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Annual Review of Neuroscience Jul 2020All mammals must suckle and swallow at birth, and subsequently chew and swallow solid foods, for optimal growth and health. These initially innate behaviors depend... (Review)
Review
All mammals must suckle and swallow at birth, and subsequently chew and swallow solid foods, for optimal growth and health. These initially innate behaviors depend critically upon coordinated development of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and larynx as well as the cranial nerves that control these structures. Disrupted suckling, feeding, and swallowing from birth onward-perinatal dysphagia-is often associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders that subsequently alter complex behaviors. Apparently, a broad range of neurodevelopmental pathologic mechanisms also target oropharyngeal and cranial nerve differentiation. These aberrant mechanisms, including altered patterning, progenitor specification, and neurite growth, prefigure dysphagia and may then compromise circuits for additional behavioral capacities. Thus, perinatal dysphagia may be an early indicator of disrupted genetic and developmental programs that compromise neural circuits and yield a broad range of behavioral deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Suckling; Behavior; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Nerve Net; Pharynx
PubMed: 32101484
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-100419-100636 -
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung Dec 2022Yawning is a stereotypical complex muscular movement and is commonly executed by most vertebrates. In seconds, the entire airway is fully dilated and surrounding muscles... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Yawning is a stereotypical complex muscular movement and is commonly executed by most vertebrates. In seconds, the entire airway is fully dilated and surrounding muscles are powerfully stretched, most prominently around the pharynx. To date, yawning has been rarely studied, and as of yet there is no consensus on its main function.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
To investigate a mechanical airway function for yawning, a literature search was conducted to relate the frequency of yawning and obstructive airway conditions.
RESULTS
The results show that changes in obstructive airway conditions and alteration of the frequency of yawning are temporally related.
INTERPRETATION
These relationships, however, cannot be interpreted as causal, nor can they be extrapolated to explain the function of yawning. Yet airway management and yawning share many physiological characteristics. We therefore propose a novel hypotheses: yawning plays a significant role in airway physiology by muscle repositioning and widening the airway lumen, thereby securing long-term oxygenation.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Pharynx; Yawning; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; Airway Obstruction
PubMed: 35122606
DOI: 10.1007/s11325-022-02565-7 -
The Lancet. Oncology Sep 2022
Topics: Humans; Pharynx
PubMed: 36055312
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(22)00329-1 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2021Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes 700 million infections and accounts for half a million deaths per year. Biofilm formation has been implicated in both pharyngeal and...
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes 700 million infections and accounts for half a million deaths per year. Biofilm formation has been implicated in both pharyngeal and dermal GAS infections. In vitro, plate-based assays have shown that several GAS M-types form biofilms, and multiple GAS virulence factors have been linked to biofilm formation. Although the contributions of these plate-based studies have been valuable, most have failed to mimic the host environment, with many studies utilising abiotic surfaces. GAS is a human specific pathogen, and colonisation and subsequent biofilm formation is likely facilitated by distinct interactions with host tissue surfaces. As such, a host cell-GAS model has been optimised to support and grow GAS biofilms of a variety of GAS M-types. Improvements and adjustments to the crystal violet biofilm biomass assay have also been tailored to reproducibly detect delicate GAS biofilms. We propose 72 h as an optimal growth period for yielding detectable biofilm biomass. GAS biofilms formed are robust and durable, and can be reproducibly assessed via staining/washing intensive assays such as crystal violet with the aid of methanol fixation prior to staining. Lastly, SEM imaging of GAS biofilms formed by this model revealed GAS cocci chains arranged into three-dimensional aggregated structures with EPS matrix material. Taken together, we outline an efficacious GAS biofilm pharyngeal cell model that can support long-term GAS biofilm formation, with biofilms formed closely resembling those seen in vivo.
Topics: Biofilms; Calibration; Cell Culture Techniques; Cells, Cultured; Humans; Microbiological Techniques; Models, Biological; Pharynx; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 33859234
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87377-7 -
Nature Communications Nov 2023Even slight imbalance between the growth rate of different organs can accumulate to a large deviation from their appropriate size during development. Here, we use live...
Even slight imbalance between the growth rate of different organs can accumulate to a large deviation from their appropriate size during development. Here, we use live imaging of the pharynx of C. elegans to ask if and how organ size scaling nevertheless remains uniform among individuals. Growth trajectories of hundreds of individuals reveal that pharynxes grow by a near constant volume per larval stage that is independent of their initial size, such that undersized pharynxes catch-up in size during development. Tissue-specific depletion of RAGA-1, an activator of mTOR and growth, shows that maintaining correct pharynx-to-body size proportions involves a bi-directional coupling between pharynx size and body growth. In simulations, this coupling cannot be explained by limitation of food uptake alone, and genetic experiments reveal an involvement of the mechanotransducing transcriptional co-regulator yap-1. Our data suggests that mechanotransduction coordinates pharynx growth with other tissues, ensuring body plan uniformity among individuals.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Pharynx; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; YAP-Signaling Proteins
PubMed: 37985670
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43230-1 -
Auris, Nasus, Larynx Oct 2022To evaluate the ultrasonography (US) characteristics of pharyngeal/laryngeal masses and the role of US in the assessment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ultrasonography (US) characteristics of pharyngeal/laryngeal masses and the role of US in the assessment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
METHODS
This study enrolled patients who underwent US for evaluation of pharyngeal/laryngeal masses between 2018 and 2021. Characteristics of pharyngeal/laryngeal masses and subsite invasion in cases of LSCC were evaluated using US.
