Loire Region Research Articles

Première liste des espèces d’abeilles de la région Centre-Val de Loire (France) déclinée par départements sur la période 1990-2021 (Hymenoptera : Apoidea : Anthophila)

First list of bee species of the Centre-Val de Loire region (France) declined by departments over the period 1990–2021. (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila). - This article presents the taxonomic list of bees in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France) by department over the period 1990–2021. This study reveals the presence of 287 bee species in the region, with disparities between departments: between 50 and 60 species are recorded in Indre and Eure-et-Loir, compared with almost 200 species in Loiret (182) and Loir-et-Cher (195). These results are meant as an encouragement to develop our knowledge of the bee fauna in our region.

(Invited) The Potential of Pulsed Low Temperature Plasmas for the Controlled Deposition of Plasma Polymer Ultrathin Films and Composite Nanomaterials (Invited)

Low temperature discharges with their unique non-equilibrium properties are often used in industrial processes for the deposition of ultra-thin (plasma) polymer films. Applications for this type of thin films range from protective coatings to their use in membranes, biosensors and batteries. However, the properties of these thin films are highly dependent on the choice of discharge parameters, both in terms of their surface topography and their chemical composition. This paper deals with the great potential of pulsed discharges for the controlled deposition of plasma polymer films. The influence of pulse frequency and duty cycle on the deposition process and the properties of the resulting thin films is discussed from a theoretical point of view and is illustrated by experimental results. The latter concern examples of experiments carried out with discharges operated with acetylene or aniline, as well as functional coatings on top of MoS2, 2D graphene or CNTs.The work was supported by the project PEGASUS (Plasma Enabled and Graphene Allowed Synthesis of Unique nano-structures), funded by the European Union’s Horizon research innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 766894; EU Graphene Flagship FLAG-ERA III JTC 2021 project VEGA (No. PR-11938) Project-ANR-21-GRF1-0004. Further support was obtained via ARD MATEX Centre-Val de Loire Region (projects Carbon2 and Carbon3) and project Orleans Metropole (both France).

Efficacy of a pharmacist care protocol to manage uncomplicated female cystitis in community pharmacies: an open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled, cluster study: the PharmaCyst’ protocol

BackgroundUrinary tract infections are common affections, especially for women. Difficult access to a general practitioner to obtain a prescription has led France to offer dispensing under protocol by community pharmacists. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist care protocol provided to manage women with urinary tract infection symptoms. This objective will be assessed using the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score.MethodsPharmaCyst’ is an open-label, multicenter, controlled, cluster-randomized study conducted in the Loire region, France. Women aged between 18 and 65 years presenting to a pharmacy complaining of at least one symptom of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection present over the last 3 days (including burning pain during micturition, dysuria, pollakiuria, urgent urination) will be considered for inclusion. All patients will be contacted on day 3, 10, and month 3. A total of 480 patients need to be recruited for the 24 clusters participating in the research. The quantitative data will be described using means and standard deviations and compared using Student’s t-test. The qualitative data will be described using numbers and percentages and compared using chi2 test (or Fisher’s exact test if necessary). The primary and secondary outcomes analyses will consider the intention-to-treat population.DiscussionPharmaCyst’ is the first clinical trial conducted in France only by community pharmacists. Its results could lead to an extension of the protocol.Trial registrationThe protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee on 2022/12/02 and is registered under the number 49RC22_0240 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Current distribution of the Reeves’ muntjac Muntiacus reevesi (Ogilby, 1839) in France

Abstract The Reeves’ muntjac Muntiacus reevesi is an ungulate native to China and Taiwan that has been released into the wild in several continental European countries and the United Kingdom. We present recent records of the species in mainland France. We also investigated the dispersal rate and density of the established population in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The number of observations of M. reevesi was low in the period 2008–2016, increased sharply until 2019 and then decreased until 2023. From a comparison between the distribution in 2008–2012 and 2013–2017, the dispersal rate was estimated at an average of 3.2 km/year, and 7.6 km/year between 2013–2017 and 2018–2023. Based on a camera trap protocol, the population density was assumed to be very low in forested areas but estimated with a lack of robustness due to a single observation. Further efforts must be made to better assess the risk of an increase in the wild population of Reeves’ muntjac in the Centre-Val de Loire region. To prevent potential impacts, rapid control measures can be put in place in the large area (10,800 km2) where muntjacs are now rapidly spreading.

