Nasal Hair Research Articles

Computational Rhinology: Unraveling Discrepancies between In Silico and In Vivo Nasal Airflow Assessments for Enhanced Clinical Decision Support.

Computational rhinology is a specialized branch of biomechanics leveraging engineering techniques for mathematical modelling and simulation to complement the medical field of rhinology. Computational rhinology has already contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of the nasal function, including airflow patterns, mucosal cooling, particle deposition, and drug delivery, and is foreseen as a crucial element in, e.g., the development of virtual surgery as a clinical, patient-specific decision support tool. The current paper delves into the field of computational rhinology from a nasal airflow perspective, highlighting the use of computational fluid dynamics to enhance diagnostics and treatment of breathing disorders. This paper consists of three distinct parts-an introduction to and review of the field of computational rhinology, a review of the published literature on in vitro and in silico studies of nasal airflow, and the presentation and analysis of previously unpublished high-fidelity CFD simulation data of in silico rhinomanometry. While the two first parts of this paper summarize the current status and challenges in the application of computational tools in rhinology, the last part addresses the gross disagreement commonly observed when comparing in silico and in vivo rhinomanometry results. It is concluded that this discrepancy cannot readily be explained by CFD model deficiencies caused by poor choice of turbulence model, insufficient spatial or temporal resolution, or neglecting transient effects. Hence, alternative explanations such as nasal cavity compliance or drag effects due to nasal hair should be investigated.

Exploring the role of nasal hair in inhaled airflow and coarse dust particle dynamics in a nasal cavity: A CFD-DEM study

This study presents a novel coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model for simulating airflow and inhaled particle dynamics in the nasal cavity, considering the fluid-structure interactions between nasal hair and airflow, which are often overlooked in existing CFD simulations. The CFD-DEM model, based on a virtual nasal cavity geometry, represents nasal hairs as flexible fibers implanted on the inner wall of the nasal cavity. Inhaled air-particle transport dynamics were simulated in the presence of nasal hairs with three different diameters (40, 95, and 120 μm), and the results were compared with simulations without nasal hairs. Polydisperse particles with diameters ranging from 5 to 15 μm, aligning with global coarse dust statistics, were inhaled at flow rates between 216 mL/s and 630 mL/s, representing human nose breathing conditions from rest to exercise. The CFD-DEM simulation results indicate that the differences in deposition fraction predictions between cases with and without nasal hairs exceed 20% for particle size ranges corresponding to impaction parameter values between 3E+3 and 2E+4 μm2cm3/s. This emphasizes the importance of accounting for nasal hair interactions in accurately simulating inhaled particle transport dynamics within the nasal cavity. Thinner nasal hairs, more flexible than thicker ones, lead to more significant deformation and allow more particles to penetrate the nasal vestibule without being trapped. Additionally, thinner hairs occupy a smaller cross-section area in the nasal vestibule, resulting in lower filtration capability due to decreased particle deposition from interception and inertial impaction. Thicker nasal hairs trap more coarse dust particles (> 5 μm) effectively than thinner nasal hairs. Moreover, as the nasal hair diameter increases, particle deposition on the nasal cavity wall decreases. Nasal hairs demonstrate higher efficiency in trapping smaller particles. In conclusion, the CFD-DEM model, capable of modeling nasal hair motion, can serve as a next-generation in silico tool for investigating biofluid dynamics in the nasal cavity.

Brachytherapy for primary nasal vestibule cancer using Au-198 grains

Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the definitive treatments for early-stage nasal vestibular carcinoma and has similar local control rates to resection surgery. There are various methods, including external beam RT and brachytherapy. This report describes a case who showed local control for more than 5 years after brachytherapy alone using Au-198 grains for nasal vestibular carcinoma. A 68-year-old Japanese man complained of swelling and pain in his left nasal cavity. He was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (cT1N0M0, stage I). An elevated mass of 8 mm in long diameter was found inside the left nasal cavity. Since the patient selected brachytherapy, nine Au-198 grains 185 mBq were permanently injected percutaneously under local anesthesia, and 85 Gy was prescribed. Grade three dermatitis was observed as an acute adverse event. After 2 years, mild telangiectasia of the left nasal skin and epilation of nasal hair in the left nasal cavity was regarded as late adverse events. The patient continues to keep a complete response for 5 years. For small nasal vestibular SCC, brachytherapy with Au-198 grains might be a good option.

