Sinus Fluid Research Articles

Indication of conservative treatment by antibiotics for uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency abdominal disease, and recent studies have evaluated conservative treatment using antibiotics for uncomplicated appendicitis. Although the efficacy of conservative treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis is known, its efficacy for complicated appendicitis remains unknown, so are risk factors for the conservative treatment of appendicitis. In our institution, conservative treatment has long been the first choice for most appendicitis cases, except for perforation. Therefore, this novel study investigated the outcomes of conservative treatment for uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis and the risk factors associated with conservative treatment. To investigate the indication of conservative treatment by antibiotics for uncomplicated and complicated acute appendicitis. We investigated 270 patients who received conservative treatment for acute appendicitis at the Nishitokyo Central General Hospital, between April 2011 and February 2022. Twenty-eight (10.3%) patients were resistant to conservative treatment and underwent surgery. We retrospectively investigated the outcomes of conservative treatment for appendicitis and the risk factors for resistance to conservative treatment using the receiver operating characteristic curves and Cox hazard model. Two hundred and forty-two (89.7%) patients improved with conservative treatment. The significant and independent predictors of resistance to conservative treatment were body temperature ≥ 37.3 °C, appendicolith and Douglas sinus fluid visible on computed tomography (CT). The rate of resistance to conservative treatment was 66.7% (6/9) for patients with the above three factors, 22.9% (8/35) for patients with two factors (appendicolith and body temperature ≥ 37.3 °C), 16.7% (2/12) for patients with two factors (Douglas sinus fluid and appendicolith) and 11.1% (1/9) for patients with two factors (Douglas sinus fluid and body temperature ≥ 37.3 °C). A temperature ≥ 37.3 °C, appendicolith and Douglas sinus fluid on CT might be clinical risk factors of resistance to conservative treatment for acute appendicitis.

Supraorbital Keyhole Approach: Opening of the Frontal Sinus and Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

Introduction: The supraorbital keyhole approach (SOKHA) has been a less invasive alternative for anterior and middle skull base lesions. We aimed to review our data and understand the advantages and limitations of the approach. Methods: We analyzed our data and reviewed 89 consecutive cases who underwent the SOKHA. We included the clinico-radiological parameters, pathology, use of endoscope, complications, etc. for analysis. Results: A total of 47 patients were of aneurysm with a total of 48 aneurysms (39 were ruptured and 9 were unruptured) and Acomm artery aneurysm was the most common site. Meningiomas were the second most common pathology encountered (n = 29). Tuberculum sella meningioma being the most common type of meningiomas operated through this approach. Gross total resection was done in all except two cases in which a small part of the tumor was left behind as the tumor was adhered to blood vessels. Among the remaining cases, craniopharyngiomas (n = 7), optic pathway gliomas (n = 2), hypothalamic hamartomas (n = 2), dermoid (n = 1), and arteriovenous malformation (n = 1) were the other pathologies operated upon. Eight patients had opening of the frontal sinus. Four patients had wound bulge and one patient had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. All these cases were managed conservatively. Conclusion: SOKHA is an excellent approach for anterior cranial fossa lesions especially with properly chosen cases. Incidence of CSF leak in our study is 1.1% and majority can be managed by placement of lumbar drain. Intraoperative obliteration of the frontal sinus can reduce the risk of postoperative CSF leak. A large frontal sinus needs not be a contraindication for SOKHA.

U-Net-Based Automatic Segmentation of Sphenoid Sinus Fluid in Drowning Cases Using Postmortem CT Images: A Feasibility Study

Detecting sphenoid sinus fluid (SSF) is an additional finding in autopsies for diagnosing drowning. SSF can provide additional forensic evidence through laboratory tests such as diatom and electrolyte analyses. If drowning is suspected, accurately assessing the presence and volume of SSF during an autopsy is crucial. Utilizing postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) images could aid in accurately sampling SSF. Accurately segmenting the region of interest is essential for volume analysis using computed tomography images. However, manual segmentation techniques are labor-intensive and time-consuming, and their success depends on the experience of the observer. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a U-Net–based deep learning model for the automatic segmentation of SSF in drowning cases using PMCT images and to evaluate the performance of the model. We retrospectively reviewed 34 drowning cases in which both PMCT scans and forensic autopsies were performed at our institution. The U-Net architecture of deep learning was used for automatic segmentation. The proposed model achieved the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Intersection over Union (IoU) of a maximum of 95.85% and 92.03%, a minimum of 0% and 0%, and an average of 77.15% and 67.18%, respectively. Although the average DSC and IoU did not show high similarity, this study showed that PMCT images can be used for automatic segmentation of SSF in drowning cases, which could improve the performance with sufficient dataset acquisition and further model training.

