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Les recommandations françaises et européennes suggèrent l'instauration d'une nutrition précoce dans les première 48 heures d'admission en réanimation malgré un niveau de preuve considéré comme très faible dans une méta-analyse récente [1–3]. Le projet « FRench-speAking Icu Nutritional Survey » (FRANS) est une cohorte prospective observationnelle multicentrique. Notre objectif était d'étudier l'association entre la mise en place d'une nutrition artificielle précoce en réanimation et le devenir des patients. L'étude FRANS a été conduite dans 26 réanimations en 2015. Les patients majeurs avec une durée de séjour prédite > 3 jours ont été inclus de manière consécutive et suivis durant 10 jours. Les données sur le devenir des patients étaient également collectées à J28. Grâce à une analyse de régression logistique univariée, puis multivariée sur échantillon pondéré par score de propension, nous avons étudié séparément les associations entre nutrition précoce en réanimation (< 48 heures) et la mortalité à J28. L'analyse multivariée était ajustée sur l'âge, le sexe, le motif d'admission, la catégorie d'IMC et le score SOFA à l'admission. Ces analyses ont été conduites globalement (Nutrition précoce oui/non), puis selon le type de nutrition administré (Aucun, entérale, parentérale précoce), et dans les sous-groupes d'intérêt. Durant 3 mois, 1206 patients ont été inclus. Une nutrition précoce a été administrée chez 718 patients (60 %), par voie entérale chez 504 patients (70 % des nourris) et parentérale chez 214 (30 %). Au cours des premières 48 heures, la quantité médiane de calories et de protéines reçues était respectivement de 10 [5–19] kcal/kg et de 0,2 [0–0,7] g/kg. En analyse univariée, comparé aux patients sans nutrition précoce, ceux nourris précocement présentaient une augmentation significative de la mortalité à J28 (14,6 % vs 21,7 %, p = 0,002). Dans l'échantillon pondéré, l'analyse par régression logistique multivariée retrouvait une association significative entre nutrition précoce et mortalité à J28 (OR 1,05, 1–1,1). Dans une analyse en sous-groupe, cette association semblait significativement plus forte chez les hommes, âgés de moins de 65 ans, ayant un motif d'admission médical, ayant un score SOFA à l'admission < 8 et une durée de séjour en réanimation < 10 jours. Lors de l'analyse du type de nutrition instauré, comparé à l'absence de nutrition précoce, seule la nutrition entérale précoce était associée à une surmortalité à J28 (OR 1,06, 1,01–1,11). Dans cette cohorte prospective, l'instauration d'une nutrition précoce était significativement associée à une surmortalité à J28. Cette association semblait plus forte parmi les patients plus jeunes, d'admission médicale, présentant une pathologie moins sévère et une durée de séjour plus courte. Comparée à l'absence de nutrition précoce, seule l'entérale précoce semblait être associée à une surmortalité. Ces résultats devront être confirmées dans des essais randomisés contrôlés. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the combined effects of water activity (a w, 0.75–0.99), temperature (10–30 °C) and isolate on spore germination and mycelial growth of ochratoxigenic Penicillium verrucosum isolates on barley meal extract agar (BMEA). Lag phases prior to germination (h), germination rates (h− 1) and growth rates (mm day− 1) were obtained at each set of conditions and for all the isolates. Analysis of variance showed a significant influence of the abiotic factors assayed on fungal development. Minimum a w levels found for germination and mycelial growth were 0.80 and 0.85, respectively, while maximum germination and growth rates were obtained at 0.95–0.99 a w level. Although maximum germination was obtained at 20 °C, significant differences were not found between growth rates at 20 and 30 °C. Data were modelled by MLR regressions and response surface models were obtained. Spore germination and mycelial growth of ochratoxigenic P. verrucosum isolates are significantly affected by water activity and temperature. Moreover, different isolates may have slightly different response to environmental factors. Predictive models obtained may allow a rough prediction of germination/growth as a function of the storage temperature and moisture content of barley grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Influence of water activity (0.75–0.99 aw) and temperature (10, 20 and 30 °C) on germination and mycelial growth on green coffee extract agar medium of three ochratoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus ochraceus was studied. Optimal conditions for germination and growth were observed at 0.95–0.99 aw and 20–30 °C for the three isolates. Minimum aw level for germination was 0.80, and 0.85 for mycelial growth. At marginal aw and temperature levels assayed, the lag phases prior to germination increased and the growth rates showed a significant decrease in comparison with the optimal conditions. Data were modelled by a multiple linear regression (MLR) and response surface models were obtained. Germination and growth of A. ochraceus