The role of immune complex in otitis media with effusion

Lead characteristically perturbs processes linked to the calcium messenger system. This study was undertaken to determine the role of PKC in the Pb2+ induced rise of [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i was measured using the divalent cation indicator, 1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy) ethane N, N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (5F-BAPTA) and 19F-NMR in the osteoblast cell line, ROS 17/2.8. Treatment of cells with Pb2+ at 1 and 5 microM produced a rise in [Ca2+]i from a basal level of 125 nM to 170 nM and 230 nM, respectively, while treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (10 microM), an activator of PKC, produced a rise in [Ca2+]i to 210 nM. Pretreatment with calphostin C, a potent and highly selective inhibitor of PKC activation failed to produce a change in basal [Ca2+]i and prevented any rise in [Ca2+]i in response to Pb2+. To determine whether Pb2+ acts directly on PKC, we measured the Pb2(+)-dependent activation of phosphatidylserine/diolein-dependent incorporation of 32P from ATP into histone and endogenous TCA precipitable proteins in the 100,000 X g supernatant from homogenized ROS 17/2.8 cells. The free concentrations of Pb2+ and Ca2+ were set using 5F-BAPTA; and [Ca2+] and [Pb2+] in the PKC reaction mixtures were confirmed by 19F-NMR. We found that Pb2+ activates PKC in the range of 10(-11)-10(-7) M, with an activation constant of 1.1 X 10(-10) M, whereas Ca2+ activates PKC in the range from 10(-8) to 10(-3) M, with an activation constant of 3.6 X 10(-7) M. These data suggest that Pb2+ activates PKC in ROS 17/2.8 cells and that Pb2+ activation of PKC mediates the documented rise in [Ca2+]i and, perhaps, other toxic effects of Pb2+.     

The role of expressive writing in ego identity formation.

Conducted 2 studies with 114 college students to assess the relationship between expressive writing and ego identity development. In both studies, poetry writers were more likely than students not writing poetry to be in the identity achievement status. Poetry writers were less frequently found in the foreclosure status (Study 1) and identity diffusion status (Study 2). No differences in identity development were found between students keeping personal journals and those who had not kept journals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Impression formation: The role of expressive behavior.

35 female and 27 male undergraduates completed the Personality Research Form, Eysenck Personality Inventory, and Self-Monitoring Scale. Ss were also assessed on posed emotional sending ability and on physical attractiveness. Ss were then videotaped while giving a spontaneous "explanation." Trained coders measured 5 separate nonverbal cue factors displayed by the Ss in the videotapes. Groups of untrained judges viewed the tapes and rated their impressions of the Ss on scales of likability, speaking effectiveness, and expressivity-confidence. Males who were nonverbally skilled and extraverted tended to display more outwardly focused and fluid expressive behaviors, and made more favorable impressions on judges, than did males who scored low on the measures of nonverbal skills and extraversion. Females who were nonverbally skilled displayed more facial expressiveness, which led to more favorable initial impressions. It is suggested that these sex differences may reflect basic differences in the acquisition and use of expressive nonverbal cues by males and females. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of language in the development of the self I: Language acquisition.

The present essay discusses the aspects of the process of language acquisition in relation to the development of the self. Methodological issues are discussed; particularly the integration of maturational and environmental factors in the development of language. Theories of the development of transformational generative grammars point toward maturational aspects, but must be complemented by and integrated with the experience of evolving communication between child and caregivers. Progressive steps in the acquisition of language are discussed with specific reference to the influence of such developments on the concept of the self. Rudiments of a functional self are extant even from within the womb, and develop a conceptual and communicative capacity well before the onset of language. The functional and developmental gains acquired through the emergence of language are indicated in expanding and elaborating the scope and depth of preexistent capacities, and adding new and powerful dimensions to the experiential and expressive capacity of the self, especially in relation to self-awareness and a sense of identity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of language in the development of the self III: The significance of pronouns.

The present essay traces the development of personal pronouns, especially the first person pronouns, as an important aspect of the acquisition of language (discussed in Part I) and its implication for the understanding of the nature and functioning of the self. The use of pronouns is analyzed as a special case of the complex relationship of thought and word. The antecedent preverbal development of the capacity for thinking in relation to the acquisition of the capacity to express thoughts in suitable words (in Part II) comes into play with specific reference to the self in the use of first person pronouns. Thus the thought content of the self concept precedes the emergence of the pronoun that specifies, concretizes, and names the subjective self. This perspective opposes concepts of thought-word connection that admit the existence of the self only in the process of naming or as a byproduct of interlocutary exchange. The self is able not only to name itself as an autonomous and independent entity, but can synonymously identify itself as participant in dialogue with other I's who are named you. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of language in the development of the self II: Thoughts and words.

The present essay is intended to complement and extend the previous discussion of the acquisition of language (Part I). The further question arises of the relation between thought and language. The argument is presented that the capacity for thought arises developmentally before the emergence of the capacity for linguistic expression. Also functionally, on the mature and adult level, thought is regarded as independent of and antecedent to verbal expression. The word, in this sense, is a partial and incomplete expression of the fullness and complexity of the thought behind it. The relation of thought and word is traced developmentally in terms of Vygotsky's analysis of concept development, in which thought and language follow different paths of development and achieve final integration and synthesis in adolescence. The development of thinking capacity and the evolution of inner speech points to the autonomy and independent synthetic capacity of the subjective self even before the development of linguistic competence. Beyond the reach and comprehension of the word, the thought remains active and alive nonetheless in the private inner world of the subjective self. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The spontaneous otitis media in rickety rats

This paper is aimed to study the incidence and hearing impairment of spontaneous otitis media in rickety rats during a longterm vitamin D deficient breeding. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats ranged from 20 to 25-day-old were used, and vitamin D deficient rickets models were established. Another thirty rats were used as the normal control. It was found that both normal and rickety rats had the possibilities of suffering from otitis media (mainly exudative) during the two-month-breeding. The incidence of otitis media in normal rats was 5% (3 from 60 ears), while that in the rickety ones was 16.67% (10 from 60 ears). It is believed that a rickety sufferer may be in higher danger of having otitis media than the normal one.     

