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Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant global health challenge, affecting over 6 million individuals. This underscores the urgent need for early detection to improve treatment effectiveness and disease management. AD is characterized by the buildup of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in progressive and irreversible neuronal degeneration. However, current diagnostic methods, like imaging scans, are often inaccessible and costly, limiting their usefulness for early detection. This study investigates the potential of nasal secretion analysis as a non-invasive diagnostic method for AD. Using Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) assays, we examined protein levels, focusing mainly on amyloid beta 42/40 (Aβ 42/40) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in nasal secretion samples. Blood and brain samples were also collected for comparison, providing insights into systemic biomarkers reflecting overall pathological processes and direct examination of AD-related neuropathology, respectively. Our findings highlight the promise of nasal secretion analysis as a diagnostic tool for AD, emphasizing the importance of Aβ 42/40 and IL-6. ELISA results revealed increased levels of Aβ 42/40 in nasal secretions from AD mice, exhibiting an average OD450 signal of 0.496, in contrast to healthy cohorts where the signal was 0.4895 for young mice and 0.46 for aged mice. Additionally, elevated levels of IL-6 were identified in nasal secretions of AD mice, averaging 0.1395 pg/mL, compared to healthy cohorts, where young mice averaged 0.0998 pg/mL and aged mice had 0.11 pg/mL. This underscores IL-6's potential as a biomarker for AD pathology and contributes to understanding its dynamics in AD. Moreover, the study's BCA assay results indicated a concentration of proteins in the fluid, expanding the potential for future research to discover more protein biomarkers. This study aims to facilitate further research to validate the diagnostic accuracy of nasal secretion analysis and its comparative effectiveness with existing methods. These advancements hold promise for early AD detection and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the value of the eosinophil cationic protein-myeloperoxidase(ECP-MPO) test strip in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods Forty-eight patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into sea saline group, biroph group, budesonide nasal spray group and biroph combined with budesonide group. The results of the ECP-MPO test strip and the concentration of ECP and MPO in nasal secretion were obtained before and after treatment as well as the clinical symptom scores. The differences of indexes within and between groups were compared. The correlations between each index/index difference/index change rate and symptom score/score difference/score change rate were analyzed. Results Except sea saline group, the concentrations of ECP all decreased after treatment in the other groups (P<0.05). The concentration of MPO in either the biroph group or the combination group after treatment were all lower than those before treatment. The positive rates of ECP-MPO test card in different groups after treatment was lower than that before treatment. The results of test strip before and after treatment were both positively correlated with the concentrations of ECP in nasal secretion, and the results of test strip after treatment were positively correlated with the scores of symptoms. There was a positive correlation between the results of test strip and the concentration of ECP in nasal secretions after treatment in either biroph group (r=0.805, P<0.05) or combination group (r= 0.826, P<0.05). A positive correlation between the results of ECP-MPO test strip and symptom scores of nasal secretion in either budesonide group or combination group after treatment was confirmed as well. However, no significant correlation existed between other indexe/index difference/index change rate and symptom score/score difference/score change rate. Conclusions The examination of ECP-MPO test strip in nasal secretion can be utilized to evaluate the efficacy of drug symptomatic treatment preliminarily. Combination of ECP concentration and clinical symptom score is expected to become a new avenue to evaluate the efficacy of drug treatment in allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures released by neutrophils in response to various infections. NETs have a biocidal role and have been demonstrated to be effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Depending on the situation, NETs can protect the host from pathogen invasion or contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases such as cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of NET as one of the components in upper respiratory tract secretions in infectious and allergic diseases. Methods: Nasal mucus was collected from donors diagnosed with infectious rhinitis or allergic rhinitis. The extracellular DNA content was determined using SytoxGreen staining, and the total protein pool was determined using the microBCA method. Micrococcal nuclease was used to digest the samples and ELISA was employed to identify the NET proteins. The enzymatic activity of elastase was determined. Results: Our findings showed that nasal mucus collected from patients with infectious rhinosinusitis contained extracellular DNA that could come from a variety of sources, responsible for increasing the density and viscosity of secretions, as well as NETs proteins. The identified enzymatic activity of NET elastase indicates the possible irritation of nasal tissues. However, the DNA content was not identified in the samples from allergic patients. In addition, we have shown in preliminary studies that therapy using N-acetylcysteine can liquefy nasal secretions. Discussion: The study suggests that the composition of nasal mucus varies according to the cause of mucosal irritation. The presence of DNA and NET proteins can have severe consequences for the therapeutic process prolonging treatment. The low viscosity of nasal mucus in allergic patients facilitates mucosal flushing and the removal of allergens. Understanding the occurrence and role of