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Energy generation from biomass is a promising alternative to fossil fuels since biomass resources are available in most parts of the world and offer great flexibility through their capacity for use in different forms of energy carriers. However, its cost-competitiveness remains difficult to assess due to the large variability of bioenergy costs, to which the cost of biomass feedstock contributes disproportionately. To address this issue, this paper evaluates the production cost of primary energy production from ligno-cellulosic biomass based on a literature review covering 106 references in academic and grey literature from 45 countries. Our data relate to five types of ligno-cellulosic biomass: managed forest, wood energy crops, grass energy crops, agricultural residues and forest residues. Our results provide insight into the variability of feedstock costs within and between biomass types. We found that the cost of residues from forestry and agriculture is significantly lower than the other biomass types. We did not find any significant difference between the cost of grass energy crops, wood energy crops and managed forest. Biomass grown in Europe is significantly more expensive than in other regions, while biomass grown in Latin America is significantly cheaper. • We review the production costs of ligno-cellulosic biomass in 45 countries. • The collected data covers five types of biomass worldwide. • There is significant variability in production costs within and between biomass types. • Biomass residues from agriculture and forestry have the lowest production cost. • Production costs are highest in Europe and lowest in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design:Randomized controlled trial.Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of the physical activity guidelines (PAG) for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) to improve aspects of physical fitness.Setting:Community exercise facility.Methods:Twenty-three participants (age: 40.4±11.6 years, C1-T11, 12.0±10.0 years post injury) were randomized into PAG training (n=12) or active control (CON, n=11) groups. PAG training was 2x per week for 16 weeks and involved 20 min of aerobic exercise at a moderate to vigorous intensity and three sets of 10 repetitions (at 50-70% 1 repetition maximum; 1RM). Pre- and post-testing included peak exercise and aerobic endurance tests on an arm ergometer and 1RM testing.Results:Nineteen participants (PAG, n=11; CON, n=8) completed the 16-week training program and post-testing. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in peak aerobic capacity (relative VO2peak: 17.2%, absolute VO2peak: 9.9%) and submaximal power output (26.3%) in the PAG group only. Increases in strength ranged from 11.5-38.9% and were significantly (P<0.05) different from CON for vertical bench press, seated row, and rickshaw press. Adherence to the exercise program was 85.2±8.3% for PAG, 44.4±34.3% for CON (P<0.01).Conclusion:The PAG for adults with SCI are sufficient to improve aspects of aerobic and muscular fitness and should be promoted as a means to improve physical capacity.Sponsorship:Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Cross-sectional.Objectives:To evaluate exercise equipment preferences and compare cardiometabolic demand for passive hybrid and arm-only exercise among adults with paraplegia (PP) and those with tetraplegia (TP).Setting:Four community exercise programmes.Methods:Thirty-six adults (mean age: 41.1±12.1 years) with chronic (11.4±10.7 years post injury) TP (C3-C8; n=17) or PP (T3-T12; n=19) were recruited. Participants completed 20 min of submaximal aerobic exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity on four types of aerobic exercise equipment: arm cycle ergometer (ACE), arm glider (AG), arm-leg recumbent stepper (ALRS), and arm-leg cycle ergometer (ALCE). Participants also completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of resistance exercise using wall pulleys (WP) and weight stack (WS) equipment. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate equipment preference. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured in a subset of participants (n=9) during submaximal aerobic exercise.Results:Arm-only exercise modes were perceived as being safer than passive hybrid exercise modes. There were no differences in perceived enjoyment between equipment types and groups. There were significant group but not equipment differences in HR (TP: 101.4 bpm; PP: 124.9 bpm) and VO2 (TP: 6.5 ml•kg−1•min−1; PP: 10.5 mL•kg−1•min−1) during submaximal aerobic exercise.Conclusion:In this cross-community assessment of exercise equipment preferences after spinal cord injury (SCI), arm-only exercise modes were perceived as safer than hybrid exercise modes and there were no differences between equipment types in physiological responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multi-stage study aimed to design and validate a patient treatment acceptability outcome measure that is fit-for-purpose across the psoriasis disease severity spectrum. Stage 1 involved a group concept mapping (GCM) exercise to explore and understand patient perspectives and unmet needs in psoriasis treatment in patients newly diagnosed with mild psoriasis. This study aimed to develop a measure across the psoriasis disease severity spectrum that would bolster patient and clinician communication on treatment expectations. