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

The development of photoactive systems to solve serious environmental problems is a key objective of researchers and remains a real challenge. Herein, n-p heterojunction ZnO-based composites were developed to achieve better photocatalytic performance in methylene blue (MB) degradation under natural solar irradiation. The hydrothermal technique was used to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO)/metal oxide (MO) composites, with a molar ratio of 1 : 1 (MO = MnO; FeO; CuO; NiO).

Non-doped and transition metal-doped CuO nano-powders: structure-physical properties and anti-adhesion activity relationship.

Bacterial contamination and biofilm formation generate severe problems in many fields. Among these biofilm-forming bacteria, () has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infection (NI). However, with the dramatic rise in resistance toward conventional antibiotics, there is a pressing need for developing effective anti-biofilms.

Intestinal ischemia in patients with incarcerated groin hernia: proposal and validation of a score.

Purpose: Intestinal ischemia (II) is the most critical factor to determine in patients with incarcerated groin hernia (IGH) because II could be reversible, and it is considered as a "time sensitive condition." Although predictive factors of II were identified in several previous studies, preoperative diagnosis of II cannot be reliably made or excluded by any known parameter. The aims of this study were: to devise and to validate a clinic-biologic score, with a strong discriminatory power, for predicting the risk of II in patients with IGH.

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

This work is focused on the photocatalytic activities of undoped ZnO, Co (1%) doped ZnO (CZO) and In (1%) doped ZnO (IZO) thin films grown on flexible PEI (Polyetherimide) substrate by spray pyrolysis. The photodegradation of crystal violet dye was investigated under UV and sunlight irradiations. Doping and excitation energy effects on photocatalytic efficiencies are discussed.

[Purulent retention in the upper urinary tract and pregnancy. Apropos of 3 cases].

The purulent retention of the upper urinary tract is fortunately a rare urologic complication for the pregnant women. It decompensates a congenital or acquired uropathy. It is an important urologic emergency in which the diagnosis of obstruction, and the drainage of urines must be of immediate necessity as important as antibiotherapy, to avoid pyonephrosis and the destruction of the kidney.

[Percutaneous nephrostomy in the treatment of pyonephrosis. A comparative study apropos of 36 cases].

This study is a comparison of the treatments used in 36 patients suffering from pyonephrosis. The patients were subdivided in two groups: cases having undergone previous percutaneous drainage; and cases having undergone primary nephrectomy. These latter cases presented a high complication rate.

[Retrovesical hydatid cyst (or of Douglas' pouch). Apropos of 3 cases].

The localisation of the hydatid cyst behind the bladder is rare. The authors report 3 cases treated in 5 years in the urology unit of Sousse Hospital and they discuss its clinic, pathogenic and therapeutic aspects.

[Vesico-uterine fistula. Apropos of 5 cases].

Five cases of VUF have been observed by the authors over a period of 15 years, reflecting the rarity of this condition. Based on a review of the literature, the authors present an exhaustive study of the various aspects of VUF: 1) aetiopathogenic features: they emphasise the rarity of the disease and its aetiology which is currently dominated by caesarean section; 2) clinical features with little variability in the symptoms (urine leak from the vagina with or without associated menouria) and the usually simple diagnosis based on a thorough clinical examination and routine complementary investigations (IVP, cystography..

[Treatment of prostato-rectal fistulae. Apropos of 5 cases].

The authors report 5 cases of prostato-rectal fistulae. Two men were treated by a posterior approach and two by an abdominal approach because of associated lesions. They review all of the techniques of approaching the prostato-rectal fistulas.