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Objective This study aimed to develop and evaluate a scoring system—called the Sepsis-Associated Adverse Outcomes in Pregnancy (SAAP) Score—to identify individuals with maternal infection that have composite maternal adverse outcomes (CMAO). Study Design Using the International Classification of Disease codes, we identified pregnant and postpartum (up to 6 weeks after birth) individuals admitted at our center with a primary diagnosis of infection. The primary outcome was CMAO which included any of the following: maternal intensive care unit admission, surgical intervention, vasopressor use, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, mechanical ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula, disseminated intravascular coagulation, dialysis, organ failure, venous thromboembolism, or maternal death. Regularized logistic regression was used to identify variables that best discriminate CMAO status. Variables were chosen for inclusion following evaluation of statistical and clinical significance. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Results Of the 23,235 deliveries during the study period, 227 (0.9%) individuals met inclusion criteria and among them CMAO occurred in 39.2% (95% CI: 33.1–45.7%). The SAAP score consisted of six variables (white blood cell count, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, lactic acid, and abnormal diagnostic imaging) with scores ranging from 0 to 11 and a score of ≥7 being abnormal. An abnormal SAAP score had an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74–0.86) for CMAO. The sensitivity and specificity of the SAAP score for CMAO was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.60–0.80) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64–0.80), respectively. The positive predictive value was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.52–0.72) and negative predictive value was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71–0.86). Conclusion Pending external validation, the sixth variable SAAP score may permit early recognition of pregnant and postpartum individuals with infection who are likely to develop adverse maternal outcomes. Key Points Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition improves maternal sepsis outcomes. The SAAP score may permit early recognition of maternal adverse outcomes due to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globally important photosynthetic microorganisms, cyanobacteria, are vulnerable to attack from the cyanophages virus. A study was conducted to develop a diagnostic probe that would detect freshwater cyanophages in natural water.

Background: No biological treatment has been firmly established for the at‐risk stage of psychotic disorder. In this study we aim to test if subthreshold psychotic symptoms can be effectively treated with cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychoactive compound of the plant Cannabis sativa. The question has taken on increased importance in the wake of evidence questioning both the need and efficacy of specific pharmacological interventions in the ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis group. Methods: Three‐arm randomized controlled trial of 405 patients (135 per arm) aged 12–25 years who meet UHR for psychosis criteria. The study includes a 6‐week lead‐in phase during which 10% of UHR individuals are expected to experience symptom remission. Participants will receive CBD (per oral) at doses 600 or 1000 mg per day (fixed schedule) for 12 weeks. Participants in the third arm of the trial will receive matching placebo capsules. Primary outcome is severity of positive psychotic symptoms as measured by the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States at 12 weeks. We hypothesize that CBD will be significantly more effective than placebo in improving positive psychotic symptoms in UHR patients. All participants will also be followed up 6 months post baseline to evaluate if treatment effects are sustained. Conclusion: This paper reports on the rationale and protocol of the Cannabidiol for At Risk for psychosis Youth (CanARY) study. This study will test CBD for the first time in the UHR phase of psychotic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]