Characterizing the taxonomic status of Sphingonotus caerulans in the upper Rhine Valley of Alsace (France) (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oedipodinae)

Sphingonotus is a genus of grasshoppers that contains species groups with several closely related species, among which Sphingonotus caerulans and an unnamed Sphingonotus that are found in continental France. The exact distribution of both species is still under investigation, but it is believed that S. caerulans might be restricted to the northern part of the country, and that Sphingonotus sp. occurs in the southern half and might reach the north east. We explored the genetic identity of Sphingonotus grasshoppers in the upper Rhine Valley of Alsace (northeastern France) using combined fragments of mtDNA ND5 and cytb genes included with other available samples in ML and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses. The results indicate that the five specimens sampled within this region belong to S. caerulans. The actual distribution of Sphingonotus sp. in France remains to be investigated with wider sampling, especially to get a better knowledge on its northern limit.

Immunocompromised patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in intensive care units, outcome and mortality

Background: The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak severely hit Northeastern France from March to May 2020. The massive arrival of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in the intensive care units (ICU) raised the question of how immunocompromised patients would be affected. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical, biological and radiological features of 24 immunocompromised ICU patients with severe SAR-CoV-2 infection. Results: The mortality rate was significantly higher for immunocompromised patients compared with other patients (41.7% versus 27.3%, respectively, p = 0.021). Mortality occurred in the first 2 weeks of intensive care, highlighting the possible interest in prolonged full-code managnement of these patients. Finally, patients with lymphoid malignancies appeared to be particularly affected, mostly with monoclonal gamma-pathology. Conclusion: Mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory syndrome in immuno-compromised patient is high. No treatment was associated with survival improvement. Prolonged full-code management is required for these patients.

Towards Silviculture Guidelines to Produce Large-Sized Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Logs in Western Europe

Forest health problems arising from climate change, pests and pathogens are a threat to the main timber tree species. As a result, silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) has become a precious asset for meeting oncoming forestry challenges in western Europe. However, silviculture guidelines to produce high-value birch logs in this region are lacking. Producing large-sized birch trunks requires crown release, i.e., removing crown competitors around selected target trees. These interventions are currently seldom carried out or else too late when the growth potential of the trees has already diminished. This study set out to ascertain the diameter at breast height (dbh) that could be reached by crown-released birch, determine dbh-associated crown diameters, and further characterize the gain obtained from early crown release on birch dbh growth. We measured 704 birch trees that had undergone crown release in 38 naturally regenerated pure birch stands in southern Belgium and in northeastern France. We then evaluated the variation in stem and crown diameter, and analyzed increments in response to the earliness of the interventions in three subsamples, also compared with control target birch. We found that trees with a dbh of 50 cm could be grown within 60 years. Based on crown diameter, to produce 40, 50 and 60 cm dbh trunk, the distance required between target birch trees at the end of the rotation was around 8, 10 and 12 m. With no intervention and in ordinary dense birch regenerations, the dbh increment was found to decline once the stand reached age 4–7 years. Starting crown release in stands aged 4–5 years can double the dbh increment of target trees and provide a continual gain that may last up to 20 years. When birch crowns are released after 9–12 years, it may already be too late for them to recover their best growth rate. Our contribution should help complete emerging guidelines in support of birch silviculture development.

Quantity Metrics and Proxy Indicators to Estimate the Volume and Appropriateness of Antibiotics Prescribed in French Nursing Homes: A Cross-sectional Observational Study Based on 2018 Reimbursement Data

Background Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to public health globally. Indicators on antibiotic prescribing are required to guide antibiotic stewardship interventions in nursing homes. However, such indicators are not available in the literature. Our main objective was to provide a set of quantity metrics and proxy indicators to estimate the volume and appropriateness of antibiotic use in nursing homes. Methods Recently published articles were first used to select quantity metrics and proxy indicators, which were adapted to the French nursing home context. A cross-sectional observational study was then conducted based on reimbursement databases. We included all community-based nursing homes of the Lorraine region in northeastern France. We present descriptive statistics for quantity metrics and proxy indicators. For proxy indicators, we also assessed performance scores, clinimetric properties (measurability, applicability, and room for improvement), and conducted case-mix and cluster analyses. Results A total of 209 nursing homes were included. We selected 15 quantity metrics and 11 proxy indicators of antibiotic use. The volume of antibiotic use varied greatly between nursing homes. Proxy indicator performance scores were low, and variability between nursing homes was high for all indicators, highlighting important room for improvement. Six of the 11 proxy indicators had good clinimetric properties. Three distinct clusters were identified according to the number of proxy indicators for which the acceptable target was reached. Conclusions This set of 15 quantity metrics and 11 proxy indicators may be adapted to other contexts and could be used to guide antibiotic stewardship programs in nursing homes.

A new furry lobster (Crustacea, Decapoda, Synaxidae) from the Oxfordian (Upper Jurassic) of northeastern France

A new genus and species of achelatan lobster, Palaeopalinurellus culocervus, from the "Calcaire crayeux de Maxey" limestones (middle Oxfordian, Transversarium Zone) at "Le Cul du Cerf", near Orquevaux (Haute-Marne, northeastern France), are described. The new taxon constitutes the earliest record to date of a furry lobster worldwide and extends the stratigraphical range of this group of palinurids significantly. Another Late Jurassic (Tithonian) palinurid, Palinurus strambergensis Bachmayer, 1959, from tramberk (Moravia, Czech Republic), reveals the diagnostic features of the new genus and is here transferred to it.