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The development and validation of a standard area diagram set (SADs) was proposed in this study to assess the severity of powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) leaves. The SADs proposed has twelve levels of severity, varying from 0.07 to 100%. The SADs were validated by 16 raters who had no previous experience in evaluating plant disease severity. Initially, the estimation of severity was performed without the use of the SADs in leaves with different levels of severity. In a second moment, the same raters estimated the disease severity using the SADs proposed. By Lin?s concordance correlation analysis, there was an improvement in precision (coefficient of correlation, r = 0.878 and r = 0.959, without and with SADs, respectively) and accuracy (bias correction factor, Cb = 0.830 and 0.982, without and with SADs, respectively) using SADs when compared to the non-use of SADs. The agreement (Lin?s concordance correlation coefficient, ρc = 0.734 and 0.952 without and with SADs, espectively) also improved using SADs. Severity estimates inter-rater were more reliable when using SADs (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.681 without and R2 = 0.864 with SADs; Intra-class correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.759 and ρ = 0.928, without and with SADs, respectively). Therefore, SADs improved precision, accuracy and reliability of powdery mildew severity on watermelon leaves. Made available in DSpace on 2022-10-11T17:08:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Development-and-validation-of-a-standard-area-diagram-set-to-assess-powdery-mildew-2020.pdf: 2583945 bytes, checksum: 155f303e6ffe1d00f0091d31034fa1b4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of OCTA retinal imaging for the discovery of biomarkers of vascular disease of the eye and other organs. Furthermore, advances in deep learning have made it possible to train algorithms for the automated detection of such biomarkers. However, two key limitations of this approach are the need for large numbers of labeled images to train the algorithms, which are often not met by the typical single-centre prospective studies in the literature, and the lack of interpretability of the features learned during training. In the current study, we developed a network analysis framework to characterise retinal vasculature where geometric and topological information are exploited to increase the performance of classifiers trained on tens of OCTA images. We demonstrate our approach in two different diseases with a retinal vascular footprint: diabetic retinopathy (DR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our approach enables the discovery of previously unreported retinal vascular morphological differences in DR and CKD, and demonstrate the potential of OCTA for automated disease assessment.

INTRODUCTION In patients with ileal neuroendocrine tumours (ileal NETs), head-to-head evaluation of diagnostic performances of 68 Ga-DOTA-peptides and 18 F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (18 F-FDOPA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been performed in only few small patients' cohorts. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare 68 Ga-DOTATOC and 18 F-FDOPA PET/CT for metastatic disease assessment in a homogeneous large series of patients with well-differentiated ileal NETs. METHODS All patients with ileal NETs who underwent both 18 F-FDOPA and 68 Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT within a 3-month period and no therapeutic change between the two studies were retrospectively included. The detection rates of both modalities were calculated using per-patient, per-region and per-lesion analyses. RESULTS Forty one patients with ileal NETs were evaluated. 18 F-FDOPA and 68 Ga-DOTATOC showed similar detection rates according to per-patient (97% for both) and per-region analyses (94% for 18 F-FDOPA vs 88% for 68 Ga-DOTATOC, P = .35). For a total of 605 positive lesions, 458 (76%) were detected by both modalities, 122 (20%) exclusively by 18 F-FDOPA PET/CT, and 25 (4%) by 68 Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT only. In a per-lesion analysis, 18 F-FDOPA PET/CT performed better than 68 Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT (overall detection rates of 96% vs 80%; P

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two primary forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, IBD likely represents a wide disease spectrum based on the etiology, pathogenetic pathways, clinical presentation, and disease course. Overlaps exist between IBD and other immune-mediated disorders or chronic inflammatory disorders. On the other hand, the differential diagnosis can be difficult. Endoscopy along with histology plays a key role in the disease assessment. A detailed classification of IBD is proposed.

