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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Saddle nose surgery: long term aesthetic outcomes of support grafts].

UNLABELLED: Saddle nose surgery requires support grafts to improve the aesthestic of the nose such as the functional ventilation. Many kind of graft are available: Calvarial bone graft, iliac crest, septal cartilage, conchal cartilage, nasal hump, bony inferior turbinate. OBJECTIVES: To define the surgical strategy and long term aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty with support graft for saddle nose correction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study during the period 1985-2005: 160 patients underwent rhinoplasty with support graft for saddle nose correction. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the deformation (group I: Minor saddle nose; group II: Intermediate saddle nose; group III: Major saddle nose). Long term results were analysed at least 5 years after surgery, in 70 patients. RESULTS: An intranasal approach was performed in 92 cases, while an open approach was performed in 68 cases. A bony support graft was used in 85% of patients of group II and 94% of patients of group III. These grafts allowed a more rigid correction of the saddle nose than cartilage. For groups II and III patients, cartilage support grafts were not used because of the lack of quantity to correct the saddle nose. CONCLUSION: Calvarial bone support graft has a great role in saddle nose surgery. The postoperative aesthetic outcomes are interesting and its absorption is low.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed1996

The traumatic saddle nose deformity: etiology and treatment.

The saddle nose resembles a saddle, i.e., with a concave, often flattened dorsum and an apparent cephalic rotation of the nasal tip. The concavity may be present in the osseous or cartilaginous dorsum, or both. The saddle nose deformity can be divided into congenital, postinfection, postsurgical, and traumatic types. Congenital saddle nose deformity is rare, often accompanying midfacial deficiency malformation syndromes. The advent of antimicrobial therapy has helped restrict the incidence of syphilitic or leprotic saddle nose to the nonindustrialized nations. Postsurgical saddle nose deformity occurs most often as a result of the overzealous septorhinoplasty. The most common type of saddle nose deformity may be traumatic. The authors use Kazanjian and Converse's characterization of the true saddle nose as one in which the bony and/or cartilaginous portions are depressed and the projection of the nose is generally preserved. This article describes the saddle nose deformity and its etiology and proposes a management technique with minimal complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Postictal nose-rubbing in the diagnosis, lateralization, and localization of seizures.

BACKGROUND: Semiology is very useful in the diagnosis and classification of seizures. Some clinical signs occur primarily with specific localization-related epilepsies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postictal nose-rubbing as a potential diagnostic sign and a potential lateralizing or localizing indicator. METHODS: We reviewed presurgical prolonged video-EEG results of 50 consecutive patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), 50 consecutive patients with left TLE, 50 consecutive patients with frontal lobe epilepsy, 11 consecutive patients with generalized epilepsy, and 100 consecutive patients with nonepileptic events. Videotapes of all events were reviewed independently by two investigators who were blinded to the results of the monitoring. The episodes of nose-rubbing and the hand with which the patient rubbed the nose were recorded. RESULTS: Nose-rubbing occurred in 25 of 50 (50%) right TLE patients and in 21 of 50 (42%) left TLE patients. Approximately 90% of patients rubbed his or her nose with the ipsilateral hand. Nose-rubbing occurred in 5 of 50 (10%) frontal lobe epilepsy patients. Nose-rubbing was not seen in any patient with generalized epilepsy or nonepileptic events. Postictal nose-rubbing did not occur after secondarily generalized seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Nose-rubbing is an easily observed phenomenon, has high interobserver reliability, and provides useful lateralizing information in patients with TLE. It was less frequently seen in extratemporal lobe epilepsy and was not seen after generalized seizures or nonepileptic events.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Use of electronic noses for detection of odour from animal production facilities: a review.

