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We present a Collaborative Auto-Diversified Optimization Scheme (CADOS) for solving continuous and combinatorial optimization problems. CADOS aims to explore the synergy of various optimization algorithms and enhance their effectiveness and efficiency, particularly in higher-dimensional problems. It incorporates an enhanced version of the previously proposed approach Auto-Diversified Ameliorated MultiPopulation-based Ensemble Differential Evolution (AD-AMPEDE), Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolutionary Strategy (CMA-ES), and a local search (LS) algorithm. AD-AMPEDE has demonstrated good performance in solving continuous optimization problems. However, its competitiveness wanes in higher dimensions. CADOS improves AD-AMPEDE’s detection/re-diversification processes and parameters adaptation, making it effective for higher-dimensional problem classes. To explore nearby regions during stagnation, a trust-region local search is employed. For re-diversification, CADOS utilizes both CMA-ES, known for its efficiency in complex fitness landscapes, and the Auto-Enhanced Population Diversity (AEPD) technique. We tested CADOS on the COmparing Continuous Optimizers (COCO) platform and the results demonstrated excellent performance of CADOS. In addition, to show the proposed scheme’s efficacy in tackling real-world issues, we employed it to optimize the design of water distribution networks (WDS). The results we obtained underscore the remarkable competitiveness of our strategy when compared to widely recognized existing algorithms.

Abstract This paper studies the forecasting power of uncertainty emanating from the commodities market, energy market, economic policy, and geopolitical threats to the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX). In this study, the relationship between the various uncertainty metrics throughout the period 2012—2022, using a multi-model transfer function technique optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) is estimated. Furthermore, we utilize PSO for parameter optimization within the multi-model framework, improving model performance and convergence speed. According to empirical findings, the CBOE Volatility Index reacts nonlinearly to the uncertainty indices. Specifically, the conclusions of the performance metrics show that the OVX index (MAPE: 4.1559%; RMSE: 1.0476% and W: 96.74%) outperforms the geopolitical risk index, the Bloomberg energy index, and the economic policy uncertainty index in predicting the volatility of the US equities market. Although individual models have generated respectful performance, results from the aggregate simulation show that when all predictors are combined, they simultaneously provide better performance indicators (MAVE: 2.7511 %; RMSE: 0.7361%; R2: 98.93%) than when they are estimated separately. In addition, results provide evidence that, when considering non-linear patterns in the data, the multi-model transfer function technique calibrated using PSO demonstrates its outperformance over autoregressive baseline models, traditional econometric models, and deep learning techniques. The effectiveness and accuracy of the multi-model transfer function method tuned by PSO as a forecasting tool are confirmed by the convergence analysis of the cost function. Our methodology innovates by employing a multi-model transfer function technique, which captures the complex and nonlinear relationships between uncertainty indicators and the VIX more comprehensively than traditional single-model approaches. These results are important for traders in terms of hedging as well as portfolio diversification by investing in defensive equities and for policymakers in terms of reliability and preciseness of volatility forecasts.

Pulmonary hamartomas are the most common benign tumors of the lung in adults. They are usually asymptomatic because of their small size and their slow-growing character. We report the case of a 5-year-old child presenting with a giant lung mass causing recurrent right pneumonia. Surgical resection with middle lobectomy was performed. Final histology revealed pulmonary hamartoma with predominant adenofibromatous and lipomatous differentiation.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae), represents a major threat to geothermal greenhouses in southern Tunisia, causing considerable damage to geothermal crops. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of new chemical acaricides against T. urticae infesting tomato crops under heated greenhouses: Cyflumetofen, Cinnamaldheyde, Fenazaquin, Pyridaben, Abamectin + Spinosad and Diafenthiuron. The results showed that all acaricides had a significant effect on the reduction of eggs and motile forms of T. urticae, although the reference treatment based on Diafenthiuron varied between 84.40% and 100%. In conclusion, this study highlights the efficacy of several acaricides in managing T. urticae populations, offering promising prospects for effective control of this mite in heated greenhouse crops.

