Transitioning to Microplastic-Free Seed Coatings: Challenges and Solutions.

This review addresses the issue of replacing manufactured microplastics in seed coatings used in agriculture. Firstly, it focuses on the policy and regulatory actions taken on microplastics at a global level. There is no consensus within the scientific community on the definition of a microplastic and, more generally, on the classification of plastic debris.

Polyhydroxy-3-Butyrate (PHB)-Based Composite Materials Reinforced with Cellulosic Fibers, Obtained from Barley Waste Straw, to Produce Pieces for Agriculture Applications: Production, Characterization and Scale-Up Analysis.

Cellulosic fibers obtained from Barley straw were utilized to reinforce PHB. Four different processed fibers were employed as reinforcing material: sawdust (SW), defibered (DFBF), delignified (DBF), and bleached (BBF) fibers. The composite was processed from two different perspectives: a discontinuous (bach) and an intensification process (extrusion).

Impact of the environmental parameters on single cell protein production and composition by Cupriavidus necator.

Due to the rapid increase in the world's population, many developing countries are facing malnutrition problems, including famine and food insecurity. Particularly, the deficiency of protein sources becomes a serious problem for human and animal nutrition. In this context, Single Cell Proteins, could be exploited as an alternative source of unconventional proteins.

Green solid-liquid extraction of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladode dietary fibers. I- optimization, pilot-scale production, and characterization.

In this research work, an optimization of an environment friendly extraction method of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode dietary fibers was conducted. For this purpose, a central composite experimental design with two factors (temperature and time) and five levels was established. The basic objective of this optimization was to maximize fiber yield using hot water as an extraction eco-solvent.

Screening for Triterpenoid Saponins Using HPTLC Methods: Prior Identification of Azukisaponin Isomers.

Due to their particular structural characteristics, the extraction and isolation of saponins from plants present a serious challenge. In this study, specific extraction protocols were first implemented to extract the secondary metabolites from and, more precisely, the saponins. Subsequent purification of the extracts was based on a single chromatographic technique, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, applying two development systems: a one-step system that separated molecules according to their polarity and a multiple development system that made it possible to detect the triterpenoid saponins, azukisaponin or soyasapogenol at a retarded Rf of 0.

Harnessing diversity of Lactococcus lactis from raw goat milk: Design of an indigenous starter for the production of Rocamadour, a French PDO cheese.

Twenty-four strains of Lactococcus lactis isolated from raw goat milk collected in the Rocamadour PDO area were analysed by MLST typing and phenotypic characterisation. The strains were combined to design an indigenous starter for the production of Rocamadour PDO cheese. The strains were divided into three classes based on their technological properties: acidifying and proteolytic strains in class I (12/24 strains), slightly acidifying and non-proteolytic strains in class II (2/24 strains), and non-acidifying and non-proteolytic strains in class III (10/24 strains).

Circulating Tumor DNA Genomics Reveal Potential Mechanisms of Resistance to BRAF-Targeted Therapies in Patients with -Mutant Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose: The limited knowledge on the molecular profile of patients with -mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress under BRAF-targeted therapies (BRAF-TT) has hampered the development of subsequent therapeutic strategies for these patients. Here, we evaluated the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-targeted sequencing to identify canonical mutations and genomic alterations potentially related to resistance to BRAF-TT, in a large cohort of patients with -mutant NSCLC.

Experimental Design: This was a prospective study of 78 patients with advanced -mutant NSCLC, enrolled in 27 centers across France.

Twin-screw extrusion encapsulation of MCT-oil in a maltodextrin matrix using compatibilizing biopolymers.

Carbohydrates are the most recurrent materials employed for active components encapsulation using twin-screw extrusion. However, the influence of process parameters on the properties of the final product remains a challenge. In this paper, special attention was given to the incorporation of a hydrophobic model compound (MCT-oil), in a maltodextrin matrix with a compatibilizing biopolymer.

Physicochemical characterization and study of molar mass of industrial gelatins by AsFlFFF-UV/MALS and chemometric approach.

Industrial gelatins have different physicochemical properties that mainly depend of the raw materials origin and the extraction conditions. These properties are closely related to the molar mass distribution of these gelatins. Several methods exist to characterize molar mass distribution of polymer, including the Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation method.

Prognostic role of a comprehensive geriatric assessment on the management of elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): a pooled analysis of two prospective phase II trials by the GFPC Group.

Background: The prognostic role of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) on the management of elderly patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains to be established. The objective of this analysis was to determine the prognostic role of each CGA domain on overall survival (OS) among elderly patients with advanced-stage NSCLC.

