Synthesis and comparative study of the structural and optical properties of binary ZnO-based composites for environmental applications.

The development of photoactive systems to solve serious environmental problems is a key objective of researchers and remains a real challenge. Herein, n-p heterojunction ZnO-based composites were developed to achieve better photocatalytic performance in methylene blue (MB) degradation under natural solar irradiation. The hydrothermal technique was used to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO)/metal oxide (MO) composites, with a molar ratio of 1 : 1 (MO = Mn3O4; Fe3O4; CuO; NiO). Various characterization techniques were used for the analysis of the structural, morphological and optical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy analysis (DRS), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy analysis (DRS) validated the presence of two phases for each sample, excluding any impurities. Indeed, the ZnO structure was not affected by the coupling with MO, confirming that MO was well dispersed on the surface of the ZnO crystalline lattice for each composite. Eventually, the photocatalytic performance evaluation test of the synthesized photocatalysts was carried out on aqueous MB solution. According to the results, the ZnO/Fe3O4 nano-catalyst showed the best photodegradation efficiency. This result suggests that the formation of Fe3O4/ZnO as a p/n heterojunction reduces the recombination of photo-generated electron/hole pairs and broadens the solar spectral response range, resulting in significant photocatalytic efficiency. Meanwhile, the possible mechanism for degradation of the MB was discussed.

[General practitioners' management of childhood asthma in Sfax, Tunisia]. / Prise en charge de l'asthme de l'enfant par le médecin de première ligne au Gouvernorat de Sfax, Tunisie.

AIMS: To study primary care physicians' attitudes toward childhood asthma management and their adherence to international guidelines. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey conducted among 400 primary care physicians practicing in the governorate of Sfax. Data collection was done through a self-administered questionnaire with 36 questions. RESULTS: the participation rate was 53.75%. The average age was 49.72years and the sex ratio=1.52. 56.3% reported that they assisted in childhood asthma medical education between 2019 and 2020. Poor knowledge was found in 53.3% of practitioners. It concerns in 60.5% of cases the long-term asthma treatment. We found that 49.8% of doctors did not use the GINA guidelines in their daily practice. These guidelines were considered too complex by 45.8%. Oral salbutamol was prescribed by 10.2% of physicians in childhood asthma exacerbation and 64.2% antibiotics as therapy for childhood febrile asthma exacerbation. The practice of prescribing antihistamines as long-term therapy is still present in 28.8% of physicians. In front of exercise-induced asthma, sports exemptions were given by 33% of participants. Adherence to asthma guidelines was found in 34,41%. Physicians who are aged between 35 and 45years and who used GINA guidelines had better childhood asthma management score than other physicians. CONCLUSION: Despite guidelines, childhood asthma is still underdiagnosis and undertreated. Our study revealed difficulties faced by primary care physicians in the management of childhood asthma.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity against crystal violet dye of Co and In doped ZnO thin films grown on PEI flexible substrate under UV and sunlight irradiations.

This work is focused on the photocatalytic activities of undoped ZnO, Co (1%) doped ZnO (CZO) and In (1%) doped ZnO (IZO) thin films grown on flexible PEI (Polyetherimide) substrate by spray pyrolysis. The photodegradation of crystal violet dye was investigated under UV and sunlight irradiations. Doping and excitation energy effects on photocatalytic efficiencies are discussed. All ZnO thin films show high photocatalytic efficiency up to 80% under either UV or sunlight irradiations for 210 min. However, CZO has the higher photocatalytic performance under UV irradiation. While, the photodegradation efficiency of IZO was enhanced under sunlight irradiation due to the narrowing of its optical gap. These results are discussed based on structural, morphological and optical investigations. The photocatalytic stability of ZnO films was studied as well. So, after three photocatalysis cycles, all ZnO thin films still effective. The obtained results are promising for the use of doped ZnO/PEI as talented photocatalysts for applications in large surfaces with various geometries for photodegradation of hazardous pollutants.

