genotypes that included potential parents of topcross hybrids. Several, including population Civarex 06_05, had better developed roots under drought while also having good roots under more favourable conditions. Some of these genotypes were backrossed to a male-sterile line based on the A4 cytoplasm to produce male-sterile populations with stable male sterility. Civarex 06_05 had good combining ability when used as a female parent and produced high-yielding topcross hybrids. Two of the topcross hybrids were on restorer populations Toroniou, originating from Mali, and Maiwa from Nigeria. On the experimental station and in farmers’ fields, one was much superior in yield to the best local alternatives and both had superior downy mildew resistance. Current efforts on the seed production of these topcross hybrids are described, and the constraints to the commercialisation in Mali of promising topcross hybrids are discussed.
Maternal cancer and autism spectrum disorder: Analytical cross-sectional study
- A. Daldoul, R. Ben Moussa, W. Krir, S. Bouslah, H. Kefi, S. Zaied, N. Gaddour
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 64 / Issue S1 / April 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 13 August 2021, p. S432
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Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cancer are two pathologies that appear to be different, but whose multifactorial determinism involves shared genetic and environmental factors.
ObjectivesThis study aimed to find an association between maternal cancer and ASD in children by comparing the frequencies of ASD between children of mothers followed for cancer and children of mothers free from cancer
MethodsWe recruited, between March and August 2018, women divided into 2 groups: G1; women followed for cancer at the oncology consultation of Monastir and Sousse (N1 = 100) and G2; women free from cancer (N2 = 101). We screened their offspring aged 18 months to 11 years for ASD using the C-AQ and the M-CHAT. We confirmed the diagnosis of ASD using ADI-R in children who tested positive.
ResultsNous avons examiné un total de 332 enfants. La fréquence des enfants atteints de TSA chez les mères G1 était de 5,4%, celle des enfants de mères G2 était de 1,2 avec une association significative entre cancer maternel et TSA (p = 0,035), qui est restée significative après analyse multivariée. (p = 0,001) D’autres facteurs que nous avons trouvés associés aux TSA dans notre population sont la présence d’une expérience stressante pendant la grossesse; exposition précoce avant l’âge de 2 ans à la télévision> 2 heures par jour; antécédents psychiatriques de la mère, du père et de la fratrie et dépression post-partum.
ConclusionsLe cancer maternel et les TSA semblent partager des mécanismes étiopathogènes communs
P01-311 - Alexithymia, Hypochondriasis and Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis
- K. Tournikioti, G. Moussas, P. Korkoliakou, C. Christodoulou, G.M. Gourgoulis, S. Tsiodras, S. Nika, P. Panagopoulos, H. Giamarellou, L. Lykouras
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 25 / Issue S1 / 2010
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 April 2020, 25-E519
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Objective
Chronic prostatitis has been long considered a psychosomatic illness, however the psychological profile of patients suffering from it, has not been fully elucidated yet. The present study aims to assess alexithymia, hypochondriasis and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis.
MethodsPatients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis at a tertiary care ID clinic were evaluated for the presence of alexithymia, hypochondriasis and obsessive compulsive symptoms using respectively the following psychometric tools: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Whiteley Index (WI) and Leyton Obsessional Inventory (LOI). Patients were categorized according to the NIH Consensus Classification System for Prostatitis Category and the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) was calculated.
Results57 patients (median age 40 yrs old; IQR 32-51.5 yrs) have been evaluated so far. Median CPSI score was 18 (IQR: 13-24). Median TAS score was 44 (39-57), median LOI score was 13 (10-15) and median WI score was 28 (22-38). An abnormal LOI score indicative of obsessive-compulsive features was noted in 58% of patients and an abnormal WI score indicative of hypochondriacal beliefs in 45%. CPSI strongly correlated with TAS score (r=0.57, p=0.007).
ConclusionHigh rates of alexithymia, obsessive compulsive symptoms and hypochondriasis are present in chronic prostatitis patients. Alexithymic features were strongly correlated with quality of life measures such as the CPSI. These findings necessitate further elucidation and suggest that patients with chronic prostatitis may need psychiatric counseling and therapy.
