Choice of surgery in intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract: a long-term comparative study.

PURPOSE: Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is a rare sinonasal malignancy. Curative treatment requires multidisciplinary approach, with surgical options consist of the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) and external surgery (EXTS). Here, we provide the post-operative and survival results from a single-center long-term follow-up. METHODS: We report long-term follow-up of 92 ITAC cases treated between 1998 and 2018, treated with EEA (n = 40) or EXTS (n = 52). Survival estimates, post-operative complications and duration of hospitalization were compared between surgical modalities. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar. A higher number of T4b tumors (16%), and subsequently more tumoral invasion (39%), was present in patients undergoing EXTS compared to EEA (3% and 18%, respectively). No difference in Barnes histology subtypes was noticed. Patients undergoing EEA had a shorter post-operative hospitalization stay versus EXTS (4 versus 7 days). Use of EEA was associated to improved disease-specific survival (DSS; 11.4 versus 4.4 years; HREEA = 0.53), especially for patients with T3-4a tumors (11.4 versus 3.0 years; HREEA = 0.41). Patients with T3-4 stage, tumoral invasion, positive surgical margins, mucinous or mixed histology, and prolonged post-operative hospital stay showed poor local relapse-free, disease-free, overall, and DSS. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up in locally advanced ITAC demonstrates that resection by EEA is correlated with improved DSS compared to EXTS, especially for T3-4 tumors. No significant differences between both treatment modalities was observed regarding per- and post-operative complications, although hospitalization in patients undergoing EEA was shorter than for patients treated with EXTS. These results confirm that EEA should remain the preferred surgical procedure in operable cases of sinonasal ITAC.

MZB1-expressing cells are essential for local immunoglobulin production in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: The expression of MZB1 genes is significantly elevated in patients who have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) disease compared with healthy controls. OBJECTIVE: To characterize MZB1-positive B cells in CRSwNP and to estimate the contribution of distinct subsets of B cells to the local overproduction of immunoglobulins. METHODS: Single-cell RNA-sequencing with Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing technology, Switching Mechanism At the 5' end of RNA Template sequencing, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, QuantiGene Plex assay, B-cell ImmunoSpot assay, Luminex assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed. RESULTS: Significantly higher mRNA expression of MZB1 and HSP90B1 was found in type 2 CRSwNP compared with controls. In CRSwNP, MZB1 expression correlated with the local production of IgE. MZB1 could be colocalized with plasma and mature B cells, especially marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Single-cell transcriptome and epitope studies revealed prominent populations of B cells in type 2 CRSwNP with unexpectedly high MZB1 gene expression. The MZ B-cell population was significantly increased in CRSwNP compared with healthy controls in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and nasal tissue single-cell suspensions. When those single cells were cultured overnight, the MZ B-cell numbers were positively correlated with local IgE production but negatively correlated with local IgM production. In vitro, MZB1 stimulation up-regulated the mRNA expression of IgE. CONCLUSION: MZB1 was primarily expressed by plasma and mature B cells in nasal mucosa. MZB1 expression level was increased in CRSwNP compared with controls. MZB1 contributed to the local IgE production in type 2 CRSwNP.

EUFOREA/EPOS2020 statement on the clinical considerations for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps care.

Following the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) treatment algorithm for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), patients suffering from severe uncontrolled CRSwNP are recommended to receive oral corticosteroids, (revision) sinus surgery, systemic biologicals and/or aspirin treatment after desensitization (ATAD). Given the major differences in indications, outcomes, practical considerations, risks and costs of these key pillars of treatment, there is a growing need to define criteria for each treatment option and list the clinically relevant and major considerations for them. This EUFOREA document therefore provides an expert panel overview of the expected outcomes, specific considerations and (contra)indications of the five major treatment arms of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP: oral corticosteroids, primary and revision sinus surgery, biological treatment and ATAD. This overview of treatment considerations is needed to allow physicians and patients to consider the different options in the context of providing optimal and personalized care for severe uncontrolled CRSwNP. In conclusion, the five major treatment options for severe uncontrolled CRSwNP have intrinsic advantages, specific indications and considerations that are of importance to the patient, the physician and the society. This EUFOREA statement supports the unmet need to define criteria for the indication of every treatment pillar of CRSwNP.

