Breathing mode assessment with thermography: a pilot study. / Avaliação do modo respiratório por meio da termografia: um estudo piloto.

PURPOSE: To present a method for analyzing breathing modes with infrared thermography. METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study used 38 thermal images of inspiration and expiration with nasal breathing and simulated mouth breathing in four nasal breathers without respiratory complaints. Three different data selection forms (line, rectangle, and ellipse) were used to extract the minimum, mean, and maximum temperatures of the regions of interest (nose and mouth) using the FLIR Tools® software. RESULTS: Among the three selection forms, there was greater temperature variability obtained with the line, revealing limitations in this measurement. There were no differences between the rectangle and ellipse values, showing that both selection forms present similar temperature extraction results. The comparison results between nose and mouth temperatures during inspiration and expiration indicated a statistically significant difference between all measurements, except for mean inspiration temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. The breathing mode can be distinguished in both inspiration and expiration when using mean mouth temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. CONCLUSION: Breathing modes should be assessed based on mean mouth temperatures during inspiration, using the ellipse.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um método de análise do modo respiratório por meio da termografia infravermelha. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal exploratório de 38 imagens térmicas que representavam o momento da inspiração e da expiração durante a respiração nasal e durante a simulação da respiração oral de quatro voluntárias respiradoras nasais sem queixas respiratórias. Para a extração da temperatura das regiões de interesse (nariz e boca) foram utilizadas três formas de seleção distintas de dados (linha, retângulo e elipse) e três medidas de temperatura (mínima, média e máxima) por meio do software FLIR Tools®. RESULTADOS: Dentre as três formas de seleção houve maior variabilidade nas medidas obtidas pela linha, revelando limitações nessa medida. Não houve diferenças entre as medidas do retângulo e elipse, mostrando que ambas as formas de seleção apresentam resultados semelhantes para a extração das temperaturas. Na comparação entre as temperaturas do nariz e da boca na inspiração e expiração, os resultados indicaram que houve diferença com relevância estatística em todas as medidas realizadas, exceto para as medidas de temperatura média da inspiração, usando o retângulo e a elipse. Percebe-se diferenciação do modo respiratório tanto na inspiração quanto na expiração quando utilizada a temperatura média da boca com o retângulo e a elipse. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se para avaliação do modo respiratório a avaliação da boca, por meio da elipse, com análise da temperatura média durante a inspiração.

Gut-associated microbes are present and active in the pig nasal cavity.

The nasal microbiota is a key contributor to animal health, and characterizing the nasal microbiota composition is an important step towards elucidating the role of its different members. Efforts to characterize the nasal microbiota composition of domestic pigs and other farm animals frequently report the presence of bacteria that are typically found in the gut, including many anaerobes from the Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders. However, the in vivo role of these gut-microbiota associated taxa is currently unclear. Here, we tackled this issue by examining the prevalence, origin, and activity of these taxa in the nasal microbiota of piglets. First, analysis of the nasal microbiota of farm piglets sampled in this study, as well as various publicly available data sets, revealed that gut-microbiota associated taxa indeed constitute a substantial fraction of the pig nasal microbiota that is highly variable across individual animals. Second, comparison of herd-matched nasal and rectal samples at amplicon sequencing variant (ASV) level showed that these taxa are largely shared in the nasal and rectal microbiota, suggesting a common origin driven presumably by the transfer of fecal matter. Third, surgical sampling of the inner nasal tract showed that gut-microbiota associated taxa are found throughout the nasal cavity, indicating that these taxa do not stem from contaminations introduced during sampling with conventional nasal swabs. Finally, analysis of cDNA from the 16S rRNA gene in these nasal samples indicated that gut-microbiota associated taxa are indeed active in the pig nasal cavity. This study shows that gut-microbiota associated taxa are not only present, but also active, in the nasal cavity of domestic pigs, and paves the way for future efforts to elucidate the function of these taxa within the nasal microbiota.

Phenotypic analysis of ataxia in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 mice using DeepLabCut.

This study emphasizes the benefits of open-source software such as DeepLabCut (DLC) and R to automate, customize and enhance data analysis of motor behavior. We recorded 2 different spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 mouse models while performing the classic beamwalk test, tracked multiple body parts using the markerless pose-estimation software DLC and analyzed the tracked data using self-written scripts in the programming language R. The beamwalk analysis script (BAS) counts and classifies minor and major hindpaw slips with an 83% accuracy compared to manual scoring. Nose, belly and tail positions relative to the beam, as well as the angle at the tail base relative to the nose and tail tip were determined to characterize motor deficits in greater detail. Our results found distinct ataxic abnormalities such as an increase in major left hindpaw slips and a lower belly and tail position in both SCA6 ataxic mouse models compared to control mice at 18 months of age. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis of various body parts relative to the beam revealed an overall lower body position in the SCA684Q compared to the CT-longQ27PC mouse line at 18 months of age, indicating a more severe ataxic deficit in the SCA684Q group.

