Identification and characterization of microplastics in human nasal samples.

KEY POINTS: Human nasal cavity samples were collected, and presence of microplastics were evaluated. Microplastics were present, and major types were polyethylene, polyester, acrylic polymer, and polypropylene. Further research is needed regarding microplastics and its clinical impact on human nasal cavity.

Microbiome and mycobiome analyses in continuous positive airway pressure devices.

Objectives: Microorganisms are likely present in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices used daily. Considering the potential risk of infections among CPAP device users, here we aimed to compare the microbiomes in CPAP devices with those in nasal mucosal samples obtained from corresponding individuals using these devices. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at tertiary medical institutes. Samples were collected from the tubes and filters of CPAP devices and the nasal mucosa of corresponding individuals using these devices. Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. Results were compared according to the sampling site and usage duration for each patient. Results: Overall, 27 paired human nasal mucosa and CPAP samples were analyzed. Bacteria were present in 7 of 27 tubes (29.6%) and 22 of 27 filters (81.5%). Fungi were present in 2 of the 27 tubes (7.4%) and 16 of the 27 filters (59.3%). Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla among all samples. Fungi were not detected in any of the nasal mucosal samples. However, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were predominant in the CPAP filters and tube samples. No significant associations were identified among the results according to sampling site and usage duration. Conclusion: Bacteria or fungi can be detected to some extent in CPAP samples even if the CPAP usage period is short. The association between respiratory infections and these microbiomes or mycobiomes was not investigated. Further research might be required to determine the risk posed by CPAP devices as a microbial contamination source.

Dysphagia and Trismus After Tooth Extraction : Clinical Conondrum.

Clinicians should consider disorders of masticatory muscle including lateral pterygoid muscle as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with dysphagia and trismus after tooth extraction.

Level of Contamination of Positive Airway Pressure Devices Used in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVES: No study has yet evaluated the degree of contamination after the total disassembly of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. We investigated the extent of contamination of CPAP devices used daily by patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by disassembling the systems and identifying the factors that influenced the degree of CPAP contamination. METHODS: We conducted a chart review of the medical records of patients with OSA for whom the CPAP devices were disassembled and cleaned. Two skilled technicians photographed the levels of contamination of each component and scored them using a visual analog scale. Patients' clinical characteristics and records of CPAP device usage were statistically analyzed to identify characteristics that were significantly associated with the degree of CPAP device contamination. RESULTS: Among the 55 participants, both the external components, including the mask and tube, and the internal components, such as the humidifier and the interior of the main body, showed a substantial degree of contamination. The total and average daily duration of usage of the CPAP device did not show significant associations with the degree of contamination. Age was most consistently associated with the degree of contamination, such as in masks, humidifiers, and interior and exterior main parts. The degree of contamination of the internal components of the device was significantly correlated with the degree of contamination of the external components. CONCLUSION: Age-specific guidelines for managing the hygiene of external and internal CPAP components should be prepared.

Complications of a Barbed Thread in Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty using threads has been popular for the benefits of being free from anesthesia, shortness of post-surgical recovery process, and surgery-related complications. Compared with its beneficial aspects, studies that evaluated thread rhinoplasty-related complications are relatively limited. Recently, we experienced a patient who underwent barbed thread rhinoplasty in 12 months before visiting our clinic. She presented with a firm mass-like lesion palpated through the nasal dorsum, making hump-looking appearance. During revision rhinoplasty, we found that previously inserted threads were identified from the nasal dorusam and tip area not being resorted. Threads and soft tissue on nasal dorsal area formed firm mass-like lesion and were firmly attached to surrounding soft tissues. Herein, we introduce our case in which the formation of nasal mass on dorsal area is a later complication of thread rhinoplasty.

Decreased Tip Projection and Tip Stiffness Due to A Calcified Septal Extension Graft.

A septal extension graft is frequently applied in esthetic rhinoplasty in Asia. Autologous cartilage is usually selected for the graft material, and nasal septal cartilage is the most commonly used in septal extension grafts. Although the complication rate is reported to be very low, the authors recently encountered a patient who complained of decreased nasal tip projection and stiffness of the nasal tip. The patient had previously undergone a rhinoplasty, including dorsal augmentation with silicone implant and septal extension graft with septal cartilage. Based on the images, the authors hypothesized that the septal extension graft was calcified, and the intraoperative findings confirmed severe calcification of the previously inserted septal cartilage graft. Herein, the authors report the case of a patient with decreased tip projection and stiffness due to calcification of a previous septal extension graft that used septal cartilage and share the lessons the authors learned from this case.