Fulminant mulch pneumonitis in a previously healthy child.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is associated with multiple and recurrent infections. In patients with CGD, invasive pulmonary infection with aspergillus species remains the greatest cause of mortality. Acute fulminant presentations of fungal pneumonia are catastrophic. It is a medical emergency, and currently the treatment is based on association of corticosteroids and antifungal therapy. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy, with late initial presentation of CGD, which was revealed by fulminant aspergillus pneumonia. He was successfully treated with an association of high doses of steroids and voriconazole.

Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus and activating mutation in the KCNJ11 gene in two siblings.

Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus is a rare disease usually associated with chromosome 6 abnormalities. Mutations of the genes encoding the potassium channel are rarely associated with these transitional forms. Herein, we report the clinical features of two siblings with a heterozygous mutation C679 G>A in the KCNJ11 gene.

Familial haemophagocytosis lymphohisticytosis type 3: A case report.

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of immune regulation. Here, we report on a fatal case of type 3 FHL (FHL3) in a 45-day-old boy. Clinically, the infant presented with fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Biology showed pancytopenia, elevated ferritin, and decreased fibrinogen. Images of hemophagocytosis were found at the bone morrow examination. The diagnosis of FHL type 3 was made by the identification of homozygous mutation in the Munc13-4 gene (UNC13D) located in exon 20: 1822 del 12bp (V608fs). This mutation was previously observed in a Tunisian and in Moroccan families.

Macrophagic activation syndrome related to an infection by Rickettsia conorii in a child.

Since the Arab Spring, a resurgence of zoonotic diseases such as rickettsiosis, endemic in the Mediterranean basin, has been observed. It preferentially infects microvascular endothelial cells of mammalian hosts inducing vasculitis with endothelial injury. Rickettsioses are considered benign infectious diseases. Severe systemic manifestations have been reported and are often explained by a delay in diagnosis. We present a case of hemophagocytic syndrome occurring in a 4-year-old Libyan girl as a complication of Mediterranean spotted fever. Rickettsial infection was confirmed by serology and the patient was treated with clarithromycin, with a favorable outcome.

Chylomicron retention disease: A rare cause of chronic diarrhea.

Chylomicron retention disease (CRD) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary hypocholesterolemic disorder. The disease most frequently presents in infants and is characterized by a lipid malabsorption syndrome with steatorrhea, chronic diarrhea, and growth retardation. The disease is characterized by normal fasting serum triglyceride levels combined with the absence of apolipoprotein (apo) B48 and chylomicrons after a fat load. In this report, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and histological data as well as the molecular DNA analysis of a 12-month-old girl from Tunisia with CRD. The patient was treated with a low-fat diet and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation resulting in significant improvement.

[Unilateral to bilateral pleurisy: Pleural tuberculosis?]. / Pleurésie à bascule : est-ce une tuberculose ?

Pleural tuberculosis is the first or second most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis as well as the main cause of pleural effusion in many countries. It is rare in young infants and is more common in children over 10 years of age. We report the case of a 19-month-old girl admitted for prolonged fever with unilateral pleural effusion. The mother reported a history of lymph node tuberculosis 6 years previously. Intravenous antibiotics with cefotaxime and vancomycin were started. Thoracocentesis yielded a serosanguinous exudate fluid with a lymphocyte predominance. The tuberculin skin test and PCR GeneXpert(©) on pleural fluid were negative. The initial outcome was favorable, but the chest X-rays 10 days after discharge showed bilateral pleural effusion. Pleural biopsy was proposed but the culture of pleural fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The child was put under standard treatment for tuberculosis. The outcome was favorable.

Management of cholestatic pruritus in children with Alagille syndrome: Case report and literature review.

Alagille syndrome causes intractable pruritus and disfiguring xanthomas because of retained bile acids and cholesterol. Drug therapy in addition to surgical intervention may be effective in many patients in reducing serum bile acids, cholesterol levels, pruritus, and skin xanthomas. In this report, we describe a child with Alagille syndrome who presented with severe pruritus and xanthomas as a consequence of severe hypercholesterolemia and discuss the treatment modalities.

Unusual intraatrial thrombus in a neonate with coarctation of the aorta.

