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The Cell-Assembled extracellular Matrix (CAM) is an attractive biomaterial because it provided the backbone of vascular grafts that were successfully implanted in patients, and because it can now be assembled in "human textiles". For future clinical development, it is important to consider key manufacturing questions. In this study, the impact of various storage conditions and sterilization methods were evaluated. After 1 year of dry frozen storage, no change in mechanical nor physicochemical properties were detected. However, storage at 4 °C and room temperature resulted in some mechanical changes, especially for dry CAM, but physicochemical changes were minor. Sterilization modified CAM mechanical and physicochemical properties marginally except for hydrated gamma treatment. All sterilized CAM supported cell proliferation. CAM ribbons were implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient rats to assess the impact of sterilization on the innate immune response. Sterilization accelerated strength loss but no significant difference could be shown at 10 months. Very mild and transient inflammatory responses were observed. Supercritical CO 2 sterilization had the least effect. In conclusion, the CAM is a promising biomaterial since it is unaffected by long-term storage in conditions available in hospitals (hydrated at 4 °C), and can be sterilized terminally (scCO 2) without compromising in vitro nor in vivo performance. In the field of tissue engineering, the use of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as a scaffolding biomaterial has become very popular. Recently, many investigators have focused on ECM produced by cells in vitro to produce unprocessed biological scaffolds. As this new kind of "biomaterial" becomes more and more relevant, it is critical to consider key manufacturing questions to facilitate future transition to the clinic. This article presents an extensive evaluation of long-term storage stability and terminal sterilization effects on an extracellular matrix assembled by cells in vitro. We believe that this article will be of great interest to help tissue engineers involved in so-called scaffold-free approaches to better prepare the translation from benchtop to bedside. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Extensive evolution and applicability of Artificial Intelligence in medicine. • Personalization and high diagnostic and therapeutic precision. • Crucial requirements of multicenter recruitment of large datasets. • Increasing biomarkers variability, to establish the potential clinical value of radiomics. • Development of robust explainable AI models. Over the last decade there has been an extensive evolution in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) field. Modern radiation oncology is based on the exploitation of advanced computational methods aiming to personalization and high diagnostic and therapeutic precision. The quantity of the available imaging data and the increased developments of Machine Learning (ML), particularly Deep Learning (DL), triggered the research on uncovering "hidden" biomarkers and quantitative features from anatomical and functional medical images. Deep Neural Networks (DNN) have achieved outstanding performance and broad implementation in image processing tasks. Lately, DNNs have been considered for radiomics and their potentials for explainable AI (XAI) may help classification and prediction in clinical practice. However, most of them are using limited datasets and lack generalized applicability. In this study we review the basics of radiomics feature extraction, DNNs in image analysis, and major interpretability methods that help enable explainable AI. Furthermore, we discuss the crucial requirement of multicenter recruitment of large datasets, increasing the biomarkers variability, so as to establish the potential clinical value of radiomics and the development of robust explainable AI models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the ever-increasing hyper-specialization of gastro-intestinal surgeons, some surgical emergency procedures, such as tracheotomy, need to be mastered. The need for tracheotomy is sometimes so urgent that one cannot wait for a specialized surgeon to arrive or to transport the patient elsewhere. Even though percutaneous tracheotomy, as performed by intensive care physicians, represents an alternative to surgical tracheotomy, it is not always possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

