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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Dec 2023Chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Upcoming hypofractionation has led to better compliance and...
AIMS
Chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Upcoming hypofractionation has led to better compliance and non-inferior results in various sites such as breast and prostate cancer etc. This study prospectively compared a dose-intensified schedule in advanced OPSCC with standard hypofractionation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients with advanced stage III and IV OPSCC suitable for radical chemoradiotherapy were eligible. Patients were alternatively allocated to both the treatment arms. Arm A planned to receive 64 Gy in 25 fractions (#) with concurrent cisplatin and Arm B received standard fractionation 70 Gy in 35 # with concurrent cisplatin. All patients completed a median follow up of 6 to 18 months. The primary end point was acute toxicity (less than 3 months) and late toxicity at 1 year. Secondary end point was disease free survival and overall survival at 1 year.
RESULTS
44 patients in arm A and 49 patients in arm B were recruited over 18 months. 34 patients completed full-dose radiotherapy in both arms. Maximum acute toxicity in arm A in terms of skin reaction was Grade II in 47.05% cases and mucositis grade II in 67.6% cases. In arm B grade II skin toxicity was seen in 47.1% and mucositis grade II was seen in 79.4 % cases. Ryle's tube dependency was seen in 38.2 % cases in arm A and 50% in arm B. Complete response rate at 3 months was equivalent in both arms in Arm A (100%), and in Arm B (96.7%). Disease free survival (DFS), Overall survival (OS) at 3 month, 6 months, and 12 months was comparable.
CONCLUSIONS
64 Gy in 25 fractions with concomitant chemotherapy is tolerable in patients with equivalent results and better compliance. Shorter fractionation schedule is more acceptable and we look forward for more randomized control trials.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoradiotherapy; Cisplatin; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Mucositis; Oropharynx; Prospective Studies; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Female
PubMed: 38156840
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.12.4077 -
Vestnik Otorinolaringologii 2023Basis of acute pharyngitis pathogenesis is an inflammatory process at the entrance gate of the infection. Therefore, local immunity study proves to be the most...
UNLABELLED
Basis of acute pharyngitis pathogenesis is an inflammatory process at the entrance gate of the infection. Therefore, local immunity study proves to be the most informative. Difficulty in making that type of assessment is lack of generally accepted reference values and biological sampling techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Validation of biological sampling techniques to study the parameters of local mucosal immunity in oropharynx acute inflammatory diseases.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
30 people with acute catarrhal pharyngitis with intoxication syndrome were examined. The sampling was carried out in 7 different ways. 1. Collect saliva samples using the passive drool collection method. 2. Collect saliva, using cotton swabs placed into the mouth for 3 minutes. 3. Cotton swabs wrapped around a metal probe was placed on palatine tonsils and lateral walls of the oropharynx. 4. Instead of a cotton swab, a disc of laboratory filter paper with a diameter of 0.7 cm was used. 5. Scrape by the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and lateral walls of the oropharynx were made with a cytobrush. 6. Using a cytobrush, scrapings were made from the mucous membrane of only the posterior pharyngeal wall, excluding the region of the palatine tonsils. 7. Using a cytobrush to make scrapings from the only palatine tonsils mucous membrane. RT-PCR was used to determine IL-1β mRNA.
RESULTS
Minimal IL-1β mRNA values were detected in saliva collected by passive flow (0.095 [0; 3.45] units) and on a cotton swab (0.21 [0.1; 3.82] units). IL-1β mRNA in the material collected by methods No. 3 and No. 4 on a cotton swab and a paper disk did not differ significantly from each other. Its level was higher than in saliva and lower than in scrapings. The maximum result was revealed with method No. 5 when simultaneously taking scrapings from the palatine tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall mucous membrane (4.76 [0.92; 8.13] units). The expression of IL-1β mRNA in the material obtained by methods No. 6 and No. 7 did not differ significantly from each other.
CONCLUSION
Separated scrapings collecting from the palatine tonsils or posterior pharyngeal wall mucous membrane will allow assessing the inflammatory response autonomously in the lymphoid tissue and separately on the mucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall. The mucosal scraping technique was the most effective for assessing cytokines in the oropharyngeal mucosal membrane.
Topics: Humans; Oropharynx; Palatine Tonsil; Pharyngitis; Mucous Membrane; Reference Standards; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38153889
DOI: 10.17116/otorino20238806122 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Adaptive humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 has mainly been evaluated in peripheral blood. Human secondary lymphoid tissues (such as tonsils) contain large numbers of...
BACKGROUND
Adaptive humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 has mainly been evaluated in peripheral blood. Human secondary lymphoid tissues (such as tonsils) contain large numbers of plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulins at mucosal sites. Yet, the role of mucosal memory immunity induced by vaccines or natural infection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants is not fully understood.
