Intranasal administration of ceramide liposome suppresses allergic rhinitis by targeting CD300f in murine models.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is caused by type I hypersensitivity reaction in the nasal tissues. The interaction between CD300f and its ligand ceramide suppresses immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mast cell activation. However, whether CD300f inhibits the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the roles of CD300f in the development of AR and the effectiveness of intranasal administration of ceramide liposomes on AR in murine models. We used ragweed pollen-induced AR models in mice. Notably, CD300f deficiency did not significantly influence the ragweed-specific IgE production, but increased the frequency of mast cell-dependent sneezing as well as the numbers of degranulated mast cells and eosinophils in the nasal tissues in our models. Similar results were also obtained for MCPT5-exprssing mast cell-specific loss of CD300f. Importantly, intranasal administration of ceramide liposomes reduced the frequency of sneezing as well as the numbers of degranulated mast cells and eosinophils in the nasal tissues in AR models. Thus, CD300f-ceramide interaction, predominantly in mast cells, alleviates the symptoms and progression of AR. Therefore, intranasal administration of ceramide liposomes may be a promising therapeutic approach against AR by targeting CD300f.

[Thyroid cartilage fracture following sneezing as a cause of spontaneous pneumomediastinum]. / Perelom shchitovidnogo khryashcha vsledstvie chikhan'ya kak prichina spontannogo pnevmomediastinuma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible etiological factors of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and to describe a case that was unusual in its etiology: a thyroid cartilage fracture as a result of sneezing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six patients (four male, two female, aged 16-82 years) were hospitalized with spontaneous pneumomediastinum diagnosed with a chest X-ray in five patients and 100% with computed tomography. Treatment was symptomatic. RESULTS: The commonest symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness) were in four patients. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum developed in three cases as a result of bronchospasm during an attack of bronchial asthma, in one patient after exercise, in one after fibrogastroscopy, in one after sneezing. We report a 30-year-old man who presenting subcutaneous emphysema on the neck, hoarseness, pain when swallowing, hemoptysis developed after sneezing. His computed tomography revealed a pneumomediastinum due to fistula of the fracture of the thyroid cartilage following sneezing while simultaneously obstructing both nostrils. At laryngoscopy, there was a linear hematoma in the resolution stage on the anterior wall of the larynx. He was treated conservatively and recovered rapidly. There are no previous published reports of spontaneous pneumomediastinum following fracture of the thyroid cartilage. CONCLUSION: Fracture of the thyroid cartilage as a result of a sharp rapid increase in airway pressure during a sneeze with blocked nasal passages can be one of the rare causes of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Avoid closing both nostrils at the same time when sneezing.

Allergic Rhinitis: A Review.

Importance: Allergic rhinitis affects an estimated 15% of the US population (approximately 50 million individuals) and is associated with the presence of asthma, eczema, chronic or recurrent sinusitis, cough, and both tension and migraine headaches. Observations: Allergic rhinitis occurs when disruption of the epithelial barrier allows allergens to penetrate the mucosal epithelium of nasal passages, inducing a T-helper type 2 inflammatory response and production of allergen-specific IgE. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. In an international study, the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis were rhinorrhea (90.38%) and nasal congestion (94.23%). Patients with nonallergic rhinitis present primarily with nasal congestion and postnasal drainage frequently associated with sinus pressure, ear plugging, muffled sounds and pain, and eustachian tube dysfunction that is less responsive to nasal corticosteroids. Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis typically have physical examination findings of edematous and pale turbinates. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis typically have erythematous and inflamed turbinates with serous secretions that appear similar to other forms of chronic rhinitis at physical examination. Patients with nonallergic rhinitis have negative test results for specific IgE aeroallergens. Intermittent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring less than 4 consecutive days/week or less than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Persistent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring more often than 4 consecutive days/week and for more than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid inciting allergens. In addition, first-line treatment for mild intermittent or mild persistent allergic rhinitis may include a second-generation H1 antihistamine (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine) or an intranasal antihistamine (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), whereas patients with persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis should be treated initially with an intranasal corticosteroid (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) either alone or in combination with an intranasal antihistamine. In contrast, first-line therapy for patients with nonallergic rhinitis consists of an intranasal antihistamine as monotherapy or in combination with an intranasal corticosteroid. Conclusions and Relevance: Allergic rhinitis is associated with symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Patients with allergic rhinitis should be instructed to avoid inciting allergens. Therapies include second-generation H1 antihistamines (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine), intranasal antihistamines (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), and intranasal corticosteroids (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) and should be selected based on the severity and frequency of symptoms and patient preference.

