Rubus idaeus extract improves symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients: results from a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial.

peer reviewed[en] BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent cause of disability in elderly people. In daily practice, the main objective of the physician is to reduce patient symptoms using treatments without adverse effects. However, the most prescribed treatment to manage OA symptoms remains nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are associated with severe adverse effects. Therefore, we need a safe alternative to managing OA. One candidate is Rubus idaeus leaf extracts known to inhibit inflammatory responses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-weeks intervention with an ethanolic extract from Rubus idaeus leaf on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. METHOD: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, monocentric trial of 198 participants with femorotibial osteoarthritis. Participants were randomized equally to receive one daily during 3 months either 1 capsule of Rubus idaeus leaf extract 400 mg, 1 capsule of Rubus idaeus leaf extract 200 mg, or 1 capsule of placebo. The participants were assessed at baseline and after one and three months of treatment. The primary endpoint was an absolute change of the Western Ontario McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) pain subscale. The secondary endpoints were WOMAC global score, stiffness and function sub-scales, knee pain VAS score at walking, the Short Form (SF)-36, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the 20-m walk test, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) responders rate. Statistical analyses were conducted on the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. RESULTS: In the Intention-to-treat population, WOMAC pain was not significantly modified by Rubus idaeus leaf extract compared to placebo. In contrast, Rubus idaeus leaf extract 400 mg after 12 weeks of treatment significantly reduced pain measured by the VAS. The mean pain decrease induced by Rubus ideaus leaf extract was over -7 mm which is clinically relevant and reached a clinically statistical difference compared to placebo with the highest dose. Rubus Ideaus was not significantly more efficient than the placebo on WOMAC global score, stiffness, and physical function subscores, IPAQ, SF-36, walking distance in treadmill test, SPPB, and evaluation of associated treatments needed to manage OA. CONCLUSION: Rubus idaeus leaf extract was well tolerated and effective to relieve pain in a patient with knee osteoarthritis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03703024  (11/10/2018)

Energy Resolution Performance of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The energy resolution performance of the CMS lead tungstate crystal electromagnetic calorimeter is presented. Measurements were made with an electron beam using a fully equipped supermodule of the calorimeter barrel. Results are given both for electrons incident on the centre of crystals and for electrons distributed uniformly over the calorimeter surface. The electron energy is reconstructed in matrices of 3 times 3 or 5 times 5 crystals centred on the crystal containing the maximum energy. Corrections for variations in the shower containment are applied in the case of uniform incidence. The resolution measured is consistent with the design goals

Nouvelle approche de la fiabilité opérationnelle

La thèse s'est effectuée dans le cadre d'une convention CIFRE entre l'Université Bordeaux I et l'entreprise Thales Avionics. Elle constitue une analyse originale de la fiabilité de matériels complexes, dans une perspective de maîtrise et d'amélioration de la fiabilité. La thèse comporte deux parties disjointes qui trouvent leur justification dans les problématiques rencontrées par l'industriel : - La première partie porte sur l'analyse des agrégats d'évènements indésirables (séries d'accidents, séries noires,...). Elle fait appel aux statistiques de balayage pour évaluer la probabilité d'occurrence d'un agrégat d'accidents. Une approche par simulation de Monte Carlo, puis un Réseau de Petri supportée par simulation de Monte Carlo, sont proposés. Plusieurs approches markoviennes sont ensuite développées. - La seconde partie porte sur l'analyse du retour d'expérience dans le cas où les informations disponibles sont uniquement les nombres de produits livrés et de défaillances constatées par unité de temps. Une méthodologie innovante, permettant d'obtenir la loi de fiabilité d'un matériel en fonction du flux de production et du flux de pannes observés, est exposée.The thesis went within the scope of an agreement between the University Bordeaux I and the Thales Avionics company. It constitutes an original analysis of the reliability of complex materials equipments, with the prospect of control and improvement. The thesis consists of two separate parts connected to the problems met by the manufacturer: - The first part deals with the analysis of "clusters" of undesirable events (chain of disasters, series of failures,...). It appeals to the scan statistics in order to estimate the probability of occurrence of a cluster of events. A Monte Carlo simulation implemented in a dedicated algorithm, then a Monte Carlo simulation supported by a Petri net model, are proposed. Several markovian approaches are then developed. - The second part deals with the analysis of feedback in a non common context when the only information available is the number of equipments which are delivered during each period and the number of those which are removed during each period. An innovative approach, allowing to obtain the intrinsic failure rate of the materials under study according to the production flow and the removal flow, is explained.BORDEAUX1-Bib.electronique (335229901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries

