OBJECTIVES:Although postoperative edema and ecchymosis are expected results of rhinoplasty, the authors attempt to limit them by applying a cold compress to osteotomy lines after rhinoplasty. Many forms of cold eye masks and facial masks have been described. In this report, the authors present a method for preparing a simple but well-fitting ice pack to use in rhinoplasty patients. METHODS:To prepare this ice pack, the last 2 digits of a regular surgical glove are filled with tap water and a knot is tied to form a V shape. The rest of the glove is removed. This pack is then placed into the freezer until the end of the rhinoplasty procedure. This simple ice pack fits completely on the lateral osteotomy line. RESULTS:Benefits are: it is easily prepared, it fits appropriately on the lateral osteotomy line, this pack is perfectly fitted to the target area without blocking the patient's vision, thus, patients typically keep it on during their transfer from the operation theatre to their room, which can take a long time in some hospitals, and it is very effective and easy to create and apply. In addition, it is almost free of charge. CONCLUSION:This pack is perfectly fitted to the target area without blocking the patient's vision. Thus, patients typically keep it on during their transfer from the operation theatre to their room, which can take a long time in some hospitals.

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to examine the cytotoxic effects of extracts from Galium aparine L. on HNO210 human laryngeal cancer cells regarding dosage. METHODS:Cells from the HNO210 human laryngeal cancer line (BHC11100312; BioHippo) were grown in a specific medium containing fetal bovine serum (10%, 30-2020; ATCC) and antibiotic-antimycotic solution (1%, 15240062; Gibco). The cells were cryopreserved for future use. By diluting the stock in complete medium, 7 working concentrations of Galium aparine L. were prepared: 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 500 μL/mL. The colorimetric MTT assay [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] was used to assess the antiproliferative effects. RESULTS:HNO210 cells' viability is inhibited by Galium aparine L. Cell metabolic activity was significantly reduced at higher doses, as demonstrated by the concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on viability. The vitality of HNO210 laryngeal carcinoma cells was diminished in a dose-dependent manner following the treatment with Galium aparine L. At higher doses, Galium aparine L. exhibits cytotoxic effects and may hinder the proliferation of cells responsible for the laryngeal cancer. The observed symptoms of cytotoxic stress in cells treated with the extract included reduced cell density, loss of adhesion, and pronounced structural distortion. CONCLUSION:HNO210 laryngeal cancer cells' viability is reduced by the Galium aparine L. Its anticancer effects and cytotoxicity are concentration-dependent. Consistent with its inhibitory impact on cell viability, Galium aparine L. causes significant morphologic deterioration. The antiproliferative properties of Galium aparine L. make it a promising candidate for developing highly effective anticancer drugs.

BACKGROUND We investigated the dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of Lavandula angustifolia L. (L. angustifolia L.) oil on A549 human lung carcinoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS A549 human lung carcinoma cells (ATCC CCL-185) were acquired in cryopreserved form, with the catalog number CCL-185 that is commercially available, and cultured using F-12K medium (Kaighn's modification of Ham's F-12, ATCC 30-2004), supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (ATCC 30-2020) and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution (Gibco 15240062). Five working concentrations of L. angustifolia L. oil (10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/mL) were prepared. The antiproliferative effect was assessed using the MTT cell viability assay. RESULTS Treatment of A549 human lung carcinoma cells with varying concentrations of L. angustifolia L. oil resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability by MTT assay. L. angustifolia oil exerts significant antiproliferative activity, with higher doses producing more profound cytotoxicity. There was a marked reduction in cell density, and the formation of prominent intercellular gaps, indicative of extensive cell death, was detected. Loss of adhesion and cell rounding have been associated with cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS L. angustifolia L. oil has good potential to inhibit the viability of A549 human lung carcinoma cells. It exhibits moderate antiproliferative activity. L. angustifolia oil exerts significant antiproliferative activity against A549 cells. It affects cell morphology that is indicative of extensive cell death.

