Pre-treatment bone turnover does not influence the level of the response to alendronate in postmenopausal osteoporosis at the bone tissue level.

PURPOSE: The main effect of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonates is a reduction of bone resorption, with a consequent marked decrease of bone turnover. This post-hoc analysis investigated the changes of histomorphometric parameters of bone turnover after alendronate (ALN), according to the baseline turnover. METHODS: Ninety postmenopausal women underwent a transiliac bone biopsy before and after 6 (n = 44) or 12 (n = 46) months of treatment with ALN (70 mg/week). The dynamic parameters reflecting the bone formation and bone turnover were mineralizing surface (MS/BS; %), bone formation rate (BFR/BS; µm3/µm2/d), and activation frequency (Ac.f; /yr). Biochemical markers sPINP and the sCTX were assessed before treatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Subjects were divided into quartiles based on the baseline values of BFR/BS. RESULTS: At baseline, MS/BS and Ac.f were significantly different (p < 0.0001) among the BFR quartiles. sCTX and sP1NP were not significantly different among quartiles. After ALN treatment, MS/BS was not significantly different among quartiles but Ac.f remained significantly lower in the first quartile compared to the third and fourth ones (p < 0.03). The absolute value of the difference between pre- and post-treatment significantly correlated with the baseline BFR/BS but when expressed in percent of the baseline value, the magnitude of the diminutions of MS/BS, Ac.f, sCTX, and sP1NP was similar in the four baseline BFR quartiles. CONCLUSION: The percentage response to ALN appeared independent of the baseline level of bone turnover. After treatment, the bone turnover tended to be similar in all BFR quartiles. This analysis investigated the influence of baseline turnover measured by bone histomorphometry on the effect of alendronate. When expressed in percent of pre-treatment values, the decreases of histomorphometric parameters and biochemical markers of bone turnover were independent of the baseline turnover.

Characterization of aerosolized particles in effluents from carbon fibre composites incorporating nanomaterials during simultaneous fire and impact.

This work investigates the aerosols emitted from carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composites (CFC) incorporating nanomaterials (nanoclays and nanotubes), subjected to simultaneous fire and impact, representing an aeroplane or automotive crash. Simultaneous fire and impact tests were performed using a previously described bespoke testing methodology with the capability to collect particles released from the front/back faces of the impacted composites plus the effluents. In this work the methodology has been further developed by connecting the Dekati Low Pressure Impactor (DLPI) and Mini Particle Sampler (MPS) sampling system in the extraction chimney. The aerosols emitted have been characterized using various devices devoted to the analysis of aerosols. The influence of the nanoadditives in the matrix on the number concentration and the size distribution of airborne particles produced, was studied with a cascade impactor in the 5 nm-10 µm range. The morphology of the separated soot fractions was examined by SEM. The measurement of aerodynamic size of particles that can deposit in human respiratory tract indicate that 75% of the soot and particles released from CFC could deposit in the lungs reaching the bronchi region at a minimum. There was however, a minimal difference between the number particle concentrations or particle-size mass distribution of particles from CFC and CFC containing nanoadditives. Moreover, no fibres were found in the effluents.

Dual epidural catheter technique to provide opioid-free anaesthesia for an open abdominoperineal resection.

The peri-operative analgesic management of patients undergoing major elective colorectal surgery has an impact on patient recovery. An approach that favours an opioid-free strategy has demonstrated improved patient outcomes. Avoiding systemic opioids during and after abdominal surgery promotes early recovery of bowel function and early re-initiation of oral intake, shortens hospital length of stay, minimises postoperative complications, and may improve long-term outcomes. In this case report we describe an opioid-free anaesthetic technique, in line with current Enhanced Recovery After Surgery recommendations, for a patient undergoing an open abdominoperineal resection who reported experiencing severe side-effects to opioids in the past. Two epidural catheters were sited pre-operatively at the interspaces between the ninth and tenth thoracic and third and fourth lumbar vertebrae respectively, and used intra- and postoperatively. The utilisation of two epidural catheters not only ensured complete peri-operative analgesia, but also successfully attenuated the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery. The dual epidural catheter technique may be considered for extensive colorectal surgery when conventional opioid-based anaesthetic techniques are contraindicated.

Long-term water quality assessments under changing land use in a large semi-arid catchment in South Africa.