How the mechanism of recognition and its effects on well-being at work can shape an inclusive climate

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationships between recognition, inclusion, and well-being at work. Inclusion involves integrating individuals within a group while recognizing their unique skills and need for belonging. Recognition and inclusion are sources of well-being at work.Design/methodology/approachWe used a qualitative methodology based on a structural approach to investigate the social representations of 1,611 employees of a public organization located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.FindingsOur results suggest that recognition is a central mechanism of inclusion, primarily manifested through satisfaction of the individual’s need to belong. We conclude with a proposed heuristic schema of the connections between the constructs studied.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper proposes a new perspective to the work of Shore et al. (2018) by addressing the knowledge gap in the literature concerning the role of recognition in determining an inclusive climate and optimizing well-being at work. This is done using qualitative methodology, drawing on the Dazibao framework of data collection.Originality/valueBringing a new perspective to the work of Shore et al. (2018) by helping to fill the knowledge gap relating to the place of recognition in determining an inclusive climate and well-being at work. It does so through a qualitative methodology based on the Dazibao framework of data collection.

Advantages and limits of remote consultations for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis health pathway: ePrEP qualitative study

ObjectiveBecause of a high rate of HIV diagnosis and restricted medical access in the Centre-Val de Loire region in France , remote consultations (RC) with a community-based approach has been implemented to promote access to healthcare. Our study aimed to determine whether RC could improve access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) as part of the healthcare pathway associated with PrEP. Materials and MethodsA qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 17 MSM and 3 physicians from specialized sexual health centres was performed, with a mean duration of interview over one hour. The research focused on the health pathway associated with PrEP, from initial awareness to ongoing prescription and follow-up. ResultsTransitioning PrEP consultations to RC is feasible, but concerns about a potential decline in care quality compared to traditional sexual health centres follow-ups were noted. Both MSM and physicians recognized that RC could complement face-to-face approaches, especially in terms of organizational benefits. In rural areas, access to specialists through RC was seen as a partial solution, though it could be hindered by barriers in accessing laboratory testing and pharmacy services, like fear of stigmatization. More generally, distrust of medication and the difficulty of discussing sexuality with a GP were highlighted, which could limit the uptake of PrEP without access to specialists. ConclusionsThe initiation and uptake of PrEP among MSM are more effectively influenced by initiatives that provide information, reassurance, and facilitate initial procedures, rather than solely through RC. A strategy combining digital and community-based approaches, along with medical expertise, is recommended to increase PrEP utilization among MSM.

“Naloxone? Not for me!” First cross-assessment by patients and healthcare professionals of the risk of opioid overdose

