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The objective of this report is to assess the food safety of reusable packaging by defining a comprehensive auditing protocol applicable to washing practices for industrial reuse. The task willwork on to ensure the packaging’s food safety through an audit grid to control washing efficiency depending on the material. It will lead to the definition of anauditing protocol for washing centers for the different identified and analyzed reusable packaging options.

Using the timely re-activation of WNT signalling in neuralizing human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), we have produced neural progenitor cells with a gene expression profile typical of human embryonic dentate gyrus (DG) cells. Notably, in addition to continuous WNT signalling, a specific laminin isoform is crucial to prolonging the neural stem state and to extending progenitor cell proliferation for over 200 days in vitro. Laminin 511 is indeed specifically required to support proliferation and to inhibit differentiation of hippocampal progenitor cells for extended time periods when compared with a number of different laminin isoforms assayed. Global gene expression profiles of these cells suggest that a niche of laminin 511 and WNT signalling is sufficient to maintain their capability to undergo typical hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, laminin 511 signalling sustains the expression of a set of genes responsible for the maintenance of a hippocampal neurogenic niche. Finally, xenograft of human DG progenitors into the DG of adult immunosuppressed host mice produces efficient integration of neurons that innervate CA3 layer cells spanning the same area of endogenous hippocampal neuron synapses.

Summary Introduction Computer analysis of voice recordings is an integral part of the evaluation and management of voice disorders. In many practices, voice samples are taken in rooms that are not sound attenuated and/or sound-proofed; further, the technology used is rarely consistent. This will likely affect the recordings, and therefore, their analyses. Objectives The objective of this study is to compare various acoustic outcome measures taken from samples recorded in a sound-proofed booth to those recorded in more common clinic environments. Further, the effects from six different commonly used microphones will be compared. Methods Thirty-six speakers were recorded while reading a text and producing sustained vowels in a controlled acoustic environment. The collected samples were reproduced by a Head and Torso Simulator and recorded in three clinical rooms and in a sound booth using six different microphones. Newer measures (eg, Pitch Strength, cepstral peak prominence, Acoustic Voice Quality Index), as well as more traditional measures (eg Jitter, Shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio and Spectrum Tilt), were calculated from the samples collected with each microphone and within each room. Results The measures which are more robust to room acoustic differences, background noise, and microphone quality include Jitter and smooth cepstral peak prominence, followed by Shimmer, Acoustic Voice Quality Index, harmonics-to-noise ratio, Pitch Strength, and Spectrum Tilt. Conclusions The effect of room acoustics and background noise on voice parameters appears to be stronger than the type of microphone used for the recording. Consequently, an appropriate acoustical clinical space may be more important than the quality of the microphone.

Post-synthesis modification of biomolecules is an efficient way of regulating and optimizing their functions. The human epitranscriptome includes a variety of more than 100 modifications known to exist in all RNA subtypes. Modifications of non-coding RNAs are particularly interesting since they can directly affect their structure, stability, interaction and function. Indeed, non-coding RNAs such as tRNA and rRNA are the most modified RNA species in eukaryotic cells. In the last 20 years, new functions of non-coding RNAs have been discovered and their involvement in human disease, including cancer, became clear. In this review, we will present the evidence connecting modifications of different non-coding RNA subtypes and their role in cancer.

Summary Introduction Since the beginning of the new pandemic, Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) health services have had to face a new scenario. Voice therapy faces a double challenge, interventions using telepractice, and delivering rehabilitation services to a growing population of patients at risk of functional impairment related to the COVID-19 disease. Moreover, as COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets, it is critical to understand how to mitigate these risks during assessment and treatment. Objective To promote safety, and effective clinical practice to voice assessment and rehabilitation in the pandemic COVID-19 context for speech-language pathologists. Methods A group of 11 experts in voice and swallowing disorders from five different countries conducted a consensus recommendation following the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery rules building a clinical guide for speech-language pathologists during this pandemic context. Result The clinical guide provides 79 recommendations for clinicians in the management of voice disorders during the pandemic and includes advice from assessment, direct treatment, telepractice, and teamwork. The consensus was reached 95% for all topics. Conclusion This guideline should be taken only as recommendation; each clinician must attempt to mitigate the risk of infection and achieve the best therapeutic results taking into account the patient's particular reality.

