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Abstract Background Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism in human upper and lower respiratory airways. Impairment of this process by certain conditions such as cigarette smoking can predispose to chronic infection and neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Eligible adults were enrolled, a saccharine test was conducted, and the nasal mucociliary clearance time was assessed. Analysis of the result was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23.0. Results There were 225 participants categorized into 75 active smokers (33.3%), 74 passive smokers (32.9%), and 76 nonsmokers (33.8%, living in a smoking‐free zone). The age range of the participants was between 18 and 50 years, with a mean age of (31.2 ± 5.6) years. All participants were males. There were 139 (61.8%) of Hausa‐Fulani ethnic group, 24 (10.7%) Yoruba, 18 (8.0%) Igbo, and 44 (19.5%) other ethnic groups. Findings in this study showed that the average mucociliary clearance time among active smokers was prolonged ([15.25 ± 6.20] min) compared to passive ([11.41 ± 4.25] min) and nonsmokers ([9.17 ± 2.76] min) respectively, with a statistical significance (F = 33.59, P

Background: Mucociliary clearance (MCC) impairment can be due to mucus abnormalities or to a ciliary dysfunction, which can be innate, or secondary to infection and/or inflammation. In cystic fibrosis (CF), it is well documented that MCC is impaired due to mucus abnormalities, but little is known concerning ciliary beating. This study aimed to confirm that ciliary dyskinesia is present in CF, and if this might be innate or secondary to the chronic infection and/or inflammation., Methods: Ciliated epithelial samples were obtained by nasal brushing from 51 CF patients, and from 30 healthy subjects. Ciliary beating was evaluated using digital high-speed videomicroscopy at 37 °C, allowing to evaluate ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and the percentage of abnormal beat pattern (CBP); this was repeated after air-liquid interface (ALI) cell culture., Results: Ciliary dyskinesia was higher in CF patients than in healthy subjects, with a lower CBF and a higher percentage of abnormal CBP. Ciliary dyskinesia, already present in childhood, normalized after ALI cell culture. A chronic airway colonization did not worsen ciliary dyskinesia., Conclusions: We showed that, in CF, a ciliary dyskinesia, present from childhood, might contribute to the impaired MCC. Our results also found that the abnormal ciliary beating was not associated with a chronic infection, and resolved after ALI cell culture, suggesting that ciliary dyskinesia in CF is not innate, and might be secondary to chronic inflammation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Anne-Lise Poirrier reports a relationship with GSK that includes: consulting or advisory and speaking and lecture fees. Anne-Lise Poirrier reports a relationship with Sanofi that includes: consulting or advisory and speaking and lecture fees. Renaud Louis reports a relationship with GSK that includes: consulting or advisory, funding grants, and speaking and lecture fees. Renaud Louis reports a relationship with AstraZeneca that includes: consulting or advisory, funding grants, and speaking and lecture fees. Renaud Louis reports a relationship with Chiesi that includes: funding grants and speaking and lecture fees. Florence Schleich reports a relationship with GSK that includes: consulting or advisory, funding grants. Florence Schleich reports a relationship with AstraZeneca that includes: consulting or advisory, funding grants. Florence Schleich reports a relationship with ALK that includes: consulting or advisory. Florence Schleich reports a relationship with Novartis that includes: consulting or advisory. Celine Kempeneers reports a relationship with Sanofi that includes: consulting or advisory., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Kartagener Syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is a part of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), and is characterized by a triad of syndrome including bronchiectasis, polysinusitis and a complete mirror arrangement of the internal organs of the chest and abdominal cavities (situs inversus). In most patients, bronchiectasis in the lungs develops from the first years of life and progresses in time. The tardy diagnostic leads to a poor prognosis of the disease and adduce the development of persistent violations of the function of external respiration. Most often, patients with CS are observed by physicians and pulmonologists from early childhood, since respiratory infections often require annual hospitalization in specialized medical institutions due to abnormalities of the ciliary epithelium of the respiratory tract. However, to date, there are no generally accepted recommendations for the management and treatment of patients in this category. This article describes the case of a newly diagnosed CS in an older patient undergoing surgical treatment for gastric cancer. Despite the pronounced concomitant pathology on the part of the bronchopulmonary system, the perioperative period in the patient proceeded relatively satisfactorily and did not entail an increase in the length of hospitalization.

