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Dans le cadre de la détermination de la structure des réservoirs en roches fissurées, une méthodologie de traitement numérique et quantitative de la fractu-ration relevée sur clichés aériens a été mise au point. La numérisation du relevé est obtenue par digitalisation sur un lecteur de courbes. Cette information est ensuite traitée à l'aide d'un algorithme (programme RAFRAC) qui permet d'identifier numériquement la fracturation par un ensemble de para-mètres élémentaires (orientation, longueur , densité...) à partir desquels il devient possible de procéder à une analyse approfondie du champ de fractures considéré. Un exemple d'application est présenté à propos de l'étude de la fracturation d'une zone à structure tabulaire (Causse du Larzac). Ces premiers résultats tendent à mettre en évidence une double nature mathématique de l'information analysée aléatoire d'une part, déterministe d'autre part. On montre également, à partir de la théorie desvariables régionalisées, que la fracturation suit une certaine logique dans sa répartition spatiale. Par ailleurs une organisation des familles de fractures a pu être mise en évidence, sur laquelle la structure géométrique du réservoir sous-jacent s'ajuste de façon très proche. As part of efforts ta determine the structure of reservoirs in fissured rocks, a numerical and quantitative processing methodology has been developed for mapping fractures with airphotos. The survey is digitized on a curve reader. This data is then processed by means of an algorithm (RAFRAC program) sa as ta numerically identify fracturing by a set of elementary parameters (direction, length, density, etc.) which con be used ta make an in-depth analysis of the fracture field being considered. A sample application is described having ta do with the surveying of the fracturing in a tabular structure (Causse plateau of Larzac). These initial results tend to reveol a dual mathematical nature forthe information analysed : (i) random and (ii) deterministic. The theory of regionalized variables is also used ta show that fracturing follows a certain logic in its spatial distribution. Likewise, an organization of fracture families was revealed, on which the geometric structure of the underlying reservoir fits quite well.

Introduction Estimating transmissivity of an aquifer with specific capacity information from pumping wells has been a common practice due to the availability of specific capacity data and the cost of [...]

M. Larocque [a,b] O. Banton © M. Razack [a] Abstract Ground water flow modeling in a karst aquifer presents many difficulties. In particular, the hydrodynamic properties and the flow behavior [...]

M. Larocqua [a,b] O. Banton [b] P. Ackerer © M. Razack [a] Abstract Flow simulation is difficult to implement in heterogeneous media such as karst aquifers, primarily because the structure [...]

A phase I trial of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rH-TNF) has been carried out in patients with advanced solid tumors. Sixty-six courses of the drug were given by 1 h IV infusion, daily for 5 days to 33 patients at doses of 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 80 x 10(4) U/m2/day. All patients received isotonic saline (up to 21/day) and either indomethacin or ketoprofen. Acute toxicity resembled that seen with the phase I study of a single dose (5). Dose limiting toxicity was acute, rapidly reversible, hepatic dysfunction and hypotension. Hypertension during drug infusion and dyspnea were marked in some patients. There was one complete and one minor response, both in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The dose of 80 x 10(4) U/m2/day x 5 was poorly tolerated and the recommended starting dose for phase II studies is 60 x 10(4) U/m2/day x 5. Caution is recommended in treating patients with pre-existing hepatic function abnormalities, hypertension, hypotension or significant obstructive airway disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal aquifer overexploitation represents a concerning trigger for water salinization around the world and especially in arid and semi-arid regions along with urban growth and urbanization, as well as land use human-induced changes. This study aims to assess the groundwater quality in the Mitidja alluvial aquifer (northern Algeria) along with its suitability for domestic and agricultural utilizations. A hydrogeochemical approach, based on the interpretation of groundwater physiochemical parameters (EC, pH, dry residue, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + , K + , Cl - , SO 4 2- , HCO 3 - , and NO 3 - ) collected during the wet and dry periods for the years 2005 and 2017 along with an isotopic characterization, including stable isotopes to identify the recharge sources for the samples collected in October 2017, has been proposed. The results show the presence of three dominant hydrochemical facies: (i) calcium chloride, (ii) sodium chloride, and (iii) calcium bicarbonate. Groundwater mineralization and salinization are so ascribable carbonates and evaporitic dissolution, especially during the dry periods, and to the presence of seawater. Ion exchange significantly affects groundwater chemistry along with human activities which directly or indirectly contribute in raising groundwater salts concentration. Specifically, NO 3 - concentrations are very high in the eastern portion of the study area which is exposed to fertilizers pollution where also the Richards classification pointed out the necessity of limit water utilization for agricultural use. The δ 2 H = f(δ 18 O) diagram indicates that the recharge origin for this aquifer is mainly due to the oceanic meteoric rainwater from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. The methodology proposed in this study can be applied in the similar worldwide coastal areas in order to contribute and sustainable water resource management in these regions., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Leptin is an adipocytokine that consists of 167 amino acids. It functions as a regulator of hunger and energy expenditure. Leptin loses its ability to carry out its physiological function at high serum levels, and many studies have associated this loss of function with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). This literature review aims to outline the steps by which leptin leads to CAD and atherosclerosis. Two independent researchers extracted animal and human studies from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We applied PubMed search builder options: pathology, pathophysiology, metabolism, and physiology to focus the search results. This study concluded that the mechanism by which leptin might lead to CAD via pressor and depressor effects on vascular tone, enhancing atherosclerotic plaques, and through numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms, the most common being that of the leptin receptor gene rs113701., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Hernandez et al.)