L'évaluation des images histologiques peut être parfois subjective et assez peu reproductible selon les cas. Par conséquent, l'analyse computationnelle de l'imagerie histologique via des approches dites d'intelligence artificielle (IA) a récemment reçu une attention considérable afin d'améliorer cette précision diagnostique. Ainsi, l'analyse computationnelle de lames virtuelles a récemment été évaluée pour l'optimisation du diagnostic histologique ou cytologique, la prédiction du pronostic ou du profil génomique des patients atteints de cancer. L'utilisation de l'IA progresse de plus en plus dans le domaine de la recherche translationnelle en anatomopathologie, mais n'a pas encore été mise en œuvre de la manière la plus pratique pour le transfert en routine clinique. Malgré des résultats prometteurs, il subsiste plusieurs défis ou enjeux majeurs à relever afin de réussir le transfert réel de cette nouvelle approche en routine clinique. Il s'agit ici de faire le point sur les applications récentes de l'IA en pathologie cancéreuse, mais aussi d'apporter des clarifications sur les avantages et les limites de cette approche, ainsi que les perspectives à mettre en œuvre pour un transfert potentiel dans la pratique quotidienne des pathologistes. The evaluation of histological images can sometimes be subjective and not very reproducible depending on the case. Therefore, computational analysis of histological imaging using the so-called «artificial intelligence» (AI) approaches has recently received considerable attention in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Thus, computational analysis of virtual slides has recently been evaluated for the optimization of histological or cytological diagnosis, the prediction of prognosis or genomic profile of cancer patients. The use of AI is increasingly advancing in the field of translational research in pathology, but has not yet been implemented in the most practical way for routine clinical transfer. Despite promising results, several major challenges remain to be addressed in order to successfully transfer this new approach to clinical routine. The objective is to review the recent applications of AI in cancer pathology, but also to clarify the advantages and limitations of this approach, as well as the perspectives to be implemented for a potential transfer into the daily practice of pathologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In West and central Africa, the bushmeat trade is a major societal issue with contrasting implications on biodiversity, health and economy. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, bushmeat trade markets were hit by national bans of various amplitude and poorly apprehended socio-economic consequences. We studied perceptions on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental measures on the bushmeat trade dynamics through questionnaires addressed to 377 vendors across three West and central African countries. We showed that bushmeat vendors constitute a professional category engaged in profitable, long-term careers. Vendors generally agreed that the pandemic had a negative impact on their activities and the number of clients. However, we observed large discrepancies among national trade dynamics. Côte d'Ivoire was hardly hit by the bushmeat ban and perceived governmental measures as rather negative, whereas Cameroon generally did not report a temporary stop of bushmeat activities and engaged in the stockpiling of pangolin meat (the most trafficked wild mammals in the world), and Benin suffered from a weakened supply chain. Because such differences are rooted in the geography and political agenda of each country, predicting the impact of mitigation measures on the global dynamics of bushmeat markets might be an unrealistic task if national specificities are not considered. West and central African vendors generally did not believe that pangolins were involved in the pandemic, for the reason that people have always been eating pangolins and have never been sick. Given that genomic mechanisms can quickly turn a harmless viral strain into an emerging infectious disease, we recommend that future awareness campaigns through television and social networks –the main media consulted by vendors– also include education on microbial evolution and host shift. • Bushmeat vendors from West and central Africa constitute a professional category engaged in profitable, long-term careers. • Vendors globally reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted and keeps impacting the bushmeat trade profitability. • We observed discrepancies in the trade dynamics among West and central African countries due to different political agendas. • Such discrepancies might rend unrealistic global predictions on the dynamics of the wildlife trade under mitigation policy. • Mitigation policies should integrate sensitization to microbial evolution and host shift in their awareness campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICI-M) is challenging. Recently, the International Society of Cardio-Oncology (IC-OS) proposed an empirical definition of ICI-M; however, this definition has never been validated. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value at admission of the IC-OS definition in a cohort of patients with suspected ICI-M and to determine whether the addition of other criteria to this definition would improve its performance. Between May 2017 and November 2021, all patients with suspected ICI-M were consecutively included in a multicenter cohort. The final diagnosis was the one recorded in the patient's electronic medical record, established within one month of hospital discharge by the expert cardio-oncology team that managed the patient. Of the 68 patients included, 45 patients presented with ICI-M. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the IC-OS definition were 93% (95% CI: 82%–99%), 70% (95% CI: 47%–87%), 3.1 (95% CI: 1.7–5.7), and 0.1 (95% CI: 0–0.3), respectively. A delay in the onset of the first events < 3 months after the introduction of ICIs was the only variable that was both significantly associated with the final diagnosis of ICI-M and did not already meet the criteria of the IC-OS definition (72% vs. 52%, P = 0.03). By including this variable as a new minor criterion and increasing the number of minor criteria for defining ICI-M to 3, the specificity increased from 70% to 83% (P = 0.08), and the sensitivity remained unchanged (93%). The IC-OS definition for the diagnosis of ICI-M showed excellent sensitivity and moderate specificity. The latter could be increased by a modified definition including the time of the onset of the first events < 3 months after the introduction of ICIs (Fig. 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular management of pulmonary artery lesions caused by lung tumors.Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (15 men, 4 women; average age: 60.3 years, range, 51-86 years) treated for massive or recurrent hemoptysis with transarterial pulmonary artery embolization between 2010 and 2016 were included in this multicenter, retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were: patients with lung cancer and at least 1 episode of hemoptysis with a pulmonary artery lesion detected by computed tomography (CT) angiography or after failed bronchial artery embolization. No patient undergoing pulmonary embolization for a lung tumor was excluded. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were recorded. The survival curve was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 188.1 days (range, 0-1440 days). Primary and assisted technical success rates were 73.7% (14/19) and 84.2% (16/19), respectively. Two patients died during the procedure due to massive hemoptysis and cardiac arrest, and 1 patient was treated with surgery. All patients with technical success achieved clinical success without further bleeding. No complications were noted, and no pulmonary infarction was detected on CT scan during follow-up. Survival rates after embolization at 1 and 3 months were 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40%-90%) and 46% (95% CI: 23%-80%), respectively, with 36.8% (n = 7) of the patients still alive at the end of the study.Conclusions: Embolization is an effective and safe treatment of lung tumors with pulmonary arterial bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Portopulmonary hypertension (PPH) represents an uncommon form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with portal hypertension and cirrhosis. PPH is a severe disease with a poor short-term prognosis, with a possibility of liver transplantation only for patients with mild to moderate PAH. Patients with PAH could be candidates for specific vasodilator-based treatment, the choice of which being guided by their toxicity profile. We report here the case of a 46-year-old woman with a cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) complicated by a severe PPH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure: 49mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance: 688 dynes, right ventricular dysfunction), with NYHA class III dyspnea and an altered 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Treatment with sildenafil (20mgt.i.d) was started. In the first 6 months, a functional improvement was indicated by dyspnea assessed as class II, an increased distance at the 6MWD (375m vs. 250m without oxygen desaturation), and a normalization of right ventricular function. After one year of therapy, the benefits were maintained (6MWD: 465m) and transthoracic echocardiography showed a normalization of pulmonary arterial pressures. Sildenafil treatment was well tolerated. At two years, haemodynamic values measured by right heart catheterization were similar to the pre-treatment values, while clinical and functional parameters remained improved. At our knowledge, this is the first case delineating the long-term functional benefit of sildenafil monotherapy, making this drug a therapeutic option in patients with PPH and cirrhosis, the usefulness of which in the waiting period for liver transplantation needs to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting for bushmeat in the tropics has become a major issue in terms of conservation and human health, especially in western and central Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, despite a ban on hunting since 1974, the bushmeat trade is widespread. This situation has been exacerbated by the long-term socio-political unrest in Côte d'Ivoire, resulting in the lack of effective protection of protected areas (PAs). Our study was carried