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. Nevertheless, several decision schemes have been proposed in an attempt to define the notion of microplastics. The different criteria relevant to this definition, such as the size, physical state, chemical structure, origin, and persistence of microplastics, are discussed, with a comparison being made between the REACH regulation and the scientific literature. Seed production and processing are also discussed, with the functions of seed coatings being explained in order to gain a better understanding of the properties to be considered in a substitution strategy for currently used microplastics. The main challenges are multiple; substitutes must provide the same performance as microplastics: (i) improving the adherence of the treatment to the seed, (ii) distributing the treatment more evenly over the seed, (iii) reducing the amount of dust-off when handling treated seed, and (iv) improving the seed flowability, which is particularly important during the sowing stage, all while preserving the physiological properties of the seed. Substitute polymers are proposed according to the desired performance and functional properties: two main chemical families of biopolymers were identified in the literature: polysaccharides and proteins. Among them, 13 and 6 polymers, respectively, complied with REACH regulation, demonstrating adhesion, dust reduction performances, and preservation of seed physiological quality in particular. This work aims to guide future studies on microplastic substitution in seed coatings, and to highlight research needs in this area. It is based on an analysis and discussion of the literature, identifying and listing potential substitutes.

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. The aim of the study was to investigate SCP production and composition by Cupriavidus necator under various environmental conditions, temperature and pH values. A mono-factorial approach was implemented using batch bioreactor cultures under well-controlled conditions. Results were compared in terms of bacterial growth and SCP composition (proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids and elemental formula). Complementary analyses were performed by flow cytometry to study cell morphology, membrane permeability and the presence of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production. Our data confirmed the ability of C. necator to produce high amount of proteins (69 %DW at 30 °C and pH7). The results showed that temperature and pH independently impact SCP production and composition. This impact was particularly observed at the highest temperature (40 °C) and also the lowest pH value (pH5) providing lower growth rates, cell elongation, changes in granularity and lower amounts of proteins (down to 44 %DW at pH5) and nucleic acids. These low percentages were related to the production of PHB production (up to 44 %DW at 40 °C) which is the first report of a PHB accumulation in C. necator under nutrient unlimited conditions.

Development of a Binderless Particleboard from Brown Seaweed Sargassum spp.

Since 2010, huge quantities of Sargassum spp. algae have been proliferating in the Atlantic Ocean and stranding on Caribbean beaches, causing major economic, environmental, and health problems. In this study, an innovative high-density binderless particleboard was developed using uniaxial thermo-compression coupled with a cooling system. The raw material consisted of ground Sargassum seaweeds pre-treated by twin-screw extrusion with water to remove sea salt. The raw material and the particleboards were produced by using various analytical techniques such as Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), or Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The experimental conditions for thermo-compression (temperature, pressure, time) were evaluated. The best thermo-compression conditions tested were 200 °C, 40 MPa pressure for 7.5 min. This resulted in a particleboard with high density (up to 1.63 ± 0.02 g/cm3) and high flexural strength/modulus (up to 32.3 ± 1.8 MPa/6.8 ± 0.2 GPa, respectively), but a low water contact angle of 38.9° ± 3.5°. Thermal analyses revealed the effect of alginates on the mechanical properties of particleboards. This work opens the door to a new way of adding value to Sargassum seaweed, using the whole algae with minimal pre-treatment.

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). Once processed and transformed into final shape specimens, the materials were characterized by mechanical testing (tensile mode), scanning electron microscopy, and theoretical simulations by finite elements analysis (FEA). In terms of mechanical properties, only the elastic moduli (Et) exhibited results ranging from 37% to 170%, depending on the reinforcement composition. Conversely, strengths at break, under both tensile and bending tests, tended to decrease, indicating poor affinity between the components. Due to the mechanical treatment applied on the fiber, DFBF emerged as the most promising filler, with mechanical properties closest to those of neat PHB. DFBF-based composites were subsequently produced through process intensification using a twin-screw extruder, and molded into flowerpots. Mechanical results showed almost identical properties between the discontinuous and intensification processes. The suitability of the material for agriculture flowerpots was demonstrated through finite analysis simulation (FEA), which revealed that the maximum von Mises stresses (5.38 × 105 N/m2) and deformations (0.048 mm) were well below the limits of the composite materials.

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. The optimum extraction time (330 min) and temperature (100 °C) were determined with a constant medium agitation rate. Additionally, this study also aimed at establishing the validation of the statistical model to carry out the extrapolation of the extraction process at the pilot scale. The fibers extracted at the pilot scale showed yields (45.2 ± 0.01%) in agreement with those obtained through the optimization and validation lab-scale steps (44.97 ± 0.02). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were conducted to investigate the structure and microstructure of pilot scale-produced fibers. FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern were typical to lignocellulosic fibers results. Sharp and thin peaks characteristic of cellulose were detected. Pure and crystallized phases were recorded with a 45% crystallinity index. SEM analysis presented elongated and organized cells with a uniform structure comparable to cellulosic fibers microstructure.