Alexithymia Association with Chronic Prostatitis
- G. Moussas, S. Tsiodras, G.-M. Gourgoulis, P. Panagopoulos, P. Korkoliakou, C. Christodoulou, S. Sympardi, A. Paraschakis, K. Fineti, H. Giamarellou, L. Lykouras
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 24 / Issue S1 / January 2009
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, 24-E987
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Background:
Chronic prostatitis has been long considered a psychosomatic illness, however the psychological profile of patients suffering from it, has not been fully elucidated yet.
Methods:Patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis at a tertiary care ID clinic are evaluated for the presence of alexithymia, with the use of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, as part of a prospective cohort. Patients were categorized according to the NIH Consensus Classification System for Prostatitis Category. Association of psychiatric symptoms with prostatitis category was performed.
Results:Preliminary results are reported for 30 patients (median age 43 years old; IQR= 36-52). According to the NIH Prostatitis Classification System patients were categorized as type II : 48.2%, type IIIa: 6.9 %, type IIIb: 38%, type IV: 6.9%. Median CPSI score was 16 (IQR: 11-25). Abnormal TAS score was noted in 72% of the population. Specifically, 90% had high scores in external orientation of emotions, 25% in identification of emotions and 38% showed reduced expression of emotions. It is of notice, that mean TAS scores were significantly higher in type IIIa prostatitis cases (p=0.002, ANOVA).
Conclusions:High rates of alexithymia were noted in prostatitis subjects especially in type IIIa cases. These findings need further prospective evaluation.
EPA-0507 - A Randomized Comparative Study Between the Short Term Outcome of Electroconvulsive Therapy Versus Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of a Group of Patients with Depression
- H. Fathy, M. Nasreldin, A. Abdel Latif, M. Besheer, S. Moussa, A. El Sheikh
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 29 / Issue S1 / 2014
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 15 April 2020, p. 1
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Background:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history in treating depression and its benefits are well known. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been introduced more recently to the treatment spectrum.
Aims:To test the equivalence of rTMS with ECT, and compare the neurocognitive side effects of both treatment modalities.
Methods:This is a randomized comparative study, forty patients with major depressive disorder referred for ECT were randomly assigned to either a 20 session course of r TMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or a standard course of ECT. The primary outcome measure was the score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HAM-D. Secondary outcome measures were cognitive battery that assessed different aspects of cognitive functions and a subjective mood visual analogue scale. The cognitive battery comprised the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, the Trail making test A and B, the Digit span subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
Results:ECT was more effective than rTMS in the short-term treatment of major depressive disorder as evident by HAM-D scores. rTMS was well tolerated with less impact on the cognitive functions compared to ECT. Level of improvement by ECT was correlated with older age, and severe baseline HAM-D symptoms, while the level of improvement by rTMS was correlated with more memory affection at the end of treatment.
Conclusions:ECT was more effective than rTMS in the short-term treatment of major depressive disorder regarding the overall mood symptoms. rTMS was well tolerated with less impact on the cognitive functions.
Quality of life in patients with asthma
- R. Ennaoui, M. Turki, N. Moussa, S. Sellami, N. Halouani, I. Gassara, N. Hamza, J. Aloulou, S. Kammoun, O. Amami
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 33 / Issue S1 / March 2016
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 March 2020, p. S377
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Introduction
Quality of life (QoL) is a complex concept that depends on many factors such as life style, past experiences, expectations, future plans and ambitions. It may be altered in patients suffering from chronic disease.
ObjectivesAssess QoL in patients with asthma as well as associated factors.
MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study, including 30 patients followed for asthma at pulmonary outpatient department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Asthma control level was evaluated by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). QoL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), that contains 36 questions grouped into 8 domains (D1: Physical Functioning, D2: Role limitations due to physical problems, D3: Bodily Pain, D4: General Health, D5: Vitality, D6: Social Functioning, D7: Role limitations due to emotional problems and D8: Mental Health).
