Objective: To determine the olfactory function and/or dysfunction of young adults who are cigarette smokers using a locally validated smell identification test. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting:Tertiary hospital in Metro Manila Patients: The volunteer study group was composed of 60 male and 21 female students and] employees of a tertiary hospital and its affiliated medical school (both in Quezon City). All subjects were young adults within the age range of 20-35 years with a mean age of 27.58 years (+/- 4.33). All the subjects were currently smoking cigarettes with no medical history of recent viral infection, nasal/sinus surgery, nasal/brain tumors, head trauma, radiotherapy, chronic rhinitides in exacerbation ortracheostomy. Olfactory function of each subject was evaluated using the Sto. Tomas Smell Identification Test (ST-SIT) which is a locally-validated test. Results: Majority of the subjects fell within the 24-27 age group with a mean age of 27.58 years (+/- 4.33). Males outnumbered females 74.1 percent as against 25.9 percent. An inverse relation between pack years and ST-SIT score was present indicating that there could be a dose-related effect off cigarette smoking on olfactory function. Among the 81 subjects, 15 (18.5 percent) turned out to be anosmic, 46 (56.7 percent) were hyposmic I and 20 (24.6 percent) had normal olfactory function. A mean ST-SIT score was computed at 81.183 (+/- 12.58), indicating that majority of the subjects had olfactory dysfunction, meaning they were hyposmic. Conclusion: Smoking cigarettes has become part of the lifestyle of a lot of people in spite of its hazards to health. In the present study, a majority of supposedly healthy young adults who currently smoked cigarettes were proven to suffer from olfactory impairment based on the scores of a locally-validated smell identification test. An inverse relation between ST-SIT scores and pack years was also noted which may indicate a dose-related effect of smoking on olfactory function. (Author)
CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDIES SMELL SMOKING OLFACTION DISORDERS ADULT

Objective: To present a case of a benign orbito-maxillary tumor behaving as an invasive, expansive malignancy. Design: Case report Setting: A tertiary care hospital in Metro Manila Patient: A 4 1/2-year-old boy with a seven month history of right orbito-maxillary mass, proptosis and epiphora. Result: A series of biopsies were done before a definite diagnosis was made due to inconsistencies in the histopathologic findings, clinical picture, and the radiologic presentation of the case. After diagnosis, appropriate intervention resulted in a dramatic decrease in the size of the mass. At present, the patient is disease-free and asymptomatic. Conclusion: Histopathologic diagnosis of Inflammatory Pseudotumor is difficult and differentiating it from malignant tumors is often a concern for otolaryngologists and pathologists. In spite of an initial malignant biopsy result, the combination of clinical signs and symptoms and radiologic findings of an infiltrative mass lesion, should not discount the possibility of a benign entity such as Inflammatory Pseudotumor for which treatment is conservative. (Author)
GRANULOMA ; PLASMA CELL GRANULOMA ; PLASMA CELL ; ORBITAL ORBITAL DISEASES

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a bilateral branch of the vagus nerve that is mainly associated with the motor innervation of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. Despite its bilateral distribution, the right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves display unequal length due to embryological processes related to the development of the aortic arches. This length asymmetry leads to theories about morphological compensations to provide symmetrical functions to the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. In this study we investigated the developmental and cross-sectional morphometrics of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in human fetuses. Fifteen stillbirth fetuses donated to anatomical and medical research were used for investigation.Fetuses had intrauterine age ranging from 30 to 40 weeks estimated by biometry methods. Specialized anatomical dissection of the visceral block of the neck was performed to prepare histological samples of the recurrent laryngeal nerves in its point of contact with the larynx, and morpho-quantitative techniques were applied to evaluate the epineurium and perineural space of the recurrent laryngeal nerves. No statistical difference in the cross-sectional morphology of the epineurium and perineural space between right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves intra-individually was confirmed, however, we found evidence that these structures are under greater development in the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during 30 to 40 weeks of intrauterine life. Our data suggest that the nerves are under morphological development that possibly set the stage for accommodation of larger diameter and myelinization of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve during post-natal life.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cicatricial repair of perforating cornea in rabbits, by using the Nbutyl cyanoacrylate adhesive compared to the 910-polyglactine thread suture through macroscopic and histological assays. Corneas from 18 adult rabbits were perforated and subsequently occluded with N-butyl cyanoacrylate synthetic adhesive (right cornea) or by separated single points using the 910-polyglactine thread (left cornea). The rabbits were divided into groups containing three animals per group. Examination after 7, 15, and 30 days post-operative showed that both the synthetic adhesive and the suture were efficient in the occlusion of the surgical wounds, thus stabilizing the intra-ocular content. The N-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive was shown to be superior to the 910-polyglactine suture thread with regards to the evolution and the organization of the healing process.
Animals ; Cornea/*injuries/*surgery ; Enbucrilate/*therapeutic use ; Female ; Male ; Polyglactin 910/therapeutic use ; Rabbits/*surgery ; *Sutures ; Tissue Adhesives/*therapeutic use ; *Wound Healing

