Building a Portuguese Coalition for Biodiversity Genomics

The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation or pathogen (re)emergence. The inventory, characterization and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative, and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity, has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics. Here, we describe the Portuguese contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort, which will generate high-quality reference genomes of six species from Portugal that are endemic, iconic and/or endangered, and include plants, insects and vertebrates (fish, birds and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands. In addition, we outline the objectives of Biogenome Portugal, which aims to (i) promote scientific collaboration, (ii) contribute to advanced training, (iii) stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives, and (iv) contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engaging the public to preserve biodiversity. This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Building a Portuguese coalition for biodiversity genomics

The diverse physiography of the Portuguese land and marine territory, spanning from continental Europe to the Atlantic archipelagos, has made it an important repository of biodiversity throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles, leading to a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This rich biodiversity is under threat from anthropogenic drivers, such as climate change, invasive species, land use changes, overexploitation, or pathogen (re)emergence. The inventory, characterisation, and study of biodiversity at inter- and intra-specific levels using genomics is crucial to promote its preservation and recovery by informing biodiversity conservation policies, management measures, and research. The participation of researchers from Portuguese institutions in the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative and its pilot effort to generate reference genomes for European biodiversity has reinforced the establishment of Biogenome Portugal. This nascent institutional network will connect the national community of researchers in genomics. Here, we describe the Portuguese contribution to ERGA’s pilot effort, which will generate high-quality reference genomes of six species from Portugal that are endemic, iconic, and/or endangered and include plants, insects, and vertebrates (fish, birds, and mammals) from mainland Portugal or the Azores islands. In addition, we outline the objectives of Biogenome Portugal, which aims to (i) promote scientific collaboration, (ii) contribute to advanced training, (iii) stimulate the participation of institutions and researchers based in Portugal in international biodiversity genomics initiatives, and (iv) contribute to the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and engaging the public to preserve biodiversity. This initiative will strengthen biodiversity genomics research in Portugal and fuel the genomic inventory of Portuguese eukaryotic species. Such efforts will be critical to the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and will contribute to ERGA’s goal of generating reference genomes for European species.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Glucagon et nouveau né de mère diabétique (comparaison de deux stratégies de prise en charge de l'hypoglycémie en maternité)

OBJECTIFS : prévenir le risque d'hypoglycémie néonatale en maternité chez le nouveau né macrosome ou de mère diabétique par injection préventive de glucagon à la naissance. ETUDE : étude rétrospective comparant, en terme d'hypoglycémies néonatales (incidence et gravité) hospitalisation en néonatologie, 2 populations de prise en charge différente. Population étudiée : le recueil des données s'effecute à partir des dossiers de la maternité et des servies de néonatologie et de de réanimation pédiatrique du CHU de Bordeaux. Les critères d'inclusion sont déterminés à partir des codages diagnostic du PMSI (diabète gestationnel insulino requérant ou non antécédent, diabète insulinodépendant, macrosomie ou antécédent, hypoglycémie néonatale). La population étudiée est répartie en : * période 1 du 01/01/95 au 31/12/96, avec une hospitalisation systématique du nouveau né à risque d'hypoglycémie, * période 2 du 01/01/02 au 31/12/02, avec prévention par injection de glucagon à la naissance et surveillance en maternité. RESULTATS : pour la période 1995-96, sur 112 dossiers, on retrouve 86 épisodes d'hypoglycémie néonatale (glycémie capillaire inférieure à 2,2 mmol/l) dont 5 hypoglycémies très sévères (glycémie capillaire nulle), 7 hypoglycémies sévères (glycémie capillaire comprise entre 0 et 1,1 mmol/l) et 74 hypoglycémies modérées (glycémie capillaire comprise entre 1,1 et 2,2 mmol/l) ; 97 de ces enfants sont hospitalisés. Pour la période 2002, sur 197 dossiers, on retrouve 71 épisodes d'hypoglycémie néonatale dant aucune hypoglycémies modérées ; 22 enfants sont hospitalisés dont 7 pour surveillance glycémique. La prévention par injection de glucagon à la naissance réduit donc significativement l'incidence des hypoglycémies néonatales modérées, sévères et très sévères). Ce protocole permet de réduire de manière considérable le nombre d'hospitalisations en néonatologie de nouveau nés de mère diabétique ou de macrosomes.FORT-DE-FRANCE-CHRU-BU (972332102) / SudocBORDEAUX2-BU Santé (330632101) / SudocPARIS-BIUM (751062103) / SudocSudocFranceF

The New Guinea memoirs of Jean Baptiste Octave Mouton

In 1880 young Jean Baptiste Octave Mouton left Belgium and his trade as wigmaker's apprentice to better his prospects in the Pacific. With his father, a leather worker, he joined the rascally Marquis de Rays's ill-fated colonising venture in New Ireland and stayed to become a wealthy trader and copra planter. Mouton was refreshingly free of the pompous superiority of most Europeans. He was not misled by his own preconceptions but sympathised with native feelings and perceived something of the relationship of custom to the institutions of kinship and authority. Indeed he married a local woman and adopted certain local practices - inevitable incurring the disapproval of his European fellow-settlers. His 'Memoirs', impassive, matter-of-fact and impersonal in style, illustrate a dramatic theme: the impact of European arrival on small, isolated but stable communities, and the disruption caused to traditional ways of life. Recollections such as these throw valuable light on a poorly-documented period of New Guinea history and provide an account of such colourful figures as Thomas Farrell, the legendary Queen Emma - and Mouton himself

0344: Why levosimendan should be considered for the treatment of viral myocarditis in children

BackgroundAnimal studies showed that levosimendan protects cardiomyocytes against apoptotic cell death in acute viral myocarditis. In addition to its inotropic properties, levosimendan seems to prevent the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and to limit cardiomyocyte loss.AimTo analyze the outcome of children who received levosimendan for acute or fulminant viral myocarditis.Patients and methodsRetrospective single center study covering the period 2007- 2013. All children (<18 years) with viral myocarditis were treated, in association with epinephrine and/or milrinone, with a 24-hours infusion of levosimendan. Clinical, biological and echocardiographic evolutions were analyzed.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2013, 18 successive children were treated, 9 for acute myocarditis and 9 for fulminant myocarditis (according to the international clinicopathological classification). Median age was 4 years (1.1-11) and median weight was 15kg (10-40). BNP level significantly decreased 48 hours after the beginning of the infusion (4599ng/L [2698-9266] vs 1928ng/L [848-4557], p=0.05). No dialysis was necessary. Among the fulminant myocarditis group, 1 patient (11%) required early mechanical circulatory support with a limitation of care due to severe neurologic complications. 13 patients (72%) recovered a LVEF >55% (100% for the acute myocarditis group). 1 patient had heart transplantation 18 months later.ConlusionIn our experience, levosimendan was efficient for the inotropic support of acute and fulminant viral myocarditis. We believe that its cardioprotective effect enabled us to limit the use of mechanical assistance (only 11% of the fulminant forms) and allowed a recovering of the cardiac function for the majority of the patients. Although further clinical studies are needed to confirm these data, levosimendan should be systematically considered for the treatment of these critical patients