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BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is caused by increased pulmonary venous pressure. Thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and vasoconstriction mediated by platelets could exacerbate PH. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with PH will exhibit a hypercoagulable state, characterized by increased platelet activation, platelet-leukocyte, and platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation. ANIMALS: Eleven dogs (≥3.5 kg) diagnosed with MMVD and PH and 10 dogs with MMVD lacking PH. METHODS: Prospective cohort ex vivo study. All dogs underwent echocardiographic examination, CBC, 3-view thoracic radiographs, and heartworm antigen testing. Severity of PH and MMVD were assessed by echocardiography. Viscoelastic monitoring of coagulation was assessed using thromboelastography (TEG). Platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte/platelet-neutrophil interactions were assessed using flow cytometry. Plasma serotonin concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Unstimulated platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH expressed more surface P-selectin than MMVD controls (P = .03). Platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH had persistent activation in response to agonists. The number of platelet-leukocyte aggregates was higher in dogs with MMVD and PH compared with MMVD controls (P = .01). Ex vivo stimulation of whole blood resulted in higher numbers of platelet-neutrophil aggregates in dogs with MMVD and PH (P = .01). Assessment of hypercoagulability based on TEG or plasma serotonin concentrations did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Platelet hyperresponsiveness and increased platelet-neutrophil interaction occur in dogs with MMVD and PH, suggesting that platelets play a role of in the pathogenesis of PH. Clinical benefits of antiplatelet drugs in dogs with MMVD and PH require further investigation.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in tissue injury, repair and disease, orchestrating a complex interplay of immune responses and cellular processes. Recent studies have uncovered the intricate connection between inflammation and stem cell dynamics, shedding light on the central role of stem cells in tissue regeneration. This Review highlights the significance of inflammation in shaping epithelial stem cell dynamics and its implications for tissue repair, regeneration and aging. We explore the multifaceted interactions between inflammation and stem cells, focusing on how inflammatory signals affect stem cell behavior and fate as well as the remodeling of their niche in the respiratory tract. We also discuss the concept of 'inflammatory memory' in epithelial stem cells, where prior inflammatory stimuli endow these cells with enhanced regenerative potential and confer long-lasting protective mechanisms for maintaining tissue integrity and function. Furthermore, we review the impact of cell senescence induced by inflammation on tissue regeneration and aging, delving into the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications and cellular crosstalk. Understanding these dynamic processes not only deepens our knowledge of tissue homeostasis and repair but also holds profound implications for regenerative medicine strategies aimed at preventing pulmonary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic particles (MPs) have been detected in a variety of environmental samples, including soil, water, food, and air. Cellular studies and animal exposures reported that exposure to MPs composed of different polymers might result in adverse effects at the portal of entry (local) or throughout the body (systemic). The most relevant routes of particle uptake into the body are oral and respiratory exposure. This review describes the various processes that may contribute to the adverse effects of MPs. Only MPs up to 5 µm were found to cross epithelial barriers to a significant extent. However, MPs may also exert a detrimental impact on human health by acting at the epithelial barrier and within the lumen of the orogastrointestinal and respiratory tract. The potential for adverse effects on human health resulting from the leaching, sorption, and desorption of chemicals, as well as the impact of MPs on nutritional status and dysbiosis, are reviewed. In vitro models are suggested as a means of (1) assessing permeation, (2) determining adverse effects on cells of the epithelial barrier, (3) examining influence of digestive fluids on leaching, desorption, and particle properties, and (4) role of microbiota-epithelial cell interactions. The contribution of these mechanisms to human health depends upon exposure levels, which unfortunately have been estimated very differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are among the major causes of mortality in children worldwide. Our study aimed to determine viral agents in children under five years of age who were followed up with acute LRTI. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken from children aged 1 month to 5 years who were diagnosed with LRTI at the Bezmialem Vakıf University pediatric emergency department between March 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016. Cases with underlying chronic diseases were excluded from the study. The presence of the agent was investigated in the samples taken using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The distribution of cases in which the agent was detected according to age groups and seasons was examined. The relationship between the agent and the clinical and laboratory findings was investigated. Results: Of the 95 patients included in the study, 51 (53.7%) were male, 44 (46.3%) were female, and the mean age was 26.2 months. The presence of viruses was shown in 50 cases (52.6%). The most frequently detected viruses were rhinovirus (28%), human bocavirus (HBoV) (26%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (24%). While RSV infections were more common in winter months, HBoV was observed to persist throughout the year. No significant relationship was found between the clinical and laboratory findings of the patients and the agents. Conclusion: Viral etiology was detected in 52.6% of the cases. Molecular tests are valuable in detecting more than one virus in the distribution of viruses among different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of drug delivery and particulate matter exposure on the human respiratory tract is influenced by various anatomical and physiological factors, particularly the structure of the respiratory tract and its fluid dynamics. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate airflow in two 3D models of the human air conducting zone. The first model uses a combination of CT-scan images and geometrical data from human cadaver to extract the upper and central airways down to the ninth generation, while the second model develops the lung airways from the first Carina to the end of the ninth generation using Kitaoka's deterministic algorithm. The study examines the differences in geometrical characteristics, airflow rates, velocity, Reynolds number, and pressure drops of both models in the inhalation and exhalation phases for different lobes and generations of the airways. From trachea to the ninth generation, the average air flowrates and Reynolds numbers exponentially decay in both models during inhalation and exhalation. The steady drop is the case for the average air velocity in Kitaoka's model, while that experiences a maximum in the 3rd or 4th generation in the quasi-realistic model. Besides, it is shown that the flow field remains laminar in the upper and central airways up to the total flow rate of 15 l/min. The results of this work can contribute to the understanding of flow behavior in upper respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palatal dysfunction (PD), which encompasses palatal instability (PI) and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate, is the most common performance‐limiting upper respiratory tract obstruction in young Thoroughbred racehorses. Soft palate thermocautery (SPT) performed under general anaesthesia is a routinely performed procedure for PD in some countries, but the procedure for and outcome of SPT performed under standing sedation has not been published. Objectives: (1) To describe a technique for SPT performed under standing sedation; and (2) to assess post‐operative performance in horses compared to controls using the Racing Post rating (RPR), British Horseracing Authority official rating (OR), Performance Index and Earnings. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for all horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation following topical and local infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride into the rostral soft palate, and that were identified to have PI by overground endoscopy. Two matched controls were identified for each case. The median RPR, OR, Performance Index and Earnings for the three pre‐operative and three post‐operative races were compared. Results: No significant differences were identified between the SPT (n = 23) and Control groups (n = 46) for baseline characteristics or outcomes. Main limitations: Retrospective study design, small sample size. Conclusions: No significant differences in racing performance were identified between horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are among the major causes of mortality in children worldwide. Our study aimed to determine viral agents in children under five years of age who were followed up with acute LRTI. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken from children aged 1 month to 5 years who were diagnosed with LRTI at the Bezmialem Vakıf University pediatric emergency department between March 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016. Cases with underlying chronic diseases were excluded from the study. The presence of the agent was investigated in the samples taken using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The distribution of cases in which the agent was detected according to age groups and seasons was examined. The relationship between the agent and the clinical and laboratory findings was investigated. Results: Of the 95 patients included in the study, 51 (53.7%) were male, 44 (46.3%) were female, and the mean age was 26.2 months. The presence of viruses was shown in 50 cases (52.6%). The most frequently detected viruses were rhinovirus (28%), human bocavirus (HBoV) (26%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (24%). While RSV infections were more common in winter months, HBoV was observed to persist throughout the year. No significant relationship was found between the clinical and laboratory findings of the patients and the agents. Conclusion: Viral etiology was detected in 52.6% of the cases. Molecular tests are valuable in detecting more than one virus in the distribution of viruses among different age groups.