Migraine is a common neurological disorder associated with or without aura. Although the pathophysiology of migraine is not very well understood, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers are found to be increased in migraine. Multiple studies have been done to see if alternative medicine such as herbal supplements and nutraceuticals are effective in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. This review aimed to evaluate the effect of supplements like coenzyme Q10, riboflavin (vitamin B2), feverfew, and magnesium on the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. We performed a thorough literature search using mainly PubMed. We included studies published in the last 10 years, those conducted among adult human participants 18-65 years of age, and those published in the English language. Based on the articles selected for the final review, we concluded that herbal supplements and nutraceuticals help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches; however, mixed results were seen regarding the severity and duration of headaches. Moreover, there were no concerning side effects with these supplements. Therefore, physicians can suggest herbal supplements to patients who experience adverse effects from pharmaceutical drugs and desire a more natural treatment., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Kaur et al.)

Objectives: To determine the relationship between maternal nutrition and their breastfed infants' anthropometric measures during the first 14 weeks after delivery., Methods: A prospective, observational study, comprising 200 mothers and their infants. The weight, length, and head circumference of the infants and the weight and dietary intake of the mothers were recorded at 6, 10, and 14 weeks., Results: The relationship between weight gain in babies and calorie intake at 6, 10, and 14 weeks were significant ( P value < 0.05). The relationship between weight gain in babies and protein intake at 6 and 10 weeks was not significant ( P value at 6 weeks = 0.896, P value at 10 weeks = 0.127) but was significant at 14 weeks (<0.05). Mothers' weight gain during 14 weeks was significant ( P value < 0.05). When mothers were distributed into four groups according to their calorie and protein intake for comparison (median value: calorie-2034 kilocalorie, protein- 78.7 grams), the weight, length and head circumference gain in infants and mothers' weight were significantly higher in Group I and Group II compared to Group III and Group IV with P value < 0.05 at 6, 10, and 14 weeks., Conclusions: Calorie intake was low in mothers when compared to RDA recommendations. Infants showed lower weight, length, and head circumference gain than WHO Child Growth Standards. There is a direct relationship between the maternal diet and anthropometric measures of their infants. During postnatal period, mothers showed an increase in weight, rather than the decrease that is usually expected., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

To better understand selenium's dynamics in environmental systems, the present study aims to investigate selenium speciation and distribution in black argillaceous sediments, partially fulfilling karstic cavities into the Hydrogeological Experimental Site of Poitiers. These sediments are suspected to be responsible for selenium concentrations exceeding the European Framework Directive's drinking water limit value (10 μg L(-1)) in some specific wells. A combination of a sequential extractions scheme and single parallel extractions was thus applied on a representative argillaceous sample. Impacts of the extractions on mineral dissolution and organic matter mobilization were followed by quantifying major cations and total organic carbon (TOC) in the aqueous extracts. The nature of the released organic matter was characterized using thermochemolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). About 10 % of selenium from the black argillaceous studied matrix could be defined as 'easily mobilizable' when the majority (around 70 %) revealed associated with the aliphatic and alkaline-soluble organic matter's fraction (about 20 %). In these fractions, selenium speciation was moreover dominated by oxidized species including a mixture of Se(VI) (20-30 %) and Se(IV) (70-80 %) in the 'easily mobilizable' fraction, while only Se(IV) was detected in alkaline-soluble organic matter fraction.

