Search

Introduction: Dogs are among the most commonly allergenic pets for children. Data on risk factors for the development of dog allergy are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children with dog allergy and identify predictors of symptom development with dog exposure. Methods: The study included children with dog allergen sensitization demonstrated by skin prick test (SPT) between September 1, 2019, and December 1, 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the patients' records and interviews with parents. Results: Dog allergen sensitization was detected by SPT in 548 (5.5%) of 9,907 patients. Of these, 507 patients had complete data and were included in the analysis. The patients' median age was 11 (IQR: 8–15) years, 55.8% were male, 97.6% exhibited polysensitization (pollen 75.1%, cat 69.6%), 83.6% had allergic rhinitis, and 46.2% had asthma. Acute dog exposure caused symptoms in 164 patients (32.3%), most commonly sneezing (n = 97) and nasal symptoms (n = 80). Predictors of acute symptoms in dog-sensitized children were male sex (OR: 0.584 [CI: 0.38–0.87]), dog exposure before 1 year of age (OR: 2.35 [CI: 1.18–4.66]), close contact with a dog owner (OR: 2.93 [CI: 1.78–4.8]), and cat allergy (OR: 2.75 [CI: 1.82–4.1]). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of children with dog sensitization developed symptoms after exposure to the dog. Male sex, direct dog exposure before the age of one, close contact with a dog owner, and cat allergy were identified as predictors of dog allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sneezing and coughing are primary symptoms of many respiratory viral infections and allergies. It is generally assumed that sneezing and coughing involve common sensory receptors and molecular neurotransmission mechanisms. Here, we show that the nasal mucosa is innervated by several discrete populations of sensory neurons, but only one population (MrgprC11+MrgprA3−) mediates sneezing responses to a multitude of nasal irritants, allergens, and viruses. Although this population also innervates the trachea, it does not mediate coughing, as revealed by our newly established cough model. Instead, a distinct sensory population (somatostatin [SST+]) mediates coughing but not sneezing, unraveling an unforeseen sensory difference between sneezing and coughing. At the circuit level, sneeze and cough signals are transmitted and modulated by divergent neuropathways. Together, our study reveals the difference in sensory receptors and neurotransmission/modulation mechanisms between sneezing and coughing, offering neuronal drug targets for symptom management in respiratory viral infections and allergies. [Display omitted] • Sneezing and coughing are mediated by distinct sensory populations • Nasal MrgprC11-expressing sensory neurons serve as a core "sneeze" population • Airway SST-expressing sensory neurons mediate chemically induced cough • Sneezing and coughing are transmitted and modulated by divergent neuropathways Sneezing and coughing are frequently associated with allergies and respiratory viral infections. This study reveals that sneezing and coughing are initiated by discrete sensory receptors and transmitted by divergent neuropathways, offering drug targets for managing pathological sneezing and coughing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the number of potential LUTS patients among Japanese women. Methods The subjects were women that were registered on "Go106", a subject recruitment site operated by ORTHOMEDICO Inc., and were friends with "Go106" account in LINE. We investigated their age, presence of urinary problems, frequency of hospital visits, and Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) with a web-based questionnaire. Results The number of respondents was 1372, of which the effective response rate was 89.3%. In this survey, we divided the respondents into three groups: "No urinary problems; group 1," "Have urinary problems but do not consult a doctor; group 2," and "Have urinary problems and consult a doctor; group 3." And within each group, the respondents were further divided into, total, those aged 40 or above and those aged under 40. We investigated the lower urinary tract symptoms in each group. Among all respondents, 540 were from group 1, 671 were from group 2, and 14 were from group 3. In all the groups, the most troubling symptom was "Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising." Conclusions The percentage of the population who had problems with urination but did not consult a doctor was the largest, and about 40% of women aged under 40 were identified to have urinary problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pamukkale Medical Journal is the property of Pamukkale Journal of Medicine 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.)

The present study explored the relationship between airborne transmission and the saliva fluid properties of a human sneeze. Specifically, we aimed to understand if altering the saliva and its relationship to droplet breakup and stability can affect its transmission characteristics. The study aimed to answer this question using computational fluid dynamics, specifically, a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian model with a Spalart–Allmaras, detached eddy simulation turbulence model. The effort focused on a scenario with a sneeze event within a ventilated room. The study found that for sneezes, secondary breakdown processes are important. Thicker saliva that increased the Ohnesorge number displayed a clear resistance to aerosolization due to stabilized secondary breakup, leading the bulk of the drops having high settling rates that are less likely to drive airborne transmission. For instance, the use of xanthum gum, which increased the saliva viscosity by 2000%, reduced the formation of aerosols. Additionally, another class of modifiers that reduce saliva content was studied, which was also effective in reducing airborne transmission drivers. Zingiber, which reduced the saliva content, reduced the formation of aerosols. However, when considering the overall reduction in droplet volume, saliva modifiers such as cornstarch, xanthum gum, and lozenges increased the mean droplet size by 50%, 25%, and 50%, respectively, while reducing the overall droplet volume by 71.6%, 71.2%, and 77.2%, respectively. Conversely, Zingiber reduced the mean droplet size by 50% but increased the overall droplet volume by 165.7%. Overall, for this type of respiratory event, this study provides insight into the potential for modifying saliva characteristics that may impact airborne transmission and could introduce new tools for reducing airborne pathogen transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has become a serious public health problem and there is evidence that air pollution affects the incidence of allergic rhinitis. To further investigate the effect of ambient air pollutants on the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, a prospective follow-up study in patients with allergic rhinitis was conducted. A total of 167 allergic rhinitis patients with a mean age of 35.4 years, who were visiting the hospital, were enrolled. The daily symptom severity of allergic rhinitis and the concentrations of six air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, O3 and NO2, were collected through follow-up investigations. The impact of ambient air pollutants on symptom severity was assessed via multi-pollutant models. Among several typical ambient air pollutants, we observed correlations of allergic rhinitis symptoms with PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2 and NO2, whereas O3 showed no such correlation. Specifically, PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly associated with sneezing and nasal blockage. NO2 was significantly correlated with symptoms of rhinorrhea, itchy nose and itchy eyes. CO was significantly linked to sneezing and nasal blockage symptoms. These air pollutants not only had a direct impact on allergic rhinitis symptoms but also exhibited a lagging effect. This study indicates that short-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with exacerbation of nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis, leading to a decline in their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polysaccharide consisting of po恥nぽizedD-glucose也roughs-glycosidic bonds is known鎚s-glu伺n. It is the most abund組1component of cereal組dfungal cell walls wi白血nctionalpropぽ出s，including immunomodulatory and anti旬mor c能cts.