NOBOX is a strong autosomal candidate gene in Tunisian patients with primary ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 1% of women before the age of 40. Genetic contribution is a significant component of POI. In this context, heterozygous mutations in NOBOX, BMP15 and GDF9 have been reported. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of these genes mutations in 125 unrelated Tunisian patients diagnosed with POI. The screening of NOBOX gene revealed three missense mutations (p.Arg117Trp; p.Gly91Trp and p.Pro619Leu) in eight patients. These mutations were not found in a 200 ethnically matched women without fertility problem. The sequencing of BMP15 and GDF9 gene revealed only previously reported variants. In contrast to previous studies, the prevalence of BMP15 variations is not higher than in the control population. Conversely, 6.4% of the cases present a NOBOX mutations; this high prevalence strengthens the consideration of NOBOX gene as strong autosomal candidate for POI.     

Alcohol Use and Associated Environmental Factors Among Middle and High School Students in Sfax (Tunisia)

Our objective was to investigate the prevalence and the environmental determinants of alcohol use among students in the region of Sfax in Tunisia. We carried out a cross-sectional study among 315 middle and high school students. We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to identify risky alcohol consumption, and we used the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) to assess the students’ perceptions of their parents’ parenting styles. The results show that 19.7% reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Among them, 21% scored as dependent alcohol users, according to the AUDIT. Those who drank alcohol at least once were more likely to have parents with a permissive parenting style (p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.287), and a father (p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.258), a mother (p = 0.025; Cramer’s V = 0.158), or a friend (p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.341) who drinks. Students perceiving their parents’ parenting style as permissive had the highest AUDIT score (p = 0.005; partial η² = 0.132). The authoritarian style score was significantly higher for students who were current alcohol users (p = 0.028; Cohen’s d = 0.57). Our study highlights the influence of peers, family drinking, and parenting styles on alcohol use among middle and high school students. Therefore, particular attention should be given to students that are at risk of having the abovementioned environmental determinants of alcohol use. And, prevention strategies should involve parents, as well as enhanced guidance and counseling for these students.

     

Influence of orthodontic appliance type on salivary parameters during treatment

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of orthodontic appliances on physicochemical, biochemical, and oxidative stress changes in salivary parameters during treatment.Materials and MethodsA cohort study was conducted with 112 healthy patients. Salivary samples were taken at baseline, 1 month, and 9 months after placement of the orthodontic appliances used in treatment.ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed in certain examined salivary parameters, including enzymes, electrolytes, and oxidative stress markers.ConclusionsThe use of aligners had a lower prevalence of disturbing salivary parameters. Orthodontist must consider these changes to prevent the occurrence of white spot lesions.     

Alteration of nociceptive integration in the spinal cord of a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Background : Pain is a major non motor symptom that contributes to impaired quality of life in PD. However, its mechanism is unknown. Objectives and Methods : We sought to identify the pain phenotypes and parallel changes in spinal integration of peripheral stimuli in a rat model of PD induced by lesions of SN dopamine neurons, using behavioral plantar and von Frey tests as well as electrophysiology of the dorsal horn. Results : We show that dopamine depletion by 6‐OHDA induced hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli. These abnormal behaviors were paralleled by increased neuronal responses and hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range neurons of lamina V of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in response to electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the 6‐OHDA model as compared to sham rats. Conclusions : These results provide evidence for alteration of nociceptive integration in the spinal dorsal horn neurons in 6‐OHDA rats that can reflect changes in pain behavior. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society