NETs in various respiratory diseases is critical for developing effective treatment strategies that consider the complex interaction between the immune system and pathogens. The results of this study suggest that NETs may be present in upper respiratory tract secretions with an infectious background, supporting basic defense mechanisms using eosinophils and EETs. Further research is needed to explore the potential of NETs as a therapeutic target in respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of cellular origin of DNA is a useful method in forensic genetics and complements identification of the DNA donor by STR analysis, since it could provide helpful information for the reconstruction of crime scenes and verify or disprove the descriptions of involved people. There already exist several rapid/pre-tests for several secretions (blood, sperm secretion, saliva, and urine), RNA-based expression analyses (blood, menstrual blood, saliva, vaginal secretion, nasal secretion, and sperm secretion), or specific CpG methylation analyses (nasal blood, blood, saliva, vaginal secretion, nasal secretion, and sperm secretion) for determining the cell type. To identify and to discriminate seven different body fluids and mixtures thereof in a simple workflow from each other, assays based on specific methylation patterns at several CpGs combined with pre-/rapid tests were set up in this study. For each of the seven secretions listed above, we selected the CpG marker achieving the highest possible discrimination (out of 30 markers tested). Validation studies confirmed a definite identification for saliva, vaginal secretion, and semen secretion in 100% of samples as well as discrimination from all other secretions. Moreover, the unambiguously correctly determined proportion of nasal samples, blood and menstrual blood varied between 61% (nasal blood) and 85% (nasal secretion). In summary, our workflow proved to be an easy and useful tool in forensic analysis for the identification and discrimination of seven different body fluids often found at a crime scene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The emergency of biologics and surgical techniques targeting the specific inflammatory endotype in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) asks for efficient identification of patients with different endotypes. Although mucosal IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE have been used to define type 2 (T2) inflammation, the optimal one remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal anchor for T2 inflammation and identify clinical characteristics and nasal secretion biomarkers predicting different endotypes in CRSwNP. Methods: Six mediators in sinonasal tissue and 36 mediators in nasal secretion samples were detected by the Bio-Plex suspension array system. Mucosal IFN-γ and IL-17A levels were used to define the T1 and T3 endotype, respectively. The efficacy of mucosal IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE to define the T2 endotype was compared. The power of clinical characteristics and nasal secretion biomarkers to predict the T1, T2, and T3 endotype was analyzed. Results: Among mucosal IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE, IL-13 was the best one to coincide with the expression of other T2 biomarkers. A combination of atopy, facial pain symptom score, ethmoid/maxillary computed tomography score ratio, and blood eosinophil percentage had a moderate predictive performance for T2 endotype (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC] = 0.815), comparable to that of nasal secretion IL-5 (AUC = 0.819). For the T3 endotype, nasal secretion IL-1Rα identified it with an AUC value of 0.756. No efficient marker for the T1 endotype was found. Conclusion: IL-13 is a primary anchor for the T2 endotype in CRSwNP. Clinical characteristics and nasal secretion biomarkers are helpful for identifying the T2 and T3 endotype of CRSwNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures released by neutrophils in response to various infections. NETs have a biocidal role and have been demonstrated to be effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Depending on the situation, NETs can protect the host from pathogen invasion or contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases such as cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of NET as one of the components in upper respiratory tract secretions in infectious and allergic diseases.MethodsNasal mucus was collected from donors diagnosed with infectious rhinitis or allergic rhinitis. The extracellular DNA content was determined using SytoxGreen staining, and the total protein pool was determined using the microBCA method. Micrococcal nuclease was used to digest the samples and ELISA was employed to identify the NET proteins. The enzymatic activity of elastase was determined.ResultsOur findings showed that nasal mucus collected from patients with infectious rhinosinusitis contained extracellular DNA that could come from a variety of sources, responsible for increasing the density and viscosity of secretions, as well as NETs proteins. The identified enzymatic activity of NET elastase indicates the possible irritation of nasal tissues. However, the DNA content was not identified in the samples from allergic patients. In addition, we have shown in preliminary studies that therapy using N-acetylcysteine can liquefy nasal secretions.DiscussionThe study suggests that the composition of nasal mucus varies according to the cause of mucosal irritation. The presence of DNA and NET proteins can have severe consequences for the therapeutic process prolonging treatment. The low viscosity of nasal mucus in allergic patients facilitates mucosal flushing and the removal of allergens. Understanding the occurrence and role of NETs in various respiratory diseases is critical for developing effective treatment strategies that consider the complex interaction between the immune system and pathogens. The results of this study suggest that NETs may be present in upper respiratory tract secretions with an infectious background, supporting basic defense mechanisms using eosinophils and EETs. Further research is needed to explore the potential of NETs as a therapeutic target in respiratory diseases.