In the field of controlling livestock and poultry odours in the internal and external environment and in derived food products, one main obstacle is how to measure the odour in a suitable way. Olfactometry and a human panel have been used in most studies of farm odour until now. Alternatives like electronic noses are interesting considering disadvantages for olfactometry regarding cost and labour requirement. An electronic device can produce an almost instant response which is useful in many applications. Studies have shown detection of farm odour for some electronic noses and also response to odour concentrations. Other studies have shown very high odour threshold values compared to human noses. Electronic noses with a large number of sensors have been developed since a base was formed in the 1950s. The fast progress in data processing and sensor development in the latest years have made the electronic noses interesting for a large number of industrial applications in the food processing industry, as well as in other areas. Materials like manure produce a complex mixture of odorous compounds and the interaction between these creates a unique odour where no specific dominating and characterising compound seems to exist. Related to swine farms almost 200 different odorous compounds have been reported. The electronic noses can, depending on the sensitivity of its sensors, detect some compounds at lower levels than the human nose, while other compounds offensive to a human nose cannot be detected. Proper function of the electronic noses with sensitivity for the odorous gases in the application must be followed by satisfying properties regarding ageing, temperature stability, humidity and other environmental factors.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Approaches to twisted noses and results of treatment].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to address the multiplicity of surgical techniques and pitfalls in the treatment of twisted noses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients (43 males, 16 females; mean age 27 years; range 17 to 47 years) with vertical axis deviation of the nose were surgically treated. Thirty patients had C-type and 29 patients had I-type twisted noses. Deviation angles were measured before nd at least six months after the operation. Correction of deviations was graded according to the ideal angular values and the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Significant correction was achieved in both types of twisted noses (p < 0.01). The results of the I-twisted noses were significantly closer to the ideal angles compared to those of the C-twisted noses (p < 0.05). Three patients underwent revision surgery. CONCLUSION: To correct functional and aesthetic problems in twisted noses, an external approach can be employed to straighten the nose by releasing, mobilizing, aligning and reinforcing the nasal anatomic structures. Cartilage grafts may be used to camouflage persistent deformities. C-twisted noses require more experience in, and familiarization with, a large number of surgical techniques.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[The effect of laryngectomy on selected physiologic functions of the nose].

The paper is a continuation of the author's research on pathophysiology of the nose in patients subjected to total laryngectomy due to cancer of the larynx. The aim of the research was to discover how the condition of the nasal mucous and its physiology are affected by the elimination of the nose from the respiratory pathway which is the case in laryngectomy, and also the evaluation of the influence that the nose can exert on the physiology of the respiratory and circulatory systems, despite the elimination of the nose as a first section of the respiratory pathway. The research material was obtained from 110 patients who were subjected to total laryngectomy due to malignancy of the larynx and from a control group number of 30. The research was carried out before the surgery and in different periods after an operation. The condition of the nasal mucous was estimated on the basis of clinical examination including rhinoscopy, measurement of the warmth of the air in the nose and the temperature of the nasal mucous and also on the basis of observation of mucociliary transport. From patients who underwent laryngectomy a cytological material was obtained for examination. In all patients naso-cardiac and naso-pulmonary reflexes were examined. On the basis of the research it was stated that the morphological condition of the nasal mucous does not undergo significant changes despite the elimination of the nose from the respiratory pathway and the nose still maintains its potential ability to perform physiological functions. It can also be said that the elimination of the nose from the first section of the respiratory pathway not only does not remove reflex reactions from the side of the nose, but also often changes their course and character.

Female↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of exposure to water aerosol or air by nose-only or whole-body inhalation procedures for CD-1 mice in developmental toxicity studies.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of nose-only restraint versus whole-body exposure procedures in the absence of test chemical, and to determine the appropriate control environment (water aerosol or air) for subsequent developmental toxicity studies of test materials administered as aerosols. Timed-pregnant CD-1 mice, 30/group, were exposed to high concentrations of water aerosol or to air by whole-body or nose-only inhalation procedures on Gestational Days (GD) 6 through 15 for 6 hr per day. The group exposed to air by whole-body procedures was designated as the control group. Clinical observations and maternal body weights were recorded throughout gestation. At scheduled necropsy on GD 18, maternal animals were evaluated for body weight, gravid uterine weight, liver weight, number of ovarian corpora lutea, and status of uterine implantation sites. Fetuses were counted, weighed, and sexed and were examined for external, visceral (including craniofacial), and skeletal alterations. Indices of maternal toxicity were affected in both nose-only groups. Maternal body weights were reduced during and after the exposure period; maternal weight gain was reduced during the exposure period. Clinical signs observed, from animals struggling during restraint, were resolved by GD 18. At sacrifice on GD 18, maternal body weights and maternal gestational weight gains (both corrected for gravid uterine weights) and absolute liver weights were reduced in both nose-only groups. Four females died (13.3%, all pregnant) in the air nose-only group, and maternal liver weight (relative to body weight) was reduced in the aerosol nose-only group. Gestational parameters were unaffected by any of the treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of any individual malformations or malformations by category (external, visceral, or skeletal) or of total malformations. However, exencephaly, low set ears, cleft palate and ventricular septal defect were observed only in both aerosol-exposed groups (whole-body and nose-only exposed). The incidences of individual external or visceral variations or of variations by category or of total variations were unaffected. The incidence of one skeletal variation, poorly ossified supraoccipital skull bone, was significantly increased in the aerosol nose-only group relative to the air whole-body controls. There were also increased incidences (not statistically significant) of extra (14th) ribs in both aerosol groups. Therefore, maternal restraint (in both nose-only groups) during organogenesis produced indications of maternal toxicity, but restraint did not appear to affect normal embryo/fetal morphologic development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1983

[Therapy of saddle nose].