Differences in volume, density, electrolyte concentration, and total proteins in the fluid of the paranasal sinuses of freshwater and saltwater drowning victims: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study summarized the available evidence on the differences in volume, density, electrolyte concentration, and total proteins in paranasal sinus fluid between freshwater and saltwater drowning victims. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases and gray literature, resulting in the inclusion of five studies with 234 drowning victims (92 saltwater incidents and 142 freshwater incidents). Meta-analyses using the inverse-of-variance method and a random-effects model were performed, reporting effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The findings showed a significantly higher sinus density in saltwater drowning cases compared to freshwater drowning cases (SMD 0.91, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.32). However, no significant differences were observed in sinus fluid volume. Saltwater drowning victims exhibited higher electrolyte concentrations (sodium: SMD 3.77, 95% CI 3.07 to 4.48; potassium: SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.49; chloride: SMD 3.48, 95% CI 2.65 to 4.31; magnesium: SMD 4.01, 95% CI 3.00 to 5.03) and lower total protein concentrations (SMD - 1.20, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.58) in sinus fluid compared to freshwater drowning victims. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of analyzing the characteristics and composition of sinus fluid in forensic investigations of drowning cases. While no differences were found in sinus fluid volume, saltwater drowning victims exhibited higher sinus density, elevated electrolyte concentrations, and lower total protein concentrations compared to freshwater drowning victims.

THE PRESENCE OF FLUIDS IN THE PARANASAL SINUSES MIGHT COMPLEMENT OTHER POST-MORTEM DIAGNOSTIC METHODS TO CONFIRM OR REFUTE DROWNING AS THE CAUSE OF DEATH

da Trindade RQ, Vieira MG, Vieira RB, Vicentin-Junior CA, Damascena NP, Santiago BM, Martins-Filho PR, Machado CE. The role of paranasal sinus fluid in determining drowning as the cause of death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J forensic Leg Med. 2023;12:102591. No funding was received for this review. Systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) of data.

Assessment of maxillary sinus fluid volume for postmortem diagnosis of drowning

IntroductionDrowning is a comprehensive and exclusive diagnosis at autopsy. Autopsy findings such as pleural effusion and waterlogged lungs contribute to the diagnosis. Herein, we aim to reveal the practical usefulness and postmortem changes of the maxillary sinus fluid volume to diagnose drowning. MethodsWe evaluated 52 drowning and 59 nondrowning cases. The maxillary sinus fluid volume was measured using a computed tomography (CT) scan, and pleural effusion volume and lung weight were manually measured at autopsy. The utility of these three indices for diagnosing drowning and its postmortem changes was evaluated. ResultsThe maxillary sinus fluid volume was significantly higher in drowning cases than in other external causes and cardiovascular death cases. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a total maxillary sinus fluid volume >1.04 mL more usefully indicated drowning (odds ratio, 8.19) than a total pleural effusion volume >175 mL (odds ratio, 7.23) and a total lung weight >829 g (odds ratio, 2.29). The combination of maxillary sinus fluid volume and pleural effusion volume more effectively predicted drowning than one index alone. Moreover, the maxillary sinus fluid volume was less influenced by the postmortem interval than the other two indices up to a week after death. ConclusionMaxillary sinus fluid volume can be more useful than pleural effusion volume and lung weight with higher sensitivity and odds ratio for diagnosing drowning. Implications for practiceFluid accumulation in both the maxillary sinuses strongly predicts drowning in the postmortem imaging.

