Search

Description of the subject. Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) is an edible herb used in Europe and Asia as herbal tea, food, dietary supplement or medicinal plant since several centuries. Although the composition and properties of the aerial parts are well documented in the literature, Prunella vulgaris seeds have never been investigated. Objectives. The aim of this work was to characterize the composition of these seeds to assess not only their nutritional potential (protein, lipid and minerals content), but also their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential as well as their specialized metabolites composition. Method. The protein, lipids and mineral content were determined. The phenolic compounds were isolated; elucidation of their structures was done by means of HR-MS and one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis. They were then evaluated for their biological activity, together with seed extracts. Results. Omega-3 rich oil and an interesting amino acids profile were detected in the seeds as well as the presence of a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including two structurally new compounds (phenylpropane derivatives) which were isolated and structurally characterized. The two compounds described here for the first time, were named amolsamic acids A&B. The seeds and amolsamic acids showed an interesting antioxidant potential, and a strong anti-inflammatory activity on neutrophils, MPO and HRP models. Conclusions. These findings highlight the real health promoting potential of P. vulgaris seeds and make them a good candidate as super-food or food supplement.

Cet article se base sur les résultats d’une enquête quantitative et qualitative, menée en 2016 dans quatre provinces de l’Ouest canadien ainsi que dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le Yukon et le Nunavut, visant à déterminer les défis et enjeux des immigrants francophones et à analyser le rôle des services d’accueil francophones dans leur intégration. Cette recherche se place délibérément du point de vue de l’immigrant puisque 587 personnes ont été interrogées par téléphone et 68 nouveaux arrivants ont été consultés lors de groupes de consultation dans ces différentes provinces et territoires. Abstract This article discusses the results of a quantitative and qualitative research, conducted in 2016 in four provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia) and the North West Territories. This study aimed to identify the challenges of Francophone immigrants and the role of the Francophone settlement services in their integration. We interviewed 587 people by phone calls and 68 new immigrants during focus groups in each province and territories. Our main question was how the Francophone settlement services, developed more than 10 years ago by the federal government, meet the needs of new Francophone immigrants? More than ever, this question is worth exploring, considering that, as noted in the research (Houle et al., 2014), the ethnic origins of new Francophone immigrants are more and more diversified, and the source of immigration are from non-traditional European countries. After describing the profile and the needs of Francophone immigrants participating in this research, we discuss the challenges and expectations that they experienced with respect to using the Francophone settlement services. In the end, we discuss the convergence and divergence between the immigrants’ needs and expectations and the Francophone settlement services offered.

A seed sowing machine is a valuable agricultural device that facilitates the precise and efficient sowing of seeds in fields. When designing and optimizing such a machine, several crucial factors need consideration including seed size, seed rate, soil type, and field conditions. The primary objective is to achieve uniform seed distribution and optimal seed-to-soil contact, which can be accomplished by incorporating a seed metering mechanism to control the seed rate accurately. Versatility is another important aspect of the machine's design, as it should be able to handle different seed sizes, types, soil conditions, and field variations. To achieve this, utilizing advanced technologies such as sensors, automation, and precision farming techniques can significantly enhance the machine's performance and efficiency while also reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. The optimization of a seed sowing machine plays a crucial role in ensuring successful crop production. By implementing cutting-edge technologies and precision farming techniques, farmers can increase their yields and decrease the amount of seed and fertilizer needed for a specific area. Ultimately, this leads to improved productivity, increased profitability, and a more sustainable approach to agriculture.

Arising via an unidentified pathogenic mechanism, central pontine myelinolysis affects the central portion of the base of the pons. Rapid correction of hyponatremia is a frequent cause. The main symptoms are spastic tetraparesis, pseudobulbar paralysis and locked-in syndrome. We report a case of central pontine myelinolysis without hyponatremia, revealed by left upper monoplegia in a 40-Year-old female alcoholic patient without malnutrition symptom. Central pontine myelinolysis occurred consecutive to a suicide attempt with multiple drugs and alcohol. The diagnosis was confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging. This case illustrates the paucisymptomatic clinical characteristics of central ponine myelinolysis in patients without electrolyte and nutritional disorders.

