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Background Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of β-lactams in critically ill patients has been correlated with better clinical outcomes. Evidence on TDM of newer β-lactams such as ceftazidime/avibactam administered by continuous infusion (CI) is very limited. Objectives To describe our experience with TDM of ceftazidime/avibactam and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment in patients with MDR bacterial infections. Clinical outcomes of ceftazidime/avibactam administered by CI were also assessed. Methods Patients treated with ceftazidime/avibactam administered by CI and undergoing TDM of ceftazidime plasma concentrations were included. Blood samples were obtained as part of the TDM program. The PK/PD therapeutic target of ceftazidime/avibactam was defined as 100% f T > 4 × MIC of the causative pathogen, and 100% f T > 10 × MIC was considered overexposure. Dose changes were made according to the TDM results. Results Thirty-one patients were included. Ceftazidime/avibactam total daily doses ranged from 1 g/0.25 g to 6 g/1.5 g. Twenty-six patients (83.9%) achieved a 100% f T > 4 × MIC, 15 (48.4%) of which were overexposed (100% f T > 10 × MIC). Dose reduction was suggested in 16/28 (57.1%) patients and dose maintenance in 12/28 (42.9%). Overall clinical cure was observed in 21 (67.7%) patients, and 18 of these (85.7%) achieved a 100% f T > 4 × MIC. Conclusions Administering ceftazidime/avibactam by CI enabled the desired PK/PD target to be achieved in a large proportion of patients, even at lower doses than those recommended for a 2 h extended infusion. We suggest that the use of CI with TDM may be a useful tool for reducing initial doses, which could help to reduce antimicrobial-related adverse effects and treatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Chilean women and worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease and four different subtypes have been identified based on clinical, histological and molecular features, which correlate with different treatment tumor sensitivity. Triple negative breast cancer is characterized by its aggressiveness, early relapse, and a greater tendency to present in advanced stages. It frequently affects young women, with cancer family history, especially breast or ovarian cancer. The approved systemic therapy for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy; however, recently, targeted therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors have been shown to be effective in selected patients and have been added to the therapeutic arsenal for triple negative breast cancer. Given the appearance of these new strategies, it seems relevant to understand the heterogeneity of this disease, the mechanisms of action behind new therapies, clinical results, and the criteria to select patients for molecular therapies. We present a review of the current systemic therapy of this breast cancer subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT) presents an increase in global levels. The selective use of radioiodine therapy (RAI) is a pillar of its treatment. Its therapeutic effect is due to beta radiation, while gamma makes hospitalization necessary to limit exposure. Aim: To describe the safety treated with RAI inpatients and the functioning of the radioactive isolation rooms of our center. Materials and Method: Retrospective descriptive study. All patients diagnosed with CDT who required RAI therapy under a hospital regimen at the Regional Hospital of Talca (HRT) between August-December 2018 were included. Results: During the period described, 10 patients were treated. The median dose of RAI administered was 100 mCi (range: 50-150 mCi). The average of hospitalization was 28 hours, being discharged when reporting an absorbed dose rate < 70 µSv/h at 1 meter, giving the patient instructions, so that they follow to minimize the risk of irradiation or contamination of people in their environment. Conclusions: Our RAI administration protocol allows patients with CDT to be treated safely. The radioactive isolation rooms could cover 100% of the demand for RAI therapy in CDT at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Total laryngectomy is the treatment of choice for advanced laryngeal cancer and after radiotherapy failure. In patients with pharyngeal invasion, it is associated with total or partial pharyngectomy, wich defect can be repaired with free or pedicle flaps. Aim: To present a brief series of pedicle flap reconstruction approach after pharyngolaryngectomy in laryngeal carcinoma patients and functional outcomes Materials and Method: We looked at laryngeal cancer patient records who were treated with total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy and pharyngeal reconstruction with pedicle flap at "Hospital Regional de Talca" between the years 2009 and 2017, finding 6 cases, 4 of which were alive at the beginning of the study. We analized videoflourocopy swallow studies to assess mechanisms of deglutition, and presence of stenosis or fistulas. We also performed a nutritional state assessment and a quality of life questionnaire. Results: During videodeglutition study, the 4 patients showed minimal contrast swallow delay at hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. All the patients were found eutrophic in their nutritional assessment and with no significant evidence of quality of life disturbances secondary to deglutition state. Conclusions: Partial pharyngeal reconstruction using pedicle flaps in patients who underwent total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy allows to maintain an adequate deglutition without