OBJECTIVES:The effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil on human nasal epithelial cells were examined in this study. METHODS:Nasal epithelial samples were obtained from physiologically sound tissue, as is customary in septorhinoplasty. After arrival in the lab, the tissue samples were washed several times in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing a 2% (v/v) antibiotic-antimycotic solution to remove surface contaminants and blood residues. The samples were then placed in sterile conical tubes. The incubation temperature was set at 37 °C in a humidified environment containing 5% CO₂. Every day, we checked the morphology and proliferation of the cells and replenished the medium as needed. After cell attachment, cultures were incubated continuously for 24 hours with varying concentrations of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil (1, 5, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µL per well). To measure the metabolic activity of cells, the MTT colorimetric assay was used. RESULTS:The measured half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 31.55 µL, and the corresponding logIC₅₀ value was 1.499, according to nonlinear regression analysis of the dose-response relationship. The regression model, with a good fit (R² = 0.8745), supports the idea of a repeatable relationship between the amount of oil exposure and reduced metabolic activity. Exposure to Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil in primary human nasal epithelial cells did not cause a sudden cytotoxic collapse but rather a gradual regulation of metabolic activity. Cell viability was significantly reduced compared with the negative control group when all tested concentrations of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil were evaluated statistically. The reaction profile of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil differed from that of more cytotoxic agents; specifically, the pattern of viability loss indicated a controlled, volume-dependent inhibitory effect rather than an immediate cytotoxic threshold. CONCLUSIONS:The current results indicate that the leaf oil of the Eucalyptus globulus tree inhibits the metabolic activity of primary human nasal epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, although it does not cause an immediate cytotoxic reaction. This progressive modulation trend suggests a physiologically active interaction with nasal epithelial cells rather than generic cellular harm. From an otorhinolaryngological perspective, these findings lend credence to the idea that, under controlled conditions, topical formulations, inhalational therapies, and nasal sprays containing Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil could be beneficial adjuncts. To determine the optimal dosing regimen, ensure it won't harm the mucosa, and use these findings from the laboratory to inform clinical practice in ENT, more in vivo and clinical trials are needed.

OBJECTIVES:This study examined the concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects of berberine chloride hydrate on HNO210 human laryngeal carcinoma cells. METHODS:Human laryngeal carcinoma cell line HNO210 (BHC11100312; BioHippo) was cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, 30-2002; ATCC) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (ATCC 30-2020) and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution (15240062; Gibco). Working concentrations (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, and 1000 μL/mL) of berberine chloride hydrate were prepared by diluting the stock in complete medium. Doxorubicin (2 μM), a well-established chemotherapeutic agent, was used as the positive control. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated using the colorimetric MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide). RESULTS:This study shows that berberine chloride hydrate decreases the viability of HNO210 human laryngeal carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent way after 24 hours of treatment. However, its cytotoxic effect was much weaker than that of doxorubicin, a well-known chemotherapeutic agent, while untreated cells grown in complete medium served as the negative control group. The large difference between the IC₅₀ values of the 2 compounds (990.8 µM for berberine compared with submicromolar levels for doxorubicin) indicates a significant difference in their biological potency in this cell model. CONCLUSION:The data indicate that while berberine chloride hydrate can produce measurable cytotoxic effects on laryngeal carcinoma cells, these effects are significantly weaker than those of doxorubicin. Future studies focusing on nanoparticle-based delivery or combination strategies could greatly improve berberine's therapeutic potential and help close the efficacy gap between natural and traditional chemotherapeutic agents.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of eucalyptus oil in the symptomatic management of geriatric rhinitis in elderly patients. METHODS:A retrospective analysis of 56 patients aged ≥60 years with geriatric rhinitis was conducted. Patients received topical intranasal eucalyptus oil therapy for 2 weeks. Clinical outcomes included nasal dryness, crusting, frequency of epistaxis, nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, and olfactory function. Symptom severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and pre- and post-treatment scores were compared. RESULTS:Significant improvements were observed in nasal dryness (mean VAS pretreatment: 7.8, mean VAS post-treatment: 3.2, P<0.001), crusting (mean VAS pretreatment: 6.9, mean VAS post-treatment: 2.8, P<0.001), and nasal obstruction (mean VAS pretreatment: 6.5, mean VAS post-treatment: 3.5, P<0.001). Epistaxis frequency decreased by 61%. Olfactory function improved modestly (P=0.040). No severe adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION:Eucalyptus oil appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for geriatric rhinitis, particularly for dryness and crusting.

