[Student health representatives at university: Objectives, modalities, and evaluation]. / Les Étudiants Relais Santé à l'université : objectifs, modalités d'action et d'évaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The development of "Student Health Representatives" (ERS), based on the efficiency of prevention strategies among peers, is encouraged by University Health Services (SSU). And yet, the heterogeneity of the local contexts, as well as the lack of a national referential incites reflections as to the stakes, the key factors, and limits of these schemes. In this way, a national training day was organized to respond to the following objectives: What objective and what framework for student health representatives? Which student health representatives and what actions? What type of evaluation for student health representatives? METHOD: 61 university health service professionals (SSU) (32 nurses, 22 doctors, and 7 prevention specialists), representing 29 university health services met and worked on the question of student health representatives.This work on the ERS followed a process of formalized consensus, based on the Glaser technique (Fink 1984). Two workshops with 30 and 31 people were organized, each divided into three groups (six in total). The distribution of each group was decided beforehand, so that there were no more than two members of the same university health service. Each group worked on the following three points: the role of the ERS, student eligibility and definition of their role, and the evaluation of the ERS.A synthesis was drafted after this work of reflection. RESULTS: An analysis with proposed actions was produced for each of the themes. CONCLUSION: Even though the ERS must be reassessed and harmonized at the national level, the objectives, the framework, the themes, and the preventive action must respond to local health prerogatives, adapted to each university health policy.

Les Étudiants Relais Santé à l'université : objectifs, modalités d'action et d'évaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The development of "Student Health Representatives" (ERS), based on the efficiency of prevention strategies among peers, is encouraged by University Health Services (SSU). And yet, the heterogeneity of the local contexts, as well as the lack of a national referential incites reflections as to the stakes, the key factors, and limits of these schemes. In this way, a national training day was organized to respond to the following objectives: What objective and what framework for student health representatives? Which student health representatives and what actions? What type of evaluation for student health representatives? METHOD: 61 university health service professionals (SSU) (32 nurses, 22 doctors, and 7 prevention specialists), representing 29 university health services met and worked on the question of student health representatives.This work on the ERS followed a process of formalized consensus, based on the Glaser technique (Fink 1984). Two workshops with 30 and 31 people were organized, each divided into three groups (six in total). The distribution of each group was decided beforehand, so that there were no more than two members of the same university health service. Each group worked on the following three points: the role of the ERS, student eligibility and definition of their role, and the evaluation of the ERS.A synthesis was drafted after this work of reflection. RESULTS: An analysis with proposed actions was produced for each of the themes. CONCLUSION: Even though the ERS must be reassessed and harmonized at the national level, the objectives, the framework, the themes, and the preventive action must respond to local health prerogatives, adapted to each university health policy.

[Can health impact assessment be conducted on the political platforms of presidential election candidates?] / L'évaluation d'impact sur la santé peut-elle être appliquée aux programmes de candidats à l'élection présidentielle ?

Health impact assessment (HIA) is defined as a method by which a policy, program or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of a population in order to mitigate negative impacts and strengthen the positive ones. During the 2017 French presidential elections, health promotion actors decided to conduct an HIA on the political platforms of the five main candidates. The assessment of each political platform was conducted by 7 evaluators and reviewed by 35 health promotion experts. Then, a comparative analysis of the platforms was led on 3 specific topics. This HIA was conducted in accordance with the international standards of practice. Within all of the 5 political platforms, the proposals related to Environmental and energy policy, and to Agricultural policy were the ones with widely positive impacts on the determinants of health. Concerning all of the other policy proposals, their respective impacts and affected populations broadly change from one platform to another. Due to its political object, this HIA had to deal with methodological challenges such as platform instability, uncertainty over the genuine implementation of measures as well as the importance of the underlying platform values. Nonetheless, such an implementation of the HIA process on the political platforms of candidates running for an important position is interesting because it represents an opportunity to look at the platforms with fresh eyes and enriches the advocacy to take public health into account in the policy making processes and tries to operationalize the concept of health in all policies.

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel solanidine derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the fourth culture in the world and is widely used in the agri-food industries. They generate by-products in which α-chaconine and α-solanine, the two major solanidine-based glycoalkaloids of potato, are present. As secondary metabolites, they play an important role in the protection system of potato and are involved in plant protection against insects. To add value to these by-products, we described here new glycoalkaloids that could have phytosanitary properties. RESULTS: Solanidine, as a renewable source, was modified with an azido linker and coupled by copper-catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition to alkynyl derivatives of the monosaccharides found in the natural potato glycoalkakoids: D-glucose, D-galactose and L-rhamnose. The efficacy of our compounds was evaluated on the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae. The synthetic compounds have stronger aphicidal properties against nymphs than unmodified solanidine. They also showed strong aphicidal activities on adults and a negative impact on fecundity. CONCLUSION: Our synthetic neoglycoalkaloids affected Macrosiphum euphorbiae survival at the nymphal stage as well as at the adult stage. Furthermore, they induced a decrease in fecundity. Our results show that chemical modifications of by-products may afford new sustainable compounds for crop and plant protection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biological impact of octyl d-glucopyranoside based surfactants.

