Can drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) predict compliance with positive airway pressure therapy? A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been poorly explored as an examination to assess positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present study aimed to identify by DISE possible characteristics related to low compliance with PAP therapy due to respiratory complaints. METHODS: Patients using PAP for OSA underwent DISE in two conditions: (1) baseline (without PAP) and (2) PAP (with the same mask and airway pressure used at home). We compared patients reporting low compliance to PAP due to respiratory complaints to those well-adapted to therapy. VOTE classification (assessment of velopharynx, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis) and TOTAL VOTE score (the sum of VOTE scores at each anatomical site) were assessed. ROC curve analyzed the accuracy of TOTAL VOTE to predict low compliance due to persistent pharyngeal obstruction in both conditions. RESULTS: Of 19 patients enrolled, all presented multilevel pharyngeal obstruction at baseline condition, with no difference between groups at this study point. When PAP was added, the median VOTE value was higher in the epiglottis (P value=0.02) and tended to be higher at the velum and tongue base in the poorly adapted group; TOTAL VOTE score was also significantly increased in patients with low compliance (P value<0.001). ROC curve demonstrated that patients with TOTAL VOTE scored 2.5 or more during DISE with PAP presented a 4.6-fold higher risk for low compliance with PAP therapy due to pharyngeal obstruction (AUC: 0.88±0.07; P value<0.01; sensitivity: 77%; specificity: 83%). CONCLUSIONS: Adding PAP during a DISE examination may help to predict persistent pharyngeal obstruction during PAP therapy.

Silent Infection of B and CD8+ T Lymphocytes by Influenza A Virus in Children with Tonsillar Hypertrophy.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause more than 2 million annual episodes of seasonal acute respiratory infections (ARI) and approximately 500,000 deaths worldwide. Depending on virus strain and host immune status, acute infections by IAV may reach sites other than the respiratory tract. In the present study, IAV RNA and antigens were searched for in tissues of palatine tonsils and adenoids removed from patients without ARI symptoms. A real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) screening revealed that 8 tissue samples from 7 patients out of 103 were positive for IAV. Positive samples were subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) and 3 of 8 tissues yielded complete IAV pH1N1 genomes, whereas in 5 samples, the PB1 gene was not fully assembled. Phylogenetic analysis placed tonsil-derived IAV in clusters clearly segregated from contemporaneous Brazilian viruses. Flow cytometry of dispersed tissue fragments and serial immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded sections of naturally infected biopsies indicated that CD20+ B lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD11c+ cells are susceptible to IAV infection. We sought to investigate whether these lymphoid tissues could be sites of viral replication and sources of viable virus particles. MDCK cells were inoculated with tissue lysates, enabling recovery of one IAV isolate confirmed by immunofluorescence, reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and NGS. The data indicate that lymphoid tissues not only harbor expression of IAV proteins but also contain infectious virus. Asymptomatic long-term infection raises the possibility of IAV shedding from tonsils, which may have an impact on host-to-host transmission.IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are important threats to human health worldwide. Although extensively studied, some aspects of virus pathogenesis and tissue tropism remain unclear. Here, by different strategies, we describe the asymptomatic infection of human lymphoid organs by IAV in children. Our results indicate that IAV was not only detected and isolated from human tonsils but displayed unique genetic features in comparison with those of contemporaneous IAVs circulating in Brazil and detected in swabs and nasal washes. Inside the tissue microenvironment, immune cells were shown to be carrying IAV antigens, especially B and T CD8+ lymphocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that human lymphoid tissues can be sites of silent IAV infections with possible impact on virus shedding to the population.

