Combining DNA Barcoding and Chemical fingerprints to authenticate Lavender raw material.

OBJECTIVE: This study was initiated and conducted by several laboratories, 3 of the main cosmetic ingredient suppliers and 4 brands of cosmetics in France. Its objective is to show the interest and robustness of coupling chemical and genetic analyses in the identification of plant species. In this study, the Lavandula genus was used. METHODS: In this study, we used two analytical methods. Chemical analysis from UHPLC (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography) and genetic analysis from barcoding with genetic markers. RESULTS: Eleven lavender species were selected (botanically authenticated) and analysed. The results show that three chemical compounds (coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside and rosmarinic acid) and three genetic markers (RbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS) are of interest for the differentiation of species of the genus lavandula. CONCLUSION: The results show that the combination of complementary analytical methods is a relevant system to prove the botanical identification of lavender species. This first study, carried out on a plant of interest for cosmetics, demonstrates the need for authentication using a tool combining genetic and chemical analysis as an advance over traditional investigation methods used alone, in terms of identification and authentication reliability.

OBJECTIF: Cette étude a été lancée et menée par plusieurs laboratoires, trois des principaux fournisseurs d'ingrédients cosmétiques et quatre marques de cosmétiques en France. Son objectif est de montrer qu'associer les analyses chimiques et génétiques dans l'identification des espèces végétales présente un intérêt et est une approche solide. Dans cette étude, c'est le genre Lavandula qui a été utilisé. MÉTHODES: Dans cette étude, nous avons fait appel à deux méthodes analytiques. L'analyse chimique, à partir de la chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, UHPLC), et l'analyse génétique en procédant à un codage à barres avec des marqueurs génétiques. RÉSULTATS: Onze espèces de lavande ont été sélectionnées (authentifiées du point de vue botanique) et analysées. Les résultats montrent que trois composés chimiques (acide coumarique hexoside, acide ferulique hexoside et acide rosmarinique) et trois marqueurs génétiques (RbcL, trnH-psbA et ITS) présentent un intérêt pour la différenciation des espèces du genre lavandula. CONCLUSION: Les résultats montrent que la combinaison de méthodes analytiques complémentaires est un système pertinent pour prouver l'identification végétale des espèces de lavande. Cette première étude, réalisée sur une plante qui offre un intérêt pour les cosmétiques, démontre la nécessité de procéder à une authentification à l'aide d'un outil qui conjugue analyse génétique et chimique ; elle représente une avancée par rapport aux méthodes d'investigation traditionnelles utilisées seules, en termes d'identification et de fiabilité de l'authentification.

Comprehensive characterization of naturally occurring antioxidants from the twigs of mulberry (Morus alba) using on-line high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with chemical detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

INTRODUCTION: The mulberry tree (Morus alba L.) is a prolific source of biologically active compounds. There is considerable growing interest in probing M. alba twigs as a source of disruptive antioxidant lead candidates for cosmetic skin care product development. OBJECTIVE: An integrated approach using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either chemical detection (CD) or high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to the hydroalcoholic extract of M. alba to detect and identify lead antioxidant compounds, respectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The twigs were weighed, powdered and homogenized using a mill and the extract was prepared using 70% aqueous ethanol. The antioxidant metabolites were detected with HPLC coupled with CD (based on the ORAC assay) and their structural identification was carried out using a Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS instrument. RESULTS: Using this approach, 13 peaks were detected as overall contributors to the antioxidant activity of M. alba, i.e. mulberrosides (A & E), oxyresveratrol & its derivatives, moracin & its derivatives and a dihydroxy-octadecadienoic acid, which together accounted for >90% of the antioxidant activity, highlighting the effectiveness of the integrated approach based on HPLC-CD and HPLC-HRMS. Additionally, a (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1″ → 6')-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside was also discovered for the first time from the twig extract and is presented here. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report from M. alba twigs using HPLC-CD and HPLC-HRMS that identifies key compounds responsible for the antioxidant property of this native Chinese medicinal plant.

