Improved cellulase production by Botryosphaeria rhodina from OPEFB at low level moisture condition through statistical optimization.

The response surface method was applied in this study to improve cellulase production from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by Botryosphaeria rhodina. An experimental design based on a two-level factorial was employed to screen the significant environmental factors for cellulase production. The locally isolated fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina was cultivated on OPEFB under solid-state fermentation (SSF). From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the initial moisture content, amount of substrate, and initial pH of nutrient supplied in the SSF system significantly influenced cellulase production. Then the optimization of the variables was done using the response surface method according to central composite design (CCD). Botryosphaeria rhodina exhibited its best performance with a high predicted value of FPase enzyme production (17.95 U/g) when the initial moisture content was at 24.32%, initial pH of nutrient was 5.96, and 3.98 g of substrate was present. The statistical optimization from actual experiment resulted in a significant increment of FPase production from 3.26 to 17.91 U/g (5.49-fold). High cellulase production at low moisture content is a very rare condition for fungi cultured in solid-state fermentation.

Otolaryngologic manifestations of sarcoidosis: presentation and diagnosis.

Neuro-otologic manifestations of sarcoidosis are rare. Dizziness in particular is a rare presenting complaint of the patient afflicted with this systemic granulomatous disorder. Head and neck and sinonasal presentations of this disease are more common. We reviewed our experience with six such patients who presented for management of their otolaryngologic (ORL) manifestations in order to delineate the involvement of the otolaryngologist in the treatment and diagnosis of these patients, with a focus upon the relevant tests and procedures in the otolaryngologist's de novo diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Studies ordered in the course of otolaryngologic evaluation and their utility in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis by the otolaryngologist are reviewed and classified into useful, supportive, and ancillary. The otolaryngologist played an important role in diagnosis, with four of six patients diagnosed to have sarcoidosis on the basis of their otolaryngologic presentations. Biopsy was performed by the otolaryngologist for diagnosis of sarcoidosis in all four of these cases. Steroids were central to treatment. Oral steroid therapy was the principal treatment: both patients with neuro-otologic sarcoid were successfully managed with oral steroids. Intralesional steroids were necessary to treat the skin lesion. One of six patients patients experienced complications related to steroid use.

Erbium laser in middle ear surgery: in vitro and in vivo animal study.

Cadaveric human temporal bones, cadaveric rabbits, and live rats were used to demonstrate the utility and safety of the erbium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er:YSGG) laser for otologic applications. The shallow penetration in water of this wave-length and its ability to ablate bony tissue with minimal collateral thermal effects spare underlying and adjacent structures and make it appealing for stapedotomy. The authors were able to satisfactorily perform small fenestra stapedotomy, atticotomy facial nerve decompression, and mastoidectomy. Temperature measurements from the round window area during Er:YSGG stapedotomy recorded an elevation of less than 2 degrees C, which is well within acceptable limits. An acoustic shock produced at the impact site is the major disadvantage and requires further in vivo investigation of the transient and sustained deleterious effects away from the application site. This work supports further investigation into potential applications of the Er:YSGG laser in otology.

Pediatric angioedema: ten years' experience.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the cause, clinical course, and management of children with angioedema. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Urban tertiary care hospital for children. PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of all children hospitalized from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 1997, with the diagnosis of angioedema. Complete records permitting analysis were available for 10 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sex, age, site, symptoms at initial examination, cause, therapeutic management, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Seven boys and 3 girls, a mean age of 7.7 years, had angioedema of the head or neck, most often facial (8/10 [80%]). Manifesting symptoms, in addition to swelling, were tenderness or pain in 4 children (40%), dyspnea in 3 (30%), dysphagia (including drooling and spitting) in 3 (30%), and hoarseness in 1 (10%). Angioedema was due to food in 4 children (40%), insect bites in 3 (30%), infection in 2 (20%), and an antibiotic in 1 (10%). Treatment was pharmacological in all cases. No child required intubation or tracheotomy. Care in the intensive care unit was necessary for 1 child (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric angioedema exhibits a different cause and clinical manifestations than does adult angioedema. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment with an intravenous corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and/or epinephrine lead to rapid resolution and may, in appropriately staffed settings, avoid the need for care in the intensive care unit or airway intervention. Management algorithms based on adult experience must be modified to account for the milder pediatric manifestations of this immunologic disease.

Predicting airway risk in angioedema: staging system based on presentation.

