Spatial transcriptomics of planktonic and sessile bacterial populations at single-cell resolution.

Capturing the heterogeneous phenotypes of microbial populations at relevant spatiotemporal scales is highly challenging. Here, we present par-seqFISH (parallel sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization), a transcriptome-imaging approach that records gene expression and spatial context within microscale assemblies at a single-cell and molecule resolution. We applied this approach to the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, analyzing about 600,000 individuals across dozens of conditions in planktonic and biofilm cultures. We identified numerous metabolic- and virulence-related transcriptional states that emerged dynamically during planktonic growth, as well as highly spatially resolved metabolic heterogeneity in sessile populations. Our data reveal that distinct physiological states can coexist within the same biofilm just several micrometers away, underscoring the importance of the microenvironment. Our results illustrate the complex dynamics of microbial populations and present a new way of studying them at high resolution.

Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: common quandaries, dilemmas and challenges.

Multiple studies have shown that pharmacologic treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially stimulants, are generally effective. There is yet a paucity of empirical data, however, for some common clinical conditions overlooked in the ADHD treatment guidelines. Some examples include: in cases of first line treatment failure, it is unclear whether switching from one type of stimulant to another is beneficial. In cases of comorbid ADHD and severe aggressive/disruptive behavior in children, it is unclear whether the best first-line treatment is stimulants or atypical antipsychotics like risperidone. In cases of ADHD with comorbid anxiety disorders, there is no clear evidence regarding optimal treatment. The objectives of this article are to review these issues and propose possible answers for such clinical dilemmas.

Electroconvulsive Therapy: Relating Attitude Towards Treatment and Knowledge Among Mental Health Professionals in a Mental Health Center.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are well established; nevertheless, public attitude remains stigmatic. To date, few studies have been published that examine the attitudes and practical knowledge of medical staff with regards to ECT. Moreover, the attitudes of different parts of mental health staff still need to be explored. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards ECT of mental health staff in different disciplines. METHODS: A multi-group comparative study used questionnaires translated from several similar studies; 120 questionnaires were distributed equally to four groups of professionals in mental health centers in Beer Yaakov - Ness Ziona Complex: psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers. The questionnaires aimed to measure knowledge and attitude towards ECT treatment. RESULTS: The questionnaires showed significant differences in knowledge, subjective knowledge and, respectively, attitudes. Psychiatrists and nursing staff demonstrated higher knowledge and more positive approaches compared with social workers and psychologists. No significant differences were found between the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists, psychiatry residents and nursing staff. CONCLUSIONS: The mental health sector can serve as an indicator of the level of knowledge and attitude towards ECT treatment. It is necessary to recognize the differences between various sectors and to deepen our knowledge regarding this treatment to all sectors, especially social workers and psychologists.

Thymic and bone marrow output in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a congenital multisystem anomaly characterized by typical facial features, palatal anomalies, congenital heart defects, hypocalcemia, immunodeficiency, and cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The aim of our study was to investigate T- and B-lymphocyte characteristics associated with 22q11.2DS. METHODS: Seventy-five individuals with 22q11.2DS were tested for T and B lymphocytes by examination of T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (TRECs) and B-cell κ-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs), respectively. RESULTS: The 22q11.2DS individuals displayed low levels of TRECs, while exhibiting normal levels of KRECs. There was a significant positive correlation between TREC and KREC in the 22q11.2DS group, but not in controls. Both TREC and KREC levels showed a significant decrease with age and only TREC was low in 22q11.2DS individuals with recurrent infections. No difference in TREC levels was found between 22q11.2DS individuals who underwent heart surgery (with or without thymectomy) and those who did not. CONCLUSION: T-cell immunodeficiency in 22q11.2DS includes low TREC levels, which may contribute to recurrent infections in individuals with this syndrome. A correlation between T- and B-cell abnormalities in 22q11.2DS was identified. The B-cell abnormalities could account for part of the immunological deficiency seen in 22q11.2DS.