Downregulation of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 attenuates inflammatory response in mice with allergic rhinitis by regulating miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis.

Long non-coding RNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) in various diseases has been verified. However, the underlying mechanism of CDKN2B-AS1 contributes to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. To evaluate the impact of CDKN2B-AS1 on AR, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing ovalbumin (OVA) and calmogastrin to establish an AR model. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were documented after the final OVA treatment. The concentrations of IgE, IgG1, and inflammatory elements were quantified using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence were used to assess histopathological variations and tryptase expression, respectively. StarBase, TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were applied to predict and confirm the interactions among CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1. CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1 levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Our results revealed that CDKN2B-AS1 was obviously over-expressed in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and AR mice. Down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 significantly decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing frequencies, IgE and IgG1 concentrations, and cytokine levels. Furthermore, down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 also relieved the pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Importantly, these results were reversed by the miR-98-5p inhibitor, whereas miR-98-5p directly targeted CDKN2B-AS1, and miR-98-5p negatively regulated SOCS1 level. Our findings demonstrate that down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 improves allergic inflammation and symptoms in a murine model of AR through the miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis, which provides new insights into the latent functions of CDKN2B-AS1 in AR treatment.

Exploration of the utility of different doses of Qingfei Dayuan granules: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have confirmed that Qingfei Dayuan (QFDY) granules are effective in the treatment of influenza and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) caused by pulmonary heat-toxin syndrome (PHTS). Granules of Chinese medicine formulations have become a widely used dosage form in clinical practice. With the continuous optimization of extraction technology, the advantages of Chinese medicine granules have been gradually demonstrated, but the price of Chinese medicine granules is generally higher than that of traditional dosage forms of Chinese medicine, and we support the rational use of the appropriate dosage of QFDY for patients with these conditions. Therefore, we set up half of the conventional dose as the low dose group, and designed the three-arm study to rigorously compare the efficacy difference of low-dose QFDY, QFDY and the placebo group, with the expectation of providing scientific support for the rational selection of the dose and the safe and effective use of the medicine in clinical practice. METHODS: We recruited 108 patients with clinical diagnoses of influenza and URTIs caused by PHTS to receive treatment at six hospitals in Hubei, China. Using a centralized randomization system, patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio to the QFDY, low-dose QFDY, or placebo control groups to receive the corresponding drug, and the study physicians, subjects, outcome assessors, and statisticians were unaware of group assignments. The primary outcome was the time to complete fever relief. Secondary outcomes included the efficacy of Chinese medicine in alleviating signs and symptoms and the disappearance rate of individual symptoms. Adverse events were monitored throughout the trial. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were recruited. A total of 106 patients were included in the full analysis set (FAS). In the FAS analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in baseline of the three groups before treatment (P > 0.05). 1. Regarding the median time to complete fever relief, the QFDY, low-dose QFDY and placebo groups had median times of 26 h, 40 h and 48 h, respectively. The QFDY group had a shorter time to complete fever relief than the placebo group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the low-dose QFDY group had a shorter time than the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). 2. In terms of the total efficacy of Chinese medicine in alleviating symptoms at the end of three full days of treatment, as well as the cure rate of red and sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, and sneezing, QFDY and low-dose QFDY were superior to the placebo, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was no statistical significance in the comparison between the QFDY group and the low-dose QFDY group (P > 0.05). 3. In terms of the headache cure rate after three full days of treatment, QFDY was superior to the placebo, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), and there was no significant efficacy of low-dose QFDY. 4. Safety comparisons showed no serious adverse events and 30 minor adverse events, which were not clinically considered to be related to the drug and were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of patients with influenza and URTIs caused by PHTS, which are mainly characterized by clinical symptoms such as red and sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, and sneezing, when fever is not obvious or low-grade fever is present, the use of low-dose QFDY to simply alleviate the clinical symptoms is recommended and preferred. Moreover, with its good safety profile, QFDY can be used in the treatment of patients with influenza and URTIs caused by PHTS, which can effectively shorten the duration of fever, significantly increase the total efficacy of Chinese medicine in alleviating symptoms after 3 days of treatment, and accelerate the recovery of symptoms such as red and sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, and headache, etc. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn. TRIAL NUMBER: ChiCTR2100043449. Registered on 18 February 2021.