OBJECTIVES:For successful integration and healing, maxillofacial surgical flaps require robust cellular activity and neovascularization. This study aimed to assess the potential of oleuropein as a safe enhancer of maxillofacial flap healing by examining its effects on human dermal fibroblast survival in vitro. Oleuropein is a phenolic compound with tissue-repairing properties. METHODS:HDFa, or human dermal fibroblasts, were cultured under controlled conditions. To identify dose-dependent effects, the cells were exposed to concentrations of 10 to 200 µM oleuropein. Metabolic activity and cellular viability were measured using the MTT colorimetric assay. A positive cytotoxicity control was performed using Triton X-100. Nonlinear regression was used to examine dose-response patterns, and one-way ANOVA was used to assess statistical differences. RESULTS:Oleuropein therapy had no discernible effect on the viability of human dermal fibroblasts across the concentrations tested. All oleuropein-treated groups (10-200 µM) showed cell viability statistically similar to the control group (P>0.05). In addition, nonlinear regression analysis showed no concentration-dependent decrease in cellular metabolic activity. In contrast, the cytotoxic effect of the Triton X-100 control was significant, confirming that the assay was responsive. CONCLUSION:Human dermal fibroblasts are biocompatible with oleuropein in vitro, and doses as high as 200 µM do not cause any harmful effects. These results demonstrate its cellular safety and suggest it could be a useful therapeutic agent for maxillofacial surgery, helping flaps survive and wounds heal.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether biological therapy is a viable option for individuals with recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), we will assess the clinical outcomes of maximal conventional therapy (MCT). METHODS:For this retrospective analysis, 42 adults with recurrent CRSwNP after prior endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were included. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays, a brief oral steroid taper, leukotriene antagonists, culture-directed antibiotics as needed, and optimal care of co-occurring asthma and allergies were components of a standardized MCT protocol that all patients underwent. Baseline and 12-week outcomes were assessed using SNOT-22, NPS, and PNIF (peak nasal inspiratory flow). RESULT:Nearly 70% of patients (29 of 42) showed a statistically significant improvement in their SNOT-22 scores (a decrease of at least 8.9%) after 12 weeks. On average, PNIF increased by 24%, and 57% saw an improvement of at least 1 point in NPS. Thirteen percent (13 out of 42) of patients who attempted MCT failed because of ongoing blockage, polyp recurrence, or co-occurring asthma symptoms; these patients were therefore considered candidates for biologics. No serious side effects were reported. CONCLUSION:In nearly two-thirds of cases, MCT may reduce the need for biologics and provide clinically significant improvement in the majority of patients with recurrent CRSwNP. Identifying the fraction of patients who require biological treatment can be aided by a structured prebiologic evaluation such as this.

OBJECTIVE:Our goal is to help patients with nasal pruritus, a prevalent condition in otolaryngology that can significantly affect their comfort and quality of life. Despite a lack of sufficient clinical investigation, traditional and regional medicines are commonly used to alleviate nasal itching. METHODS:The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of jojoba oil, a naturally occurring product, as a topical remedy for nasal pruritus. Forty-six men with chronic nasal pruritus participated in a clinical trial. Intranasal topical jojoba oil was administered to all patients in a controlled environment. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure symptom severity both before and after a specific treatment time. Patient satisfaction and tolerability were also recorded as additional metrics. RESULTS:The results showed that after using jojoba oil, nasal pruritus scores were markedly lower. There was a significant improvement in mean VAS scores compared with baseline values. After therapy, the mean nasal pruritus VAS score decreased considerably from 8.0±0.81 to 2.5±0.5, with a P<0.001. From a clinical standpoint, every patient showed either a full or substantial improvement. Throughout the trial, there were no serious side effects, and most patients were quite satisfied. Everyone who received the treatment reported no side effects. CONCLUSION:Topical jojoba oil appears to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated way to address an itchy nose. It has shown good clinical results and is derived from a natural source, so it could be an alternative or adjunct treatment. To confirm these results, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary.

