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World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2016Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is problematic with regard to en bloc and curable resection rates. Advancements in endoscopic techniques have enabled novel endoscopic... (Review)
Review
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is problematic with regard to en bloc and curable resection rates. Advancements in endoscopic techniques have enabled novel endoscopic approaches such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), which has overcome some EMR problems, and has become the standard treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. However, ESD is technically difficult. Procedure time is longer and complications such as intraoperative perforation and bleeding occur more frequently than in EMR. Recently various traction methods have been introduced to facilitate ESD procedures, such as clip with line, external forceps, clip and snare, internal traction, double scope, and magnetic anchor. Each method must be used appropriately according to the anatomical characteristics. In this review we discuss recently proposed traction methods for ESD based on the characteristics of various anatomical sites.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Esophageal Neoplasms; Humans; Operative Time; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Stomach Neoplasms; Traction
PubMed: 27468186
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i26.5917 -
Developmental and Comparative Immunology Mar 2019The human olfactory system is a mucosal surface and a major portal of entry for respiratory and neurotropic pathogens into the body. Understanding how the human... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
The human olfactory system is a mucosal surface and a major portal of entry for respiratory and neurotropic pathogens into the body. Understanding how the human nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) halts the progression of pathogens into the lower respiratory tract or the central nervous system is key for developing effective cures. Although traditionally mice have been used as the gold-standard model for the study of human nasal diseases, mouse models present important caveats due to major anatomical and functional differences of the human and murine olfactory system and NALT. We summarize the NALT anatomy of different animal groups that have thus far been used to study host-pathogen interactions at the olfactory mucosa and to test nasal vaccines. The goal of this review is to highlight the strengths and limitations of each animal model of nasal immunity and to identify the areas of research that require further investigation to advance human health.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunity; Infections; Lymphoid Tissue; Mice; Nasopharynx; Nose Diseases; Olfactory Bulb; Olfactory Mucosa
PubMed: 30513304
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.11.022 -
Trends in Microbiology Aug 2023The nasopharynx is an important microbial reservoir for the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms. The nasopharyngeal resistome is an extensive,... (Review)
Review
The nasopharynx is an important microbial reservoir for the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms. The nasopharyngeal resistome is an extensive, adaptable reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) within this niche. Metagenomic sequencing decodes the genetic material of all organisms within a sample using next-generation technologies, permitting unbiased discovery of novel ARGs and associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The challenges of sequencing a low-biomass bacterial sample have limited exploration of the nasopharyngeal resistome. Here, we explore the current understanding of the nasopharyngeal resistome, particularly the role of MGEs in propagating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), explore the advantages and limitations of metagenomic sequencing technologies and bioinformatic pipelines for nasopharyngeal resistome analysis, and highlight the key outstanding questions for future research.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Genes, Bacterial; Nasopharynx; Metagenomics
PubMed: 36967247
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.02.008 -
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences 2022Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), originating from the mucosal epithelial cells of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, is a lethal malignancy of the head... (Review)
Review
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), originating from the mucosal epithelial cells of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, is a lethal malignancy of the head and neck. Patients with advanced and recurrent HNSCC have poor outcomes due to limited therapeutic options. Exosomes have active roles in the pathophysiology of tumors and are suggested as a potential therapeutic target of HNSCC. Exosomes in HNSCC have been intensively studied for disease activity, tumor staging, immunosuppression, and therapeutic monitoring. In this review, the biological mechanisms and the recent clinical application of exosomes are highlighted to reveal the potential of exosomes as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
PubMed: 35775082
DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.881794 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Several reports have evaluated the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab (BRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Combination...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Several reports have evaluated the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab (BRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Combination therapy with cetuximab can be a treatment option for NPC. Although clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of BRT without induction chemotherapy (ICT) or adjuvant chemotherapy is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies, such data are rarely reported.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We retrospectively investigated a series of patients with NPC treated in our institution to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BRT. Eleven patients with newly diagnosed NPC were identified from an inpatient database from July 2015 to April 2018. Seven patients who received BRT were reviewed.
