Study of the structural, electrical, dielectric properties and transport mechanisms of Cu0.5Fe2.5O4 ferrite nanoparticles for energy storage, photocatalytic and microelectronic applications.

Cu0.5Fe2.5O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the self-combustion method whose XRD and FTIR analyzes confirm the formation of the desired spinel phase. The thermal evolution of conduction shows a semiconductor behaviour explained by a polaronic transport mechanism governed by the Non-overlapping Small Polaron Tunnelling (NSPT) model. DC conductivity and hopping frequency are positively correlated. The scaling of the conductivity leads to a single universal curve where the scaling parameter α has positive values, which testifies to the presence of Coulomb interactions between the mobile particles. Conduction and relaxation processes are positively correlated by similar activation energies. Nyquist diagrams are characterized by semicircular arcs perfectly modeled by an equivalent electrical circuit (R//C//CPE) indicating the contribution of the grains. The dielectric behaviour shows a strong predominance of conduction by the phenomenological theory of Maxwell-Wagner. The low values of electrical conductivity and dielectric loss and the high value of permittivity, make our compound a promising candidate for energy storage, photocatalytic and microelectronic applications.

[Seizures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]. / Lupus érythémateux systémique et épilepsies.

Seizures are one of the most serious neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). This descriptive and retrospective study aims at describing clinical and paraclinical features and therapeutic approach of seizures in patients with SLE. The characteristics of the seizure group was compared to those of a control group (patients with LES who had not presented seizures). A total of 177 patients were included in these analyses. Among them, 14 (8 %) developed seizures before, at or after the SLE diagnosis. The age of occurrence of seizures was younger than for other complications of the disease. There was no significant association with the antiphospholipid syndrome. Disease activity in these patients was significantly higher than in the control group. During the follow up, the subjects being under anticonvulsants and/or corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy, we observed good outcomes (n=5), re-occurence of seizures (n=4), cognitive impairment (n=3 ) and death (n=2). Our study shows that seizures tend to occur early in the course of SLE, in the context of important disease activity and other serious clinical manifestations and in younger individuals. Seizures portend a negative impact on the overall long-term prognosis and quality of life in patients with SLE.

La comitialité est une des manifestations neurologiques les plus sévères du lupus érythémateux systémique (LES). Notre objectif est de décrire les caractéristiques des épilepsies chez les patients lupiques. Dans une étude rétrospective descriptive, les données cliniques et paracliniques des patients lupiques présentant une épilepsie ont été comparées à celles des patients lupiques n'ayant pas présenté de crises convulsives. Nous avons recensé 177 patients lupiques dont 14 (8 %) avaient présenté une épilepsie avant, au moment ou après le diagnostic de LES. L'âge de survenue des épilepsies était plus jeune que celui des autres manifestations. L'association à un syndrome des antiphospholipides n'était pas significative. Les patients lupiques présentant une épilepsie avaient un score d'activité de la maladie lupique (SLEDAI) significativement plus élevé que celui du groupe contrôle. L'évolution était marquée par la disparition des crises convulsives (n=5), la récidive (n=4), l'installation de troubles cognitifs (n=3 ) et le décès (n=2). Cette étude montre que la comitialité tend à survenir de façon précoce au cours du LES, aggravant alors le pronostic fonctionnel et vital. Elle associe un SLEDAI assez élevé ainsi qu'un âge de survenue plus jeune.

[Intracardiac thrombosis during celiac disease]. / Thrombose intracardiaque au cours d'une maladie cœliaque.

Thrombotic events occurring in the course of celiac disease are frequently reported in the literature. The localization is often unusual, mainly affecting the hepatic veins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intracardiac thrombosis occurring in a patient with celiac disease. A 32-year-old patient with celiac disease adhered poorly to his gluten-free diet. He suffered an ischemic stroke revealing an intracardiac thrombus, which, on radiological imaging, simulated a multiple myxoma. Histological examination of the resected tumor enabled the correct diagnosis. Biological findings revealed severe protein C and S deficiency. The patient improved with anticoagulant therapy and gluten-free diet.

Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of the different parts of Thymus maroccanus Ball: an endemic species in Morocco.

Three essential oils from three samples: stems, leaves and inflorescences of Thymus maroccanus Ball, obtained by hydrodistillation, were analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The oils of stems, leaves and inflorescences afforded 68, 49 and 51 constituents, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative differences have been found between the analysed parts. The most abundant components in the stems oil included carvacrol (60.8%), α-terpineol (4.7%) and p-cymene (2.4%), while carvacrol (33%), p-cymene (25.3%) and α-pinene (11.6%) were the main components in the leaves. In the inflorescences, carvacrol (84.9%) is the major component. Antibacterial activity of the T. maroccanus Ball leaves oil was tested against eight Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by the disc diffusion method. The values of inhibition zones for bacterial strains, which were sensitive to the essential oil of T. maroccanus leaves, were in the range of 11-43 mm.

Anti-C1q antibodies and systemic lupus erythematosus in the Tunisian population.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of a wide variety of autoantibodies is a characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although non-specific, anti-complement C1q (anti-C1q) were shown to correlate with the occurrence of active nephritis. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-C1q in Tunisian SLE patients and their association with clinical manifestations, especially renal involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: IgG anti-C1q antibodies were assessed by Elisa in 98 SLE patients, 55 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 65 healthy individuals (HI). RESULTS: Anti-C1q were found in 53 (54.1%) patients with SLE, three (5%) patients with RA and six (9.3%) HI. Among the 65 patients with renal involvement, anti-C1q were present in 35 (53.8%) patients. There was no significant association between anti-C1q and renal or extrarenal manifestations. In addition, there was no correlation between anti-C1q titer and SLEDAI index. Anti-C1q were significantly associated with anti-nucleosome (P=0.001), anti-Sm (P=0.01) and a low C4 level (P=0.046). Concomitant presence of anti-C1q and anti-dsDNA antibodies was not associated with renal manifestations. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that prevalence of anti-C1q was comparable with that previously reported in Caucasian populations. These antibodies were associated with a low C4 level. However, there was no association between anti-C1q and renal involvement or severity of nephritis.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the essential oils isolated from Juniperus thurifera L. var. Africana.

This study describes the chemical composition and antibacterial activities of essential oils of Moroccan Juniperus thurifera L. var. Africana (Cupressaceae). The essential oil of dried leaves was isolated by hydrodistillation, vapohydrodistillation and microwaves. Sixty-four compounds in J. thurifera L. var. Africana oils were identified (79.9%, 92.4% and 98.4% of the oil, respectively). The most abundant compound in J. thurifera L. var. Africana oils is sabinene (38%, 36.2% and 39.4%). Antibacterial activities of J. thurifera essential oils was tested against bacteria Gram ( - ) and Gram (+). The oil is very active against all bacteria tested except Pseudomonas, which turned out to be very resistant.

[Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients in Sousse, Tunisia]. / Observance au traitement antirétroviral chez les patients infectés par le VIH à Sousse, Tunisie.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a powerful predictor of survival for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this cross-sectional study conducted in December 2007 was to assess ART adherence and identify its determinants in HIV-infected patients in Sousse, Tunisia. Adherence was evaluated in a structured interview, during which questions were asked about the number of pills taken, treatment schedule, and any food restrictions within the previous 4 days. Determinants of adherence included patient characteristics, type of ART, and interpersonal relationships and were assessed from the medical records and questionnaire responses. Adherence was assessed in 30 of the 34 patients receiving ART at the time of the study. Twenty-two patients (73%) complied with all daily treatment recommendations and were considered adherent. Multivariate analysis showed that the main barriers to adherence were related to storage of the medication and doubts about its efficacy. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions and better psychosocial support are needed to optimize ART adherence by HIV-infected patients in Tunisia.