HPV genotype is a prognosticator for recurrence of respiratory papillomatosis in children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the prognosis according to age, genotype or human papillomavirus (HPV) variant in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). DESIGN: Non-concurrent cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Forty one patients with RRP. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease severity was defined by the number of surgeries performed, and Derkay score at surgeries, obtained from medical records. HPV was detected and genotyped, and HPV-6 variants were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifteen (36.58%) individuals belonged to the juvenile RRP group (JoRRP, less than 18 years), while 26 patients (63.41%) were allocated at the adult group (AoRRP, equal or more than 18 years). JoRRP patients needed, in average, a higher number of surgeries to control the disease than AoRRP patients (mean difference: 3.36). Also, JoRRP patients showed a higher Derkay score at each surgery (mean difference: 3.76). There was no significant difference in the number of surgeries when we compared patients infected with HPV-6 or HPV-11, neither in accordance to HPV-6 variants. Patients with HPV-11 presented a higher mean Derkay score at surgery than those with HPV-6 (mean difference: 4.39); when co-variated by age, we observed that this difference occurred only among JoRRP patients (mean difference: 6.15). CONCLUSIONS: Age of onset of RRP has an important impact on number of surgeries to control disease. Patients with JoRRP and HPV-11 tend to present worse Derkay score at each surgery. HPV genotype among adults and HPV-6 variants had no impact on the outcome of the disease.

Nasal vs. oronasal mask during PAP treatment: a comparative DISE study.

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the upper airway pattern of obstruction in individuals undergoing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) exam with positive airway pressure (PAP), and compared this effect through a nasal or oronasal mask. METHODS: Prospective study. Patients requiring PAP due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were evaluated through DISE at three different moments: (1) a baseline condition (without PAP); (2) PAP treatment with a nasal mask; and (3) PAP with an oronasal mask at the same pressure. The conditions were compared intra-individually, following VOTE classification. A TOTAL VOTE score (the sum of VOTE scores observed for each anatomical site) was also applied to compare intra-individual results. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study. All patients presented multi-level pharyngeal obstruction at baseline condition. In six patients, the pattern of obstruction differed according to the mask. Nasal mask significantly decreased the obstruction score when compared with baseline condition both in velum (P value < 0.05) and oropharynx regions (P value < 0.005). TOTAL VOTE score was also significantly lower during nasal mask evaluation when compared with basal condition (P value < 0.005). Remarkably, oronasal mask with the same pressure was not as effective as nasal masks. Obstruction levels observed at the tongue base or epiglottis levels were more resistant to PAP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Collapse in velum and oropharyngeal sites is more compliant to PAP than obstruction at lower levels of the pharynx, either with nasal or oronasal masks. Nasal mask is superior to prevent pharyngeal collapse than oronasal devices under the same pressure.

Staphylococcus aureus impairs sinonasal epithelial repair: Effects in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and control subjects.

BACKGROUND: The effect of Staphylococcus aureus on nasal epithelial repair has never been assessed in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether (1) nasal epithelial cell cultures from patients with CRSwNP and control subjects repair differently; (2) S aureus exoproducts compromise nasal epithelial repair; (3) S aureus alters lamellipodial dynamics; and (4) deleterious effects could be counteracted by the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase inhibitor Y-27632. METHODS: Primary nasal epithelial cells (pNECs) collected during surgeries were cultured and injured under 3 conditions: (1) basal conditions, (2) exposed to S aureus exoproducts, and (3) exposed to S aureus exoproducts and Y-27632. Epithelial repair, lamellipodial dynamics, and cytoskeletal organization were assessed. RESULTS: Under basal conditions, pNEC cultures from patients with CRSwNP presented significantly lower repair rates and reduced lamellipodial protrusion length and velocity than those from control subjects. S aureus exoproducts significantly decreased repair rates and protrusion dynamics in both control subjects and patients with CRSwNP; however, the effect of S aureus on cell protrusions was more sustained over time in patients with CRSwNP. Under basal conditions, immunofluorescence assays showed significantly reduced percentages of cells with lamellipodia at the wound edge in patients with CRSwNP compared with control subjects. S aureus altered cell polarity and decreased the percentage of cells with lamellipodia in both groups. Finally, Y-27632 prevented the deleterious effects of S aureus exoproducts on CRSwNP repair rates, as well as on lamellipodial dynamics and formation. CONCLUSIONS: S aureus exoproducts significantly alter epithelial repair and lamellipodial dynamics on pNECs, and this impairment was more pronounced in patients with CRSwNP. Importantly, Y-27632 restored epithelial repair and lamellipodial dynamics in the presence of S aureus exoproducts.

