Evaluation of Tunisian wheat endophytes as plant growth promoting bacteria and biological control agents against Fusarium culmorum.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) applications have emerged as an ideal substitute for synthetic chemicals by their ability to improve plant nutrition and resistance against pathogens. In this study, we isolated fourteen root endophytes from healthy wheat roots cultivated in Tunisia. The isolates were identified based from their 16S rRNA gene sequences. They belonged to Bacillota and Pseudomonadota taxa. Fourteen strains were tested for their growth-promoting and defense-eliciting potentials on durum wheat under greenhouse conditions, and for their in vitro biocontrol power against Fusarium culmorum, an ascomycete responsible for seedling blight, foot and root rot, and head blight diseases of wheat. We found that all the strains improved shoot and/or root biomass accumulation, with Bacillus mojavensis, Paenibacillus peoriae and Variovorax paradoxus showing the strongest promoting effects. These physiological effects were correlated with the plant growth-promoting traits of the bacterial endophytes, which produced indole-related compounds, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and solubilized phosphate and zinc. Likewise, plant defense accumulations were modulated lastingly and systematically in roots and leaves by all the strains. Testing in vitro antagonism against F. culmorum revealed an inhibition activity exceeding 40% for five strains: Bacillus cereus, Paenibacillus peoriae, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Pantoae agglomerans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These strains exhibited significant inhibitory effects on F. culmorum mycelia growth, sporulation, and/or macroconidia germination. P. peoriae performed best, with total inhibition of sporulation and macroconidia germination. These finding highlight the effectiveness of root bacterial endophytes in promoting plant growth and resistance, and in controlling phytopathogens such as F. culmorum. This is the first report identifying 14 bacterial candidates as potential agents for the control of F. culmorum, of which Paenibacillus peoriae and/or its intracellular metabolites have potential for development as biopesticides.

Development and validation of the tic score for early detection of traumatic coagulopathy upon hospital admission: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Critically injured patients need rapid and appropriate hemostatic treatment, which requires prompt identification of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) upon hospital admission. We developed and validated the performance of a clinical score based on prehospital resuscitation parameters and vital signs at hospital admission for early diagnosis of TIC. METHODS: The score was derived from a level-1 trauma center registry (training set). It was then validated on data from two other level-1 trauma centers: first on a trauma registry (retrospective validation set), and then on a prospective cohort (prospective validation set). TIC was defined as a PTratio > 1.2 at hospital admission. Prehospital (vital signs and resuscitation care) and admission data (vital signs and laboratory parameters) were collected. We considered parameters independently associated with TIC in the score (binomial logistic regression). We estimated the score's performance for the prediction of TIC. RESULTS: A total of 3489 patients were included, and among these a TIC was observed in 22% (95% CI 21-24%) of cases. Five criteria were identified and included in the TIC Score: Glasgow coma scale < 9, Shock Index > 0.9, hemoglobin < 11 g.dL-1, prehospital fluid volume > 1000 ml, and prehospital use of norepinephrine (yes/no). The score, ranging from 0 and 9 points, had good performance for the identification of TIC (AUC: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.81-0.84) without differences between the three sets used. A score value < 2 had a negative predictive value of 93% and was selected to rule-out TIC. Conversely, a score value ≥ 6 had a positive predictive value of 92% and was selected to indicate TIC. CONCLUSION: The TIC Score is quick and easy to calculate and can accurately identify patients with TIC upon hospital admission.

In vitro effect of hydroxyethyl starch on COVID-19 patients-associated hypofibrinolytic state.