ResultsThe mean age was 51 ans. The mean duration of disease was 11 years. The average ACT score was 16.8 points. Asthma was uncontrolled in 1/3 of patients. The mean of average overall scores SF-36 was 46.22. QoL was altered in 83.3% of patients. The most altered domains were D8 followed by D7then D4 and D2. The average overall score SF-36 was correlated to ACT score (P < 0.001), early age of onset of the disease (P = 0.049) and poor asthma control (P < 0.001). Altered QoL was associated to advanced age (P = 0.016), long duration of disease (P < 0.001) and low ACT score (P = 0.034).
ConclusionOptimum asthma and associated comorbidities support would improve control and therefore the patient's quality of life.
Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Alexithymia and asthma
- M. Turki, R. Naoui, N. Moussa, S. Sellami, I. Gassrara, N. Halouani, N. Hamza, J. Aloulou, S. Kammoun, O. Amami
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 33 / Issue S1 / March 2016
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 March 2020, pp. S145-S146
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Introduction
Alexithymia refers to difficulties in verbal expression of emotions, commonly observed in patients with psychosomatic symptoms. In this context, asthma is described as one of psychosomatic diseases.
ObjectivesIdentify clinical profile of asthmatic patients and assess the alexithymia level as well as associated factors.
MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study, including 30 patients followed for asthma at pulmonary outpatient department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, during September and October 2015. We collected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Asthma control level was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Alexithymia was measured using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS 20).
ResultsThe mean age was 51 ans. Sex-ratio F/M was 14. The mean duration of disease was 11 years. Long-term control medicines were: inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists and theophylline respectively in 86.7%, 33.3% and 26.7%. Two thirds of our patients had a bad therapeutic adherence. The average ACT score was 16.8 points. Asthma was uncontrolled in 1/3 and well controlled in 1/3 of cases. The average TAS 20 score was 64.8 points. Twenty percent of patients were non-alexithymic, 13.3% had a probable alexithymia and 66.7% were alexithymic. This score was positively correlated to bad asthma control (P < 0.001), long term evolution (P = 0.002) and use of inhaled corticoids (P < 0.001). It was inversely correlated to ACT score (P < 0.001).
ConclusionOur study shows the high prevalence of alexithymia in patients with asthma and its negative impact in asthma control. Psychological support aiming specifically alexithymic dimension in these patients is indispensable.
Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Investigation of structural and optical properties of biosynthesized Zincite (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) via an aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves
- S. K. Noukelag, H.E.A. Mohamed, B. Moussa, L.C. Razanamahandry, S.K.O. Ntwampe, C.J. Arendse, M. Maaza
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- Journal:
- MRS Advances / Volume 5 / Issue 45 / 2020
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 April 2020, pp. 2349-2358
- Print publication:
- 2020
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Biosynthesized Zincite nanoparticles have been successfully demonstrated by a completely green process mediated aqueous extract of rosemary leaves acting as both reducing and stabilizing agents and zinc nitrate hexahydrate as the precursor. The synthesis was free of solvents and surfactants to adhere to green chemistry principles and the impartation of environmental benignity. To achieve our objective, structural and optical investigations of ZnO annealed at 500°C for 2hrs were carried-out using complementary techniques. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed the self-assembled, highly agglomerated quasi-hexagonal shaped NPs and the average particle size was found to peak at 15.62 ± 0.22 nm. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) exhibited several diffraction rings with clear diffraction spots confirming their polycrystallinity and the purity of ZnO NPs with a wurtzite structure. Furthermore, the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) substantiated the presence of Zn and O in the sample and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) illustrated the Zn-O chemical bonds. From UV-Vis-NIR, the optical band gap was amounted to 3.2 eV and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum to 2.9eV with high surface defects and oxygen vacancies. Through these results, the use of rosemary leaves extract is hereby shown to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to synthesize Zincite nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).
