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Graphical abstract, Introduction Hearing impairment (HI) is characterized by complex genetic heterogeneity. The evolution of next generation sequencing, including targeted enrichment panels, has revolutionized HI diagnosis. Objectives In this study, we investigated genetic causes in 22 individuals with non-GJB2 HI. Methods We customized a HaloplexHS kit to include 30 genes known to be associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic HI (ARNSHI) and Usher syndrome in North Africa. Results In accordance with the ACMG/AMP guidelines, we report 11 pathogenic variants; as follows; five novel variants including three missense (ESRRB-Tyr295Cys, MYO15A-Phe2089Leu and MYO7A-Tyr560Cys) and two nonsense (USH1C-Gln122Ter and CIB2-Arg104Ter) mutations; two previously reported mutations (OTOF-Glu57Ter and PNPT1-Glu475Gly), but first time identified among Tunisian families; and four other identified mutations namely WHRN-Gly808AspfsX11, SLC22A4-Cys113Tyr and two MYO7A compound heterozygous splice site variants that were previously described in Tunisia. Pathogenic variants in WHRN and CIB2 genes, in patients with convincing phenotype ruling out retinitis pigmentosa, provide strong evidence supporting their association with ARNSHI. Moreover, we shed lights on the pathogenic implication of mutations in PNPT1 gene in auditory function providing new evidence for its association with ARNSHI. Lack of segregation of a previously identified causal mutation OTOA-Val603Phe further supports its classification as variant of unknown significance. Our study reports absence of otoacoustic emission in subjects using bilateral hearing aids for several years indicating the importance of screening genetic alteration in OTOF gene for proper management of those patients. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings do not only expand the spectrum of HI mutations in Tunisian patients, but also improve our knowledge about clinical relevance of HI causing genes and variants.

The transfer success of farmed post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to sea-cages rely on neural adaptions to promote stress resilience. As low temperatures impact physiology, this suggests that off-season transfer to cold waters may be challenging. To address this, post-smolts reared at 13 °C seawater were abruptly transferred to 10 °C, 7 °C, and 4 °C, then acclimated to these respective temperatures for 58-days followed by an acute challenge test (ACT) using confinement stress. Plasma and brain samples were collected after i) the abrupt temperature transfer at 1-h and 1-day, ii) 58-days of acclimation, and iii) 1-h post ACT. In tandem to measuring plasma cortisol levels, the expression of key genes involved in telencephalic regulation (crf, crfbp, mr, gr1, gr2 and hsd11b2) and neural plasticity (neurod, bdnf, pcna, and cfos) were analyzed. Post-smolts exposed to the 7 °C and 4 °C displayed the largest alteration in telencephalic functions, differentially regulating mr and gr1, to elevate the mr/g1 ratio for downregulating Gr1, proposing an elevated stress loads. After acclimation, these coincided with blunted stress responses capacities to ACTs for both cortisol and telencephalic neural activity (cfos), suggesting a continuation of challenges and reduced the capacity to mount a stress response. Concomitantly, these telencephalic alterations in CRs coincided with a differential modulation in neural plasticity, measured as elevated bdnf and neurod during the abrupt transfer period (acute) and after acclimation (prolonged), respectively, revealing neural responses are still robustly maintained to retain a degree of stress resilience. However, exposure of post-smolts to 4 °C clearly induced the most adverse and suppressive effects in telencephalic functions, cued by a suppression in pcna and stress response capacities, downregulation in the CRF system, and largest elevation in the mr/g1 ratio. Conversely, acclimating post-smolts to 7 °C elevated 11hsdb2 proposing a greater inhibition of cortisol action that may point to still adequate maintenance of CR and neural processes. Taken together, these findings show that cold temperatures alter key neural processes required for maintaining proper stress management, providing an alternative explanation for reductions in fish stress reactivity commonly observed with declining temperature. Therefore, exposing post-smolts at 13 °C to temperature reductions of 6 °C or greater should be avoided in aquaculture. Exposure to cold temperatures differentially modulates neural plasticity and stress responses in post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) publishedVersion

Pathogenic variants in Steroid 5 alpha reductase type 3 (SRD5A3) cause rare inherited congenital disorder of glycosylation known as SRD5A3-CDG (MIM# 612379). To date, 43 affected individuals have been reported. Despite the development of various dysmorphic features in significant number of patients, facial recognition entity has not yet been established for SRD5A3-CDG. Herein, we reported a novel SRD5A3 missense pathogenic variant c.460 T > C p.(Ser154Pro). The 3D structural modeling of the SRD5A3 protein revealed additional transmembrane α-helices and predicted that the p.(Ser154Pro) variant is located in a potential active site and is capable of reducing its catalytic efficiency. Based on phenotypes of our patients and all published SRD5A3-CDG cases, we identified the most common clinical features as well as some recurrent dysmorphic features such as arched eyebrows, wide eyes, shallow nasal bridge, short nose, and large mouth. Based on facial digital 2D images, we successfully designed and validated a SRD5A3-CDG computer based dysmorphic facial analysis, which achieved 92.5% accuracy. The current work integrates genotypic, 3D structural modeling and phenotypic characteristics of CDG-SRD5A3 cases with the successful development of computer tool for accurate facial recognition of CDG-SRD5A3 complex cases to assist in the diagnosis of this particular disorder globally.