Equine rhinitis B virus is a lesser-known equine respiratory pathogen that is being detected with increasing frequency via a voluntary upper respiratory biosurveillance program in the United States. This program received 8684 nasal swab submissions during the years 2012-2023. The nasal swabs were submitted for qPCR testing for six common upper respiratory pathogens: Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV), and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV). The overall ERBV qPCR-positivity rate was 5.08% (441/8684). ERBV was detected as a single pathogen in 291 cases (65.99% of positives, 291/441) and was detected as a coinfection with at least one other respiratory pathogen in 150 cases (34.01%, 150/441). Young horses, less than a year of age, with acute onset of fever and respiratory signs and horses used for competition are more likely to test qPCR-positive for ERBV. Horses with ERBV may present with fever, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and/or cough. Coinfection is a common feature of ERBV infection and S. equi, EHV-4 and EIV were the most common pathogens coinfected with ERBV. This report provides important information regarding the clinical relevance of ERBV in the horse and begins investigating the impact of coinfection on clinical disease.

ABSTRACTIntroduction Following the coronavirus disease pandemic, respiratory mucosal vaccines that elicit both mucosal and systemic immune responses have garnered increasing attention. However, human physiological characteristics pose significant challenges in the evaluation of mucosal immunity, which directly impedes the development and application of respiratory mucosal vaccines.Areas Covered This study summarizes the characteristics of immune responses in the respiratory mucosa and reviews the current status and challenges in evaluating immune response to respiratory mucosal vaccines.Expert Opinion Secretory Immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) is a major effector molecule at mucosal sites and a commonly used indicator for evaluating respiratory mucosal vaccines. However, the unique physiological structure of the respiratory tract pose significant challenges for the clinical collection and detection of S-IgA. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a sampling method with high collection efficiency and acceptance, a sensitive detection method, reference materials for mucosal antibodies, and to establish a threshold for S-IgA that correlates with clinical protection. Sample collection is even more challenging when evaluating mucosal cell immunity. Therefore, a mucosal cell sampling method with high operability and high tolerance should be established. Targets of the circulatory system capable of reflecting mucosal cellular immunity should also be explored.

Turbinals are bony or cartilaginous structures that are present in the nasal cavity of most tetrapods. They are involved in key functions such as olfaction, heat, and moisture conservation, as well as protection of the respiratory tract. Despite recent studies that challenged long‐standing hypotheses about their physiological and genomic correlation, turbinals remain largely unexplored, particularly for non‐mammalian species. Herein, we review and synthesise the current knowledge of turbinals using an integrative approach that includes comparative anatomy, physiology, histology and genomics. In addition, we provide synonyms and correspondences of tetrapod turbinals from about 80 publications. This work represents a first step towards drawing hypotheses of homology for the whole clade, and provides a strong basis to develop new research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is caused by increased pulmonary venous pressure. Thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and vasoconstriction mediated by platelets could exacerbate PH. Hypothesis Dogs with PH will exhibit a hypercoagulable state, characterized by increased platelet activation, platelet‐leukocyte, and platelet‐neutrophil aggregate formation. Animals Eleven dogs (≥3.5 kg) diagnosed with MMVD and PH and 10 dogs with MMVD lacking PH. Methods Prospective cohort ex vivo study. All dogs underwent echocardiographic examination, CBC, 3‐view thoracic radiographs, and heartworm antigen testing. Severity of PH and MMVD were assessed by echocardiography. Viscoelastic monitoring of coagulation was assessed using thromboelastography (TEG). Platelet activation and platelet‐leukocyte/platelet‐neutrophil interactions were assessed using flow cytometry. Plasma serotonin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Results Unstimulated platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH expressed more surface P‐selectin than MMVD controls (P = .03). Platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH had persistent activation in response to agonists. The number of platelet‐leukocyte aggregates was higher in dogs with MMVD and PH compared with MMVD controls (P = .01). Ex vivo stimulation of whole blood resulted in higher numbers of platelet‐neutrophil aggregates in dogs with MMVD and PH (P = .01). Assessment of hypercoagulability based on TEG or plasma serotonin concentrations did not differ between groups. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Platelet hyperresponsiveness and increased platelet‐neutrophil interaction occur in dogs with MMVD and PH, suggesting that platelets play a role of in the pathogenesis of PH. Clinical benefits of antiplatelet drugs in dogs with MMVD and PH require further investigation.

Background. In phthisiology, all recurrent respiratory tract infections are considered risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) in children. A differentiated assessment of the predictive value of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections will improve the effectiveness of selective TB screening.The aim. To carry out a differentiated assessment of the predictive value of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children with tuberculosis and HIV coinfection.Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective study (2010–2020) of the anamnestic prevalence of recurrent respiratory tract infections in 249 children divided into 4 groups: 72 healthy children (HC); TB – 65 children with tuberculosis; TB/HIV – 56 children with HIV-associated TB; HIV – 65 children with HIV infection.Results. Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections were detected in the anamnesis of 15 (23 %) children of the TB group and in 3 (4 %) children of the HC group (p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) – 8.6). Lower respiratory tract infections were most common during the year preceding TB disease (11 out of 15 cases), within 2 years before the inclusion of children in the study – in 4 out of 15 cases (p = 0.027; OR = 11.0). In the TB/HIV group, the prevalence of lower respiratory tract infections compared to the HIV group was established only during the year preceding TB – 24 out of 33 cases (73 %) versus 10 out of 34 cases (29 %) in the HIV group (χ2 = 10.9; p = 0.001; OR = 6.4). The occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections in pairs of HC group – TB group and HIV group – TB/HIV group had no statistical differences.Conclusion. The predictor of TB in children regardless of their HIV status is the recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, registered during the year preceding the TB disease. The recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract do not affect the realization of TB in children, regardless of their HIV status.

