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Here we evaluate the influence of mucus layers on the evaporation time and transport of enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Enveloped viruses must remain moist to be fully infective. Yet, the simple but enduring Wells model based on water droplets divides respiratory droplets into either quickly evaporated aerosolized particles termed droplet nuclei (, Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

Background Fish skin represents an ancient vertebrate mucosal surface, sharing characteristics with other mucosal surfaces including those of the intestine. The skin mucosa is continuously exposed to microbes in the surrounding water and is therefore important in the first line defense against environmental pathogens by preventing bacteria from accessing the underlying surfaces. Understanding the microbe-host interactions at the fish skin mucosa is highly relevant in order to understand and control infection, commensalism, colonization, persistence, infection, and disease. Here we investigate the interactions between the pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida) and Yersinia ruckeri (Y. ruckeri), respectively, and the skin mucosal surface of Atlantic salmon fry using AFM force spectroscopy. Results The results obtained revealed that when retracting probes functionalized with bacteria from surfaces coated with immobilized mucins, isolated from salmon mucosal surfaces, rupture events reflecting the disruption of adhesive interactions were observed, with rupture strengths centered around 200 pN. However, when retracting probes functionalized with bacteria from the intact mucosal surface of salmon fish fry no adhesive interactions could be detected. Furthermore, rheological measurements revealed a near fluid-like behavior for the fish fry skin mucus. Taken together, the experimental data indicate that the adhesion between the mucin molecules within the mucous layer may be significantly weaker than the interaction between the bacteria and the mucin molecules. The bacteria, immobilized on the AFM probe, do bind to individual mucins in the mucosal layer, but are released from the near fluid mucus with little resistance upon retraction of the AFM probe, to which they are immobilized. Conclusion The data provided in the current paper reveal that A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri do bind to the immobilized mucins. However, when retracting the bacteria from intact mucosal surfaces, no adhesive interactions are detected. These observations suggest a mechanism underlying the protective function of the mucosal surface based on the clearing of potential threats by adhering them to loosely attached mucus that is subsequently released from the fish skin.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a systemic cicatrizing autoimmune disease that primarily affects orificial mucous membranes, such as the conjunctiva, the nasal cavity, the oropharynx, and the genitalia. Ocular involvement occurs in about 70% of all MMP cases. Ocular MMP (OcMMP) also encompasses the conditions linear immunoglobulin A disease, mucosal dominated epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and anti-laminin 332/anti-epiligrin/anti-laminin 5 pemphigoid. It is a complex clinical entity that may lead to ocular surface failure and result in inflammatory and infectious complications, as well as potentially devastating visual loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are of paramount importance and require a high level of expertise as this condition can be extremely challenging to diagnose and treat even for experienced clinicians. In this review we provide an up-to-date insight on the pathophysiology of OcMMP, with an emphasis on the current state of its diagnostics and therapeutics. Our the aim is to increase our understanding of OcMMP and highlight modern diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common type of autoimmune bullous disease and is characterized by the presence of circulating anti-BP180 and/or anti-BP230 autoantibodies. Patients with BP often present with tense blisters and erythema, mainly on the trunk and limbs, but a few patients also have mucosal involvement. In this article, we discuss the fact that BP patients with mucosal involvement tend to have more serious conditions and their disease is more difficult to control. Potential risk factors for mucous involvement include earlier age at onset, drugs such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, cancer, and blood/serum biomarkers, including lower eosinophil count, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgG autoantibodies against both the NH2- and COOH-termini of BP180, and the absence of anti-BP230 antibodies. IgA and C3 deposition at the dermo-epidermal junction may also be present. Understanding these risk factors may benefit earlier diagnosis of these patients and promote the development of novel treatments. What's more, it's helpful in deeper understanding of BP development and the relationship between BP and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP).

BackgroundEphippidae fish are characterized by a discoid shape with a very small visceral cavity. Among themPlatax orbicularishas a high economic potential due to its flesh quality and flesh to carcass ratio. Nonetheless, the development of its aquaculture is limited by high mortality rates, especially due toTenacibaculum maritimuminfection, occurring one to three weeks after the transfer of fishes from bio-secure land-based aquaculture system to the lagoon cages for growth. Among the lines of defense against this microbial infection, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is less studied. The knowledge about the morphofunctional anatomy of this organ inP. orbicularisis still scarce. Therefore, the aims of this study are to characterize the GIT in non-infectedP. orbicularisjuveniles to then investigate the impact ofT. maritimumon this multifunctional organ.MethodsIn the first place, the morpho-anatomy of the GIT in non-infected individuals was characterized using various histological techniques. Then, infected individuals, experimentally challenged byT. maritimumwere analysed and compared to the previously established GIT reference.ResultsThe overlapped shape of the GIT ofP. orbicularisis probably due to its constrained compaction in a narrow visceral cavity. Firstly, the GIT was divided into 10 sections, from the esophagus to the rectum. For each section, the structure of the walls was characterized, with a focus on mucus secretions and the presence of the Na+/K+ATPase pump. An identification key allowing the characterization of the GIT sections usingin totohistology is given. Secondly, individuals challenged withT. maritimumexhibited differences in mucus type and proportion and, modifications in the mucosal and muscle layers. These changes could induce an imbalance in the trade-off between the GIT functions which may be in favour of protection and immunity to the disadvantage of nutrition capacities.