Introduction Le syndrome du triple X est une anomalie chromosomique frequente, due a la presence d’un chromosome X surnumeraire chez des individus de sexe feminin. Dans certains cas, ce syndrome peut etre revele par une amenorrhee primaire ou secondaire en rapport avec une insuffisance ovarienne prematuree (IOP). Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente âgee de 18 ans, adressee pour exploration d’une amenorrhee secondaire evoluant depuis 2 ans. La menarche etait acquise a l’âge de 15 ans avec survenue de 3 cycles reguliers uniquement. Elle avait des capacites intellectuelles normales. A l’examen, elle avait une petite taille. Elle ne presente pas de dysmorphie faciale. L’examen des organes genitaux externes etait sans anomalies. Elle avait une pilosite pubienne stade P4 mais une pilosite axillaire absente. Le bilan hormonal a revele un taux eleve de gonadotrophines et de prolactine, et un taux bas d’œstradiol. Par ailleurs, le bilan thyroidien etait normal. L’echographie pelvienne etait sans anomalies. Le caryotype et la technique d’hybridation in situ fluorescente (FISH) ont revele une triploidie X homogene (47,XXX). Discussion Notre observation illustre un cas d’IOP en rapport avec une triploidie X. Seuls 22 cas du syndrome de triple X avec IOP ont ete rapportes dans la litterature. La majorite des femmes 47,XXX ont un phenotype et un developpement pubertaire et sexuel normal. Ce syndrome doit etre evoque lors de l’evaluation des patientes avec une amenorrhee primaire ou secondaire. Cette observation souligne l’interet des examens cytogenetiques dans l’exploration des patientes presentant une IOP.

Objectif Discuter les particularites endocrinologiques des patients ayant le syndrome de Prader Willi (SPW). Methodes Il s’agit d’une etude clinico-biologique portant sur 4 patients non apparentes ayant le SPW. Une confirmation moleculaire ainsi qu’une etude par FISH a la recherche d’une microdeletion de la region 15q11-q13 ont ete realisees dans tous les cas. Resultats Il s’agit de 2 patients de sexe feminin et 2 patients de sexe masculin. La confirmation diagnostique a ete portee chez tous les patients, a un âge moyen de 7 ans. La FISH a objective l’absence de la deletion de la region 15q11-q13 chez tous les patients. Sur le plan clinique, une obesite avec notion d’hyperphagie etait retrouvee dans tous les cas. Un retard statural etait note dans un cas et un retard pubertaire chez un patient. L’examen des organes genitaux externes a retrouve un micropenis et une cryptorchidie chez 2 garcons et des levres hypoplasiques chez une patiente. Une hypo-cortisolemie etait note chez un patient. Le bilan thyroidien etait normal chez les 4 patients. Discussion Le SPW est la cause la plus frequente d’obesite syndromique. Il se caracterise par un dysfonctionnement de l’axe hypothalamo-hypophysaire responsable des manifestations endocrinologiques observes au cours de ce syndrome. Ainsi, le retard statural est du a un deficit en hormone de croissance (GH), tandis qu’un developpement pubertaire incomplet est en relation avec un hypogonadisme partiel. La confirmation de la maladie est necessaire pour une prise en charge precoce des manifestations endocrinologiques en particulier la supplementation precoce en GH.

In this paper, we investigate the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of CoFeCrZ ([Formula: see text], As,Sb) quaternary Heusler alloy, using the first-principles full potential linear muffin-tin orbital (FP-LMTO) method within the spin gradient generalized approximation (GGA) for the exchange and correlation potential. Our results demonstrate that in ferromagnetic phase, the all alloys CoFeCrZ are stable in type-1 configuration and are half-metallic ferromagnets (HMF) with gaps of 0.99[Formula: see text]eV, 0.57[Formula: see text]eV and 0.70[Formula: see text]Ev, respectively. The obtained negative formation energy shows that CoFeCrZ alloys have strong structural stability. The calculated total magnetic moment, [Formula: see text] for all alloys exhibit Slater-Pauling rule, [Formula: see text]. At zero pressure, the three alloys shown 100% spin-polarization at Fermi–level [Formula: see text] with high Curie temperatures [Formula: see text]. Our calculation indicate also that the half-metallicity and high magnetic moment of CoFeCrP, CoFeCrAs and CoFeCrSb are robust against the lattice compression (up to 7.80%, 5.40% and 11%, respectively). On the basis of these results, it is suggested that the CoFeCrZ Heusler could be suitable for spintronics devices applications.