Impact of early detection of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is vital to improving outcomes in immunocompromised patients. This study evaluated the impact of a systematic protocol with nasal endoscopy and biopsies to early detect AIFRS in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, we compared the accuracy of frozen-section biopsy and culture with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort in a Tertiary Referral Hospital. Patients with the suspected diagnosis of AIFRS were evaluated following a standardized protocol, including serial nasal endoscopies and biopsies when necessary. The sensitivity and specificity of frozen-section biopsy and culture were also compared with FFPE. RESULTS: The mortality rate related to AIFRS of this standardized cohort (13/43) was 30.2%. Better outcomes were observed in patients with disease limited to the turbinates and in those with higher peripheral neutrophils count. Frozen-section biopsy positivity correlated with FFPE findings for fungi detection (p-value < 0.0001), with a sensitivity of 90.6%, specificity of 72.7%, and accuracy of 86.0%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of this standardized protocol was related to a considerably low mortality rate among patients with suspected AIFRS at our Institution. Frozen-section biopsy revealed high accuracy to diagnose AIFRS. The current protocol including frozen-tissue biopsy improved the evaluation and survival rates of immunocompromised patients with presumed AIFRS.

Swallowing evaluation after surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty vs. expansion pharyngoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of pharyngeal surgery on swallowing pattern in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and to compare two surgical techniques: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and expansion pharyngoplasty (EP), through videofluoroscopy. METHODS: Longitudinal prospective cohort, in a tertiary referral center. 17 adult patients were enrolled this study, divided into two groups: patients who underwent UPPP (n = 10) or EP (n = 7). Swallowing videofluoroscopy (for both liquid and pasty consistences) was assessed at three different periods: before surgery, and at 14 and 28 days following surgery. Comparisons were performed between pre- and post-operative (PO) swallowing conditions in the same patient, and between surgical techniques. RESULTS: Asymptomatic OSAS patients already presented altered swallowing pattern before surgery. Both surgical procedures led to an increased hyoid movement time and an increased frequency of laryngeal penetration in early PO during liquid ingestion. For pasty consistency, both techniques reduced velum movement time and increased pharyngeal transit time and the rate of stasis in hypopharynx. All these parameters reached or tended to reach the pre-operative indices at day PO 28. CONCLUSIONS: OSAS patients show sub-clinical changes in swallowing pattern before surgery. Both surgical techniques are related to transitory changes in swallowing biomechanics. Complete or partial reversal to pre-operative swallowing parameters occurs 1 month after both surgery techniques.

The Relationship between Colonization by Moraxella catarrhalis and Tonsillar Hypertrophy.

We sought to investigate the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in secretions and tonsillar tissues of children with chronic adenotonsillitis hypertrophy compared to controls. Prospective case-control study comparing patients between 2 and 12 years old who underwent adenotonsillectomy due to chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy to children without disease. We compared detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis by real-time PCR in palatine tonsils, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal washes obtained from 37 children with and 14 without adenotonsillar hypertrophy. We found high frequency (>50%) of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both groups of patients. Although different sampling sites can be infected with more than one bacterium and some bacteria can be detected in different tissues in the same patient, adenoids, palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal washes were not uniformly infected by the same bacteria. Adenoids and palatine tonsils of patients with severe adenotonsillar hypertrophy had higher rates of bacterial coinfection. There was good correlation of detection of Moraxella catarrhalis in different sampling sites in patients with more severe tonsillar hypertrophy, suggesting that Moraxella catarrhalis may be associated with the development of more severe hypertrophy, that inflammatory conditions favor colonization by this agent. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are frequently detected in palatine tonsils, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal washes in children. Simultaneous detection of Moraxella catarrhalis in adenoids, palatine tonsils, and nasopharyngeal washes was correlated with more severe tonsillar hypertrophy.

Validity and reliability of a protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

There is no standardized protocol for the clinical evaluation of orofacial components and functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to examine the validity, reliability, and psychometric properties of the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-expanded) in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea and control subjects were evaluated, and the validity of OMES-expanded was tested by construct validity (i.e. the ability to discriminate orofacial status between apneic and control subjects) and criterion validity (i.e. correlation between OMES-expanded and a reference instrument). Construct validity was adequate; the apneic group showed significantly worse orofacial status than did control subjects. Criterion validity of OMES-expanded was good, as was its reliability. The OMES-expanded is valid and reliable for evaluating orofacial myofunctional disorders of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, with adequate psychometric properties. It may be useful to plan a therapeutic strategy and to determine whether the effects of therapy are related to improved muscle and orofacial functions.