Background: Despite systematic thromboprophylaxis, 30% of the COVID-19 patients in intensive care units develop thrombosis. This occurrence is associated with a hypofibrinolytic state measured by thromboelastometry when adding tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to citrated whole blood for a further run for EXTEM (ROTEM). Objectives: Because hydroxyethyl starches (HESs) affect fibrin polymerization, we have assessed its potential effect on in vitro tPA-induced fibrinolysis. Methods: Fifteen successive COVID-19 patients from the local intensive care units were selected for tPA resistance occurrence. HES was added to whole blood samples with proportion similar to the pharmacologic recommendations. Samples were run for EXTEM on a ROTEM delta device after further addition of tPA. Paired controls were whole blood samples with the same volume of saline added. To assess the impact of HES on coagulation, thrombin generation was measured in 10 COVID-19 patients in the presence of either HES or saline; then, the clots obtained were used to generate electron microscope images. Results: Clot firmness at 5 minutes and the lysis index at 30 minutes were decreased in presence of HES compared with saline (Wilcoxon test, P < .01 for HES vs saline and HES vs untreated). However, no statistically significant difference was observed for all thrombin generation assay parameters studied (endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin, and time to peak). With HES, fibrin fibers of either COVID-19 patients or control subjects were thicker than those of saline-treated samples. Conclusion: These results highlight that HES increased apparent in vitro tPA-induced fibrinolysis in case of severe COVID-19 disease. Use of this plasma volume expander may translate as a potential help against COVID-19-induced thrombosis occurrence.

Evaluation of MRI post-processing methods combined with PET in detecting focal cortical dysplasia lesions for patients with MRI-negative epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate detection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the preoperative assessment of epilepsy. The integration of multimodal imaging has demonstrated substantial value in both diagnosing FCD and devising effective surgical strategies. This study aimed to enhance MRI post-processing by incorporating positron emission tomography (PET) analysis. We sought to compare the diagnostic efficacy of diverse image post-processing methodologies in patients presenting MRI-negative FCD. METHODS: In this retrospective investigation, we assembled a cohort of patients with negative preoperative MRI results. T1-weighted volumetric sequences were subjected to morphometric analysis program (MAP) and composite parametric map (CPM) post-processing techniques. We independently co-registered images derived from various methods with PET scans. The alignment was subsequently evaluated, and its correlation was correlated with postoperative seizure outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the study. In the PET-MAP(p = 0.0189) and PET-CPM(p = 0.00041) groups, compared with the non-overlap group, the overlap group significantly associated with better postoperative outcomes. In PET(p = 0.234), CPM(p = 0.686) and MAP(p = 0.672), there is no statistical significance between overlap and seizure-free outcomes. The sensitivity of using the CPM alone outperformed the MAP (0.65 vs 0.46). The use of PET-CPM demonstrated superior sensitivity (0.96), positive predictive value (0.83), and negative predictive value (0.91), whereas the MAP displayed superior specificity (0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested a superiority in sensitivity of CPM in detecting potential FCD lesions compared to MAP, especially when it is used in combination with PET for diagnosis of MRI-negative epilepsy patients. Moreover, we confirmed the superiority of synergizing metabolic imaging (PET) with quantitative maps derived from structural imaging (MAP or CPM) to enhance the identification of subtle epileptogenic zones (EZs). This study serves to illuminate the potential of integrated multimodal techniques in advancing our capability to pinpoint elusive pathological features in epilepsy cases.