Utilizing a computed tomography (CT)‐based realistic nasal‐to‐lung respiratory tract model allows for a comprehensive investigation of the transport and deposition of nasal sprayed aerosols. This study has three main objectives: first, to determine the optimal mesh that achieves the quickest convergence for computational fluid‐particle dynamics (CFPD) simulations of a nasal‐to‐lung nasal respiratory tract by assessing the performance of different element types, sizes, and prism boundary layers; second, to design and validate a numerical method to compare grid data with different mesh structures and densities for simulation result validation; and finally, to observe and analyze fluid‐particle dynamics in the respiratory tract to aid in the development of nasal sprayed medications. This study involves reverse‐engineering a realistic and anatomically accurate respiratory tract model from CT scans. Results reveal that the optimal numerical approach for minimum calculation time is the polyhedral hybrid mesh with four boundary prism layers and the SIMPLE pressure‐velocity coupling scheme. Furthermore, observations of particle dynamics reveal that the vocal cords' location contains a concentration site of deposited small aerosols due to the turbulent airflow in the region. The optimal diameters of nasal sprayed aerosols to target each region are concluded in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of human's height variability to the deposition percentage, the deposited and the retained dose of particulate matter in the respiratory tract. In addition, the dose to the oesophagus, blood and lymph nodes was evaluated after particle clearance. A methodology which correlates anatomical and physiological parameters with height was adopted into an existing particle dosimetry model (Exposure Dose Model 2, ExDoM2). Model results showed that deposition of particles with aerodynamic diameter (dae) ranging from 0.001 to 10 μm depends on the competition between anatomical/physiological parameters, with the maximum effect induced from height variability to be observed for particles in the size range of 0.30 μm ae <1.5 μm. Specifically, a decrease in the subject's height by 100 cm (from 175 to 75 cm) caused a 60.5 ± 6.8% increase in the total deposition percentage during light exercise. Contrarily, an increase in the subject's height by 100 cm (from 75 to 175 cm) caused a 376% increase in the daily deposited dose of PM10 in the respiratory tract. Investigating the inter-subject variability of PM10 dose showed that the extrathoracic region was characterized by lower variability (10.0%) compared to the thoracic region (16.2%). After clearance, the highest variability was observed for blood (15.7%), followed by the respiratory tract (12.1%), lymph nodes (10.4%) and oesophagus (10.1%). Results of the current study highlight the impact induced by incorporating height to scale the inter-subject variability in particle deposition and dose in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The respiratory tract and digestive tract serve as the gateway between the host and the environment, playing an important role in protecting against viral infections. Diseases caused by viruses that infiltrate the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts account for the major infectious diseases in pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for the swine industry. However, studies on virus-host interactions are limited due to the lack of suitable research models that can effectively stimulate the highly complex physiological characteristics found in vivo. With the advancement in stem cell technology, organoids that more closely recapitulate the structure, function, and organization of specific organs or tissues in vitro have gradually become a research hotspot. These novel ex vivo models are critical for studying viral infection, investigating viral pathogenesis, elucidating virus-host interactions and developing preventive and therapeutic approaches. Currently, respiratory organoids and intestinal organoids (IOs) have been widely applied in the study of infectious diseases. Therefore, this review primarily summarizes the development of porcine respiratory and intestinal organoids, their applications in studying infection, current limitations, and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlomoides umbrosa Turczaninow (PU), a traditional Korean medicinal herb, exhibits osteogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. This research explored the effect of PU extracts on hyperimmune responses within the respiratory tract using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and an ovalbumin-induced hyper-responsiveness model. The inflammatory cytokines, protein expression linked to airway inflammation, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological observation, and expectorant activity were measured. The results revealed that PU treatment led to a concentration-dependent reduction in Th2 cytokines and the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, phosphatase-tensin homolog, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Simultaneously, antioxidant enzyme activity increased. Furthermore, PU exhibited substantial enhancements in lung tissue condition and expectorant activity relative to the allergic rhinitis-induced group. These findings indicate the potential of PU to mitigate airway inflammation and excessive mucus production by suppressing NF-κB, MAPK, and iNOS pathways. Consequently, PU emerges as a promising anti-inflammatory agent for respiratory tract applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Equine asthma is a major disease affecting the health and welfare of horses worldwide. There are many factors in the stable environment that directly lead to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms and indirectly affect the well-being of horses. We conducted a thorough analysis of scientific articles published over the last 20 years on potential environmental factors influencing the development and course of equine asthma. In conclusion, numerous environmental factors have a significant impact on the well-being of horses, and their control helps prevent the occurrence of asthma in horses or alleviate its symptoms. We believe that the information collected in our review will help improve the welfare of horses. Equine asthma is a popular subject of research. Many factors influencing the methods used to improve the welfare of asthmatic horses remain unclear. This study reviews scientific articles published after 2000 to collect the most important information on the terminology, symptoms, and potential environmental factors influencing the development and course of equine asthma. Our work highlights the impact of environmental factors on the severity of equine asthma and why these factors should be controlled to improve treatment outcomes. The present article provides horse owners and veterinarians with valuable information on how to improve the well-being of horses that are at risk of developing asthma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tralopyril is a metabolite of the pesticide chlorfenapyr. Direct toxicity by tralopyril has not been described. We report two cases of tralopyril poisoning via inhalation. Two workers developed heat intolerance, diaphoresis, and weight loss after occupational inhalational exposure to tralopyril. Patient 1: The exposure was due to the absence of respiratory protection. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signals in the bilateral periventricular white matter, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, brainstem, and spinal cord. The patient's blood tralopyril concentrations on days 1, 3, 5, 8, and 11 post-admission were 1.09 mg/L, 1.04 mg/L, 1.01 mg/L, 0.71 mg/L, and 0.313 mg/L, respectively. Haemoperfusion (HA330), haemoperfusion (HA380), and haemodiafiltration were performed on days 1–3, 5–8, and 9–10, respectively. Patient 2: The patient's symptoms followed inappropriate use of respiratory protection. His blood tralopyril concentrations on days 1, 4, 5, and 6 were 0.592 mg/L, 0.482 mg/L, 0.370 mg/L, and 0.228 mg/L, respectively. The patients presented with features typical of chlorfenapyr poisoning, which suggests that tralopyril is the main toxic metabolite of chlorfenapyr. Tralopyril can be absorbed by inhalation, leading to delayed clinical symptoms and organ damage, including toxic encephalopathy and spinal cord damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COVID-19 infection is a detrimental combination for patients and can cause negative clinical consequences. The investigation aimed to compare sociodemographic and clinical parameters of COPD individuals hospitalized for exacerbations before and at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational cross-sectional study including 222 patients with COPD was conducted in two stages: a survey and assessment of clinical and laboratory data of patients hospitalized from September 2022 to March 2023 (n=98) and processing of the medical histories of patients with COPD who received hospital treatment in 2017 and 2018 (n=124). A comparative analysis of patients who received inpatient treatment for COPD showed that the frequency of patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I was half as high after the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the individuals with GOLD IV were more frequent during the same period (p