BackgroundOpioid-related mortality is a rising public health concern in France, where opioids were in 2021 implicated in 75% of overdose deaths. Opioid substitution treatment (OST) was implicated in almost half of deaths related to substance and drug abuse. Although naloxone could prevent 80% of these deaths, there are a number of barriers to the distribution of take-home naloxone (THN) among opioid users in France. This study is the first one which compares patients' self-assessment of the risk of future opioid overdose with the hetero-assessment provided by healthcare professionals in a population of individuals eligible for naloxone.MethodsThis was a multicenter descriptive observational study carried out in pharmacies across the Pays de la Loire region (France) during April and May 2022. All adult patients who visited a participating pharmacy for a prescription of OST and provided oral informed consent were enrolled in the study. Retrospective data were collected through cross-sectional interviews conducted by the pharmacist with the patient, utilizing an ad hoc questionnaire. The patient’s self-assessment of overdose risk was evaluated using a Likert scale from 0 to 10. The pharmacist relied on the presence or absence of overdose risk situations defined by the French Health Authority (HAS). The need to hold THN was assessed using a composite criterion.ResultsA total of 34 patients were interviewed; near one third were aware of the existence of THN and a minority had THN in their possession. Out of the 34 participants, 29 assessed their own risk of future opioid overdose: 65.5% reported having zero risk, while 6.9% believed they had a high risk. Nevertheless, at least one risk situation of opioid overdose was identified according to HAS criteria in 73.5% of the participants (n = 25). Consequently, 55% of the participants underestimated their risk of experiencing a future opioid overdose. Yet, dispensing THN has been judged necessary for 88.2% of the participants.ConclusionThis study underscored the imperative need to inform not only healthcare professionals but also the patients and users themselves on the availability of THN and the risk situations of opioid overdose.

Toward an Operational Monitoring of Oak Dieback With Multispectral Satellite Time Series: A Case Study in Centre-Val De Loire Region of France

Toward an Operational Monitoring of Oak Dieback With Multispectral Satellite Time Series: A Case Study in Centre-Val De Loire Region of France

Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory potential of cultivated Eclipta alba (L.)

Natural products are increasingly studied for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In our continuing search for new natural active ingredients for cosmetic uses, we investigated the phytochemistry and studied the bioactivity of Eclipta alba (L.) cultivated in center-Val de Loire Region (CVLR) in France to develop a new anti-aging active ingredient. This plant is known as the false daisy and is traditionally used in Ayurveda for the treatment of digestive, respiratory, hepatic, and cutaneous disorders and for its activity as a hair growth promoter.To highlight the compounds involved in different bioactivities, a metabolomic study of the plant was undertaken. The extract of the aerial parts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction in ethanol, was tested for antioxidant activity and for its inhibitory effect on various enzymes involved in skin aging. The raw extract was fractionated using liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) and Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC), then fraction activity was evaluated to target the main active compounds. HRMS/MS and NMR were used to identify the compounds contained in the active fractions.Some fractions had showed strong collagenase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition. The two most active fractions contained mostly coumestans (demethylwedelolactone (DWL) and wedelolactone (WL)), and other phenolic compounds present in lower amount, which were identified as carriers of the anti-collagenase, anti-cyclooxygenase 2 and anti-xanthine oxidase activity.Therefore, this study suggested that Eclipta alba grown in CVLR has a phytochemistry in line with the description reported in literature and is highly composed of coumestans, phenolic compounds and saponins. The ethanolic extract has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and for the first time an anti-collagenase activity has been demonstrated. These activities have been correlated with the presence of wedelolactone (WL) and demethylwedelolactone (DWL), the two majors’ compounds, and other phenolics compounds. Thus, Eclipta alba (L.) cultivated in CVLR could be used as an interesting antioxidant and anti-aging agent for cosmetical applications.

Liquid chromatography - high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of pesticides in French agricultural soils