SARS-CoV-2 sneezing explained.

Viral protein prods nerve cells, may be treatment target.

Indoor air pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children in urban Vietnam.

Exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) is a leading environmental risk for respiratory diseases. We investigated the relationship between respiratory symptoms and polluting indoor activities such as smoking, cooking and contact with pets among children in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey applied a multistage sampling method in 24 randomly selected secondary schools across the city. Approximately 15,000 students completed self-administrated questionnaires on risk factors and respiratory health outcomes within the preceding 12 months. Data were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model with robust standard errors. Wheeze was the most common respiratory symptom (39.5 %) reported, followed by sneezing and runny nose (28.3 %). A small percentage of students self-reported asthma (8.6 %). Approximately 56 % of participants lived with family members who smoked. A positive association between exposure to indoor secondhand smoke and respiratory symptoms was observed, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1.41 (95 % CI: 1.25-1.60, p < 0.001) for wheezing and 1.64 (95 % CI: 1.43-1.87, p < 0.001) for sneezing and runny nose, respectively. Using an open stove fuelled by coal, wood, or kerosene for cooking was associated with wheeze (aOR: 1.36, CI 95 %: 1.10-1.68, p = 0.01) and sneezing and runny nose (aOR: 1.36, CI 95 %: 1.09-1.69, p = 0.01). In the present study, IAP was associated with adverse health outcomes, as evidenced by an increase in respiratory symptoms reported within the previous 12 months.

Effects of Anatolian Propolis and Hypertonic Saline Combination Nasal Spray on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how Rhinapi nasal spray affects symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter, observational study, 10,000 patients (comprising 5028 males and 4972 females) exhibiting symptoms of allergic rhinitis (namely, nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction) from different centers in different regions of Turkey were enrolled in the study between March 2022 and March 2023. All the patients wanted to participate in the study and were administered Rhinapi one puff to each nostril three times a day, for a period of 3 weeks. Total symptom scores, quality of life (QoL) scores, and otolaryngological examination scores were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment. Results: The scores for discharge from the nose, sneezing, nasal pruritus, and blockage of the nose all indicated improvement when compared to pre-medication and post-medication. This difference achieved statistical significance (P < .001). The mean total symptom score fell following treatment (P < .001): whilst the score was 11.09 ± 3.41 before administering Rhinapi; after administration, the average score was 6.23 ± 2.41. The mean QoL scores also altered after medication (P < .001), improving from a mean value of 6.44 ± 1.55 to a mean of 7.31 ± 1.24. Significant improvement was also noted in the scores for conchal color and degree of edema after the treatment had been administered (P < .001). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Rhinapi nasal spray decreases total symptom scores, and results in improved QoL and otolaryngological examination scores. Propolis spray may be recommended for patients with allergic rhinitis alongside other treatments.