ABSTRACT Respiratory tract infections are the most common triggers for heart failure in elderly people. The healthy respiratory commensal microbiota can prevent invasion by infectious pathogens and decrease the risk of respiratory tract infections. However, upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome in the elderly is not well understood. To comprehend the profiles of URT microbiota in the elderly, and the link between the microbiome and heart failure, we investigated the oropharyngeal (OP) microbiome of these populations in Heilongjiang Province, located in the North-East of China, a high-latitude and cold area with a high prevalence of respiratory tract infection and heart failure. Taxonomy-based analysis showed that six dominant phyla were represented in the OP microbial profiles. Compared with young adults, the OP in the elderly exhibited a significantly different microbial community, mainly characterized by highly prevalent Streptococcus, unidentified_Saccharibacteria, Veillonella, unidentified_Pre votellaceae, and Neisseria. While unidentified_Prevotellaceae dominated in the young OP microbiome. There was competition for niche dominance between Streptococcus and member of Prevotellaceae in the OP. Correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of unidentified_Saccharibacteria was positive, while Streptococcus was negatively correlated to age among healthy elderly. The bacterial structure and abundance in the elderly with heart failure were much like healthy controls. Certain changes in microbial diversity indicated the potential OP microbial disorder in heart failure patients. These results presented here identify the respiratory tract core microbiota in high latitude and cold regions, and reveal the robustness of OP microbiome in the aged, supplying the basis for microbiome-targeted interventions.IMPORTANCETo date, we still lack available data on the oropharyngeal (OP) microbial communities in healthy populations, especially the elderly, in high latitude and cold regions. A better understanding of the significantly changed respiratory tract microbiota in aging can provide greater insight into characteristics of longevity and age-related diseases. In addition, determining the relationship between heart failure and OP microbiome may provide novel prevention and therapeutic strategies. Here, we compared OP microbiome in different age groups and elderly people with or without heart failure in northeastern China. We found that OP microbial communities are strongly linked to healthy aging. And the disease status of heart failure was not a powerful factor affecting OP microbiome. The findings may provide basic data to reveal respiratory bacterial signatures of individuals in a cold geographic region.

Recent evidence has pinpointed a key role of the microbiome in human respiratory health and disease. However, significant knowledge gaps still exist regarding the connection between bacterial communities and adverse effects caused by particulate matters (PMs). Here, we characterized the bacterial microbiome along different airway sites in occupational pneumoconiosis (OP) patients. The sequencing data revealed that OP patients exhibited distinct dysbiosis in the composition and function of the respiratory microbiota. To different extents, there was an overall increase in the colonization of microbiota, such as Streptococcus, implying a possible intrusion pathway provided by exogenous PMs. Compared to those of healthy subjects, unhealthy living habits (i.e., smoking) had a greater impact on microbiome changes in OP patients. Importantly, the associations between the bacterial community and disease indicators indicated that specific bacterial species, including Prevotella, Actinobacillus, and Leptotrichia, might be surrogate markers of OP disease progression. Collectively, our results highlighted the potential participation of the bacterial microbiota in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases and helped in the discovery of microbiome-based diagnostics for PM-induced disorders.

Excessive inflammation in the respiratory system could lead to life-threatening conditions. This situation is usually caused by irritants, allergens, pathogens, toxins, and pollutants, leading to airway inflammation. On the other hand, an inappropriate lifestyle can cause inflammation in different parts of the body including the respiratory tract. This study aimed to explore the recommended lifestyle modification for respiratory tract inflammation from the Persian medicine viewpoint in light of current evidence. In this review, first, we looked for lifestyle factors effective on the respiratory tract in Persian medicine sources. Then, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find evidence about the mentioned factors, using the following keywords: psychological stress, sleep, food, exercise, gut, constipation, cold, and airway or respiratory tract. In line with Persian medicine, current literature confirms that psychological stress, intensive physical activity, allergic foods, and cold ambient trigger the beginning of the inflammation process in the respiratory system. It could happen through different pathways such as downregulation of Th1 cytokines expression, cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) synthesizing, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) overexpression, activating transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels, inducing a neutrophilic type of inflammation and damaging the airway epithelium. Mild exercise, well-being of the gut microbiota status, and reduction of sleep duration have beneficial effects on the regression of inflammation. Lifestyle modification could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract inflammation. Future clinical investigations should be conducted to evaluate their effects.

Abstract Background Palatal dysfunction (PD), which encompasses palatal instability (PI) and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate, is the most common performance‐limiting upper respiratory tract obstruction in young Thoroughbred racehorses. Soft palate thermocautery (SPT) performed under general anaesthesia is a routinely performed procedure for PD in some countries, but the procedure for and outcome of SPT performed under standing sedation has not been published. Objectives (1) To describe a technique for SPT performed under standing sedation; and (2) to assess post‐operative performance in horses compared to controls using the Racing Post rating (RPR), British Horseracing Authority official rating (OR), Performance Index and Earnings. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Medical records were reviewed for all horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation following topical and local infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride into the rostral soft palate, and that were identified to have PI by overground endoscopy. Two matched controls were identified for each case. The median RPR, OR, Performance Index and Earnings for the three pre‐operative and three post‐operative races were compared. Results No significant differences were identified between the SPT (n = 23) and Control groups (n = 46) for baseline characteristics or outcomes. Main limitations Retrospective study design, small sample size. Conclusions No significant differences in racing performance were identified between horses that had SPT performed under standing sedation and controls.