Previous studies on the genus Clusia have shown anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of the leaf extracts, but its antinociceptive activity has never been characterized. In the present study, the antinociceptive activity of the hexane extract of the leaves of Clusia nemorosa G. Mey, called HECn, was examined. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests. All experiments were carried out on male Swiss mice. The extract (1-400 mg·kg(-1)), given by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) 1 h prior to testing, produced a dose-dependent inhibition on the number of abdominal writhings, with an ID50 of 62 mg·kg(-1). In addition, HECn was able to prevent the visceral pain induced by acetic acid in mice for at least 2 h. In the formalin test, HECn had no effect in the first phase, but produced an analgesic effect on the second phase with the inhibition of licking time. The HECn did not show a significant analgesic effect in the hot plate test. Pretreatment with yohimbine attenuated the antinociceptive effect induced by HECn in the writhing test. However, naloxone, atropine, or haloperidol did not affect antinociception induced by HECn in the writhing test. Together, these results indicate that the extract from the leaves of Clusia nemorosa produces antinociception in models of chemical pain through mechanisms that suggest participation of the adrenergic systems pathway.
Adrenergic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Analgesics ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Clusia ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Nociception ; drug effects ; Pain ; drug therapy ; psychology ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry

Purpose: Using images in the facial image comparison process poses a challenge for forensic experts due to limitations such as the presence of facial expressions. The aims of this study were to analyze how morphometric changes in the face during a spontaneous smile influence the facial image comparison process and to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements obtained by digital stereophotogrammetry in these situations. Materials and Methods: Three examiners used digital stereophotogrammetry to obtain 3-dimensional images of the faces of 10 female participants (aged between 23 and 45 years). Photographs of the participants' faces were captured with their faces at rest (group 1) and with a spontaneous smile (group 2), resulting in a total of 60 3-dimensional images. The digital stereophotogrammetry device obtained the images with a 3.5-ms capture time, which prevented undesirable movements of the participants. Linear measurements between facial landmarks were made, in units of millimeters, and the data were subjected to multivariate and univariate statistical analyses using Pirouette ® version 4.5 (InfoMetrix Inc., Woodinville, WA, USA) and Microsoft Excel® (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), respectively. Results: The measurements that most strongly influenced the separation of the groups were related to the labial/buccal region. In general, the data showed low standard deviations, which differed by less than 10% from the measured mean values, demonstrating that the digital stereophotogrammetry technique was reproducible. Conclusion The impact of spontaneous smiles on the facial image comparison process should be considered, and digital stereophotogrammetry provided good reproducibility.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are 2 protozoan parasites responsible for waterborne diseases outbreaks worldwide. In order to assess the prevalence of these protozoans in drinking water samples in the northern part of Portugal and the risk of human infection, we have established a long term program aiming at pinpointing the sources of surface water, drinking water, and environmental contamination, working with the water-supply industry. Total 43 sources of drinking water samples were selected, and a total of 167 samples were analyzed using the Method 1623. Sensitivity assays regarding the genetic characterization by PCR and sequencing of the genes, 18S SSU rRNA, for Cryptosporidium spp. and beta,-giardin for G. duodenalis were set in the laboratory. According to the defined criteria, molecular analysis was performed over 4 samples. Environmental stages of the protozoa were detected in 25.7% (43 out of 167) of the water samples, 8.4% (14 out of 167) with cysts of Giardia, 10.2% (17 out of 167) with oocysts of Cryptosporidium and 7.2% (12 out of 167) for both species. The mean concentrations were 0.1-12.7 oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. per 10 L and 0.1-108.3 cysts of Giardia duodenalis per 10 L. Our results suggest that the efficiency in drinking water plants must be ameliorated in their efficiency in reducing the levels of contamination. We suggest the implementation of systematic monitoring programs for both protozoa. To authors' knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the concentration of environmental stages of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in drinking water samples in the northern part of Portugal.
Animals ; Cryptosporidium/*isolation & purification ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; Genes, rRNA ; Giardia lamblia/*isolation & purification ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Portugal ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; RNA, Protozoan/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Risk Assessment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Water/*parasitology