Methods: We pooled individual data from two prospective, randomized phases II trials in patients over 65 years old with advanced-stage NSCLC, who were considered fit (0405 trial) or no-fit (0505 trial) based on a CGA.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oil of Achillea millefolium L. Grown in France.

This study aimed to examine the composition of essential oil (EO) of aerial parts wild plant grown in France and evaluate its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. GC-MS was used to identify the chemical composition of EO. Antioxidant activity (AA) of EO was evaluated by Oxipres method.

Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent. This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS) quantification of pesticides in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage properties.

Matrix-Matching as an Improvement Strategy for the Detection of Pesticide Residues.

More than 90% of the pesticides residues in apples are located in the peel. We developed a gas chromatography/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry method for investigating all detectable residues in the peel of 3 apple varieties. Sample preparation is based on the use of the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe method on the whole fruit, the flesh, and the peel.

Influence of DE-value on the physicochemical properties of maltodextrin for melt extrusion processes.

In this study, five different types of maltodextrins (DE-2, DE-6, DE-12, DE-17 and DE-19) were characterized for the physico-chemical properties. TGA, DVS and SEC analyses were carried out and additionally apparent melt-viscosity (in a micro-extruder) and the glass transition temperature (analyzed by DMA) of maltodextrin/plasticizer mixtures were also measured in order to evaluate both the effect of plasticizer nature and content and the effect of the DE-value. For this, three plasticizing agents were compared: water, d-sorbitol and glycerin.

The Influence of Prior Learning Experience on Pollinator Choice: An Experiment Using Bumblebees on Two Wild Floral Types of Antirrhinum majus.

Understanding how pollinator behavior may influence pollen transmission across floral types is a major challenge, as pollinator decision depends on a complex range of environmental cues and prior experience. Here we report an experiment using the plant Antirrhinum majus and the bumblebee Bombus terrestris to investigate how prior learning experience may affect pollinator preferences between floral types when these are presented together. We trained naive bumblebees to forage freely on flowering individuals of either A.

Social cognition in ADHD: irony understanding and recursive theory of mind.

The main goal of the present study was to characterise the social cognition abilities of French children with ADHD, in terms of their understanding of people's recursive mental states and their irony comprehension. We hypothesised that these children have difficulty understanding second-order false beliefs and ironic remarks, owing to the executive dysfunction that is characteristic of ADHD. We therefore conducted an experiment in which children with ADHD and typically developing matched controls performed second-order false-belief and executive function tasks.

Semiochemical compounds of preen secretion reflect genetic make-up in a seabird species.

Several vertebrates choose their mate according to genetic heterozygosity and relatedness, and use odour cues to assess their conspecifics' genetic make-up. In birds, although several species (including the black-legged kittiwake) exhibit non-random mating according to genetic traits, the cues used to assess genetic characteristics remain unknown. The importance of olfaction in birds' social behaviour is gaining attention among researchers, and it has been suggested that, as in other vertebrates, bird body scent may convey information about genetic traits.

Interactions between HIV infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Clinical and epidemiological aspects.

Introduction: An association between HIV infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been observed in several studies.

Objective And Methods: we conducted a review of the literature linking HIV infection to COPD, focusing on clinical and epidemiological data published before and during widespread highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Results: Interactions between HIV infection and COPD appear to be influenced by multiple factors.

An individual and a sex odor signature in kittiwakes?: study of the semiochemical composition of preen secretion and preen down feathers.

The importance of olfaction in birds' social behavior has long been denied. Avian chemical signaling has thus been relatively unexplored. The black-legged kittiwake provides a particularly appropriate model for investigating this topic.

A totally thoracoscopic approach for pulmonary anatomic segmentectomies.

Reported experience with video-assisted anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy is still limited. Over a 28-month period, totally thoracoscopic (TT) anatomic segmentectomies, i.e.

Spontaneous middle lobe torsion secondary to pleural effusion.

Pulmonary torsion is very rare, and usually occurs following lung resection. We report a case of spontaneous middle lobe torsion in a patient presenting with a right pleural effusion. The condition was treated by lobectomy through a totally thoracoscopic approach.

Characterization of steam volatiles in the essential oil of black currant buds and the antioxidant properties of different bud extracts.

Currently essential oil from black currant ( Ribes nigrum L.) buds is mainly used as a valuable perfumery ingredient. This study reports more comprehensive characterization of dormant buds of various black currant ( Ribes nigrum L.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric urban area: monitoring on various types of sites.

The air quality over the Toulouse urban area (France) is recorded daily by the regional "Midi-Pyrénées" atmospheric pollution measurements network (ORAMIP). Relevant data is collected from about 100 analysers spread over more than thirty stations. The regulations covering major indicators of atmospheric pollution (ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide) have been updated in recent years to include additional compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).