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Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Nov 2023Early diagnosis of disease in calves is crucial for fast recovery and prudent use of antibiotics. The serum concentration of acute phase proteins (APPs) is up- or...
BACKGROUND
Early diagnosis of disease in calves is crucial for fast recovery and prudent use of antibiotics. The serum concentration of acute phase proteins (APPs) is up- or downregulated in response to tissue injury and has been studied widely in human medicine. There is growing interest in using APPs as biomarkers for different diseases and as a tool to initiate and monitor treatment in veterinary medicine as well. The concentration of APPs in saliva in healthy calves has not been established and the use of pharyngeal swabs offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling. Pharyngeal swabs, tracheal aspirate (TA) and blood samples were collected from 84 clinically healthy commercial dairy calves and analyzed for the APPs serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP).
RESULTS
We found detectable concentrations of SAA, Hp and LBP in pharyngeal swabs from calves, as well as in TA and serum. There were no biologically interesting correlations between the SAA concentrations in serum and TA or pharyngeal swabs. This also applied to Hp and LBP concentrations in serum and TA or pharyngeal swabs.
CONCLUSIONS
SAA, Hp and LBP can be measured in saliva and TA from calves, but there was no correlation between the specific APP concentration in serum and pharyngeal swab or TA. There was a considerable technical variation in the sampling method for both pharyngeal swab and TA, and further validation of the methods is needed.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cattle; Acute-Phase Proteins; Serum Amyloid A Protein; Haptoglobins; Biomarkers; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 38007540
DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00714-w -
European Journal of Investigation in... Oct 2023The rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) is expected to increase by 30% by 2030. However, there are many similarities between the symptomatology of a benign and a malign...
The rate of head and neck cancer (HNC) is expected to increase by 30% by 2030. However, there are many similarities between the symptomatology of a benign and a malign diagnosis; thus, a protocol for conducting a full head and neck examination is of high importance since the absence of adenopathy does not exclude a malignant diagnosis and also a favorable prognosis. The current study presents a retrospective study on 515 adult patients who underwent a biopsy for possible head and neck tumor pathology. Results: The patients identified with cancer were older than the rest of the group, with a higher developing trend in men than in women. However, the top 10 symptomatology patterns were identical in the malign and benign groups, meaning that new HNC may be missed due to the common symptomatology between benign and malign outcomes. The importance of a full ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination may be of significant relevance for a proper diagnosis that can improve the overall prognosis of a patient with cancer. The absence of routine screening tests and screening guidelines for oral and pharyngeal cancers represents a significant barrier to secondary HNC prevention.
PubMed: 37887158
DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13100157 -
Cureus Jan 2024Dengue, a prevalent arboviral disease, has witnessed a resurgence in India, with outbreaks frequently reported. However, dengue-associated oral (oro-pharyngeal)...
Dengue, a prevalent arboviral disease, has witnessed a resurgence in India, with outbreaks frequently reported. However, dengue-associated oral (oro-pharyngeal) candidiasis (DAOC) was never reported. We present two severe dengue cases with oral/oro-pharyngeal pseudomembranous candidiasis. Case 1 of a young man without any comorbidities or abuse or immunosuppression presented with fever, headache, altered sensorium, throat pain on recovery, and laboratory reports confirmed dengue with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and severe hepatic involvement with oro-pharyngeal candidiasis. Similarly, case 2 of a middle-aged man with a history of smoking and diabetes presented with fever, gum bleeding, and throat pain, later confirmed to be dengue NS1 positive with thrombocytopenia, and mild-moderate hepatic involvement along with oral-oro-pharyngeal candidiasis. Both cases showed improvement with conservative management and oral nystatin suspension. These cases prompt consideration of superadded candida infections in dengue patients, emphasizing the need for further study and clinical vigilance.
PubMed: 38374848
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52627 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Swallowing examination is crucial in patients with dysphagia. We aimed to compare qualitative and quantitative videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results to...
OBJECTIVE
Swallowing examination is crucial in patients with dysphagia. We aimed to compare qualitative and quantitative videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results to provide reference for standardizing quantitative parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In total, 117 patients with dysphagia were included, 38 with Parkinson's disease and 39 and 40 in convalescence following cerebral hemorrhage and infarction. VFSS was both qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed.
