Nova análise das vias aéreas superiores através de radiografias Panorâmicas: correlacionando seus locais de estreitamento, fluxo respiratório e de dor Orofacial / New analysis of upper airways using Panoramic radiographies, correlating narrowing sites, respiratory airflow and orofacial pain

A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar se radiografias panorâmicas de boca fechada podem ser usadas para observação dos tecidos moles e resistência do fluxo aéreo nas vias aéreas (VA), principalmente da faringe (naso, velo, oro e hipofaringe). Para averiguação do potencial obstrutivo das vias aéreas foram estudados 65 indivíduos adultos (54 do gênero feminino e 11 do gênero masculino), 45 com dores orofaciais e 20 assintomáticos. Estabeleceram-se parâmetros através de uma nova análise radiográfica para avaliação da presença de estruturas de tecido mole potencialmente obstrutoras do fluxo respiratório. Investigou-se a influência que a dor orofacial poderia exercer no fluxo aéreo destas vias respiratórias da cavidade nasal até a entrada dos pulmões. Estes parâmetros foram correlacionados à presença e localização de obstruções de vias aéreas (VA), através da técnica de oscilometria, mensurando diferenças do fluxo aéreo durante o repouso por via nasal e bucal. Secundariamente averiguou-se a possibilidade do uso das radiografias panorâmicas para a determinação da classificação de Angle dos pacientes determinada clinicamente. A classe molar de Angle foi confirmada com facilidade através das radiografias panorâmicas de boca fechada, acrescida da vantagem de visualização bilateral da mandíbula, ao invés da superposição dos lados direito e esquerdo como ocorre nas radiografias cefalométricas, comumente utilizadas para este fim. Concluiu-se que as radiografias panorâmicas de boca fechada são úteis para visualização e investigação preliminar de tecidos moles e do fluxo das vias aéreas superiores, principalmente da nasofaringe, velo e orofaringe, e a cavidade nasal, permitindo a detecção de locais com estreitamento potencialmente obstrutivos ao fluxo aéreo. A análise panorâmica facilitou a avaliação da simetria entre os lados direito e esquerdo das estruturas supracitadas. A presença de dor orofacial não influenciou o fluxo aéreo das VAS(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of closed-mouth panoramic radiographs for visualization of soft tissues and airflow resistance of upper airways, especially the pharynx (naso, velo, oro, and hipopharynx regions). This study analyzed 65 adult individuals (54 of the feminine gender and 11 of the masculine gender), 45 with orofacial pain and 20 with no symptoms. Parameters were stablished using a new radiographic analysis for evaluation of the potentially obstructive soft tissues in the airways from the nasal cavity to the lungs. The influence of orofacial pain on the respiratory airflow was investigated. These parameters were correlated to the presence and level of the airway obstruction (VA), using forced oscillation technique or oscillometry were measured by the nose and mouth. The Angle's classes previously determined on the clinical way were verified. The results demonstrated that the closed-mouth panoramic radiographs can be used to soft tissues visualization and initial investigation of airways, mostly at nasopharynx and oropharynx, their potentially obstructive sites, nasal cavity, symmetry between right and left sides of these structures. The analysis of the results also demonstrated, as a specific objective, that the closed-mouth panoramic radiographs could be used easily to the confirmation of the Angle's clinical classification. The closed mouth panoramic radiography showed an advantage of maxillar and mandibular bilateral visualization, instead of the right and left sides overlapping as it occurs in the usually used cephalometric radiography. The closed mouth panoramic radiography showed an advantage of maxillar and mandibular bilateral visualization, instead of the right and left sides overlapping as it occurs in the usually used cephalometric radiography. The orofacial pain did not influence the upper airways

Human microbiome studies in Korea

During the second half of the 2000s, the significant impact of human microbiome on human diseases and health conditions was found. Since the Human Microbiome Project, many microbiome studies have been reported in domestic and international references. Gastrointestinal tract microbiome has been most investigated so far, and the association with illness has been demonstrated in many diseases. Recently, the range of study was extended to multiple human organs, such as the respiratory tract, skin, and urogenital tract. Given the scale and speed of research and development in recent years, the role of microbiome in many diseases would be established before long. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current status of microbiome studies in Korea and foreign countries with an emphasis on respiratory tract microbiome. The main concept and analytical methods for microbiome research, associations of microbiome and diseases, and research projects on Korean microbiome are reviewed.

Pulmonary function in workers exposed to tobacco dust.

Background : Exposure to vegetable dusts is probable in many industrial and agricultural industries. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between exposure to tobacco dusts and lung capacities and airflows. Materials and Methods : Two hundred thirty-one individuals who were exposed to tobacco dusts in a cigarette-manufacturing company were included in the study. One hundred individuals who were working in the same area but in other industries and were not exposed to harmful dusts were also selected as controls. Spirometry with American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards was performed for both groups. Statistical Analysis : Spirometry results were compared between the two groups using SPSS software by 't' test. Results : The mean age of the exposed and unexposed groups was 36 ± 7 and 35 ± 7 years, respectively. Spirometry results showed that lung capacities and airflows in the exposed group were significantly less than those of controls (P< 0.001). Considering relative variation, the highest reduction was seen in peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow (FEF25%) and peak inspiratory flow (PIF). Conclusion : The results of this study show that exposure to tobacco dust would decrease lung capacities and airflows during the years.