The significance of evaluating sphenoid sinus fluid by postmortem computed tomography in cases of drowning

PurposeIn cases of drowning, the presence of sphenoid sinus fluid is a non-specific autopsy finding. However, studies have reported that fluid accumulation in the paranasal sinuses is more commonly observed in drowning victims. Furthermore, some laboratory tests, such as diatom and electrolyte analysis, can serve as supplementary diagnostic tools for diagnosing drowning. Therefore, accurate sphenoid sinus fluid sampling is an important aspect of an autopsy in suspected drowning cases. The aim of this study was to identify the significance of evaluating sphenoid sinus fluid by PMCT images in cases of drowning. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 54 drowning victims who underwent PMCT and forensic autopsy. Fluid volume in the sphenoid sinus was measured using a graduated syringe during autopsy and a three-dimensional (3D) workstation based on PMCT images was used for the purpose of comparison. The Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate statistically significant differences and correlations. Additionally, a Bland-Altman plot was employed to assess the agreement between PMCT and autopsy. ResultsThe median volume was 1.65 (range 0.00–12.4) ml and 1.55 (range 0.00–7.00) ml in the PMCT and autopsy, respectively, showing a statistically insignificant difference (p = 0.294) and a significant correlation (Rs = 0.896). In 35 cases, the PMCT overestimated the fluid volume more than the autopsy, whereas in 14 cases, the PMCT underestimated the fluid volume. No fluid was identified in seven cases during the autopsy, whereas in five patients, no fluid was found in both PMCT and autopsy. By analyzing the Bland-Altman plot, a bias of 0.73 ± 1.4 ml and limits of agreement ranging from −2.04 to 3.51 ml were observed for sphenoid sinus fluid volume measurements. ConclusionsBased on the limitations of traditional fluid volume measurement in the sphenoid sinus during autopsy, we propose the utilization of PMCT volumetric analysis prior to autopsy as a means to enhance the detection of sphenoid sinus fluid in cases of drowning.

Effect of leaflet laceration on transcatheter aortic valve replacement fluid mechanics and comparison with surgical aortic valve replacement

BackgroundLeaflet thrombosis after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be caused by blood flow stagnation in the native and neosinus regions. To date, aortic leaflet laceration has been used to mitigate coronary obstruction following TAVR; however, its influence on the fluid mechanics of the native and neosinus regions is poorly understood. This in vitro study compared the flow velocities and flow patterns in the setting of SAVR vs TAVR with and without aortic leaflet lacerations. MethodsTwo valves, (23-mm Perimount and 26-mm SAPIEN 3; Edwards Lifesciences) were studied in a validated mock flow loop under physiologic conditions. Neosinus and native sinus fluid mechanics were quantified using particle image velocimetry in the left and noncoronary cusp, with an increasing number of aortic leaflets lacerated or removed. ResultsAcross all conditions, SAVR had the highest average sinus and neosinus velocities, and this value was used as a reference to compare against the TAVR conditions. With an increasing number of leaflets lacerated or removed with TAVR, the average sinus and neosinus velocities increased from 25% to 70% of SAVR flow (100%). Diastolic velocities were substantially augmented by leaflet laceration. Also, the shorter frame of the SAVR led to higher flow velocities compared with the longer frame of the TAVR, even after complete leaflet removal. ConclusionsLeaflet laceration augmented TAVR native and neosinus flow fields, approaching that of SAVR. These findings may have potential clinical implications for the use of single or multiple leaflet lacerations to reduce leaflet thrombosis and thus potentially improve TAVR durability.

Shallow Water Blackout (Hypoxic Blackout)–Induced Drowning: An Autopsy Report of Two Cases

Shallow water blackout (SWB) is defined as loss of consciousness due to hypoxia during underwater swimming or breath-holding, usually in shallow waters. To date, no cases of SWB-induced drowning have been reported in the Republic of Korea. Here, we report two cases of SWB, followed by drowning, with autopsy findings. Two men, aged 20 (case 1) and 25 (case 2) years, suddenly lost their consciousness during underwater swimming and escape training, respectively. Postmortem examination revealed foamy fluid within trachea and bronchus, pulmonary edema, and sphenoid sinus fluid, which are commonly observed findings in drowning cases. None of the organs in either case showed pathologic alterations, except for hypoplastic coronary artery disease incidentally found in case 2. Pathologists should be aware of this distinct pathologic entity to avoid misdiagnosing the cause or manner of death.