Left atrial thrombus in neonates is uncommon. We describe a newborn with coarctation of the aorta, in whom a thrombus confined to the left appendage was discovered on the first day of life and was thought to be a myxoma.

[Neonatal renal candidiasis: a case report]. / Candidose rénale chez le nouveau-né : à propos d'une observation.

UNLABELLED: Neonatal renal candidiasis is an increasingly common condition affecting predominantly premature infants receiving neonatal intensive care or term infants with urogenital tract anomalies. CASE REPORT: a female infant was born by cesarian section at 30 weeks' gestation to a mother whose pregnancy had been complicated by rupture of membranes for 5 days. The infant was admitted at birth, maternofetal bacterial infection was suspected, and intravenous antibiotics were prescribed. The patient developed sepsis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae at the age of 13 days. She was referred to our hospital at the age of 50 days because of renal abscess. At admission, the baby presented with hypothermia and abdominal distention. Renal ultrasonography findings were compatible with fungal disease. Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were negative for fungi; however, galactomannan antigen blood levels were increased. Amphotericin B was administered for 6 weeks. End-organ evaluation of the heart, brain, and eyes did not demonstrate disseminated infection. The patient was discharged with a prescription for oral fluconazole and remained well at follow-up.

Cloud point extraction of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol from cannabis resin.

A cloud point extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV) method was developed for the determination of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in micellar phase. The nonionic surfactant "Dowfax 20B102" was used to extract and pre-concentrate THC from cannabis resin, prior to its determination with a HPLC-UV system (diode array detector) with isocratic elution. The parameters and variables affecting the extraction were investigated. Under optimum conditions (1 wt.% Dowfax 20B102, 1 wt.% Na2SO4, T = 318 K, t = 30 min), this method yielded a quite satisfactory recovery rate (~81 %). The limit of detection was 0.04 µg mL(-1), and the relative standard deviation was less than 2 %. Compared with conventional solid-liquid extraction, this new method avoids the use of volatile organic solvents, therefore is environmentally safer.

[Use of recombinant factor VII in Glanzmann thrombasthenia: a case report]. / Intérêt du facteur VII recombinant dans la thrombasthénie de Glanzmann: à propos d'une observation.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (TG) is a congenital platelet function disorder characterized by frequent and occasionally severe bleeding events. Treatment is based on platelet transfusion at the time of bleeding. We report a case of GT revealed in the neonatal period, a severe hemorrhagic syndrome refractory to transfusions, treated at the age of 6 years. Activated recombinant factor VII (Novoseven) injections were necessary. The advantages of recombinant activated factor VII in GT patients with platelet antibodies and/or platelet transfusions refractoriness are discussed.

Acute effects of benzo[a]pyrene on digestive gland enzymatic biomarkers and DNA damage on mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

In the present study, mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) digestive gland biotransformation and detoxification responses to acute exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) were investigated. Mussels were exposed to a sublethal dose of B[a]P (75 nM; 19 microg/l per animal) for 24, 48 and 72h. The following biological responses were measured in the digestive gland tissues: (1) B[a]P hydroxylase (BPH) activity, as phase I biotransformation parameter; (2) glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity as a phase II conjugation enzyme, (3) catalase (CAT) activity as potential biomarker of oxidative stress, (4) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as an indication of possible neurotoxicity response. DNA damage was assessed over time using the single cell gel electrophoresis comet assay and the micronuclei test. BPH and GST activities showed an increasing trend over exposure period. CAT activity showed a symmetrical bell shape response with a maximum at 48h. AChE activity was significantly depressed after 48 and 72h exposure to B[a]P. Comet assay and micronuclei test in digestive gland cells suggest that B[a]P exposure induced significant DNA damage with a maximum response after 72h exposure.

[Inappropriate low glycated hemoglobin and hemolysis]. / L'hémolyse : une cause d'erreur dans l'interprétation de l'hémoglobine glycosylée.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), measured regularly in the patients with diabetes, is the major form of stable glycated hemoglobin and has to be maintained below 6.5% to prevent or decrease the risk of chronic complications. HbA1c reflects mean blood glucose levels of the previous 3 months. We report the case of a particularly low HbA1c in a diabetic patient despite high plasma glucose levels, that was induced by auto-immune hemolysis related to an Evans syndrome. All hemolytic disorders can be responsible for falsely reassuring HbA1c values. Clinicians must be aware that hematologic status has to be considered for the correct interpretation of HbA1c results.

Sensitive immunodetection through impedance measurements onto gold functionalized electrodes.

This article deals with a direct electrochemical method of detecting antigens using new methods of functionalization of gold electrodes. Based on the reacting ability of gold with sulfhydryl groups, three protocols for the fixation of antibodies have been explored. They are based on either the self-assembling properties of functional thiols bearing long alkyl chains or the possibility of a direct coupling of antibody moieties. Coverage rates as high as 97% can be reached. The analysis of the electrochemical impedance behavior of such layers can lead to a sensitive method for the direct detection of the antibody/antigen interaction. The addition of a redox couple in the tested solution, acting as an amplifier, allowed detection limits for the antigens as low as a few picograms/milliliter to be reached.

Effect of estradiol and tamoxifen on brain membranes: investigation by infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Nongenomic effects of steroids on rat brain neurotransmitter transporters and receptors have been reported in several laboratories. In the present study, we have investigated possible membrane effects of 17alpha- and 17beta-estradiol, as well as tamoxifen, by studying their interactions with synthetic phospholipid membranes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We have also used the fluidity of rat striatal and frontal cortex membranes, as determined by fluorescence depolarization of the probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), to probe the effects of these drugs on membranes. Our results show that tamoxifen induces conformational disorder along the acyl chains of deuterated dimirystoylphosphatidylcholine and decreases the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature by approximately 10 degrees C. Similar effects, although less pronounced, were observed with 17beta-estradiol, whereas 17alpha-estradiol had no significant effect. The DPH fluorescence anisotropy of striatum and frontal cortex membranes was decreased in vitro with 17beta-estradiol or tamoxifen and also with 17alpha-estradiol, but to a lesser extent. These results suggest a stereospecific estradiol effect on membranes and that the effects of these compounds are not related to their activity on estrogen receptors. These observations support a different mechanism of action of steroids that could be implicated in their neuroprotective activity.

Association of bronchial and pharyngo-laryngeal malignancies. A reappraisal.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate operative risk and probability for survival patients with a history of upper aerodigestive cancer, who underwent thoracotomy for presumed primary bronchogenic cancer. Our hypothesis was to consider any isolated lung opacity as a primary bronchogenic cancer. METHODS: The cohort under investigation included 114 consecutive patients. Histology of bronchial cancer was squamous cell carcinoma in 98 patients (86%), adenocarcinoma in 14 (12%) and large cell carcinoma in 2 (2%). Exploratory thoracotomy was performed in 5 patients (4%); the remaining 109 patients underwent a potentially curative resection, including 25 pneumonectomies (22%) and 84 conservative resections (74%). Pathological staging was as follows: 66 stage I (58%), 20 II (17.5%), 20 IIIa (17.5%), 6 stage IIIb (5%), and 2 stage IV (2%). RESULTS: Four patients died post-operatively (3.5%). Non-fatal morbidity concerned 32 patients (28.1%) and was dominated by respiratory superinfections. Incidence of respiratory infections was increased after voice-sparing resections (chi 2 = 4.311, P < 0.05), and more particularly after transmaxillary buccopharyngectomy (chi 2 = 12.224; P < 0.01). Estimated 5-year survival was 28.7% (33.3% in stage I, 19.2% in stage II, and 30.2% in stage III). There was no difference in survival with reference to the location of head and neck cancer (chi 2 = 3.412; 0.05 < P < 0.1) or chronology (chi 2 = 0.005; P > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that isolated lung opacities in patients with previous or simultaneous head and neck cancer are most likely primary bronchogenic cancers. The acceptable operative mortality legitimizes surgical treatment despite an impaired 5-year survival; patients with a previous voice-sparing operation are at increased risk for respiratory complications and should be managed carefully.