ABSTRACT Agricultural soils are not controlled in France for the massive use of pesticides. The quadrupole mass spectrometer is used for targeted analysis of a few dozen pesticides, while the high-resolution time-of-flight quadrupole mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS) allows both targeted and non-targeted analysis of hundreds of pesticides. In this study, a targeted method was developed in soils using pressurised-liquid extraction (PLE) and liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with a QTOF-MS. This method development was necessary to carry out next suspect and non-target screening in soils and has been validated for triazines, phenylureas and emerging pesticides in soils. The internal calibration of pesticides was validated for low levels (0.5 to 12.5 µg L−1) and high levels (12.5 to 400 µg L−1) using labelled internal standards. The determination coefficient (R2) of calibration curve of each pesticide was greater than 0.99. Excepted DCPU and IPPU, the mean recoveries of pesticides in five reference soils spiked at 40 µg kg−1 and 10 µg kg−1 were greater than 93.5% and 106.2%, and the variation coefficients lower than 14.7% and 22.5%, respectively. So, multiplier factors were applied to the quantification results of DCPU and IPPU, respectively, 2.5 and 1.7 for correction. This validated method has been applied to a selection of 40 French soils of Centre-Val de Loire region. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of pesticides varied between 0.005 and 0.175 µg kg−1 in soils. Seven pesticides were the most detected in soils. Seventeen pesticides were detected between 10 and 50% of cases and very low detection frequencies (<10%) were found for 10 pesticides in soils. The mean concentrations were 0.730 µg kg−1 dw for triazines, 1.367 µg kg−1 dw for phenylureas and 7.638 µg kg−1 dw for emerging pesticides. DCPMU and epoxiconazole were detected in all the 40 soils.

In vitro exposure to triazoles used as fungicides impairs human granulosa cells steroidogenesis

Triazoles are the main components of fungicides used in conventional agriculture. Some data suggests that they may be endocrine disruptors. Here, we found five triazoles, prothioconazole, metconazole, difenoconazole, tetraconazole, and cyproconazole, in soil or water from the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. We then studied their effects from 0.001 µM to 1000 µM for 48 h on the steroidogenesis and cytotoxicity of ovarian cells from patients in this region and the human granulosa line KGN. In addition, the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) nuclear receptor in KGN cells was studied. Overall, all triazoles reduced the secretion of progesterone, estradiol, or both at doses that were non-cytotoxic but higher than those found in the environment. This was mainly associated, depending on the triazole, with a decrease in the expression of CYP51, STAR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, or HSD3B proteins, or a combination thereof, in hGCs and KGN cells and an increase in AHR in KGN cells.

Accessing specialty consultations and procedures in Centre-Val de Loire region

In the Centre-Val de Loire region, the demography of specialty care is characterized by a strong deficit and many territorial inequalities that lead to significant difficulties in accessing care. The study has being conducted at the level of the Professional Territorial Health Communities (CPTS) which structuring the region, which is the ideal framework for implementing public health actions resulting from this study. The aim of this study was to objectify these difficulties and their geography, based on the calculation of the comparative consumption index (CCI), in order to measure the differences between expected consumption and observed consumption, and to quantify the number of “missing” doctors to meet the needs of the population. The study shows a deficit in care-seeking for specialty care, in particular an incompatibility between care needs and care offers in the living environment, as well as strong territorial inequalities, with marked differences between private consumption and hospital consumption. The region experiences a deficit of 25% of liberal medical specialists in order to meet the needs of its population. Accessibility to care is not only defined by the proximity of doctors, and their density; the proximity of areas of activity being a factor associated with better access to health care. This study also makes it possible to identify priority areas of action, specialty by specialty, to strengthen access to specialty care, and propose a fairer distribution of the care offer, in particular through interns’ internships, and the coordinated and territorial organization of specialist doctors.

COVID-19 seroprevalence among local authority workers from Orléans Métropole, the Community of Communes of the Terres du Val de Loire, the local public service management centre of the Loiret department and the Region Centre Val de Loire: a prospective epidemiological study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among local authority workers, depending on their position and potential interaction with the public.MethodsA cohort of volunteer participants was recruited among local authority workers of...