Effect of acupoint catgut embedding on p38 MAPK pathway in the lung tissue of asthmatic rats. / 穴位埋线通过调节p38ä¸è£‚åŽŸæ´»åŒ–è›‹ç™½æ¿€é ¶é€šè·¯å¯¹å“®å–˜å¤§é¼ æ°”é“ä¸Šçš®çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of catgut embedding at "Feishu"(BL13), "Dingchuan" (EX-B1) and "Danzhong" (CV17) on expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and changes of airway epithelial cells (AEC) in the lung tissue of bronchial asthma (BA) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of BA. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into blank control, model, dexamethasone (DEX) and catgut embedding groups. The BA model was established by intraperitoneal injection of suspension of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide. Rats of the DEX group received intraperitoneal injection of DEX (1.5 mg/kg), once daily for 2 weeks, and those of the catgut embedding group received catgut embedding at BL13, EX-B1 and CV17 only one time. The rats' sneezing times per miniute in each group were recorded. H.E. staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the lung tissue under light microscope. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of AEC in the lung tissue, including the thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle by using an image analysis software. The protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK, IL-4 and INF-γ in the lung tissue were determined using Western blot. RESULTS: Morphological observation revealed that in the model group, light microscope showed deformed and swollen bronchial tube wall with increased folds and thickened bronchial smooth muscle；and TEM showed a large number of autophagy vesicles containing swollen and deformed organelles in the AEC, and apparent reduction of intracellular mitochondria, these situations were obviously milder in both DEX and catgut embedding groups. Compared with the blank control group, the sneezing times, thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expressions of p-p38 MAPK and IL-4 in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of IFN-γ was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the sneezing times, thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle, protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and IL-4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expression of IFN-γ was obviously increased (P<0.01) in both the DEX and catgut embedding groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acupoint catgut embedding can reduce the expression of IL-4 and increase the expression of IFN-γ by inhibiting p38 MAPK signal pathway of lung tissues in BA rats, which may contribute to its effect in alleviating the degree of airway epithelial cells damage.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis in Clinical Practice.

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent condition among children, with its occurrence reaching up to 40% of the general population in some geographical areas. A type 2 immunity sustains allergic rhinitis. Consequently, type 2 inflammation leads to eosinophilic infiltrate of the nasal mucosa. Allergic inflammation causes the symptom occurrence. Typical nasal symptoms include nasal itching, sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. Nasal congestion depends on vasodilation and increased mucus production. These conditions result in nasal obstruction. Nasal obstruction is closely associated with type 2 inflammation. Allergic rhinitis usually occurs in association with other allergic conditions, in particular allergic conjunctivitis and asthma. The effective management of allergic rhinitis involves avoiding triggering allergens and employing pharmacological treatments as per ARIA guidelines. These treatments may include intranasal/oral antihistamines or/and nasal corticosteroids. In particular, antihistamines are particularly indicated for symptoms consequent to mediators' release, mainly concerning histamine. These histamine-dependent symptoms include itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. Nasal obstruction, being associated with inflammation, is responsive to corticosteroids, administered mostly intranasally. The fixed combination of a topical antihistamine plus a topical corticosteroid is very effective, but is indicated for adolescents only. However, nasal lavage is safe, cheap, and adequate, thus its use is prevalent. Namely, nasal lavage allows to remove secretions, allergens, mediators. In addition, hypertonic solutions exert a decongestant activity. On the other hand, the allergen-specific immunotherapy is still the only causal treatment. Nutraceuticals have also been used to relieve symptoms. The objective of this review is to explore and compare the traditional and new therapeutic approaches for pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in children.

Frequency of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) in domestic cats from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (HVF-1) is the infectious agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis. The main clinical signs are cough, nasal and eye discharge, fever, conjunctivitis and sneezing. Although the occurrence of the virus is known in some regions of Brazil, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), there is no epidemiological information about its frequency. Thus, this study aimed to determine the frequency of feline herpesvirus type 1 in the region, and to evaluate its possible association with clinical and epidemiological factors. Ocular, nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, and blood were collected from 152 animals and analyzed through PCR and sequencing. In addition, epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through clinical examination and anamnesis. FHV-1 was detected in samples from 84 (55.26%) animals. There was no association between infection and age or sex. However, there was a significant association between infection and nasal (p < 0.0001) and ocular (p = 0.014) discharge and sneezing (p = 0.001). The results demonstrate the occurrence of the virus in domestic cats in the region with a high frequency of infection. Thus, FHV-1 should be considered as a potential causal agent of upper respiratory tract disease in domestic cats from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

