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Background: Formaldehyde (FA) and oxytetracycline (OTC) arechemicals commonly used in aquaculture to prevent or to treat fish's diseases due to protozoa, parasites and bacteria. Aim: The goal of the present study is to assess liver injury and oxidative stress induced by exposure of sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L) to therapeutic doses of FA (200 mL.m-3) and OTC (40 g.m-3) under same conditions being applied in intensive aquaculture systems in Tunisia. Methods: Liver histopathological survey was achieved after 5 and 10 days of exposure to FA, OTC separately or mixed. In parallel, liver catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess oxidative stress. Results: Results showed that treatment with FA and OTC used alone or in combinations induced liver damage as measured by sinusoid dilatation, intensive vacuolisation, blood congestion, and focal necrosis. Significant elevation in catalyse activity and MDA levels were also observed in liver homogenates by the treatment (p≤005). Conclusion: Combined treatment induced higher effects suggesting the critical hazards associated to FA and OTC when released to the environment. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(2.000): 630-639]

Introduction Spinal cord injuries are known to have physical damage. They are often accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence, disorders of tenderness, neuropathic pain and motor deficits. Therefore they have a serious impact on physical, mental and social health. Objectives The objective of our work was to assess sexual function and quality of life in men with spinal cord injuries. Methods This is a cross-sectional study enrolling patients with spinal cord injuries followed at the physical medicine consultation and/or urology department of Sahloul teaching Hospital during the period from January 2016 to January 2018. Results This study enrolled 21 patients. Mean age was 45.62 ±15.79 years. Thirteen patients were married, and nine had a primary school level of education. Thirteen patients worked as building workers. The cause of the spinal cord injury was traffic accident in 12 cases. The overall IIEF 15 was 15.57±7.46. Thirteen patients had erectile dysfunction which was rated severe in five patients. The average MSQ was 27.52 ± 26.32 with 10 patients very dissatisfied. The overall SF-36 score was 31.71± 26.16. We found a statistical correlation between quality of life impairment and sexuality impairment in almost all dimensions and especially impairment of physical activity (r²=+0.783 p

Introduction Chronic renal failure is a public health issue. It leads to a degradation of physical integrity, hormonal disorders and a great psychological impact, which can lead to sexual disorders. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of sexual dysfunction in patients on dialysis and renal transplant patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in nephrology department of Sahloul teaching hospital (Sousse) and Fattouma Bourguiba teaching hospital (Monastir) over two-month period. Patients on dialysis and renal transplant patients were included. Sexuality was assessed by FSFI and IIEF 15 Results This study enrolled 137 patients (99 patients with chronic renal failure and 38 renal transplant patients). The incidence of erectile dysfunction of men on dialysis was 57% and was associated to a decrease in testosterone level (11%) and an increase in LH level (50%). Its main risk factors were age (p=0.000), the duration (p=0.009), the cardiovascular diseases (p=0.03), the anxiety (p=0.000), the depression (p=0.000) and the different aspects of erectile dysfunction (p=0.000. In women on dialysis, the most common sexual disorder noticed was sexual arousal disorder (78.8%). In the transplant, erectile dysfunction was found in 18.2% of transplant men and was associated to age was a predictive factor (p=0.03). In women, orgasm and desire disorders were the most common (69%). Renal transplantation improved erectile dysfunction in men with IIEF score rising from 14 to 27 (p=0.021). It also improved sexual life in women: increase of desire (p=0.042) and orgasm scores (p=0.034). Conclusions Sexual disorders remain common in patients on dialysis and with renal transplant. Their management requires a systematic screening to improve patients’ outcome Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction The current SARS cov 2 virus disease pandemic presents a threatening physical danger as well as its impact on mental health. It seems important to screen any patient who has experienced covid 19 for its psychological impact. Objectives Therefore the aim of our study was to highlight the impact of COVID-19 infection on mental health by screening them for depression Methods This is a cross-sectional, single-center study, conducted at the Sahloul Emergency Department, over a period of 5 months (January to May 2021). Patients are collected from a database of ouremergencydepartment COVID-19 unit.We included patients whose age is greater than or equal to 18 years old; who has been infected with SARS-COV-2 according to the results of the PCR test. All patients lost to follow-up, refusing to participate in this study, having a psychiatric illness or having taken a psychotropic medication before randomization or non-cooperating (unable to respond to the evaluation test) were excluded.A telephone follow-up was done after 30 days from admission to calculate the HAMILTON score after a positif HAD D scale. Results 200 patients were included. For the 20 patients (10%) with depressive symptomatology (doubtful and certain) according to the HAD D scale, their responses to the Hamilton scale were analysed in order to determine the severity of the depressive symptomatology. Note that 30% of patients had mild to moderate signs of depression and 70% had severe depression.The majority of patients in whom the presence of depressive symptoms was noted had an average age of 40 years; those who presented with severe depression had an average age of 51.3 years with a female majority of 72%. No difference was noted in relation to pathological history, half had been hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19(57%). Patients with severe depression symptom resolution lasted an average of 14 days. Conclusions According to the results of this study, interventions may be carried out to minimize the pandemic’s negative psychological consequences. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Prevention of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health interestand one of the concerns of any emergency physician. Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a herbal supplement in preventing the occurrence of PTSD in high-risk patients. Methods : It is a randomized, double-blind, prospective, interventional study including patients exposed to a traumatic event meeting DSM-V Criterion A and having a Peri-traumatic Distress Inventory score and/or Peri-traumatic Dissociative Experience Questionnaire (PDEQ) and/or immediate stress score (L.Crocq score) higher than the thresholds between day 1 and day 3. A total of two hundred patients were included and they were randomly assigned into two groups: Aleozen group and placebo group. Patients included in the aleozen group received Aleozen® for 10 days while patients in the placebo group received a Placebo. A CAPS-5 assessment was performed for all patients at different moments. The main objective was to assess the efficacy of Aleozen® after day 90 of exposure to traumatic events according to PTSD. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety of Aleozen® at 10 and 30 days after its administration and to assess PTSD in the involved population after one year. Results No statistical differences were noted between the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics, including age, sex, and ISS score. After day 90 of follow-up, and according to the CAPS-5 scale, 85 patients (42.5%) had PTSD. Concerning the primary endpoint, less PTSD was observed in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (38.8% versus 61.2%, respectively; p