The multi-omics single-cell landscape of sinus mucosa in uncontrolled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Uncontrolled severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with elevated levels of type 2 inflammatory cytokines and raised immunoglobulin concentrations in nasal polyp tissue. By using single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, surface proteomics, and T cell and B cell receptor sequencing, we found the predominant cell types in nasal polyps were shifted from epithelial and mesenchymal cells to inflammatory cells compared to nasal mucosa from healthy controls. Broad expansions of CD4 T effector memory cells, CD4 tissue-resident memory T cells, CD8 T effector memory cells and all subtypes of B cells in nasal polyp tissues. The T and B cell receptor repertoires were skewed in NP. This study highlights the deviated immune response and remodeling mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of uncontrolled severe CRSwNP. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We identified differences in the cellular compositions, transcriptomes, proteomes, and deviations in the immune profiles of T cell and B cell receptors as well as alterations in the intercellular communications in uncontrolled severe CRSwNP patients versus healthy controls, which might help to define potential therapeutic targets in the future.

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology position paper on endoscopic scoring of nasal polyposis.

Nasal endoscopy is not only used for the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but also for monitoring the response to therapy playing an important role in both daily practice and research. In contrast to patient-reported outcomes, endoscopic nasal polyp scoring by independent blinded readers is an objective measurement, not influenced by the placebo effect. It is safer and cheaper compared with computed tomography imaging and therefore, better suited for regular assessments of the extent of the disease. Since the early 90s, a variety of endoscopic staging methods have been proposed and used in clinical research, making it hard to compare results from different studies. This paper resulted from a task force with experts in the field of CRSwNP, originated by the Ear, Nose and Throat section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and aims to provide a unified endoscopic NP scoring system that can serve as a reference standard for researchers, but also as a useful tool for practitioners involved in the management of CRSwNP.

Olfaction in nasal polyp patients after Reboot surgery: an endotype-based prospective study.

PURPOSE: To report biomarkers present in the olfactory mucosa in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in comparison with nasal polyps and to nasal mucosal tissues from control patients. To evaluate the kinetics of smell over 6 months in patients who underwent Reboot surgery. METHODS: Cohort study from May 2021 to May 2022. We collected samples of olfactory mucosa and nasal polyps from 16 CRSwNP patients and inferior turbinate samples from 20 control subjects. The study was not randomized for surgical and/or medical treatment. Samples were analyzed by Luminex and Unicap 100 to measure biomarkers of inflammation (IL1-ß, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL17, CCL3, CCL4, G-CSF, SE-IgE, total IgE and ECP). 12 of the CRSwNP patients underwent Extended Sniffin'tests at timepoints 1-4 days pre-surgery, and 1, 3 and 6 months after Reboot surgery. RESULTS: Type-2 markers were significantly elevated in OM and polyp tissue in CRSwNP (n = 16) vs. controls (n = 20), P < 0.05. TDI scores improved already 1 month (P < 0.05) after surgery and remained stable for 6 months. Type-2 inflammation in nasal polyps was associated with decreased sense of smell and taste before surgery, but improved after surgery (P = 0.048). Type-3 inflammation was present in the olfactory mucosa and was associated with a better sense of smell before surgery, but a smaller improvement of smell afterward. CONCLUSIONS: Type-2 inflammation is present in the olfactory mucosa in CRSwNP patients and is associated with smell loss. Reboot surgery, aiming to completely remove inflamed sinus mucosa, significantly improves the smell in this group of patients.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis Outcome Registry (CHRINOSOR): Establishment of an International Outcome Registry Driven by mHealth Technology.

BACKGROUND: Real-world evidence (RWE) is a valuable instrument to better understand the patient journey and effectiveness of therapies. RWE on the prevalence of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and CRS natural course of disease across Europe is scarce. In addition, there is limited RWE that enables comparison of the effectiveness of marketed therapies including topical or systemic corticosteroids, sinus surgery, or biologics. OBJECTIVE: To establish an international CHRonic rhINOSinusitis Outcome Registry (CHRINOSOR) based on real-world data collection enabled by mobile health technology. METHODOLOGY: A digital platform, Galenus Health, supporting patients and physicians in the management of chronic respiratory diseases, is used to collect data on patient profile, disease history, patient outcomes, and a set of relevant clinical outcomes. Adult patients with a diagnosis of CRS are eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: A collaborative scientific network of 17 university ear-nose-throat (ENT) clinics from 10 European countries has been established with the aim to collect real-world data in a longitudinal and standardized manner. The Galenus Health digital platform is currently being implemented in these ENT clinics taking into account legal, privacy, and data security aspects. Up to 300 patients have already been included. CONCLUSIONS: CHRINOSOR is a collaborative effort that aims at improving our understanding of CRS, its comorbidities, and the effectiveness of its treatments. Ultimately, these insights will guide us as scientific community to develop future care pathways informed by RWE.