Assessing hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Guatemalan primary school students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is an important practice that prevents transmission of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, in resource-limited areas, where water and soap are not always available, it can be difficult to practice HH correctly and at appropriate moments. The purpose of this study was to assess HH knowledge and behaviors among students from six elementary schools in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala to identify gaps that could later inform interventions to improve HH. METHODS: We conducted knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) surveys among primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2022. We also observed students' HH practices at three different moments during the day, making note of the use of the HH station and materials, duration of handwashing, presence of a HH assistant, and the students' sex. We also used the Quantitative Personal Hygiene Assessment Tool (qPHAT), to measure hand dirtiness before eating, after restroom use, and upon arriving to school. RESULTS: We surveyed 109 students across six schools. Mean scores were 4 out of 5 for knowledge, 8 out of 8 for attitudes, and 6 out of 7 for HH practices. Most students identified "before eating" as a critical moment for HH (68.8%), fewer identified "after restroom use" (31.2%), and no students mentioned HH being necessary "after coughing or sneezing". We observed 326 HH opportunities of which 51.2% performed correct HH (used water and soap for at least 20 s or used alcohol-based hand rub, where materials were available). We collected 82 qPHAT hand swabs. A Kruskal Wallis test revealed a significant difference in hand dirtiness between entering the school and after restroom use (p = 0.017), but no significant difference before eating and after entering the school (p = 0.6988). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the KAP survey show high scores, however correct identification of key moments for HH was relatively uncommon, especially after restroom use and after coughing or sneezing. Additionally, half of HH opportunities observed had correct HH practices and on average, hands were dirtiest when arriving at school. These findings will inform interventions to improve HH practices and behaviors, which will be evaluated with follow-up data collection.

Self-Reported Allergic Rhinitis Prevalence and Risk Factors in Employees of the China National Railway.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disease globally and its prevalence is increasing year by year. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported AR among the Chinese National Railway train crew in the China Railway Beijing Group.METHODS: This prospective questionnaire study surveyed 1511 randomly recruited train crewmembers from 20 cities in the China National Railway network, and 494 reported having AR. A structured questionnaire was tailored, designed, and delivered electronically to all subjects. Prevalence of and risk factors for AR were analyzed based on self-reported results.RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported AR among train crewmembers was 32.6%. Among respondents, 86.03% worked in passenger cars and 64.6% reported having worse AR symptoms while on trains. AR frequencies were 40.15% perennially and 59.85% seasonally. Among the Total Nasal Symptoms Scores (TNSS), significant differences were found between rhinorrhea and sneezing and between nasal itching and sneezing. The Rhino-Conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) showed significant correlations between all seven sections. TNSS was significantly associated with the RQLQ. Scores of both the TNSS and RQLQ showed that the severity of AR symptoms (rp = 0.103) and the impact on quality of life (rp = 0.113) correlated significantly with seniority.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported AR among train crew working in passenger cars is higher than that of the general Chinese population. The severity of AR symptoms and the impact on quality of life are associated with seniority, meaning the number of years working on trains.Yu R-L, Ning H-Y, Lan T-F, He H, Zheng C-B, Wang X-Y, Wang H-T, Wang X-Y. Self-reported allergic rhinitis prevalence and risk factors in employees of the China National Railway. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(11):821-826.

Effects of Differentially Expressed mRNAs Screened Based on GEO Database on Inflammatory Infiltration of Nasal Mucosa in Mice with Allergic Rhinitis.