Social representations of mask wearing in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although one of the most prominent interventions against COVID-19, face masks seem poorly adopted by the general population. A growing body of literature has found that using face masks has social meaning. This qualitative study assessed the perceptions, representations and practices of mask wearing in the general population. A qualitative survey by short semi-structured walking interviews was carried out from April to December 2021 in 11 cities in France's Pays de la Loire region. Study locations were selected for their varied geographical, social, and economic characteristics, with urbanized and rural areas. Four domains linked to perceptions of masks and wearing them were explored: (i) evolution in mask wearing, (ii) decision-making methods for wearing and not wearing; (iii) incorporating the mask into way of life; (iv) projecting into the future. A total of 116 people were interviewed. Masks marked a shift from the ordinary world to the pandemic. Overall, interviewees considered masks an obstacle to breathing, communication, and social interactions, leading to establishing strategies circumventing the mask mandate. Poor attention was paid to their medical usefulness as an obligatory clothing accessory. Mask-wearing decisions were driven by social relations, common sense, and vulnerability. The greater the feeling of security (i.e., being with close relatives), the less it was worn or worn properly, with decreased attention to others and their health. Most participants did not remember learning to wear a mask. Some were convinced that mask-wearing could not be learned (experiential knowledge). Institutions (school and work) played a central role by facilitating incorporation of masks into daily life. This study emphasizes the need to reinforce the individual medical values of face masks to prevent COVID-19. Ambitious education and training programmes should be planned to learn how and when to wear masks. Institutions (work and school) may be critical for this purpose.

Breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of a decision aid on mammography screening uptake: study protocol.

Breast cancer (BC) is the primary cancer among women. The World Health Organization recommends a bilateral screening mammogram every 2 years for women aged 50 to 74 years. However, it has been shown that there is an absence of information about the benefits and risks of screening. Shared medical decision-making is important to ensure patients are involved in the decision process. Decision aids can facilitative this decision-making process. This article presents a protocol to evaluate the effect of a decision aid on participation rates in the French organized BC screening program. Design and setting. The design is a 2 arm randomized controlled study, performed in the Pays de la Loire region (French West Coast). Randomization will be based on general medicine practices (Primary Care). Women aged between 50 and 74 years, eligible for BC screening. In this region, there are 75000 women, and 2800 general practitioners eligible for recruitment. In the « Decision aid for organized cancer screening » arm, the intervention will distribute invitation letters to eligible women combined with the provision of decision aid to these women and their general practitioners and an incentive to implement shared medical decision-making. In the « Standard organized cancer screening » arm, only the screening invitation will be sent to eligible women. BC screening participation rates will be assessed after an 18-month follow-up period. In this non-inferiority trial, the percentage of women who are up-to-date with their screening at 18 months after the intervention will be compared across arms using a generalized mixed linear model. The research team expect to demonstrate that providing a better explanation of the benefits and risks of BC screening is not at odds with screening participation. The study results should help policy makers thinking about implementing shared medical decision-making within the framework of organized BC screening programs in the future. On 6 December 2021, the protocol received a favorable opinion from the French Committee for the Protection of Persons (2021-A01583-38). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05607849. (Version 1, November 7, 2022; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05607849). The study findings will be used for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations in scientific meetings.

What drives the risk of being bitten by a viper? A fine spatial scale study in western France

Previous studies on viper bites in France have focused on clinical consequences of envenomation, efficacy of antivenom and epidemiology of bites. Herein, we wanted to clarify temporal and spatial patterns in bite incidence using a fine spatial scale (municipality level). We focused on viper bites recorded over the last 10 years in 4 regions of western France. We addressed the determinants of bite occurrence and number of bites considering the following variables: predicted probability of viper presence, species (V. aspis or V. berus), climatic data, tourism function rate, soil transformation and landscape use. 703 bite cases were retained with significant disparities between areas. Bites occurred either during a garden-related activity (339 cases, 51.2%) or during an activity in the countryside (300 cases, 45.3%). The probability of presence of a viper at the municipality level positively influenced the risk of being bitten (multiplied by 3 for a variation in probability of 0.25 from 0.5) but varied between species (lower in V. berus than V. aspis). Artificial land development had a positive effect on bite risks. Finally, a tourism function rate above 50 beds/100 inhabitants was strongly associated with an increase in the risk of occurrence and frequency of bites. Overall, viper bites recorded in our study were concentrated on the south coastline of Pays de la Loire region. The coastal towns are significant areas of tourist attraction and are located close to preserved semi-natural landscapes that provide favorable habitats for vipers. This convergence may favor human/wildlife encounters.

