bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Zinc on the Olfactory Neuroepithelium and Olfactory Bulbs of the Sprague-Dawley Rat after oral Administration of Zinc-Gluconate Trihydrate
Authors: Carboni Anthony A. , Cullen Kay J. , Lavelle William G. 
Published: August 2006

Background The most frequent causes of upper respiratory infections are human rhinoviruses. The nasopharyngeal area, which includes the respiratory epithelium, mucosa, and the olfactory neuroepithelium (ONe), is a first-line of defense against airborne viruses and allergens, some of which manage to penetrate the nasal mucosa and invade the tissues of the nasal respiratory epithelium. Biochemical evidence from several studies suggests that zinc is an effective cold treatment and that over-the-counter (OTC) zinc-gluconate compounds may provide the high pharmacologic doses of zinc needed to act as an effective means of treating and reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold. Methods A series of male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an oral preparation of zinc-gluconate trihydrate or received the equivalent through drinking water to investigate the potential cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic insult to the olfactory receptor cells and other tissue in the ONe and afferent neuronal pathways. Results Coronal sections of the rat ONe and corresponding olfactory bulbs showed consistent cellular and tissue damage of increasing severity that correlated with the duration of treatment with the zinc compound when compared with the control group animals. Conclusion The results of this analysis indicate that the repeated oral administration of such zinc-containing compounds have neurotoxic effects on the ONe and to the mitral cells in the olfactory bulbs of treated rats. These findings point toward the need for increased investigation into the potential deleterious effects of zinc-containing compounds to humans as well.
The Incidence of Concurrent Osteitis in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Lee Jivianne T. , Kennedy David W. , Palmer James N. , Feldman Michael , Chiu Alexander G. 
Published: August 2006

Background The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been found to be multifactorial, with environmental, general host, and local anatomic factors all contributing to its development. Recent studies have indicated that local osteitis of the underlying bone also may play a critical role in the elaboration of CRS by inducing persistent inflammatory changes in the surrounding mucosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical incidence rate of osteitis in patients with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods From January to July 2003, a prospective study was performed on 121 patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Age, number of previous surgeries, radiographic bony characteristics, and pathological findings were all documented. The presence of concurrent osteitis was assessed using both radiographic (neoosteogenesis) and pathological (bony remodeling) criteria. Results The mean age of the patients was 44.3 years. Fifty-eight percent of the cases were revision surgeries, with each patient having an average of 2.2 operative procedures in the past. Computed tomography (CT) showed neoosteogenesis in 36% of patients, and 53% showed pathological evidence of osteitis on histological analysis of surgical specimens. Conclusion Concurrent osteitis can be found in 36–53% of patients with CRS, using both radiographic and pathological criteria, respectively. Although a causal relationship between osteitis and CRS can not be inferred from this data, these clinical findings correlate well with previous evidence of bone involvement in CRS found in animal models, further reaffirming the association between underlying osteitis and the pathogenesis of CRS.
Nasal Patency Measured by Acoustic Rhinometry in East Asian Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Liu Shih-An , Su Mao-Chang , Jiang Rong-San 
Published: August 2006

Background Nasal obstruction is thought to be a risk factor in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the relationship between nasal patency and sleep-disordered breathing remains controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the association between acoustic rhinometry findings and results of overnight polysomnography. Methods From February to October 2003, patients who underwent overnight polysomnography assessment were enrolled in the study. We excluded patients who were under 20 years old, had severe deviated nasal septum, had previously received nasal or palatal surgery, or could not complete sleep test or acoustic rhinometry examination. Participants’ basic data including age, gender, neck circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. All participants received acoustic rhinometry before overnight polysomnography. The results along with sleep-test outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 87 patients were included in this study. Patients with respiratory disturbance index (RDI) less than 5/h (n = 26) or with RDI of 5–30/h (n = 28) tended to have larger minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) compared with those of patients whose RDI was more than 30/h (n = 33) (P = 0.001). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, male gender, and MCA were contributing factors in RDI. The R2 value of the multiple regression analysis was 0.406. Conclusion Patients with severe OSA tended to have smaller MCA when compared with patients with RDI less than 30/h. However, it was hard to predict whether patients had OSA from acoustic rhinometry examination.
Radiofrequency-Induced Thermotherapy on Nasal Polyps: Preliminary Results
Authors: Fischer Yvonne , Gronau Silke , Rozsasi Ajnacska , Rettinger Gerhard , Gruen Philipp M. 
Published: August 2006

