Genomic evidence for the widespread presence of GH45 cellulases among soil invertebrates.

Lignocellulose is a major component of vascular plant biomass. Its decomposition is crucial for the terrestrial carbon cycle. Microorganisms are considered primary decomposers, but evidence increases that some invertebrates may also decompose lignocellulose. We investigated the taxonomic distribution and evolutionary origins of GH45 hydrolases, important enzymes for the decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose, in a collection of soil invertebrate genomes. We found that these genes are common in springtails and oribatid mites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cellulase genes were acquired early in the evolutionary history of these groups. Domain architectures and predicted 3D enzyme structures indicate that these cellulases are functional. Patterns of presence and absence of these genes across different lineages prompt further investigation into their evolutionary and ecological benefits. The ubiquity of cellulase genes suggests that soil invertebrates may play a role in lignocellulose decomposition, independently or in synergy with microorganisms. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary implications might be crucial for understanding soil food webs and the carbon cycle.

Early chest tube removal on the 1st postoperative day protocol of an enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery programme is safe.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of early chest tube removal (CTR) protocol on the 1st postoperative day (POD1) of our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme by comparing the risk of postoperative pneumothorax, pleural and pericardial effusion requiring intervention and hospital mortality. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary revascularization and/or valve surgery between 2015 and 2021 were assessed in terms of their perioperative management pathways: conventional standard of care (control group) versus standardized systematic perioperative ERAS programme including an early CTR on POD1 (ERAS group). A propensity score matching was applied. The primary end-point was a composite of postoperative pneumothorax, pleural and pericardial effusion requiring intervention and hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 3153 patients were included. Propensity score analysis resulted in 2 groups well-matched pairs of 1026 patients. CTR on POD1 was significantly increased from 29.5% in the control group to 70.3% in the ERAS group (P < 0.001). The incidence of the primary end-point was 6.4% in the control group and 6.9% in the ERAS group (P = 0.658). Patients in the ERAS group, as compared with control group, had significant lower incidence of bronchopneumonia (9.0% vs 13.5%; P = 0.001) and higher incidence of mechanical ventilation ≤6 h (84.6% vs 65.2%; P < 0.001), length of intensive care unit ≤1 day (61.2% vs 50.8%; P < 0.001) and hospital ≤6 days (67.3% vs.43.2%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CTR on POD1 protocol can be safely incorporated into a standardized systematic ERAS programme, enabling early mobilization, and contributing to the improvement of postoperative outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Ethics committee of the French Society of Thoracic and Cardio-Vascular Surgery (CERC-SFCTCV-2022-09-13_23140).

The MetaInvert soil invertebrate genome resource provides insights into below-ground biodiversity and evolution.

Soil invertebrates are among the least understood metazoans on Earth. Thus far, the lack of taxonomically broad and dense genomic resources has made it hard to thoroughly investigate their evolution and ecology. With MetaInvert we provide draft genome assemblies for 232 soil invertebrate species, representing 14 common groups and 94 families. We show that this data substantially extends the taxonomic scope of DNA- or RNA-based taxonomic identification. Moreover, we confirm that theories of genome evolution cannot be generalised across evolutionarily distinct invertebrate groups. The soil invertebrate genomes presented here will support the management of soil biodiversity through molecular monitoring of community composition and function, and the discovery of evolutionary adaptations to the challenges of soil conditions.

Enhanced recovery after surgery program for patients undergoing isolated elective coronary artery bypass surgery improves postoperative outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a perioperative systematic standardized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for patients undergoing isolated elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in terms of mortality, hospital morbidities, and length of stay. METHODS: From January 2015 to September 2020, 1101 patients underwent isolated elective CABG. Our standardized systematic ERAS program was implemented in November 2018. Propensity score matching resulted in well-matched pairs of 362 patients receiving standard perioperative care (control group) and 362 patients on the ERAS program (ERAS group). There were no significant intergroup differences in preoperative and operative data except for the normothermia rate, which was significantly greater in the ERAS group (P < .001). The primary outcome was 3-year mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospital morbidities and length of stay. RESULTS: In-hospital and 3-year mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. The ERAS program was associated with a significant relative risk decrease in mechanical ventilation duration (-53.1%, P = .003), length of intensive care unit stay (-28.0%, P = .015), length of hospital stay (-10.5%, P = .046), bronchopneumonia (-51.5%, P < .001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (-50.8%, P = .050), postoperative delirium (-65.4%, P = .011), moderate-to-severe acute kidney injury (-72.0%, P = .009), 24-hour chest tube output (-26.4%, P < .001), and overall red blood cell transfusion rate (-32.4%, P = .005) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic standardized ERAS program for low-risk patients undergoing isolated elective CABG was associated with a significant improvement in postoperative outcomes, reduction in red blood cell transfusion, shorter lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and comparable long-term mortality.