Three types of saddle-nose deformities can be distinguished: 1. the pseudo-saddle nose, 2. the slight saddle nose, 3. the extensive saddle nose. The pseudo-saddle nose may show a depression of the cartilaginous dorsum due to a hump, frequently accompanied by widening of the bony bridge and a prominent nasal tip. Satisfactory correction of this type of deformity can often be obtained by resecting the pseudohump, narrowing the nasal bridge by osteotomy and shortening by excision of cartilage from the caudal border of the septum and from the alar region. Slight and extensive saddle noses are based on the less of the cartilaginous and/or the bony framework of the nose. In such cases reconstruction of the framework of the nose using suitable implants is required. We must differentiate between three types of implants: 1. synthetic material, 2. bone grafts, 3. cartilage grafts. Costal cartilage grafts are preferred by the author for implantation. Possible complications of cartilage grafts, such as resorption and a tendency to torsion, as well as their prevention, are discussed.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed1997

Growth of the fetal nose width and nostril distance in normal pregnancies.

The study was planned to obtain the dimensions of the fetal nose width and nostril distance during normal pregnancy as a basis for further studies and for identification of deviations in growth. The study group included 302 healthy pregnant women at 14-40 weeks' gestation. Routine biometric measurements were obtained from all the participants, including biparietal diameter, head and abdominal circumferences, measurements of the long bones and dimensions of the fetal nose width and nostril distance. The nose width and nostril distance were also calculated for each gestational age. A linear growth relationship was observed between nose width and gestational age (r = 0.88; p < 0.0001; y = 0.27 + 0.57 x gestational age), biparietal diameter (r = 0.92; p < 0.0001; y = 0.41 + 0.23 x biparietal diameter), head circumference (r = 0.91; p < 0.00001; y = 0.85 + 0.63 x head circumference), femoral length (r = 0.91; p < 0.0001; y = 3.18 + 0.26 x femoral length) and humeral length (r = 0.73; p < 0.0001; y = 1.94 + 0.11 humeral length). A linear growth function was also observed between nostril distance and gestational age (r = 0.54; p < 0.00001; y = 2.77 + 0.15 x gestational age), biparietal diameter (r = 0.71; p < 0.00001; y = 1.83 + 0.08 x biparietal diameter), head circumference (r = 0.70; p < 0.00001; y = 1.99 + 0.2 x head circumference), femoral length (r = 0.75; p < 0.00001; y = 2.49 + 0.09 x femoral length) and humeral length (r = 0.91; p < 0.00001; y = 1.89 + 0.32 x humeral length). A linear growth relationship was found between nose width and nostril distance (r = 0.71; p < 0.00001; y = 1.81 + 0.31 x nose width). These results provide normative data of the fetal nose width and nostril distance in various dimensions and across gestational age. In addition, the data offer the potential for prenatal diagnosis of nose and nostril abnormalities.

Female↗
PubMed1998

Reconstruction of the major saddle nose deformity using composite allo-implants.

