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Lithium (Li) is a toxic monovalent alkaline metal used in household items common to industrial applications. The present work was aimed at investigating the potential toxic effects of LiCl on the redox status, fatty acid composition, and histological aspects of the marine ragworm Perinereis cultrifera. Sea worms were exposed to LiCl graded doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/L) for 48 h. Compared with the control group, the saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased while monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased upon exposure to LiCl. The increase in PUFA n-3 and PUFA n-6 was concomitant to an increase in docosahexaenoic (DHA: C22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic (EPA: C20:5n-3), and docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-6) fatty acids. Results showed that LiCl-treated specimens accumulate lithium with increasing exposure gradient. Indeed, the exposure to LiCl doses promoted oxidative stress with an increase of the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), and protein carbonyl (PCO) as well as the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (non-protein thiols (NPSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and metallothionein (MT)) levels in all treated groups. Our biochemical findings have been affirmed by the histopathological observations showing hyperplasia and loss of the intestine structure in treated specimens. Overall, our findings give new insights on the toxic effect of LiCl on the redox status of P. cultrifera body tissue and highlighted the usefulness of the FA composition as an early sensitive bioindicators to better understand LiCl mechanism of toxicity in marine polychaetes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyh) is a potential pyrethroid insecticide widely used in pest control. The presence of pyrethroids in the aquatic ecosystem may induce adverse effects on non-target organisms such as the sea urchin. This study was conducted to assess the toxic effects of λ-cyh on the fatty acid profiles, redox status, and histopathological aspects of Paracentrotus lividus gonads following exposure to three concentrations of λ-cyh (100, 250 and 500 µg/L) for 72 h. The results showed a significant decrease in saturated fatty acid (SFAs) with an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) levels in λ-cyh treated sea urchins. The highest levels in PUFAs were recorded in the eicosapentaenoic acids (C20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acids (C22:6n-3) and arachidonic acids (C20:4n-6) levels. The λ-cyh intoxication promoted oxidative stress with an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels. Furthermore, the enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels were enhanced in all exposed sea urchins, while the vitamin C levels were decreased in 100 and 500 µg/L treated groups. Our biochemical results have been confirmed by the histopathological observations. Collectively, our findings offered valuable insights into the importance of assessing fatty acids' profiles as a relevant tool in aquatic ecotoxicological studies., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Korean Society of Toxicology 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

In order to increase the low-temperature resistance of Nile tilapia, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential effect of ω3 fatty acid incorporation in Oreochromis niloticus diet. To perform this, two experimental diets containing soybean oil (D1) and cod liver oil (D2) have been supplied to juvenile tilapia for 30 days. According to our results, similar improvements in the two diets have been recorded for growth performance of O. niloticus including the final body mass, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Our results showed that fish fed with diet D2 promoted high polyunsaturated fatty acids mainly n-3 series (PUFA (n-3)) percent, highlighting the increased levels of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) as well as the activation of their conversion enzyme ratios D5D and D6D desaturases. The second objective was to assess the effect of the two experimental diets on low water temperature tolerance. This was done by exposing juvenile fish at the end of the first experiment to 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8 °C for 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. The sub-lethal LT 50 of O. niloticus fed with diet D1 was 10.6, 11.4, and 13 °C respectively, after 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. This pattern was commonly observed for O. niloticus fed with D2, showing that the subLT 50 were 10.3, 11.1, and 12 °C during the same period. These results demonstrate that O. niloticus juveniles fed with diet D2 are more tolerant to low temperatures than those fed with diet D1., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The stereometric and fractal concepts are crucial tools to analyse, to verify, to report 3-D microtexture of thin film surfaces on the nanometre scale and thereby to generate useful topographic characteristics for better understanding and steering them toward further improvements and rational use in modern applications. At first, the present work aimed to prepare hematite α-Fe 2 O 3 thin films with (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt%) of Cu doping by using the air pneumatic spray method. Subsequently, the obtained pure α-Fe 2 O 3 and Cu-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 thin films were characterised by XRD device, which determines their polycrystalline nature with the rhombohedral hematite structure. Analysis by UV-VIS absorption showed that the transmittance of the thin films is extinct in the wavelength from approximately 500 to 800 nm, revealing that the films have good optical absorbance in the visible region. The obtained bandgap values varied between 2.23 and 2.21 eV. At second stage, the stereometric and fractal analysis are applied on 3-D image data of pure α- Fe 2 O 3 and Cu-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 thin films, which in prior generated using AFM device. Accordingly, the obtained statistical parameters such as surface roughness, density distribution of peaks, depths etc. were used to understand the influence of Cu doping on the 3D microtexture of pure α- Fe 2 O 3 and Cu-doped α- Fe 2 O 3 thin film surfaces., (© 2022 Royal Microscopical Society.)

