The effects of delayed annealing on the luminescent activity of heavy metal cadmium zinc phosphate glasses activated by: Er3+ and Tb3+ ions.

The luminescent spectra of the RE2O3-doped P2O5-CdO-ZnO glasses (RE = Er, and Tb) were investigated to separate the effects of two studied rare-earth elements and the annealing regime on the emission performance of the prepared glasses. The glasses undergo a series of collective measurements including UV-visible absorption, luminescence, thermal expansion, XRD, TEM, and FTIR. The optical UV-visible spectra of the two doped glasses reveal a UV band due to undoped glass beside and extra extended 11 peaks with the Er3+ ions with high distinct features while the Tb3+ ions samples exhibit peaks within the visible region. These peaks are correlated with transitions from the ground state in each case to specific energy transitions. The overall optical data indicate that the two rare earth ions are present in a stable trivalent state. Under UV excitation, both Er3+ and Tb3+ emit a characteristic green light corresponding to 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 5D4 → 7F5 transitions, respectively. The performance of the green light was identified to be enhanced by increasing the concentration of rare earth and the effect of annealing temperature. Moreover, the intensity of the infrared emission of Er3+ at 1532 nm corresponds to the (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) transition which is assumed to be developed with the effect of heating. The resultant IR spectra show distinct vibrational peaks due to phosphate groups that undergo only minor modifications when doped with rare earth elements or over-annealed.

Lymphatic spread in an immunocompetent adult.

Cutaneous tuberculosis with lymphatic spread is rarely described. We report the case of a woman aged 38, immunocompetent, working in a fruit sorting center, who consulted us for ulceration of the left third finger that had persisted for four months, following a prick from a prickly pear. Physical examination revealed a nodular, erythematous, and ulcerative lesion of the left third finger, associated with inflammatory subcutaneous nodules arranged in a line along the ipsilateral upper extremity and an ipsilateral axillary lymph node. Laboratory tests and chest X-ray were normal. Pathological examination revealed granulomatous chronic inflammation without necrosis. PCR detected DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. No extracutaneous tuberculosis locations were detected. A tuberculous chancre by direct inoculation was therefore diagnosed. The patient received quadruple therapy (rifampicin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol) for 2 months, followed by a combination therapy based on isoniazid and rifampicin for 6 months. Marked regression of the cutaneous lesions occurred after 1 month of first-line therapy. A tuberculous chancre is a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis, with possible lymphatic spread, in immunocompromised patients but also in immunocompetent children and young adults.

[Analysis of severe Legionellosis hospitalized in intensive care units in Tunisia]. / Analyse des cas de légionellose grave hospitalisés dans les services de réanimation en Tunisie.

This study is the first one that describes the situation of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in Tunisia, with its clinical and epidemiological characteristics and investigates the risk factors associated with Legionella infections in our country. We conducted a retrospective multicentric study during 5 years (2008-2012) concerning all confirmed LD cases in Tunisia and we investigated risk factors for infection. The total of confirmed LD cases was 14. Incidence was 0.03. Mean age: 53.1, sex ratio (M/F): 2.6. Summer-autumnal peak was noted. Risk factors for infection were: the great humidity at home (n=4), living in community (n=3) and practice ablutions (before prayer) in public places (n=4). Community acquired legionellosis (n=9) and nosocomial (n=2). Pulmonary symptoms (n=11)+/-gastrointestinal (n=6) and/or neurological signs (n=4). Beta lactams therapy failed (n=11). CXR showed bilateral lesions (n=6). Abnormalities in laboratory values were noted: hyponatremia (n=9), high CPK levels (n=9). Diagnosis was confirmed by positive urinary Legionella antigens test (n=10) and by direct immunofluorescence (n=1). Treatment was based on bitherapy (n=10). Five patients died. The incidence of LD appears lower than other countries. Some risk factors, as ablutions, are different from that reported in Western countries and seem to be specific to our society. Given the seriousness of its consequences, it is strongly recommended to improve the national surveillance system up and register LD as notifiable disease.

Magnetic glass ceramics for sustained 5-fluorouracil delivery: characterization and evaluation of drug release kinetics.

In the present study, magnetic glass ceramics in the system Fe2O3 ∙ TiO2 ∙ P2O5 ∙ SiO2 ∙ MO (M=Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn or Ce) are prepared. The effect of adding different cations on the thermal behavior, developed phases, microstructure and magnetic properties is studied using differental thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FT-infrared transmission (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) respectively. The magnetic glass ceramics are tested as delivery systems for 5-fluorouracil. Modeling and analysis of release kinetics are addressed. The application of Higuchi square root of time model and the first order release model indicated that, 5-FU is released by diffusion controlled mechanisms, and that its released rate depends greatly on the concentration of loaded drug during the loading stage. The obtained results suggested that, the prepared magnetic glass ceramics can be used for cancer treatment by hyperthermia and/or by localized delivery of therapeutic doses of 5-fluorouracil.