RESULTS
A significant difference of Oral transit time was found between the oral motor function grades ( < 0.001), also was swallowing reaction times found between swallowing reaction duration grades ( < 0.001), and soft palate lift duration between the soft palate lift grades ( < 0.001). Superior hyoid bone movement ( < 0.001), anterior hyoid bone movement ( < 0.001), hyoid pause time ( < 0.001), and hyoid movement duration ( = 0.032) had significant differences between the hyoid laryngeal complex movement grades, as did the pharyngeal cavity transit time among the cricopharyngeal muscle opening duration grades ( < 0.001). The laryngeal vestibule closure duration differed among the glottic closure grades ( < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in upper esophageal sphincter opening diameter ( = 0.682) or duration ( = 0.682) among the cyclopharyngeal muscle opening duration grades. The pharyngeal area at rest did not significantly differ among the different vallecular residue ( = 0.202) and pyriform sinus residue ( = 0.116) grades.
CONCLUSION
Several quantitative parameters can reflect the swallowing assessment process well. Further optimization of quantitative parameters is recommended.
PubMed: 37609654
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1213491 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2024Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by a number of microorganisms that vary greatly in size, life cycle, clinical manifestations, and sensitivity to...
INTRODUCTION
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by a number of microorganisms that vary greatly in size, life cycle, clinical manifestations, and sensitivity to available treatments. Transmission of STIs can occur during unprotected (or condomless) sexual contact and through the exchange of body fluids during any type of activity. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases remains high in the world, despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements for these infectious diseases that rapidly eliminate the contagiousness of patients. Our study determines the prevalence of STI pathogens in adolescents and young adults in the population of the Province of Macerata (Italy). We will analyze data in correspondence to age and gender, and we will compare our results to international studies.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
We analyzed STI test results from the entire database of a Provincial Health Authority for the period 2021-2022. The samples came from the following age groups: 0-12, 13-18, 19-25, and 26-35 from 2021 to 2022. The results came from vaginal and cervical swabs (for females); urethral, rectal, and pharyngeal swabs (for males and females); and seminal fluid (for males) for the following infections: HPV, , , , , , , and . The results also came from blood tests for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and (TPHA, VDRL). In addition, we examined results from urine tests for chlamydia, , trichomonas, and .
CONCLUSIONS
The literature for other countries reports the need for comprehensive, culturally and developmentally sensitive care to address sexuality-related issues in adolescents and young adults, a need that also applies to Italy. These data will be of great importance in adopting evidence-based STI control programs in Marche Region. This study could, indeed, represent a landmark for public health officials and professionals, with the aim of promoting adolescents' access to sexual health services to receive useful information, strengthening preventive measures in younger age groups, and designing sexual education programs.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Male; Female; Young Adult; Italy; Adult; Prevalence; Public Health; Child; Child, Preschool; Infant; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38673412
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040501 -
Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy :... Jun 2024Tecovirimat's application in treating mpox remains under-researched, leaving gaps in clinical and virological understanding. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
INTRODUCTION
Tecovirimat's application in treating mpox remains under-researched, leaving gaps in clinical and virological understanding.
METHODS
The Tecopox study in Japan evaluated the efficacy and safety of tecovirimat in patients with smallpox or mpox, who were divided into oral tecovirimat and control groups. Patients with mpox enrolled between June 28, 2022, and April 30, 2023, were included. Demographic and clinical details along with blood, urine, pharyngeal swab, and skin lesion samples were gathered for viral analysis. A multivariable Tobit regression model was employed to identify factors influencing prolonged viral detection.
RESULTS
Nineteen patients were allocated to the tecovirimat group, and no patients were allocated to the control group. The median age was 38.5 years, and all patients were males. Ten patients (52.6%) were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sixteen patients (84.2%) had severe disease. Nine of the 15 patients (60.0%) (four patients withdrew before day 14) had negative PCR results for skin lesion specimens 14 days after inclusion. The mortality rates were 0% on days 14 and 30. No severe adverse events were reported. HIV status and the number of days from symptom onset to tecovirimat administration were associated with lower Ct values (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median number of days when PCR testing did not detect the mpox virus in each patient was 19.5 days.
