The disrupted molecular circadian clock of monocytes and macrophages in allergic inflammation.

Introduction: Macrophage dysfunction is a common feature of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, which is characterized by a strong circadian rhythm. Methods and results: We monitored the protein expression pattern of the molecular circadian clock in human peripheral blood monocytes from healthy, allergic, and asthmatic donors during a whole day. Monocytes cultured of these donors allowed us to examine circadian protein expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, M1- and M2- polarized macrophages. In monocytes, particularly from allergic asthmatics, the oscillating expression of circadian proteins CLOCK, BMAL, REV ERBs, and RORs was significantly altered. Similar changes in BMAL1 were observed in polarized macrophages from allergic donors and in tissue-resident macrophages from activated precision cut lung slices. We confirmed clock modulating, anti-inflammatory, and lung-protective properties of the inverse ROR agonist SR1001 by reduced secretion of macrophage inflammatory protein and increase in phagocytosis. Using a house dust mite model, we verified the therapeutic effect of SR1001 in vivo. Discussion: Overall, our data suggest an interaction between the molecular circadian clock and monocytes/macrophages effector function in inflammatory lung diseases. The use of SR1001 leads to inflammatory resolution in vitro and in vivo and represents a promising clock-based therapeutic approach for chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma.

[Online survey to determine realistic success rates and trends in surgical septal perforation repair]. / Online-Befragung: realistische Erfolgsquoten und Trends beim operativen Septumperforationsverschluss.

OBJECTIVE: High success rates (SR) for surgical septal perforation repair (SPR) of over 90 % are reported in the literature. We think that realistic SR are significantly lower and wanted to confirm this thesis with the help of a survey among ear, nose, throat ENT specialists from Germany. Surgical trends were also queried. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey among ENT specialists in Germany was conducted. 356 doctors participated. The collected SR were statistically evaluated, and the operative trends were analysed. It applies a significance level α = 0.05. The SR were collected for 3 different size categories (<1 cm, 1-2 cm, >2 cm). RESULTS: The SR for SPR <1 cm (median 79 %) was higher than that for 1-2 cm (60 %) and >2 cm (40 %). Surgeons estimated SR significantly higher (90 %, 75 %, 50 %; p-value <0.001 each) than non-surgeons (80 %, 50 %, 25 %). Hospital-based physicians (90 %, 70 %, 50 %) reported significantly higher SR than ambulatory physicians (80 %, 50 %, 30 %, p-value <0.001 each). No linear relationship was found between the total number of SPR performed and SR (r <1cm = 0.16, r1-2cm = 0.18, r >2cm = 0.19). Most SPR were performed with the bridge flap technique (73 %), a closed surgical approach (85 %), an interposition graft (74 %) and postoperative splinting (94 %). CONCLUSIONS: The subjective SR suggest that the SR of SPR is lower than described in the literature. This may be due to short follow-up times, small patient populations and a retrospective design of existing studies. The variety of surgical possibilities confirms the complexity of SPR. Optimising the design of future studies could help to collect realistic SR.

[Functional disorders of the nose - definition, diagnostics and treatment options]. / Funktionelle Formstörungen der Nase ­ Definition, Diagnostik und Therapieoptionen.

The surgical spectrum of functional rhinosurgery includes nasal septum surgery, septorhinoplasty and nasal concha surgery. Based on the German guideline "Disorders of the inner and/or external nose (with functional and/or aesthetic impairment)" published in April 2022, which was prepared on behalf of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, we discuss the indications, diagnostic approaches, the planning of the surgery and postoperative care. The most common findings of the external nose with a functional impairment include crooked nose, saddle nose, and tension nose. Combined pathologies occur. Well-documented in-depth consultation is essential for rhinosurgical procedures. In the case of revision surgery, the possible necessity of autologous ear or rib cartilage should be considered. Despite correct surgical performance, no "guarantee" can be given for the surgical (long-term) result in rhinosurgery.

[Adaption of the "Empty Nose 6 Item Questionnaire" (ENS6Q) into German language]. / Erstellung einer deutschen Version des "Empty Nose Syndrome 6 Item Questionnaire" (ENS6Q).

