Comparison of paediatric infectious disease deaths in public sector health facilities using different data sources in the Western Cape, South Africa (2007-2021).

BACKGROUND: Routinely collected population-wide health data are often used to understand mortality trends including child mortality, as these data are often available more readily or quickly and for lower geographic levels than population-wide mortality data. However, understanding the completeness and accuracy of routine health data sources is essential for their appropriate interpretation and use. This study aims to assess the accuracy of diagnostic coding for public sector in-facility childhood (age < 5 years) infectious disease deaths (lower respiratory tract infections [LRTI], diarrhoea, meningitis, and tuberculous meningitis [TBM]) in routine hospital information systems (RHIS) through comparison with causes of death identified in a child death audit system (Child Healthcare Problem Identification Programme [Child PIP]) and the vital registration system (Death Notification [DN] Surveillance) in the Western Cape, South Africa and to calculate admission mortality rates (number of deaths in admitted patients per 1000 live births) using the best available data from all sources. METHODS: The three data sources: RHIS, Child PIP, and DN Surveillance are integrated and linked by the Western Cape Provincial Health Data Centre using a unique patient identifier. We calculated the deduplicated total number of infectious disease deaths and estimated admission mortality rates using all three data sources. We determined the completeness of Child PIP and DN Surveillance in identifying deaths recorded in RHIS and the level of agreement for causes of death between data sources. RESULTS: Completeness of recorded in-facility infectious disease deaths in Child PIP (23/05/2007-08/02/2021) and DN Surveillance (2010-2013) was 70% and 69% respectively. The greatest agreement in infectious causes of death were for diarrhoea and LRTI: 92% and 84% respectively between RHIS and Child PIP, and 98% and 83% respectively between RHIS and DN Surveillance. In-facility infectious disease admission mortality rates decreased significantly for the province: 1.60 (95% CI: 1.37-1.85) to 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56-0.93) deaths per 1000 live births from 2007 to 2020. CONCLUSION: RHIS had accurate causes of death amongst children dying from infectious diseases, particularly for diarrhoea and LRTI, with declining in-facility admission mortality rates over time. We recommend integrating data sources to ensure the most accurate assessment of child deaths.

Reported sleep duration reveals segmentation of the adult life-course into three phases.

Classically the human life-course is characterized by youth, middle age and old age. A wide range of biological, health and cognitive functions vary across this life-course. Here, using reported sleep duration from 730,187 participants across 63 countries, we find three distinct phases in the adult human life-course: early adulthood (19-33yrs), mid-adulthood (34-53yrs), and late adulthood (54+yrs). They appear stable across culture, gender, education and other demographics. During the third phase, where self-reported sleep duration increases with age, cognitive performance, as measured by spatial navigation, was found to have an inverted u-shape relationship with reported sleep duration: optimal performance peaks at 7 hours reported sleep. World-wide self-reported sleep duration patterns are geographically clustered, and are associated with economy, culture, and latitude.

Intrapartum antibiotics and childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between intrapartum antibiotics (IABX) and asthma and allergic rhinitis among children by ages 6, 8 and 10 years. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING AND POPULATION: Data were collected though Kaiser Permanente Northern California's (KPNC) integrated healthcare system. Children were eligible if they were born in a KPNC hospital between 1997 and 2012 and stayed enrolled through age 6. METHODS: Modified Poisson regressions with robust error variances were used to estimate risk ratios for IABX and each outcome at each follow-up age during two separate time periods: 1997-2004 (n = 91 739) and 2005-2012 (n = 108 314). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Asthma and allergic rhinitis by ages 6, 8 and 10. RESULTS: The proportion of women receiving IABX increased drastically over the study period (from 4% in 1997 to 49% in 2011), while the incidence of asthma (8%) and allergic rhinitis (6%) stayed relatively stable. In adjusted models, risk ratios for the association between IABX and asthma and allergic rhinitis were largely compatible with the null, with some slightly elevated risk ratios observed. For births from 1997 to 2004, risk ratios for asthma were 1.08 (95% CI 1.00-1.17) at age 6, 1.05 (95% CI 0.97-1.15) at age 8, and 1.08 (95% CI 0.99-1.18) at age 10. For births from 2005 to 2012, risk ratios were 1.00 (95% CI 0.95-1.04) at age 6, 1.07 (95% CI 1.01-1.12) at age 8, and 1.11 (95% CI 1.03-1.20) at age 10. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to intrapartum antibiotics is not a strong predictor of childhood asthma or allergic rhinitis risk. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Exposure to intrapartum antibiotics is not a strong predictor of childhood asthma or allergic rhinitis risk.

