Effect of Ag modification on TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 composite on photocatalytic performances.

Here, the comparison of two different semiconductor materials is demonstrated, TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 composites-modified with balls of approximately 5 nm Ag nanoparticles (NPs) as photocatalysts for the degradation of the model dye acid orange 7 (AO7). The melem molecule synthesized here is one of a series of organic compounds consisting of triazine ring compounds with a structure similar to that of melam and melamine. The photodegradation process of AO7 was carried out to examine all powder materials as a potential photocatalyst. Additionally, two different lamps of wavelengths 368 nm (UV light) and 420 nm (VIS light) were applied to compare the photodegradation tests. A new synthesis route for the acquisition of Ag NPs (Ag content 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 wt%), based on a wet and low temperature method without the use of reducing reagents was proposed. The best photocatalytic performances under UV and VIS light were obtained for both, TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4 materials (new synthesis route) modified with a very low Ag content-0.5 wt%. The photodegradation activities using UV lamp (3 h, 368 nm irradiation) for samples with 0.5 wt% of Ag: TiO2 and melem/g-C3N4, in excess of 95 and 94%, respectively, were achieved. The highest photoactive materials melem/g-C3N4 with 0.5 and 1 wt% Ag revealed 98% of activity under the VIS lamp after 3 h long irradiation. Our work demonstrates a novel, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective chemical strategy for preparation of photocatalysts suitable for degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 genome quantification in wastewaters at regional and city scale allows precise monitoring of the whole outbreaks dynamics and variants spreading in the population.

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus causing a globalized outbreak called COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is associated with inhalation of contaminated respiratory droplets and could causes severe complications. Until today several "waves" of infections have been observed despite implementation of strict health policies. Decisions for such sanitary measures are based on population health monitoring. Unfortunately, for COVID-19, a significant proportion of individuals are asymptomatic but play a role in the virus transmission. To overcome these limitations, several strategies were developed including genome quantification in wastewater that could allow monitoring of the health status of population, since shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in patient stool is frequent. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was established and several countries implemented this approach to allow COVID-19 outbreak monitoring. In France, the OBEPINE project performed a quantitative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in raw wastewater samples collected from major wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) since March 2020. In the greater Paris area 1101 samples (507 for five WWTP and 594 for sewer) were collected. This 16 months monitoring allows us to observe the outbreak dynamics. Comparison of WBE indicators with health data lead to several important observation; the good level of correlation with incidence rates, the average 3 days lead time, and the sensitivity (WBE change when incidence is > to 7/100000 inhabitants). We also compared the local monitoring (city level) with the regional monitoring, to help cluster identification. Moreover, variants of concern (VOC) emerged due to the selection pressure. We developed a specific RT-qPCR method targeting the deletion H69-V70 in the spike protein, using this deletion as a proxy of the B.1.1.7 presence in the wastewater. With this data we demonstrate the predominant role played by this strain in the third wave. All these results allow a better description and understanding of the pandemic and highlight the role of such WBE indicators.

JAM-A as a prognostic factor and new therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

Cell adhesion in the multiple myeloma (MM) microenvironment has been recognized as a major mechanism of MM cell survival and the development of drug resistance. Here we addressed the hypothesis that the protein junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) may represent a novel target and a clinical biomarker in MM. We evaluated JAM-A expression in MM cell lines and in 147 MM patient bone marrow aspirates and biopsies at different disease stages. Elevated JAM-A levels in patient-derived plasma cells were correlated with poor prognosis. Moreover, circulating soluble JAM-A (sJAM-A) levels were significantly increased in MM patients as compared with controls. Notably, in vitro JAM-A inhibition impaired MM migration, colony formation, chemotaxis, proliferation and viability. In vivo treatment with an anti-JAM-A monoclonal antibody (αJAM-A moAb) impaired tumor progression in a murine xenograft MM model. These results demonstrate that therapeutic targeting of JAM-A has the potential to prevent MM progression, and lead us to propose JAM-A as a biomarker in MM, and sJAM-A as a serum-based marker for clinical stratification.

Speciation and phylogeography of giant petrels Macronectes.

We examine global phylogeography of the two forms of giant petrel Macronectes spp. Although previously considered to be a single taxon, and despite debate over the status of some populations and the existence of minimal genetic data (one mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence per form), the current consensus based on morphology is that there are two species, Northern Giant Petrel M. halli and Southern Giant Petrel M. giganteus. This study examined genetic variation at cytochrome b as well as six microsatellite loci in giant petrels from 22 islands, representing most island groups at which the two species breed. Both markers support separate species status, although sequence divergence in cytochrome b was only 0.42% (corrected). Divergence was estimated to have occurred approximately 0.2mya, but with some colonies apparently separated for longer (up to 0.5 my). Three clades were found within giant petrels, which separated approximately 0.7mya, with the Southern Giant Petrel paraphyletic to a monophyletic Northern Giant Petrel. There was evidence of past fragmentation during the Pleistocene, with subsequent secondary contact within Southern Giant Petrels. The analysis also suggested a period of past population expansion that corresponded roughly to the timing of speciation and the separation of an ancestral giant petrel population from the fulmar Fulmarus clade.

