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• α-Emitters simulation by using particle accelerators. • Effect of oxygen on the irradiation of polymers by Swift Heavy Ion beams. • Hydrogen and carbon dioxide release evolution analysis. At the end of their life, polymers used in the nuclear industry are placed in Intermediate Level – Long Lived Waste packages. For safety purposes, the amount of gas emitted by these organic materials has to be estimated. γ irradiations are commonly used to simulate β and γ-emitters; α-emitters simulation are more problematic because of experimental difficulties. It is proposed in France to use particle accelerators with ions providing stopping power values in polymers equivalent to the one of α-emitters. This approach has been validated under inert atmosphere; the question now arises of the effect of the presence of oxygen. We showed that the hydrogen release is slightly affected by atmosphere of irradiation and increases with LET. The evolution with LET of CO 2 release is dependent on the polymer: it increases for polymers with low G(CO 2) at low LET and decreases for polymers presenting relatively high G(CO 2) at low LET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "Plastisphere" refers to the biofilm layer naturally formed by microorganisms attaching to plastic surfaces. This layer possesses the capability to adsorb persistent organic and inorganic pollutants, particularly trace metals, which are the focus of this research study. Immersion experiments were concurrently conducted in five locations spanning four European countries (France, Ireland, Spain, and Italy) utilising eight distinct polymers. These immersions, repeated every three months over a one-year period, aimed to evaluate the baseline bioaccumulation of 12 trace metals. The study underscores the intricate nature of metal bioaccumulation, influenced by both micro-scale factors (such as polymer composition) and macro-scale factors (including geographical site and seasonal variations). Villefranche Bay in France exhibited the lowest metals bioaccumulation, whereas Naples in Italy emerged as the site where bioaccumulation was often the highest for the considered metals. Environmental risk assessment was also conducted in the study. The lightweight nature of certain plastics allows them to be transported across significant distances in the ocean. Consequently, evaluating trace metal concentrations in the plastisphere is imperative for assessing potential environmental repercussions that plastics, along with their associated biota, may exert even in locations distant from their point of emission., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are medical devices most frequently used during hospital care. Although the frequency of specific PVC-related adverse events (PVCAEs) has been reported, the global risk related to the insertion of this device is poorly estimated. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of PVCAEs during the indwell time, after catheter removal, and to identify practice-mirroring risk factors. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted as a part of a research project, called CATHEVAL, in one surgery ward and four medicine wards from three public general tertiary care hospitals in Northern France that were invited to participate between June-2013 and June-2014. Each participating ward included during a two-month study period all patients older than 15 years carrying a PVC. All inserted PVCs were monitored from insertion of PVC to up to 48 hours after removal. Monitored data included several practice-mirroring items, as well as the occurrence of at least one PVCAE. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, based on a marginal risk approach, was used to identify factors associated with the occurrence of at least one PVCAE. Results: Data were analysed for 815 PVCs (1964 PVC-days) in 573 patients. The incidence of PVCAE was 52.3/100 PVCs (21.9/100 PVC-days). PVCAEs were mainly clinical: phlebitis (20.1/100 PVCs), haematoma (17.7/100 PVCs) and liquid/blood escape (13.1/100 PVCs). Infections accounted for only 0.4/100 PVCs. The most frequent mechanical PVCAEs, was obstruction/occlusion of PVC (12.4/100 PVCs). The incidence of post-removal PVCAEs was 21.7/100 PVCs. Unstable PVC and unclean dressing were the two main risk factors. Conclusion: Limitation of breaches in healthcare quality including post-removal monitoring should be reinforced to prevent PVC-related adverse events in hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The polymer-free biolimus coated stent (BioFreedom) was shown to be superior to bare metal stents in the LEADERS FREE randomized trial in high bleeding risk (HBR) patients treated with 1-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, there is limited outcome data with this device in an all-comers' population., Methods: We conducted a prospective single-arm study of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with the polymer-free biolimus coated stent in 25 centers in France with wide inclusion criteria including multivessel disease, complex lesions, and acute coronary syndromes. The primary endpoint was the incidence of target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death or target-vessel myocardial infarction (MI) or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (ci-TLR) at 1-year. The patient population was classified according to the presence (or not) of HBR criteria according to the recent ARC-HBR definition., Results: Between April 2019 and April 2020, 1497 patients were enrolled. TLF occurred in 101 (6.9%) patients, including cardiac death in 35 (2.4%), target vessel MI in 20 (1.4%) and ci-TLR in 65 (4.5%) of them. There were 491 HBR patients (32.8%) and 1006 non-HBR patients. The median duration of DAPT was 74 days in the HBR group versus 348 days in the non-HBR group (p < 0.0001). TLF occurred in 44 (9.2%) of the HBR group and in 57 (5.8%) of the non-HBR group (relative risk 1.62 [95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.41], p = 0015). Compared to the non-HBR group, HBR patients had higher rates of cardiac death (4.4% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.0005) and target vessel MI (2.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.0003), but similar rates of ci-TLR. BARC 3-5 bleeding occurred in 6.2% of the HBR group versus 1.4% of the non-HBR group (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: In this multicenter all-comers study, HBR patients treated with a polymer-free biolimus coated stent had, compared to non-HBR patients, an increased risk of cardiac death and MI, and despite a shorter duration of DAPT, continued to have higher rates of BARC 3-5 bleeding., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The article discusses the highlights of the Eurocorr conference held at the Acropolis Convention Centre in Nice, France from September 6-10, 2010. The event featured technical sessions about inhibitors, oil and gas and polymeric materials and metallic, as well as inorganic coatings and pretreatment. One of the paper presented in the session titled "New Tools to Evaluate Electrochemical Noise Data," was given by Günter Schmitt. Particular focus is given to a keynote presentation by Yurii Kuznetsov of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Abstract: The distribution of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) was investigated during a coccolithophorid bloom in the northern Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in early June 2006. MODIS chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and reflectance images before and during the cruise were used to localize areas of important biological activity and high reflectance (HR). TEP profiles along the continental margin, determined using microscopic (TEPmicro) and colorimetric (TEPcolor) methods, showed abundant (6.1×106–4.4×107 L−1) and relatively small (0.5–20μm) particles, leading to a low total volume fraction (0.05–2.2ppm) of TEPmicro and similar vertical profiles of TEPcolor. Estimates of carbon content in TEP (TEP-C) derived from the microscopic approach yielded surface concentration of 1.50μmolCL−1. The contribution of TEP-C to particulate organic carbon (POC) was estimated to be 12% (molar C ratio) during this survey. Our results suggest that TEP formation is a probable first step to rapid and efficient export of C during declining coccolithophorid blooms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Atrazine, desethyl-atrazine and desisopropyl-atrazine have been measured in the soils of Brévilles watershed. Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) technique was used for extraction followed by purification with terbutylazine molecularly imprinted polymers. This clean-up procedure allowed to remove interfering compounds from the sample extracts. Thus making easier the analyses by reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. This selective sample treatment for soil extracts allowed limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.03ng/g for atrazine and 0.05ng/g for metabolites. The concentrations in soil samples ranged from 7.1ng/g to