Revision of Megalothorax incertus Börner, 1903 reveals it to be another widespread Palearctic species of the genus (Collembola, Neelidae).

Megalothorax incertus Börner, 1903 is the second species of Megalothorax to have been discovered. The brevity of the original description left the species insufficiently defined. In this work, we redescribe M. incertus from topotypes (Sicily) and describe a new species of the incertus-group: M. boerneri sp. nov. (France). We report the presence of M. incertus sensu nov. in France and Russia and validate a previous record from China based on molecular data. New records are also provided for a third species of the incertus-group, M. perspicillum Schneider & D'Haese, 2013. Novel DNA data (28S rDNA, 16S rDNA, COI) are provided for the three species. The interactive key of the Megalothorax species of the world is updated. The three species are distinguished on subtle morphological characteristics and are found to be well-separated on the molecular based phylogenetic tree. Megalothorax incertus sensu nov. joins M. perspicillum, M. minimus Willem, 1900 and M. willemi Schneider & D'Haese, 2013 in the club of widespread Megalothorax species in the Palearctic, and can be found in co-occurrence with them. Thus, the ecological distinction between those species remains unprecise.

A new group of species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola, Neelidae) with Gondwanan distribution, and introducing an open interactive identification key of Megalothorax species.

Megalothorax Willem, 1900 is a genus of Neelidae (Collembola) with worldwide distribution. Three new species are described here: Megalothorax anterolenis sp. nov. (Patagonia, Chile), Megalothorax tasmanterolenis sp. nov. (Tasmania, Australia) and Megalothorax zealanterolenis sp. nov. (the South Island, New Zealand). New descriptive elements are also provided for Megalothorax rubidus. Two of the new species were sequenced (COI, 16S rDNA, 28S rDNA). Within the genus, the three new species form a new group of species characterised by the absence of secondary granulation dorsally on the head and the thorax, a reduced chaetotaxy of the basomedian field of labium, a bifurcate hair on the maxillary outer lobe and an enlarged S-chaeta (Sa2) on Ant. IV. The molecular based phylogeny further supports the sistership of the two sequenced species. The possible Gondwanan origin of the new group is discussed. Elements of discussion are also provided regarding the possible function of the incomplete coverage of secondary granulation. Finally, an open interactive identification key for the Megalothorax species of the world is introduced.

An enhanced recovery programme significantly improves postoperative outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence regarding the benefits of an enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) programme is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of a systematic standardized ERACS programme for patients undergoing isolated elective surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic stenosis in terms of hospital mortality and morbidity, patient blood management and length of stay. METHODS: Patients undergoing isolated elective SAVR for aortic stenosis between 2015 and 2020 were identified from our database (n = 941). The standardized systematic ERACS programme was implemented in November 2018. Propensity score matching indicated that 259 patients would receive standard perioperative care (control group) and 259 patients would receive the ERACS programme (ERACS group). The primary outcome was hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospital morbidity, patient blood management and length of stay. RESULTS: Both groups had similar hospital mortality rates (0.4%). The ERACS group had a significantly lower troponin I peak level (P < 0.001), a larger proportion of improved perioperative left ventricular ejection fractions (P = 0.001), a lower incidence of bronchopneumonia (P = 0.030), a larger proportion of patients with mechanical ventilation <6 h (P < 0.001), a lower incidence of delirium (P = 0.028) and less acute renal failure (P = 0.013). The ERACS group had a significantly lower rate of red blood cell transfusions (P = 0.002). The intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in the ERACS group than in the control group (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The standardized systematic ERACS programme significantly improved postoperative outcomes and should become the reference for the perioperative care pathway for patients undergoing SAVR.

Shotgun metagenomics of soil invertebrate communities reflects taxonomy, biomass, and reference genome properties.