Development of many branches of industry has stimulated the search for new, effective surfactants with interesting properties. Potential use of alkyl glucose derivatives on a large scale, raises questions about the possible risks associated with their entry into the natural environment. To be able to evaluate this risk, the aim of the study was to determine the physicochemical properties of octyl d-glucopyranoside and its three derivatives: N-(octyl d-glucopyranosiduronyl)aspartic acid, N-(octyl d-glucopyranosiduronyl)glicyne and octyl d-glucopyranosiduronic acid. Moreover, their biodegradability by pure bacterial strains and biocenosis present in river water was examined. While descriptions of sugar-based surfactants on microbial cells are limited, the essential element of the study was to determine the effect of surfactants on cell surface properties of microorganisms isolated from activated sludge and compare it to the effects of the petroleum based surfactants and the surfactants produced from renewable materials. The results obtained indicate that physicochemical properties of surface active agents differ depending on the presence of functional groups in the surfactants molecules. What is more, the presence of amino acid substituent in the derivatives of octyl d-glucopyranoside resulted in a slight decrease in the surfactants biodegradation efficiency, in comparison to the compounds that did not contain such a substituent, prolonging this process from 5 to 10 days. Interestingly, even relatively slightly different derivatives modified the cell surface properties in a different way. Importantly, the surfactants based on octyl d-glucopyranoside have less negative impact on environmental microorganism and better biodegradability than the surfactant synthesized from petroleum products.

Phenylpropanoid profiling reveals a class of hydroxycinnamoyl glucaric acid conjugates in Isatis tinctoria leaves.

The brassicaceous herb, Isatis tinctoria, is an ancient medicinal plant whose rosette leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. Brassicaceae are known to accumulate a variety of phenylpropanoids in their rosette leaves acting as antioxidants and a UV-B shield, and these compounds often have pharmacological potential. Nevertheless, knowledge about the phenylpropanoid content of I. tinctoria leaves remains limited to the characterization of a number of flavonoids. In this research, we profiled the methanol extracts of I. tinctoria fresh leaf extracts by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and focused on the phenylpropanoid derivatives. We report the structural characterization of 99 compounds including 18 flavonoids, 21 mono- or oligolignols, 2 benzenoids, and a wide spectrum of 58 hydroxycinnamic acid esters. Besides the sinapate esters of malate, glucose and gentiobiose, which are typical of brassicaceous plants, these conjugates comprised a large variety of glucaric acid esters that have not previously been reported in plants. Feeding with 13C6-glucaric acid showed that glucaric acid is an acyl acceptor of an as yet unknown acyltransferase activity in I. tinctoria rosette leaves. The large amount of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives changes radically our view of the woad metabolite profile and potentially contributes to the pharmacological activity of I. tinctoria leaf extracts.

Measurement of cytotoxicity and irritancy potential of sugar-based surfactants on skin-related 3D models.

Sugar-based surfactants present surface-active properties and relatively low cytotoxicity. They are often considered as safe alternatives to currently used surfactants in cosmetic industries. In this study, four sugar-based surfactants, each with an eight carbon alkyl chain bound to a glucose or a maltose headgroup through an amide linkage, were synthesized and compared to two standard surfactants. The cytotoxic and irritant effects of surfactants were evaluated using two biologically relevant models: 3D dermal model (mouse fibroblasts embedded in collagen gel) and reconstituted human epidermis (RHE, multi-layered human keratinocytes). Results show that three synthesized surfactants possess lower cytotoxicity compared to standard surfactants as demonstrated in the 3D dermal model. Moreover, the IC50s of surfactants against the 3D dermal model are higher than IC50s obtained with the 2D dermal model (monolayer mouse fibroblasts). Both synthesized and standard surfactants show no irritant effects after 48h of topical application on RHE. Throughout the study, we demonstrate the difficulty to link the physico-chemical properties of surfactants and their cytotoxicity in complex models. More importantly, our data suggest that, prior to in vivo tests, a complete understanding of surfactant cytotoxicity or irritancy potential requires a combination of cellular and tissue models.

Kinetics of the incorporation of the main phenolic compounds into the lignan macromolecule during flaxseed development.

