Detection of orange juice frauds using front-face fluorescence spectroscopy and independent components analysis

The aim of this study was to find simple objective analytical methods to assess the adulteration of orange juice by grapefruit juice. The adulterations by addition of grapefruit juice were studied by 3D-front-face fluorescence spectroscopy followed by Independent Components Analysis (ICA) and by classical methods such as free radical scavenging activity and total flavonoid content. The results of this study clearly indicate that frauds by adding grapefruit juice to orange juice can be detected at percentages as low as 1%

Cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis and aspergillosis coinfection in a patient with diabetes mellitus: A case report

Opportunistic fungal infections are life-threatening conditions with a high rate of morality, mostly occurring in immunocompromised hosts. We reported the case of mixed mold infection in a 69 year-old patient with latent diabetes mellitus. She was initially admitted for right orbital cellulitis. Cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis and aspergillosis coinfection was diagnosed from mycological testing and histology after nasal biopsy sample. The patient received amphotericin B deoxycholate then voriconazole combined to surgical debridement with a favorable outcome

Enhancement of acid phosphatase secretion and Pi acquisition in Suaeda fruticosa on calcareous soil by high saline level

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between the adaptive processes of Suaeda fruticosa for Pi acquisition and the physic–chemical and biological characteristics of two soil types under moderate and high saline conditions. Four treatments were established in pots: namely SS100, SS600, CS100 and CS600 where SS stood for sandy soil and CS for calcareous soil, and the indexes 100 and 600 were NaCl concentrations (mM) in irrigation distilled water. Assuming that Pi per g of plant biomass is an indicator of plant efficiency for P acquisition, the results showed that Pi acquisition was easiest on SS100 and was difficult on CS100. The differences in Pi acquisition between plants on SS100 and CS100 could be attributed to the low root surface area (–30%) and to the low alkaline phosphatases (Pases) activities (–50%) in calcareous rhizospheric soil. The high salinity level had no effect on the efficiency of P acquisition on SS but increased this parameter on CS (+50%). In the latter soil type, high acid phosphatase activities were observed in rhizospheric soil at high salinity level. Acid phosphatase seemed to be secreted from the roots. The higher secretion of acid phosphatase in this soil was related to the root lipid peroxidation in response to elevated salinity associated with the augmentation of unsaturated acids which might induce an oxidative damage of the root membrane. Thus we can conclude that in deficient soil such as calcareous, the efficiency of P acquisition in S. fruticosa which was difficult at moderate salinity level can be enhanced by high salinity level

Meningitis due to Streptococcus equi in a 73 year old woman with an osteodural defect

Meningitis caused by Streptococcus equi (SE) is a rare disease associated with high rates of complications. Commonly identified risk factors are regular horse contact and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. When diagnosed promptly, this infection can be cured.We report the case of a 73 year old woman who presented to the hospital with a sudden holocranial headaches, fever, photophobia, sonophobia, vomiting and behavioural disorders.She lived in a rural area and regularly consumed unpasteurized milk products. She had a medical history of osteodural defect, chronic otitis, high blood pressure and pulmonary fibrosis.We suspected bacterial meningitis associated with an ear infection. A lumbar puncture was performed. Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus(SEZ) was discovered in the CSF’s culture. Initially, the patient was treated with ceftriaxone. She had a tonic-clonic seizure 2days later. On the cerebral enhanced MRI, we found a right temporal pored cavity adjacent to a tegmen tympani bone breach. The patient received 15 days of antibiotic therapy with a good outcome. However, she was readmitted 24 h after being discharged for the same initial symptomatology. She received a total of 25 days of antibiotics and 4 days of corticoids with good results.Only a few cases of Streptococcus equi meningitis have been documented. We reported this case to insist on the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with risk factors. We also point out that severe complications may occur despite the early initiation of adequate treatment

Molecular diagnosis of Rickettsia infection in patients from Tunisia

International audienceDiagnosis of rickettsioses had largely benefited from the development of molecular techniques. Unfortunately, in Tunisia, despite the large number of rickettsia( cases registered every year, the Rickettsia species remain unidentified. In this study, we aimed to detect the Rickettsia species in clinical samples using molecular tests. A study was established to analyze skin biopsies, cutaneous swabs, and cerebrospinal fluid samples taken from clinically suspected patients to have rickettsial infection. Two molecular techniques were used to detect Rickettsia DNA: quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) and reverse line blot test (RLB). An analysis of the RLB hybridization assay results revealed the presence of Rickettsia DNA in skin biopsies (40.6%) and swabs (46.7%). Rickettsia conorii was the most prevalent identified species among tested samples. Other species of interest include Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia massiliae. Using qPCR positivity rates in skin biopsies was 63.7% against 80% in swabs. R. conorii was the most frequently detected species, followed by R typhi. The agreement between the two techniques was 68.6% (kappa = 0.33). Molecular tests, especially using specific probes qPCR, allow for a rapid, better and confident diagnosis in clinical practice. They improve the survey of Mediterranean spotted fever which is considered to be the most important rickettsial infection in humans in Tunisia. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved

A topological asymptotic analysis for the regularized grey-level image classification problem

International audienc