Introduction: Histoplasmosis is the main opportunistic infection and cause of death in HIV-infected persons living with HIV in French Guiana and probably in most of Latin America. The objective of the present study was to compare cutaneomucous histoplasmosis to non-cutaneomucous histoplasmosis in French Guiana. Methods: Between 1981 and 2014 AIDS-related disseminated histoplasmosis patients followed in the three hospitals of French Guiana were retrospectively studied. Only proven incident cases of histoplasmosis, either by pathology and/or mycological analysis, were considered. Mucocutaneous histoplasmosis was ascertained by a positive mucosal or cutaneous biopsy. Results: Thirty-one patients had mucocutaneous lesions, and 318 had no mucocutaneous lesions. Patients with cutaneomucous lesions were more likely to have had prior opportunistic infections (35.5%) than those who did not have cutaneomucous lesions (19.5%). They were more likely to be very severely immunocompromised (CD4 count &lt, 50) (90.3% versus 62.8%) and less likely to have digestive signs (32.3% versus 74.1%) and superficial adenopathies (29% versus 50.2%) than those without cutaneomucous lesions. In terms of simple biological examinations, patients with cutaneomucous lesions had fewer signs of cholestasis. The diagnosis was significantly more likely to be performed by direct examination and pathology in those with cutaneomucous lesions than in those without such lesions. On the contrary, patients with cutaneomucous lesions were less likely to be diagnosed by fungal culture than those without cutaneomucous lesions. There was a greater but non-significant risk of early death in those with cutaneomucous lesions relative to those without (OR = 2.28 (95%CI = 0.83&ndash, 5.7), p = 0.056. Conclusions: Mucocutaneous forms were associated with more profound immunosuppression and perhaps risk of early death. They are easily accessible for diagnosis.

Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2023-01-30T18:52:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2020 - Matheus Rodrigues Silva do Carmo.pdf: 1972522 bytes, checksum: ad00c59b497b3faf56ab2fda9d9889e9 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2023-01-30T18:52:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2020 - Matheus Rodrigues Silva do Carmo.pdf: 1972522 bytes, checksum: ad00c59b497b3faf56ab2fda9d9889e9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020-06-16 CAPES - Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico FAPERJ - Funda??o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Balanced intestinal microbiota is associated with a healthy lifestyle and the consumption of prebiotic foods and /or foods that are sources of probiotic microorganisms are important to achieve this goal. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, confer benefits to the host health. Essential requirements to be considered probiotic are the ability to adhere and colonize the intestine and pathogens inhibition. Lactobacilli are part of the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), having important technological and probiotic properties. The objective of the study is to evaluate the probiotic properties of lactobacilli strains from human origin by their capacity for adhesion, colonization and pathogen inhibition. The following strains of lactobacilli were used: 4 strains of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, 3 strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and 2 strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum. The hydrophobicity of the cell surface of the strains was evaluated, their ability to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells) and their capacity to inhibit the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium DTA 41 through the mechanisms of competition, exclusion and displacement. Despite presenting low percentage of cell surface hydrophobicity, all strains showed a high adhesion to Caco-2 cells, with no significant difference between isolated strains and Christian Hansen's commercial probiotic L. casei. Both the isolated strains and the commercial strain were able to inhibit Salmonella biofilms, in addition to reducing the pathogen's adhesion to Caco-2 cells. However, the reduction in Salmonella adhesion to Caco-2 cells by human isolates, especially L. rhamnosus DTA 73, was superior compared to the commercial strain, which was not effective in excluding or displace the pathogen. In the plastic surface, inhibition through competition and exclusion mechanisms was significantly more effective when compared to inhibition by displacement for all strains. The results of the study suggest that the isolated strains have a high capacity for adhesion and pathogen inhibition and should be used not only to prevent, but also to treat diarrhea since they also have the ability to displace Salmonella in Caco-2 cells.Further in vitro and in vivo tests must be carried out to establish the probiotic properties of lactobacilli strains, in addition to understanding the mechanisms which make them capable of adhering to intestinal epithelial cells and inhibiting pathogens. Uma microbiota intestinal equilibrada est? associada a um estilo de vida saud?vel. O consumo de alimentos prebi?ticos e / ou que contenham microrganismos probi?ticos pode assegurar o equil?brio dessa microbiota. Probi?ticos s?o microrganismos vivos que, quando ingeridos em quantidades adequadas, conferem benef?cios ? sa?de do hospedeiro. A capacidade de aderir e colonizar o intestino e de inibi??o de pat?genos representam requisitos essenciais para microrganismos serem considerados probi?ticos. Os lactobacilos fazem parte do grupo de bact?rias ?cido-l?cticas (LAB), possuindo importantes propriedades tecnol?gicas e probi?ticas. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades probi?ticas de cepas de lactobacilos de origem humana por sua capacidade de ades?o, coloniza??o e inibi??o de pat?geno. Foram utilizadas 4 cepas de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, 3 cepas de Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus e 2 cepas de Limosilactobacillus. fermentum. Avaliou-se a hidrofobicidade da superf?cie celular das cepas, sua capacidade de aderir ?s c?lulas epiteliais intestinais (Caco-2) e sua capacidade de inibir o pat?geno de origem alimentar Salmonella Typhimurium DTA 41 atrav?s dos mecanismos de competi??o, exclus?o e desacoplamento. Apesar de apresentar baixo percentual de hidrofobicidade da superf?cie celular, todas as cepas apresentaram alta capacidade de ades?o nas c?lulas Caco-2, n?o havendo diferen?a significativa entre as cepas isoladas e a cepa probi?tica comercial da Christian Hansen L. casei. Tanto as cepas isoladas quanto a comercial foram capazes de inibir os biofilmes de Salmonella, al?m de reduzir a ades?o do pat?geno nas c?lulas Caco-2. No entanto, a redu??o da ades?o de Salmonella nas c?lulas Caco-2 pelos isolados humanos, especialmente L. rhamnosus DTA 73 foi superior em compara??o ? cepa comercial, que n?o foi eficaz em excluir ou desacoplar o pat?geno. Em superf?cie pl?stica a inibi??o atrav?s dos mecanismos de competi??o e exclus?o foi significativamente mais eficaz quando comparada ? inibi??o por desacoplamento para todas as cepas. Os resultados do estudo sugerem que as cepas isoladas possuem alta capacidade de ades?o e inibi??o de pat?geno, podendo ser usada n?o apenas para prevenir, mas tamb?m para tratar diarreia j? que tamb?m apresentam capacidade de desacoplar Salmonella em c?lulas Caco-2. Outros testes in vitro e in vivo devem ser realizados para estabelecer as propriedades probi?ticas das cepas de lactobacilos, al?m de compreender os mecanismos que as tornam capazes de aderir ?s c?lulas epiteliais intestinais e de inibir pat?genos.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are a major public health issue in industrialized and newly-industrialized countries. Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) both present intestinal dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory responses towards members of the microbiota. Secretory Ig (SIg), SIgA and SIgM, are inducers of immune tolerance towards this microbiota. In humans, only SIgA2 can uptaken by M cells of the Peyer’s Patches and transported to the mucosa with their antigens. This reverse transcytosis (RT) is dependent on Dectin-1 and Siglec-5 binding. We show that SIgM can also undergo RT and IgA sub-class and isoform condition dendritic cell phenotypes and affinity for each IgA receptor is key for these interactions. In IBD, we uncover pathogenic functions on IgA1-induced selection of the microbiota in CD, and loss of function of IgA2 for microbiota selection in UC. Finally, we show that Dectin-1 ligands can limit RT in vivo in mouse models of colitis and thus limit inflammation. This work offers new avenues regarding the understanding of dysbiosis maintenance et provides novel therapeutic approaches in the care for IBD. It can be transposed in other metabolic disease wherein dysbiosis promotes inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.; Les maladies inflammatoire chroniques de l’intestin sont des pathologies des pays industrialisés, dont l’augmentation de la prévalence en fait des enjeux majeurs de santé publique. La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la rectocolite hémorragique (RCH) présentent toutes deux une dysbiose intestinale, et la mise en place de boucles inflammatoires. Les immunoglobulines sécrétoires (SIg), SIgA et SIgM, induisent la tolérance immune envers le microbiote. Chez l’homme, seules les IgA2, une fois sécrétée, sont prises en charge par les cellules M des plaques de Peyer (PP) et transportées vers la muqueuse. Cette transcytose inverse (RT) dépend des récepteurs Dectin-1 et Siglec-5. Nous démontrons que les IgA, selon leur sous-classe et leur structure, ont une fonction différentielle sur l’activation des cellules dendritiques et que l’affinité pour les différents récepteurs aux IgA conditionne ces interactions. Nous montrons pour la première fois que les SIgM sont également capables d’effectuer la transcytose inverse. Dans les MICI, nous mettons au jour un gain de fonction pathogénique des IgA1 dans la sélection du microbiote dans la MC, et une perte des fonctions de sélection des IgA2 dans la RCH. Nous montrons enfin que l’inhibition de la RT par les ligands de Dectin-1 au cours de colite chez la souris protège de l’inflammation. Ce travail offre de nouvelles pistes expliquant l’établissement de la dysbiose intestinale. Il ouvre la voie vers de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques visant à limiter le maintien de la dysbiose. Ceci peut s’appliquer non seulement au soin des MICI, mais aussi à celui de maladie métabolique impliquant une dysbiose, telles que l’obésité ou le diabète de type 2.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are a major public health issue in industrialized and newly-industrialized countries. Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) both present intestinal dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory responses towards members of the microbiota. Secretory Ig (SIg), SIgA and SIgM, are inducers of immune tolerance towards this microbiota. In humans, only SIgA2 can uptaken by M cells of the Peyer’s Patches and transported to the mucosa with their antigens. This reverse transcytosis (RT) is dependent on Dectin-1 and Siglec-5 binding. We show that SIgM can also undergo RT and IgA sub-class and isoform condition dendritic cell phenotypes and affinity for each IgA receptor is key for these interactions. In IBD, we uncover pathogenic functions on IgA1-induced selection of the microbiota in CD, and loss of function of IgA2 for microbiota selection in UC. Finally, we show that Dectin-1 ligands can limit RT in vivo in mouse models of colitis and thus limit inflammation. This work offers new avenues regarding the understanding of dysbiosis maintenance et provides novel therapeutic approaches in the care for IBD. It can be transposed in other metabolic disease wherein dysbiosis promotes inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity., Les maladies inflammatoire chroniques de l’intestin sont des pathologies des pays industrialisés, dont l’augmentation de la prévalence en fait des enjeux majeurs de santé publique. La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la rectocolite hémorragique (RCH) présentent toutes deux une dysbiose intestinale, et la mise en place de boucles inflammatoires. Les immunoglobulines sécrétoires (SIg), SIgA et SIgM, induisent la tolérance immune envers le microbiote. Chez l’homme, seules les IgA2, une fois sécrétée, sont prises en charge par les cellules M des plaques de Peyer (PP) et transportées vers la muqueuse. Cette transcytose inverse (RT) dépend des récepteurs Dectin-1 et Siglec-5. Nous démontrons que les IgA, selon leur sous-classe et leur structure, ont une fonction différentielle sur l’activation des cellules dendritiques et que l’affinité pour les différents récepteurs aux IgA conditionne ces interactions. Nous montrons pour la première fois que les SIgM sont également capables d’effectuer la transcytose inverse. Dans les MICI, nous mettons au jour un gain de fonction pathogénique des IgA1 dans la sélection du microbiote dans la MC, et une perte des fonctions de sélection des IgA2 dans la RCH. Nous montrons enfin que l’inhibition de la RT par les ligands de Dectin-1 au cours de colite chez la souris protège de l’inflammation. Ce travail offre de nouvelles pistes expliquant l’établissement de la dysbiose intestinale. Il ouvre la voie vers de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques visant à limiter le maintien de la dysbiose. Ceci peut s’appliquer non seulement au soin des MICI, mais aussi à celui de maladie métabolique impliquant une dysbiose, telles que l’obésité ou le diabète de type 2.