Background: Therapeutic options for treatment of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease remain controversial. There are three main options: thiourea drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, and thyroidectomy. Each treatment has significant advantages and potential problems., Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of our experience with total thyroidectomy in Graves' disease. Sixty-two patients underwent this procedure in 11 years' time and were followed for a minimum of 2 years after surgery. All had measurement of total thyroxine, T3 uptake, and radioactive iodine (RAI) uptake and scanning. Sixty-three percent of all patients had some element of hyperthyroid eye signs. All patients were rendered euthyroid with pharmacologic therapy prior to surgery. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for improvement in eye signs, incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and hypoparathyroidism., Results: None of the patients in this study have developed recurrent hyperthyroidism. All patients are maintained on levothyroxine. None of our patients incurred bilateral vocal cord paralysis. One patient (1.6%) demonstrated an immobile vocal cord more than 1 year following surgery. Ten patients (16%) demonstrated impaired mobility of one vocal cord in the immediate postoperative period. Nine of these patients recovered full vocal cord mobility within 6 months after surgery. Only one patient (1.6%) still required calcium and vitamin D therapy 1 year following surgery. However, in the immediate postoperative period, 23 patients (37%) required supplemental calcium and vitamin D. In 12 patients, calcium and vitamin D was discontinued within 1 month. In an additional 6 patients, calcium and vitamin D were discontinued within 4 months; 3 patients, within 6 months; and 1 patient, within 12 months after surgery. Incidental papillary carcinoma was found in 3 patients (5%)., Conclusions: Total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease is an effective and safe therapy. When performed by an experienced head and neck surgeon, it carries a low morbidity rate. It should be presented to patients as a therapeutic option within the context of a comprehensive discussion of the risks and benefits of radioactive iodine, pharmacologic therapy, and surgery.

The medical records of 125 patients benign parotid neoplasms surgically treated over a 24-year period were retrospectively reviewed; 128 tumors were excised. These included 90 pleomorphic adenomas, 33 Warthin's tumors, 3 benign lymphoepitheliomas, and 2 oncocytomas. The surgical procedures consisted of 2 local excisions, 6 enucleations, 88 superficial parotidectomies, 13 subtotal parotidectomies, and 3 radical parotidectomies. The morbidity rate was 49%. There was one total permanent facial nerve paralysis (0.7%), four (3%) partial permanent facial nerve paralysis, five (5%) transient total facial nerve paralysis, and 32 (25%) partial transient facial nerve paralysis. After a median follow-up of 84 months, there was one recurrence (0.7%). A superficial parotidectomy is the minimum procedure that should be performed for the treatment of a benign parotid neoplasm.

We have outlined the clinical manifestations of "localized" malignant lesions of the intraoral cavity, their clinical behavior after intraoral excision, and their control rate employing intraoral excision as primary therapy. We must keep in mind that these small "localized" cancers are potential "killers" and the five year mortality from disease in our series was 25 per cent. This mortality may decrease with (1) more careful selection when patients are included in the "localized" lesion group and (2) earlier use of composite procedures in questionable cases.

Sixty-nine patients were entered in a randomized study to determine the usefulness and practicality of parenteral hyperalimentation (TPN) in preparing and supporting patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radical resections. The patients were stratified by nutritional status and prognosis and randomization were done within each strata to TPN or control. Minimum full TPN was given at 35 calories/kgm/day for at least 14 days postoperatively. Eight patients received preoperative TPN also. Control patients received customary enteral alimentation by feeding tubes. Under the conditions of this particular study, the administration schedules, and type of solutions used, we were unable to demonstrate any superiority of TPN over conventional enteral nutrition in terms of immune parameters, wound healing, complications, and survival.

In a retrospective study, 107 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx were reviewed. One hundred six patients were treated primarily by radiation therapy and only one by surgery. The overall 5 year survival rate free of disease was 29 percent. Possible prognostic factors of age, sex, cancer stage, histopathology, and treatment were studied. The younger patients did significantly better. Patient's sex and clinical stage were not significant factors in this study. The patients with lymphoepitheliomas, anaplastic carcinomas, and those with poorly differentiated cell types did significantly better than those with more differentiated lesions. Fifty-five patients received irradiation therapy of 6,000 rads by external ports alone, and 51 patients received radiation therapy of 6,000 rads by external ports supplemented by 1,500 rads using an intracavitary radium applicator. The higher survival rate with the use of the supplementary dosage was only suggestively significant.

A patient with pathologically confirmed medullary carcinoma of the thyroid with lymph node metastases was noted to show uptake of radiothallium, radiopertechnetate, and radioiodine. A perchlorate washout test was markedly positive, indicating that the uptake was largely due to trapping.