NF1 mutations as biomarker of response to immune checkpoint blockades for lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Little is known about immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) response of NF1-mutated lung adenocarcinomas. 341/4,181 (8.2%) TCGA lung adenocarcinomas samples have a somatic NF1 mutation. NF1-mutated tumors have higher TMB (p < 0.0001), higher expression of immune genes ("hot phenotype") and higher CD8 + T cell (p = 0.03) and macrophage (p = 0.02) infiltrations compared to NF1 wild-type tumors. NF1 mutation status appears as a candidate predictive biomarker for ICI response in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Diffusion spectrum imaging based semi-automatic optic radiation tractography for vision preservation in SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC), using diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) tractography to preoperatively delineate the optic radiation (OR) and reduce the risk of visual field defects (VFDs) where the epileptogenic zones (EZs) are located in or close to the eloquent visual areas. METHODS: We prospectively followed up twenty-four consecutive patients (12 males and 12 females) who underwent SEEG-guided RFTC in or near the OR pathway. A distance of ≥ 3.5 mm away from the OR on the targeted electrodes contacts that exhibited relevant ictal onset patterns, IEDs and EES during SEEG recordings, was required as our selection criterion prior to performing RFTC, enough to theoretically prevent VFDs. Using default tracking parameters, the optic radiation was tracked semi-automatically in DSI-studio. RESULTS: There were 12 male and 12 female patients ranging in age from 6 to 57 years, with follow-up period ranging from 6 to 37 months. Nineteen patients responded to RFTC (R+, 79.16 %), and 5 patients did not benefit from RFTC (R-, 20.83 %). The preoperative application of DSI semi-automatic based OR tractography was successful in the protection of the OR in all 24 patients. Three patients experienced a neurologic deficit following RFTC, and five patients had a partial quadrant visual field deficit prior to surgery that did not worsen, and none of the remaining nineteen patients had a quadrant visual field deficit. CONCLUSION: Our study validates the safety and efficacy of SEEG-RFTC as a viable therapeutic approach for epileptic foci situated in or adjacent to the visual eloquent regions. We demonstrate that DSI-based tractography offers superior precision in delineating the OR compared to DTI. We establish that implementing a criterion of a minimum distance of ≥ 3.5 mm in radius from the OR on the targeted electrode contacts prior to conducting RFTC can effectively mitigate the risk of VFDs.

Neuro damage control: current concept and civilian applications.

Damage control (DC) initially referred to abbreviated (<1 h) surgical procedures to control abdominal hemorrhage in severe trauma patients, to avoid the 'bloody vicious circle' of hypothermia-coagulopathy-acidosis-hypocalcemia. Progressively, the concept was extended to pre-hospital and peri-operative surgical and non-surgical trauma care. The DC strategy can be applied either in a single severe trauma patient at risk of progression toward the bloody vicious circle or in case of limited or overwhelmed health resources (deprived environment, mass casualties, etc.). DC strategies in neurological casualties have improved over the last decade in military neurosurgeons, but remain poorly codified in civilian settings. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current concept of neuro-DC, which includes surgical and medical care for neurological injuries as part of a DC strategy. Neuro-DC basically consists in: (i) preventing secondary brain injury; (ii) controlling intracranial bleeding; (iii) controlling intracranial pressure; (iv) limiting contamination of compound wounds; and (v) achieving secondary anatomical restoration.

NF1 alterations in cancers: therapeutic implications in precision medicine.

INTRODUCTION: NF1 is a tumor suppressor gene encoding neurofibromin, an inhibitor of the RAS/MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways. NF1 germline pathogenic variants cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1. Targeted therapies (MEK inhibitors) have been approved for benign nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients. NF1 somatic alterations are present in ~5% of all human sporadic cancers. In melanomas, acute myeloid leukemias and lung adenocarcinomas, the NF1 somatic alteration frequency is higher (~15%). However, to date, the therapeutic impact of NF1 somatic alterations is poorly investigated. AREAS COVERED: This review presents a comprehensive overview of targeted therapies and immunotherapies currently developed and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for NF1-altered cancer treatment. A PubMed database literature review was performed to select relevant original articles. Active clinical trials were researched in ClinicalTrials.gov database in August 2022. TCGA and HGMD® databases were consulted. EXPERT OPINION: This review highlights the need to better understand the molecular mechanisms of NF1-altered tumors and the development of innovative strategies to effectively target NF1-loss in human cancers. One of the current major challenges in cancer management is the targeting of tumor suppressor genes such as NF1 gene. Currently, most studies are focusing on inhibitors of the RAS/MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways and immunotherapies.