International audienceN-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future

An approach to assess the operational reliability of embedded equipments

International audienc

An approach to assess the operational reliability of embedded equipments

International audienc

Scan statistics: looking for clusters of undesirable events

International audienc

Marine algae as attractive source to skin care

International audienceAs the largest organ in the human body, the skin has multiple functions of which one of the most important is the protection against various harmful stressors. The keratinised stratified epidermis and an underlying thick layer of collagen-rich dermal connective tissues are important components of the skin. The environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and pollution increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to clinical manifestations such as wrinkle formation and skin aging. Skin aging is related to the reduction of collagen production and decrease of several enzymatic activities including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade collagen structure in the dermis; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which inhibit the action of MMPs. In addition to alterations of DNA, signal transduction pathways, immunology, UVR, and pollution activate cell surface receptors of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin. This action leads to a breakdown of collagen in the extracellular matrix and a shutdown of new collagen synthesis. Therefore, an efficient antioxidants strategy is of major importance in dermis and epidermis layers. Marine resources have been recognised for their biologically active substances. Among these, marine algae are rich-sources of metabolites, which can be used to fight against oxidative stress and hence skin aging. These metabolites include, among others, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), polysaccharides, sulphated polysaccharides, glucosyl glycerols, pigments, and polyphenols. This paper reviews the role of oxidative processes in skin damage and the action of the compounds from algae on the physiological processes to maintain skin health

In vitro, ex vivo and clinical approaches to evaluate the potential effect of Gentiana lutea extract on skin