Summary Introduction Since the beginning of the new pandemic, COVID-19 health services have had to face a new scenario. Voice therapy faces a double challenge, interventions using telepractice, and delivering rehabilitation services to a growing population of patients at risk of functional impairment related to the COVID-19 disease. Moreover, as COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets, it is critical to understand how to mitigate these risks during assessment and treatment. Objective To promote safety, and effective clinical practice to voice assessment and rehabilitation in the pandemic COVID-19 context for speech-language pathologists. Methods A group of 11 experts in voice and swallowing disorders from five different countries conducted a consensus recommendation following the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery rules building a clinical guide for speech-language pathologists during this pandemic context. Results The clinical guide provides 65 recommendations for clinicians in the management of voice disorders during the pandemic and includes advice from assessment, direct treatment, telepractice, and teamwork. The consensus was reached 95% for all topics. Conclusion This guideline should be taken only as recommendation; each clinician must attempt to mitigate the risk of infection and achieve the best therapeutic results taking into account the patient's particular reality.

We present an alternative method based on the time-reversal process to locate faults in transmission line networks. The proposed procedure considers different media for the forward and the backward propagation phases. Specifically, the transverse branch representing the fault is removed from the circuit in the backward propagation since its location represents the solution of the process and, therefore, is not known in advance. The advantage of the proposed method is twofold. First, the proposed backward model requires only one simulation for the time-reversed backward propagation phase, thus reducing significantly the computational burden. Second, we demonstrate that this modified backward propagation medium satisfies a property such that the fault location can be identified by computing, in the frequency domain, the argument of the voltage along the line. The theory is first formulated for the case of a lossless homogeneous single-phase transmission line; then, its applicability is extended to lossy inhomogeneous transmission line networks. A single-phase inhomogeneous transmission line and an inhomogeneous Y-shape network are specifically considered to support this claim. We show that the proposed procedure can provide high fault location accuracy (i.e., in the range of $\pm 1$ m), using only one observation point. Furthermore, we propose a criterion to link the bandwidth of the sampling system to the desired fault location accuracy.

CONTEXT This study aims to determine whether straw or cup use is superior for the control of a single thin liquid bolus in patients with symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia to liquids. METHODS This is a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Patients were studied at a Professional Voice and Swallowing Center by a laryngologist between April 2017 and April 2018. Twenty-five patients, 18 years of age or older, who presented with symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia the clinic were included in the study. Each patient complained of difficulty with choking on liquids. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. Patients that were unable to follow one to two step commands and patients with dysphagia that lack oral strength or respiratory strength to facilitate straw or cup usage were not included. Patients with dysphagia that are tracheostomy tube dependent were also not included. RESULTS The average PAS for straw versus cup drinking at 10mL was 1.08 and 1.04 respectively with a p-value of 0.33. For straw versus cup at 20mL, the PAS was 1.04 and 1.26 respectively with a p-value of 0.13. For 30mL, the PAS was 1.0 and 1.4 for straw and cup use respectively with a p-value of 0.16. And for 40mL, the PAS was 1.0 and 1.09 with a p-value of 0.27. CONCLUSIONS No statistical significant difference was demonstrated in risk of penetration or aspiration of thin liquids between cup and straw usage in patients with mild oropharyngeal dysphagia.

CONTEXT Thermal injury to the larynx and other pharyngeal structures as a result of food ingestion is a rare occurrence, particularly in an adult population. Since the 1970’s, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a male in their early 30’s with a history of left sided spastic hemiparesis and unilateral vocal fold paresis who ingested a sweet potato which resulted in supraglottic burns. The patient denied any prior swallowing difficulties. Conservative therapy with steroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) and antibiotics were sufficient for full recovery without any lasting sequelae. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates how careful attention should be paid to food temperature particularly in patients at higher risk of dysphagia. It also demonstrates how prompt diagnosis and implementation of appropriate medications can prevent permanent and debilitating damage.