Recrystallized zirconium alloys are used as cladding and structural components materials for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) fuel assemblies. Under neutron irradiation, they undergo deformation and especially irradiation growth which takes place in the absence of any applied stress. This phenomenon, referred as “stress-free” growth, accelerates for high irradiation doses. The breakaway growth is correlated to the formation of a specific irradiation defect: the c-component dislocation loops. In the present work, 600 keV Zr + ion irradiations at 573 K were performed on recrystallized Zircaloy-4 and M5 ® 1 in order to investigate the impact of a macroscopic stress, applied under irradiation, on the evolution of c-loop microstructure. Two loading histories were considered, using a four point bending device specifically designed to apply a tensile or a compressive stress under irradiation. During the first loading experiment, the external stress was applied at an early stage of irradiation. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observations showed that the initial applied stress has no effect on the incubation dose of c-loops. For the second loading experiment, the macroscopic stress was applied when c-loops are already created. A clear but slight effect of the applied stress on the evolution of the c-loop microstructure was observed on both recrystallized Zircaloy-4 and M5 ® . Indeed, the c-loop linear density is lower when a tensile stress is applied parallel to the c-axis, which is in good agreement with the Stress Induced Preferential Absorption (SIPA) mechanism.

Introduction Le syndrome de Klinefelter est une anomalie chromosomique presentant une grande variabilite d’expression clinique. Le caryotype sanguin montre une formule chromosomique a 47, XXY homogene dans 80 % des cas ou en mosaique dans 10 % des cas. Rarement, on peut trouver les formules suivantes 48, XXXY, 49, XXXXY, 48, XXYY entrant dans le cadre de variants du syndrome de Klinefelter. Observations Dans cette etude nous rapportons les caracteristiques cliniques et cytogenetiques de 4 patients presentant les variants du syndrome de Klinefelter. P1, âge de 6 mois, a ete adresse a notre consultation pour dysmorphie faciale avec hypotonie neonatale. Les organes genitaux externes (OGE) sont de type masculin avec testicules en place et presence d’un phemosis. P2, âge de 14 mois, presente une dysmorphie faciale et un retard psychomoteur. L’examen des OGE montre une ectopie testiculaire gauche. P3 est un nourrisson de 6 mois ayant une dysgenesie gonadique. P4 est un homme âge de 33 ans qui consulte pour infertilite. Le caryotype standard realise pour P1, P2, P3 et P4 montre respectivement les formules chromosomiques suivantes : (48, XXYY), (49, XXXXY), (49, XXXXY/46, XY), (47, XXY[29]/48, XXYY[1]). Discussion Les manifestations du syndrome de Klinefelter apparaissent essentiellement a la puberte avec notion de gynecomastie et de petite taille testiculaire, voir meme a l’âge adulte avec infertilite. Cependant les variants de ce syndrome ont un spectre phenotypique plus large avec un pronostic plus severe. La confirmation precoce du diagnostic est essentielle pour la prise en charge therapeutique et le conseil genetique.

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to identify factors predictive of a poor outcome. Methods A retrospective study was conducted over 16 months in a Tunisian intensive care unit (ICU). All adult patients with A. baumannii VAP were included. Results Ninety-two patients were included in they study; 41 (44.6%) were admitted because of multiple trauma. The mean age of the patients was 44.5±19.5 years. All patients needed mechanical ventilation on admission. The mean SAPS II score was 39±15. The mean delay before VAP onset was 8.1±4.7 days. On VAP onset, 57 patients (62%) developed septic shock. Only 14.2% of isolated strains were susceptible to imipenem; none were resistant to colistin. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 20±11 days. The mean duration of ICU stay was 24.3±18.7 days. ICU mortality was 60.9%. In the multivariate analysis, factors predictive of a poor outcome were previously known hypertension (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4–24.9; p =0.018) and VAP-related septic shock (odds ratio 8.5, 95% confidence interval 3–23.7; p Conclusion A. baumannii VAP is associated with a high mortality. Hemodynamic impairment is predictive of a poor outcome.

Nanocrystalline hexagonal hydrated tungsten oxide h-WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O has been synthesized by hydrothermal process using sodium tungstate as inorganic precursor and three n-alkyl chain sodium sulfate surfactants ( n = 10, 12 and 14) as structure-directing templates. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterize the structure, the morphology and the composition of the material. The length of the alkyl chain of the surfactant molecules has a marked effect on the morphology and, particularly, on the particle size of the material. Nanofibers (about 50 nm in diameter) are obtained when sodium decyl sulfate is used as surfactant. Whereas, nanoneedles are obtained with sodium dodecyl (about 60 nm in diameter) or sodium tetradecyl sulfate (about 80 nm in diameter) as surfactant. Thin films of h-WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O deposited on ITO substrates were electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry; they show the same behavior whatever the surfactant. The voltammograms show reversible redox behavior with doping/dedoping process corresponding to reversible cation intercalation/de-intercalation into the crystal lattice of the nanofibers. This process is easier in propylene carbonate than in aqueous solvent and is easier for the small Li + cation than larger ones, Na + and K + . This is attributed to probable presence of two different tunnel cavities in the h-WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O lattice.

Highlights: ► Plate-like crystals (H{sub 3}N(CH{sub 2}){sub 3}NH{sub 3})[V{sub 4}O{sub 10}] were synthesized. ► Frequency and temperature dependence of AC conductivity indicate CBH model. ► The temperature dependence of DC conductivity exhibits two conduction mechanisms. - Abstract: Layered hybrid compound (H{sub 3}N(CH{sub 2}){sub 3}NH{sub 3})[V{sub 4}O{sub 10}] has been synthesized via hydrothermal method. Techniques X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy have been used to characterize the hybrid material. Electrical and dielectric properties dependence on both temperature and frequency of the compound have been reported. The direct current conductivity process is thermally activated and it is found to be 12.67 × 10{sup −4} Ω{sup −1} m{sup −1} at 523 K. The spectra follow the Arrhenius law with two activation energy 0.25 eV for T 455 K.