This study investigates the asymmetric impacts of Bitcoin prices on Bitcoin energy consumption. Two series are shown to be chaotic and non-linear using the BDS Independence test. To take into consideration this nonlinearity, we employed the QNARDL model as a traditional technique and Support Vector Machine (SVM) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) as non-conventional approaches to study the link between Bitcoin energy usage and Bitcoin prices. Referring to QNARDL estimates, results show that the relationship between Bitcoin energy use and prices is asymmetric. Additionally, results demonstrate that changes in Bitcoin prices have a considerable effect, both short- and long-run, on energy consumption. As a result, any upsurge in the price of Bitcoin leads to an immediate boost in energy use. Furthermore, the short-term drop in Bitcoin values causes an increase in energy use. However, higher Bitcoin prices reduce energy use in the long run. Otherwise, every decline in Bitcoin prices leads to a long-term reduction in energy use. In addition, the performance metrics and convergence of the cost function provide evidence that the XGBoost model dominates the SVM model in terms of Bitcoin energy consumption forecasting. In addition, we analyze the effectiveness of several modeling approaches and discover that the XGBoost model (MSE: 0.52%; RMSE: 0.72 and R2: 96%) outperforms SVM (MSE: 4.89; RMSE: 2.21 and R2: 75%) in predicting. Results indicate that the forecast of Bitcoin energy consumption is more influenced by positive shocks to Bitcoin prices than negative shocks. This study gives insights into the policies that should be implemented, such as increasing the sustainable capacity, efficiency, and flexibility of mining operations, which would allow for the reduction of the negative impacts of Bitcoin price shocks on energy consumption.

Abstract Background Among the phytosanitary problems, affecting tomato crops in greenhouses heated by geothermal water in southern Tunisia, the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is gaining prominence from year to year. Results This study determined the susceptibility of eggs, second-instar larvae of T. absoluta to commercial formulations of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium at different doses (1010, 109, 108, 107 and 106 spores/ml). Pathogenicity tests were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions at 27 ± 1 °C, and RH of 75 ± 5%, showed that the three commercial formulations of B. bassiana R444 (Bb-Protec®), B. bassiana ATCC 74,040 (Naturalis®) and L. muscarium Ve6 (Mycotal®) were effective against eggs and second instar larvae of T. absoluta. Mortality rates of eggs and larvae were high with increasing the concentrations of the fungi. B. bassiana ATCC 74,040 was the most effective one, with an egg mortality rate of (71.42%) and larval mortality was greater than (80%), at the highest concentration of 1010 spores/ml. The lethal concentration required to kill 50% of eggs was 1.56 × 108, 1.73 × 109 and 1.09 × 1010 conidia/ml for B. bassiana ATCC, B. bassiana R444, and L. muscarium, respectively. After 7 days, the median lethal concentration (LC50) values against larvae were the lowest for B. bassiana ATCC with 2.63 × 107 and 4.76 × 106 conidia/ml by way 1 and way 2 treatments, respectively. Thus, these three formulations affected the emergence of pest’s adults. The fungi significantly reduced pupation and adult emergence. Only 50.25, 60.15 and 69.16% of T. absoluta adults emerged in the treatments with B. bassiana ATCC, B. bassiana R444, and L. muscarium, respectively. Conclusions Biological performances of the EPF showed the role of a biological control agent that can be played against T. absoluta within the framework of an Integrated Pest Management program.

Abstract Background The geothermal greenhouses in Southern Tunisia are an important axis of agricultural development. This sector faces many abiotic and biotic constraints that could threat its sustainability. Thus, the heated greenhouses encounter destructive pests such as the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae). Results This study aimed to assess the effect of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (strain ATCC and strain R444) and Lecanicillium muscarium strain Ve6 on simultaneous existence of T. urticae and B. tabaci in the host plants. The EPF had a significant effect on eggs and larvae of B. tabaci and on eggs and mobile forms of T. urticae in particular. The use of B. bassiana ATCC, B. bassiana R444 and L. muscarium strains Ve6 showed significant efficacies against B. tabaci larvae and eggs compared to untreated control. Indeed, the reduction percent of B. tabaci eggs varied between 42.65 and 58.52%. Thus, the efficacy against the number of B. tabaci larvae was in order to 65.04, 60.26 and 55.52% of B. bassiana strain ATCC, B. bassiana strain R444 and L. muscarium strain Ve6, respectively. In addition, these EPF were very effective on T. urticae eggs with a percentage reduction greater than 92.86%, whereas the percentage reduction in the T. urticae mobile forms varied between 95.11 and 98.52%. Conclusions Use of EPF will be an imperative to develop directed interventions at the integrated management of these two pests in protected and geothermal crops.