OBJECTIVE: The English "Empty-Nose-6-Item-Questionnaire" (ENS6Q) is a validated tool to assess subjective and disease-specific complaints of patients suffering from empty nose syndrome. The aim of this study was to create a validated German adapted version (GAV) of the ENS6Q. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ENS6Q was translated into German language using a multistage process. Subsequently the translated questionnaire was completed twice by a group of patients suffering from empty nose syndrome (n = 36), a healthy control group (n = 77) and a group of patients with a symptomatic pathology of the nasal septum (n = 78). Additionally, the NOSE© questionnaire was completed twice by all groups. The ENS6Q was then examined regarding internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The ENS6Q-GAV shows high internal consistency with Cronbachs α = 0,760 and α = 0,795. It also shows good test-retest reliability with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0,947 [0,930 - 0,961]. The ENS6Q-GAV discriminated significantly between empty nose syndrome patients and the control group. The receiver-operating characteristics curve showed a sensitivity of 83,3 % and a specificity of 88,3 % using a cut-off point of 8,5. The area-under-the-curve threshold score was 0,914 ± 0,029 [0,856 - 0,971]. CONCLUSIONS: The ENS6Q-GAV is the first validated disease-specific questionnaire in German to help identify patients suspected of developing ENS more reliably.

[Closure of Nasal Septal Perforation]. / Der chirurgische Septumperforationsverschluss.

Symptomatic nasal septal perforations can lead to a substantial restriction in the quality of life of patients and present a distinct surgical challenge for the otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon. Symptomatic patients complain about nasal crusting, recurrent nosebleeds and nasal obstruction. The so called 4 bridge-flap technique including the interposition of autologous ear cartilage presents an established surgical method for closure of a septal perforation. In the present article, the surgical procedure is described in detail.

[Importance of machine blood count in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis by EBV]. / Stellenwert des maschinellen Blutbildes bei der Diagnose der infektiösen Mononukleose durch EBV.

INTRODUCTION: EBV serology is recommended for serological diagnosis of mononucleosis. As results of an automated differential blood count is available more quickly, possible differences between an EBV primary infection and a bacterial tonsillitis were investigated. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of absolute and relative lymphocyte and monocyte counts of n = 140 patients > 16 years from 01/2008 to 01/2019 (mean age 21.4 years, 51 % ♀, 49 % ♂) with suspected EBV infection was performed. The groups of a serologically confirmed or excluded EBV infection were compared. RESULTS: An automated differential blood count was available in n = 42 patients with primary EBV infection. Average lymphocyte count was 5.5 ±â€Š2.6 giga/l. Patients with acute bacterial tonsillitis (n = 36) had significantly lower values with 1.6 ±â€Š1.3 giga/l, p < 0.05. Equal results were found in relative lymphocyte counts (47.4 ±â€Š17.9 vs. 12.8 ±â€Š9.1 %, p < 0.05). For monocyte counts, neither absolute (1.2 ±â€Š0.8 vs. 1.2 ±â€Š0.6 giga/l, p = 0.617) nor relative (8.8 ±â€Š3.6 vs. 9.8 ±â€Š5.2 %, p = 0.746) monocyte counts showed significant differences. CONCLUSION: Increased lymphocyte counts in an automated differential blood count can be a first indication of primary EBV infection. Perhaps up to 30 % morphologically altered lymphocytes are increasingly counted correctly with modern hematology analyzers and no longer counted as monocytes. These results could be used to make decisions about further diagnosis (abdominal ultrasonography, ECG) and antibiotic therapy before results of EBV serology are available.

Symptom Control of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Under Maintenance Therapy With Daily Acetylsalicylic Acid.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is defined by intolerance to cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitors, chronic rhinosinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps, and/or intrinsic bronchial asthma. Long-term administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) after desensitization has been used to mitigate these sequelae, but the optimal dose and balancing symptom relief and side effects remain unsettled. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of 85 patients with NERD receiving maintenance therapy of 300 mg ASA was followed by questionnaires (our own, not validated and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20). We received responses from 55 patients and examined 30 of them clinically. RESULTS: Patients with no ASA-associated side effects were 56.4% (56 of 85 patients) of the cohort. In this study, 60% (33 of 55 patients) continued prophylaxis of 300 mg ASA daily for an average of 34.7 months. Elective surgery was the most frequent cause of discontinuation of ASA (21.8%; 12 of 55 patients). Rhinomanometry values were significantly improved with ASA (P < .05; Wilcoxon), but there was no significant reduction in nasal polyposis or improvement in olfaction at the time of follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: Minor clinical improvements were identified. Side effects were well tolerated by most patients, and no serious sequelae occurred. The indications for long-term ASA therapy in NERD patients remain unsettled.

