Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Ossicle-Cartilage Composite Graft and Synthetic Ossicular Prosthesis for Ossicular Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a modified technique of ossiculoplasty using an ossicle-cartilage composite graft (OCCG) and compare its hearing outcome and protrusion rate with those of a synthetic prosthesis. METHODS: Autologous tragal or homologous septal cartilage was combined with an ossicle to create an umbrella shape OCCG. A total of 302 ossiculoplasty surgeries performed in a single university hospital between 1997 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed based on the prosthesis type-OCCG or polymaleinate ionomeric prosthesis (IONOS®). Data includes demographic profiles, audiometric outcomes, intraoperative findings, and post-operative complications and was categorized by the follow-up periods. RESULTS: Ossicle-cartilage composite graft was used for 175 patients and IONOS® for 127 patients. The mean post-operative air-bone gap (ABG) of the OCCG group was 22.36 dB, which was better than the IONOS® group of 25.08 dB (P = .015). The successful ABG closure rate of less than 20 dB was also higher in the OCCG group compared to the IONOS® group (38.3% vs 26.8%, P = .036). The ABG between the pre- and post-operative conditions exhibited a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .006). In the data divided into 3 groups according to the follow-up period, the OCCG group showed a better outcome in the long-term follow-up with 0 cases of protrusion during the follow-up period in the OCCG group compared to 8 cases of the IONOS® group (P = .018). CONCLUSION: Ossiculoplasty with OCCG exhibited satisfactory audiometric outcomes and low complication rates. Ossicle-cartilage composite graft can be a good option with sufficient informed consent and preliminary screening of transmitted diseases.

Utility of Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Sialolithiasis: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that ultrasonography for salivary gland stone detection would have a diagnostic accuracy similar to that confirmed by sialendoscopy, sialography, or surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of ultrasonography in terms of submandibular and parotid stone detection compared to confirmatory methods. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database to October 31, 2021. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 1393 patients were included in the analysis. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 162.6013 (95% confidence interval [CI] [53.9883; 489.7208] and I2 value 81.0%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.963. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8992 (95% CI [0.8534; 0.9318]; I2  = 79.9%), 0.9664 (95% CI [0.9290; 0.9844], I2  = 65.6%), 0.8076 (95% CI [0.7256; 0.8694]; I2  = 80.4%), and 0.9853 (95% CI [0.9629; 0.9943]; I2  = 77.4%), respectively. However, high-level among-study heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 50%) was evident, attributable to the inclusion of different glands. On subgroup analysis, significant differences in the negative predictive values (parotid gland only [0.9392], submandibular gland only [0.6718], and parotid and submandibular glands [0.8105]) were apparent. We found no significant among-study difference in the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or diagnostic odds ratio (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography usefully detects submandibular and parotid gland stones. Ultrasonography of the parotid gland was associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy, but further clinical studies are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 132:1785-1791, 2022.

Effects of tympanic membrane perforation, middle ear cavity volume, and mastoid aeration on hearing impairment.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of the location and size of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation and middle ear cavity volume on conductive hearing loss in patients with TM perforation. METHODS: Data were collected via a retrospective medical chart review. RESULTS: We enrolled 128 patients with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.1 years. The mean perforation size was 21.2 ± 8.6% of the TM area, and the mean air-bone gap (ABG) was 20.2 ± 8.6 dB HL on pure tone audiometry. Patients were divided into two groups based on mean ABG. Patients with a large ABG had a significantly larger TM perforation area and smaller mastoid volume. The TM perforation was most commonly located in the central section. However, regression analyses showed that the proportion of the perforated TM area was the only independent predictor of a large ABG (odds ratio, 1.053; 95% confidence interval, 1.022-1.085; p = 0.001). When we analyzed the frequencies in which hearing loss occurred due to TM perforation, we confirmed that hearing loss occurred mainly in the low-frequency range. CONCLUSION: In patients with TM perforation, conductive hearing loss occurs mainly at low frequencies and in proportion to the size of the TM perforation.