Triangular prism-like of crystalline rhombohedral sodium niobate (r-NaNbO 3 ) were prepared from Nb 2 O 5 in the presence of NaOH via a hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 6 h. Techniques X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, Raman and impedance spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, morphology, composition and electrical properties of the material. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that the as synthesized r-NaNbO 3 triangular prism has a conductivity value which goes from 5.5 × 10 −6 Ω −1 cm −1 at 280 °C to 7.61 × 10 −4 Ω −1 cm −1 at 780 °C. The Arrhenius diagram is not linear; it presents four regions of conductivity. The corresponding activation energies are, respectively, in the order of 0.893, 0.507, 0.819 and 0.105 eV, deduced from the Arrhenius relation.

Flake-like nanocrystalline V4O9 has been successfully synthesized by solvothermal process using V2O5 as vanadium source and phenolphthalein as a reducing agent and a structure-directing template. Techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, the morphology and the composition of the material. The photocatalytic activity of the material has been evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. As a result, after the lapse of 150 min, around 93.54% bleaching was observed, with V4O9 nanoflakes yielding more photodegradation compared to that of bulk V2O5. This presents a degradation percentage of about 44.67%.

Summary Objective The prevalence of obesity and associated health conditions is increasing, which underscores the importance of developing effective strategies to counteract overweight. It is well known that diet and exercise are the two main ways to control weight gain. It is not known, however, how physical exercise can prevent overweight when associated with different types of diets. To test this, we compared the combined effect of 30 days of two different diets and exercise training on total weight change in rats. Material and methods The study was carried out on four groups of rats ( n = 12), 6 weeks old; the standard diet sedentary group (SS), standard diet with exercise (SE), high-protein diet with exercise (PE) and high-fat diet with exercise (FE). Results Significant reductions in weight gain and in food intake were observed with training ( P P P P P Conclusion Our results demonstrated the positive effect of physical exercise on reducing both food intake and weight gain in the case of standard diet. We showed, as well, that combined effect of exercise training with hypocaloric diet (protein diet) induced the less weight gain. Whereas, in combination with hypercaloric diet (Fat diet), physical exercise prevented overweight. Fat diet disrupts, also, carbohydrate and fat metabolisms.

Layered sheet-like nanocrystalline VO 2 ·½(H 2 O) has been synthesized by hydrothermal process using V 2 O 5 as vanadium source and 2-phenylethylamine as a reducing agent and a structure-directing template. Techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the materials. Electrical conductivity measurements showed that the as synthesized VO 2 ·½(H 2 O) nanosheets has a conductivity value which goes from 75 × 10 −6 Ω −1 cm −1 at 298 K, to 68 10 −5 Ω −1 cm −1 at 386 K with activation energy of 0.24 eV.

Plate-like crystals of the polyvanadate (H{sub 3}N(CH{sub 2}){sub 4}NH{sub 3})[V{sub 6}O{sub 14}] have been synthesized via an hydrothermal treatment. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance and complex impedance spectroscopy were used to analyze the hybrid material. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity at different temperatures indicates that the CBH model is the probable mechanism for the AC conduction behavior. The conductivity was measured by complex impedance spectroscopy which is equal to 31.10{sup -3} {Omega}{sup -1} m{sup -1} at 443 K. The Arrhenius diagram is not linear, it presents a rupture situated at 357 K and the activation energies' average values are 0.22 eV and 0.14 eV, deduced from the Arrhenius relation. - Graphical abstract: At high temperature {epsilon} Double-Prime increases more rapidly which is due to the increasing conduction loss which rises with the increment in the DC conductivity. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rectangular plate-like crystals (H{sub 3}N(CH{sub 2}){sub 4}NH{sub 3})[V{sub 6}O{sub 14}] were synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer frequency and temperature dependence of AC conductivity indicate CBH model. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The temperature dependence of DC conductivity exhibits two conduction mechanisms.

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanostructured ZnO were successfully obtained by a hydrothermal route. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inorganic precursor and molar ratio are key factors for morphology and particle size. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optical properties were also studied. -- Abstract: Nanostructured ZnO (nanorods, nanoshuttles) have been synthesized by hydrothermal approach using ZnCl{sub 2} or Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O as zinc sources and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as structure-directing agent. Techniques X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanostructured zinc oxide. The optical properties of the as-obtained materials were also studied and showing that it is possible to apply the ZnO nanoshuttles and nanorods on the UV filter, photocatalysis, and special optical devices.

TiO2 nanoflowers were synthesized for the first time via the sol–gel method inside a reverse microemulsion. The characterization of the products by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) show that this material is constituted of belt-shaped particles that change into a nanoflower morphology after heat treatment at 600 °C. A proposed model could explain the growth process from nanobelt to nanoflower.