dysphagia, as well as a good nutritional state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Novel hierarchically-layered fractal-like solar receivers have been developed. • Manufacturing to a high standard allowed by Selective Laser Melting techniques. • Aft-shifted radiation absorption and convection-enhancing features introduced. • Receivers experimentally showed to create and partially exploit volumetric effects. • Overall thermal conversion efficiency is analysed, design guidelines are discussed. Abstract The development of additive manufacturing techniques is allowing for the design of highly customised components with enhanced functionality in many application sectors. This paper describes the full aerothermal assessment of four novel hierarchically-layered fractal-like volumetric absorbers, designed to be employed in high temperature concentrating solar power applications. Absorbers are built by the lateral repetition of elementary cells on a 2D plane, which are arranged into constituent layers and stacked up following fractal growth patterns. They have been manufactured in stainless steel by selective laser melting. By fine tuning both the geometry of elementary cells and their growth patterns, the absorber porosity distribution can be tailored on a per-layer basis. This leads to optimised aft-shifted radiation absorption profiles and allows for the introduction of intricate convective heat transfer augmentation features. Experimental temperature measurements are presented which demonstrate that these variable porosity absorbers are able to generate and exploit volumetric effects, an advancement with respect to both monolithic honeycombs and isotropic foams. Solar-to-thermal conversion efficiencies, however, are shown to be of the same order as in those other receiver geometries. It is argued that the main reasons for this lie in the use of stainless steel, a material of relatively high reflectivity, and the predominantly low convective heat transfer rates found in the laminar flows established in these components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel transient method for calibrating heat transfer gauges for convective wall heat flux measurements in high enthalpy flows. The new method relies on the transient heating of sensor substrates under rapid exposure to a hot flow in order to obtain the necessary reference heat flux. Compared to previous calibration facilities, the new facility is simple, inexpensive, easy to adapt for different flow configurations and sensor geometries, and quick to run across a wide range of conditions. In this paper, the design of the new calibration facility is described and the transient calibration method explained. The method is demonstrated by calibrating a Gardon gauge at convective heat transfer coefficients between 300 and 600 W/m² K. Typical facility data and calibration results are presented in terms of voltage-heat flux sensitivity and calibration correction ratio. These results are shown to agree with theoretical estimates within the estimated calibration uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scaling of metal temperature in conjugate heat transfer problems in compressible environments is argued from first principles in this paper, and a new invariant temperature parameter is proposed. The objective is to provide a framework for comparing metal temperatures between different temperature boundary conditions while appropriately dealing with compressibility effects. The theoretical analysis is based on the principle of superposition, applicable due to the linearity in temperature of the governing differential equation: the time-averaged general viscous energy equation. It is demonstrated that if all non-dimensional parameters that govern the flow field are equal for different temperature boundary conditions, then the overall cooling effectiveness, ϕ , is also equal if defined as (1) ϕ = T w 1 - T R T 02 - T R , where T w 1 is the external wall temperature, T 02 the coolant inlet total temperature (before interaction with any part of the metal surfaces), and T R a local ‘recovery and redistribution temperature’ . As an overall cooling effectiveness thus defined is independent of mainstream and coolant temperatures, it is shown that it is the correct parameter to scale experimental test rig measurements to full engine conditions. A numerical model of a reverse pass cooling system, internally and externally cooled and representative of typical turbine geometries, has been developed to support the theoretical analysis, aid interpretation of the parameters ϕ and T R , and provide a demonstration of the scaling theory for a relatively simple flow field. The arguments are presented for a system in which the physics can be prescribed, and therefore fully controlled, to emphasise the physical reasoning behind the newly proposed parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Limited information about the pharmacokinetics of micafungin in the peritoneal cavity is available. The aim of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of micafungin in plasma and peritoneal fluid in post-surgical critically ill patients with proven or suspected intra-abdominal fungal infection.Methods: Patients were administered 100 mg/day micafungin. Serial blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected on day 1 and day 3 (steady-state) of treatment. Concentrations were determined by validated chromatography and were subject to a population pharmacokinetic analysis with Pmetrics(®). Monte Carlo simulations were performed for AUC0-24/MIC ratios in plasma. The PTA was calculated using AUC0-24/MIC cut-offs: 285 for Candida parapsilosis