Abstract Background Isomerism or heterotaxy syndrome is the loss of normal asymmetry of the internal thoraco‐abdominal organs in the left‐right axis and is associated with cardiovascular malformations. Mutations within DNAH11 can be associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and heterotaxy syndromes. Methods We report a family of healthy, nonconsanguinous parents with subsequent pregnancies demonstrating a novel likely pathogenic variant in DNAH11 segregating in a sibship with varied presentations. Result The first affected pregnancy presented with right atrial isomerism. Further DNA testing identified three variants in DNAH11 related to primary ciliary dyskinesia: a maternally inherited heterozygous variant of unknown significance (VUS) c.2772G>A (p.Met924Ile), a maternally inherited novel likely pathogenic variant c.11662C>T (p.Arg3888Cys) as well as a paternally inherited pathogenic c.1648delA variant (p.Arg550GlyfsX16). The second pregnancy inherited the same variants including the pathogenic and likely pathogenic DNAH11 variants and presented with left isomerism and extracardiac abnormalities. Conclusion We present a novel likely pathogenic variant (c.11662C>T) in DNAH11 that has manifested in heterotaxy with variability in phenotypes for subsequent pregnancies of common parents. This report demonstrates that sibship illustrates potential variability in phenotypes associated with the same pathogenic variants within a family and highlights the difficulty in genetic counseling due to the variation in clinical presentation.

We present a 14 year-old girl with a history of chronic rhinorrhoea and nasal obstruction. Physical findings showed huge nasal polyp with broadening of the nasal bridge, perforation of the left ear drum and a right middle ear effusion. Despite a strict program of nasal saline toilet, broad-spectrum antibiotics covering beta-lactamase producing organisms, and meticulous technique of endoscopic sinus surgery, the patient's symptoms and nasal polyp reappeared very quickly. A set of investigations had been done in order to confirm and rule out suspected diseases. The electron microscopic study of the patient's nasal mucosa revealed partial absence of inner dynein arms and extra singlet at the center in some axoneme compatible with Primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Background: Isomerism or heterotaxy syndrome is the loss of normal asymmetry of the internal thoraco‐abdominal organs in the left‐right axis and is associated with cardiovascular malformations. Mutations within DNAH11 can be associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and heterotaxy syndromes. Methods: We report a family of healthy, nonconsanguinous parents with subsequent pregnancies demonstrating a novel likely pathogenic variant in DNAH11 segregating in a sibship with varied presentations. Result: The first affected pregnancy presented with right atrial isomerism. Further DNA testing identified three variants in DNAH11 related to primary ciliary dyskinesia: a maternally inherited heterozygous variant of unknown significance (VUS) c.2772G>A (p.Met924Ile), a maternally inherited novel likely pathogenic variant c.11662C>T (p.Arg3888Cys) as well as a paternally inherited pathogenic c.1648delA variant (p.Arg550GlyfsX16). The second pregnancy inherited the same variants including the pathogenic and likely pathogenic DNAH11 variants and presented with left isomerism and extracardiac abnormalities. Conclusion: We present a novel likely pathogenic variant (c.11662C>T) in DNAH11 that has manifested in heterotaxy with variability in phenotypes for subsequent pregnancies of common parents. This report demonstrates that sibship illustrates potential variability in phenotypes associated with the same pathogenic variants within a family and highlights the difficulty in genetic counseling due to the variation in clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study that included 127 children aged 8 to 17 years with a diagnosis of turbinate hypertrophy. The children are divided into three groups depending on the chosen vasotomy method. The methods of vasotomy were determined, after which there was a faster restoration of mucociliary clearance of the mucous membrane of the lower nasal concha.