Microchamber Extraction and Analytical Pyrolysis to Explore Volatile Organic Compounds from Compression-Cooking Wood Materials Obtained under Different Conditions.

Volatile organic compounds are species of concern for indoor air quality. They are emitted from a wide range of indoor sources and in particular from construction materials. Industrialized wood-based panels made from various types of wood bonded with thermosetting adhesive resins have been shown to emit volatile organic compounds over months or even years mostly due to the petrochemical binders. Some studies have been conducted on binderless panels, but they mainly focused on the pressing parameters to be applied to optimize the panel characteristics. The aim of this research is to document the emissions from binderless panels and to access the volatile composition of wood processing through the molding of materials. For this purpose, binderless boards were manufactured from hardwoods, known to emit less than softwoods with different thermopressing temperatures and times. Emissions were studied by placing the materials in microchambers. Volatile organic compounds were then sampled and analyzed by various chromatographic methods. On the other hand, materials were pyrolyzed and then analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The implemented protocols proved suitable for the determination of more than 40 organic compounds, among which are aldehydes, aromatics, furans and derivatives, and carboxylic acids.

Screening for Astragalus hamosus 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 Astragalus hamosus 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 0.2. The difficulties of detecting the Astragalus hamosus saponins encountered during the extraction and purification of the extracts have been highlighted and the strategy carried out to isolate the saponins has been discussed.

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). Interestingly, all but three strains (21/24) produced diacetyl/acetoin despite not having citrate metabolism genes, as would classically be expected for the production of these aroma compounds. Three strains (EIP07A, EIP13D, and EIP20B) were selected for the indigenous starter based on the following inclusion/exclusion criteria: (i) no negative interactions between included strains, (ii) ability to metabolize lactose and at least one strain with the prtP gene and/or capable of producing diacetyl/acetoin, and (iii) selected strains derived from different farms to maximise genetic and phenotypic diversity. Despite consisting exclusively of L. lactis strains, the designed indigenous starter allowed reproducible cheese production with performances similar to those obtained with an industrial starter and with the sensory qualities expected of Rocamadour PDO cheese.

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

PURPOSE: The limited knowledge on the molecular profile of patients with BRAF-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 BRAF mutations and genomic alterations potentially related to resistance to BRAF-TT, in a large cohort of patients with BRAF-mutant NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This was a prospective study of 78 patients with advanced BRAF-mutant NSCLC, enrolled in 27 centers across France. Blood samples (n = 208) were collected from BRAF-TT-naïve patients (n = 47), patients nonprogressive under treatment (n = 115), or patients at disease progression (PD) to BRAF-TT (24/46 on BRAF monotherapy and 22/46 on BRAF/MEK combination therapy). ctDNA sequencing was performed using InVisionFirst-Lung. In silico structural modeling was used to predict the potential functional effect of the alterations found in ctDNA. RESULTS: BRAFV600E ctDNA was detected in 74% of BRAF-TT-naïve patients, where alterations in genes related with the MAPK and PI3K pathways, signal transducers, and protein kinases were identified in 29% of the samples. ctDNA positivity at the first radiographic evaluation under treatment, as well as BRAF-mutant ctDNA positivity at PD were associated with poor survival. Potential drivers of resistance to either BRAF-TT monotherapy or BRAF/MEK combination were identified in 46% of patients and these included activating mutations in effectors of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, as well as alterations in U2AF1, IDH1, and CTNNB1. CONCLUSIONS: ctDNA sequencing is clinically relevant for the detection of BRAF-activating mutations and the identification of alterations potentially related to resistance to BRAF-TT in BRAF-mutant NSCLC.

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. The effects of the extrusion parameters, as well as the influence of different formulations were analyzed. The mild extrusion conditions allowed obtaining blends with acceptable texture and viscosity to enhance the dispersion of the active compound. The encapsulation systems obtained were in a glassy state at room temperature and they remained stable at 60 % RH for a long time. Satisfactory incorporation rates of MCT-oil were found reaching encapsulation efficiencies up to 90 %. These results showed that the chosen compatibilizing agent enhanced the dispersion and stabilization of the MCT-oil within the matrix and significantly improved encapsulation.

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. The goal of this study is to analyze the relationship between physicochemical properties and the gelatins molar mass distribution obtained by Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation. In this study, 49 gelatins samples extracted from pig skin are characterized in terms of gel strength and viscosity and their molar mass distribution are analyzed by Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation coupled to an Ultraviolet and Multi Angle Light Scattering detector. This analytical method is an interesting tool for studying, simultaneously, the primary chains and the high-molar-mass fraction corresponding to the polymer chains. Correlation analysis between molar mass distribution data from the different fractions highlights the importance of high molar mass polymer chains to explain the gel strength and viscosity of gelatins. These results are confirmed by an additional chemometric approach based on the UV absorbance of gelatin fractograms to predict gel strength (r2Cal = 0.85) and viscosity (r2Cal = 0.79).