In consequence of development of endoscopic technique in recent decades let more accurate diagnosticate precancerous of stomach, which was one of the factors, which promoted their successful treatment. This in turn produced stabilization and reduction of stomach cancer in many countries, including Russia and this trend continues. At once stomach cancer continues occupy one of the lead positions in structure of disease incidence among malignant tumors and is one of the fundamental reasons of mortality. In consequence of reduction to daily practice of modern medical technology, improvement of diagnosis of epithelial appearance and early cancer of stomach became real , in connection with this interest in endoscopic treatment methods increased. Over recent years minimally invasive endoscopic treatment methods occupied the lead position not only in diagnosis but also in the treatment of various diseases of stomach. At the present time endoscopic operations become common use for benign pathology of stomach and early stomach cancer.

Endoscopicanatomy,morphologicalchangesinmucousmembraneofgastroesophageal and gastroduodenal transitions, clinic in patients with duodenal ulcer were studied. Individual characteristics of each transition and some typical patterns were identified.

RESUMEN El eritema multiforme es un síndrome mucocutáneo habitualmente leve, caracterizado por un desorden inflamatorio agudo inusual, que afecta la piel y / o las mucosas, con un grado de afectación variable, generalmente prevalece en adultos jóvenes aparentemente sanos y del sexo masculino. Se presenta con una variedad de lesiones, perola forma característica consiste en una mácula o pápula rojiza con un centro claro, a vecesvesicular,llamada lesión en diana. El eritema multiforme es una enfermedad rara, de fisiopatología aún no esclarecida, pero se cree que ocurre una reacción de hipersensibilidad inmunológica. Se describe un caso de eritema multiforme en un niño de 12 años,quien presentó lesiones en las mucosas y en la pielque requirió cuidados hospitalarios, medicado con:aciclovir, fluconazol y nistatina con favorable evolución. SUMMARY Erythema multiforme is a usually mild mucocutaneous syndrome, characterized by being an unusual acute inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and / or mucous membranes, with a variable degree of affectation, generally prevailing in apparently healthy young adults, and of the male sex. Patients manifest a variety of lesions, as well as a characteristic lesion form consisting of a reddish spot or papule with a clear,orvesicular centercalled a target lesion. Erythema multiforme is a rare disease, of physiopathology not yet clarified but it is believed that an immunological hypersensitivity reaction occurs. Thus, a case of erythema multiforme in a immunocompetent12-year-old boy with presentation of mucosal and skin lesions is described.

В работе изучены и представлены структурнo-функциональныe изменения яйцепрoвода 4-месячных кур. Методами современной гистохимии выявлено содержание в тканях органа углевoдных компонентов (гликoгена, нейтрaльных, кислых сульфaтированных и сиалoгликопротеинов, кислых сульфатировaнных протеогликанoв, гиалуронатов) и РНК. У цыплят в 4-месячном возрасте визуально яйцепровод на отделы не дифференцировaн. Это трубчатый орган длиной 9,2±4,47см и шириной 0,3±1,91 см. Краниальная часть яйцепровода расположена вблизи яичника, каудальная часть открывается в клоаку. В 4-месячном возрасте у цыплят начинается процесс дифференциации яйцепровода на отделы, и к 5-6-месячному возрасту яйцепровод сформирован (наступает половая зрелость). Стенка яйцепровода на всем протяжении состоит из трех оболочек: внутренней слизистой, средней мышечной и наружной серозной. Слизистая оболочка состоит из покровного эпителия и собственной пластинки. Мышечная оболочка образована гладкой мышечной тканью, состоит из двух слоев: внутреннего циркулярного и наружного продольного. Серозная оболочка состоит из тонкого слоя соединительной ткани, покрытой однослойным плоским эпителием. В результате проведенных исследований нами установлено, что в 4-месячном возрасте у цыплят половая зрелость еще не наступила, и соответственно не начался процесс яйцеобразования. В клетках эпителиального пласта происходит накопление питательных и энергетических веществ, в частности, гликогена. В средней части (белковый и скорлуповый отделы) этот процесс идет значительно быстрее, чем в краниальной (воронка) и каудальной (влагалищный отдел) частях. Накопление углеводных и белковых компонентов в средней части яйцепровода до наступления половой зрелости, по нашему мнению, свидетельствуют об усилении метаболических процессов в клетках и тканях, приводящих к ряду гистологических и гистохимических изменений, направленных на формирование тканей органа и подготовки его к началу яйцекладки., The structural and functional changes of four-month chickens’ oviduct are studied and represented in this work. Using methods of modern histochemistry the presence of carbohydrate components (glycogen, neutral, acidic sulphated and sialomucoproteins, acidic sulphated proteoglycans, hyaluronates) and RNA was detected in the organ tissue. In chickens the oviduct is not differentiated into sections visually at four months of age. It is a tubular organ 9,2±4,47 cm in length and 0,3±1,91 cm in width. The cranial part of the oviduct is located near the ovary, and the caudal part is opened in the cloaca. In chickens at four months of age the process of differentiation of the oviduct into sections begins and the oviduct is fully formed by 5–6 months of age (puberty comes). Throughout the wall of the oviduct consists of three membranes: internal – mucous, medium – muscular and external – serous. The mucous membrane consists of the surface epithelium and its own plate. The muscular membrane is formed by smooth muscle tissue and consists of two layers: the inner – circular and outer – longitudinal. The serous membrane consists of a thin layer of connective tissue covered with a single-layer of squamose epithelium. As a result of our studies, we found that chickens at four months of age have not reached puberty yet, and for this reason the process of egg formation has not begun. The accumulation of nutritional and energy substances, in particular, glycogen, occurs in the cells of the epithelial layer. In the middle part (protein and shell section) this process is much faster than in the cranial (funnel) and caudal (vaginal section) parts. In our opinion, the accumulation of carbohydrate and protein components in the middle part of the oviduct before puberty, suggests increasing metabolic processes in cells and tissues, which lead to a number of histological and histochemical changes designated to producing the formation of organ tissues and preparing it to the beginning of egg-laying.