Mucolytic, expectorative and antitussive drugs are traditionally used in acute or chronic respiratory episodes affected by acute respiratory infections. Today, preference is given to drugs in a form of solutions for nebulization therapy. The article presents data on the new dosage form of 7% inhalation hypertonic solution in combination with hyaluronic acid used in mucostasis therapy for chronic respiratory diseases. The information on the properties and the favorable effect of hyaluronic acid is provided. We discuss the evidence base of inhalation of the hypertonic solution in combination with hyaluronic acid in cystic fibrosis.

The article discusses a Pilot Study of Severe Ciliary Dyskinesia in Ventilated Patients. Topics include this phenomenon may be partially explained by a quantitative ciliary loss and may cause mucous retention and pneumonia; Although primary ciliary dyskinesia is a well-known entity, data concerning secondary ciliary dyskinesia, particularly in ventilated ill patients, are scarce; results suggest a role for primary lung injury in the alteration of ciliary function in ventilated patients.

Mucociliary clearance is a main defense mechanism of the respiratory tract, which can be inherently impaired in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) or reversibly altered in secondary ciliary dyskinesia (SCD). Limited diagnostic test availability likely leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of PCD in animals. This study evaluated the light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) changes in the respiratory mucosa of 15 dogs with chronic respiratory disease suspected of PCD. Necropsy was performed in 1 case and 2 dogs were used as negative controls. PCD was confirmed in 1 dog, which presented with chronic otitis, bronchopneumonia, hydrocephalus and ultrastructural abnormalities in 84% of the assessed cilia, including absence of dynein arms and microtubular changes. The 14 other cases showed only nonspecific alterations, such as ciliary disorientation, compound cilia, ciliary edema, and axoneme bubbles in a minority of the evaluated cilia and were classified as SCD. Ciliary ultrastructural analysis can confirm a diagnosis of PCD if specific abnormalities exist. TEM remains an important investigational tool in veterinary medicine, as no other specific test for PCD in dogs has been standardized yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isomerism, also known as heterotaxy, is a clinical entity that impacts multiple organ systems both anatomically and functionally. The airways and lungs are involved in a great number of these patients, leading to increased sinopulmonary symptoms, increased need for oxygenation, and increased postoperative ventilatory support. Additionally, these patients often have congenital heart disease requiring Fontan palliation. What has not been previously described, and is the focus of this study, is the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in those who have undergone Fontan palliation with and without isomerism. We have now compared these finding with those from patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, as many patients with isomerism have ciliary dyskinesia. We identified patients having the Fontan circulation with and without isomerism who had undergone cardiopulmonary exercise testing, comparing the findings from healthy individuals undergoing exercise, and a comparable number of individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia but no congenital heart disease. We were able to include a total of 68 patients in our study, with 17 in each of the four groups. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing yielded the best results in healthy patients. All patients with the Fontan circulation demonstrated mixed pulmonary disease, although those with isomerism had greater FVC and FEV1. Exercise times did not differ, although peak consumption of oxygen was greater in those with isomerism. Those with ciliary dyskinesia had only obstructive pulmonary disease and had the lowest FEF25-75 between all groups. Those with isomerism had a lesser degree of obstructive pulmonary disease when compared to those with primary ciliary dyskinesia. Patients with the Fontan circulation with and without isomerism have relatively subtle differences in their cardiopulmonary exercise testing, with both groups demonstrating restrictive lung disease. In regard to obstructive lung disease, those with isomerism tend to be more similar to the patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia than those with the Fontan circulation but without isomerism. The results are likely limited by selection bias and highlight the need for multicentric efforts to characterize cardiopulmonary exercise testing in those patients with pulmonary isomerism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kartagener's syndrome is a rare, ciliopathic autosomal recessive genetic disorder that comprises a triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis leading to recurrent respiratory infections due to ciliary dyskinesia and thereby progressive deterioration of lung function. Additional clinical features of infertility, otitis media, and rhinitis are also seen in patients., Case Presentation: The authors hereby present a case of Kartagener's syndrome in a 40-year-old male with a repeated respiratory