[Piriform aperture as a cause of nasal obstruction. Part 2. A systematic review of the methods of surgical treatment]. / Grushevidnaya apertura kak prichina nazal'noi obstruktsii. Chast' 2. Sistematicheskii obzor sposobov khirurgicheskogo lecheniya.

The article presents a systematic review of publications on the methods of piriform aperture (PA) surgery in the treatment of nasal obstruction. Various surgical techniques are reviewed critically in terms of topographic anatomy and the effectiveness of the method. The contradictory opinions about the access to the piriform aperture and the methods of its correction are revealed. The topic of surgery of the PA as an area of the internal nasal valve in the treatment of nasal obstruction is equally interesting for ENT and plastic surgeons. The analysis of the literature showed the effectiveness and safety of operations to expand the PA. None of the authors in the studied works notes any changes in the appearance of the nose during observation in the postoperative period. The biggest challenge in understanding PA surgery, which has yet to be understood, is determining the indications for a particular method of surgery, which justifies the continuation of the search, taking into account the clinical features of the patient and the topographic level of the disorder. In the future, we need studies with objective measurements, control and long-term careful observation to better study the effect of the expansion of the piriform aperture on the relief of nasal obstruction.

[Substantiating reference values of active anterior rhinomanometry in children aged 4-14]. / Obosnovanie referensnykh znachenii perednei aktivnoi rinomanometrii u detei v vozraste 4­14 let.

RELEVANCE: Objective diagnostics of nasal breathing disorders in children is a vital issue given frequent inconsistency between patients' subjective feelings and actual nasal patency. Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) is an objective procedure and the golden standard for nasal breathing evaluation. But still, there are no actual data in literature on relevant criteria used to evaluate nasal breathing in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values for indicators evaluated by active anterior rhinomanometry in Caucasian children aged 4-14 based on statistical data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, we examined 659 healthy children of both sexes who were divided into 7 groups as per their height. All children included into our research underwent AAR according to the conventional procedure. AAR indicators (Summary Flow left, Summary Flow right, Summary Flow, Summary Resistance left, Summary Resistance right and Summary Resistance Flow) are given as median (Me) and values of 2.5, 25, 75, and 97.5 percentiles. RESULTS: We determined direct moderate, significant and strong correlations between summary speed of the flow and resistance in both nasal passages and separate speeds of the flow and right and left resistance in inhalation and exhalation (r=0.46-0.98, p<0.001). We also established weak correlations between AAR indicators and age (r= -0.08-0.11), and between ARR indicators and height (r= -0.07-0.15). Reference values for AAR indicators were successfully determined. CONCLUSIONS: AAR indicators are likely to be determined bearing a child's height in mind. Determined reference intervals can be applied in clinical practice.

[Study on static parameters of internal nasal valve in 3-dimensional model of nasal cavity space].

Objective: To identify the internal nasal valve (INV) and to evaluate its key parameters in the established 3D models of nasal cavity space via Mimics from CT images, in order to provide evidence for quantitative diagnosis of nasal valve compromise. Methods: A total of 32 Han adults without nasal diseases who underwent maxillofacial CT test in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively recruited, including 16 males and 16 females, with the age ranged from 20 to 80 years (50% age<50 years old). Maxillofacial CT images were used to create 3D model of nasal cavity space. The INV was identified and the following parameters were measured: the angle between the INV and the nasal bone (θINV-B), unilateral cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV-R, AINV-L), total cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV), unilateral height of the INV (HINV-R, HINV-L), unilateral nasal valve angle (αINV-R, αINV-L), and the sum of nasal valve angle (αINV). The AINV in our study was compared with the results of the previously adopted planes (PlaneC, perpendicular to the hard palate and PlaneB, plane perpendicular to the nasal bone). The parameters above were compared among genders, age and race groups. SPSS 26 and GraphPad Prism 9 software were used for statistical analysis and mapping of data. Results: The AINV in our study was (214.87±52.94) mm², which was significantly less than that of PlaneC (254.97±47.80) mm² and PlaneB (226.07±57.36) mm². The measured parameters were as follows: θINV-B was (82.07±7.06)°; AINV-R was (112.66±31.39) mm²; AINV-L was (102.21±27.14) mm²; AINV was (214.87±52.94) mm²; HINV-R was (24.87±4.62) mm; HINV-L was (24.35±4.86) mm; αINV-R was (20.48±2.99)°; αINV-L was (19.65±3.82)°; αINV was (40.13±6.24)°. The AINV-R was larger than AINV-L (t=2.33, P<0.05); The HINV, AINV-R, AINV-L and AINV of males were more than those of females (t value was 5.77, 3.21, 2.91 and 3.52, respectively, all P<0.01). The AINV of the young group (<50 years) was larger than that of the old group (t=2.83, P<0.01); The θINV-B was different between the Han people and the Caucasian (t=2.92,P<0.01). The αINV of the Han people was larger than that of Caucasians (Z=-6.92, P<0.01), but the HINV was smaller (Z=-3.89, P<0.01). Conclusion: The AINV carried out in 3D models of nasal cavity space is significantly smaller than that obtained by the previous methods of CT evaluation. INV static parameters differ among genders, age and race groups.

