A simulation-based approach for estimating the time-dependent reproduction number from temporally aggregated disease incidence time series data.

Tracking pathogen transmissibility during infectious disease outbreaks is essential for assessing the effectiveness of public health measures and planning future control strategies. A key measure of transmissibility is the time-dependent reproduction number, which has been estimated in real-time during outbreaks of a range of pathogens from disease incidence time series data. While commonly used approaches for estimating the time-dependent reproduction number can be reliable when disease incidence is recorded frequently, such incidence data are often aggregated temporally (for example, numbers of cases may be reported weekly rather than daily). As we show, commonly used methods for estimating transmissibility can be unreliable when the timescale of transmission is shorter than the timescale of data recording. To address this, here we develop a simulation-based approach involving Approximate Bayesian Computation for estimating the time-dependent reproduction number from temporally aggregated disease incidence time series data. We first use a simulated dataset representative of a situation in which daily disease incidence data are unavailable and only weekly summary values are reported, demonstrating that our method provides accurate estimates of the time-dependent reproduction number under such circumstances. We then apply our method to two outbreak datasets consisting of weekly influenza case numbers in 2019-20 and 2022-23 in Wales (in the United Kingdom). Our simple-to-use approach will allow accurate estimates of time-dependent reproduction numbers to be obtained from temporally aggregated data during future infectious disease outbreaks.

Subglottic cysts: The Great Ormond Street experience in 105 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the contemporary presentation and management of subglottic cysts and make recommendations on the treatment of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 105 patients between October 1999 and November 2017 from a paediatric teaching hospital. RESULTS: Ninety-one percentage (n = 96) had a history of prematurity, with a mean gestation of 27.2 weeks (SD ± 4.1). A history of intubation was found in 99% (n = 104) of cases [median 18 days (range = 1-176)]. Presenting symptoms were: Stridor 57.1%, (n = 60), difficult intubation 14% (n = 15), recurrent croup 11.4% (n = 12), failed extubation 7.6%, (n = 8), hoarseness/weak cry 10.5% (n = 10). Ninety percentage (n = 94) underwent intervention for management of SGCs with 86% (n = 81) treated with cold steel marsupialisation and 14% (n = 13) with CO 2 laser. Recurrent cysts occurred in 56% (n = 53) of cases. Treatment modality did not affect recurrence (p = 0.594 Δ). Sixty-six percentage (n = 69/105) of patients had one or more concurrent airway pathology at MLB. Most frequent was subglottic stenosis 47% (n = 49), with 16% (n = 8) subsequently requiring open reconstructive airway surgery. Mean duration of follow-up was 47.6 months (SD ± 38.3). CONCLUSION: SGC are an uncommon, reversible cause of upper airway obstruction and should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses in patients with a history of prematurity and perinatal intubation, presenting with stridor. While concurrent SGS is common, adequate symptom improvement in such cases may be achieved with SGC removal alone. Management is by surgical marsupialisation. Recurrence and additional airway pathologies are common and may necessitate longer-term treatment in centres with paediatric airway expertise.

Interprofessional education clinical placement program: a qualitative case study approach.

The goal of health professional education programs is to produce competent graduates, with an ability to work collaboratively as effective healthcare team members. We explored the reflections of students and clinical facilitators, in response to participation in a structured interprofessional education (IPE) clinical placement program. In our qualitative study we used an exploratory case study design. In our analysis, we highlight the benefits of interprofessional practice. Key themes identified by students included: limited opportunities to engage in IPE across their course; lack of clarity around IPE; value of IPE for students, practitioners, and patient outcomes; and need for IPE opportunities to be integrated into placements. Key themes identified by the clinical facilitators included: being reminded of the value of IPE for students and patients; preparation for IPE placements need to be embedded in curricula; coordination and communication of IPE learning activities need to be clear for staff and students; and IPE should continue as part of the broader clinical education agenda. Our findings reinforce the notion that students and clinical facilitators value the importance of IPE for student learning within the clinical placement setting. The outcomes offer valuable insights for universities and hospital and health care contexts for setting up and implementing IPE activities, and we provide recommendations for improving ongoing IPE efforts within clinical placement setting.

A review of the safety of MRI in cochlear implant patients with retained magnets.

The number of patients with cochlear implants (CIs) is increasing due to expanding indications, and improving CI services. Furthermore, as the use of imaging increases in clinical medicine, it is increasingly likely that patients with CIs will require a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination during their lifetime. Therefore it is important that clinicians are aware of the safety aspects and manufacturer recommendations for CI patients with retained magnets. This article summarises guidelines from all major CI manufacturers and reviews the published literature on the safety of MRI in CI patients with magnets in situ. The most commonly reported complication of MRI in CI patients was pain. Other significant complications included magnet displacement, depolarisation, and polarity reversal. Artefacts caused by the CI remain an issue, but may be reduced by the use of specific sequences. Manufacturer recommendations should be followed to reduce the risk of complications, although complications may occur even when guidelines are followed. For this reason, the indication for imaging these patients should be reviewed, and patients should be appropriately counselled and consented.