Delayed Diagnosis of Septal Ulcer after Hyaluronic Acid Nasal Filler Injection.

The utilization of fillers, notably hyaluronic acid, has increased due to their proven effectiveness, versatility, and generally favorable safety profile. In the field of rhinoplasty, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have been employed for the correction of nasal deformities and surface irregularities. Nevertheless, the intricate vascular network of the nasal region, involving anastomoses between the external and internal carotid arteries, predisposes it to serious vascular complications. We report a case of a severe septal ulcer secondary to local ischemia following an injection of a hyaluronic acid nasal filler. The patient presented with immediate pain and nasal discomfort; however, there was an unfortunate delay in diagnosis and treatment. This report discusses the intricacies of the case and imparts crucial insights gleaned from the incident.

Development of a Digital Olfactory Function Test: A Preliminary Study.

Olfactory dysfunction is associated with conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses, and upper-airway-related diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the development of an examiner-independent olfactory function test. We recently developed a digital olfactory function test called Digitalscent (DIGITAL SCENT), which is a kiosk-type device with an integrated hardware system. The protocol follows conventional psychophysical olfactory function protocols, including threshold, discrimination, and identification test subsets. Eight healthy participants without olfactory dysfunction volunteered for the suitability test and completed both the YSK olfactory function and Digitalscent tests. Pearson correlations were determined between the YSK olfactory function and Digitalscent tests. Digitalscent could be implemented as a conventional olfactory function test, and all participants followed the Digitalscent test protocols. Limitations in the threshold and identification test subsets included unfamiliarity of the patients to the digital test and incompleteness in the sophisticated release of odorants. A strength of the identification test subset was the dual sensory stimulation of vision and olfaction. Digitalscent could-without facilitating viral transmission-enable early diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction during respiratory viral pandemics. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to facilitate wider use of this digital olfactory function test.

Infratemporal Fossa Abscess Managed by Nasal Endoscopic Drainage Using a Navigation System.

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is an area surrounded by bony structures and contains vital organs. Although a large abscess in the ITF is not common, it requires prompt surgical management. Recently, the authors had a patient who presented with fever, pain, and trismus. The patient was diagnosed with an abscess in the ITF, although the authors were not able to determine the exact cause of the infection. The lesion was accessed through the posterolateral maxillary wall using nasal endoscopy with a navigation system. The abscess was safely drained through a small bony window. This case suggests that the nasal endoscopic approach, combined with the use of a navigation system, allows for an easy and safe surgical approach to the ITF. In addition, the authors' observations indicate that minimal mucosal thickening without definite evidence of sinusitis could result in an abscess in the ITF in immune-compromised patients, as was the case with the authors' patients.

Factors associated with impaired psychophysical gustatory function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics associated with measured gustatory dysfunction in patients with chemosensory (smell and taste) discomfort. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. DESIGN: Hospital-based cohort. SETTING: The clinical characteristics associated with the measured diagnosis of gustatory dysfunction were statistically analysed. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent all the psychophysical olfactory and chemical gustatory function tests (YSK olfactory function test and chemical gustometry exam) and the subjective questionnaires between October 2021 and February 2023. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: YSK olfactory function test and chemical gustometry results, subjective questionnaire score about chemosensory (smell and taste) functions. The Medical records of patients who visited the smell and taste centre in a tertiary. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients were enrolled; 180 were diagnosed as having normal gustatory function, and 39 were diagnosed as having gustatory dysfunction. Subjective recognition of gustatory function was not associated with the measured gustatory function. Age, sex, measured olfactory function and the threshold and discrimination scores for the olfactory function test were significant factors in the multivariate analysis. When the patients were further divided according to age, the threshold test scores rather than other subsets in the olfactory function test were significantly associated with measured gustatory dysfunction in patients 60 and older. CONCLUSION: In older adult male patients with olfactory dysfunction, gustatory function should be considered regardless of subjective gustatory dysfunction.

Usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before high-resolution esophageal manometry in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A catheter is inserted through the nasal cavity during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), which may cause adverse events such as pain or epistaxis. Despite these possible safety considerations, studies on this subject are very limited. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before HRM to reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure. METHODS: Patients who underwent HRM after consultation with the ear-nose-throat department for nasal evaluation were retrospectively enrolled between December 2021 and May 2022. The included patients had a previous history of sinonasal disease or surgery or had subjective nasal discomfort. All patients answered the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire, and subjective nasal discomfort was scored using a visual analog scale. Nasal endoscopy and acoustic rhinometry were performed for disease evaluation and volumetric assessment. RESULTS: The analysis included 22 patients with a mean age of 58.9 years. The mean SNOT-22 score was 24.2, and 16 patients (72.7%) complained of subjective nasal obstruction. The HRM catheter was successfully inserted in 20 patients (90.9%), without any significant adverse events. The objective measurement outcomes of acoustic rhinometry and sinus endoscopy did not always correspond to subjective symptoms. Narrowed nasal airways unresponsive to decongestants were observed in two patients with failed catheter insertion. CONCLUSION: To reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure during HRM, a site-specific questionnaire to evaluate nasal obstruction might be helpful. When nasal obstruction is suspected, objective nasal cavity evaluation could be recommended for the safe and successful performance of HRM.

Identification and characterization of microplastics in nasal irrigation fluids: A preliminary study.

KEY POINTS: Microplastics were identified in nasal irrigations Polypropylenes, which were the main component of the nozzle, were commonly identified Additional studies are needed to understand the biological relevance of microplastics in nasal irrigations.

A case of olfactory neuroblastoma that presented with olfactory dysfunction after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Background: Olfactory dysfunction is associated with conditions such as respiratory tract infections, trauma, sinonasal diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there was an increase in patients complaining of olfactory dysfunctions. Many studies have reported that olfactory dysfunction is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 and that the prognosis is usually favorable. Case presentation: Recently, we experienced a patient with olfactory dysfunction, which was aggravated after a coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis. The patient had no other medical history, and their nasal endoscopic examination demonstrated no abnormal lesions. Through a psychophysical olfactory function test, the patient was diagnosed with anosmia. A paranasal sinus computed tomography demonstrated sclerotic bony changes in the cribriform plate area. A paranasal sinus magnetic resonance image study found an approximately 3.5 cm-sized olfactory neuroblastoma in the anterior cranial fossa. Conclusions: We suggest clinicians remember the possibility of underlying intracranial lesions in patients with olfactory dysfunction even during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and understand the guidelines of magnetic resonance imaging when evaluating olfactory dysfunction patients. Furthermore, we recommend that clinicians pay attention to the history of olfactory dysfunction before the symptoms progress and making a coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis.

The PEA Bead Test as a Screening Tool for Olfactory Dysfunction: A Preliminary Study.

This study, conducted in a single tertiary hospital, aimed to evaluate the 2-phenylethyl alcohol (PEA)-based sniffing bead test as a screening tool for olfactory dysfunction suitable for implementation in otorhinolaryngology and other settings, including general practice clinics. A total of 139 patients were enrolled, all of whom underwent both the PEA bead test and conventional psychophysical olfactory function testing. Characteristics such as age, sex, concurrent diseases, smoking history, and presence of gustatory dysfunction were reviewed. Statistical analyses included receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, area under the curve determination, and multivariate linear regression guided by the Akaike information criterion. Significant correlations were found between the PEA bead test and various subsets of the conventional YSK olfactory function test: threshold (r = 0.631), discrimination (r = 0.455), and identification (r = 0.596), as well as the composite threshold-discrimination-identification score (r = 0.686). These correlations remained significant even when adjusting for other clinical characteristics. The PEA bead test showed a sensitivity of 0.778 and a specificity of 0.958 for discriminating olfactory dysfunction at a cutoff value of ≥1. These findings indicate that the PEA bead test could be a valuable screening tool for olfactory dysfunction across diverse clinical settings. Further large-scale, multicenter research is recommended to confirm these preliminary results.

Spontaneous Fracture of a Silicone Implant: A Delayed Complication of Rhinoplasty.