Impacts of treatment parameters on the inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni by high pressure: a statistical study of main effects and interactions.

AIM: The influence of environmental (temperature and pH) and biological (strain) parameters on the inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two clinical strains harvested in stationary phase were pressurized at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C within a range of 50-400 MPa, in a phosphate (pH 7.0) or a citrate phosphate buffer (pH 5.6), for 10 min. Treatment efficiencies were determined by logarithmic comparisons of culturable cells on blood agar before and after treatment. Results were statistically compared using an anova of culturable cells after treatment to evaluate the effect of all factors. At least a 7-log reduction in cell numbers was observed for both strains. The pH and the strains had no effect on HHP treatment at 20 degrees C while at 37 degrees C, both pH and strain influenced significantly the HHP treatment on C. jejuni. CONCLUSIONS: The pressure efficacy on C. jejuni eradication was affected by both environmental and biological factors. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Depending on the treatment conditions, C. jejuni sensitivity to HHP can significantly vary. The determination of the inactivation treatment by HPP has to be normalized considering the interaction of environmental and biological factors.

Determination of rpoA as the most suitable internal control to study stress response in C. jejuni by RT-qPCR and application to oxidative stress.

Campylobacter jejuni represents one of the major causes of bacterial enteritis caused by food in humans. There are still mechanisms to be deciphered to better understand better its physiology and pathogenesis. Study of gene expression levels by RT-qPCR could be used, but to be accurate and reproducible, a good internal control has to be chosen. The aim of this study was to identify a highly stable housekeeping gene in Campylobacter jejuni that could constitute a good internal control to study gene expression variations between different growth phases or stress conditions. Expression levels of six different housekeeping genes (gyrA, ilvC, rpoA, slyD, thiC and rrs) were measured by RT-qPCR under different conditions (exponential phase, stationary phase, cold shock, cold shock+oxidative stress, oxidative stress). The rpoA gene was chosen as the best internal control. In a previous study, 9 proteins were identified as involved in oxidative stress response, among which 3 virulence factors. Expression levels of genes coding for these proteins was evaluated by RT-qPCR using rpoA as an internal control. The results obtained were concordant with what had been observed at the proteomic level, validating the methods used and confirming the hypothesis of a potential link between oxidative stress and virulence factors expression.

Effects of high pressure, subzero temperature, and pH on survival of Listeria monocytogenes in buffer and smoked salmon.

High pressure processing is a novel food preservation technology, applied for over 15 years in the food industry to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have shown the differential resistance of bacterial cells to high pressure. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium able to grow at refrigerated temperature and to survive for a long time in minimally processed foods such as raw smoked fish. The freezing process does not cause significant decline of L. monocytogenes. The phase diagram of water under pressure permits a pressure treatment under subzero temperature, without the disadvantages of freezing for food quality. The aim of this study was to estimate if combined effects of pressure and subzero temperature could increase the destruction of L. monocytogenes in buffer and in smoked salmon. We investigated effects of high pressure processing (100, 150, and 200 MPa) combined with subzero temperatures (-10, -14, and -18 degrees C) and pH (7.0 and 4.5). Results showed that the most effective high-pressure treatment to inactivate L. monocytogenes was 200 MPa, -18 degrees C, and pH 4.5. The relevance of pressure holding time and the synergistic effect of pressure coupled with the subzero temperature to inactivate bacteria are highlighted. Modifications of physical properties (color and texture) were a lightening of color and an increase of toughness, which might be accepted by consumers, since safety is increased.

Survival of Campylobacter jejuni strains from different origins under oxidative stress conditions: effect of temperature.

Campylobacter jejuni is a microaerophilic pathogen but is able to survive oxidative stress conditions during its transmission to the human host. Strains of different origins (reference, poultry, or human clinical) were tested for survival under oxidative stress conditions. C. jejuni strains were grown in Mueller Hinton broth to obtain late exponential-phase cultures. Then they were exposed to 2 different stresses: (1) cultures were either plated on Columbia agar plates and exposed to atmospheric oxygen or (2) paraquat (a chemical oxidizing agent) was added to liquid cultures to reach a 500-microM concentration. Both of these experimental conditions were realized at 3 different temperatures: 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C, and 42 degrees C. Results obtained with paraquat and atmospheric oxygen were similar. Surprisingly, C. jejuni was found to be very sensitive to oxidative stress at 42 degrees C, which is its optimal growth temperature, whereas it was more resistant at 4 degrees C. A strain effect was observed, but no relationship was found between the origin of the strains and level of resistance. High temperature (42 degrees C) combined with oxidative stress allowed a rapid decrease in the C. jejuni population, whereas low temperature considerably decreased the effect of oxidative stress.

Modelling of Campylobacter survival in frozen chicken meat.

