Optical matter based on graphene surface plasmons.

In this work, we have proposed a graphene planar structure as an optical binding device of dielectric nanoparticles. Surface plasmons (SPs) on a graphene sheet, generated thanks to the near field scattering of the incident plane wave by the nanoparticles placed close to the graphene sheet, act as a powerful intermediary for enhancing the optical force between nanoparticles to organize the particle structure at length scales comparable with the plasmon wavelength, i.e., at the light sub-wavelength scale. In particular, we have paid attention to the formation of one-dimensional arrays of nanoparticles. Our results show that both the equilibrium separation between particles and the energy potential binding depend on the number of particles forming the array and that the former tends to the plasmon wavelength (the array constant) for a number of particles large enough. We have obtained simple analytical expressions that explain the main results obtained by using the rigorous theory. Our contribution can be valuable for the knowledge in the low-frequency optical binding framework, from terahertz to far-infrared spectrum.

Cicatrizing keratoconjunctivitis secondary to ocular lichen planus: A case report.

The aim of this article is to report clinical features and therapeutic approach of cicatrizing keratoconjunctivitis secondary to ocular lichen planus based on a case report. The patient is a 77-year-old female with a history of ocular discomfort and recurrent keratoconjunctivitis that did not improve with conservative treatment, as well as a history of oral and nasal aphthous ulcers. After a complete ophthalmologic, dermatologic and anatomopathological study, the diagnosis of ocular lichen planus was established and immunosuppressive treatment was initiated. Most cases of ocular lichen planus are presented as chronic cicatricial conjunctivitis. A correct differential diagnosis, as well as an early detection are essential for the control of this entity and its sequelae. Treatment, based on corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, both topical and systemic, is aimed at controlling inflammation and scarring.

Objective nasal airflow measures in relation to subjective nasal obstruction, trigeminal function, and olfaction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine how nasal airflow measures and trigeminal function vary among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) versus healthy controls and whether these measures are correlated with subjective nasal obstruction (SNO), olfactory function, and CRS control. METHODOLOGY: Participants included CRS patients and healthy controls. After a structured medical history, nasal airflow (peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF]; active anterior rhinomanometry [AAR]), trigeminal function (trigeminal lateralization test, CO2 sensitivity), and olfactory ("Sniffin' Sticks" odor identification test) tests were performed. SNO ratings were also obtained. RESULTS: Sixty-nine participants were included (37 men, 32 women, mean age 51 years). There was no significant difference for objective nasal airflow between patients and controls, but CRS patients had worse SNO, trigeminal function, and olfaction compared to controls. SNO, but not objective nasal airflow tests, was negatively correlated with CO2 sensitivity and odor identification. CONCLUSION: The perception of nasal obstruction does not only depend on nasal airflow, but may also be modulated by trigeminal function and other factors. Thus, the role of objective nasal airflow measures as a sole method of functional nasal obstruction assessment in CRS remains limited.

[Does aspirin therapy after desensitization still have a role in treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in the era of biologics?] / Hat die ASS-Desaktivierung in Zeiten von Biologika noch einen Stellenwert bei chronischer Rhinosinusitis mit nasaler Polyposis?

The prevalence of analgesic intolerance syndrome (AIS), internationally known as NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), is reported to be 0.5-5.7% in the general population. The disease often begins with nasal symptoms, which are later joined by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), asthma, and respiratory hypersensitivity reactions following use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In the setting of chronic respiratory disease, the type 2 inflammatory endotype is predominant in approximately 80% of patients with CRSwNP, rendering biologics directed against interleukin (IL)-4, IL­5, IL-13, and IgE of high clinical interest, particularly in patients with severe CRSwNP and NERD. NERD is often associated with CRSwNP and asthma. Patients with CRSwNP and NERD have been treated, among other therapies, with aspirin therapy after desensitization (ATAD). With the approval of monoclonal antibodies for CRSwNP and asthma, the question arises as to what extent ATAD, which is associated with undesirable side effects, is still useful in the treatment of CRSwNP. In this manuscript, the use of ATAD in CRSwNP patients is discussed from different medical and socioeconomic points of view, both alternatively to or in combination with monoclonal antibodies. Accordingly, both ATAD and biologics continue to play a supporting role in modern treatment of CRSwNP in NERD patients, and should be used judiciously to complement each other.

A Potent Kalihinol Analogue Disrupts Apicoplast Function and Vesicular Trafficking in P. falciparum Malaria.