Biochemical composition and fatty acid profile of raw Ark shells (RA) were compared to Ark shells submitted to three different cooking methods (BA: baking in the oven; PF: pan-frying in butter and MW: cooking in a microwave). Moisture (%) was significantly higher in RA (79.66) with respect to PF (65.09), BA (48.63) and MW (47.02). Protein (mg/g of flesh) decreased significantly from 18.62 in RA to 15.40 in MW, 13.76 in PF and 13.33 in BA. However, lipids significantly increased in MW (43.32 mg/g of flesh) and PF (63.63 mg/g of flesh) with respect to RA (35.05 mg/g of flesh). Pan-frying affected considerably triacylglycerol (TAG) and the fatty acid composition (FA) of Ark shell flesh. The most changes occurred in saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid fractions after this process. The n-3 PUFA decreased significantly from RA (16.40 mg/g dry weight) to PF (10.02 mg/g DW). While, the opposite trend was observed for n-6 PUFA, revealing that this cooking method had considerable effects on the nutritional characteristics of this edible shellfish. The analysis of lipid peroxidation markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, free fatty acid and peroxide value confirmed that both heat treatment and time of cooking caused lipid degradation, which had been more accentuated during pan-frying treatment. For the populations who consume Ark shells occasionally or frequently, baking and microwave cooking could be then considered as wiser and healthier cooking methods since they conserve better the nutritional value of this marine product. The present study will be of practical value from a health perspective for Mediterranean populations., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestOn behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2020.)

The effect of storage time (5, 10 and 15 days) and temperature (- 20 °C and + 4 °C) on the biochemical composition of the Tunisian mussel ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) was evaluated by investigating changes in proximate composition, fatty acids, minerals and nutritional quality indices. Lipid and protein degradations were also evaluated through several markers of oxidative damage. Results showed a significant decrease in the biochemical compounds in mussel tissues after both refrigeration and freezing processes ( p  < 0.01). As regards the fatty acid composition, saturated fatty acids increased significantly after both storage processes. However, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated decreased, especially after 10 and 15 days of storage. The reduction of nutritional quality and mineral contents were detected after both storage processes. Markers of oxidative damage varied remarkably between fresh and stored tissues, revealing that both processes greatly influenced the nutritional quality of mussels. Overall, it is well recommended to consume fresh and stored mussels for no more than 5 days in the refrigerator (+ 4 °C) in order to preserve the better quality of this product and provide more benefits for human health., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2021.)

