Toward a Hydrogen-Free Reductive Catalytic Fractionation of Wheat Straw Biomass

The reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive method for the conversion of lignin toward valuable low-molecular weight aromatics. A limitation to the upscaling of such technology is represented by the use ofpressurized hydrogen gas. Here, the role of hydrogen gas within the RCF of wheat straw biomass is investigated. The use of H₂ is shown to enhance lignin depolymerization, by virtue of an improved hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation of lignin fragments, with a yield of phenolic monomers that increased from ca. 12 wt % of acid-insoluble lignin in the initial biomass under inert atmosphere to up to ca. 25 wt % under H₂ (in methanol, at 250 °C, with Ru/C). The adoption of methanol, ethanol or isopropanol as hydrogen-donor solvents was also investigated in the absence of H₂ . Ethanol was found to give the highest yield of monophenolic compounds (up to ≈20 wt %) owing to a better balance between solvolysis, hydrogenolysis, and hydrogenation of lignin. Nevertheless, a substantial loss of the carbohydrate fraction was observed. The use of a lower temperature (200 °C) in combination with H₃ PO₄ resulted in an improved recovery of cellulose in the pulp and in the solubilization of hemicellulose and lignin, with the formation of monosaccharides (≈14 wt % of polysaccharides in the initial biomass) and phenolic monomers (up to 18 wt %, in the absence of H₂ ). Overall, a tradeoff exists between the removal of H₂ from the process and the production of low-molecular weight phenolics during RCF.

Biochemical methane potential prediction of plant biomasses: Comparing chemical composition versus near infrared methods and linear versus non-linear models

The reliability of different models to predict the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of various plant biomasses using a multispecies dataset was compared. The most reliable prediction models of the BMP were those based on the near infrared (NIR) spectrum compared to those based on the chemical composition. The NIR predictions of local (specific regression and non-linear) models were able to estimate quantitatively, rapidly, cheaply and easily the BMP. Such a model could be further used for biomethanation plant management and optimization. The predictions of non-linear models were more reliable compared to those of linear models. The presentation form (green-dried, silage-dried and silage-wet form) of biomasses to the NIR spectrometer did not influence the performances of the NIR prediction models. The accuracy of the BMP method should be improved to enhance further the BMP prediction models.

Structural carbohydrates in a plant biomass: correlations between the detergent fiber and dietary fiber methods

We compared the detergent fiber and dietary fiber methods to analyze the cellulose and hemicellulose contents of commelinid and non-commelinid magnoliophyta biomass. A good linear correlation was found between both methods. Compared to the more accurate dietary fiber method, the detergent fiber method overestimates the content of cellulose, whereas the detergent fiber method, as compared to the dietary fiber method, overestimates and underestimates the hemicellulose content in commelinid and non-commelinid magnoliophyta biomass, respectively. Because of the good linear correlations, conversion factors were determined to predict the cellulose, hemicellulose, and xylan contents to be expected from the dietary fiber method, on the basis of analyses made by the faster, cheaper, and more commonly practiced detergent fiber method. Nevertheless, the dietary fiber method offers the advantage of providing the detailed composition of the hemicelluloses (xylan, arabinan, hemicellulosic glucan, galactan, and mannan), and that is of interest for biorefining purposes.

Influence of electron donors and acceptors on the bioremediation of soil contaminated with trichloroethene and nickel: laboratory- and pilot-scale study

Laboratory- and pilot-scale studies were conducted in order to adjust and optimize the in-situ conditions for bioremediation of a soil contaminated with trichlororethene (TCE) and nickel. Results from laboratory studies showed that the indigenous microorganisms of the soil were limited by the type of electron donor. A better TCE dechlorination was obtained when the electron donor was composed of a mixture of methanol and lactate, as compared to that with methanol alone. Addition of up to 10 mM of sulphate as external electron acceptor (in combination with TCE) and with a mixture of methanol and lactate as electron donor had no significant effect on the TCE reducing activity of indigenous microorganisms of the soil, while higher concentrations (15 and 20 mM) yielded a lower dechlorination. Long term operation of a large pilot-scale soil reactor demonstrated the feasibility of a single-process in situ soil remediation. Results showed that, on one hand, TCE was progressively and stepwise reduced to cis-dichloroethene (DCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and finally to ethene, using only the indigenous microorganisms of the soil. On the other hand, stimulating the activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria of the soil with the addition of sulphate as electron acceptor was efficient in precipitating nickel as nickel sulphide.

