Incorporating body-type (apple vs. pear) in STOP-BANG questionnaire improves its validity to detect OSA

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether adding the item of "apple body type" to the STOP-BANG questionnaire enhances diagnostic performance of the questionnaire for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

http://ift.tt/2iszSfm

Adenylyl cyclase type 9 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma and allergy in Brazilian children

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 82
Author(s): Helena M.P. Teixeira, Neuza M. Alcantara-Neves, Maurício Barreto, Camila A. Figueiredo, Ryan S. Costa
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. This heterogeneous disease is caused by the interaction of interindividual genetic variability and environmental factors. The gene adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9) encodes a protein called adenylyl cyclase (AC), responsible for producing the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP). cAMP is produced by T regulatory cells and is involved in the down-regulation of T effector cells. Failures in cAMP production may be related to an imbalance in the regulatory immune response, leading to immune-mediated diseases, such as allergic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate how polymorphisms in the ADCY9 are associated with asthma and allergic markers. The study comprised 1309 subjects from the SCAALA (Social Changes Asthma and Allergy in Latin America) program. Genotyping was accomplished using the Illumina 2.5 Human Omni bead chip. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between allergy markers and ADCY9 variation in PLINK 1.07 software with adjustments for sex, age, helminth infection and ancestry markers. The ADCY9 candidate gene was associated with different phenotypes, such as asthma, specific IgE, skin prick test, and cytokine production. Among 133 markers analyzed, 29 SNPs where associated with asthma and allergic markers in silico analysis revealed the functional impact of the 6 SNPs on ADCY9 expression. It can be concluded that polymorphisms in the ADCY9 gene are significantly associated with asthma and/or allergy markers. We believe that such polymorphisms may lead to increased expression of adenylyl cyclase with a consequent increase in immunoregulatory activity. Therefore, these SNPs may offer an impact on the occurrence of these conditions in admixture population from countries such as Brazil.



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Compensated Vestibular Dysfunction Post Cochlear Implantation in Children with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Children with sensorineural hearing loss have risk of surgically induced vestibular dysfunction post cochlear implantation due to instrumentation. It is clinically important to estimate the risk of vestibular loss post cochlear implant so the patient can be made fully aware of these risks when considering cochlear implantation. The aim of the study was to identify compensated vestibular dysfunction post cochlear implantation. Vestibular function was evaluated both pre and post CI using monothermal warm air caloric testing. Recordings were made using head band camera on SYNAPSYS Ulmer VNG software. 'Monothermal caloric asymmetry' (MCA) was depicted as 'unilateral weakness' based on the slow phase velocity of nystagmus. MCA of >15% was taken as evidence of canal paresis. The incidence of compensated vestibular dysfunction post CI surgery was found to be 16.66%. The results were statistically significant (p value 0.02) and indicated worsening of canal paresis indicative of vestibular dysfunction. Children for cochlear implantation should undergo evaluation of their vestibular system pre and post surgery. Caution should be exercised before planning bilateral cochlear implantation in the same sitting.

http://ift.tt/2i2OpgK

Cholesterol granuloma of ethmoid sinuses: Report of two cases

Publication date: Available online 7 January 2017
Source:Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española
Author(s): Nadim Khoueir, Alan Shikani




http://ift.tt/2jr1d5B

Effect of nasal allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis on mitochondrial function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Publication date: Available online 7 January 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Shanshan Qi, Cindy Barnig, Anne-Laure Charles, Anh Poirot, Alain Meyer, Raphaël Clere-Jehl, Fréderic de Blay, Bernard Geny




http://ift.tt/2iQSs3V

Underuse of allergy services for patients having systemic reactions to Hymenoptera venom stings

Publication date: Available online 7 January 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Anil M. Patel, Vivian Wang, Ami Philipp, Joseph S. Yusin




http://ift.tt/2iRtBuz

In situ effect of enamel salivary exposure time and type of intraoral appliance before an erosive challenge

Abstract

Objectives

This study tested the effect of enamel salivary exposure time prior to an acid challenge (30 min, 1, 2, or 12 h) and type of intraoral appliance (palatal or mandibular) on initial erosion.

Methods

After initial surface hardness evaluation, enamel blocks (n = 340) were randomly divided into groups and volunteers (n = 20). The control group was not exposed to saliva previously to the erosive challenge. The volunteers wore palatal and mandibular appliances simultaneously. After salivary exposure, the blocks were subjected to acid exposure by immersion in hydrochloric acid (0.01 M, pH 2.3) for 30 s. Then, the enamel surface hardness was evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).

Results

No difference was observed on percent surface hardness change (% SHC) in the enamel blocks between the types of intraoral appliances. Exposure to saliva for 30 min and 1 h promoted similar enamel resistance to the erosive attack, which was similar to the control group for both appliances. Blocks exposed to saliva for 2 h showed less hardness loss when compared to 30 min. Keeping the blocks in saliva during 12-h overnight resulted in similar percentage of enamel hardness loss compared to 2 h.

Conclusions

A 2-hour in situ exposure to saliva is adequate to promote partial protection against initial erosive lesions, independently of the type of intraoral appliance used.

Clinical significance

This finding will help researchers in the development of erosion studies, which will provide information for dentists to offer a better treatment for erosion.

http://ift.tt/2jh7rRC