Objective: To compare the in vitro antiparasitic activity of aqueous extracts from Ziziphus joazeiro leaves and stem bark against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania infantum, as well as to evaluate its cytotoxicity in mammalian cells, in addition to identifying the chemical composition of the extracts. Methods: Ziziphus joazeiro leaf and stem bark aqueous extracts were prepared by cold extraction maceration and subjected to ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole/time of flight system. The susceptibility assays used Trypanosoma cruzi CL-B5 strains and promastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum for antiparasitic activity of the extracts. Moreover, mammalian fibroblasts NCTC clone 929 were used for cytotoxicity analysis. Results: Terpenoid compounds, flavonoids and phenolic acid were identified in extracts. The stem bark aqueous extracts presented more significant results in terms of antiparasitic activity compared with the leaf aqueous extracts, especially against Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum promastigote forms with an IC50 < 500 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity evaluation showed moderate toxicity of the stem bark aqueous extracts, which is relevant information for the rational use of this plant part since it is widely used by the population. Conclusions: These preliminary results may contribute to the formulation of new therapeutic agents against this group of neglected diseases, so further investigations are required to delineate the mechanisms of action mainly of the aqueous extract of stem bark of Ziziphus joazeiro.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are a major public health problem worldwide. In the current epidemiological context, CRD have received much interest when considering their correlation with greater susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 and severe disease (COVID-19). Increasingly more studies have investigated pathophysiological interactions between CRD and COVID-19.Area covered:Animal experimentation has decisively contributed to advancing our knowledge of CRD. Considering the increase in ethical restrictions in animal experimentation, researchers must focus on new experimental alternatives. Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have complemented animal models and significantly contributed to advancing research in the life sciences. However, 2D cell cultures have several limitations in studies of cellular interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures represent a new and robust platform for studying complex biological processes and are a promising alternative in regenerative and translational medicine.Expert opinion:Three-dimensional cell cultures are obtained by combining several types of cells in integrated and self-organized systems in a 3D structure. These 3D cell culture systems represent an efficient methodological approach in studies of pathophysiology and lung therapy. More recently, complex 3D culture systems, such as lung-on-a-chip, seek to mimic the physiology of a lung in vivo through a microsystem that simulates alveolar-capillary interactions and exposure to air. The present review introduces and discusses 3D lung cultures as robust platforms for studies of the pathophysiology of CRD and COVID-19 and the mechanisms that underlie interactions between CRD and COVID-19.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are a major public health problem worldwide. In the current epidemiological context, CRD have received much interest when considering their correlation with greater susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 and severe disease (COVID-19). Increasingly more studies have investigated pathophysiological interactions between CRD and COVID-19.Area covered:Animal experimentation has decisively contributed to advancing our knowledge of CRD. Considering the increase in ethical restrictions in animal experimentation, researchers must focus on new experimental alternatives. Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures have complemented animal models and significantly contributed to advancing research in the life sciences. However, 2D cell cultures have several limitations in studies of cellular interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures represent a new and robust platform for studying complex biological processes and are a promising alternative in regenerative and translational medicine.Expert opinion:Three-dimensional cell cultures are obtained by combining several types of cells in integrated and self-organized systems in a 3D structure. These 3D cell culture systems represent an efficient methodological approach in studies of pathophysiology and lung therapy. More recently, complex 3D culture systems, such as lung-on-a-chip, seek to mimic the physiology of a lung in vivo through a microsystem that simulates alveolar-capillary interactions and exposure to air. The present review introduces and discusses 3D lung cultures as robust platforms for studies of the pathophysiology of CRD and COVID-19 and the mechanisms that underlie interactions between CRD and COVID-19.