A global database of water vapor isotopes measured with high temporal resolution infrared laser spectroscopy

The isotopic composition of water vapour provides integrated perspectives on the hydrological histories of air masses and has been widely used for tracing physical processes in hydrological and climatic studies. Over the last two decades, the infrared laser spectroscopy technique has been used to measure the isotopic composition of water vapour near the Earth's surface. Here, we have assembled a global database of high temporal resolution stable water vapour isotope ratios (delta O-18 and delta D) observed using this measurement technique. As of March 2018, the database includes data collected at 35 sites in 15 Koppen climate zones from the years 2004 to 2017. The key variables in each dataset are hourly values of delta O-18 and delta D in atmospheric water vapour. To support interpretation of the isotopologue data, synchronized time series of standard meteorological variables from in situ observations and ERA5 reanalyses are also provided. This database is intended to serve as a centralized platform allowing researchers to share their vapour isotope datasets, thus facilitating investigations that transcend disciplinary and geographic boundaries

Temporal changes in the epidemiology, management, and outcome from acute respiratory distress syndrome in European intensive care units: a comparison of two large cohorts

Background: Mortality rates for patients with ARDS remain high. We assessed temporal changes in the epidemiology and management of ARDS patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in European ICUs. We also investigated the association between ventilatory settings and outcome in these patients. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of two cohorts of adult ICU patients admitted between May 1–15, 2002 (SOAP study, n = 3147), and May 8–18, 2012 (ICON audit, n = 4601 admitted to ICUs in the same 24 countries as the SOAP study). ARDS was defined retrospectively using the Berlin definitions. Values of tidal volume, PEEP, plateau pressure, and FiO2 corresponding to the most abnormal value of arterial PO2 were recorded prospectively every 24 h. In both studies, patients were followed for outcome until death, hospital discharge or for 60 days. Results: The frequency of ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation during the ICU stay was similar in SOAP and ICON (327[10.4%] vs. 494[10.7%], p = 0.793). The diagnosis of ARDS was established at a median of 3 (IQ: 1–7) days after admission in SOAP and 2 (1–6) days in ICON. Within 24 h of diagnosis, ARDS was mild in 244 (29.7%), moderate in 388 (47.3%), and severe in 189 (23.0%) patients. In patients with ARDS, tidal volumes were lower in the later (ICON) than in the earlier (SOAP) cohort. Plateau and driving pressures were also lower in ICON than in SOAP. ICU (134[41.1%] vs 179[36.9%]) and hospital (151[46.2%] vs 212[44.4%]) mortality rates in patients with ARDS were similar in SOAP and ICON. High plateau pressure (> 29 cmH2O) and driving pressure (> 14 cmH2O) on the first day of mechanical ventilation but not tidal volume (> 8 ml/kg predicted body weight [PBW]) were independently associated with a higher risk of in-hospital death. Conclusion: The frequency of and outcome from ARDS remained relatively stable between 2002 and 2012. Plateau pressure > 29 cmH2O and driving pressure > 14 cmH2O on the first day of mechanical ventilation but not tidal volume > 8 ml/kg PBW were independently associated with a higher risk of death. These data highlight the continued burden of ARDS and provide hypothesis-generating data for the design of future studies

Emergence of unusual bloodstream infections associated with pig-borne-like Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in France

International audienc

PTPN11 mutations in canine and human disseminated histiocytic sarcoma

International audienceIn humans, histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive cancer involving histiocytes. Its rarity and heterogeneity explain that treatment remains a challenge. Sharing high clinical and histopathological similarities with human HS, the canine HS is conversely frequent in specific breeds and thus constitutes a unique spontaneous model for human HS to decipher the genetic bases and to explore therapeutic options. We identified sequence alterations in the MAPK pathway in at least 63.9% (71/111) of HS cases with mutually exclusive BRAF (0.9%; 1/111), KRAS (7.2%; 8/111) and PTPN11 (56.75%; 63/111) mutations concentrated at hotspots common to human cancers. Recurrent PTPN11 mutations are associated to visceral disseminated HS subtype in dogs, the most aggressive clinical presentation. We then identified PTPN11 mutations in 3/19 (15.7%) human HS patients. Thus, we propose PTPN11 mutations as key events for a specific subset of human and canine HS the visceral disseminated form. Finally, by testing drugs targeting the MAPK pathway in eight canine HS cell lines, we identified a better anti-proliferation activity of MEK inhibitors than PTPN11 inhibitors in canine HS neoplastic cells. In combination, these results illustrate the relevance of naturally affected dogs in deciphering genetic mechanisms and selecting efficient targeted therapies for such rare and aggressive cancers in humans

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in skin: why and what for?