The Association between Sleep Duration and Dizziness in Korean Women: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep duration and dizziness in a representative Korean population. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2010-2012). A total of 12,499 adults who completed otolaryngologic examinations were evaluated. RESULTS: Both men and women with severely short sleep duration (≤ 5 hours) and severely long sleep duration (≥ 9 hours) tended to have higher dizziness prevalence. However, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for sleep duration was only significant in women with dizziness after adjusting for confounders. Compared to that in an optimal sleep group (6-8 hr/day), the OR (95% confidence interval) for dizziness prevalence after adjusting for age and health behaviors (body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, level of exercise, metabolic syndrome, and tinnitus) was 1.473 (1.194-1.818) for the severely short sleep group (≤ 5 hr/day) and 1.472 (1.078-2.009) for the severely long sleep group (≥ 9 hr/day) only in women. CONCLUSION: In the Korean population, dizziness was associated with shorter or longer sleep durations only among women. Further epidemiologic and experimental studies are necessary to clarify the impact of dizziness on sleep disorders.

Greater palatine canal injections reduce operative bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The use of greater palatine canal (GPC) injections of a local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor to decrease surgical bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is controversial. We investigated the role of a preoperative GPC injection to minimize intraoperative bleeding during ESS in patients with chronic sinusitis through a meta-analysis of the relevant literature. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database. REVIEW METHODS: We screened the relevant literature published before May of 2018. Five articles that compared the pre-operative GPC injection (treatment group) with a placebo or no treatment (control group) were included for this analysis of the outcomes, which included an endoscopic grade of nasal bleeding and intraoperative hemodynamic stability during ESS. RESULTS: The endoscopic grade in the treatment group was significantly reduced when compared with the control group. No significant adverse effects were reported in the enrolled studies. The subgroup analyses of these results compared the concentrations of adrenalin (1:80,000 or 1:100,000), and adrenalin 1:80,000 showed significant effects on intraoperative bleeding when compared to adrenalin 1:100,000. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that GPC injections of local anesthesia with 1:80,000 adrenaline for ESS effectively reduced intraoperative bleeding. Additionally, this procedure showed no significant adverse effects, such as hemodynamic instability. However, the standardized dosing needs further investigation and more trials. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Ia.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine on perioperative morbidity during nasal surgery: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this meta-analysis was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effect of dexmedetomidine on perioperative morbidity following nasal surgery and on the adverse effects of dexmedetomidine. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors independently searched scientific and medical databases from their inception of article collection to March 2017. Studies that compared perioperative dexmedetomidine administration (dexmedetomidine group) with another agent under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia (control group) with outcomes of interest that were perioperative pain intensity; rescue analgesic consumption; or adverse effects such as hemodynamic instability, nausea, and vomiting (PONV), and operative bleeding were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Perioperative pain scores and postoperative need for analgesics were significantly decreased in the dexmedetomidine group versus control group (other agent or general anesthesia). In subgroup analysis according to anesthesia type (general anesthesia and other sedatives in MAC), dexmedetomidine showed a similar effect on bradycardia, hypotension, and desaturation with general anesthesia, but it reduced PONV effectively compared with general anesthesia. Additionally, dexmedetomidine satisfied patient significantly. By contrast, compared with other sedative under MAC, it provoked bradycardia significantly. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that systemic administration of dexmedetomidine efficiently can decrease intraoperative and postoperative pain without adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Dexmedetomidine also can decrease analgesic consumption. However, clinicians should be aware of the potential for intraoperative bradycardia; patients also should be educated regarding these possibilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:573-580, 2018.

Interleukin-37 Relieves Allergic Inflammation in a House Dust Mite Allergic Rhinitis Murine Model.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interleukin-37 (IL-37) on a Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f)-induced murine model of allergic rhinitis (AR). BALB/c mice, except the control groups, were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intranasally with Der f (Der f group). The IL-37 and IL-37+anti-CD25 groups were administered IL-37 intranasally. The IL-37+anti-CD25 groups were administered anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody intraperitoneally before challenge. Allergic symptoms and the average eosinophil number were counted. The levels of cytokines and transcription factors in the nasal mucosa were measured by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting. The levels of Der f-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured. The CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells among splenic mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The allergic symptom scores and Der f-specific IgE levels were lower in the IL-37 group compared to the Der f group. Additionally, the levels of the transcription factor GATA-3 and ROR-γt and those of the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17, representing both T helper (Th)2 and Th17 responses, were lower in the IL-37 group in comparison with the Der f group. However, the Th1 responsewas not suppressed after administration of IL-37. IL-37 increased the IL-10 level; however, Real-Time PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry results showed the limited action of IL-37 on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells. This study demonstrates that intranasal IL-37 can suppress Th2 and Th17 responses in an AR murine model. Furthermore, these data suggest that IL-10 is increased, but CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells are not correlated with the IL-37-induced mechanism.