and 3000 for non-parapsilosis Candida spp.Results: Ten patients were included; six were male. The median (range) age, APACHE II score and Mannheim peritonitis index were 72 (43-85) years, 15 (11-36) and 26 (8-37), respectively. On day 1, median (SD) penetration of micafungin into the peritoneal cavity was 30% (30%-40%). A three-compartment model adequately described the data. The mean (SD) estimates for clearance and volume of distribution of the central compartment were 1.27 (0.75) L/h and 9.26 (1.11) L, respectively. In most patients, the PTA in plasma was ≥ 90% for MICs of 0.008-0.016 mg/L for Candida spp. and 0.125-0.25 mg/L for C. parapsilosis.Conclusions: After the first dose, micafungin at 100 mg/day achieves pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets in plasma for Candida spp. and C. parapsilosis MICs of 0.008-0.016 and 0.125-0.25 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a new modular experimental facility that was purpose-built to investigate flow interactions between the combustor and first stage nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) of heavy duty power generation gas turbines with multiple can combustors. The first stage turbine NGV is subjected to the highest thermal loads of all turbine components and therefore consumes a proportionally large amount of cooling air that contributes detrimentally to the stage and cycle efficiency. It has become necessary to devise novel cooling concepts that can substantially reduce the coolant air requirement but still allow the turbine to maintain its aerothermal performance. The present work aims to aid this objective by the design and commissioning of a high-speed linear cascade, which consists of two can combustor transition ducts and four first stage NGVs. This is a modular nonreactive air test platform with engine realistic geometries (gas path and near gas path), cooling system, and boundaiy conditions (inlet swirl, turbulence level, and boundary layer). The paper presents the various design aspects of the high pressure (HP) blow down type facility, and the initial results from a wide range of aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements under highly engine realistic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linezolid is a valuable treatment option for central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive micro-organisms. Data regarding its penetration into the CNS have shown wide variability. The aim of this study was to describe the population pharmacokinetics of linezolid in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in critically ill patients with external CSF drainage and proven or suspected CNS infections. This was an observational pharmacokinetic (PK) study in 11 critically ill patients with proven or suspected CNS infection receiving linezolid. Serial blood and CSF samples were taken and were subject to population PK analysis. The median (interquartile range) of AUC 0–12 h was 47.6 (17.9–58.6) mg h/L in plasma and 21.1 (18.8–30.4) mg h/L in CSF, with a median CSF/plasma ratio of 0.77. At pre-dose at steady state, a strong positive correlation was observed between linezolid concentrations in CSF and plasma (Spearman's rho = 0.758; P = 0.011). For a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/L, the median AUC 0–24 h /MIC values in plasma and CSF were <80 in all patients. A three-compartment linear model was found to be most appropriate. The mean value for linezolid clearance was 16.6 L/h and mean volume of distribution was 101.3 L. No covariate relationships could be supported on any of the parameters. Linezolid demonstrated good penetration into the CNS but high interindividual PK variability. Administration of higher than standard doses of linezolid and therapeutic drug monitoring should therefore be considered as options to optimise linezolid dosing in critically ill patients with CNS infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six cases of patients diagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) successfully treated with micafungin are reported. Four were infected with fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. and two (with hepatic injury) were infected with fluconazole-sensitive Candida spp. Traditionally, echinocandins have not been considered for the treatment of UTIs. However, despite its low urinary excretion rate, therapeutic drug monitoring of micafungin urinary levels could be helpful in order to achieve optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices for treating UTIs caused by Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work a predictive mathematical model has been developed to simulate the membrane-based solvent extraction of phenylglycine (PhgH) from alkaline solutions by trioctylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC) (10%, v/v) in 1-decanol and the simultaneous membrane-based solvent stripping by chloride solutions using hollow fiber contactors. The model allows to predict the time-dependent concentration profiles of the three phases involved in the process, as a function of operating parameters (volumes, concentrations and volumetric flow rates), extraction mechanism parameters (distribution coefficients and equilibrium constants) and mass transfer coefficients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The period of maternal dependence is a time during which mammalian infants must optimize both their growth and the development of behavioural skills in order to successfully meet the demands of independent living. The rate and duration of maternal provisioning, post weaning food availability and climatic conditions are all factors likely to influence the