Leaf extract of Markhamia platycalyx: polyphenolic profile, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and in vitro antioxidant activities.

10 polyphenols were identified from 80% aqueous methanol extract (AME) of Markhamia platycalyx [(Baker) Sprague] leaf. Their structures were characterized as protocatechuic acid (1), E-caffeic acid (2), E-methyl caffeate (3), isoverbascoside (4), verbascoside (5), jacraninoside-I (6), cosmosiin (7), cinaroside (8), luteolin (9) and apigenin (10) based on chemical and extensive spectral studies (UV, ESI-MS, (1)H, (13)C and 1D/2D NMR). Biological evaluation indicated that AME is non-toxic to the experimental animals. It exhibited a significant inhibition of oedema after 1, 2, 3 and 4 h for all examined doses (250, 500 and 1 000 mg/kg). In comparison with silymarin, the AME demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect in the form of high reduction in elevated ALT and AST serum levels in regard to paracetamol treated group. As well as, it revealed a marked significant scavenging activity by 62.9, 82.5, 88.3, 83.7 and 83.7%, for the concentrations 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml of the extract, respectively, relative to L-ascorbic acid (86.8%), which was used as a reference antioxidant drug.

[Vertebral primary hydatid cyst with mediastinal involvement and paraplegia]. / Kyste hydatique vertébral primitif à extension médiastinale postérieure compliquée d'une paraplégie.

INTRODUCTION: The vertebrae are the most common localization of hydatid disease of bone. This can lead to fatal consequences. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 40-year-old-man, from a rural area, who had symptoms of medullary compression. The diagnosis of primary vertebral hydatid cyst, already suspected on the imaging data, was confirmed. A right posterolateral thoracotomy allowed drainage of the cyst and relief of the medullary compression. Medical treatment with albendazole was continued for 4 months. The postoperative course was uneventful and the symptoms of medullary compression resolved progressively. No recurrence was observed during a follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSION: Vertebral localization of hydatid disease is the most common and serious skeletal complication. Thoracotomy allows drainage of the cyst and the pleural cavity, and relieves the medullary compression.

Enhancement of the dissolution profile of allopurinol by a solid dispersion technique.

The aim of the present study was to improve the solubility, and therefore the dissolution of poorly water-soluble allopurinol. Solid dispersions of allopurinol were prepared with different polymers or carriers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30 and PVP K90), polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000 and PEG 6000), urea and mannitol at two drug : carrier ratios (1:1) and (1:2). Different methods such as melting and solvent evaporation methods were used to improve dissolution characteristics and solubility of allopurinol. The solid dispersions were characterized using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the interactions which took place were identified with fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Due to formation of hydrogen bonds between allopurinol and urea and mannitol, a transition of allopurinol from the crystalline to amorphous state was achieved. The DSC thermograms of the solid dispersions indicated the potential of heat induced interactions between allopurinol and the carriers used could influence dissolution rate of the drug. The dissolution amount (%) of pure allopurinol was 80% at 45 min. F5, F3, F6, F7, and F1 showed better dissolution percentages of 100, 93, 92.4, 90.6, and 89%, respectively, at 45 min.

Flavonoids and biological activities of Jussiaea repens.

A new acylated avicularin, namely avicularin 2''-(4'''-O-n-pentanoyl)-gallate (1) along with 12 metabolites have been isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts of Jussiaea repens L. (Onagraceae). Their structures were established as trifolin 2''-O-gallate (2), quercetrin (3), guaijaverin (4), reynoutrin (5), juglanin (6), avicularin (7), hyperin (8), trifolin (9), hyperin 2''-O-gallate (10), rutin (11), kaempferol (12) and quercetin (13) on the basis of their chromatographic properties, chemical and spectroscopic evidences. The investigated ethyl acetate extract was found to be non-toxic (LD(50) up to the maximum soluble dose 4 g kg(-1) body wt.) and had significant antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities. Also some of the isolated flavonoids showed cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich ascitis carcinoma cells.

[Bladder paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma): report of a new case]. / Paragangliome vésical (phéochromocytome): à propos d'une nouvelle observation.

The authors report one case of vesical paraganglioma, not suspected in a 50-years-old female patient who presented gross hematuria as only symptom. The patient was not hypertensive. Radiologic and endoscopic investigations revealed a trigonal submucosal tumour. Complete transurethral resection of the tumor was performed with no intraoperative complications. The histopathological diagnosis indicated pheochromocytoma. Blood pressure was stable. There has been no recurrence for 18 months after transurethral resection.

