The Genetics of Febrile Seizures

Investigators from Virginia Commonwealth University, Norwegian Center for Epilepsy and University of Southern Denmark carried out twin studies to analyse the genetic influence of developing epilepsy after febrile seizures

Developing a conformance methodology for clinically-defined medical record headings:a preliminary report.

Background: The Professional Records Standards Body for health and social care (PRSB) was formed in 2013 to develop and assure professional standards for the content and structure of patient records across all care disciplines in the UK. Although the PRSB work is aimed at Electronic Health Record (EHR) adoption and interoperability to support continuity of care, the current technical guidance is limited and ambiguous. Objectives: This project was initiated as a proof-ofconcept to demonstrate whether, and if so, how, conformance methods can be developed based on the professional standards. Methods: An expert group was convened, comprising clinical and technical representatives. A constrained data set was defined for an outpatient letter, using the subset of outpatient headings that are also present in the ep-SOS patient summary. A mind map was produced for the main sections and sub-sections. An openEHR archetype model was produced as the basis for creating HL7 and IHE implementation artefacts. Results: Several issues about data definition and representation were identified when attempting to map the outpatient headings to the epSOS patient summary, partly due to the difference between process and static viewpoints. Mind maps have been a simple and helpful way to visualize the logical information model and expose and resolve disagreements about which headings are purely for human navigation and which, if any, have intrinsic meaning. Conclusions: Conformance testing is feasible but nontrivial. In contrast to traditional standards-development timescales, PRSB needs an agile standards development process with EHR vendor and integrator collaboration to ensure implementability and widespread adoption. This will require significant clinical and technical resources

Comparison of Primary Hip Spica with Crossed Retrograde Intramedullary Rush Pins for the Management of Diaphyseal Femur Fractures in Children: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Introduction: Femoral fractures are common in children between 2 and 12 years of age, and 75% of the lesions affect the femoral shaft. We compared primary hip spica with closed reduction and fixation with retrogradely crossed Rush pins for diaphyseal femur fracture in 25 children of age group 3 to 13 years randomly distributed in each group.Methods: Fifty children with femoral fractures were evaluated; 25 of them underwent conservative treatment using immediate hip spica (group A) and 25 were treated with crossed retrograde Rush pins (group B). The patients ages ranged from 3 to 13 years (mean age 5.6±3.57 yrs).Results: Mean clinico-radiological consolidation was within 15 weeks in group A and 12 weeks in group B. Mean duration of weight bearing 7 weeks in group B and 14 weeks in group A. Mean hospital stay were 8 days in group B and 4 days in group A. Mean follow up period in group A was 16 months and group B was 17 months. Complications like angulation, shortening, infection were compared. Bursitis and penetration of pins at the site of Rush pin insertion is complication associated with this method of treatment. Conclusions: Intra-medullary crossed Rush pinning is an effective method of paediatric diaphyseal femur fracture fixation as compared to primary hip spica in terms of early weight bearing and restoration of normal anatomy

Valorisation of CO 2 into Value-Added Products via Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) and Electro-Fermentation Technology

Microbial electrocatalysis reckons on microbes as catalysts for reactions occurring at electrodes. Microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells are well-known in this context; both prefer the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter for producing electricity. Notably, the synthesis of high energy-density chemicals (fuels) or their precursors by microorganisms using bio-cathode to yield electrical energy is called Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), giving an exceptionally appealing novel way for producing beneficial products from electricity and wastewater. This review accentuates the concept, importance and opportunities of MES, as an emerging discipline at the nexus of microbiology and electrochemistry. Production of organic compounds from MES is considered as an effective technique for the generation of various beneficial reduced end-products (like acetate and butyrate) as well as in reducing the load of CO2 from the atmosphere to mitigate the harmful effect of greenhouse gases in global warming. Although MES is still an emerging technology, this method is not thoroughly known. The authors have focused on MES, as it is the next transformative, viable alternative technology to decrease the repercussions of surplus carbon dioxide in the environment along with conserving energy

Evolution of brain MRI lesions in paediatric myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and its relevance to disease course

Background: Lesion resolution is often observed in children with myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and asymptomatic lesions are less commonly reported in MOGAD than in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We aimed to evaluate brain MRI changes over time in paediatric MOGAD. Methods: Retrospective study in eight UK paediatric neuroscience centres. Acute brain MRI and available follow-up MRIs were reviewed. Predictors for lesion dynamic were evaluated using multivariable regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to predict risk of relapse, disability and MOG-Ab status. Results:200 children were included (MOGAD 97; MS 103). At first MRI post-attack, new symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions were seen more often in MS vs MOGAD (52/103 vs 28/97; p=0.002 and 37/103 vs 11/97; p<0.001); 83% of MOGAD patients showed at least one lesion’s resolution at 1st follow‐up scan, and 23% had normal MRI. Only 1 MS patient had single lesion resolution; none had normal MRI. Disappearing lesions in MOGAD were seen in 40% after the 2nd attack, 21% after 3rd attack and none after the 4th attack. New lesions at 1st follow-up scan were associated with increased likelihood of relapse (p=0.02) and persistent MOG-Ab serostatus (p=0.0016) compared to those with no new lesions. Plasma exchange was associated with increased likelihood of lesion resolution (p=0.01). Longer time from symptom onset to steroids was associated with increased likelihood of new lesions; 50% increase at 20 days (p=0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These striking differences in lesion dynamics between MOGAD and MS suggest greater potential to repair. Early treatment with steroids and plasma exchange is associated with reduced likelihood of new lesions