Electrospun Zein/PCL Fibrous Matrices Release Tetracycline in a Controlled Manner, Killing Staphylococcus aureus Both in Biofilms and Ex Vivo on Pig Skin, and are Compatible with Human Skin Cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the destruction of clinically-relevant bacteria within biofilms via the sustained release of the antibiotic tetracycline from zein-based electrospun polymeric fibrous matrices and to demonstrate the compatibility of such wound dressing matrices with human skin cells. METHODS: Zein/PCL triple layered fibrous dressings with entrapped tetracycline were electrospun. The successful entrapment of tetracycline in these dressings was validated. The successful release of bioactive tetracycline, the destruction of preformed biofilms, and the viability of fibroblast (FEK4) cells were investigated. RESULTS: The sustained release of tetracycline from these matrices led to the efficient destruction of preformed biofilms from Staphylococcus aureus MRSA252 in vitro, and of MRSA252 and ATCC 25923 bacteria in an ex vivo pig skin model using 1 × 1 cm square matrices containing tetracycline (30 μg). Human FEK4 cells grew normally in the presence of these matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of the zein-based matrices to destroy bacteria within increasingly complex in vitro biofilm models was clearly established. An ex vivo pig skin assay showed that these matrices, with entrapped tetracycline, efficiently kill bacteria and this, combined with their compatibility with a human skin cell line suggest these matrices are well suited for applications in wound healing and infection control

Importance of recent extreme weather variation in Djibouti and need for impact quantification

This analysis shows that the current rainfall deficit is exceptional and historically unique. The significant population migration induced by the drought to Djibouti city must be supervised, especially during their spontaneous settling. This presented example confirms that current rainfall shortages and increasing temperature extremes are impactinglocal people who urgently need adaptation and DRR strategies. It is necessary to reduce exposure to hydrological risks of these affected populations, in order that victims of the drought are not carried away by a rainfall excess.Peer reviewe

Survey of Leafhopper Species in Almond Orchards Infected with Almond Witches'-Broom Phytoplasma in Lebanon

Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) account for more than 80% of all “Auchenorrhynchous” vectors that transmit phytoplasmas. The leafhopper populations in two almond witches'-broom phytoplasma (AlmWB) infected sites: Tanboureet (south of Lebanon) and Bourj El Yahoudieh (north of Lebanon) were surveyed using yellow sticky traps. The survey revealed that the most abundant species was Asymmetrasca decedens, which represented 82.4% of all the leafhoppers sampled. Potential phytoplasma vectors in members of the subfamilies Aphrodinae, Deltocephalinae, and Megophthalminae were present in very low numbers including: Aphrodes makarovi, Cicadulina bipunctella, Euscelidius mundus, Fieberiella macchiae, Allygus theryi, Circulifer haematoceps, Neoaliturus transversalis, and Megophthalmus scabripennis. Allygus theryi (Horváth) (Deltocephalinae) was reported for the first time in Lebanon. Nested PCR analysis and sequencing showed that Asymmetrasca decedens, Empoasca decipiens, Fieberiella macchiae, Euscelidius mundus, Thamnottetix seclusis, Balclutha sp., Lylatina inexpectata, Allygus sp., and Annoplotettix danutae were nine potential carriers of AlmWB phytoplasma. Although the detection of phytoplasmas in an insect does not prove a definite vector relationship, the technique is useful in narrowing the search for potential vectors. The importance of this information for management of AlmWB is discussed

Multilevel Assessment of the Impact of Rain on Drivers' Behavior Standardized Methodology and Empirical Analysis

For all road managers, inclement weather events are a source of uncertainty that can affect traffic operations and safety. Regarding safety, various studies reveal significant effects of adverse weather conditions on the frequency and severity of crashes. Regarding mobility, because of a lack of data, there are few comprehensive studies, although the quantification of the effects of adverse weather on traffic represents the first step toward the development of weather-responsive traffic management strategies. This study deals with the analysis of the impact of rain on drivers' behavior and traffic operations. First, a generic methodology for assessing the effect of weather on traffic is proposed through a multilevel approach: from individual traffic data, the rain impact is assessed at a microscopic level (time headways, spacing). Next, the same data were used to extend the study to a mesoscopic and a macroscopic level. The mesoscopic level deals with the effects of rain on platoons, and the macroscopic level resides in the analysis of the impact of rain on the fundamental diagram enabling weather-responsive macroscopic traffic simulation. Second, following this approach, an empirical study is carried out from individual data collected on a French interurban motorway. Weather data were provided by a weather station located near the test site. The results exhibit a significant impact of rain on drivers' behavior and traffic operations, which increases with the intensity of rainfall

Liver involvement and mortality in COVID-19: A retrospective analysis from the CORACLE study group

INTRODUCTION: liver abnormalities are common in COVID-19 patients and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate clinical significance and effect on the mortality of abnormal liver function tests (ALFTs) in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: we retrospectively evaluated in a multicentre study all patients admitted with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. RESULTS: 434 patients were included in this analysis. Among overall patients, 311 (71.6%) had normal baseline ALT levels. 123 patients showed overall abnormal liver function tests (ALFTs) at baseline [101 ALFTs <2x UNL and 22 ≥2 UNL]. Overall in-hospital mortality was 14% and mean duration of hospitalization was 10.5 days. Hypertension (50.5%), cardiovascular diseases (39.6%), diabetes (23%) were frequent comorbidities and 53.7% of patients had ARDS. At multivariate analysis, the presence of ARDS at baseline (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 3.03–12.32; p<0.000); cardiovascular diseases (OR=4; 95% CI: 2.05–7.81; p<0.000); dementia (OR=3.93; 95%CI:1.87–8.26; p<0.000) and no smoking (OR=4.6; 95% CI: 1.45–14.61; p=0.010) resulted significantly predictive of in-hospital mortality. The presence of ALFTs at baseline was not significantly associated with mortality (OR=3.44; 95% CI=0.81–14.58; p=0.094). CONCLUSION: ALFTs was frequently observed in COVID-19 patients, but the overall in-hospital mortality was mainly determined by the severity of illness, comorbidities and presence of ARDS

O ASSÉDIO MORAL NO REGIME DE TELETRABALHO

O presente artigo tem por escopo a realização de estudo sobre o assédio moral no âmbito das relações de teletrabalho. A pesquisa atribui especial enfoque à ausência de legislação específica acerca do tema, bem como os desafios do teletrabalhador em subsidiar a denúncia de assédio com evidências tangíveis, aptas a formar o convencimento do poder judiciário. Para o desenvolvimento do presente estudo, utiliza-se o método de pesquisa bibliográfica, realizada através de dissertações, artigos científicos e livros voltados ao ramo do direito do trabalho, bem como da pesquisa documental, através da análise jurisprudencial e da legislação relacionada à temática