In cold environments, athletes are frequently susceptible to injuries from inhaling cold and dry air, posing significant health risks. Despite abundant prior research focusing on risk analysis and prevention, the existing body of literature has predominantly focused on heat transfer within lung airways while mainly overlooking the broader respiratory tract. This pioneering study introduces a comprehensive assessment of the entire respiratory system, spanning from the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx, then the trachea, and extending to the 13th generation of lung airways. Employing cutting-edge Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, the investigation operates Large Eddy Simulation (LES) integrated with an algebraic wall-modeled LES subgrid-scale model to simulate heat transfer within the human lung. This approach provides a detailed insight into the complex dynamics of respiratory thermoregulation in cold environments. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the temperature, heat flux, Nusselt number and static pressure profiles throughout the respiratory system, this study fundamentally advances our understanding of the physiological responses of the respiratory system to cold air exposure. These findings have paramount implications for athlete health and performance, shedding light on the complexities of cold-induced respiratory challenges. Moreover, this research lays a solid foundation for developing more effective preventive measures and strategies for optimizing athletic performance in cold weather conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an additional impetus for studying the respiratory microbiome. Dysbiotic changes resulting from the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with respiratory tract cells can increase the body's susceptibility to secondary infections or exacerbate the severity of the underlying disease. Several studies indicate a protective effect of individual representatives of the normal microbiota in interaction with viruses that cause acute respiratory infections. Despite the contradictory results caused by differences in research methods, different techniques for selecting biomaterial, differences in the severity of patients examined groups, the presence of concomitant diseases and other factors, the obtained data allows to consider the respiratory microbiome as one of the main links in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this work was to review studies on the composition of the upper respiratory tract microbiota and the significance of secondary infections in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The article provides detailed information on recent scientific data on the composition of the upper respiratory tract microbiota in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and possible mechanisms of protective action of microorganisms against the new coronavirus. The work presents a review of studies devoted to secondary bacterial and fungal co-infections caused by conditionally pathogenic representatives of the respiratory tract microbiota and superinfections by hospital pathogens: bacteria (mainly from the group of ESCAPE pathogens with multiple drug resistance) and fungi – micromycetes. The question of further perspectives for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to correct dysbiotic disorders of the respiratory microbiome associated with the damaging effect of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is discussed.

Many pathogens enter the host through mucosal sites. Thus, interfering with pathogen entry through local neutralization at mucosal sites therefore is an effective strategy for preventing disease. Mucosally administered vaccines have the potential to induce protective immune responses at mucosal sites. This manuscript delves into some of the latest developments in mucosal vaccination, particularly focusing on advancements in adjuvant technologies and the role of these adjuvants in enhancing vaccine efficacy against respiratory pathogens. It highlights the anatomical and immunological complexities of the respiratory mucosal immune system, emphasizing the significance of mucosal secretory IgA and tissue-resident memory T cells in local immune responses. We further discuss the differences between immune responses induced through traditional parenteral vaccination approaches vs. mucosal administration strategies, and explore the protective advantages offered by immunization through mucosal routes.

A voluntary upper respiratory biosurveillance program in the USA received 9740 nasal swab submissions during the years 2008-2021 from 333 veterinarians and veterinary clinics. The nasal swabs were submitted for qPCR testing for six common upper respiratory pathogens:equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), equine herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4), Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV), and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV). Additional testing was performed for equine gamma herpesvirus-2 (EHV-2) and equine gamma herpesvirus-5 (EHV-5) and the results are reported. Basic frequency statistics and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to determine the associations between risk factors and EIV positivity. The EIV qPCR-positivity rate was 9.9%. Equids less than 9 years of age with a recent history of travel and seasonal occurrence in winter and spring were the most common population that were qPCR positive for EIV. This ongoing biosurveillance program emphasizes the need for molecular testing for pathogen identification, which is critical for decisions associated with therapeutics and biosecurity intervention for health management and vaccine evaluations and development.