Background and Objectives: No single optimal test reliably determines the pancreatic cyst subtype. Following EUS-FNA, the 'string sign' test can differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. However, the interobserver variability of string sign results has not been studied. Methods: An experienced endosonographer performed EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts on different patients and was recorded on video performing the string sign test for each. The videos were shared internationally with 14 experienced endosonographers, with a survey for each video: 'Is the string sign positive?' and 'If the string sign is positive, what is the length of the formed string?' Also asked 'What is the cutoff length for string sign to be considered positive?' Interobserver variability was assessed using the kappa statistic (κ). Results: A total of 112 observations were collected from 14 endosonographers. Regarding string sign test positivity, κ was 0.6 among 14 observers indicating good interrater agreement (P < 0.001) while κ was 0.38 when observers were compared to the index endosonographer demonstrating marginal agreement (P < 0.001). Among observations of the length of the string in positive samples, 89.8% showed >5 mm of variability (P < 0.001), indicating marked variability. There was poor agreement on the cutoff length for a string to be considered positive. Conclusion: String sign of pancreatic cysts has a good interobserver agreement regarding its positivity that can help in differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous pancreatic cysts. However, the agreement is poor on the measured length of the string and the cutoff length of the formed string to be considered a positive string sign.

Mucocele is a common salivary gland disorder that can appear in the lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, appendix, or gall bladder. These lesions occur due to mucous accumulation resulting from the alteration of minor salivary glands. Lower lip is the most common site of occurrence of these lesions in the oral cavity and most probable cause is trauma or habit of lip biting. Diagnosis is mainly clinical due to its pathognomonic presentation. We report a case series of mucocele in children treated by conventional surgical excision of the lesion.

Studied features of vascular-tissue ratios of mucous membrane of the lower third of the esophagus of human fetus and adult persons as the basis of resistance of mucous membrane to metaplasia. It is shown that the formation of the inner layer of the lower third of the esophagus are in direct connection with the formation of how the structure of the body, so his vascularization.

The enterobacteria Salmonella species are divided into several serovars such as Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Typhi and Paratyphi which are the major causative agents of either gastroenteritis or typhoid fever. They are responsible for more than 90 million cases and 400 000 deaths each year. The increase in multi-drug resistant strains requires the implementation of prophylactic mucosal vaccines. Besides, the intestinal environment is characterized by a balance between immune tolerance and inflammatory response tightly regulated by secretory immunoglobulins (Ig) A. Mucosal IgA are mainly dimeric, serum IgA monomeric and two IgA isotypes have been described in humans: IgA1 and IgA2. We firstly explored the functions of the different isotypes and isoforms of human IgA. We pointed out a pro-inflammatory role of IgA2 whereas IgA1 rather oriented the immunity towards an anti-inflammatory response. We have also highlighted both the regulation of IgA receptors expression by IgA and an IgA/CD8 cytotoxic T cells axis. We also designed a multivalent vaccine against Salmonella by coupling two antigens – SseB and OmpC – to secretory Ig. We pointed out solid specific humoral and cellular responses against both these antigens coupled to either IgA or IgM after intra-nasal immunization in mucosal but also systemic compartments. We have also demonstrated the possibility to preserve and increase the antigen immunogenicity with a multivalent vaccine. This thesis thus paves the way for new secretory Ig-vectorized mucosal vaccines. In addition, the immune response could be modulated through the chosen isotype or isoform and the differences in immune activation generated by structural changes in IgA could shed some light on their role in mucosal homeostasis.; Les entérobactéries Salmonella sont divisées en plusieurs sérovars dont les quatre principaux Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Typhi et Paratyphi sont responsables soit de gastroentérites soit de fièvres typhoïdes, à raison de plus de 90 millions de cas et 400 000 décès par an. L’apparition de souches multi-résistantes nécessite la mise en place d’une vaccination prophylactique muqueuse. L’environnement intestinal est caractérisé par une balance entre tolérance immunitaire et réaction inflammatoire régulée par les immunoglobulines (Ig) A sécrétoires. Les IgA des sécrétions muqueuses sont dimériques, les IgA sériques sont monomérique et deux isotypes ont été décrits chez l’Homme: IgA1 et IgA2. Nous avons tout d’abord exploré les fonctions des différents isotypes et isoformes des IgA humaines. Nous avons pu noter un rôle anti-inflammatoire des IgA1 à l’inverse d’un rôle pro-inflammatoire des IgA2 et nous avons souligné un processus de régulation de l’expression des récepteurs aux IgA par les IgA elles-mêmes ainsi qu’un axe IgA/lymphocytes T CD8 cytotoxiques. Nous avons ensuite mis en place un vaccin multivalent composé des antigènes SseB et OmpC de Salmonella liés à des Ig sécrétoires. Cette étude a mis en évidence une solide réponse immunitaire humorale et cellulaire spécifique aux antigènes couplés à des IgA ou IgM après vaccination intra-nasale au niveau systémique et muqueux. Par ailleurs, de plus fortes réponses humorales et systémiques spécifiques ont été observées en couplant à la fois OmpC et SseB sur l’IgA. Ce travail de thèse ouvre de nouvelles perspectives pour la mise en place de vaccins muqueux multivalents et pourrait apporter des réponses quant au rôle des IgA.