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction Rendre la vaccination plus « acceptable » par les populations est un enjeu de santé publique. Les épidémies récentes de rougeole sont liées à une baisse de la couverture vaccinale. Dans ce contexte nous développons le concept de la vaccination personnalisée. En effet, la seconde dose (rattrapage) de vaccin rougeole n’est justifiée que pour ceux qui n’ont pas répondu à la première dose. Un nombre élevé d’enfants reçoivent ainsi une dose inutile. Nous avons développé un test rapide destiné à discriminer les personnes justifiant de la seconde dose de vaccin. Nous présentons les performances du premier test rapide mondiale rougeole, entièrement développé en France. Matériels et méthodes Les patients inclus venaient pour un contrôle sérologique (ex : HBV). Leur statut vaccinal était attesté par un carnet de vaccination. Chaque patient a eu un prélèvement capillaire pour réalisation du test rapide. La lecture du résultat (à 15 min) était réalisée de façon indépendante par deux opérateurs. Le prélèvement sanguin veineux a permis la réalisation du test quantitatif de référence (Liaison Measles ® ). Les données ont été analysées à l’aide du logiciel R. Les mesures de sensibilité et spécificité ont été déterminées au seuil de 16,5 UA/mL correspondant à 175 UI/mL, taux protecteur selon l’OMS. Résultats Au total, 139 personnes ont été incluses dans l’étude. Deux jamais vaccinées, 24 avaient reçu une seule dose, 82 avaient reçu 2 doses, 2 avaient reçu 3 doses, 16 avaient présenté une rougeole dans l’enfance et 13 étaient indéterminés. Au total, 79 % des personnes ayant eu une seule dose dans l’enfance et 88 % de ceux ayant eu 2 doses étaient protégés au seuil de 175 UI/mL (taux d’efficacité vaccinale). La sensibilité et la spécificité du test rapide étaient respectivement de 66,7 % (IC 95 % : 58,2 %–75,1 %) et de 96,7 % (90,5 %–100 %), la VPP était de 98,7 % et le rapport de vraisemblance positif et négatif étaient respectivement 12,6 et 0,35 témoignant d’une très forte liaison entre le test rapide et la présence d’IgG (coef Yule : 0,95). Pour les personnes n’ayant reçu qu’une dose de vaccin ( n = 24), 19 avaient un taux d’IgG > 175 UI/mL (79 %) : le test rapide était négatif pour 10 d’entre eux. Cinq (21 %) avaient un taux d’IgG < 175 UI/mL : parmi eux, aucun test rapide n’était positif. Conclusion Le test Biosynex Measles présente des performances techniques prometteuses. Tous les patients non immuns après une dose avaient un test rapide négatif et seraient éligibles pour la seconde dose. Au total, 52 % des patients immunisés après une dose recevraient une seconde dose versus 79 % selon la stratégie vaccinale actuelle. Si les performances du test étaient confirmées à plus large échelle, en France, sur 800 000 naissances annuelles le test rapide permettrait d’éviter 300 000 vaccinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State‐of‐the‐art climate models rely on bulk formulae arising from the Monin–Obukhov semi‐empirical theory to estimate turbulent air–sea fluxes. The mathematical structure of those formulae implies several difficulties when trying to study the numerical properties of coupling algorithms used for practical applications. This article introduces a methodology for building physically realistic approximations of existing bulk formulae which would also satisfy suitable mathematical properties (explicit character, regularity, differentiability). This is achieved by applying the Sobol' method to compute sensitivity indices in order to reduce the number of inputs and derive a simple metamodel for the parametrization of turbulent air–sea fluxes. Numerical results show excellent agreement between our approximations and the standard bulk formulae. In particular, single‐column simulations using the TOGA–COARE experiment within the LMDZ atmospheric model show negligible changes in numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although reported to be effective as a performance validity test (PVT) in TBI and ADHD, little is known about the ability of the CPT-II to model performance validity in psychiatric patients. Also, while repeat CPT-II administrations have been shown to enhance its diagnostic accuracy in ADHD evaluations, the effect of such strategic redundancy on validity assessment is largely unknown. Method: CPT-II subtests previously identified as embedded PVTs (ePVTs) were systematically tested in a sample of 30 patients with a variety of psychiatric conditions but without credible evidence of neuropsychological impairment. Neurocognitive profiles were classified as valid (n = 18) and invalid (n = 12) using a composite measure based on 20 independent PVTs. The CPT-II was administered twice, at the beginning and at the end of the testing session. Results: Significant improvement in signal detection properties was observed from Time 1 to Time 2 for Commission T ≥ 60, Perseveration T ≥ 70, Variability T ≥ 60 and the combination of Commission T ≥ 60 and Variability T ≥ 60. No difference was found for Omission T ≥ 80 and Hit RT T ≥ 60. Negligible loss in sensitivity was noted on Hit RT SE T ≥ 90. Conclusion(s): Results suggest that the ePVTs in the CPT-II developed in TBI and ADHD samples generalize to other clinical populations. Furthermore, invalid neuropsychological profiles are common in psychiatric patients (40% of the current sample). Finally, repeating the CPT-II or administering it later during the day tends to improve its signal detection properties as a PVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse rates; however, effectiveness of treatments may vary. We describe MS relapses related to treatment patterns among patients who switch treatment after their first DMT. [Extracted from the article]