[Quality of life of patients during treatment of type I diabetes. Importance of a questionnaire focused on the subjective quality of life]

The aims of this study were 1) to study the quality of life in diabetic patients receiving one of two different forms of insulin delivery and 2) to check in this disease, the reliability and responsiveness of a questionnaire (SQLP: subjective quality of life profile) which we have previously used and validated in other pathological states. A total of 743 Type 1 diabetic subjects, receiving two different forms of insulin injection completed this questionnaire twice, at a monthly interval. These patients stressed a certain number of somatic manifestations as well as their difficulty to move around or perform every-day life activities. The results from this trial show that the questionnaire was capable of demonstrating that the easiest mode of insulin injection was selectively and significantly related to a higher satisfaction with being able to move around.

Evaluation of treatment effects on patients' quality of life: what approach? From the concepts to the instruments

A critical review of currently used methods to evaluate quality of life in therapeutic trials (economic approach and medical approach) is presented. A new approach focused on subjective quality of life was developed. As efficient as the others it has the advantage to refer to a greater extent to the initial concepts which contributed to the emergence of this new field of research and to bring forward the patient point of view.

Crisis intervention in depressed patients with and without DSM-III-R personality disorders

We compared the relationships between response to a crisis intervention program and long-term outcome in 31 depressed outpatients with and without DSM-III-R personality disorders (PD). The presence of PD predicted a poorer 2-year outcome. PD subjects with better working alliance and increased insight at termination of crisis intervention had increased compliance with long-term psychiatric treatment (p < .005) and better 2-year outcome (p < .005). Increased compliance with long-term psychiatric treatment predicted better long-term outcome in PD patients (p < .005). None of these significant relationships was observed in the comparison group without PD, suggesting that establishing an effective treatment process may be especially important for outcome in PD patients.

[Crisis intervention: assessment process and long-term follow-up of patients]

The aim of this work, which was performed in a Crisis Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, was to study the relationship between a patient's long-term follow-up and the range of the patient's difficulties as assessed during screening by a clinician. Out of the 78 patients who were referred to the Centre during a two-month period in 1985, 31 were followed-up during a complete crisis intervention program. All these patients with severe symptoms would have been hospitalized if they had not been transferred to this program. The clinician's opinion of these patients' difficulties was obtained by using a questionnaire containing open-response questions. The data obtained was then subjected to specific content analysis. The patients' clinical state, diagnosis and changes during therapy were also assessed, using various questionnaires. Our results show that there is a negative correlation between the number or range of difficulties attributed and noted by the clinician and the long-term evolution of the patient, especially after two years. This relationship is dependent on the number, not the type of difficulties noted. Thus, although it is not possible to generalize these results, we have shown that it is possible to study parameters involved in the process of a psychotherapeutic-type treatment, using a questionnaire. We have also shown that crisis intervention can be considered as an especially interesting analogue of the early steps of psychotherapy, spread over a longer period. This is an aspect which is rarely studied.

[Study of the uni-dimensionality of the Yesavage-Brinck geriatric depression scale. Comparison between classical methods and Rasch's model]

The authors present a contribution to the french validation of the self-rating questionnaire of the depression in the elderly proposed by Yesavage and Brink (1982), the Geriatric Depression Scale (30 items). This study focusses on the assessment of the homogeneity and of the unidimensionality of this scale. 99 aged women living in old-people homes or attending a geriatric somatic day-hospital, not known to be psychiatrically ill, filled the GDS and were interviewed by either a psychiatrist or by a clinical psychologist. This interview yielded 44 cases of Major Depressive Disorder or of Dysthymia (DSM III). Firstly, we have applied the classical correlational methods of assessment of scale Reliability and Construct Validity: Cronbach's coefficient alpha and item-total correlations (homogeneity) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) without rotation. Then, we have performed a Rasch Model Analysis: this method which belongs to the general frame of Latent Trait Theory relies on a probabilistic model of subject's response to individual questions. In the Rasch model, the response probability of a given subject to a given item is a logistic function of the difference between the item location parameter and the subject location parameter along a single continuous latent dimension. Our results have shown that the Cronbach's alpha was very high (.902) and that the item-total correlations were quite satisfactory (mean .470), thus giving a strong impression of homogeneity (similar to unidimensionality for many authors).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quality of life assessment in therapeutic trials: rationale for and presentation of a more appropriate instrument

In therapeutic trials, quality of life studies are usually based on a health model which results in a restrictive view. Therefore, it is important to clearly define the concept of the quality of life, since ambiguous concepts can alter the results. The key to this problem is the clear distinction between the two components of the quality of life, ie subjective and objective. This latter component is the only one considered in the current medical approach. The use of the subjective quality of life introduces a number of methodological problems not found when the objective quality of life is assessed, and thus requires a specific model which can be derived from the model of life goals used by sociologists. This model is presented here and illustrated with some results obtained with a new questionnaire, the Subjective Quality of Life Profile (SQLP) questionnaire. We suggest that both subjective and objective quality of life studies should be considered in order to emphasize the humanistic approach to therapeutic indications.