growth strategies of infants. While numerous studies have documented differences in growth strategies at high taxonomic levels, few have investigated those of closely related species inhabiting similar environments. The present study examined the body composition, metabolism and indices of physiological development in pups of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) and subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis), congeneric species with different weaning ages (4 months and 10 months, respectively), during their overlap in lactation at a sympatric breeding site in the Iles Crozet. Body lipid reserves in pre-moult pups were significantly greater (t[SUB28]=2.73, P<0.01) in subantarctic (26%) than Antarctic fur seals (22%). Antarctic fur seal pups, however, had significantly higher (t[SUB26]=3.82, P<0.001) in-air resting metabolic rates (RMR; 17.1 ± 0.6 mi O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1] than subantarctic fur seal pups (14.1 ± 0.5 mi O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1]). While in-water standard metabolic rate (SMR; 22.9±2.5 ml O[SUB2] kg[SUP-1] min[SUP-1) was greater than in-air RMR for Antarctic fur seal pups (t[SUB9] = 2.59, P<0.03), there were no significant differences between in-air RMR and in-water SMR for subantarctic fur seal pups (t[SUB12] = 0.82, P > 0.4), although this is unlikely to reflect a greater ability for pre-moult pups of the latter species to thermoregulate in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to characterise recovery of phenol from an aqueous solution using a hydrophobic polypropylene membrane contactor. The effects of temperature and hydrodynamics on the overall mass transfer coefficient were determined. Integration of the extraction and stripping stages was also carried out thereby allowing removal of more than 99% of the original phenol, while the organic phase is simultaneously regenerated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The New Jersey Pinelands Biosphere Reserve serves as an international model for regional land use planning within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB-UNESCO) Programme. To provide baseline information for future planning and management this study investigated the changes in landscape patterns in the Pinelands Reserve and its causes from 1972 to 1991. The general approach focuses on the role of land use as a factor causing change in the Pinelands landscape. The Pinelands has experienced a change in land cover and its structure due in part to fire suppression and anthropogenic disturbances. The methodology developed in this research can be applied to other regions of the world where it is necessary to evaluate the impact of human activities on natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disturbance suppression and anthropogenic perturbations have altered the composition and structure of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (NJPNR). The combination of satellite remote sensing imagery and GIS provided the means to map and monitor land cover change at landscape level scales in the NJPNR. The Pinelands has experienced a change in landcover, with the mixed deciduous forest replacing the pine forest community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The performance of moxidectin (MOX)+levamisole (LEV) combination was evaluated. • The combination was evaluated after its continuous use for four years. • No kinetic changes were observed after MOX + LEV combined treatment. • Efficacy against Haemonchus contortus did not change after combined treatment. • Bi-resistant Trichostrongylus colubriformis was found after MOX + LEV treatment. Nematicide combinations may be a valid strategy to achieve effective nematode control in the presence of drug resistance. The goal of the current trial was to evaluate the pharmaco-parasitological performance of the moxidectin (MOX) and levamisole (LEV) combination after four years of continuous use in lambs naturally parasitized with multi-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes. At the beginning of the trial, 40 lambs were divided into four groups (n = 10), which were untreated (control) or subcutaneously treated with MOX (0.2 mg/kg), LEV (8 mg/kg) or with the combination MOX + LEV (administered separately at 0.2 and 8 mg/kg, respectively). Blood samples were collected at different times post-treatment and LEV and MOX plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC. The clinical efficacy of the continuous use of MOX + LEV combination was assessed with the controlled efficacy test (CET), performed at the beginning and end of the study, and with the faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test, performed over the four-year study period. No significant adverse pharmacokinetic changes were observed either for MOX or LEV after their co-administration to infected lambs. The CET (first year) showed efficacies of 84.3 % (Haemonchus contortus), 100 % (Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus axei), and 97.4 % (T. colubriformis). After the repetitive use of the combined treatment for four years, those efficacies remained high (100 %) and only decreased to 58 % against T. colubriformis. The evaluation of the FECR over the study period showed fluctuations in the performance of the combined administration. The initial FECR (2014) was 99 % (MOX), 85 % (LEV) and 100 % (MOX + LEV). The co-administration of MOX + LEV during the four-year experimental period resulted in a significantly higher anthelmintic effect (87 %) than that of MOX (42 %) or LEV (69 %) given alone. The combined use of MOX + LEV to control resistant gastrointestinal nematodes appears to be a valid strategy under specific management conditions. A high initial therapeutic response to the combination would be a relevant feature for the success of this tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with transesterification of soybean oil with ethanol in the presence of Novozym 435 (lipase from Candida antarctica) catalyst. 