CONCLUSION
Early tecovirimat administration might reduce viral shedding duration, thereby mitigating infection spread. Moreover, patients infected with HIV showed prolonged viral shedding, increasing the transmission risk compared to those without HIV.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Benzamides; HIV Infections; Japan; Mpox (monkeypox)
PubMed: 38042298
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.11.025 -
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2023The heart and aortic arch arteries in amniotes form a double circulation, taking oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. These... (Review)
Review
The heart and aortic arch arteries in amniotes form a double circulation, taking oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs. These major vessels are formed in embryonic development from a series of paired and symmetrical arteries that undergo a complex remodelling process to form the asymmetric arch arteries in the adult. These embryonic arteries form in the pharyngeal arches, which are symmetrical bulges on the lateral surface of the head. The pharyngeal arches, and their associated arteries, are found in all classes of vertebrates, but the number varies, typically with the number of arches reducing through evolution. For example, jawed vertebrates have six pairs of pharyngeal arch arteries but amniotes, a clade of tetrapod vertebrates, have five pairs. This had led to the unusual numbering system attributed to each of the pharyngeal arch arteries in amniotes (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6). We, therefore, propose that these instead be given names to reflect the vessel: mandibular (1), hyoid (2), carotid (3), aortic (4) and pulmonary (most caudal). Aberrant arch artery formation or remodelling leads to life-threatening congenital cardiovascular malformations, such as interruption of the aortic arch, cervical origin of arteries, and vascular rings. We discuss why an alleged fifth arch artery has erroneously been used to interpret congenital cardiac lesions, which are better explained as abnormal collateral channels, or remodelling of the aortic sac.
PubMed: 37900278
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1259175 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Dec 2023The flexible bronchoscopy procedure, which is performed in awake conditions or under local anesthesia, is a difficult and complicated procedure for patients and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The flexible bronchoscopy procedure, which is performed in awake conditions or under local anesthesia, is a difficult and complicated procedure for patients and physicians. Propofol is a fast-acting sedative-hypnotic anesthetic with a rapid return. Ketamine hydrochloride is a fast-acting general anesthetic producing an anesthetic state characterized by deep analgesia, normal pharyngeal, and laryngeal reflexes.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
The study was planned in a randomized, prospective, and double-blind design. The drug(s) administered by the anesthesiologist was not known to the bronchoscopist and the patient. A total of 64 cases were included in the study (34/propofol, 30/ketamine-propofol (ketofol) group). Group propofol received 0.1 mL/kg propofol, and group ketofol received 0.1 mL/kg ketofol intravenously over approximately 30 seconds. Vital signs, non-invasive blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, and pulse values of all cases were measured three times and were recorded just before the start of the procedure, after entering the trachea, and after the procedure was terminated. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and The Ramsay scoring were additionally used in the present study.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of blood pressure and heart rates. Statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups according to The VAS scoring and additional dose requirement.
CONCLUSION
It must be noted that flexible bronchoscopy procedures, which are performed with local anesthesia by both the patient and the physician with a high degree of difficulty, especially combined drugs to be applied with anesthesia support, are more effective/comfortable/reliable, and have fewer complications and higher tolerability if there are no contraindications.
Topics: Humans; Propofol; Ketamine; Prospective Studies; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Bronchoscopy; Anesthesia; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38158347
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_245_23 -
Cureus Aug 2023Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, insidious premalignant disease with multifactorial etiology affecting any part of the oral cavity and sometimes... (Review)
Review
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, insidious premalignant disease with multifactorial etiology affecting any part of the oral cavity and sometimes the pharynx by triggering a rapid onset of trismus and dysphagia due to stiffness at the lips, cheek, pharynx, and upper oesophageal region. Submucous fibrosis resembles many auto-immune, dermatological, mucocutaneous, and fibrotic lesions that include scleroderma, amyloidosis, iron deficiency anemia, and systemic or generalized fibromatosis clinically and histologically. Several authors established an association between oral submucous fibrosis and scleroderma with predominant oral manifestations on the basis of similarity in clinical and histological characteristics despite different pathogenesis and prognostic aspects. Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder clinically manifested as fibrosis of the skin, blood vessels, and visceral organs with or without the involvement of the oral cavity. Thus, understanding the disease mechanism, appropriate early diagnosis, and clinical management of these two entities play an important role in disease prognosis and treatment outcomes. The present review was carried out to briefly present a concise overview of the etiopathogenesis, clinical, histological, diagnosis, and management aspects of OSMF and scleroderma based on the available literature, with special emphasis on similarities and differences between these two entities subsequently aiding in appropriate treatment planning.
PubMed: 37791189
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44502