Abstract: A method for manufacturing a membrane, which includes at least the following steps of: preparing a mixture that contains at least an aqueous solution of a cationic polymer whose pH is between 5 and 8, the cationic polymer having positively-charged groups in this aqueous solution, and an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer, the anionic polymer having negatively-charged groups in this aqueous solution; stirring the mixture; leaving the mixture to mature to cause the ionic interaction between positively-charged groups of the cationic polymer and negatively-charged groups of the anionic polymer, until obtaining within the mixture a membrane in the form of a hydrogel; adding at least one crosslinking agent so as to crosslink the membrane; drying the crosslinked membrane obtained upon completion of the previous step. This membrane is used for the treatment of liquid or gaseous effluents, as well as an antimicrobial support or for heterogeneous catalysis.

Abstract: A method for producing an expanded rigid foam with sealed pores includes at least the following steps: a) a mixture is prepared containing at least: an anionic polymer suited for ionotropic gelation; a foaming agent; a source of multivalent cations, said multivalent cations not being released in the mixture a); and a solvent; b) the mixture is stirred so as to obtain a foam; c) a compound capable of releasing protons in a sufficient amount to release said multivalent cations is added to the foam such that the anionic polymer gels ionotropically; d) the foam is dried. A foam is obtained in this manner and an object (for example a package, a heat-insulating or flame-retardant material) is made from this foam.

Abstract: A first object of the invention is galactosaminogalactan comprising ?1-4 linked galactose, ?1-4 linked N-acetylgalactosamine, and optionally ?1-4 linked galactosamine, for use in the treatment of at least one inflammatory disease. Another object of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a galactosaminogalactan comprising ?1-4 linked galactose, ?1-4 linked N-acetylgalactosamine, and optionally ?1-4 linked galactosamine, as defined herein, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Another object of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention, for use in the treatment of at least one inflammatory disease. Another object of the invention is an inhibitor of IL-1RA for use in the treatment of human fungal diseases. Another object of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of IL-1RA, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The apparatus enables a saddle-shaped parallel connection tapping to be installed on a pipe from the top of a hole in the ground. The apparatus comprises a frame having a tipping thrust device in the form of a spade controlled by rodding and designed to take up a position beneath the pipe, and a removable tapping positioner guided in the frame and including a tubular column that is split along one of its generator lines and that is fitted at its bottom end with a disconnectable module engaging the rims of the tapping. Means are provided on the frame to exert downwards pressure on the tapping support module in selective manner, and the removable module includes means for welding the tapping to the pipe. A device for driving a plug or a perforator device can be inserted in the cylindrical column of the tapping positioner from above.