Reboot surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: recurrence and smell kinetics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the time for recovery of the sense of smell in patients with CRSwNP who underwent Reboot surgery compared to patients undergoing ESS in a long-term follow-up study. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 168 patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP, who underwent revision surgery, either as Extended Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Reboot, 140 patients) or as regular Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS, 28 patients) between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, aiming to compare the outcome of surgeries after 2 years of follow-up. Sense of smell was scored as judged by the patient using scores 0 to 3 reflecting a percentage estimate of remaining smell. RESULTS: Smell improved similarly in the Reboot and ESS groups over the first 9 months, which was maintained over 24 months in the Reboot, but not the ESS group (p = 0.007 after 18 months, p = 0.001 after 24 months). Furthermore, polyp recurrence rates were significantly lower in the Reboot group. CONCLUSION: Reboot surgery significantly improved olfactory function and significantly reduced nasal polyp recurrence rates over 2 years post-operatively. Therefore, Reboot should be considered for patients with uncontrolled severe CRSwNP, specifically when ESS failed, to offer long-term smell and a polyp-free status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

Congenital bilateral dacryocystocoele: A neonatal emergency.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Bilateral congenital dacryocystocoele with intranasal extension is very rare and may lead to mild to severe respiratory distress, depending on the degree of obstruction, in an otherwise healthy newborn. If severe, an urgent surgical intervention may be life saving. Our aim is to alert paediatric surgeons to this rare condition. Early detection and early treatment with a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be life saving and prevent severe sequelae due to respiratory distress. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a healthy newborn girl who was admitted to neonatal intensive care with progressive respiratory distress. After a full work-up, she was diagnosed with bilateral dacryocystocoele with intranasal extension and complete obstruction of the anterior nasal cavity. Emergency bilateral endoscopic marsupialization of the cysts with probing of the nasolacrimal duct was performed. The girl recovered without sequelae. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In congenital dacryocystocoele, coexistent obstruction of the valve of Rosenmüller and the valve of Hasner is observed. Subsequent intranasal protrusion with obstruction of the inferior nasal cavity may occur. The incidence is unknown, but if bilateral, it is very rare. In most cases, a dacryocystocoele is uncomplicated and may be treated conservatively. However, if intranasal protrusion occurs, and especially if the involvement is bilateral, it is a surgical emergency. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis with subsequent minimally invasive surgical treatment of bilateral congenital dacryocystocoele with intranasal protrusion may prevent serious complications due to respiratory distress.

International Consensus Statement: Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea.

BACKGROUND: The association between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak/rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been increasingly recognized over the last years. However, considerable variability of opinion regarding the assessment, investigations, and management of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea remains. METHODS: A consensus group was formed from experts from Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America. Following literature review and open discussions with members of the panel, a set of 61 statements was produced. A modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion with 3 rounds of questionnaires and a consensus group meeting in Santo-Rhino meeting in September 2019. RESULTS: Fifty statements (82% of total) on spontaneous CSF leak and IIH reached consensus. In 38 of 50 statements, the median response was 7 (strongly agree) and in the 12 remaining statements the median response was 6 (agree). Eleven statements were excluded because they did not reach consensus and one new statement was added during SantoRhino meeting. The final statements refer to patient history and clinical examination ("History taking should include presence of headache, tinnitus and visual defects"), investigations (role of Thin Slice Computed Tomography and CISS/FLAIR sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging), principles of management (watchful waiting or measures to reduce ICP are supplementary but cannot subsitute surgical closure), surgical technique, intraoperative, early postoperative and long term management. CONCLUSION: We present fifty consensus statements on the diagnosis, investigation, and management of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion. Although by no means comprehensive and final, we believe they can contribute to the standardization of clinical practice. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical closure of the defect, assesment for and treatment of potentially co-existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential in order to successfully manage spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, reduce associated morbidity and prevent recurrence.

Correction to: Benefits and harm of systemic steroids for short- and long-term use in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis: an EAACI position paper.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13601-019-0303-6.].

Benefits and harm of systemic steroids for short- and long-term use in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis: an EAACI position paper.

Because of the inflammatory mechanisms of most chronic upper airway diseases such as rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, systemic steroids have been used for their treatment for decades. However, it has been very well documented that-potentially severe-side-effects can occur with the accumulation of systemic steroid courses over the years. A consensus document summarizing the benefits of systemic steroids for each upper airway disease type, as well as highlighting the potential harms of this treatment is currently lacking. Therefore, a panel of international experts in the field of Rhinology reviewed the available literature with the aim of providing recommendations for the use of systemic steroids in treating upper airway disease.