[The KINDL questionnaire for assessment of general quality of life in adenotonsillar hyperplasia]. / Der KINDL-Fragebogen zur Erfassung der allgemeinen Lebensqualität bei adenotonsillärer Hyperplasie.

BACKGROUND: There are few systematic studies on the general quality of life of children before and after adenoidectomy and adenotonsillotomy, although interventions on adenoids and tonsils are the most frequent operations in childhood in Germany. For this reason, the established KINDL questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of children for the first time. METHODS: Study participants (n = 111) and a waiting design control group (n = 35) were recruited consecutively from children (3-6 years) receiving adenoidectomy (66 %) or adenotonsillotomy (34 %). The Kiddy-KINDL® questionnaire was answered by parents on the day of surgery and 3.5 months postoperatively. Parents of the control group were interviewed, when the date of operation was scheduled and on the day of operation. RESULTS: Total scale score of the Kiddy-KINDL of max. 100 points improved slightly in the intervention group from preoperatively 75.9 ±â€Š10.8 (95 %-KI [73.8-77.9]) to postoperatively 77.2 ±â€Š9.2 points (95 %-KI [75.1-79.0]; p = 0.365). Also in the comparison group there was no significant change over time (77.9 ±â€Š9.7; 95 % CI [74.1-81.7] vs. 77.3 ±â€Š11.3; 95 % CI [72.8-81.8]; p = 0.949) or compared to the preoperative score of the intervention group (p = 0.894). The subscales scores for "physical well-being" (p < 0.01), "school" (p = 0.034) and "parents" (p < 0.01) showed significant improvements for the intervention group. Children with additional tonsillotomy also showed a significant postoperative increase of the total scale score (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The version of the Kiddy-KINDL we used is therefore not fully suitable for recording the general QOL in adenotonsillar hyperplasia, since an improvement in QOL could only be recorded in subscales. However, since tonsillotomy in particular seems to have a relevant influence on QOL, it should be performed in children with significant hyperplasia.

Incidence of anatomical variations according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and their coincidence with radiological sings of opacification.

BACKGROUND: The endonasal access to the frontal recess and sinus may be complicated by a variety of anatomical variations. Previous classifications of these variants were characterized by proper names or position information without anatomical reference. The IFAC is intended to simplify the classification of anatomical variations of the frontoethmoidal complex. The aim of this study was to analyse a representative number of sinus CT scans to assess the incidence of anatomical variations according to the IFAC and to compare the results with previous classifications. In addition, the coincidence of complex anatomical variations and radiological sings of opacification was investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Two hundred and forty-nine sinus CT scans were analysed in multiplanar reconstructions. Exclusion criteria were previous operations on the paranasal sinuses, malignant diseases, and an insufficient image quality. All anatomical variants were analysed according to the IFAC criteria. In addition, the coincidence of radiological sings of opacification and the presence of anatomical variations of the frontal recess and sinus were investigated. RESULTS: The analysis revealed Agger nasi cells in 95% of the CT scans. Supra agger cells (SACs) were detected in 49% and Supra agger frontal cells (SAFCs) in 25% of the data sets. Suprabulla cells (SBCs) were detected in 89% and Supra bulla frontal cells (SBFCs) in 27% of the scans. Supraorbital ethmoid cells (SECs) were detectable in 9% and interfrontal septal cells in 28% of the scans. Despite a partially strong narrowing of the frontal recess, no increased occurrence of radiological sings of opacification could be detected (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations in the frontoethmoidal area are very common. According to the IFAC criteria, in 43% of the patients, cells could be detected with pneumatization to or into the frontal sinus. The IFAC is structured more clearly compared to previous classifications due to the anatomical aspect. It represents the most consistent classification regarding surgical planning. Further studies will demonstrate the scientific and clinical value of this classification.

