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The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of rare earth intermetallic RNiPb (where R = Ho, Lu, and Sm) compounds were investigated with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculations are performed using the full potential-linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within the framework of local density approximation (LDA). The calculated values of the equilibrium lattice constants were in agreement with the available experimental values. The elastic constants ( C ) were also calculated to understand the mechanical properties and structural stability of the compounds. Furthermore, the density of states and the charge density distributions of the compounds were calculated to understand the nature of the bonding in the material. The calculated results are in accordance with the available data in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a first-principle study of the structural, electronic, and thermal properties of a $$\hbox {BaS}_{1-{x}}\hbox {Te}_{{x}}$$ alloy, using the full-potential linear muffin-tin-orbital (FP-LMTO) method in the framework of density functional theory, within both the local density approximation and the generalized gradient approximation are presented. The composition effect on lattice constants, bulk moduli, band gaps, and effective masses is analyzed. The quasi-harmonic Debye model, using a set of total energy versus volume calculations obtained with the FP-LMTO method, is applied to study the thermal and vibrational effects. The temperature effect on the lattice parameters, thermal expansions, heat capacities, and Debye temperatures is determined from the non-equilibrium Gibbs functions. The microscopic origins of the bowing parameter were explained using the approach of Zunger and coworkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report a rare and unusual case of endometriosis in the vesico-vaginal septum. The location of this disease at this site is so uncommon that the literature about is very rare., Case Presentation: A 41-year-old female was presented with urinary symptoms. There was history of caesarean section. Physical examination revealed an anterior vaginal wall mass. Pelvic MRI showed an inter vesico-vaginal mass, suggesting a leiomyoma. Surgical excision was performed by the vaginal route. There were no postoperative complications. Histopathology examination showed focal endometriosis., Conclusion: Endometriosis of the anterior compartment remains relatively rare; its localization to the vesico-vaginal septum (VVS) is very rare. With the occurrence of nonspecific cyclic urinary signs in women during periods of genital activity, endometriosis should be mentioned, especially in the presence of an antecedent of pelvic surgery.

Intramyometrial pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. It makes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. If misdiagnosed the intramyometrial pregnancy can cause a uterine rupture and become life-threatening condition. We report a case of intramyometrial pregnancy in twin pregnancy following IVF with spontaneous abortion of the first twin At 9 weeks of gestation. The 10 weeks scan showed a normal fetus which was described to be highly localized in the uterus but the diagnosis of intramyometrial pregnancy was not suspected. The patient was admitted at 14 weeks of gestation with pelvic pain, hemorrhage, and shock. She was operated and the diagnosis of ruptured intramyometrial pregnancy was done and managed conservatively. This case illustrates the diagnostic difficulties of intramyometrial pregnancy. We discuss pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this exceptional form of ectopic pregnancy.

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic human infection which is endemic in North Africa. It is more frequently localized in the liver and the lung. Involvement of others sites is usually secondary to these primary localizations. We report 2 exceptional cases of primary pelvic hydatid cyst diagnosed respectively in a 37-year-old and in a 48-year-old women. These cases will focus on the different characteristics of the infection, and the benefit of including epidemiologic arguments in using the diagnostical approach of adnexal masses.

Uterine factors represent only 2 to 3 % of infertility, but intra-uterine lesions are much more common in infertile women (40-50 %). These lesions can interfere with spontaneous fertility and can compromise pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction. Exploration of the uterine cavity is actually one of the basic explorations in infertility workup. Classically, hysterosalpingography and transvaginal sonography are most communally used for this purpose. Hysteroscopy, with the development and miniaturization of equipment, is currently simple, outpatient cost-effective exploration and it is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of intrauterine lesions. However, the benefit of the systematic use of hysteroscopy in the initial assessment of infertility remains unclear and the exploration of the uterine cavity in the initial assessment of infertility should be based on hysterosalpingography or hysterosonography. Systematic hysteroscopy before IVF is widely accepted practice that is supposed to improve pregnancy rates but still lacks scientific evidence. After repeated implantation failure in IVF cycles, uterine cavity should be reevaluated by hysteroscopy and this practice has been demonstrated to improve pregnancy rates., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Isolated torsion of hydrosalpinx is a rare cause of acute pelvic pain. Pre-operative diagnosis is very difficult because of non specific clinical presentation. Definitive diagnosis is always made at surgical exploration performed for suspected adnexal torsion and salpingectomy is performed in the majority of cases. A 34-year-old woman was admitted for acute pelvic pain with nausea and vomiting. Vaginal examination revealed a right adnexal tender mass and ultrasound revealed a well circumscribed right adnexal cystic mass. Surgical exploration has revealed torsion of a right hydrosalpinx and right salpingectomy was performed. Differential diagnosis between adnexal and tubal torsion is very difficult, however both should be managed by rapid surgical exploration which an allow precocious diagnosis and conservative treatment.

Bladder stone can exceptionally cause an obstetrical dystocia. A combined procedure of cesarean section with a cystolithotomy is the most advocated attitude. The authors reported a rare case of mechanical dystocia caused by a bladder stone in a 27 year-old multiparous women. The diagnosis was suspected during labor and a vaginal examination revealed a large firm mass in the anterior vagina wall. This mass was responsible for an obstruction of the pelvis requiring a cesarean section. A cystotomy was performed intraoperatively and a bladder stone weighing 130 g and measuring 8 x 6 x 4 cm(3) was extracted. The postoperative course was uneventful.