Ladakh region does not favour cultivation of crops due to the harsh physio-geographical conditions. In recent years, the protected cultivation has been used extensively to grow vegetable and fruit crops in this region. However, favourable climate for plant growth inside the poly house, also provide conducive environment for several plant pathogens. Thus, present study was undertaken to determine the disease incidence (DI) and disease severity (DS) in six different vegetable and fruit crops namely Cucumis sativus, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Capsicum annuum, Solanum lycopersicum, Luffa sp. and Fragaria spp. grown under protected cultivation in various areas of Ladakh. Results suggest that the DI for the studied crops did not show significant variation (F ≤ 2.7; p ≥ 0.15). Similarly, the DS among the study crops was also statistically indifferent among different protected cultivation sites studied in different areas of Ladakh region (p ≥ 0.08), except for Solanum lycopersicum (F = 6.1; p = 0.037). The highest DI recorded was 51.5 ± 5.5 in Solanum lycopersicum followed by 30.9 ± 5.2 in Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. Similarly, highest DS was 27.0 ± 3.1 observed in Solanum lycopersicum followed by 23.6 ± 4.8 in Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. The variation in DI and DS among the study crops was statistically significant (F ≥ 32.9; p

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) causes severe necrotic leaf symptoms on Gala, the most cultivated apple cultivar in Brazil. To evaluate this disease, the standard area diagram set (SADs) developed on the state of Parana for a leaf severity level up to 30.93% has been used. However, in samples collected in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, disease symptoms reach 75% of severity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and to validate new SADs that include higher GLS severity levels. The proposed SADs have 10 color images of diseased leaves with severity values ranging from 0.2 to 75%. These SADs were validated by 12 raters and have significantly improved the disease assessment. Therefore, it is believed that SADs developed in the present study will allow an adequate evaluation in regions or orchards where the disease is more severe.

One of the drawbacks of conducting research on Goss's bacterial wilt and leaf blight disease, caused by the bacterium Clavibacter nebraskensis (Cn) on corn (Zea mays L.), is the lack of standardized and validated inoculation and disease assessment methods. Here we report foliar and root inoculation techniques with a standardized scale for reliable assessment of symptoms to allow for disease assessment of the Goss's wilt disease on corn. The leaf inoculation method allowed for the application of equal amounts of inoculum, which ensured consistency in measurements and prevented inoculum run off from the inoculation site. The reliability of a leaf inoculation method based on either lesion length or disease severity, and root inoculation based on disease severity was validated statistically using two Cn isolates, Cmn14-5-1 and DOAB232, which possess high and low levels of aggressiveness, respectively. The leaf disease-severity and the lesion length methods for disease assessment clearly provided the most precise estimation of the level of aggressiveness of Cn isolates among the tested years (2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons). In addition, the disease severity based on the root inoculation method was validated, but the high variation among experimental runs within each year suggested that it might be the least reliable method for assessment of the disease severity. Our results indicated no significant trend in overall isolate aggressiveness over the years using the leaf inoculation method based on either lesion length or leaf disease-severity.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease, is considered a significant global health burden. Climate changes or different weather conditions may impact infectious diseases, specifically those transmitted by insect vectors and contaminated water. Based on the current predictions for climate change associated with the increase in carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere and the increase in atmospheric temperature, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that in 2050, malaria may threaten some previously unexposed areas worldwide and cause a 50% higher probability of malaria cases. Climatebased distribution models of malaria depict an increase in the geographic distribution of the disease as global environmental temperatures and conditions worsen. Researchers have studied the influence of changes in climate on the prevalence of malaria using different mathematical models that consider different variables and predict the conditions for malaria distribution. In this context, we conducted a mini-review to elucidate the important aspects described in the literature on the influence of climate change in the distribution and transmission of malaria. It is important to develop possible risk management strategies and enhance the surveillance system enhanced even in currently malaria-free areas predicted to experience malaria in the future. © 2019, Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. All rights reserved.

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1204: VII International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops - SEST2016.

BACKGROUND Current evidence suggests physical activity (PA) and sleep are important for cognitive health; however, few studies examining the role of PA and sleep for cognitive health have measured these behaviors objectively. OBJECTIVE We cross-sectionally examined whether 1) higher PA is associated with better cognitive performance independently of sleep quality; 2) higher sleep quality is associated with better cognitive performance independently of PA; and 3) whether higher PA is associated with better sleep quality. METHODS We measured PA, subjective sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and objective sleep quality (i.e., fragmentation, efficiency, duration, and latency) using the MotionWatch8© in community-dwelling adults (N = 137; aged 55+). Cognitive function was indexed using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Plus. Correlation analyses were performed to determine relationships between PA, sleep quality, and cognitive function. We then used latent variable modelling to examine the relationships of PA with cognitive function independently of sleep quality, sleep quality with cognitive function independently of PA, and PA with sleep quality. RESULTS We found greater PA was associated with better cognitive performance independently of 1) PSQI (β= -0.03; p

Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis is an important and destructive foliar disease of maize (Zeae mays) mostly in the mid hills of Nepal. Considering its potential threat to maize production, a total of fourty two and thirty different maize genotypes were evaluated in the year 2012 and 2013 respectively with two replications in observation nursery at Kapurkot, Salyan (1480 masl) for resistance to GLS. Disease assessment was made using 1-5 scale at 15 days interval for three times starting from tasseling stage (65 days after sowing). The results showed that no immune and highly resistant genotypes were found in both the year. Response of 27 out of 42 genotypes of maize were identified as moderately resistant (2-2.5 score) and 15 genotypes showed moderately susceptible (3 score) to GLS during 2012. During 2013 out of 30 genotypes of maize 27 were identified as moderately resistant (1.75-2.5 score) and 3 moderately susceptible (2.75-3 score) to GLS. Among the tested genotypes, BGBYPOP, Rampur SO3FO4, Celaya OOHGYA*HGYB, O7SADVI, Manakamana-3, SO1SIYQ and local were found most promising and moderately resistant to GLS disease during 2012 and SYN312-SR and CML-395/CML-444 during 2013.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el control químico de la roya asiática de la soya (Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. Y P. Syd.) Utilizando diferentes puntas y boquillas en condiciones controladas.La trifolia enraizada colocada dentro de una caja acrílica que contiene macronutrientes, micronutrientes y vitaminas se trataron con los siguientes fungicidas: epoxiconazol + piraclostrobina, ciproconazol + azoxistrobina y tebuconazol. Estos fungicidas se pulverizaron a una altura de 0.5 m con dos pulverizadores de mochila presurizados con gas CO2 (generador de caída en cuatro puntas de pulverización espaciados 0.5 m uno del otro) y otra boquilla giratoria (generador de caída a través de una boquilla giratoria). La trifolia no tratada eran controles. Se colocó papel sensible al agua junto a cada caja de acrílico para obtener el diámetro medio del volumen (MVD), el número de gotas.cm-2 y la cobertura (%). Trifolia se inocularon 24 horas después de que estos se trataron con fungicida, usando una concentración de esporas ajustada a 2 x 104 uredosporas.mL-1. Luego, se cuantificó el número de lesiones y uredia.cm-2 en las valvas centrales. Se observó un menor número de lesiones y uredia.cm-2 en folíolos tratados con dos mezclas de fungicidas usando una punta AIRMIX 11001. Se encontró una menor VMD en foliolos pulverizados con los fungicidas azoxystrobin + epoxiconazol y tebuconazol, en comparación con los folíolos tratados con otra mezcla. El control de la roya asiática, así como el número de gotas.cm-2 y la cobertura, parece depender de las interacciones entre los fungicidas y las puntas o boquillas.

The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) was developed in the 1980s to assess the level of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Advancements in the research field have shifted focus toward pre-dementia populations, and use of the ADAS-Cog has extended into these pre-dementia studies despite concerns about its ability to detect important changes at these milder stages of disease progression. If the ADAS-Cog cannot detect important changes, our understanding of pre-dementia disease progression may be compromised and trials may incorrectly conclude that a novel treatment approach is not beneficial. The purpose of this review was to assess the performance of the ADAS-Cog in pre-dementia populations, and to review all modifications that have been made to the ADAS-Cog to improve its measurement performance in dementia or pre-dementia populations. The contents of this review are based on bibliographic searches of electronic databases to locate all studies using the ADAS-Cog in pre-dementia samples or subsamples, and to locate all modified versions. Citations from relevant articles were also consulted. Overall, our results suggest the original ADAS-Cog is not an optimal outcome measure for pre-dementia studies; however, given the prominence of the ADAS-Cog, care must be taken when considering the use of alternative outcome measures. Thirty-one modified versions of the ADAS-Cog were found. Modification approaches that appear most beneficial include altering scoring methodology or adding tests of memory, executive function, and/or daily functioning. Although modifications improve the performance of the ADAS-Cog, this is at the cost of introducing heterogeneity that may limit between-study comparison.

The Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) is a battery to assess cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and was developed according to the core characteristics of cognitive decline in AD: memory, language, praxis, constructive ability, and orientation. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic accuracy and discriminative capacity of the ADAS-Cog for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD, using cut-off points for the Portuguese population.The European Portuguese version of the ADAS-Cog was administrated to 650 participants, divided into a control group (n = 210), an MCI group (n = 240), and an AD group (n = 200). The clinical groups fulfilled standard international diagnostic criteria. Controls were healthy cognitive participants actively integrated in the community. The neuropsychological assessment protocol included the ADAS-Cog, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Adults and Older Adults Functional Assessment Inventory (IAFAI).The ADAS-Cog revealed good psychometric indicators, and the total scores were significantly different between the three groups (p .001: Control MCI AD). The optimal cut-off points established were: MCI 9 points (AUC = .835; sensitivity = 58% and specificity = 91%) and AD 12 points (AUC = .996; sensitivity = 94% and specificity = 98%).Our findings confirmed the capacity of the ADAS-Cog total score to identify cognitive impairment in AD patients, with poor sensitivity for MCI, in a Portuguese cohort.

Introdução: A Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala cognitiva (ADAS-Cog) é uma bateria neuropsicológica breve desenvolvida para caracterizar o desempenho cognitivo de doentes com doença de Alzheimer. Avalia as funções tipicamente mais comprometidas na doença de Alzheimer considerando os seguintes domínios cognitivos: memória, orientação, linguagem, praxia e capacidade construtiva. A deteção precoce das alterações cognitivas assim como a sua monitorização são fundamentais para a prática em ambos os contextos clínico e de investigação. O presente estudo tem como objetivos analisar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa da Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala cognitiva e estabelecer dados normativos para a população portuguesa.Material e Métodos: A versão portuguesa da Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala foi administrada a 223 participantes cognitivamente saudáveis. Todos os participantes foram avaliados com os seguintes instrumentos: Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment e Inventário de Avaliação Funcional de Adultos e Idosos. Considerou-se como critério para a inclusão no estudo obter um desempenho normal nestas três provas.Resultados: A Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala revelou boas propriedades psicométricas quando utilizada na população portuguesa. A idade demonstrou ser o principal preditor do desempenho na Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala (R2 = 0,123), tendo a escolaridade menor influência (R2 = 0,027). Em conjunto, estas variáveis sociodemográficas explicaram 14,4% da variância na pontuação total da Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala, sendo ambas consideradas na estratificação dos dados normativos para a população portuguesa.Conclusão: A pontuação total média na Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala foi de 6 pontos. Os dados normativos foram estabelecidos de acordo com a idade e escolaridade, sendo estas variáveis sociodemográficas as que mais contribuíram para a predição do desempenho na Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer – subescala, explicando 14,4% da variância. Os dados normativos são de extrema importância para o uso adequado desta bateria em Portugal.

Introduction This study aims to evaluate the conceptual relevance of four measures of disease activity in patients with mild/mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD): (1) the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale; (2) the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory; (3) the Neuropsychiatry Inventory; and (4) the Dependence Scale. Methods A conceptual model depicting patient experience of mild AD was developed via literature review; concepts were compared with the items of the four measures. Relevance of the concepts included in the four measures was evaluated by patients with mild AD in a survey and follow-up interviews. Results The four measures assessed few of the symptoms/impacts of mild AD identified within the literature. Measured items addressing emotional impacts were deemed most relevant by participants but were included in the measures only superficially. Discussion The four assessment measures do not appear to capture the concepts most relevant to/important to patients with mild/mild-moderate AD., Highlights • Many impacts associated with mild Alzheimer's disease were reported by patients. • The included outcome measures assessed did not provide high conceptual coverage. • These four measures appeared more suitable for more severe Alzheimer's disease. • Completion of patient reported outcomes should be possible in this patient population. • These may be currently used in addition to clinician- and observer-reported outcomes.

