Whole-genome sequencing reveals host factors underlying critical COVID-19

Critical COVID-19 is caused by immune-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Host genetic variation influences the development of illness requiring critical care1 or hospitalization2,3,4 after infection with SARS-CoV-2. The GenOMICC (Genetics of Mortality in Critical Care) study enables the comparison of genomes from individuals who are critically ill with those of population controls to find underlying disease mechanisms. Here we use whole-genome sequencing in 7,491 critically ill individuals compared with 48,400 controls to discover and replicate 23 independent variants that significantly predispose to critical COVID-19. We identify 16 new independent associations, including variants within genes that are involved in interferon signalling (IL10RB and PLSCR1), leucocyte differentiation (BCL11A) and blood-type antigen secretor status (FUT2). Using transcriptome-wide association and colocalization to infer the effect of gene expression on disease severity, we find evidence that implicates multiple genes—including reduced expression of a membrane flippase (ATP11A), and increased expression of a mucin (MUC1)—in critical disease. Mendelian randomization provides evidence in support of causal roles for myeloid cell adhesion molecules (SELE, ICAM5 and CD209) and the coagulation factor F8, all of which are potentially druggable targets. Our results are broadly consistent with a multi-component model of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in which at least two distinct mechanisms can predispose to life-threatening disease: failure to control viral replication; or an enhanced tendency towards pulmonary inflammation and intravascular coagulation. We show that comparison between cases of critical illness and population controls is highly efficient for the detection of therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease

Age-specific demographic parameters, and their implications for management of the red bass, Lutjanus bohar (Forsskal 1775): a large, long-lived reef fish

Red bass, Lutjanus bohar, is a large tropical snapper (Lutjanidae) that is harvested to varying extents throughout a widespread Indo-Pacific distribution. The objective of this study was to estimate vital life history characteristics (age, growth, maturity) of red bass on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, relevant to its management. The maximum estimated age of 55+ years is the oldest reported for any tropical snapper to date. The sampling of red bass from different depth ranges resulted in different age frequency distributions, suggesting that many older red bass reside at greater depths. The fit of the von Bertalanffy growth model described a trend of relatively slow growth: LF (fork length; mm) = 630 × (1 − e−0.10t+3.05), with no significant difference in fitted parameter estimates between males and females. Female red bass matured at a much larger size (L50 = 428 mm) and older age (t50 = 9.39 years) than males (L50 < 300 mm, t50 = 1.46 years) and were reproductively active over many months, from August to April. These results suggest that the red bass has a relatively K-selected life history strategy among the tropical snappers, and fish in general. This type of life history strategy predicts slow rates of turnover and a susceptibility of red bass populations to rapid over-exploitation

A visual assessment of vegetation structure for the Kruger National Park

Vegetation structure was assessed visually for 1045 of the 1093 quadrats (2.5' x 2.5', ca 4 x 4 km) that cover the Kruger National Park. Vegetation categories recorded were-woody vegetation (broad-leaved, mopane, fine-leaved, mixed, riparian, treeless, scrub bushes and trees); ground cover (grass, grassless and open areas); and emergent large trees (baobab, live and dead). The results are available as grid maps or as files on the Internet. The categories were selected for their relevance to bird distribution but can be applied to other organisms

Effective communication tools to engage Torres Strait Islanders in scientific research

Often, research activities in Torres Strait have not delivered full benefit to Torres Strait Islanders due to a lack of consultation, ineffectual communication of research information and lack of empathy for the needs of Islander communities. As for other stakeholder groups, integration of Islanders into the research process through practical involvement in research may overcome these problems. Three case studies from research projects conducted in Torres Strait are discussed to highlight a variety of communication and engagement activities carried out by non-Indigenous researchers. How these communication and extension activities facilitate collaboration between Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous researchers provides insight in the importance of these activities to the relative success of research projects.\ud \ud The benefits for Islanders in collaborating with researchers may be: improved understanding of the research and how it contributes to natural resource management; a sense of control in future management decisions; a greater likelihood of successful self-regulatory management systems; enhanced skills; and increased employment opportunities. The potential benefits for researchers are enhanced support for research projects resulting in increased access to data and logistic support that may ultimately impact the successful completion of projects. Such an approach will require researchers to take time to develop relationships with Torres Strait Islanders, effectively involve Islanders in research on an equitable basis and be flexible. This will ultimately require funding organisations to recognise the importance of such activities in research proposals and provide support through sufficient funding to enable these activities to be carried out

Assessing the effects of line capture and barotrauma relief procedures on post-release survival of key tropical reef fish species in Australia using recreational tagging clubs

Common coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus Lacepède, crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus Bloch, saddletail snapper, Lutjanus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider), red emperor, Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier), redthroat emperor, Lethrinus miniatus (Schneider) and grass emperor, Lethrinus laticaudis Alleyne & Macleay, were tagged to determine the effects of barotrauma relief procedures (weighted shot-line release and venting using a hollow needle) and other factors on survival. Release condition was the most significant factor affecting the subsequent recapture rate of all species. Capture depth was significant in all species apart from L. malabaricus and L. miniatus, the general trend being reduced recapture probability with increasing capture depth. Recapture rates of fish hooked in either the lip or mouth were generally significantly higher than for those hooked in the throat or gut. Statistically significant benefit from treating fish for barotrauma was found in only L. malabaricus, but the lack of any negative effects of treating fish indicated that the practices of venting and shot-lining should not be discouraged by fisheries managers for these species