In recent years, few stem cells have gained as much clinical notoriety as mesenchymal stem cells. Indeed, MSCs are already in use for a range of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that also affect the skin, such as acute and chronic graft versus host disease or lupus erythematosus. Most interestingly, these cells are able to improve skin wound healing in multiple preclinical models and few patient series. An additional potential of these cells is the delivery of missing structural elements in skin inherited disorders. However, we here contend that MSCs are not appropriate for cell replacement therapies in the context of wound healing. Indeed, engraftment of cells in the dermis is poor in the absence of irradiation and the observed effects seem mainly due to paracrine factors. In this viewpoint, we favour the hypothesis of a replete niche and competition with resident mesenchymal populations in the dermis not allowing the engraftment of newly delivered MSCs. Consequently, we propose that the benefit of MSCs may be at least in part reproduced by the growth factors or immunomodulatory molecules that they produce. In any case, the rapid progress in this field has allowed the emergence of important questions in skin biology that need to be addressed in parallel with the predictable future use of MSCs in the clinic

Clinical problems in rare interstitial lung diseases

International audienceIntroduction: Interstitial lung disease ( LD) in children (chlLD) is rare and Often severe. This study aims at analyzing the ep demiology of chlLD in France from 2000 to 2022.Methods: This study was retrospective and multicentric, A questionnaire was sent to all the RespiRare centers to collect the clinical, radiological, biological, histological and genetic data of the patients.Results: 617 patients (0-18 years) were included in 42 centers. 84 patients were excluded. The median age at diagnosis was 0.3 years with 17% of familial forms, The main investigations performed were: chest CT scan (92%), bronchoalveolar avage (52%), genetic ana ysis (78%), lung biopsy (23%). The main treatments were: corticosteroids (93%), oxygen therapy (52.2%), enteral nutrition (29%), hydroxychloroqu•ne (16%), azThromycin (26%), immunosuppressive drugs (210/0). The follovFup time was from O to 18,9 years (median duration 3,5years). The survival rate at 5 years was 68%. The overall incidence and preva ence were estimated at 38/million and 35/million children respectively.Conclusion: This arge chlLD epidemiological study confirms the Span •sh data with a higher incidence and prevalence than previous y described. The arge amount Of phenotypic data collected will allow better understanding ch LD and harmonizing their management

Clinical problems in rare interstitial lung diseases

International audienceIntroduction: Interstitial lung disease ( LD) in children (chlLD) is rare and Often severe. This study aims at analyzing the ep demiology of chlLD in France from 2000 to 2022.Methods: This study was retrospective and multicentric, A questionnaire was sent to all the RespiRare centers to collect the clinical, radiological, biological, histological and genetic data of the patients.Results: 617 patients (0-18 years) were included in 42 centers. 84 patients were excluded. The median age at diagnosis was 0.3 years with 17% of familial forms, The main investigations performed were: chest CT scan (92%), bronchoalveolar avage (52%), genetic ana ysis (78%), lung biopsy (23%). The main treatments were: corticosteroids (93%), oxygen therapy (52.2%), enteral nutrition (29%), hydroxychloroqu•ne (16%), azThromycin (26%), immunosuppressive drugs (210/0). The follovFup time was from O to 18,9 years (median duration 3,5years). The survival rate at 5 years was 68%. The overall incidence and preva ence were estimated at 38/million and 35/million children respectively.Conclusion: This arge chlLD epidemiological study confirms the Span •sh data with a higher incidence and prevalence than previous y described. The arge amount Of phenotypic data collected will allow better understanding ch LD and harmonizing their management