Increasing nutrient loads from land use and land cover (LULC) change degrade water quality through eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems globally. The Vaal River Catchment in South Africa is an agriculturally and economically important area where eutrophication has been a problem for decades. Effective mitigation strategies of eutrophication in this region require an understanding of the relationship between LULC change and water quality. This study assessed the long-term impacts of LULC changes on nitrate (NO3-N) and orthophosphate (PO4-P) pollution in the lower Vaal River Catchment between 1980 and 2018. Multi-year LULC was mapped from Landsat imagery and changes were determined. Long-term trends in NO3-N and PO4-P loads and concentrations in river water samples were analysed, while multi-year LULC data were ingested into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate the impacts of LULC changes in NO3-N and PO4-P loads. Main LULC changes included an increase in the irrigated area by 262% and in built-up area by 33%. This occurred at the expense of cultivated dryland fields and rangelands. In situ data analysis showed that at the catchment inlet, PO4-P concentration and loads significantly increased, while NO3-N concentration and loads decreased between 1980 and 2018. At the catchment outlet, only PO4-P loads increased, while NO3-N loads and concentrations remained the same. SWAT simulations at the Hydrologic Response Unit scale showed that irrigated land was the largest contributor to NO3-N leaching per ha. Aggregation of nutrient loads by LULC type showed increased nutrient loads from irrigated and built-up areas over time, while loads from dryland areas decreased. At catchment scale, dryland remained an important contributor of the annual nutrient loads total because of its large area. In future, research efforts should focus on crop management practices to reduce nutrient loads.

New and Interesting Fungi. 5.

Nine new genera, 17 new species, nine new combinations, seven epitypes, three lectotypes, one neotype, and 14 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neobarrmaelia (based on Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes), Neobryochiton (based on Neobryochiton narthecii), Neocamarographium (based on Neocamarographium carpini), Nothocladosporium (based on Nothocladosporium syzygii), Nothopseudocercospora (based on Nothopseudocercospora dictamni), Paracamarographium (based on Paracamarographium koreanum), Pseudohormonema (based on Pseudohormonema sordidus), Quasiphoma (based on Quasiphoma hyphaenes), Rapidomyces (based on Rapidomyces narthecii). New species: Ascocorticium sorbicola (on leaves of Sorbus aucuparia, Belgium), Dactylaria retrophylli (on leaves of Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Colombia), Dactylellina miltoniae (on twigs of Miltonia clowesii, Colombia), Exophiala eucalyptigena (on dead leaves of Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis supporting Idolothrips spectrum, Australia), Idriellomyces syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Microcera lichenicola (on Parmelia sulcata, Netherlands), Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Neobryochiton narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Niesslia pseudoexilis (on dead leaf of Quercus petraea, Serbia), Nothocladosporium syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Nothotrimmatostroma corymbiae (on leaves of Corymbia henryi, South Africa), Phaeosphaeria hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Pseudohormonema sordidus (on a from human pacemaker, USA), Quasiphoma hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Rapidomyces narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Reticulascus parahennebertii (on dead culm of Juncus inflexus, Netherlands), Scytalidium philadelphianum (from compressed air in a factory, USA). New combinations: Neobarrmaelia serenoae, Nothopseudocercospora dictamni, Dothiora viticola, Floricola sulcata, Neocamarographium carpini, Paracamarographium koreanum, Rhexocercosporidium bellocense, Russula lilacina. Epitypes: Elsinoe corni (on leaves of Cornus florida, USA), Leptopeltis litigiosa (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Nothopseudocercospora dictamni (on living leaves of Dictamnus albus, Russia), Ramularia arvensis (on leaves of Potentilla reptans, Netherlands), Rhexocercosporidium bellocense (on leaves of Verbascum sp., Germany), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Lectotypes: Leptopeltis litigiosa (on Pteridium aquilinum, France), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Neotype: Camarographium stephensii (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands). Citation: Crous PW, Begoude BAD, Boers J, Braun U, Declercq B, Dijksterhuis J, Elliott TF, Garay-Rodriguez GA, Jurjevic Z, Kruse J, Linde CC, Loyd A, Mound L, Osieck ER, Rivera-Vargas LI, Quimbita AM, Rodas CA, Roux J, Schumacher RK, Starink-Willemse M, Thangavel R, Trappe JM, van Iperen AL, Van Steenwinkel C, Wells A, Wingfield MJ, Yilmaz N, Groenewald JZ (2022) New and Interesting Fungi. 5. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 19-90. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.02.

The reliability of physical examination in diagnosing arterial injury in penetrating trauma to extremities: A first look at different anatomical regions and injury mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of physical examination to exclude arterial injury in penetrating trauma to extremities has been well established. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the accuracy of physical examination to exclude arterial injury is similar to that of a computed tomography arteriogram (CTA) for different anatomical regions and mechanisms of injury, and in patients with concomitant fractures compared with those without. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent CTA for penetrating injuries to an extremity between 1 June 2016 and 30 June 2017. The presence of arterial injuries was noted, and these were grouped into anatomical areas. Clinical notes were reviewed for the presence of hard signs of arterial injury at initial examination. RESULTS: A total of 220 lower limb and 133 upper limb CTAs were included. The mean patient age was 28.9 years (range 11 - 68). The overall sensitivity of physical examination in detecting a CTA-confirmed arterial injury was 95.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 88.4 - 98.7), with a specificity of 93.9% (95% CI 90.2 - 96.4). Physical examination of the thigh had the highest specificity of 96.4% (95% CI 91.8 - 98.8), followed by the lower leg at 94.4% (95% CI 81.3 - 99.3), the upper arm at 89.6% (95% CI 79.7 - 95.7) and the forearm at 77.8% (95% CI 40.0 - 97.2). For gunshot wounds the specificity was 96.1% (95% CI 92.4 - 98.3), while for stab wounds it was 86.8% (95% CI 74.7 - 94.5). CONCLUSIONS: This study agrees with current literature indicating that physical examination has high specificity in detecting arterial injury in the setting of penetrating trauma to an extremity. However, it shows that the specificity is not equal for all anatomical regions or mechanisms of injury.

