Use of Virus-Mimicking Nanoparticles to Investigate Early Infection Events in Upper Airway 3D Models

Abstract Background The effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the upper airway (UA) has been studied earlier but without a consistent conclusion. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of RME on the UA function in terms of aerodynamic characteristics by applying a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Methods This retrospective cohort study consists of seventeen cases with two consecutive CBCT scans obtained before (T0) and after (T1) RME. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to patency of the nasopharyngeal airway as expressed in the adenoidal nasopharyngeal ratio (AN): group 1 was comprised of patients with an AN ratio < 0.6 and group 2 encompassing those with an AN ratio ≥ 0.6. CFD simulation at inspiration and expiration were performed based on the three-dimensional (3D) models of the UA segmented from the CBCT images. The aerodynamic characteristics in terms of pressure drop (ΔP), maximum midsagittal velocity (Vms), and maximum wall shear stress (Pws) were compared by paired t-test and Wilcoxon test according to the normality test at T0 and T1. Results The aerodynamic characteristics in UA revealed no statistically significant difference after RME. The maximum Vms (m/s) decreased from 2.79 to 2.28 at expiration after RME (P = 0.057). Conclusion The aerodynamic characteristics were not significantly changed after RME. Further CFD studies with more cases are warranted.

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Effect of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Upper Airway Morphology: A Retrospective Comparison of Normal Patients versus Patients with Enlarged Adenoid Tissue.

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/1053-4625-45.3.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 208-215

Author(s):

Xin Feng ◽

Stein Atle Lie ◽

Kristina Hellén-Halme ◽

Xie-Qi Shi

Keyword(s):

Nasal Obstruction ◽

Upper Airway ◽

3D Models ◽

Rapid Maxillary Expansion ◽

Maxillary Expansion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Objectives The present study evaluated the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the morphology of the upper airway (UA) by calculating cross-sectional areas and volumes and comparing the effect in patients with a normal-sized adenoid with the effect in patients with an enlarged adenoid. Study design: Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria. We constructed 3D models of the UA on cone-beam computed tomography images to calculate cross-sectional areas and volumes at the levels of the nasopharyngeal, retropalatal, and retroglossal airways. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 was comprised of patients with an adenoidal nasopharyngeal (AN) ratio < 0.6 and group 2 with an AN ratio ≥ 0.6. Paired samples t-tests assessed any area and volumetric changes of the UA after RME. Changes in degree of nasal obstruction, calculated as the AN ratio, was then compared for the two groups. An independent samples t-test compared volumetric changes in the nasopharynx between the two groups before and after RME. Results Changes in cross-sectional areas and volumes of the UA due to RME were not significant. The effects of RME on AN ratio (11 % vs 0 %) and nasopharyngeal volume (36.8 % vs 5.97%) were somewhat larger in group 2 patients who had adenoid-associated nasal obstruction compared with group 1 patients with a normal-sized adenoid; however, the differences were not significant. Conclusions After RME, the patients with an enlarged adenoid had more increases in nasopharyngeal volume compared with those with normal adenoid, despite there was no significant difference.

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Constructing 3D models of the pediatric upper airway from long range optical coherence tomography images

10.1117/12.2052971 ◽

2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tony D. Nguyen ◽

Erica Su ◽

Frances Lazarow ◽

F. Carter Wheatley ◽

Anthony Chin-Loy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Long Range ◽

Upper Airway ◽

3D Models ◽

Optical Coherence

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Upper Airway Dynamic Characteristics-Comparative Study Between Healthy Subjects and OSA Patients

Volume 3: Biomedical and Biotechnology Engineering ◽

10.1115/imece2015-50533 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Sherif Ashaat ◽

Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily ◽

Loulin Huang

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Characteristics ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Common Ground ◽

Upper Airway ◽

3D Models ◽

Large Size ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Common Term ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Anatomical Parameters

The human upper airway (UA) dynamic characteristics differ from healthy subjects to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Having a common term of reference for comparison is very difficult as many anatomical parameters are involved; namely: volume of airway, uvula, tongue, and air gaps at the rear of the mouth. This study investigates these characteristics for healthy and OSA subjects and proposes new common ground parameters for comparison. The objective of this study is to identify the causes of collapse by comparing these characteristics between those subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the UA expanding from nasopharynx to the hypopharynx were conducted on 8 healthy subjects and 10 OSA patients. 3D models were constructed and simulated. Measurements of the UA were evaluated and compared in both groups. The outcomes support the fact that the air volume is not the main contributor for the UA collapse and show that the apneic events are caused by the large size of the tongue and uvula. Finally, the natural frequencies for the uvula and tongue were very close in both participating groups.