百lepurpose of也isstudy was to investigate社lee能ctof barley s-glucan consumption on白eincidence of upper respiratory回.ctsympωms白rougha before and after study. Seventeen healthy Japanese adults were given 100 g ofpacked barley rice to consume 1.8 g of s-glucan daily du血ga four-week of intervention period. A daily health questionn誼esurvey based on血eWisconsin UppぽRespiratorySymptom Survey (WURSS)・21and也econc四国tionof a sぽummarker (immunoglobulin A) were evalu蹴d箇out∞mes.A significant 30% inαease恒也eplasma也nnunoglob叫inA was observed dぽ泊g也eintervention p e，rdio whぽeas也eplasma immunoglobulin Al evels decr己創叫by17%d国主19也epre-in旬rvention period. Plasma immunoglobulin Al evels were negatively co町elatedwith representative nasal symptom scores，su ch as runny nose score (rs =・0.568;P< 0 .05)，pl ugged nose score (rs =・0.615;P< 0 .05) and sneezing s∞re (rs=・0.731;P< 0 .001)，wh ile 出ぽewasno si伊国C血tdi宜ぽ.ence泊血eWURSS-21s∞re between也巴泊tervention姐dpre・泊飽rventionperiods. Therefore， 也白血α.easein plasma immunoglobulin A obsぽvedin也e泊terventionperiod may reflect祖国provementof uppぽresp凶tory 仕acts戸npωmsover血ecourse of也isstudy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modes in stroke patients with cognitive impairment, and to rank the best option according to the outcome measures. Methods: Literature was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database, from database inception to September 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of all rTMS modes for post‐stroke cognitive impairment. The selected studies assessed at least one of the following outcome measures: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), P300 latency and amplitude, and modified Barthel Index (MBI) or BI. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction. Quality assessment was performed using RevMan 5.3 software based on the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and statistical analysis was conducted by GeMTC 0.14.3 software and Stata 17.0 software. Results: The network meta‐analysis included 74 RCTs with a total of 5478 patients. The best probability ranking indicated that intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was the most effective in enhancing MoCA, MMSE and MBI scores (85%, 54%, 42%, respectively), followed by 10 Hz rTMS (79%, 50%, 39%, respectively), for P300 amplitude, ≤1 Hz rTMS was ranked first (52%). Conclusions: The current limited evidence suggests that iTBS may be the optimal approach for improving cognitive and daily life abilities of stroke patients, followed by 10 Hz rTMS, ≤1 Hz rTMS may be the preferred option for enhancing P300 amplitude. Trail registration: PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023424771 available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=424771. Key points: iTBS is the optimal approach for improving cognitive and daily life abilities in stroke patients.Following iTBS, 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is also beneficial for enhancing cognitive and daily life abilities.Low‐frequency rTMS (≤1 Hz) is preferred for enhancing P300 amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The main objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the association between trichloramine (TCA) exposure and respiratory health effects in swimming pool workers. Methodology In this study, air sampling was performed for TCA concentrations at fixed locations (static measurements) and on individual workers (personal measurements) in six indoor public swimming pools during periods of high swimmer attendance over the winter school break. Health effects were evaluated using questionnaires and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) tests performed before and after the working day. Results In these swimming pools, the environmental TCA concentration ranged from 0.11 to 0.88 mg/m³. Worker exposure ranged from 0.05 to 0.72 mg/m³ for personal measurements. Furthermore, in each swimming pool, the average worker exposure to TCA exceeded the recommended occupational exposure limit of 0.35 mg/m³. Personal TCA measurements were consistently lower than static measurements performed around the pool, with a reduction ranging from 21% to 49%. This can be explained by the time that the workers spend in the pool area, office, and break room. The most common respiratory health effects self-reported by the workers were coughing, shortness of breath, and sneezing with prevalence rates of 38%, 37%, and 35%, respectively. This study demonstrated an association between TCA exposure and eye irritation. Analysis of the FENO tests revealed that individuals with preexisting asthma or allergies exhibited sustained FENO elevation. Conclusion The findings suggest that occupational exposure to TCA in indoor swimming pools is a matter of concern. Implementing and improving workplace safety measures is crucial for safeguarding the respiratory health of swimming pool workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic consumption strongly influences local intestinal immunity and systemic immune status. Heyndrickxia coagulans strain SANK70258 (HC) is a spore-forming lactic acid bacterium that has immunostimulatory properties on peripheral tissues. However, few reports have examined the detailed effectiveness of HC on human immune function and its mechanism of action. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to comprehensively evaluate the effects of HC on immunostimulatory capacity, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, and changes in intestinal organic-acid composition. Results of a questionnaire survey of URTI symptoms showed that runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat scores as well as the cumulative number of days of these symptoms were significantly lower in the HC group than in the placebo group during the study period. Furthermore, the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration was significantly higher, and the natural killer (NK) cell activity tended to be higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. In addition, we performed an exposure culture assay of inactivated influenza virus on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of participants in the HC and placebo groups. Gene-expression analysis in PBMCs after culture completion showed that IFNα and TLR7 expression levels were significantly higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. In addition, the expression levels of CD304 tended to be higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. On the other hand, the HC group showed a significantly higher increase in the intestinal butyrate concentration than the placebo group. HC intake also significantly suppressed levels of IL-6 and TNFα produced by PBMCs after exposure to inactivated influenza virus. Collectively, these results suggest that HC activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing TLR7 and CD304 and strongly induced IFNα production, subsequently activating NK cells and increasing sIgA levels, and induced anti-inflammatory effects via increased intestinal butyrate levels. These changes may contribute to the acquisition of host resistance to viral infection and URTI prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blowing the nose and sneezing are ubiquitous physiologic processes. While exceedingly rare, traumatic injuries have been described. We detail a case of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and orbital fractures sustained as a result of these two phenomena in an otherwise healthy adult without known risk factors for bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage. Case Report: A 79-year-old female presented to the emergency department after blowing her nose with an episode of sneezing following mild epistaxis. She denied any history of trauma, anticoagulation use, bleeding disorders, or pain associated with her symptoms. On examination, she had notable right periorbital swelling. Computed tomography revealed multiple areas of intracranial hemorrhage along with right-sided orbital and zygomatic fractures. After consulting trauma surgery and neurosurgery, we elected to pursue conservative management with repeat imaging. The patient had an uneventful course and was discharged with outpatient follow-up two days later.