RESULTS
All patients completed BRT without cessation of treatment. Six (85.7%) patients achieved a complete response and one (14.3%) achieved stable disease. The response rate was 85.7%. All patients with ≤T3 disease achieved a complete response. Both patients with T3 disease developed local recurrence, and one of the four patients with T1-2 disease developed distant metastases. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 85.7% and 47.6%, respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) were pharyngeal mucositis (100%), radiation dermatitis (100%), anorexia (28.6%), weight loss (28.6%), acneiform rash (28.6%), and dry mouth (28.6%). Grade 3 AEs were pharyngeal mucositis (42.9%), radiation dermatitis (28.6%), and anorexia (14.3%). No grade 4/5 AEs were observed.
CONCLUSION
BRT for NPC was tolerable, but our findings suggest that BRT without induction chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy is insufficient at least for ≥T3 disease.
Topics: Humans; Cetuximab; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Mucositis; Retrospective Studies; Anorexia; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Radiodermatitis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cisplatin; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 37652522
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13323 -
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity May 2017Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious neuropsychiatric disorders of uncertain etiology. Recent studies indicate that immune activation may contribute to the... (Review)
Review
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious neuropsychiatric disorders of uncertain etiology. Recent studies indicate that immune activation may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of these disorders. Numerous studies in animal models indicate that the mucosal microbiome may influence cognition and behavior by altering the functioning of the immune system. It is thus likely that the microbiome plays a role in human psychiatric disorders. The study of immune alterations and the microbiome in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is in its infancy. Two recent investigations of the oro-pharyngeal microbiota in schizophrenia found differences between cases and controls. Other studies have found increased gastrointestinal inflammation in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder based on measures of microbial translocation. Several studies have also found an association between the receipt of antibiotics and an increased incidence of psychiatric disorders, perhaps due to alterations in the microbiome. Studies to characterize the intestinal microbiome of individuals with these disorders are in progress. The ultimate test of the role of the microbiome and immune-mediated pathology in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will come from clinical trials of therapeutic agents which alter gut microbiota or gastrointestinal inflammation. The successful development of such modalities would represent a novel strategy to prevent and treat serious psychiatric disorders.
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Humans; Immunity; Microbiota; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 28003152
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.12.010 -
Revista Medica de Chile Nov 2015Ebola virus (EV) is one of the most virulent human pathogens. Fruits bats are its natural reservoir, the transmission to humans is across wild animals (especially... (Review)
Review
Ebola virus (EV) is one of the most virulent human pathogens. Fruits bats are its natural reservoir, the transmission to humans is across wild animals (especially primates) and the propagation in human populations is through bodily fluid contact. The actual outbreak started in December 2013 and crossed continental borders. Up to now, there are 17,145 suspected and confirmed cases with 6,070 deaths, resulting a total case fatality rate of 35%. Clinical manifestations can be divided in 3 phases. In phase I, symptoms are similar to flu, which may appear in a range of 2 to 21 days. In phase II which occurs in over 50% of cases, visceral symptoms and mucocutaneous manifestations appear within 4 and 5 days of the onset of symptoms. The main symptoms are a macular or maculopapular non-pruritic rash, desquamation and mucosal involvement of eyes, mouth and pharynx. In phase III, recovery or death occurs. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, epidemiological suspicion and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The treatment is supportive. If there is a suspected case, it should be notified immediately and all relevant safety measures should be instituted.