Metagenomics - shotgun sequencing of all DNA fragments from a community DNA extract - is routinely used to describe the composition, structure, and function of microorganism communities. Advances in DNA sequencing and the availability of genome databases increasingly allow the use of shotgun metagenomics on eukaryotic communities. Metagenomics offers major advances in the recovery of biomass relationships in a sample, in comparison to taxonomic marker gene-based approaches (metabarcoding). However, little is known about the factors which influence metagenomics data from eukaryotic communities, such as differences among organism groups, the properties of reference genomes, and genome assemblies.We evaluated how shotgun metagenomics records composition and biomass in artificial soil invertebrate communities at different sequencing efforts. We generated mock communities of controlled biomass ratios from 28 species from all major soil mesofauna groups: mites, springtails, nematodes, tardigrades, and potworms. We shotgun sequenced these communities and taxonomically assigned them with a database of over 270 soil invertebrate genomes.We recovered over 95% of the species, and observed relatively high false-positive detection rates. We found strong differences in reads assigned to different taxa, with some groups (e.g., springtails) consistently attracting more hits than others (e.g., enchytraeids). Original biomass could be predicted from read counts after considering these taxon-specific differences. Species with larger genomes, and with more complete assemblies, consistently attracted more reads than species with smaller genomes. The GC content of the genome assemblies had no effect on the biomass-read relationships. Results were similar among different sequencing efforts.The results show considerable differences in taxon recovery and taxon specificity of biomass recovery from metagenomic sequence data. The properties of reference genomes and genome assemblies also influence biomass recovery, and they should be considered in metagenomic studies of eukaryotes. We show that low- and high-sequencing efforts yield similar results, suggesting high cost-efficiency of metagenomics for eukaryotic communities. We provide a brief roadmap for investigating factors which influence metagenomics-based eukaryotic community reconstructions. Understanding these factors is timely as accessibility of DNA sequencing and momentum for reference genomes projects show a future where the taxonomic assignment of DNA from any community sample becomes a reality.

Outcome of Temporary Circulatory Support As a Bridge-to-Left Ventricular Assist Device Strategy in Cardiogenic Shock Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Temporary circulatory support (TCS) as a bridge-to-left ventricular assist device (BTL) in cardiogenic shock patients has been increasing, but limited data exists on this BTL strategy. We aimed at analyzing the outcome of BTL patients in a population of cardiogenic shock patients compared with those without TCS at the time of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery and identify predictors of postoperative mortality in this specific population. DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective observational study conducted in 19 centers from 2006 to 2016. SETTING: Nineteen French centers. PATIENTS: A total of 329 cardiogenic shock patients at the time of LVAD implantation were analyzed. Patients were divided in three groups: those under TCS at the time of LVAD implantation (n = 173), those with TCS removal before LVAD surgery (n = 24), and those who did not undergo a bridging strategy (n = 152). Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among the BTL group, 68 (39.3%), 18 (10.4%), and 15 (8.7%) patients were under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Impella, and IABP support alone, and 72 patients (20.6%) were under multiple TCS support. BTL patients presented similar 30 days survival compared with the TCS removal and non-BTL groups. However, BTL group had a significantly longer ICU duration stay, with two-fold duration of mechanical ventilation time, but the three groups experienced similar postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of mortality in the BTL group: combined surgery with LVAD, body mass index (BMI), and heart failure (HF) duration. BTL strategy was not an independent predictor of mortality in cardiogenic shock patients who underwent LVAD. CONCLUSIONS: BTL strategy is not associated with a lower survival among cardiogenic shock patients with LVAD implantation. Predictors of mortality are combined surgery with LVAD, higher BMI, and HF duration.

Two high-quality de novo genomes from single ethanol-preserved specimens of tiny metazoans (Collembola).

BACKGROUND: Genome sequencing of all known eukaryotes on Earth promises unprecedented advances in biological sciences and in biodiversity-related applied fields such as environmental management and natural product research. Advances in long-read DNA sequencing make it feasible to generate high-quality genomes for many non-genetic model species. However, long-read sequencing today relies on sizable quantities of high-quality, high molecular weight DNA, which is mostly obtained from fresh tissues. This is a challenge for biodiversity genomics of most metazoan species, which are tiny and need to be preserved immediately after collection. Here we present de novo genomes of 2 species of submillimeter Collembola. For each, we prepared the sequencing library from high molecular weight DNA extracted from a single specimen and using a novel ultra-low input protocol from Pacific Biosciences. This protocol requires a DNA input of only 5 ng, permitted by a whole-genome amplification step. RESULTS: The 2 assembled genomes have N50 values >5.5 and 8.5 Mb, respectively, and both contain ∼96% of BUSCO genes. Thus, they are highly contiguous and complete. The genomes are supported by an integrative taxonomy approach including placement in a genome-based phylogeny of Collembola and designation of a neotype for 1 of the species. Higher heterozygosity values are recorded in the more mobile species. Both species are devoid of the biosynthetic pathway for ß-lactam antibiotics known in several Collembola, confirming the tight correlation of antibiotic synthesis with the species way of life. CONCLUSIONS: It is now possible to generate high-quality genomes from single specimens of minute, field-preserved metazoans, exceeding the minimum contig N50 (1 Mb) required by the Earth BioGenome Project.