The use of a mandibular repositioning device for obstructive sleep apnea.

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) on polysomnographic parameters and on the mean electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This is a prospective cohort study conducted at multidisciplinary OSAS center in a tertiary referral center. Nineteen individuals with mild or moderate OSAS associated with Mallampati 3-4 were treated with an MRD during sleep. The subjects underwent diurnal electromyography (EM) and nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) examinations both prior and after initial treatment (3 months with MRD for PSG and 6 and 12 months of treatment for EM). The examinations performed at different times were compared. Comparison of the initial and final polysomnography examination revealed a significant mean reduction of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 13.8 to 7.8. The successful treatment rate with the MRD was 52.6%, and the improved treatment rate was 68.4%. Patients with lower pre-treatment AHI presented higher rates of cure. There was no statistically significant change in electromyography examination among different times. The MRD reduced the apnea-hypopnea index in individuals with enlarged base of tongue and mild and moderate OSAS without damaging the function of the masseter and temporal muscles as determined by electromyography.

Facial features and hyoid bone position in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The aim of the study was to evaluate facial features and hyoid bone position in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by cephalometric radiography. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. Twenty-nine children in the 3-6 year age bracket were evaluated: 14 children with OSAS and 15 nasal-breathing children. All children underwent otorhinolaryngologic examination, and those with OSAS also underwent in-laboratory polysomnography for diagnostic confirmation. The children were then submitted to orthodontic evaluation and cephalometry. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from children with OSAS were compared to those of nasal-breathing children. We found no differences between the two groups regarding the linear and angular measurements of the face. However, the children with OSAS presented, already at the preschool age, with an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, thus increasing the pharyngeal area. In children with OSAS, the hyoid bone appears to be in a significantly inferior position at an early age. Our findings provide evidence that there is a relationship between the position of the hyoid bone and OSAS in children, which could contribute to the persistence of OSAS into adulthood.

Orbital and central nervous system extension of nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: To describe a case series of nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) with orbital and central nervous system extension. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. The medical records of 9 patients with a diagnosis of NKTL were reviewed. All patients had a positive biopsy for CD3, CD56, T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen-1, and granzyme expression and CT imaging of nose, sinuses, orbits, and brain. Five patients were also examined with MRI. RESULTS: Orbital extension occurred in 6 patients. All had extraocular muscle enlargement and 5 showed signs of perineural spread. CONCLUSIONS: NKTL is a polymorphous disease. Extraocular muscle involvement and perineural spread are overlooked features that explain dissemination of the tumor to both the orbit and the central nervous system.

Brazilian guideline for the use of immunobiologicals in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ‒ 2024 update.

INTRODUCTION: Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation have revolutionized the way we treat patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Particularly in severe and difficult-to-control cases, these drugs have provided a new reality for these patients, allowing for the effective and safe treatment of extensive diseases that were not completely managed with the typical strategy of surgery and topical medications. OBJECTIVES: The experience achieved with the approval of these medications by ANVISA for use in CRSwNP and the knowledge obtained regarding outcomes, adverse effects, and the ideal patient profile prompted the update of the previously published guideline, with a detailed review of the most recent scientific literature, the personal experiences of experts, and the adaptation to the reality of the Brazilian healthcare system, both public and private. RESULTS: We proposed a new eligibility criterion for biologics in patients with CRSwNP based on four pillars of indication: the impact of the disease on the patient's life, whether in the presence of specific symptoms or in overall quality of life; the extent of sinonasal disease; the presence of type 2 comorbidities, considering other associated diseases that may also benefit from anti-T2 biologics, and the presence of biomarkers to define type 2 inflammation, especially those associated with worse disease prognoses. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative and pioneering method has two major advantages. First, it ensures a comprehensive evaluation of patients; second, it is flexible, as advancements in our understanding of the disease and changes in cost-effectiveness can be addressed by simply adjusting the required score for indication, without the need to modify the entire evaluation scheme.