Endoscopic precaruncular medial transorbital and endonasal multiport approaches to the contralateral skull base: a clinicoanatomical study.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal multiport approaches create additional visualization angles to treat skull base pathologies. The sublabial contralateral transmaxillary (CTM) approach and superior eyelid lateral transorbital approach, frequently used nowadays, have been referred to as the "third port" when used alongside the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). The endoscopic precaruncular contralateral medial transorbital (cMTO) corridor, on the other hand, is an underrecognized but unique port that has been used to repair CSF rhinorrhea originating from the lateral sphenoid sinus recess. However, no anatomical feasibility studies or clinical experience exists to assess its benefits and demonstrate its potential role in multiport endoscopic access to the other contralateral skull base areas. In this study, the authors explored the application and potential utility of multiport EEA combined with the endoscopic cMTO approach (EEA/cMTO) to three target areas of the contralateral skull base: lateral recess of sphenoid sinus (LRSS), petrous apex (PA) and petroclival region, and retrocarotid clinoidocavernous space (CCS). METHODS: Ten cadaveric specimens (20 sides) were dissected bilaterally under stereotactic navigation guidance to access contralateral LRSS via EEA/cMTO. The PA and petroclival region and retrocarotid CCS were exposed via EEA alone, EEA/cMTO, and EEA combined with the sublabial CTM approach (EEA/CTM). Qualitative and quantitative assessments, including working distance and visualization angle to the PA, were recorded. Clinical application of EEA/cMTO is demonstrated in a lateral sphenoid sinus CSF leak repair. RESULTS: During the qualitative assessment, multiport EEA/cMTO provides superior visualization from a high vantage point and better instrument maneuverability than multiport EEA/CTM for the PA and retrocarotid CCS, while maintaining a similar lateral trajectory. The cMTO approach has significantly shorter working distances to all three target areas compared with the CTM approach and EEA. The mean distances to the LRSS, PA, and retrocarotid CCS were 50.69 ± 4.28 mm (p < 0.05), 67.11 ± 5.05 mm (p < 0.001), and 50.32 ± 3.6 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean visualization angles to the PA obtained by multiport EEA/cMTO and EEA/CTM were 28.4° ± 3.27° and 24.42° ± 5.02° (p < 0.005), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multiport EEA/cMTO to the contralateral LRSS offers the advantage of preserving the pterygopalatine fossa contents and the vidian nerve, which are frequently sacrificed during a transpterygoid approach. This approach also offers superior visualization and better instrument maneuverability compared with EEA/CTM for targeting the petroclival region and retrocarotid CCS.

Metagenomic insights into fungal community composition of the nasopharyngeal region of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis patients from India.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mucormycosis (CAM) was reported predominantly from India during the second wave of COVID-19  and has a high mortality rate. The present study aims to understand the fungal community composition of the nasopharyngeal region of CAM-infected individuals and compare it with severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. The fungal community composition was decoded by analyzing the sequence homology of the internal transcribed spacer-2-(ITS-2) region of metagenomic DNA extracted from the upper respiratory samples. The alpha-diversity indices were found to be significantly altered in CAM patients (p < 0.05). Interestingly, a higher abundance of Candida africana, Candida haemuloni, Starmerella floris, and Starmerella lactiscondensi was observed exclusively in CAM patients. The interindividual changes in mycobiome composition were well supported by beta-diversity analysis (p < 0.05). The current study provides insights into the dysbiosis of the nasal mycobiome during CAM infection. In conclusion, our study shows that severe COVID-19 and CAM are associated with alteration in mycobiome as compared to healthy controls. However, the sequential alteration in the fungal flora which ultimately leads to the development of CAM needs to be addressed by future studies.