Prevalensi Strain Avian Pathogenik Escherichia coli (APEC) Penyebab Kolibasilosis pada Burung Puyuh

PREVALENCE OF AVIAN PATHOGENIC Escherichia coli (APEC) STRAINS ON COLIBACILLOSIS IN QUAIL Wahyu Prihtiyantoro1), Khusnan1), Mitra Slipranata2)† dan Imron Rosyidi2) 1 Akademi Peternakan Brahmaputra, Jl. Ki Ageng Pemanahan, Nitikan, Sorosutan Umbulharjo Yogyakarta,Tlp. 0274-384370, E-mail: wahyumatra@gmail.com 2 Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Fauna 2, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281 ABSTRACTAvian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a pathogen that causes colibacillosis in poultry, including salpingitis, omphalitis, cellulitis, swollen head syndrome, coligranuloma yolk sac inflammation, and air sacs inflammation. APEC is a zoonotic strain which spread through raw meat and processed meat products of animals and birds. In this research, the isolation and the identification of Escherichia coli were done by using selective media MacConkey, Kligger Iron Agar, and Gram staining. To analyse genetopically, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect 16SrRNA genes, vt1 genes, and vt2 genes. Thirty one (55,36%) isolates of 56 specimens collected from quail were detected as Escherichia coli. The detection of APEC strains towards 31 Escherichia coli isolates were done by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with vt1 and vt2 specific primer. From the results showed that 32,26% (10/31) was APEC strains and 67.74% was non-APEC strains. From 10 isolates, 90% had vt1 gene and 10% had vt2 gene. Escherichia coli isolates were found in eyes (32,26%), infraorbital sinus fluid (32,26%), nasal fluid (16,20%), also in lungs, air sacs, ascites, and heart for 3,2% each. The isolates could not be found in the specimens from the skull. These isolates are zoonotic and have an impact on human health.Keywords: APEC, colibacillosis, quail, vt1 and vt2

Effect of Native Aortic Leaflet Geometry Modification on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Neo-sinus and Aortic Sinus Flow: An In-vitro Study.

Leaflet thrombosis is a potentially fatal complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Blood flow stagnation in the neo-sinus and aortic sinuses are associated with increased thrombus severity. Native aortic leaflet modification may be a potential strategy to improve the neo-sinus and aortic sinus fluid dynamics. However, limited data exist on the effect of leaflet geometry modification on the flow within the neo-sinus and aortic sinus regions. We evaluate the effect of aortic leaflet modification on the neo-sinus and aortic sinus flow stagnation after simulated TAVR. Particle image velocimetry measurements were performed under nominal (5 LPM) and low (2.5 LPM) cardiac output conditions for an intact leaflet (control) case, and 3 modified leaflet geometries. Aortic leaflet geometry modification via leaflet splay was simulated with increasing splay geometry (leaflet splay distance: 5mm-narrow, 10mm-medium, and 20mm-wide). Leaflet geometry modification influenced flow features throughout the cardiac cycle, at both cardiac outputs, and allowed for flow communication between the neo-sinus and aortic sinus regions compared to the control. In the aortic sinus, flow stagnation reduced by over 64% at 5LPM, and over 36% at 2.5LPM for all simulated modified leaflet geometries compared to the control. However, only the medium and wide splay geometries enabled a reduction in neo-sinus flow stagnation compared to the control case. These findings suggest that aortic leaflet geometry modification (of at least 10mm leaflet splay distance) may reduce flow stasis and potentially decrease valve thrombosis risk.

ODP317 Hypophysitis or No? A Rare Case of Bipolaris Fungal Sinusitis Causing Severe Pituitary Inflammation.

