FLEXBAR: flexible barcode and adapter processing for next-generation sequencing platforms

Quantitative and systems biology approaches benefit from the unprecedented depth of next-generation sequencing. A typical experiment yields millions of short reads, which oftentimes carry particular sequence tags. These tags may be: (a) specific to the sequencing platform and library construction method (e.g., adapter sequences); (b) have been introduced by experimental design (e.g., sample barcodes); or (c) constitute some biological signal (e.g., splice leader sequences in nematodes). Our software FLEXBAR enables accurate recognition, sorting and trimming of sequence tags with maximal flexibility, based on exact overlap sequence alignment. The software supports data formats from all current sequencing platforms, including color-space reads. FLEXBAR maintains read pairings and processes separate barcode reads on demand. Our software facilitates the fine-grained adjustment of sequence tag detection parameters and search regions. FLEXBAR is a multi-threaded software and combines speed with precision. Even complex read processing scenarios might be executed with a single command line call. We demonstrate the utility of the software in terms of read mapping applications, library demultiplexing and splice leader detection. FLEXBAR and additional information is available for academic use from the website: http://sourceforge.net/projects/flexbar/

Higher CPAP levels improve functional residual capacity at birth in preterm rabbits

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are commonly supported with 4-8 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressures (CPAP), although higher CPAP levels may improve functional residual capacity (FRC).METHODS: Preterm rabbits delivered at 29/32 days (similar to 26-28 weeks human) gestation received 0, 5, 8, 12, 15 cm H2O of CPAP or variable CPAP of 15 to 5 or 15 to 8 cm H2O (decreasing similar to 2 cm H2O/min) for up to 10 min after birth.RESULTS: FRC was lower in the 0 (6.8 (1.0-11.2) mL/kg) and 5 (10.1 (1.1-16.8) mL/kg) compared to the 15 (18.8 (10.9-22.4) mL/kg) cm H2O groups (p = 0.003). Fewer kittens achieved FRC > 15 mL/kg in the 0 (20%), compared to 8 (36%), 12 (60%) and 15 (73%) cm H2O groups (p = 0.008). While breathing rates were not different (p = 0.096), apnoea tended to occur more often with CPAP < 8 cm H2O (p = 0.185). CPAP belly and lung bulging rates were similar whereas pneumothoraces were rare. Lowering CPAP from 15 to 5, but not 15 to 8 cm H2O, decreased FRC and breathing rates.CONCLUSION: In all, 15 cm H2O of CPAP improved lung aeration and reduced apnoea, but did not increase the risk of lung over-expansion, pneumothorax or CPAP belly immediately after birth. FRC and breathing rates were maintained when CPAP was decreased to 8 cm H2O.Developmen

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Executive summary

Perkins GD, Gräsner J-T, Semeraro F, et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Executive summary. Resuscitation. 2021;161:1-60.Informed by a series of systematic reviews, scoping reviews and evidence updates from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, the 2021 European Resuscitation Council Guidelines present the most up to date evidence-based guidelines for the practice of resuscitation across Europe. The guidelines cover the epidemiology of cardiac arrest; the role that systems play in saving lives, adult basic life support, adult advanced life support, resuscitation in special circumstances, post resuscitation care, first aid, neonatal life support, paediatric life support, ethics and education

Corrigendum to “European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Executive summary” [Resuscitation (2021) 1–60] (Resuscitation (2021) 161 (1–60), (S0300957221000551), (10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.003))

The authors regret that the list of the ERC 2021 Guidelines Collaborators which were included in Appendix A was incomplete. The complete list of collaborators is provided below: [Table presented] The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. © 2021 The Author