511 Characteristics of Inhalation Injury Management at a Referral Burn Center: A Ten-year Experience

IntroductionVariability exists in the diagnosis and treatment of upper airway and inhalation injury (UAII). Institutional algorithm at our ABA-verified burn center in part necessitates fiberoptic diagnostic laryngoscopy (DL) in patients at risk for UAII. We sought to determine patterns and characteristics of UAII management and complications over a ten-year period.MethodsA retrospective review of burn admissions between January, 2011 and December, 2020 was performed. 253 patients with concern for UAII underwent DL upon presentation. Patients under age 18 were excluded. 66 patients were excluded for inability to tolerate/refusal/unreported results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of a positive DL.Results169 patients were analyzed. The population was frequently middle-aged, male, and overweight. 81 patients used tobacco and 34 patients had history of COPD. Examination of injury characteristics yielded median ISS of 6. 116 patients (69%) had no or < 1% cutaneous thermal burns. 75 patients had facial soot or singed nasal hairs concerning for UAII. Of 169 patients who underwent DL, DL was positive in 106 (63%). Tracked complications in patients with positive DL yielded few unplanned intubations (n=2, 1%), unplanned ICU admission (n=2, 1%), unplanned extubation (n=4, 2%), VAP (n=1, 1%). Median ICU LOS was 2 days and average hospital LOS was 3 days. Mortality overall was 5% (n=8). Subgroup analysis was used to compare patients with positive versus negative DL. Patients with positive DL were older (54 vs 49 years, p=0.09), primarily male (63% vs 60%, p=0.7), had lower BMI (29 vs 30, p=0.94), were tobacco users (52% vs 41%, p=0.18), and often carried diagnosis of COPD (24% vs 14%, p=0.15). Median ISS was higher in the positive DL group (10 vs 4, p< 0.0001). Cutaneous burns were absent or < 1% (85 vs 58, p=0.05). Presence of facial burns and soot was significantly associated with positive DL (56 vs 19, p< 0.0001, OR 15.9, 95% CI). With positive DL, median ICU LOS, hospital LOS, and mortality were significantly higher (p< 0.0001, p< 0.0001, and p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionsThese findings lend credit to an approach of aggressive diagnosis and subsequent management. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with positive DL highlighted obvious facial burns or soot and ISS (OR 1.1, 95% CI, p=0.01) as most predictive. Though rates of tracked complications were too low for subgroup analysis, no patient with negative DL on admission required unplanned intubation. Patients with positive DL at our institution are placed on an algorithm of ICU admission, 24-hour period of NPO, mucolytic therapy, enhanced pulmonary hygiene, and lung protective ventilatory strategies. Patients with positive DL exhibited longer ICU and hospital LOS and increased mortality.

On the pullout strength of human nasal hair

This study investigates nasal hair-to-dermis detachment in humans, quantifying the pullout force required in adult males. While many studies have investigated the behavior and function of human body hair, little is known concerning the mechanical properties of human nasal hair or the strength of the hair-to-dermis attachment. Improved understanding of nasal hair pullout in humans could aid nasal packing design, contaminant removal procedures, and even aid certain cosmetic procedures where nasal hair removal via pullout is the objective. In this study, pullout behavior of human nasal hair is investigated using sensitive force-measuring equipment and advanced scanning electron microscopy. Fifty nasal hair samples are collected from two human subjects (the study authors) representing a total of 100 pullout measurements. Results indicate that nasal hair thickness (diameter) is unrelated to required pullout force, and that the root-width-to-hair-diameter ratio appears to be a reasonable indicator of the resulting nasal hair pullout force. Larger root ratios generally correspond to larger required pullout forces. Nasal hair pullout strength from the combined 100 samples varied between 0.043 and 0.726 N with mean pullout strengths of 0.430 and 0.293 N for Subject 1 and Subject 2, respectively.