High fat diets (HFDs) are commonly used to induce obesity in rodents, however the nutritional composition of these diets often vary dramatically and may result in variable effects on the obese phenotype. This thesis investigates how two commonly used HFDs (45%HFD (45% kcal from fat) and 60%HFD (60% kcal from fat)) differently affect aspects of the obese phenotype (adipose tissue dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation) and colon health (crypt histomorphology) when fed to 3- week-old male C57Bl/6 mice for 12 weeks compared to lean mice consuming low fat diet (17%LFD; 17% kcal from fat). Mice consuming 60%HFD had increased adiposity, gonadal adipose tissue macrophage infiltration, biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction (serum insulin, leptin), endotoxemia, colon crypt height, and goblet cell density compared to mice consuming 45%HFD and 17%LFD. Overall, findings suggest that the severity of the obese phenotype, and colon health in mice were dependant on the nutritional composition of their respective HFDs.

Lichen is a common chronic inflammatory dermatitis that can affect the skin, mucous membranes and phaneres. The simultaneous involvement of the three compartments is rare and testifies to the severity and activity of the disease. We present a case of this triple involvement. However, the complete muco-cutaneous and phanerienic forms are rare, testify to the severity of the disease and justify a systemic treatment and a regular and long-term monitoring view the risk of degeneration of the mucous lesions. We report the case of this 60-old-man, followed for papular dermatosis, hyperpigmentary, very itchy, generalized, with involvement of the genital mucosa, in the form of erosive balanitis and nails of the hands and feet. The cutaneous histology was in favor of lichen. The biological examinations did not show any dysthyroidism, liver or autoimmune diseases. The patient was placed on systemic and topical corticosteroids. A pigmentogenic evolution of the cutaneous lesions, a beginning of bleaching of the nail lesions and a resistance of the genital lesions were noted.

The enterobacteria Salmonella species are divided into several serovars such as Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Typhi and Paratyphi which are the major causative agents of either gastroenteritis or typhoid fever. They are responsible for more than 90 million cases and 400 000 deaths each year. The increase in multi-drug resistant strains requires the implementation of prophylactic mucosal vaccines. Besides, the intestinal environment is characterized by a balance between immune tolerance and inflammatory response tightly regulated by secretory immunoglobulins (Ig) A. Mucosal IgA are mainly dimeric, serum IgA monomeric and two IgA isotypes have been described in humans: IgA1 and IgA2. We firstly explored the functions of the different isotypes and isoforms of human IgA. We pointed out a pro-inflammatory role of IgA2 whereas IgA1 rather oriented the immunity towards an anti-inflammatory response. We have also highlighted both the regulation of IgA receptors expression by IgA and an IgA/CD8 cytotoxic T cells axis. We also designed a multivalent vaccine against Salmonella by coupling two antigens – SseB and OmpC – to secretory Ig. We pointed out solid specific humoral and cellular responses against both these antigens coupled to either IgA or IgM after intra-nasal immunization in mucosal but also systemic compartments. We have also demonstrated the possibility to preserve and increase the antigen immunogenicity with a multivalent vaccine. This thesis thus paves the way for new secretory Ig-vectorized mucosal vaccines. In addition, the immune response could be modulated through the chosen isotype or isoform and the differences in immune activation generated by structural changes in IgA could shed some light on their role in mucosal homeostasis., Les entérobactéries Salmonella sont divisées en plusieurs sérovars dont les quatre principaux Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Typhi et Paratyphi sont responsables soit de gastroentérites soit de fièvres typhoïdes, à raison de plus de 90 millions de cas et 400 000 décès par an. L’apparition de souches multi-résistantes nécessite la mise en place d’une vaccination prophylactique muqueuse. L’environnement intestinal est caractérisé par une balance entre tolérance immunitaire et réaction inflammatoire régulée par les immunoglobulines (Ig) A sécrétoires. Les IgA des sécrétions muqueuses sont dimériques, les IgA sériques sont monomérique et deux isotypes ont été décrits chez l’Homme: IgA1 et IgA2. Nous avons tout d’abord exploré les fonctions des différents isotypes et isoformes des IgA humaines. Nous avons pu noter un rôle anti-inflammatoire des IgA1 à l’inverse d’un rôle pro-inflammatoire des IgA2 et nous avons souligné un processus de régulation de l’expression des récepteurs aux IgA par les IgA elles-mêmes ainsi qu’un axe IgA/lymphocytes T CD8 cytotoxiques. Nous avons ensuite mis en place un vaccin multivalent composé des antigènes SseB et OmpC de Salmonella liés à des Ig sécrétoires. Cette étude a mis en évidence une solide réponse immunitaire humorale et cellulaire spécifique aux antigènes couplés à des IgA ou IgM après vaccination intra-nasale au niveau systémique et muqueux. Par ailleurs, de plus fortes réponses humorales et systémiques spécifiques ont été observées en couplant à la fois OmpC et SseB sur l’IgA. Ce travail de thèse ouvre de nouvelles perspectives pour la mise en place de vaccins muqueux multivalents et pourrait apporter des réponses quant au rôle des IgA.