Abstract Clinical case: A 28 year old male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented to the hospital with severe, worsening holo-cephalic headache associated with fevers, light sensitivity which was unresponsive to pain medications. Initial CT of the brain showed severe paranasal sinus disease. Lumbar puncture was significant for elevated protein and cell count with neutrophilic predominance and negative CSF culture. Patient was empirically treated for meningitis. Due to no improvement in his symptoms, MRI brain with contrast was done that showed complete opacification of the left sphenoid sinus with partial opacification of the ethmoid sinus. Of note, heterogeneous enlargement and enhancement of pituitary gland including portion of distal infundibulum was seen with mild compression of optic chiasm. High dose dexamethasone was initiated. Pituitary workup revealed preservation of all axes including AM cortisol 36.5 mcg/dL (6.6mcg/dl- 33 mcg/dl), prolactin 2.9 ng/ml (2.1ng/ml-17.7ng/ml), TSH 1.4 uIU/mL (0.34-5.6 uIU/mL), FT4 0.99 uIU/mL (0.80-1.80 uIU/mL) with normal serum chemistry and hemodynamics. Repeat MRI brain showed sphenoid pyomucocele with infection extending to the sella, cavernous sinuses and anterior/middle cranial fossas. ENT surgery was emergently performed with surgical debridement of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses revealing green cement like debris causing posterior septal perforation from the pressure. Interestingly, ethmoid sinus fluid culture grew Bipolaris fungal species. Patient's condition gradually improved and he was discharged on oral itraconazole with steroid taper. The patient did not develop signs or symptoms of hypophysitis during his hospital course. Presentation: No date and time listed

Characterizing the respiratory-induced mechanical stimulation at the maxillary sinus floor following sinus augmentation by computational fluid dynamics

Background: The relationship between maxillary sinus pneumatization and respiratory-induced fluid mechanics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to simulate and measure the respiratory-induced mechanical stimulation at the sinus floor under different respiratory conditions and to investigate its potential effect on the elevated sinus following sinus-lifting procedures. Methods: The nasal airway together with the bilateral maxillary sinuses of the selected patient was segmented and digitally modeled from a computed tomographic image. The sinus floors of the models were elevated by simulated sinus augmentations using computer-aided design. The numerical simulations of sinus fluid motion under different respiratory conditions were performed using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithm. Sinus wall shear stress and static pressure on the pre-surgical and altered sinus floors were examined and quantitatively compared. Results: Streamlines with minimum airflow velocity were visualized in the sinus. The sinus floor pressure and the wall shear stress increased with the elevated inlet flow rate, but the magnitude of these mechanical stimulations remained at a negligible level. The surgical technique and elevated height had no significant influence on the wall pressure and the fluid mechanics. Conclusion: This study shows that respiratory-induced mechanical stimulation in the sinus floor is negligible before and after sinus augmentation.

Semiquantitative 3T Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Dynamic Visualization of the Glymphatic-Lymphatic Fluid Transport System in Humans: A Pilot Study.

Recently, a novel clearing system for interstitial solutes of the brain was described as a perivascular pathway named the glymphatic system. Furthermore, lymphatic vessels were found in the meninges to drain interstitial fluids. It is hypothesized that interstitial solutes, such as amyloid β, are firstly processed through the brain by the glymphatic system and secondly drained out of the brain by lymphatic vessels (glymphatic-lymphatic fluid transport system [GLS]). Since then, various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer disease, have been associated with a dysfunction of the GLS. In the current study, we aimed to establish a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study protocol for visualizing lymphatic vessels as part of the GLS in humans. More importantly, we aimed to describe the dynamic changes of a contrast agent in these lymphatic vessels over time. Twenty volunteers with an unremarkable neurological/psychiatric history were included in this 3T MRI study. Serial MRI sequence blocks were performed at 3 predefined time points (TPs): TP 1, precontrast MRI before administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA); TP 2, immediately post-GBCA (early ce-MRI); and TP 3, 60 minutes post-GBCA (late ce-MRI). Each MRI block contained the following sequences obtained in the same order: whole-brain 3D T1-MPRAGE, whole-brain 3D T2-FLAIR, focused 2D T2-FLAIR, and whole-brain 3D T1-SPACE. Signal intensity (SI) in compartments of the GLS adjacent to the superior sagittal sinus, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was calculated by manually placed regions of interest. The time course of the signal intensities was examined by generalized linear mixed models. The data were adjusted for age, cognitive function (Montreal-Cognitive-Assessment test), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire). The GLS was best visualized in the 2D T2-FLAIR and 3D T1-SPACE sequences, enabling further SI measurement. In precontrast (TP 1), the SI within the GLS was significantly higher than in CSF and significantly lower than in GM and WM. In post-GBCA, a significant increase (TP 2) and decrease (TP 3), respectively, of the GLS SI values were noted (86.3 ± 25.2% increase and subsequent decrease by 25.4 ± 9% in the 3D T1-SPACE sequence). The SI values of CSF, GM, and WM did not change significantly between the 3 TPs. A clinical MRI study protocol was established for the visualization of lymphatic vessels as an important part of the GLS and therefore the brain's clearing mechanism of interstitial solutes. Furthermore, dynamic changes in the GLS were described over time, possibly reflecting the clearing function of the GLS. This might constitute the basis for evaluating the GLS function in manifold neurological pathologies in the future.