Pollybeak deformity in rhinoplasty: prevention and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with pollybeak deformity who underwent rhinoplasty were analyzed retrospectively and across centers to identify their primary risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective data of 100 pollybeak deformity cases (61 males and 39 females) were enrolled in our study. The causes leading to pollybeak deformity were evaluated and classified as (1) Over-resected bony dorsum, (2) Excessive supra tip scarring, and (3) Inefficient tip support causing an under-projected tip. The treatments applied to patients with pollybeak deformity were retrospectively evaluated and classified as (1) Triamcinolone acetonide injections (one or two injections), (2) Filler injection over the bony dorsum to balance, (3) Using a graft to achieve the desired nose shape, (4) Trimming down the excessive supra tip soft tissue and/or tip cartilage, and (5) Enforcing the tip support. RESULTS: Our results showed that the major cause of pollybeak deformity was excessive supra-tip scarring (48%). The other reasons are inefficient tip support, causing an under-projected tip (28%), and over-resected bony dorsum (24%). The modalities for the treatment of pollybeak deformity were (1) Trimming down the excessive supra tip soft tissue and/or tip cartilage (30%), (2) Triamcinolone acetonide injections (one or two injections) (28%), or (3) Enforcing the tip support (28%), (4) Using a graft to achieve the desired nose shape (14%) and (5) Filler injection over the bony dorsum to balance (6%). In some patients, more than one treatment modality was applied. Triamcinolone acetonide or filler injections were the non-surgical therapies for pollybeak deformities. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that excessive supra-tip scarring is not directly related to a surgical error but rather depends on the patient and tissue healing. Care should be taken to avoid over-resecting the bony dorsum. Tip support should be provided to prevent inefficient tip support from causing an under-projected tip. However, efforts should be made to minimize supra-tip dead space and possibly proceeding pollybeak formation through proper bandaging.

The Two-Stage Folded Paramedian Forehead Flap Without Cartilage Grafts for Full Thickness Distal Nasal Defects: A Review of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness defects of the ala, soft triangle, and nasal tip involving the nasal lining have traditionally been repaired with the three-stage folded paramedian forehead flap (FPFF), with a cartilage graft for support. For similar defects, the authors utilize the two-stage FPFF without cartilaginous support which provides reproducible functional and aesthetic results.  Objective: To describe the authors’ experience with the two-stage FPFF, including outcomes, complications, and design modifications to enhance functional and aesthetic success.  Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective database review of FPFF was performed at two sites. Using postoperative photographs, outcomes were assessed by blinded non-investigator dermatologist raters using a modified observer scar assessment scale. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were reconstructed using the two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts. Subjective assessment of scar vascularity, pigment, relief, and thickness by 3 independent reviewers yielded an overall cosmesis score of 8.4±1.9 (out of 40). CONCLUSION: The two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts is a reliable, cosmetically elegant repair that can provide optimal functional and aesthetic results for complex unilateral distal nose defects.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.7358.

The air conditioning in the nose of mammals depends on their mass and on their maximal running speed.

The nose of the mammals is responsible for filtering, humidifying, and heating the air before entering the lower respiratory tract. This conditioning avoids, notably, dehydration of the bronchial and alveolar mucosa. However, since this conditioning is not perfect, exercising in cold air can induce lung inflammation, both for human and non-human mammals. This work aims to compare the air conditioning in the noses of various mammals during inspiration. We build our study on computational fluid dynamics simulations of the heat exchanges in the lumen of the upper respiratory tract of these mammals. These simulations show that the efficiency of the air conditioning in the nose during inspiration does not relate only to the mass m of the mammal but also to its maximal running speed v. More precisely, the results allow establishing a scaling law relating the efficiency of air conditioning in the nose of mammals to the ratio v / log 10 ( m ) . The simulations also correlate the resistance to the flow in the nose to the efficiency of this air conditioning. The obtained scaling law allows predicting the air temperature at the top of the trachea during inspiration for nasal-breathing mammals, and thus notably for humans of various ages.

Induction of nitric oxide via humming does not improve short-term cognitive performance or influence emotional processing.

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in a variety of biological functions including blood vessel dilation and neurotransmitter release. In animals, NO has been demonstrated to affect multiple behavioral outcomes, such as memory performance and arousal, whereas this link is less explored in humans. NO is created in the paranasal sinuses and studies show that humming releases paranasal NO to the nasal tract and that NO can then cross the blood brain barrier. Akin to animal models, we hypothesized that this NO may traverse into the brain and positively affect information processing. In contrast to our hypothesis, an articulatory suppression memory paradigm and a speeded detection task found deleterious effects of humming while performing the task. Likewise, we found no effect of humming on emotional processing of photos. In a fourth experiment, participants hummed before each trial in a speeded detection task, but we again found no effect on response time. In conclusion, either nasal NO does not travel to the brain, or NO in the brain does not have the expected impact on cognitive performance and emotional processing in humans. It remains possible that NO influences other cognitive processes not tested for here.

