Antibacterial activity of geraniin from sugar maple leaves: an ultrastructural study with the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians.

Effect of geraniin extracted from sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaves on the viability of the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians was evaluated with the SYTOX Green nucleic acid stain, penetrating only compromised membranes, and plate counts. In parallel, structural changes of treated bacteria were examined in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on SYTOX Green and plate counts, geraniin at the minimum bactericidal concentration (3.125 mg/ml) increased mortality after 45 min by 37% and 62%, respectively, when compared with controls. According to observations in TEM, geraniin caused morphological alterations of these rod-shaped bacteria, including degradation of their envelopes, as also suggested by the incorporation of SYTOX. These alterations were often accompanied by cytoplasm leakage and the formation of more pronounced whitish areas in the cytoplasm similar to vacuolization. Moreover, multi-membranous and/or -wall systems were at times formed in the treated bacteria. The presence of some extracellular electron-dense material was frequently noted around the treated bacteria. The matrix surrounding control bacteria tended to disappear after geraniin treatment. This study highlights for the first time the effect of geraniin on bacterial ultrastructure, thus contributing to a better understanding of the mechanism by which this molecule exerts antibacterial activity.

Polyfluoroglycoside Synthesis via Simple Alkylation of an Anomeric Hydroxyl Group: Access to Fluoroetoposide Analogues.

In this work, we have developed a new approach for the synthesis of fluoroglycoside analogues. This strategy used a simple alkylation protocol and allowed the installation of a simple aglyconic alkane with the ß configuration. Moreover, the glycosylation of fluorinated glucoside analogues with 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin furnished novel fluoroetoposide analogues. In these cases, the α anomers were formed as major products with an S configuration at the C-4 of the aglycone.

Analysis of the geographical accessibility of vape shops in the vicinity of Quebec's secondary and college educational institutions. / Analyse de l'accessibilité géographique aux commerces spécialisés en produits de vapotage autour des établissements d'enseignement secondaire et collégial du Québec.

INTRODUCTION: significant proportion of secondary school students and young adults in Quebec have experimented with electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Both personal and environmental factors have been associated with the use of vaping products by youth. Geographical accessibility to the points of sale of these products may be one of these factors. The purpose of this study is to develop a profile of the spatial distribution of stores specializing in the sale of vaping products (vape shops) in the vicinity of secondary schools, colleges and CEGEPs in the province of Quebec. METHODS: We calculated the accessibility of businesses to account for geographical exposure. Analyses were conducted to provide a snapshot of the situation in Quebec and to identify associations between the characteristics of educational institutions and geographical accessibility to vape shops. RESULTS: A total of 299 vape shops were identified. Colleges are closer to a vape shop (median distance: 1.2 km) than are secondary schools (median distance: 2.3 km). Large private colleges located in urban areas are closer to specialized vape shops. Medium or large private secondary schools located in urban and more advantaged areas are also closer to a specialized vape shop. CONCLUSION: This study is a step in developing an understanding of the location of vaping product shops and their geographical accessibility to young people. Important to consider is the geographical accessibility of young people to non-specialized shops that also sell e-cigarettes and then any potential connections between geographical accessibility to such non-specialized shops and the use of vaping products by young people.