Metabolomics identifies plasma biomarkers of localized radiation injury.

A radiological accident may result in the development of a local skin radiation injury (LRI) which may evolve, depending on the dose, from dry desquamation to deep ulceration and necrosis through unpredictable inflammatory waves. Therefore, early diagnosis of victims of LRI is crucial for improving medical care efficiency. This preclinical study aims to identify circulating metabolites as biomarkers associated with LRI using a C57BL/6J mouse model of hind limb irradiation.

[Micro-RNAs as biomarkers of radiation-induced injuries].

In the event of a radiological or nuclear emergency following an accident or malicious act, potentially involving many victims, medical care requires the identification and diagnosis of individuals exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation as quickly as possible. While an initial screening can be carried out directly in the field, additional biological in-lab analyses are required to refine the diagnosis and optimize the therapeutic management of victims. The fast and simultaneous management of many patients is limited by currently established techniques.

Assessment of river ecological status in the French West Indies based on diatom flora.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires member states to routinely assess the river ecological status using community-based indices. However, there is still a lack of published WFD-compliant methods for the French West Indies, especially using diatom-based indices. Martinique and Guadeloupe exhibit diverse landscapes shaped by their complex geological history and tropical climatic conditions.

An outbreak of botulism on a pig farm due to the newly described Clostridium botulinum type C.

This study reports a botulism outbreak on a pig farm. Clostridium botulinum type C was detected using PCR. The gene encoding the toxin corresponds to a novel type C neurotoxin recently described in a human botulism outbreak, raising the question of its prevalence in pigs and the related risks to humans.