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case described of this constellation of injuries after a relatively benign process. Despite not having increased risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage (anticoagulation use, history of trauma, history of coagulopathy), this patient had severe injuries that presented with few external symptoms. This case serves as a reminder that while physiologic processes are almost always benign, serious traumatic injuries can result. Clinicians should have a low threshold for advanced imaging when there is a high clinical suspicion of facial fractures or more ominous processes.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium. It primarily impacts the lungs but can also endanger other organs, such as the renal system, spine, and brain. When an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or speaks, the virus can spread through the air, which contributes to its high contagiousness. The goal is to enhance detection recognition with an X-ray image dataset. This paper proposed a novel approach, named the Tuberculosis Segmentation-Guided Diagnosis Model (TSSG-CNN) for Detecting Tuberculosis, using a combined semantic segmentation and adaptive convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. The proposed approach is distinguished from most of the previously proposed approaches in that it uses the combination of a deep learning segmentation model with a follow-up classification model based on CNN layers to segment chest X-ray images more precisely as well as to improve the diagnosis of TB. It contrasts with other approaches like ILCM, which is optimized for sequential learning, and explainable AI approaches, which focus on explanations. Moreover, our model is beneficial for the simplified procedure of feature optimization from the perspectives of approach using the Mayfly Algorithm (MA). Other models, including simple CNN, Batch Normalized CNN (BN-CNN), and Dense CNN (DCNN), are also evaluated on this dataset to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The performance of the TSSG-CNN model outperformed all the models with an impressive accuracy of 98.75% and an F1 score of 98.70%. The evaluation findings demonstrate how well the deep learning segmentation model works and the potential for further research. The results suggest that this is the most accurate strategy and highlight the potential of the TSSG-CNN Model as a useful technique for precise and early diagnosis of TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Itching is a troublesome symptom that disturbs patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The molecular mechanisms underlying itching in AR need to be further illuminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of epithelial cell‐derived interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) in nasal itching in AR. Methods: A total of 33 patients and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in this prospective study. The disease severity of patients with AR was assessed by the total visual analog scale score. The levels of IL‐31, cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R), and CysLT2R in the nasal brush specimens from the enrolled subjects were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The expression of CysLT2R in a human nasal epithelial cell line (HNEpC) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Results: Compared with the control subjects, the protein and mRNA levels of IL‐31 and CysLT2R were significantly increased in patients with AR. Higher levels of IL‐31 and CysLT2R in nasal epithelial cells were associated with itching but not nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, or sneezing in AR. A significant relationship was found between IL‐31 and CysLT2R in nasal epithelial cells, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93. Furthermore, RT–PCR and immunofluorescence staining revealed that IL‐31 directly induced CysLT2R expression in HNEpCs. Nasal steroid treatment inhibited IL‐31 and CysLT2R expression in 13 patients with AR in vivo. Conclusions: Nasal epithelial cell‐derived IL‐31 might be associated with itching symptoms via CysLT2R in AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The runny nose refers to a discharge (fluid) coming from the nasal passages.Runny nose is associated with inflammation and swelling (congestion) of the inner lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. May associated with atopic condition the patient complain from nasal obstruction, runny nose, episode of sneezing, and nasal pruritis. Objective: To examine the demographic distribution, clinical features, and age disparities among male and female patients with Runny nose (Rhinorrhea). Patients and Methods: A study was done on 100 AR patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. Information on demographics, clinical symptoms, and age variations between males and females were gathered and examined through the use of descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests. Results: The Findings revealed that most of the subjects were women (56%) and homemakers (38%), with an average age of 29.73 years. Frequent symptoms comprised of sneezing (93%), runny nose (83%), itchy nose (74%), and stuffy nose (92%). There was no notable variation in age between males and females (p = 0.139). Conclusion: Clinical symptoms of runny nose are often recognized consist of rhinorrhea, sneezing, obstruction of the nasal passages with lacrimation and pruritus of the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva and oropharynx with history of allergic rhinitis. Conditions commonly associated with allergic rhinitis include asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. Long standing disease can lead to mucosa remodeling, atrophic skin changes, nasal infection and overall increased morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory disease primarily affecting the nasal mucosa and is caused by allergies. The common symptoms of AR include rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, congestion, teary eyes, and nasal rubbings. The present study assessed the beneficial properties of bakuchiol on OVA-induced AR in mice via the regulation of inflammatory responses. AR was induced by injecting (i.p.) OVA (50 µg) and aluminum hydroxide (1 mg) into mice at various time intervals. The bakuchiol treatment was done at dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg with dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) as a positive control. The body weight and nasal symptoms were measured on the day of the last OVA challenge. For in vitro tests, mouse splenocytes were isolated, sensitized with 20 µL OVA, and then treated with 10 µM bakuchiol. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulins, histamine, leukotriene C4 (LTC-4), and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) were assayed using the corresponding assay kits. The assay kits were also used to analyze the status of oxidative stress markers. The Th1/Th2 cell proportion was assessed using flow cytometry. The bakuchiol (10 and 20 mg/kg) treatment reduced the nasal symptoms in AR mice. Bakuchiol decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, Igs (IgE and IgG1), histamine, IL-10, IL-33, and TNF-α in AR mice. Bakuchiol also reduced PGDA and LTC-4 levels in the NLF of AR mice. The ROS and MDA levels were decreased, whereas boosted SOD activity was observed in the bakuchiol-treated AR mice. The eosinophil count was decreased in the nasal tissues of bakuchiol-treated AR mice. Bakuchiol also influenced the Th1 and Th2 cell proportions in AR mice. The present findings suggest that bakuchiol is effective against OVA-mediated allergic and inflammatory responses in AR mice through its strong anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a 13-year retrospective study on the sensitization profiles of aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis (AR) patients in China. The study included 16,664 patients from three different centers. The most common aeroallergens were house dust mites, cockroaches, mustard plants, and maple trees. Children had a higher sensitization rate than adults, and AR patients with asthma had a higher sensitization rate than AR patients without asthma. The sensitization rates of the aeroallergens changed significantly from 2009 to 2021, with different trends observed in the three centers. The study provides valuable information on prevalent aeroallergens in China and proposes a panel of five aeroallergens for the diagnosis of AR. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction Allergic Rhinitis is defined clinically as having two or more symptoms of anterior or posterior rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage and or itching of nose during two or more consecutive days for more than one hour on most days. Exercise induces modulation in innate and adaptive immune system, dependent on host defence, activity level and disease susceptibility. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exercise on allergic rhinitis. Methods We report a comparative study conducted among 43 MBBS students of Mysore medical college and research institute. The study was a conducted from March 2022 to December 2022. The study subjects were selected based on SFAR (score for allergic rhinitis) score and they were divided into two groups. Those students with allergic rhinitis and performed exercise of 30 minutes for 5 days a week were considered cases and those who didn't exercise but had allergic rhinitis were placed in the control group. They were followed up for a period of 9 months. The effect of exercise on allergic rhinitis was determined by SFAR score obtained by the students at the end of the study period. Result 43 MBBS students were included in this study. 22 were cases (those with allergic rhinitis and performed exercise) and 21 were controls (those with allergic rhinitis but didn't exercise). 13 students (59.1%) from the case group reported improvement in their allergic symptoms with exercise. 8 (61.5%) out of the 13 students who reported improvement were involved in indoor sports activity. 5 (22.7%) of the cases reported no change in severity of symptoms with exercise. While 4 (18.2%) of the cases reported worsening of their symptoms with exercise. Conclusion During exercise, autonomic reflexes improve nasal efficiency. In dynamic exercise training due to an increase of nasal sympathetic activity, venous sinusoids constrict. This study showed that exercise has a beneficial effect on allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by nasal symptoms such as rubbing and sneezing, often triggered by allergen exposure. The purpose of this study is to dissect the roles of NLRP3‐mediated immune modulation and macrophage pyroptosis in modulating T cell differentiation within the context of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced AR in mice. OVA‐induced AR was established in mice, evaluating nasal symptoms, macrophage infiltration, cytokine levels, and T cell differentiation. Manipulations using NLRP3−/−, ASC−/− mice, clodronate liposome treatment, and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 were performed to assess their impact on AR symptoms and immune responses. Following OVA stimulation, increased nasal symptoms were observed in the OVA group along with augmented GATA3 expression and elevated IL‐4 and IL‐1b levels, indicative of Th2 polarization and cellular pyroptosis involvement. NLRP3−/− and ASC−/− mice exhibited reduced CD3+ T cells post OVA induction, implicating cellular pyroptosis in AR. Macrophage depletion led to decreased IgE levels, highlighting their involvement in allergic responses. Further investigations revealed enhanced macrophage pyroptosis, influencing Th1/Th2 differentiation in AR models. IL‐18 released through NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis induced Th2 differentiation, distinct from IL‐1b. Additionally, MCC950 effectively mitigated AR symptoms by modulating Th2 responses and reducing macrophage infiltration. This comprehensive study unravels the pivotal role of NLRP3‐mediated immune modulation and macrophage pyroptosis in Th1/Th2 balance regulation in OVA‐induced AR. Targeting NLRP3 pathways with MCC950 emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate AR symptoms, providing insights for potential therapeutic interventions in AR management. Significance statement: This study investigated the complex immune mechanisms underlying ovalbumin‐induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice, focusing on NLRP3‐mediated immune regulation and macrophage pyroptosis. This study reveals the critical role of NLRP3 in regulating Th1/Th2 balance and its impact on allergic responses. This study shows that inhibiting NLRP3 with MCC950 can effectively reduce AR symptoms, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy. These findings contribute to the understanding of AR pathogenesis, emphasizing the involvement of pyroptosis, Th1/Th2 differentiation, and the NLRP3 pathway. This comprehensive exploration may pave the way for targeted therapies, providing potential interventions for the management of AR and improving the quality of life of affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri, lacks a nervous or endocrine system and yet it exhibits a coordinated whole-body action known as a "sneeze" that can be triggered by exposure to l-glutamate. It is not known how l-glutamate is obtained by E. muelleri in sufficient quantities (i.e., 70 µM) to mediate this response endogenously. The present study tested the hypothesis that l-glutamate can be directly acquired from the environment across the body surface of E. muelleri. We demonstrate carrier mediated uptake of two distinct saturable systems with maximal transport rates (Jmax) of 64.27 ± 4.98 and 25.12 ± 1.87 pmols mg−1 min−1, respectively. The latter system has a higher calculated substrate affinity (Km) of 2.87 ± 0.38 µM compared to the former (8.75 ± 1.00 µM), indicative of distinct systems that can acquire l-glutamate at variable environmental concentrations. Further characterization revealed potential shared pathways of l-glutamate uptake with other negatively charged amino acids, namely d-glutamate and l-aspartate, as well as the neutral amino acid L-alanine. We demonstrate that l-glutamate uptake does not appear to rely on exogenous sodium or proton concentrations as removal of these ions from the bathing media did not significantly alter uptake. Likewise, l-glutamate uptake does not seem to rely on internal proton motive forces driven by VHA as application of 100 nM of the VHA inhibitor bafilomycin did not alter uptake rates within E. muelleri tissues. Whether the acquired amino acid is used to supplement feeding or is stored and accumulated to mediate the sneeze response remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. There are limited prospective long‐term data regarding persistency and remission of AR. The objective of this study was to investigate the natural course of pollen‐induced AR (pollen‐AR) over 20 years, from childhood into early adulthood. Methods: Data from 1137 subjects in the Barn/Children Allergi/Allergy Milieu Stockholm Epidemiologic birth cohort (BAMSE) with a completed questionnaire regarding symptoms, asthma, treatment with allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and results of allergen‐specific IgE for inhalant allergens at 4, 8, 16 and 24 years were analyzed. Pollen‐AR was defined as sneezing, runny, itchy or blocked nose; and itchy or watery eyes when exposed to birch and/or grass pollen in combination with allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35kUA/L to birch and/or grass. Results: Approximately 75% of children with pollen‐AR at 4 or 8 years had persistent disease up to 24 years, and 30% developed asthma. The probability of persistency was high already at low levels of pollen‐specific IgE. The highest rate of remission from pollen‐AR was seen between 16 and 24 years (21.5%); however, the majority remained sensitized. This period was also when pollen‐specific IgE‐levels stopped increasing and the average estimated annual incidence of pollen‐AR decreased from 1.5% to 0.8% per year. Conclusion: Children with pollen‐AR are at high risk of persistent disease for at least 20 years. Childhood up to adolescence seems to be the most dynamic period of AR progression. Our findings underline the close cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationship between sensitization, AR and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Pediatría de Atención Primaria is the property of LUA Ediciones 3.0 S.L. 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.)