Objective: To identify messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with differential expression in allergic rhinitis (AR) based on an online database, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), to provide a new research direction for future diagnosis and treatment of AR. Methods: The GSE44037 dataset from the CEO database was selected to obtain differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in AR. The keywords involved in these DEmRNAs were enriched and analyzed, and ECM1 and CCL2 were selected for subsequent analysis. In addition, BALB/c mice were purchased and randomized to control (normal feeding), model (AR modeling), si-CCL2 (AR modeling + CCL2 suppression by lentivirus vector), nc-CCL2 (AR modeling + CCL2 empty vector), si-ECM1 (AR modeling + ECM1 suppression by lentivirus vector), and nc-ECM1 (AR modeling + ECM1 empty vector) groups. The frequencies of sneezing and nasal rubbing were recorded in each group. Besides, levels of CCL2, ECM1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were quantified, and the inflammatory infiltration of nasal mucosa (NM) was observed. Results: Twenty-six DEmRNAs were acquired from the GSE44037 dataset, among which only CCL2 and ECM1 were found to be associated with keywords such as "immune response" and "inflammatory response" through enrichment analysis. In animal experiments, CCL2 presented lower mRNA expression in model mice than in control mice, while ECM1 showed higher mRNA expression (P < .05). The frequencies of sneezing and nose rubbing and the levels of inflammatory factors were significantly increased in si-CCL2 mice compared with model mice, while were significantly decreased in si-ECM1 mice (P < .05). The NM inflammatory infiltration was serious in the si-CCL2 group and significantly improved in the si-ECM1 group. Conclusions: Low expression of CCL2 and high expression of ECM1 in AR are strongly linked to the pathological progression of AR, and these two genes are expected to be new research directions for AR diagnosis and treatment.

Detection of canine obstructive nasal disease using infrared thermography: A pilot study.

Infrared thermography detects variations in heat signature and is utilized in other species to non-invasively identify respiratory disease. This study aimed to determine if infrared thermography could be used to detect nasal disease in dogs. Eight dogs presenting for nasal disease (ND group) and ten healthy control dogs (C group) were enrolled. Dorsal and rostral images of the nose were acquired using a Fluke TiX580 60Hz thermal imaging camera. Images were analyzed using the accompanying software. Regions of interest were defined over the right and left nasal passages to determine the maximum (max), average (avg), and minimum (min) temperatures. Temperatures were compared between ND and C groups, and correlation to disease state (ND or C) was evaluated. Temperature differences and imaging patterns were subjectively compared with diagnosis based on computed tomography (CT) and histopathology. The ND group consisted of 5 spayed females and 3 neutered males. Clinical sings included unilateral epistaxis (n = 4); bilateral serous discharge and sneezing (n = 1); bilateral mucopurulent discharge, epistaxis, and sneezing (n = 1); unilateral mucoid discharge, epistaxis and sneezing (n = 1); and sneezing and unilateral epistaxis (n = 1). Temperatures were significantly different between ND and C groups on dorsal (max p = <0.001, avg p = 0.001, min p = <0.001) and rostral (max p = <0.001, avg p = <0.001, min p = 0.005) images. Temperature positively correlated to disease status (ND vs C group) in both dorsal and rostral images. Subjective analysis of images allowed correct identification of abnormal or normal 27/36 times. Obstructive nasal disease results in a local temperature increase in the affected nasal passage that can be non-invasively detected by infrared thermography.

Effect of Neurokinin-1 Receptor Knockdown on the Expression of RANTES in Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) have been shown to play important roles in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, whether the regulating effect of NK-1R in AR is achieved via RANTES remains unknown. METHODS: In the present study, Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to make AR models. During the challenge period, the rats were treated intranasally with NK-1R-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) for NKR group, negative siRNA for NCS group, rats in NSAR group and NS group were given saline. The amount of nasal secretion and the numbers of nose rubs and sneezes were measured in each rat. The levels of NK-1R and RANTES in the nasal mucosal tissues were determined through real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The numbers of eosinophils in the collected nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were counted, and the concentration of RANTES in NLF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with that in the NS group, the expression of NK-1R and RANTES was significantly higher in the nasal mucosa of NSAR and NCS group rats. The sneezing and nose rubbing counts and the amount of nasal secretions were increased significantly in the NSAR and NCS groups. Rats in the NKR group experienced greater relief from AR symptoms than rats in the NSAR and NCS groups. Furthermore, knockdown of NK-1R expression also significantly eliminated RANTES expression and eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa of NKR group rats. CONCULSION: For the first time, we show that intranasal treatment with NK-1R-specific siRNA can significantly decrease RANTES expression, AR-related symptoms, and eosinophil inflammation, suggesting that the regulating effect of NK-1R in the development of AR occurs via alteration of RANTES expression.

