Enrichment of human nasopharyngeal bacteriome with bacteria from dust after short-term exposure to indoor environment: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Indoor dust particles are an everyday source of human exposure to microorganisms and their inhalation may directly affect the microbiota of the respiratory tract. We aimed to characterize the changes in human nasopharyngeal bacteriome after short-term exposure to indoor (workplace) environments. METHODS: In this pilot study, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from 22 participants in the morning and after 8 h of their presence at the workplace. At the same time points, indoor dust samples were collected from the participants' households (16 from flats and 6 from houses) and workplaces (8 from a maternity hospital - NEO, 6 from a pediatric hospital - ENT, and 8 from a research center - RCX). 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was performed on these human and environmental matrices. RESULTS: Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were the most abundant genera in both indoor dust and nasopharyngeal samples. The analysis indicated lower bacterial diversity in indoor dust samples from flats compared to houses, NEO, ENT, and RCX (p < 0.05). Participants working in the NEO had the highest nasopharyngeal bacterial diversity of all groups (p < 0.05). After 8 h of exposure to the workplace environment, enrichment of the nasopharynx with several new bacterial genera present in the indoor dust was observed in 76% of study participants; however, no significant changes were observed at the level of the nasopharyngeal bacterial diversity (p > 0.05, Shannon index). These "enriching" bacterial genera overlapped between the hospital workplaces - NEO and ENT but differed from those in the research center - RCX. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that although the composition of nasopharyngeal bacteriome is relatively stable during the day. Short-term exposure to the indoor environment can result in the enrichment of the nasopharynx with bacterial DNA from indoor dust; the bacterial composition, however, varies by the indoor workplace environment.

Two Bonebridge bone conduction hearing implant generations: audiological benefit and quality of hearing in children.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate audiological benefits, quality of hearing and safety of two Bonebridge generation: BCI601 and BCI602 (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) in children. METHODS: Twelve children were implanted: five BCI601 and seven BCI602 comprising of ten conductive hearing loss, and two single sided deaf SSD subjects. Audiological outcomes tested were sound field audiometry, functional gain, speech recognition threshold (SRT50), speech recognition in noise (SPRINT) and localisation abilities. Subjective measures were Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12). RESULTS: The mean FG with the BCI601 was 25.0 dB and with the BCI602 28.0 dB. The benefit in SRT50 was 23.2 dB and 33.8 dB, respectively. The mean benefit in SPRINT was 15% and 6.7% and the localisation ability improved from 33.3° to 16° and from 26.2° to 17.6°, respectively. The two SSD subjects reported a FG of 17 dB, a benefit in SRT50 of 22.5 and a benefit in SPRINT of 20%. Subjective outcomes improved significantly and even exceeded the values of their age-and sex matched normal hearing peers. One revision was reported: a retroauricular emphysema above the implant occurred 12 months post-OP, it was resolved operatively with the implant still being functional. CONCLUSION: The pediatric cohort reports significant audiological benefit, even exceeding that of the age- and sex matched control. The combination of the high safety and audiological benefit makes the Bonebridge a comfortable and effective option in hearing rehabilitation in children.

Videolaryngoscopy vs. Direct Laryngoscopy for Elective Airway Management in Paediatric Anaesthesia: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The indirect visualisation of the glottic area with a videolaryngoscope could improve intubation conditions which may possibly lead to a higher success rate of the first intubation attempt. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for elective airway management in paediatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTINGS: Operating room. PARTICIPANTS: 535 paediatric patients undergoing elective anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. 501 patients were included in the final analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to the videolaryngoscopy group (n  = 265) and to the direct laryngoscopy group (n  = 269) for the primary airway management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The first attempt intubation success rate was assessed as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were defined as: the time to successful intubation (time to the first EtCO2 wave), the overall intubation success rate, the number of intubation attempts, the incidence of complications, and the impact of the length of the operator's clinical practice. RESULTS: The study was terminated after the planned interim analysis for futility. There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. The first attempt intubation success rate was lower in the videolaryngoscopy group; 86.8% (n  = 211) vs. 92.6% (n  = 239), P = 0.046. The mean time to the first EtCO2 wave was longer in the videolaryngoscopy group at 39.0 s ±â€Š36.7 compared to the direct laryngoscopy group, 23.6 s ±â€Š24.7 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the overall intubation success rate, in the incidence of complications nor significant difference based on the length of the clinical practice of the operator. CONCLUSIONS: The first attempt intubation success rate was lower in the videolaryngoscopy group in comparison to the direct laryngoscopy group. The time needed for successful intubation with videolaryngoscopy was longer compared with direct laryngoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03747250.