METHODS
Tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMNCs) from adults (n=10) and children (n=11) were isolated and stimulated using positive SARS-CoV-2 nasal swabs. We used endpoint enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the measurement of anti-S1, -RBD, and -N IgG antibody levels and a pseudovirus microneutralization assay to assess neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in paired serum and supernatants from stimulated TMNCs.
RESULTS
Strong systemic humoral response in previously SARS-CoV-2 infected and vaccinated adults and children was observed in accordance with the reported history of the participants. Interestingly, we found a significant increase in anti-RBD IgG (305 and 834 folds) and anti-S1 IgG (475 and 443 folds) in the stimulated TMNCs from adults and children, respectively, compared to unstimulated cells. Consistently, the stimulated TMNCs secreted higher levels of nAbs against the ancestral Wuhan strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant compared to unstimulated cells by several folds. This increase was seen in all participants including children with no known history of infection, suggesting that these participants might have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and that not all asymptomatic cases necessarily could be detected by serum antibodies. Furthermore, nAb levels against both strains were significantly correlated in adults (r=0.8788; = 0.0008) and children (r = 0.7521; = 0.0076), and they strongly correlated with S1 and RBD-specific IgG antibodies.
CONCLUSION
Our results provide evidence for persistent mucosal humoral memory in tonsils from previously infected and/or vaccinated adults and children against recent and old variants upon re-exposure. They also highlight the importance of targeting mucosal sites with vaccines to help control infection at the primary sites and prevent potential breakthrough infections.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Immunity, Humoral; Palatine Tonsil; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Immunoglobulin G; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Vaccines
PubMed: 38149243
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291534 -
Journal of Oral Biosciences Mar 2024The tongue comprises multiple tissues of different embryonic origins, including pharyngeal arch, somite, and cranial neural crest (CNC). However, its developmental...
OBJECTIVES
The tongue comprises multiple tissues of different embryonic origins, including pharyngeal arch, somite, and cranial neural crest (CNC). However, its developmental regulatory mechanisms, especially those involving epigenetic modifiers, remain poorly understood. This study examined the roles of the epigenetic modifier G9a in murine tongue development.
METHODS
We deleted G9a using Sox 9 (SRY-related HMG-box gene 9)-Cre recombinase, which acts in tongue progenitor cells, including CNC-derived cells, to generate G9a conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on sections prepared from tongue tissues of control and cKO mice.
RESULTS
Cre-dependent LacZ reporter mice, generated by crossing Rosa-LacZ mice with sox9-Cre mice, revealed Cre recombinase activity in the mucosal epithelium and tongue connective tissue of the embryonic tongue. Tongue volume was significantly reduced on embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5) and postnatal day 0 (P0) in cKO mice. Histological sections showed that the lingual mucosal epithelium was thinner in cKO mice. Reduced G9a levels were accompanied by decreased levels of a G9a substrate, dimethylated lysine 9 in histone H3, in the embryonic tongue. BrdU injection at E16.5 revealed reduced numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the mucosal epithelium and underlying connective tissue at E17.5 in cKO mice, indicating suppression of cell proliferation in both tissues. Investigation of keratin 5 and 8 protein localization showed significantly suppressed expression in the lingual mucosal epithelium in cKO mice.
CONCLUSIONS
G9a is required for proper proliferation and differentiation of sox9-expressing tongue progenitor cells and is thereby involved in tongue development.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Bromodeoxyuridine; Cell Differentiation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epithelium; Tongue
PubMed: 38142940
DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.12.007 -
Biomedicines Dec 2023(1) Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) remains a serious complication in obstetric patients. While the epidural blood patch represents the current gold...
(1) Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) remains a serious complication in obstetric patients. While the epidural blood patch represents the current gold standard in therapy, a growing number of alternative measures are thought to be beneficial for clinical management. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of intranasal lidocaine administration to treat PDPH in obstetrics at our university hospital; (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with PDPH has been performed focusing on the techniques of administration, dosing, treatment duration, impact on pain intensity as well as side effects of intranasal lidocaine; (3) Results: During the study period, 5610 obstetric patients received neuraxial anesthesia, of whom 43 (0.77%) developed PDPH. About one third of the patients with PDPH after spinal anesthesia ( = 8), epidural anesthesia ( = 5) or both ( = 2) were treated with intranasal lidocaine. Lidocaine was administered either via gauze compresses (GC, = 4), a mucosal atomization device (MAD, = 8) or with a second-line mucosal atomization device due to low gauze compress efficacy ( = 3). All patients treated with lidocaine refused the epidural blood patch. Nebulization of lidocaine resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity after the first dose ( = 0.008). No relevant side effects developed except sporadic temporal pharyngeal numbness. The utilization of the mucosal atomization device averted the necessity for an epidural blood patch, whether employed as the primary or secondary approach; (4) Conclusions: Our data imply that the mucosal atomization device enhances the efficacy of intranasal lidocaine administration in obstetric patients suffering from PDPH.