Spondylodiscitis and an aortic aneurysm due to Campylobacter coli.

Campylobacter coli is a rare cause of bacteremia. We report here the first case of C.coli spondylodiscitis complicated by an aortic aneurysm. Outcome was favourable with surgery and antibiotic therapy.

Real-time PCR assay for detection of a new simulant for poxvirus biothreat agents.

Research and financial efforts spent on biodefense technologies highlight the current concern for biothreat event preparedness. Nonhazardous but relevant "simulant" microorganisms are typically used to simplify technological developments, testing, and staff training. The bacteriophage MS2, a small RNA virus, is classically used as the reference simulant for biothreat viruses within the biodefense community. However, variola virus, considered a major threat, displays very different features (size, envelope, and double-stranded DNA genome). The size parameter is critical for aerosol sampling, detection, and protection/filtration technologies. Therefore, a panel of relevant simulants should be used to cover the diversity of biothreat agents. Thus, we investigated a new virus model, the Cydia pomonella granulovirus (baculovirus), which is currently used as a biopesticide. It displays a size similar to that of poxviruses, is enveloped, and contains double-stranded DNA. To provide a molecular tool to detect and quantify this model virus, we developed an assay based on real-time PCR, with a limit of detection ranging from roughly 10 to a few tens of target copies per microl according to the sample matrix. The specificity of the assay against a large panel of potential cross-reactive microorganisms was checked, and the suitability of the assay for environmental samples, especially aerosol studies, was determined. In conclusion, we suggest that our PCR assay allows Cydia pomonella granulovirus to be used as a simulant for poxviruses. This assay may also be useful for environmental or crop treatment studies.

Renal vein ostium wall invasion of renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: prediction by renal and vena caval vein diameters and prognostic significance.

PURPOSE: We determined whether renal vein ostium wall invasion could be predicted by renal vein and inferior vena cava diameter on imaging. We also determined whether it is a prognostic factor for recurrence and survival after radical nephrectomy and thrombus ablation for renal cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to January 2006 nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma was performed in 446 patients, of whom 32 (7.2%) underwent inferior vena cava thrombus extraction with complete resection of the renal vein ostium. When necessary, inferior vena cava partial and circumferential ablation was done in 5 and 8 patients, respectively, as well as replacement for thrombus adhesions. The largest coronal or axial diameter of the renal vein ostium and inferior vena cava anteroposterior diameter were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Renal vein ostium wall invasion was assessed in all patients and determined microscopically by tumor cell infiltration into the intima. ROC curves were used to assess the value of these measurements for diagnosing patients with renal vein ostium invasion with 90% sensitivity. The risk of recurrence and survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Renal vein ostium wall invasion was present in 13 of 32 patients (40.6%). It significantly correlated with mean +/- SD inferior vena cava anteroposterior diameter (27.8 +/- 10.2 vs 17.3 +/- 6.8 mm, p = 0.01) and with the largest mean renal vein ostium diameter (22.3 +/- 7.9 vs 12.6 +/- 6.9 mm, p = 0.01). The upper level of the inferior vena cava thrombus correlated with renal vein ostium invasion (p = 0.002). The inferior vena cava anteroposterior diameter or renal vein ostium diameter cutoff value to predict wall invasion with 90% sensitivity was 18 and 14 mm, respectively. The AUC was 0.78 for inferior vena cava diameter and 0.86 for renal vein ostium diameter. No inferior vena cava recurrence was observed. Renal vein ostium wall invasion was associated with a higher risk of recurrence and decreased specific survival (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The association of ostium renal vein wall invasion with death from renal cell carcinoma was seen on multivariate analysis after adjusting for tumor size, TNM stage and thrombus level (RR 5.9, 95% CI 1.45-30.8, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging measurements of renal vein and inferior vena cava diameter can accurately predict renal vein ostium wall invasion. Renal vein ostium wall invasion is an independent prognostic marker that is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and decreased specific survival.