Introduction Acute urinary retention (AUR) is known to have major impact on the quality of life and sexuality of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, little is known about specific approachs that could reduce this impact. Tadalafil, an efficient medication in uncomplicated BPH, may be also useful in serious complications, especially the AUR. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess the impact of Tadalafil on sexuality and quality of life in patients AUR related to BPH. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted in the Urology and Emergency Departments of Sahloul Teaching Hospital, between June 2020 and January 2022. Consenting men over the age of 45 who had an AUR complicating a BPH were included. Fifty three patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups: intervention group (n=29) in which patients received 5 mg/day of Tadalafil, and control group (n=24) in which patients received a comparable tablet of placebo. The evaluation focused on sexuality and quality of life. For theses purposes we used SF-36 short form and IIEF 15. Results Socio-demographic characteristics were comparable between both groups. Sexuality assessed by IIEF 15 was significantly better in the intervention group (p=0.02). The four SF-36 domains were also significantly improved by Tadalafil: “Physical Function” (p=0.046), “Pain” (p=0.01), “General Health” (p=0.029) and “Health change” (p=0.02). Conclusions Sexuality and quality of life could be improved by Tadalafil in complicated BPH. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) is the main goal of palliative care. It requires consensual management strategies and specific measures targeting modifiable factors that could affect the quality of life. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the quality of life of patients with metastatic prostate cancer in a limited resources country. Methods This is a retrospective and analytical study enrolling all patients with metastatic prostate cancer who were managed at medical oncology and urology consultations of two Tunisian teaching hospital. HRQL was measured using UCLA prostate cancer index and SF-36 SCALE. The influence of demographic and medical characteristics on HRQL was determined using t tests and analysis of variance, with Tukey’s correction for multiple comparisons. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine independent predictor Results This study enrolled 244 patients. The mean age was 72 years. The strongest determinants of overall HRQL after univariate analysis were: increased age (p = 0.006), lower income (p = 0.009), sexual function problems (p = 0.004), urinary function problems (p = 0.002) and symptoms such as pain (p = 0.001) and asthenia (p = 0.001). Conclusions Age, income, sexual and urinary functions are important determinants of HRQL in patients with metastatic prostate cancer that may require specific interventions. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