Background The aim of this study was to determine the effects of radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) in patients with nasal polyps. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from 17 consecutive patients (11 men and 6 women; mean age, 51.7 ± 16.9 years) treated with RFITT from 2002 to 2003. The postoperative outcome was assessed using active anterior rhinomanometry, “sniffin’ stick” test, and endoscopic nasal examination preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Subjective complaints were assessed with Likert scales. Results Transnasal airflow increased by 40.3% 4 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.029). Endoscopic appearance of nasal polyps indicated a nonsignificant reduction of 37.1%. Subjective complaints such as impaired nasal ventilation (p = 0.014), nasal discharge (p = 0.0007), postnasal drip (p = 0.0002), and hyposmia (p = 0.048) improved significantly 4 weeks after surgery. Conclusion RFITT is well tolerated as a day case procedure under local anesthesia and might be a procedure for treating recurrence of NP after sinus surgery. It remains unclear at this point whether RFITT for nasal polyps results in a permanent reduction.
Presence and Characterization of Prostaglandin D2–Related Molecules in Nasal Mucosa of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Okano Mitsuhiro , Fujiwara Tazuko , Sugata Yuji , Gotoh Daisuke , Masaoka Yoshihisa , Sogo Masahiro , Tanimoto Wakana , Yamamoto Miki , Matsumoto Rie , Eguchi Naomi , Kiniwa Mamoru , Isik Abdulcemal Umit , Urade Yoshihiro , Nishizaki Kazunori 
Published: August 2006

Background Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is the major prostanoid produced in the acute phase of allergic reactions. However, its pathophysiological role in addition to the pathway of production in allergic rhinitis remains unclear. We sought to determine the expression of synthases and receptors for PGD2 in human nasal mucosa. These expressions were compared between allergic and nonallergic patients. Methods The expression and localization of hematopoietic-type (h)-PGD2 synthase (PGDS) and lipocalin-type (l)-PGDS were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of D prostanoid (DP) receptor and chemoattractant receptor–homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Results The h-PGDS but not l-PGDS was clearly expressed in nasal mucosa. The expression of h-PGDS in allergic patients was significantly higher than in control patients without mucosal hypertrophy. A variety of infiltrating cells including mast cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes as well as constitutive cells such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts expressed h-PGDS. The expression of both DP and CRTH2 was confirmed also. Although either the amount of DP or the amount of CRTH2 was not correlated with serum levels of IgE, the amount of CRTH2 but not DP was highly and significantly correlated with the number of eosinophils infiltrating into nasal musosa. Conclusion These results suggest that PGD2 is released via the action of h-PGDS from various cells, and the expression of h-PGDS may be associated with the hypertrophic inflammation in the nose. In addition, ligation of PGD2 to CRTH2 appears to be selectively involved in eosinophil recruitment into the nose regardless of atopic status.
The Effect of Triamcinolone Acetonide Aqueous Nasal Spray on the Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Yilmaz Fahrettin , Karabay Oguz , Talay Fahrettin , Koybasi Serap , Kocoglu Esra 
Published: August 2006

Background In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of triamcinolone acetonide aqueous (TAA) intranasal spray that was used for 2 months to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) on the nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (NCSA). Methods A total of 125 adult AR patients (study group) and 133 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled for the study. The subjects were diagnosed with AR after a detailed history, physical examination, and prick testing. The AR subjects were administered TAA in a daily dosage of a 220-μg intranasal route. Nasal cultures were obtained on the 1st (baseline), 55th, and 60th days, and the subjects in the last two cultures of whom S. aureus was detected were accepted as NCSA. Results After all exclusion criteria were used, 110 AR and 114 control group subjects were enrolled in the study. Based on the culture results that were obtained on the 55th and 60th days, 10 (%9.1) patients from the study group and 18 (%15.7) individuals from the control group were defined to be NCSA (p > 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that the use of TAA treatment for AR does not increase the prevalence of NCSA. However, additional studies with a larger series are required to explain the effects of steroids on nasal colonization of S. aureus.
Benzalkonium Chloride and Nasal Mucociliary Clearance: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Rizzo José Ângelo , Medeiros Décio , Silva Almerinda Rego , Sarinho Emanuel 
Published: August 2006

Background Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) has been considered an innocuous preservative for prescription drugs. Methods We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover, single-center trial with a 3-week washout period in 43 healthy volunteers comparing the effect of 3-week use of saline nasal spray containing BKC 0.01% to preservative-free saline t.i.d. on nasal mucociliary clearance rate. Evaluations were done at the beginning and the end of each period by γ-scintigraphy with technetium99m-labeled strontium. Results Nasal mucociliary clearance rate was significantly impaired by BKC with a difference of 1.23 mm·min-1 (p < 0.01) between periods. Conclusion BKC in the concentration used in nasal preparations impaired mucociliary clearance in healthy individuals after 3 weeks of use. Presently, when preservative-free alternatives are available, BKC could be a risk without benefit.
Catheter-Based Dilation of the Sinus Ostia: Initial Safety and Feasibility Analysis in a Cadaver Model
Authors: Bolger William E. , Vaughan Winston C. 
Published: August 2006