Disease-modifying therapy usage in patients with multiple sclerosis in France: A 6-year population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Most data regarding the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) comes from clinical series or regional databases that have a risk of recruitment bias. French health administrative data offers the significant advantage of being extensive in regards to both MS population coverage and DMT prescriptions. OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of DMTs usage at the level of the entire French population of MS patients from 2010 to 2015. METHODS: MS patients were identified during a 6-year study period via the French national health data system (covering 97% of the general population) and characteristics of patients who received at least one treatment were compared to those that never received treatment over the indicated period. A state sequence analysis was performed to study in a longitudinal way MS patients who started DMTs in 2010 and then to classify them into groups of similar therapeutic patterns. DMTs were categorized into first-line, second-line and off-label use, and included untreated periods for at least six months. Groups that were obtained were described and compared using a multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 112,415 patients with MS were identified, of whom 54.0% received at least one DMT over the 6 years. The probability of being treated significantly decreased with age. Comorbidities and physical limitations appeared to be more frequent in not treated patients than in treated patients. Significant differences were also found between the two groups regarding the use of healthcare services (hospitalizations and visits to general practitioner, neurologist and nurse). Based on the 6-year therapeutic sequences, a four-cluster typology was obtained on the 4,474 patients who started a DMT in 2010. The first group which consisted of more than half of the patients (57.0%) mainly used first-line DMTs. The second group (13.1%) represented patients with second-line DMTs whereas the third group (7.3%) was comprised of off-label users and the last group (22.6%) was composed of MS patients who received no or minimal treatments. Classification into one of these groups was associated with patient's age, long-term disease status, pregnancy occurrence, estimated level of disability, levels of care (visits to a neurologist, nurse and/or physiotherapist and hospital/rehabilitation stays) and occurrence of death. CONCLUSIONS: The exhaustive population-based dataset from the French national health data system gave the opportunity to provide a detailed description regarding the use of DMTs for MS at national level. The innovative method of state sequence analysis allowed obtaining four homogeneous groups of patients among thousands of longitudinal therapeutic sequences. The predominant place of first-line treatments was confirmed even if the type of first-line treatments has probably changed since 2015.

New and Interesting Fungi. 4.

An order, family and genus are validated, seven new genera, 35 new species, two new combinations, two epitypes, two lectotypes, and 17 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. Validated order, family and genus: Superstratomycetales and Superstratomycetaceae (based on Superstratomyces ). New genera: Haudseptoria (based on Haudseptoria typhae); Hogelandia (based on Hogelandia lambearum); Neoscirrhia (based on Neoscirrhia osmundae); Nothoanungitopsis (based on Nothoanungitopsis urophyllae); Nothomicrosphaeropsis (based on Nothomicrosphaeropsis welwitschiae); Populomyces (based on Populomyces zwinianus); Pseudoacrospermum (based on Pseudoacrospermum goniomae). New species: Apiospora sasae on dead culms of Sasa veitchii (Netherlands); Apiospora stipae on dead culms of Stipa gigantea (Spain); Bagadiella eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (Australia); Calonectria singaporensis from submerged leaf litter (Singapore); Castanediella neomalaysiana on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (Malaysia); Colletotrichum pleopeltidis on leaves of Pleopeltis sp. (South Africa); Coniochaeta deborreae from soil (Netherlands); Diaporthe durionigena on branches of Durio zibethinus (Vietnam); Floricola juncicola on dead culm of Juncus sp. (France); Haudseptoria typhae on leaf sheath of Typha sp. (Germany); Hogelandia lambearum from soil (Netherlands); Lomentospora valparaisensis from soil (Chile); Neofusicoccum mystacidii on dead stems of Mystacidium capense (South Africa); Neomycosphaerella guibourtiae on leaves of Guibourtia sp. (Angola); Niesslia neoexosporioides on dead leaves of Carex paniculata (Germany); Nothoanungitopsis urophyllae on seed capsules of Eucalyptus urophylla (South Africa); Nothomicrosphaeropsis welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis (Namibia); Paracremonium bendijkiorum from soil (Netherlands); Paraphoma ledniceana on dead wood of Buxus sempervirens (Czech Republic); Paraphoma salicis on leaves of Salix cf. alba (Ukraine); Parasarocladium wereldwijsianum from soil (Netherlands); Peziza ligni on masonry and plastering (France); Phyllosticta phoenicis on leaves of Phoenix reclinata (South Africa); Plectosphaerella slobbergiarum from soil (Netherlands); Populomyces zwinianus from soil (Netherlands); Pseudoacrospermum goniomae on leaves of Gonioma kamassi (South Africa); Pseudopyricularia festucae on leaves of Festuca californica (USA); Sarocladium sasijaorum from soil (Netherlands); Sporothrix hypoxyli in sporocarp of Hypoxylon petriniae on Fraxinus wood (Netherlands); Superstratomyces albomucosus on Pycnanthus angolensis (Netherlands); Superstratomyces atroviridis on Pinus sylvestris (Netherlands); Superstratomyces flavomucosus on leaf of Hakea multilinearis (Australia); Superstratomyces tardicrescens from human eye specimen (USA); Taeniolella platani on twig of Platanus hispanica (Germany), and Tympanis pini on twigs of Pinus sylvestris (Spain). Citation: Crous PW, Hernández-Restrepo M, Schumacher RK, Cowan DA, Maggs-Kölling G, Marais E, Wingfield MJ, Yilmaz N, Adan OCG, Akulov A, Álvarez Duarte E, Berraf-Tebbal A, Bulgakov TS, Carnegie AJ, de Beer ZW, Decock C, Dijksterhuis J, Duong TA, Eichmeier A, Hien LT, Houbraken JAMP, Khanh TN, Liem NV, Lombard L, Lutzoni FM, Miadlikowska JM, Nel WJ, Pascoe IG, Roets F, Roux J, Samson RA, Shen M, Spetik M, Thangavel R, Thanh HM, Thao LD, van Nieuwenhuijzen EJ, Zhang JQ, Zhang Y, Zhao LL, Groenewald JZ (2021). New and Interesting Fungi. 4. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 7: 255-343. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2021.07.13.