[Analysis of facial asymmetry in patients with crooked noses]. / Analyse von Gesichtsasymmetrien bei Patienten mit Schiefnasen.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of crooked nose is challenging even for experienced rhino surgeons, although numerous techniques for correction have been described. Not infrequently, there is a facial asymmetry in addition to the crooked nose influencing the aesthetic results of the operation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how often there is an asymmetry of the face in addition to a crooked nose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospectively the data of 607 patients with a crooked nose (304 women, 303 men, mean age 30 years) were evaluated. The preoperative photos of the face were anthrometrically assessed based on angle measurements. RESULTS: 382 of the 607 patients had a c-shaped (63 %) and 225 an i-shaped (37 %) crooked nose. More than three-quarters of the patients had facial asymmetry in respect to the connecting line of the pupils and nasal base line. 49 % of patients reported a history of nasal trauma, but this had no relevant influence on the frequency of facial asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing facial asymmetry is very common in patients with crooked nose and can significantly affect the aesthetic outcome of nasal surgery. This should be addressed as part of the informed consent. In particular, it should be mentioned that the surgical outcome can remain below the patient's aesthetic expectations. Not rarely, a revision surgery may be necessary.

[Adaptation of the "Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation" (NOSE©) questionnaire in the German language]. / Erstellung einer deutschen Version des "Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation" Fragebogens (NOSE©).

OBJECTIVE: The standardized and validated English NOSE© questionnaire is used to assess subjective complaints of nasal obstruction. The aim of our study was to create and validate a German version of the NOSE© questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original questionnaire was translated into German in multiple steps. The English back translation was sufficiently similar to the original questionnaire. Next, the translated questionnaire was completed twice each by a group of patients with symptoms of nasal obstruction (n = 76) and a group of nose healthy test persons (n = 104). Subsequently, the questionnaire was tested for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, discriminant validity and sensitivity to change. Additionally, it was examined whether the rhinomanometric results of the patient group correlated with their questionnaire scores. RESULTS: The created German NOSE questionnaire had high internal consistency with an average result of Cronbach's α ≥ 0.8. The test-retest reliability was also satisfactory with Goodman-Kruskal-γ = 0.826. The discriminant validity showed significant differences between the patient and control group. Furthermore, sensitivity to change was high. The patients' rhinomanometric results before operation did not correlate with the corresponding NOSE questionnaire Scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the created German Version of the NOSE© questionnaire (NOSE GAV) is a valid method for assessment of subjective nasal obstruction. It can be used throughout German-speaking areas without restriction.

[Symptoms and parental expectation in adenoidectomy and adenotonsillotomy in preschool children]. / Hauptsymptome und Elternerwartung bei Adenotomie und Adenotonsillotomie im Vorschulalter.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, symptoms associated with adenoids and hyperplasic palatine tonsils and parental expectation of surgical outcome were recorded, to provide realistic parental information prior to adenoidectomy (AT) ± tonsillotomy (ATT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total n = 111 children (3-6 years, ♂ 65 % ♀ 35 %) were recruited, who received AT (66 %) or ATT (34 %) at ENT University Hospital Ulm. By questionnaire-based survey, the most common symptoms and the main reason for the operation were reported from parent's perspective (operation day, follow-up: 3.5 months). Results were visualized in bar charts for total collective and AT and ATT surgical groups (significance level α = 5 %). RESULTS: Most commonly, parents observed signs of respiratory problems (mouth breathing 87 %, nasal obstruction 86 %, snoring 78 %), hearing loss (68 %) and infection of upper airways (66 %). Nasal obstruction (77.5 %) and hearing loss (53.2 %) were the main reasons for operation. In children with pharyngeal tonsil hyperplasia only, hearing problems dominated, while in additional tonsillotomy, nocturnal apneas were the most frequently reported reason for surgery. For all symptoms, a significant postoperatively improvement was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: With a differentiated indication for surgery, it is possible to inform the parents about a very good and realistic and effective reduction of symptom after AT and ATT.

