The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The virulence of E. coli 0157:H7 isolated from Irish sheep and pigs to humans

End of Project ReportInvestigations were carried out at five sheep and five pig export abattoirs situated in the Republic of Ireland to determine the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in these animals at slaughter. This is the first study for the presence of E. coli O157:H7 on sheep and pigs to be carried out in Ireland. Faeces and pre- and post-chill carcass swabs were collected from pigs over a one year period between January and December 2004. Samples were collected from sheep over a 13-month period between February 2005 and February 2006. The pig study recovered E. coli O157:H7 from 0.24 % (n=4) of 1680 porcine samples while the sheep study isolated the pathogen from 2.1 % (n=33) of 1600 ovine samples. PCR analysis of E. coli O157:H7 isolates determined that they carried the virulence genes vt1, vt2, eaeA and hlyA typically associated with clinical illness in humans. The results presented indicate that Irish sheep and pigs are reservoirs for E. coli O157:H7 which may be potentially harmful to humans

Investigation of a monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to chocolate products as part of wider international outbreak: A matched case–control study, Ireland, 2022

Abstract Background In March 2022, an outbreak investigation was initiated in Ireland after identifying a cluster of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium cases, affecting primarily small children. Microbiological investigations revealed that the cluster was part of a wider international outbreak. Methods A total of 18 Irish outbreak cases were identified. We undertook a matched case–control study using the case–case method to determine if exposure to the implicated products was associated with illness. Results In univariable analysis, the highest odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were obtained for a chocolate Product A of Brand A [matched odds ratio (mOR) = 7.77, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89–67.20]. When grouping the implicated products in a composite variable, the odds of disease due to monophasic S. Typhimurium versus other gastrointestinal disease were 10.5 times higher with a consumption of at least one of the implicated products [mOR = 10.50, 95% CI: 1.24–88.60, p = 0.031]. Conclusion This analytical study supported the internationally generated hypothesis which led to the implementation of control measures. Owing to the high levels of chocolate purchasing with Easter approaching, early outbreak identification and involvement in the internationally coordinated investigation was essential to an efficient response and to minimise the risk of further harm to a particularly vulnerable population group