The current study examined the concentrations of ten trace elements (TE) (nickel, chromium, cadmium, iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum, copper, selenium and lead) in the edible tissue of the Ark shell Arca noae (L. 1758) from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon, the Bizerte lagoon during 2013-2014. The analysis of several redox status biomarkers, metallothioneins (MTs), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was monitored as a response to TE bioaccumulation and environmental parameters variability. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between mean seasonal TE concentrations in A. noae soft tissue. The highest TE concentrations in A. noae soft tissues were recorded during summer, which coincided with the increase of body dry weight (BDW) and the gonad index (GI). During this season, biomarker responses were enhanced, revealing significant increases of MTs, MDA and GSH levels as well as GPx activity in A. noae tissues, while a decrease of AChE activity was observed. The levels of TE analyzed in A. noae and several parameters used to assess the potential human risk (estimated weekly intake, target hazard quotient and target hazard risk) were lower than the permissible limits for safe seafood consumption. Consequently, this shellfish can be considered safe for human consumption. This preliminary study presents prospects for the valorization of this seafood product in Tunisia's food sector. It also gives basal information for future environmental assessment studies in which A. noae could be used as early warning tools in the field of biomonitoring programs and confirms the usefulness of biomarkers to monitor the health status of aquatic organisms.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are one of the most common childhood morbidities characterized by deficits in communication and social skills. Increasing evidence has suggested associations between immune genes located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex and etiology of autism. In this study, we investigated whether the non-classical class I HLA-G, -E, and -F polymorphisms are associated with genetic predisposition to autism in Tunisia. We aimed to find a correlation between HLA-G genotypes and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels. We have analyzed the HLA-G, -E, and -F genotypes of 15 autistic children and their parents. DNA typing of HLA class I genes was performed using PCR-SSP and PCR-RFLP methods. Also, we evaluated the serum levels of HLA-G (1 and 5) by a validated ELISA technique in autistic probands and their parents. No association was found between any polymorphism and autism in the study subjects. Additionally, we found no correlation between sHLA-G1 and sHLA-G5 and autism. Also, no significant difference in sHLA-G testing in parents and offspring was found. However, parents carrying [GG] genotype presented a higher sHLA-G levels than those carrying ([CC]+[GC]) genotypes (p = 0.037). From this preliminary study, we conclude that the investigated polymorphisms of HLA-G, -E, and -F genes did not lead to autism susceptibility in Tunisian children. However, the CGTIGA haplotype was found to be associated with the disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Termedia.)

The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical status of Venerupis decussata collected seasonally from two Tunisian coastline lagoons (Ghar El Melh and Boughrara) submitted to different anthropogenic levels. Trace elements were significantly higher in clams from Boughrara, especially during the warm season. Fatty acids, proximate compositions, and nutritional value of both clam populations were higher, appearing to be the best for human consumption principally during the spring season. The principal component analysis was determined, including phospholipids and reserve lipids, revealing a great variation with the exogenous and endogenous factors. Generally, clams from Boughrara had a significant alteration in biochemical composition principally due to the anthropogenic levels and physicochemical fluctuation of this lagoon. Our results reflected the healthy benefit of clam consumption and the use of energy reserves and essential fatty acids as a great biomarker to assess ecological risk in lagoons and other coastal ecosystems.