Unvaccinated child tetanus from nasal toy battery.

We present the case report of an unvaccinated Czech child with tetanus. The child had not received any vaccines due to its parent's refusal. The disease originated from the wound in the nose caused by a small flat battery. The typical onset of tetanus followed after two weeks, rapidly progressing to respiratory failure with the need for mechanic ventilation despite intensive treatment. The child spent five weeks in the hospital. Mild long-term sequelae persisted 5 months.

Pathogenesis of Retraction Pocket of the Tympanic Membrane-A Narrative Review.

Several theories describe the development of the retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane (RP). Many authors suggest that the negative middle ear pressure is the main reason responsible for developing this condition. A narrative review has been undertaken, and conclusions are drawn reflecting a current knowledge with our new observations in the histological and immunohistochemical study. Recent studies show the important role of inflammation in the development and progression of RP. A review of the available literature shows that the inflammation plays a key role in pathogenesis of the RP and its progression to the cholesteatoma. We support this statement with our new results from histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the RPs.

Regional Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Czech Pediatric Population: 16 Years of Experience (2002-2017).

OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is today a global disease, the incidence of which is growing in the pediatric population. This prospective study aims to decipher IBD incidence and its trend in a pediatric population through 16 years in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. METHODS: We evaluated data concerning 358 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed IBD at University Hospital Brno, which is a gastroenterology center for the entire pediatric population (0-18 years) and cares for all pediatric IBD patients in the South Moravian Region (1,187,667 inhabitants). RESULTS: The study encompassed 3,488,907 children during 16 years. We diagnosed 192 children (53.6%) with Crohn disease (CD), 123 (34.4%) with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 43 (12.0%) with IBD-unclassified (IBD-U). The incidence of IBD increased from 3.8 (CD 2.9, UC 0.9, and IBD-U 0.0) per 100 000/year in 2002 to 14.7 (CD 9.8, UC 4.0, and IBD-U 0.9) per 100,000/year in 2017 (P < 0.001). The overall IBD incidence per 100,000/year was 9.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8--10.9). Constituent incidences per 100,000/year were CD 5.2 (95% CI: 4.5--6.0), UC 3.4 (95% CI: 2.8--4.0), and IBD-U 1.2 (95% CI: 0.9--1.6). IBD incidence was projected to reach 18.9 per 100,000/year in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of pediatric IBD in the Czech Republic is increasing, and especially that of CD, whereas trends in UC and IBD-U appear to be constant. These data highlight the need to identify risk factors involved in the rising incidence of IBD.

Experience with cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane in children.

INTRODUCTION: To systematically investigate all surgeries for cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane at our department. To identify predictive factors that can help the surgeon to plan surgery, surgical techniques, and follow-up treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluates 21 child patients, who were operated in the period 2007-2017 on for cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane. RESULTS: A total of 202 primary operations were performed for cholesteatoma. In 21 cases (10,4%) there was a cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane and in 11 (5,45%) cases of it there was the congenital cholesteatoma. The most frequently affected area was the anterior-superior quadrant. The preoperative hearing loss increased significantly with disease severity (I-IV by Potsic). CONCLUSIONS: The classification system according to Potsic is sufficient and fully corresponds to the surgeon's needs. It has been clearly shown that a higher CC stage is associated with worse postoperative hearing results.

Chronic secretory otitis media and tympanoplasty in children.

The article presents the most frequent type of chronic middle ear inflammation in children and the middle ear surgery. Middle ear reconstructions in childhood represent a complex issue. Their aim is to remove the pathological process in the middle ear and subsequently to restore the transfer function of the middle ear. Autologous and biocompatible materials can be used for reconstruction. Hearing gain is essential, especially in childhood, for the patient's further life. Good hearing in childhood is key for proper development of speech and learning. The quality of life, mental and language skills and children's development are thus positively influenced by the operation. Even in childhood, these operations can achieve good results, both anatomical and functional.

Decreased WNT3 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a hallmark of disease progression and identifies patients with worse prognosis in the subgroup with mutated IGHV.