A French nation-wide pharmacovigilance survey of ketoprofen topic collated, from September 1996 to August 2000, 770 cutaneous side-effects. The frequency varies from 0.013@1000 to 0.028@1000 according to the commercial gel. Analysis concerns spontaneous notifications of French nation-wide pharmacovigilance. Sex ratio is well distributed, population is young. Treatment lasted about 12 days, the side-effects appearing after about 13 days, 25 per cent of cases are delayed to discontinuance of treatment, mainly after exposure to sunlight. Co-administered drugs are in most cases systemic or topical NSAIDs and/or fibrates and then increase the seriousness of the iatrogenic pathology. 75 per cent of cutaneous side-effects appear in summer, 50 per cent have been reported as "photosensitivity". Reactions are severe in 30 per cent of the cases. More than 80 per cent of cases present an extension beyond the site of application. The course is usually favourable and neither topical nor systemic corticosteroid treatment influence the duration of evolution. Photopatchtests testing in 23 per cent of cases show evidence of photoallergy to ketoprofen and crossed photoallergy with tiaprofenic acid, fenofibrate, oxybenzone and benzophenone. These results confirm that photoallergy is due to the common benzoylketone structure but not to their arylpropionic function. Some cases of persistent or recurrent photosensitivity must be more explored. The results lead to request a modification of marketing authorizations.

The haemodynamic effects of anaesthetic induction with midazolam, fentanyl and pancuronium bromide were studied in two groups of patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery: group A (10 patients receiving 0.2 mg X kg-1 midazolam) and group B (9 patients receiving 0.3 mg X kg-1 midazolam). Haemodynamic parameters were measured before induction after fluid loading and 15 min after induction. Heart rate, mean right atrial pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances, mean pulmonary wedge pressure and right ventricular stroke work index remained steady. On the other hand, mean arterial and pulmonary arterial pressures, systolic, cardiac and left ventricular stroke work indices fell significantly in both groups. However there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

End-to-end anastomosis of an aortic prosthesis was used during reconstructive surgery in 100 patients. The advantages of this method are analyzed and compared with those of end-to-side implantation, the former procedure providing improved hemodynamic and long-term results: absence of anastomotic dilatation, regularity of aortic blood flow distribution, lack of competitive or superfluous flow, a guaranteed pelvic circulation and simplicity of later repeat surgery following thrombosis. Tactical indications for this method of anastomosis are defined and depend mainly upon the type of lesions at the iliac bifurcation. The greater complexity of this method would appear to be acceptable in view of the possible improved long-term permeability when compared with the conventional procedure.

In the course of a restrospective study, some hemostatic parameters were studied in connection with 65 cases of septicaemia. From this study, it follows that coagulation troubles are more frequent in septicaemiae induced by negative Gram germs, but that this frequency is actually linked with circulatory troubles. Besides, as for the biological diagnosis of the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome in this instance, it is not possible to take strictly into account the fibrinogen values or the rate of thrombocytes.

Until now, clinical chemists, clinicians, physicians dealing with the problem of migrant biology dispose only reference limits established for an autochtone population. But can these really be applied? We compared 28 blood constituents of a migrant population with those of the french population. We defined five geographic areas: Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, Northern Africa, Northern and Central Europe and the Near and Middle East.

Haemodynamic effects of propofol were studied during induction of anaesthesia, in 20 patients undergoing abdominal aortic replacement. Eight of them suffered from coronary arterial disease. Propofol was used at a dose of 2 mg X kg-1. During 5 min after propofol administration, no drug was administered. Neither plasma expansion nor tracheal intubation were carried out. Haemodynamic changes were: 17% decrease in systolic arterial pressure, and 13% decrease in diastolic arterial pressure, associated with a 12% decrease in cardiac output and 7% decrease in systemic vascular resistances; no change in heart rate in spite of the decrease in arterial pressure; and a mild increase in diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure. Left ventricular systolic work and rate pressure product decreased, suggesting a favourable incidence in coronary disease by lowering myocardial oxygen consumption. Nevertheless, it must be considered that, in the group studied, patients with coronary disease receiving beta-blocking drugs were excluded. So, mild haemodynamic changes observed here have to be confirmed in patients suffering from more severe coronary arterial disease.

The authors have treated 63 halluces valgi by simple excision of the exostosis and bunion. In 18 the results were unsatisfactory. It was concluded that this procedure was worthwhile in the following conditions: --absence of arthrosis,--halux valgus of less than 30 degrees,--and an angle between the first and second metatarsal of less than 10 degrees. The age of the patient and the morphology of the feet (Egyptian or Greek) did not influence the results. Fixation of the capsule to the metatarsal at the end of the operation is recommended.