Left ventricular assist device-associated infections: incidence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-associated infections are major complications that can lead to critical outcomes. The aims of this study were to assess the incidence of and to determine the risk factors for LVAD-associated infections. METHODS: We included all consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implantation between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2019, in a single institution. Infection-related data were retrospectively collected by review of patient's medical files. LVAD-associated infections were classified into three categories: percutaneous driveline infections, pocket infections and pump and/or cannula infections. RESULTS: We enrolled 72 patients. Twenty-one (29.2%) patients presented a total of 32 LVAD-associated infections. Eight (38.1%) patients had more than one infection. Five (62.5%) pocket infections and one (50.0%) pump and/or cannula infection were preceded by a driveline infection. The median delay between the operation and LVAD-associated infection was 6.5 (1.4-12.4) months. The probability of having a LVAD-associated infection at one year after receiving an implant was 26.6% (95% CI: 17.5-40.5%). Percutaneous driveline infections represented 68.7% of all LVAD-associated infections. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant bacteria in LVAD-associated infections (53.1% and 15.6%, respectively). Hospital length of stay (sdHR =1.22 per 10 days; P=0.001) and postoperative hemodialysis (sdHR =0.17; P=0.004) were statistically associated with infection. Colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria was more frequent in patients with LVAD-associated infections than in others patients (42.9% vs. 15.7%; P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: LVAD-associated infections remain an important complication and are mostly represented by percutaneous driveline infections. Gram-positive cocci are the main pathogens isolated in microbiological samples. Patients with LVAD-associated infections are more frequently colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Minimally invasive surgery for left ventricular assist device implantation is safe and associated with a decreased risk of right ventricular failure.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine pre- and postoperative risk factors associated with the occurrence of RVF after LVAD implantation. METHODS: This retrospective study included 68 patients who received LVADs between 2010 and 2018 either for bridge to transplant (40 patients, 58.8%) or bridge to destination therapy (28 patients, 41.2%). RVF after LVAD implantation was defined according to the INTERMACS classification. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of RVF. The secondary endpoints were hospital mortality and morbidity and long-term survival. RESULTS: The majority of patients (61.8%) had an INTERMACS profile 1 (36.8%) or 2 (25.0%). The LVAD was implanted either by sternotomy (37 patients, 54.4%) or thoracotomy (31 patients, 45.6%). RVF after LVAD implantation was observed in 32 patients (47.1%). In univariate analysis, an elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (P=0.028) and a high preoperative vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) (P=0.028) were significantly associated with an increased risk of RVF, whereas the implantation of LVAD through a thoracotomy approach was associated with a significant reduction in this risk (P=0.006). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the thoracotomy approach was significantly associated with decreased risk of RVF (odds ratio =0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.96; P=0.042). Hospital mortality was 53.1% and 5.6% in the RVF and control groups, respectively (P<0.0001). The incidence of stroke and postoperative acute renal failure were significantly increased in the RVF group compared with the control group. The survival after LVAD implantation was 33.5%±9.0% and 85.4%±6.0% at 1 year in the RVF and control groups, respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: LVAD implantation by thoracotomy significantly reduced the risk of postoperative RVF. This surgical approach should, therefore, be favored.

Two new Megalothorax species of the minimus group (Collembola, Neelidae).

Two new Megalothorax species, Megalothorax potapovi sp. n. from the Russian Far East and Megalothorax sanguineus sp. n. from the French Pyrénées are described. The two new species have a set of morphological characters (including a smooth mucro) that places them among the minimus group sensu Schneider and D'Haese (2013). Megalothorax potapovi characteristics include dorsal protuberance on forehead, peculiar chaetotaxy of antenna III and strong lanceolate chaetae on body. Megalothorax sanguineus characteristics include strong red pigmentation, large network of integumentary channels on head and elongated apex of the two postero-distal spines of dens. The DNA barcodes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I-COI) of the two species are also provided and analyzed among a broader sampling of the genus in order to support further their specific status. A special focus is given to the labral morphological characteristics. Pseudopores-like elements are reported for the first time in the genus. Positions of the τ-chaetae near the dorsal sensory field of thorax II are compared for several species of the genus.