The canonical Wnt pathway, dependent on ß-catenin-controlled transcription, is the most explored Wnt pathway, known to drive the malignant transformation of multiple cell types. Several reports have suggested that this pathway also participates in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) pathogenesis. To get a better insight into the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in CLL we analysed in detail the expression of the most overexpressed Wnt ligand, encoded by the WNT3 gene, in a well-defined cohort of 137 CLL patients. Our analysis demonstrated that (i) untreated patients with more aggressive disease (with a notable exception of patients with 11q deletion) express less WNT3, (ii) WNT3 declines with disease progression in a significant proportion of patients and (iii) low WNT3 was identified as a strong independent marker indicating shorter treatment-free survival in CLL patients with IGHV mutation. Interestingly, CLL-related lymphoid cell lines, but not stromal cells, failed to respond to the ligand-induced activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. This opens the possibility that CLL cells use Wnt-3 to communicate with the cells in the microenvironment. We thus propose that the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway plays a more complex role in CLL pathogenesis than previously anticipated.

Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children.

Background: Retraction pocket (RP) of the tympanic membrane (TM) is a common pathology in children that can cause ossicular chain erosion, cholesteatoma formation, and potentially life-threatening complications of cholesteatoma. This study assessed the functional and anatomical results of cartilage grafting in children with severe RP of the TM. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 212 children from a tertiary referral center. Results: We identified significant differences in hearing results, indication criteria, and location of TM fixation between stages II and III of RP (according to Charachon). We observed a significantly higher incidence of RP in boys than in girls. Conclusions: Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children is a safe procedure with good anatomical and hearing results.

Raman microspectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the analysis of polyethylene microplastics in human soft tissues.

People are exposed to microplastics (MPs) on a large scale in everyday life. However, it is not clear whether MPs can also be distributed and retained in certain tissues. Therefore, the development of analytical methods capable of detecting MPs in specific human organs/tissues is of utmost importance. In this study, the use and combination of spectroscopic techniques, namely Raman microspectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), was tested for the detection of polyethylene (PE) MPs in human tonsils. Preliminary results showed that Raman microspectroscopy was able to detect MPs down to 1 µm in size and LIBS down to 10 µm. In the next step, human tonsils were spiked with PE MPs, and digested. The filtered particles were analyzed using Raman microspectroscopy and LIBS, and complemented by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results showed that Raman microspectroscopy could reliably detect PE MPs in spiked human tonsils, while LIBS and XRF served as a reference analytical method to characterize particles that could not be classified by Raman microspectroscopy for their non-organic origin. The results of this study, supported by a current feasibility study conducted on clinical samples, demonstrated the reliability and feasibility of this approach for monitoring MPs in biotic samples.

A tagging polymorphism in fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is associated with sepsis status in children.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The development of sepsis is significantly influenced by genetic predisposition. In this study, we highlight a potential association between a variant of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and risk of sepsis in children and adolescents. METHODS: We investigated a first-intron tagging FTO polymorphism (rs17817449) by comparing a severe condition (SC) group, comprising 598 paediatric patients (ages 0-19 years) admitted to an ICU with fever, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with a control group consisting of 616 healthy young adults. RESULTS: We observed a lower prevalence (p < 0.01; OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.87) of the FTO TT genotype in febrile and SIRS patients compared to patients with severe illness. There was a borderline trend towards a lower prevalence of the FTO TT genotype in the control group compared to the SC group (p < 0.09, OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.62-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that rs17817449, a common FTO polymorphism, may be a predictor of sepsis in paediatric patients, and that higher body weight is protective against this clinical complication.

Bonebridge Implantation in Treacher-Collins Syndrome With Conductive Hearing Loss-Case Report.

The Bonebridge (BB) was the first active transcutaneous implantation system for bone conduction. The main indications are conductive or mixed hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare genetic disease that affects craniofacial development. The disorder results in deformations of facial structure including ear malformations, especially microtia and ear canal atresia. These patients suffer from conductive hearing loss. CT scans often show unfavorable temporal bone anatomy making placement of an implant difficult. For implantable hearing rehabilitation, patients may decide for conduction implants, such as a BAHA, a Ponto, a Vibrant Soundbridge, or a Bonebridge. In this case report, we present 2 patients with TCS implanted with the Bonebridge system, their audiological results, and quality of life.

Improvement in quality of life comparing noninvasive versus invasive hearing rehabilitation in children.