Objective: To identify prenatal, perinatal and postnatal risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by comparing them to their siblings without autistic disorders., Method: The present study is cross sectional and comparative. It was conducted over a period of three months (July-September 2014). It included 101 children: 50 ASD's children diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and 51 unaffected siblings. The severity of ASD was assessed by the CARS., Results: Our study revealed a higher prevalence of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors in children with ASD in comparison with unaffected siblings. It showed also a significant association between perinatal and postnatal factors and ASD (respectively p=0.03 and p=0.042). In this group, perinatal factors were mainly as type of suffering acute fetal (26% of cases), long duration of delivery and prematurity (18% of cases for each factor), while postnatal factors were represented principally by respiratory infections (24%). As for parental factors, no correlation was found between advanced age of parents at the moment of the conception and ASD. Likewise, no correlation was observed between the severity of ASD and different factors. After logistic regression, the risk factors retained for autism in the final model were: male gender, prenatal urinary tract infection, acute fetal distress, difficult labor and respiratory infection., Conclusions: The present survey confirms the high prevalence of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors in children with ASD and suggests the intervention of some of these factors (acute fetal distress and difficult labor, among others), as determinant variables for the genesis of ASD., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Use of the Internet in Tunisian society and especially among teenagers has increased in recent years. While the use of Internet is primarily intended for research and communication, the Internet has also become an important part of teenager's life. Most people use the Internet in healthy and productive ways. However, some teenagers develop a problematic use of the Internet, which is a condition also known by the term of "Internet addiction". In Tunisia, the literature does not report data on problematic Internet use prevalence among Tunisian teenagers., Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of problematic Internet use among teenagers, in the urban area of Sfax., Methods: This transversal study was carried out between the 15th January and the 15th February 2009. Participants were 600, first to third grade secondary school students, aged 14 to 20. They were recruited from seven secondary schools randomly selected in the urban area in Sfax City. The self-administered Young's 8-item questionnaire was used in this survey. Participants who scored five or more can be considered problematic Internet users. Finally, 587 valid data samples were collected, 263 (44%) males and 324 (56%) females. Eighty-five percent of the participants were in the 15-17 age range. The mean age was 16 years (±1.26)., Results: The prevalence of problematic Internet use was 18.05% (total of 587 students). The sex-ratio was 0.75. The problematic Internet use was not correlated with sex. The average time of Internet use per day among problematic Internet users was 4.5hours (±2.84) against 1.02hours (±1.56) among non problematic Internet users (P=0.000)., Discussion: In this study, the prevalence of problematic Internet use was higher than that reported in previous studies. Two facts can explain this: first, the use of the only self-administered questionnaire does not distinguish between a simple abuse and a problematic Internet use. A psychiatric examination is essential to support the diagnosis of problematic Internet use. Second, this study was conducted exclusively in an urban area where access to the Internet is easier than in rural areas. This study was not representative of teenagers in Sfax. The gender difference was consistent with the findings of prior research, as was the average time of Internet use per day among problematic Internet users., Conclusion: This study shows that problematic Internet use is frequent in our teenage population. A preventive outreach for youths, their families and health professionals is needed to limit the extension of this problem among young people. The existence of misuse of the Internet should not lead to avoiding this media. Reflections on how to moderate the relationship with the Internet are necessary; especially since Internet becomes an essential medium of information and communication. The current lack of Internet education in school curricula is also a shortage to fulfil., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Objectives: The multidimensional aspect of the concept of impulsivity is proven by the composite structure of the rating scales of impulsivity. Several studies have already found correlations between trait-impulsivity and externalizing disorders. However, the studies interested in the relationship between trait-impulsivity and internalizing problems are rare. We have tried to explore correlations between impulsivity and externalization and internalization problems, in a population of adolescent outpatients., Methods: We recruited 31 adolescent out-patients in the child and adolescent psychiatry department in the University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) was used to evaluate a multidimensional concept of trait-impulsivity, including the dimensions of "Motor", "Non-planning" and "Attentional" impulsivities. The Strength and Difficulties Scales (SDQ) was used to assess different domains of externalizing and internalizing problems, including "Emotional symptoms", "Conduct problems", "Hyperactivity" and "Peer problems"., Results: The sex-ratio was 1.21. The mean age was 15.19±1.27 years. All patients but one were attending school. The diagnosis was "Major Depressive Episode" in 32% and "Behavior Disorder" in 38%. The means of the scores of externalizing and internalizing problems were 9.35±4.41 and 9.65±3.26, respectively. The total score of the BIS was significantly related to both scores of externalizing and internalizing problems. The "Motor" impulsivity was specially correlated with the externalizing dimension of the SDQ. The non-planning impulsivity was correlated with both scores of externalizing and internalizing problems, but it was mainly related to internalizing problems. The attentional impulsivity was also correlated with both dimensions of externalizing and internalizing problems., Conclusion: The dimensions of trait-impulsivity were correlated with various dimensions of the SDQ concerning externalizing and internalizing problems. That confirms the hypothesis that the impulsiveness is associated with wide domains of the psychopathology of the teenager which are not limited to behavior disorders. We can process these problems by influencing the "Motor impulsivity" and "Non-planning impulsivity". The cognitive and behavioral therapy and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be efficient., (Copyright © 2014 L’Encéphale, Paris. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Frequency, social impact, the negative effects of ADHD on personal development, make it a public health problem. Tunisian existing data confirm its frequency and severity in clinical population. The absence of data in student population has led us to develop this work.The objectives of our study were to study epidemiological profile of ADHD in school population., Methods: The analysis involved a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from April 2008 to October 2008 using a representative randomized multistage sample of schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years old. Measurement was performed in two stages first the parents and teachers of each children filled Conners questionnaire separately then students with the score in subscales inattention, hyperactivity with impulsivity higher than 70 were selected for psychiatric interview. Psychiatric interview was intended to confirm or refute the diagnosis of ADHD. The diagnoses were made according to DSM IV-TR. To study the possible associated factors with the disorder they were compared in children with ADHD and children without the disorder taken as controls., Results: A total of 51 students out of 513 had ADHD. Prevalence was found to be 9,94%. For the study of factors associated with ADHD were found in males, neonatal hospitalization, psychiatric and family history of ADHD and the existence of a family dysfunctionment., Conclusion: Our prevalence is similar to the majority of those reported by studies conducted through the same methodology as ours. The etiology of ADHD is not unequivocal. The disorder appears to be multifactorial.

