Editorial Material
Critical Care Medicine
Priya Venkatesan
Summary: Scarlet fever usually increases in the spring, but the current increase in cases in October may be due to a build-up of susceptible children. Decreased exposure to streptococcus during the pandemic may have slowed the natural accrual of immunity levels in children. The reasons for the unseasonal increase in activity are yet to be determined, and similar increases are being reported in several other countries.
LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anette-Eleonore Schrag, Davide Martino, Hanyuying Wang, Gareth Ambler, Noa Benaroya-Milstein, Maura Buttiglione, Francesco Cardona, Roberta Creti, Androulla Efstratiou, Tammy Hedderly, Isobel Heyman, Chaim Huyser, Pablo Mir, Astrid Morer, Natalie Moll, Norbert E. Muller, Kirsten R. Muller-Vahl, Kerstin J. Plessen, Cesare Porcelli, Renata Rizzo, Veit Roessner, Markus Schwarz, Zsanett Tarnok, Susanne Walitza, Andrea Dietrich, Pieter J. Hoekstra
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and tic incidence among unaffected children with a family history of chronic tic disorders (CTDs). Findings showed a strong association between sex and tic onset, with girls having a lower risk of developing tics compared to boys. However, there was no statistical evidence to suggest an association between GAS exposure and tic onset.
Article
Immunology
Aya Aboulhosn, Misu A. Sanson, Luis Alberto Vega, Maria G. Segura, Sommer Sommer, Marritta Joseph, J. Chase McNeil, Anthony R. Flores
Summary: Starting from October 2022, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease among children in Houston, Texas. The prevalence of Emm12 GAS strains was disproportionately higher, but the overall proportion of invasive GAS infections during the current surge remains similar to pre-pandemic years.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Julie Bennett, Nicole J. Moreland, Jane Zhang, Julian Crane, Dianne Sika-Paotonu, Jonathan Carapetis, Deborah A. Williamson, Michael G. Baker
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections and determine if these factors are the same as those for acute rheumatic fever (ARF). A case-control study was conducted on 733 children aged 5-14 years, and it was found that barriers to accessing primary healthcare are strongly associated with GAS pharyngitis, GAS carriage, and GAS skin infections.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wenfang He, Chenfang Wu, Yanjun Zhong, Jinxiu Li, Guyi Wang, Bo Yu, Ping Xu, Yiwen Xiao, Tiantian Tang
Summary: This article reported a case of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by group A streptococcus infection. The patient experienced multiple organ failure and received appropriate treatment. The case highlighted the key role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the early diagnosis of culture-negative invasive group A streptococcal infection, and suggested that the combination of clindamycin with beta-lactam antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy with delayed debridement performed well in managing unstable STSS patients.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kate M. Miller, Theresa Lamagni, Thomas Cherian, Jeffrey W. Cannon, Tom Parks, Richard A. Adegbola, Janessa Pickering, Tim Barnett, Mark E. Engel, Laurens Manning, Asha C. Bowen, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Hannah C. Moore, Dylan D. Barth, David C. Kaslow, Chris A. Van Beneden
Summary: This article provides guidelines for surveillance of invasive Strep A infections, including monitoring objectives, case definitions, and surveillance types.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Delphine Laho, Sophie Blumental, Anne Botteaux, Pierre R. Smeesters
Summary: The addition of clindamycin and immunoglobulins as adjunctive therapies in the management of invasive group A streptococcal infections may reduce mortality, particularly in severe clinical presentations. Household contacts should be warned about the increased risk of secondary infection, and chemoprophylaxis may be considered in certain situations.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Adrian M. Piliponsky, Kavita Sharma, Phoenicia Quach, Alyssa Brokaw, Shayla Nguyen, Austyn Orvis, Siddhartha S. Saha, Nyssa Becker Samanas, Ravin Seepersaud, Yu Ping Tang, Emily Mackey, Gauri Bhise, Claire Gendrin, Anna Furuta, Albert J. Seo, Eric Guga, Irina Miralda, Michelle Coleman, Erin L. Sweeney, Charlotte A. Bauml, Diana Imhof, Jessica M. Snyder, Adam J. Moeser, Lakshmi Rajagopal