Importance: Allergic rhinitis affects an estimated 15% of the US population (approximately 50 million individuals) and is associated with the presence of asthma, eczema, chronic or recurrent sinusitis, cough, and both tension and migraine headaches. Observations: Allergic rhinitis occurs when disruption of the epithelial barrier allows allergens to penetrate the mucosal epithelium of nasal passages, inducing a T-helper type 2 inflammatory response and production of allergen-specific IgE. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. In an international study, the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis were rhinorrhea (90.38%) and nasal congestion (94.23%). Patients with nonallergic rhinitis present primarily with nasal congestion and postnasal drainage frequently associated with sinus pressure, ear plugging, muffled sounds and pain, and eustachian tube dysfunction that is less responsive to nasal corticosteroids. Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis typically have physical examination findings of edematous and pale turbinates. Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis typically have erythematous and inflamed turbinates with serous secretions that appear similar to other forms of chronic rhinitis at physical examination. Patients with nonallergic rhinitis have negative test results for specific IgE aeroallergens. Intermittent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring less than 4 consecutive days/week or less than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Persistent allergic rhinitis is defined as symptoms occurring more often than 4 consecutive days/week and for more than 4 consecutive weeks/year. Patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid inciting allergens. In addition, first-line treatment for mild intermittent or mild persistent allergic rhinitis may include a second-generation H1 antihistamine (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine) or an intranasal antihistamine (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), whereas patients with persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis should be treated initially with an intranasal corticosteroid (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) either alone or in combination with an intranasal antihistamine. In contrast, first-line therapy for patients with nonallergic rhinitis consists of an intranasal antihistamine as monotherapy or in combination with an intranasal corticosteroid. Conclusions and Relevance: Allergic rhinitis is associated with symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Patients with allergic rhinitis should be instructed to avoid inciting allergens. Therapies include second-generation H1 antihistamines (eg, cetirizine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, loratadine), intranasal antihistamines (eg, azelastine, olopatadine), and intranasal corticosteroids (eg, fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone) and should be selected based on the severity and frequency of symptoms and patient preference. This narrative review discusses the pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis for patients with allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the prevalence and management of allergic diseases, such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. Topics include understanding the allergic cascade and its relationship to various allergic diseases, the burden of allergic diseases on patients' quality of life, and guidelines and methods for testing allergens to guide pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.

Objective: To evaluate the contribution of postnasal drip (PND) and chronic cough (CC) to symptoms of patients with chronic rhinitis treated with temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), and correlate PND and CC scores with components of the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS). Methods: Pooled data from three prospective studies: two single‐arm studies and the index active treatment arm of a randomized controlled trial. Adult patients with baseline rTNSS ≥6 were treated with TCRF neurolysis at nonoverlapping regions of the PNN. PND and CC symptoms were evaluated on a 0 (none) to 3 (severe) scale. Results: Data from 228 patients (57.9% women, 42.1% men) were included. The mean baseline rTNSS was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8–8.3), which decreased to 3.2 (95% CI, 2.9–3.5) at 6 months. At baseline, 97.4% of patients had PND and 80.3% had CC. Median baseline PND and CC symptom scores were 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–3) and 2 (IQR, 1–2), respectively. At 6 months, this decreased to 1 (IQR, 0–2) and 0 (IQR, 0–1), respectively, showing significant improvement from baseline (both p < 0.001). Spearman correlation coefficients with components of rTNSS (rhinorrhea, congestion, itching, sneezing) were 0.16 to 0.22 for CC and 0.19 to 0.46 for PND, indicating only a weak to moderate correlation. Conclusion: PND and CC contribute to the symptomatology of chronic rhinitis and are significantly improved after TCRF neurolysis of the PNN. The inclusion of PND and CC symptoms in a chronic rhinitis assessment instrument could provide important additional information for the characterization of the disease state and outcomes after any therapeutic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixed‐breed mesocephalic male dog, weighing 25 kg, was presented with a medical history of nasal leeches (Dinobdella ferox) affecting both nostrils with the symptoms of laboured breathing, reverse sneezing, intermittent epistaxis and a reduced appetite. The dog underwent a standard clinical examination, haematological and biochemical assessments and radiographic studies to systematically diagnose any anomalies and evaluate its suitability for general anaesthesia. A Karl Storz video‐otoscope featuring a 15 Fr instrument channel was used to conduct anterior rhinoscopy under general anaesthesia. The endoscope was introduced sequentially into each nostril to visualise the nasal cavities and pinpoint the presence of leeches therein. Grasping forceps, guided through the endoscope's integrated instrument channel, were used to extract the leeches from both nasal cavities within a brief timeframe (18 leeches in 16 min) and without encountering substantial challenges. Following the leech removal, a post‐retrieval minor capillary bleeding within the nasal cavities, which was seen from both the nostrils, was controlled by flushing the nostrils with a 1:10,000 adrenaline tartrate solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa triggered by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated response to exposure to allergens. The most common symptoms are nasal obstruction, sneezing, runny nose and these in addition to swollen, itchy, red and watery eyes. Recent studies have shown highly elevated immunoglobulin E levels in the airway mucosa independently of serum IgE levels and atopic status. Nasal mucosa has intrinsic capability to produce IgE in allergic rhinitis. The study was conducted to explore the levels of nasal total IgE and serum total IgE and their correlation in symptomatic AR patients. This was a case control-study and two groups participated in the study. The first group included 203 symptomatic patients who were diagnosed in the otorhinolaryngology clinic as cases of AR, known as AR group. The second group was control group and included 203 apparently healthy volunteers without any history suggestive of AR. The associated risk factors for severe allergic symptoms were assessed by logistic regression model. The mean differences between nasal total IgE and serum total IgE levels of both groups were compared