In all, 1,645 biologic-naive psoriasis patients initiating apremilast were matched to 1,645 biologic-naive psoriasis patients initiating biologics (TNF: n=1,207; IL: n=438). Biologic-naive psoriasis patients initiating apremilast had significantly lower healthcare costs than patients initiating TNF and IL inhibitors. [Extracted from the article]

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse rates; understanding treatment patterns and effectiveness in relapse reduction across all available DMTs using real-world data is important. We describe treatment patterns and post-DMT initiation relapses stratified by the number of pre-initiation relapses among newly treated MS patients overall, and by treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a keto carotenoid, which possesses a non-polar linear central conjugated chain and polar β-ionone rings with ketone and hydroxyl groups at the extreme ends. It is well known as a super anti-oxidant, and recent clinical studies have established its nutritional benefits. Although it occurs in several forms, including free molecule, crystalline, aggregates and various geometrical isomers, in nature it exists primarily in the form of esters. Marine animals accumulate ASTX from primary sources such as algae. Nordic shrimps (P. borealis), which are harvested widely in the Atlantic Ocean, form a major source of astaxanthin esters. “Astaxanthin-rich shrimp oil” was developed as a novel product in a shrimp processing plant in Eastern Canada. A compositional analysis of the shrimp oil was performed, with a view to possibly use it as a nutraceutical product for humans and animals. Astaxanthin-rich shrimp oil contains 50% MUFAs and 22% PUFAs, of which 20% are omega-3. In addition, the shrimp oil contains interesting amounts of EPA and DHA, with 10%/w and 8%/w, respectively. Astaxanthin concentrations varied between 400 and 1000 ppm, depending on the harvesting season of the shrimp. Astaxanthin and its esters were isolated from the oil and analysed by NMR, FTIR and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Astaxanthin mono- and diesters were synthesized and used as standards for the analysis of astaxanthin-rich shrimp oil. NMR and vibrational spectroscopy techniques were successfully used for the rapid characterization of monoesters and diesters of astaxanthin. Raman spectroscopy provided important intermolecular interactions present in the esterified forms of astaxanthin molecules. Also discussed in this paper is the use of NMR, FTIR and Micro-Raman spectroscopy for the detection of astaxanthin esters in shrimp oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess absenteeism and associated lost productivity costs among employed parents and spouses of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Caregivers were family members of children (n=229) and spouses (n=2,488) with MS; 8 family caregivers had both children and a spouse with MS. Conclusions There is a substantial indirect economic burden related to productivity loss among employed parent and spouse caregivers of patients with MS. [Extracted from the article]

To examine real-world safety outcomes and the impact of AEs on HRU and TCOC (product acquisition and postinfusion costs) among patients with LBCL receiving CAR T-cell therapy. In MarketScan® and Clinformatics®, respectively, 74% and 86% of patients experienced CRS, 16% and 23% experienced severe CRS, 58% and 74% experienced NE, and 68% and 83% experienced prolonged cytopenia. Per-patient TCOC in the 3-months postinfusion were $711,615 among patients with severe CRS, $465,544 in those with any-grade CRS and NE, and $485,065 in those with prolonged cytopenia. [Extracted from the article]

Scratch tests and reciprocating sliding tests were carried out under lubricated conditions to explore the influence of hard chrome plating on iron fines formation. In the scratch tests, the effect of hard chrome plating on iron fines formation at single asperity contact due to its inherent property have been investigated. In the reciprocating sliding tests, the initial roughness of the substrate and the roughness changes introduced due to the hard chrome coating have been taken into account. It was found that both the tribochemistry of the chromium layer and the smoothening of aggressive roughness features from the grinding process due to chrome plating play an important role in reducing iron fines formation. • Effect of hard chrome plating on iron fines formation due to its inherent property and surface roughness studied. • Tribochemistry of the contact interface with and without hard chrome plating studied. • Effect of hard chrome plating on surface roughness investigated. • Hard chrome plating reduced friction, material transfer and iron fines generated. • Surface chemistry of the chromium layer and smoothening of sharp roughness features influence iron fines formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In all, 1,471 biologic-naive PsA patients initiating apremilast were matched to 890 biologic-naive PsA patients initiating biologics (TNF: n=804; IL: n=86). Biologic-naive PsA patients initiating apremilast had significantly lower healthcare costs than patients initiating biologics in a US claims database. [Extracted from the article]

This study examined the short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) burden (as measures of severe productivity loss) among employees with multiple sclerosis (MS) initiating disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). Oral DMT initiators had the lowest percentage of short-term disability claims and days per long-term disability claim, suggesting productivity benefits in severe productivity loss with early access to orals. [Extracted from the article]