Evaluation of characteristic of human turbinate derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the serum free media.

We evaluated the effect of serum-free and xeno-cultivation (SFXFM) on the characterization, proliferation, and differentiation properties of human nasal stem cells (airway tissue; hTMSCs). hTMSCs were isolated from 10 patients, after which patient samples were separated into two groups, an SFXFM group and a control group. The control group was treated with bovine serum-containing medium. FACS analysis revealed that SFXFM-cultured hTMSCs maintained a characteristic mesenchymal stem cell phenotype. hTMSC proliferation was not influenced by SFXFM. In addition, upregulation of IL-8 and GM-CSF and downregulation of RANTES expression were shown in response to SFXFM. Moreover, two-lineage differentiation properties (osteocyte and adipocyte) of hTMSCs were enhanced under SFXFM. Finally, the genetic stability of SFXFM-cultured hTMSCs was demonstrated by normal karyotype results. SFXFM enables good expansion, multipotentiality, and normal genotype maintenance of MSCs. Moreover, this approach serves as a substitute to conventional media for the cultivation of capable MSCs for upcoming medical applications.

Prognosis of Olfactory Dysfunction according to Etiology and Timing of Treatment.

Objective We evaluated the severity of olfactory impairment according to risk factors, compared responses with risk factors and treatment timing, and investigated prognosis according to treatments. Study design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients complaining of loss of their sense of smell between January 2006 and May 2016. In total, 491 patients were included. We evaluated olfactory function using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test (threshold test) and Cross-cultural Smell Identification Test. Results Post-upper respiratory infection patients showed better results than those with other risk factors (59.6% recovered). Patients with head trauma (12.5% recovered) and congenital olfactory dysfunction (0% recovered) showed poorer results. Earlier treatment showed better olfactory recovery outcomes for post-upper respiratory infection ( P = .001), head trauma ( P = .022), and nasal/sinus surgery ( P = .009). Xerostomia ( P = .73) and idiopathy ( P = .365) showed no significant difference in terms of treatment timing. The threshold test better reflected subjective recovery than the identification test. The systemic + topical steroid group and the systemic steroid treatment group both showed better smell recovery outcomes than the group with topical treatment alone (both, P < .001). However, there was no significant difference between the systemic treatment group and the systemic + topical treatment group ( P = .978). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the duration of smell loss is important for better olfactory outcomes with most etiologies. Also, the effects of systemic steroids were better than those of topical steroids, regardless of combined treatment.

Does the Preoperative Administration of Steroids Reduce Intraoperative Bleeding during Endoscopic Surgery of Nasal Polyps?

OBJECTIVES: Corticosteroids are frequently used in a range of otorhinolaryngologic conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and antiedematous properties. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the role of preoperative steroids for attenuating intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery among patients with nasal polyps. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and Cochrane database. METHODS: Literature was screened from January 1980 to January 2016. Five articles comparing patients who were preoperatively administered steroids (steroid groups) with patients who received a placebo or no treatment (control group) were included for analysis, which encompassed intraoperative bleeding, endoscopic surgical field visibility, operative time, and side effects during endoscopic sinus surgery. RESULTS: Intraoperative bleeding and operative time during endoscopic sinus surgery in the steroid group were significantly reduced as compared with the control group. Additionally, the preoperative administration of steroids had a significant effect on improving endoscopic surgical field visibility during sinus surgery. There were no significant adverse effects reported in the enrolled studies. In subgroup analyses of these results, steroids showed similar effects on intraoperative bleeding regardless of administration type (topical or systemic). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the preoperative administration of steroids in patients with nasal polyps could effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding. However, the duration of treatment and dosing standard require further investigation, and more trials need to be included.

Gender Difference in the Epidemiological Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Olfactory Dysfunction: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and/or mortality for various chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of MetS and its components with olfactory dysfunction in a representative Korean population. We analyzed the data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2010). A total of 11,609 adults who underwent otolaryngological examination were evaluated. The olfactory function was classified as normosmia or hyposmia by a self-report questionnaire according to the sense problems of smell during the past 3 months. MetS was diagnosed if a participant had at least three of the following: (1) WC ≥90 cm in men and ≥80 cm in women; (2) fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/dL or medication use for elevated glucose; (3) fasting triglyceride ≥ 150 mg/dL or cholesterol-lowering medication use; (4) HDL-cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women or cholesterol-lowering medication use; and (5) SBP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 85 mmHg or antihypertensive drug use for patients with a history of hypertension. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the study population was 6.3%. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was significantly higher in older people with MetS than in those without MetS in both sexes (male, 42.0 ± 3.4% vs. 34.7 ± 0.9%, p = 0.0354; female, 46.2 ± 2.8% vs. 37.8 ± 0.8%, p = 0.0026). However, elevated waist circumference, elevated fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, severe stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation were significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction only in women. After controlling for confounders, olfactory dysfunction was significantly associated with MetS (odds ratio, 1.352; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.820) only in women. MetS are associated with olfactory dysfunction only in Korean women.