OBJECTIVES:We investigated the concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects of Marrubium alysson L. extract on HNO210 human laryngeal carcinoma cells. METHODS:The HNO210 human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (BHC11100312, BioHippo) was cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (ATCC, 30-2002). Seven working concentrations (10-500 μL/mL) of Marrubium alysson L. were prepared. The antiproliferative effect was assessed using the colorimetric MTT assay. RESULTS:Marrubium alysson L. inhibits the viability of HNO210 cells. The corresponding logIC₅₀ (2.681 μL/mL), along with a high coefficient of determination (R²=0.9960), confirms the reliability of the dose-response relationship. While lower concentrations largely preserve cell viability, higher doses significantly suppress metabolic activity. Marrubium alysson L. extract demonstrates a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on HNO210 cells. After 24 hours of exposure, treated cells showed notable morphologic changes, including cell shrinkage, rounding, and detachment from the culture surface, indicating loss of membrane integrity and decreased adherence. CONCLUSION:Marrubium alysson L. inhibits the viability of HNO210 laryngeal carcinoma cells. It exerts a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect and anticancer potential against these cells. It affects cell morphology and reduces adherence. Marrubium alysson L. has potential as a source of bioactive compounds with antiproliferative activity for designing highly effective anticancer drugs.

OBJECTIVES:The effects of Calendula officinalis oil on human nasal epithelial cells were investigated in this study. METHODS:The authors obtained nasal epithelial specimens from clinically healthy tissue, as is standard practice in septorhinoplasty. After immersion in a sterile solution containing 2% antibiotic-antimycotic, the tissues were washed 3 times before being transferred to sterile tubes. After each wash, samples were centrifuged at 4 °C for 5 minutes at 300g. The nonadherent epithelial cell fraction was collected and seeded onto new culture plates. The plates contained DMEM/F-12 supplemented with fetal bovine serum, epidermal growth factor, insulin-transferrin-selenium, nonessential amino acids, and L-glutamine. After ∼7 days at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2, the cultures reached confluence. The day after seeding, cells were incubated continuously for 24 hours with C. officinalis oil (TABIMER) at doses of 1, 5, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 150 µL. Cell metabolic activity was measured using the MTT colorimetric assay. RESULTS:Analyzing the dose-response curve for C. officinalis oil showed that cell viability was strongly inversely related to oil concentration. The logIC50 value was 2.085, and the computed IC50 value was 121.7 µL. Regression analysis indicated the strong reliability of the dose-response relationship, showing that the nonlinear model fit the experimental data well (R3=0.9771). Compared with the negative control, quantitative analysis showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability. Statistical comparisons among the treatment groups showed that the negative control, lower-dose groups, and groups treated with higher concentrations of C. officinalis oil all had significantly decreased cell viability. Taken together, these results show that the cytotoxic effects of C. officinalis oil are dose-dependent, with effects becoming more pronounced at higher concentrations. CONCLUSION:Viability and proliferation of nasal epithelial cells are reduced in a dose-dependent manner by direct exposure to C. officinalis oil. Given its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce cell proliferation, it may be used topically on hyperkeratotic areas that develop during skin healing or on infected areas; this is particularly true in rhinoplasty patients. Animal experiments should be conducted initially on this matter.

The sense of smell, with its extensive evolutionary history, is highly prone to disorders that can have a profound impact on daily life. Anosmia affects approximately 5% of the population, with an additional 15% exhibiting reduced olfactory function. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) varies by population and age group, and standardized testing reveals a broad range of impacts. OD includes various causes, most commonly aging, inflammation of the olfactory epithelium, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the association between viral infections and olfactory dysfunction, with severe hyposmia/anosmia being an early marker of infection. Despite its importance, the assessment of olfactory function remains inconsistent across clinical practices. Psychophysical smell tests, while vital for diagnosis and patient management, are underutilized, especially outside of specialized centers. Standardized testing methods are crucial for objective diagnosis, but significant challenges, including test variability, lack of comparability, and healthcare reimbursement issues, persist. The European Academy of Allergy and Immunology (EAACI) advocates for improvements in the quality and standardization of chemosensory assessments. Future efforts must prioritize education, incentives for better testing, and the integration of digital tools to expand access to olfactory testing and diagnosis in remote or quarantine situations. However, office-based testing remains irreplaceable, even with advancements in telemedicine.

