What Do We Know about Medication Adherence Interventions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Scoping Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Purpose: Between 53% and 75% of people with inflammatory bowel disease, 30%-80% with rheumatoid arthritis, and up to 50% with multiple sclerosis do not take medications as prescribed to maintain remission. This scoping review aimed to identify effective adherence interventions for inflammatory bowel disease, but with few studies found, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis were included to learn lessons from other conditions. Methods: Full and pilot randomised controlled trials testing medication adherence interventions for inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis conducted between 2012 and 2021 were identified in six electronic databases. Results: A total of 3024 participants were included from 24 randomised controlled trials: 10 pilot and 14 full studies. Eight investigated inflammatory bowel disease, 12 rheumatoid arthritis, and four multiple sclerosis. Nine studies (37.5%) reported significantly improved medication adherence, all involving tailored, personalised education, advice or counselling by trained health professionals, with five delivered face-to-face and 1:1. Quality of effective interventions was mixed: five rated high quality, two medium and two low quality. Interventions predominantly using technology were likely to be most effective. Secondary tools, such as diaries, calendars and advice sheets, were also efficient in increasing adherence. Only 10 interventions were based on an adherence theory, of which four significantly improved adherence. Conclusion: Tailored, face-to-face, 1:1 interactions with healthcare professionals were successful at providing personalised adherence support. Accessible, user-friendly technology-based tools supported by calendars and reminders effectively enhanced adherence. Key components of effective interventions should be evaluated and integrated further into clinical practice if viable, whilst being tailored to inflammatory conditions.

Mitigation of Respirable Aerosol Particles from Speech and Language Therapy Exercises.

INTRODUCTION: Phonation and speech are known sources of respirable aerosol in humans. Voice assessment and treatment manipulate all the subsystems of voice production, and previous work (Saccente-Kennedy et al., 2022) has demonstrated such activities can generate >10 times more aerosol than conversational speech and 30 times more aerosol than breathing. Aspects of voice therapy may therefore be considered aerosol generating procedures and pose a greater risk of potential airborne pathogen (eg, SARS-CoV-2) transmission than typical speech. Effective mitigation measures may be required to ensure safe service delivery for therapist and patient. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures in reducing detectable respirable aerosol produced by voice assessment/therapy. METHODS: We recruited 15 healthy participants (8 cis-males, 7 cis-females), 9 of whom were voice-specialist speech-language pathologists. Optical Particle Sizers (OPS) (Model 3330, TSI) were used to measure the number concentration of respirable aerosol particles (0.3 µm-10 µm) generated during a selection of voice assessment/therapy tasks, both with and without mitigation measures in place. Measurements were performed in a laminar flow operating theatre, with near-zero background aerosol concentration, allowing us to quantify the number concentration of respiratory aerosol particles produced. Mitigation measures included the wearing of Type IIR fluid resistant surgical masks, wrapping the same masks around the end of straws, and the use of heat and moisture exchange microbiological filters (HMEFs) for a water resistance therapy (WRT) task. RESULTS: All unmitigated therapy tasks produced more aerosol than unmasked breathing or speaking. Mitigation strategies reduced detectable aerosol from all tasks to a level significantly below, or no different to, that of unmasked breathing. Pooled filtration efficiencies determined that Type IIR surgical masks reduced detectable aerosol by 90%. Surgical masks wrapped around straws reduced detectable aerosol by 96%. HMEF filters were 100% effective in mitigating the aerosol from WRT, the exercise that generated more aerosol than any other task in the unmitigated condition. CONCLUSIONS: Voice therapy and assessment causes the release of significant quantities of respirable aerosol. However, simple mitigation strategies can reduce emitted aerosol concentrations to levels comparable to unmasked breathing.

Auricular manifestation of Mpox (monkeypox).

This case discusses a man in his 20s, referred to the ear, nose and throat department with a suspected ear lobe abscess. He presented with a 5-day history of worsening ear pain, fevers and localised papules. An in-depth history showed a relevant sexual health history and medical history. Initial investigations shone no light on the cause of the infection. A second presentation with further generalised symptoms, including further outbreaks of pustules, led to PCR testing, confirming the presence of mpox (monkeypox) virus. He was admitted to the infectious disease ward where he made a good recovery and was supported until discharge.

Quantification of Respirable Aerosol Particles from Speech and Language Therapy Exercises.

INTRODUCTION: Voice assessment and treatment involve the manipulation of all the subsystems of voice production, and may lead to production of respirable aerosol particles that pose a greater risk of potential viral transmission via inhalation of respirable pathogens (eg, SARS-CoV-2) than quiet breathing or conversational speech. OBJECTIVE: To characterise the production of respirable aerosol particles during a selection of voice assessment therapy tasks. METHODS: We recruited 23 healthy adult participants (12 males, 11 females), 11 of whom were speech-language pathologists specialising in voice disorders. We used an aerodynamic and an optical particle sizer to measure the number concentration and particle size distributions of respirable aerosols generated during a variety of voice assessment and therapy tasks. The measurements were carried out in a laminar flow operating theatre, with a near-zero background aerosol concentration, allowing us to quantify the number concentration and size distributions of respirable aerosol particles produced from assessment/therapy tasks studied. RESULTS: Aerosol number concentrations generated while performing assessment/therapy tasks were log-normally distributed among individuals with no significant differences between professionals (speech-language pathologists) and non-professionals or between males and females. Activities produced up to 32 times the aerosol number concentration of breathing and 24 times that of speech at 70-80 dBA. In terms of aerosol mass, activities produced up to 163 times the mass concentration of breathing and up to 36 times the mass concentration of speech. Voicing was a significant factor in aerosol production; aerosol number/mass concentrations generated during the voiced activities were 1.1-5 times higher than their unvoiced counterpart activities. Additionally, voiced activities produced bigger respirable aerosol particles than their unvoiced variants except the trills. Humming generated higher aerosol concentrations than sustained /a/, fricatives, speaking (70-80 dBA), and breathing. Oscillatory semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) generated higher aerosol number/mass concentrations than the activities without oscillation. Water resistance therapy (WRT) generated the most aerosol of all activities, ∼10 times higher than speaking at 70-80 dBA and >30 times higher than breathing. CONCLUSIONS: All activities generated more aerosol than breathing, although a sizeable minority were no different to speaking. Larger number concentrations and larger particle sizes appear to be generated by activities with higher suspected airflows, with the greatest involving intraoral pressure oscillation and/or an oscillating oral articulation (WRT or trilling).

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations and complications of reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease describes the backflow of acidic stomach content towards the larynx and is associated with symptoms such as cough, throat clearing and globus. It is a common presentation in primary care and the sequelae of symptoms that arise from the disease often present in ear, nose and throat clinics. Assessment and examination of patients presenting with reflux symptoms includes questionnaires, as well as direct visualisation of the pharynx and larynx, and takes a multidisciplinary team approach. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, medical therapy and in some specialist centres, surgical management to address the multitude of symptoms associated with the disease.

A comparison of respiratory particle emission rates at rest and while speaking or exercising.

Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the prohibition of group-based exercise and the cancellation of sporting events. Evaluation of respiratory aerosol emissions is necessary to quantify exercise-related transmission risk and inform mitigation strategies. Methods: Aerosol mass emission rates are calculated from concurrent aerosol and ventilation data, enabling absolute comparison. An aerodynamic particle sizer (0.54-20 µm diameter) samples exhalate from within a cardiopulmonary exercise testing mask, at rest, while speaking and during cycle ergometer-based exercise. Exercise challenge testing is performed to replicate typical gym-based exercise and very vigorous exercise, as determined by a preceding maximally exhaustive exercise test. Results: We present data from 25 healthy participants (13 males, 12 females; 36.4 years). The size of aerosol particles generated at rest and during exercise is similar (unimodal ~0.57-0.71 µm), whereas vocalization also generated aerosol particles of larger size (i.e. was bimodal ~0.69 and ~1.74 µm). The aerosol mass emission rate during speaking (0.092 ng s-1; minute ventilation (VE) 15.1 L min-1) and vigorous exercise (0.207 ng s-1, p = 0.726; VE 62.6 L min-1) is similar, but lower than during very vigorous exercise (0.682 ng s-1, p < 0.001; VE 113.6 L min-1). Conclusions: Vocalisation drives greater aerosol mass emission rates, compared to breathing at rest. Aerosol mass emission rates in exercise rise with intensity. Aerosol mass emission rates during vigorous exercise are no different from speaking at a conversational level. Mitigation strategies for airborne pathogens for non-exercise-based social interactions incorporating vocalisation, may be suitable for the majority of exercise settings. However, the use of facemasks when exercising may be less effective, given the smaller size of particles produced.

Comparing aerosol number and mass exhalation rates from children and adults during breathing, speaking and singing.

Aerosol particles of respirable size are exhaled when individuals breathe, speak and sing and can transmit respiratory pathogens between infected and susceptible individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the need to improve the quantification of the particle number and mass exhalation rates as one route to provide estimates of viral shedding and the potential risk of transmission of viruses. Most previous studies have reported the number and mass concentrations of aerosol particles in an exhaled plume. We provide a robust assessment of the absolute particle number and mass exhalation rates from measurements of minute ventilation using a non-invasive Vyntus Hans Rudolf mask kit with straps housing a rotating vane spirometer along with measurements of the exhaled particle number concentrations and size distributions. Specifically, we report comparisons of the number and mass exhalation rates for children (12-14 years old) and adults (19-72 years old) when breathing, speaking and singing, which indicate that child and adult cohorts generate similar amounts of aerosol when performing the same activity. Mass exhalation rates are typically 0.002-0.02 ng s-1 from breathing, 0.07-0.2 ng s-1 from speaking (at 70-80 dBA) and 0.1-0.7 ng s-1 from singing (at 70-80 dBA). The aerosol exhalation rate increases with increasing sound volume for both children and adults when both speaking and singing.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Guide to paediatric voice disorders.

Paediatric voice disorders in the normal paediatric population ranges from 6% to 20%. We outline the important features in the initial evaluation of a persistent altered cry or voice in children and highlight the subsequent management currently used by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons and speech and language therapists (SLTs). It is important to appreciate that there are stark differences between a child and adult larynx due to anatomical and physiological changes during development. The voice history elicited from both child and parent includes birth and developmental history, hearing, early feeding and respiratory function. Red flag symptoms or signs presenting with dysphonia include stridor, dysphagia, failure to thrive and recurrent chest infections. The most likely cause for dysphonia in children presenting to general paediatric practice and primary care will be secondary to laryngitis, hyperfunction and vocal cord nodules, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Regarding treatment, in most cases a non-surgical option is preferred with voice therapy preferably delivered by a specialist paediatric voice SLT. The maximum effectiveness of behavioural or direct therapy is to children over 7 years, for in excess of 8 weeks with additional rigorous home rehearsal.

Effects of coronavirus disease-2019 on voice: our experience of laryngeal complications following mechanical ventilation in severe coronavirus disease-2019 pneumonitis and review of current literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dysphonia has been described as a major symptom of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A literature review examining this topic was undertaken and is presented here, combined with insights from our experience in managing patients with laryngeal complications following mechanical ventilation for severe COVID-19 pneumonitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Naunheim et al. reported that patients who are most at risk of needing intubation with COVID-19 disease are those with patient-specific risk factors and these are at an increased risk for subsequent laryngotracheal injury following intubation (1). In our cohort of 105 patients referred with laryngological symptoms postintubation for COVID-19 pneumonitis, 40% presented as urgent reviews, of which almost half had severe postintubation complications requiring surgery. Perceptual voice ratings and patient-reported voice ratings varied widely, but there was no significant change in voice scores postoperatively. The reflux symptom index (RSI) scores did improve significantly (p = 0.0266). The need for surgery was associated with the presence of comorbidities for instance hypertension, diabetes and obesity in our cohort. This is in support of reported association of comorbidity as a risk factor for intubation and subsequent development of postintubation airway complications. SUMMARY: Dysphonia following COVID-19 infection may have multiple causes. Literature reports demonstrate intubation injury, sensory neuropathy, and postviral neuropathy are associated with voice changes. Our personal experience has confirmed postintubation injury markedly affects glottic function with resultant dysphonia attributable to scar formation, posterior glottic stenosis, granulation and subglottic stenosis. Frequent surgical intervention is required for airway patency and may have short-term further deleterious effects on phonation, although in our cohort this is not statistically significant analysing Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain, Voice Handicap Index-10 or Airway, Voice, Swallow scores. Maximal antireflux medications and advice statistically improved RSI scores postoperatively.

