American journal of rhinology & allergy
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Nov 2012
Nasal allergies in the Middle Eastern population: results from the "Allergies in Middle East Survey".
Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are a major public health problem in developing countries including those in the Middle East. However, to date, there is a paucity of information related to physician-diagnosed AR in this region. The Allergies in Middle East Survey was undertaken to help clarify and broaden the understanding of physician-diagnosed AR across Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The survey explores the frequency of physician-diagnosed AR, prevalence and types of associated symptoms, the impact on quality of life (QOL), current treatment practices, and therapy expectations. ⋯ These data show that AR is common in the Middle East region as elsewhere in the world. Many patients with AR in Middle East region suffer from their symptoms (e.g., runny nose, nasal itching, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and other symptoms) on all or most days during the times of the year that their allergies are worst. These symptoms have been shown to reduce QOL and performance at work/school to a significant degree. Additionally, the survey data underscore a considerable treatment gap with current therapies for AR and that many AR patients still have not found adequate effectiveness with currently available medications. Thus, through identification of disease impact on the Middle East population and highlighting treatment gaps, clinicians in the Middle East may better understand and treat AR, leading to improvements in overall patient satisfaction and QOL.
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Sep 2012
The use of nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells to produce functioning ciliated cells in vitro.
Although epithelial stem/progenitor cells have been isolated from many parts of the human airway epithelium such as lung and trachea, there is limited information in regard to stem cells in nasal epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if (1) human nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (hNESPCs) can be isolated and propagated in vitro and (2) allogeneic adult primary human fibroblasts can serve as a feeder layer for hNESPCs expansion under serum-free conditions. ⋯ Our results showed the feasibility of expanding hNESPCs for clinical purpose by using human feeder layer, avoiding components of animal source, while preserving their self-renewal and differentiation potential. This study represents an early step toward a better understanding of hNESPCs, and serum -free media plus human feeder potentially would be an ideal method for making clinical grade hNESPCs on a large scale.
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Sep 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialAdvantages of glove finger-coated polyvinyl acetate pack in endoscopic sinus surgery.
This study investigated the efficacy of glove finger-coated polyvinyl acetate (PA) pack on hemostasis, pain levels, and wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). ⋯ PA packing in a glove finger is advantageous in terms of pain, bleeding on packing removal, and postoperative wound healing, compared with PA pack only.
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · May 2012
Retrieval of projectile foreign bodies from the paranasal sinuses and skull base.
Penetrating trauma to the paranasal sinuses and skull base with retained foreign bodies represents a unique challenge for head and neck surgeons. Management of these injuries is complicated by associated injuries and the proximity to vital neurovascular structures. This study was designed to review the clinical experience with retained sinonasal and skull base projectile foreign bodies at a single academic tertiary care institution. ⋯ Although not all retained foreign bodies after penetrating trauma to the head require removal, those that are safely accessible and at risk for infectious complications should be recovered. The timing and approach of retrieval are dictated by the clinical scenario.
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Little is known regarding the epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. This study was designed to comprehensively evaluate the current prevalence of CRS across various treatment settings to identify possible disparities in health care access and use between racial and ethnic populations. ⋯ CRS is an important health condition for all major race/ethnic groups in the United States. Significant differences may exist across racial and ethnic categories with regard to CRS health status and health care use. Given current demographic shifts in the United States, specific attention should be given to understanding CRS within the context of racial and ethnic populations. Public clinical trial registration (www.clinicaltrials.gov) I.D. No. NCT00799097.