Investigating surface binding effects: antibacterial efficacy of bound 8-hydroxyquinoline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

AIMS: To investigate the binding of the antimicrobial compound 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) to a material interface and to determine whether immobilization affects the antibacterial efficacy. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 8HQ derivative 5-carboxy-8-hydroxyquinoline (5C8HQ) was attached to silica beads through amide bond coupling at the carboxyl moiety of 5C8HQ. Attachment of 5C8HQ was confirmed using a combination of mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, colorimetric testing and Soxhlet extraction. Computational modelling results indicated that this substitution did not compromise the active sites on the molecule, whereas other positions on the ring system could potentially inhibit antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial effect of 8HQ and the 5C8HQ-modified silica complex against Escherichia coli 15597 (ATCC® 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The test results show that the immobilized 8HQ continues to exhibit antibacterial activity, however, quantifying the efficacy compared to free 8HQ bears further investigation. The expected antibacterial mechanism requires that the metal chelation site of 8HQ be retained and available after attachment to a surface. The retention of antibacterial activity after surface bonding represents a novel mechanism of action not previously reported. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Recent changes in regulations due to environmental concerns prompted many companies and organizations to explore antimicrobial treatments that are chemically bound to the product. Chemically bonding biocidal compounds to a surface limits environmental release; however, molecular mechanisms that drive antibacterial activity when compounds are immobilized are limited. The results reported here demonstrate that the 8HQ reactive site retains antibacterial efficacy even after covalent attachment to a surface. This approach supersedes other antimicrobial treatments where the active component is gradually released from the material surface in order to elicit antimicrobial effects. This specific antibacterial activity of bound 8HQ represents a novel mechanism of action not previously reported, and a potential conduit to a new class of bound antimicrobial materials.

Challenging immunodominance of influenza-specific CD8+ T cell responses restricted by the risk-associated HLA-A*68:01 allomorph.

Although influenza viruses lead to severe illness in high-risk populations, host genetic factors associated with severe disease are largely unknown. As the HLA-A*68:01 allele can be linked to severe pandemic 2009-H1N1 disease, we investigate a potential impairment of HLA-A*68:01-restricted CD8+ T cells to mount robust responses. We elucidate the HLA-A*68:01+CD8+ T cell response directed toward an extended influenza-derived nucleoprotein (NP) peptide and show that only ~35% individuals have immunodominant A68/NP145+CD8+ T cell responses. Dissecting A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells in low vs. medium/high responders reveals that high responding donors have A68/NP145+CD8+ memory T cells with clonally expanded TCRαßs, while low-responders display A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells with predominantly naïve phenotypes and non-expanded TCRαßs. Single-cell index sorting and TCRαß analyses link expansion of A68/NP145+CD8+ T cells to their memory potential. Our study demonstrates the immunodominance potential of influenza-specific CD8+ T cells presented by a risk HLA-A*68:01 molecule and advocates for priming CD8+ T cell compartments in HLA-A*68:01-expressing individuals for establishment of pre-existing protective memory T cell pools.

