Experimental results given in Part I and II are interpreted with the help of a band scheme including five energy levels: β (1.91 eV above the VB, due to exciton—neutral acceptor complexes creation with 0.1 eV binding energy), A (0.55 eV above the VB, copper vacancies V Cu−), B (0.76 eV above A, [V Cu−—V O+] vacancy associations), C (0.97 eV above A, [VCu—VCu] vacancy associations) and D (0.38 eV below the CB, due to oxygen vacancies V+O). The strongest absorption bands, as well as the minima in the photoconductivity spectrum are explained by optical transitions from A to B and C levels. The defect density responsible for the level C is about 1017 cm−3. This scheme is consistent with results obtained by other authors on the electrical properties and the luminescence of Cu2O.

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We report clinical and renal histological data, treatment modalities and outcome of 43 Tunisian children with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis seen over a 23-year period. There were 39 girls and 4 boys with a mean age of 12.5 years at diagnosis of lupus nephritis and followed for a mean period of 77 months. Renal symptoms included urinary abnormalities in all patients, hypertension in 40% of cases, nephrotic syndrome in 60% of cases and renal failure in 25% of cases. Class IV and class III nephritis were observed in 48.8 % and 30.2 % respectively. Corticosteroids were used in all cases, associated to immunosuppressive therapy in 23%. Overall survival was 86% at 5 years and 74% at 10 and 15 years. Renal survival was 83% at 5 and 10 years and 63% at 15 years. Initial renal failure and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were significantly increased risk for the development of end-stage renal disease in our study group. Renal histological findings provide the basis for treatment recommendations. Timely performed renal biopsy is greatly needed to accurately determine the prognosis and to guide treatment in children lupus nephritis.