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- Katotomichelakis, M, et al.
(author)
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Olfactory dysfunction and asthma as risk factors for poor quality of life in upper airway diseases
- 2013
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In: American journal of rhinology & allergy. - : SAGE Publications. - 1945-8932 .- 1945-8924. ; 27:4, s. 293-298
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study of olfaction/quality of life (QoL) interaction has not been adequately discussed and remains to be further explored. Determination of clinical predictors for poor QoL may support consultation of respective patients. This study explores QoL of patients with olfactory dysfunction and evaluates associated clinical risk factors for QoL prediction. Methods One hundred eight patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergic rhinitis (AR) and 30 healthy subjects were studied. Olfactory function was evaluated using objective olfactory test. All patients completed six validated questionnaires either specific for olfaction (Questionnaire of Olfactory Deficits [QOD]) and for assessing psychological state (Zung Anxiety Scale [ZAS], State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Depression Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) or a generic one (Short Form 36). Results Significantly poorer QoL and more severe anxiety and depression symptoms were observed in anosmic (all p < 0.001) and hyposmic patients compared with controls. Anosmic patients presented significantly worse results compared with hyposmic and normosmic patients. However, higher scores were observed in hyposmic compared with normosmic patients only in the QOD, ZAS, and BDI scale. Patients with CRS presented significantly poorer QoL than patients with AR only. The presence of nasal polyps or concomitant AR in patients with CRS did not show any differentiation in the results. Asthma was associated with significantly worse scores in all the psychometric questionnaires. Conclusion Olfactory dysfunction was found to decrease QoL among patients. Anosmia, CRS disease, and asthma as clinical predictors were proved to be independently correlated with QoL, anxiety, and depression levels.
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| 5. |
- Danielides, M. A., et al.
(author)
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Measurement of Auroral characteristics by Auroral Turbulence II sounding rocket
- 1999
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In: Geophysica. - 0367-4231 .- 2324-0741. ; 35:1-2, s. 33-44
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Auroral Turbulence II sounding rocket was launched into a moderately active night-side aurora from the Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, US. This unique three payload rocket experiment contained both electric and magnetic field, and particle instruments, which provided three point measurements over a wide range of scales. The payloads passed through several auroral arcs providing details of the auroral fine structure and the three point measurements allowed the distinction of spatial and temporal variations. The rocket data are compared with optical observations with special emphasis on a large quiet arc traversed in the middle of the flight. The observed features and field-aligned current densities are found to agree with earlier studies.
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| 6. |
- Katotomichelakis, M, et al.
(author)
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Inflammatory patterns in upper airway disease in the same geographical area may change over time
- 2013
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In: American journal of rhinology & allergy. - : SAGE Publications. - 1945-8932 .- 1945-8924. ; 27:5, s. 354-360
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inflammatory patterns of nasal polyps (NPs) may vary. Changes over time have not been investigated so far. This study was designed to evaluate the inflammatory patterns of NPs in Thailand at two time points 12 years apart, explore differences in Staphylococcus aureus (SA) mucosal carriage rates over time, and the latter's relationship with the inflammatory patterns. Methods Formalin-fixed nasal tissue was obtained from 89 (47 in 1999 and 42 in 2011) patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with NPs (CRSwNPs). Tissues were evaluated for eosinophils, neutrophils, IgE+ cells, IgE and macrophage mannose receptors, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-17 cytokine profile, and the presence of SA, using automated immunohistochemistry and peptide nucleic acid–fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results We found a significant increase in the absolute values of eosinophils and IgE+ cells in the 2011 CRSwNP tissue series compared with 1999 and a significant but smaller increase in neutrophils. Semiquantitative evaluation revealed significantly higher mean values of positive cells for all studied inflammatory markers in the 2011 group of patients, except for the high-affinity IgE receptor. This “eosinophilic shift” of inflammation was accompanied by higher SA carriage, as well as higher frequencies of SA invasion (54.8% versus 10.6%; p < 0.001) in the 2011 compared with 1999 subjects. Patients with asthma were more likely to have higher SA carriage rates compared with nonasthmatic patients. Conclusion There was a shift from predominantly neutrophilic to eosinophilic CRSwNPs in Thai patients within 12 years, with an increase in various inflammatory markers including IgE, which is associated with an increase in intramucosal presence of SA.
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