The major saddle nose deformity leaves a patient with an obvious aesthetic deficit as well as an equally disturbing functional handicap. Reconstructing the collapsed dorsum and tip and simultaneously restoring nasal function present a formidable challenge which has elicited a wide variety of solutions ranging from the use of a toothbrush handle to split calvarial grafting. As Murakami et al pointed out, the "variability exists to a large extent, because the saddle nose deformity is not a single entity but rather a spectrum of abnormalities." Attempts to categorize saddle nose deformities are useful; however, they often lack the simple impact and clarity of the pre-operative photograph. Moreover, the categorizations have not led to a uniform approach to this complicated problem. Nevertheless, Tardy's classification of minimal, moderate, and major saddle nose deformities provides a helpful framework for discussion of reconstructive options. Minimal deformities demonstrate a supratip depression of 1 to 2 mm and are easily corrected with cartilage or fascial overlays. Moderate saddle nose deformities are characterized by a significant loss of dorsal height as well as columellar retraction and broadening of the bony pyramid. A major deformity demonstrates "all of the stigmata of the moderately saddled nose, only to a more marked degree." In Tardy's opinion, an open approach may be warranted in these cases. We offer one solution to the major saddle nose deformity using a composite allo-implant of porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) (Medpor surgical implants, Porex Surgical, Inc., College Park, GA) and purified acellular human dermal graft (Alloderm, Life Cell Corp., TX.). While we readily admit that autogenous tissue is the preferred grafting material, we have encountered patients in whom this is not an option. Major saddle nose deformities typically require more augmentation than stacked septal or auricular cartilage can provide. Additionally, in patients seeking revision rhinoplasty, sufficient donor septal or auricular cartilage is often lacking. Resorption of irradiated cadaveric rib grafts has led us away from this material. Split calvarial bone grafts are our next recommendation for these patients; however, many patients refuse this option. In these patients we have turned to a composite allo-implant of PHDPE and acellular human dermal graft for reconstruction of the collapsed dorsum and tip.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of nose and face mask CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) find nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment unsatisfactory due to side effects related to mouth air leakage. A study was performed to compare side effects with face mask and nose mask CPAP therapy in patients with SAHS, with and without uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (U3P). METHODS: Twenty newly diagnosed patients with SAHS took part in a randomised double limb trial of face or nose mask CPAP therapy (four weeks per limb) in which CPAP compliance in terms of machine run time was measured and patients answered a symptom questionnaire on side effects resulting from the mask. Ten patients with SAHS with U3P (SAHS/U3P) who were already regular users of nasal CPAP were also given a four week trial of face mask CPAP to compare compliance and symptoms. Ten patients with SAHS were matched with the 10 SAHS/U3P patients for body mass index, age, apnoea/hypopnoea index, and CPAP pressure. Long term compliance was estimated one year after the mask comparison studies. RESULTS: For patients with SAHS nightly compliance was higher with a nose mask (mean (SE) 5.3 (0.4) hours/night CPAP) than with a face mask (4.3 (0.5) hours/night CPAP), p = 0.01 (mean difference 1.0 hour/night, 95% CI 1.8 to 0.3). Nose masks were rated more comfortable by 19 of 20 patients (p < 0.001) despite more mouth leak related symptoms. For SAHS/U3P patients compliance was marginally higher with nose masks (5.1 (0.7) hours/night CPAP) than with face masks (4.0 (0.8) hours/night CPAP), p = 0.07 (mean difference 1.1 hour/night, 95% CI 2.1 to 0.1). Nose masks were rated more comfortable by seven of 10 patients. There were no significant differences in side effect scores with face and nose masks. At one year nine of 10 SAHS patients and nine of 10 SAHS/U3P patients were still using CPAP. Compliance was 5.4 (0.6) hours/night for the SAHS patients and 3.5 (0.4) hours/night for the SAHS/U3P patients, p = 0.02 (mean difference 1.9 hour/night, 95% CI 3.6 to 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance is greater with nose mask CPAP than with face mask CPAP because the overall comfort is better and compensates for increased symptoms associated with mouth leakage. Improved face mask design is needed.

Double-Blind Method↗
PubMed2003

Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses.

Thirty-six owners of seasonally headshaking horses took part in a trial to compare the effectiveness of three types of nose net, a traditional cylindrical net (full net) and two forms of larger mesh nets which cover only the nostrils and dorsorostral muzzle (half nets). Baseline data relating to the overall severity of the problem and 18 specific behaviours describing the nature of the problem were recorded on a check sheet by the owners. A within-subjects repeated measures design experiment, with each net used for a week before reassessment, was then used to assess the effect of the nets on the headshaking problem. Approximately 75 per cent of owners reported some overall improvement with each net; around 60 per cent recorded a 50 per cent or greater improvement and 30 per cent a 70 per cent or greater improvement. The nets significantly reduced the overall headshaking score and the following specific behaviours: up-and-down headshaking, nose flipping, acting as if a bee had flown up the nose, shaking at exercise, shaking when excited, shaking in bright sunlight or in windy conditions (P < 0.0001), striking at the face, shaking at night, rubbing the nose when moving, rubbing the nose on objects, sneezing, shaking in the rain and shaking indoors (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of a significant effect on side-to-side headshaking, shaking at rest or rubbing the nose when stationary, but the effect on snorting was uncertain. There were few significant differences between the nets, but the half nets were reported to be significantly better at controlling 'bee up the nose' behaviour. Horses more than 10 years old were reportedly less likely to show a 50 per cent or greater improvement in 'nose flipping' and 'headshaking at exercise.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Invasive aspergillosis in acute leukemia: correlation with nose cultures and antibiotic use.

