Optimal Handling and Postharvest Strategies to Reduce Losses of ‘Cuello Dama Negro’ Dark Figs (Ficus Carica L.)

The optimal postharvest handling to reduce postharvest decay and maintain quality of ‘Cuello Dama Negro’ fresh dark figs grown in Spain is been studied. Different storage temperatures (0ºC and 4ºC), relative humidity (RH, 75% to 95%) and cooling strategies (delayed and intermittent cooling) were tested. Moreover, different postharvest strategies such as 1-MCP (10 ppm), two different passive modified atmosphere packaging (Xtend® and LifePack MAP), and SO2 generating pads (UVASYS, Grapetek (Pty) Ltd.), were also tested. Storage at 0ºC, 95% RH together with MAP effectively decreased postharvest rots and therefore increased the market life of ‘Cuello Dama Negro’ fresh figs, without altering the fruit quality nor the consumer liking degree. No improvement on the shelf life of the fruit was observed with the application of 1-MCP. The use of SO2 generating pads reduced the decay but detrimentally affected fruit quality by inducing skin bleaching. Low temperature from harvest to consumption is crucial for a good maintenance of quality in fresh fig. In addition, EMAP technology is a low-cost technology able to reduce decay and maintain fruit quality of fresh figs up to 2 weeks.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Nonequilibrium Josephson effect in mesoscopic ballistic multiterminal SNS junctions

We present a detailed study of nonequilibrium Josephson currents and conductance in ballistic multiterminal SNS-devices. Nonequilibrium is created by means of quasiparticle injection from a normal reservoir connected to the normal part of the junction. By applying a voltage at the normal reservoir the Josephson current can be suppressed or the direction of the current can be reversed. For a junction longer than the thermal length, $L\gg\xi_T$, the nonequilibrium current increases linearly with applied voltage, saturating at a value equal to the equilibrium current of a short junction. The conductance exhibits a finite bias anomaly around $eV \sim \hbar v_F/L$. For symmetric injection, the conductance oscillates $2\pi$-periodically with the phase difference $\phi$ between the superconductors, with position of the minimum ($\phi=0$ or $\pi$) dependent on applied voltage and temperature. For asymmetric injection, both the nonequilibrium Josephson current and the conductance becomes $\pi$-periodic in phase difference. Inclusion of barriers at the NS-interfaces gives rise to a resonant behavior of the total Josephson current with respect to junction length with a period $\sim \lambda_F$. Both three and four terminal junctions are studied.Comment: 21 pages, 19 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.

COVID-19 infection in adult patients with hematological malignancies: a European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA)

Background: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients. We therefore studied baseline characteristics of HM patients developing COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality. Methods: The survey was supported by the Scientific Working Group Infection in Hematology of the European Hematology Association (EHA). Eligible for the analysis were adult patients with HM and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 observed between March and December 2020. Results: The study sample includes 3801 cases, represented by lymphoproliferative (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma n = 1084, myeloma n = 684 and chronic lymphoid leukemia n = 474) and myeloproliferative malignancies (mainly acute myeloid leukemia n = 497 and myelodysplastic syndromes n = 279). Severe/critical COVID-19 was observed in 63.8% of patients (n = 2425). Overall, 2778 (73.1%) of the patients were hospitalized, 689 (18.1%) of whom were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Overall, 1185 patients (31.2%) died. The primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 688 patients (58.1%), HM in 173 patients (14.6%), and a combination of both COVID-19 and progressing HM in 155 patients (13.1%). Highest mortality was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (199/497, 40%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (118/279, 42.3%). The mortality rate significantly decreased between the first COVID-19 wave (March–May 2020) and the second wave (October–December 2020) (581/1427, 40.7% vs. 439/1773, 24.8%, p value < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, age, active malignancy, chronic cardiac disease, liver disease, renal impairment, smoking history, and ICU stay correlated with mortality. Acute myeloid leukemia was a higher mortality risk than lymphoproliferative diseases. Conclusions: This survey confirms that COVID-19 patients with HM are at high risk of lethal complications. However, improved COVID-19 prevention has reduced mortality despite an increase in the number of reported cases.EPICOVIDEHA has received funds from Optics COMMITTM (COVID-19 Unmet Medical Needs and Associated Research Extension) COVID-19 RFP program by GILEAD Science, United States (Project 2020-8223)

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method

Background We undertook a Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health prioritisation exercise to identify the key issues that must be addressed to improve eye health in the context of an ageing population, to eliminate persistent inequities in health-care access, and to mitigate widespread resource limitations. Methods Drawing on methods used in previous Grand Challenges studies, we used a multi-step recruitment strategy to assemble a diverse panel of individuals from a range of disciplines relevant to global eye health from all regions globally to participate in a three-round, online, Delphi-like, prioritisation process to nominate and rank challenges in global eye health. Through this process, we developed both global and regional priority lists. Findings Between Sept 1 and Dec 12, 2019, 470 individuals complete round 1 of the process, of whom 336 completed all three rounds (round 2 between Feb 26 and March 18, 2020, and round 3 between April 2 and April 25, 2020) 156 (46%) of 336 were women, 180 (54%) were men. The proportion of participants who worked in each region ranged from 104 (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa to 21 (6%) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and in central Asia. Of 85 unique challenges identified after round 1, 16 challenges were prioritised at the global level; six focused on detection and treatment of conditions (cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, services for children and screening for early detection), two focused on addressing shortages in human resource capacity, five on other health service and policy factors (including strengthening policies, integration, health information systems, and budget allocation), and three on improving access to care and promoting equity. Interpretation This list of Grand Challenges serves as a starting point for immediate action by funders to guide investment in research and innovation in eye health. It challenges researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to build collaborations to address specific challenge

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS