The COVID-19 period influence on pediatric deep neck abscess: Occurrences and clinical presentation.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of deep neck infections (DNIs) in pediatric patients. In addition, it describes the clinical, laboratory, and microbiology presentation as well as the clinical outcomes.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Video Head Impulse Test Results.

Objective: To investigate the association between sleep deprivation and vestibular dysfunction by Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT).

Methods: This prospective clinical trial explores the impact of acute sleep deprivation on the vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) in medical residents. The study involved healthy physicians from diverse medical disciplines.

Trauma-Induced Vestibular Dysfunction: Improved Repair Under Local Treatment With α1-Antitrypsin.

Aim: To characterize vestibular recovery in a mouse model of unilateral labyrinthotomy under local AAT and dexamethasone treatment.

Background: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a circulating tissue-protective molecule that rises during inflammatory conditions and promotes inflammatory resolution. Its local concentration in human perilymph inversely correlates with the severity of inner ear dysfunction; concomitantly, mice that overexpress AAT and undergo inner ear trauma rapidly restore vestibular function.

A Modified Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Evaluating Esophageal Dysphagia by a Capsule: A Pilot Study.

While functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is the most useful diagnostic test for the evaluation of dysphagia, it cannot evaluate the esophageal phase of swallowing. To evaluate if a modification for the FEES exam by swallowing an empty capsule and screening of the upper esophagus could be used for early detection of esophageal dysphagia. A prospective, single-center, pilot study.

Local Alpha1-Antitrypsin Accelerates the Healing of Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Mice.

Background: Most tympanic membrane (TM) perforations heal spontaneously, but 10%-20% remain chronic and might lead to impaired hearing and recurrent middle ear infections. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a circulating tissue-protective protein that is elevated under inflammatory conditions and is currently indicated for genetic AAT deficiency. Recently, AAT has been shown to promote tissue remodeling and inflammatory resolution.