in green coffee beans could be prevented or at least inhibited to some extent by minimising the time that coffee beans are exposed to temperature and humidity conditions near to the optimum during processing and storage.This could be an empirical approach to predict the effects of water activity and temperature conditions on the development of ochratoxigenic isolates of A. ochraceus during handling and storage of green coffee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aspergillus ochraceus as a fungal contaminant and ochratoxin A (OTA) producer plays an important role in coffee quality. Temperature and water activity (aw) significantly influence mycelial growth and OTA production by isolates of A. ochraceus on green coffee beans. Maximum mycelial growth was found at 30°C and 0.95 to 0.99 aw. A marked decrease in growth rate was observed when temperature and aw were reduced. At 0.80 aw, mycelial growth occurred only at 30 and 20°C for one isolate. Maximum OTA production was found at 20°C and 0.99 aw. At 10°C, OTA was not produced, regardless of aw. Similarly, no OTA was detected at 0.80 aw. OTA production ranged from the limit of detection (40 ng g-1 of green coffee) to 17,000 ng g-1 of green coffee. Significant intraspecific differences in mycelial growth and OTA production were found. Primary data for lag phases prior to mycelial growth under the influence of temperature and aw were modelled by multiple linear regression, and the response surface plots were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus and Penicillium species, including Aspergillus ochraceus, a species that can be found in stored cereal grains such as barley. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of water activity (aw, 0.80–0.99), temperature (10, 20, 30 °C), and A. ochraceus isolate differences on radial growth and OTA production in irradiated barley grains. The three isolates showed optimal conditions for growth and ochratoxin A production at 0.99 aw and 30 °C, with a marked decrease of growth rates and OTA production at the lowest levels of aw and temperature assayed. The minimum aw level for growth, observed in this study, was 0.85 and 0.90 aw for OTA production. Significant differences among the isolates were found. Lag phases prior to fungal growth and OTA production values were modelled by multiple linear regression and response surface models. These models could provide an approximate prediction of growth and OTA production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current penetration in an infinite superconducting tape with elliptical cross-section in the critical state as a response to a perpendicular applied field is described by two models. One is a numerical model based on energy minimization after each field change. The second model is a simple analytic approximation for the flux fronts obtained by the numerical model. The magnetization, the ac susceptibility and the associated ac losses can be calculated. We provide an empirical expression for the position of maxima in the imaginary part of ac susceptibility. Then, the value of the critical-current density in a superconducting tape with elliptical shape of any dimensions can be extracted from ac susceptibility data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two varieties of apples and pears were tested in the laboratory to measure their response to a small energy impact applied by an impact tester. Samples of fruits of increasing ripeness were tested over several weeks. Non-destructive impacts and other destructive and non-destructive measurements of ripeness were applied to the fruits. The non-destructive impact test was used to sort fruits with different firmness. New software was developed to control the impact test, calculate the 11 parameters, and sort the fruits. This software creates and subsequently uses a database to carry out the sorting. An on-line impact device for automatic detection of firmness was then designed and tested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work aims to establish the genetic relationship between the different settlers of Eastern Spain and also to determine the conditions of DNA preservation. We studied two overlapping sequences (16,126–16,251 and 16,256–16,369) from mitochondrial HVR-I in 37 bone and teeth samples from 17 archaeological sites of Spanish Levant. Consistence of the results was established by repeated replication of amplifications. Approximately, 50% of the samples yielded reproducible results. The high efficiency in DNA recovery indicates that sample preservation mainly depends on the depositional environment rather than on sample age. Haplogroup V, an alleged marker of Paleolithic newcomers in Europe, has been found in an unusual elevated frequency (1 Calcolithic and 2 Iberian samples). This result could suggest a more southern distribution of Palaeolithic ice refugia. Moreover, we found Haplogroup L in Calcolithic samples. This may suggest the presence of a prehistoric African genetic background in eastern Iberia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish familiar relationship among individuals