Summary: The study demonstrates that FXIIIA deficiency increases susceptibility to GBS infections in female mice. The presence of FXIIIA enhances host resistance to GBS infection, while inhibition of FXIIIA decreases host resistance. Sexual dimorphism and mast cells play a role in FXIIIA expression and its interactions with GBS adhesins.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kristin Harris, Leslie K. Proctor, Shiri Shinar, Eleni Philippopoulos, Mark H. Yudin, Kellie E. Murphy
Summary: This study systematically reviews the outcomes and management strategies for pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infections, aiming to provide guidance for prevention and treatment of this rare but lethal infection. The study emphasizes the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and aggressive management in order to prevent the serious risks of infection and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Julie Bennett, Nicole J. Moreland, Deborah A. Williamson, Jonathan Carapetis, Julian Crane, Alana L. Whitcombe, Susan Jack, Matire Harwood, Michael G. Baker
Summary: This study described the Streptococcal antibody titres in healthy children of different ethnicities in New Zealand and investigated the variations in titres among cases of pharyngitis and skin infections. The results showed that Maori and Pacific children had higher antibody titres, suggesting a higher exposure to Streptococcal infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ahmed Babiker, Xiaobai Li, Yi Ling Lai, Jeffrey R. Strich, Sarah Warner, Sadia Sarzynski, John P. Dekker, Robert L. Danner, Sameer S. Kadri
Summary: This study analyzed data from 1956 patients and found that adjunctive clindamycin therapy significantly reduced in-hospital mortality in patients with iGAS infections, even in those without shock or necrotising fasciitis. In contrast, for patients with iNABS infections, the in-hospital mortality rate was slightly higher in those receiving adjunctive clindamycin therapy, although the difference was not statistically significant.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Blanca Garcia-Delgar, Mateu Servera, Barbara J. Coffey, Luisa Lazaro, Thaira Openneer, Noa Benaroya-Milshtein, Tami Steinberg, Pieter J. Hoekstra, Andrea Dietrich, Astrid Morer
Summary: There is a strong male predominance in tic disorders, with males exhibiting more severe symptoms compared to females, except for emotional problems. Additionally, females tend to show higher symptom severity with increasing age compared to males.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dafni Katerina Paspaliari, Emmi Sarvikivil, Jukka Ollgrenl, Jaana Vuopio
Summary: The incidence of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections in Finland has been increasing since 2006, especially for C/G type, and among the elderly population. However, the current surveillance system still focuses on group A and B, and there is a lack of European Union-wide surveillance. We recommend enhancing the surveillance of C/G type, including systematic collection and typing of isolates, to guide infection prevention strategies.
Article
Respiratory System
Axelle Mabo, Raphael Borie, Lidwine Wemeau-Stervinou, Yurdaguel Uzunhan, Emmanuel Gomez, Gregoire Prevot, Martine Reynaud-Gaubert, Julie Traclet, Emmanuel Bergot, Jacques Cadranel, Sylvain Marchand-Adam, Anne Bergeron, Elodie Blanchard, Benjamin Bondue, Philippe Bonniaud, Arnaud Bourdin, Pierre Regis Burgel, Sandrine Hirschi, Charles Hugo Marquette, Sebastien Quetant, Hilario Nunes, Cecile Chenivesse, Bruno Crestani, Yoann Guirriec, Delphine Monnier, Cedric Menard, Pierre Tattevin, Vincent Cottin, David Luque Paz, Stephane Jouneau
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) and identified risk factors associated with opportunistic infections. The results showed that a large proportion of patients developed infections, including opportunistic infections, with Nocardia spp being the main pathogen. Male gender was found to be associated with opportunistic infections. The study highlights the importance of systematically searching for slow-growing bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage or whole lung lavage.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sandra Chamat-Hedemand, Anders Dahl, Lauge Ostergaard, Magnus Arpi, Emil Fosbol, Jonas Boel, Kamal Preet Kaur, Louise Bruun Oestergaard, Trine K. Lauridsen, Gunnar Gislason, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Niels Eske Bruun
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mortality according to streptococcal species and seasonal variation. Through a study of patients with streptococcal bloodstream infections in the Capital Region of Denmark from 2008 to 2017, it was found that S. pneumoniae was associated with lower 30-day and one-year mortality, while other streptococcal species may be associated with higher mortality. In addition, patients infected with streptococcal species in the autumn and winter had a higher risk of death within 30 days.