Double Oblique Osteotomy and Rotation of the trapeziometacarpal Joint (DOOR procedure).

The double oblique osteotomy with rotation of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint procedure (DOOR procedure) is a surgical technique conceived to treat non-traumatic TMC instability, often responsible for TMC joint osteoarthritis. The main goal of this procedure is to correct the exaggerated slope of the trapezium. It also allows opening of the first web space, transfers pressure to healthy cartilage areas, and reverses the forces exerted on the trapeziometacarpal ligaments. The technique is demanding and should be learned in the anatomy laboratory. Since 2000, we have carried out 96 cases, evidence that this technique is reliable. Our case series consists of 88 patients (71 females, 17 males), with 8 patients operated bilaterally. The average age at the time of the procedure was 48 years. The first 22 operated (24 cases) between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed in 2015 with an average follow-up of 13 years. Pain averaged 0.5 on VAS. The average QuickDASH score was 6. The average mobility according to Kapandji's index was 9 for opposition and 3 for retropulsion. The grip strength compared to that of the contralateral side was 180%, the key pinch strength was 100% of the contralateral side and the tip pinch strength was 98%. This intervention makes up approximately 10% of our surgical indications in thumb basal joint arthritis. It is reserved for young women with early arthritis or unstable thumbs, and for men who perform manual labor. While the results take a long time to achieve (about 3 months), they remain highly satisfactory at the average follow-up of 13 years.

KN95 filtering facepiece respirators distributed in South Africa fail safety testing protocols.

BACKGROUND: Given the global shortage of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFP2 in Europe) during the COVID-19 pandemic, KN95 masks (Chinese equivalent of the N95 and FFP2) were imported and distributed in South Africa (SA). However, there are hardly any published independent safety data on KN95 masks. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the seal, fit and filtration efficiency of several brands of KN95 masks marketed for widespread use in SA healthcare facilities, using standardised testing protocols. METHODS: The verifiability of manufacturer and technical details was first ascertained, followed by evaluation of the number of layers comprising the mask material. The testing protocol involved a directly observed positive and negative pressure user seal check, which if passed was followed by qualitative fit testing (sodium saccharin) in healthy laboratory or healthcare workers. Quantitative fit testing (3M) was used to validate the qualitative fit testing method. The filtration efficacy and integrity of the mask filter material were evaluated using a particle counter-based testing rig utilising aerosolised saline (expressed as filtration efficacy of 0.3 µm particles). Halyard FLUIDSHIELD 3 N95 and 3M 1860 N95 masks were used as controls. RESULTS: Twelve KN95 mask brands (total of 36 masks) were evaluated in 7 participants. The mask type and manufacturing details were printed on only 2/12 brands (17%) as per National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and European Union regulatory requirements. There was considerable variability in the number of KN95 mask layers (between 3 and 6 layers in the 12 brands evaluated). The seal check pass rate was significantly lower in KN95 compared with N95 masks (1/36 (3%) v. 12/12 (100%); p<0.0001). Modification of the KN95 ear-loop tension using head straps or staples, or improving the facial seal using Micropore 3M tape, enhanced seal test performance in 15/36 KN95 masks evaluated (42%). However, none of these 15 passed downstream qualitative fit testing compared with the control N95 masks (0/15 v. 12/12; p<0.0001). Only 4/8 (50%) of the KN95 brands tested passed the minimum filtration requirements for an N95 mask (suboptimal KN95 filtration efficacy varied from 12% to 78%, compared with 56% for a surgical mask and >99% for the N95 masks at the 0.3 µm particle size). CONCLUSIONS: The KN95 masks tested failed the stipulated safety thresholds associated with protection of healthcare workers against airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. These preliminary data have implications for the regulation of masks and their distribution to healthcare workers and facilities in SA.