In vitro Evaluation of Paliperidone Palmitate Loaded Cubosomes Effective for Nasal-to-Brain Delivery.

Introduction: This work aimed to develop chitosan-coated cubosomal nanoparticles intended for nose-to-brain delivery of paliperidone palmitate. They were compared with standard and cationic cubosomal nanoparticles. This comparison relies on numerous classical in vitro tests and powder deposition within a 3D-printed nasal cast. Methods: Cubosomal nanoparticles were prepared by a Bottom-up method followed by a spray drying process. We evaluated their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, mucoaffinity properties and morphology. The RPMI 2650 cell line was used to assess the cytotoxicity and cellular permeation. An in vitro deposition test within a nasal cast completed these measurements. Results: The selected chitosan-coated cubosomal nanoparticles loaded with paliperidone palmitate had a size of 305.7 ± 22.54 nm, their polydispersity index was 0.166 ± 0.022 and their zeta potential was +42.4 ± 0.2 mV. This formulation had a drug loading of 70% and an encapsulation efficiency of 99.7 ± 0.1%. Its affinity with mucins was characterized by a ΔZP of 20.93 ± 0.31. Its apparent permeability coefficient thought the RPMI 2650 cell line was 3.00E-05 ± 0.24E-05 cm/s. After instillation in a 3D-printed nasal cast, the fraction of the injected powder deposited in the olfactory region reached 51.47 ± 9.30% in the right nostril and 41.20 ± 4.59% in the left nostril, respectively. Conclusion: The chitosan coated cubosomal formulation seems to be the most promising formulation for nose-to-brain delivery. Indeed, it has a high mucoaffinity and a significantly higher apparent permeability coefficient than the two other formulations. Finally, it reaches well the olfactory region.

GlyPerA™ effectively shields airway epithelia from SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammatory events.

New SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and waning immunity illustrate that quick and easy-to-use agents are needed to prevent infection. To protect from viral transmission and subsequent inflammatory reactions, we applied GlyperA™, a novel antimicrobial formulation that can be used as mouth gargling solution or as nasal spray, to highly differentiated human airway epithelia prior infection with Omicron VOCs BA.1 and BA.2. This formulation fully protected polarized human epithelium cultured in air-liquid interphase (ALI) from SARS-CoV-2-mediated tissue destruction and infection upon single application up to two days post infection. Moreover, inflammatory reactions induced by the Omicron VOCs were significantly lowered in tissue equivalents either pre-treated with the GlyperA™ solution, or even when added simultaneously. Thus, the GlyperA™ formulation significantly shielded epithelial integrity, successfully blocked infection with Omicron and release of viral particles, and decreased intracellular complement C3 activation within human airway epithelial cell cultures. Crucially, our in vitro data imply that GlyperA™ may be a simple tool to prevent from SARS-CoV-2 infection independent on the circulating variant via both, mouth and nose.

Trigeminal trophic syndrome, a rare and often overlooked cause of facial ulceration: a case report and literature review.

Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is an uncommon and relatively unknown cause of facial ulceration that occurs after damage to the trigeminal nerve. It characteristically involves non-healing facial ulceration(s) with accompanying anesthesia, paresthesia, and dysesthesia along the distribution of a trigeminal dermatome. The ulcerations are believed to be self-induced in response to paresthesia. The disease is most common in middle-aged women, manifesting as a unilateral crescent-shaped ulceration on the ala nasi, with sparing of the nasal tip. The diagnosis is clinical and mostly based on exclusion of other possible causes of facial ulcerations, with emphasis on neoplasms, infection-associated vasculitis, and factitial disorders. There are no specific histological or laboratory signs. There is no standard treatment protocol; however, a number of different successful strategies have been reported, including pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, and simple occlusion dressings. Due to the self-inflicted nature of this disorder, the cornerstone of management is patient education with behavioral modification. Here, we report a case of TTS following herpes zoster ophthalmicus and review the current literature on this subject.