The main flax lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, is stored in a macromolecule containing other ester-bound phenolic compounds. In this study, NMR and HPLC-UV analyses were performed on flaxseeds harvested at different developmental stages to identify and quantify the main phenolic compounds produced during seed development. Extraction was carried out with or without alkaline hydrolysis to determine if these molecules accumulate in the lignan macromolecule and/or in a free form. Monolignol glucosides accumulate in a free form up to 9.85mg/g dry matter at the early developmental stages. Hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides and flavonoid accumulate (up to 3.18 and 4.07mg/g dry matter, respectively) in the later developmental stages and are ester-bound in the lignan macromolecule. Secosiolariciresinol diglucoside accumulates (up to 28.65mg/g dry matter) in the later developmental stages in both forms, mainly ester-bound in the lignan macromolecule and slightly in a free form.

Physico-chemical properties and cytotoxic effects of sugar-based surfactants: Impact of structural variations.

Surfactants derived from the biorefinery process can present interesting surface-active properties, low cytotoxicity, high biocompatibility and biodegradability. They are therefore considered as potential sustainable substitutes to currently used petroleum-based surfactants. To better understand and anticipate their performances, structure-property relationships need to be carefully investigated. For this reason, we applied a multidisciplinary approach to systematically explore the effect of subtle structural variations on both physico-chemical properties and biological effects. Four sugar-based surfactants, each with an eight carbon alkyl chain bound to a glucose or maltose head group by an amide linkage, were synthesized and evaluated together along with two commercially available standard surfactants. Physico-chemical properties including solubility, Krafft point, surface-tension lowering and critical micellar concentration (CMC) in water and biological medium were explored. Cytotoxicity evaluation by measuring proliferation index and metabolic activity against dermal fibroblasts showed that all surfactants studied may induce cell death at low concentrations (below their CMC). Results revealed significant differences in both physico-chemical properties and cytotoxic effects depending on molecule structural features, such as the position of the linkage on the sugar head-group, or the orientation of the amide linkage. Furthermore, the cytotoxic response increased with the reduction of surfactant CMC. This study underscores the relevance of a methodical and multidisciplinary approach that enables the consideration of surfactant solution properties when applied to biological materials. Overall, our results will contribute to a better understanding of the concomitant impact of surfactant structure at physico-chemical and biological levels.

Cholesteryl and diosgenyl glycosteroids: synthesis and characterization of new smectic liquid crystals.

While present in large numbers in nature, studies on the physical chemical aspects of glycosteroids are quite rare and focused on cholesterol, and all compounds studied thus far have shown liquid crystalline properties in a narrow temperature range. New glycosteroids composed by cholesterol or diosgenin and different glycosidic moieties have been synthesized here in order to analyze the influence of the structure on the formation of mesophases. These compounds have been studied by crossed polarized optical microscopy. These studies have revealed that these new glycosteroids form Smetic A liquid crystals in a broad temperature range.

Microwave-assisted extraction of herbacetin diglucoside from flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed cakes and its quantification using an RP-HPLC-UV system.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds are widely used for oil extraction and the cold-pressed flaxseed (or linseed) cakes obtained during this process constitute a valuable by-product. The flavonol herbacetin diglucoside (HDG) has been previously reported as a constituent of the flaxseed lignan macromolecule linked through ester bonds to the linker molecule hydroxymethylglutaric acid. In this context, the development and validation of a new approach using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of HDG from flaxseed cakes followed by quantification with a reverse-phase HPLC system with UV detection was purposed. The experimental parameters affecting the HDG extraction yield, such as microwave power, extraction time and sodium hydroxide concentration, from the lignan macromolecule were optimized. A maximum HDG concentration of 5.76 mg/g DW in flaxseed cakes was measured following an irradiation time of 6 min, for a microwave power of 150 W using a direct extraction in 0.1 M NaOH in 70% (v/v) aqueous methanol. The optimized method was proven to be rapid and reliable in terms of precision, repeatability, stability and accuracy for the extraction of HDG. Comparison with a conventional extraction method demonstrated that MAE is more effective and less time-consuming.

Concentration kinetics of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and its biosynthetic precursor coniferin in developing flaxseed.

INTRODUCTION: In the plant kingdom, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is the richest source of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), which is of great interest because of its potential health benefits for human beings. The information about the kinetics of SDG formation during flaxseed development is rare and incomplete. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was developed to quantify SDG and coniferin, a key biosynthetic precursor of SDG in flaxseed. METHODOLOGY: Seeds from different developmental stages, which were scaled by days after flowering (DAF), were harvested. After alkaline hydrolysis, the validated HPLC method was applied to determine SDG and coniferin concentrations of flaxseed from different developing stages. RESULTS: Coniferin was found in the entire capsule as soon as flowering started and became undetectable 20 DAF. SDG was detected 6 DAF, and the concentration increased until maturity. On the other hand, the SDG amount in a single flaxseed approached the maximum around 25 DAF, before desiccation started. Concentration increase between 25 DAF and 35 DAF can be attributed to corresponding seed weight decrease. CONCLUSION: The biosynthesis of coniferin is not synchronous with that of SDG. Hence, the concentrations of SDG and coniferin change during flaxseed development.