by t-test. A correlation was investigated between nasal IgE and serum IgE in both the groups. The mean level of nasal total IgE and serum total IgE was found to be 103.9 and 291.4 IU/ml in AR group, respectively, and 17.5 and 67.5 IU/ml in the control group, respectively. Levels of nasal total IgE and serum total IgE were significantly higher in the nasal fluids and serum of symptomatic allergic rhinitis patients than in controls (p < 0.001 and < 0.001 respectively). A logistic regression model showed severity of allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with nasal total IgE levels. The correlation of nasal total IgE levels with serum total IgE levels in the control group was found to be statistically insignificant. However a statistically positive correlation was observed between nasal total IgE and serum total IgE levels in the AR group. It is possible that nasal IgE and serum IgE interact in the pathogenesis of AR and this is evident in the current study. Nasal IgE levels should be evaluated in severe symptomatic allergic rhinitis patients. The interaction between nasal IgE to serum IgE levels should be further investigated in AR patients for other possible prevalent endotypes of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A type-I hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa, allergic rhinitis (AR) is distinguished by nasal obstruction, watery rhinorrhea, sneezing, and throat, mouth, and nose irritation. It is assumed that allergies can affect the inner, middle, or outer ear. Many writers have studied the relationship between allergic rhinitis and otitis media. Most of them concur that bacterial infection and Eustachian tube obstruction are significant risk factors for the development of otitis media with effusion in addition to allergies. One hundred study participants had a full clinical evaluation that included an ENT history and examination. In the ENT OPD, the audiological examination was conducted using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and Impedance Audiometry (IA). At frequencies of 250 and 8000 Hz, respectively, the bone and air conduction thresholds were studied. The commercially available "AT235 INTERACOUSTICS" tympanometer was used for the tympanometry procedure. With pressure variations between + 200 and − 300daPa, tympanometry was carried out employing a 226 Hz probe tone. Mean age of study population was 52.16 and 24% each in age group 51 to 60 and 61 to 70 years respectively. 73 (73%) were male and 27 (27%) were female. 46% of allergic rhinitis study population was found to have normal hearing and 43% had mild conductive hearing loss. Most common type of impedance curve was A type (47%). Patients having acute phase of allergy with symptoms less than 3 months had more ear block and secretory otitis media. Patients with duration more than 3 months had resolved secretory otitis media hence the hearing was normal in 33 cases and 11 had mild conductive hearing loss. This study was concluded that there is correlation between the severity of the hearing loss and duration of allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effect of TRNP on rhinitis-related symptoms. Methods: We reviewed studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database to June 2023. Studies that evaluated quality-of-life and rhinitis-related symptom scores before and after treatment were analyzed, as was one sham-treatment-controlled study. Results: In total, 406 patients evaluated in five studies were analyzed. TRNP significantly improved rhinitis-related symptoms—congestion, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing—for up to 12 months after treatment, compared to before treatment. The most significant symptom decreases were those of rhinorrhea and nasal congestion. Rhinitis-related symptoms had improved significantly at 3 months after TRNP, compared to sham surgery. TRNP improved disease-specific quality-of-life scores on the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire at 6 months after treatment, compared to before treatment. The rates of clinical improvement in terms of all nasal symptoms (reduction > 30% from baseline) and in quality of life (minimal clinically important difference > 0.4) after TRNP were 79% and 84% respectively. There was no severe adverse event associated with either device use or the overall procedure. Conclusions: TRNP treatment improved subjective symptoms related to rhinitis, especially rhinorrhea and nasal congestion, and also improved disease-specific quality-of-life scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergy rhinitis (AR) is becoming more common and has serious medical and societal consequences. Sneezing, paroxysmal nasal blockage, nasal itching, mucosal edema, coughing, and rhinorrhea are symptoms of this type I allergic immunological illness. Immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammation is the cause of it. Because AR is prone to recurrent attacks, extended medication therapy may impair its effectiveness. In addition to negatively affecting the patients' physical health, this can also negatively impact their mental health. During AR development, there are inflammatory and oxidative stress responses that are linked to problems in a number of signal transduction pathways. By using the terms "allergic rhinitis", "traditional Chinese medicine", "inflammation", and "oxidative stress", we screened for pertinent research published over the previous five years in databases like PubMed. We saw that NF-KB, TLR, IL-33/ST2, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Nrf2 are some of the most important inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AR. Studies have revealed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy reduced the risk of AR and was therapeutic; however, the impact of the therapy varies widely. The Chinese medical system places a high value on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been there for virtually all of China's 5000-year history. By influencing signaling pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, Chinese herbal medicine and its constituent compounds have been shown to prevent allergic rhinitis. This review will focus on this evidence and provide references for clinical treatment and scientific research applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory disorder that has an impact on performance, attendance at work, and education, and is a growing global health concern. Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to study the allergic rhinitis in Iraqi medical students and treatment schedules. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study obtained through a web-based structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. 359 peoples with AR have taken part in this study. Results: The most prevalent bothersome symptoms in AR patients were 72% sneezing, and it's important to note that females experienced these symptoms with more severity than males. 82% of those observed had allergy to dust, 60% took loratadine for therapy. 