Evaluation of a novel particle-based assay for detection of autoantibodies in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

BACKGROUND: Myositis specific antibodies (MSA) represent not only important diagnostic tools for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), but also help to stratify patients into subsets with particular clinical features, treatment responses, and disease outcome. Consequently, standardization of MSA is of high importance. Although many laboratories rely on protein immunoprecipitation (IP) for the detection of MSA, IP standardization is challenging and therefore reliable alternatives are mandatory. Recently, we identified significant variation between IP and line immunoassay (LIA) for the detection of MSA and myositis associated antibodies. In this study we aimed to compare the results from our previous study to the results obtained with a novel fully automated particle-based technology for the detection of MSA and MAA. METHODS: A total of 54 sera from patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) were tested using three methods: IP, LIA (Euroimmun, Germany) and a novel particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT, Inova Diagnostics, US, research use only). The analysis focused on antibodies to EJ, SRP, Jo-1, NXP-2, MDA5, TIF1-γ, and Mi-2. RESULTS: Significant variations were observed among all methods. Overall, the novel PMAT assays showed slightly better correlation with IP, but the kappa agreement was strongly dependent on the antibody tested. When the results obtained from IP were used as reference for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, good discrimination and a high area under the curve (AUC) value were found for PMAT (AUC = 0.83, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.70-0.95) which was significantly higher (p = .0332) than the LIA method (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.84). CONCLUSION: The novel PMAT used to detect a spectrum of MSA in IIM represents a potential alternative to IP and other diagnostic assays. Additional studies based on larger cohorts are needed to fully assess the performance of the novel PMAT system for the detection of autoantibodies in myositis.

What information can the lay public find about osteoporosis treatment? A descriptive study coding the content and quality of bisphosphonate information on the internet.

Despite its effectiveness, bisphosphonate use for osteoporosis is low. We assessed bisphosphonate information on the internet and found the most commonly listed benefits/risks were bone density loss, gastrointestinal issues, and jaw necrosis, that risk quantification was rare, and information quality varied. Findings underscore the importance of clinical communication about bisphosphonates. INTRODUCTION: The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends osteoporosis screening and treatment with bisphosphonates in high-risk populations. However, bisphosphonate use among individuals with osteoporosis remains low. The content and quality of information from outside sources may influence individuals' bisphosphonate decisions. Therefore, we sought to assess the content and quality of osteoporosis treatment information available to the public by conducting an internet search and coding available bisphosphonate information. METHODS: Eleven search terms about osteoporosis and bisphosphonates were entered into four search engines. Two raters assessed websites for information about bisphosphonates, whether and how benefits and side effects were described and quantified, contraindications, and dosing instructions. Coders also assessed website interface and slant/balance of information. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred seventy-three websites were identified. Two hundred twenty-seven websites met inclusion criteria and were coded. The most common bisphosphonate benefit described was prevention of bone density loss (77.1% of websites). The most common side effects described were gastrointestinal problems (66.1%) and jaw osteonecrosis (58.6%). Most websites did not quantify bisphosphonate benefits (78.0%) or side effects (82.4%). Complementary/integrative health websites (p < .001) and pharmaceutical litigation websites (p < .001) were more often slanted against taking bisphosphonates, compared to all websites coded. General medical knowledge websites were more balanced than other websites (p = .023). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of bisphosphonate information on the internet varies substantially. Providers counseling patients about osteoporosis treatment should inquire about patients' baseline bisphosphonate knowledge. Providers can complement accurate information and address potential bisphosphonate misconceptions.

Untangling Neolithic and Bronze Age mitochondrial lineages in South Asia.

Two key moments shaped the extant South Asian gene pool within the last 10 thousand years (ka): the Neolithic period, with the advent of agriculture and the rise of the Harappan/Indus Valley Civilisation; and Late Bronze Age events that witnessed the abrupt fall of the Harappan Civilisation and the arrival of Indo-European speakers. This study focuses on the phylogeographic patterns of mitochondrial haplogroups H2 and H13 in the Indian Subcontinent and incorporates evidence from recently released ancient genomes from Central and South Asia. It found signals of Neolithic arrivals from Iran and later movements in the Bronze Age from Central Asia that derived ultimately from the Steppe. This study shows how a detailed mtDNA phylogeographic approach, combining both modern and ancient variation, can provide evidence of population movements, even in a scenario of strong male bias such as in the case of the Bronze Age Steppe dispersals.