A prospective, feasibility study to evaluate the efficacy and usability of a novel drivable endoscope in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: To carry out a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, drivable endoscope (the Peregrine™ Drivable ENT Scope), compared to standard rigid endoscopes in the access, visualization, and irrigation of the paranasal sinus anatomy. METHODS: A prospective, multi-center, feasibility study was conducted on seventeen subjects who underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery and were evaluated with the drivable endoscope and standard, rigid endoscopes (0°, 30° and 70°, as applicable). A CT scan was available for image guidance, as needed. The primary efficacy endpoint was the ability to access and visualize sinonasal anatomic landmarks. Secondary endpoints included device usability, as measured by a usability questionnaire given to surgeons postoperatively; the device's ability to irrigate the sinuses and patient reports of tolerability and pain during postoperative procedures. RESULTS: The drivable endoscope success rate in visualizing all paranasal sinus anatomic landmarks was 55.6% better than the standard rigid endoscopes: 98.3% (178/181) versus 42.7% (76/178); p < 0.001. Surgeons rated scores of over 4 (on a 1-5 scale) for the usability of the drivable endoscope to enter the maxillary, frontal and sphenoid sinuses. The ability to irrigate the sinuses using the drivable endoscope was given a mean score of 4.3, and image quality was given a mean score of 3.4. The three patients evaluated postoperatively reported low pain and high tolerability scores with the drivable endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that the drivable endoscope is effective, easy to use and highly tolerable in sinonasal endoscopy.

Twelve-year follow-up study after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a therapeutic challenge because of the high recurrence rate. Surgical intervention should be considered in patients who fail to improve after medical treatment. We monitored recurrence and revision surgery over 12 years after endoscopic sinus surgery in CRSwNP patients. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 47 patients with CRSwNP, who underwent primary or revision extended endoscopic sinus surgery, were followed. Clinical symptoms and total nasal endoscopic polyp score were evaluated before, 6 years and 12 years after surgery. RESULTS: Twelve years after surgery, 38 out of 47 patients (80.9%) were available for examination. There still was a significantly better symptom score and total nasal endoscopic polyp score compared to before surgery (P < 0.001). Within the 12-year follow-up period, 30 out of 38 patients developed recurrent nasal polyps, of which 14 patients underwent additional revision surgery. Comorbid allergic sensitization and tissue IL-5 levels were found to be significant predictors for the need of revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term cohort study, investigating the outcome after surgery in CRSwNP, showed that, despite the low number of patients, 78.9% of patients with CRSwNP were subject to recurrence of the disease and 36.8% to revision surgery over a 12-year period.

Nasal Polyposis: More than a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder-A Disease of Mechanical Dysfunction-The São Paulo Position.

Introduction The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence of mechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP.

Severe spontaneous epistaxis: retrospective study in a tertiary ENT centre.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical profile and outcomes of different treatment strategies in patients hospitalized for spontaneous severe epistaxis. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of a case series of patients hospitalized for epistaxis in the University Hospital of Ghent between 2005 and 2012. RESULTS: 124 patients with, respectively, 132 episodes were included. 64% were male. The mean age was 65 years. 73% had comorbidities of which arterial hypertension was the most common. 61% were taking one or more antithrombotics and in 25.7% a recent change in the medication schedule took place. 47% of the episodes necessitated a vascular intervention. The most performed surgery was endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. The 1-year success rate of conservative treatment was 47% and of vascular intervention 81%. No significant difference between the recurrence rates and need for vascular intervention of the different comorbidities and medications was detected using Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's exact testing. The overall 5-year survival rate was 83.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The typical pattern of a patient presenting with severe epistaxis was a patient in the sixth decade, male, suffering from comorbidities and taking one or more antithrombotic agents. Based on the above-mentioned success rates of the different treatment options, we think all centres treating epistaxis should apply a well-defined protocol to guide the decision when to proceed with surgery. Furthermore, prospective research needs to precisely investigate the role played by comorbidities and their treatment in the occurrence of epistaxis and to test the effectiveness of proposed algorithms.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Type-2 CRS wNP: An Endotype-Based Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal polyps are often characterized by type 2 inflammation and disease recurrence. We developed a new surgical technique, referred to as reboot approach, which aims to maximally remove all sinus mucosa and allow healthy re-epithelialization from the preserved nasal mucosa. We here review type 2 endotype chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients who underwent classical mucosa-sparing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) or the reboot approach. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of 50 consecutive CRSwNP patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery between 2015 and 2017, either as a classical non-reboot ESS (n = 20); a partial reboot approach removing the mucosa of the ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses (n = 18); or a complete reboot approach including Draf III and removal of all frontal sinus mucosa (n = 12). Polyp recurrence over the follow-up period of 2 years served as the primary outcome. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated a type 2 inflammation of the mucosal tissue harvested during surgery. In the classical approach group (n = 20), nine patients relapsed within 2 years (45%); in the partial reboot group, three out of 18 patients (17%) relapsed; and in the full reboot group one out of 12 patients (8%) relapsed. The relapse rates were significantly different between the non-reboot and the reboot groups (P = 0.02) but also between all treatment groups (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Complete removal of diseased mucosa from the paranasal sinuses (reboot approach) significantly reduces the recurrence of nasal polyps for 30 months postoperatively compared to the current mucosa-sparing approach in type 2 inflammatory CRSwNP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b Laryngoscope, 129:1286-1292, 2019.