Deficits in Social Cognition: An Unveiled Signature of Multiple Sclerosis
- Moussa A. Chalah, Samar S. Ayache
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 23 / Issue 3 / March 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 10 January 2017, pp. 266-286
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Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, representing the primary cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Cognitive dysfunction can affect patients at any time during the disease process and might alter the six core functional domains. Social cognition is a multi-component construct that includes the theory of mind, empathy and social perception of emotions from facial, bodily and vocal cues. Deficits in this cognitive faculty might have a drastic impact on interpersonal relationships and quality of life (QoL). Although exhaustive data exist for non-social cognitive functions in MS, only a little attention has been paid for social cognition. The objectives of the present work are to reappraise the definition and anatomy of social cognition and evaluate the integrity of this domain across MS studies. We will put special emphasis on neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies concerning social cognitive performance in MS. Methods:Studies were selected in conformity with PRISMA guidelines. We looked for computerized databases (PubMed, Medline, and Scopus) that index peer-reviewed journals to identify published reports in English and French languages that mention social cognition and multiple sclerosis, regardless of publication year. We combined keywords as follows: (facial emotion or facial expression or emotional facial expressions or theory of mind or social cognition or empathy or affective prosody) AND multiple sclerosis AND (MRI or functional MRI or positron emission tomography or functional imaging or structural imaging). We also scanned references from articles aiming to get additional relevant studies. Results: In total, 26 studies matched the abovementioned criteria (26 neuropsychological studies including five neuroimaging studies). Available data support the presence of social cognitive deficits even at early stages of MS. The increase in disease burden along with the “multiple disconnection syndrome” resulting from gray and white matters pathology might exceed the “threshold for cerebral tolerance” and can manifest as deficits in social cognition. Admitting the impact of the latter on patients’ social functioning, a thorough screening for such deficits is crucial to improving patients’ QoL. (JINS, 2017, 23, 266–286)
ON-ROAD VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION BASED ON RANDOM NEURAL NETWORK AND BAG-OF-VISUAL WORDS
- Khaled F. Hussain, Ghada S. Moussa
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- Journal:
- Probability in the Engineering and Informational Sciences / Volume 30 / Issue 3 / July 2016
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 May 2016, pp. 403-412
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- Article
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A large increase in the number and types of vehicles occurred due to the growth in population. This fact brings the need for efficient vehicle classification systems that can be used in traffic surveillance and intelligent transportation systems. In this study, a multi-type vehicle classification system based on Random Neural Networks (RNNs) and Bag-Of-Visual Words (BOVWs) is developed. A 10-fold cross-validation technique is used, with a large dataset, to assess the proposed approach. Moreover, the BOVW–RNN's classification performance is compared with LIVCS, a vehicle classification system based on RNNs. The results reveal that BOVW–RNN classification system produces more reliable and accurate classification results than LIVCS. The main contribution of this paper is that the developed system can serve as a framework for many vehicle classification systems.