Identifying the lifetime cognitive and socioeconomic antecedents of cognitive state: seven decades of follow-up in a British birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The life course determinants of midlife and later life cognitive function have been studied using longitudinal population-based cohort data, but far less is known about whether the pattern of these pathways is similar or distinct for clinically relevant cognitive state. We investigated this for Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination third edition (ACE-III), used in clinical settings to screen for cognitive impairment and dementia. DESIGN: Longitudinal birth cohort study. SETTING: Residential addresses in England, Wales and Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 1762 community-dwelling men and women of European heritage, enrolled since birth in the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Survey of Health and Development (the British 1946 birth cohort). PRIMARY OUTCOME: ACE-III. RESULTS: Path modelling estimated direct and indirect associations between apolipoprotein E (APOE) status, father's social class, childhood cognition, education, midlife occupational complexity, midlife verbal ability (National Adult Reading Test; NART), and the total ACE-III score. Controlling for sex, there was a direct negative association between APOE ε4 and the ACE-III score (ß=-0.04 [-0.08 to -0.002], p=0.04), but not between APOE ε4 and childhood cognition (ß=0.03 [-0.006 to 0.069], p=0.10) or the NART (ß=0.0005 [-0.03 to 0.03], p=0.97). The strongest influences on the ACE-III were from childhood cognition (ß=0.20 [0.14 to 0.26], p<0.001) and the NART (ß=0.35 [0.29 to 0.41], p<0.001); educational attainment and occupational complexity were modestly and independently associated with the ACE-III (ß=0.08 [0.03 to 0.14], p=0.002 and ß=0.05 [0.01 to 0.10], p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The ACE-III in the general population shows a pattern of life course antecedents that is similar to neuropsychological measures of cognitive function, and may be used to represent normal cognitive ageing as well as a screen for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Australian hospitals: outcome of point-prevalence screening in high-risk wards.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infections are increasingly reported in Australian hospitals, but prevalence is unknown. In 2016, Victorian hospitals conducted CPE point-prevalence surveys in high-risk wards (intensive care, haematology, transplant). Forty-three hospitals performed 134 surveys, with 1839/2342 (79%) high-risk patients screened. Twenty-four surveys were also performed in other wards. Inability to obtain patient consent was the leading reason for non-participation. In high-risk wards, no CPE cases were detected; three cases were identified in other wards. Since there is low prevalence in high-risk wards, continuous screening is not recommended. Targeted screening may be enhanced by review of patient consent processes.

Affective problems and decline in cognitive state in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence suggests that affective problems, such as depression and anxiety, increase risk for late-life dementia. However, the extent to which affective problems influence cognitive decline, even many years prior to clinical diagnosis of dementia, is not clear. The present study systematically reviews and synthesises the evidence for the association between affective problems and decline in cognitive state (i.e., decline in non-specific cognitive function) in older adults. An electronic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect was conducted to identify studies of the association between depression and anxiety separately and decline in cognitive state. Key inclusion criteria were prospective, longitudinal designs with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment using the STROBE checklist were conducted independently by two raters. A total of 34 studies (n = 71 244) met eligibility criteria, with 32 studies measuring depression (n = 68 793), and five measuring anxiety (n = 4698). A multi-level meta-analysis revealed that depression assessed as a binary predictor (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05-1.76, p = 0.02) or a continuous predictor (B = -0.008, 95% CI -0.015 to -0.002, p = 0.012; OR 0.992, 95% CI 0.985-0.998) was significantly associated with decline in cognitive state. The number of anxiety studies was insufficient for meta-analysis, and they are described in a narrative review. Results of the present study improve current understanding of the temporal nature of the association between affective problems and decline in cognitive state. They also suggest that cognitive function may need to be monitored closely in individuals with affective disorders, as these individuals may be at particular risk of greater cognitive decline.