Introduction Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) has shown to improve mortality and reduce hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It has been analysed its improvement in ejection fraction and left ventricle volumes. Very few studies have analysed its effect on diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study is to determine if the treatment with S/V in patients with HFrEF produces changes in diastolic function. Methods We performed a prospective observational study in ambulatory patients with HFrEF and sinus rhythm that, according to the ESC guidelines, had indication to initiate S/V. An echocardiographic examination was done previous to start with S/V and 6 month after having been treated with it. Results A total of 67 patients were included in the study (Figure 1). After six months of starting with S/V, there was a statistically significant improvement in diastolic parameters (results are illustrated in table 1): it was observed better values of E/A, E/e’, left atrial maximal volume and deceleration time, leading to a reduction in filling pressures and diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, we analysed recent parameters that have been postulated as new predictors of diastolic dysfunction, such as left atrial minimal volume (LAVmin), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) and left atrial strain (LAStr). There was a statistically significant reduction in LAVmin and values of LAStr after treatment with S/V, but no significant differences were observed in LAEF (table 1). Conclusion Treatment with S/V in patients with HFrEF leads to an improvement in diastolic function. More studies need to be done to analyse if S/V could have the same effect in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Figure 1: Population characteristics Gender (male, %) 74.6 High blood pressure (%) 53.7 Age (mean) 59.7 Diabetes mellitus (%) 40.3 Cardiomyopathy (%) Dyslipidaemia (%) 56.7 Ischemic 61.2 Smokers (%) 17.9 Non Ischemic 38.8 Treatment (%) Functional class (%) Beta-blockers 98.5 I 3 Aldosterone antagonists 91 II 71.6 Ivabradine 23.9 III 23.9 Diuretics 71.6 Abstract P1745 Table 1

Cosmic ray abundances, A$_{cr}$, are compared with those of quiescent matter in the Galaxy, A$_{g}$, for 40 nuclei from Hydrogen to Zirconium via the abundance ratios A$_{cr}$/A$_{g}$. Secondary nuclei generated by spallation reactions in the interstellar medium are removed from the analysis reducing the sample to primary nuclei. The abundance ratios of primary nuclei obey a simple rule depending on the atomic number Z, namely A$_{cr}$/A$_{g}$ = aZ$^{2}$ – b Z where a and b are numerical constants. This study suggests that the physical mechanism giving the correct, quantitative explanation of the above rule is the photoionization of the quiescent, cold interstellar matter. The ultraviolet light spectrum causing photoionization of neutral atoms is highly characteristic and concentrated in a very restricted band, namely 3-250 nm. It is argued that such an ultraviolet spectrum and the related absolute intensity can be generated by O and B stars. It is concluded that the sources of cosmic rays are located in cold zones, at adequate distances from O and B stars beyond the fully ionized Stromgren shells. Previous explanations of the universal A$_{cr}$/A$_{g}$ abundance ratios are discussed.

Summary Introduction Since the beginning of the new pandemic, COVID-19 health services have had to face a new scenario. Voice therapy faces a double challenge, interventions using telepractice, and delivering rehabilitation services to a growing population of patients at risk of functional impairment related to the COVID-19 disease. Moreover, as COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets, it is critical to understand how to mitigate these risks during assessment and treatment. Objective To promote safety, and effective clinical practice to voice assessment and rehabilitation in the pandemic COVID-19 context for speech-language pathologists. Methods A group of 11 experts in voice and swallowing disorders from 5 different countries conducted a consensus recommendation following the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery rules building a clinical guide for speech-language pathologists during this pandemic context. Results The clinical guide provides 79 recommendations for clinicians in the management of voice disorders during the pandemic and includes advice from assessment, direct treatment, telepractice, and teamwork. The consensus was reached 95% for all topics. Conclusion This guideline should be taken only as recommendations; each clinician must attempt to mitigate the risk of infection and achieve the best therapeutic results taking into account the patient's particular reality.

According to recent measurements the tendency of the chemical composition above the ankle is characterized by increasing fractions of intermediate and heavy nuclei and a dominance of light nuclei around the ankle. Calculation of the chemical composition in the range 3.5 × 1018 - 5 × 1019 eV according to new principles explains both the rising tendency of the heavy component. The calculation is prolonged to the adjacent interval 5 × 1019- 2.4 × 1021 eV using the same theoretical background and some features of the observed cosmic-ray spectrum. It results that above the energy of 6.7 × 1020 eV, where the flux is estimated to be 1.8 × 10?30 particles/m2 s sr GeV, the cosmic radiation consists only of nuclei heavier than Zinc. Measurements of the spectrum of present and past experiments are compared with the calculations.