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- By Frank Andrasik, Melissa R. Andrews, Ana Inés Ansaldo, Evangelos G. Antzoulatos, Lianhua Bai, Ellen Barrett, Linamara Battistella, Nicolas Bayle, Michael S. Beattie, Peter J. Beek, Serafin Beer, Heinrich Binder, Claire Bindschaedler, Sarah Blanton, Tasia Bobish, Michael L. Boninger, Joseph F. Bonner, Chadwick B. Boulay, Vanessa S. Boyce, Anna-Katharine Brem, Jacqueline C. Bresnahan, Floor E. Buma, Mary Bartlett Bunge, John H. Byrne, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Stefano F. Cappa, Diana D. Cardenas, Leeanne M. Carey, S. Thomas Carmichael, Glauco A. P. Caurin, Pablo Celnik, Kimberly M. Christian, Stephanie Clarke, Leonardo G. Cohen, Adriana B. Conforto, Rory A. Cooper, Rosemarie Cooper, Steven C. Cramer, Armin Curt, Mark D’Esposito, Matthew B. Dalva, Gavriel David, Brandon Delia, Wenbin Deng, Volker Dietz, Bruce H. Dobkin, Marco Domeniconi, Edith Durand, Tracey Vause Earland, Georg Ebersbach, Jonathan J. Evans, James W. Fawcett, Uri Feintuch, Toby A. Ferguson, Marie T. Filbin, Diasinou Fioravante, Itzhak Fischer, Agnes Floel, Herta Flor, Karim Fouad, Richard S. J. Frackowiak, Peter H. Gorman, Thomas W. Gould, Jean-Michel Gracies, Amparo Gutierrez, Kurt Haas, C.D. Hall, Hans-Peter Hartung, Zhigang He, Jordan Hecker, Susan J. Herdman, Seth Herman, Leigh R. Hochberg, Ahmet Höke, Fay B. Horak, Jared C. Horvath, Richard L. Huganir, Friedhelm C. Hummel, Beata Jarosiewicz, Frances E. Jensen, Michael Jöbges, Larry M. Jordan, Jon H. Kaas, Andres M. Kanner, Noomi Katz, Matthew S. Kayser, Annmarie Kelleher, Gerd Kempermann, Timothy E. Kennedy, Jürg Kesselring, Fary Khan, Rachel Kizony, Jeffery D. Kocsis, Boudewijn J. Kollen, Hubertus Köller, John W. Krakauer, Hermano I. Krebs, Gert Kwakkel, Bradley Lang, Catherine E. Lang, Helmar C. Lehmann, Angelo C. Lepore, Glenn S. Le Prell, Mindy F. Levin, Joel M. Levine, David A. Low, Marilyn MacKay-Lyons, Jeffrey D. Macklis, Margaret Mak, Francine Malouin, William C. Mann, Paul D. Marasco, Christopher J. Mathias, Laura McClure, Jan Mehrholz, Lorne M. Mendell, Robert H. Miller, Carol Milligan, Beth Mineo, Simon W. Moore, Jennifer Morgan, Charbel E-H. Moussa, Martin Munz, Randolph J. Nudo, Joseph J. Pancrazio, Theresa Pape, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Kristin M. Pearson-Fuhrhop, P. Hunter Peckham, Tamara L. Pelleshi, Catherine Verrier Piersol, Thomas Platz, Marcus Pohl, Dejan B. Popović, Andrew M. Poulos, Maulik Purohit, Hui-Xin Qi, Debbie Rand, Mahendra S. Rao, Josef P. Rauschecker, Aimee Reiss, Carol L. Richards, Keith M. Robinson, Melvyn Roerdink, John C. Rosenbek, Serge Rossignol, Edward S. Ruthazer, Arash Sahraie, Krishnankutty Sathian, Marc H. Schieber, Brian J. Schmidt, Michael E. Selzer, Mijail D. Serruya, Himanshu Sharma, Michael Shifman, Jerry Silver, Thomas Sinkjær, George M. Smith, Young-Jin Son, Tim Spencer, John D. Steeves, Oswald Steward, Sheela Stuart, Austin J. Sumner, Chin Lik Tan, Robert W. Teasell, Gareth Thomas, Aiko K. Thompson, Richard F. Thompson, Wesley J. Thompson, Erika Timar, Ceri T. Trevethan, Christopher Trimby, Gary R. Turner, Mark H. Tuszynski, Erna A. van Niekerk, Ricardo Viana, Difei Wang, Anthony B. Ward, Nick S. Ward, Stephen G. Waxman, Patrice L. Weiss, Jörg Wissel, Steven L. Wolf, Jonathan R. Wolpaw, Sharon Wood-Dauphinee, Ross D. Zafonte, Binhai Zheng, Richard D. Zorowitz