The use of microindentation for the study of bone properties in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher risk of fracture. In this study, we analysed the bone quality of premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes mellitus by microindentation. No differences in bone quality were identified between patients and healthy controls, suggesting that intensive insulin therapy can preserve bone health. PURPOSE: To compare the bone quality of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and healthy controls, and to determine the relationship with bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 45 premenopausal women with T1DM and 21 healthy controls, matched according to age and BMI. Clinical parameters, BMD and bone tissue mechanical properties (assessed using the bone material strength index [BMSi]) were evaluated in each group using microindentation. In T1DM patients, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), the number of hypoglycaemic events and the status of chronic complications were also analysed. RESULTS: No differences in BMSi or BMD between T1DM patients and healthy controls were identified. In the T1DM patients, the mean HbA1c was 7.52% ± 1.00% and the mean time elapsed since diagnosis was 22.6 ± 12.2 years. Eight patients (17.7%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS), and microvascular complications were present in 12 patients (26.7%). Neither the number of features of MetS present nor the presence of microangiopathy was found to be associated with BMSi. CONCLUSIONS: T1DM premenopausal patients showed bone tissue properties comparable to those shown by controls. Further larger-scale studies should be conducted to confirm these results.

Poor adherence to population-based vaccination in two counties after meningococcal B:14:P1.7,16 outbreak: an illustration of the growing vaccine hesitancy in France.

BACKGROUND: Neisseria meningitidis is a virulent bacteria provoking outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) that authorities may try to control with population-based vaccinations. Such campaigns are most often thoroughly followed. We assess the response of poor adherence during a population-based vaccination after a meningococcal B:14:P1.7,16 outbreak. METHODS: Between July, 2012, and April, 2013, six cases including one fatality of invasive meningococcal disease related to N. meningitidis B:14:P1.7,16/ST32 were reported in two neighboring counties. A vaccination campaign with MenBVac® targeting 6911 inhabitants was implemented. People entering the vaccination schedule from January 2014 received 4CMenB. RESULTS: The number of immunized patients proved to be low, with 1721 (24.1%) receiving at least one dose out of 5069 doses administered. However, the incidence of IMD in the zone dramatically fell, with only one purpura fulminans case in June 2014 with a good outcome. The campaign was stopped after 1 year and a 2-year monitoring period was implemented until June, 2016, with no new cases. CONCLUSIONS: This outbreak probably self-terminated in a context of a low incidence of serogroup B IMD during 2014 in France. Poor adherence illustrates the growing vaccine hesitancy in France. Similar campaigns will have to be thoroughly planned and implemented in terms of timing, modalities of injections, and mass communication.

Use of healthcare services by patients with multiple sclerosis in France over 2010-2015: a nationwide population-based study using health administrative data.

BACKGROUND: Most of the knowledge about people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in France comes from cohorts, which may suffer from recruitment bias or from the unique registry located in Lorraine, East France. OBJECTIVE: To describe use of care in the French population of PwMS, over 2010-2015. METHODS: All PwMS in the French national health data system (97% of the general population covered) were included. Demographics, and use of care were described (visits with general practitioners (GPs), neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists and hospitalisations). A focus on the neurological follow-up was also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 112,415 PwMS were identified (sex ratio F:M = 2.4, median age 46), of whom 5005 died during follow-up. The median numbers of visits with GPs and neurologists were 6.6 and 1.3 respectively per patient-year. Moreover, 53,457 (47.6%) received multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments; about 13% of patients had no neurological follow-up, and 81.8% had at least one hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time in France, this exhaustive dataset offered the opportunity to provide objective figures regarding care practices for MS at the national level, without any selection bias. It also allowed description of patients with MS according to their neurological follow-up, especially those who were absent from cohorts led by neurologists.

New and Interesting Fungi. 2.

