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Journal of Infection in Developing... Apr 2024We proposed that the pharynx, as a common organ of the respiratory and digestive tracts, may be a respiratory and digestive tract cross cryptic transmission pathway for...
We proposed that the pharynx, as a common organ of the respiratory and digestive tracts, may be a respiratory and digestive tract cross cryptic transmission pathway for 2019-nCoV infection from the nasal cavities to the pharynx and lung, then to nasal cavities by aerosol (respiratory route) to the pharynx and the gastrointestinal tract, then to the oral cavity by feces (fecal-oral route) and to pharynx, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pharynx; SARS-CoV-2; Cross Infection; Gastrointestinal Tract; Feces; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 38728635
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18555 -
PLoS Pathogens Aug 2023Among the many oral streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) stands out for the capacity of encapsulated strains to cause invasive infection. Spread beyond upper...
Among the many oral streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) stands out for the capacity of encapsulated strains to cause invasive infection. Spread beyond upper airways, however, is a biological dead end for the organism, raising the question of the benefits of expending energy to coat its surface in a thick layer of capsular polysaccharide (CPS). In this study, we compare mutants of two serotypes expressing different amounts of CPS and test these in murine models of colonization, invasion infection and transmission. Our analysis of the effect of CPS amount shows that Spn expresses a capsule of sufficient thickness to shield its surface from the deposition of complement and binding of antibody to underlying epitopes. While effective shielding is permissive for invasive infection, its primary contribution to the organism appears to be in the dynamics of colonization. A thicker capsule increases bacterial retention in the nasopharynx, the first event in colonization, and also impedes IL-17-dependent clearance during late colonization. Enhanced colonization is associated with increased opportunity for host-to-host transmission. Additionally, we document substantial differences in CPS amount among clinical isolates of three common serotypes. Together, our findings show that CPS amount is highly variable among Spn and could be an independent determinant affecting host interactions.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus; Polysaccharides; Nasopharynx; Nose; Pneumococcal Infections; Bacterial Capsules
PubMed: 37540710
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011509 -
Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and... 2024Chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that predominantly arises from the axial skeleton, but can also develop in unusual locations. However, there are also rare cases of...
BACKGROUND
Chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that predominantly arises from the axial skeleton, but can also develop in unusual locations. However, there are also rare cases of "NOS" chordoma involving the oropharyx and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland in the same patient. According to contemporary research, chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from the embryonic remnants of the notochord. and typically involves the clivus, sacrococcygeal bones or vertebrae. Studies have shown that the incidence of chordoma has been estimated to be one per one million people per year. Chordoma can occur at any age, but most commonly it is diagnosed in the 40-60 year old age group with the male predominance.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article was to review the case of a 74-year-old female patient with epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland and a case of "NOS" chordoma involving the oropharyx.
METHODS
Diagnostic methods were used to examine a female patient with two primary malignant tumors: CT neck scan, CT of paranasal sinuses, ultrasound examination, scintigraphy and operative finding.
CASE PRESENTZATION
Due to the anatomy complexity, complete resection of the tumor through a transoral-transpharyngeal approach was not possible. Intraoperative palpation of the mass revealed well defined submucosal lesion 20x43x46mm beginning at the level of the oro- and hypopharynx and extending superiorly to the nasopharynx, and posteriorly into the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen causing near complete occlusion of the oro and hypopharynx. The patient also underwent extracapsular dissection of the parotid tumor. Postoperative palliative radiotherapy was performed.
CONCLUSION
Surgical treatment remains the mainstay of treatment for EMC and radiation is imperative for patients who refuse surgery and for those with advanced or inoperable diseases.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Adult; Middle Aged; Chordoma; Oropharynx; Spine; Carcinoma
PubMed: 38481587
DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2024.78.68-70 -
The Journal of Experimental Medicine Jul 2023Macrophages play a central role in tissue homeostasis and host defense. However, the properties of human macrophages in non-diseased tissues remain poorly understood....
Macrophages play a central role in tissue homeostasis and host defense. However, the properties of human macrophages in non-diseased tissues remain poorly understood. Here, we characterized human tonsil macrophages and identified three subsets with distinct phenotype, transcriptome, life cycle, and function. CD36hi macrophages were related to monocytes, while CD36lo macrophages showed features of embryonic origin and CD36int macrophages had a mixed profile. scRNA-seq on non-human primate tonsils showed that monocyte recruitment did not pre-exist an immune challenge. Functionally, CD36hi macrophages were specialized for stimulating T follicular helper cells, by producing Activin A. Combining reconstruction of ligand-receptor interactions and functional assays, we identified stromal cell-derived TNF-α as an inducer of Activin A secretion. However, only CD36hi macrophages were primed for Activin A expression, via the activity of IRF1. Our results provide insight into the heterogeneity of human lymphoid organ macrophages and show that tonsil CD36hi macrophage specialization is the result of both intrinsic features and interaction with stromal cells.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Palatine Tonsil; Macrophages; Monocytes; Phenotype; Transcriptome
PubMed: 37036425
DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230002