78% preferred tablets as a dosage form and 60% of both males and females used vitamin C as adjuvant. Conclusion: It has been determined that medical university students frequently experience allergic rhinitis, with a slightly higher incidence among females. Sneezing is the common symptom, dust appeared as major allergen and loratadine was the most used drug by the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital emphysema is a known complication of periorbital trauma due to a fracture in the orbital walls. However, it is uncommon to come across a case of orbital emphysema in clinical practice due to sneezing or coughing. The case reported here involves the development of spontaneous orbital swelling in a 24-year-old male occurring following a bout of sneezing. The case merits discussion to emphasize the importance of appropriate workup in detecting definitive etiology and urgently deciding upon the correct course of management in a case of orbital swelling, as any delay can cause permanent vision loss and on the other hand unnecessary intervention can cause damaging complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the relationship between airborne transmission and the saliva fluid properties of a human sneeze. Specifically, we aimed to understand if altering the saliva and its relationship to droplet breakup and stability can affect its transmission characteristics. The study aimed to answer this question using computational fluid dynamics, specifically, a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian model with a Spalart–Allmaras, detached eddy simulation turbulence model. The effort focused on a scenario with a sneeze event within a ventilated room. The study found that for sneezes, secondary breakdown processes are important. Thicker saliva that increased the Ohnesorge number displayed a clear resistance to aerosolization due to stabilized secondary breakup, leading the bulk of the drops having high settling rates that are less likely to drive airborne transmission. For instance, the use of xanthum gum, which increased the saliva viscosity by 2000%, reduced the formation of aerosols. Additionally, another class of modifiers that reduce saliva content was studied, which was also effective in reducing airborne transmission drivers. Zingiber, which reduced the saliva content, reduced the formation of aerosols. However, when considering the overall reduction in droplet volume, saliva modifiers such as cornstarch, xanthum gum, and lozenges increased the mean droplet size by 50%, 25%, and 50%, respectively, while reducing the overall droplet volume by 71.6%, 71.2%, and 77.2%, respectively. Conversely, Zingiber reduced the mean droplet size by 50% but increased the overall droplet volume by 165.7%. Overall, for this type of respiratory event, this study provides insight into the potential for modifying saliva characteristics that may impact airborne transmission and could introduce new tools for reducing airborne pathogen transmission.

Objective By analyzing the clinical data from 88 infants or young children with allergic rhinitis (AR), we explore the clinical characteristics of AR in those pediatric patients as well as the improvement in symptoms after drug treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 88 infants or young children initially diagnosed with AR who visited the pediatric respiratory clinic of the first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou medical university from February 1, 2020 to August 1, 2020. Telephone follow-ups were conducted from 6 to 12 months after the first visit. Based on the follow-up results, we summarized the clinical characteristics, complications, and efficacy of therapies of AR in infants and young children. Results Among 88 infants or young children aged 3 to 36 months with AR, 34 (38.6%) had mild AR and 54 (61.4%) had moderate to severe AR. Runny nose and nasal congestion were the most common clinical symptom (87.5%, 77/88), followed by sneezing (47.7%, 42/88) and nasal itching (37.5%, 33/88). Coughing (56.8%, 50/88) was the most common complications, followed by snoring (52.3%, 46/88), wheezing (27.3%, 24/88) and mouth breathing (12.5%, 11/88).The top three positive rates of serum specific IgE testing were 53.4% (47/88) in milk, 46.6% (41/88) in dust mites and 36.4% (32/88) in eggs. After 2 to 8 weeks of medication uses, the remission rate of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher in mild AR than in moderate to severe AR [94.1% (32/34) vs. 75.9% (41/54), χ² = 4.883, P = 0.027]. 24.1% of patients with moderate to severe AR still had recurrent symptoms at follow-up visits, which was significantly higher than 5.9% in the mild AR group (χ² = 4.883, P = 0.027). Conclusion The main symptoms of AR in infants and young children are runny nose and nasal congestion, and the main complications include cough and snoring. The main allergens are dust mites, milk, and eggs. The symptom relief rate is better in mild AR than in moderate to severe AR after treatment. The symptoms in moderate to severe AR are prone to relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that relies on its human host to achieve airborne transmission and existence, is the primary cause of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that is vital to public health. Aim: To update the society on tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment delays among patients in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The review paper utilized different search engines, such as Pubmed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and so forth, to conduct this review paper. Results: Delays in diagnosis could cause diseases to spread throughout the community, progress more quickly, and increase mortality. With many populations experiencing TB diagnostic delay and less than a third of the population experiencing TB treatment delay, the rates of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment delays are high. Conclusion: The delay in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in men is positively correlated with knowledge of the disease's symptoms and the regular use of a handkerchief or both hands to cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa primarily characterized by symptoms, such as nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It has a high recurrence rate and low cure rate, with a lack of effective drugs for treatment. The current approach to management focuses on symptom control. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved non-histone protein widely present in the nucleus of eukaryotes. It is recognized as a proinflammatory agent, and recent studies have demonstrated its close association with AR. Here, we will elaborate the role and mechanism of HMGB1 in AR, so as to reveal the potential value of HMGB1 in the occurrence and development of AR, and provide a new target for clinical research on the treatment of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearing surgical masks or other similar face coverings can reduce the emission of expiratory particles produced via breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. Although it is well established that some fraction of the expiratory airflow leaks around the edges of the mask, it is unclear how these leakage airflows affect the overall efficiency with which masks block emission of expiratory aerosol particles. Here, we show experimentally that the aerosol particle concentrations in the leakage airflows around a surgical mask are reduced compared to no mask wearing, with the magnitude of reduction dependent on the direction of escape (out the top, the sides, or the bottom). Because the actual leakage flowrate in each direction is difficult to measure, we use a Monte Carlo approach to estimate flow-corrected particle emission rates for particles having diameters in the range 0.5-20 μm. in all orientations. From these, we derive a flow-weighted overall number-based particle removal efficiency for the mask. The overall mask efficiency, accounting both for air that passes through the mask and for leakage flows, is reduced compared to the through-mask filtration efficiency, from 93 to 70% for talking, but from only 94-90% for coughing. These results demonstrate that leakage flows due to imperfect sealing do decrease mask efficiencies for reducing emission of expiratory particles, but even with such leakage surgical masks provide substantial control.

