Author Correction: Noninvasive sub-organ ultrasound stimulation for targeted neuromodulation (Nature Communications, (2019), 10, 1, (952), 10.1038/s41467-019-08750-9)

© 2020, The Author(s). This article contained an error in the ordinate axis in Fig. 2d, where the units were reported as nmol/L. The unit should have been reported as pg/ml. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article

A double-reprocessing high-level disinfection protocol does not eliminate positive cultures from the elevators of duodenoscopes

Background and study aim Duodenoscopes have been the source of serious infection, despite correct performance of high-level disinfection (HLD). This study aimed to observe the impact of performing HLD twice on the rate of positive cultures from duodenoscope elevators. Methods We performed double HLD (DHLD; i. e. complete manual cleaning followed by automated reprocessing, with the entire process repeated) and then randomly cultured the elevators of our duodenoscopes on about 30 % of occasions. Results DHLD was associated with positive elevator cultures for any microorganism in 9.4 % of cases, with a 0.8 % rate of known pathogens (627 cultures) between May 2015 and February 2016. After February 2016, and in association with changing the precleaning fluid, as well as use of a new FDA-recommended cleaning brush, the rate of positive cultures for any microorganism after DHLD was 4.8 % and 0.2 % for known pathogens (420 cultures). In a third phase, characterized by a change in personnel performing DHLD and retirement of a duodenoscope with a high rate of positive cultures, the rate of positive cultures for any microorganism was 4.9 % (783 cultures) and the rate of positive culture for known pathogens was 0.3 %. To our knowledge, no duodenoscope transmission of infection occurred during the study interval. Conclusions DHLD resulted in a low rate of positive cultures for known pathogens and for organisms of low pathogenic potential, but did not eliminate these, from duodenoscope elevators. Additional improvements in HLD protocols and/or duodenoscope design are needed

Identification of a brainstem locus that inhibits tumor necrosis factor

In the brain, compact clusters of neuron cell bodies, termed nuclei, are essential for maintaining parameters of host physiology within a narrow range optimal for health. Neurons residing in the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) project in the vagus nerve to communicate with the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. Vagus nerve-mediated reflexes also control immune system responses to infection and injury by inhibiting the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other cytokines in the spleen, although the function of DMN neurons in regulating TNF release is not known. Here, optogenetics and functional mapping reveal cholinergic neurons in the DMN, which project to the celiacsuperior mesenteric ganglia, significantly increase splenic nerve activity and inhibit TNF production. Efferent vagus nerve fibers terminating in the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia form varicose-like structures surrounding individual nerve cell bodies innervating the spleen. Selective optogenetic activation of DMN cholinergic neurons or electrical activation of the cervical vagus nerve evokes action potentials in the splenic nerve. Pharmacological blockade and surgical transection of the vagus nerve inhibit vagus nerve-evoked splenic nerve responses. These results indicate that cholinergic neurons residing in the brainstem DMN control TNF production, revealing a role for brainstem coordination of immunity

Origin of Low-Frequency Negative Transconductance Dispersion in p-HEMT

Measurements of low-frequency transconductance dispersion at different temperatures and conductance deep level transient spectroscopic(CDLTS) studies of an AlGaAs/InGaAs pseudomorphic HEMT were carried out. The experimental results show the presence of defect states at the AlGaAs/InGaAs hetero-interface. A mobility degradation model was developed to explain the low frequency negative transconductance dispersion as well as the apparent hole-like peaks observed in the CDLTS spectra. This model incorporates a time dependent change in 2DEG mobility due to ionised impurity scattering by the remaining charge states at the adjoining AlGaAs/InGaAs hetero-interface

Prevalence and demographics of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in culturable skin and soft tissue infections in an urban emergency department

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The rising incidence of methicillin resistant <it>Staph. aureus </it>(MRSA) infections is a concern for emergency practitioners. While studies have examined MRSA in inpatients, few have focused on emergency department populations. We sought to describe predictors of MRSA skin infections in an emergency department population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted over three months in 2005. A convenience sample of patients with culturable skin infections presenting to a busy, urban emergency department was enrolled. Demographic and risk factor information was collected by structured interview. The predictive value of each risk factor for MRSA, as identified by culture, was tested using univariable logistic regression, and a multivariable predictive model was developed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients were 43% black, 40% female and mean age was 39 years (SD 14 years). Of the 182 patients with cultures, prevalence of MRSA was 58% (95%CI 50% to 65%). Significant predictors of MRSA were youth, lower body mass index, sexual contact in the past month, presence of an abscess cavity, spontaneous infection, and incarceration. The multivariable model had a C-statistic of 0.73 (95%CI 0.67 to 0.79) with four significant variables: age, group living, abscess cavity, and sexual contact within one month.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this population of emergency department patients, MRSA skin infection was related to youth, recent sexual contact, presence of abscess, low body mass index, spontaneity of infection, incarceration or contact with an inmate, and group home living.</p

Reframing Academic Productivity, Promotion and Tenure As a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Faculty members have been impacted in a multitude of ways by the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, faculty seeking promotion and tenure have been impacted by the disruption and inconsistent levels of productivity. In this article, we consider academic productivity in the context of clinical, research, education and service missions within higher education and the academic medicine professoriate. We offer a series of recommendations to faculty members, to institutions, and to professional societies in hopes we can challenge pre-existing deficits in promotion and tenure processes, and academic worth

Intraperitoneal drain placement and outcomes after elective colorectal surgery: international matched, prospective, cohort study

Despite current guidelines, intraperitoneal drain placement after elective colorectal surgery remains widespread. Drains were not associated with earlier detection of intraperitoneal collections, but were associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased risk of surgical-site infections.Background Many surgeons routinely place intraperitoneal drains after elective colorectal surgery. However, enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines recommend against their routine use owing to a lack of clear clinical benefit. This study aimed to describe international variation in intraperitoneal drain placement and the safety of this practice. Methods COMPASS (COMPlicAted intra-abdominal collectionS after colorectal Surgery) was a prospective, international, cohort study which enrolled consecutive adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery (February to March 2020). The primary outcome was the rate of intraperitoneal drain placement. Secondary outcomes included: rate and time to diagnosis of postoperative intraperitoneal collections; rate of surgical site infections (SSIs); time to discharge; and 30-day major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade at least III). After propensity score matching, multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to estimate the independent association of the secondary outcomes with drain placement. Results Overall, 1805 patients from 22 countries were included (798 women, 44.2 per cent; median age 67.0 years). The drain insertion rate was 51.9 per cent (937 patients). After matching, drains were not associated with reduced rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 2.23; P = 0.287) or earlier detection (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 0.33 to 2.31; P = 0.780) of collections. Although not associated with worse major postoperative complications (OR 1.09, 0.68 to 1.75; P = 0.709), drains were associated with delayed hospital discharge (HR 0.58, 0.52 to 0.66; P &lt; 0.001) and an increased risk of SSIs (OR 2.47, 1.50 to 4.05; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Intraperitoneal drain placement after elective colorectal surgery is not associated with earlier detection of postoperative collections, but prolongs hospital stay and increases SSI risk