Comparison of organic cereal varieties - trial synthesis, triticale, spelt, winter barley, spring wheat, durum wheat, 2019

This tool is a synthesis of variety observations conducted all over France on triticale, spelt, winter barley, spring wheat, durum wheat in organic conditions. It is designed to help farmers to choose varieties that are adapted to organic conditions. The results are gathered and presented species by species and provide a wide range of observed characteristics

Assessing varietal resistances to control common wheat bunt under organic cereal production and soft wheat, in particular

Common wheat bunt (caused by the fungus Tilletia caries or Tilletia foetida) is a disease whose incidence is clearly on the rise in organic farming, jeopardising the balance of the French organic cereal sector. Control methods adapted to organic farming must be found, especially since we know that no seed treatment is 100% effective. The use of varietal resistance appears particularly promising for limiting the spread of the disease. Since 2000, an experiment whose purpose is to assess the resistance of soft wheat varieties to Tilletia caries is conducted each year by the French plant institute, ARVALIS. These experiments make it possible to identify the existence of a wide behavioural variability with respect to this pathogen among the different varieties grown in France. However, no variety corresponding to the specific criteria imposed by organic agriculture has yet to show adequate levels of resistance. At the same time, a European testing network revealed a strong genotype X environment interaction, emphasizing the necessity of consolidating these initial observations by increasing the number of test sites and by identifying virulence genes present in France as well as resistance genes present in the different varieties

Acting against common bunt: exploration of various control methods

Common bunt (Tilletia caries, Tilletia foetida) is a fungal disease with a large ability to spread. Consequences may be rejection of grains for sale or even a large decrease of yield. Different trials were carried out in organic farming in a research project (funded by the French Ministry of Agriculture between 2008 and 2011) to achieve a better control of common bunt. Results confirm that the resistance of wheat cultivars is a factor to consider. Despite most varieties currently cultivated in organic farming are sensitive to common bunt, some cultivars appeared to be resistant to the races tested. Concerning seed treatment, no product is available for organic farming and 100% efficient; but several solutions have been identified. Only one product is currently authorized for common bunt control on cereals (cerall), it has a significant but sometimes irregular efficiency. Products with acetic acid (white vinegar) or with a base of mustard flour (Tillecur) have similar results. Copper products at low level (reduced to about 500g Cu/t) give a very good level of protection. Before using those solutions, prevention is essential to mobilise, through diversified crop rotations, field observation, seed choice, regular analysis of farm seed, cleaning of machinery

Epidemiology and clinical outcome of virus-positive respiratory samples in ventilated patients: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory viruses are a major cause of respiratory tract infections. The prevalence of a virus-positive respiratory sample and its significance in patients requiring mechanical ventilation remain unknown. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study in all consecutive adults ventilated for more than 48 hours admitted to a 22-bed medical intensive care unit during a 12-month period. Respiratory samples at the time of intubation were assessed by culture, by indirect immunofluorescence assay or by molecular methods in systematic tracheobronchial aspirates. Patients with a virus-negative respiratory sample at the time of intubation were considered unexposed and served as the control group. RESULTS: Forty-five viruses were isolated in 41/187 (22%) patients. Rhinovirus was the most commonly isolated virus (42%), followed byherpes simplex virus type 1 (22%) and virus influenza A (16%). In multivariate analysis controlling for the Acute Pathophysiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, patients with respiratory disorder at admission (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–5.1; P = 0.12), with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma patients (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–6.7; P = 0.01) and with admission between 21 November and 21 March (adjusted odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–5.9; P = 0.008) were independently associated with a virus-positive sample. Among the 122 patients admitted with respiratory disorder, a tracheobronchial aspirate positive for respiratory viruses at the time of intubation (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.273; 95% confidence interval, 0.096–0.777; P < 0.006) was independently associated with better survival, controlling for the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and admission for cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Among the remaining 65 patients, a virus-positive sample on intubation did not predict survival. CONCLUSION: We confirmed the pathogenic role of respiratory viruses in the intensive care unit, particularly rhinovirus. We suggest, however, that the prognostic value of virus-associated respiratory disorder is better than that of other causes of respiratory disorder

Mild hypothermia during advanced life support: a preliminary study in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

INTRODUCTION: Induction of mild hypothermia after cardiac arrest may confer neuroprotection. We assessed the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of therapeutic infusion of 2 l of normal saline at 4 degrees C before return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation after out of hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter clinical trial conducted in Emergency Medical Services units and in a medical intensive care unit at Caen University Hospital, Cen, France. RESULTS: In patients who had suffered out of hospital cardiac arrest, hypothermia was induced by infusing 2 l of 4 degrees C NaCl 0.9% over 30 minutes during advanced life support prior to arrival at the hospital. A total of 33 patients were included in the study. Eight patients presented with ventricular fibrillation as the initial cardiac rhythm. Mild hypothermia was achieved after a median of 16 minutes (interquartile range 11.5 to 25.0 minutes) after return of spontaneous circulation. After intravenous cooling, the temperature decreased by 2.1 degrees C (P < 0.0001) to a mean body temperature of 33.3 degrees C (interquartile range 32.3 to 34.3 degrees C). The only observed adverse event was pulmonary oedema, which occurred in one patient. CONCLUSION: We concluded that prehospital induction of therapeutic hypothermia using infusion of 2 l of 4 degrees C normal saline during advanced life support was feasible, effective and safe. Larger studies are required to assess the impact that this early cooling has on neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest

Predictors of mortality and short-term physical and cognitive dependence in critically ill persons 75 years and older: a prospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of 3-month mortality in critically ill older persons under medical care and to assess the clinical impact of an ICU stay on physical and cognitive dependence and subjective health status in survivors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a prospective observational cohort study including all older persons 75 years and older consecutively admitted into ICU during a one-year period, except those admitted after cardiac arrest, All patients were followed for 3 months or until death. Comorbidities were assessed using the Charlson index and physical dependence was evaluated using the Katz index of Activity of Daily Living (ADL). Cognitive dependence was determined by a score based on the individual components of the Lawton index of Daily Living and subjective health status was evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) score.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>One hundred patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 79.3 ± 3.4 years. The median Charlson index was 6 [IQR, 4 to 7] and the mean ADL and cognitive scores were 5.4 ± 1.1 and 1.2 ± 1.4, respectively, corresponding to a population with a high level of comorbidities but low physical and cognitive dependence. Mortality was 61/100 (61%) at 3 months. In multivariate analysis only comorbidities assessed by the Charlson index [Adjusted Odds Ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2; <it>p </it>< 0.003] and the number of organ failures assessed by the SOFA score [Adjusted Odds Ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2; <it>p </it>< 0.02] were independently associated with 3-month mortality. All 22 patients needing renal support after Day 3 died. Compared with pre-admission, physical (<it>p </it>= 0.04), and cognitive (<it>p </it>= 0.62) dependence in survivors had changed very little at 3 months. In addition, the mean NHP score was 213.1 <b>± </b>132.8 at 3 months, suggesting an acceptable perception of their quality of life.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In a selected population of non surgical patients 75 years and older, admission into the ICU is associated with a 3-month survival rate of 38% with little impact on physical and cognitive dependence and subjective health status. Nevertheless, a high comorbidity level (ie, Charlson index), multi-organ failure, and the need for extra-renal support at the early phase of intensive care could be considered as predictors of death.</p