Protein biomarkers in nasal secretions can be used as a measure to differentiate between allergies, airway diseases and infections for non-invasive diagnostics. The point-of-care quantification of biomarker levels using flow-based microarray facilitates precise and rapid diagnosis and displays the potential for targeted and effective treatment. For the first time, we developed a flow-based chemiluminescence sandwich microarray immunoassay (CL-SMIA) for the quantification of nasal interferon-beta (IFN-β) on the Microarray Chip Reader-Research (MCR-R). Polycarbonate foils are used as a cost-effective surface for immobilizing capture antibodies. By using a commercially available set of anti-human IFN-β antibodies, the CL-SMIA can be compared directly to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) performed in microtiter plates concerning the bioanalytical performance and economic issues. Pre-incubation of the sample with detection antibodies facilitates the lower consumption of detection antibodies, as this allows for a longer interaction time between the antibody and the biomarker. The direct injection of pre-incubated samples into the microarray chips eliminates the adsorption of proteins in the tubing as well as the contamination of the tubing and valves of the MCR-R with clinical samples. The small flow cell allows for a low sample volume of 50 μL. The limit of detection of 4.53 pg mL−1 was slightly increased compared to a sandwich ELISA performed on microtiter plates which were 1.60 pg mL−1. The possibility to perform the CL-SMIA in a multiplexed mode makes it a promising assay for the rapid and cost-effective non-invasive detection of biomarkers in nasal secretions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yang Xi,1,&ast; Yu-Qin Deng,1,2,&ast; Han-Da Li,1 Wo-Er Jiao,1 Jin Chen,2 Jian-Jun Chen,3 Ze-Zhang Tao1,2 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ze-Zhang Tao, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13907141892, Fax +86 27 88043958, Email taozezhang696@163.com Jian-Jun Chen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13659851719, Fax +86 27 85726300, Email ylly80331@163.comPurpose: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness/clinical application of an eosinophil cationic protein-myeloperoxidase (ECP-MPO) test paper before and after treatment in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).Patients and Methods: We included 40 controls and 106 AR patients who were enrolled in the Allergy Clinic of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Total IgE, specific IgE and skin prick test (SPT) were detected in all participants. AR patients were treated with oral cetirizine hydrochloride for 14 days. The ECP-MPO test paper results, nasal secretion smear and eosinophil counts, rhinoconjunctivitis total nasal symptom score (TNSS), quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), serum Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine, and chemokine data were collected pre- and post-treatment. ECP concentrations in nasal secretions were assessed by ELISA. Pearson correlation test and Kappa consistency test were used for statistical analysis.Results: The post-treatment colour grade of the ECP-MPO test paper was lower in AR patients than the pre-treatment grade. The chromogenic grade correlated positively with the ECP concentration and the eosinophil count in nasal secretions both before and after treatment. Positive ECP-MPO test paper results were consistent with positive SPT, Der p-IgE and Der f-IgE result (Kappa values, 0.843, 0.810, 0.795, respectively). The pre- and post-treatment chromogenic grades correlated positively with the TNSS (r1=0· 691; r2=0· 539), RQLQ (r1=0· 783; r2=0· 625), and VAS (r1=0· 703; r2=0· 682) scores in AR patients.Conclusion: The ECP-MPO test paper can effectively detect ECP in nasal secretions, and its results are consistent with those from the SPT, Der p-IgE and Der f-IgE result. Its chromogenic grade can reflect the symptom severity and specific cytokine and chemokine levels in AR patients.Keywords: allergic rhinitis, eosinophil cationic protein, nasal secretion, cytokine, chemokine

