Otolaryngology Manifestations of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Multicenter Study.

Objective: This project aims to prospectively and objectively assess otolaryngological manifestations and quality of life of children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and compare these findings with healthy pediatric controls.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Two high-volume pediatric PCD specialty centers.

What's New with Tubes, Tonsils, and Adenoids?

Evidence-based recommendations are constantly being updated for various pediatric surgical procedures, including the role for tympanostomy tubes, as well as indications for adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. With a growing body of research available on some of the most prevalent pediatric conditions, an update on the current concepts surrounding management is warranted.

The Relationship between Stapes Prosthesis Length and Rate of Stapedectomy Success.

Objectives: To identify whether measurement of the prosthesis length is mandatory in patients requiring otosclerosis surgeries and to assess their postoperative audiometric outcomes. In addition, evaluation of prosthesis length used in revision compared to primary stapedectomy was carried out.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Allergen challenge during halothane compared to isoflurane anesthesia induces a more potent peripheral lung response.

Allergen instillation in anaesthetized vs. awake animals results in increased distribution of allergen in the lung. Halothane is a more potent bronchodilator of the small airways than isoflurane.

Recurrent tube insertion for chronic otitis media with effusion in children over 6 years.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics of children above 6 years of age with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) who have required pressure equalizing tube (PET) insertions.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all children above the age of 6 years, who underwent PET insertion due to chronic OME, between 2000 and 2009 at a tertiary care institution. Children were also divided into those with a single PET and those with ≥ 2 PET.

A role for decorin in a murine model of allergen-induced asthma.

Decorin (Dcn) is an extracellular matrix proteoglycan, which affects airway mechanics, airway-parenchymal interdependence, airway smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis, and transforming growth factor-β bioavailability. As Dcn deposition is differentially altered in asthma, we questioned whether Dcn deficiency would impact the development of allergen-induced asthma in a mouse model. Dcn(-/-) and Dcn(+/+) mice (C57Bl/6) were sensitized with ovalbumin (OA) and challenged intranasally 3 days/wk × 3 wk.

Allergen-induced asthma in C57Bl/6 mice: hyper-responsiveness, inflammation and remodelling.

The relationship among airway responsiveness, inflammation and remodelling in asthma is incompletely understood. To investigate potential mechanistic associations, allergen-induced asthma was studied in C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) using sub-acute (SA) or chronic (C) protocols.