out in the central-west Department of Daloa. We conducted standard interviews with the six main traders of the markets to trace the geographical origin of the bushmeat, and quantify the number of animals sold by direct observations twice a week during 52 weeks. We used multiple regression analyses to identify combinations of variables (proportion of animals killed, mean body mass, total biomass, price of carcass, price per body mass) that influenced poaching pressure. A total of 955 carcasses were recorded in the central market of Daloa. This number includes 948 mammals (99 %), six reptiles (0.6 %), and one bird (0.1 %). Rodentia were the most frequently sold taxons by number of individuals (58 %), followed by Artiodactyla (35 %), Carnivora (4 %), and Primates (1 %). Almost half of the game originated from the Department of Zoukougbeu (42 %; N = 404), followed by the Departments of Daloa (29 %; N = 275) and Séguéla (13 %; N = 123). Over 75 % of all the carcasses appearing in the market consisted of greater cane rats and bushbuck. In contrast, over 68 % of the total biomass (23028.75 kg) entering the market was supplied by Bushbuck and Common warthog. Game diversity by catchment area was the highest in Séguéla and Grégbeu and the lowest in Guezon and Maminigui. Our data indicated that hunting was unequally distributed throughout the central-western region of Côte d'Ivoire or markets are unequally provisioned by hunters. Human population density of the catchment areas affected the quantity and the quality of bushmeat observed at the urban market. Increasing hunting pressure in the Departments of Zoukougbeu proximate to the Haut Sassandra forest reserve indicates that the local authority in charge of the surveillance of this reserve has to reinforce its protection to avoid further faunal depletion. Because most of the ungulates and rodents found on the market occur at high density in disturbed habitats, their relative frequencies in the carcasses provisioning the market could be used as indicators of site over-exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method for photovoltaic (PV) systems based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs). The proposed algorithm is based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and it can estimate the current (Imp) and voltage (Vmp) at maximum power point by measuring the open circuit voltage (Voc) and the short circuit current (Isc) without knowing the irradiance and the cell temperature. The principle of GAs is searching for the maximum of fitness function and not for the minimum of power derivation; this gives more stability and minimize oscillation of output power around the maximum power point (MPP). We expose the method with a few tests; then a comparison with the famous Perturb and Observe (P&O) and Incremental Conductance (Inc-Cond) is given. We tested stability (power oscillation) with real panels. To compare response time (rapidity) we used a PV emulator (realized by Kadri et al.), so we can inject the same irradiance profile and see output PV power evolution. The response time of P&O and Inc-Cond, and the PV power oscillation varies with the duty cycle increment step; with a small step, we get less power oscillation but this needs an important time response, we can improve system rapidity with a bigger duty increment step but important power oscillation will result. With GAs based MPPT we can get more stability with rapid response time. The results obtained show better stability and less oscillation around the MPP with the new method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present survey coordinated by the French expert centres for rare pulmonary diseases investigated French pulmonologists' current diagnostic and therapeutic practice for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: From December 7, 2011 to February 18, 2012, all French pulmonologists (n = 2608) were contacted. Those who reported following up at least one IPF patient (n = 509) were administered a 26-item questionnaire by phone or e-mail. Results: 509 pulmonologists (41% of responders, 20% of French pulmonologists) were involved in the management of IPF patients. Of those, 36% discussed the cases with radiologists and pathologists. Out of 406 community pulmonologists practicing outside of reference or competence (e.g. expert) centres, 141 (35%) indicated referring patients to those centres. The 2011 international guidelines for IPF were known by 67% of pulmonologists involved in IPF, 84% of whom considered them appropriate for practice. About 58% of patients were diagnosed with mild to moderate IPF as defined by percentage predicted forced vital capacity ≥50% and percentage predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥35%. Management resulted from multidisciplinary discussion in 36% of the cases. By the end of December 2011, 49% of patients with mild to moderately severe IPF were treated with oral corticosteroids, and 27% received no treatment. Conclusions: Despite correct awareness of international IPF guidelines, modalities