BACKGROUND:Oral and ocular medications are frequently used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). As part of the update of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)-EAACI guidelines, this manuscript presents the ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 recommendations for oral and ocular treatments. METHODS:The ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 guideline panel issued recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence-to-decision framework. Several sources of evidence were used to inform panel judgements and recommendations, including systematic reviews, mHealth and pharmacovigilance data as well as a survey on costs. RESULTS:Eight guideline questions concerning oral treatments for AR and three questions concerning ocular treatments were addressed. These questions led to the recommendations. Overall, these questions concern the choice between different classes of medication. They also discuss the role of oral antihistamines (OAH), leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), ocular antihistamines (OcAH) and ocular mast cell stabilisers. Four questions had not been previously evaluated in ARIA guidelines, while, for the other four, there was a change in the strength or directionality of the recommendations. Overall, these guidelines recommend using intranasal corticosteroids over OAH and using OAH over LTRA. Moreover, they suggest using OAH over OcAH and suggest being against adding LTRA to OAH. Finally, considerations for choosing between different individual OAHs are presented. CONCLUSION:This ARIA-EAACI 2024-2025 article supports patients, their caregivers and healthcare professionals in choosing oral and ocular treatments for AR. Decisions on treatment should consider the clinical variability of the disease, patients' values and the affordability of medications.

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this survey research is to examine the relationship between anxiety and depression in our laryngopharyngeal reflux patients. METHODS:Group 1 consisted of 80 individuals diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Group 2, the control group, included 80 individuals without LPR, all of whom were the same age and sex. We compared the groups based on educational attainment and socioeconomic status. We used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess anxiety and the Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HAM-D) to assess depressive status. RESULTS:Groups did not differ significantly in income or educational attainment. The patient and control groups had notably elevated HAM-A Anxiety scores, with medians of 11.0 (8.0-15.0) and 5.0 (3.0-6.0), respectively. The patient group's median HAM-D Depression score was 9.0 (5.0-12.75), which is considerably higher than the control group's 4.5 (3.0-6.0). CONCLUSION:These findings show that the sick group had significantly greater levels of both anxiety and depression. Patients with LPR may benefit from a professional strategy that includes psychiatric evaluation and proper treatment of anxiety and depression.

OBJECTIVES:In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of nasal tip grafts for nasal tip shaping and for evaluating rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE). METHODS:Patients who underwent open rhinoplasty and received various grafts to improve tip support, including alar batten graft, alar rim graft, caudal septal extension graft, columellar strut, shield graft, tongue-in-groove, and tip-onlay graft, were included in this study (n=510). All follow-up items were recorded during the preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative periods. Rhinoplasty outcome evaluation scores, nasofrontal angle, and nasolabial angle were evaluated. RESULTS:A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean preoperative and postoperative questionnaire scores in the graft groups (P<0.001). Shield graft, tongue-in-groove, and tip-onlay graft groups showed better results than many others. A statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative mean nasolabial angle values in the tongue-in-groove, shield graft, caudal septal extension graft, and columellar strut groups (P<0.001). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative mean nasofrontal angle values across the graft groups (P<0.001), with significant changes observed in the tongue-in-groove, shield, caudal septal extension, and columellar strut groups. However, these changes in the nasofrontal angle are considered not directly related to the type of graft used but rather to the dorsal hump reduction performed in these patients. CONCLUSION:These considerations underscore the limitation of attributing patient satisfaction solely to graft selection. They also highlight the importance of comprehensive preoperative counseling and multifactorial outcome assessment. Future studies using more controlled surgical variables or stratified analyses may help clarify the independent contribution of specific grafting techniques to both objective nasal angles and patient-perceived aesthetic success.

