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The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is one of the main parameters determining the spreading of an epidemic in a population of susceptible individuals. Wallinga and Lipsitch proposed a method for estimating [Formula: see text] using the Euler–Lotka equation, which requires the Laplace transform of the generation interval distribution. The determination of the generation time distribution is challenging, as the generation time is not directly observable. We prove upper and lower bounds on [Formula: see text] using only the first few moments of the generation interval distributions and study the sensitivity of the bounds to these parameters. The bounds do not require the exact shape of the generation interval distribution and give robust estimates of the [Formula: see text] relationship.

Background. Surgical fires are known, preventable, and devastating complications of transoral microlaryngeal laser surgery. Several guidelines have recommended maintaining the fraction of inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) at or below 30% for open delivery cases. We hereby present our experience utilizing an air/oxygen gas mixing device (blender) attached to a supraglottic manual jet ventilator during transoral laser microlaryngeal surgery in three cases to control oxygen levels. Methods. Retrospective chart review of three cases and literature review. Results. Three patients underwent microlaryngeal laser surgery and balloon dilation for the management of subglottic stenosis. All three patients were successfully ventilated throughout the procedures, and no major complications occurred intraoperatively. Two of three patients demonstrated symptomatic and clinical improvement at the first follow-up. Conclusions. This report demonstrates the successful use of an oxygen/air blender to reduce FiO2 to fire-safe levels of less than 30% during laser surgery of the airway using jet ventilation.

Background The breadth of protection of National Immunisation Programmes (NIPs) across Europe varies, however, this has not been assessed within published literature. Therefore, a framework was developed to assess the comprehensiveness of pediatric NIPs in Europe. This study aimed to validate and further develop criteria used to cluster countries into three tiers.Research design and methods Independent Europe-based experts (n = 23) in the field of pediatric vaccination were invited to participate in a double-blinded modified Delphi panel, with two online survey rounds and a virtual consensus meeting. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% of experts rating their agreement/disagreement on a 9-point Likert scale.Results The number of preventable diseases covered by an NIP, simplification of the vaccination calendar, strengthened protection by increasing serotype, degree of funding and epidemiological factors were considered key concepts for consideration of the comprehensiveness of pediatric NIPs in Europe. Experts highlighted that the framework should be extended to include adolescent vaccines and populations up to 18 years of age. Consensus regarding further amendments to the framework was also reached.Conclusions This Delphi panel validated a framework to assess the comprehensiveness of European NIPs. The framework can be used to facilitate discussions to help countries improve and expand the breadth of protection provided by their NIP.

Aim: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a common measure of functional capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). Primary clinical study end points in cardiomyopathy (CM) trials, including transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with CM (ATTR-CM), are often limited to hospitalization and mortality. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the 6MWT and hospitalization or mortality in CM, including ATTR-CM. Method: A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review was conducted using search terms for CM, 6MWT, hospitalization and mortality. Results: Forty-one studies were identified that reported 6MWT data and hospitalization or mortality data for patients with CM. The data suggest that a greater 6MWT distance is associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization or mortality in CM. Conclusion: The 6MWT is an accepted alternative end point in CM trials, including ATTR-CM.