Here we report the discovery of MED6-189, a new analogue of the kalihinol family of isocyanoterpene (ICT) natural products. MED6-189 is effective against drug-sensitive and -resistant P. falciparum strains blocking both intraerythrocytic asexual replication and sexual differentiation. This compound was also effective against P. knowlesi and P. cynomolgi. In vivo efficacy studies using a humanized mouse model of malaria confirms strong efficacy of the compound in animals with no apparent hemolytic activity or apparent toxicity. Complementary chemical biology, molecular biology, genomics and cell biological analyses revealed that MED6-189 primarily targets the parasite apicoplast and acts by inhibiting lipid biogenesis and cellular trafficking. Genetic analyses in P. falciparum revealed that a mutation in PfSec13, which encodes a component of the parasite secretory machinery, reduced susceptibility to the drug. The high potency of MED6-189 in vitro and in vivo, its broad range of efficacy, excellent therapeutic profile, and unique mode of action make it an excellent addition to the antimalarial drug pipeline.

COVID-19 and chronic rhinosinusitis: management and comorbidity - what have we learned?

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 5%-12% of the population worldwide suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS is defined as a chronic respiratory disease and is considered to be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients. AREAS COVERED: A non-systematic literature research was conducted on COVID-19 and treatment options for CRSwNP. The latest international publications in medical databases, international guidelines, and the internet were reviewed. Since there were no publications on all aspects of this topic during the pandemic, we included our own experience in this report. Based on the conducted literature research in addition to our previously reported experience, we discuss the treatment of CRSwNP during the COVID-19 pandemic and what can be taken for future pandemics. EXPERT OPINION: Intranasal corticosteroids remain the standard treatment for CRS in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Indications for surgical treatment of CRS should be critically evaluated and reserved for patients with complications and those with no other treatment options. For this purpose, COVID-19 status should be known if possible and, in case of unclear status (emergency), using appropriate personal protective equipment. Systemic corticosteroids should be avoided were possible. Biological treatment should be continued under careful monitoring in uninfected patients and should be temporarily interrupted during COVID-19 infection.

Short-course subcutaneous treatment with PQ Grass strongly improves symptom and medication scores in grass allergy.

BACKGROUND: A modified grass allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) product with MicroCrystalline Tyrosine and monophosphoryl lipid-A as an adjuvant system (Grass MATA MPL [PQ Grass]) is being developed as short-course treatment of grass-pollen allergic rhinitis (SAR) and/or rhinoconjunctivitis. We sought to evaluate the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) of the optimized cumulative dose of 27,600 standardized units (SU) PQ Grass in a field setting prior to embarking on a pivotal Phase III trial. METHODS: In this exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial subjects were enrolled across 14 sites (Germany and the United States of America). Six pre-seasonal subcutaneous injections of PQ Grass (using conventional or extended regimens) or placebo were administered to 119 subjects (aged 18-65 years) with moderate-to-severe SAR with or without asthma that was well-controlled. The primary efficacy endpoint was CSMS during peak grass pollen season (GPS). Secondary endpoints included Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire standardized (RQLQ-S) and allergen-specific IgG4 response. RESULTS: The mean CSMS compared to placebo was 33.1% (p = .0325) and 39.5% (p = .0112) for the conventional and extended regimens, respectively. An increase in IgG4 was shown for both regimens (p < .01) as well as an improvement in total RQLQ-S for the extended regimen (mean change -0.72, p = .02). Both regimens were well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrated a clinically relevant and statistically significant efficacy response to PQ Grass. Unprecedented effect sizes were reached for grass allergy of up to ≈40% compared to placebo for CSMS after only six PQ Grass injections. Both PQ Grass regimens were considered equally safe and well-tolerated. Based on enhanced efficacy profile extended regime will be progressed to the pivotal Phase III trial.

Optical pulling force on dielectric particles via metallic slab surface plasmon excitation: a comparison between transmission and reflection schemes.

In this Letter, a simple structure formed by a metallic thin layer covering a high-index substrate is used to design an optical tweezer. Owing to the interaction between the field scattered by the particle with an incident plane wave and the proposed structure, a pulling or attractive component of the optical force emerges. This component results in enhancement thanks to the surface plasmons (SPs) excitation arising from the elliptical polarization of the induced dipole moment on the particle. To further exploit the versatility of the proposed approach, we analyze two basic configurations: the reflection scheme, for which the plane wave impinges from the side where the particle is placed; and the transmission scheme, for which the incidence is made from the substrate side. Our results show that the intensity of the pulling force in the reflection scheme and for finite thickness metal layer reaches values exceeding more than twice those provided by a single metallic interface. We also demonstrate that the transmission scheme is more favorable than the reflection scheme for enhancing pulling force intensities. Our contribution can be valuable for realizing simple plasmonic schemes for improving the pulling force via interactions between the nano-particle and SP fields.

[Neuroimmunology of allergic rhinitis part 2 : Interactions of neurons and immune cells and neuroimmunological units]. / Neuroimmunologie der allergischen Rhinitis Teil 2 : Interaktionen von Neuronen und Immunzellen und neuroimmunologische Einheiten.