Flonicamid is a systemic insecticide that acts as a feed blocker with potential use against whiteflies in an IPM program. The efficacy of flonicamid against populations of Bemisia tabaci in geothermal greenhouses in southern Tunisia. Flonicamid was tested in irrigation and foliar spraying on a greenhouse tomato crop. The use of the insecticide in irrigation or foliar spraying showed significant insecticidal activity on eggs, larvae and adults of B. tabaci. They are comparable to those caused by the reference insecticide confidor and different from those of the control on the different stages of development of B. tabaci. It is advisable to use flonicamid in an integrated pest management program in a heated greenhouse.

Abstract Spindle cell hemangioma (SCH) is a benign vascular tumour, first identified by Weiss and Enzinger in 1986. Habitually, the SCH affects almost exclusively the dermis and subcutaneous tissues of distal extremities. So far, only 2 cases have been described in the lung. We describe herein the third case of SCH occurring in the lung in a 47 year‐old woman. The patient was successfully treated by right lower lobectomy. The histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination of the excised tumour leads to the definitive diagnosis. Our case is instructive by its different clinical and radiological presentation compared to the previous two cases.

Background: Trichobezoar is an uncommon clinical entity in which ingested hair mass accumulates within the digestive tract. It is generally observed in children and young females with psychological disorders. It can either be found as an isolated mass in the stomach or may extend into the intestine. Untreated cases may lead to grave complications. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of six patients treated for trichobezoar in Monastir pediatric surgery department during 16-year-period between 2004 and 2019. Imaging (abdominal computed tomography and upper gastroduodenal opacification) and gastroduodenal endoscopy were tools of diagnosis. Results: Our study involved 6 girls aged 4 to 12. Symptoms were epigastric pain associated with vomiting of recently ingested food in 3 cases and weight loss in one case. Physical examination found a hard epigastric mass in all cases. The trichobezoar was confined to the stomach in 4 cases. An extension into the jejunum was observed in 2 cases. Surgery was indicated in all patients. In two cases, the attempt of endoscopic extraction failed and patients were then operated on. All patients had gastrotomy to extract the whole bezoar even those with jejunal extension. Psychiatric follow-up was indicated in all cases. The six girls have evolved well and did not present any recurrence. Conclusion: open surgery still plays a crucial role in Trichobezoard management . After successful treatment, psychiatric consultation is imperative to prevent reccurrence and improve long term prognosis

Abstract Background The misuse of chemical insecticides has developed the phenomenon of habituation in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) causing enormous economic losses under geothermal greenhouses in southern Tunisia. Results In order to develop means of biological control appropriate to the conditions of southern Tunisia, the efficacy of the native strain of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) and two entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium was tested against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Indeed, the introduction of N. tenuis in doses of 1, 2, 3, or 4 nymphs per tobacco plant infested by the whitefly led to highly significant reduction in the population of B. tabaci, than the control devoid of predator. The efficacy of N. tenuis was very high against nymphs and adults of B. tabaci at all doses per plant with a rate of 98%. Likewise, B. bassiana and L. muscarium, compared to an untreated control, showed a very significant efficacy against larvae and adults of B. tabaci. In addition, the number of live nymphs of N. tenuis treated directly or introduced on nymphs of B. tabaci treated with the EPF remained relatively high, exceeding 24.8 nymphs per cage compared to the control (28.6). Conclusions It can be concluded that the native strain of N. tenuis and the EPF tested separately were effective against B. tabaci. Their combined use appears to be possible.