infection and bronchial asthma. He was received at the emergency room with symptoms of hemoptysis, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Diagnosis of cystic bronchiectasis with superadded infection was made based on clinical examinations and radiological assessments. He was treated in high-dependency unit. After 5 days of relieving therapeutic interventions in the hospital, he was discharged without further complication., Clinical Discussions: Early diagnosis of Kartagener's syndrome is likely to be beneficial as it helps delay deterioration of lung function to prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients but the diagnosis of this syndrome is usually delayed as it is a rare disease, especially in countries with lack of complex diagnostic facilities. So, assessment for this syndrome has to be done in patients presenting with chronic and recurrent respiratory infections for correct timely diagnosis to have a good patient-centric healthcare facility., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of cilia structure, function, and biogenesis leading to chronic infections of the respiratory tract, fertility problems, and disorders of organ laterality. The diagnosis can be challenging, using traditional tools such as characteristic clinical features, ciliary function, and ultrastructural defects and newer screening tools such as nasal nitric oxide levels and genetic testing add to the diagnostic algorithm. There are 32 known PCD-causing genes, and in the future, comprehensive genetic testing may screen young infants before developing symptoms, thus improving survival. Therapies include surveillance of pulmonary function andmicrobiology, in addition to airway clearance, antibiotics, and early referral to bronchiectasis centers. As with cystic fibrosis (CF), standardized care at specialized centers using a multidisciplinary approach likely improves outcomes. In conjunction with the CF foundation, the PCD foundation, with experienced investigators and clinicians, is developing a network of PCD clinical centers to coordinate the effort in North America and Europe. As the network grows, clinical care and knowledge will improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet cough, wheeze, and sputum in an adolescent with evidence for bronchiectasis is an uncommon presentation. The differential diagnosis includes cystic fibrosis (CF), immunodeficiency disorders, complement deficiency, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin disease, repeated aspiration pneumonia, foreign body, bronchial carcinoid, unresolved right middle lobe pneumonia, and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). The likely diagnosis proceeds from the more to less common in patients with these symptoms. The location of disease on computed tomography scanning, nasal and bronchial exhaled nitric oxide, identification of ultrastructural defects on electron microscopy, and specific genetic mutation help separate CF and PCD. Although differentiating these conditions is vital, the chronic management of the bronchiectasis usually includes clearance mechanisms, bronchodilators, regular exercise, appropriate vaccinations, and judicious antibiotics for airway infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium play an essential role in the mechanisms of mucociliary clearance, and ultrastructural alterations of cilia are known to be associated with respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of ciliary changes in common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) of different age groups and to compare healthy animals with animals suffering from subclinical chronic inflammatory pulmonary lesions. Therefore, samples of different sites of the tracheobronchial tree from 24 common marmosets were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Ciliary alterations were present in all animals and were represented by compound cilia ('bulging/adhesive type'), extramatrix, extratubuli, and disorientation of the microtubular arrangement. Ciliary alterations affected less than 1% of cilia (average 0.06%-0.55%) with no statistically significant differences between age groups, sample localizations, or healthy and sick animals. The study results suggest that ciliary alterations of secondary nature are a common background finding in common marmosets with individual variability in abundance and have to be considered when interpreting ultrastructural data from respiratory studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cilia represent one of the main mechanisms contributing to the clearance of microorganisms and particles from the respiratory epithelium. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically determined disorder characterized by irreversible systemic dysmotility of the cilia. Secondary ciliary dyskinesia (SCD) differs from primary defects on the reversible ultrastructural alterations that can occur after any insult to a previously normal mucosa. Hence, this study aimed to describe and compare the main ultrastructural ciliary features in PCD and SCD through transmission electron microscopy. The most frequent PCD abnormalities were missing or short dynein arms, missing central microtubules, and displacement of one of the nine peripheral doublets. The most common changes found in SCD were compound cilia and peripheral microtubule alterations associated with modifications of the respiratory epithelium. PCD presented a higher percentage of altered cilia (>30 %) when compared to SCD (5 %), demonstrating that SCD is more limited in area than PCD. Whereas in PCD the changes in the dynein arms and in the central microtubules are fundamental for diagnostic confirmation, the diagnosis of SCD usually involves compound cilia and disarrangements in peripheral microtubules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is composed of the diseases resulting from congenital defects of cilia. Diagnosis is reached on the basis of clinical history, abnormal ciliary beat frequency and specific axonemal defects observed by transmission electron microscopy. Electron microscopic assessment for the diagnosis of PCD comes into prominence in clinically and light microscopically undiagnosed cases. Microtubule defects, dynein arm deficiency and orientation disorders cannot be detected by light microscopy; electron microscopy is the method of choice in the diagnosis of such disorders. Ciliary orientation should be measured in patients having recurrent respiratory tract infections since disorientation can be the only defect in some patients. Ciliary disorders are classified as primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired) disorders. The latter are caused by environmental factors, such as infection, smoking and air pollution. The diagnosis of PCD may be difficult since the epithelial cell and ciliary defects can also be caused by acquired factors. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between primary and secondary structural and functional disorders. Electron microscopic analysis is the only option for diagnosing ultrastructural defects. Electron microscopic assessment in diagnosing PCD should be carried out only after excluding other probable causes of respiratory tract infections and after the appropriate treatment of infections responsible for secondary ciliary defects. In this manner, falsepositive diagnosis of PCD and high cost can be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway epithelial cilia protect the mammalian respiratory system from harmful inhaled materials by providing the force necessary for effective mucociliary clearance. Ciliary beating is asymmetric, composed of clearly distinguished effective and recovery strokes. Neither the importance of nor the essential components responsible for the beating asymmetry has been directly elucidated. We report here that the beating asymmetry is crucial for ciliary function and requires tubulin glutamylation, a unique posttranslational modification that is highly abundant in cilia. wr murine tracheal cilia have an axoneme-intrinsic structural curvature that points in the direction of effective strokes. The axonemal curvature was lost in tracheal cilia from mice with knockout of a tubulin glutamylation-perlorming enzyme, tubulin tyrosine ligase-like protein 1. Along with the loss of axonemal curvature, the axonemes and tracheal epithelial cilia from these knockout (KO) mice lost beating asymmetry. The loss of beating asymmetry resulted in a reduction of cilia-generated fluid flow in trachea from the KO mice. The KO mice displayed a significant accumulation of mucus in the nasal cavity, and also emitted frequent coughingor sneezing-like noises. Thus, the beating asymmetry is important for airway ciliary function. Our findings provide evidence that tubulin glutamylation is essential for ciliary function through the regulation of beating asymmetry, and provides insight into the molecular basis underlying the beating asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although allergic rhinitis is the commonest diagnosis in the child with nasal obstruction and rhinorrhoea, the differential must include other, much rarer, conditions. We present three case histories and discussion of several other diagnoses which should be considered [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease characterized by abnormally beating cilia. In these patients, levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) are lower than those observed in healthy subjects. Objectives: We identify the nNO levels in healthy pre-school uncooperative children and in PCD patients, in order the application of nNO measurement in the early identification of young children with PCD. Methods: We measured nNO in 77 healthy children (50 uncooperative and 27 cooperative) and in 10 PCD patients. Fifteen cooperative healthy children were also asked to perform an uncooperative test. Results: PCD patients presented low nNO levels (29.7±5.7ppb) compared to those observed in healthy children (358.8±35.2ppb; p<0.05). nNO levels were increased in healthy cooperative children (650±60.6ppb; p<0.05) as compared to those uncooperative aging more than 6 month (309.1±45.9ppb; p<0.05) or less (128.1±16.2ppb; p<0.05). Twenty-four uncooperative children with nNO values ⩽200ppb performed a second evaluation at least 6 months later and mean levels increased from 104.7±10.5ppb to 169.9±19.6ppb (p<0.05). In the 15 collaborative children nNO levels were higher during the breath holding manoeuvre (687.7±96.9ppb) than during the tidal breathing manoeuvre (335.9±57.9ppb; p<0.05). Conclusions: Healthy children have higher nNO levels than PCD patients. In 15% of uncooperative healthy children can be found low nNO levels, similar to PCD patients, but