Vinculacion entre varios cúmulos estelares y estructuras del medio interestelar

Se estudiaron los cúmulos inmersos DBS 77, 78, 102, 160 y 161 localizados en el plano Galáctico en el cuarto cuadrante de la Vía Láctea y el medio interestelar (MIE) circundante. Se analizó fotometría UBVIc (SOAR) y espectroscopía infrarroja (NTT, ESO). Estos datos fueron complementados con las bandas JHK (VVV+2MASS), H I en 21 cm (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA) y 4.85 GHz (PMN). Se realizó un análisis multibanda y clasificación espectral de las estrellas brillantes de cada zona. Se identificaron también, estructuras del MIE posiblemente vinculadas con los cúmulos. Finalmente, se obtuvieron valores preliminares para los parámetros fundamentales de los cúmulos estudiados y de las estructuras del MIE. Se estudió la vinculación entre ambosWe study the embedded clusters DBS77, 78, 102, 160, and 161 located in the Galactic plane in the fourth quadrant of the Milky Way and the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). We analyzed UBVIc photometry (SOAR) and infrared spectroscopy (NTT, ESO). We complemented these data with JHK (VVV2MASS), HI 21 cm bands (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA), and 4.85 GHz (PMN). We did multiband analysis and spectral classification of the brightest stars in each area. We also identified the ISM structures possibly related to the clusters. Finally, we obtained the main parameters of the studied clusters, the structures of the ISM and the link between them.Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Vinculacion entre varios cúmulos estelares y estructuras del medio interestelar

Se estudiaron los cúmulos inmersos DBS 77, 78, 102, 160 y 161 localizados en el plano Galáctico en el cuarto cuadrante de la Vía Láctea y el medio interestelar (MIE) circundante. Se analizó fotometría UBVIc (SOAR) y espectroscopía infrarroja (NTT, ESO). Estos datos fueron complementados con las bandas JHK (VVV+2MASS), H I en 21 cm (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA) y 4.85 GHz (PMN). Se realizó un análisis multibanda y clasificación espectral de las estrellas brillantes de cada zona. Se identificaron también, estructuras del MIE posiblemente vinculadas con los cúmulos. Finalmente, se obtuvieron valores preliminares para los parámetros fundamentales de los cúmulos estudiados y de las estructuras del MIE. Se estudió la vinculación entre ambosWe study the embedded clusters DBS77, 78, 102, 160, and 161 located in the Galactic plane in the fourth quadrant of the Milky Way and the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). We analyzed UBVIc photometry (SOAR) and infrared spectroscopy (NTT, ESO). We complemented these data with JHK (VVV2MASS), HI 21 cm bands (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA), and 4.85 GHz (PMN). We did multiband analysis and spectral classification of the brightest stars in each area. We also identified the ISM structures possibly related to the clusters. Finally, we obtained the main parameters of the studied clusters, the structures of the ISM and the link between them.Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Vinculacion entre varios cúmulos estelares y estructuras del medio interestelar

Se estudiaron los cúmulos inmersos DBS 77, 78, 102, 160 y 161 localizados en el plano Galáctico en el cuarto cuadrante de la Vía Láctea y el medio interestelar (MIE) circundante. Se analizó fotometría UBVIc (SOAR) y espectroscopía infrarroja (NTT, ESO). Estos datos fueron complementados con las bandas JHK (VVV+2MASS), H I en 21 cm (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA) y 4.85 GHz (PMN). Se realizó un análisis multibanda y clasificación espectral de las estrellas brillantes de cada zona. Se identificaron también, estructuras del MIE posiblemente vinculadas con los cúmulos. Finalmente, se obtuvieron valores preliminares para los parámetros fundamentales de los cúmulos estudiados y de las estructuras del MIE. Se estudió la vinculación entre ambosWe study the embedded clusters DBS77, 78, 102, 160, and 161 located in the Galactic plane in the fourth quadrant of the Milky Way and the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). We analyzed UBVIc photometry (SOAR) and infrared spectroscopy (NTT, ESO). We complemented these data with JHK (VVV2MASS), HI 21 cm bands (SGPS), 1.4 GHz (ATCA), and 4.85 GHz (PMN). We did multiband analysis and spectral classification of the brightest stars in each area. We also identified the ISM structures possibly related to the clusters. Finally, we obtained the main parameters of the studied clusters, the structures of the ISM and the link between them.Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics.

