Background/aim: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Under the influence of exogenous factors - allergens, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are released during cellular metabolism. They induce a series of pathological changes in the mucosa. Oxidative stress is а result of an imbalance between the production of ROS and the ability to neutralize them. The aim of this study is to compare the levels of oxidative stress between healthy children and children with allergic rhinitis. Material and methods: A total number of 60 children were included (30 healthy children and 30 children with AR). The oxidative stress index was determined by using the FRAS 5 (Free Radical Analytical System) Bravo system. Demographic characteristics, medical history, children’s living conditions and eating habits were obtained from the questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and the absolute number of eosinophils in the peripheral smear were performed on each child. Results: This study showed high oxidative stress index and a significantly higher value of the absolute number of eosinophils in the peripheral smear in children with AR in comparison to healthy children (p<0.05). The group of children with AR had more atopic characteristics and was more exposed to passive smoking than healthy children. Conclusion: Compared to healthy children, children with AR have a high index of oxidative stress, despite of the very high mean value of the concentration of water-soluble antioxidants in serum (PAT test) in the group of children with AR.
We present a case of a foreign body as a reason for right lobar pneumonia in 6,5 years old boy. He was admitted in our hospital because of 6 day high fever (up to 40 C ͦ ), malaise, cough, stomach ache. Clinically he had impaired breathing in the basis of the right lung, and laboratory findings were with elevated inflammatory markers.The radiogram of the chest showed round consolidation in the right low lung lobus. Microbiologicaly, we isolated Mycoplasma pneumonia (IgM) from pneumoslide, and also Staphylococcus aureus -MRSA from the sputum.Additional immunology tests like immunoelectrophoresis ( IgA, IgG, IgM) were done, all of them with results in normal ranges. After one week of therapy with parenteral rehydration, wide spectral antibiotics (according to antibiogram), inhalatory bronchodilatator and systemic corticosteroid, the child presented with scarce haemoptysis, with consecutive clear haemoptysis on the 10-th day.This set for bronchoscopy and Mx-test with PPD5, which was negative. Flexibile bronchoscopy was made at 11 th day of the stay, with visualized foreign body-grass like structure in the openings of the arm of middle and lower right bronchus. We continued with rigid bronchoscopy, with successfully removed grass-Hordeum murinum. After the intervention we observed completely clinical recovery of the lung findings, as well as radiological improvement
Oxidative stress (OS) is a result of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense mechanisms in the organism. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by chronic inflammation and increased presence of eosinophils, basophils and mast cells in nasal secretions and mucosa. Stimulation of these cells results in production of free radicals (reactive oxygen metabolites). The aim of this study was to determine the level of OS and antioxidant capacity in children with AR after 8 weeks treatment with nasal corticosteroid (NCS).Thirty children with AR (mean age 8.3 ± 2.9 years) were included. The FRAS 5 Bravo system was used to determine the OS parameters. Demographic characteristics, medical history, children's living conditions and eating habits were obtained from the questionarrie. Anthropometric measurements, absolute number of eosinophils in the peripheral smear and eosinophils in nasal smear were performed in each child.The mean value of blood concentration of serum peroxides (d-ROMs) was 403.4 ± 91.3 U. Carr, while the mean value of OS index was 95.1 ± 45.9. After 8 weeks of treatment with NCS, the mean values were 337.6 ± 71.9 U. Carr, and 53.6 ± 28.3, respectively. Both parameters had significantly lower values (p<0.05) compared to those before the initiation of NCS therapy. After treatment, a significant improvement in the symptoms score of AR was detected (p<0.05).NCS therapy makes asignificant improvement of the symptoms and a considerable reduction in the OS in children with AR.
Rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing compared with RT-qPCR in patients suspected for Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic threatens global human health. Reversetranscription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reference test for identification of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is associated with results delay. There is a need of a fast and reliable tests which can improve the efforts of controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Aim: This work aims to determine the analytical value of the rapid SARS-CoV-2 Ag-test in relation to the Ct values of the RT-qPCR. Methods: Study group were outpatients suspected for COVID-19, sampled twice, first for the routine RT-qPCR, and second for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing. The results obtained by the rapid antigen test (Panbio™ COVID-19) were evaluated in relation to the Ct values of the SARS-CoV-2 E-gene, obtained by RT-qPCR Allplex 19-nCoV multiplex assay platform.Results: SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, based on RT-qPCR, was 50.8% (186/366). Specificity of the PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test was 100%. Test sensitivity was 73.8%. Restricting RT-qPCR to Ct-values < 30 increased test sensitivities to 91.2%. Conclusion:The findings underscored the epidemiological value of the rapid Ag-test, since it reliably identifies contagious SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who actively spread the virus in the community.
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