Multi-references shape constraint for snakes

In this research, we intend to present a new method of snakes with an invariant shape prior. We consider the general case where different templates are available and we have to choose the most suitable ones to define the shape constraint. A new external force is then proposed which is able to take into account several references at the same time with proportional weighting factors. Both a Fourier based shape alignment method and a complete and stable set of shape descriptors are used to ensure invariance and robustness of the prior knowledge to Euclidean transformations. To illustrate the efficiency of our approach, a set of experiments are applied on synthetic and real data. Promising results are obtained and commented

Comparative Study on Beneficial Effects of Hydroxytyrosol- and Oleuropein-Rich Olive Leaf Extracts on High-Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Metabolism Disturbance and Liver Injury in Rats

Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as major compounds of olive leaves, have been reported to exert numerous pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the protective effect of oleuropein- and hydroxytyrosol-rich extracts, derived from olive leaves, on high-fat diet-induced lipid metabolism disturbance and liver injury in rats. In this respect, four groups of male rats (8 per group) were used: control group (Control), group treated with high-fat diet (HFD), group treated with HFD and oleuropein (HFD + OLE), and group treated with HFD and hydroxytyrosol (HFD + HYD). The current research showed that the treatment with the HFD increased the body weight and adipose tissue mass in male rats. Moreover, the plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT, LDH, and TNF-α were also raised. The hepatic immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory genes (COX-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α). Equally, it showed a rise of the apoptotic markers (a decrease in the expression of the Bcl-2 and an increase of the P53). In addition, the oral administration of oleuropein- and hydroxytyrosol-rich olive leaf extracts at 16 mg/kg similarly reduced the body weight and adipose tissue mass and improved the lipid profile. Moreover, these extracts, mainly the hydroxytyrosol-rich extract, reduced the elevated liver enzymes, enhanced the antioxidant status, and attenuated the liver inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that the oleuropein- and hydroxytyrosol-rich olive leaf extracts possessed hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects against the HFD-induced metabolic disorders by enhancing the antioxidative defense system and blocking the expression of the proteins involved in inflammation and liver damage

Opiate withdrawal syndrome in buprenorphine abusers admitted to a rehabilitation center in Tunisia.

Background: Illicit use of high dosage buprenorphine has been well documented in several countries, including Tunisia. Objectives: The aim of this survey is to assess the buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome time course, and how it may be affected by the population characteristics among subjects admitted to a rehabilitation center in Tunisia. Methods: A prospective research has permitted study of the socio-demographic characteristics and assessment of buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome among 32 subjects admitted for buprenorphine dependence by using the clinical opiate withdrawal scale. An ANOVA was conducted to examine the effect of different factors on the withdrawal scores. Results: 32 subjects were included. Among them 30 were males, 27 had been injecting buprenorphine, 16 were poly-drug abusers and 2 had a history of mental disorders. Buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome was of a mild intensity and had a delayed onset. Withdrawal mean scores varied between 0 and 9, and maximum values were reached at day 21. These scores varied significantly over time (p<0,001). The sex v time interaction and the mode of consumption of buprenorphine had significant effects on the withdrawal scores (p<0,001). The poly-drug consumption and the history of mental disorders did not have any significant effect on the withdrawal scores. Conclusion: This study has permitted description of buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome among patients going through a detoxification treatment at a rehabilitation center. Understanding this syndrome would help elaborate effective and suitable buprenorphine dependence management plans

Multi-references shape constraint for snakes

In this research, we intend to present a new method of snakes with an invariant shape prior. We consider the general case where different templates are available and we have to choose the most suitable ones to define the shape constraint. A new external force is then proposed which is able to take into account several references at the same time with proportional weighting factors. Both a Fourier based shape alignment method and a complete and stable set of shape descriptors are used to ensure invariance and robustness of the prior knowledge to Euclidean transformations. To illustrate the efficiency of our approach, a set of experiments are applied on synthetic and real data. Promising results are obtained and commented

Towards Improving e-Government Services Using Social Media-Based Citizen's Profile Investigation

International audienceGovernments are making considerable efforts in order to enhance citizens' participation in their decision-making and policy processes. In order to understand the citizens' needs, the decision makers need to know more about citizens' behaviors, preferences and ability to use e-government online services. Recently, social media represents a strategic opportunity that can help governments to become more transparent by providing citizens with better services and enhancing information's access in a way that makes them more involved. In this paper, we propose a new conceptual framework that investigates users and communities' profiles based on social media. The aim of this paper is to explore the social citizens' profiles in order to improve and adapt public services, decision making, information sharing, transparency and collaboration enhancing...to the individual's current and relevant needs

Paraphenylenediamine Poisoning in Tunisia: A Case Report

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) represents the main active substance in the color of hair dyes. In Tunisia, PPD poisoning is very common, especially in rural areas where the consequences linked to this toxic substance are still unknown. In this paper, we report a case of PPD poisoning and confirm the diagnosis by a qualitative method of analysis. We discuss the clinical manifestations and study the kinetics of biological parameters during the monitoring of the poisoning. The main complication was renal failure and the treatment was basically symptomatic

Acute Cyanide Poisoning from Jewelry Cleaning Solutions

Cyanide is one of the most lethal and devastating poisons. It causes acute toxicity through smoke inhalation simultaneously with carbon monoxide, or by ingestion of cyanide salts that are commonly used in metallurgy and in jewelry or textile industries. Cyanide intoxication is an extremely rare event; in the present study, we report a case of cyanide poisoning involving a 25-year-old jeweler, who ingested a jewelry cleaning solution containing potassium cyanide in a suicide attempt

Mesure de champ de déformation par capteur à fibre optique

International audienceNous présentons la mise en place d'un essai maitrisé sur une fibre optique collée sur une plaque d'acier. Cet essai a pour objectif d'apporter une compréhension fine des phénomènes menant à une variation de phase optique dans une fibre optique lorsqu'elle subit des déformations. En excitant la structure sur un mode propre, le champ de déformation subi par la fibre est parfaitement maitrisé. Les fréquences et les formes des modes propres de la plaque sont connus grâce à un modèle numérique validé experimentalement. Ceci nous permettra, à terme, de comparer quantitativement les champs de déformation issus des simulations à ceux mesurés par le système de mesure dynamique et distribué de déformations basé sur dispositif d'interrogation de fibre optique