17958 The quantification and measurement of nasal hairs in a cadaveric population

Background: Alopecia areata is an inflammatory condition associated with hair loss of the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and nostrils. Many alopecia patients have experienced increased allergies, upper respiratory infections, and dryness due to the lack of nose hairs. The quantification of nasal hairs and the effects of lack of nasal hairs on a patient’s quality of life has yet to be assessed.

The Role of Patients in Alopecia Areata Endpoint Development: Understanding Physical Signs and Symptoms.

Meaningful patient input to understand disease experience and patient expectations for improvement with treatment is essential for the selection and development of outcome measures for alopecia areata (AA) clinical trials. This study explored the physical signs and symptoms of AA through 30 semistructured interviews with adult (n= 25) and adolescent (n= 5) patients experienced with severe or very severe AA. Scalp hair loss was overwhelmingly the most important sign and symptom of AA. Nearly all patients (90%) considered scalp hair loss in their top three most bothersome physical signs and symptoms of AA, with 77% (n= 23) naming scalp hair loss as the most bothersome symptom. Other identified signs and symptoms in the top three most bothersome included eyebrow, eyelash, nose, body, and facial hair loss, as well as eye irritation and nail damage and/or appearance. Eyebrow (16%, n= 4), eyelash (4%, n= 1), nasal (4%, n= 1), and body (4%, n= 1) hair loss were identified by seven adult patients as the most bothersome signs and symptoms of AA. Conceptual saturation confirmed that a comprehensive understanding of this patient population's physical AA-related signs and symptoms was obtained. These findings indicate that the primary objective for new AA treatments for this patient population should be meaningful improvement in scalp hair growth to address the most troubling unmet need.

Inhalational Injury Management: From Intubation to Nebulized Heparin

Inhalational injury is common during fire accidents. Upper airway injury occurs due to heat, whereas the lower airway injury is caused by chemical irritation. It causes local damage to the upper, lower airway, and lung parenchyma leading to erythema, bronchorrhea, edema, airway obstruction, and surfactant loss. Plasma leakage occurs due to a storm of pro-inflammatory markers and vascular leak, with fibrin deposition, leading to formation of airway cast and debris increasing the risk of airway obstruction. Systemic complications occur due to anoxia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide poisoning. An inhalational injury should be suspected in patients with a history of exposure to flames and in those who are entrapped in a closed compartment during the fire. Facial burns, singed facial or nasal hair, stridor, and carbonaceous sputum should raise suspicion of high index of inhalational injury. Severity of inhalational injury can be graded using 133 Xenon (radioisotope) study, bronchoscopy, computerized tomography findings, or virtual endoscopy. In the management of inhalational injury, keeping airway patent and secured is of vital importance. According to the advanced trauma life support principles, these patients should be intubated early, but as per the recent literature, it may not be necessary to intubate all inhalation injury patients. Adjuvant therapy includes bronchodilators, mucolytics, and beta-agonists. Nebulized heparin is found to be useful as it breaks and prevents new clot formations in the airway without any systemic anticoagulant effects. Inhalational injury is an independent risk factor for increase in mortality in burn patients.