Angioedema is an immunologically mediated, anatomically limited, nonpitting edema that can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. To predict the risk of airway compromise in angioedema, we retrospectively reviewed 93 episodes in 80 patients from 1985 to 1995. Intubation or tracheotomy was necessary in 9 (9.7%) cases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use in 36 cases (39%) was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (P = 0.05). ICU stay correlated significantly with presentation with voice change, hoarseness, dyspnea, and rash (P < 0.05). Voice change, hoarseness, dyspnea, and stridor were present in patients requiring airway intervention (P < 0.05). On the basis of our data, we propose a staging system by which airway risk may be predicted from the anatomic site of presentation. Patients with facial rash, facial edema, lip edema (stage I), and soft palate edema (stage II) were treated as outpatients and on the hospital ward. Patients with lingual edema (stage III) usually required ICU admission. All patients with laryngeal edema (stage IV) were admitted to the ICU. Airway intervention was necessary in 7% of stage III patients and in 24% of stage IV cases. No deaths were caused by angioedema. Airway risk in angioedema may be predicted by anatomic site of presentation, allowing appropriate triage with preparation for airway intervention in selected cases.

Nonsurgical and surgical management of infants and children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome in infants and children is one of the more common problems treated by the otorhinolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. The authors discuss diagnostic studies, nonsurgical and surgical therapies, and perioperative care, including indications for inpatient stay following surgery. Most children are successfully treated for obstructive breathing by adenotonsillectomy. An awareness of the wide range of treatment modalities, with attention to careful postoperative care, should allow for successful management of nearly all children with OSA.

Laryngomalacia: a proposed classification form.

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of stridor in children. The disorder has a heterogenous presentation, from the mildest form, which resolves with maturation, to the most severe form, requiring tracheotomy. While there is a vast literature on the subject, there is neither stratification nor correlation of clinical presentation, endoscopic appearance, treatment and outcome. In order to statistically evaluate the choice of treatment based upon presentation, patients must first be classified by relevant predictors of disease severity. A form is proposed to classify the clinical presentation of laryngomalacia by recording relevant historical and anatomic factors. Historical factors are classified by (1) severity of stridor; (2) weight gain; (3) age at presentation; and (4) neurologic status, forming the mnemonic SWAN. The principal anatomic site of collapse is recorded as: (1) postero-lateral; (2) posterior; or (3) anterior. Endoscopic findings consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gross aspiration are noted. Photographic and/or video documentation is performed when possible. A pilot study was undertaken to determine the ease of use of this instrument. Ten children, four boys and six girls, were classified. Ages ranged from 1-day-old to 19 months, with a mean of 9 months. Five children were examined in the clinic and five in the operating room. The form was readily and easily applied, and allowed the heterogeneity of the disorder to be organized. Wider application of this form across institutions, with classification of patients with laryngomalacia by historical and anatomic factors, should allow the accumulation of sufficient numbers of patients to allow statistical analyses of treatment and outcome as they relate to the initial presentation of this disorder of airway dynamics.

Isolated endobronchial atypical mycobacterium in a child: a case report and review of the literature.

Isolated endobronchial lesions caused by Mycobacterium avium are rare, especially in the pediatric population. We share the case of a 10-month-old boy who, after 1 week of cough and low-grade fever, had a radiographic examination showing endobronchial obstruction. At bronchoscopy, a granuloma of the left bronchus intermedius was found. Histopathologic examination revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Kinyoun Acid Fast stain revealed acid fast bacilli. Cultures were positive for M. avium. Current treatment options and controversies are presented. The roles of antibiotics and steroids in preventing progressive disease are discussed. The need for serial bronchoscopy and the potential benefits of surgical resection are discussed. Isolated endobronchial M. avium infection remains a rare and challenging problem. The paucity of clinical experience, and variation in patient presentation, obligates a high index of suspicion, and frequent follow-up with bronchoscopic examination and pulmonary assessment, for the child diagnosed with isolated endobronchial atypical mycobacterial infection.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the hard palate: presentation and management.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the presentation and management of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the hard palate. METHOD: Case presentation and literature review. CASE: A 6-month-old girl presented with a slow growing, non-tender anterior oral hard palate mass. Radiologic imaging revealed a well-circumscribed cystic lesion containing teeth. After excision, histopathologic and electron microscopic evaluation revealed MNTI. No recurrence was seen at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case and a review of the literature reveal MNTI to be a rare, benign hard palate tumor, which may present as a smooth, firm, painless, slow-growing anterior palatal lesion. Imaging reveals a well-circumscribed cystic lesion. Complete excision should be curative. Management requires attention to the potential need for palatal reconstruction, orthodontic care and correction of secondary nasal deformities.