Surgery of Anterior Skull Base Lesions in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Lesions affecting the anterior skull base represent a rare group of craniofacial pathologies. A tumor of the facial midline, meningitis, or rhinoliquorrhea may be indicative of malformations like dermoid cysts, gliomas, encephaloceles, or nasal fistulas. METHODS: We present a case series of 13 children (4 months to 12 years; 8 males, 5 females) with lesions involving the anterior skull base, which were treated surgically in an interdisciplinary setting. This case series includes cases of nasal fistulae (n = 5), nasal cysts (n = 5), aneurysmal bone cyst, nasal glioma, and meningoencephalocele (n = 1). RESULTS: All lesions were resected with a transnasal, transcutaneous, and/or transcranial approach with reconstruction of the anterior skull base if intracranial/intradural extension was detected. In 5 cases, a dura leakage was visible, which was sealed via Onlay-technique in 3 cases, whereas in 2 cases involving a greater dural defect, the GAP-CAS technique was performed. No complications occurred, and no recurrence was visible in a long-term follow-up. An algorithm for a systematic approach to these various pathologies is provided. CONCLUSION: Congenital pathologies of the anterior skull base are rare, challenging to diagnose, and present as clinical emergencies. An interdisciplinary surgical approach is needed for best functional and aesthetic results.

Three different turbinoplasty techniques combined with septoplasty: Prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Septal deviation and hypertrophic inferior turbinates are a frequent cause of nasal breathing disorders. The goal of this study was to prove the effectiveness and safety of three current turbinoplasty techniques. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, three-arm, single-blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either anterior turbinoplasty (ATP) (n = 20), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (n = 19; Celon Pro Breath), or novel submucous radial diode laser ablation (DLA) (n = 21; ELVeS Radial PainLess, wavelength = 1,470 nm), each in combination with standard septoplasty. Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, subjective nose questionnaire, and saccharin test served as outcome parameters for preoperative and 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative examinations. RESULTS: After 3 months 47/60 patients were evaluated, 28/60 patients were evaluated after 1 year, and 26/60 patients were evaluated in the 2-year follow-up visit. An improvement of nasal breathing was observed in all three groups in all follow-up visits. The increase of endonasal volume 2 (volume between the nasal valve and body of the inferior turbinate) was statistically significant in the ATP and RFA group after 3 months and 2 years, and in the RFA group also after 1 year. The DLA group failed to reach significance level in all follow-up visits. Subjective evaluation of nasal breathing improved in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, three different current techniques of turbinate surgery in combination with standard septoplasty were effective for the improvement of nasal breathing. The ATP and RFA techniques were more effective in the long term than DLA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:303-308, 2017.

Numerical simulation of humidification and heating during inspiration in nose models with three different located septal perforations.

Nasal septum perforations (SP) are characterized by nasal obstruction, bleeding and crusting. The disturbed heating and humidification of the inhaled air are important factors, which cause these symptoms due to a disturbed airflow. Numerical simulations offer a great potential to avoid these limitations and to provide valid data. The aim of the study was to simulate the humidification and heating of the inhaled air in digital nose models with three different SPs and without SP. Four realistic bilateral nose models based on a multi-slice CT scan were created. The SP were located anterior caudal, anterior cranial and posterior caudal. One model was without SP. A numerical simulation was performed. Boundary conditions were based on previous in vivo measurements. Heating and humidification of the inhaled air were displayed, analyzed in each model and compared to each other. Anterior caudal SPs cause a disturbed decrease of temperature and humidity of the inhaled air. The reduced temperature and humidity values can still be shown in the posterior nose. The anterior cranial and the posterior caudal perforation have only a minor influence on heating and humidification. A reduced humidification and heating of the air can be shown by numerical simulations due to SP depending on their localization. The anterior caudal SP representing a typical localization after previous surgery has the biggest influence on heating and humidification. The results explain the typical symptoms such as crusting by drying-out the nasal mucosa. The size and the localization of the SP are essential for the symptoms.

The effect of "Pyriform Turbinoplasty" on nasal airflow using a virtual model.