High flow nasal oxygen in frail COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intermediate care units and non-eligible to invasive mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: In COVID-19 patients, older age (sixty or older), comorbidities, and frailty are associated with a higher risk for mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) failure. It therefore seems appropriate to suggest limitations of care to older and vulnerable patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and a poor expected outcome, who would not benefit from invasive treatment. HFNO (high flow nasal oxygen) is a non-invasive respiratory support device already used in de novo acute respiratory failure. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of patients treated with HFNO outside the ICU (intensive care unit) for a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, otherwise presenting limitations of care making them non-eligible for IMV. Secondary objectives were the description of our cohort and the identification of prognostic factors for HFNO failure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. We included all patients with limitations of care making them non-eligible for IMV and treated with HFNO for a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, hospitalized in a COVID-19 unit of the pulmonology department of Lyon Sud University Hospital, France, from March 2020 to March 2021. Primary outcome was the description of the vital status at day-30 after HFNO initiation, using the WHO (World Health Organization) 7-points ordinal scale. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included. Median age was 83 years [76.3-87.0], mean duration for HFNO was 7.5 days, 53% had a CFS score (Clinical Frailty Scale) >4. At day-30, 73% of patients were deceased, one patient (2%) was undergoing HFNO, 9% of patients were discharged from hospital. HFNO failure occurred in 66% of patients. Clinical signs of respiratory failure before HFNO initiation (respiratory rate >30/min, retractions, and abdominal paradoxical breathing pattern) were associated with mortality (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that HFNO is an option in non-ICU skilled units for older and frail patients with a severe COVID-19 pneumonia, otherwise non-suitable for intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Observation of clinical signs of respiratory failure before HFNO initiation was associated with mortality.

Ferric derisomaltose and tranexamic acid, combined or alone, for reducing blood transfusion in patients with hip fracture (the HiFIT trial): a multicentre, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia and blood transfusion are associated with poor outcomes after hip fracture. We evaluated the efficacy of intravenous iron and tranexamic acid in reducing blood transfusions after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomised, 2 × 2 factorial trial, we recruited adults hospitalised for hip fractures in 12 medical centres in France who had preoperative haemoglobin concentrations between 9·5 and 13·0 g/dL. We randomly allocated participants (1:1:1:1), via a secure web-based service, to ferric derisomaltose (20 mg/kg intravenously) and tranexamic acid (1 g bolus followed by 1 g over 8 h intravenously at inclusion and 3 g topically during surgery), iron plus placebo (normal saline), tranexamic acid plus placebo, or double placebo. Unmasked nurses administered study drugs; participants and other clinical and research staff remained masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients transfused during hospitalisation (or by day 30). The primary analysis included all randomised patients. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02972294) and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Of 413 patients (51-104 years old, median [IQR] 86 [78-91], 312 [76%] women, 101 [24%] men), 104 received iron plus tranexamic acid, 103 iron plus placebo, 103 tranexamic acid plus placebo, and 103 double placebo between March 31, 2017 and June 18, 2021 (study stopped early for efficacy after the planned interim analysis done on the first 390 patients included on May 25, 2021). Data for the primary outcome were available for all participants. Among patients on double placebo, 31 (30%) were transfused versus 16 (15%) on both drugs (relative risk 0·51 [98·3% CI 0·27-0·97]; p=0·012). 27 (26%) participants on iron (0·81 [0·50-1·29]; p=0·28) and 28 (27%) on tranexamic acid (0·85 [0·54-1·33]; p=0·39) were transfused. 487 adverse events were reported with similar event rates among the groups; among prespecified safety endpoints, severe postoperative anaemia (haemoglobin <8 g/dL) was more frequent in the double placebo group. Main common adverse event were sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary infection, with similar rates among all groups. INTERPRETATION: In patients hospitalised for hip fracture surgery with a haemoglobin concentration 9·5-13·0 g/dL, preoperative infusion of ferric derisomaltose plus tranexamic acid reduced the risk of blood transfusion by 50%. Our results suggest that combining treatments from two different pillars improves patient blood-management programmes. Either treatment alone did not reduce transfusion rates, but we might not have had the power to detect it. FUNDING: French Ministry of Health, HiFIT trial.

PITCH: A model simulating the transfer and retention of pesticides in infiltrating ditches and channel networks for management design purposes.