Article
Psychiatry
Giulia Conte, Elena Arigliani, Martina Martinelli, Sofia Di Noia, Flavia Chiarotti, Francesco Cardona
Summary: This study examines the frequency of daydreaming and its association with psychopathological symptoms in a non-referred population of adolescents. The results show that excessive daydreaming is present in 12.7% of participants, and it is significantly associated with internalizing, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and post-traumatic stress problems. Higher daydreaming is also linked to emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and overall difficulties. The study suggests that daydreaming may serve as a psychological index for recognizing mental health issues in adolescents.
EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrea Mastrangelo, Angela Mammana, Simone Baiardi, Dorina Tiple, Elisa Colaizzo, Marcello Rossi, Luana Vaianella, Barbara Polischi, Michele Equestre, Anna Poleggi, Sabina Capellari, Anna Ladogana, Piero Parchi
Summary: The introduction of the Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion assay has led to a revision of the diagnostic criteria for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. This study compares the diagnostic value of the old and amended criteria and explores different combinations of clinical variables and biomarker results. The results show that CSF RT-QuIC is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing CJD, and the Q-CM criteria provide a high diagnostic value.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Simone Baiardi, Angela Mammana, Sofia Dellavalle, Marcello Rossi, Veronica Redaelli, Elisa Colaizzo, Giuseppe Di Fede, Anna Ladogana, Sabina Capellari, Piero Parchi
Summary: The study systematically characterized the clinical and histo-molecular features of the MV2 subtype with kuru plaques in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. They evaluated the neurological histories, biomarkers, MRI and EEG results of 126 patients and found that the MV2K subtype has distinct features, including a longer disease duration, prominent cerebellar symptoms, and positive cerebrospinal fluid tests. The use of real-time quaking-induced conversion assay and brain diffusion-weighted MRI can improve early clinical diagnosis in most patients.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Canafoglia, Federica Zibordi, Francesco Deleo, Gionata Strigaro, Claudia Varrasi, Claudia Ciaccio, Nardo Nardocci, Ferruccio Panzica, Silvana Franceschetti, Francesca L. Sciacca
Summary: Deletions in the 6q22.1 region, including the loss of the NUS1 gene, lead to developmental encephalopathy (DE), characterized by movement disorders and epilepsy. Three patients with variable length 6q22.1 deletions were reported, all showing developmental delay and rhythmic cortical myoclonus. The deletions cause haploinsufficiency, resulting in DE and cortical myoclonus, and may also lead to progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME).
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Giovanni Rizzo, Patrizia Avoni, Vincenzo Donadio, Rocco Liguori
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alex Iranzo, Angela Mammana, Amaia Munoz-Lopetegi, Sofia Dellavalle, Gerard Maya, Marcello Rossi, Monica Serradell, Simone Baiardi, Aurora Arqueros, Corinne Quadalti, Andres Perissinotti, Edoardo Ruggeri, Joan Santamaria Cano, Carles Gaig, Piero Parchi
Summary: This study compares the ability of real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to detect misfolded alpha-synuclein (AS) in the skin and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the identification of patients with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (IRBD). The results show that RT-QuIC detects AS in the skin and CSF with similar high sensitivity, specificity, and agreement, and can serve as a patient selection strategy for future neuroprotective trials targeting AS in IRBD.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Benedetta Tafuri, Marco Filardi, Maria Elisa Frisullo, Roberto De Blasi, Giovanni Rizzo, Salvatore Nigro, Giancarlo Logroscino
Summary: This study uses machine learning techniques to analyze structural MRI data of patients with primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) and helps clinicians accurately diagnose behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). The results indicate that gray matter atrophy in temporal, frontal, and occipital brain regions may be an important feature of dementia in PPD patients.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Federica Saia, Adriana Prato, Lucia Saccuzzo, Francesca Madia, Rita Barone, Marco Fichera, Renata Rizzo
Summary: This study aimed to understand the molecular bases of Tourette syndrome (TS) in a large cohort of pediatric patients. Molecular analyses, including array-CGH analyses, were conducted to identify and compare copy number variations (CNVs) related to neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found a higher occurrence of rare deletions and duplications focusing on significant neurodevelopment genes in children with tics and additional comorbidities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosalia Bruno, Geraldina Riccardi, Floriana Iacobone, Flavia Chiarotti, Laura Pirisinu, Ilaria Vanni, Stefano Marcon, Claudia D'Agostino, Matteo Giovannelli, Piero Parchi, Umberto Agrimi, Romolo Nonno, Michele Angelo Di Bari
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between prion strains and astrocyte phenotype in six human- and animal-vole-adapted strains. The results showed that astrocyte morphology and astrocyte-associated PrPSc deposition varied depending on the strain, indicating strain-specific phenotypes of reactive astrocytes. Additionally, astrocyte-associated PrPSc deposition was observed in four out of six strains and correlated with astrocyte size.