BACKGROUND: A new procedure, pyriform turbinoplasty, is described and nasal airflow is measured before and after this procedure in a virtual model. METHODOLOGY: Pyriform turbinoplasty is the submucosal reduction of the bone of the frontal process of the maxilla and the lacrimal bone. It opens part of the lateral margin of the nasal valve area with minimal damage to nasal mucosa. The resection of bone in this area can be extended by "nasal wall lateralization" when the lacrimal bone that joins the uncinate process behind the lacrimal duct as well as the base of the inferior turbinate and the edge of the maxilla at the rim of the pyriform aperture are removed. Nasal airflow was simulated using computational fluid dynamics and ANSYS Fluent solver. RESULTS: Analysis using fluid dynamics showed that these procedures help ventilation in the main airflow areas without substantially altering the normal pattern of airflow. CONCLUSIONS: The changes after performing a pyriform turbinoplasty seem to be an improvement when compared to the changes after inferior turbinate surgery that can misdirect the airflow largely through the inferior meatus.

Numerical simulation and nasal air-conditioning.

Heating and humidification of the respiratory air are the main functions of the nasal airways in addition to cleansing and olfaction. Optimal nasal air conditioning is mandatory for an ideal pulmonary gas exchange in order to avoid desiccation and adhesion of the alveolar capillary bed. The complex three-dimensional anatomical structure of the nose makes it impossible to perform detailed in vivo studies on intranasal heating and humidification within the entire nasal airways applying various technical set-ups. The main problem of in vivo temperature and humidity measurements is a poor spatial and time resolution. Therefore, in vivo measurements are feasible only to a restricted extent, solely providing single temperature values as the complete nose is not entirely accessible. Therefore, data on the overall performance of the nose are only based on one single measurement within each nasal segment. In vivo measurements within the entire nose are not feasible. These serious technical issues concerning in vivo measurements led to a large number of numerical simulation projects in the last few years providing novel information about the complex functions of the nasal airways. In general, numerical simulations merely calculate predictions in a computational model, e.g. a realistic nose model, depending on the setting of the boundary conditions. Therefore, numerical simulations achieve only approximations of a possible real situation. The aim of this review is the synopsis of the technical expertise on the field of in vivo nasal air conditioning, the novel information of numerical simulations and the current state of knowledge on the influence of nasal and sinus surgery on nasal air conditioning.

Dynamic infrared thermography of the nasal vestibules: a new method.

OBJECTIVE: The surface temperature distribution within the nasal vestibule and the nasal cavity strongly depends on the exact intranasal detection site and point of time during the respiratory cycle. Therefore, conventional temperature measurements e.g. with thermocouples only provide selective measurements. The use of infrared thermography cameras could present a new contactless method with a high spatiotemporal resolution. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of infrared thermography camera systems for measurements of the nasal surface temperature during respiration. METHODS: The surface temperature profiles within the nasal vestibules of healthy volunteers were recorded with infrared thermography cameras during several breathing cycles. Two different types of infrared thermography standard systems were used. RESULTS: The recordings allowed a display of temperature alterations within the nasal vestibules in a high spatiotemporal resolution synchronous to the breathing cycle. During inspiration, the vestibular surface cooled down presenting a non-homogenous distribution (range, 24.7 to 30.2 degrees C). During expiration, the vestibular surface was warmed again with a non-homogenous distribution (range, 33.1 to 36.2 degrees C). The results of both camera systems were comparable. CONCLUSION: Infrared thermography cameras allow the exact mapping of nasal surface temperature within the nasal vestibules with a high spatiotemporal resolution without surface contact.

Operating parameters for high nitrite accumulation during nitrification in a rotating biological nitrifying contactor.

Incomplete nitrification was studied in a completely and partially submerged rotating biological contactor (RBC). In a partially submerged RBC without additional aeration, 50 to 90% nitrite accumulation (alpha) was achieved at rotation speeds (omega) of 2 to 18 min(-1). In a completely submerged RBC operating during 80 days, a higher alpha of 96% was achieved at omega = 2 min(-1). Incomplete nitrification in a completely submerged RBC at oxygen concentrations of 1.5 to 6.8 mg O2/L indicated that the mass transfer of oxygen is rate-limiting. Modeling of the completely submerged RBC predicts that the oxygen profile will not penetrate the biofilm more than 30 microm, thereby strongly limiting the nitrite-oxidizer growth and causing high nitrite accumulation. Molecular analysis (i.e., fluorescence in situ hybridization) indicated that the nitrite-oxidizers are superficially located (<200 microm) and that the ammonia-oxidizers comprise up to approximately 800 microm of the biofilm.