Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritizes the exchange of grassroots knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across the 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources. Here, we discuss the implementation of transformative strategies, such as expanding the regional workshop model of AfricaBP to involve multiple countries, institutions and partners, including the proposed creation of an African digital database with sequence information relating to both biodiversity and agriculture. This will ultimately help create a critical mass of skilled genomics and bioinformatics scientists across Africa.</p

First report of the endobacteria Wolbachia in natural populations of Culex pipiens in Morocco

International audienc

10Gbps Length adaptive on-chip RF serial link for Network on Chips and Multiprocessor chips applications

International audienc

A retrospective study of suspected anaphylactic reactions during anesthesia in Belgium

© Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica, 2018. Background: Since 2008, Belgian anesthe siologists can report suspected anaphylactic reactions during anesthesia on the website of the Society for Anesthesia and Resuscitation of Belgium (SARB). Material & Methods: We analyzed the database retrospectively, covering a period from January 2008 to May 2013. Results: Out of 97 cases, two were excluded because of insufficient data. Fifty-six % of cases were reported by the 2 hospitals that conducted the survey. The incidence of severe reactions was higher in regional hospitals than in university hospitals. Respiratory symptoms were more frequent in patients with a history of respiratory disease. Mast cell tryptase (MCT) after the reaction was measured correctly in only 54% of cases, and was positive in 66% of cases (MCT > 13.5 figfL). Basal MCT was measured in 64% of patients. Skin testing was done in 72% and was positive in 51 (75%) of them. Most frequently incriminated agents were neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) (63%) and antibiotics (18%). Cross-sensitivity between NMBDs occurred in 78% of cases. A complete investigation (MCT at 30-90 min, basal MCT at distance from the reaction, and skin testing) was conducted in 38% of cases. Conclusion: There was probably severe underreporting of suspected anaphylactic reactions in Belgium. Moreover, in a majority of cases, necessary investigations were carried out incompletely. Underreporting and incomplete investigation increases the risk for new episodes of anaphylaxis during subsequent anesthesia.status: publishe

The hip fracture surgery in elderly patients (HIPELD) study to evaluate xenon anaesthesia for the prevention of postoperative delirium: a multicentre, randomized clinical trial

Background: Postoperative delirium occurs frequently in elderly hip fracture surgery patients and is associated with poorer overall outcomes. Because xenon anaesthesia has neuroprotective properties, we evaluated its effect on the incidence of delirium and other outcomes after hip fracture surgery. Methods: This was a phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial conducted in hospitals in six European countries (September 2010 to October 2014). Elderly (75yr-old) and mentally functional hip fracture patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either xenon- or sevoflurane-based general anaesthesia during surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium diagnosed through postoperative day 4. Secondary outcomes were delirium diagnosed anytime after surgery, postoperative sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Of 256 enrolled patients, 124 were treated with xenon and 132 with sevoflurane. The incidence of delirium with xenon (9.7% [95% CI: 4.5 -14.9]) or with sevoflurane (13.6% [95% CI: 7.8 -19.5]) were not significantly different (P¼0.33). Overall SOFA scores were significantly lower with xenon (least-squares mean difference: 0.33 [95% CI: 0.60 to 0.06]; P¼0.017). For xenon and sevoflurane, the incidence of serious AEs and fatal AEs was 8.0% vs 15.9% (P¼0.05) and 0% vs 3.8% (P¼0.06), respectively. Conclusions: Xenon anaesthesia did not significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery. Nevertheless, exploratory observations concerning postoperative SOFA-scores, serious AEs, and deaths warrant further study of the potential benefits of xenon anaesthesia in elderly hip fracture surgery patients. Clinical trial registration: EudraCT 2009-017153-35; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01199276.status: publishe

The hip fracture surgery in elderly patients (HIPELD) study to evaluate xenon anaesthesia for the prevention of postoperative delirium: a multicentre, randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium occurs frequently in elderly hip fracture surgery patients and is associated with poorer overall outcomes. Because xenon anaesthesia has neuroprotective properties, we evaluated its effect on the incidence of delirium and other outcomes after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: This was a phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial conducted in hospitals in six European countries (September 2010 to October 2014). Elderly (≥75yr-old) and mentally functional hip fracture patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either xenon- or sevoflurane-based general anaesthesia during surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium diagnosed through postoperative day 4. Secondary outcomes were delirium diagnosed anytime after surgery, postoperative sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Of 256 enrolled patients, 124 were treated with xenon and 132 with sevoflurane. The incidence of delirium with xenon (9.7% [95% CI: 4.5 -14.9]) or with sevoflurane (13.6% [95% CI: 7.8 -19.5]) were not significantly different (P=0.33). Overall SOFA scores were significantly lower with xenon (least-squares mean difference: -0.33 [95% CI: -0.60 to -0.06]; P=0.017). For xenon and sevoflurane, the incidence of serious AEs and fatal AEs was 8.0% vs 15.9% (P=0.05) and 0% vs 3.8% (P=0.06), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Xenon anaesthesia did not significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery. Nevertheless, exploratory observations concerning postoperative SOFA-scores, serious AEs, and deaths warrant further study of the potential benefits of xenon anaesthesia in elderly hip fracture surgery patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2009-017153-35; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01199276