Single crystals of a new organic–inorganic hybrid compound (C3H7N6)2[ZnCl4]·H2O was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction at room temperature, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopies, optical absorption and photoluminescence behavior. The title compound belongs to the triclinic space group P1¯, and in the crystal structure, the inorganic layers are built from tetrachloridozincate anions [ZnCl4]2− and free water molecules, linked together by O–H···Cl hydrogen bonds and halogen···halogen interactions. In addition, Hirshfeld surfaces and 2D fingerprint plots estimate the weak intermolecular interactions accountable for the generation of crystal packing. The optimized geometry, vibrational frequencies and various thermodynamic parameters of the title compound calculated using density functional theory (DFT) methods are in agreement with the experimental values. The theoretical calculations were performed using the DFT method at WB97XD/Lanl2dz basis set levels and we discussed topological analysis of atoms in molecules (AIM) at the BCP point. A detailed interpretation of the IR and Raman spectra were reported. Additionally, the simulated spectrum satisfactorily coincided with the experimental UV-Visible spectrum. A wide band gap exceeding 4 eV of the synthesized compound was recorded. The photoluminescence (PL) was characterized through two bands successively at 453 and 477 nm. Ultimately, antimicrobial activity and enzymatic inhibition assays of the complex were also investigated through microbial strains, agar diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, lipase and phospholipase A2 inhibition.

In this paper, wavelet coherences and quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) approaches are used to study the effect of economic policy uncertainty (EPU), infectious disease EMV tracker (IDEMV), and implied volatility (VIX) on illiquidity during the tranquil and COVID-19 epidemic periods in the US financial market. Our results show that lagged EPU, current VIX, and lagged VIX positively affect illiquidity during the calm period, while the lagged EPU and current VIX decrease illiquidity during the pandemic period. Furthermore, infectious diseases in the financial market during the pandemic crisis play a significant role in instantaneously improving liquidity, while it was not significant during the tranquil period. Similarly, we suggest that with the combined effect of the EPU and the VIX, the uncertainty caused by implied volatility decreases liquidity in a lagged and contemporaneous manner, while an improvement in liquidity is revealed in the case of the EPU.

In this work, a new hybrid material (C5H6N2Cl)2[FeCl4].Cl abbreviated (CAP)2[FeCl4].Cl was prepared using room temperature slow evaporation technique. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the compound is crystallized in the centrosymmetric space group P21/c of the monoclinic system. The crystallographic network consists of an Fe(III) ion located on an inversion center and coordinated by four chlorine, isolated Cl– and two (CAP)+ protonated cations linked by N–H...Cl and C–H...Cl hydrogen bonds to form a zero-dimensional network. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to analyze intermolecular interactions present in the crystal structure. The vibrational properties were inspected by means of Infra-Red absorption and Raman diffusion spectroscopy techniques. In addition, theoretical calculations based on the DFT/B3LYP/LanL2DZ method and the time-dependent density functional theory (TD–DFT) were performed in order to gain more information and help in the examination of over-all properties of the title compound. Good and interesting experimental findings were presented and good consistency was found with the calculated results. Keywords: Semiconductor material, X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface, Vibrational, Optical, DFT calculations

Hydatid disease is still endemic in Tunisia. It is mostly seen in young people less than 40 years and children are affected in one third of cases. The lungs are the predominant location in children. Our study aims to define the particularities of children PHC's (pulmonary hydatic cyst) management, the characteristics of giant cyst and to study predictive factors of complications. We included retrospectively 105 children with PHC followed between 1999 and 2019. Patients were aged less than 16 years with surgically confirmed diagnosis of PHC. Two groups of cysts were defined: giant cysts which were 10 cm across or more, and no giant cysts.The sex-ratio was 1,38 with a mean age of 10.5±3 years. The symptomatology was dominated by cough (59%), thoracic pain (51%) and hemoptysis (46%). Giant cysts were observed in 24 (22.9%) patients. Dyspnea (29% vs 5% p0.05) and in giant cysts (41% vs 18% p0.05). In endemic regions, the diagnosis of PHC in children should be based on the combination of thoracic radiography and ultrasonography which are effective, not costly, safe and accessible. Complicated and giant PHC cause lung damage leading to extensive parenchymal resection. They are more associated with post-operative complications prolonging hospital stay and increasing expenses.

In this paper, we attempt to investigate the efficiency of emerging stock markets by considering the advent of dramatic country-specific events. In other words, we analyze and rank the weak-form efficiency levels of emerging stock markets based on a multi-step approach. Our findings support evidence of multifractality and anti-persistent movements of returns, implying a departure from the weak-form efficiency hypothesis. We also show that the political events adversely affect the efficiency degree of most markets. The empirical results clearly display the dynamic behavior of market efficiency. These findings are in line with the implications of the Adaptive Market Hypothesis.