Inflammatory Profile of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Patients in Brazil: Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the inflammatory profile of CRSwNP in Brazil and characterize the subgroups of CRSwNP patients in this population through cluster analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study involving 15 centers representing different regions of Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical data of 166 patients and 80 controls, aged 18 to 70 years old, number of surgeries for CRS, history of asthma and aspirin sensitivity, and Lund-Mackay scores on CT scans. During nasal endoscopy, we obtained the Lund-Kennedy scores and collected 2 samples of nasal polyps: one for eosinophil and neutrophil tissue counts and one to quantify different cytokines. RESULTS: 79.6% of our patients had 10 or more eosinophils/HPF. CRSwNP groups exhibited significantly lower concentrations of TNF-alpha and significantly higher concentrations of IFN-gamma, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL24/Eotaxin-2/MPIF-2, and CCL26/Eotaxin-3 versus the control group (Kruskal-Wallis test). Comparison between CRSwNP groups (≥10 vs <10 eosinophils/HPF) showed no difference in cytokine concentration (Mann-Whitney test). Hierarchical clustering and PCA according to cytokine concentrations revealed 2 main Clusters, with a significantly higher concentration of all cytokines in Cluster 1 (n = 35) than in Cluster 2 (n = 121), except IL-6 and IL-33 (Mann-Whitney test). According to ROC curve analysis the best cut-off to differentiate the 2 clusters was 43 eosinophils/HPF. The group with ≥43 presented a higher prevalence of men and a higher Lund-Mackay score (Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: CRSwNP patients in Brazil present mixed inflammation, with 2 distinct groups (high and low inflammatory pattern) that can be distinguished by tissue eosinophilia of ≥43 eosinophils/HPF cut-off in nasal polyps.

Is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty still an option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea?

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been widely described as a surgical option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Several studies have demonstrated variable success rates, and different criteria have been used to define success of surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of UPPP by polysomnography and to correlate it to the clinical findings. Also, we correlated to the various studies dealing with this topic, considering the different criteria adopted in each of this. Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The efficiency of surgery for UPPP was analyzed to the variables such as body mass index, age, preoperative polysomnography results and follow-up period. Based on the criteria for postoperative cure, the success rate was 44 %. Younger patients presented a better success rate than older ones. No other correlation was found between clinical findings and UPPP success. UPPP can be curative in some patients, but combination with other treatment modalities must be considered. This should be mentioned to the patients, since in many cases the sites of airway collapse may be multiple and no clinical aspect (except for age) is indicative of good prognosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their impact on sinusal extension in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

UNLABELLED: MMPs (metalloproteinases) and their inhibitor TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases) are important in tissue remodeling and have been implicated in nasal polyp pathophysiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate gene expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 gene expression in nasal polyps and compare them with normal nasal mucosa. Since MMPs could induce a more prominent tissue edema, we also assessed if these gene expressions could be related to a more extensive disease. For the experimental study, 30 nasal polyp samples from patients with CRSwNP (Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis) and 19 middle turbinates (MT) from controls were obtained. Gene expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was assessed by qRT-PCR. The expressions of these genes were compared between nasal polyps and controls and correlated to each individual Lund-Mackay score, MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly more expressed in nasal polyps than in controls (P < 0.005, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05 respectively). No expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was detected. There was no correlation between disease extension evaluated by the Lund-Mackay score and MMPs gene expression. The present results demonstrate that there is a significantly higher mRNA gene expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with CRSwNP than controls. However, no correlation was observed between MMPs gene expression and sinonasal CT scan extension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

Revisiting the orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study revisited three classification systems of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (Chandler, Mortimore & Wormald, and Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima) and observed which of them presented the best clinical applicability. METHODS: Clinical data and CT scan findings of patients with orbital infection were retrospectively collected. To compare the three classification systems, we revised and graded all CT images accordingly, and divided the patients into four groups: Eyelid cellulitis (EC), orbital cellulitis (OC), subperiosteal abscess (SA), and orbital abscess (OA). The groups were compared regarding the presence of sinus opacification, the need for hospitalization and/or surgical treatment, and the presence of further complications/sequelae. RESULTS: 143 patients were included. The median number of sinuses involved in patients in the OC, SA, and OA groups was 2.0. ARS was rarely associated with signs of EC (present in both Chandler's and Mortimore & Wormald's classifications. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the EC group compared to the other three groups. Surgery was performed in all cases in the OA group, in 58.1% in the SA group, 19.4% in the OC group, and 12.5% in the EC group (p-value < 0.0001). Complications were present at higher rates in the OA group compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: ARS was rarely associated with Eyelid Cellulitis. The stratification in the other three groups showed to be clinically relevant. Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima's classification system proved valid, simple, and effective for categorizing orbital complications of ARS.