- Edited by Michael Selzer, Stephanie Clarke, Leonardo Cohen, Gert Kwakkel, Robert Miller, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
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- Book:
- Textbook of Neural Repair and Rehabilitation
- Published online:
- 05 May 2014
- Print publication:
- 24 April 2014, pp ix-xvi
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- By Frank Andrasik, Melissa R. Andrews, Ana Inés Ansaldo, Evangelos G. Antzoulatos, Lianhua Bai, Ellen Barrett, Linamara Battistella, Nicolas Bayle, Michael S. Beattie, Peter J. Beek, Serafin Beer, Heinrich Binder, Claire Bindschaedler, Sarah Blanton, Tasia Bobish, Michael L. Boninger, Joseph F. Bonner, Chadwick B. Boulay, Vanessa S. Boyce, Anna-Katharine Brem, Jacqueline C. Bresnahan, Floor E. Buma, Mary Bartlett Bunge, John H. Byrne, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Stefano F. Cappa, Diana D. Cardenas, Leeanne M. Carey, S. Thomas Carmichael, Glauco A. P. Caurin, Pablo Celnik, Kimberly M. Christian, Stephanie Clarke, Leonardo G. Cohen, Adriana B. Conforto, Rory A. Cooper, Rosemarie Cooper, Steven C. Cramer, Armin Curt, Mark D’Esposito, Matthew B. Dalva, Gavriel David, Brandon Delia, Wenbin Deng, Volker Dietz, Bruce H. Dobkin, Marco Domeniconi, Edith Durand, Tracey Vause Earland, Georg Ebersbach, Jonathan J. Evans, James W. Fawcett, Uri Feintuch, Toby A. Ferguson, Marie T. Filbin, Diasinou Fioravante, Itzhak Fischer, Agnes Floel, Herta Flor, Karim Fouad, Richard S. J. Frackowiak, Peter H. Gorman, Thomas W. Gould, Jean-Michel Gracies, Amparo Gutierrez, Kurt Haas, C.D. Hall, Hans-Peter Hartung, Zhigang He, Jordan Hecker, Susan J. Herdman, Seth Herman, Leigh R. Hochberg, Ahmet Höke, Fay B. Horak, Jared C. Horvath, Richard L. Huganir, Friedhelm C. Hummel, Beata Jarosiewicz, Frances E. Jensen, Michael Jöbges, Larry M. Jordan, Jon H. Kaas, Andres M. Kanner, Noomi Katz, Matthew S. Kayser, Annmarie Kelleher, Gerd Kempermann, Timothy E. Kennedy, Jürg Kesselring, Fary Khan, Rachel Kizony, Jeffery D. Kocsis, Boudewijn J. Kollen, Hubertus Köller, John W. Krakauer, Hermano I. Krebs, Gert Kwakkel, Bradley Lang, Catherine E. Lang, Helmar C. Lehmann, Angelo C. Lepore, Glenn S. Le Prell, Mindy F. Levin, Joel M. Levine, David A. Low, Marilyn MacKay-Lyons, Jeffrey D. Macklis, Margaret Mak, Francine Malouin, William C. Mann, Paul D. Marasco, Christopher J. Mathias, Laura McClure, Jan Mehrholz, Lorne M. Mendell, Robert H. Miller, Carol Milligan, Beth Mineo, Simon W. Moore, Jennifer Morgan, Charbel E-H. Moussa, Martin Munz, Randolph J. Nudo, Joseph J. Pancrazio, Theresa Pape, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Kristin M. Pearson-Fuhrhop, P. Hunter Peckham, Tamara L. Pelleshi, Catherine Verrier Piersol, Thomas Platz, Marcus Pohl, Dejan B. Popović, Andrew M. Poulos, Maulik Purohit, Hui-Xin Qi, Debbie Rand, Mahendra S. Rao, Josef P. Rauschecker, Aimee Reiss, Carol L. Richards, Keith M. Robinson, Melvyn Roerdink, John C. Rosenbek, Serge Rossignol, Edward S. Ruthazer, Arash Sahraie, Krishnankutty Sathian, Marc H. Schieber, Brian J. Schmidt, Michael E. Selzer, Mijail D. Serruya, Himanshu Sharma, Michael Shifman, Jerry Silver, Thomas Sinkjær, George M. Smith, Young-Jin Son, Tim Spencer, John D. Steeves, Oswald Steward, Sheela Stuart, Austin J. Sumner, Chin Lik Tan, Robert W. Teasell, Gareth Thomas, Aiko K. Thompson, Richard F. Thompson, Wesley J. Thompson, Erika Timar, Ceri T. Trevethan, Christopher Trimby, Gary R. Turner, Mark H. Tuszynski, Erna A. van Niekerk, Ricardo Viana, Difei Wang, Anthony B. Ward, Nick S. Ward, Stephen G. Waxman, Patrice L. Weiss, Jörg Wissel, Steven L. Wolf, Jonathan R. Wolpaw, Sharon Wood-Dauphinee, Ross D. Zafonte, Binhai Zheng, Richard D. Zorowitz