Tungsten trioxide, unhydrated with hexagonal structure (h-WO3), has been prepared by hydrothermal method at a temperature of 180 °C in acidified sodium tungstate solution. Thus prepared h-WO3 has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and using electrochemical techniques. The morphology has been examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) and it is consistent with existence of nanorods of 50–70 nm diameter and up to 5 μm length. Cyclic voltammetric characterization of thin films of h-WO3 nanorods has revealed reversible redox behaviour with charge–discharge cycling corresponding to the reversible lithium intercalation/deintercalation into the crystal lattice of the h-WO3 nanorods. In propylene carbonate containing LiClO4, two successive redox processes of hexagonal WO3 nanorods are observed at the scan rate of 50 mV/s. Such behaviour shall be attributed to the presence of at least two W atoms of different surroundings in the lattice structure of h-WO3 nanorods. On the other hand, in aqueous LiClO4 solution, only one redox process is observed at the scan rate of 10 mV/s. The above observations can be explained in terms of differences in the diffusion of ions inside two types of channel cavities existing in the structure of the h-WO3 nanorods. Moreover, the material can be applied as active support for the catalytic bi-metallic Pt–Ru nanoparticles during electrooxidation of ethanol in acid medium (0.5 mol dm−3 H2SO4).

This study was performed to investigate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in corticosterone, endpoint product of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, and metabolic responses to 3 days of food deprivation. To investigate this aim, we used a nonspecific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases, N-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In food deprived group we have noted a significant increase in plasma corticosterone concentration accompanied by a significant depletion in hepatic glycogen content with concomitant increase in glycogen phosphorylase (GP) activity by 63.72%, key enzyme of glycogenolysis and decrease in hexokinase (HK) activity by 25.16%, leading to significant decrease in glucose concentration. However, L-NAME administration in food deprived rats decreased slightly corticosterone level and GP activity (16.39%) and increased HK activity (11.26%) as compared to food deprived group. Considering these results, we can deduce that in food deprivation nitric oxide is involved in the regulation of corticosterone release and in glucose metabolic responses via glycogenolysis activation by the stimulation of GP activity and the inhibition of HK activity. However, more studies are necessary to further clarify the mechanisms by which NO induces these responses.

Vanadium oxide hydrate V3O7..H2O (H2V3O8) nanobelts have been synthesized by hydrothermal approach using V2O5 as vanadium source and phenolphthalein as structure-directing agent. Techniques X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanobelts. The V3O7. H2O nanobelts are up to several hundreds of nanometers, the widths and thicknesses are 90 and 40 nm, respectively. The electroactivity of the nanobelts has been investigated. The as-synthesized material is promising for chemical and energy-related applications such as catalysts, electrochemical device and it may be applied in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Les chromosomes isodicentriques (idci) representent l’anomalie de structure la plus frequente de l’Y decrite dans l’infertilite masculine. Le spectre clinique de cette anomalie cytogenetique est assez large allant des mâles quasi normaux ou infertiles aux femelles porteuses ou non de stigmates turneriens en passant par diverses etapes intermediaires de dysgenesie gonadique et d’ambiguite sexuelle. Dans ce travail, nous rapportons le cas d’un idci (Yp) chez un homme presentant une azoospermie associee a une petite taille. Une etude de 100 noyaux interphasiques par FISH en utilisant des sondes centromeriques des chromosomes X et Y a montre l’etat mosaique de cette anomalie avec la presence d’une lignee cellulaire 45X a 15 %. L’etude des marqueurs STS nous a permis de cerner le point de cassure dans la region Yq11,21–Yq11,22. Cette anomalie chromosomique est responsable d’une duplication de tout bras court du chromosome Y avec deletion totale des regions AZFb,c expliquant l’azoospermie que presente notre patient. Pour sa petite taille, la lignee cellulaire a 45X pourrait l’expliquer par une haplo-insuffisance du gene SHOX. Cependant, nous envisageons de completer par un bilan etiologique standard afin d’eliminer une autre cause associee. A travers cette etude, nous soulignons l’importance d’une caracterisation moleculaire et cytogenetique precise des anomalies de structure de l’Y observees en cas d’infertilite masculine. Cette caracterisation precise permettra de delivrer un conseil genetique adequat pour ces patients et d’evaluer leurs espoirs de paternite ainsi que les chances pour reussir une procreation medicale assistee.

ResumeObjectif Le but de ce travail etait d’etudier l’effet additif de deux types de regimes alimentaires (hyperprotidiques et hyperglucidiques) et de l’entrainement physique pendant 30 jours sur les concentrations plasmatiques de l’IGF-1 et sur d’autres parametres hormonaux et metaboliques. Materiels et methodes L’etude a ete menee sur quatre groupes de rats mâles ; un groupe de rats temoin qui est sedentaire et recoit un regime standard (SS), un groupe entraine qui recoit un regime standard (SE), un groupe entraine qui recoit un regime hyperprotidique (PE) et un groupe entraine qui recoit un regime hyperglucidique (CE). Les concentrations plasmatiques d’IGF-1, de l’insuline et de la corticosterone sont mesurees. Resultats L’IGF-1 plasmatique diminue avec l’entrainement physique (p

MoO 2 microspheres were synthesized by a facile wet chemical method using the molybdenum trioxide as an inorganic precursor and paraphenylendiamine as a reducing agent and also a template, via a hydrothermal way. The as prepared product was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, DTA–TG, and IR. It was found that this product was composed by MoO 2 nanoparticles encapsulated into the organic shell microspheres with diameters of 1–3 μm. The influence of the temperature on the crystallinity of the products was investigated. Optimal conditions founded were: reaction temperature: 220 °C, reaction time: 72 h and cooling time remains unchanged. The possible formation mechanism of MoO 2 microspheres was also discussed.