The immunogenicity of ReFacto AF (moroctocog alfa AF-CC) in previously untreated patients with haemophilia A in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: Factor VIII inhibitor development is currently the most serious complication of the treatment of haemophilia A. Differences in manufacturing and the molecular structure of brands of recombinant factor VIII have led to speculation that concentrates may differ in immunogenicity. This has led to a regulatory focus on the immunogenicity of factor VIII concentrates both before and after licensure. AIM: To investigate the immunogenicity of ReFacto AF post licensure in a real-world setting in previously untreated patients (PUPs) treated exclusively with this product until at least 50 exposure days (EDs). METHODS: The United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation (UKHCDO) National Haemophilia Database (NHD) identified a consecutive cohort of patients with severe haemophilia A (<0.01 IU/L) whose first treatment was with ReFacto AF, monitored time to inhibitor development and described associated risk factors. RESULTS: One hundred and three boys reached 50 EDs within the study period, of whom 35 developed an inhibitor (P(t ≤ 50) = 0.33, [95% CI: 0.25-0.43]), of which 15 (P(t ≤ 50) = 0.16, [95% CI: 0.10-0.25]) were high titre. Inhibitors arose after a median (interquartile range) 11 (7-16) EDs. Inhibitors were significantly associated with high-risk mutations and non-significantly associated with non-white ethnicity. Inhibitors were negatively associated with a family history of haemophilia A. High-titre inhibitors were significantly associated with a family history of inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Inhibitor incidence in a single country population of ReFacto AF PUPs was similar to that previously described. Low- and high-titre inhibitors were detected after a similar number of EDs, contrasting with previous data, probably reflecting standardized inhibitor monitoring within the United Kingdom.

Intracranial haemorrhage in children with inherited bleeding disorders in the UK 2003-2015: A national cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial haemorrhage in children with inherited bleeding disorders is a potentially life-threatening complication and presents a significant therapeutic challenge. AIM: To define the characteristics, management and outcomes of intracranial haemorrhage presenting in UK children ≤16 years of age with inherited bleeding disorders from 2003 to 2015. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of children treated at UK haemophilia centres. RESULTS: Of 66 children presenting with Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), 82% had haemophilia A or B, 3% VWD and 15% a rare IBD. The IBD was a severe phenotype in 91%. The rates of ICH were 6.4 and 4.2 per 1000 patient years for haemophilia A and B, respectively. Median age at presentation was 4 months (33% neonates; 91% children <2 years of age). In neonates, delivery was spontaneous vaginal (SV) in 11, instrumental in 6, caesarean in 4 and unknown in 1. In children with haemophilia, the risk of ICH after instrumental delivery was 10.6 times greater than after SV delivery. Trauma was more common in children >2 years (67%) than in children 1 month to 2 years (18%; P = .027). Prior to ICH, only 4.5% of children were on prophylaxis. 6% of haemophiliacs had an inhibitor. The median duration of initial replacement therapy was 15 days. Mortality was 13.5%. Neurological sequelae occurred in 39% of survivors, being more common following intracerebral bleeding. In haemophilia survivors, 52% subsequently developed a FVIII inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Intracranial haemorrhage occurs most frequently in children with severe IBDs, during the first 2 years of life and in children not receiving prophylaxis. Intracranial haemorrhage often occurs without documented trauma.

