Effect of Speaking Valves on Tracheostomy Decannulation.

 Despite several pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocols there remains tremendous variability in practice. The effect of tracheostomy capping on decannulation has been studied but the role of speaking valves (SVs) is unknown.  Given the positive benefits SVs have on rehabilitation, we hypothesized that SVs would decrease time to tracheostomy decannulation.

Cystic fibrosis mutation classes in pediatric otitis media - Fickle or faulty?

Purpose: Recent data have challenged the historical paradigm that cystic fibrosis (CF) protects against otitis media (OM). These findings raised questions about the pathogenesis of this ostensible change. In this study our aim is to characterize acute OM (AOM) risk based on CF genotype.

A dual-therapy approach for the treatment of biofilm-mediated Salmonella gallbladder carriage.

Asymptomatic carriage of Salmonella Typhi continues to facilitate the transmission of typhoid fever, resulting in 14 million new infections and 136,000 fatalities each year. Asymptomatic chronic carriage of S. Typhi is facilitated by the formation of biofilms on gallstones that protect the bacteria from environmental insults and immune system clearance.