Megaesophagus in Mule

Background: Megaesophagus is a chronic dilation of the esophagus rarely found in horses. It’s a non-specific disease that is associated with several causes, and esophageal hypomotility is the dysfunction that most commonly results in organ dilation. In the literature, there are few reports of megaesophagus in horses and, to date, no cases in mule have been reported. The objective of this work is to describe a case of a donkey with thoracic megaesophagus.Case: A 16 year-old donkey, castrated male, mixed breed weighing 195 kg, was referred for clinical care with a history of 5 days of anorexia. On physical examination, apathy, cachexia, 8% dehydration, moderate enophthalmos, ptialism, bilateral nasal discharge, dry and bristling hair were observed. Due to the poor general condition, a nasogastric tube was chosen to perform enteral nutrition, however, it was not possible to progress the tube to the stomach. In order to confirm the suspicion of a possible esophageal obstruction, gastroscopy was performed, where it was possible to observe an esophageal dilation filled with bulky food located in the thoracic portion of the esophagus. In an attempt to stimulate esophageal motility, in order to promote the progression of the material present in the region of dilation, intramuscular metoclopramide was administered (two applications every 6 h), however the treatment had no effect. Due to the unfavorable prognosis and financial limitations of the owner, euthanasia was performed, which was followed by autopsy and histopathological examination. At necropsy, a marked dilation of the esophagus was observed in the thoracic portion, which was filled with approximately 500 grams of bulky food (grass). In the mucosa of this area, multiple ulcers were observed that occasionally coalesce, covered by a moderate amount of friable and yellowish-white material.Discussion: Megaesophagus is characterized by organ dilatation and enlargement, absence of peristalsis, presence of tertiary contractions and non-total or partial relaxation of the lower sphincter. Its origin can be congenital or secondary (acquired). In the congenital form, which corresponds to the hypomotility and generalized dilation of the esophagus, the main consequence is the underdevelopment of the foal after weaning. The acquired form occurs due to motor changes in the esophagus or gastroesophageal sphincter, causing passive dilation of the organ. Lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, polyneuritis, degenerative neuropathies, hypoadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, thiamine deficiency, heavy metal poisoning (Lead and Thallium), tumors (mainly thymoma) and cervical injuries are among the main causes of secondary megaesophagus. Animals with esophageal paralysis or some type of esophageal obstruction, usually present nasal and oral reflux of saliva and may develop aspiration pneumonia, accompanied by nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, changes in normal development and the presence of esophageal ulcers. With the exception of pneumonia, the animal in the present report had all these signs. The prognosis of animals affected by megaesophagus is unfavorable. One of the ways to alleviate this disease is surgical treatment, however, complications such as dehiscence are common after esophageal surgery, mainly due to the fact that this organ does not have a serous layer, resulting in delayed healing. For this reason, euthanasia is considered in most cases. Megaesophagus is a non-specific and multifactorial disease that affects horses, and there are no reports in the literature in mules. In this case, endoscopy allowed the diagnosis to be made while still alive, however it was not possible to determine the primary cause of the disease.

Analisis Risiko Non Karsinogenik Pajanan PM10 di Kawasan Komersial, Kota Jambi

&lt;p&gt;PM &lt;sup&gt;10&lt;/sup&gt; Pollutant is an air particulate that cannot be detected by a nose hair. It contains carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemical components. This study, therefore, aims to quantify the concentration of PM &lt;sup&gt;10&lt;/sup&gt; and identify the risks of the non-carcinogenic type’s exposure to the public’s health in the commercial area of Pasar Jambi sub-district. Measurement of PM concentration was performed on Sunday (weekend) and Monday (weekday) using high volume air sampler (HVAS). Furthermore, questionnaire and interviewing were implemented on 95 people amounting to 12% of the total population. The result shows that PM &lt;sup&gt;10&lt;/sup&gt; concentrations were observed to have exceeded ambient air quality standards of 196.9 µg/m3 on weekend and 2.094 µg/m3 weekday. Further- more, the average concentration of Al and Mn in PM &lt;sup&gt;10&lt;/sup&gt; were 1.69384 µg/m3 and 0.04191 µg/m3 respectively. Although the public health activity was already at the risk of PM10 non-carcinogenic exposure in the commercial district (i.e RQ &amp;gt; 1), there has notbeen any environmental health risks for the non-carcinogenic metals (Al and Mn) to the society. Therefore, risk management is carried out to protect the population from PM risks. Risk management comprises calculating the safe concentration, duration, frequency, and time of exposure on these weekend and weekday&lt;/p&gt;

Experimental Verification of the Particle Blocking Feature of Nasal Hair

Although it is well known that nasal hair keeps particles from entering our body, its quantitative evaluation has not been done. In this study, the particle blocking efficiency by nasal hair was studied both experimentally and numerically. The results of laboratory experiments performed with the successfully reconstructed artificial nose indicate that nasal breathing is effective in blocking particle (especially the giant particle lager than 5 µm), especially during the exercise respiration mode. At the exercise respiration pattern, two kinds of coarse particles (i.e., particles of 2-5 µm and >5µm) showed a continuous decrease in particle blocking efficiency (Epb (%)) with increasing breathing duration. All curves drown by the theoretically calculated particle cut-off efficiency of nasal hairs (Einteg.) with three different thicknesses (i.e., 50, 75, and 100 µm) show a minimum (nearly zero) for the particle ranged from 0.004 to 0.4 µm. In the Einteg. curves, the thinner nasal hair can block particles more efficiently through a whole particle size range.