Silicone implants are commonly used alloplastic materials for rhinoplasty in Asia, as they are easy to manipulate, provide adequate volume augmentation, and exhibit excellent biocompatibility. However, they are associated with complications such as infection, displacement, and extrusion. Recently, we encountered an interesting complication in a 53-year-old woman presenting with palpable and visible stepping of the nasal dorsum. The patient had previously undergone rhinoplasty with an L-shaped silicone implant, and symptoms had been noticeable for approximately 1 year. Lateral nasal computed tomography revealed a fractured silicone implant. Because the patient reported no history of nasal trauma since rhinoplasty, we assumed that the silicone implant might have fractured spontaneously. The findings in this case suggest that spontaneous implant fracture can be a late complication of rhinoplasty with silicone implant.

Environmental factors differentially affect epistaxis among preschool and school-aged children.

Introduction: Environmental factors are closely associated with pediatric epistaxis. Whether this association differs according to age has not been previously reported. Therefore, we tried to evaluate the differences in associations between environmental factors and epistaxis in children of different ages. Methods: A total of 20,234 patients with epistaxis who visited the hospital between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2015, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their ages: preschool-aged (<6 years) and school-aged children (6-18 years). Daily, monthly, and yearly data on environmental factors were collected. We performed a stepwise logistic regression to identify the potential environmental risk factors for epistaxis in each age group. Results: The mean number of epistaxis cases per month in both groups was highest in September. The cases were lowest in February in preschool-aged children and in November in school-aged children. Temperature, humidity, maximum wind speed, and sunshine duration were associated with epistaxis in preschool-aged children. Average wind speed, particulate matter (>10 µm diameter), temperature, humidity, sunshine duration, and sulfur dioxide concentration were associated with epistaxis in school-aged children. Conclusion: This study indicates that the differences in environmental risk factors for epistaxis are associated with the patient's age.

Integrin ß1 regulates the perineural invasion and radioresistance of oral squamous carcinoma cells by modulating cancer cell stemness.

Perineural invasion and radioresistance are the main determinants of treatment outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the exact mechanism is still unknown. We conducted an in vitro experiment to evaluate the role of integrin ß1 (ITGB1) in the perineural invasion, radioresistance, and tumor aggressiveness of OSCC. Two OSCC cell lines (SCC25, SCC15) and radiation-induced radioresistant OSCC cell lines were used in this study. The expression of ITGB1 was compared between control radiosensitive and radioresistant OSCC cell lines. ITGB1 was inhibited by small hairpin RNA, and then the adhesion to neuronal cells, responsiveness to radiation, and aggressiveness of both OSCC cell lines were evaluated. Expression of ITGB1 and adhesion to neuronal cells were increased in radioresistant OSCC compared with control radiosensitive OSCC, and increased ITGB1 expression was more prominent in cancer stem cell-like cells. When the expression of ITGB1 was inhibited, the adhesion to neuronal cells, resistance to radiation, and invasion and migration of radioresistant OSCC were significantly reduced. Moreover, the expression of cancer stem cell markers and size of spheroid formations were also significantly attenuated by inhibiting ITGB1. These findings suggest that ITGB1 may be a significant contributor to perineural invasion and the maintenance of radioresistance in OSCC cells, and is associated with cancer stem cell-like cells. Furthermore, our results suggest a possible relationship between perineural invasion and radioresistance of OSCC. More detailed research is warranted to evaluate the role of ITGB1 as a novel emerging therapeutic target for radioresistant OSCC.

Correlation of Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test with Nasal Provocation Test of House Dust Mite.

Objectives: Compared with the skin prick test, relationship between the multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) and nasal provocation test (NPT) has rarely been evaluated. We evaluated the relationship between the results of the MAST and NPT against house dust mites in the Korean population. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent both MAST and NPT were reviewed. Positive MAST was diagnosed when the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) were ≥2 positivity or ≥0.70 IU/ml. During the NPT, changes in subjective symptoms, including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching, ocular discomfort, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), were measured. The correlation between NPT and MAST results was statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 96 participants were enrolled in this study: 26 were assigned to the MAST-positive group, and 70 were assigned to the MAST-negative group. Changes in subjective symptoms before and after the nasal allergen challenge were significantly associated with the MAST results. Changes in PNIF before and after the nasal allergen challenge were also significantly associated with the MAST results. We found that a cutoff value of "a subjective total nasal symptom change" of more than 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 69.2%, while a cutoff value of "a PNIF change" of more than 6.51 had a sensitivity of 67.1% and a specificity of 69.2%. Conclusion: NPT was significantly associated with MAST, and further studies regarding the relationship between NPT using various allergen conditions and MAST are warranted.