Breathing dystonia in Meige syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnoea is rarely mentioned in the clinical description of adult-onset isolated dystonia. In this study, we present the clinical features of 13 patients with Meige syndrome (cranio-cervical dystonia) with breathing difficulties. METHODS: A retrospective case note review was performed of patients presenting with Meige syndrome and shortness of breath, to a neuro-laryngology MDT clinic. RESULTS: Some patients were severely limited by their breathlessness, but others did not volunteer these symptoms. The majority of patients were referred with the assumption that the larynx was the cause of the problem; however half the patients did not have evidence of laryngeal involvement. Of the patients who had laryngeal involvement, injecting the larynx alone did not always relieve the dyspnoea. The majority of our patients responded to injection of the suprahyoid muscles, including genioglossus, digastric and mylohyoid. CONCLUSION: We recommend routinely establishing if the patient with Meige syndrome has signs or symptoms of breathlessness, and establishing the level of the problem, as this can be treated successfully.

Clinical and molecular characterization of patients with adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency (ADSLD) is an ultrarare neurometabolic recessive disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ADSL gene. The disease is characterized by wide clinical variability. Here we provide an updated clinical profiling of the disorder and discuss genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS: Data were collected through "Our Journey with ADSL deficiency Association" by using a dedicated web survey filled-in by parents. Clinical and molecular data were collected from 18 patients (12 males, median age 10.9 years ± 7.3), from 13 unrelated families. The age at onset ranged from birth to the first three years (median age 0.63 years ± 0.84 SD), and age at diagnosis varied from 2 months to 17 years, (median age 6.4 years ± 6.1 SD). The first sign was a psychomotor delay in 8/18 patients, epilepsy in 3/18, psychomotor delay and epilepsy in 3/18, and apneas, hypotonia, nystagmus in single cases. One patient (sibling of a previously diagnosed child) had a presymptomatic diagnosis. The diagnosis was made by exome sequencing in 7/18 patients. All patients were definitively diagnosed with ADSL deficiency based on pathogenic variants and/or biochemical assessment. One patient had a fatal neonatal form of ADSL deficiency, seven showed features fitting type I, and nine were characterized by a milder condition (type II), with two showing a very mild phenotype. Eighteen different variants were distributed along the entire ADSL coding sequence and were predicted to have a variable structural impact by impairing proper homotetramerization or catalytic activity of the enzyme. Six variants had not previously been reported. All but two variants were missense. CONCLUSIONS: The study adds more details on the spectrum of ADSLD patients' phenotypes and molecular data.

Non-aesthetic uses of botulinum toxin in the head and neck.

INTRODUCTION: The use of botulinum toxin in the specialty of aesthetic surgery in the head and neck is well known. However, it has also been used for other conditions affecting the head and neck, and in recent years its use, as well as the number of relevant applications, has expanded enormously. REVIEW: This article presents a summary of the current range of uses in the laryngeal, pharyngeal, cervical, oromandibular and facial muscles and salivary glands. We highlight particular conditions focusing on dystonia (laryngeal, craniocervical, oromandibular and cervical), multiple system atrophy, migraines, facial nerve palsy, post-laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal dysphagia, Zenker's diverticulum, retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction disorder, sialorrhea and gustatory sweating (Frey's syndrome). CONCLUSION: This article should aid the ear, nose and throat surgeon garner knowledge about the range of uses for botulinum toxin in the head and neck.