Determination of orally administered 1,8-Cineol in nasal polyp tissues from chronic rhinosinusitis patients using gas chromatography: mass spectrometry.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common inflammatory disease causing considerable disease burden. The anti-inflammatory monoterpene 1,8-Cineol is a natural plant-based therapeutic agent that is well established to treat chronic and acute airway diseases. Aim of this study was to investigate whether the herbal drug 1,8-Cineol reaches the nasal tissue via the gut and the blood stream upon its oral administration. A highly sensitive gas chromatography mass spectrometry-based method with stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) for sample preparation has been developed and validated for the extraction, detection and quantification of 1,8-Cineol in tissue samples of nasal polyps from 30 CRSwNP patients. Data revealed a highly sensitive detection of 1,8-Cineol in nasal tissue samples after 14 days of oral administration of 1,8-Cineol prior to surgical treatment. There was no significant correlation between the measured 1,8-Cineol concentrations and bodyweight or BMI values of the analyzed patients, respectively. Our data indicate a systemic distribution of 1,8-Cineol in the human body after its oral administration. Individual differences in terms of metabolic characteristics and have to be further investigated. The study increases our understanding of the systemic effects of 1,8-Cineol upon its therapeutic application and benefit in patients with CRSwNP.

Head-to-head comparison of nasal and nasopharyngeal sampling using SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing in Lesotho.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the real-world diagnostic performance of nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs for SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT). METHODS: Individuals ≥5 years with COVID-19 compatible symptoms or history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 presenting at hospitals in Lesotho received two nasopharyngeal and one nasal swab. Ag-RDT from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs were performed as point-of-care on site, the second nasopharyngeal swab used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard. RESULTS: Out of 2198 participants enrolled, 2131 had a valid PCR result (61% female, median age 41 years, 8% children), 84.5% were symptomatic. Overall PCR positivity rate was 5.8%. The sensitivity for nasopharyngeal, nasal, and combined nasal and nasopharyngeal Ag-RDT result was 70.2% (95%CI: 61.3-78.0), 67.3% (57.3-76.3) and 74.4% (65.5-82.0), respectively. The respective specificity was 97.9% (97.1-98.4), 97.9% (97.2-98.5) and 97.5% (96.7-98.2). For both sampling modalities, sensitivity was higher in participants with symptom duration ≤ 3days versus ≤ 7days. Agreement between nasal and nasopharyngeal Ag-RDT was 99.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The STANDARD Q Ag-RDT showed high specificity. Sensitivity was, however, below the WHO recommended minimum requirement of ≥ 80%. The high agreement between nasal and nasopharyngeal sampling suggests that for Ag-RDT nasal sampling is a good alternative to nasopharyngeal sampling.

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber.

Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) are clinical facilities that allow the exposure of participants to allergenic and non-allergenic airborne particles. They provide stable particle concentrations under controlled environmental conditions. This is of great importance both for diagnostic purposes and for the monitoring of treatment effects. Here, a protocol and the technical prerequisites for performing a safe and effective allergen challenge in subjects sensitized to airborne allergens (i.e., house dust mite [HDM]) in the ALL-MED AEC are presented. With this method, triggering allergic symptoms corresponds to natural exposure. This can be used for an allergy diagnosis or as a plausible endpoint in clinical trials, particularly for allergen immunotherapy (AIT). A controlled environment (temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide [CO2]) in the chamber must be maintained. Allergen particles must be dispersed evenly within the AEC at stable levels throughout the challenge. For this presentation, allergic rhinitis (AR) patients sensitive to HDM allergens were enrolled. AR symptoms were assessed by the following parameters: total nasal symptom score (TNSS), acoustic rhinometry (ARM), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and nasal secretion weight. The safety of the procedure was assessed by the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). The allergic subjects developed symptoms within 120 min of the trial. On average, the most intense symptoms appeared after 60-90 min and, after reaching a plateau, remained stable until the end of the trial.