African swine fever virus evasion of host defences.

African swine fever virus causes a haemorrhagic fever in domestic pigs and wild boar. The continuing spread in Africa, Europe and Asia threatens the global pig industry. The lack of a vaccine limits disease control. To underpin rational strategies for vaccine development improved knowledge is needed of how the virus interacts with and modulates the host's responses to infection. The virus long double-stranded DNA genome codes for more than 160 proteins of which many are non-essential for replication in cells but can have important roles in evading the host's defences. Here we review knowledge of the pathways targeted by ASFV and the mechanisms by which these are inhibited. The impact of deleting single or multiple ASFV genes on virus replication in cells and infection in pigs is summarised providing information on strategies for rational development of modified live vaccines.

Ten years on from an appraisal of litigation against English Health Trusts in otolaryngology: What have we learnt?

NHS Resolution provides indemnity cover for legal claims against the NHS, assists the NHS with risk management and aims to share lessons from claims in order to improve safety. The study aimed to investigate the financial costs of litigation against English Health Trusts in otolaryngology over a 10-year period, to see if any lessons have been learned and identify trends that may lead to a potential reduction in costs and improve patient safety. A Freedom of Information request was made to NHS Resolution for information regarding claims made to otolaryngology departments over the last 10 years. There was a total of 612 successful claims in the 10-year period between 2008/2009 and 2017/2018 with costs of nearly £87 million. Overall, the costs of litigation have increased dramatically, and the main areas for these successful claims can be identified, but restrictions in the detail of information released allows too little insight for improvements to be made to avoid them in future. This continues to be a major problem for healthcare funding and practice.

Findings from aetiological investigation of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder in children referred to cochlear implant programs.

OBJECTIVES: Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is an audiological diagnosis characterised by hearing dysfunction in the presence of intact outer hair cell function in the cochlea. ANSD is thought to account for 7-10% of all childhood permanent hearing impairment, and can result from a range of pathological processes. This paper describes the rationale, methods and findings from the aetiological investigation of ANSD. METHODS: Retrospective audit of four cochlear implant programmes. RESULTS: 97 patients were identified. 79% of patients were identified before the age of one. Prematurity and jaundice were the most frequently identified aetiological factors. 33 patients had cochlear nerve deficiency on imaging. Genetic diagnoses identified included otoferlin, SX010 gene, connexin 26 and A1FM1 gene mutations. ANSD was seen in conjunction with syndromes including Kallman syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, X-linked deafness, SOTOS syndrome, Brown Vieletto Van Laere syndrome, and CAPOS syndrome. DISCUSSION: We present a two-level system of aetiological investigation that is clinically practical. Patients with ANSD sufficiently severe to consider cochlear implantation are generally identified at an early age. Aetiological investigation is important to guide prognosis and identify comorbidity. CONCLUSION: Prematurity and jaundice are the most commonly identified aetiological factors in ANSD. Imaging findings identify crucial factors in a significant minority. An important minority may have genetic and syndromic diagnoses that require further management.

Does non-echo-planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging have a role in assisting the clinical diagnosis of cholesteatoma in selected cases?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of patients with suspected, but not clinically evident, cholesteatoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of non-echo-planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging studies (using a half-Fourier single-shot turbo-spin echo sequence) was conducted. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine indications for imaging and operative findings. Seventy-eight investigations in 74 patients with suspected cholesteatoma aged 5.7-79.2 years (mean, 41.7 years) were identified. Operative confirmation was available in 44 ears. Diagnostic accuracy of the imaging technique was calculated using operative findings as a 'gold standard'. Sensitivity of the investigation was examined via comparison with clinically evident cholesteatoma. RESULTS: The accuracy of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of suspected cholesteatoma was 63.6 per cent. The imaging technique was significantly less accurate in assessment of suspected cholesteatoma than clinically evident disease (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may be complementary in assessment of suspected cholesteatoma, but should be used with caution, and clinical judgement is paramount.

Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: Effects of Treatment.

Waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) are receptors for the cumulative loading of microplastics (MPs) derived from industry, landfill, domestic wastewater and stormwater. The partitioning of MPs through the settlement processes of wastewater treatment results in the majority becoming entrained in the sewage sludge. This study characterized MPs in sludge samples from seven WWTPs in Ireland which use anaerobic digestion (AD), thermal drying (TD), or lime stabilization (LS) treatment processes. Abundances ranged from 4196 to 15 385 particles kg-1 (dry weight). Results of a general linear mixed model (GLMM) showed significantly higher abundances of MPs in smaller size classes in the LS samples, suggesting that the treatment process of LS shears MP particles. In contrast, lower abundances of MPs found in the AD samples suggests that this process may reduce MP abundances. Surface morphologies examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed characteristics of melting and blistering of TD MPs and shredding and flaking of LS MPs. This study highlights the potential for sewage sludge treatment processes to affect the risk of MP pollution prior to land spreading and may have implications for legislation governing the application of biosolids to agricultural land.

Encountering a high jugular bulb during ear surgery.

Encounters with jugular bulb abnormalities during ear surgery are a rare but recognised problem. A high riding jugular bulb is present in 10%-15% of patients and its variable position within the temporal bone can lead to problems as brisk venous haemorrhage can result if the bulb is inadvertently opened. The case of a 52-year-old woman with a central tympanic membrane perforation who underwent elective endaural myringoplasty and experienced brisk bleeding on raising the tympanomeatal flap is presented.

Epistaxis management: current understanding amongst junior doctors.

BACKGROUND: Epistaxis is a common and potentially life-threatening emergency. This survey assesses understanding and confidence in epistaxis management amongst current junior doctors. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted of foundation year one and two doctors based at three National Health Service trusts within a single region of the UK, assessing basic understanding and procedural confidence. RESULTS: A total of 111 foundation doctors completed this survey. The average duration of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology was 8.1 days. Forty-one per cent of respondents stated that they would apply pressure to the nasal bones to control epistaxis. Seventy-five per cent lacked confidence in their ability to manage epistaxis. Those with two weeks or more of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology were more confident than those with one week or less of exposure (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Junior doctors lack understanding and confidence in epistaxis management, with patient safety implications. Confidence is associated with the duration of undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology. A minimum emergency safe competency should be a priority during foundation training if not achieved in UK medical schools.

Demographic factors associated with loss to follow up in the management of chronic otitis media: case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The likelihood of a patient attending regular follow up can affect decision making when planning and performing tympanomastoid surgery. This study investigated whether demographic factors were associated with loss to follow up. METHODS: A database of patients who had been investigated and treated for chronic otitis media was searched. Patients lost to follow up and a matching sample of patients who were formally discharged were identified. The demographic factors of age, sex and postcode were compared between the two groups. The information collected was also used to provide measures of deprivation. RESULTS: Fifty patients in each group were identified. Patients lost to follow up were significantly younger than patients formally discharged (p < 0.02), and were more likely to live in an area of education and training deprivation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Younger patient age, and living in an area of education and training deprivation, are associated with a higher incidence of loss to follow up.

Is routine excision of testicular remnants in testicular regression syndrome indicated?

BACKGROUND: Undescended testicles are a common finding in full-term male infants. In the majority of these infants, the testicle spontaneously descends in the first year of life. However, in others, it remains impalpable in an abnormal position or there may only be a small abnormal testicular remnant present. For these infants there is still controversy surrounding inguinal exploration and/or excision of these testicular remnants at the time of operative intervention. The controversy centres on their potential future malignant potential. AIM: The aim of the study was to ascertain the incidence of the presence of either germ cells (GCs) or seminiferous tubules (SNTS) in the excised testicular remnants. This was performed at a paediatric surgical tertiary centre and contributes to the evidence base for this condition. METHOD: A retrospective data analysis occurring over a 15-year period of all excised testicular remnants. The testicular remnants were analysed for age, laterality, histological analysis and clinical diagnosis. Subset analysis included subdivision into both intra-abdominal or inguinal positions, and age ranges. Statistical analysis was using Fisher's exact test and a P-value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A total of 140 paediatric male patients were identified as having had a testicular remnant excised during the study period. Their demographics and also the main results are summarised in the overall summary Table. The mean age at intervention was 3.5 years (range: 3 months to 17 years). A total of 132/140 of the boys underwent excision of an inguinal testicular regression syndrome (TRS) remnant and 8/140 an intra-abdominal remnant. Comparison of these two groups revealed no significant difference for the presence of GCs (12 (9%) vs 2 (25%), P = 0.18). However, intra-abdominal TRS remnants were much more likely to contain SNTs (27 (21%) vs 7 (88%), P = 0.0002). There was no decreased incidence of either GCs or SNTs with increased patient age. DISCUSSION: The main reason for the debate over the management of boys with TRS is the variable incidence of viable germ cells reported in different studies: it has been reported between 0 and 16%. The incidence of GCs (10%) and also SNT (24%) in the present series therefore contributes to this evidence base and is in the middle of this range. It is still unclear as to whether these remnants have a future malignancy risk, as there is only one case of intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) in a testicular remnant reported in the literature and this was not immunohistochemically supported. The presence of ITGCN, although considered as a precursor to the development of a testicular germ cell tumour in adult patients, has also not been established in paediatric patients. The natural history of the GCs in TRS specimens is also unknown. In the present series, however, there was no decreased incidence demonstrated with increased patient age, although older patient numbers limited this subset analysis. Despite this controversy, as these patients were already under general anaesthetic, an inguinal exploration and excision of any TRS remnant that was present did not significantly increase the operative procedure or time, and removed any potential malignancy risk. CONCLUSION: This evidence supports the exploration and excision of inguinal testicular remnants, as one in ten boys have GCs present and one in four have SNTs, which may have a potential future malignant transformation risk.

