Adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 persist in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissue of children.

Most studies of adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection focus on peripheral blood, which may not fully reflect immune responses at the site of infection. Using samples from 110 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified 24 samples with evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, including neutralizing antibodies in serum and SARS-CoV-2-specific germinal center and memory B cells in the tonsils and adenoids. Single-cell B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing indicated virus-specific BCRs were class-switched and somatically hypermutated, with overlapping clones in the two tissues.

Association of anosmia and neutralizing antibody production in adolescents with SARS-CoV-2.

Background: To monitor olfactory/gustatory dysfunction and its relationship to SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses in an adolescent population.

Methods: Adolescents with changes in olfactory/gustatory functions were enrolled in a 15-month study. The patients were evaluated with 1) SNOT-22, 2) pediatric smell wheel, and 3) SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.

Examining multi-level immune response to determine prevalence of COVID-19 in pediatric tonsillectomy.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 in a cohort of children undergoing tonsillectomy through assessment of B cell immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in both peripheral blood and tonsil tissue.

Methods: In this cohort study at a tertiary pediatric hospital (Children's National Hospital) in Washington, DC, we recruited 100 children undergoing tonsillectomy from late September 2020 to January 2021. Serum, peripheral blood cells, and tonsil tissue were collected and examined for immune reactivity to SARS-CoV-2.

Robust, persistent adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue of children.

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers adaptive immune responses from both T and B cells. However, most studies focus on peripheral blood, which may not fully reflect immune responses in lymphoid tissues at the site of infection. To evaluate both local and systemic adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, we collected peripheral blood, tonsils, and adenoids from 110 children undergoing tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic and found 24 with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, including detectable neutralizing antibodies against multiple viral variants.

Tracheal Agenesis: Vertical Division of the Native Esophagus - A Novel Surgical Approach and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Tracheal agenesis (TA) is rare and usually fatal. Few survivors with concomitant tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF) who underwent ligation of the distal esophagus with creation of a spit-fistula and neo-trachea from the proximal esophagus exist. We report a novel surgical technique whereby the esophagus is divided longitudinally to preserve a functional alimentation tract and a parallel neo-trachea.

Patient Safety in Audiology.

There is a need to educate audiologists, physicians, and other clinicians about patient safety in audiology. This article addresses the many aspects of patient safety and the applicability to the practice of audiology in health care. Clinical examples of strategies to build a culture of patient safety are provided.

Patterns of Orofacial Clefting in New York City From 1983 to 2010: Trends by Racial Background, Birthplace, and Public Health Strategies.

Objective: To determine the role of racial background, public health initiatives, and residence on the prevalence of orofacial clefts (OFCs) in New York City (NYC).

Design/methods: Retrospective review of OFC cases from the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry.

Patients/participants: Patients born with an OFC and all live births to mothers residing in NYC between 1983 and 2010.

Clinical characteristics of pediatric granular myringitis.

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics of children with granular myringitis.

Study Design: Case series with chart review of children with granular myringitis.

Setting: Tertiary care children's hospitals in Delaware and Florida.