Preventing Unnecessary Intubations: A 5-Year Regional Burn Center Experience Using Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy for Airway Evaluation in Patients With Suspected Inhalation or Airway Injury.

The decision to intubate acute burn patients is often based on the presence of classic clinical exam findings. However, these findings may have poor correlation with airway injury and result in unnecessary intubation. We investigated flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) as a means to diagnose upper airway thermal and inhalation injury and guide airway management. A retrospective chart review of all burn patients who underwent FFL from 2013 to 2017 was performed. Their charts were reviewed to determine the indications for FFL including the historical data and physical exam findings that indicated airway injury as well as patient age, TBSA, type and depth of burn injury, carboxyhemoglobin level, and clinical course. Fifty-one patients underwent FFL, with an average TBSA of 6.5% (range 0.5-38.0%) and carboxyhemoglobin level of 3.5%. Burn mechanism was flame (35.3%) or flash (51.0%), with 50% occurring in enclosed spaces. In all cases, the decision to perform FFL was based on physical exam findings meeting criteria for intubation, including facial burns, singed nasal hairs, nasal soot, voice change, throat pain or abnormal sensation, shortness of breath, carbonaceous sputum, wheezing, or stridor. Based on FFL, 9 patients (17.7%) were treated with steroids, 28 patients (54.9%) received supportive care, and 6 patients (11.8%) had repeat FFL for monitoring. One patient was intubated after repeat FFL examination. All patients who underwent FFL met traditional criteria for intubation based on exam, however 98% were monitored without issues based on FFL findings. FFL is a valuable tool that can lead to fewer intubations in acute burn patients with a stable respiratory status for whom history and physical exam suggest upper airway injury.

Nose hair: Love it or leave it?: The lovecidal of bodies that filter

What is the most effective way of filtering pollutants in the air? Wearing a mask? Using an air purifier? Eating certain supposedly ‘lung cleansing’ foods, such as pears and carrots? Or perhaps in ...

Repellence of nectar-thieving ants by a physical barrier: Adaptive role of petal hairs on Menyanthes trifoliata (Menyanthaceae)

Abstract Some plant species possess petal hairs, the defensive functions of which remain untested. I hypothesized that the petal hairs of an emergent plant species, Menyanthes trifoliata (Menyanthaceae), have a function in deterring nectar-thieving ants (Lasius japonicus). Lasius japonicus individuals were observed to stop moving forward after touching hairs and had difficulty in maintaining their balance when walking on hairs. In order to confirm the effectiveness of the hairs quantitatively, I trimmed hairs with a nose hair trimmer and then observed the behavior of flower-visiting L. japonicus. The success rate of L. japonicus in entering the floral tubes was significantly lower in the presence of intact hairs than when there were trimmed hairs. Moreover, it took L. japonicus twice as long to enter floral tubes with intact hairs, even when they succeeded. These results suggest that hairs on M. trifoliata petals are effective as a physical barrier against L. japonicus by restricting the movements of the ants.