Assessment of microbiota in the gut and upper respiratory tract associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: The human microbiome plays an important role in modulating the host metabolism and immune system. Connections and interactions have been found between the microbiome of the gut and oral pharynx in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections; hence, to broaden our understanding of host-viral responses in general and to deepen our knowledge of COVID-19, we performed a large-scale, systematic evaluation of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human microbiota in patients with varying disease severity. RESULTS: We processed 521 samples from 203 COVID-19 patients with varying disease severity and 94 samples from 31 healthy donors, consisting of 213 pharyngeal swabs, 250 sputa, and 152 fecal samples, and obtained meta-transcriptomes as well as SARS-CoV-2 sequences from each sample. Detailed assessment of these samples revealed altered microbial composition and function in the upper respiratory tract (URT) and gut of COVID-19 patients, and these changes are significantly associated with disease severity. Moreover, URT and gut microbiota show different patterns of alteration, where gut microbiome seems to be more variable and in direct correlation with viral load; and microbial community in the upper respiratory tract renders a high risk of antibiotic resistance. Longitudinally, the microbial composition remains relatively stable during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has revealed different trends and the relative sensitivity of microbiome in different body sites to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, while the use of antibiotics is often essential for the prevention and treatment of secondary infections, our results indicate a need to evaluate potential antibiotic resistance in the management of COVID-19 patients in the ongoing pandemic. Moreover, a longitudinal follow-up to monitor the restoration of the microbiome could enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19. Video Abstract.

[Treatment of mild hemifacial microsomia in children by autologous nano-fat mixed granule fat transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of autologous nano-fat mixed granule fat transplantation in the treatment of facial soft tissue dysplasia in children with mild hemifacial microsomia (HFM). Methods: A total of 24 children with Pruzansky-Kaban type Ⅰ HFM were admitted between July 2016 and December 2020. Among them, 12 children were treated with autologous nano-fat mixed granule fat (1∶1) transplantation as study group and 12 with autologous granule fat transplantation as control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, and affected side between groups ( P>0.05). The child's face was divided into region Ⅰ(mental point-mandibular angle-oral angle), region Ⅱ (mandibular angle-earlobe-lateral border of the nasal alar-oral angle), region Ⅲ (earlobe-lateral border of the nasal alar-inner canthus-foot of ear wheel). Based on the preoperative maxillofacial CT scan+three-dimensional reconstruction data, the differences of soft tissue volume between the healthy and affected sides in the 3 regions were calculated by Mimics software to determine the amount of autologous fat extraction or grafting. The distances between mandibular angle and oral angle (mandibular angle-oral angle), between mandibular angle and outer canthus (mandibular angle-outer canthus), and between earlobe and lateral border of the nasal alar (earlobe-lateral border of the nasal alar), and the soft tissue volumes in regions Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ of healthy and affected sides were measured at 1 day before operation and 1 year after operation. The differences between healthy and affected sides of the above indicators were calculated as the evaluation indexes for statistical analysis. At 1 year after operation, the parents, the surgeons, and the nurses in the operation group made a self-assessment of satisfaction according to the frontal photos of the children before and after operation. Results: The study group and the control group were injected with (28.61±8.59) and (29.33±8.08) mL of fat respectively, with no significant difference ( t=0.204, P=0.840). After injection, 1 child in the control group had a little subcutaneous induration, and no related complications occurred in the others. All children in both groups were followed up 1 year to 1 year and 6 months, with an average of 1 year and 4 months in the study group and 1 year and 3 months in the control group. At 1 year after operation, the asymmetry of the healthy and affected sides improved in both groups; the satisfactions of parents, surgeons, and nurses in the study group were all 100% (12/12), while those of the control group were 100% (12/12), 83% (10/12), and 92% (11/12), respectively. The differences between healthy and affected sides in mandibular angle-oral angle, mandibular angle-outer canthus, earlobe-lateral border of the nasal alar, and the soft tissue volume in 3 regions of the two groups after operation were significantly smaller than those before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). After operation, all indexes were significantly lower in study group than in control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Autologous nano-fat mixed granule fat transplantation and autologous granule fat transplantation can both improve the facial soft tissue dysplasia in children with mild HFM, and the former is better than the latter.

Influence of glycan structure on the colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae on human respiratory epithelial cells.