Agricultural ditches are frequently included in the panel of landscape elements to be managed to minimize the negative impacts of agriculture on the environment, particularly water contamination. A new mechanistic model simulating pesticide transfer in ditch networks during flood events was developed for help in designing ditch management. The model considers pesticide sorption processes to soil, living vegetation and litter and is adapted to heterogeneous and infiltrating tree-like ditch networks, with a reach resolution. The model was evaluated with pulse tracer experiments conducted on two vegetated and litter-rich ditches and with two contrasting pesticides, namely, diuron and diflufenican. It appears necessary to consider exchange of only a small proportion of the water column with the ditch materials to achieve a good reproduction of the chemogram. The model simulates well the chemogram of diuron and diflufenican during calibration and validation (with Nash performance criteria values ranging from 0.74 to 0.99). The calibrated thicknesses of the soil and water layers contributing to the sorption equilibrium were very small. The former was intermediate between the theoretical transport distance by diffusion and the thicknesses usually considered in mixing models for pesticide remobilization by field runoff. The numerical exploration of PITCH showed that during flood events, retention in ditches is mainly due to adsorption of the compound by the soil and litter. Retention is thus driven by the corresponding sorption coefficients and by parameters controlling the mass of these sorbents such as ditch width and litter cover. The latter parameters can be modified by management practices. In some cases, infiltration can contribute significantly to pesticide removal from surface water and in return participate in soil and groundwater contamination. Finally, PITCH exhibits a consistent behaviour in predicting pesticide attenuation and is shown to be relevant for evaluating ditch management strategies.

Assessment of Tunisian Trichoderma Isolates on Wheat Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Fusarium Seedling Blight Suppression.

Beneficial microorganisms, including members of the Trichoderma genus, are known for their ability to promote plant growth and disease resistance, as well as being alternatives to synthetic inputs in agriculture. In this study, 111 Trichoderma strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Florence Aurore, an ancient wheat variety that was cultivated in an organic farming system in Tunisia. A preliminary ITS analysis allowed us to cluster these 111 isolates into three main groups, T. harzianum (74 isolates), T. lixii (16 isolates) and T. sp. (21 isolates), represented by six different species. Their multi-locus analysis (tef1, translation elongation factor 1; rpb2, RNA polymerase B) identified three T. afroharzianum, one T. lixii, one T. atrobrunneum and one T. lentinulae species. These six new strains were selected to determine their suitability as plant growth promoters (PGP) and biocontrol agents (BCA) against Fusarium seedling blight disease (FSB) in wheat caused by Fusarium culmorum. All of the strains exhibited PGP abilities correlated to ammonia and indole-like compound production. In terms of biocontrol activity, all of the strains inhibited the development of F. culmorum in vitro, which is linked to the production of lytic enzymes, as well as diffusible and volatile organic compounds. An in planta assay was carried out on the seeds of a Tunisian modern wheat variety (Khiar) by coating them with Trichoderma. A significant increase in biomass was observed, which is associated with increased chlorophyll and nitrogen. An FSB bioprotective effect was confirmed for all strains (with Th01 being the most effective) by suppressing morbid symptoms in germinated seeds and seedlings, as well as by limiting F. culmorum aggressiveness on overall plant growth. Plant transcriptome analysis revealed that the isolates triggered several SA- and JA-dependent defense-encoding genes involved in F. culmorum resistance in the roots and leaves of three-week-old seedlings. This finding makes these strains very promising in promoting growth and controlling FSB disease in modern wheat varieties.

The decoupled evolution of the organellar genomes of Silene nutans leads to distinct roles in the speciation process.