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent behavioral disorder particularly noticed among school children. It is often associated with other psychological troubles at the origin of an additional difficulty that has to be overcome., Objective: Our research's aim was to study the comorbidity of school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD in Sfax, Tunisia., Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from 1st April 2008 to 1st October 2008. Five hundred and thirteen pupils aged between 6 and 12, from primary arbitrarily chosen schools from Sfax were subjected to this study. Measurements were carried out in two steps: parents and teachers of each child filled in separately Conners questionnaire, then children with a score in subscales inattention, hyperactivity impulsivity higher than 70 were selected for psychiatric interview that was intended to confirm or to invalidate the ADHD diagnosis and the possible comorbid diagnosis. The diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV-TR., Results: We have noticed that 109 pupils exhibited at least one pathological score on the Conners questionnaire. After interviewing these 109 pupils, the results have shown that 51 among them fulfilled criteria of ADHD. Prevalence of ADHD was found to be 9.94 %. About 72.54 % of children with ADHD had one or more comorbid disorder: learning disabilities (23.52 % of cases), anxiety disorder (31.37 % of cases), oppositional defiant disorder in (15.68 % of cases), mood disorder (3.92 % of cases), enuresis (13.72 % of cases) and slight mental retardation (1.95 % of cases)., Conclusion: We can say that this study has shown that ADHD school children's psychiatric comorbidity is similar to any other previous study., (Copyright © 2013 L’Encéphale, Paris. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Learning disorders are increasingly a concern for Tunisians parents. These difficulties are divided into two groups: specific learning disabilities and non-specific learning disorders., Aim: Our work is part of a federated research project. Our aim is to determine the incidence, etiology and management of learning disorders in the region of Sfax., Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on a population of 304 children assessed by their teachers as having academic difficulty. A multidisciplinary assessment including a neurological examination, an assessment of score of intelligence and language assessment has been performed for 209 children., Results: Referring to our sample, learning disorders affect 21.3% of children in the region Sfax. The frequency of specific learning disorder is estimated at 10.3% (reading disorder 5.9%, dyscalculia 2.4%, reading disorder associated with dyscalculia 2%). Non-specific learning disorders were found in 11% of children. Etiologies in this group were dominated by mental retardation (2.1%), inappropriate education (2.3%)., Conclusion: Our study revealed the high frequency of learning difficulties. It allows us to distinguish between specific learning disabilities and non specific learning disorders secondary to neurological or precarious socio-economic conditions. However, the profile and severity of specific learning disorders could not be studied due to the lack of standardized Arabic tests in Tunisia. In countries with a lack of professional and specialized unit care as in Tunisia, reading interventions in school should be proposed. Only children with remaining difficulties after this training will be sent to specialized professionals.