Cognitive profiles in childhood and adolescence differ between adult psychotic and affective symptoms: a prospective birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Differences between verbal and non-verbal cognitive development from childhood to adulthood may differentiate between those with and without psychotic symptoms and affective symptoms in later life. However, there has been no study exploring this in a population-based cohort. METHOD: The sample was drawn from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, and consisted of 2384 study members with self-reported psychotic experiences and affective symptoms at the age of 53 years, and with complete cognitive data at the ages of 8 and 15 years. The association between verbal and non-verbal cognition at age 8 years and relative developmental lag from age 8 to 15 years, and both adult outcomes were tested with the covariates adjusted, and mutually adjusted for verbal and non-verbal cognition. RESULTS: Those with psychotic experiences [thought interference (n = 433), strange experience (n = 296), hallucination (n = 88)] had lower cognition at both the ages of 8 and 15 years in both verbal and non-verbal domains. After mutual adjustment, lower verbal cognition at age 8 years and greater verbal developmental lag were associated with higher likelihood of psychotic experiences within individuals, whereas there was no association between non-verbal cognition and any psychotic experience. In contrast, those with case-level affective symptoms (n = 453) had lower non-verbal cognition at age 15 years, and greater developmental lag in the non-verbal domain. After adjustment, lower non-verbal cognition at age 8 years and greater non-verbal developmental lag were associated with higher risk of case-level affective symptoms within individuals. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cognitive profiles in childhood and adolescence differentiate psychiatric disease spectra.

Central and peripheral line-associated bloodstream infections in Australian neonatal and paediatric intensive care units: findings from a comprehensive Victorian surveillance network, 2008-2016.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections in neonatal and paediatric populations are associated with poorer outcomes and healthcare costs, and surveillance is a necessary component of prevention programmes. AIM: To evaluate burden of illness, aetiology, and time-trends for central and peripheral line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI and PLABSI) in Australian neonatal and paediatric intensive care units (ICUs) between July 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2016. METHODS: Using National Healthcare Safety Network methods, surveillance in neonatal and paediatric units was performed by hospitals participating in the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System. Mixed effects Poisson regression was used to model infections over time. FINDINGS: Overall, 82 paediatric CLABSI events were reported during 37,125 CVC-days (2.21 per 1000 CVC-days), 203 neonatal CLABSI events were reported during 92,169 CVC-days (2.20 per 1000 CVC-days), and 95 neonatal PLABSI events were reported during 142,240 peripheral line-days (0.67 per 1000 peripheral line-days). Over time, a significant decrease in quarterly risk for neonatal CLABSI events was observed (risk ratio (RR): 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99; P = 0.023) and this reduction was significant for the 751-1000 g birth weight cohort (RR: 0.97; P = 0.015). Most frequently, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (24.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.1%) were responsible for CLABSI events. A significant reduction in Gram-negative neonatal infections was observed (annual RR: 0.85; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CLABSI rates in neonatal and paediatric ICUs in our region are low, and neonatal infections have significantly diminished over time. Evaluation of infection prevention programmes is required to determine whether specific strategies can be implemented to further reduce infection risk.

Validation of healthcare-associated infection surveillance in smaller Australian hospitals.

A validation study was conducted in smaller (<100 acute beds) Victorian hospitals to evaluate case detection for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream (SAB), meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections. Overall, 142 infections were identified in 20 hospitals. For routine surveillance of SAB events, sensitivity was 74.4% and specificity was 100.0%. For MRSA infections, sensitivity was 47.5% and specificity was 90.9%. All confirmed VRE infections were reported correctly. Of unreported SAB and MRSA infections, 80% (N = 16) and 83.9% (N = 26) were community-associated infections, respectively. Future programme refinements include targeted education to ensure appropriate application of case definitions, particularly those including community onset.

Nestmate discrimination based on familiarity but not relatedness in eastern carpenter bees.