Application of retrosigmoid sinus approach in Bonebridge implantation

Background Bonebridge is an suitable option for conductive hearing loss, however, the traditional approach cannot accomplished a satisfying implantation for patients with congenital malformation or radical mastoidectomy. Objectives To evaluate the clinical application of retrosigmoid sinus approach in Bonebridge implantation and postoperative evaluation. Materials and methods 11 patients who underwent retrosigmoid sinus approach Bonebridge implantation from March 2016 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 5 females, aged 12–54 years old (30.6 in average). Among them, 4 cases had undergone bilateral radical mastoidectomy, 6 cases had bilateral congenital aural atresia or stenosis, and 1 case had unilateral congenital aural atresia. Results All patients underwent Bonebridge implantation through retrosigmoid sinus approach according to the preoperative image reconstruction and plan. There was no surgical injury of sigmoid sinus or cerebrospinal fluid leakage during the operation. The aided threshold obtained an increase of 32.32 dB HL; the speech recognition rates of bisyllabic words, monosyllabic words and sentence were 79.6%, 67.8% and 75.0%, respectively. After 11–53 months of follow-up, the hearing effect was stable and no long-term complications occurred. Conclusion The retrosigmoid sinus approach is an effective surgical approach for patients with congenital ear deformities or radical cavity after mastoidectomy.

Korelasi Skor Lund-Mackay dan Volume Cairan Sinus Berdasarkan Gambaran CT-Scan Sinus Paranasalis 3D dengan Skor SNOT-22 pada Pasien RSK Tanpa dan dengan Polip

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between Lund-Mackay scores and sinus fluid volume based on 3D CT paranasal sinus scan with SNOT-22 score in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without and with polyps. This research was conducted at the Department of Radiology Hasanuddin University Hospital Makassar from April to June 2019. Samples were 38 patients without and with polyps in age ? 18 years. The method used is the Spearman rho test. The results showed a correlation between sinus fluid volume and SNOT-22 score in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps n value 25, p value 0.042 (p less than 0.05), the higher the sinus fluid volume, means the SNOT-22 score was higher in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps. There was no correlation between sinus fluid volume and SNOT-22 score in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps n value 13, p value 0.077 (p less than 0.05), there was not any correlation between Lund-Mackay scores and SNOT-22 scores in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without and with polyps.

Prevalensi Strain Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) Penyebab Kolibasilosis pada Burung Puyuh

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a pathogen that causes colibacillosis in poultry, including salpingitis, omphalitis, cellulitis, swollen head syndrome, coligranuloma yolk sac inflammation, and air sacs inflammation. APEC is a zoonotic strain which spread through raw meat and processed meat products of animals and birds. In this research, the isolation and identification of Escherichia coli were done by using selective media MacConkey, Kligger Iron Agar, and Gram staining. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyse genetopically to detect 16SrRNA genes, vt1 genes, and vt2 genes. Thirty one (55,36%) isolates of 56 specimens collected from quail were detected as Escherichia coli. The detection of APEC strains towards 31 Escherichia coli isolates were done by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with vt1 and vt2 specific primer. The results showed that 32,26% (10/31) was APEC strains and 67.74% was non-APEC strains. From 10 isolates, 90% had vt1 gene and 10% had vt2 gene. Escherichia coli isolates were found in eyes (32,26%), infraorbital sinus fluid (32,26%), nasal fluid (16,20%), also in lungs, air sacs, ascites, and heart for 3,2% each. The isolates could not be found in the specimens from the skull. As a zoonotic agent, the isolates have an impact on human health.