Faktor Yang Berhubungan dengan Perilaku Personal Hygiene Saat Menstruasi pada Santriwati di MTs Pondok Pesantren Dar El Hikmah Kota Pekanbaru

Someone is said to have a personal Hygiene well if that person can keep their body hygiene including skin, teeth, and mouth hygiene, nose hair, ears, legs and nails seta genetalia equipment, one of genitalia tool maintenance can be done on young women during menstruation. Based on the initial survey at MTs Darul Hikmah Pekanbaru from 15 menstruating santriwati, 10 of them did not know about personal hygiene during menstruation, due to not hygiene during menstruation, they tend not to behave hygiene. This study aims to determine the behavior of personal hygiene during menstruation at santriwati in MTs Pondok Pasentren Dar EL Hikmah Pekanbaru City. This research method is quantitative research by using cross sectional. The sample of this research is 148 santriwati class VII and VIII in MTs Darul Hikmah Pekanbaru City. The sampling technique is propability sampling. The analysis used is univariate and bivariate analysis with chi-square test, measuring instrument used is questionnaire and data processing using computerization The result showed that there was a relationship between knowledge (Pvalue = 0,002 with POR = 4,043), attitude (Pvalue = 0,000 with POR = 5,659), source of information (Pvalue = 0,000 with POR = 5,826), role of health worker (Pvalue = 0.001 with POR = 4,451), the role of teacher (Pvalue = 0.001 with POR = 4,200), culture (Pvalue = 0.002 with POR = 3.893) with personal hygiene during menstruation. It is advisable to develop cooperation with related health agencies that enable Dar EL Hikmah Pasentren Pondok to provide healthcare professionals who are competent in the health field.&#x0D; Keywords:Personal hygiene, menstruation, santriwati

Burns Centre and fire services: What information can be exchanged to manage the burn patient?

AimTo describe the experience of using a “Burns Extrication Form” at a regional Burns Centre. Communication between the fire services and burns team previously has been regarded as poor. Significant information is collected by the fire services at the scene and this can aid the management of the patient. MethodsThe Burns Extrication Form was devised to provide a clear framework of communication between the two services. Information regarding time frames, exposure to heat & smoke, fire loading (potential severity of a fire in a given space by measuring amount of combustible material in confined space), building construction, chemicals involved is passed to the medical team through this form through a National Health Service mailbox. Also, treatment provided by the fire service was documented. All data collected by this form was collated for the purpose of this study. Data ranging from 2014 to 2017 was included in this descriptive study. ResultsThe patient journey following contact by fire services shows that out of the 598 persons who were involved in a fire only 92 (15%) attended the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Signs of smoke inhalation, singed nose hair and coughing were found in 190 (32%) patients; the fire service administered oxygen to 106 (18%) of these patients although this may have been initiated by Ambulance crews who were on scene prior to the Fire Crew. The remaining 506 (85%) may have not attended A&E at UHB or may have attended another A&E in the West Midlands base on the location of the incident and clinical needs. Of the 92 patients who attended the A&E at UHB 48 (52%) were admitted to the Burns Centre in the hospital. Nine (19%) of these patients had smoke inhalation and three of these patients were managed by intubation. Birmingham North and Black Country North had the highest incidence of burns incidents, 120 and 103 respectively. Whilst, the lowest numbers were found in Birmingham South and Coventry and Solihull with 65 and 61 respectively. Additional results are described in the study. ConclusionData provided by the Fire Extrication forms helps us to assess the magnitude of fire-related injury across the West Midlands. The fire services have been shown to provide important first aid as one of the first responders at the scene. Their value in assessing the environment in and patient status helps clinicians further down the patient’s journey.

Nasal vestibulitis: etiology, risk factors, and clinical characteristics: A retrospective study of 118 cases

BackgroundNasal vestibulitis (NV) is a common infection; however, scant data is available in the literature as it pertains to NV. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of NV in respect to its potential complications. MethodsA retrospective chart review of 118 NV cases admitted to a tertiary medical center between 2008 and 2015. ResultsIdentified risk factors for NV included nasal hair plucking (n=15, 14.41%), nose blowing (n=10, 9.32%), nose picking (n=9, 8.47%) and nose piercing (n=5, 3.39%). Twelve patients (10.17%) were diabetic, and 3 patients were immunosuppressed. Mid-facial cellulitis was observed in the majority of patients (78.81%), and abscess of the nasal vestibule was observed in almost half (48.30%). Cultures were taken from 33.33% of patients demonstrated MSSA as the most common isolate (81.25%). No complications were observed. ConclusionEven in complicated cases of NV requiring admission, the risk of major complications is extremely low.