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated, type­2 inflammatory disease. neuropeptides are released by neurons and interact with immune cells. Via colocalization, neuroimmune cell units such as nerve-mast cell units, nerve-type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) units, nerve-eosinophil units, and nerve-basophil units are formed. Markedly elevated tryptase levels were found in nasal lavage fluid and were strongly associated with neuropeptide levels. A close anatomical connection allows bidirectional communication between immune and neuronal cells. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin repeat 1 (TRPA1) are critically involved in immunological reactions in the setting of allergic rhinitis. Neuroimmunological communication plays an important role in the inflammatory process, so that allergic rhinitis can no longer be considered a purely immunological disease, but rather a combined neuroimmunological disease.

[Neuroimmunology of allergic rhinitis : Part 1: Cellular and humoral basic principles]. / Neuroimmunologie der allergischen Rhinitis : Teil 1: Zelluläre und humorale Grundlagen.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disease with a high prevalence worldwide. It is an IgE-mediated type 2 inflammatory disease following exposure to inhalant allergens. A multitude of different neuropeptides including substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neuromedin U (NMU) can be released via peripheral axon or central reflexes, interact with immune cells, and thus contribute to neurogenic inflammation which causes the nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) characteristic of AR. Independent production of neuroendocrine hormones and neuropeptides by immune cells has also been demonstrated. Neuro-immune cell units arise when immune and neuronal cells colocalize, for which typical anatomic regions are, e.g., the mast cell-nerve functional unit. The focus of this review is the elucidation of neuroimmune communication mechanisms in AR.

Empfehlungen zur Überprüfung der Wirksamkeit und Verlaufsdokumentation von Mepolizumab bei chronischer Rhinosinusitis mit Nasenpolypen (CRSwNP) im deutschen Gesundheitssystem ­ Empfehlungen des Ärzteverbandes Deutscher Allergologen (AeDA) und der AGs Klinische Immunologie, Allergologie und Umweltmedizin und Rhinologie und Rhinochirurgie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie (DGHNOKHC).

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses. Eosinophilic inflammation is described as a common endotype. The anti-IL5 antibody mepolizumab was approved in November 2021 as an add-on therapy to intranasal glucocorticosteroids for the treatment of adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps when systemic glucocorticosteroids or surgery do not provide adequate disease control. While national and international recommendations exist for the use of mepolizumab in CRSwNP, it has not yet been adequately specified how this therapy is to be monitored, what follow-up documentation is necessary, and when it should be terminated if necessary. METHODS: A literature search was performed to analyze previous data on the treatment of CRSwNP with mepolizumab and to determine the available evidence by searching Medline, Pubmed, the national and international trial and guideline registries and the Cochrane Library. Human studies published in the period up to and including 10/2022 were considered. RESULTS: Based on the international literature and previous experience by an expert panel, recommendations for follow-up, adherence to therapy intervals and possible therapy breaks, as well as termination of therapy when using mepolizumab for the indication CRSwNP in the German health care system are given on the basis of a documentation sheet. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the immunological basis of CRSwNP opens up new non-surgical therapeutic approaches with biologics for patients with severe, uncontrolled courses. Here, we provide recommendations for follow-up, adherence to therapy intervals, possible therapy pauses, or discontinuation of therapy when mepolizumab is used as add-on therapy with intranasal glucocorticosteroids to treat adult patients with severe CRSwNP that cannot be adequately controlled with systemic glucocorticosteroids and/or surgical intervention.

Use of audiovisual devices in transnasal endoscopy without sedation to improve tolerance. A prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) has proven its diagnostic utility, but it has not been widely accepted given that it is performed without sedation. There are no previous studies on the use of methods to improve its tolerability. Our aim was to evaluate the tolerability of TNE, when simultaneously performed with an audiovisual device as a distractor. METHODS: We evaluated 50 patients, 10 of whom did not agree to participate. The performance of the procedure was explained, using an audiovisual device. Before randomization, we applied anxiety and depression scores. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (using an audiovisual device during the procedure) and Group II (without a device). Anxiety and numeric pain rating scales were used, and vital signs were monitored and recorded before, during, and after the endoscopy. An overall procedure satisfaction score was applied at the end of the study and 24 h later. RESULTS: Mean age was 41.6 years and 35 of the patients were women (87.5%). The most frequent indication for TNE was refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. There were no severe comorbidities, and none of the patients had a significant anxiety or depression score. One patient in Group II did not tolerate TNE due to nasal pain. There was no statistically significant difference between groups, regarding anxiety, pain, vital signs, and satisfaction scale. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that TNE was well tolerated and had a high acceptance rate in our patients. The use of distracting audiovisual devices did not increase tolerance to the endoscopic procedure.