RESULTS
Forty-six patients with pharyngeal (n = 22) /laryngeal (n = 24) masses were enrolled. The pathological results were benign and malignant in 7 (15.2%) and 39 (84.8%) patients, respectively. Malignant masses were significantly associated with US characteristics of heterogeneity (P = 0.002), irregular/speculated margin (P < 0.001), and increased internal vascularity (P = 0.014) compared with benign masses. In patients with LSCC, the detection rate of US for subsites invasion, including that of the anterior commissure, paraglottic space, outer cortex of the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and extralaryngeal soft tissue, was similar to that of computed tomography (CT). Although the difference was not statistically significant, US more frequently demonstrated invasion of the inner cortex of the thyroid cartilage than CT (40.9% vs. 22.7%; P = 0.195). US and CT had a concordance rate of 81% (18 of 22 patients) in determining the tumour stage of the lesions.
CONCLUSION
US could facilitate differentiation between benign and malignant masses of the pharynx and larynx in selective patients and has a possible role in the assessment of LSCC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Larynx; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Pharynx; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Thyroid Cartilage; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 35354545
DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.03.002 -
Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai... Feb 2022The aim of this study is to explore the anatomy and surgical approach of retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy via endoscopic transoral approach. The retropharyngeal spaces...
The aim of this study is to explore the anatomy and surgical approach of retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy via endoscopic transoral approach. The retropharyngeal spaces were studied with three fresh frozen cadaver head (6 sides) in the anatomical laboratory of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University through endoscopic transoral approach. The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, medial pterygoid muscle, tendon of tensor veli palatini muscle, fat of prestyloid space, ascending palatine artery and its branches, styloglossus, stylopharyngeus, stylohyoideus, external carotid artery, levator veli palatini, carotid sheath, ascending pharyngeal artery and longus capitis muscle were revealed in order. The above-mentioned structures were photographed with a 0° Karl Storz nasal endoscope and adjacent relationships were recorded. A case of metastatic retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy was reviewed and the surgical methods and techniques of retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy via endoscopic transoral approach were introduced in detail. The retropharyngeal space and related anatomical structures were exposed through endoscopic transoral approach in all specimens. The styloglossus, stylopharyngius and levator veli palatini are the markers of locating the internal carotid artery. The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, medial pterygoid muscle, styloid muscle group, longus capitis muscle and carotid sheath are the markers that can be used to locate the retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Ascending palatine artery, ascending pharyngeal artery and internal carotid artery are the main arteries involved in retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy via endoscopic transoral approach. Endoscopic transoral approach is a new surgical technique to perform retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy safely and completely.
Topics: Carotid Artery, Internal; Endoscopy; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Pharyngeal Muscles; Pharynx
PubMed: 35172541
DOI: 10.13201/j.issn.2096-7993.2022.02.001 -
European Archives of... Jan 2023Pharyngeal pouches are generally treated with surgery, via either an endoscopic or an external approach. Large pouches extending to the mediastinum carry an increased...
BACKGROUND
Pharyngeal pouches are generally treated with surgery, via either an endoscopic or an external approach. Large pouches extending to the mediastinum carry an increased risk of post-operative mediastinitis in the event of a leak following external approach surgery, and may not always be amenable to endoscopic stapling.
METHODS
Transcervical stapling is a newly described technique that uses the endoluminal stapling approach but in which the diverticuloscope is inserted into the pharynx via a neck incision.
CONCLUSIONS
This technique has been used successfully on three patients with large pharyngeal pouches, where endoscopic stapling was not possible due to access limitations.
Topics: Humans; Surgical Stapling; Zenker Diverticulum; Endoscopy; Pharyngeal Diseases; Pharynx
PubMed: 36040518
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07603-4 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2021The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) is an often-overlooked flap of the anterior neck used for reconstruction of oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal defects. The...
INTRODUCTION
The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF) is an often-overlooked flap of the anterior neck used for reconstruction of oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal defects. The primary goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the postoperative outcomes and efficacy of this flap.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Biological Abstracts, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science was conducted. Two researchers independently scrutinized the studies to determine inclusions based on relevance, sample size, and English language publications.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies containing 1027 IHMCF cases met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes included flap necrosis and postoperative functional outcomes. The rate of flap survival was 99%. Total skin necrosis and partial skin necrosis were minor complications that occurred in 2.5% and 5.8% of cases respectively. Poor speech and swallowing outcomes were reported in 6.4% and 6.5% of cases respectively. The included studies were predominantly retrospective. An average MINORS score of 9.6 suggests moderate bias among the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The IHMCF is both safe and effective for repairing medium sized mucosal lesions of the head and neck region in carefully selected patients. IHMCF use in oral cavity reconstruction is particularly appealing although functional outcomes remain difficult to statistically assess. Complications of IHMCFs are rare and often minor. To ensure the best outcome, pre-surgical planning needs to be conducted and all contraindications should be respected. Further large prospective multi-centered trials are needed for more accurate analysis.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Larynx; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Myocutaneous Flap; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; Patient Care Planning; Pharynx; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 34252712
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103133 -
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America Aug 2022Feminization Laryngoplasty evolved from the aim to change a voice from a male quality to a female quality. Larynx and pharynx in a male have undergone enlargement during... (Review)
Review
Feminization Laryngoplasty evolved from the aim to change a voice from a male quality to a female quality. Larynx and pharynx in a male have undergone enlargement during puberty and as there is no endocrine method for shrinking structures, a surgery that reduces the size of male structures toward the size of female structures might appropriately alter the voice. A smaller larynx and pharynx might raise both the fundamental frequency of the voice and the resonant frequency of the vocal tract. The surgery is used for transgender individuals who desire a female voice, for individuals who fail speech therapy and for complications of tracheal shave procedures whereby the vocal cords have been loosened.
Topics: Female; Feminization; Humans; Laryngoplasty; Larynx; Male; Pharynx; Vocal Cords; Voice Quality
PubMed: 35750518
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2022.05.002