The efficacy of honey for ameliorating pain after tonsillectomy: a meta-analysis.

Postoperative pain and wound healing following tonsillectomy can result in dissatisfaction for the patient. However, there is no consensus on whether postoperatively administered honey effectively reduces morbidity after tonsillectomy. Therefore, a systematic review with a meta-analysis of the efficacy of honey as a treatment for postoperative pain and wound healing was performed. Two authors independently searched the database records (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases) dating from inception to June 2014. Studies comparing postoperative oral administration of honey with administration of placebo where the outcomes of interest were pain and wound healing on postoperative days were included. Baseline study characteristics, study quality, numbers of patients in steroid-treated and control groups, and treatment outcomes were extracted. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were retrieved from 4 trials with a total of 264 patients. We analyzed patient-reported pain scores and quantities of administered analgesics during the first 5 postoperative days. The pain score was significantly decreased in the honey-treated patients in comparison with the placebo-treated patients on postoperative day 1 only, but the analgesic intake of the honey-treated patients on the first 5 postoperative days was significantly less than that of the placebo-treated patients. In addition, honey significantly increased tonsillectomy bed wound healing in comparison with placebo during the first 2 weeks after surgery. This meta-analysis shows that postoperative administration of honey after tonsillectomy significantly reduces pain and promotes wound healing. Further trials comparing honey with good research methodology should be conducted to confirm these results.

The efficacy of gabapentin/pregabalin in improving pain after tonsillectomy: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Gabapentin and pregabalin are useful for treating neuropathic pain because of their antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic properties, which may be beneficial in managing acute postoperative pain. The goal of this meta-analysis was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effect of gabapentinoids on postoperative pain following tonsillectomy, and its adverse effects in patients. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane database. METHODS: Two authors independently searched the databases from their inception of article collection to May 2015. Included in the analysis were studies that compared preoperative gabapentinoid administration (gabapentinoids groups) with a placebo or pain control agent (control group) during a 24-hour postoperative period, the outcomes of interest being postoperative pain intensity; rescue analgesic consumption; or adverse effects such as sedation, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache. RESULTS: The pain score reported by the physician during the first 8 hours, as well as the need for analgesics during 24 hours postoperatively, were significantly decreased in the gabapentinoids group versus the control group. Additionally, there was no significant difference between gabapentinoids and control groups for adverse effect during 24 hours postoperatively. In the subgroup analyses (gabapentin and pregabalin) regarding pain-related measurements, two subgroups showed the similar effect on reducing the postoperative pain severity. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of gabapentinoids could provide pain relief without side effects in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. However, considering the insufficient evaluation of efficacy of gabapentinoids according to the high heterogeneity in some parameters, further clinical trials with robust research methodology should be conducted in order to confirm the results of this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Characteristics of Human Turbinate-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Not Affected by Allergic Condition of Donor.

The characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human turbinates (hTMSCs) have not been investigated in allergic rhinitis. We evaluated the influence of allergic state of the donor on the characteristics, proliferation, and differentiation potential of hTMSCs, compared with hTMSCs derived from non-allergic patients. hTMSCs were isolated from five non-allergic and five allergic patients. The expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in hTMSCs was measured by FACS, and cell proliferation was measured using a cell counting kit. Cytokine secretion was analyzed using multiplex immunoassays. The osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potentials of hTMSCs were evaluated by histology and gene expression analysis. In allergic patients, FACS analysis showed that TLR3 and TLR4 were more highly expressed on the surface of hTMSCs than TLR2 and TLR5. The proliferation of hTMSCs was not influenced by the presence of TLR priming. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IP-10, and RANTES was upregulated after the TLR4 priming. The differentiation potential of hTMSCs was not influenced by TLR priming. These characteristics of hTMSCs were similar to those of hTMSCs from non-allergic patients. We conclude that the allergic condition of the donor does not influence TLR expression, proliferation, or immunomodulatory potential of hTMSCs.