Background: Dry nose (DN) is a common symptom in both patients with rhinitis and healthy individuals; however, it is often overlooked. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of and propose objective diagnostic criteria for DN. Methods: This study was conducted from December, 2018 to October, 2021. Patients with complaints of a dry nasal cavity and normal controls were recruited consecutively from the allergy-rhinology outpatient clinic of Beijing TongRen Hospital. Questionnaires were completed by each participant during recruitment to record demographic data. DN test strips were used to evaluate the severity of DN. The length of the strip was recorded at 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min, respectively. Nasal secretions were collected on sponges and allergic status was assessed based on serum sage levels. Results: Twenty (13 men and 7 women) patients with DN and 100 (47 men and 53 women) controls were recruited for the study. The participants' ages ranged from 23 to 73 years (mean = 47.7 years). Nine of the 20 DN patients were diagnosed with vasomotor rhinitis. The weight of the sponges of DN patients was significantly lower than that of controls. At the last time point (5 min), the strips in the control group were significantly longer than those in the DN group. The reference range of 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min of controls was 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 10.9 mm, 13.2 mm, 16.8 mm, and 17.0 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the strip length less than 17.0 mm at 5 min is a valuable reference for the diagnostic of DN in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Numerous studies have demonstrated effectiveness for acupuncture in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). However, the underlying mechanism remains still unclear. Methods: 29 SAR patients were recruited from a large randomized, controlled trial investigating the efficacy of acupuncture in SAR. 16 patients were treated by acupuncture plus rescue medication (RM, cetirizine), 6 patients received sham acupuncture plus RM and 8 patients RM alone over 8 weeks. Patients were blinded to the allocation to real or sham acupuncture. At baseline and different time-points during intervention, plasma and nasal concentration of mediators of various biological functions were determined in addition to validated disease-specific questionnaires. Results: The concentration of biomarkers related to the Th1-, Th2-, and Treg-cluster was not changed in patients who received acupuncture, in neither plasma nor nasal fluid. However, with respect to eotaxin and some unspecific pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-8, IP-10, MIP-1b, MCP-1), acupuncture led to a, partially significantly, lower nasal concentration than sham acupuncture or RM. Furthermore, the nasal symptom score was significantly reduced in patients only after real acupuncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Predicting type 2 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) may help for selection of appropriate surgical procedures or pharmacotherapies in advance. However, an accurate non-invasive method for diagnosis of type 2 CRSwNP is presently unavailable. Methods: To optimize the technique for collecting nasal secretion (NasSec), 89 CRSwNP patients were tested using nasal packs made with four types of materials. Further, Th2low and Th2highCRSwNP defined by clustering analysis in another 142 CRSwNP patients using tissue biomarkers, in the meanwhile, inflammatory biomarkers were detected in NasSec of the same patients collected by the selected nasal pack. A diagnostic model was established by machine learning algorithms to predict Th2highCRSwNP using NasSecs biomarkers. Results: Considering the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for IL-5 in NasSec, nasal pack in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was superior to other materials for NasSec collection. When Th2low and Th2highCRSwNP clusters were defined, logistic regression and decision tree model for prediction of Th2highCRSwNP demonstrated high AUCs values of 0.92 and 0.90 respectively using biomarkers of NasSecs. Consequently, the pre-pruned decision tree model; based on the levels of IL-5 in NasSec (= 15.04 pg/mL), blood eosinophil count (= 0.475*109/L) and absence of comorbid asthma; was chosen to define Th2lowCRSwNP from Th2highCRSwNP for routine clinical use. Conclusions: Taken together, a decision tree model based on a combination of NasSec biomarkers and clinical features can accurately define type 2 CRSwNP patients and therefore may be of benefit to patients in receiving appropriate therapies in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasal mucus is proving to be a useful means by which to study the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Given the increase in publications examining nasal mucus and the lack of a review on this topic, we will focus on this noninvasive approach to studying CRS. Particular attention will be drawn towards inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers and their influence on disease severity. Methods: A literature review