buried at different archaeological phases and houses from the Neolithic site of Tell Halula (Syria, 8800 b.p.). Sixty-six samples belonging to 50 different individuals were studied, and a fragment of 300bp of mitochondrial DNA HVRI was amplified in the whole sample. It was possible to recover 20 authenticated mitochondrial DNA sequences (30,7%) in the analyzed sample. The obtained mitochondrial DNA results suggest possible relationships not only among individuals buried into different archaeological phases of the same house but also through different houses from different archaeological phases. These results point at an homogeneous population structure of this Neolithic community. The amount of recovered sequences indicates the extent of preservation of critical samples in a dry and hot soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Short Tandem Repeat polymorphisms have been widely studied in the world, since specific databases are required to produce correct estimates of forensic statistical parameters. In this regard, Y-chromosome STRs have been studied mainly in Europe but are relatively scarce for sub-Saharan populations, despite these populations are represented in most of the Western countries. The aim of this work is to detect groups of populations with the lowest genetic variability within the African context. This allows to establish the relative homogeneity of Y-STRs databases for forensic casework and eventually to provide a wider insight into the African genetic history. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Mathematical model that predicts the behavior of a novel seismic isolation device. • Validation of the model with results of cyclic quasi-static tests with axial load. • Numerical simulations and verify the benefit of using the isolation device developed. Base isolation is an efficient strategy for protecting structures, especially in countries with high seismic risk, such as Chile. This paper presents the conceptual model, mathematical model, experimental validation and numerical analysis of a roller type base isolation device that aims to solve problems of limited tensile strength (compared to its compressive strength) and lateral instability of all types of rubber bearing isolators when faced with elevated axial load. The conceptual model describes the device's components and operation. The mathematical model establishes its constitutive law based on the equilibrium equations formulated considering large lateral displacements. Experimental tests were run on a shake-table with a load frame to simulate the isolator's interaction with the superstructure, considering a combination of the device's design parameters, in order to identify their effect. In the numerical analysis, six simple frame buildings were modelled and subjected to a seismic record using the proposed roller isolator. Error parameters were obtained between the numerical predictions and the experimental results in each loading and unloading cycle, varying between 1.6% and 5.1% for dissipated energy and 4.0% to 17.7% for the magnitude of force. The proposed device worked as a seismic isolator, reducing the structure's response in a magnitude order in relation to the building fixed on its base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA sequences of the two hypervariable regions HVS-I and HVS-II were determined for 233 unrelated autochthonous individuals from East, Central and West Pyrenees. Resulting haplogroups were confirmed with RFLPs. Although the distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in the Pyrenees presents differences between populations, the results obtained may well support the hypothesis that the mountain chain did not act as a barrier to gene flow among Pyrenean populations. These preliminary data could be helpful for the understanding of the present distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in Iberian Peninsula and its phylogeny. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jujuy is a province of Argentina, placed in the extreme northwest of the country, close to the borders with Chile, Bolivia and the Salta province of Argentina. Different studies on South American population have proposed that actual population is composed by Native American maternal lineages and European paternal lineages with different proportions among regions. The principal aim of this work is to study the mitochondrial genetic variability of the Jujuy population and also the different contributions of European and American-Native settlers. Results showed that the population sample was mainly composed by Native American haplogroups. Genetic contribution of European origin is very low. Haplogroups distribution in the province of Jujuy was related to other neighboring Native American populations. These preliminary data could be helpful for understanding the present distribution of the mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in this region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose/objective(s): The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines are an authoritative resource in cancer