those values increased some months later, in successive evaluations. Nasal NO may be used for PCD screening even though repeated evaluations may be necessary in young children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective/Hypothesis: Ciliary wave disorder (CWD) is essential for effective mucociliary transport. The purpose of this study was to investigate morphologic and functional restoration in recovered sinus mucosa after 12 weeks of experimentally induced rhinosinusitis and regenerated sinus mucosa after mechanical injury. Study Design: Prospective study with animal models. Methods: Ten New Zealand white rabbits weighing between 2.5 and 3 kg were used for this experiment. In the recovered mucosa group (n = 5), the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus was closed with a synthetic sponge and removed 2 weeks later. In the regenerated sinus mucosa group (n = 5), maxillary sinus mucosa was stripped off through the anterior wall. Left sinus mucosae were used as controls. Twelve weeks postoperatively, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and CWD were measured using an image analysis system. Morphologic changes in cilia were also observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: The average CBFs in control, recovered, and regenerated mucosa were 13.21 ± 3.66 Hz, 13.20 ± 3.53 Hz, and 14.16 ± 3.87 Hz, respectively. The average CWDs in these groups were 8.46 ± 4.4, 21.04 ± 14.73, and 24.43 ± 19.2, respectively. SEM showed that loss of cilia and irregularities of ciliary arrangements were prominent in regenerated sinus mucosa. Conclusion: Although 12 weeks is enough for morphologic regeneration of the ciliated epithelium after experimental sinusitis in rabbit maxillary sinuses, it does not appear long enough for full functional recovery. Restoration of CBFs does not equate to concurrent CWD restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Pneumologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Der Pneumologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An electron microscopic study of the ciliary epithelium of respiratory tracts was carried out in children (members of the same family) with Kartagener syndrome, which is a variant of ciliary dyskinesia. It was shown that in the case of both mobile cilia and ciliary dyskinesia in man, centrioles are formed during formation of the ciliary basal bodies predominantly de novo, involving deuterosomes. A wide spectrum of pathological changes was described in literature, such as the absence of dynein arms in the axoneme and disorganization of axoneme structure. In addition to these changes in the ciliary system, we found integration of several ciliary axonemes by the same plasma membrane, running of microtubules from the plasma membrane as bundles, different orientation of basal legs, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From November 1995 to May 2002, the authors studied 59 children with suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Samples of ciliated respiratory epithelium were obtained by nasal brushing from 44 patients and by biopsy of bronchial mucosa from 15 patients. Thirty-four/Fifty-nine samples were suitable to obtain a quali-quantitative evaluation of ultrastructural ciliary abnormalities. Many ciliary and axoneme alterations were described. This study revealed that quantitative and qualitative ultrastructural assessment of respiratory epithelial cilia plays an important role in the differentiation between primary, secondary, and borderline ciliary abnormalities. Early diagnosis of PCD with appropriate clinical follow-up and treatment is important to prevent irreversible lung tissue damage, namely bronchtectasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism in human upper and lower respiratory airways. Impairment of this process by certain conditions such as cigarette smoking can predispose to chronic infection and neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Eligible adults were enrolled, a saccharine test was conducted, and the nasal mucociliary clearance time was assessed. Analysis of the result was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23.0., Results: There were 225 participants categorized into 75 active smokers (33.3%), 74 passive smokers (32.9%), and 76 nonsmokers (33.8%, living in a smoking-free zone). The age range of the participants was between 18 and 50 years, with a mean age of (31.2 ± 5.6) years. All participants were males. There were 139 (61.8%) of Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, 24 (10.7%) Yoruba, 18 (8.0%) Igbo, and 44 (19.5%) other ethnic groups. Findings in this study showed that the average mucociliary clearance time among active smokers was prolonged ([15.25 ± 6.20] min) compared to passive ([11.41 ± 4.25] min) and nonsmokers ([9.17 ± 2.76] min) respectively, with a statistical significance ( F  = 33.59, P  < 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that the number of cigarettes smoked per day was an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time ( P  = 0.008, odds ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.80)., Conclusion: Active cigarette smoking is associated with prolonged nasal mucociliary clearance time. The number of cigarette sticks smoked per day was found to be an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Chinese Medical Association.)