AIMS: To model the survival kinetics of Campylobacter jejuni on frozen chicken meat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three different types of chicken meat surface (skin, skinned muscle and cut muscle) were inoculated with stationary phase cells of C. jejuni (8 log(10) CFU cm(-2)) and frozen for 5 weeks at -20 degrees C. Bacterial numbers were determined weekly using two different methods of enumeration to quantify uninjured and injured cells. Analysis of variance of the results showed that the type of chicken surface and the method used to enumerate surviving cells were the most significant sources of variations in the numbers recovered (P < 0.0001), much more than the freezing time. To identify an appropriate model for the description of effects of freezing on survival over time, several models were fitted to the count data. Decay was found to be nonlinear. In general, survival was least on skin, better on skinned muscle and best on cut muscle. After 2 weeks, additional inactivation by freezing appeared to be negligible. CONCLUSION: Because of the variability of survival it was not possible to fit and select a general model useful for all the different surfaces types. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The injured state of the cells leads to variability and the underestimation of bacterial survival. This is an essential factor for the assessment of Campylobacter-associated risk.

Cellular mechanisms of the protective effect of polyphenols on the neurovascular unit in strokes.

Increasing evidence has suggested that our view of stroke should be integrative, and thus a concept of dynamic interaction between cells belonging to the neurovascular unit, such as endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons, is emerging. The functionality of this unit is altered by the complex series of interconnected pathophysiological processes that damage the brain tissue during this kind of attack. The new strategies target both the preservation of endothelium integrity and the deleterious effects induced by ionic imbalance, excitotoxicity, and the generation of reactive oxygen species within the neurovascular unit. Polyphenols exert numerous biological effects that might participate in the protection of the neurovascular unit, including anti-aggregatory platelet activity, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Moreover, polyphenols are powerful vasodilators through the generation of NO, and can act on the expression of genes protective of the cardiovascular system. Also, polyphenols contribute to the preservation of the integrity of cells belonging to the neurovascular unit, mainly the endothelium, by acting on the signaling cascades implicated in endothelial apoptosis. All these effects of polyphenols might interfere with atherosclerotic plaque development and stability, vascular thrombosis and occlusion and therefore might explain their vascular- and neuroprotective properties. In this review, we focus on the beneficial effects of polyphenols on the complex pathophysiological events of stroke and helpful indications for the design of an effective and well-tolerated therapy will be discussed.

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes using high-pressure treatments: destruction or sublethal stress?

AIMS: To investigate potential resuscitation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium after high hydrostatic pressure treatments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pressure treatments were applied at room temperature for 10 min on bacterial suspensions in buffers at pH 7 and 5.6. Total bacterial inactivation (8 log(10) CFU ml(-1) of bacterial reduction) obtained by conventional plating was achieved regarding both micro-organisms. Treatments at 400 MPa in pH 5.6 and 600 MPa in pH 7 for L. monocytogenes and at 350 MPa in pH 5.6 and 400 MPa in pH 7 for S. Typhimurium were required respectively. A 'direct viable count' method detected some viable cells in the apparently totally inactivated population. Resuscitation was observed for the two micro-organisms during storage (at 4 and 20 degrees C) after almost all treatments. In the S. Typhimurium population, 600 MPa, 10 min, was considered as the treatment achieving total destruction because no resuscitation was observed under these storage conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest a delay before performing counts in treated samples in order to avoid the under-evaluation of surviving cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The resuscitation of pathogen bacteria after physical treatments like high hydrostatic pressure has to be considered from the food safety point of view. Further studies should be performed in food products to study this resuscitation phenomenon.

Influence of kinetic parameters of high pressure processing on bacterial inactivation in a buffer system.

High pressure processing is recently applied in the food industry to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterial cells exhibit various barosensibility, and the role of pressurization, depressurization and constant pressure stage remain unknown. We investigated the effect of high pressure processing on Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes cells at 400 and 500 MPa respectively in buffer pH 7 at 20 degrees C. We applied various pressurization/depressurization kinetic rates (1, 5 and 10 MPa/s for pressurization and 250, 20 and 5 MPa/s for depressurization), and various pulse series or pressure holding times. Results show that high pressure pulses reduced linearly the number of bacterial cells according to the product of pressure and time: we defined this product as a Barometric Power (BP). Reduction of both microorganisms increased when holding time increased from 5 to 20 min, and better results were obtained when the rate of pressurization and depressurization were increased.

Physiological damages of Listeria monocytogenes treated by high hydrostatic pressure.

High hydrostatic pressure is a new food preservation technology known for its capacity to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. This study investigated the damages inflicted on Listeria monocytogenes cells treated by high pressure for 10 min at 400 MPa in pH 5.6 citrate buffer. Under these conditions, no cell growth occurred after 48 h on plate count agar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that cellular morphology was not really affected. Measuring propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by flow cytometry demonstrated that membrane integrity was damaged in a small part of the population, although the membrane potential evaluated by oxonol fluorescence or measured by analytical methods was reduced from - 86 to - 5 mV. These results for the first time showed that such combined methods as fluorescent dyes monitored by flow cytometry and physiological activity measurements provide valuable indications on cellular viability.