One order, seven families, 28 new genera, 72 new species, 13 new combinations, four epitypes, and interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. Pseudorobillardaceae is introduced for Pseudorobillarda (based on P. phragmitis). New genera include: Jeremyomyces (based on J. labinae) on twigs of Salix alba (Germany); Neodothidotthia (based on N. negundinicola) on Acer negundo (Ukraine); Neomedicopsis (based on N. prunicola) on fallen twigs of Prunus padus (Ukraine); Neophaeoappendicospora (based on N. leucaenae) on Leucaena leucocephala (France) (incl. Phaeoappendicosporaceae); Paradevriesia (incl. Paradevriesiaceae) (based on P. americana) from air (USA); Phaeoseptoriella (based on P. zeae) on leaves of Zea mays (South Africa); Piniphoma (based on P. wesendahlina) on wood debris of Pinus sylvestris (Germany); Pseudoconiothyrium (based on P. broussonetiae) on branch of Broussonetia papyrifera (Italy); Sodiomyces (based on S. alkalinus) from soil (Mongolia), and Turquoiseomyces (incl. Turquoiseomycetales and Turquoiseomycetaceae) (based on T. eucalypti) on leaves of Eucalyptus leptophylla (Australia); Typhicola (based on T. typharum) on leaves of Typha sp. (Germany); Xenodevriesia (incl. Xenodevriesiaceae) (based on X. strelitziicola) on leaves of Strelitzia sp. (South Africa). New species include: Bacillicladium clematidis on branch of Clematis vitalbae (Austria); Cercospora gomphrenigena on leaves of Gomphrena globosa (South Africa); Cyphellophora clematidis on Clematis vitalba (Austria); Exophiala abietophila on bark of Abies alba (Norway); Exophiala lignicola on fallen decorticated trunk of Quercus sp. (Ukraine); Fuscostagonospora banksiae on Banksia sp. (Australia); Gaeumannomycella caricicola on dead leaf of Carex remota (Germany); Hansfordia pruni on Prunus persica twig (Italy) (incl. Hansfordiaceae); Microdochium rhopalostylidis on Rhopalostylis sapida (New Zealand); Neocordana malayensis on leaves of Musa sp. (Malaysia); Neocucurbitaria prunicola on fallen twigs of Prunus padus (Ukraine); Neocucurbitaria salicis-albae on Salix alba twig (Ukraine); Neohelicomyces deschampsiae on culm base of dead leaf sheath of Deschampsia cespitosa (Germany); Pararoussoella juglandicola on twig of Juglans regia (Germany); Pezicula eucalyptigena on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (South Africa); Phlogicylindrium dunnii on leaves of Eucalyptus dunnii (Australia); Phyllosticta hagahagaensis on leaf litter of Carissa bispinosa (South Africa); Phyllosticta austroafricana on leaf spots of unidentified deciduous tree host (South Africa); Pseudosigmoidea alnicola on Alnus glutinosa leaf litter (Germany); Pseudoteratosphaeria africana on leaf spot on unidentified host (Angola); Porodiplodia vitis on canes of Vitis vinifera (USA); Sodiomyces alkalinus from soil (Mongolia), Sodiomyces magadiensis and Sodiomyces tronii from soil (Kenya), Sympodiella quercina on fallen leaf of Quercus robur (Germany) and Zasmidium hakeicola on leaves of Hakea corymbosa (Australia). Epitypes are designated for: Cryptostictis falcata on leaves of E. alligatrix (Australia), Hendersonia phormii on leaves of Phormium tenax (New Zealand), Sympodiella acicola on needles of Pinus sylvestris (Netherlands), and Sphaeria scirpicola var. typharum on leaf of Typha sp. (Germany). Several taxa originally described from rocks are validated in this study. New taxa include: Extremaceae fam. nov., and new genera, Arthrocatena, Catenulomyces, Constantinomyces, Extremus, Hyphoconis, Incertomyces, Lapidomyces, Lithophila, Monticola, Meristemomyces, Oleoguttula, Perusta, Petrophila, Ramimonilia, Saxophila and Vermiconidia. New species include: Arthrocatena tenebrosa, Catenulomyces convolutus, Constantinomyces virgultus, C. macerans, C. minimus, C. nebulosus, C. virgultus, Exophiala bonariae, Extremus adstrictus, E. antarcticus, Hyphoconis sterilis, Incertomyces perditus, Knufia karalitana, K. marmoricola, K. mediterranea, Lapidomyces hispanicus, Lithophila guttulata, Monticola elongata, Meristemomyces frigidus, M. arctostaphyli, Neodevriesia bulbillosa, N. modesta, N. sardiniae, N. simplex, Oleoguttula mirabilis, Paradevriesia compacta, Perusta inaequalis, Petrophila incerta, Rachicladosporium alpinum, R. inconspicuum, R. mcmurdoi, R. monterosanum, R. paucitum, Ramimonilia apicalis, Saxophila tyrrhenica, Vermiconidia antarctica, V. calcicola, V. foris, and V. flagrans.

New and Interesting Fungi. 1.