Spatiotemporal Complexity of the Aortic Sinus Vortex as a Function of Leaflet Calcification.

Several studies have shown the variation of aortic sinus structures' hemodynamics with different flow and geometric characteristics. They have also correlated aortic sinus hemodynamics with the progression and evolution of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). This study aims at visualizing aortic sinus fluid structure variations as functions of different leaflet calcification degrees and assessing their potential relationship with CAVD. A degenerated 23mm Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna valve extracted from a redo-surgery patient was implanted in an aortic root model and tested in a pulse duplicator left heart simulator. The valve has 3 leaflets with 3 different levels of calcium distribution: mild, moderate and severe. High-speed imaging and particle image velocimetry were performed to assess sinus vortices, leaflet tip position and velocity along with shear stress. Results have shown that (a) aortic sinus vortices initiation, entrapment and evolution varied with different calcified leaflet exposure; (b) higher velocities in the sinus were calculated with the mildly calcified leaflet compared to the moderately and severely calcified ones; (c) during systole, the mildly calcified leaflet sinus case shows the most spread-out and higher ranges of shear stress probabilities and highest magnitudes going from (- 1.5 to + 1.8Pa) compared with (- 1.0 to + 1.0Pa) for moderately and severely calcified leaflets. The higher the calcification degree the lower the shear stress range and likelihoods of having higher shear stress. This holds in diastole as well. This study shows the impact of calcification on the aortic sinus flow structures.

Fungi in Mucoobstructive Airway Diseases

Asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and related incurable allergic afflictions of the upper and lower airways are medically important because of their association with the disabling symptom of dyspnea and, at least for asthma, the potential to cause fatal asphyxiation. Extensive research over the past two decades has uncovered both the physiological basis of airway obstruction in asthma and key governing molecular pathways. Exaggerated airway constriction in response to diverse provocative stimuli, termed airway hyperresponsiveness, is mediated through the cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 and the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Overproduction of mucus has long been known to be an essential second component of airway obstruction and is also mediated in part through the IL-4/IL-13/STAT6 pathway. In this review, we discuss a second major signaling pathway which underlies mucus production that is mediated through proteinase-cleaved fibrinogen signaling through Toll-like receptor 4. Unexpectedly, our analysis of human sputum and paranasal sinus fluid indicates that in most cases of severe allergic airway disease, a unique type of airway fungal infection, termed airway mycosis, is pathogenically linked to these conditions. We further discuss how fungal and endogenous proteinases mediate the fibrinogenolysis that is essential to both Toll-like receptor 4 signaling and fibrin deposition that, together with mucus, contribute to airway obstruction.

Diagnosis of drowning by summation of sodium, potassium, and chloride ion levels in sphenoidal sinus fluid: Differentiating between freshwater and seawater drowning and its application to brackish water and bathtub deaths

Analysis of ions in sphenoidal fluid can be a useful index for the diagnosis of drowning. We evaluated the reference ranges of non-drowning cases using statistical methods and three indices: sodium ion (Na+), summation of sodium and potassium ions (SUMNa+K), and summation of sodium, potassium and chloride ions (SUMNa+K+Cl). The reference ranges were 96≤Na+<152, 139≤SUMNa+K<179, 243≤SUMNa+K+Cl<311(mEq/L), respectively. Victim indices outside of the reference ranges indicate that the victim probably inspired water with higher or lower ion concentrations than those of body fluid in sphenoidal sinuses. Compared to the SUMNa+K+Cl index, the Na+ and SUMNa+K indices could distinguish among seawater drowning, freshwater drowning, and non-drowning. In drowning cases, sphenoidal fluid volume and time since death were not correlated, which suggests that water does not enter the sphenoidal sinuses after death and there is a different process for water accumulation in drowning and non-drowning cases. In bathtub cases, this method was not valid for the estimation of inspired water. Although it is necessary to observe the classical signs of drowning, this method is suitable for the estimation of drowning, especially in cases where pleural fluid or diatom tests are not available.