Collective and experimental research project for master's students on the pathophysiology of obesity.

We describe here a collective and experimental research project-based learning (ERPBL) for master's students that can be used to illustrate some basic concepts on glucose/lipid homeostasis and renal function around a topical issue. The primary objective of this ERPBL was to strengthen students' knowledge and understanding of physiology and pathophysiology. The secondary objectives were to help students to develop technical/practical abilities and acquire transversal skills with real-world connections. Obesity is a worldwide public health problem that increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes and nephropathies. To study the impact of western dietary habits, students evaluated the effects of a diet enriched with fat and cola [high-fat and cola diet (HFCD)] on metabolism and renal function in mice. Students mainly worked in tandem to prepare and perform experiments, but also collectively to compile, analyze, and discuss data. Students showed that HFCD-fed mice 1) developed obesity; 2) exhibited glucose homeostasis impairments associated to ectopic fat storage; and 3) displayed reduced glomerular filtration. The educational benefit of the program was estimated using three evaluation metrics: a conventional multicriteria assessment by teachers, a pre-/posttest, and a self-evaluation questionnaire. They showed that the current approach successfully strengthened scientific student knowledge and understanding of physiology/pathophysiology. In addition, it helped students develop new skills, such as technical and transversal skills. We concluded that this ERPBL dealing with the pathophysiology of obesity was strongly beneficial for master's students, thereby appearing as an efficient and performing educational tool.

Lactic acid/wood-based composite material. Part 2: Physical and mechanical performance.

The synthesis of an innovative bio-composite material based on wood and lactic acid oligomers has been reported in Part 1. As a continuation of this previous work, this paper examines the bio-composite material's physical and mechanical performance. Properties were assessed in terms of dimensional stability, decay resistance, leaching, bending, shearing, compression and hardness testing. It has been shown that physical performance of the bio-composite was highly improved, in spite of high leaching mass loss. The mechanical structural properties were not strongly affected, except in decrease of shearing resistance due to the middle lamella degradation. An increase in hardness properties was also noticed.

Lactic acid/wood-based composite material. Part 1: Synthesis and characterization.

As biomass feedstock, wood and lactic acid biopolymers have been used as constituents of an innovative biocomposite material possessing remarkable properties. Three different systems were made by soaking lactic acid oligomers into solid wood and then oven heating to induce in situ polymerisation, confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. Combinations of treatment systems and heating durations, implying structural wood modification, led to different physical behaviours of the composites. The first obtained material was in the form of softened and easily bendable wood. Subjected to an extended heating period, this softened material could then regain its initial hardness. Another treatment parameter combination directly led to densified wood with improved properties. These two main composite materials are expected to be useable for bending, stamping or flooring industrial uses, depending on their physical condition.