Which are the best murine models to study Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis? A contemporary review.

OBJECTIVE: Mechanisms that lead to Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (ECRS) are not fully established in the literature. It is desirable to assess ECRS in a model that embraces most of the related events. This article reviewed the murine models for ECRS and compared them regarding eosinophilic polypoid formation. METHODS: The authors reviewed the articles that included the terms "chronic rhinosinusitis" OR "chronic sinusitis" AND "animal model". We analyzed articles in English that evaluated both the number of polyps and the number of eosinophils in the sinus mucosa of mouse models. RESULTS: We identified a total of 15 articles describing different models of ECRS that used BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice, and different triggers/stimulants such as Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B (SEB) + Ovalbumin (OVA); House Dust Mite (HDM) ±â€¯Ovalbumin (OVA); and Aspergillus oryzae Protease (AP) + Ovalbumin (OVA). OVA associated with SEB was the commonest protocol to induce ECRS in both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, and it produced a robust response of eosinophilic nasal polyps in both. AP + OVA protocol also led to a good ECRS response. The other models were not considered adequate to produce eosinophilic polyps in mice. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, OVA associated with SEB seems to produce the most robust eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation.

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on masticatory and swallowing functions in children with posterior crossbite.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the influence of posterior crossbite on masticatory and swallowing functions by videofluoroscopy examination and to analyze the effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) on the same functions. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 32 children, 21 of them with posterior crossbite (10 girls and 11 boys, mean age 9.2 years, study group) and 11 children with no occlusal changes (6 girls and 5 boys, mean age 9.3 years, control group). The children were evaluated by an orthodontist for diagnosis, group characterization and occlusal treatment, by the otorhinolaryngology team for the assessment of respiratory symptoms, and by a speech therapist for videofluoroscopic evaluation of masticatory and swallowing parameters. The children with posterior crossbite were treated orthodontic ally using the Haas disjunctor for approximately six months and re-evaluated 5-months after removal of the appliance. Data were analyzed statistically by the Studentt-test for independent samples for comparison of the crossbite and control groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in oral preparatory and oral transit times, nor in cycles and masticatory frequency, between the pre and post orthodontic treatment groups and the control group. CONCLUSION: Rapid maxillary expansion did not influence the masticatory and swallowing variables studied by videofluoroscopy. However, the data require caution in interpretation.

Utilization of Transcriptomic Profiling to Identify Molecular Markers Predicting Successful Recovery Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Successful recovery from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can be characterized by minimal presence of symptoms and absence of disease on endoscopy. However, molecular markers of surgical success remain to be characterized. These could allow for better tailoring of perioperative therapy. This study aims to identify novel molecular markers associated with surgery responsive patient. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single academic hospital center. METHOD: One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with CRS at high risk of recurrence after surgery were followed prospectively following ESS in an academic medical center. Symptomatic and endoscopic outcomes were assessed at 4 months, with success rigorously defined subjectively as minimal or no symptoms (no symptom greater than 1 on an ordinal scale of 0-3) and objectively by the absence of nasal polyposis on sinus cavity endoscopy and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic edema score no greater than 1. Samples were obtained at the time of surgery and at 4-month postoperatively. Changes associated with surgery were determined by gene expression profiling using Affymetrix's Clariom S Human HT arrays. RESULTS: Successful ESS was characterized by a mild upregulation in Type 1 inflammation, upregulation of cell cycle progression, and epithelial barrier and proliferation-associated genes and pathways. ESS failure was associated to very high levels of Type 1 inflammation along with downregulation of epithelial barrier function and regeneration genes and pathways. CONCLUSION: Successful recovery from ESS involves restoration of epithelial function and regulated activation of Type 1 inflammation. Excessively elevated Type 1 inflammation is associated with epithelial barrier dysfunction.