Background: Asthma is an immunological disorder in which T helper 2 (Th2)-type cells and inflammatory cytokines have a prominent role in its pathogenesis. B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) are co-inhibitory receptors that regulate T cell activation. Objective: In the present study of asthmatic patients we measured the soluble isoforms of BTLA (sBTLA), CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) and PD-1 (sPD-1) in induced sputum fluid with the aim to evaluate their utility as responsible for exacerbation. Methods: Eighty patients with asthma and 30 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Sputum fluid concentrations of sBTLA, sCTLA-4 and sPD-1 were measured with ELISA. Comparisons were made with Mann-Whitney U test and correlations with IL-17, IL-26 levels and FEV1 (%) were assessed with Spearman’s Rank correlation test. Results: sBTLA levels were significantly higher in the severe and moderate asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls. Significant differences were observed between severe and moderate asthmatics (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between mild asthmatics and healthy controls (p = 0.799). Soluble PD-1 levels were higher in severe and moderate asthmatic patients compared to HC and no significant difference was observed between these two asthmatic groups (p = 0.124). Mild asthmatics and control subjects expressed similar sPD-1 levels (p = 0.856). Soluble CTLA-4 was exclusively expressed in certain severe asthmatic patients. IL-17 inflammatory cytokine was significantly correlated with BTLA and sPD-1. IL-17 and IL-26 cytokines were highly expressed in sputum asthmatic groups compared to sputum from HC. Severe asthmatic group was characterized by the highest levels of both IL-17 and IL-26 mediators. Soluble BTLA correlates positively with IL-17 (r = 0.817; p < 0.0001) and IL-26 (r = 0.805; p < 0.0001) inflammatory cytokines. IL-17 and IL-26 levels were associated with the asthma clinical severity from severe to mild asthma (p < 0.0001). The inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and IL-26 were positively correlated with the percentages of macrophages, PNN and FEV1 (%). Conclusion: Here, we provide the first report on the increased expression of sBTLA and sPD-1 in induced sputum of severe asthmatics. IL-26 and IL-17 appeared as a novel proinflammatory axis. Both sBTLA and sPD-1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and were associated with a poor prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: parmi les événements indésirables, ceux liés au circuit des médicaments occupent une place importante et risquent de causer un préjudice grave aux patients. Dans ce contexte, nous avons mené cette étude dans l'optique de décrire et d'évaluer le circuit des médicaments anticancéreux dans un hôpital régional tunisien. METODS: il s'agit d'une étude évaluative du risque lié aux médicaments anticancéreux, type '' visite de risque '' menée sur une période de 15 jours au cours de l'année 2014 au service de cancérologie de l'hôpital régional de Gafsa (Tunisie). Cette méthode d'évaluation est inspirée de celle conduite par le projet '' SECURIMED développé par le Comité de Coordination de l'Evaluation Clinique et de la Qualité en Aquitaine (CCECQA), en France. RESULTS: dans notre étude, l'observation du circuit des médicaments anticancéreux a révélé certaines insuffisances. On a noté que la répartition des missions des différents acteurs est sujette parfois à des glissements de tâches. Un manque important ainsi que une inadéquation aux normes au niveau des équipements nécessaires pour la préparation et la protection des professionnels manipulant ces médicaments ont été également décelés. CONCLUSION: la sécurisation du circuit des médicaments devrait être une priorité inscrite dans l'ensemble des démarches nationales et partagée par tous les intervenants et ce dans l'optique d'atteindre un objectif prémium : la qualité de la prise en charge globale et la sécurité des patients.

Background: Recurrent intussusceptions in child and infants are problematic and there are controversies about its management. The aim of this study is to determine the details of the clinical diagnosis of recurrent intussusception and to determine the aetiology of recurrent intussusceptions. Patients and Methods: It′s a retrospective study of 28 cases of recurrent intussusception treated in the paediatric surgery department of Monastir (Tunisia) between January 1998 and December 2011. Results: During the study period, 505 patients were treated for 544 episodes of intussusception; there were 39 episodes of recurrent intussusceptions in 28 patients; the rate of patients with recurrence was 5.5%. With comparison to the initial episode, clinical features were similar to the recurrent episode, except bloody stool that was absent in the recurrent group (P = 0,016). Only one patient had a pathologic local point. Conclusion: In recurrent intussusception, patients are less symptomatic and consult quickly. Systematic surgical exploration is not needed as recurrent intussusceptions are easily reduced by air or hydrostatic enema and are not associated with a high rate of pathologic leading points.