Otologic management in children with the CHARGE association.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize otologic management of two patient groups, those with the CHARGE association and those not strictly labeled as CHARGE but with several features of the disorder (CHARGE-like), in order to determine: (1) the clinical validity and utility of managing CHARGE-like children in a similar manner to patients with the strictly defined CHARGE association, (2) the progression and prognosis of hearing loss and (3) the identification of factors that may predict the degree of hearing loss. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care urban children's hospital. PATIENTS: 37 children, 22 in the CHARGE group and 15 in the CHARGE-like group. INTERVENTIONS: Otorhinolaryngologic and audiologic management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Otorhinolaryngologic and audiologic evaluation. RESULTS: All patients required otologic and/or audiologic care. Bilateral hearing loss was found in 32 patients (86%) and unilateral hearing loss in five patients (14%) when hearing was assessed in the absence of otitis media. Among the 32 patients with bilateral hearing loss, 31 (97%) were able to be fit with useful hearing aids. External ear anomalies were present in 25/37 (68%) patients, and middle ear and ossicular anomalies were identified in four cases (4/37, 11%), 36/37 (97%) patients required surgical management of otitis media. Three patients (3/37, 8%) exhibited radiographic evidence of inner ear deformity. Facial nerve dysfunction was noted in the records of 14/37 (38%) patients. No statistically significant difference was found when CHARGE and CHARGE-like patients were compared for degree of hearing loss (P = 0.5964), type of hearing loss (P = 0.2657), worsening of hearing level (P = 0.7908), or anomalies of the external ear (P = 0.6921), ossicles (P = 0.7908), inner ear (P = 0.7908) or facial nerve (P = 0.6409). Patients with external ear anomalies did not exhibit statistically different degrees (P = 0.3125) or types (P = 0.1515) of hearing loss from patients without auricular anomalies. The presence of facial nerve anomaly correlated significantly (P = 0.0021) with profound hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Children who are CHARGE-like may be may be considered equivalent in terms of otologic and audiologic management to children strictly defined as CHARGE patients. These children all require otologic care due to the high prevalence of middle ear disease and the underlying permanent hearing loss that is both stable and aidable. The degree of hearing loss cannot be predicted by external ear morphology, but may be predicted by facial nerve palsy.

Use of intranasal fentanyl in children undergoing myringotomy and tube placement during halothane and sevoflurane anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Many children are restless, disoriented, and inconsolable immediately after bilateral myringotomy and tympanosotomy tube placement (BMT). Rapid emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia and postoperative pain may increase emergence agitation. The authors first determined serum fentanyl concentrations in a two-phase study of intranasal fentanyl. The second phase was a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to determine the efficacy of intranasal fentanyl in reducing emergence agitation after sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia. METHODS: In phase 1, 26 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II who were scheduled for BMT received intranasal fentanyl, 2 microg/kg, during a standardized anesthetic. Serum fentanyl concentrations in blood samples drawn at emergence and at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge were determined by radioimmunoassay. In phase 2, 265 children with ASA physical status I or II were randomized to receive sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia along with either intranasal fentanyl (2 microg/kg) or saline. Postoperative agitation, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores, and satisfaction of PACU nurses and parents with the anesthetic technique were evaluated. RESULTS: In phase 1, the mean fentanyl concentrations at 10 +/- 4 min (mean +/- SD) and 34 +/- 9 min after administering intranasal fentanyl were 0.80 +/- 0.28 and 0.64 +/- 0.25 ng/ml, respectively. In phase 2, the incidence of severe agitation, highest CHEOPS scores, and heart rate in the PACU were decreased with intranasal fentanyl. There were no differences between sevoflurane and halothane in these measures and in times to hospital discharge. The incidence of postoperative vomiting, hypoxemia, and slow respiratory rates were not increased with fentanyl. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fentanyl concentrations after intranasal administration exceed the minimum effective steady state concentration for analgesia in adults. The use of intranasal fentanyl during halothane or sevoflurane anesthesia for BMT is associated with diminished postoperative agitation without an increase in vomiting, hypoxemia, or discharge times.