How animals recognize conspecific individuals has important outcomes in many contexts, but interactions among group members are particularly important. Two recognition criteria are often implicated in these interactions: kin recognition is based on relatedness cues and nestmate recognition is based on familiarity. For social insects, both types of recognition are possible, as many nestmates are close kin and familiarity can develop among individuals that encounter each other repeatedly. To discern whether social insects use kin or nestmate recognition, it is necessary to simultaneously assess how relatedness and familiarity influence behaviour. The facultatively social eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica, offers an excellent opportunity to study how either nestmate or kin recognition (or both) may influence interactions among nestmates, as many females disperse from their natal nests in spring, and often attempt to join new colonies that may contain unrelated individuals. This leads to frequent behavioural interactions among females that may be related or unrelated, and familiar or unfamiliar. We used observation nests and microsatellite loci to assess the influence of familiarity and relatedness on behavioural interactions during the early phase of colony development, when females establish reproductive queues prior to brood production. Females were more likely to feed and were less aggressive to familiar rather than related nestmates, regardless of their relatedness. This suggests that eastern carpenter bees primarily use learned cues to discriminate among nestmates. Interactions with nestmates were also context-dependent, as females returning to the nest without food were the recipients of more aggression than those returning with food. If spring dispersal leads to reduced relatedness in X. virginica colonies, then nestmate recognition based on familiarity would be an important factor in maintaining group cohesion.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections in Australian ICUs: evaluating modifiable and non-modifiable risks in Victorian healthcare facilities.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in intensive care units (ICUs) result in poor clinical outcomes and increased costs. Although frequently regarded as preventable, infection risk may be influenced by non-modifiable factors. The objectives of this study were to evaluate organisational factors associated with CLABSI in Victorian ICUs to determine the nature and relative contribution of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Data captured by the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society regarding ICU-admitted patients and resources were linked to CLABSI surveillance data collated by the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2013. Accepted CLABSI surveillance methods were applied and hospital/patient characteristics were classified as 'modifiable' and 'non-modifiable', enabling longitudinal Poisson regression modelling of CLABSI risk. In total, 26 ICUs were studied. Annual CLABSI rates were 1·72, 1·37, 1·00 and 0·93/1000 CVC days for 2010-2013. Of non-modifiable factors, the number of non-invasively ventilated patients standardised to total ICU bed days was found to be independently associated with infection (RR 1·07; 95% CI 1·01-1·13; P = 0·030). Modelling of modifiable risk factors demonstrated the existence of a policy for mandatory ultrasound guidance for central venous catheter (CVC) localisation (RR 0·51; 95% CI 0·37-0·70; P < 0·001) and increased number of sessional specialist full-time equivalents (RR 0·52; 95% CI 0·29-0·93; P = 0·027) to be independently associated with protection against infection. Modifiable factors associated with reduced CLABSI risk include ultrasound guidance for CVC localisation and increased availability of sessional medical specialists.

Epidemiology of infections and antimicrobial use in Australian haemodialysis outpatients: findings from a Victorian surveillance network, 2008-2015.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic renal failure who require haemodialysis are at high risk for infections. AIM: To determine the burden of bloodstream and local access-related infections and the prescribing patterns for intravenous antibiotics in Australian haemodialysis outpatients. METHODS: A surveillance network was established following stakeholder consultation, with voluntary participation by haemodialysis centres and data collation by the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre. Definitions for infection and intravenous antimicrobial starts were based upon methods employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Longitudinal mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to model time-trends for the period 2008-2015. FINDINGS: Forty-eight of 78 Victorian dialysis centres participated in the network, with 3449 events reported over 78,826 patient-months. Rates of bloodstream infection, local infection and intravenous antimicrobial starts were much higher for patients with tunnelled central lines (2.60, 1.41, and 3.37 per 100 patient-months, respectively), compared to those with arteriovenous fistulae (0.27, 0.23, and 0.73 per 100 patient-months, respectively) and arteriovenous grafts (0.76, 1.08, 1.50 per 100 patient-months, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen, with meticillin-resistant isolates (MRSA) responsible for 14.0%. Access-related infections diminished significantly across all vascular-access modalities over time. Vancomycin contributed nearly half of all antimicrobial starts consistently throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: Risk for bloodstream and local access-related infections is highest in Australian haemodialysis patients with tunnelled central lines. S. aureus is the most frequent cause of infection, with a low incidence of MRSA. Future programmes should evaluate infection prevention practices and appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in this population.