Background: Bipolar disorders in adolescence are of a great importance, partly because of the relapsing character of this disorder and its impact in terms of psychosocial adjustment. aim: To study the evolution of bipolar disorders in adolescents., Methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective survey on 30 adolescents followed in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Sfax for bipolar disorders diagnosed according to the DSM-IV TR criteria., Results: The average number of the thymic episodes /year was 1.36±0.75. The average duration of the maniac episodes was 39. 75 day±24.79 and that of the depressive episodes was 78.75 days ± 43.73. The average duration of the inter critical intervals was 13.78 months ±11. 29. The complete remission was noted in 42.8% of the cases whereas the passage to chronicity was noticed in 3.6% of the cases. The family adaptation was satisfactory in 63.3% of the cases whereas the repercussion of the disorder on the school level was obvious. The social adaptation was non satisfactory in 53.3% of the cases. The suicide attempts were found in 10% of the cases., Conclusion: The findings of the present study justify an early identification of bipolar disorders in adolescents as well as the initiation of appropriate therapy. The early intervention will permit to reduce the duration and the severity of the episodes. It will also limit the deleterious impact on the life of the subject and decrease the risk of suicide, which seems to be raised when the subject is not or is badly treated.

A descriptive transversal study was carried out by the child psychiatry and neonatology team of Hedi-Chaker General Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Its aim was to study the methods and circumstances of the announcement of a disability confirmed during the infant's first days of life. The results of the study show that when the announcement is made by an experienced, trained team, and in favourable conditions, it leads to better acceptance of the disability by the parents.

Background: In adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorders, psychiatric comorbidity is rather the rule than the exception., Aim: To find the prevalence of the association between depression in adolescents and other psychiatric disorders and second and to study the different mental disorders comorbid to depression., Methods: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and analytic survey carried on 77 subjects having been followed in the child psychiatry department of Sfax for depressive disorders diagnosed according to the DSM-IV TR criteria during a period of 9 years (from January 1st 1998 till 31st December 2006), Results: 49.3% of the youths with depression had comorbid conditions: anxiety disorders in 23.37% of cases, disruptive disorders in 13% of cases (conduct disorders in 11.7 % of cases and oppositional defiant disorders in 1.3 % of cases), personality disorders in 13% of cases, substance abuse in 3.9% of cases and alimentary behavior disturbances in 2.6% of cases. A superimposed major depressive disorder in adolescents with dysthymia (« Double depression ») was present in 10.4 of cases., Conclusion: Throughout our study, we underline the frequency of the association between depression in teenagers and other mental disorders. The detection of this comorbidity has a great importance as it permits to understand the pathogenesis of depression in adolescents, to examine the implications of comorbidity for course and outcomes of this disorder and to elaborate the appropriate treatment.

A retrospective study over seven years shows a high frequency of underlying psychological dimensions to enuresis, mainly regressive and passive, but also aggressive and erotic. It is therefore important to understand the meaning of this symptom and to take into account, in the treatment, underlying affective disorders.

The persistent and unexplained crying of newborns, attributed to colic, is a frequent problem in paediatrics. Usually considered harmless, it can however have consequences on the baby's behaviour and emotional regulation. Moreover, mothers often misinterpret the crying. Faced with the maternal anxiety which is often associated, treatment must be multifocal.

The child's accidents constitute a problem of public health. The purpose of our work is to study the epidemiological factors and peculiarities of the accident at the child in a farming locality (locality of Jbeniana). The survey is made to the service of Emergencies of the Regional hospital of Jbeniana on one year (of May 2000 to April 2001). 324 cases of accidents at children of lower or equal age to 14 years have been counted. Our set is constituted of 246 boys (76%) and 78 girls (24%). In 1/3 of cases age is included between 2 and 5 years, in&#95;of cases between 6 and 10 years. The domestic accident represents the most frequent circumstance (72% of cases), follow-up of circulation accidents (12.9%), falls represents the most frequent domestic accident mechanism (38%). In 57% of circulation accidents, the child is a passenger or driver of two-wheeled vehicle. Lesion balance shows that in 47.2% of cases the child presents superficial lesions. A badly adapted environment is found in 31.4% of cases. A failing of the setting is noted in 44% of cases. The prevention to be efficient should take into account of the inherent measurements to the accident (environment, cultural and psychological factors).