Sequential class switch recombination to IgE and allergen-induced accumulation of IgE plasmablasts occur in the nasal mucosa of local allergic rhinitis patients.

Background: The involvement of allergen-specific (s)IgE in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) has been debated. Here, we investigate the effect of nasal allergen challenge with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (NAC-DP) in mucosal and peripheral B-cell subpopulations in LAR patients.

Methods: Nine LAR, 5 allergic rhinitis (AR), and 5 non-atopic healthy control (HC) individuals were subjected to a 3-day NAC-DP protocol, and nasal biopsies and blood samples were collected before and after provocation.

Impact on polytrauma patient prehospital care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The extraordinary situation caused by the onset of COVID-19 has meant that at prehospital level, the number of treatments, profile and time taken to respond for treating time-dependent pathologies has been greatly affected. However, it is not known whether the prehospital profile of polytrauma patients (PTP) has been affected.

Objective: To determine differences in the epidemiological characteristics and the clinical variables of prehospital polytrauma patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia.

Interventions to decrease short-term peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infections: impact on incidence and mortality.

Background: Short-term peripheral venous catheters are a significant source of healthcare-acquired bloodstream infections and a preventable cause of death.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of interventions applied to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with short-term peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (PVCR-BSIs).

Methods: The intervention included continuous PVCR-BSI surveillance, implementation of preventive measures related to catheter insertion and maintenance in accordance with evidence-based recommendations and the hospital's own data, front-line staff educational campaigns, and assessment of adherence to hospital guidelines by ward rounds.

Direct intranasal application of the solid phase of ImmunoCAP® increases nasal specific immunoglobulin E detection in local allergic rhinitis patients.

Background: The measurement of nasal specific IgE (NsIgE) in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients is challenging and shows variability. The objective of this work was to evaluate a minimally-invasive method of direct detection of NsIgE in patients with LAR to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) using an automated immunoassay.

Methods: Fifty patients participated (LAR, n = 14; allergic rhinitis (AR), n = 20; healthy controls [HC], n = 16).

A Comparison Between Wireless CROS and Bone-anchored Hearing Devices for Single-sided Deafness: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: This study compared wireless Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) hearing aid and bone-anchored hearing device (BAHD) in patients with single-sided deafness.

Methods: Eight adults with single-sided deafness previously implanted with a BAHD were given a 2-week trial with a CROS hearing aid and tested in unaided and aided conditions. Both devices were compared on head shadow effect reduction, speech perception measures in quiet and in noise, self-assessment questionnaires, and daily diaries.