The recently introduced World Health Organization (WHO) Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology presents 5 diagnostic categories with corresponding risk of malignancy (ROM) and management protocols. This study uses the system to categorize our institutional respiratory tract cytology specimens, evaluating ROM and diagnostic accuracy for each category. In a retrospective analysis (May 2020 to August 2021), the following respiratory cytology specimens were classified based on the WHO categories: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial wash/bronchial brushings (BB/BW), endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), sputum, biopsy imprint (BI), and endotracheal wash. Exclusions comprised pleural effusions and EBUS-TBNA from mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Correlation of cytologic and histopathologic diagnoses was performed to assess ROM collectively and individually. A total of 1518 respiratory samples (BAL [968], BW/BB [380], EBUS-TBNA [42], FNAC [32], sputum [80], BI [11] and endotracheal wash [5]) of 1410 patients were screened, of which 522 cases (34.3%) had histopathologic correlation. One hundred forty-one cases (9.3%) were Insufficient/Inadequate/Non-Diagnostic (ND), 1221 (80.4%) were Benign (B), 3 (0.2%) were Atypical (A), 32 (2.1%) were Suspicious for malignancy (SM) and 121 (8.0%) were Malignant (M). The estimated ROM for each category was 49.2% for ND, 13.3% for B, 66.6% for A, 81.5% for SM and 92.7% for M. FNAC and EBUS-TBNA exhibited the highest sensitivity (100%) compared with BW/BB (66.3%). Specificity ranged from 96.8% to 100% across the samples, while diagnostic accuracy varied from 58.8% to 100%. Application of the WHO reporting system enhances standardized terminology, aiding clinicians in informed decision-making and improving patient care through accurate risk assessment of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Isolation of bacteria and fungi from porcine nasal microbiome and evaluation of antibioticproducing potential among them. Methods: Conventional isolation using Sabouraud and Mueller-Hinton nutrient media was carried out for collected samples. The isolated strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and antimicrobial activity screening. Results and Discussion: Taxonomy positions of the 20 isolated strains (18 bacteria, 1 yeast, 1 fungus) were determined by phylogenetic analysis, morphological study and a substrate utilization assay. Pseudomonas aeruginosa SM-11 was found to produce 4 known antibacterial molecules (pyocyanine, pyochelin, pyoluteorin, monorhamnolipid). Production of pyocyanine was induced by cocultivation with test microorganisms. Conclusions: The mammal microbiota might serve as a valuable source of antimicrobialproducing strains, including those of rare taxa. Cocultivation techniques are a promising approach to exploring antimicrobials from silent biosynthetic gene clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type III interferon (IFN-λ), a new member of the IFN family, was initially considered to possess antiviral functions similar to those of type I interferon, both of which are induced via the JAK/STAT pathway. Nevertheless, recent findings demonstrated that IFN-λ exerts a nonredundant antiviral function at the mucosal surface, preferentially produced in epithelial cells in contrast to type I interferon, and its function cannot be replaced by type I interferon. This review summarizes recent studies showing that IFN-λ inhibits the spread of viruses from the cell surface to the body. Further studies have found that the role of IFN-λ is not only limited to the abovementioned functions, but it can also can exert direct and/or indirect effects on immune cells in virus-induced inflammation. This review focuses on the antiviral activity of IFN-λ in the mucosal epithelial cells and its action on immune cells and summarizes the pathways by which IFN-λ exerts its action and differentiates it from other interferons in terms of mechanism. Finally, we conclude that IFN-λ is a potent epidermal antiviral factor that enhances the respiratory mucosal immune response and has excellent therapeutic potential in combating respiratory viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cell (dpHBEC) cultures grown under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions exhibit key features of the human respiratory tract and are thus critical for respiratory research as well as efficacy and toxicity testing of inhaled substances (e.g., consumer products, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals). Many inhalable substances (e.g., particles, aerosols, hydrophobic substances, reactive substances) have physiochemical properties that challenge their evaluation under ALI conditions in vitro. Evaluation of the effects of these methodologically challenging chemicals (MCCs) in vitro is typically conducted by "liquid application," involving the direct application of a solution containing the test substance to the apical, airexposed surface of dpHBEC-ALI cultures. We report that the application of liquid to the apical surface of a dpHBEC-ALI co-culture model results in significant reprogramming of the dpHBEC transcriptome and biological pathway activity, alternative regulation of cellular signaling pathways, increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and decreased epithelial barrier integrity. Given the prevalence of liquid application in the delivery of test substances to ALI systems, understanding its effects provides critical infrastructure for the use of in vitro systems in respiratory research as well as in the safety and efficacy testing of inhalable substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The respiratory barrier, a thin epithelial barrier that separates the interior of the human body from the environment, is easily damaged by toxicants, and chronic respiratory diseases are common. It also allows the permeation of drugs for topical treatment. Animal experimentation is used to train medical technicians, evaluate toxicants, and develop inhaled formulations. Species differences in the architecture of the respiratory tract explain why some species are better at predicting human toxicity than others. Some species are useful as disease models. This review describes the anatomical differences between the human and mammalian lungs and lists the characteristics of currently used mammalian models for the most relevant chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis). The generation of animal models is not easy because they do not develop these diseases spontaneously. Mouse models are common, but other species are more appropriate for some diseases. Zebrafish and fruit flies can help study immunological aspects. It is expected that combinations of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo (mammalian and invertebrate) models will be used in the future for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiviral therapy based on neuraminidase (oseltamivir) or polymerase (baloxavir marboxil) inhibitors plays an important role in the management of influenza infections. However, the emergence of drug resistance and the uncontrolled inflammatory response are major limitations in the treatment of severe influenza disease. Protectins D1 (PD1) and DX (PDX), part of a family of pro‐resolving mediators, have previously demonstrated anti‐influenza activity as well as anti‐inflammatory properties in various clinical contexts. Herein, we synthetized a series of simplified PDX analogs and assessed their in vitro antiviral activity against influenza A(H1N1) viruses, including oseltamivir‐ and baloxavir‐resistant variants. In ST6GalI‐MDCK cells, the PDX analog AN‐137B reduced viral replication in a dose‐dependent manner with IC50 values of 23.8 for A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) and between 32.6 and 36.7 µM for susceptible and resistant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In MTS‐based cell viability experiments, AN‐137B showed a 50% cellular cytotoxicity (CC50) of 638.7 µM with a resulting selectivity index of 26.8. Of greater importance, the combination of AN‐137B with oseltamivir or baloxavir resulted in synergistic and additive in vitro effects, respectively. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages with AN‐137B resulted in a decrease of iNOS activity as shown by the reduction of nitrite production, suggesting an anti‐inflammatory effect. In conclusion, our results indicate that the protectin analog AN‐137B constitutes an interesting therapeutic modality against influenza A virus, warranting further evaluation in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cytoskeleton consists of actin, microtubules, septins, and intermediate filaments and, in most cells, is anchored to an extracellular matrix. Each cell has a unique arrangement of this network and readjusts it from time to time. To investigate the regulation of these reorganizations, we identified interactors from extracts of four cultured lines representing basal cells from the airway epithelium.Methods: After immunoprecipitation with an antibody against keratin 17, samples were processed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Samples not undergoing antibody-mediated capture were processed in parallel.Results: The main keratins of basal cells, namely, Krt14 (type I) and Krt5 (type II), constituted 67% of the total keratin recovered. Several other intermediate filament proteins, nestin, lamin-B1, and prelamin A/C, were present but not enriched upon immunoprecipitation. Although the class of armadillo-repeat proteins was represented by beta-catenin1 and plakoglobin, other desmosome plaque constituents were absent. Large cytolinkers were represented by the spectraplakin, microtubule-actin cross-linking factor (Macf1), which was enriched by immunoprecipitation, and the plakin, plectin, which was not enriched. Subunits of actin filaments and microtubules, along with numerous proteins associated with them, were recovered in both immunoprecipitated samples and those lacking the capture step. Coefficients of determination were computed based on abundance. The actin-associated proteins, alpha-spectrin and brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor (Baiaip2l), were modestly correlated with keratin abundance but highly correlated with one another and with the keratin-binding protein, annexin A2. This interaction network resembled the pedestal formed by pathogenic Escherichia coli. Microtubule-associated proteins, dynamin 1-like protein and cytoplasmic dynein 1 heavy chain (Dync1h1), were enriched by immunoprecipitation, suggesting association with keratins, whereas kinesin-1 heavy chain and microtubule-associated protein retinitis pigmentosa 1 (EB1), were not enriched. Dync1h1 abundance was negatively correlated with that of all the septins, suggesting resemblance to a known antagonistic septin-dynein 1 relationship on microtubules.Conclusion: The cell lines showed remarkable uniformity with respect to the candidates interacting with cytoskeleton. The alpha-spectrin-Baiap2l network may link actin filaments to keratin precursor particles. A smaller interaction network centered on Dync1h1 was negatively correlated with all spectrin-Baiap2l constituents, suggesting that it and its binding partners are excluded from the pedestal-like domain.

Recent studies have unveiled the presence of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) within both human and avian respiratory systems, prompting an exploration into the interactions between these particles and the human respiratory system. Experimental evidence has strongly suggested that these plastic particles amplify human susceptibility to a spectrum of lung disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, dyspnea, asthma, and the formation of frosted glass nodules. To advance the understanding, this study employs computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD) to study the transfer and deposition of poly-dispersed 1-100 nm nanoplastics and 1-100 μm microplastics under three breathing conditions. Notably, this investigation utilized a computerized tomography-based full respiratory tract model, comprehensively spanning regions from the nasal cavity to the 13th generation of the bronchial tree, providing a highly detailed representation of the anatomical complexities of the human respiratory system. The outcomes reveal distinctive deposition patterns of spherical, cylindrical, and tetrahedral NMPs in the human respiratory tract, elucidating the significant impact of breathing rate, pinpointing specific deposition hotspots, and highlighting the critical role of particle size in governing transport and deposition behavior. This study establishes a link between the behavior of nanoplastics within the respiratory tract and its consequential impact, providing insights that extend across three critical domains. Firstly, in environmental health, the research contributes to understanding NMP-related air pollution. Secondly, within respiratory medicine, the findings shed light on NMPs' role in respiratory disorders. Finally, this study guides the formulation of regulations addressing permissible NMP levels and mitigating associated health and environmental risks.