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. Both trials compared first-line chemotherapy followed by second-line erlotinib with the reverse strategy in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. Factors prognostic of OS were sought by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test for univariate analysis, and a Cox model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Analysis performed on 194 patients (mean age: 77 years, male gender: 70%, never- or ex-smokers: 56%) showed, in univariate analysis that performance status (PS), smoking status, Charlson, simplified Charlson, nutritional scores, and a mobility score were prognostics of OS. In multivariate analysis, PS [HR: 1.4 (1.02-1.9), P=0.04] and the Charlson score [HR: 1.46 (1.07-1.99), P=0.02] were independently prognostic of OS, while the nutritional score [HR: 0.69 (0.46-1.04), P=0.07] and the mobility score [HR: 0.25 (0.06-1.01), P=0.06] were close to significance. CONCLUSIONS: PS and comorbidities appear to be the main predictors of OS in elderly advanced NSCLC patients selected on the basis of CGA.

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

Background: This study aimed to examine the composition of essential oil (EO) of A. millefolium aerial parts wild plant grown in France and evaluate its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Methods: GC-MS was used to identify the chemical composition of EO. Antioxidant activity (AA) of EO was evaluated by Oxipres method. Antimicrobial activity of EO was evaluated by Agar-well diffusion and a broth microdilution assay. Results: Forty-three volatile compounds were identified. Major compounds were camphor (12.8%), germacrene-D (12%), (E)-nerolidol (7.3%), sabinene (6.7%), (E)-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol (4.5%), and 1,8-cineole (4%). EO shows strong AA against Sunflower oil oxidation. Additionally, an inhibitory effect against microbial organisms (bacteria and fungi) was found. Conclusion: The EO composition of A. millefolium chemotype located in France was studied. The EO of the A. millefolium wild plant grown in France is quite an effective antioxidant in sunflower oil oxidation; it also possesses inhibitory effects against famous bacteria and fungi.

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/MS2) 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. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic acids), reaching 25mgkg-1, whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh extracts (<0.05mgkg-1). A significant relationship has been found between the levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS2. The differences in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method, aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts.

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 adsorption isotherms showed that depending on the DE-value and the relative humidity they were exposed to, different behavior could be obtained. For example, for relative humidities below 60% RH maltodextrin DE-2 was the least hygroscopic. And on the contrary for relative humidities above 75% RH maltodextrin DE-2 was the most hygroscopic. The rheology measurements showed that the viscosity decreased with the increase of the DE-value and with the plasticizer content, as expected. On the contrary, no direct correlation could be established between the DE-value and the glass transition temperature. These results demonstrated that to predict maltodextrins behavior and to better adapt the process conditions, combined analyses are mandatory as the DE-value alone is not sufficient. The most compelling evidence was obtained by size exclusion chromatography, which pointed out that maltodextrins had a bimodal molecular weight distribution composed of high and low molecular weight oligo-saccharides. Indeed, maltodextrins are highly polydisperse materials (i.e. polydispersity index ranging from 5 to 12) and that should be the reason why such distinct behaviors were observed in some of the physico-chemical analyses that were preformed.

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. Pesticide residues were quantified with solvent-matched and matrix-matched standards, by spiking apple sample extracts. Matrix effects dependent on the type of extract (fruit, flesh, or peel) and the apple variety were detected. The best data processing methods involved normalizing matrix effect rates by matrix-matched internal/external calibration. Boscalid, captan, chlorpyrifos, fludioxonil, and pyraclostrobin were the most frequently detected pesticides. However, their concentrations in the whole fruit were below European maximum residue levels. Despite negative matrix effects, the residues in peel were detected at concentrations up to 10 times higher than those in whole fruits. Consequently, other pesticide residues present at concentrations below the limit of quantification in the whole fruit were detected in the peel.

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. majus pseudomajus (magenta flowers) or A. majus striatum (yellow flowers) in a flight cage. We then used a Y-maze device to expose trained bumblebees to a dual choice between the floral types. We tested the influence of training on their choice, depending on the type of plant signals available (visual signals, olfactory signals, or both). Bumblebees had no innate preference for either subspecies. Bumblebees trained on the yellow-flowered subspecies later preferred the yellow type, even when only visual or only olfactory signals were available, and their preference was not reinforced when both signal types were available. In contrast, bumblebees trained on the magenta-flowered subspecies showed no further preference between floral types and took slightly more time to make their choice. Since pollinator constancy has been observed in wild populations of A. majus with mixed floral types, we suggest that such constancy likely relies on short-term memory rather than acquired preference through long-term memory induced by prior learning.

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. They then listened to ironic stories and answered questions about the ironic comments and about the speakers' beliefs and attitudes. The groups differed significantly on second-order theory of mind, irony comprehension and executive functions, confirming that children with ADHD have impaired social cognition.

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. Here, we combined gas chromatography data and genetic analyses at microsatellite loci to test whether semiochemical messages in preen secretion of kittiwakes carried information about genetic heterozygosity and relatedness. Semiochemical profile was correlated with heterozygosity in males and females, while semiochemical distance was correlated with genetic distance only in male-male dyads. Our study is the first to demonstrate a link between odour and genetics in birds, which sets the stage for the existence of sophisticated odour-based mechanisms of mate choice also in birds.