of papers published in English pertaining to nasal mucus was performed using the PubMed database. The search utilized combinations of the following keywords: sinusitis, polyps, sample collection, nasal mucus, or nasal secretion. Studies solely on acute or bacterial sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or cystic fibrosis were not included. Results: A wide variety of materials and methods have been used to collect nasal mucus. Numerous assay types have been performed with the most common being ELISA, cytometric bead array, and proteomics. Most studies have focused on examining the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines along with chemokines associated with type 2 immunity. Other factors identified include growth factors, senescence-associated proteins, complement, and antimicrobial defenses have also been identified. Nasal mucus cytokines have proven useful in cluster analysis and predicting postoperative improvement in Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores. One limitation of the use of nasal mucus is that some studies have suggested that nasal mucus does not always reflect the tissue microenvironment. Conclusions: Nasal mucus represents a critical tool by which to examine the sinonasal microenvironment in a noninvasive manner. Unlike studies of tissue, it can be utilized in both surgically and medically managed patients and avoids the trauma of biopsies. However, studies are still needed to determine the most effective method for nasal mucus collection. Studies should also take care to confirm that nasal mucus markers do, in fact, reflect the levels of the product studied in the tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Numerous studies have demonstrated effectiveness for acupuncture in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). However, the underlying mechanism remains still unclear. Methods: 29 SAR patients were recruited from a large randomized, controlled trial investigating the efficacy of acupuncture in SAR. 16 patients were treated by acupuncture plus rescue medication (RM, cetirizine), 6 patients received sham acupuncture plus RM and 8 patients RM alone over 8 weeks. Patients were blinded to the allocation to real or sham acupuncture. At baseline and different time-points during intervention, plasma and nasal concentration of mediators of various biological functions were determined in addition to validated disease-specific questionnaires. Results: The concentration of biomarkers related to the Th1-, Th2-, and Treg-cluster was not changed in patients who received acupuncture, in neither plasma nor nasal fluid. However, with respect to eotaxin and some unspecific pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-8, IP-10, MIP-1b, MCP-1), acupuncture led to a, partially significantly, lower nasal concentration than sham acupuncture or RM. Furthermore, the nasal symptom score was significantly reduced in patients only after real acupuncture. Conclusion: In SAR, acupuncture reduces the intranasal unspecific inflammation, but does not seem to act immunologically on the Th1–Th2-imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism of the respiratory system. One of the main factors determining mucociliary clearance is the ciliary activity of the respiratory epithelium. The amount of nasal secretion can be easily determined by the recently used nasal Schirmer test. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of nasal secretion in patients with facial paralysis.Methods:A total of 50 patients with unilateral facial paralysis were included in the study. Eye and nasal Schirmer test were applied to the patients. The eye Schirmer test results were calculated after 5 minutes and the nasal Schirmer test results were calculated after 10 minutes, in millimeters according to the amount of wetting of the test papers. Schirmer test results of paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides were compared with each other.Results:The mean paralytic and non-paralytic side eye Schirmer test values of the patients with facial paralysis were 11.14±4.80 and 19.54±4.01, respectively. Mean paralytic and non-paralytic side nasal Schirmer test values were 10.92±4.82 and 20.54±4.31, respectively. Eye and nasal Schirmer test values of the paralytic side were significantly lower than the non-paralytic side (p0.05).Conclusion:In this study, the amount of nasal secretion on the paralysis side of the patients with unilateral facial paralysis was lower than the contralateral side. Further studies are needed to determine whether decreased secretion improves in long-term follow-up and the prognostic significance of nasal dryness in facial paralysis.

There have been two measurement methods for nasal nitric oxide (nNO): direct measurement of nNO and indirect measurement of NO metabolites or the NO synthase enzyme. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in nNO between allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and the correlation of the direct measurement of nNO and indirect measurement of nNO metabolites, RANTES, and IL-5. Fifteen patients with AR, 15 patients with septal deviation as a control group were enrolled. We measured the nNO level using a chemiluminescence analyzer and the amount of NO metabolites, RANTES, and IL-5 in nasal lavage fluid using the ELISA method. Nasal NO levels were significantly higher in AR than the control (195.7 ± 39.6 vs 159.4 ± 25.8 ppb, P = 0.027). NO metabolites, IL-5, and RANTES levels were higher in AR, but there was no statistically significant difference. There was no significant correlation between nNO and nNO metabolites, RANTES, IL-5, and clinical parameters except for the olfactory test score in AR. There was a negative correlation between nNO and the olfactory test score in AR (r = −0.590, P = 0.034). Nasal NO concentration increased in AR. However, nNO metabolites and IL-5, RANTES in nasal secretion did not show any correlation with nNO. Direct measurement of nNO could be a potentially useful biomarker of AR compared to indirect measurement of NO metabolites, cytokines, and chemokines in nasal secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism of the respiratory system. One of the main factors determining mucociliary clearance is the ciliary activity of the respiratory epithelium. The amount of nasal secretion can be easily determined by the recently used nasal Schirmer test. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of nasal secretion in patients with facial paralysis. Methods: A total of 50 patients with unilateral facial paralysis were included in the study. Eye and nasal Schirmer test were applied to the patients. The eye Schirmer test results were calculated after 5 minutes and the nasal Schirmer test results were calculated after 10 minutes, in millimeters according to the amount of wetting of the test papers. Schirmer test results of paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides were compared with each other. Results: The mean paralytic and non-paralytic side eye Schirmer test values of the patients with facial paralysis were 11.14±4.80 and 19.54±4.01, respectively. Mean paralytic and non-paralytic side nasal Schirmer test values were 10.92±4.82 and 20.54±4.31, respectively. Eye and nasal Schirmer test values of the paralytic side were significantly lower than the non-paralytic side (p<0.05). In the right facial paralysis group; the right eye and nasal Schirmer test results were significantly lower than the left side results (p<0.05). In the left facial paralysis group; the left eye and nasal Schirmer test were significantly lower than the right side results (p<0.05). Nasal Schirmer test results of Grade 2-3 and Grade 4-5 facial paralysis patients were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the amount of nasal secretion on the paralysis side of the patients with unilateral facial paralysis was lower than the contralateral side. Further studies are needed to determine whether decreased secretion improves in long-term follow-up and the prognostic significance of nasal dryness in facial paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Intranasal Schirmer test serves as an objective measurement for evaluation of nasal secretion and humidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of septal deviation on nasal secretion and humidity by measuring the intranasal Schirmer test values in patients who had septal deviation and compare it to the values of our healthy volunteers.Methods:The study included 52 patients with nasal septum deviation and 52 volunteers without any rhinologic complaints or deviated nasal septum. Intranasal Schirmer test was performed to all patients and volunteers for both nasal cavities.Results:The intranasal Schirmer test values of the convex (deviated) side were lower than that of the concave (non-deviated) side (20.71 and 23.35 respectively); although this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.054,). After excluding the four patients with equal Schirmer test results on both sides, 70% (34/48) of our patients had lower intranasal Schirmer test values on the deviated side. There was no statistically significant difference between the Schirmer test values of the patients with septal deviation and the volunteers without septal deviation (p>0.05).Conclusion:The Schirmer test values of the deviated sides were less than the values of the contralateral side in majority of our patients. This finding supports the negative effect of nasal septum deviation on nasal humidification, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Introduction: Nasal schirmer test which is a modified schirmer test can be used in evaluating the amount of nasal secretion. However, we do not know the normalized values of nasal shirmer test on Turkish population. The aim of the study is investigation of applicabilitiy and normal range values of nasal schirmer test on Turkish population.Methods: 200 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Standard schirmer test filter papers located adjacent to seromucinous glands of anterior septum, protruding from nostril anteriorly. Strip was removed by a forceps after 10 minutes of insertion. Moisted area on the strip was measured by milimeters.Results: Out of 200 subjectsbetween 18-45 years of age, 105 (52.5%) were female, 95 (47.5%) were male and mean age was 32.0±7.2. No voluntary complaints of irritation among all subjects. Mean schirmer value of all voluntary was 19±7. Mean schirmer value of females was 19.1±6.6 whereas it was 20.3±7.2 for males. No significance was detected in terms of gender.Conclusions: Nasal dryness and runny nose, which are commonly seen symptoms of many diseases, could be investigated by Schirmer test and the average value for the Turkish population is 19±7.