Crystalline tungsten oxide hydrate (WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O) nanorods have been prepared by a hydrothermal process using Na 2 WO 4 ·2H 2 O and 4-phenylbutylamine as a structure-directing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis techniques have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanorods. The WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O nanorods are up to several hundred nanometers in length, and the widths and thicknesses are 40 and 8 nm, respectively. A study of the electric properties in the temperature range 170–730 °C and frequency range 5–13 MHz is reported. The obtained results show that the activation energies are about 0.07, 0.63 and 2.46 eV for o-WO 3 ·1/3H 2 O, h-WO 3 and m-WO 3 , respectively. The as-synthesized materials are promising for chemical and energy-related applications such as catalysts and electrochemical devices, and may be applied in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

A field study was carried out to evaluate long-term heavy metal (HM) accumulation in the top 20 cm of a Tunisian clayey loam soil amended for (four years) with municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) at three levels (0, 40 and 80 t ha−1 year−1). HM uptake and translocation within wheat plants grown on these soils were also investigated. Compared to untreated soils, MSWC-amended soils showed significant increases in the content of all measured HM (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the last three years, especially for the 80 t ha−1 year−1 MSWC-amended plots. Wheat plants grown on MSWC-amended soils showed a general increase in metal uptake and translocation, especially for Cr and Ni. This HM uptake was about three fold greater for treatment 80 t h−1 as compared to plots amended at a rate of 40 t h−1. At times, the diluting effect resulting from enhanced growth rates of the plants with compost application resulted in lower concentrations in the plants grown (grain part) on treated plots. On the other hand, Cr and N...

A field study was carried out to evaluate long-term heavy metal accumulation in the top 20 cm of a Tunisian clayey loam soil amended for four consecutive years with municipal solid waste compost at three levels (0, 40 and 80 t/ha/y). Heavy metals uptake and translocation within wheat plants grown on these soils were also investigated. Compared to untreated soils, compost-amended soils showed significant increases in the content of all measured metals: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc in the last three years, especially for plots amended with municipal solid waste compost at 80 t/ha/y. Wheat plants grown on compost-amended soils showed a general increase in metal uptake and translocation, especially for chromium and nickel. This heavy metal uptake was about three folds greater in plots amended at 80 t/ha/y as compared to plots amended at 40 t/ha/y. At the end of the experimental period, the diluting effect resulting from enhanced growth rates of wheat plants due to successive compost applications resulted in lower concentrations in the plants (grain part) grown on treated plots. On the other hand, chromium and nickel were less mobile in the aerial part of wheat plants and were accumulated essentially in root tissues. Plant/soil transfer coefficients for compost-amended treatments were higher than threshold range reported in the literature, indicating that there was an important load/transfer of metal ions from soils to wheat plants.

Hexagonal tungsten oxide nanorods have been synthesized by hydrothermal strategy using Na 2 WO 4 ·2H 2 O as tungsten source, aniline and sulfate sodium as structure-directing templates. Techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the nanorods. The h-WO 3 nanorods are up to 5 μm in length, and 50–70 nm in diameter.

The lithium borosilicate gels were prepared from the cohydrolysis of the tetraehtylorthosilicate (Si(C2H5O)4) and triethylborate (B(C2H5O)3) by using an ethanolic solution of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) as surfactant. The Li+ ions were introduced from an acidic solution of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3). Depending on the B/Si, Li/Si and TTAB/Si molar ratios at pH equal to 1 and at room temperature, monolithic and transparent colourless gels were obtained. The structure of the gel was investigated by infrared spectroscopy (IR), 29Si, 11B and 7Li solid-state magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and by thermal analysis (DTA–TG). The results show the possibility of obtaining a borosilicate network via B–O–Si bonds in which Li+ ions were dispersed. The adsorption–desorption isotherms of the xerogel were characteristic of mesoporous materials. These materials may provide a greater free volume through which conducting ions can move.

Large-scale VO 2 (B) nanobelts have been synthesized by hydrothermal strategy via one-step method using V 2 O 5 as vanadium source and C 6 H 5 –(CH 2 ) n –NH 2 with n = 2 and 4 (2-phenylethylamine and 4-phenylbutylamine) as structure-directing templates. The composition and morphology of the nanobelts were established by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The as-obtained VO 2 (B) nanobelts have a length of 3–10 μm, a wideness of 100–375 nm and a thickness of 30–66 nm.

New inorganic–organic hybrid mesoporous materials were prepared by chemical modification of polymethylhydrosiloxane by 1,2-diaminopropane and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, in tetrahydrofuran, using hexachloroplatinic acid (H 2 PtCl 6 · 6H 2 O) as catalyst at room temperature. This reaction leads to the formation of transparent and monolithic gels. The products have been characterized by infrared and 29 Si CP MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results show that the organic components have reacted with the polymethylhydrosiloxane leading to colourless and coloured gels in which both organic–inorganic bridges are formed. The thermal treatment procedure was determined by TGA and DTA curves recorded on the hybrid gel powder drying at 100 °C during 24 h. Xerogels morphology and texture were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET).