- Edited by Michael E. Selzer, Stephanie Clarke, Leonardo G. Cohen, Gert Kwakkel, Robert H. Miller, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
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- Book:
- Textbook of Neural Repair and Rehabilitation
- Published online:
- 05 June 2014
- Print publication:
- 24 April 2014, pp ix-xvi
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- By Ghazi Al-Rawas, Vazken Andréassian, Tianqi Ao, Stacey A. Archfield, Berit Arheimer, András Bárdossy, Trent Biggs, Günter Blöschl, Theresa Blume, Marco Borga, Helge Bormann, Gianluca Botter, Tom Brown, Donald H. Burn, Sean K. Carey, Attilio Castellarin, Francis Chiew, François Colin, Paulin Coulibaly, Armand Crabit, Barry Croke, Siegfried Demuth, Qingyun Duan, Giuliano Di Baldassarre, Thomas Dunne, Ying Fan, Xing Fang, Boris Gartsman, Alexander Gelfan, Mikhail Georgievski, Nick van de Giesen, David C. Goodrich, Hoshin V. Gupta, Khaled Haddad, David M. Hannah, H. A. P. Hapuarachchi, Hege Hisdal, Kamila Hlavčová, Markus Hrachowitz, Denis A. Hughes, Günter Humer, Ruud Hurkmans, Vito Iacobellis, Elena Ilyichyova, Hiroshi Ishidaira, Graham Jewitt, Shaofeng Jia, Jeffrey R. Kennedy, Anthony S. Kiem, Robert Kirnbauer, Thomas R. Kjeldsen, Jürgen Komma, Leonid M. Korytny, Charles N. Kroll, George Kuczera, Gregor Laaha, Henny A. J. van Lanen, Hjalmar Laudon, Jens Liebe, Shijun Lin, Göran Lindström, Suxia Liu, Jun Magome, Danny G. Marks, Dominic Mazvimavi, Jeffrey J. McDonnell, Brian L. McGlynn, Kevin J. McGuire, Neil McIntyre, Thomas A. McMahon, Ralf Merz, Robert A. Metcalfe, Alberto Montanari, David Morris, Roger Moussa, Lakshman Nandagiri, Thomas Nester, Taha B. M. J. Ouarda, Ludovic Oudin, Juraj Parajka, Charles S. Pearson, Murray C. Peel, Charles Perrin, John W. Pomeroy, David A. Post, Ataur Rahman, Liliang Ren, Magdalena Rogger, Dan Rosbjerg, José Luis Salinas, Jos Samuel, Eric Sauquet, Hubert H. G. Savenije, Takahiro Sayama, John C. Schaake, Kevin Shook, Murugesu Sivapalan, Jon Olav Skøien, Chris Soulsby, Christopher Spence, R. ‘Sri’ Srikanthan, Tammo S. Steenhuis, Jan Szolgay, Yasuto Tachikawa, Kuniyoshi Takeuchi, Lena M. Tallaksen, Dörthe Tetzlaff, Sally E. Thompson, Elena Toth, Peter A. Troch, Remko Uijlenhoet, Carl L. Unkrich, Alberto Viglione, Neil R. Viney, Richard M. Vogel, Thorsten Wagener, M. Todd Walter, Guoqiang Wang, Markus Weiler, Rolf Weingartner, Erwin Weinmann, Hessel Winsemius, Ross A. Woods, Dawen Yang, Chihiro Yoshimura, Andy Young, Gordon Young, Erwin Zehe, Yongqiang Zhang, Maichun C. Zhou
- Edited by Günter Blöschl, Technische Universität Wien, Austria, Murugesu Sivapalan, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Thorsten Wagener, University of Bristol, Alberto Viglione, Technische Universität Wien, Austria, Hubert Savenije, Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands
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- Book:
- Runoff Prediction in Ungauged Basins
- Published online:
- 05 April 2013
- Print publication:
- 18 April 2013, pp ix-xiv
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