Relationship between nasopharyngeal colonization and the development of otitis media in children. Tonawanda/Williamsville Pediatrics

Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the predominant bacteria associated with otitis media. A cohort of 306 infants was followed from birth through 12 months to determine frequency and duration of colonization and risk of acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). M. catarrhalis was the most common bacterium isolated. Infants colonized at < or = 3 months of age were at increased risk of AOM and OME. Early colonization with M. catarrhalis revealed the greatest risk (relative risk [RR] = 1.24), especially for OME (RR = 1.57). There was a strong relationship between the frequency of colonization and OM (r = .37, P < .001,) for each pathogen. Although S. pneumoniae, nontypeable H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis are part of the normal nasopharyngeal flora during infancy, an increased rate of colonization may identify a subpopulation of children that is at increased risk of OM.     

The effects of otitis media on the attention skills of day-care-attending toddlers.

The purpose of this study was to try to understand whether otitis media (OM) affected toddlers' attention to language. The children in the sample were seen in their day care at 12 or 18 mo of age in a book-reading task when they had OM and when they were well. Children's hearing was evaluated and they were given the Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development at 24 mo of age. Over half of the sample could be classified as having chronic OM (about 5 mo per year). Half of the children were in high-quality and half in low-quality day care. Results suggested that children with chronic OM in low-quality care showed the most negative effects on attention during episodes of otitis, with the children with chronic OM displaying less attention during book reading and twice as often off-task in comparison with the nonchronic children. Mothers rated children with chronic OM as more distractible and nonattentive. Language differences did not emerge among the groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chronic otitis media in children

There are two main types of chronic otitis media in children. The "benign" type with a central tympanic membrane perforation may heal spontaneously with conservative management. However, if the central tympanic membrane perforation fails to heal, it should be closed surgically--preferably at the age when the incidence of ear disease in children is lowest. Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma usually has an attic or marginal perforation and requires surgical treatment to prevent serious complications. The incidence of this disease has been decreasing because of awareness by primary physicians of the importance of prompt treatment and the increase in the practice of inserting ventilation tubes.     

Acute otitis media in children

Acute otitis media, a common childhood disorder, is an inflammation of the middle ear. It is the most frequent diagnosis made in primary care settings for children under 15 years of age. Almost all children are afflicted with at least one episode of otitis media before age 6. Diagnosis can often be challenging, especially in infants and toddlers. Moreover, management controversies exist. This article addresses the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of acute otitis media and presents treatment options based on results of recent research. When a child is diagnosed with acute otitis media, it behooves the clinician to use sound research-based clinical judgment in prescribing treatment.     

Acute otitis media in pediatrics

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare pancreatico-jejunostomy vs pancreatico-gastrostomy with regard to safety of pancreatic anastomosis after pancreatico-duodenectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1980 to June 1995, 171 patients underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy, 136 for pancreas, ampulla, distal bile duct or duodenum cancers, and 36 for chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic anastomosis was realised by pancreatico-jejunostomy in 91 cases and by pancreatico-gastrostomy in 80 cases. There was no significant difference between the two groups (age, gender and primary disease). Comparison between the two groups concerned mainly postoperative mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: The overall postoperative mortality rate was significantly higher in the pancreatico-jejunostomy group (12%) than in the pancreatico-gastrostomy group (3.7%) (P = 0.05); death was directly related to necrosis of the remnant pancreas in four cases among the 14 postoperative deaths. The postoperative morbidity rate was respectively 23% after pancreatico-jejunostomy and 12.5% after pancreatico-gastrostomy; the pancreatic leakage and/or necrosis rate was higher in the pancreatico-jejunostomy group (13%) than in the pancreatico-gastrostomy group (3.75%) (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: This study seems to demonstrate the superiority of the pancreatico-gastric anastomosis, but these results have to be confirmed or invalidated by a prospective multicentric randomised trial.     

Complications of chronic otitis media

In summary, recent literature indicates that the complications of chronic otitis media have been decreasing. However, even with the advent of modern and more powerful antimicrobials and aggressive surgical eradication of disease, the morbidity and mortality are still high. Some complications may initially be quite obvious and some complications may be quite subtle. Therefore, the most important tools in making early diagnosis are careful history and physical examination, and a high index of suspicion for impending complications.     

Treatment evaluation in otitis media research

Contrary to popular assumptions that temporomandibular disorders may become more prevalent with increasing age, a review of the literature shows that this is clearly not the case. Instead, it seems that most objective "signs" of temporomandibular disorders, namely clicking, tender joints and muscles, crooked opening, limited movement, and so forth, are found either less often in the elderly or at approximately the same rate in all adult age groups. Subjective complaints, however, decrease as populations get older, and the demand for treatment declines accordingly.     

Anaerobic bacteria in chronic otitis media

The work shows microbiological findings of the chronic pus inflammations of the middle ear, emphasising anaerobic bacteria. Samples 170 were examined. 38 patients were under 15 years-of age, and others were between 15 and 60 years-old. Aerobic bacteria were identified by using Cowan's and Steel's conventional methods and Manual's and Sutter's methods were used for identification of anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 23.5% of the samples by improving their cultivation. Findings of cholesteatoma and polyp are the factors that damage aeration so the a good conditions for multiplication of the anaerobes. It is necessary to pay attention to anaerobic bacteria while treating the patients with chronic pus inflammation of the middle ear.