Ultrasound Study to Validate the Anterior Cervical Approach to the Longus Colli Muscle Using Electromyography Control Alone.

Background: One of the main difficulties in the treatment of dystonic anterocollis is the injection of the deep flexor muscles of the neck such as Longus Colli (LCo). The injection of the LCo has been regarded as difficult and potentially dangerous; since we published our anterior median approach, a number of questions about the precision and the safety of our technique have been raised by colleagues. Methods: 7 patients with anterocollis were injected, using our injection technique and when the needle was deemed to be in place, we used the ultrasound probe to determine what the needle had passed through, the depth of the tip of the needle and if the identified muscle was indeed LCo. Results: On the ultrasound section the LCo muscle is between 24 and 28 mm deep in the patients examined in this study. The location of the needle was confirmed by ultrasound and in most cases the needle was placed in the right axis but sometimes not deep enough. The EMG control made it possible to correct the depth in all cases. In most of the injections the needle traversed the thyroid. No acute incident occurred by this route of injection. Injections were performed between 22 and 28 mm deep. Discussion: From this study and based on a review of complications over 9 years experience with injecting LCo under EMG control using an anterior approach, we conclude that this technique is precise, safe and well tolerated. Summary Highlights: The injection of the Longus Coli muscle for anterocollis has been regarded as difficult and potentially dangerous. This study showed, using ultrasound to determine the needle trajectory, that the anterior approach using EMG control is a precise, safe and well tolerated technique.

Engaging patients, clinicians, and the community in a Clinical Data Research Network: Lessons learned from the CAPriCORN CDRN.

Engaging patients, clinicians, and community members in the development of a research network creates opportunities and challenges beyond engagement in discrete learning activities. This paper describes our experiences establishing and maintaining a stakeholder engagement infrastructure for the Chicago Area Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network (CAPriCORN) and highlights important lessons learned over the first 4 years. During this time, the CAPriCORN Patient and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) appointed patient, clinician, and community representatives to governance and advisory groups throughout the network, developed a process and criteria for patient- and clinician-centered review of research proposals, and evolved from a large, diverse group to a smaller yet still diverse, more actively engaged group with connections to the broader community. Key challenges faced by the PCAC have included determining the optimal size and composition of the group, understanding the complex structure of the network as a whole, coordinating with other network entities and functions, and integrating the patient and community voice into the research review process. Efforts to engage stakeholders in clinical data research networks should anticipate and develop solutions to address these challenges.

Clinicopathological features and comorbidities of cats with mild, moderate or severe hyperthyroidism: a radioiodine referral population.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to explore the clinicopathological features and comorbidities of cats with mild, moderate and severe hyperthyroidism in a radioiodine referral population. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed, along with results of serum biochemistry, urinalysis, systolic blood pressure and diagnostic imaging performed at the time of radioiodine referral. Cats were grouped by total thyroxine (TT4) levels as mildly (TT4 60.1-124.9 nmol/l), moderately (TT4 125-250 nmol/l) or severely (TT4 >250 nmol/l) hyperthyroid at the time of diagnosis and referral. RESULTS: Thirty percent (42/140) of the cats were <10 years old at diagnosis. In 24.3% (34/140), hyperthyroidism was diagnosed incidentally. The time between diagnosis and referral for radioiodine was significantly longer in cats with severe hyperthyroidism at the time of referral ( P = 0.004). An increase in severity group between the time of diagnosis and referral occurred in 38.6% (54/140) of cats. At referral, 54.3% (25/46) of cats with mild, 66.7% (42/63) with moderate and 80.6% (25/31) with severe hyperthyroidism were unstable despite ongoing medical or dietary management. The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities was significantly increased in cats with severe hyperthyroidism ( P = 0.014) compared with those with mild or moderate hyperthyroidism. There was no significant difference in the likelihood of renal disease ( P = 0.708) or hypertension ( P = 0.328) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Incidental diagnosis of hyperthyroidism occurs commonly, potentially owing to increased disease screening. Cats with severe hyperthyroidism at referral were more likely to be chronically hyperthyroid with a history of poor stabilisation. This subset of patients was significantly more likely to have cardiac abnormalities. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may ultimately affect patient suitability for curative treatments (radioiodine or thyroidectomy) owing to higher anaesthetic risks and potential for decompensation into congestive heart failure with the stress of travel and hospitalisation. Curative therapy should be considered before the development of severe hyperthyroidism.