The article discusses the performance of medium voltage cables and the effects of changes made to production methods. The problem of early breakdown caused by water trees was studied and various techniques for increasing the life time of cables were investigated. French, American and German companies prefer water tight construction, an additive water tree retardant (WTR) package and a polymer WTR. Real cable failure data for European utilities are presented. Failure rates include cable failures related to electrical breakdown.

The JEC Composites Show takes place on 1–3 April in Paris. We look at some of the new developments on display this year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on Eurocorr 2004, the European Federation of Corrosion's (EFC) annual Conference held in Nice, France in September 2004. Plenary lectures; Presentation of the Cavallaro Medal for 2004; Meeting of the new EFC working party on corrosion of polymers.

Investigates the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the stabilization of intertidal sediments using rheological methods in Gironde estuary, France. Differentiation between two EPS fractions in terms of monosaccharide- and size distribution; Effect of EPS-fractions on sediment under varying calcium concentrations; Measurement of the dynamic viscosity, fluidity and rigidity of sediment slurries.

(1) Background: Specific foods, and more particularly, fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) are often considered as triggers of digestive symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Our aim was to study FODMAP consumption in controls and IBS participants in a large French population-based cohort; (2) Methods: Participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort study completed the Rome IV and IBS-SSS questionnaire in a cross sectional study. Among them, 27,949 eligible participants had previously completed three 24-h recalls as well as anthropometrics, socio-demographical and lifestyle data. Total FODMAP intake (in g/day) was computed using a specific composition table. The association between FODMAPs and IBS was estimated through multivariable logistic regression models; (3) Results: Included participants were mainly women (75.4%) and the mean age was 43.4 ± 14.1 years. FODMAPs accounted for a mean daily intake of 19.4 ± 9.5 g/day. Overall 1295 participants (4.6%) were identified with an IBS. After adjusting for confounding factors, IBS participants had lower intakes in FODMAPs than non-IBS ones (aOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82-0.95, p -value: 0.001). IBS severity was associated with more frequent low FODMAP intakes (<9 g/day); (4) Conclusions: Participants tended to consume 19 g of FODMAPs per day, but slightly less for IBS participants than for controls. In IBS participants, higher severity was associated with lower intakes.

The polymers of wheat glutenins are studied here using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (A4F). Molecular mass (Mw), gyration radius (Rw), and the polydispersity index (PI) of polymers were measured over a four-year, multi-local wheat trial in France. The experiment, involving 11 locations and 192 cultivars, offered the opportunity to approach the genetic and environmental factors associated with the phenotypic values of the polymer characteristics. These characteristics, which were all highly influenced by environmental factors, exhibited low broad-sense heritability coefficients and were not influenced by grain protein content and grain hardness. The 31 alleles encoding the glutenin subunits explained only 17.1, 25.4, and 16.8% of the phenotypic values of Mw, Rw, and PI, respectively. The climatic data revealed that a 3.5 °C increase between locations of the daily average temperature, during the last month of the grain development, caused an increase of more than 189%, 242%, and 434% of the Mw, Rw, and PI, respectively. These findings have to be considered in regard to possible consequences of global warming and health concerns assigned to gluten. It is suggested that the molecular characteristics of glutenins be measured today, especially for research addressing non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French chemicals major Arkema posted annual net sales of E6.4 billion in 2012, an 8.4% increase compared to E5.9 billion in 2011. EBITDA decreased by 3.7% to E996 million (E1034 million in 2011), but the company points out that this is again close to its target EBITDA figure of E1 billion and was achieved in a less-favourable economic environment that in 2011. The EBITDA margin was 15.6% and adjusted net income from continuing operations was E441 million, down 23% from E574 million in the previous year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

France''s Arkema has enhanced its Lotader® and Orevac® ranges of impact modifiers for polyamides 6 and 66 (PA6 and PA66) with the introduction of two additional grades. Both new additives are reported to impart flexibility and impact resistance to the polyamides at even lower temperatures than existing products, while maintaining high fluidity for good productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenlite™ from France''s Porcher Industries is a new generation of high-performance, renewable reinforcements for the composites industry. The materials are based on pure cellulose fibres, the most abundant and renewable biomass on earth. Greenlite materials are biodegradable and highly compatible with bio-based resins, making them suitable for the production of 100% bio-based composites on a large scale, according to the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the 40th International Symposium on Macromolecules, sponsored by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), was held at the Convention Centre of Paris, France, July 4-9, 2004. It was organised by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique together with the University P. & M. Curie and the Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie de la Ville de Paris. It gathered about 2300 participants. The Paris World Polymer Congress MACRO 2004 was part of the series of regular biennial "IUPAC Macro Meetings" of the IUPAC Macromolecular Division.