1H NMR was employed to monitor the conversion of soybean oil to fatty acid ethyl esters in a solvent-free medium. Reaction conditions such as enzyme/substrate ratio, temperature and alcohol to oil molar ratio were studied and the highest yields were found at 5 g of enzyme per 100 g of oil, 37 °C, and 3:1 respectively. Stepwise addition of ethanol was also performed, and compared with that of methanol, in order to assess the reduction of inhibition that this method causes on the enzymatic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method of producing methanol from coke oven gas (COG), involving the CO2 reforming of COG to obtain an appropriate syngas for the synthesis of methanol is proposed. This method is compared with a conventional process of methanol synthesis from natural gas, in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emissions, raw material exploitation and methanol purity. Whereas this new process requires the consumption of less energy, the conventional process allows a higher energy recovery. CO2 emissions are considerably lower with the new process, but the geographic situation of the plant plays a determinant role. From the point of view of raw material exploitation and methanol purity, the process proposed yields better results. These results suggest that methanol production from coke oven gas would be a more attractive alternative to conventional processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The liquid–liquid extraction of three carboxylic acids (valeric acid, malic acid and lactic acid) from aqueous solutions using a tubular UF ceramic membrane as phase separator (extractive ultrafiltration) has been investigated. The extraction mechanisms for the more effective extracting systems among those tested for each organic acid are explained. Extraction results show the contribution of the physical extraction by the diluent and the reactive extraction by the extractant, with the formation of different acid–extractant complexes, whose stoichiometries can be related to the physico-chemical characteristics of each acid. Equilibrium constants were obtained for all the partition and complex formation reactions involved in the extraction mechanisms. The extractive ultrafiltration – a separation technique, which combines an extraction step with a membrane filtration step – of the aforementioned acids was carried out using three operating modes (total recycle, concentration and continuous modes). A different behavior depending on the nature of each acid (and the complexes they form during the extraction process) was found, showing that solute–membrane interactions play an important role. The effect of transmembrane pressure on permeate flux during the experiments carried out at total recycle show linear trends for all conditions tested. Concentration experiments allowed obtaining the maximum organic to aqueous phase ratio achievable for the three case studies (with the best extraction systems). From an initial 0.1 ratio, values of 0.88, 0.62 and 0.75 could be obtained for valeric, malic and lactic acids, respectively. Finally, a continuous operation showed the evolution of flux and acid concentration in both the aqueous permeate and the rejected emulsion as the organic phase becomes saturated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work adapts some generalized linear models in order to study the spatial pattern of an important tree species. The classical multivariate Ising model, which incorporates the dependence on neighbour individuals in a regular lattice, was adapted by setting a Poisson regression with an extra variation parameter to fit over-dispersion. Because the spatial pattern is only evident to a special reference scale, plots were sampled at two different scales. Two individual presence-absence matrices were analysed for each case through over-dispersion Poisson regression and log-linear models, including binary indicators for a neighbour in the four directions in the linear predictor. The results showed that the species, in the adult stage, has a spatial distribution in patches having no more than two adult individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Present study shows the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients with severe mental illness in Mancha Centro health area. Furthermore, it is a descriptive approach to the current state of clinical assistance in the area. Methods: Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected in a sample of 55 patients, 37 men and 18 women with severe mental illness, treated at the Mancha Centro Mental Health Centre. Using SPSS.15, analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables was made. Results: Average age was 39, 25 years +/− 8, 82; 72, 7% lived with their families and 85, 5% had the support of relatives. Main diagnosis were: psychotic disorder (81,2%) with high proportion of schizoaffective disorder; mood disorders (9,1%), personality disorders (5,5%) and OCD (3,6%). In the last two years, 25, 5% was admitted in a medium-stay psychiatric unit, 15% in a short- time stay psychiatric unit and, in the last six months, 4% came to emergency service. Patients with higher number of admissions and emergency consultations were those with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The average time of follow up was 10 years (+/− 6, 84), every 49, 45 days (+/− 19,1). 