The aim of this essay is to shed light on three related Peripatetic texts that have received little scholarly attention: a passage in Aristotle’s Historia animalium I 11, on the nose, which mentions in passing that «sneezing […] is alone of breaths (πνευμάτων) a sign prophetic and sacred»; and, two chapters in pseudo-Aristotle, Problemata physica XXXIII, which ask and attempt to answer the question: why is sneezing (thought to be) sacred? An important issue distinguishing the latter from the former is the view that the head is the seat of reason.

A national respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for newborns and older or vulnerable adults starts soon, making the UK the world’s first nation to attempt such coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress urinary incontinence and atrophic colpitis are among the most common pathologies in women in late reproductive and premenopausal age, which occur against the background of the progression of estrogen deficiency in late reproductive age. In recent years, laser energy has been actively used in clinical practice to correct the manifestations of genitourinary syndrome. A special feature of laser technology is the use of a package (sequence) of laser pulses with a low energy density, the duration and frequency of which are programmed in such a way that, providing a deep thermal effect, tissue ablation is not allowed. The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated approach in the treatment of atrophic colpitis and stress urinary incontinence in women of late reproductive and premenopausal age. Materials and methods. 69 women aged 45-55 years with manifestations of GUS were examined. In all women, the intensity of vaginal symptoms, the effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life, urinary incontinence symptoms, female sexuality, vaginal pH were examined, and light-microscopic and morphometric studies of vaginal biopsies were performed. For the purpose of treatment, women were offered 3 sessions of therapy, of a CO2-laser and the appointment of vaginal suppositories, which include natural substances with expressed regenerative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties. The total duration of treatment was 8 months. Results. The average pH value of vaginal contents in patients with Hus was 4.9±0.3. Complaints of burning and tingling, dryness and itching in the vagina and external genitalia prevailed among vaginal smptomas. On the D.Barlow scale 6 (8.7%) and 12 (17.4%) respondents rated their symptoms at 1 and 2 points. According to the results of the UDI-6 questionnaire, a significant majority of women complained of loss of urine associated with coughing, sneezing or laughing, loss of urine associated with the need for urgent urination, and loss of a small amount of urine not associated with physical activity. Light-microscopic and morphometric analysis of biopsies revealed the presence of significant thinning of the vaginal epithelium with a decrease in the cells of the intermediate line, a decrease in the content of glycogen in the cytoplasm and smoothness of the basal relief. Conclusions. The effectiveness of the proposed treatment complex is confirmed by a significant decrease in the number of vaginal symptoms, an increase in the number of women who evaluated the intensity of existing symptoms on a D Barlow scale scores of 1 and 2 points, a decrease in the number of women with urinary incontinence symptoms in the UDI-6 questionnaire, and an increase in the number of women with mild to mild urinary incontinence in the ICIQ-SF questionnaire. The positive effect of the proposed combined complex on the condition of the vaginal mucosa was confirmed by activation of remodeling processes, which was reflected in an increase in the proliferative activity of multilayer flat non-keratinized epithelium in response to photothermal laser exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) is ambiguous, while it is clear that various immune cells and cytokines play crucial roles in its occurrence and development. Aim: To investigate the effect of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10) on the expression of fibrinogen (FIB), procalcitonin (PCT), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Th17/Treg-IL10/IL-17 axis balance in the nasal mucosa of rats with AR. Method: In this study, 48 female-specific pathogen-free Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: blank control group, AR group, and IL-10 intervention group. The AR model was established in the AR group and IL-10 group. The rats in the control group were treated with normal saline; the rats in the AR group were given 20 μL of saline containing 50 μg of ovalbumin (OVA) every day. The rats in the IL-10 intervention group were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 40 pg/kg IL-10 and provided with OVA. The IL-10 intervention group was composed of mice with AR that received IL-10. The behavior of nasal allergic symptoms (such as nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose) and the hematoxylin and eosin staining of nasal mucosa were observed. The levels of FIB, PCT, hs-CRP, IgE, and OVA sIgE in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of Treg and Th17 cells in serum were detected by flow cytometry. The protein levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-17 in nasal mucosa were detected by the Western-blot method. Results: The scores of snots, nasal itching, and sneezing in the AR group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the scores of the above symptoms in the IL-10 intervention group were lower than those in the AR group. The levels of FIB, PCT, hs-CRP, IgE, and OVA sIgE in serum and the protein levels of IL-10 and IL-17 in the nasal mucosa in the AR group were higher than those in the blank control group. Meanwhile, the levels of FIB, PCT, hs-CRP, IgE, and OVA sIgE in serum and IL-10 and IL-17 protein in the nasal mucosa in the IL-10 group were lower than those in the AR group. Conclusion: IL-10 can relieve the allergy of AR rats by affecting the expression of FIB, PCT, and hs-CRP, as well as the balance of the Th17/Treg-IL10/IL-17 axis in the nasal mucosa of AR rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines monetary policy spillovers from the US and the People's Republic of China (PRC) to real and financial sectors in advanced and emerging Asian economies over the period 2000 to 2020. Using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) approach, we find that Asian economies overall are more susceptible to spillovers to GDP, inflation, and the current account emanating from monetary policy shocks in the PRC than to those from the US. This is related to high inter-regional trade integration in Asia and is in line with previous research findings. However, while the prevailing literature has highlighted the dominant role of US monetary policy as a transmitter of shocks to global and Asian financial markets, we find more persistence in the response of advanced Asian interest rates to PRC monetary policy shocks. In addition, emerging Asian economies are found to be more susceptible to shocks emanating from the PRC in respect of equity markets and exchange rates. The rising synchronization of Asian financial markets in relation to the PRC as the financial account in the PRC has gradually opened as well as indirect effects via trade and regional value chains help to rationalize our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital emphysema is a known complication of periorbital trauma due to a fracture in the orbital walls. However, it is uncommon to come across a case of orbital emphysema in clinical practice due to sneezing or coughing. The case reported here involves the development of spontaneous orbital swelling in a 24-year-old male occurring following a bout of sneezing. The case merits discussion to emphasize the importance of appropriate workup in detecting definitive etiology and urgently deciding upon the correct course of management in a case of orbital swelling, as any delay can cause permanent vision loss and on the other hand unnecessary intervention can cause damaging complications.