AbstractThis paper examines the potential of in-store vertical farming technologies in urban food retail as a solution to the increasing demand for fresh, locally sourced food. By enabling a “sell where you produce” model, vertical farming can reduce food miles, enhance traceability, and lower carbon emissions. The study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to analyze factors influencing the adoption of these technologies among food retailers in Rouen, France, with a particular focus on the role of risk aversion in shaping attitudes and decisions. The findings highlight that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are the key drivers of adoption intentions among retail store managers. However, perceived risks, such as high investments and operational costs, pose significant barriers, while social influence appears to have little impact on their decisions. The study underscores the importance of conducting economic evaluations and risk assessments of vertical farming practices to ensure their long-term viability. As vertical farming holds the potential to boost fresh food production in urban areas, reduce food miles, and create sustainable supply chains, it is crucial to carefully weigh its benefits and risks to support its successful adoption in urban food retail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Raoultella terrigena is a Gram-negative bacterium mainly reported as aquatic and soil organism. It is rarely involved in human infections. This study investigated the epidemiology of R. terrigena infections in the National Bone Marrow Transplant Center of Tunis (NBMTC) between January 2010 and March 2018, their associated antibiotics resistance patterns, and the molecular features of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study concerned hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) adult recipients hospitalized at the NBMTC and infected with R. terrigena. The search of the ESBL and carbapenemases genes for multidrug-resistant strains was performed by PCR amplification. Results: Twelve strains of R. terrigena were responsible for infections in 10 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (1.2% of total HSCT recipients). They were responsible for skin (n = 4) and urinary tract infections (n = 4). The first-line antibiotherapy was based on a monotherapy in one case and a dual therapy in eleven cases. Imipenem was the most prescribed antibiotic (n = 7/12). Mortality was attributable to R. terrigena infection in two over ten patients. Nine strains were producing ESBL. Five strains were resistant to ertapenem, two to imipenem, ten to ciprofloxacin, and five to amikacin. BlaCTX-M1, blaOXA-48, and blaKPC were found in seven, four, and one strains, respectively. Conclusion: Low prevalence of R. terrigena infections in HSCT recipients but high rates of attributable mortality and multidrug-resistant strains.

The interest in and enthusiasm for shifting food systems to community-based and local trajectories have increased exponentially over the past decade. Part of the appeal of community-based, local food systems is their potential to secure access to heal­thy food for local communities, expand sustainable farming practices, promote local food economies, and advance environmental and food justice. Inter­actions and collaborations within the spectrum of the food system’s stakeholders—from farmers to local officials and organizations to local businesses and residents—are the cornerstone for effective food systems tailored to their community’s needs. An increasing number of food system studies have applied stakeholder assessment approaches to map out complex situations among multiple stakeholder groups with different values and viewpoints regard­ing food system change. However, despite being an essential and influential political unit to target, counties have received very little attention in food system studies, as researchers and practitioners often focus on the federal and state levels of inter­vention to design food policies. This study examined the food system in Will County, Illinois, by applying the advocacy coalition framework and using a qualitative, semi-structured survey to engage a diverse set of stakeholders. The answers to the survey questions offered insights into three overlapping and divergent Will County stakeholder viewpoints (Pragmatic, Environmental and Food Justice Advocate, and Visionary), with the intent of informing and enacting food system transformation at the county level. The discussion within this paper focuses on coalition-building and collaboration between formal and informal groups to empower local communities to develop a dis­tinctive food system identity that promotes com­munity support, collaborative networks, and food justice at the county level.

ABSTRACT Purpose Penile skin flap uretroplasty is a useful technique for a long urethral stricture due to the ample length and surgical handling characteristics. We investigated the surgical technique and initial results of uretroplasty for anterior urethral strictures using a dorsal penile skin flap. Patients and methods From January 2003 to January 2018, a total of 77 patients underwent substitution urethroplasty using dorsal penile skin flap for bulbar urethral strictures in our institution. All patients were assessed preoperatively, and followed postoperatively by physical examination, urinalysis, retrograde and voiding urethrography, uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine measurement. Success was defined as no requirement of additional urethral instrumentation. Results The mean age was 45 years (10-87). The mean stricture length was 5cm (3-10cm). The mean flap length was 6cm. Urinary fistula was the most common postoperative complication. The mean follow-up was 60 months (6-120). The overall success rate was 88%. Recurrent strictures were found in 4 patients (5%) at 1 year. At 3 year follow-up, 5 (7%) more patients had recurrences. All recurrences were managed by internal urethrotomy. Conclusions Substitution urethroplasty using penile skin flap appear to be a safe and efficient technique for the treatment of a long and complex anterior urethral stricture. It provides encouraging cosmetic and functional results.