Background Over the past 20 years, many patients have benefited from endoscopic sinus surgery and its ability to relieve sinus obstruction. However, problems still occur with surgery, thereby leaving room for innovation. Recently, catheter-based technology has provided new options for treating cardiac, vascular, and urologic diseases. We speculated that catheter technology also might offer new treatment options for sinusitis patients. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the feasibility and safety of catheter-based technology to relieve sinus ostial obstruction. Methods Anatomic models and human cadaver specimens were used initially to design and iterate catheters to open sinus ostial drainage pathways. Thereafter, the safety of balloon-catheter dilation was evaluated in six human cadaver heads. CT scan obtained before and after catheter ostial dilation was analyzed for evidence of catheter-induced trauma. Dilated ostia also were examined by endoscopy and gross anatomic dissection for unwanted catheter-induced trauma. Results Catheters successfully dilated 31 of 31 ostia, including 9 maxillary, 11 sphenoid, and 11 frontal ostia/recesses. CT scan, endoscopy, and gross anatomic dissection revealed that such dilation did not cause trauma to surrounding structures such as the orbit or skull base. Mucosal trauma imparted by catheter dilation appeared to be less than that normally seen with standard endoscopic instruments. Conclusion This initial study suggests that catheter technology can be used to dilate sinus ostia safely. Mucosal preservation and ease of use make catheters an attractive minimally invasive treatment strategy. Additional testing in patients is indicated to gain additional safety information and to explore the usefulness of catheter-based technology.
Gauze-Assisted Technique in Endoscopic Removal of Fungus Balls of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Chao Ting-Kuang , Liu Chia-Ming 
Published: August 2006

Background The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a newly developed gauze-assisted technique in complete removal of fungus balls of the maxillary sinus with usual instruments of endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods Fifteen adults with fungus balls of the maxillary sinus were collected. A newly developed surgical technique that involves the replacement of the fungus balls with the gauze strip was applied. The number of course and duration of this procedure were recorded. Results The fungal material was removed with less than two courses of this procedure in these patients. The duration of this procedure ranged from 2 to 5 minutes with an average of 4 minutes. Postoperatively, these patients had been followed for 16–50 months with an average of 29 months. Neither recurrence nor complication was noted. Conclusion With the excellent results, we strongly suggest this easy and timesaving technique in the management of such patients.
Eicosanoid Metabolism and Eosinophilic Inflammation in Nasal Polyp Patients with Immune Response to Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxins
Authors: Pérez-Novo Claudina Angela , Claeys Cindy , Van Zele Thibaut , Holtapples Gabriele , Van Cauwenberge Paul , Bachert Claus 
Published: August 2006

Background Staphylococcus aureus–derived enterotoxins (SEs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of airway inflammatory diseases, especially nasal polyposis. However, the exact role of these molecules in the regulation of eicosanoid synthesis in this pathology remains unexplored. We studied the possible impact of SE-induced immune responses on the eicosanoid production in nasal polyp (NP) patients. Methods Tissue sample homogenates from NP patients, with (NP-SEs[+]) and without detectable IgE-antibodies to SEs (NP-SEs[–-]; ImmunoCap system), were assayed for IL-5, myeloperoxidase, leukotriene C4/D4/E4 (LTC4/D4/E4), LTB4, lipoxin A4, total IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein. Results Inflammatory makers, eicosanoids, and total IgE were significantly increased in NP-SEs(+) compared with NP-SEs(–) tissues, with the exception of myeloperoxidase, which was similar in both groups. Eicosanoid concentrations correlated to IL-5 and eosinophil cationic protein; however, only cys-leukotriene levels correlated with IgE-antibodies to SEs, independently of allergy and asthma. Conclusion Eicosanoid synthesis is up-regulated in polyp tissue of patients with immune response to SEs and seems to be related to the inflammatory reaction induced by these enterotoxins.
Impaired Norepinephrine-Mediated Contraction of Isolated Nasal Mucosa in Guinea Pigs with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Chiba Yoshihiko , Matsuo Kensuke , Sakai Hiroyasu , Misawa Miwa 
Published: August 2006