Topics: Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Ebolavirus; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Humans
PubMed: 26757869
DOI: 10.4067/S0034-98872015001100010 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2021Radiation (RT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) play an essential role in head and neck cancer treatment. However, both cause numerous side effects in the oral cavity,... (Review)
Review
Radiation (RT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) play an essential role in head and neck cancer treatment. However, both cause numerous side effects in the oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx, having deleterious consequences on patients' quality of life. Concomitant with significant advances in radiation oncology, much attention has turned to understanding the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of treatment-induced tissue toxicity, to ultimately explore microbiome manipulation as a therapeutic intervention. This review sought to discuss current publications investigating the impact of RT and CRT-induced changes on the head and neck microbiome, using culture-independent molecular methods, and propose opportunities for future directions. Based on 13 studies derived from a MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science search on November 7, 2021, use of molecular methods has uncovered various phyla and genera in the head and neck microbiome, particularly the oral microbiome, not previously known using culture-based methods. However, limited research has investigated the impact of RT/CRT on subsites other than the oral cavity and none of the studies aimed to examine the relationship between the head and neck microbiome and treatment effectiveness. Findings from this review provide helpful insights on our current understanding of treatment-induced oral mucositis, dental plaque, and caries formation and highlight the need for future research to examine the effect of RT/CRT on the sinonasal and oropharyngeal microbiome. In addition, future research should use larger cohorts, examine the impact of the microbiome on treatment response, and study the effect of manipulating the microbiome to overcome therapy resistance.
PubMed: 34926301
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.784457 -
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland :... 2021Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds.... (Review)
Review
Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds. These drugs have been effectively used for years in dentistry, in treatment of inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity and in laryngology, in treatment of pharyngeal inflammatory conditions. The subject of this article is a compilation of studies conducted on medicinal products containing composed ethanolic extract as an active substance, and obtained from: chamomile capitulum (Matricaria recutita L.), oak bark (Quercus spp.), sage leaf (Salvia officinalis L.), arnica herb (Arnica spp.), calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus L.), peppermint herb (Mentha piperita L.), thyme herb (Thymus spp.) Preclinical studies confirmed that a particular tested plant extract exhibits antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal) as well as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and astringent properties. Under clinical conditions, it was confirmed that drugs containing the analysed extract used in periodontology, in prevention and complex treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis as well as diseases of oral mucosa (but also the throat) of viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal aetiology significantly improved the effectiveness of therapy, shortened the treatment and improved the patients' quality of life. The above preparations used in dental surgery contributed to faster tissue regeneration, more quickly relieved pain and swelling after a surgery or difficult dentition. Furthermore, drugs containing the above-mentioned extract can also be successfully used for oral cavity decontamination in the case of various diseases of teeth or the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The tested composed herbal extract (CHE), applied in the form of a mouthwash and in the form for topical application with benzocaine content (CHEB), is a component of drugs which are great alternatives to widely used synthetic drugs. They are characterised with high effectiveness, comparable to that of synthetic agents, and a higher safety profile. Results of pharmacological and clinical studies justify their use in both prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gums, periodontium, oral cavity and pharynx.
Topics: Gingivitis; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Pharynx; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34459780
DOI: No ID Found -
Science Advances Nov 2023The constant exposure of the fish branchial cavity to aquatic pathogens causes local mucosal immune responses to be extremely important for their survival. Here, we used...
The constant exposure of the fish branchial cavity to aquatic pathogens causes local mucosal immune responses to be extremely important for their survival. Here, we used a marker for T lymphocytes/natural killer (NK) cells (ZAP70) and advanced imaging techniques to investigate the lymphoid architecture of the zebrafish branchial cavity. We identified a sub-pharyngeal lymphoid organ, which we tentatively named "Nemausean lymphoid organ" (NELO). NELO is enriched in T/NK cells, plasma/B cells, and antigen-presenting cells embedded in a network of reticulated epithelial cells. The presence of activated T cells and lymphocyte proliferation, but not V(D)J recombination or hematopoiesis, suggests that NELO is a secondary lymphoid organ. In response to infection, NELO displays structural changes including the formation of T/NK cell clusters. NELO and gill lymphoid tissues form a cohesive unit within a large mucosal lymphoid network. Collectively, we reveal an unreported mucosal lymphoid organ reminiscent of mammalian tonsils that evolved in multiple teleost fish families.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Palatine Tonsil; Zebrafish; Lymphoid Tissue; Pharynx; T-Lymphocytes; Mammals
PubMed: 37910624
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0101