Introduction We evaluated the selective M1 muscarinic positive allosteric modulator, MK-7622, as adjunctive cognitive enhancing therapy in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Methods A randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept trial was performed. Participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, being treated with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, were randomized 1:1 to 45 mg of MK-7622 or placebo for 24 weeks. Endpoints included the mean change from baseline in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog11) at 12 weeks and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory at 24 weeks. Results Two hundred forty participants were randomized. The trial was stopped for futility after meeting prospectively defined stopping criteria. MK-7622 did not improve cognition at 12 weeks (group difference in ADAS-Cog11: 0.18 [95% confidence interval: −1.0 to 1.3]) or function at 24 weeks (group difference in Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory: 0.06 [95% confidence interval: −2.4 to 2.5]). More participants taking MK-7622 discontinued study medication because of adverse events than those taking placebo (16% vs 6%) and who experienced cholinergically related adverse events (21% vs 8%). Discussion MK-7622 (45 mg) does not improve cognition or function when used as adjunctive therapy in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease., Highlights • MK-7622 is a positive allosteric modulator of the M1 receptor. • MK-7622 did not improve cognition or function in Alzheimer's disease patients. • MK-7622 increased cholinergically related side effects in Alzheimer's disease patients. • M1 positive allosteric modulation is not useful for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects neurological, cognitive, and behavioral processes. Thus, to accurately assess this disease, researchers and clinicians need to combine and incorporate data across these domains. This presents not only distinct methodological and statistical challenges but also unique opportunities for the development and advancement of psychometric techniques. In this article, we describe relatively recent research using item response theory (IRT) that has been used to make progress in assessing the disease across its various symptomatic and pathological manifestations. We focus on applications of IRT to improve scoring, test development (including cross-validation and adaptation), and linking and calibration. We conclude by describing potential future multidimensional applications of IRT techniques that may improve the precision with which AD is measured.

Background: Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important biomarker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Among patients who achieve remission after standard chemotherapy, detection of MRD (MRD+) after two cycles of intensive chemotherapy, at the end of consolidation and before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is a strong prognostic factor for relapse and shorter overall survival (OS) (Short NJ, JAMA Oncol. 2020). The optimal time-points to asses MRD, and MRD cut-offs as well as whether eliminating of MRD due to further chemotherapy improves an outcome still remain open questions. PALG-AML1/2016 study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of two commonly used induction and salvage regimens in AML (NCT03257241). This is also the first international randomized trial in AML induction to prospectively evaluate the impact of MRD on overall survival, using multi-modality testing (flow-cytometry, FC; next-generation sequencing, NGS) of serial samples. Study Design: In this study, 582 adult patients with newly-diagnosed AML will be randomized to DA-90 or DAC induction. Patients with complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) receive further post-remission therapy adjusted to predefined risk group. The serial samples for multimodal MRD evaluation are collected at D14 (MRD-1), at time of CR/CRi after single or two induction cycles (MRD-2), and after each consolidation cycle (MRD-3, -4, -5). Material and Methods. The aim of this preliminary analysis was to evaluate the prognostic value of bone marrow assessment at D14 both cytological and by FC (MRD-1) as well as the kinetics of MRD during post-remission treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed with significant variables from univariate analyses, including MRD and blast count. The predictive power of the MRD level and blasts percentage at D14 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis to determine the ability of the biomarkers to accurately predict response to the induction treatment. Results: The study group consisted of 284 patients (mean age: 47.1 ± 10.9) recruited until the end of May 2021. MRD-1 by FC was reported in 225 patients. CR and CRi either after single or double induction were achieved in 175 (61.6%) and 48 (16.9%) patients, respectively leading to an overall CR/CRi rate 78.5%. In univariate analyses, the factors significantly associated with achieving CR/CRi were: ELN high-risk group (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05-0.33, p MRD-3 at the end of consolidation 1 was reported in 182 patients: MRD+ in 99 (54.4%) and MRD- in 83 (45.6%) patients. Results of MRD-4 at the end of consolidation 2 were available in 114 patients with 49 (43.0%) being MRD+ and 65 (57.0%) MRD-. Fifty-eight patients (35 MRD-2+ and 23 MRD-2-) were evaluated for MRD kinetics from the end of induction until the end of consolidation 3. Conversion rate from MRD- to MRD+ was 13% (n=3) and from MRD+ to MRD- 34%(n=12), respectively (p=0.038). Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest that flow cytometric bone marrow assessment on D14 has a predictive value for CR/CRi achievement and a potential prognostic utility for overall survival. The kinetics of MRD during consolidation requires further studies to better evaluate its prognostic significance. References Short NJ, JAMA Oncol. 2020; Zhou S, Fu C, et al. Association of Measurable Residual Disease with Survival Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. 6(12):1890-1899. Disclosures Wierzbowska: Celgene/BMS: Consultancy; Jazz: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Libura: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Giebel: Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Czemerska: Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria. Sobas: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria. Wróbel: Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BeiGene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Patkowska: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Other: Travel fees; Angelini Pharma: Honoraria, Other: Travel fees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Travel fees; Pfizer: Other: Travel fees; Astellas Pharma, Inc.: Consultancy, Other: Travel fees; Servier: Honoraria, Other: Travel fees; KCR US, Inc.: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria, Other: Travel fees; AMGEN: Honoraria. Desai: Kura Oncology: Consultancy; Astex: Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Janssen R&D: Research Funding. Lee: Innate: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pin Therapeutics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ritchie: Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; ARIAD Pharmaceuticals: Ended employment in the past 24 months, Speakers Bureau; Jazz: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene/BMS: Consultancy, Other: travel support, Speakers Bureau; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Protaganist: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Guzman: SeqRx: Consultancy; BridgeMedicines: Consultancy; Cellectis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roboz: Actinium: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Jasper Therapeutics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Astex: Consultancy; Helsinn: Consultancy; Glaxo SmithKline: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; MEI Pharma - IDMC Chair: Consultancy; Mesoblast: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: cladribine in the induction chemotherapy