Coastal Erosion Risk: Population Adaptation to Climate Change—A Case Study of the Pays de la Loire Coastline

Abstract Studying the population’s perception of coastal erosion is essential and is increasingly used by coastal administrators, especially because it strongly influences the acceptance of coastal adaptation strategies. This article explores the population’s perception of coastal risk on the Atlantic coast of France (Pays de la Loire region) that is an at-risk territory historically affected by erosion and is particularly sensitive to coastal flooding. The major goal of the paper is to collect data in terms of risk perception by carrying out a field survey on three territorial collectivities, with the aim to enhance the feasibility of the managed retreat operations that will be implemented on this coast in the next years. A total of 700 surveys were collected and several original results can be drawn: the population has a good knowledge of erosion in the area where they live, and this knowledge is key because the territory is vulnerable. Similarly, the respondents have a good knowledge of protection measures, but some are more important than others: for example, the reinforcement of coastal defenses is the most commonly cited strategy to deal with coastal hazards whereas relocation is the second-most-known but least-popular scenario. Several factors influence people’s perception of risk: for example, time spent in the residence and age of residents are two elements contributing to place attachment that must be taken into account before starting to implement any climate adaptation policies.

Understanding Inequalities in the Uptake of Supportive Care to Improve Practices in the Cancer Care Continuum.

(1) Background: While inequalities in the prevalence of cancer, access to care, and survival have been well documented, less research has focused on inequalities in the uptake of supportive oncology care. Given its contribution to improving the quality of life of people affected by cancer, access to such care is a major public health issue. The present study focuses on the access and uptake of those supportive oncology care services. (2) Methods: This study is based on qualitative research methodology, using a thematic analysis tree on NVivo© analysis software. First, an exploratory survey was conducted with users of oncology services, and professionals from these services and supportive oncology care. Then, individual interviews were conducted in June 2022 among people who are currently being treated or have been treated for cancer. (3) Results: The experiences of the 33 respondents revealed that significant variations in the uptake of supportive oncology care are underpinned by identifiable disparities in their healthcare pathways: in their assimilation of information, difficulties in accessing oncology care, personal reluctance and motivations, perceived needs and benefits, and use of other medicines. (4) Conclusion: This study aims to gain some insight into disparities in the uptake of supportive care in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France). Thus, it provides a better understanding of the complex ways in which these inequalities in supportive oncology care uptake are constructed.

Ressenti des patients atteints de cancer pendant le premier confinement COVID-19 : quel impact sur le parcours de soins, l’état mental et l’accès aux soins oncologiques de support ?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the organisation of the healthcare system. Very little data is available regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients' perceptions of their healthcare pathway. The objective of this survey was to evaluate cancer patients' perceptions of the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on continuity of care, their mental condition, as well as their access to Supportive Care in Cancer (SCC). Between June 2nd and 30th, 2020, an anonymous questionnaire was sent out to the patients who visited 17 healthcare establishments in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Our survey questioned 861 patients, amongst which 839 were selected. The population was predominantly female (58%). Breast cancer was the most represented (27%). Approximately three patients out of four considered that their care was maintained during the lockdown. In total, 348 patients (44%) reported an altered mental status. Approximately 1/4th of patients benefited from SCC. More than half of the patients felt that SCC was not relevant to their situation, although 40% of these patients expressed mental issues. Our survey highlighted a negative impact on patients' mental condition and a low use of SCC in spite of existing needs. This demonstrates the necessity of evaluating the patients' needs and offering adequate SCC at various stages of the healthcare pathway, as well as the need for a clearly identifiable offer for the healthcare professionals and the patients.

Difficulties and opportunities in producing broiler chickens for short circuits in the Centre Val de Loire region

Difficulties and opportunities in producing broiler chickens for short circuits in the Centre Val de Loire region