Virtually all living cells are encased in glycans. They perform key cellular functions such as immunomodulation and cell-cell recognition. Yet, how their composition and configuration affect their functions remains enigmatic. Here, we constructed isogenic capsule-switch mutants harboring 84 types of capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) in Streptococcus pneumoniae. This collection enables us to systematically measure the affinity of structurally related CPSs to primary human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells. Contrary to the paradigm, the surface charge does not appreciably affect epithelial cell binding. Factors that affect adhesion to respiratory cells include the number of rhamnose residues and the presence of human-like glycomotifs in CPS. Besides, pneumococcal colonization stimulated the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and monocyte chemoattractantprotein-1 (MCP-1) in nasal epithelial cells, which also appears to be dependent on the serotype. Together, our results reveal glycomotifs of surface polysaccharides that are likely to be important for colonization and survival in the human airway.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a Mexican patient with COVID-19: Case report.

BACKGROUND: A variety of bacterial and fungal co-infections may be attributed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly in people who already have a medical condition such diabetes mellitus or those who received large dosages of steroids. CASE REPORT: We described a 52-year-old diabetic man who was receiving high doses of dexamethasone and antibiotics while receiving ambulatory care for COVID-19 pneumonia. His anterior rhinoscopy revealed a necrotic scab, and a sample confirmed Mucor spp. He underwent surgery and was given amphotericin as a result of the severity of the condition, palpebral ptosis, and right ocular palsy he was experiencing. The patien ́s progression was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: pre-existing diabetes mellitus, previous steroid and antimicrobial use, as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection are some of the risk factors associated with Mucor spp. infection. Prompt detection of mucormycosis is important in the management of these affected patients.

ANTECEDENTES: A la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) se le han atribuido diversas coinfecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, especialmente en sujetos con enfermedades preexistentes (diabetes mellitus) o en quienes han recibido altas dosis de corticosteroides. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 52 años, con antecedente de diabetes mellitus, quien recibió altas dosis de dexametasona y antibióticos mientras recibía atención ambulatoria por neumonía secundaria a COVID-19. La rinoscopia anterior reveló una costra necrótica, y una muestra de exudado confirmó la coexistencia de Mucor spp. Debido a la complicación del cuadro clínico, ptosis palpebral y parálisis ocular derecha, se le administró anfotericina B y fue intervenido quirúrgicamente. La evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria. CONCLUSIONES: La diabetes mellitus preexistente, el consumo de corticosteroides y antimicrobianos, además de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 son factores de riesgo asociados con la infección por Mucor spp. Es importante la detección oportuna de mucormicosis en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

Use of collagen-glycosaminoglycan silicone bilayer matrix for closure of post-Mohs micrographic surgery defects on the nose: a 5-case series.

INTRODUCTION: The use of dermal matrices has shown to be reliable and less invasive than skin grafts or skin flaps for wound management. This case series reports the clinical outcomes of 5 patients with defects on the nose post-MMS managed using collagen-glycosaminoglycan silicone bilayer matrix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient 1 had a BCC of the left nasal lateral sidewall, patient 2 had a BCC of the right nasal ala, patient 3 had a BCC of the nasal dorsum, patient 4 had a BCC of the left medial canthus, and patient 5 had a BCC of the left alar lobule of the nose. Layers of dermal matrix were stacked to augment soft tissue coverage in patient 5. RESULTS: All patients had spontaneous epithelialization of the nose defects following dermal matrix placement. Time to healing ranged from 4 to 11 weeks after dermal matrix placement for defects ranging from 1.44 cm2 to 6.16 cm2. The covering was stable and resulted in satisfactory cosmesis at time of complete epithelialization. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of post-MMS nasal defects using bilayer matrix represents a viable option and an advantage over alternative forms of surgical repair when considering cosmesis and patient satisfaction.

Application of a novel M-NED in ENBD patients: A case series report.

RATIONALE: The traditional methods for exchanging the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube from the mouth to the nose, such as the guidewire method, sponge holding forceps method, and finger method, have significant drawbacks including pharyngeal stimulation symptoms, high incidence of epistaxis, low success rate, and potential bite injuries to the operator. PATIENT CONCERNS: A case series of 9 patients who underwent ENBD at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 was collected. DIAGNOSES: The study included 9 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis, with 3 males and 6 females, with an average age of (55 ± 9.798) years (range 43-71). INTERVENTIONS: The M-NED was used to exchange the ENBD tube, and the success rate, operation time, and complications were recorded. OUTCOMES: All patients successfully completed the operation in one go with an average mouth-nose exchange time of (44.67 ± 13.388) seconds (range 28-65). Two patients had mild adverse events, one of which was controllable bleeding caused by nasal mucosal injury with an estimated blood loss of 1 mL. The other patient had nausea during the operation, which improved after completion. LESSONS: The novel M-NED is an effective and safe method for exchanging the ENBD tube from the mouth to the nose with a high success rate and low incidence of complications. It is a device with potential clinical application value.