Dispersion of sneeze droplets in a meat facility indoor environment - Without partitions.

Spreading patterns of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) showed that infected and asymptotic carriers both played critical role in escalating transmission of virus leading to global pandemic. Indoor environments of restaurants, classrooms, hospitals, offices, large assemblies, and industrial installations are susceptible to virus outbreak. Industrial facilities such as fabrication rooms of meat processing plants, which are laden with moisture and fat in indoor air are the most sensitive spaces. Fabrication room workers standing next to each other are exposed to the risk of long-range viral droplets transmission within the facility. An asymptomatic carrier may transmit the virus unintentionally to fellow workers through sporadic sneezing leading to community spread. A novel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of a fabrication room with typical interior (stationary objects) was prepared and investigated. Study was conducted to identify indoor airflow patterns, droplets spreading patterns, leading droplets removal mechanism, locations causing maximum spread of droplets, and infection index for workers along with stationary objects in reference to seven sneeze locations covering the entire room. The role of condensers, exhaust fans and leakage of indoor air through large and small openings to other rooms was investigated. This comprehensive study presents flow scenarios in the facility and helps identify locations that are potentially at lower or higher risk for exposure to COVID-19. The results presented in this study are suitable for future engineering analyses aimed at redesigning public spaces and common areas to minimize the spread of aerosols and droplets that may contain pathogens.

The effect of natural ventilation on airborne transmission of the COVID-19 virus spread by sneezing in the classroom.

Since school classrooms are of vital importance due to their impact on public health in COVID-19 and similar epidemics, it is imperative to develop new ventilation strategies to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus in the classroom. To be able to develop new ventilation strategies, the effect of local flow behaviors in the classroom on the airborne transmission of the virus under the most dramatic conditions must first be determined. In this study, the effect of natural ventilation on the airborne transmission of COVID-19-like viruses in the classroom in the case of sneezing by two infected students in a reference secondary school classroom was investigated in five scenarios. Firstly, experimental measurements were carried out in the reference class to validate the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results and determine the boundary conditions. Next, the effects of local flow behaviors on the airborne transmission of the virus were evaluated for five scenarios using the Eulerian-Lagrange method, a discrete phase model, and a temporary three-dimensional CFD model. In all scenarios, immediately after sneezing, between 57 and 60.2 % of the droplets containing the virus, mostly large and medium-sized (150 µm < d < 1000 µm) settled on the infected student's desk, while small droplets continued to move in the flow field. In addition, it was determined that the effect of natural ventilation in the classroom on the travel of virus droplets in the case of Redh < 8.04 × 104 (Reynolds number, Redh=Udh/νu, dh and are fluid velocity, hydraulic diameters of the door and window sections of the class and kinematic viscosity, respectively) was negligible.

Implication of photic sneeze reflex in ophthalmology.

Background: Photic sneeze reflex (PSR) also known as autosomal dominant compelling helioophthalmic outburst is a rare condition characterized by uncontrolled sneezing in response to bright light. The exact mechanism causing this is poorly understood. However, various hypotheses have been proposed. Ophthalmic examination involves exposing the patient to bright light like slit lamp, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and surgical microscope, which can trigger sneezing in PSR patients. Purpose: The purpose of this video is to draw light to this rare phenomenon and its implication in ophthalmic surgery. Synopsis: A 74-year-old male patient presented with diminution of vision in left eye. On routine slit lamp and IDO examination, patient had repeated sneezing. We diagnosed him to have photic sneeze reflex. He had pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the right eye and senile immature cataract in the left eye. Taking into consideration his one eyed status and PSR, measures were taken accordingly and cataract surgery was performed uneventfully. We describe in this video the challenges encountered with this phenomenon and approach in such cases. Highlights: In this video, we tried to give an idea about photic sneeze reflex and its theories. Also, we tried to bring out the impact of PSR on ophthalmologic practice. Video link: https://youtu.be/KMZ_PC0hzhI.