Evaluación positiva de medicamentos: julio, septiembre y octubre de 2022 / Positive assessment of drugs: July, September and October of 2022

Se reseñan los medicamentos evaluados y con dictamen positivo por comisión de expertos de la Agencia Europea del Medicamento, hechos públicos en julio, septiembre y octubre de 2022 y considerados de mayor interés para el profesional sanitario. Se trata de opiniones técnicas positivas que son previas a la autorización y puesta en el mercado del medicamento.(AU)

The drugs assessed by the European Medicines Agency made public in July, September and October of 2022, and considered of interest to the healthcare professional, are reviewed. These are positive technical reports prior to the authorization and placing on the market of the product.(AU)

Real-world-effectiveness of biological treatment for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: During the last two years, three different monoclonal antibodies have been approved in many countries for the treatment of patients suffering from severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Their efficacy has been demonstrated through large double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies. Until now, only very limited reports on real-world data regarding this therapy have been published. METHODS: This per protocol analysis included patients with an indication for biological treatment because of uncontrolled CRSwNP, despite long-term nasal steroid treatment, systemic steroid use and/ or endonasal sinus surgery. Baseline data on demographics, medical history and comorbidities, polyp score, quality of life and sense of smell (using Sniffin' Sticks) were assessed and a treatment with either dupilumab or omalizumab was started. The patients were followed up after three and six months. The changes in polyp score, quality-of-life measures and olfaction were noted. RESULTS: 70 consecutive patients were evaluated during the study. Of the patients, 49 were treated with dupilumab and 21 with omalizumab. The polyp score decreased significantly after three and six months, and the quality-of-life parameters and olfaction increased. More than 90% of patients showed a moderate to excellent response to the therapy and there was no difference in the overall response between the two treatments. Olfaction improved in two thirds of the patients, but one third was still anosmic after six months treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study shows the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibodies dupilumab and omalizumab in the treatment of severe CRSwNP. Nasal polyp scores and quality-of-life parameters as well as measured olfactory function were improved after just three months. The response after guideline-based criteria was insufficient only in 5 patients of this cohort.

Empfehlungen zur Überprüfung der Wirksamkeit und Verlaufsdokumentation von Dupilumab bei chronischer Rhinosinusitis mit Nasenpolypen (CRSwNP) im deutschen Gesundheitssystem.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal mucosa. A Type-2 inflammation is described as the most common endotype. Since October 2019 the anti-IL-4/-IL-13 antibody dupilumab has been approved in Germany as an add-on therapy to intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, when systemic corticosteroids alone or surgery do not provide adequate disease control. While recommendations for the use of dupilumab in CRSwNP exist at both national and international levels, until now it has not been adequately established, how therapy should be monitored and when it should be discontinued in the German Health Care System. METHODS: A literature search was performed analyzing previous data on the treatment of CRSwNP with dupilumab and to determine the available evidence by searching Medline, Pubmed, the national and international trial and guideline registries and the Cochrane Library. Human studies published in the period up to 05/2022 were included. RESULTS: Based on international literature and previous experience, recommendations are given by an expert panel for follow-up and possible therapy breaks, therapy intervals or termination of therapy when using dupilumab for the indication CRSwNP in the German health care system based on a documentation form. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the immunological basis of CRSwNP opens new non-surgical therapy approaches with biologics for patients with severe courses. The authors give recommendations for follow-up, possible therapy breaks, therapy intervals and a termination for dupilumab treatment as add-on therapy with intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of adult patients with severe CRSwNP that cannot be adequately controlled with systemic corticosteroids and/or surgical intervention.

Evaluación positiva de medicamentos: abril, mayo y junio 2022 / Positive assessment of drugs: from April, May and June of 2022

Se reseñan los medicamentos evaluados y con dictamen positivo por comisión de expertos de la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios o de la Agencia Europea del Medicamento hechos públicos de abril a junio 2022, y considerados de mayor interés para el profesional sanitario. Se trata de opiniones técnicas positivas que son previas a la autorización y puesta en el mercado del medicamento. (AU)

The drugs assessed by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products or European Medicines Agency made public from April to June of 2022, and considered of interest to the healthcare professional, are reviewed. These are positive technical reports prior to the authorization and placing on the market of the product. (AU)

Evaluación positiva de medicamentos: enero, febrero y marzo de 2022 / Positive assessment of drugs: January, February and March of 2022

Se reseñan los medicamentos evaluados y con dictamen positivo por comisión de expertos de la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios o de la Agencia Europea del Medicamento hechos públicos de enero a marzo de 2022, y considerados de mayor interés para el profesional sanitario. Se trata de opiniones técnicas positivas que son previas a la autorización y puesta en el mercado del medicamento. (AU)