Indications of early intubation for patients with inhalation injury.

AimFor patients with inhalation injury, the indications for early intubation are diverse. The purpose of this study was to identify the most reliable symptoms, physical findings, and medical examinations with which to determine the indications for early intubation in patients with inhalation injury.MethodsWe retrospectively collected patient data from medical records. Collected data included age, sex, burn size, symptoms, physical findings, carboxyhemoglobin levels (COHb), and bronchial wall thickness (BWT) determined from chest computed tomography images. We analyzed the relationships between these findings and the early intubation. We performed fiberoptic bronchoscopy in all patients, and analyzed the relationships between bronchoscopic severity and other findings.ResultsOf the 205 patients, 80 patients were diagnosed as having inhalation injury, and 34 patients were intubated. Burn size, facial burns, neck burns, use of accessory respiratory muscles, and COHb seemed to be related with intubation, whereas singed nasal hair was not. If the patients suffered ≥27% total body surface area burn and BWT ≥3.5 mm, the positive predictive value for early intubation was 1.00. If the patients suffered smaller cutaneous burn without neck burn, and their COHb <4.0%, the negative predictive value for early intubation was 0.97. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings from above the glottis were mainly related with patients’ symptoms. Findings from below the glottis were mainly related with BWT and COHb.ConclusionsPatients’ symptoms, especially use of accessory respiratory muscles, are reliable, and BWT and COHb are also useful tools, for determining the indication for early intubation.

Eradication of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Staphylococcus aureus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and MRSA in the Nares: A Historical Perspective of the Ecological Niche, with Suggestions for Future Therapy Considerations

Nasal colonization with pathogenic bacteria continues to present challenges for patients undergoing surgical procedures, and for the physicians that treat them. Even as molecular medicine produces ever faster and improved data sets for clinicians, it would benefit all medical personnel attempting to decolonize the nose to better understand the historical nasal decolonization data with specific reference to the ecological niche for these bacteria, as it has been recorded for more than a century. Much of the historical data points to the largest ecological niche for nasal Staphylococcus aureus as the vibrissae of the vestibulum nasi. A careful study shows that any topical antimicrobial preparation needs to successfully penetrate the deepest recesses of these specialized nasal hair follicles, if decolonization is to be adequately accomplished. This review highlights the most relevant data of the last 140 years concerning the staphylococcal ecological niche of the vibrissae. Also to be discussed will be a historical review of topical Mupirocin. Almost thirty years after its FDA approval, Mupirocin is still the most widely used topical antibiotic for decolonization therapy around the world. Correspondingly, new experimental in vitro data will be presented showing the differing efficacy of Mupirocin against multiple strains of HA-MRSA and CA- MRSA, based solely on the commercial topical formulation (non Mupirocin ingredients) that acts synergistically with the Mupirocin. Finally, the review will discuss why an understanding of these historical data is a vital component to integrate into any new or augmented nasal decolonization therapy.

Transparent Nanofibrous Mesh Self-Assembled from Molecular LEGOs for High Efficiency Air Filtration with New Functionalities.

Alarming levels of particulate matter pollution in air pose a serious health threat in several countries, therefore intriguing a strong need for an economic and a viable technology of air filtration. Current air purification technology is rather expensive with certain types even having the risk of emitting hazardous by-products. The authors have developed a multifunctional air filter inspired from the nasal hairs possessing an ability to specifically trap/exhale the foreign particles and allergens while still letting the air flow. This design is achieved by introducing different functionalities at different dimensional scale employing a bottom-up approach starting with an organic molecule which is further self-organized to form nanoparticles and ultimately to a nanofibrous mesh. While the molecular building block inherently possesses the property of shielding Ultraviolet (UV) rays, the nanofibrous mesh built up from it aids in trapping the particulate matter while maintaining good air flow. By controlling the concentration of the organic molecule, the formation of fibers has been enabled in the nanoscale regime to obtain high particle-capture possibilities. The self-assembled nanofibrous filter thus designed has achieved a high filtration efficiency of ≈90% for the PM 2.5 particle in congruence with the ability to block the harmful UV radiations.