[Research on psychotherapies. Methodology]

"Assessment" (of outcome and of factors of outcome) and "psychotherapy" are first defined. Although the aims of these surveys are deeply varying depending on their initiators (therapists or administrations), they share the same objects and the same methodological problems. This common problematic is specific, different from those prevailing for epidemiology or therapeutic trials; it also varies depending on the psychiatric and cultural background (for instance, depending on the side of the ocean). The choice of variables is discussed for objects (patients, families, therapists, institutions), sources (self and hetero-questionnaires) and exploratory levels (from symptoms to subjective quality of life). This leads to the choice of instruments, the interest of open ended questions and specific modalities of responses being emphasized. After a discussion of several methods of outcome assessment, the study of factors of change includes a comparison of the naturalistic and experimental approaches. Although these studies encounter some risks and limitations, they have an obvious clinical interest.

[The questionnaire "Profile of the subjective quality of life". First data of validation]

The questionnaire "Profile of the Subjective Quality of Life" (in french, PQVS) is devoted to the assessment of quality of life in therapeutic trials. On a sample of 588 subjects, factorial analysis confirm that it is not restricted to the assessment of the health, as most of the instruments actually available for that purpose. Its internal consistency is high. Correlations clearly show that its specific questions assessing the degrees of a) satisfaction and b) involvement (concerning each item) are clearly understood as having different meanings. Multiple regressions demonstrate that these specific questions strongly contribute to the explanation of the global quality of life or of the satisfaction concerning each item. Its reliability is good. It is very well accepted, and completed in no more than 15 to 30 minutes. This questionnaire is thus matching the criteria defining an effective assessment of the quality of life.

Incidence of large oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis: application to prophylaxis of first bleeding

Because several studies have suggested that beta blockers are effective in the prophylaxis of first variceal bleeding in cirrhosis, screening for oesophageal varices might be appropriate. We prospectively studied 84 cirrhotic patients without obvious evidence of large oesophageal varices and previous bleeding during a mean follow up of 16 months. At entry to the study 41 patients had no oesophageal varices and in 43 these were grade 1. The subsequent percentages of patients without large oesophageal varices were 74% at one year and 52% at two years. Univariate analysis showed that a longer duration of cirrhosis (p less than 0.05) and grade 1 oesophageal varices at entry (p less than 0.001) were predictive factors for the occurrence of large oesophageal varices, whereas, multivariate analysis showed that the initial size of the oesophageal varices (p less than 0.001), a high initial Child-Pugh score, and a smaller improvement in Child-Pugh score during the study were independent risk factors. Among patients with grades 0 and 1 oesophageal varices at the start of the study the proportions with large oesophageal varices at two years were 31% and 70% respectively. We have calculated that, accepting a maximum risk of first bleeding of 10% without prophylactic treatment, a patient without oesophageal varices should be screened endoscopically every other year, while a patient with grade 1 disease should benefit from one annual upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Development and use of a self-administered questionnaire for assessment of psychologic attitudes toward pregnancy and their relation to a subsequent premature birth

This paper describes both the development of and results of the use of a self-administered questionnaire designed specifically to investigate the relation between the psychologic attitudes of pregnant women toward pregnancy and an eventual subsequent premature birth. The questionnaire (entitled Pregnancy Psychologic Attitudes Test--in relation to Premature Birth [PPAT(p)]) was derived from the synthesis of interviews with women who had given birth prematurely, comprised 40 questions grouped in six dimensions, and was used in a prospective survey. All women who had an antenatal visit in their fifth to sixth month of pregnancy in one of four maternity hospitals in Lyon, France, between October 1983 and March 1985 were asked to complete this questionnaire. A quantitative PPAT(p) score (ranging from 0 to 6) was constructed in a working sample (n = 643), and its relation with a subsequent premature birth was analyzed in a study sample (n = 1,500). Application of the logistic regression model showed, after controlling for personal and medical factors, that this relation was statistically significant. The risk of premature birth increased from 1 to 1.5 when the PPAT(p) score increased one point (p less than 0.001). This study contributes to a better understanding of psychologic factors that may affect pregnant women and be associated with premature birth. This new component must be considered in the development of policies for preventing premature birth.

