Laryngeal Vibrotactile Stimulation Is Feasible, Acceptable To People With Unexplained Chronic Cough.

Objectives: Unexplained chronic cough (UCC) is common and has significant impacts on quality of life. Ongoing cough can sensitize the larynx, increasing the urge to cough and perpetuating the cycle of chronic cough. Vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) of the larynx is a noninvasive stimulation technique that can modulate laryngeal somatosensory and motor activity.

Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance phenotype of paediatric bloodstream infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Background: Gram-negative organisms are common causes of bloodstream infection (BSI) during the neonatal period and early childhood. Whilst several large studies have characterised these isolates in adults, equivalent data (particularly incorporating whole genome sequencing) is lacking in the paediatric population.

Methods: We perform an epidemiological and sequencing based analysis of Gram-negative bloodstream infections (327 isolates (296 successfully sequenced) from 287 patients) in children <18 years old between 2008 and 2018 in Oxfordshire, UK.

Patient Satisfaction with Virtual vs In-Person Voice Therapy.

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in patient satisfaction between in-person and virtual voice therapy.

Methods: Patient satisfaction answers to the National Research Corporation (NRC) Health patient survey were retrieved for two separate 11 month periods. The first was for an in-person cohort, from April 2019 to February 2020.

Transmission of community- and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 in hospital settings in the UK: A cohort study.

Background: Nosocomial spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been widely reported, but the transmission pathways among patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) are unclear. Identifying the risk factors and drivers for these nosocomial transmissions is critical for infection prevention and control interventions. The main aim of our study was to quantify the relative importance of different transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital setting.

An analysis of the incidence, causes and preventative approaches to gram-negative bloodstream infections of hepatopancreatobiliary origin.

Background: Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBSI) is a threat to public health in terms of mortality and antibiotic resistance. The hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cohort accounts for 15%-20% of GNBSI, yet few strategies have been explored to reduce HPB GNBSI.

Aim: To identify clinical factors contributing to HPB GNBSI and strategies for its prevention.

Using linked electronic health records to report healthcare-associated infections.

Background: Reporting of strategic healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) to Public Health England is mandatory for all acute hospital trusts in England, via a web-based HCAI Data Capture System (HCAI-DCS).

Aim: Investigate the feasibility of automating the current, manual, HCAI reporting using linked electronic health records (linked-EHR), and assess its level of accuracy.

Methods: All data previously submitted through the HCAI-DCS by the Oxford University Hospitals infection control (IC) team for methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA), Clostridium difficile, and Escherichia coli, through March 2017 were downloaded and compared to outputs created from linked-EHR, with detailed comparisons between 2013-2017.

A Candida auris Outbreak and Its Control in an Intensive Care Setting.

Background: Candida auris is an emerging and multidrug-resistant pathogen. Here we report the epidemiology of a hospital outbreak of C. auris colonization and infection.

Dysphonia, Perceived Control, and Psychosocial Distress: A Qualitative Study.

Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine relationships between psychological factors, particularly perceived control, and voice symptoms in adults seeking treatment for a voice problem.

Methods: Semistructured interviews of adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia were conducted and transcribed. Follow-up interviews were conducted as needed for further information or clarification.

Multi-centre prospective internal and external evaluation of the Brompton Harefield Infection Score (BHIS).

Background: Previously, we reported that the Brompton Harefield Infection Score (BHIS) accurately predicts surgical site infection (SSI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The BHIS was developed using two-centre data and stratifies SSI risk into three groups based on female gender, diabetes or HbA1c > 7.5%, body mass index ≥ 35, left ventricular ejection fraction < 45% and emergency surgery.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 based colon cleaning protocol: 2 d vs 4 d head to head comparison.

Aim: To compare between 2 and 4 d colon cleansing protocols.

Methods: Children who were scheduled for colonoscopy procedure (2010-2012) for various medical reasons, were recruited from the pediatric gastroenterology clinic at Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV. Exclusion criteria were patients who were allergic to the medication used in the protocols [polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, Bisacodyl], or children with metabolic or renal diseases.

Enhanced ERK-1/2 activation in mice susceptible to coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis.

Group B coxsackieviral (CVB) infection commonly causes viral myocarditis. Mice are protected from CVB3 myocarditis by gene-targeted knockout of p56(Lck)(Lck), the Src family kinase (Src) essential for T cell activation. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK-1/2) can influence cell function downstream of Lck.