Aim - to study the peculiarities of metabolic and functional activity of cell factors of congenital immunity in patients after rhinosurgical treatment in early stages of post-operative period. Materials and methods. The authors examined leukocyte profile of nasal secretion and their viability, phagocytic and lysosomal activity, oxygen-dependent biotransformation of neutrophilic granulocytes in NBT-test during the first 24 hours after the operation for deflection of the nasal septum. Results. The study showed that spontaneous NBT-test during the first 24 hours of postoperative period revealed that patients after the operation for deflection of the nasal septum with the following 24-hour tamponade have increased number of viable neutrophilic granulocytes with better lysosomal activity, decreased phagocytosis activity and intensity, and depressed biocidal characteristics. Conclusion. The revealed increase in the number of viable neutrophilic granulocytes, their better lysosomal activity, associated with decreased phagocytosis activity and intensity, and depressed biocidal characteristics prove the need for the search of additional methods of postoperative rehabilitation.

Introduction: To evaluate the most sensitive symptom to predict early recurrence of nasal polyposis. Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Tertiary university referral center with accredited otorhinolaryngology residency programs. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated 62 patients with diffuse nasal polyposis. All patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The author-devised questionnaire relating to the four major symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis were answered by patients at the pre-operative visit and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Patients were followed up with serial endoscopic examinations, and a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed if indicated. Results: All 62 patients (37 male, 25 female) completed the study. The mean age was 41.24 ± 12.47 years. All major symptoms showed significant improvement after surgery (P=0.000); however, the severity of symptoms gradually increased in patients with a recurrence of polyposis, but at different points in time (P= 0.008). Sense of smell was the first symptom to deteriorate in patients with relapse (mean, 6 months) followed by nasal secretion (12 months), obstruction and pain(24 months). Patients with asthma, Samter’s triad, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and allergic rhinitis showed symptoms of recurrence sooner than other patients (P

In forensic casework, nasal secretion can be a good source of DNA. Moreover, saliva can prove useful in cases of sexual assault. However, discriminating between these body fluids is often difficult because of cross-reactivity between them on presumptive and confirmatory tests. Therefore, an RT-qPCR procedure was developed to discriminate between nasal secretion and saliva. Characteristic genes in nasal secretion and/or saliva (BPIFA1, STATH, HTN3, and PRH2) were selected as candidates. Discrimination criteria were established based on the expression levels of these markers in various body fluids. In addition, a flowchart was proposed and used to discriminate among nasal secretion, saliva, and other body fluids in various forensic samples. BPIFA1 was highly expressed in nasal secretion but was also expressed in saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid at trace levels. STATH was expressed in nasal secretion and saliva but not in other body fluids. HTN3 was specifically expressed in most of the saliva samples, as reported previously. Unexpectedly, PRH2 was expressed in only a few saliva samples. Using the proposed criteria and flowchart, nasal secretion and saliva were successfully discriminated among the various body fluids tested. The developed procedure could be useful in forensic casework.

Introduction: Nasal schirmer test which is a modified schirmer test can be used in evaluating the amount of nasal secretion. However, we do not know the normalized values of nasal shirmer test on Turkish population. The aim of the study is investigation of applicabilitiy and normal range values of nasal schirmer test on Turkish population. Methods: 200 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Standard schirmer test filter papers located adjacent to seromucinous glands of anterior septum, protruding from nostril anteriorly. Strip was removed by a forceps after 10 minutes of insertion. Moisted area on the strip was measured by milimeters. Results: Out of 200 subjectsbetween 18-45 years of age, 105 (52.5%) were female, 95 (47.5%) were male and mean age was 32.0±7.2. No voluntary complaints of irritation among all subjects. Mean schirmer value of all voluntary was 19±7. Mean schirmer value of females was 19.1±6.6 whereas it was 20.3±7.2 for males. No significance was detected in terms of gender. Conclusions: Nasal dryness and runny nose, which are commonly seen symptoms of many diseases, could be investigated by Schirmer test and the average value for the Turkish population is 19±7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Intranasal Schirmer test serves as an objective measurement for evaluation of nasal secretion and humidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of septal deviation on nasal secretion and humidity by measuring the intranasal Schirmer test values in patients who had septal deviation and compare it to the values of our healthy volunteers. Methods: The study included 52 patients with nasal septum deviation and 52 volunteers without any rhinologic complaints or deviated nasal septum. Intranasal Schirmer test was performed to all patients and volunteers for both nasal cavities. Results: The intranasal Schirmer test values of the convex (deviated) side were lower than that of the concave (non-deviated) side (20.71 and 23.35 respectively); although this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.054,). After