[Functional study, in man, of congestive gastropathy in cirrhosis by measurement of potential difference]

The morphologic features of the gastric mucosa in patients with cirrhosis have been well investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate its functional disruption by measuring the gastric potential difference. Forty patients were investigated, 12 control subjects and 28 consecutive cirrhotic patients with endoscopically proved congestive gastropathy. Potential difference was measured the morning, on an empty stomach, at least 3 days after endoscopy; the method used a double channel gastric perfused probe placed under fluoroscopy 10 cm above the cardia, and a subcutaneous reference, both connected to a millivoltimeter via gelose agar-KCl bridges. Potential difference was recorded in each case 20 min before (baseline) and after local instillation of lysine acetylsalicylate (500 mg) as a provocative test. Cirrhotic patients had significantly lower basal potential difference than controls (-28.3 +/- 1.5 mV vs -33.8 +/- 1.3mV, p = 0.007). Potential difference was significantly lower in patients with severe gastropathy than in patients with mild gastropathy (-20.5 +/- 2.1 and -28.9 +/- 1.6 mV, respectively, p less than 0.01). After stimulation with acetylsalicylate, the area under curve and the irritability index were greater in patients with gastropathy (81.4 +/- 12.8 vs 41.2 +/- 8.6 mV.min, p = 0.032 and 0.935 +/- 0.19 vs 0.290 +/- 0.07 mV.mV.min, p = 0.022, respectively). These differences were explained by a higher drop in potential difference (delta DPmax/baseline; 28.1 +/- 3 vs 16.1 +/- 3 p. 100, p = 0.006) whereas basal return time remained unchanged (16.2 +/- 2.1 vs 13.7 +/- 2.2 min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Construction of questionnaires for the study of psychological components in the etiology of somatic diseases. The example of prematurity]

A study whose aim was to define the role of psychological factors in prematurity etiology has led us to develop a methodology for evaluation of personality which could have a connection with the occurrence of a premature birth. The proposed method--interviews based on free association followed by the construction of questionnaires serving as a base for an epidemiological study--seem to us applicable in order to show the psychological components which intervene in the occurrence of a somatic illness.

[A minicomputer system that extracts evoked responses from the E.E.G]

EVøQ is a minicomputer system that enables one to extract average evoked responses from the E.E.G. from a large number of analog channels, and can, therefore, be oriented towards a topographic study of the responses. It allows high-frequency sampling of the signal, in order to make possible a study of the brain stem evoked responses. This system consists of three programs: a configuration-editor which allows a pre-configuration of several kinds of experiments; an acquisition program, of monitoring, calibration, signal processing and automatic control of the stimulators; finally, a management and processing program of the resulting files.

[Original method of multivariate analysis, adapted for comparison of mean evoked potentials: E2 test]

This paper describes a multivariate statistical method of analysis for the comparison of 2 paired series. For such paired series, this test, called E2, is analogous to the generalized Hotteling T2 test, as epsilon test (pairing method) is analogous to Student's t test. Here we give an example of its application to a comparison of curves, in this particular case average auditory evoked potentials, picked up at symmetrical points on the scalp.

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of the EEG in the immediate aftermath of cranial trauma]

The authors studied the EGGs of 262 cases of post-traumatic coma and drew the following conclusions: 1. If the EEG shows sleep activity immediately after cranial trauma, the prognosis is generally good. 2. The existence of electrical reactivity to sensory stimulation is a favourable sign and examination of the symmetry of reactions often demonstrates a focal lesion which is not otherwise apparent. However, the absence of localizing signs in the EEG does not necessarily preclude the existence of an intracranial focal lesion; nor do signs of focalization necessarily confirm the existence of a lesion. 3. In equivocal cases, the echo-EG and arteriography should be contemplated. 4. Focal irritative abnormalities in an elderly patient suggest a very poor prognosis. 5. A recording which implies mtabolic disorder should prompt the immediate search for the causal disturbance. If correction of the metabolic disturbance is not followed by rapid improvement of the EEG, the prognosis is very unfavourable. 6. A focal lesion associated with the coma will affect the prognosis but surgical correction of the lesional effects may also get rid of the disturbances of consciousness.