Relationship between olfactory dysfunction and suicidal ideation: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in South Korea by using data from the 2010-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES). METHODS: Cross-sectional data of 11,972 adults who completed the KNHANES were analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 5.0% among the population ≥ 19 years of age. Olfactory dysfunction was significantly associated with age, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, job, education level, and rhinitis. Depressed mood for two or more continuous weeks was reported by 19.2% of participants with olfactory dysfunction and 12.8% of participants without olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.0009). Suicidal ideation was reported by 20.5% of participants with olfactory dysfunction and 14.1% of participants without olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.0001). The participants with olfactory dysfunction were at higher risk for depressed mood than were participants without olfactory dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] 1.505 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.106-2.048]) after adjusting for confounders. The participants with olfactory dysfunction were also at higher risk for suicidal ideation (OR 1.306 [95% CI, 1.027-1.662]). CONCLUSION: In the Korean population, olfactory dysfunction was associated with an increased risk for depressed mood and suicidal ideation. Further epidemiologic and experimental studies are necessary to clarify the impact of olfactory dysfunction on psychological diseases.

Do sinus computed tomography findings predict olfactory dysfunction and its postoperative recovery in chronic rhinosinusitis patients?

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction secondary to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a mixed disorder of conductive and sensorineural olfactory impairment. Although endoscopic sinus surgery has some beneficial effects on olfaction, the outcomes are challenging to predict. The aim of this study was to assess the olfactory outcomes after surgery, to investigate the correlation between the severity of regional computed tomography (CT) findings and olfactory performance, and to identify the predictors of postoperative outcomes based on unilateral olfactory threshold analysis. METHODS: This study included 167 CRS nostrils of 97 patients with/without polyps (68/99 nostrils) undergoing sinus surgery between January 2007 and December 2011. Olfactory function was evaluated using the butanol threshold test (BTT) before and 6 months after surgery. Clinical and nasal factors from sinus CT scan (sinuses, ostiomeatal complex, olfactory cleft [OC], nasal polyps, and unilateral Lund-Mackay CT score) were analyzed to correlate them with pre- and postoperative olfactory performances. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of the CRS nostrils had anosmia or hyposmia. After surgery, 42% of them showed an improvement in BTT score. Despite improvement, most of the subjects remained with residual hyposmia. The BTT scores deteriorated after surgery in 23% of the total subjects. The disease severity of the OC, posterior ethmoid, and frontal sinus were the significant risk factors for CRS-related anosmia. The strongest risk factor for anosmia was totally obstructed OC (odds ratio [OR], 16.56; 95% CI, 4.31-63.71; p = 0.000). The nostrils with anosmia or partly opacified anterior ethmoid benefited from surgery with respect to olfaction. CONCLUSION: Our results can give support to the combined use of the butanol threshold and sinonasal CT findings in the evaluation of olfaction in CRS patients and help us counsel the patients about the likelihood of postoperative olfactory recovery.

Topical anesthetic preparations for rigid and flexible endoscopy: a meta-analysis.

Transnasal endoscopy can cause pain or discomfort for the patient. Topical anesthetic has been used in an attempt to reduce this. However, there is no consensus on whether topical anesthetic is effective in optimizing patient experience during the procedure. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the efficacy of topical anesthetic on pain and comfort outcomes during endoscopy. Two authors independently searched the databases from inception to September 2013. Studies comparing topical anesthetic with placebo where the outcomes of interest were pain, comfort, or side effect outcomes were included. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were retrieved for ten trials with a total of 837 patients. The evidence suggests that local anesthetic alone or in combination with a vasoconstrictor is beneficial to patients' pain [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.21; p = 0.045] and comfort (SMD = -0.51; p < 0.001) outcomes when performing transnasal endoscopy. However, the topical anesthetic caused unpleasant sensation with respect to an unpleasant taste (SMD = 0.77; p < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference between a topical anesthetic spray and cotton type in pain and discomfort values. Applying topical anesthetic during transnasal endoscopy could reduce pain and discomfort. The spray and cotton type methods of topical anesthetic preparation showed no significant difference in terms of pain and discomfort during the procedure. However, further trials with good research methodology should be conducted to confirm our results.

