Multiple introductions of monkeypox virus to Ireland during the international mpox outbreak, May 2022 to October 2023.

BackgroundMpox, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), was considered a rare zoonotic disease before May 2022, when a global epidemic of cases in non-endemic countries led to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cases of mpox in Ireland, a country without previous mpox reports, could reflect extended local transmission or multiple epidemiological introductions.AimTo elucidate the origins and molecular characteristics of MPXV circulating in Ireland between May 2022 and October 2023.MethodsWhole genome sequencing of MPXV from 75% of all Irish mpox cases (182/242) was performed and compared to sequences retrieved from public databases (n = 3,362). Bayesian approaches were used to infer divergence time between sequences from different subclades and evaluate putative importation events from other countries.ResultsOf 242 detected mpox cases, 99% were males (median age: 35 years; range: 15-60). All 182 analysed genomes were assigned to Clade IIb and, presence of 12 distinguishable subclades suggests multiple introductions into Ireland. Estimation of time to divergence of subclades further supports the hypothesis for multiple importation events from numerous countries, indicative of extended and sustained international spread of mpox. Further analysis of sequences revealed that 92% of nucleotide mutations were from cytosine to thymine (or from guanine to adenine), leading to a high number of non-synonymous mutations across subclades; mutations associated with tecovirimat resistance were not observed.ConclusionWe provide insights into the international transmission dynamics supporting multiple introductions of MPXV into Ireland. Such information supported the implementation of evidence-informed public health control measures.

A Pilot Study of Adolescents with Psychotic Experiences: Potential Cerebellar Circuitry Disruption Early Along the Psychosis Spectrum.

A berrant connectivity in the cerebellum has been found in psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia corresponding with cognitive and motor deficits found in these conditions. Diffusion differences in the superior cerebellar peduncles, the white matter connecting the cerebellar circuitry to the rest of the brain, have also been found in schizophrenia and high-risk states. However, white matter diffusivity in the peduncles in individuals with sub-threshold psychotic experiences (PEs) but not reaching the threshold for a definitive diagnosis remains unstudied. This study investigates the cerebellar peduncles in adolescents with PEs but no formal psychiatric diagnosis.Sixteen adolescents with PEs and 17 age-matched controls recruited from schools underwent High-Angular-Resolution-Diffusion neuroimaging. Following constrained spherical deconvolution whole-brain tractography, the superior, inferior and middle peduncles were isolated and virtually dissected out using ExploreDTI. Differences for macroscopic and microscopic tract metrics were calculated using one-way between-group analyses of covariance controlling for age, sex and estimated Total Intracranial Volume (eTIV). Multiple comparisons were corrected using Bonferroni correction.A decrease in fractional anisotropy was identified in the right (p = 0.045) and left (p = 0.058) superior cerebellar peduncle; however, this did not survive strict Bonferroni multiple comparison correction. There were no differences in volumes or other diffusion metrics in either the middle or inferior peduncles.Our trend level changes in the superior cerebellar peduncle in a non-clinical sample exhibiting psychotic experiences complement similar but more profound changes previously found in ultra-high-risk individuals and those with psychotic disorders. This suggests that superior cerebellar peduncle circuitry perturbations may occur early along in the psychosis spectrum.

Helicopter scene response: regional variation in compliance with air medical triage guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Our state has consensus guides for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) scene dispatch, based on physiologic, anatomic, and special criteria (e.g., ejection from a vehicle, age < 10 or > 55 years). There has been much attention paid to improving HEMS triage criteria, but less focus on whether current HEMS uses meet existing criteria. OBJECTIVES: To assess a HEMS program's compliance with regional air medical dispatch guidelines and to identify factors associated with noncompliant flights. METHODS: Using chart review and discussion with referring agencies, we conducted a consecutive case review of a HEMS program's initial 100 flights in one year (2005), collecting data pertinent to triage, prehospital times, and hospital course. Analysis (p = 0.05) of the outcome "met triage criteria" (MTC) used Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression, reporting odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), was used to adjust for covariates while assessing predictors of the dichotomous outcome MTC. The predictors assessed included demographics, advanced life support (ALS) scene presence, and whether transports occurred during rush hours (0700-1000 and 1600-1900). RESULTS: The 100 patients (98 blunt trauma; 73% male) from four Massachusetts emergency medical services (EMS) regions (n = 94) and New Hampshire (n = 6) were classified as MTC in 73% of cases. Physiologic criteria were met in 19% of cases (they were the sole criterion met in one case), anatomic criteria in 49% (sole criterion n = 24), and special criteria in 67% (sole criterion n = 15). There was no association between MTC status and age (p = 0.98), gender (p = 0.39), rush-hour transport (p = 0.81), or ALS-trained ground EMS presence on scene (p = 0.98). Analysis adjusting for transport distance and injury mechanism identified an association between EMS region and MTC transport status (p = 0.006); regions' likelihoods of MTC proportions ranged from 50% to 94%. CONCLUSION: Despite promulgation of consensus guidelines, nearly a fourth of HEMS transports were non-MTC. Wide interregional variation in the likelihood of MTC HEMS use provides a focus for further research/education. Regional systems should strive not only for the refinement of, but also the compliance with, HEMS triage guidelines.