Factors associated with delays in head and neck cancer treatment: case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Delays in head and neck cancer treatment lead to increased mortality, more extensive treatment and patient anxiety. We aim to treat all patients with cancer within 62 days of receipt of a referral. An analysis was conducted of those patients whose treatment had been delayed in order to identify factors associated with treatment delay. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 50 patients whose treatment was delayed were identified and compared with 50 patients whose treatment was not delayed. Individual factors assessed included patient age, co-morbidity, tumour location and stage, the treatment agreed, the hospitals to which the patients were referred, and the clinicians they saw. RESULTS: There was a significant association between referral to a non-head and neck cancer centre, or review by a non-head and neck multidisciplinary team member, and treatment delay. CONCLUSION: In the context of centralisation of head and neck cancer services, it is important to consider delays that may be associated with a 'hub and spoke' model of service provision.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in ENT surgery: a survey of current practice.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is uncommon in ENT practice. There are no specific venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines for ENT surgery, despite the bleeding risks associated with ENT surgery and the low incidence of venous thromboembolism. METHODS: An online poll of the ENT UK expert panel was conducted on the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 132 responses were received. Of the respondents, 84.5 per cent routinely assess all of their patients for venous thromboembolism risk. In addition, 75.4 per cent use local health trust guidelines, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence being the most common source of national guidelines. There was significant heterogeneity in the use of low molecular weight heparin. Only 53.7 per cent of respondents felt that the guidelines they currently used reflect their practice. CONCLUSION: There is significant heterogeneity in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. There is therefore scope for revision of the ENT UK venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines to reflect general ENT practice.

The prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students.

BACKGROUND: Over the past four years, the Franciscan University Counseling Center has reported a 231% increase in yearly visits, as well as a 173% increase in total yearly clients. This trend has been observed at many universities as mental health issues pose significant problems for many college students. The objective of this study was to investigate potential correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students. METHODS: The final analyzed sample consisted of 374 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 24 attending Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio. Subjects completed a survey consisting of demographic questions, a section instructing participants to rate the level of concern associated with challenges pertinent to daily life (e.g. academics, family, sleep), and the 21 question version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). RESULTS: The results indicated that the top three concerns were academic performance, pressure to succeed, and post-graduation plans. Demographically, the most stressed, anxious, and depressed students were transfers, upperclassmen, and those living off-campus. CONCLUSIONS: With the propensity for mental health issues to hinder the success of college students, it is vital that colleges continually evaluate the mental health of their students and tailor treatment programs to specifically target their needs.

Prognostic factors and outcomes of severe gastrointestinal GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

We hypothesized that clinical risk factors could be identified within 2 weeks of onset of severe (stage 3 or 4) acute gut GVHD for identifying a patient population with a very poor outcome. Among 1462 patients who had allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) between January 2000 and December 2005, 116 (7.9%) developed stage 3-4 gut GVHD. The median time for onset of stage 3-4 gut GVHD was 35 (4-135) days after allogeneic HCT. Eighty-five of the 116 patients (73%) had corticosteroid resistance before or within 2 weeks after the onset of stage 3-4 gut GVHD. Significant risk factors for mortality included corticosteroid resistance (hazards ratio (HR)=2.93; P=0.0005), age >18 years (HR=4.95; P=0.0004), increased serum bilirubin (HR 2.53; P=0.0001) and overt gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 2.88; P=0.0004). Among patients with stage 3-4 gut GVHD, the subgroup with 0, 1 or 2 risk factors had a favorable prognosis, whereas the subgroup with 3 or 4 risk factors had a dismal prognosis. This information should be considered in designing future studies of severe gut GVHD and in counseling patients about prognosis.