Toll like receptor 3 & 4 responses of human turbinate derived mesenchymal stem cells: stimulation by double stranded RNA and lipopolysaccharide.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising cell-based therapy for a number of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Herein, Toll like receptor (TLR) expression by MSCs and their immune regulatory roles are investigated. In this study, we investigated the influence of TLR on the immune response, proliferation, and differentiation potential of human turbinated MSC (hTMSC) cultures in vitro. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After isolating hTMSCs from discarded inferior turbinate tissue, FACS analysis was used to assess the expression of TLRs such as TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR5 in hTMSCs and cell proliferation was assessed using a cell counting kit (CCK)-8. Cytokine and chemokine secretions were analyzed with multiplex immunoassays for IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IP-10 (CXCL10), RANTES (CCL5), TNF-a, GM-CSF, and IFN-γ. The differentiation potential of hTMSCs was evaluated in the osteogenic, chondogenic, and adipogeinc media and analyzed by histology and gene expression related to differentiation. RESULTS: FACS analysis revealed that TLR3 and TLR4 expression consisted of a relatively high percentage of the surface proteins expressed by hTMSCs. The proliferation of hTMSCs was influenced and significantly increased by the presence of TLR4 agonists. In particular, hTMSCs produced a set of cytokines and chemokines and the expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IP-10 (CXCL10), RANTES (CCL5), TNF-α, and GM-CSF were up-regulated in response to the TLR4 agonist LPS. The osteogenic and adipogeinc differentiation potential of hTMSCs was not affected by TLR agonists. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TLR4 stimulation affects TLR expression, proliferation, and the immunomodulation potential of hTMSCs. Understanding the mechanism behind TLR's influence on hTMSCs and their immunomodulating properties would be useful for providing a novel target to exploit in the improvement of stem cell-based therapeutic strategies.

Age-related changes of the larynx and trachea assessed by three-dimensional computed tomography in children: Application to endotracheal intubation and bronchoscopy.

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data of laryngotracheal dimensions and shape and to evaluate differences associated with age and sex using three-dimensional (3D) imaging. A total of 120 patients (64 boys and 56 girls) were included. Subjects were divided into four groups: Group 1 (0-2 years), Group 2 (3-7 years), Group 3 (8-13 years), and Group 4 (14-20 years). Using 3D image processing software, the laryngeal volume (LV), tracheal volume (TV), anteroposterior diameter at the glottis, cross-sectional area (CSA) at the subglottis, and laryngeal angle (LA) of the thyroid laminae were measured. Parameters of laryngotracheal volume and size were positively correlated with age, whereas the LA was inversely correlated with age. The LV, TV, CSA-3 mm, and CSA-5 mm exhibited a growth spurt in Groups 2 and 3. The LA decreased at a faster rate in Group 1 (P = 0.012). In Groups 1 and 2, there were no differences between genders for each laryngotracheal segmentation or plane. However, gender differences in the TV of Group 3 were statistically significant (P = 0.030). In Group 4, gender differences of all airway parameters were evident. Volume and other dimensions of the laryngotracheal airway increase with age. There was a significant increase in the LV, TV, CSA-3 mm, and CSA-5 mm in Groups 2 and 3. The LA correlated negatively with age in the Group 1. Significant sex dimorphisms are evident in Group 4.

Analysis of sphenoid sinus in the operative plane of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using computed tomography.

Recently, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for sphenoid sinus or intracranial lesion has gained more popularity and the study of the surgical anatomy and relationships of the sphenoid sinus has gained increased significance. The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus including surrounding structures as seen in the operative view of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. The various distances in the sphenoid sinus as well as the relationships between the sphenoid sinus ostium (SO) and important structures such as the optic canal (OC) and carotid artery (CA) according to the presence of Onodi cell (sphenoethmoidal cell; Onodi group vs. non-Onodi group) were assessed using multiplanar and three-dimensional model of CT scans in 100 patients. The SO was more inferior in Onodi group and located superior to the lowest point of the sella. The horizontal distance from the SO to sella was approximately 13 or 14 mm depending on the existence of Onodi cells. Regardless of Onodi cell, the whole course of the OC in the sinus ran superolaterally to inferomedially in the endoscopic view. However, Onodi cell made the angles from the SO to OC larger. In Onodi group, the CA was located from the SO in a superolateral direction, but in non-Onodi group, the CA was located from the SO in the inferolateral direction. This study provides anatomical information about the sphenoid sinus, with important surgical distances between the SO and surrounding structures measured, which is essential to avoid complications during transsphenoidal surgery.