Background One of the causes of nasal obstruction associated with allergic rhinitis probably is caused by the dilatation of plexus cavernosum in nasal mucosa. In this study, the change in vascular responsiveness of nasal mucosa was investigated in the septal mucosae isolated from guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis. Methods An allergic rhinitis model was prepared in guinea pigs by repeated challenge with aerosolized dinitrophenylated-ovalbumin antigen. Twenty-four hours after the last antigen challenge, the changes in the isometrical tension of isolated nasal septal mucosa were measured. Results In isolated nasal mucosal tissues, both norepinephrine (NE) and leukotriene D4 caused concentration-dependent contractile and relaxant responses, respectively. The NE-induced contractile response was significantly attenuated in nasal mucosae of the repeatedly antigen challenged guinea pigs. The mucosal relaxation induced by leukotriene D4 was slightly attenuated in this animal model of allergic rhinitis. Conclusion This study shows an attenuation of NE-induced contraction of isolated nasal mucosa in the antigen-exposed guinea pigs. The impaired contractile response mediated by sympathetic α-adrenoceptors of nasal blood vessels might be involved in the development of nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis.
Severe Chemotherapy-Induced Parosmia
Authors: Müller Antje , Landis Basile N. , Platzbecker Uwe , Holthoff Vjera , Frasnelli Johannes , Hummel Thomas 
Published: August 2006

Background Smell and taste disorders are among the side effects of chemo- and radiotherapy. Although direct radionecrosis of the salivary glands and the taste buds might explain the chemosensory problems after radiotherapy, the olfactory and gustatory complaints seen after chemotherapy remain unexplained. The patients reporting olfactory symptoms rarely complain about qualitative olfactory disorders such as parosmia or phantosmia. Quantitative olfactory loss such as anosmia and hyposmia seem to be more frequent. Methods We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with chemotherapy-induced parosmia leading to severe nutrition and appetite problems resulting in a life-threatening weight loss. Results With the aid of a simple nose clip the parosmia could be abolished and oral food intake became possible again. Parosmia resolved gradually over an observation period of 9 months, in parallel to an increase of olfactory sensitivity. The patient progressively gained appetite and weight. Conclusion Parosmia can occur as a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of chemotherapy. This rare presentation of parosmia illustrates the importance of olfactory testing with an adequate recognition of the underlying problem and a consecutive treatment.
Endoscopic Transphenoidal Pituitary Surgery with Real-Time Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H. , Hiltzik David H. , Kacker Ashutosh 
Published: August 2006

Background The aim of this study was to report and show the technique, results, and complications of combined endoscopic and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI) surgical treatment of pituitary disease from both a technical and a surgical perspective. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 10 endoscopic, endonasal resections of 10 pituitary macroadenomas using the Polestar N-10 IMRI system in a tertiary health care facility. The patient demographics, tumor measurements, and postoperative symptoms and complications were assessed. The effect of the magnetic field on the video screen, the image quality of the IMRI images, and IMRI detection of residual tumor were evaluated also. Results IMRI images were obtained in all cases and were of sufficiently high quality to indicate adequate decompression of the optic chiasm and the removal of all suprasellar tumor. However, there was significant distortion of the video monitor regardless of the viewing angle. This was overcome with a wall-mounted plasma screen. Residual tumor was found with IMRI and resected endoscopically in three cases. In two other cases, suspected residual tumor on IMRI was examined endoscopically and found to be a normal postoperative change. In two cases no tumor was seen on the IMRI. Five patients who had preoperative progressive visual loss preoperatively improved postresection and two patients who had increased insulin growth factor 1 preoperatively normalized postoperatively. No delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks or any other complications occurred. Conclusion Combining intraoperative endoscopy and IMRI is an effective surgical modality for pituitary surgery. Each technology provides complimentary information, which can assist the surgeon in safely maximizing the extent of resection.
Lobular Capillary Hemangioma of the Nasal Cavity: A Retrospective Study on 40 Patients
Authors: Puxeddu Roberto , Berlucchi Marco , Ledda Gian Peppino , Parodo Giuseppina , Farina Davide , Nicolai Piero 
Published: August 2006

Background Nasal lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is a benign lesion of unknown etiology that must be included in the differential diagnosis of vascular lesions. Based on a large cohort of LCH patients, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentation, histological and radiological findings, and the treatment strategy. Methods Clinical records of 40 patients affected by LCH, treated in a 10-year period at two university hospitals, were reviewed. Data concerning symptoms, possible etiologic factors, endoscopic findings, imaging studies, and treatment were collected. Results Previous nasal trauma and pregnancy were identified as possible causes in six (15%) and two (5%) patients, respectively. The main symptoms were unilateral epistaxis (95%) and nasal obstruction (35%). Lesions ranged in size from 1 to 8 cm and mainly involved the nasal septum (45%) and the nasal vestibule (17.5%). In the four (10%) patients with a large lesion, radiological evaluation was helpful not only in assessing the extent, but also in suggesting the possible nature of the lesion. All patients underwent endoscopic resection under local (72.5%) or general (27.5%) anesthesia. At mean follow-up time of 53 months, no recurrence has been observed. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with nasal LCH. When the mass is considerable in size, differentiation from other hypervascularized lesions may be intriguing. Under these circumstances, information obtained with imaging may sometimes suggest a correct diagnosis without resorting to biopsy. Endoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice even for large lesions, that do not require preoperative embolization.