There is growing evidence that cytonuclear incompatibilities (i.e. disruption of cytonuclear coadaptation) might contribute to the speciation process. In a former study, we described the possible involvement of plastid-nuclear incompatibilities in the reproductive isolation between four lineages of Silene nutans (Caryophyllaceae). Because organellar genomes are usually cotransmitted, we assessed whether the mitochondrial genome could also be involved in the speciation process, knowing that the gynodioecious breeding system of S. nutans is expected to impact the evolutionary dynamics of this genome. Using hybrid capture and high-throughput DNA sequencing, we analyzed diversity patterns in the genic content of the organellar genomes in the four S. nutans lineages. Contrary to the plastid genome, which exhibited a large number of fixed substitutions between lineages, extensive sharing of polymorphisms between lineages was found in the mitochondrial genome. In addition, numerous recombination-like events were detected in the mitochondrial genome, loosening the linkage disequilibrium between the organellar genomes and leading to decoupled evolution. These results suggest that gynodioecy shaped mitochondrial diversity through balancing selection, maintaining ancestral polymorphism and, thus, limiting the involvement of the mitochondrial genome in evolution of hybrid inviability between S. nutans lineages.

Multitasking in postanesthesia care unit following nurse interruptions, an analysis of the causes and consequences using classification tree: an observational prospective study

Abstract Background: Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is an environment associated with an important workload which is susceptible to lead to task interruption (TI), leading to task-switching or concurrent multitasking. The objective of the study was to determine the predictors of the reaction of the nurses facing TI and assess those who lead to an alteration of the initial task. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study into the PACU of a university hospital during February 2017. Among 18 nurses, a selected one was observed each day, documenting for each TI the reaction of the nurse (task switching or concurrent multitasking), and the characteristics associated with the TI. We performed classification tree analyses using C5.0 algorithm in order to select the main predictors of the type of multitasking performed and the alteration of the initial task. Results: We observed 1119 TI during 132 hours (8.5 TI/hour). The main reaction was concurrent multitasking (805 TI, 72%). The short duration of the task interruption (one minute or less) was the most important predictor leading to concurrent multitasking. Other predictors of response to TI were the identity of the task interrupter and the number of nurses present. Regarding the consequences of the task switching, long interruption (more than five minutes) was the most important predictor of the alteration of the initial task. Conclusions: By analysing the predictors of the type of multitasking in front of TI, we propose a novel approach to understanding TI, offering new perspective for prevention strategies.

Early non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy for preventing endotracheal intubation in hypoxemic blunt chest trauma patients: the OptiTHO randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The benefit-risk ratio of prophylactic non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNC-O2) during the early stage of blunt chest trauma remains controversial because of limited data. The main objective of this study was to compare the rate of endotracheal intubation between two NIV strategies in high-risk blunt chest trauma patients. METHODS: The OptiTHO trial was a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial over a two-year period. Every adult patients admitted in intensive care unit within 48 h after a high-risk blunt chest trauma (Thoracic Trauma Severity Score ≥ 8), an estimated PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 and no evidence of acute respiratory failure were eligible for study enrollment (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03943914). The primary objective was to compare the rate of endotracheal intubation for delayed respiratory failure between two NIV strategies: i) a prompt association of HFNC-O2 and "early" NIV in every patient for at least 48 h with vs. ii) the standard of care associating COT and "late" NIV, indicated in patients with respiratory deterioration and/or PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 200 mmHg. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of chest trauma-related complications (pulmonary infection, delayed hemothorax or moderate-to-severe ARDS). RESULTS: Study enrollment was stopped for futility after a 2-year study period and randomization of 141 patients. Overall, 11 patients (7.8%) required endotracheal intubation for delayed respiratory failure. The rate of endotracheal intubation was not significantly lower in patients treated with the experimental strategy (7% [5/71]) when compared to the control group (8.6% [6/70]), with an adjusted OR = 0.72 (95%IC: 0.20-2.43), p = 0.60. The occurrence of pulmonary infection, delayed hemothorax or delayed ARDS was not significantly lower in patients treated by the experimental strategy (adjusted OR = 1.99 [95%IC: 0.73-5.89], p = 0.18, 0.85 [95%IC: 0.33-2.20], p = 0.74 and 2.14 [95%IC: 0.36-20.77], p = 0.41, respectively). CONCLUSION: A prompt association of HFNC-O2 with preventive NIV did not reduce the rate of endotracheal intubation or secondary respiratory complications when compared to COT and late NIV in high-risk blunt chest trauma patients with non-severe hypoxemia and no sign of acute respiratory failure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03943914, Registered 7 May 2019.