PubMed: 38137518
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123296 -
BMJ Case Reports Dec 2023This case report describes the case of a man in his seventies presenting with a nasopharyngeal deposit of myeloid sarcoma associated with acute monomyelocytic leukaemia....
This case report describes the case of a man in his seventies presenting with a nasopharyngeal deposit of myeloid sarcoma associated with acute monomyelocytic leukaemia. He presented with right nasal obstruction associated with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus. CT and MRI scans of sinuses identified a moderately restricting mucosal swelling of the right torus tubarius, and a biopsy of the lesion diagnosed a nasal deposit of myeloid sarcoma.
Topics: Humans; Male; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Nasopharynx; Nose; Sarcoma, Myeloid; Tinnitus; Aged
PubMed: 38123315
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251681 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology Jan 2024Given the uniquely close relationship between fish and aquatic environments, fish mucosal tissues are constantly exposed to a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms in... (Review)
Review
Given the uniquely close relationship between fish and aquatic environments, fish mucosal tissues are constantly exposed to a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms in the surrounding water. To maintain mucosal homeostasis, fish have evolved a distinct mucosal immune system known as mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs). These MALTs consist of key effector cells and molecules from the adaptive immune system, such as B cells and immunoglobulins (Igs), which play crucial roles in maintaining mucosal homeostasis and defending against external pathogen infections. Until recently, three primary Ig isotypes, IgM, IgD, and IgT, have been identified in varying proportions within the mucosal secretions of teleost fish. Similar to the role of mucosal IgA in mammals and birds, teleost IgT plays a predominant role in mucosal immunity. Following the identification of the IgT gene in 2005, significant advances have been made in researching the origin, evolution, structure, and function of teleost IgT. Multiple IgT variants have been identified in various species of teleost fish, underscoring the remarkable complexity of IgT in fish. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in various aspects of teleost IgT, including its genomic and structural features, the diverse distribution patterns within various fish mucosal tissues (the skin, gills, gut, nasal, buccal, pharyngeal, and swim bladder mucosa), its interaction with mucosal symbiotic microorganisms, and its immune responses towards diverse pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. We also highlight the existing research gaps in the study of teleost IgT, suggesting the need for further investigation into the functional aspects of IgT and IgT B cells. This research is aimed at providing valuable insights into the immune functions of IgT and the mechanisms underlying the immune responses of fish against infections.
Topics: Animals; Immunoglobulins; Fish Proteins; B-Lymphocytes; Immunoglobulin Isotypes; Fishes; Immunity, Mucosal; Fish Diseases; Mammals
PubMed: 38092093
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109281 -
Endoscopy Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Artificial Intelligence; Hypopharynx; Carcinoma in Situ; Dissection
PubMed: 38086415
DOI: 10.1055/a-2208-3412 -
Paediatric Anaesthesia Apr 2024The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is recognized as a safe alternative to endotracheal intubation for short-term airway maintenance. In this case report we present the case...
The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is recognized as a safe alternative to endotracheal intubation for short-term airway maintenance. In this case report we present the case of a term neonate with upper airway obstruction which was managed with a deflated LMA for 7 consecutive days. Despite previous reports of extended LMA use in neonates without complications, this patient experienced significant pharyngeal mucosal injury and edema, leading to difficulty with subsequent intubation attempts.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Laryngeal Masks; Intubation, Intratracheal
PubMed: 38063288
DOI: 10.1111/pan.14813 -
Cureus Nov 2023Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by and has a wide clinical spectrum that can range from asymptomatic to disseminated disease. Most women with...
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by and has a wide clinical spectrum that can range from asymptomatic to disseminated disease. Most women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is usually characterized by dermatitis, tenosynovitis, and septic arthritis but rarely can also cause bacteremia, endovascular infections, osteomyelitis, and meningitis. Gonococcal bacteremia is regarded as a disseminated disease and is typically associated with infection of the mucosal surfaces such as the urethra, endocervix, and pharynx. This report, to the best of our knowledge, presents a case of DGI associated with a mediport catheter in a patient with breast cancer without any history of gonococcal symptoms. She was monogamous and denied any history of sexually transmitted infections. The patient presented with fever and chills associated with pain and purulent discharge from the mediport catheter site. The mediport catheter was removed, and antibiotics were initiated. Both blood and wound cultures grew . She completed a 10-day course of ceftriaxone and improved clinically with complete remission of her symptoms. A review of the literature on the reported cases of DGI associated with bacteremia and endovascular infections is also presented.
PubMed: 38046706
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48180