8 research outputs found
Phase equilibria and phase transformations in the Ti-rich corner of the Fe-Ni-Ti system
While the main features of the Fe-Ni-Ti system are well known at low Ti content, literature review of the Ti-rich corner revealed inconsistencies between experimental reports. This investigation presents new experimental results, defined to remove the uncertainties concerning melting behavior and solid-state phase equilibria of the (Ni,Fe)Ti2 phase with the adjacent (Fe,Ni)Ti (B2, CsCl-type structure) and Beta-Ti (A2, W-type) phases. Six samples have been prepared and examined by differential thermal analysis performed in yttria and alumina crucibles, and by scanning electron microscopy in the as-cast state as well as equilibrated at 900°C
Efficacy of simulation-based training on transoesophageal echocardiography learning in a multicentre randomised controlled trial: SIMULATOR study
Background Evidence on the impact of simulation-based training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is scarce. Purpose We aimed to assess the efficacy of simulation-based versus traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and skills for cardiology residents. Methods Between November 2020 and November 2021, all consecutive cardiology residents inexperienced from TEE were randomised (1:1, n=324) through 42 French University Centers into two groups with or without simulation support (either a simulation group or a traditional group). The coprimary outcomes were the scores in the final theoretical and practical tests 3 months after the training. TEE duration and the feelings of residents were also assessed. An economic analysis was also performed. Results While the theoretical and practical test scores were similar between the two groups before the training (respectively P=0.80 and P=0.51), the residents in the simulation group displayed higher theoretical test and practical test scores after the training than those in the traditional group (respectively 47.2±15.6% vs. 38.3±19.8%, P<0.0001 and 74.5±17.7% vs. 59.0±25.1%, P<0.0001). Subgroups analyses showed that the efficacy of the simulation training was even greater when performed at the beginning of residency (P<0.0001). After the training, the duration to perform a complete TEE was significantly lower in the simulation group than in the traditional group (respectively 8.3±1.4 min vs. 9.4±1.2 min, P<0.0001). Finally, residents' feelings were better in the simulation group than in the traditional group across all components (P<0.0001). Compared to the traditional group, the average additional cost per resident of the simulation program was respectively €1,785, €942 or €662 for 20, 40 and 60 residents. Conclusion Simulation-based teaching on TEE showed a significant improvement in knowledge, skills, and feelings of cardiology residents as well as a reduction in the duration to complete the examination. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None
Masquelier's grape seed extract:from basic flavonoid research to a well-characterized food supplement with health benefits
Careful characterization and standardization of the composition of plant-derived food supplements is essential to establish a cause-effect relationship between the intake of that product and its health effect. In this review we follow a specific grape seed extract containing monomeric and oligomeric flavan-3-ols from its creation by Jack Masquelier in 1947 towards a botanical remedy and nutraceutical with proven health benefits. The preparation’s research history parallels the advancing insights in the fields of molecular biology, medicine, plant and nutritional sciences during the last 70 years. Analysis of the extract’s flavanol composition emerged from unspecific colorimetric assays to precise high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting techniques. The early recognition of the preparation’s auspicious effects on the permeability of vascular capillaries directed research to unravel the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Recent clinical data revealed a multitude of favorable alterations in the vasculature upon an 8 weeks supplementation which summed up in a health benefit of the extract in healthy humans. Changes in gene expression of inflammatory pathways in the volunteers’ leukocytes were suggested to be involved in this benefit. The historically grown scientific evidence for the preparation’s health effects paves the way to further elucidate its metabolic fate and molecular action in humans
Ileal bile acid transporter inhibition as an anticholestatic therapeutic target in biliary atresia and other cholestatic disorders
Masquelier’s grape seed extract: from basic flavonoid research to a well-characterized food supplement with health benefits
HIV-1 subtype B-infected MSM may have driven the spread of transmitted resistant strains in France in 2007–12: impact on susceptibility to first-line strategies
International audienceBackground: Our study describes the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among 1318 French patients diagnosed at the time of primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) in 2007-12.Methods: HIV-1 resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were characterized using both the 2009 WHO list of mutations and the French ANRS algorithm. A genotypic susceptibility score was estimated for each first-line recommended ART combination.Results: Patients were mainly MSM (72.6%). Non-B variants were identified in 33.7% of patients. The proportion of TDR was estimated as 11.7% (95% CI 10.0-13.5). The prevalences of PI-, NRTI-, first-generation NNRTI and etravirine/rilpivirine-associated RAMs were 2.5%, 5.2%, 3.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Single, dual and triple class resistance was found in 9.6%, 1.0% and 1.1% of cases, respectively. Additionally, 5/331 strains isolated in 201012 had integrase inhibitor (II)-related RAMs (isolated E157Q mutation in all cases). TDR was more common among MSM than in other groups (12.9% versus 8.6%, P = 0.034), and in case of B versus non-B subtype infections (13.6% versus 7.9%, P = 0.002). The proportions of fully active combinations were >= 99.2%, >= 97.3% and >= 95.3% in cases of PI-, II- and NNRTI-based regimens, respectively. In 2010-12, the proportion of fully active efavirenz-based ART was lower in cases of subtype B versus non-B infection (P = 0.021).Conclusions: Compared with our previous studies, the proportion of NRTI- and first-generation NNRTI-related TDR has continued to decline in French seroconverters. However, subtype B-infected MSM could drive the spread of resistant HIV strains. Finally, we suggest preferring PI- or II- to NNRTI-based combinations to treat PHI patients