[Bladder infiltrating tumor: retrospective study of 225 cases]. / Tumeurs infiltrantes de vessie: étude rétrospective à propos de 225 cas.

The authors report a retrospective serial of 225 patients presenting an infiltrating bladder tumor. The infiltrating tumors represent 29.2% of bladder tumors. The middle age of our patients is 59 years with a sex-ratio of 7.3. In the histology, 80% of the tumors are a cell transitional carcinoma and 65% of the patients are classified stage T3T4. The surgical treatment has could be achieved at 73.3% of the cases and 66.7% of the patients had a radical cystectomy. The urinary diversion was essentially an continent urostomy using Benchekroun's hydraulic valve. At 28 months mean follow-up, a locoregional recurrence has been noted from 18% of the Tur achieved alone and 4% of the radical cystectomy. A metastasis has been noted from 18% of the patients and this in a mean delay of 12 months.

[Primary and bilateral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the adrenal gland (a case report and literature review)]. / Le lymphome malin non hodgkinien bilatéral et primitif de la surrénale (à propos d'une observation avec revue de la littérature).

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the adrenal gland is rare. We report the case of a 31-years-old patient hospitalized with asthenia and adrenal insufficiency. The CT scan showed a bilateral adrenal mass. A scano-guided biopsy suspected an endocrinoid tumor. The surgical exploration demonstrated a huge mass invading the retroperitoneal space, and the biopsy concluded to a central follicular phenotype B rmalignant lymphoma with a high rank of malignity. The thoracic CT scan did not show any lymph node. The medullar biopsy eliminated a secondary lymphoma. The patient was treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a good result during 16 months.

[Enterovesical fistula secondary to Crohn's disease manifested by inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder]. / Fistules entérovésicales secondaires à la maladie de Crohn révélée par une pseudotumeur inflammatoire vésicale.

The authors describe a case of enterovesical fistulas in a patient with Crohn's disease that presented exclusively as urinary symptoms manifesting as bladder tumor. Ultrasound examination showed a normal upper urinary tract and a bladder tumor. Cystoscopy examination revealed a bladder tumor at the retrotrigonal region without showing the fistula orifice. Transurethral resection of the tumor revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder at the results of histological studies. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a normal upper urinary tract but a bladder tumor and a sigmoidovesical fistula. The results of barium contrast studies established the presence of numerous enterovesical fistulas. Partial resection of the ileum, ileostomy, colostomy and suture of the bladder fistulas was performed. Histological diagnosis of the affected ileum was Crohn's disease. The clinical features, natural history and treatment of enterovesical fistula secondary of Crohn's disease were discussed.

[Vesico-vaginal fistula: report of 1050 cases]. / Les fistules vésico-vaginales: à propos de 1050 cas.

The authors reports their experience of a large series of 1050 cases of vesico-vaginal fistulas recorded during 30 years and analyse their epidemiological, anatomo-clinical, and therapeutic aspects. Patients could be classified as a function of site of fistula into 3 types, according to the Benchekroun's classification: type I ureto-vaginal fistula (30%); type II cervico-vaginal fistula (22%); type III vesico-vaginal fistula (48%). Etiology was mainly obstetrical (93%). An associated lesion was detected in 10.4% of cases (uterine, ureteral and rectal). Treatment was only performed after a minimal period of three months with the following results in obstetrical vesico-vaginal fistulas. Type I fistula, using a low approach and requiring urethral refection in 100 cases, showed good results in only 60% of cases. Type II fistulae, usually treated through a low approach (80%), were treated with 80% good results. Type III fistula, were nearly always corrected (98%) after two procedures. The overall results are good in 80% of cases. The failures concerned in majority the complex vesico-vaginal fistulas type I, are treated by urinary diversion (51 Coffey, 5 Bricker) and since 1975, 73 continent ileocecal or ileal bladders using Benchekrouns' technique.

Polyphenols of Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves--pharmacological studies of grandinin.