Aspergillosis in cancer patients is a problem. Because not all patients can undergo invasive procedures, we sought other methods for diagnosis. We reviewed the data from all patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia treated at our center during a 3-year period. Of 125 patients, 18 had invasive aspergillosis (cases). Eleven patients had nose cultures growing Aspergillus flavus or A. fumigatus; 10 of these 11 had aspergillosis, whereas only eight of 114 without such nose cultures had invasive disease (P less than 0.000001). Thus, A. flavus on nose culture appears "predictive" for aspergillosis. Absence of such a culture does not preclude infection. Of 125 patients, 61 had sterile nose culture(s) and 14 of the 18 cases had such a sterile nose culture. Only four of the 64 patients without sterile nose cultures developed aspergillosis (P less than 0.008), suggesting a relation between sterile nose culture and aspergillosis. Carbenicillin was used for a longer period among cases and patients with predictive nose cultures than among patients without aspergillosis. These data may help identify patients at risk of aspergillosis and help determine antifungal therapy when invasive procedures are contraindicated.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

[Injuries or diseases of the ear, nose and throat encountered at a casualty department. A one-year caseload].

All of the casualty department records for the period 1.1.1987-31.12.1987 from the Casualty Department in Frederiksberg Hospital were reviewed, a total of 25,064. 4.7% or, 1,183 of these concerned injuries or disease in the ear, nose or throat. The frequency of attendances on account of ear, nose and throat injuries or disease was found to be 1.08% for persons resident in the municipality of Frederiksberg. The total material consisted of 55.5% boys or men and 44.5% girls or woman. 24% were in the age group 0-14 years and 15.2% 70 years or more. Attendances in June to August for these conditions were significantly fewer. 20.1% of the cases were brought to hospital by ambulance. Violence was involved in 6.9% of all the cases of ear, nose and throat conditions. Epistaxis was the commonest diagnosis and comprized 14.8% of all cases of ear, nose and throat conditions. The next commonest diagnoses were contusions of the face, head and neck which comprized 10.8% and these were followed by fracture of the nose with 7.2%. These were followed by otitis media which occurred particularly frequently in children like pseudocroup and foreign bodies in the nose. 10% were referred for x-ray examination via the casualty department. 10.8% were admitted and, in addition, 38.6% were examined or followed-up in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department. 12.3% were referred to their general practitioners and 3.6% to practising ear, nose and throat specialists.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

[The nose as reacting organ to thermal skin irritations (author's transl)].

The essential task of the nose is the optimal conditioning of inhaled air for gas exchange in the lungs. In the light of comparative studies concerning the anatomical structure of the nose men and animals, it is illustrated that the function of the human nose is essentially different from that of the animal. Investigations concerning the function of the nose and having competent evidential value man can only be achieved by studying the human nose itself. After a review of the previous investigations and their results, continuous and extensively irritation free measurement of the nasal mucosa with small thermistor probes which are inserted simultaneously into both lower meatus of the nose are described. Combined with the thermistor probes are phototransistors. For measuring the degree of swelling of the lower concha a coldlight-source is placed in the common meatus of the nose, without mucosa contact light transmission through the concha is measured by the phototransistor. The reaction of the nasal mucosa temperature and of the degree of swelling of the inferior nasal concha to caloric stimulation on one side and on both sides of the upper and lower extremity is investigated. The results of these investigations indicate a close reflex relationship between nasal mucosa and extremities. It is demonstrated that warm and cold stimulation on the one side of the lower extremity induces quick and intense reaction of the homolateral nose. Warm stimulation of the lower leg on both sides extends the reaction times of the nasal mucosa, while cold stimulation of both sides causes a distinct reduction of the reaction time. Cold stimulation on one side of the lower arm reduces the reaction time as compared with cold stimulation of lower leg. Further, it is demonstrated that the degrees of swelling are not joint absolutely with the change of temperature but can take there courses independently. Warm stimulation as well as cold stimulation cause, in a majority of cases, an immediate decrease in the degree of swelling. The corpus cavernosum reacts to thermocutaneous remote stimulation quicker than does the mucosa temperature.