of multidisciplinary discussion and of early diagnosis and management need to be improved through the network of expert centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Francaise d'Allergologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Highlights: [•] Algorithm to learn the topology of the environment to navigate in video games. [•] Learn from one or more human players how to use the environment by representing it with a graph. [•] The SGNG learning is continuous to reflect the dynamicity of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: We formulate the famous Scarf Lemma in terms of oiks. This lemma has two fundamental applications in game and graph theory. In 1967, Scarf derived from it core-solvability of balanced cooperative games. Recently, it was shown that kernel-solvability of perfect graphs also results from this lemma. We show that Scarf''s combinatorially defined oiks are in fact realized by polytopes, and also that Scarf''s algorithm for proving the Scarf Lemma is an instance of the Lemke-Howson algorithm for finding an equilibrium of a bimatrix game. Finally, we give a sequence of two equal d-dimensional Scarf oiks on 2d vertices such that the pivoting path of the algorithm grows exponentially with d. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We review recent results obtained by the authors on the approximability of a family of combinatorial problems arising in optimal experimental design. We first recall a result based on submodularity, which states that the greedy approach always gives a design within of the optimal solution. Then, we present a new result on the design found by rounding the solution of the continuous relaxed problem, an approach which has been applied by several authors: When the goal is to select n out of s experiments, the D-optimal design may be rounded to a design for which the dimension of the observable subspace is within of the optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Supplements is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Brood sorting, observed in Leptothorax unifasciatus ant colonies, is a major example of social insects ability to solve problems at the collective level. Two processes characterize this phenomenon: a process of aggregation of all items in a single cluster, coupled with a process of segregation of items in concentric annuli, each containing items of different type and ordered such a way that the smallest are at the center, the largest at the periphery, and prepupæ dispersed in-between. In spite of its influence on algorithmic and robotic methods, no formal explanation of the brood-sorting phenomenon was ever given. We present a first mathematical model devoted to brood sorting. Our hypothesis about ants behavior are consciously minimal: we assume that random rules their acts, not only when they walk but also when they choose a brood item that they pick up, or beside which they deposit the one they carry. The first part of our work deals with the process of aggregation in a single cluster. The main subject of our study is the time evolution of a mathematical function linked to the notion of cluster. We prove that, whatever the number of ants acting, this function tends to decrease until it reaches a threshold that we compute: this threshold matches with the formation of the single cluster. The second part of our work deals with segregation in concentric annuli. Coupling the concept of virtual size of a brood item to the previous conclusions leads to a realistic explanation of the concentric structure observed in ant colonies. Finally, we prove the existence of a feed-back effect, so that our results suggest that brood sorting is a case of self-organization that does not involve swarm-intelligence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: A 51 years old male patient was referred for dyspnoea on minimal exertion associated with a severe hypoxemia (PaO2=66mmHg) and respiratory alkalosis. Investigations led to the diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome. PaO2 increased from 60 to 75mmHg after one hour of i.v. almitrine bismesylate infusion, and it remained at 85mmHg after 3 months of further per os treatment. This case of hepatopulmonary syndrome is the first to be persistently improved by almitrine bismesylate. Increase of PaO2 would at least delay the hepatic transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The authors present a modified transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) flow reduction procedure to treat TIPS-related refractory hepatic encephalopathy, giving the results and follow-up on six patients. A 6-mm-diameter Uni Wallstent was introduced over a guide wire and deployed beyond the angulated portion of the TIPS. A Wallgraft was then introduced over the same guide wire, pushed through the Uni Wallstent coaxially, and deployed in the TIPS. All cases were technically and clinically successful. There were no deaths in the first month after the procedure. In this study, three patients had more than 1 year''s