Articulated Instruments and 3D Visualization: A Synergy? Evaluation of Execution Time, Errors, and Visual Fatigue.

Objective. The introduction of advanced endoscopic systems, such as the Storz Image1S and the Olympus Endoeye, heralds a new era of 3-dimensional (3D) visualization. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the neurophysiology of 3D view, its relevance in videoscopy, and to quantify the benefit of the new 3D technologies for both rigid and articulated instruments. Method. Sixteen medical students without any laparoscopic experience were trained each for a total of 27 hours. Proficiency scores were determined for rigid and articulated instruments under 2D and 3D visualization conditions. Results. A reduction in execution time of 14%, 28%, and 36% was seen for the rigid instruments, the da Vinci, and Steerable instruments, respectively. A reduction in errors of 84%, 92%, and 87% was seen for the rigid instruments, the da Vinci, and Steerable instruments, respectively. Conclusion. 3D visualization greatly augments endoscopic procedures. The advanced endoscopic systems employed in the recent study caused no visual fatigue or discomfort. The benefit of 3D was most distinct with articulated instruments.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is characterized by dysbacteriosis of the nasal microbiota.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) patients are often characterized by asthma comorbidity and a type-2 inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. The mucosal microbiota has been suggested to be implicated in the persistence of inflammation, but associations have not been well defined. To compare the bacterial communities of healthy subjects with CRSwNP patients, we collected nasal swabs from 17 healthy subjects, 21 CRSwNP patients without asthma (CRSwNP-A), and 20 CRSwNP patients with co-morbid asthma (CRSwNP+A). We analysed the microbiota using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA. Bacterial communities were different between the three groups. Haemophilus influenzae was significantly enriched in CRSwNP patients, Propionibacterium acnes in the healthy group; Staphylococcus aureus was abundant in the CRSwNP-A group, even though present in 57% of patients. Escherichia coli was found in high amounts in CRSwNP+A patients. Nasal tissues of CRSwNP+A patients expressed significantly higher concentrations of IgE, SE-IgE, and IL-5 compared to those of CRSwNP-A patients. Co-cultivation demonstrated that P. acnes growth was inhibited by H. influenzae, E. coli and S. aureus. The nasal microbiota of healthy subjects are different from those of CRSwNP-A and CRSwNP+A patients. However, the most abundant species in healthy status could not inhibit those in CRSwNP disease.

Dietary Intake of Flavonoids and Ventilatory Function in European Adults: A GA²LEN Study.

BACKGROUND: Flavonoids exert anti-inflammatory properties and modulate oxidative stress in vitro, suggesting a protective effect on lung function, but epidemiological studies examining this association are scarce. METHODS: A stratified random sample was drawn from the GA²LEN screening survey, in which 55,000 adults aged 15 to 75 answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Post-bronchodilator spirometry was obtained from 2850 subjects. Forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio between the forced exhaled volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FVC (FEV1/FVC), FVC below lower limit of normal (FVC < LLN), and FEV1/FVC < LLN were calculated. Intake of the six main subclasses of flavonoids was estimated using the GA²LEN Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adjusted associations between outcomes and each subclass of flavonoids were examined with multivariate regressions. Simes' procedure was used to test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 2599 subjects had valid lung function and dietary data. A lower prevalence of FVC < LLN (airway restriction) was observed in those with higher total flavonoid (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), higher vs. lowest quintile intake 0.58; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.36, 0.94), and pro-anthocyanidin intakes (aOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.27, 0.81). A higher FEV1/FVC was associated with higher intakes of total flavonoids and pro-anthocyanidins (adjusted correlation coefficient (a ß-coeff 0.33; 0.10, 0.57 and a ß-coeff 0.44; 95% CI 0.19, 0.69, respectively). After Simes' procedure, the statistical significance of each of these associations was attenuated but remained below 0.05, with the exception of total flavonoids and airway restriction. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study in European adults provides cross-sectional evidence of a positive association of total flavonoid intake and pro-anthocyanidins and ventilatory function, and a negative association with spirometric restriction in European adults.