OBJECTIVES:This study's overarching goal is to determine whether Cucurbita pepo seed oil (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) is suitable for intranasal delivery as a transfer medium, based on its physicochemical profile and biocompatibility with human nasal epithelial cell cultures. Research into PSO's safety and effects on the epithelium might lead to the development of new intranasal medicinal delivery methods based on natural lipids. METHODS:Septorhinoplasty often involves obtaining samples of nasal epithelium from healthy tissue. To ensure the highest level of sterility and eliminate potential microbial contamination, freshly harvested nasal tissue was immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing a 2% (v/v) antibiotic-antimycotic solution for 3 washes. After the attachment phase, cells were incubated continuously for 24 hours with C. pepo seed oil at concentrations of 1, 5, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µL per well. The MTT colorimetric assay was used to quantify cellular metabolic activity, which was then used to determine cell viability. RESULTS:A half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 62.75 µL, corresponding to a logIC50 of 1.798, was identified by dose-response modeling as an inhibitory trend. Regression analysis showed a strong correlation between oil exposure and decreased metabolic activity (R2=0.8978). Cell viability evaluations indicated that, when cells were exposed to C. pepo seed oil, metabolic performance changed gradually across the examined dose range. The reference condition, consisting of untreated cells, was used to normalize viability values. Cells showed a gradual slowing of metabolic activity with increasing oil volume, rather than a sudden cytotoxic response. Compared with the negative control group, statistical analysis showed that cell viability was significantly reduced by all tested doses of C. pepo seed oil. Rather than a rapid cytotoxic threshold, the magnitude of the viability loss increased steadily with increasing oil volume, suggesting a cumulative inhibitory effect. CONCLUSION:Cautionary formulation and dosing procedures are crucial because of the substantial decrease in survivability at higher doses. Additional research, including in vivo models and clinical assessments, is necessary to determine safe exposure limits, delivery modalities, and therapeutic effectiveness. However, in vitro evidence supports potential low-concentration ENT applications. In general, rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures, among others in otolaryngology, show potential for the use of C. pepo seed oil as a locally applied, biologically active substance. PSO may be suitable for intranasal delivery as a transfer medium, based on its dose-dependent biocompatibility with human nasal epithelial cells. It should be investigated in future experimental studies.

BACKGROUND:Cat allergy is a common cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma and is associated with significant symptom burden and impaired quality of life. Complete avoidance of cat allergens is often impractical, and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) represents a potential disease-modifying treatment option. However, real-life data regarding the effectiveness and safety of cat allergen immunotherapy remain limited. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the real-life clinical effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous cat allergen immunotherapy using a cat allergen extract in patients with cat-induced allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. METHODS:This retrospective observational study included patients who received subcutaneous cat allergen immunotherapy for at least 6 months between January 2023 and December 2025. Sensitization to cat allergen was confirmed by both skin prick testing and serum cat-specific IgE (≥0.35 kU/L). Clinical outcomes, including symptom scores, medication scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, were assessed at baseline and during follow-up. Changes between baseline and the sixth month of treatment were analyzed using nonparametric statistical methods. RESULTS:A total of 12 patients were included, all of whom were female, with a mean age of 35.17 ± 8.68 years. Asthma was present in 25% of patients. At the sixth month of immunotherapy, significant improvements were observed across all evaluated clinical parameters. Median symptom scores decreased from 3.0 to 1.0 (P = 0.002), medication scores from 2.0 to 1.5 (P = 0.038), and VAS scores from 9.0 to 5.0 (P = 0.002). RQLQ scores also showed a significant reduction from 113.0 to 86.0 (P = 0.028). Improvements were associated with large effect sizes. Ten patients achieved a >30% reduction in VAS scores. Moderate correlations were observed between changes in symptom and medication scores and improvements in quality of life. Immunotherapy was generally well tolerated; moderate-to-severe systemic reactions occurred in a subset of patients, with no life-threatening reactions or permanent treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION:In this real-life cohort, subcutaneous cat allergen immunotherapy was associated with significant improvements in clinical symptoms, medication use, and quality of life, with an acceptable safety profile. These findings support the role of cat allergen immunotherapy as an effective treatment option in selected patients with persistent symptoms despite medical therapy.