At its meeting in Paris in July 2004, prior to the IUPAC World Polymer Congress (Macro 2004), Division IV voted to change its name from Macromolecular Division to Polymer Division. The change was ratified by the Bureau at its meeting in Bled, Slovenia, on 2 October 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate a novel implant, Y-STRUT ® (Hyprevention, Pessac, France), designed to provide prophylactic reinforcement of the proximal femur in metastatic patients., Methods: Ten patients presenting lytic lesions of the proximal femur were to be treated. The device consisted of two components implanted in the proximal femur, combined with bone cement. Patients were followed at 2, 6 and 12 months to record technical feasibility, safety and efficacy parameters of the procedure., Results: All patients (62 years, 67% male) presented a pertrochanteric lesion shown on imaging with an average Mirels' score of 9.42 (range 8-11). Procedures were performed by interventional radiologists, under general anesthesia in 97 ± 28 min, with 9.2 ± 3.1 ml of cement injected. Hospitalization duration was 2.3 ± 1.4 days. A median follow-up of 237 days (range 24-411) was reported. Wound healing was achieved in all patients, with no case of wound infection, bleeding, leakage or inflammation. Among the patients evaluated, 86% could resume walking at hospital discharge. Visual Analogue Scale decreased from 3.6 ± 2.9 before treatment to 1.3 ± 0.8 at 1 year. OHS-12 score increased from 30 ± 10 at baseline to 37 ± 6 at 1 year., Conclusions: Results from this first-in-man study conducted in patients with metastatic bone disease show the feasibility and the safety of the intervention, with a short hospitalization, when performed following the operating instructions. Initial data showing pain-level diminution and increase in OHS-12 score indicate that both symptomatic and functional conditions of the patients were improved 1 year after the implantation of this novel implant., Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Series.

In France, Roquette has restarted its production unit for Disorbene® sorbitol-based polymer clarifiers at Lestrem. The unit uses an ‘efficient and environmentally sustainable’ production process, the company says. In addition, Roquette has launched a third-generation polymer clarifier, Disorbene 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French firm Adeka Palmarole, the European arm of Japanese polymer additives company Adeka Corp, has unveiled details of a new nucleating agent for polyethylene terephthalate, T-1465N. Developed by the parent company in Japan, data on the new additive were presented to a wider audience for the first time by Adeka Palmarole at the recent SpecPlast 2009 conference, organized by Maack Business Services and held in September in Zürich, Switzerland. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

France''s Arkema group has extended its antistatic Pebax® resin range with the development of two new high-performance grades, Pebax MH2030 and MV2080. Inherently dissipative polymers such as these are widely used as permanent antistatic additives in plastic parts and in packaging for sensitive electronics and flammable or explosive materials, where they prevent electrostatic discharge and dust attraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reports that Viscotek Corp. leaders in multiple detector characterization of polymers and proteins, has expanded business in its French Office. The company has announced the recruitment of Dr. Sebastien Rouzeau to support the current rise in work. Managing Director, Paul Clark, said the recruitment of Rouzeau in France is directly in line with their commitment to provide an unmatched level of service to customers across Europe.

Reports on the announcement by Lyon, France-based Rhodia Engineering Plastics increasing prices for its Technyl product range of polyamide in North America. Effective date of increase; Citation of the rising material costs in the petrochemical industry; Other materials affected by rising oil prices;

The article focuses on the new facility for producing carboxymethyl cellulose of Hercules Inc. in Hopewell, Virginia. It states that the new unit is the major element in a $15 million investment by Hercules Inc. in enhanced CMC facilities, and is part of a $100 million plus modernization program for water soluble polymer. It mentions that during the construction period, the company has been providing CMC from another production facility at Hopewell, from its plant in Alizay, France, and from inventories established in anticipation of the interrupted production.

Sugars ingested outside of meals play an important role in the etiology of caries. In this respect, sugar substitutes present a very interesting alternative. In addition to the recommendations and usual care to their patients, dental surgeons also have to inform them on a dietetic level. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after any light meal when it is not followed by a brushing presents a real interest. The authors describe the different polyols and their respective uses. Polyols are widely found in foodstuffs (sweets, chewing-gum, biscuits, cooked meals for diabetic), pharmaceutical products (syrups, pastilles to be sucked, various medicines), non-pharmaceutical chemists (toothpastes, mouth-washes...). By the light of the most recent published works, the particular properties of xylitol are described. Polyols are more particularly indicated for sugar-eater or sick children (syrups), and for those carrying a hight risk of developing caries (progressive polycaries, hyposialie...). Therefore polyols are not only a means of stabilizing some pathologies (diabetes, obesity) but also a weapon in the prevention of dental caries.