Four polyphenolic acid derivatives and three ellagitannins were isolated from the leaves of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Clav.) S. T. Blake for the first time. Their structures were elucidated as gallic acid (1), ellagic acid (2), 3-O-methylellagic acid (3), 3,4,3'-tri-O-methylellagic acid (4), 2,3-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-(alpha/beta)-D-(4)C(1)-glucopyranose (5), castalin (6) and grandinin (7) on the basis of chemical, mass spectrometric (-ve ESI-MS) and spectroscopic (UV, (1)H-, (13)C NMR, (1)H,(1)H-, (1)H,(13)C-COSY, (1)H,(1)H-TOCSY and HMBC) analyses. Grandinin (the major compound) showed radical scavenging properties by its reaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical [EC(50) = 4.3 +/- 0.3 micro g mL(-1)]. It was found to be relatively nontoxic in mice [LD(50) = 316 mg Kg(-1) b.wt.]. It exhibited a significant dose-dependent (35-70 mg Kg(-1)) hypoglycemic effect by significantly reducing blood glucose level in basal condition and after heavy glucose load in normal mice. Moreover, it reduced the elevated blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic mice. In addition, grandinin reduced the elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum lipid peroxides in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

[Inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder: a new case report]. / Pseudotumeur inflammatoire de la vessie: à propos d'une nouvelle observation.

Inflammatory pseudotumor is a reactive benign lesion which can be very difficult to distinguish from some malignant bladder tumors like sarcomas or sarcomatoid carcinoma. Inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT) of the urinary bladder is a benign proliferate lesion which can simulate clinically and histologically a sarcoma. A case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder in a 18-years-old man is presented. This patient presented with sudden onset of gross painless hematurial related to large polypoid and ulcerated bladder masses found on endoscopy. Initial pathological analysis was interpreted as rhabdomyosarcoma but subsequent reviews were consistent with a benign process resembling nodular fasciitis. This rare, benign and presumed non-neoplastic, reactive lesion must be differentiated from sarcomas of the urinary bladder. Immunohistochemistry seems to be the method of election in differentiating inflammatory pseudo-tumor from other spindle cell proliferations of the bladder. When diagnosis is certain, complete transurethral resection is the treatment of choice. However, if there is no total pathologic confirmation, if it is a very wide lesion or if it is recurring after endoscopic resection, a partial cystectomy is suggested.

[Prostatic tuberculosis. Two case reports]. / La tuberculose prostatique. A propos de 2 cas.

The authors report 2 cases of prostatic tuberculosis. The patients are 59 and 62-years-old respectively. They presented obstructive and irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract. The prostatic finding and PSA were abnormals. The prostatic biopsy was negative. The diagnosis of prostatic tuberculosis was made by histologic analysis after transuretral resection of prostate. The treatment is based on chemotherapy anti-tuberculosis.

[Urethral diverticulum in men following ureteroplasty: four case reports]. / Diverticules de l'urètre chez l'homme après urétroplastie: à propos de 4 cas.

The author reports a serie of 4 cases of male urethral diverticulum. All cases were acquired origin. They are complication of urethroplasty. Diagnosis is clinical, based on the development of a perineal mass or phlegmon. This diagnosis is confirmed by cystourethrography. Treatment is by open surgery and consists on diverticulectomy and repair urethra in one stage. Two steps are necessary as the reported cases, where they are urethral stenosis or a inflammatory involvement of the peridiverticulum tissues. This treatment achieves good results.

[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the kidney: a case report]. / Carcinome sarcomatoïde du rein: à propos d'un cas.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the kidney is an uncommon tumor associated with a very poor prognosis. Because this tumor can be occasionally difficult to distinguish from renal sarcoma, immunohistochemistry and electronmicroscopy are sometimes necessary for diagnosis. Therapy is actually essentially surgical because if adjuvant therapies should follow radical nephrectomy, no standardized regimen has been at present defined.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: a prospective comparative study of 227 patients.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic appendectomy is widely practiced in developed countries, still there are many questions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of this approach in the treatment of acute appendicitis. Several controlled trials have been conducted, some in favor of laparoscopic appendectomy others not. The aim of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic appendectomy in comparison with open appendectomy, with special emphasis on postoperative septic complications. METHODS: For this study, 227 consecutive patients (159 males and 68 females) with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis between 1995 and 1999 were assigned either to laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 108) or open appendectomy (n = 119). The patients were assigned according to insurance company approval and patient preference. There were no exclusion criteria and no age limits in this study. RESULTS: Wound infection was significantly higher in the open group (incidence, 7.6%) than in the laparoscopic group (incidence, 0%; p <0.003). Intraabdominal infections were equal in both groups. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (p <0.046), but operative time was little longer than in the open group (p <0.002). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and effective as the open procedure. It significantly reduces the rate of postoperative wound infection. However, it is still acceptable to perform the open procedure, especially in hospitals without a large amount of laparoscopic experience.

Polyphenolic constituents of Callistemon lanceolatus leaves.

Two new flavonol glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-galacturonopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucoronopyranoside, were isolated, from leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus DC, as well as eighteen known polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and three tannins). All structures were established mainly on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analysis (UV, 1D NMR and negative ESI-MS) and finally confirmed by 2D NMR experiments (HMQC and HMBC), in the case of flavonoid glycosides and tannins.