DUX4 double whammy: The transcription factor that causes a rare muscular dystrophy also kills the precursors of the human nose.

SMCHD1 mutations cause congenital arhinia (absent nose) and a muscular dystrophy called FSHD2. In FSHD2, loss of SMCHD1 repressive activity causes expression of double homeobox 4 (DUX4) in muscle tissue, where it is toxic. Studies of arhinia patients suggest a primary defect in nasal placode cells (human nose progenitors). Here, we show that upon SMCHD1 ablation, DUX4 becomes derepressed in H9 human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as they differentiate toward a placode cell fate, triggering cell death. Arhinia and FSHD2 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) express DUX4 when converted to placode cells and demonstrate variable degrees of cell death, suggesting an environmental disease modifier. HSV-1 may be one such modifier as herpesvirus infection amplifies DUX4 expression in SMCHD1 KO hESC and patient iPSC. These studies suggest that arhinia, like FSHD2, is due to compromised SMCHD1 repressive activity in a cell-specific context and provide evidence for an environmental modifier.

An audit of cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

Background: Cancellation of elective surgery is one of the quality indicators of theatre operation worldwide. The cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients is a worldwide problem with the rates ranging from 0.21% to 44%. This study aimed to determine the rates and describe the reasons for cancellation of elective surgeries in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using theatre records from 1st January to 31st December 2019. The numbers and reasons for elective paediatric surgeries were reviewed. Data were collected using the structured collection sheet and entered into Microsoft Excel. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was also used to further analyse the data. Results were expressed as percentages in a graph and table forms. Results: In the year 2019, a total of 3399 elective paediatric procedures were scheduled in 14 specialities at CHBAH. Of these, 634 (19%) were cancelled due to various reasons. The highest number of cases cancelled were from paediatric surgery and neonates (n = 204, 31%), followed by ear nose and throat (n = 99, 24%), burns (n = 80, 20%) and paediatric orthopaedics (n = 79, 16%). The most common reason for cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients at CHBAH was found to be time constraint (34%). The reasons for cancellation in our study were mostly due to avoidable factors at 68% and non-avoidable at 32%. Conclusion: The rate of cancellation in our study was high. Majority of the causes for cancellation were avoidable.

Outcome of nasal measurements in patients with OSA - Mounting evidence of a nasal endotype.

BACKGROUND: Increased nasal resistance as measured by 4-phase rhinomanometry is associated with a paucity of apneas relative to hypopneas in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. The ratio of hypopneas to apneas for a given apnea hypopnea index (AHI) may influence treatment choice. This study aimed to investigate if OSA patients with an elevated hypopnea apnea ratio are associated with differences in acoustic rhinometry measurements. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-nine (n = 139) OSA patients (AHI >5) were enrolled in this prospective case-control study (all male). OSA Diagnosis was established through a type three sleep study. Both acoustic rhinometry and 4-phase rhinomanometry were performed on all patients at baseline and after decongestion. Possible associations between apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, nadir oxygen saturation, apnea index, hypopnea index, hypopnea to apnea ratio and body mass index and were analysed using multiple logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: The acoustic rhinometry measurements minimal cross-sectional area, total volume and minimal cross-sectional areas are significantly smaller in patients with increased nasal resistance as measured by 4-phase rhinomanometry (P < 0.01). No consistent statistically significant associations were found between the acoustic rhinometry variables, and the respiratory variables analysed in the sleep studies. OSA patients with an elevated hypopnea apnea ratio are more than 4 times more likely to present with increased nasal resistance measured by 4-phase rhinomanometry (OR = 4.4, 95% CI [1.5-13.2], P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Acoustic rhinometry is significantly associated with 4-phase rhinomanometry. However, acoustic rhinometry measurements are not associated with the respiratory indices routinely measured in OSA in a clinical setting. 4-phase rhinomanometry is a more suitable method for detecting clinically relevant nasal obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea patients.