OBJECTIVES:Achieving the desired long-term results in terms of nasal tip projection and rotation is challenging in rhinoplasty. To improve upon the stability and strength of tip support compared with conventional single-strut grafts, the Double Columellar Strut Graft (DCSG) technique was devised. We reviewed DCSG and assessed its effectiveness, safety, and outcomes in primary and revision rhinoplasty. METHODS:This retrospective study examined the outcomes of 42 patients who underwent DCSG-assisted open rhinoplasty between 2020 and 2023. Of these patients, 27 were primary cases, and 15 were revision cases. The Goode ratio, the columellar-labial angle, the NOSE scores, and scores from independent photography evaluations were used to compare pre- and postoperative results. On average, patients were followed up for 18 months. RESULTS:Following surgery, there was an increase in tip projection (Goode ratio) and columellar-labial angle (median: 85.0 °-96.0 °) in all patients, including those undergoing primary and revision rhinoplasty ( P <0.05). After surgery, NOSE scores declined compared with preoperative values (22.0 versus 13.0) ( P <0.05). Results of independent photographic evaluation also improved after surgery, increasing from 4.0 before to 8.0 after ( P <0.05). In our comparison of the 2 groups, we found that the primary rhinoplasty group had significantly higher tip projection ratios than the revision rhinoplasty group at both the preoperative and postoperative periods ( P <0.05). Graft visibility, extrusions, or infections were not detected. CONCLUSION:Consistent, repeatable outcomes with few side effects are possible with the DCSG. Particularly useful for revision and thick-skin rhinoplasty, its mechanical strengthening of the medial crura improves projection control and visual consistency.

OBJECTIVES:This research examined interactions between oleuropein and epithelial cells in human nasal tissue. METHODS:As is standard practice in septorhinoplasty, nasal epithelial specimens were obtained from clinically healthy tissue. To reduce the risk of microbiological contamination, the tissue specimen was placed in a sterile 15 mL conical tube and rinsed 3 times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing a 2% (v/v) Antibiotic-Antimycotic solution, which is twice the typical working concentration. After 48 hours, the distinctive monolayer epithelial appearance of the cells became apparent, and cell proliferation was well underway. After the cultures reached confluence (about day 7), they were passed to the next round of tests. Concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 µg of Oleuroein were freshly produced just before each experiment. The MTT colorimetric assay was used to quantify cell metabolic activity. RESULTS:The majority of the cells in the sample had a polygonal shape and were very closely packed; these features were evident in representative phase-contrast images taken 72 hours after tissue isolation. Applying a differential adhesion (preplating) step selectively preserved fast adherent mesenchymal cells, thereby enhancing the epithelial cell fraction and significantly reducing the presence of fibroblast-like cells. The association between Oleuropein concentration and cell viability was shown to be sigmoidal, according to dose-response curve analysis. According to the results of the nonlinear regression analysis, the IC₅₀ value was 1023 µg/mL, indicating that lower concentrations of Oleuropein are tolerated by primary nasal epithelial cells, while higher concentrations exhibit moderate cytotoxicity. In general, the visual findings indicate that primary nasal epithelial cells tolerate lower doses of Oleuropein well, but cellular viability is progressively impaired at higher concentrations. Between 400 and 600 µg/mL, there is a noticeable shift from mild to strong cytotoxic effects, which aligns with the dose-response profile seen in the related curve analysis. CONCLUSION:While recognizing the intrinsic variety of primary cultures, these observations show that epithelial-like cells were successfully isolated and enriched. At lower concentrations, oleuropein may promote wound healing in nasal epithelial cells without causing cytotoxicity. These findings could pave the way for the development of novel topical medicines to aid healing after septoplasty and rhinoplasty in humans.