Arm↗
PubMed2005

How does nose blowing effect the computed tomography of paranasal sinuses in chronic sinusitis?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether inward or outward movement of the secretions in the paranasal sinuses due to nose blowing after nasal decongestion has any effect on the paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) images in patients with sinusitis and to asses whether nose blowing may result in misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis in radiological evaluation of sinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with chronic sinusitis were evaluated in an academic tertiary care hospital and data were collected prospectively. After coronal sinus computed tomography scans were performed at 100 mA setting which was half the value of the standard radiation dose suggested by the manufacturer, topical decongestion was applied to each nostril followed by nose blowing 10 min later. Sinus CT scans were then repeated at the same setting. We evaluated the mucosal thickness of medial, lateral, superior and inferior maxillary and frontal sinus walls and the maximal thickness in anterior ethmoidal cells. The measurements prior to and following nose blowing were compared with Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The obtained images were also staged using Lund-McKay staging system separately and the scores were compared with Student's t-test. RESULTS: We observed a tendency towards reduction in mucosal thickness after nose blowing. There were statistically significant differences between maxillary sinus inferior wall and frontal sinus inferior wall mucosal thickness values prior to and after nose blowing. The difference however was very small, about 0.5 mm in magnitude and Lund-McKay score did not change in any of the patients after nose blowing. CONCLUSION: Nose blowing and topical nasal decongestion does not have any effect on the diagnostic accuracy of sinus CT in chronic sinusitis patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Electronic nose for space program applications.

The ability to monitor air contaminants in the shuttle and the International Space Station is important to ensure the health and safety of astronauts, and equipment integrity. Three specific space applications have been identified that would benefit from a chemical monitor: (a) organic contaminants in space cabin air; (b) hypergolic propellant contaminants in the shuttle airlock; (c) pre-combustion signature vapors from electrical fires. NASA at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is assessing several commercial and developing electronic noses (E-noses) for these applications. A short series of tests identified those E-noses that exhibited sufficient sensitivity to the vapors of interest. Only two E-noses exhibited sufficient sensitivity for hypergolic fuels at the required levels, while several commercial E-noses showed sufficient sensitivity of common organic vapors. These E-noses were subjected to further tests to assess their ability to identify vapors. Development and testing of E-nose models using vendor supplied software packages correctly identified vapors with an accuracy of 70-90%. In-house software improvements increased the identification rates between 90 and 100%. Further software enhancements are under development. Details on the experimental setup, test protocols, and results on E-nose performance are presented in this paper along with special emphasis on specific software enhancements.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2002

Candidate's thesis: the diagnostic utility of an electronic nose: rhinologic applications.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The thesis explores the applicability of electronic nose technology in medical decision-making. Specifically, the studies undertaken in the thesis were designed to test the ability of the electronic nose to assist in diagnostic questions encountered in the field of rhinology. STUDY DESIGN: Three separate studies were undertaken. All involved analysis of specimens by the electronic nose, obtained either in vitro or in vivo: known matched sets of cerebrospinal fluid and serum, bacterial samples from known plated specimens, and culture swabs taken from patients suspected of having rhinosinusitis who also had a matched standard bacterial culture taken from the same site. The goal of analysis was to determine whether the electronic nose was able to identify or categorize specimens or groups of specimens. METHODS: Each specimen was tested using the organic semiconductor-based Cyranose 320 electronic nose. Data from the 32-element sensor array were subjected to principal-component analysis to depict differences in odorant patterns. Distinction of specimens was identified by calculation of Mahalanobis distance. RESULTS: The electronic nose was able to distinguish serum from cerebrospinal fluid in pure isolates as well as in isolates collected on small cottonoid pledgets at amounts of 0.2 mL or greater. It was also able to distinguish between control swabs and bacterial samples as well as among bacterial samples collected in vitro. Preliminary work suggests that it may be able to distinguish between presence and absence of bacterial infection in specimens collected on nasal swabs. CONCLUSIONS: The electronic nose is able to distinguish reliably between cerebrospinal fluid and serum sampled in small amounts, may be able to identify presence and type of bacterial pathogen in vitro, and is able to identify presence or absence of bacteria on nasal swabs. Because this information is available immediately, the electronic nose may be a powerful new technology for diagnostic use, not only for rhinologic purposes but in many other aspects of medicine as well.

Bacteria↗