International audienceAbstract Background Dark circles affect subjects of all ages and in all skin types. They can be treated by various methods, particular by topical solutions. This investigation was directed towards exploring the effect of gentiopicroside (GP) on the skin around the eyes. For this, an extract of Gentiana lutea (GIE) containing GP (65% by dry matter) was evaluated on oxidant and angiogenesis parameters using in vitro and ex‐vivo studies. A clinical experimentation was also realized. Methods The effect of GIE at different concentrations on antioxidant gene was evaluated in vitro by RT‐qPCR after treatment of NHDF. The effect of 2.93 μg mL −1 GIE on the release of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C by NHDF was also studied. The effect of 87.9 μg mL −1 GIE was also evaluated on pseudotube formation in a coculture system of normal dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐d)‐NHDF stimulated or not with VEGF as pro‐angiogenic factor. Prior to these assays, preliminary cytotoxicity assays were performed using a standard WST‐8 reduction assay. The expressions of carboxymethyl‐lysine and glyoxalase‐1 were quantified on skin explants topically treated with 147 μg mL −1 GIE in basal and UVA‐irradiated conditions. A clinical study was conducted in 22 subjects using topical twice daily for 14 days on eye area (split‐face application: cream containing 147 μg mL −1 GIE versus placebo). 3D image acquisition and skin colour measurement were performed at D0 and D14. Results Treatment of GIE upregulated the gene expression of NFE2L2 and downregulated the expression of CXCL8. GIE targeted AGEs pathways and reduced the formation of pseudotubes. A total of 147 μg mL −1 GIE gel cream significantly reduced significantly the average roughness and relief of the upper eyelid skin as well as the redness of dark circles after 14 days of application. Conclusion By acting on the pathway of AGEs, VEGF‐A and VEFG‐C, GIE seems to allow a rejuvenation of the skin resulting, among others, in a decrease in redness. It now would be interesting to evaluate the efficacy of GIE on skin around eyes microbiota, antibacterial gentiopicroside property being well‐established.Résumé Contexte Le contour des yeux est une zone sensible. Les cernes affectent les sujets de tout âge et de tout type de peau. Différentes solutions peuvent être proposées, dont les solutions topiques. Cette étude visait a explorer l'effet d’un extrait de Gentiana lutea (GIE) riche en gentiopicroside (65% de matière sèche) sur des paramètres d'oxydation et d'angiogenèse au moyen d’études in vitro et ex‐vivo. Une expérimentation clinique a également été réalisée. Méthodes L'effet du GIE a différentes concentrations sur des gènes antioxydants a été évalué in vitro par RT‐qPCR après traitement de fibroblastes (NHDF). L'effet de 2.93 μg mL−1 GIE sur la libération de VEGF‐A et VEGF‐C a également été étudié. Il en est de même pour l'effet de 87.9 μg g mL−1 GIE sur la formation de pseudotubes qui a été évalué dans un système de co‐culture de cellules endothéliales (HMVEC‐d)‐ NHDF stimulées ou non avec du VEGF comme facteur pro‐angiogénique. Les expressions de la carboxymethyl‐lysine et de la glyoxalase‐1 ont été quantifiées sur des explants cutanés traites par voie topique avec 147 μg g mL−1 GIE dans des conditions basales et irradiées par UVA. Une étude clinique a été menée sur vingt‐deux sujets en utilisant un traitement topique deux fois par jour pendant 14 jours sur le contour des yeux (crème contenant 147 μg g mL−1 GIE contre placebo). L'acquisition d'images 3D et la mesure de la couleur de la peau ont été réalisées a J0 et J14. Résultats Le traitement par GIE a augmenté l'expression génétique de NFE2L2 et diminue l'expression de CXCL8. GIE a cible les voies des AGEs et a réduit la formation de pseudotubes. 147 μg g mL−1 GIE gel crème a significativement réduit la rugosité moyenne et le relief de la peau de la paupière supérieure ainsi que la rougeur des cernes après 14 jours d'application. Conclusion En agissant sur la voie des AGEs, du VEGF‐A et du VEFG‐C, GIE semble permettre un rajeunissement de la peau se traduisant, entre autres, par une diminution des rougeurs. Il serait maintenant intéressant d'évaluer l'efficacité du GIE sur le microbiote de la peau du contour des yeux, la propriété antibactérienne du gentiopicroside étant bien établie

Seaweed and microalgae as major actors of blue biotechnology to achieve plant stimulation and pest and pathogen biocontrol – a review of the latest advances and future prospects

International audienceAbstract Modern agriculture needs proper solutions to face the current trend of pesticides and fertilizers reduction. One of the available leverages to support this transition is the use of bioproducts that are more environmentally friendly and less hazardous for human health. Among them, blue biotechnology and more precisely seaweed and microalgae gain interest every year in the scientific community. In agriculture, seaweeds (Macroalgae) have been used in the production of plant biostimulants while microalgae still remain unexploited. Microalgae are widely described as renewable sources of biofuels, bioingredients and biologically active compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, sterols, vitamins and polysaccharides, which attract considerable interest in both scientific and industrial communities. They affect agricultural crops for enhancement of plant growth, seedling growth. They can also improve nutrient incorporation, fruit setting, resistance properties against pests and diseases, improving stress management (drought, salinity and temperature). The present review aimed at the interest of blue biotechnology in agronomy, with a specific focus on microalgae, their biological activities and their possible application in agriculture as a potentially sustainable alternative for enhanced crop performance, nutrient uptake and resilience to environmental stress. This review does not only present a comprehensive study of microalgae as plant biostimulants but also as biofertilizers, with a particular emphasis on future challenges these solutions will have to deal with, microalgae being able to synthesize secondary metabolites with potential biopesticidal action