This study introduces two new families, one new genus, 22 new species, 10 new combinations, four epitypes, and 16 interesting new host and / or geographical records. Cylindriaceae (based on Cylindrium elongatum) is introduced as new family, with three new combinations. Xyladictyochaetaceae (based on Xyladictyochaeta lusitanica) is introduced to accommodate Xyladictyochaeta. Pseudoanungitea gen. nov. (based on P. syzygii) is described on stems of Vaccinium myrtillus (Germany). New species include: Exophiala eucalypticola on Eucalyptus obliqua leaf litter, Phyllosticta hakeicola on leaves of Hakea sp., Setophaeosphaeria citricola on leaves of Citrus australasica, and Sirastachys cyperacearum on leaves of Cyperaceae (Australia); Polyscytalum chilense on leaves of Eucalyptus urophylla (Chile); Pseudoanungitea vaccinii on Vaccinium myrtillus (Germany); Teichospora quercus on branch tissue of Quercus sp. (France); Fusiconidium lycopodiellae on stems of Lycopodiella inundata, Monochaetia junipericola on twig of Juniperus communis, Myrmecridium sorbicola on branch tissues of Sorbus aucuparia, Parathyridaria philadelphi on twigs of Philadelphus coronarius, and Wettsteinina philadelphi on twigs of Philadelphus coronarius (Germany); Zygosporium pseudogibbum on leaves of Eucalyptus pellita (Malaysia); Pseudoanungitea variabilis on dead wood (Spain); Alfaria acaciae on leaves of Acacia propinqua, Dictyochaeta mimusopis on leaves of Mimusops caffra, and Pseudocercospora breonadiae on leaves of Breonadia microcephala (South Africa); Colletotrichum kniphofiae on leaves of Kniphofia uvaria, Subplenodomus iridicola on Iris sp., and Trochila viburnicola on twig cankers on Viburnum sp. (UK); Polyscytalum neofecundissimum on Quercus robur leaf litter, and Roussoella euonymi on fallen branches of Euonymus europaeus (Ukraine). New combinations include: Cylindrium algarvense on leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (Portugal), Cylindrium purgamentum on leaf litter (USA), Cylindrium syzygii on leaves of Syzygium sp. (Australia), Microdochium musae on leaves of Musa sp. (Malaysia), Polyscytalum eucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus grandis × pellita (Malaysia), P. eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus (Australia), P. grevilleae on leaves of Grevillea (Australia), P. nullicananum on leaves of Eucalyptus (Australia), Pseudoanungitea syzygii on Syzygium cordatum leaf litter (South Africa), and Setophaeosphaeria sidae on leaves of Sida sp. (Brazil). New records include: Sphaerellopsis paraphysata on leaves of Phragmites sp., Vermiculariopsiella dichapetali on leaves of Melaleuca sp. and Eucalyptus regnans, and Xyladictyochaeta lusitanica on leaf litter of Eucalyptus sp. (Australia); Camarosporidiella mackenziei on twigs of Caragana sp. (Finland); Cyclothyriella rubronotata on twigs of Ailanthus altissima, Rhinocladiella quercus on Sorbus aucuparia branches (Germany); Cytospora viticola on stems of Vitis vinifera (Hungary); Echinocatena arthrinioides on leaves of Acacia crassicarpa (Malaysia); Varicosporellopsis aquatilis from garden soil (Netherlands); Pestalotiopsis hollandica on needles of Cupressus sempervirens (Spain), Pseudocamarosporium africanum on twigs of Erica sp. (South Africa), Pseudocamarosporium brabeji on branch of Platanus sp. (Switzerland); Neocucurbitaria cava on leaves of Quercus ilex (UK); Chaetosphaeria myriocarpa on decaying wood of Carpinus betulus, Haplograhium delicatum on decaying Carpinus betulus wood (Ukraine). Epitypes are designated for: Elsinoë mimosae on leaves of Mimosa diplotricha (Brazil), Neohendersonia kickxii on Fagus sylvatica twig bark (Italy), Caliciopsis maxima on fronds of Niphidium crassifolium (Brazil), Dictyochaeta septata on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla (Chile), and Microdochium musae on leaves of Musa sp. (Malaysia).