[Cardiac involvement in polymyositis]. / Manifestations cardiaques au cours de la polymyosite.

Cardiovascular involvement in polymyositis constitutes a major cause of death. However, the cardiac location is rarely symptomatic and does not usually represent the principle clinical feature at the time of the initial presentation. We present here an unusual case of polymyositis with severe and polymorph cardiac disturbances that predominant the muscular signs.

[Prescribing practices of fluoroquinolones in Tunisia]. / Evaluation des pratiques de prescription des fluoroquinolones en médecine de ville en Tunisie.

The aim of the study was to assess the prescribing practices of fluoroquinolones (FQ) among general practionners in the town of Sousse (central-eastern Tunisia). A transversal study was made between the first and the 23rd April, 2009, among general practionners working in Sousse. For each prescription, informations about patients, indications and modalities of treatment were collected on a questionnaire. These prescriptions were compared to Tunisian and/or French guidelines for antibiotics use. One hundred and eighty eight FQ prescriptions were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 50 years. FQ were more often used alone (83%) and in first line intention (84%). The molecules used were essentially ciprofloxacin (44.7%), levofloxacin (35.6%) and ofloxacin (18.6%). The indications were mainly bronchopulmonary infections (34%) and urinary tract infection (32%). These choices were in accordance with guidelines in 41% of the prescriptions. The dosage was adapted, but the duration of treatment was often excessive. Further efforts are needed, to optimize the good use of FQ in order to reduce or stabilize the rate of bacterial resistance.

Primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma revealed by hemophagocytic syndrome.

Primary adrenal lymphoma is rare. It is often bilateral and in most of the cases of B-cell type. The clinical features are various and not specific. We report a case of a 69-year-old woman who had a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with hemophagocytic syndrome. The abdominal imaging reveals the existence of bilateral adrenal hypertrophy. A CT scan-guided biopsy concluded to a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma CD 20-positive associated EBV. The treatment consisted on "CHOP like" chemotherapy associated with rituximab. Primary adrenal lymphoma has a poor prognosis, even more poorly if associated with hemophagocytic syndrome.

[Lupus hepatitis: a case series of 12 patients]. / Hépatite lupique: une série de 12 patients.

PURPOSE: Several liver manifestations have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are usually non specific. We report on our experience of lupus hepatitis. METHODS: A retrospective monocenter study of 73 patients with SLE. The diagnosis of lupus hepatitis was established after exclusion of other causes of hepatitis and hepatic vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Liver involvement was noted in 12 patients (16.4%). There were nine female and three male patients; the mean age of these patients was 29 years. In seven patients liver involvement was concurrent with the diagnosis of SLE and it occurred later during an exacerbation of the disease in the five remaining patients. In all patients, liver manifestations were associated with other organ involvement. Clinical manifestations were: hepatomegaly (n=4), jaundice (n=4), abdominal pain (n=3), ascites (n=2), portal hypertension (n=1) and hepatic failure with encephalopathy (n=1). Elevated liver enzyme was noted in 11 cases and liver cholestasis in eight cases. Presence of anti-ribosomal P antibodies was noted in one case. Liver biopsy was performed in five patients, and revealed chronic active hepatitis in three cases, chronic hepatic granulomas in one case and nonspecific inflammation in one case. The outcome was favorable in 11 patients without relapse, and one patient died of encephalopathy and liver failure. CONCLUSION: Liver involvement associated with SLE is not uncommon. It is frequently asymptomatic and limited to liver test abnormalities. The role of anti-ribosomal P autoantibodies remains uncertain.

[Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in systemic lupus erythematosus]. / Pseudo-obstruction intestinale au cours du lupus érythémateux systémique.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is an uncommon and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a 24-year-old female with a 2 year SLE duration who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and abdominal distention. Plain abdominal radiograph showed multiple air-fluid levels of the small bowel. Computed tomographic scan of the abdomen revealed dilated small bowel loops without mechanical obstruction. Urinary tract involvement was also demonstrated. IPO was diagnosed and the patient responded well to immunosuppressive treatment. IPO is a recently recognized manifestation of SLE that may be the presenting manifestation of the systemic disease or occur more commonly during disease course. Early recognition of IPO is necessary to institute appropriate medical treatment and to avoid inappropriate surgical intervention.

[Eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman's disease): a case series of 11 patients]. / Fasciite avec éosinophilie (syndrome de Shulman): à propos de 11 patients.

PURPOSE: Eosinophilic fasciitis or Shulman's disease is a rare condition of unknown etiology. METHODS: We report a retrospective case series of 11 patients with eosinophilic fasciitis (seven men and four women, including a single pediatric case) and perform a systematic literature review to determine the main features of this disease. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 46 years. Subcutaneous induration of limbs observed in all the patients was the major presenting symptom. The induration was atypically located in the chest area in two patients. Blood eosinophilia was absent in five cases. Histological fasciitis was demonstrated in all patients and eosinophilic infiltration was present in seven patients. Relapse of subcutaneous induration was observed in only one patient who gradually developed systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis should be considered in the presence myalgia and subcutaneous induration of limbs, blood eosinophilia and hypergammaglobulinemia. Treatment is based on systemic corticosteroids.

[Second epidemic of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis in Tunisia]. / Une deuxième épidémie de méningo-encéphalite à virus West Nile en Tunisie.

UNLABELLED: The West Nile virus (WNV) re-emerged in Tunisia in 2003, causing an outbreak of meningoencephalitis. OBJECTIVE: The authors studied the epidemiological, clinical, biological, and imaging features of WNV-associated neurological disease observed in central eastern Tunisia. DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive study was made on patients with West Nile meningitis and/or encephalitis observed in the Sousse area, from August 15 to November 15, 2003. Screening for specific anti-WNV antibodies in serum was performed with Elisa. RESULTS: Recent central nervous system infection due to WNV was confirmed in 21 patients with a mean age of 53 years and a sex ratio of 3.2. The clinical presentation was meningitis in 11 cases, meningoencephalitis in seven cases, and encephalitis in three cases. Patients with encephalitis were older than those with meningitis. An acute flaccid limb paralysis was observed in three patients. The CSF assay showed lymphocytosis, high protein (67 %), and normal glucose levels (83 %). Brain CT scan and MRI were normal. Three patients died, the remaining evolved uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: These first cases of WNV meningoencephalitis in Sousse area suggest a possibility of reemergence of this infection. Preventive measures and epidemiological surveillance are necessary.

[Takayasu's disease in central Tunisia: 27 cases]. / La maladie de Takayasu dans la région centre de la Tunisie. A propos de 27 cas.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu's arteritis is a rare inflammatory disease and few data are available in Tunisia. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological features of the disease in the centre of Tunisia. METHODS: We retrospectively studied medical records of patients treated in departments of internal medicine or cardiology from three university hospitals in Sousse and Monastir over the period 1985-2005. The criteria for inclusion were those proposed by the American College of Rheumatology. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 33.2 years (range 16-68 years) and 88.9% were female. The mean delay from the onset of the symptoms to the time of diagnosis was 4.2 years. Intermittent claudication was the most common presentation (81.5%) and hypertension was noted in 40.7% of cases. Arterial localization most frequently involved was subclavian artery. The aorta was involved in 52.3% and renal arteries in 36.3% of cases. Stenosis or occlusions was constant but aneurysms were noted in 7.4%. Functional difficulty was the main complaint in the follow-up, death related to Takayasu's disease was noted in 3.7%. The mean follow-up time was 75.8 months (6.3 years). CONCLUSION: There is no epidemiologic particularity of Takayasu's disease in Tunisia, however involvement of the subclavian artery was more frequent than the aortic localization.