Pathogen persistence in host communities is influenced by processes operating at the individual host to landscape-level scale, but isolating the relative contributions of these processes is challenging. We developed theory to partition the influence of host species, habitat patches and landscape connectivity on pathogen persistence within metacommunities of hosts and pathogens. We used this framework to quantify the contributions of host species composition and habitat patch identity on the persistence of an amphibian pathogen across the landscape. By sampling over 11 000 hosts of six amphibian species, we found that a single host species could maintain the pathogen in 91% of observed metacommunities. Moreover, this dominant maintenance species contributed, on average, twice as much to landscape-level pathogen persistence compared to the most influential source patch in a metacommunity. Our analysis demonstrates substantial inequality in how species and patches contribute to pathogen persistence, with important implications for targeted disease management. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.AIMS To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients aged ≥ 80 years. METHODS A total of 333 AF patients aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled, who underwent contact force guided radiofrequency catheter ablation with uninterrupted anticoagulation. All patients were followed up at least 12 months. Success was defined by the absence of episodes of AF/ atrial tachycardia lasting more than 30 seconds after a 3-month blanking period, without antiarrhythmic drugs. RESULTS Compared to patients aged 60-79 years (Group 2, n = 244), patients aged ≥ 80 years (Group 1, n = 89) were presented with higher rate of diabetes (36.0% vs 22.1%, P = 0.011), lower body mass index (23.4 ± 3.1 vs 24.9 ± 3.4 kg/m2 , P = 0.001), lower creatinine clearance (56.9 ± 16.5 vs 83.3 ± 24.5 ml/min, P 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 24.4 ± 9.6 months, the overall success rate was 78.2% in Group 1 and 78.9% in Group 2 (P = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS Radiofrequency ablation with contact force sensing catheters for AF is safe and effective in selected patients aged ≥ 80 years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.The novel coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A plethora of respiratory sampling methods for SARS-CoV-2 viral detection has been used and in the current evolving situation, there is no international consensus on the recommended method of respiratory sampling for diagnosis. Otolaryngologists deal intimately with the upper respiratory tract and a clear understanding of the respiratory sampling methods is of paramount importance. This article aims to provide an overview of the various methods and their evidence till date. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has raised controversies regarding safe and effective care of head and neck cancer patients. It is unknown how much the pandemic has changed surgeon practice. find more METHODS A questionnaire was distributed to head and neck surgeons assessing opinions related to treatment and concerns for the safety of patients, self, family, and staff. RESULTS A total of 67 head and neck surgeons responded during the study period. Surgeons continued to recommend primary surgical treatment for oral cavity cancers. Respondents were more likely to consider non-surgical therapy for patients with early glottic cancers and HPV-mediated oropharynx cancer. Surgeons were least likely to be concerned for their own health and safety and had the greatest concern for their resident trainees. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights differences in the willingness of head and neck surgeons to delay surgery or alter plans during times when hospital resources are scarce and risk is high. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.BACKGROUND Chemosensitive disorders are very frequent in the early stages of COVID-19 and in paucisymptomatic cases. These patients are typically placed in home quarantine. This study has the aim of validating a new olfactory and gustatory objective evaluation test in these patients. METHODS Thirty-three home-quarantined COVID-19 patients have undergone a self-administered chemosensitive test the day before the control swab. On this occasion, the patients underwent operator-administered already validated tests. The results were finally compared. RESULTS The differences between the results of the two tests were not significant for both the olfaction (P =.201) and the taste (P =.180). CONCLUSION The olfactory and gustatory evaluation by self-administered test can be considered a valid tool, fundamental for obtaining objective qualitative and quantitative data on the extent of chemosensitive disorders in home-quarantined COVID-19 patients. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.BACKGROUND Coronavirus has serially overtaken our metropolitan hospitals. At peak, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome may outnumber mechanical ventilators. In our Miami hospital system COVID-19 cases have multiplied for 4 weeks and elective surgery has been suspended. METHODS An otolaryngologic triage committee was created to appropriately allocate resources to patients. Hospital ethicists provided support. Our tumor conference screened patients for non-surgical options. Patients were tested twice for Sars-CoV-2 before performing urgent contaminated operations. N95 masks and protective equipment were conserved when possible. Patients with low-grade cancers were advised to delay surgery, and other difficult decisions were made. RESULTS Hundreds of surgeries were cancelled. Sixty-five cases supervised over three weeks are tabulated. Physicians and patients expressed discomfort regarding perceived deviations from standards, but risk of Covid-19 exposure tempered these discussions. CONCLUSIONS We describe the use of actively managed surgical triage to fairly balance our patient's health with public health concerns.find more
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