80% receive group therapy, 85,5% family intervention and 54,5% cognitive rehabilitation. Conclusions: We found a profile of young man with significant family support, low number of admissions and emergency consultations. Results could be in relation to: geographical dispersion, emergency access difficulties and protective socio-cultural factors. Better knowledge about needs would allow a better assistance in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of genotypes with improved performance for nitrogen (N) capture and use would be of great benefit through reducing production costs and pollution risks in maize cropping. The identification of morpho-physiological traits responsible for a better behavior in a target N environment is useful for cultivar selection, and become crucial for maize breeding improvement. This study analyzed, in a set of Argentinean commercial hybrids of maize, the grain yield (GY) variability in response to soil N availability at several locations representative of the main maize production region of Argentina during 2003–2004 growing season. The objectives of this work were to: (i) detect environmental groups for GY responses, (ii) identify morpho-physiological traits that were associated to winner genotypes in each detected environmental group, and (iii) assess genetic correlations between those traits. To generate more variation in soil N availability two N-fertilizer rates were applied in each experimental site (0 and 250kgNha−1, except for Balcarce where only 250kgNha−1 was tested). Morpho-physiological traits included in the analysis were related to N and radiation capture, use and partitioning, plant architecture, and leaf senescence. Grain yield components were also included. As expected, environment (E) effect explained the higher portion of GY variation (i.e., 82%), but genotype (G) and G×E interaction (GE) also significantly contributed (i.e., 9% each). Three environmental groups for GY were identified according to N availability. Morpho-physiological traits related to resource capture, use, and partitioning during the post-silking period are proposed as desirables for broad adaptation. In turn, a high N partitioning to grains after silking was associated with good hybrid behavior under high N availability and warm climate. On the other hand, a better grain yield performance when N became more limited appeared strongly related to an efficient canopy to sustain resource capture up to maturity. More studies are required in a wide range of environments to confirm identified traits and underlying physiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the existence of differences in ideal plant-type for environments differing in N availability to be considered in maize breeding programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives A warning about the use of nevirapine (NVP) by its pharmaceutical manufacturer has been issued in which it has been recommended that NVP should not be prescribed in patients with increased risk of toxicity based on CD4 cut-offs and gender. The aim of this study was to determine whether these recommendations are of use in preventing side effects. Methods This retrospective study included antiretroviral drug-naïve patients who started treatment with NVP. Patients were divided into two groups: those with high CD4 counts (H; women: CD4 count >250 cells/μL; men: CD4 count >400 cells/μL) and those with low CD4 counts (L; women: CD4 count <250 cells/μL; men: CD4 count <400 cells/μL). Results A total of 142 patients were included in the study, 61 in the H group and 81 in the L group. Skin rash developed in 6.56% of patients [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.67–15.70%] in the H group and in 14.81% of patients (95% CI 8.72–24.17%) in the L group ( P=0.18). Hepatotoxicity developed in 4.92% (95% CI 1.79–13.50%) and 6.17% (95% CI 2.73–13.66%) of patients with high and low CD4 cell counts, respectively ( P=1.0). Conclusion The recommendations not to use NVP in drug-naïve patients at increased risk of toxicity on the basis of gender and CD4 cell count do not seem to be of use in preventing the occurrence of side effects. However, a small number of patients were included in this study, and hence the possibility cannot be excluded that the recommendations are appropriate in another clinical practice setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Radiobiology track: Radiobiology of normal tissues PO-1807: A multicenter assessment of HSPB1 and TGB1 SNPs for hematological toxicity in lung cancer patients O. Muñoz Muñoz, J. Cacicedo, B.D. Delgado Leon, S. Perez Luque, M. Borrego Reina, J.L. Lopez Guerra. [Extracted from the article]

Poster: Physics track: Radiobiological and predictive modelling, and radiomics PO-1533: Feature selection methods improve accuracy in radiation toxicity prediction for lung cancer F. Núñez-Benjumea, S. González-GarcÃ-a, J. Moreno-Conde, A. Moreno-Conde, J. Cacicedo, B.D. Delgado, M. Borrego, S. Perez Luque, C.L. Parra-Calderón, J.L. Lopez Guerra. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the concentrations of the antifungal drug, micafungin, at a standard dosage of 100-milligrams per day in plasma and burn eschar tissues in critically ill adult patients with serious burn injuries. Topics covered include the rate of mortality among patients in the intensive care units, and the inverse correlation between percentage burned total body surface area and plasma exposure.

An abstract of the article "Influence of chronic use of betablockers on cognitive function of chronic heart failure patients," by A. Torres and colleagues is presented.