BACKGROUND:Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by measles virus (MeV). Despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, measles is one of the world-leading causes of death in young children. Within Europe, there is a target for eliminating endemic measles in 2015, with molecular epidemiology required on 80% of cases for inclusion/exclusion of outbreak transmission chains. Currently, MeV is genotyped on the basis of a 450 nucleotide region of the nucleoprotein gene (N-450) and the hemagglutinin gene (H). However, this is not sufficiently informative for distinguishing endemic from imported MeV. We have developed an amplicon-based method for obtaining whole genome sequences (WGS) using NGS or Sanger methodologies from cell culture isolates or oral fluid specimens, and have sequenced over 60 samples, including 42 from the 2012 outbreak in the UK. RESULTS:Overall, NGS coverage was over 90% for approximately 71% of the samples tested. Analysis of 32 WGS excluding 3' and 5' termini (WGS-t) obtained from the outbreak indicates that the single nucleotide difference found between the two major groups of N-450 sequences detected during the outbreak is most likely a result of stochastic viral mutation during endemic transmission rather than of multiple importation events: earlier strains appear to have evolved into two distinct strain clusters in 2013, one containing strains with both outbreak-associated N-450 sequences. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of each genomic region of MeV for the strains in this study suggests that the most information is acquired from the non-coding region located between the matrix and fusion protein genes (M/F NCR) and the N-450 genotyping sequence, an observation supported by entropy analysis across genotypes. CONCLUSIONS:We suggest that both M/F NCR and WGS-t could be used to complement the information from classical epidemiology and N-450 sequencing to address specific questions in the context of measles elimination.

In the title compound, C13H18N2O3, the two H atoms of the NH2 group are engaged in hydrogen bonding with the N atom of the cyano group and with one O atom of the ethoxycarbonyl group, building a chain parallel to the [100] direction. The N—H...N hydrogen bonds assemble the molecules around inversion centres, forming dimers with an R22(12) graph-set motif.

The title compound (systematic name: 1,2-dimethyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-7-ol), C12H17NO2, is a major alkaloid isolated from Hammada scoparia leaves. It belongs to the isoquinoline family and it was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic techniques. The absolute configuration could not be reliably determined. An intermolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond is present in the crystal structure.

The title compound (systematic name: 16-hydroxymethyl-12-methoxyibogamine), C21H28N2O2, was prepared by reaction of ibogaine with a formaldehyde–acetic acid solution (pH = 4). The crystal structure of this new product, belonging to the iboga indole family, is stabilized by an intermolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. The identity of the compound was confirmed by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Background: Open surgery is the standard option for the treatment of hydatid pulmonary cysts. Surgeons are able to replicate the principles of conventional surgery using minimally invasive techniques ,in particular thoracoscopy. However, there are few reports about this subject in children. To our knowledge, this is one of the biggest pediatric series ever reported in the literature. aim: the purpose of this study was to determine the best indications of the thoracospic surgery for the treatment of the pulmonary hydatid cysts in children. methods: We report a series of 25 cases with pulmonary hydatid cysts treated using the thoracoscopic approach from 2005 to 2009. We retrospectively analyzed the patients' sex, age, symptoms, biological data, characteristics of hydatid cysts (location, number and size) and the medical treatments. Pulmonary hydatid cyst diagnosis was performed on Chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound and biological data in all the cases. Tomography was not systematic. All patients underwent video-assisted surgery. A conversion to thoracotomy was conducteded in 2 cases. All the patients had a chest tube and received an antibio-prophylaxy , without Albendazol . A concurrent hydatid cyst at the opposite lung or in the peritoneal cavity was treated later. results: There were 25 cases with a sex ratio of 2.1 and a mean age of 8 years. All the patients underwent a video-assisted surgery. A conversion to thoracotomy was performed in 2 cases because hydatid cysts were large (size > 8 cm). The average duration of the procedure was 75 minutes. In the post-operative course, one patient presented an air leak which required a prolonged chest drainage for 16 days and a second one was treated for lung infection. In all the other cases, the follow-up was uneventful., Conclusion: The thoracoscopic approach for pulmonary hydatid cysts in children is feasible. For better results, it is recommended for cysts smaller than 5 cm.