ABSTRACT: A global genome database of all of Earth’s species diversity could be a treasure trove of scientific discoveries. However, regardless of the major advances in genome sequencing technologies, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. To contribute to a more complete planetary genomic database, scientists and institutions across the world have united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), which plans to sequence and assemble high-quality reference genomes for all ∼1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species through a stepwise phased approach. As the initiative transitions into Phase II, where 150,000 species are to be sequenced in just four years, worldwide participation in the project will be fundamental to success. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) seeks to implement a new decentralised, accessible, equitable and inclusive model for producing high-quality reference genomes, which will inform EBP as it scales. To embark on this mission, ERGA launched a Pilot Project to establish a network across Europe to develop and test the first infrastructure of its kind for the coordinated and distributed reference genome production on 98 European eukaryotic species from sample providers across 33 European countries. Here we outline the process and challenges faced during the development of a pilot infrastructure for the production of reference genome resources, and explore the effectiveness of this approach in terms of high-quality reference genome production, considering also equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned during this pilot provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational and national genomic resource projects.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Effect of Hydrocortisone on Mortality and Organ Support in Patients With Severe COVID-19: The REMAP-CAP COVID-19 Corticosteroid Domain Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Evidence regarding corticosteroid use for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. Objective: To determine whether hydrocortisone improves outcome for patients with severe COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: An ongoing adaptive platform trial testing multiple interventions within multiple therapeutic domains, for example, antiviral agents, corticosteroids, or immunoglobulin. Between March 9 and June 17, 2020, 614 adult patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled and randomized within at least 1 domain following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory or cardiovascular organ support at 121 sites in 8 countries. Of these, 403 were randomized to open-label interventions within the corticosteroid domain. The domain was halted after results from another trial were released. Follow-up ended August 12, 2020. Interventions: The corticosteroid domain randomized participants to a fixed 7-day course of intravenous hydrocortisone (50 mg or 100 mg every 6 hours) (n = 143), a shock-dependent course (50 mg every 6 hours when shock was clinically evident) (n = 152), or no hydrocortisone (n = 108). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was organ support-free days (days alive and free of ICU-based respiratory or cardiovascular support) within 21 days, where patients who died were assigned -1 day. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model that included all patients enrolled with severe COVID-19, adjusting for age, sex, site, region, time, assignment to interventions within other domains, and domain and intervention eligibility. Superiority was defined as the posterior probability of an odds ratio greater than 1 (threshold for trial conclusion of superiority >99%). Results: After excluding 19 participants who withdrew consent, there were 384 patients (mean age, 60 years; 29% female) randomized to the fixed-dose (n = 137), shock-dependent (n = 146), and no (n = 101) hydrocortisone groups; 379 (99%) completed the study and were included in the analysis. The mean age for the 3 groups ranged between 59.5 and 60.4 years; most patients were male (range, 70.6%-71.5%); mean body mass index ranged between 29.7 and 30.9; and patients receiving mechanical ventilation ranged between 50.0% and 63.5%. For the fixed-dose, shock-dependent, and no hydrocortisone groups, respectively, the median organ support-free days were 0 (IQR, -1 to 15), 0 (IQR, -1 to 13), and 0 (-1 to 11) days (composed of 30%, 26%, and 33% mortality rates and 11.5, 9.5, and 6 median organ support-free days among survivors). The median adjusted odds ratio and bayesian probability of superiority were 1.43 (95% credible interval, 0.91-2.27) and 93% for fixed-dose hydrocortisone, respectively, and were 1.22 (95% credible interval, 0.76-1.94) and 80% for shock-dependent hydrocortisone compared with no hydrocortisone. Serious adverse events were reported in 4 (3%), 5 (3%), and 1 (1%) patients in the fixed-dose, shock-dependent, and no hydrocortisone groups, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with severe COVID-19, treatment with a 7-day fixed-dose course of hydrocortisone or shock-dependent dosing of hydrocortisone, compared with no hydrocortisone, resulted in 93% and 80% probabilities of superiority with regard to the odds of improvement in organ support-free days within 21 days. However, the trial was stopped early and no treatment strategy met prespecified criteria for statistical superiority, precluding definitive conclusions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02735707

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570