Evaluation of a handheld point-of-care analyser for measurement of creatinine in cats.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a handheld creatinine analyser (StatSensor Xpress; SSXp), available for human patients, can be used to measure creatinine reliably in cats. Methods Analytical performance was evaluated by determining within- and between-run coefficient of variation (CV, %), total error observed (TEobs, %) and sigma metrics. Fifty client-owned cats presenting for investigation of clinical disease had creatinine measured simultaneously, using SSXp (whole blood and plasma) and a reference instrument (Konelab, serum); 48 paired samples were included in the study. Creatinine correlation between methodologies (SSXp vs Konelab) and sample types (SSXpwhole blood vs SSXpplasma) was assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient and agreement was determined using Bland-Altman difference plots. Each creatinine value was assigned an IRIS stage (1-4); correlation and agreement between Konelab and SSXp IRIS stages were evaluated. Results Within-run CV (4.23-8.85%), between-run CV (8.95-11.72%), TEobs (22.15-34.92%) and sigma metrics (⩽3) did not meet desired analytical requirements. Correlation between sample types was high (SSXpwhole blood vs SSXpplasma; r = 0.89), and between instruments was high (SSXpwhole blood vs Konelabserum; r = 0.85) to very high (SSXpplasma vs Konelabserum; r = 0.91). Konelab and SSXpwhole blood IRIS scores exhibited high correlation ( r = 0.76). Packed cell volume did not significantly affect SSXp determination of creatinine. Bland-Altman difference plots identified a positive bias for the SSXp (7.13 µmol/l SSXpwhole blood; 20.23 µmol/l SSXpplasma) compared with the Konelab. Outliers (1/48 whole blood; 2/48 plasma) occurred exclusively at very high creatinine concentrations. The SSXp failed to identify 2/21 azotaemic cats. Conclusions and relevance Analytical performance of the SSXp in feline patients is not considered acceptable. The SSXp exhibited a high to very high correlation compared with the reference methodology but the two instruments cannot be used interchangeably. Improvements in the SSXp analytical performance are needed before its use can be recommended in feline clinical practice.

Anxiety and depression among African American women: The costs of strength and negative attitudes toward psychological help-seeking.

The Strong Black Woman (SBW) race-gender schema prompts African American women to use self-reliance and self-silence as coping strategies in response to stressors. Utilizing the coping strategies associated with the SBW race-gender schema could trigger anxiety and depression symptoms that may intensify when coupled with negative attitudes toward professional psychological help. The present study investigated whether African American women's endorsement of the SBW race-gender schema predicted increased symptoms of anxiety and depression and whether attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking intensified psychological distress. Data were collected from 95 participants ranging in age from 18 to 65. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated significant main effects for the SBW race-gender schema and greater anxiety and depression, respectively. Greater indifference to stigma, 1 dimension of help-seeking attitudes, predicted lower levels of anxiety. African American women's attitudes toward professional help-seeking did not moderate the associations between endorsement of the SBW race-gender schema and anxiety or depression, respectively. Finally, endorsement of the SBW race-gender schema was inversely and significantly associated with 2 facets of help-seeking attitudes: (a) psychological openness and (b) help-seeking propensity. Taken together, these findings provide empirical support for the role of cultural factors, like the SBW race-gender schema, in African American women's experience of psychological distress and potential underutilization of mental health services. Future research directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record