Fungal Planet description sheets: 785-867.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Angola, Gnomoniopsis angolensis and Pseudopithomyces angolensis on unknown host plants. Australia, Dothiora corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora, Neoeucasphaeria eucalypti (incl. Neoeucasphaeria gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus sp., Fumagopsis stellae on Eucalyptus sp., Fusculina eucalyptorum (incl. Fusculinaceae fam. nov.) on Eucalyptus socialis, Harknessia corymbiicola on Corymbia maculata, Neocelosporium eucalypti (incl. Neocelosporium gen. nov., Neocelosporiaceae fam. nov. and Neocelosporiales ord. nov.) on Eucalyptus cyanophylla, Neophaeomoniella corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora, Neophaeomoniella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus pilularis, Pseudoplagiostoma corymbiicola on Corymbia citriodora, Teratosphaeria gracilis on Eucalyptus gracilis, Zasmidium corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora. Brazil, Calonectria hemileiae on pustules of Hemileia vastatrix formed on leaves of Coffea arabica, Calvatia caatinguensis on soil, Cercospora solani-betacei on Solanum betaceum, Clathrus natalensis on soil, Diaporthe poincianellae on Poincianella pyramidalis, Geastrum piquiriunense on soil, Geosmithia carolliae on wing of Carollia perspicillata, Henningsia resupinata on wood, Penicillium guaibinense from soil, Periconia caespitosa from leaf litter, Pseudocercospora styracina on Styrax sp., Simplicillium filiforme as endophyte from Citrullus lanatus, Thozetella pindobacuensis on leaf litter, Xenosonderhenia coussapoae on Coussapoa floccosa. Canary Islands (Spain), Orbilia amarilla on Euphorbia canariensis. Cape Verde Islands, Xylodon jacobaeus on Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Chile, Colletotrichum arboricola on Fuchsia magellanica. Costa Rica, Lasiosphaeria miniovina on tree branch. Ecuador, Ganoderma chocoense on tree trunk. France, Neofitzroyomyces nerii (incl. Neofitzroyomyces gen. nov.) on Nerium oleander. Ghana, Castanediella tereticornis on Eucalyptus tereticornis, Falcocladium africanum on Eucalyptus brassiana, Rachicladosporium corymbiae on Corymbia citriodora. Hungary, Entoloma silvae-frondosae in Carpinus betulus-Pinus sylvestris mixed forest. Iran, Pseudopyricularia persiana on Cyperus sp. Italy, Inocybe roseascens on soil in mixed forest. Laos, Ophiocordyceps houaynhangensis on Coleoptera larva. Malaysia, Monilochaetes melastomae on Melastoma sp. Mexico, Absidia terrestris from soil. Netherlands, Acaulium pannemaniae, Conioscypha boutwelliae, Fusicolla septimanifiniscientiae, Gibellulopsis simonii, Lasionectria hilhorstii, Lectera nordwiniana, Leptodiscella rintelii, Parasarocladium debruynii and Sarocladium dejongiae (incl. Sarocladiaceae fam. nov.) from soil. New Zealand, Gnomoniopsis rosae on Rosa sp. and Neodevriesia metrosideri on Metrosideros sp. Puerto Rico, Neodevriesia coccolobae on Coccoloba uvifera, Neodevriesia tabebuiae and Alfaria tabebuiae on Tabebuia chrysantha. Russia, Amanita paludosa on bogged soil in mixed deciduous forest, Entoloma tiliae in forest of Tilia × europaea, Kwoniella endophytica on Pyrus communis. South Africa, Coniella diospyri on Diospyros mespiliformis, Neomelanconiella combreti (incl. Neomelanconiellaceae fam. nov. and Neomelanconiella gen. nov.) on Combretum sp., Polyphialoseptoria natalensis on unidentified plant host, Pseudorobillarda bolusanthi on Bolusanthus speciosus, Thelonectria pelargonii on Pelargonium sp. Spain, Vermiculariopsiella lauracearum and Anungitopsis lauri on Laurus novocanariensis, Geosmithia xerotolerans from a darkened wall of a house, Pseudopenidiella gallaica on leaf litter. Thailand, Corynespora thailandica on wood, Lareunionomyces loeiensis on leaf litter, Neocochlearomyces chromolaenae (incl. Neocochlearomyces gen. nov.) on Chromolaena odorata, Neomyrmecridium septatum (incl. Neomyrmecridium gen. nov.), Pararamichloridium caricicola on Carex sp., Xenodactylaria thailandica (incl. Xenodactylariaceae fam. nov. and Xenodactylaria gen. nov.), Neomyrmecridium asiaticum and Cymostachys thailandica from unidentified vine. USA, Carolinigaster bonitoi (incl. Carolinigaster gen. nov.) from soil, Penicillium fortuitum from house dust, Phaeotheca shathenatiana (incl. Phaeothecaceae fam. nov.) from twig and cone litter, Pythium wohlseniorum from stream water, Superstratomyces tardicrescens from human eye, Talaromyces iowaense from office air. Vietnam, Fistulinella olivaceoalba on soil. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Deterministic and statistical characterization of rigid frame porous materials from impedance tube measurements.

A method to characterize macroscopically homogeneous rigid frame porous media from impedance tube measurements by deterministic and statistical inversion is presented. Equivalent density and bulk modulus of the samples are reconstructed with the scattering matrix formalism, and are then linked to its physical parameters via the Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge model. The model includes six parameters, namely the porosity, tortuosity, viscous and characteristic lengths, and static flow and thermal permeabilities. The parameters are estimated from the measurements in two ways. The first one is a deterministic procedure that finds the model parameters by minimizing a cost function in the least squares sense. The second approach is based on statistical inversion. It can be used to assess the validity of the least squares estimate, but also presents several advantages since it provides valuable information on the uncertainty and correlation between the parameters. Five porous samples with a range of pore properties are tested, and the pore parameter estimates given by the proposed inversion processes are compared to those given by other characterization methods. Joint parameter distributions are shown to demonstrate the correlations. Results show that the proposed methods find reliable parameter and uncertainty estimates to the six pore parameters quickly with minimal user input.