The study aimed to improve the small-ear waxy corn populations for prolificacy, high total carotenoid content and resistance to downy mildew. Three cycles of modified mass selection were carried out for population improvement. Forty-four genotypes derived from eight C3 populations and six check varieties were evaluated for agronomic traits and yield at Khon Kaen and screened for downy mildew resistance in the rainy season 2020 at two experimental sites in Ban Phang district of Khon Kaen province. Fifty genotypes were clustered into six major groups based on color parameter (h°) and total ear number. Two selected groups (C and E) with two populations of small-ear waxy corn including Nei9008/BK-24-9-B and TY/TF-33-1-B were selected as they were resistant to downy mildew, prolific ears, and intense orange kernel color. Modified mass selection was effective for improvement of multiple traits in waxy corn.

Over the past years, the Lecanosticta acicola fungus or brown band is seriously damaging the pine forests of northern Spain. This fungus happens to dry the leaves and branches of trees. The present article describes the equipment and methodology for assessing the severity and spread of diseases in trees quickly, easily and cheaply. The concept is based on a basic assumption: a sick tree does not sound the same when it is hit as a healthy one does. The breakthrough character of the present work comes from a basic mechanical principle: if a tree loses water its density is reduced, so the sound that it makes when it is hit, also known as its acoustic response, is higher. If the tree is healthy it will grow, so the sound will be the same or deeper. The human ear cannot distinguish these variations or quantify them, but a microphone with an acquisition system can. After initial proofs of concept on real trunks, the function that relates the frequency increase to the degree of dehydration of the tree, and therefore to the severity of the disease, has been identified. Then, the method has been tested in a real forest with sick pines and compared to visual inspection of an expert. After several months of tests, it has been concluded that the trend of the acoustic method coincides with the visual assessment, with the difference that it is objective, while visual inspection is not. It has even demonstrated to be able to foresee the healing of trees before new leaves start to sprout.

The development of effective systemic treatments has revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The availability of safe new treatments and the understanding of psoriasis as a systemic disease with comorbidities and effects on quality of life have driven the current aggressive treatment paradigm of psoriasis. Historically the morbidity of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been dismissed, given the perception of AD as "just" a rash. Differences in the guidelines for psoriasis and AD management may suggest variations in the current conceptualization of disease severity and effects on quality of life. Published guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology for the management of psoriasis and AD were reviewed. We recorded the similarities and differences in disease assessment and therapy. The threshold to use biologic agents for moderate to severe psoriasis highlights the aggressive nature of modern psoriasis treatment. AD guidelines include an assessment of quality of life but do not designate a disease severity threshold for systemic treatment. AD and psoriasis have a tremendous effect on quality of life. The AD guidelines have a less aggressive approach to disease management than the psoriasis guidelines. We should think critically about rapid advancement to systemic agents in AD management, especially now that more and better agents are being developed.

The GERAS study is an international observational study with dementia patients of the Alzheimer type (AD) and their caregivers in everyday care. The 18-month data recorded in Germany are presented. Disease progression, medical and psychosocial consequences for both patients and caregivers were recorded using commonly used tests in clinical care: the mini mental status examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale (ADAS-Cog14), Alzheimer's disease cooperative study activities of daily living inventory (ADCS-ADL), neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI-12), resource utilization in dementia (RUD) and the Zarit burden interview (ZBI). Definition of AD severity level (MMSE): 21-26 mild (miAD), 15-20 moderate (moAD)