patency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Natural history collections are crucial resources for conservation biology, particularly given the development of the ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach. We combined ENM with taxonomic investigations to address ecological, geographic, and phenotypic variation in the poorly known central African rainforest genets (Genetta cristata, Genetta servalina, Genetta victoriae) to provide new insights into their conservation status. Taxonomic identification was based on four discrete morphological characters. ENMs were developed using the Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Prediction (GARP), 10 environmental data layers and 310 georeferenced localities extracted from 667 museum specimens and 22 literature sources. Re-assessed taxonomic identifications allowed us to expand significantly the known range and ecological limits of the three genets. We suggested limited hybridization between G. cristata and G. servalina, in a zone of sympatry likely to cover central Cameroon, northwestern Gabon and Congo. ENM showed that almost all known occurrences were connected geographically by suitable ecological conditions, suggesting continuous potential distributions between supposedly isolated populations of the three genets. Our investigations indicated that G. cristata is distinct from G. servalina in morphology, geographic ranges and ecological niches, indicating species status for G. cristata, which, as such, should be the subject of appropriate conservation attention. Areas of predicted connectivity and actual zones of occurrence falling outside current forest cover should be surveyed to re-assess the status of the rainforest genets. Our study shows that combining ENM and taxonomic investigations can substantially improve data utilization from natural history collections, especially in the case of poorly known species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction For intermediate high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), the 2014 ESC guidelines support the use of ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT). These devices provide an optimal balance between a rapid and efficient drug delivery to enable quick right ventricle relief while reducing the risk of bleedings compared to systemic thrombolysis. Some studies show the effect of this procedure on right ventricular (RV) dilatation but few talk about the systolic RV dysfunction, common and responsible for multiple hemodynamic complications. Objective We aim to describe the real-life use and results of USAT procedure in our center compared to the reference treatment with unfractionated heparin alone (UFH). Method USAT was performed in eligible intermediate high-risk PE patients. Ineligible patients were treated with UFH. Primary outcome was the difference in RV systolic dysfunction (assessed by 3 parameters: visual evaluation with trans thoracic echocardiography (4 severity levels), Tricuspid Annulus Plane Systolic Exclusion (TAPSE) and maximal velocity of tricuspid annulus on tissue Doppler imaging (S') from baseline to 24 hours. Results Between September 2017 and October 2018, 20 patients were selected for USAT procedure and 17 were treated with UFH. In the USAT group, 19 patients presented a RV systolic dysfunction at baseline. At 24 hours, only 9 patients presented a persistent RV systolic dysfunction, P = 0.0002. In the UFH group, 13 patients presented a RV systolic dysfunction at baseline and 11 at 24 hours, P = 0.089. The mean improvement in RV systolic function level from baseline to 24 hours was 1.4 ± 0.8 in the USAT group versus 0.29 ± 0.6 in the UFH group, P = 0.02. There was a trend in TAPSE and S' in favor of the USAT group, P = 0.16 and P = 0.09 respectively. There was no significant bleeding event (Fig. 1). Conclusion In this cohort, the USAT procedure seems to be efficient in improving the RV systolic function without increasing bleeding event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiogenic shock (CS) from all causes has shown a very high mortality rate. The trial's aim is to compare the surviving rate at one and six months as well as recurrences at six months in CS depending on its etiology. We retrospectively reviewed from December 2014 until May 2018 in a monocentric observational study, 290 patients' files, hospitalized for CS. 264 were included and then split into two groups: ACS-related cardiogenic shock (n = 108) versus cardiomyopathy related cardiogenic shock (n = 156). Patients with another etiology for CS were excluded from the present study. The inclusion criteria were: adult patient, hospitalized for CS or developping one during hospitalization. The primary composite end-point: death (at 1 and 6 months) were accurately notified. Recurrence at 6 months was the secondary end-point. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the survival at one or six months. The survival rate at one month in the ACS was about 73.6% versus 65.6% in the cardiomyopathy group (P = 0.187) whereas the survival rate at six months was 63.2% for the ACS versus 60% for cardiomyopathys (P = 0.517). No significant difference was observed in this study when we compared the recurrence rate, with 16.2% in the cardiomyopathy group versus 14.6% in the ACS group (P = 0.729). Secondary analysis found that coronary revascularization (P = 0.010), transfusion (P = 0.033), use of IV diuretics (P < 0.001) were positive predictors of survival. The predictors of mortality (at 1 or 6 month) with univariate analysis were patients over 72 years old (P = 0.006) or with low left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% (P = 0.013), as well as the use of amins drugs > 5 days (P = 0.011) or use of Epinephrine (P = 0.004). This study shows no significant difference comparing survival at one and six months or re-hospitalization at six months whether CS happens with a known cardiomyopathy or during an acute coronary syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our institute in Marseille, France, we initiated early and massive screening for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hospitalization and early treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (HCQ-AZ) was proposed for the positive cases. We retrospectively report the clinical management of 3,737 screened patients, including 3,119 (83.5%) treated with HCQ-AZ (200 mg of oral HCQ, three times daily for ten days and 500 mg of oral AZ on day 1 followed by 250 mg daily for the next four days, respectively) for at least three days and 618 (16.5%) patients treated with other regimen ("others"). Outcomes were death, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), ≥10 days of hospitalization and viral shedding. The patients' mean age was 45 (sd 17) years, 45% were male, and the case fatality rate was 0.9%. We performed 2,065 low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans highlighting lung lesions in 592 of the 991 (59.7%) patients with minimal clinical symptoms (NEWS score = 0). A discrepancy between spontaneous dyspnoea, hypoxemia and lung lesions was observed. Clinical factors (age, comorbidities, NEWS-2 score), biological factors (lymphocytopenia; eosinopenia; decrease in blood zinc; and increase in D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase, troponin and C-reactive protein) and moderate and severe lesions detected in low-dose CT scans were associated with poor clinical outcome. Treatment with HCQ-AZ was associated with a decreased risk of transfer to ICU or death (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.18 0.11–0.27), decreased risk of hospitalization ≥10 days (odds ratios 95% CI 0.38 0.27–0.54) and shorter duration of viral shedding (time to negative PCR: HR 1.29 1.17–1.42). QTc prolongation (>60 ms) was observed in 25 patients (0.67%) leading to the cessation of treatment in 12 cases including 3 cases with QTc> 500 ms. No cases of torsade de pointe or sudden death were observed. Although this is a retrospective analysis, results suggest that early diagnosis, early isolation and early treatment of COVID-19 patients, with at least 3 days of HCQ-AZ lead to a significantly better clinical outcome and a faster viral load reduction than other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are critical components of coral reef ecosystems. Yet, they compete for space with corals, and in case of environmental disturbances, they are increasingly involved in phase-shifts from coral-dominated to macroalgae-dominated reefs. As regard to climate change, ocean acidification (OA) has been shown to be detrimental to corals and could favor macroalgal proliferations. However, little is known about the effects of OA on macroalgal phenotypes. Comparative metabolomic studies are particularly relevant to assess phenotypic responses of macroalgae to stress as some seaweed are known to produce a large diversity of specialized metabolites involved in various ecological functions. The main aim of our study was to explore the impact of OA on the metabolome of brown macroalgae using Lobophora rosacea as a model species. This species is widespread in New Caledonian lagoons where it is a key component of coral-algal interactions. Metabolomic changes were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) applied to three different OA scenarii: low and variable pH over a long-term timescale (in situ at Bouraké), low and constant pH over a short-term timescale (ex situ experiment), and current pH (control). Different metabotypes were defined in diverse pH conditions, and a significant decrease in some specialized metabolites concentrations was noticed at low pH including lobophorenols B and C as well as other oxylipin derivatives. We suggest a down-regulation of metabolic pathways involving lobophorenols, in low pH conditions, or their transformation, which is in accordance with the optimal defense theory. In addition, we used Microtox® bioassays as a proxy for macroalgal toxicity and found no significant differences between low pH and control samples. This study details the first metabolomic-based study on a