management. NCCN guideline committees are composed of multi-specialty teams, representing 30 cancer institutions in the US. In spite of the critical impact of these committees, little is known about its actual members. Our study evaluates the characteristics of NCCN committee members (CMs) and assesses gender and specialty-specific variance.Materials/methods: All NCCN management guidelines were evaluated in September 2020. Characteristics of individual CMs were obtained including specialty, gender, academic rank, disease treatment site, h-index, academic degrees, and represented institutions. Chi-square test was utilized for statistical comparisons.Results: A total of 54 NCCN guidelines were identified, along with 1768 panel members. Median committee size was 33 (range 22-38). Medical Oncologists (MO; 47.6%), Surgical Oncologists (SO; 20.9%), and Radiation Oncologists (RO; 8.9%) comprised the largest proportion of CMs. Women accounted for 37.6% of MO, 34.2% of RO, and 22.8% of SO CMs. While women accounted for 39.3% of all CMs, among committee leaders, women constituted only 23% of chairs, and 38.1% of vice-chairs (P < 0.05). Female RO held 1 chair position (compared to 1 male RO), and 9 vice chair positions (compared to 1 male RO). Assistant and Associate professors represented 22.4% and 28.7% of CMs respectively. Full professors accounted for 40.8% of all CMs, and had a higher representation among RO (53.1%) and SO (56.3%), relative to MO (35.3%), P < 0.05. The minority of SO (0.27%) and MO (0.83%) were Instructors; there were no RO Instructors. CMs with H-index > 31 were similarly represented across oncological specialties (RO: 39.2%; MO: 40.8%; SO: 43.3%), but there was a higher prevalence of MO (17.7%) with an H-index between 0-10, in comparison to RO (7.6 %) and SO (8.4), P < 0.05. CMs held MD/MD-equivalent degrees (68.5%), MD-Master's degrees (9.9%), and non-physician degrees (7.1%). MD-PhDs accounted for 15.1% of all CMs, and were more represented among RO (31.0%) relative to MO (14.4%) and SO (7.6%), P < 0.05. Memorial Sloan Kettering (75) and MD Anderson (66) were the most represented institutions; 3 institutions had ≤8 representatives. Among the 158 RO NCCN CMs, many served on gastrointestinal (19.0%), genitourinary (12.7%), and gynecological (12.7%) committees, while few served on pediatric (0.63%), and breast (1.2%) committees. 16 (29.6%) committees had no RO members.Conclusion: NCCN committee members are more likely to be male, MO, full professors, and have high H-index scores. RO on committees generally exhibit high scholarship but have low representation, with almost one-third having no RO members at all. Leadership roles for female oncologists are also limited, although among RO there are more females in committee leadership roles. Increasing specialty and gender diversity on committees may allow for more balanced management perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidation immunotherapy with the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor durvalumab improves survival in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer responding to radiochemotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab in Switzerland based on the most recent PACIFIC survival follow-up. We constructed a Markov model based on the 3-year follow-up data of the PACIFIC trial and compared consolidation durvalumab with observation. We used published utility values and assessed costs for treatment strategies from the perspective of the Swiss health care payers. Cost-effectiveness was tested both in the intention-to-treat population of the PACIFIC trial unselected for PD-L1 tumor expression and in patients with PD-L1-expressing tumors (≥1%). In the unselected/PD-L1-positive patients, durvalumab showed an incremental effectiveness of 0.76/1.18 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental costs of Swiss Francs (CHF) 67 239/78 177, resulting in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of CHF 88 703/66 131 per QALY gained, respectively. The most influential factors for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were the utility before first progression, costs for durvalumab, and the hazard ratio for overall survival under durvalumab versus observation. The cost-effectiveness of durvalumab was better than CHF 100 000 per QALY gained in 75% of the simulations in probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of CHF 100 000 per QALY gained, consolidation durvalumab is likely to be cost-effective both in patients with inoperable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) unselected for PD-L1 status and in patients with PD-L1-expressing tumors in Switzerland. • Consolidation durvalumab in stage III NSCLC is likely to be cost-effective in Switzerland • Cost-effectiveness was found both for PD-L1 positive (>1%) and for unselected patients • The most influential factors were costs for durvalumab and the utility before disease recurrence • Cost-effectiveness of immunotherapies in NSCLC can be improved if immunotherapies become part of the initial treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]