Nanoneedles, nanorods of B-VO 2 , and vanadium oxide nanotubes with high crystallinity were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal treatment using crystalline V 2 O 5 as a precursor and aromatic amines (C 6 H 5 -(CH 2 ) n -NH 2 with n =0, 1, 3) as structure-directing templates. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and infrared spectroscopy. Nanoneedles, 0.5–5 μm in length and about 50 nm in average diameter and VO 2 (B) nanorods about 20–100 nm wide and up to 2.5 μm long, have been obtained. The inner and the outer diameters of the vanadium oxide nanotubes vary, respectively, between 15–25 and 70–100 nm with a length up to 4 μm.

Homogenous, transparent, monolithic and red titanium hybrid gel was obtained by reaction of homogenous mixture of titanium butoxide Ti(OBu n ) 4 with the aromatic ring (1,4-dihydroxybenzene HO–C 6 H 4 –OH) (DO 1,4 ) in n -butanol at room temperature, without the addition of catalyst and water. Infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the obtained material. The results show that 1,4-dihydroxybenzene reacted with the titanium alkoxide leading to the transparent monolithic and red gel in which both organic and inorganic –Ti–O–C 6 H 4 –O–Ti-bridges are formed. The thermal analysis of the xerogel was determined by TGA and DTA. The morphology, texture and structure of the material were studied by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The X-ray diffraction pattern of the material calcined at 600 °C is consistent with the formation of TiO 2 .

Vanadium oxide nanotubes (VO x -NTs) with high crystallinity were synthesized by using the crystalline V 2 O 5 as precursor for the first time with 3-phenylpropylamine as structure-directing template via one-step hydrothermal way. Structure and morphology of the nanotubes were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Thermal analysis and Infrared. The inner and the outer of the obtained nanotubes vary respectively between 15 to 25 nm and 70 to 100 nm with a length up to 4 μm.

Vanadium dioxide nanorod B phase with high purity and crystallinity was synthesized by using the crystalline V2O5 as precursor and benzylamine for the first time as reducing agent via hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the sample were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Regularly sized nanorod B phase VO2 is about 20–100 nm wide and up to 2.5m long. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monolithic and transparent lithium borosilicate gels were obtained by using a cationic surfactant. The textural and structural properties of the pyrolysed xerogel at different temperatures were studied by IR, DTA–TG, X-ray, SEM and BET techniques. The obtained results show that the samples remain amorphous and mesoporous when the samples were heat treated below 600 °C. It is interesting to notice that Li + does not establish a bond with the borosilicate network in this range temperature. Above this temperature, the crystallinity starts associated with the largest decreases of specific surface area and pore volume.

Little is known about the effect of pubertal stages on lung function parameters in Tunisian children.The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between lung function and pubertal stage in Tunisian children using anthropometric parameters.Pulmonary function parameters were measured with a Minato portable spirometer in 684 healthy Tunisian children (351 males and 333 females) aged between 8 and 16. The pubertal status was assessed for males and females according to the Tanner Method.A large variation was observed in the distribution of children's age and height by pubertal stages in both sexes. Height increased with age and pubertal stage in both males and females. The results also showed a significant increase in parameters of lung function (FVC, FEV(1), PEF, MEF(50) and MMEF(25-75)) with pubertal stage in Tunisian children. The analysis of covariance adjusting for anthropometric parameters showed that pubertal status had a significant independent effect on some pulmonary function parameters in both sexes.The results indicated that the parameters of pulmonary function for healthy Tunisian school children increased with age, height and pubertal stage. The present study has indicated that the use of only one morphological parameter such as height is not sufficient, but the pubertal status could be taken into account to standardize the lung function.

Nanoneedles B phase VO2 with high crystallinity was hydrothermally synthesized from the foam prepared by mixing V2O5, aniline and H2O in the mol ratio 1:1:258. The samples have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and thermal analysis. Regularly sized VO2(B) nanoneedles have the following dimensions: 0.5–5 μm in length and about 50 nm in average diameter. According to transmission electron microscopy investigations, the V2O5 crystals resulting from the foam exhibit nanoparticles sizes between 50 and 100 nm. This way of synthesis provides a new simple and elegant route to elaborate the vanadium dioxide VO2(B) nanoneedles and V2O5 nanoparticles under soft conditions.

La methode sol-gel nous a permis de preparer des gels hybrides organiques-inorganiques transparents et monolithiques. Ces gels sont obtenus par modification du polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) possedant un centre actif ≡Si-H, de formule chimique (CH 3 ) 3 SiO(SiHCH 3 O) n (CH 3 ) 3 avec n ≈ 35, par des molecules organiques renfermant une double fonction aminoalcool HO-R-NH 2 (R est un groupement hydrocarbone). Ces composes miscibles dans le THF reagissent avec le PMHS en presence de l'acide hexachloroplatinique (H 2 PtCl 6 , 6H 2 O) comme catalyseur. Les xerogels issus des gels seches a 50°C sont caracterises par differentes techniques: IR, RMN CP MAS de Si et ATD-ATG.

