Roles of host and environment in shift of primary anthrax host species in Kruger National Park.

Environmental and climatic factors, as well as host demographics and behaviour, significantly influence the exposure of herbivorous mammalian hosts to pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. Until the early 1990s in Kruger National Park (KNP), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) was the host species most affected by anthrax, with outbreaks occurring predominantly in the dry season, particularly during drought cycles. However, the most affected host species has shifted to impala (Aepyceros melampus), with more frequent anthrax outbreaks during the wet season.

Barriers to auditory brainstem response testing under anesthesia.

Objective: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing is the gold standard for diagnosis of hearing loss in children who cannot complete behavioral audiometry. Testing under general anesthesia is often recommended when natural sleep ABR and/or behavioral audiometry are unsuccessful. This study aims to determine which demographic and patient factors serve as barriers to receiving this diagnostic testing.

Socioeconomic Disparities and Other Factors Affecting Time to Dispensing of Pediatric Hearing Aids.

Introduction: Pediatric hearing loss can significantly impact speech, language, social, and educational development. Providing access to speech and environmental sounds using amplification devices, such as hearing aids, can help improve developmental outcomes. However, timely rehabilitation and intervention may be delayed due to limited access to resources, further prolonging the adverse effects of childhood hearing loss.

A Qualitative Program Evaluation of a Digital Peer Support Group for Formerly Incarcerated People.

Objectives: A qualitative program evaluation of the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) group, a peer-led mutual support group for formerly incarcerated people, was conducted to understand participant perceptions of (1) digital delivery via Zoom, (2) curriculum content, (3) roles of group participants, and (4) therapeutic value of FIPS group as it relates to traumatic experiences in prison and ongoing challenges after release.

Methods: Using a community-based participatory action research approach, a qualitative evaluation was conducted with participants in either the 2020 or 2021 curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, coded, and analyzed via applied thematic analysis and results reviewed with participants.

Evaluation of Noise Exposure Levels in Pediatric ENT Operating Rooms.

Objective: Operating room (OR) sounds may surpass noise exposure thresholds and induce hearing loss. Noise intensity emitted by various surgical instruments during common pediatric otolaryngologic procedures were compared at the ear-level of the surgeon and patient to evaluate the need for quality improvement measures.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Mobile clinics for opioid use disorders: What they do and how they do it. A qualitative analysis.

Introduction: People with substance use disorders (SUD) face many barriers to receiving evidence-based treatments including access to and cost of treatment. People who use drugs face stigma that limits access to traditional office-based clinics. With the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality, mobile clinics reduce many of these barriers by providing harm reduction and on-demand low-threshold medical care.

Impact of upper airway obstruction management in Robin Sequence on need for myringotomy tubes.

Objective: Investigate an association between upper airway obstruction (UAO) management in Robin Sequence (RS) and need for bilateral myringotomy and tubes (BMT).

Methods: Retrospective chart review of RS patients treated at a tertiary free-standing pediatric hospital from 1995 to 2020 was performed. Patients were grouped based on airway management: conservative, tracheostomy, tongue-lip adhesion (TLA), and mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO).

LatinX harm reduction capital, medication for opioid use disorder, and nonfatal overdose: A structural equation model analysis among people who use drugs in Massachusetts.

Background: We introduce the concept of harm reduction capital (HRCap) as the combination of knowledge, resources, and skills related to substance use risk reduction, which we hypothesize to predict MOUD use and opioid overdose. In this study, we explored the interrelationships between ethnicity, HRCap, nonfatal overdose, and MOUD use among PWUD.

Methods: Between 2017 and 2019, people who currently or in the past used opioids and who lived in Massachusetts completed a one-time survey on substance use history, treatment experiences, and use of harm reduction services.

Pediatric cochlear implantation: Early surgical intervention and parental quality of life.

Objectives: Pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) provides sound perception to children with significant sensorineural hearing loss and, despite its challenging process, early implantation can enhance children's speech/language outcomes and potentially improve parental quality of life (PQoL). This study aims to examine parental perspectives on quality of life and parenting children with CI.

Methods: This study combined retrospective chart review and parent reported outcomes.

Cholesteatoma: Canalplasty for External Auditory Stenosis in a Pediatric Patient.

External auditory canal (EAC) stenosis is the narrowing of the external auditory meatus to less than 4 mm. Severe stenosis of the EAC may inhibit the ability to conduct sound and may lead to the formation of a cholesteatoma. While most cases of EAC stenosis may be managed nonoperatively, the significant impact that the associated symptoms can have on patients may require surgical intervention.

Survey of current UK alpaca husbandry practices: Vaccination, treatment and supplementation.

Background: The popularity of alpacas in the UK is increasing, with the British Alpaca Society (BAS) estimating that there are currently 45,000 registered alpacas and a further 15,000 unregistered alpacas. This research set about to investigate what husbandry procedures are currently undertaken on alpacas in the UK.

Methods: An online survey of 47 questions was created using Jisc and was available for 4.

Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

Noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss in adults. Yet, noise affects people of all ages, and noise-induced hearing loss is also a problem for young people. Sensorineural hearing loss caused by noise and other toxic exposures is usually irreversible.

Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

Noise affects people of all ages. Noise-induced hearing loss, a major problem for adults, is also a problem for young people. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually irreversible.

Paediatric subepidermal calcified nodule of the ear.

Subepidermal calcified nodules are benign entities that can be seen in the head and neck region and are part of a family of calcifying disorders known as calcinosis cutis, in which calcium is deposited in subcutaneous tissue. We describe a middle aged childhood boy with a rapidly enlarging ear mass of unknown aetiology who presents for otolaryngologic evaluation. In this case, surgical excision provided both definitive diagnosis and sufficient treatment.

Hearing Assessment in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Recommendations Beyond Neonatal Screening.

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) are at high risk for permanent deficits in language acquisition and downstream effects such as poor academic performance, personal-social maladjustments, and emotional difficulties. Identification of children born D/HH through newborn hearing screening and subsequent timely early intervention can prevent or reduce many of these adverse consequences. Ongoing surveillance for changes in hearing thresholds after infancy is also important and should be accomplished by subjective assessment for signs of atypical hearing and with objective screening tests.

SARS-CoV-2 3CL-protease inhibitors derived from ML300: investigation of P1 and replacements of the 1,2,3-benzotriazole.

Starting from compound (CCF0058981), a structure-based optimization of the P1 subsite was performed against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (3CL). Inhibitor and the compounds disclosed bind to 3CL using a non-covalent mode of action that utilize a His163 H-bond interaction in the S1 subpocket. In an effort to examine more structurally diverse P1 groups a number of azoles and heterocycles were designed.

Buttoned Shut: Management of Complete Unilateral Nasal Obstruction Secondary to Button Battery Injury.

Pediatric button battery ingestion is known to cause potentially devastating injuries to the aerodigestive tract. Placement of a button battery in the nasal passages and subsequent damage it may cause poses a unique management problem as it may involve bony and membranous scarring, aesthetic irregularities, and long-term nasal obstruction. We present a case of a child with complete stenosis of the right nasal vestibule after a button battery injury.