Strong aphicidal activity of GlcNAc(ß1→4)Glc disaccharides: synthesis, physiological effects, and chitinase inhibition.

The synthesis of four GlcNAc(ß1→4)Glc disaccharides containing 2-O-acetyl and/or 6-sulfate groups was performed in high yields with total 1,2-trans stereoselectivity. These disaccharides were evaluated as candidates for insect chitinase inhibition and aphicidal activity. All the compounds prepared displayed physiological effects on M. persicae aphids; however, the inhibition of chitinases of different sources (bacteria, fungus, and aphid) followed different patterns according to subtle structural characteristics.

Synthesis of new chelating surfactants from octyl D-glucopyranosiduronic acid and amino acids for metal flotation.

A new family of surfactants with metal-chelating properties was synthesized in few steps from octyl D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. The complexing function was either a carboxylic acid or a hydroxamic acid function introduced after coupling with glycine, aspartic acid, or glutamic acid and finally hydroxylamine. Interfacial properties were determined. Flotation experiments on a laboratory scale have been performed with Fe(III) solutions as model contaminant metal.

UV-MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis of heparin oligosaccharides obtained by nitrous acid controlled degradation and high performance anion exchange chromatography.

Nitrous acid degradation of heparin followed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) separation and ultraviolet matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (UV-MALDI-TOF) analysis led to the structural determination of six sulfated oligosaccharides. Three different matrices (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), nor-harmane, and dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB)) have been used, and the complementary results obtained allowed in most cases to assign the position of sulfate groups. Based on the different cleavages produced on the purified oligosaccharides in source during the MS analysis by the use of the different matrices, this approach provides a new tool for structural analysis.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of long-chain alkyl glucopyranosides.

Long-chain (C(6) to C(16)) alkyl glucopyranosides have been synthesized using microwave irradiation. Yields and anomeric ratios can be controlled under precise and short irradiation times (few min). Comparison with classical heating showed a better efficiency of microwaves.

Synthesis of a trisulfated heparan sulfate disaccharide analog and its use as a template for preliminary molecular imprinting studies.

A heparan sulfate disaccharide analog was synthesized by a multistep route. This synthesis was designed in such a way that one intermediate could be selectively deprotected to provide versatility during both synthesis and homologation of heparan sulfate related polysaccharides. Non-covalent imprinted polymers were prepared by using the synthesized disaccharide as a template and a primary amine functionalized acrylate as the key functional monomer suitable for specific sulfated sugar recognition. The binding of related sugars to the imprinted and non-imprinted polymers and the binding of template to the chemically modified polymers have been also investigated.

Synthesis of sugar-based chelating surfactants for metal removal from wastewater.

Four chelating surfactants were synthesized in a few steps from octyl D-glucosides. Their main interfacial properties were determined, and their flotation properties were evaluated on a laboratory scale using Fe(III) as a model contaminant metal. The performance on metal extraction was mainly dependent on the complexing functional group, but the surfactant efficiency was also important.

Coniferin dimerisation in lignan biosynthesis in flax cells.

[(13)C(2)]-Coniferin was provided to a flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cell suspension to monitor subsequent dimerisation by MS and NMR. The label was mainly incorporated into a 8-8'-linked lignan, lariciresinol diglucoside, a 8-5'-linked neolignan, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside and a diastereoisomeric mixture of a 8-O-4'-linked neolignan, guaiacylglycerol-beta-coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside. This latter compound is reported for the first time in flax. The strong and transient increase in these compounds in fed cells was concomitant with the observed peak in coniferin content. These results suggest (i) a rapid metabolisation of coniferin into lignans and neolignans and indicate the capacity of flax cells to operate different types of couplings, and (ii) a continuous synthesis and subsequent metabolisation of coniferin-derived dimers all over the culture period.

Allyl deprotection of galacturonic acid derivatives: mechanistic aspects of mercuric-catalyzed prop-1-enyl acetal cleavage.

Different deallylation methods were assayed for selective deprotection of allyl galactopyranosiduronic acid derivatives. A two-step procedure using DABCO and (Ph(3)P)(3)RhCl followed by mercuric-assisted cleavage gave quantitative yields. Reaction in the presence of [(18)O]water allowed us to obtain evidence about the mechanism of prop-1-enyl cleavage.