excluding the four patients with equal Schirmer test results on both sides, 70% (34/48) of our patients had lower intranasal Schirmer test values on the deviated side. There was no statistically significant difference between the Schirmer test values of the patients with septal deviation and the volunteers without septal deviation (p>0.05). Conclusion: The Schirmer test values of the deviated sides were less than the values of the contralateral side in majority of our patients. This finding supports the negative effect of nasal septum deviation on nasal humidification, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although local specific immunoglobulin (sIgE) has been employed as a diagnostic criterion for allergic rhinitis (AR), the use of local sIgE has not been fully evaluated in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of nasal secretion sIgE in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.Methods: A total of 51 patients (27 males and 24 females, mean age = 33.3 years) with rhinitis symptoms were enrolled consecutively from the allergy-rhinology clinic of Beijing TongRen Hospital (Beijing, People's Republic of China). Questionnaires were completed by each participant at recruitment to record demographic data, nasal symptom severity, and physician-diagnosed comorbid asthma. The severity of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal/eye itching was recorded according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 10 cm. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, mugwort, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were assessed according to presence of sIgE antibodies to these allergens in serum and nasal secretions.Results: VAS scores of the participants ranged from 11 to 25 (mean = 17), and 14 (27.5%) patients had comorbid asthma. Based on serum sIgE, 31 (60.8%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 14 (27.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. Based on nasal secretion sIgE, 32 (62.7%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 12 (23.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. The local mugwort sIgE level and serum mugwort sIgE level were positively correlated with each other and with VAS scores.Conclusion: sIgE level in nasal secretions of subjects with rhinitis is a reliable noninvasive alternative to serum sIgE for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.Level Of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:E311-E315, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is characterized by the production of specific IgE (sIgE) in the nasal mucosa without evidence of systemic atopy. The characteristics of LAR in Caucasians have been well documented. LAR is understudied in China, with prevalence, patient demographics, symptomatology, and the allergen sensitization profile being poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the demographics, characteristics, and allergen sensitization profile of patients with LAR in Southern China. Methods: A total of 194 patients with rhinitis and 13 healthy subjects were enrolled in the current study. The patients' demographic data, clinical history, and symptoms were recorded. Local and systemic sIgE to a wide panel of specific allergens were measured in the nasal secretion and serum samples. Results: Among the rhinitis patients, 115 were classified as allergic rhinitis (AR; 59.3%), 15 as LAR (7.7%), and 64 as non-AR (33.0%). The demographic characteristics, duration, frequency, and severity of symptoms were similar, although LAR exhibited higher symptom scores for nasal itch. Monosensitization was the predominant pattern of sensitization in both AR (109 out of 115, 95%) and LAR (14 out of 15, 93%). House dust mite was the dominant allergen in AR patients (109 out of 115, 95%), while pollen was the dominant allergen in LAR patients (11 out of 15, 73%). Conclusion: The prevalence of LAR patients in Southern China was 7.7%. Pollen was the most common sensitizing allergen for the local LAR patients, which differs from Caucasian studies, in which house dust mite was the dominant sensitizing allergen. Monosensitization was the predominant pattern in both AR and LAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: : Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) is the most common allergen for seasonal allergic rhinitis in Japan. Little is known about local production of immunoglobulin (Ig)E in people with or without Japanese cedar pollinosis. The aims of this study were to measure levels of JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions and determine correlations with levels in serum. Methods: : Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, comprising 24 symptomatic subjects, 9 asymptomatic subjects sensitized to JCP, and 13 subjects not sensitized to JCP. Nasal secretions were obtained during a period of Japanese cedar dispersal, and levels of JCP-specific IgE were measured with CAP-fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. Serum JCP-specific IgE and total IgE were also measured using the same method. Results: Among the 46 subjects enrolled, JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions was measureable in 43 subjects. Irrespective of symptom development, sensitized subjects showed higher levels of JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions than non-sensitized subjects. A significant moderate correlation was observed between JCP- specific IgE levels in nasal secretions and serum in all 43 subjects. With stratification by subject group, only symptomatic subjects showed a substantial correlation between JCP-specific IgE levels in nasal secretions and serum. Conclusions: : Our results imply a certain association between JCP-specific IgE in nasal secretions and sensitization of Japanese cedar pollinosis. Therefore, levels of allergen-specific IgE in nasal secretions can be used as an alternative diagnostic marker for allergic rhinitis patients.

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