Objectives: The young population requires early rehabilitation of their hearing loss for normal cognitive, auditive hence social development. All of which, in turn, may have an impact on quality of life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate QoL between two different bone conduction (BC) hearing devices: a noninvasive adhesive hearing aid (Adhear [ADH]) vs. an active transcutaneous implant (Bonebridge [BB]). Methods: This study composed of 12 BB and 15 ADH users. Pure tone as well as speech in noise and quiet measurements were evaluated and compared to the Assessment in QoL questionnaire (AQoL-6d). Results: Freefield results showed significant improvements for both devices compared to the unaided condition (p < .0001). Emphasis needs to be drawn on the different unaided level of conductive hearing loss as well as the indication range for both evaluated device groups: the ADH subjects exhibited a mean BC value of 9.50 ± 7.96 dB HL (the indication range up to 25 dB) and the BB subjects a mean of 23.33 ± 25.66 dB HL (the indication range up to 45 dB). Speech perception in quiet and in noise was significantly improved (p < .05; p < .001, respectively). QoL was significantly improved for both treatments (p < .05) but was not different among the devices, and the values were similar to their normal hearing, age, and sex-matched control group. High correlations were found between QoL utility scores and improved PTA4 in the aided condition (r 2 = .8839 and .7810 for BB and ADH, respectively). Conclusion: Our results show that both devices offer significant beneficial audiological rehabilitations with significantly increased QoL. However, the underlying condition and the unaided degree of hearing loss, hence the required higher stimulation must be the deciding factor when opting for a hearing device, and this should be independent of age. Level of evidence: 2c.

Lipoprotein Subfractions Associated with Endothelial Function in Previously Healthy Subjects with Newly Diagnosed Sleep Apnea-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) activates several pathophysiological mechanisms which can lead to the development of vascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. The association between ED and OSA has been described in several studies, even in previously healthy subjects. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) were generally considered to be atheroprotective, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to be an atherogenic component of lipoproteins. However, recent findings suggest a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions (8-10) and LDL subfractions (3-7). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endothelial function and lipid subfractions in previously healthy OSA subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 205 subjects with sleep monitoring. Plasma levels of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and their subfractions were assessed. Endothelial function was determined using peripheral arterial tonometry, and reperfusion hyperemia index (RHI) was assessed. RESULTS: Plasma levels of small and intermediate HDL subfractions have statistically significant pro-atherogenic correlations with endothelial function (p = 0.015 and p = 0.019). In other lipoprotein levels, no other significant correlation was found with RHI. In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, small HDL (beta = -0.507, p = 0.032) was the only significant contributor in the model predicting RHI. CONCLUSIONS: In our studied sample, a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions in previously healthy subjects with moderate-to-severe OSA was proven.

Paediatric Deep Neck Infection-The Risk of Needing Intensive Care.

Deep neck infections are potentially dangerous complications of upper respiratory tract or odontogenic infections. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and potential spreading depend on the complex anatomy of the neck fascia. These infections can lead to severe pathological conditions, such as mediastinitis, sepsis, and especially airway impairment with difficult management. Because of the risk of life-threatening emergency situations and the possible impacts on the overall health status of affected children, their early recognition is of utmost importance. Torticollis, drooling, and stridor are the most common signs of advancing disease. Children presenting with these symptoms should be admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for vital function monitoring, where the airway could be readily secured if function is compromised.

Long-Term Device Satisfaction and Safety after Cochlear Implantation in Children.

(1) Objectives: For full benefit in children implanted with a cochlear implant (CI), wearing the device all waking hours is necessary. This study focuses on the relationship between daily use and audiological outcomes, with the hypothesis that frequent daily device use coincides with high device satisfaction resulting in better functional gain (FG). Confounding factors such as implantation age, device experience and type of device were considered. (2) Results: Thirty-eight CI children (65 ears) were investigated. In total, 76.92% of the children were using their device for >12 h per day (h/d), 18.46% for 9−12 h/d, the remaining for 6−9 h/d and one subject reported 3 h/d. The revision rate up to the 90-month follow-up (F/U) was 4.6%. The mean FG was 59.00 ± 7.67 dB. The Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ) separated for single unit (SU) versus behind the ear (BTE) devices showed significantly better results for the latter in terms of wearing comfort (WC) (p = 0.00062). A correlation between device use and FG was found with a device experience of <2 years (n = 29; r2 = 0.398), whereas no correlation was seen with ≥2 years of device experience (n = 36; r2 = 0.0038). (3) Conclusion: This study found significant relationships between daily device use and FG, wearing comfort and long-term safety (90 months).

Fourth branchial cleft anomaly in a 7-month-old infant: A case report and literature review.

Fourth branchial cleft anomalies are rare head and neck congenital lesions seen in children. They present as a neck inflammatory mass and arise essentially on the left side of the neck. We report the case of a 7-month-old female with a mass of the neck associated with respiratory distress. The mass was diagnosed as an incomplete fourth branchial cleft fistula. Surgical revision of the neck abscess from an external approach and plasma coblation of the orifice in the pyriform fossa by an endoscopic approach were performed.