Thromboelastometry-guided haemostatic resuscitation in severely injured patients: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: To accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC), viscoelastic haemostatic assays (VHA) are increasingly used worldwide, although their value is still debated, with a recent randomised trial showing no improvement in outcome. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare 2 cohorts of injured patients in which TIC was managed with either a VHA-based algorithm or a conventional coagulation test (CCT)-based algorithm. METHODS: Data were retrieved from 2 registries and patients were included in the study if they received at least 1 unit of red blood cell in the first 24 h after admission. A propensity score, including sex, age, blunt vs. penetrating, systolic blood pressure, GCS, ISS and head AIS, admission lactate and PTratio, tranexamic acid administration, was then constructed. Primary outcome was the proportion of subjects who were alive and free of massive transfusion (MT) at 24 h after injury. We also compared the cost for blood products and coagulation factors. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2019, 7250 patients were admitted in the 2 trauma centres, and among these 624 were included in the study (CCT group: 380; VHA group: 244). After propensity score matching, 215 patients remained in each study group without any significant difference in demographics, vital signs, injury severity, or laboratory analysis. At 24 h, more patients were alive and free of MT in the VHA group (162 patients, 75%) as compared to the CCT group (112 patients, 52%; p < 0.01) and fewer patients received MT (32 patients, 15% vs. 91 patients, 42%, p < 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed for mortality at 24 h (odds ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.59-1.51) or survival at day 28 (odds ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.58-1.29). Overall cost of blood products and coagulation factors was dramatically reduced in the VHA group as compared to the CCT group (median [interquartile range]: 2357 euros [1108-5020] vs. 4092 euros [2510-5916], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A VHA-based strategy was associated with an increase of the number of patients alive and free of MT at 24 h together with an important reduction of blood product use and associated costs. However, that did not translate into an improvement in mortality.

Association of Organizational Pathways With the Delay of Emergency Surgery.

Importance: Delayed admission of patients with surgical emergencies to the operating room occurs frequently and is associated with poor outcomes. In France, where 3 distinct organizational pathways in hospitals exist (a dedicated emergency operating room and team [DET], a dedicated operating room in a central operating theater [DOR], and no dedicated structure or team [NOR]), neither the incidence nor the influence of delayed urgent surgery is known, and no guidelines are available to date. Objective: To examine the overall frequency of delayed admission of patients with surgical emergencies to the operating room across the 3 organizational pathways in hospitals in France. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in 10 French tertiary hospitals. All consecutive adult patients admitted for emergency surgery from October 5 to 16, 2020, were included and prospectively monitored. Patients requiring pediatric surgery, obstetrics, interventional radiology, or endoscopic procedures were excluded. Exposures: Emergency surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was the global incidence of delayed emergency surgery across 3 predefined organizational pathways: DET, DOR, and NOR. The ratio between the actual time to surgery (observed duration between surgical indication and incision) and the ideal time to surgery (predefined optimal duration between surgical indication and incision according to the Non-Elective Surgery Triage classification) was calculated for each patient. Surgery was considered delayed when this ratio was greater than 1. Results: A total of 1149 patients were included (mean [SD] age, 55 [21] years; 685 [59.9%] males): 649 in the DET group, 320 in the DOR group, and 171 in the NOR group (missing data: n = 5). The global frequency of surgical delay was 32.5% (95% CI, 29.8%-35.3%) and varied across the 3 organizational pathways: DET, 28.4% (95% CI, 24.8%-31.9%); DOR, 32.2% (95% CI, 27.0%-37.4%); and NOR, 49.1% (95% CI, 41.6%-56.7%) (P < .001). The adjusted odds ratio for delay was 1.80 (95% CI, 1.17-2.78) when comparing NOR with DET. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, the frequency of delayed emergency surgery in France was 32.5%. Reduced delays were found in organizational pathways that included dedicated theaters and teams. These preliminary results may pave the way for comprehensive large-scale studies, from which results may potentially inform new guidelines for quicker and safer access to emergency surgery.