Decision Making in Nasal Reconstruction: When to Use the Forehead Flap?

In this review, the paramedian forehead flap indications and uses are reviewed, specifically examining clinical situations where patient selection is important. In these settings, a preoperative discussion with a patient regarding surgical expectations and goals in the setting of their defect is paramount. The authors review the literature regarding the psychosocial aspects of major nasal reconstruction and review preoperative discussion points that are key to a well-informed patient and improved patient satisfaction through the nasal reconstructive process.

Nasal Reconstruction of Large Defects Without a Forehead Flap.

Defects over 2.0 to 2.5 cm may often require repair with a multistaged forehead flap. However, in some such defects, other options may be available. In this article, the author will review some of these options.

Implications of Malignancy, Radiation, and Timing of Major Nasal Reconstruction.

Owing to the complex, multilayered anatomy of the nose in the central face, major nasal reconstruction can pose a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. It is the responsibility of reconstructive surgeons to have an understanding of the most common cutaneous malignancies and excisional techniques that may lead to complex nasal defects. The purpose of this article is to discuss these malignancies, excisional techniques, and impacts of radiation on tissue that has implications for reconstructive surgeons.

Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Prelaminated Forehead Flap.

A successful nasal reconstruction relies heavily on a stable internal lining. Larger defects pose unique challenges for internal lining reconstruction as obtaining tissue of adequate size while maintaining airway patency is difficult. The prelamination technique uses a staged skin graft to the paramedian forehead flap prior to transfer. As such, a composite flap can be later transferred to reconstruct internal and external nasal defects concomitantly. This article reviews the current background, techniques, and clinical considerations in the use of the prelaminated forehead flap for nasal lining reconstruction in partial to total nasal defects.

Total Nasal Reconstruction: Advances in Free Tissue Transfer for Internal Lining and Structural Support.

Total nasal reconstruction is a complex challenge due to the need to establish new internal lining, internal structural support, and external skin covering that is both functional and esthetic. The medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal free flap represents an innovative option for restoration internal structure and internal nasal lining. When used in conjunction with a paramedian forehead flap, acceptable results in both function and esthetics can be achieved.

Approach to Major Nasal Reconstruction: Benefits of Staged Surgery and Use of Technology.

This article reviews special considerations in complex nasal defects including treatment of adjacent subunit defects, timing of repair with radiation, reconstruction in patients with prior repairs or recurrent disease, and the role of prosthetics. The role of technological advances including virtual surgical planning, 3 dimensional printing, biocompatible materials, and tissue engineering is discussed.

Structural Support for Large to Total Nasal Reconstruction.

When large defects of the nose are present, it is imperative to address all 3 layers: the external skin envelope, the osteocartilaginous support, and the inner mucosal lining. The middle structural framework is the primary factor in determining the overall shape of the nose, in addition to facilitating a functional and patent airway. As such, its reconstruction must be robust enough to provide lasting osteocartilaginous support while minimizing disfiguring bulk. The goal is replacement of missing tissue with grafts of similar strength, size, and shape. This article will review approaches to the reconstruction of structural support in large nasal defects.

Nuances in Forehead Flap Reconstruction for Large Nasal Defects.

The forehead flap is a time-tested and robust resurfacing flap used for nasal reconstruction. Owing to its excellent color and texture match, acceptable donor site morbidity, and robust and independent blood supply that can support both structural and internal lining grafts, this flap remains the workhorse flap for resurfacing large nasal defects. Various nuances of this technique relating to defect and template preparation, flap design, flap elevation, flap inset, donor site closure, and pedicle division are discussed in this article. These nuances are the guiding principles for improved outcomes using a forehead flap for the reconstruction of large nasal defects.

Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Loco-regional Flaps.

The reliability of local intranasal flaps speaks to the robust vascularity of the nose, which these flaps are based on. The goals for lining replacement, as in any other area of head and neck reconstruction, is to use tissue that best matches the qualities of what is being replaced. The goal of this review is to describe the extent to which local tissues can be used and when to consider regional flaps when the extent of a local flap will not provide enough coverage.

Reconstruction of Large Composite Defects Extending Beyond the Nose.

Nasal reconstruction remains one of the most challenging surgeries for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The addition of defects extending beyond the nose adds a layer of complexity to an already technically demanding surgery. This article will focus on the management of composite defects extending beyond the boundaries of the nose. Surgeons need to have a variety of techniques at their disposal. These complex defects often require multiple local flaps, multiple stages, and, in select cases, free tissue transfer.