Lung mastocytosis and antigen-induced bronchoconstriction are common features in allergic asthmatics. It is therefore important that animal models of asthma show similar features of mast cell inflammation and reactivity to inhaled allergen. We hypothesized that house dust mite (HDM) would induce mastocytosis in the lung and that inhalation of HDM would trigger bronchoconstriction. Mice were sensitized with intranasal HDM extract, and the acute response to nebulized HDM or the mast cell degranulating compound 48/80 was measured with respiratory input impedance. Using the constant-phase model we calculated Newtonian resistance (Rn) reflecting the conducting airways, tissue dampening (G), and lung elastance (H). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1). Lung tissue was analyzed for cytokines, histamine, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and histological slides were stained for mast cells. HDM significantly increased Rn but H and G remained unchanged. HDM significantly expanded mast cells compared with control mice; at the same time mMCP-1, α-SMA, Th2 cytokines, and histamine were significantly increased. Compound 48/80 inhalation caused bronchoconstriction and mMCP-1 elevation similarly to HDM inhalation. Bronchoconstriction was eliminated in mast cell-deficient mice. We found that antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction has a distinct phenotype in mice. HDM sensitization caused lung mastocytosis, and we conclude that inhalation of HDM caused degranulation of mast cells leading to an acute bronchoconstriction without affecting the lung periphery and that mast cell-derived mediators are responsible for the development of the HDM-induced bronchoconstriction in this model.

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Schwannomas are typically benign, indolent neoplasms. Primary pericardial schwannomas are extremely rare and arise from the cardiac plexus and vagus nerve innervating the heart. Few case reports have been documented to date. Pericardial schwannomas are difficult to diagnose at plain radiography or transthoracic echocardiography, often leading to further characterization with either CT or MRI. Biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis. A case of primary pericardial schwannoma of the posterior pericardium with concerns for compression of the left atrium and left ventricle is presented.

BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) young people (ages 15 to 25) face unique health challenges and often lack resources to adequately address their health information needs related to gender and sexuality. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to work with a community partner to develop an inclusive and comprehensive new website to address LGBTQ+ young people's health information needs. METHODS We conducted interviews (n = 17) and design sessions (n = 11) (total individual participants n = 25) with LGBTQ+ young people to understand their health information needs and elicit design recommendations for the new website. RESULTS We present participants’ desired resources, health topics, and technical website features that can facilitate information seeking for LGBTQ+ young people exploring their sexuality and gender and looking for health resources. We describe how filters can allow people to find information related to intersecting marginalized identities, and how dark mode can be a privacy measure to avoid unwanted identity disclosure. We reflect on our design process and situate the website development in previous critical reflections on participatory research with marginalized communities. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful collaboration with community partners throughout the design process is vital for developing technological resources that meet community needs. We argue for community partner leadership, rather than just involvement, in community-based research endeavors at the intersection of human-computer interaction and health.

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