When to proceed to surgical rib fixation?-A single-institution clinical experience.

Background: Surgical rib fixation for multiple rib fractures and flail chest has become more common in the 2000s with interesting results in selected patients. However, surgical rib fixation lacks a consensus on the delay to surgery and the benefits on postoperative clinical outcomes. Our goal was to determine if delay to surgery can affect postoperative outcomes. Methods: We analyzed a retrospective database including all consecutive patients referred for surgical rib fixation. All outcomes were explored according to trauma mechanism, associated lesions, initial ventilatory status, delay to surgery, surgical technique and a specific focus was made towards post-operative care and pulmonary complications. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between delay to surgery [before 48 hours (early group), 48 hours to 7 days (mid group), more than 7 days (late group)] and pneumonia and failure of extubating. Results: From 2010 to 2020, 159 patients underwent surgical rib fixation. The median hospital length of stay was 18 days (interquartile range, 13-30 days). Pulmonary infections were encountered in 67 patients (42.2%) with about two third of early pneumonia (<5 days). The one-month mortality rate was 1.9%. Delay to surgery was not associated with either pneumonia (P>0.05) or failure of extubating (P>0.05). Conclusions: Surgical rib fixation can be delayed without increasing the risk of pulmonary complications. Stabilizing other clinical situations can be safely prioritized if needed. A global evaluation including characteristics of trauma and lung evaluation must be considered before surgical stabilization of rib fracture.

Efficacy and Safety of Early Administration of 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients With Trauma at Risk of Massive Transfusion: The PROCOAG Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Optimal transfusion strategies in traumatic hemorrhage are unknown. Reports suggest a beneficial effect of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) on blood product consumption. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 4F-PCC administration in patients at risk of massive transfusion. Design, Setting, and Participants: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled superiority trial in 12 French designated level I trauma centers from December 29, 2017, to August 31, 2021, involving consecutive patients with trauma at risk of massive transfusion. Follow-up was completed on August 31, 2021. Interventions: Intravenous administration of 1 mL/kg of 4F-PCC (25 IU of factor IX/kg) vs 1 mL/kg of saline solution (placebo). Patients, investigators, and data analysts were blinded to treatment assignment. All patients received early ratio-based transfusion (packed red blood cells:fresh frozen plasma ratio of 1:1 to 2:1) and were treated according to European traumatic hemorrhage guidelines. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was 24-hour all blood product consumption (efficacy); arterial or venous thromboembolic events were a secondary outcome (safety). Results: Of 4313 patients with the highest trauma level activation, 350 were eligible for emergency inclusion, 327 were randomized, and 324 were analyzed (164 in the 4F-PCC group and 160 in the placebo group). The median (IQR) age of participants was 39 (27-56) years, Injury Severity Score was 36 (26-50 [major trauma]), and admission blood lactate level was 4.6 (2.8-7.4) mmol/L; prehospital arterial systolic blood pressure was less than 90 mm Hg in 179 of 324 patients (59%), 233 patients (73%) were men, and 226 (69%) required expedient hemorrhage control. There was no statistically or clinically significant between-group difference in median (IQR) total 24-hour blood product consumption (12 [5-19] U in the 4F-PCC group vs 11 [6-19] U in the placebo group; absolute difference, 0.2 U [95% CI, -2.99 to 3.33]; P = .72). In the 4F-PCC group, 56 patients (35%) presented with at least 1 thromboembolic event vs 37 patients (24%) in the placebo group (absolute difference, 11% [95% CI, 1%-21%]; relative risk, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.04-2.10]; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with trauma at risk of massive transfusion, there was no significant reduction of 24-hour blood product consumption after administration of 4F-PCC, but thromboembolic events were more common. These findings do not support systematic use of 4F-PCC in patients at risk of massive transfusion. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03218722.