A nose-only apparatus for airborne delivery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to mice: calibration of biological parameters.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of tuberculosis and is still a public health concern worldwide. This mycobacterium is transmitted through aerosols from human beings suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis to susceptible persons. To study this natural route of infection, we designed a new nose-only aerosol apparatus--system of aerosolisation of microorganisms (SAM)--in a carefully designed biohazard facility. For safety reasons, Mycobacterium smegmatis was first used to calibrate several parameters, such as inoculum density, atmospheric conditions (i.e. hygrometry) and particle size distribution. We present evidence that our apparatus is totally adapted to airborne delivery; the particle size of generated aerosol ranges from 1 to 7 microm, which is ideal for an infection by inhalation. We found that 99% of generated particles (<7 microm) could be retained by the respiratory tract, and among these particles, 62-79% (<3.3 microm) were able to reach pulmonary compartments. The next step was to simultaneously challenge 48 mice with M. tuberculosis in a highly reproducible way. We showed that a moderate dose (4 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) per mice) of M. tuberculosis was capable of causing progressive lung pathology and death in mice 30 days post-aerosolisation. Therefore, our apparatus, once calibrated, is easy to handle, safe, and can be used with any pathogen, which is spread by aerosol.

Midterm results of endoluminal stent grafting of the thoracic aorta.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall outcome of repair of thoracic aortic lesions with endoluminal grafts. Patients were studied prospectively following the implantation of a thoracic endovascular device. Preoperative imaging was performed by helical computed tomography (CT), angiography, transesophageal ultrasonography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Procedures were performed in an endovascular surgical suite under general anesthesia. All patients were evaluated with CT and chest radiography at discharge and at 1, 6, and 12 months. From December 1999 to November 2001, thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study (mean age 62 years; 20 male and 12 female patients). Seventeen patients had dissections, five patients had ruptured aortic ulcer, five patients had traumatic ruptures, three patients had atherosclerotic aneurysms, and two patients had pseudoaneurysms. An American Society of Anesthesiology score of III or IV was evaluated in 22 (69%) patients. The procedure was performed under emergency conditions in 11 cases. All prostheses were implanted successfully. There were no conversions. Three patients (9%) presented with a neurologic event following the implantation procedure, which was lethal in one case (hemorrhagic stroke). Two other patients died during early follow-up of myocardial infarction and multiorgan failure. The early death rate was 9%. The mean follow-up was 13.5 months. During follow-up, the maximal diameter of the aorta shrunk (> or = 5 mm) in 9 (28%) patients, remained stable in 17 (53%) patients, and increased (> or = 5 mm) in 6 (19%) patients. All patients presenting with an increased diameter were initially treated for dissections. A type 1 endoleak was diagnosed on the discharge CT scan in one patient. It sealed spontaneously thereafter. A type 3 endoleak was diagnosed 3 months after the procedure in one patient. A complementary stent graft was implanted in two patients presenting with a dissection with persistent patent false lumen and aortic enlargement. Three patients died during follow-up (two aneurysm-related and one aneurysm-unrelated death). The morbidity and mortality rates reported in our series related to the preoperative morbid conditions of the patients treated. Thoracic aorta endografting is an alternative to open surgery in this subset of patients.

Iatrogenic iliac artery rupture and type a dissection after endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection.

We report a case of two iatrogenic complications after endovascular repair of a type B aortic dissection treated for abdominal aortic branch ischemia. A rupture of the common iliac artery occurred first during the procedure. A type A dissection occurred 12 days later. The proximal part of the aortic endovascular graft had created a tear in the aortic wall resulting in a retrograde type A dissection. Although aortic endovascular grafting is apparently associated with less morbidity and mortality, potentially lethal complications, both acute and delayed, may arise.