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Laryngeal Manifestations of Autoimmune Diseases

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-19-00168 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 439-456

Author(s):

Jenny L. Pierce

Keyword(s):

Autoimmune Disease ◽

Autoimmune Diseases ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Laryngeal Function ◽

The Past ◽

Referral Practices ◽

Timely Referral

Purpose This review article provides an overview of autoimmune diseases and their effects on voice and laryngeal function. Method A literature review was conducted in PubMed. Combinations of the following keywords were used: “autoimmune disease and upper airway,” “larynx,” “cough,” “voice,” “dysphonia,” and “dyspnea.” Precedence was given to articles published in the past 10 years due to recent advances in this area and to review articles. Ultimately, 115 articles were included for review. Results Approximately 81 autoimmune diseases exist, with 18 of those highlighted in the literature as having laryngeal involvement. The general and laryngeal manifestations of these 18 are discussed in detail, in addition to the clinical implications for a laryngeal expert. Conclusions Voice, breathing, and cough symptoms may be an indication of underlying autoimmune disease. However, these symptoms are often similar to those in the general population. Appropriate differential diagnosis and timely referral practices maximize patient outcomes. Guidelines are provided to facilitate correct diagnosis when an autoimmune disease is suspected.

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Distraction Osteogenesis in the Treatment of Craniofacial Anomalies: Applications and Outcomes

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-20-00055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 1469-1481 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joseph A. Napoli ◽

Carrie E. Zimmerman ◽

Linda D. Vallino

Keyword(s):

Distraction Osteogenesis ◽

Bone Growth ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Craniofacial Anomalies ◽

Craniofacial Skeleton ◽

Facial Skeleton ◽

Psychosocial Impairment ◽

And Function ◽

Correct Structure

Purpose Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) often result in growth abnormalities of the facial skeleton adversely affecting function and appearance. The functional problems caused by the structural anomalies include upper airway obstruction, speech abnormalities, feeding difficulty, hearing deficits, dental/occlusal defects, and cognitive and psychosocial impairment. Managing disorders of the craniofacial skeleton has been improved by the technique known as distraction osteogenesis (DO). In DO, new bone growth is stimulated allowing bones to be lengthened without need for bone graft. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to describe the technique and clinical applications and outcomes of DO in CFA. Conclusion Distraction can be applied to various regions of the craniofacial skeleton to correct structure and function. The benefits of this procedure include improved airway, feeding, occlusion, speech, and appearance, resulting in a better quality of life for patients with CFA.

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Swallow Pattern Generator Reconfiguration of the Respiratory Neural Network

Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) ◽

10.1044/sasd18.1.3 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 3-12

Author(s):

Andrea Vovka ◽

Paul W. Davenport ◽

Karen Wheeler-Hegland ◽

Kendall F. Morris ◽

Christine M. Sapienza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Control ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Pattern Generator ◽

Breathing Patterns ◽

Motor Patterns ◽

Control Assembly ◽

Pharyngeal Swallow ◽

Laryngeal Vestibule ◽

Lower Airways ◽

Swallow Apnea

Abstract When the nasal and oral passages converge and a bolus enters the pharynx, it is critical that breathing and swallow motor patterns become integrated to allow safe passage of the bolus through the pharynx. Breathing patterns must be reconfigured to inhibit inspiration, and upper airway muscle activity must be recruited and reconfigured to close the glottis and laryngeal vestibule, invert the epiglottis, and ultimately protect the lower airways. Failure to close and protect the glottal opening to the lower airways, or loss of the integration and coordination of swallow and breathing, increases the risk of penetration or aspiration. A neural swallow central pattern generator (CPG) controls the pharyngeal swallow phase and is located in the medulla. We propose that this swallow CPG is functionally organized in a holarchical behavioral control assembly (BCA) and is recruited with pharyngeal swallow. The swallow BCA holon reconfigures the respiratory CPG to produce the stereotypical swallow breathing pattern, consisting of swallow apnea during swallowing followed by prolongation of expiration following swallow. The timing of swallow apnea and the duration of expiration is a function of the presence of the bolus in the pharynx, size of the bolus, bolus consistency, breath cycle, ventilatory state and disease.

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