Aim: Chronic ethanol treatment induces an increase in oxidative stress. As polyphenolic compounds are potent antioxi- dants, we aimed to examine whether dietary supplementation of resveratrol may attenuate lipid peroxidation, the major end-point of oxidative damage resulting from chronic ethanol administration. Method: Three groups of male Wistar rats were used. The first group served as control and received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline. The second group of rats was daily injected with 35% ethanol at 3 g/kg body weight. The third group was given the same dose of ethanol and supplemented with resveratrol (5 g/kg) in the standard diet. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of oxidative stress, was measured in the liver, heart, brain, and testis. Results: At the end of a 6 weeks treatment period, MDA levels were significantly increased by 51.5, 53.7, 72.7, and 40.5% in the liver, heart, brain, and testis, respectively. However, when ethanol treated rats were given resveratrol the increase in MDA levels was significantly reduced in all organs to nearly those of control rats. Conclusion: Resveratrol is able to inhibit the ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation and have protective effect against oxidative injury.

Nitric oxide has been suggested to be involved in the regulation of fluid and nutrient homeostasis. In the present investigation, vasopressin and nitric oxide metabolite (nitrite and nitrate) levels were determined in plasma of male Wistar rats submitted to water or food deprivation for three days. Hematocrit and plasma sodium showed marked increase in dehydrated and starved rats. Potassium levels and plasma volume decreased in both treated groups. Plasma osmolality and vasopressin levels were significantly elevated in water deprived (362.8 +/- 7.1 mOsm/kg H2O, 17.3 +/- 2.7 pg/ml, respectively, p0.001) rats, but not in food deprived (339.9 +/- 5.0, 1.34 +/- 0.28) rats, compared to the controls (326.1 +/- 4.1, 1.47 +/- 0.32). The alterations observed in plasma vasopressin levels were related to plasma osmolality rather than plasma volume. Plasma levels of nitrite and nitrate were markedly increased in both water and food deprived rats (respectively, 2.19 +/- 0.29 mg/l and 2.22 +/- 0.17 mg/l versus 1.33 +/- 0.19 mg/l, both p0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between plasma nitrite and nitrate concentration and plasma volume. These results suggest that both dehydration and starvation increase plasma nitric oxide, probably by activation of nitric oxide synthases. The release of nitric oxide may participate in the regulation of the alteration in blood flow, fluid and nutrient metabolism caused by water deprivation or starvation.

New monolithic and transparent hybrid gels were obtained by reaction at room temperature of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) with 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene (DO1,3,5) and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (DO2), in tetrahydrofuran, using hexachloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6·6H2O) as catalyst. The products have been characterized by infrared and 29Si MAS-NMR spectroscopy. The results show that the organic compounds have reacted with the PMHS, leading to monolithic and transparent gels in which organic-inorganic bridges were formed. An appropriate thermal treatment procedure was determined from TGA and DTA curves recorded on the hybrid gel powder after drying at 70 °C. The morphology and structure of the materials obtained were studied by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).

The polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) modified by bifunctional organic compounds (diamines), offer the possibility of producing organic-inorganic hybrid materials. These materials present excellent opto-electronic properties and find numerous applications such as the manufacture of electroluminescent diodes and ion or radiation sensors. This work shows that monolithic and transparent hybrid gels were obtained by reaction at room temperature of PMHS with diamines in tetrahydrofuran, using hexachloroplatinic acid (H 2 PtCl 6 .6H 2 O) as catalyst. The products have been characterized by infrared and 29 Si MAS-NMR spectroscopy. The results show that the diamines have reacted with the PMHS leading to the monolithic and transparent gels in which both organic-inorganic -Si-(H)N-(CH 2 ) n -N(H)-Si- bridges are formed (n = 3, 4 and 6). The thermal analysis of the xerogels was determined by TGA and DTA. The structure and texture of the obtained materials, were studied by Chemical Analysis and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method.

Synthese hydrothermale du polyvanadate [H 3 N(CH 2 ) 3 NH 3 ][V 4 O 10 ]. Le traitement hydrothermal de V 2 O 5 en presence de 1,3-diaminopropane conduit a la cristallisation du polyvanadate hybride [H3N(CH 2 ) 3 NH 3 ][V 4 O 10 ]. Ce compose presente une structure lamellaire dans laquelle les molecules organiques sont intercalees entre les plans d'oxyde de vanadium de valence mixte. Il est forme a partir d'une solution aqueuse de metavanadate de pH9. Des composes similaires ont ete obtenus en milieu acide ou les decavanadates sont les principales especes en solution. Ce papier discute les mecanismes chimiques qui conduisent a la formation de polyvanadates hybrides a partir des precurseurs moleculaires, metavanadates ou decavanadates.

Plate-like benzyltrimethylammonium-vanadium pentoxide intercalate compound have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal analysis techniques, and Raman spectroscopy have been used to characterize the structure, morphology and composition of the plates. The material has a layered structure with an interlayer spacing of about 1.369 nm. The width of the plates varies between 80 and 250 nm and a thickness around 40 nm. The influences of the reaction time on the morphology have been investigated. The electronic conductivity measurements show that the conductivity curve is described by an Arrhenius law with activation energy of 0.46 eV.