Lung cancer has the highestmortality rate among all cancers worldwide. The 5-year overall survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is estimated at around 26%, whereas for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the survival rate is only approximately 7%. This disease places a significant financial and psychological burden on individuals worldwide. The symbiotic microbiota in the human body has been significantly associated with the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of various diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Studies have demonstrated that respiratory symbiotic microorganisms and their metabolites play a crucial role in modulating immune function and contributing to the pathophysiology of lung cancer through their interactions with the host. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the microbial characteristics associated with lung cancer, with a focus on the respiratory tract microbiota from different locations, including saliva, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), bronchial brush samples, and tissue. We describe the respiratory tract microbiota's biodiversity characteristics by anatomical region, elucidating distinct pathological features, staging, metastasis, host chromosomal mutations, immune therapies, and the differentiated symbiotic microbiota under the influence of environmental factors. Our exploration investigates the intrinsic mechanisms linking the microbiota and its host. Furthermore, we have also provided a comprehensive review of the immune mechanisms by whichmicrobiota are implicated in the development of lung cancer. Dysbiosis of the respiratory microbiota can promote or inhibit tumor progression through various mechanisms, including DNA damage and genomic instability, activation and regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and stimulation of epithelial cells leading to the upregulation of carcinogenesisrelated pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza B viruses (IBV) cocirculate with influenza A viruses (IAV) and cause periodic epidemics of disease, yet antibody and cellular responses following IBV infection are less well understood. Using the ferret model for antisera generation for influenza surveillance purposes, IAV resulted in robust antibody responses following infection, whereas IBV required an additional booster dose, over 85% of the time, to generate equivalent antibody titers. In this study, we utilized primary differentiated ferret nasal epithelial cells (FNECs) which were inoculated with IAV and IBV to study differences in innate immune responses which may result in differences in adaptive immune responses in the host. FNECs were inoculated with IAV (H1N1pdm09 and H3N2 subtypes) or IBV (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages) and assessed for 72 h. Cells were analyzed for gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR, and apical and basolateral supernatants were assessed for virus kinetics and interferon (IFN), respectively. Similar virus kinetics were observed with IAV and IBV in FNECs. A comparison of gene expression and protein secretion profiles demonstrated that IBV-inoculated FNEC expressed delayed type-I/II IFN responses and reduced type-III IFN secretion compared to IAVinoculated cells. Concurrently, gene expression of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), a type-III IFN-induced gene that enhances adaptive immune responses, was significantly downregulated in IBV-inoculated FNECs. Significant differences in other proinflammatory and adaptive genes were suppressed and delayed following IBV inoculation. Following IBV infection, ex vivo cell cultures derived from the ferret upper respiratory tract exhibited reduced and delayed innate responses which may contribute to reduced antibody responses in vivo. IMPORTANCE Influenza B viruses (IBV) represent nearly one-quarter of all human influenza cases and are responsible for significant clinical and socioeconomic impacts but do not pose the same pandemic risks as influenza A viruses (IAV) and have thus received much less attention. IBV accounts for greater severity and deaths in children, and vaccine efficacy remains low. The ferret can be readily infected with human clinical isolates and demonstrates a similar course of disease and immune responses. IBV, however, generates lower antibodies in ferrets than IAV following the challenge. To determine whether differences in initial innate responses following infection may affect the development of robust adaptive immune responses, ferret respiratory tract cells were isolated, infected with IAV/IBV, and compared. Understanding the differences in the initial innate immune responses to IAV and IBV may be important in the development of more effective vaccines and interventions to generate more robust protective immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Panel PCR tests provide rapid pathogen identification. However, their diagnostic performance is unclear. We assessed the performance of the Biofire© FilmArray pneumonia (PN)-panel against standard culture in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) samples. Methods: Setting: University Hospital Basel (February 2019 to July 2020), including hospitalized patients with a BAL (± pneumonia). We determined sensitivity and specificity of the PN-panel against standard culture. Using univariate logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (OR) for pneumonia according to PN-panel and culture status, stratifying by chronic pulmonary disease. We calculated ORs for pneumonia for different pathogens to estimate the clinical relevance. Results: We included 840 adult patients, 60% were males, median age was 68 years, 35% had chronic pulmonary disease, 21% had pneumonia, and 36% had recent antibiotic use. In 1078 BAL samples, bacterial pathogens were detected in 36% and 16% with PN-panel and culture, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the PN-panel was high, whereas the positive predictive value was low. The OR of pneumonia was 1.1 (95% CI 0.7–1.6) for PN-panel-positive only; 2.6 (95% CI 1.3–5.3) for culture-positive only, and 1.6 (95% CI 1.0–2.4) for PN-panel and culture-positive. The detection rate of Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Moraxella catarrhalis in the PN-panel was high but not associated with pneumonia. Conclusion: While sensitivity and specificity of PN-panel are high compared to culture, pathogen detection did not correlate well with a pneumonia diagnosis. Patients with culture-positive BAL had the highest OR for pneumonia—thus the impact of the PN-panel on clinical management needs further evaluation in randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The respiratory tract, the first-line defense, is constantly exposed to inhaled allergens, pollutants, and pathogens such as respiratory viruses. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses in the respiratory tract plays a crucial role in the protection against invading respiratory pathogens. Therefore, a better understanding of mucosal immunity in the airways is critical for the development of novel therapeutics and next-generation vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, our knowledge of mucosal immune responses in the airways has expanded. In this review, we describe the latest knowledge regarding the key components of the mucosal immune system in the respiratory tract. In addition, we summarize the host immune responses in the upper and lower airways following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, and discuss the impact of allergic airway inflammation on mucosal immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of additional risk factors for thrombotic disease (TD) among dogs with renal proteinuria is limited; these might differ for TD affecting the systemic arterial (AT), systemic venous (VT), and pulmonary circulation (PT). Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare signalment and clinicopathological data between dogs with renal proteinuria with or without TD, and between dogs with AT, VT, and PT. Animals: One hundred fifty client‐owned dogs with renal proteinuria, 50 of which had TD. Methods: Retrospective case‐controlled study. A database search (2004‐2021) identified proteinuric dogs (UPC > 2) with and without TD. Clinicopathological data were obtained from the records. TD and non‐TD (NTD) groups were compared by binary logistic regression, and AT, VT, and PT groups by multinomial regression. Normal data presented as mean ± SD, non‐normal data presented as median [25th, 75th percentiles]. Results: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were overrepresented in the TD group (OR = 98.8, 95% CI 2.09‐4671, P =.02). Compared to NTD cases, TD cases had higher concentration of neutrophils (11.06 [8.92, 16.58] × 109/L vs 7.31 [5.63, 11.06] × 109/L, P =.02), and lower concentration of eosinophils (0 [0, 0.21] × 109/L vs 0.17 [0.04, 0.41] × 109/L, P =.002) in blood, and lower serum albumin (2.45 ± 0.73 g/dL vs 2.83 ± 0.73 g/dL, P =.04). AT cases had higher serum albumin concentrations than VT cases (2.73 ± 0.48 g/dL vs 2.17 ± 0.49 g/dL, P =.03) and were older than PT cases (10.6 ± 2.6 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P =.008). VT cases were older (9.1 ± 4.2 years vs 7.0 ± 4.3 years, P =.008) and had higher serum cholesterol concentration (398 [309‐692 mg/dL] vs 255 [155‐402 mg/dL], P =.03) than PT cases. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Differences between thrombus locations could reflect differences in pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Class II skeletal malocclusion is comorbid with an elongated head posture. Balancing the head will involve the skull, spine, mandible, hyoid bone, respiratory tract, muscles, and tongue. The hyoid bone functions to maintain the balance of the head posture. To see the relationship of comorbid skeletal class II malocclusion with head posture, the relationship of the head posture of skeletal class II malocclusion with the width of the respiratory tract, and the relationship of the head posture of skeletal class II malocclusion with the hyoid bone position. Observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design using a sample of 60 skeletal class II malocclusion cephalograms divided into three subgroups. Skeletal class II malocclusion group with prognathic maxillary and normal mandible, normal maxillary and retrognathic mandible group, prognathic maxillary and retrognathic mandibular group. The cephalogram was traced and then scanned and measurements were taken using the CorelDRAW application. The chi-square test showed no significant relationship between the skeletal class II malocclusion and the head posture (P> 0.05). There is no significant relationship between the head posture in the skeletal class II malocclusion and the respiratory tract (P> 0.05). There is no meaningful relationship exists between the head posture in the skeletal class II malocclusion with vertical position and angular hyoid bone (P> 0.05). There is a significant relationship in the posture head of skeletal class II malocclusion subgroup prognathic maxillary and retrognathic mandibular with the anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone. The hyoid bone position is more posterior in the skeletal class II malocclusion subgroup prognathic maxillary and retrognathic mandibular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The captivity and use of native psittacine birds is prohibited in Mexico. However, as these birds are among the groups most affected by illegal trafficking, they are commonly found as companion animals. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain information on their health. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted of the clinical histories and necropsy reports of native psittacines that had been submitted to the Bird Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, from 2006 to 2017. The lesions were classified according to type and anatomical location and the diseases were classified as infectious or non-infectious. During this period, 252 psittacines were submitted, the most frequent of which were the red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis), orange-fronted parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao). The lesions were primarily located in the digestive and respiratory systems. By integrating the clinical histories and post-mortem findings, we concluded that nutritional disorders were the most frequent non-infectious diseases, systemic bacterial infections were the most frequent infectious conditions, the primary parasite was Sarcocystis spp and the most frequent neoplasm was multicentric lymphoma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenic mycoplasmas are among the bacteria causing significant losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are economically important pathogens causing chronic respiratory disease, decreased growth, egg production and hatchability rates, and significant downgrading of carcasses. Effective diagnosis of infection with these species in poultry is highly requisite considering their two routes of spreading—horizontal and vertical. Their prevalence and molecular epidemiology were investigated in 184 turkey flocks in Poland. Tracheal samples were selected from 144 broiler flocks and 40 turkey breeder flocks collected in 2015–2023. The prevalence of MG was determined by real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and PCR targeting the mgc2 gene, and MS was determined by a 16–23S rRNA real-time PCR and a vlhA gene PCR. Further identification and molecular characterization were carried out using PCR and sequencing. M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae were found in 8.33% and 9.72% of turkey broiler flocks respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of MG isolates in most cases showed high similarity to the ts-11-like strains. MS isolates showed high similarity to strains isolated from flocks of laying hens causing EAA. Additional tests detected Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Gallibacterium anatis, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Riemerella anatipestifer. These secondary pathogens could have significantly heightened the pathogenicity of the mycoplasma infections studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can replicate in the upper and lower respiratory tract. We aimed to evaluate whether symptom characteristics and symptom duration prior to sampling are associated with test positivity in upper or lower respiratory tract samples. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Central Denmark Region from 14 April 2020 to 2 November 2020 including hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction samples from both the upper and lower respiratory tract within 48 h and at least one positive test result. Of 122 patients, 101 were positive in both samples (83%), 7 (5%) were positive only in the upper respiratory tract sample, and 14 (11%) were only positive in the lower respiratory tract sample. The median number of symptoms was 4 (IQR 3, 5.75) and 5 (IQR 3, 7), respectively, in patients with only a positive upper respiratory tract sample and in concordant positive patients; while 1 (IQR 1, 3) in patients with only a positive upper respiratory tract sample. 98% (120/122) of patients would have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 if supplemental sampling from the lower respiratory tract was guided by lower respiratory tract symptoms. No substantial difference in the duration of symptoms was observed across the three patient groups. The presence of lower respiratory tract symptoms could have been used to determine whether supplemental sampling from the lower respiratory tract was necessary. Symptom duration was not associated with test positivity in the upper or lower respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACTThe relationship between COVID-19 and nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota has been investigated mainly in the adult population. We explored the NP profile of children affected by COVID-19, compared to healthy controls (CTRLs). NP swabs of children with COVID-19, collected between March and September 2020, were investigated at the admission (T0), 72 h to 7 days (T1), and at the discharge (T2) of the patients. NP microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA targeted-metagenomics. Data from sequencing were investigated by QIIME 2.0 and PICRUSt 2. Multiple machine learning (ML) models were exploited to classify patients compared to CTRLs. The NP microbiota of COVID-19 patients (N = 71) was characterized by reduction of α-diversity compared to CTRLs (N = 59). The NP microbiota of COVID-19 cohort appeared significantly enriched in Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Staphylococcus, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Neisseria, Moraxella, Enterobacteriaceae, Gemella, Bacillus, and reduced in Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides, compared to CTRLs (FDR < 0.001). Exploiting ML models, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Capnocytopagha, Tepidiphilus, Porphyromonas, Staphylococcus, and Veillonella resulted as NP microbiota biomarkers, in COVID-19 patients. No statistically significant differences were found comparing the NP microbiota profile of COVID-19 patients during the time-points or grouping patients on the basis of high, medium, and low viral load (VL). This evidence provides specific pathobiont signatures of the NP microbiota in pediatric COVID-19 patients, and the reduction of anaerobic protective commensals. Our data suggest that the NP microbiota may have a specific disease-related signature since infection onset without changes during disease progression, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 VL.IMPORTANCESince the beginning of pandemic, we know that children are less susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease. A potential role of the nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota has been hypothesized but to date, most of the studies have been focused on adults. We studied the NP microbiota modifications in children affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection showing a specific NP microbiome profile, mainly composed by pathobionts and almost missing protective anaerobic commensals. Moreover, in our study, specific microbial signatures appear since the first days of infection independently from SARS-CoV-2 viral load.