Article
Microbiology
Alberto Berardi, Viola Trevisani, Antonella Di Caprio, Paola Caccamo, Giuseppe Latorre, Sabrina Loprieno, Alessandra Foglianese, Nicola Laforgia, Barbara Perrone, Giangiacomo Nicolini, Matilde Ciccia, Maria Grazia Capretti, Chiara Giugno, Vittoria Rizzo, Daniele Merazzi, Silvia Fanaro, Lucia Taurino, Rita Maria Pulvirenti, Silvia Orlandini, Cinzia Auriti, Cristina Haass, Laura Ligi, Giulia Vellani, Chryssoula Tzialla, Cristina Tuoni, Daniele Santori, Lorenza Baroni, Mariachiara China, Jenny Bua, Federica Visintini, Lidia Decembrino, Roberta Creti, Francesca Miselli, Luca Bedetti, Licia Lugli
Summary: The effectiveness of inadequate intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP administered < 4 h prior to delivery) in preventing early-onset sepsis (EOS) is debated. Italian prospective surveillance cohort data (2003-2022) were used to study the type and duration of IAP according to the timing of symptoms onset of group B streptococcus (GBS) and E. coli culture-confirmed EOS cases. IAP-exposed neonates frequently develop symptoms of EOS after birth, up to 48 h of life and beyond.
Article
Pediatrics
Martina Randazzo, Adriana Prato, MariaAnna Messina, Concetta Meli, Antonino Casabona, Renata Rizzo, Rita Barone
Summary: The biological bases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve genetic and epigenetic causes, resulting in anomalies in the plasma amino acid profile of ASD patients. Monitoring plasma amino acids could be relevant for patient care and interventions. In this study, the plasma amino acid profile of ASD patients with intellectual disability (ID) was evaluated using mass spectrometry. The results showed reduced levels of certain amino acids and significant differences in amino acid ratios in ASD patients compared to neurotypical controls. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the score of restricted and repetitive behavior and citrulline levels in the ASD group. These findings suggest that a distinct metabolic profile in ASD patients could be useful for developing screening tests and targeted therapies.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matteo Tagliapietra, Alex Incensi, Moreno Ferrarini, Nazarena Mesiano, Alessandro Furia, Giovanni Rizzo, Rocco Liguori, Tiziana Cavallaro, Salvatore Monaco, Gian Maria Fabrizi, Vincenzo Donadio
Summary: Small fiber neuropathy is a common manifestation in RFC1 disease, with severe and widespread somatic denervation observed. Skin denervation may be an early feature of this disorder.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Federica Saia, Adriana Prato, Caterina Angela Florio, Vincenzo Paolo Cutrone, Renata Rizzo
Summary: This article reports on a new case of the 17q21.31 microduplication syndrome and provides a literature review of previously studied patients.
Article
Cell Biology
Joana B. Pereira, Atul Kumar, Sara Hall, Sebastian Palmqvist, Erik Stomrud, Divya Bali, Piero Parchi, Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren, Shorena Janelidze, Oskar Hansson
Summary: Using DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma, patients with Lewy body disease (LBD) and atypical Parkinsonian disorders can be accurately identified and predicted, even during the preclinical stages.