fleshy macroalgae in response to OA and provides new insights for this important functional group producing a large number of metabolites in response to their close environment. Unlabelled Image • Metabolomic responses of Lobophora rosacea are compared at different pH. • Significant metabolomic differences are observed in situ between control and lower pH. • An ex situ experiment demonstrates a short-term effect of ocean acidification. • The concentration of metabolites related to lobophorenols decreases at low pH. • We suggest a down-regulation of metabolic pathways involving oxylipins or their transformation when decreasing the pH [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction La réponse IgE spécifique est un élément crucial du faisceau d’arguments diagnostiques d’une allergie, à l’inverse de la réponse IgG correspondante. Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) est un champignon aéroporté ubiquitaire, pathogène opportuniste en cas de mucoviscidose (MV), asthme ou immunodépression. La pertinence clinique des IgG et IgE anti-aspergillaires est présumée dans l’aspergillose broncho-pulmonaire allergique (ABPA). Nous avons étudié la réponse IgG vis-à-vis d’Af et de ses allergènes et ses relations avec les IgE et IgG4 de même spécificité. Méthodes Les IgG, IgE et IgG4 contre l’extrait d’Af et les allergènes Asp f 1, Asp f 2, Asp f 3, Asp f 4 et Asp f 6 ont été quantifiées par ImmunoCAP (ThermoFisher) chez 59 patients dont 49 MV (25 enfants ; 24 adultes) et 10 ABPA (2 enfants ; 3 MV). Résultats La double sensibilisation IgG et IgE vis-à-vis de l’extrait et de Asp f 1 est prépondérante (90 à 100 % des patients). Des discordances IgG/IgE sont observées pour les autres allergènes, avec une réponse IgE isolée plus fréquente que la réponse IgG isolée (27 vs 11 patients), notamment dans le groupe ABPA. La prévalence des IgG Asp f 3 et Asp f 4 est plus élevée dans le groupe ABPA (56 % vs 22 % et 78 % vs 38 %, p = 0,004 et 0,003). Quantitativement, les IgG vis-à-vis de l’extrait et des allergènes sont plus élevées chez les patients ABPA ( p = 0,004 à 0,0003), sauf pour Asp f 2. Ce dernier est le seul allergène pour lequel les titres IgG et IgE sont corrélés quantitativement, avec ou sans ABPA. Les titres IgG et IgG4 sont directement corrélés pour tous les allergènes sauf Asp f 6 chez les patients indemnes d’ABPA et Asp f 3 et 4 chez les patients ABPA. Discussion Les réponses IgG et IgE spécifiques d’Af et des allergènes aspergillaires correspondants permettent de distinguer entre ABPA et sensibilisation banale. Les allergènes diffèrent par les réponses IgG et IgE, suggérant des propriétés immunogéniques différentes. Les anomalies en IgG, IgE et IgG4 intéressent les mêmes allergènes Asp f 3, 4 et 6. Conclusion L’exemple d’Af suggère que l’exploration de la réponse IgG anti-allergènes peut être informative dans certaines situations cliniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clamshell incision with transverse sternotomy is the approach of choice for bilateral lung transplantation when cardiopulmonary bypass becomes necessary or to improve exposure. Sternal dehiscence is a well-known complication of this approach. This results in chronic thoracic pain and contributes to a delayed pulmonary rehabilitation. Sternal dehiscence can be treated with conservative therapy, but severe dehiscence requires secondary surgical closure. Several techniques of osteosynthesis have been reported with conflicting results. We describe the first use of the STRAsbourg Thoracic Osteosyntheses System (STRATOS) devices in three cases of secondary sternal closure without infection after bilateral lung transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A WebLab is an experiment operated remotely via Internet. Besides the strictly technical aspects of such an experiment, which may contribute to the learning of Chemical Engineering fundamentals, there is also important feedback when teams of students of two different countries are working together: the WebLab becomes an intercultural experience, enhancing the communication skills of the students. A WebLab between Universidade Federal de São Carlos (DEQ/UFSCar) and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs en Arts Chimiques et Technologiques (ENSIACET) is presented in this work. A mass transfer experiment in a bench scale reactor (stirred and aerated) had to be studied by mixed teams, thus emulating challenges that will be common in future working environments. In order to perform the experiment, students in Brazil and in France were put into groups. The students had to make decisions about the procedure for executing the experiments. All the students were able to control the equipment, no matter where they were physically. Students communicated using video conference software. The students’ and teachers’ opinions of this experience were very positive. This methodology is an important contribution to the education of engineers in a world integrated by modern communication technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]