After a brief introduction to the history of non-invasive dermatological imaging, this work is divided into 3 parts. 1) Presentation of a project for the development of a low-cost miniaturized optical coherence tomograph to allow dissemination of this technique to dermatologists practicing outside hospitals. This is an ANR project: DOCT-VCSEL Portable Optical Coherence Tomography with MEMS-VCSEL swept-sources for skin analysis ANR 2015 / Societal Challenge "Life, Health and Welfare" Axis 13 “Technologies for Health" 2) Presentation of a project whose goal is the identification of cancer skin lesions by means of a new high definition OCT developed by the company DAMAE, resulting from the Higher Institute of Optics of Palaiseau. It is a device that will initially be reserved for centers of excellence in dermatological imaging. 3) Presentation of 52 publications related to skin imaging, in which I participated, and referenced in the international databases as of December 31, 2016. This work covers all modern dermatological non-invasive imaging and addresses Subjects that had never been studied in this way. Notably the mucous membranes and the anterior ocular apparatus but also the identification by confocal microscopy of the surgical margins or the association confocal microscopy Raman spectrometry, Après une introduction brève de l’historique de l’imagerie dermatologique non invasive, ce travail est divisé 3 parties. 1) Présentation d’un projet de développement d’un tomographe à cohérence optique miniaturisé, peu onéreu devant permettre une diffusion de cette technique aux dermatologues exerçant en dehors des hôpitaux. Il s’agi d’un projet ANR DOCT-VCSEL Portable Optical Coherence Tomography with MEMS-VCSEL swept- sources for skin analysis ANR 2015 / Défi sociétal « Vie, Santé et Bien-Etre » Axe 13 « Technologies pour la santé » 2) Présentation d’un projet dont le but est l’identification de lésions cutanées cancéreuses au moyen d’un nouvel OCT haute définition développé par la société DAMAE, issue de l’Institut supérieur d’Optique de Palaiseau. Il s’agit d’un dispositif qui sera dans un premier temps réservé aux centre d’excellence en imagerie dermatologique. 3) la reprise des 52 publications ayant trait à l’imagerie cutanée auxquelles j’ai participé et référencées dans les bases de données internationales au 31 décembre 2016. Ce travail couvre l’ensemble de l’imagerie non invasive dermatologique moderne et aborde des sujets qui n’avaient jamais été étudié de la sorte. Notamment les muqueuses et l’appareil oculaire antérieur mais aussi l’identification par microscopie confocale des marge chirurgicales ou l’association microscopie confocale spectrométrie Raman

Die retrospektive Registerstudie stellt die bislang größte lokalisationsübergreifende Studie von n = 150 Patienten mit primären Schleimhautmelanomen (SHM) dar. Sie wurde initiiert, um epidemiologische Parameter und den Krankheitsverlauf zu beschreiben, die lokalisationsspezifische Subklassifizierung von SHM zu hinterfragen sowie Prognosefaktoren zu identifizieren. Die Stadieneinteilung gemäß Ballantyne unterscheidet sich zwischen den Unterlokalisationen (p < 0,001); ebenfalls die Tumordicke analog Breslow im Vergleich aller Sublokalisationen (p = 0,005). Die Tumordicke differiert im Hinblick auf die Stadieneinteilung (p = 0,007). Ebenfalls unterscheidet sich zwischen den Stadien I bis III die gruppierte Tumordicke (p = 0,009) (Einteilung analog der T-Stadien für primär kutane Melanome [CM]). Von Stadium T1 bis T4 steigt der Anteil ulzerierter SHM (p < 0,001). Univariat beträgt das 5-Jahres-Gesamtüberleben (OS) 52,0 %. Es sind die Hauptlokalisation (p = 0,017), die Stadieneinteilung (p < 0,001), die T-Stadieneinteilung (p = 0,019) sowie der Resektionsstatus (p = 0,001) prognostisch wirksam. Multivariat zeigen in der Cox-Regressionsanalyse bezüglich des 5-Jahres-Überlebens frei von Fernmetastasierung (DMFS) die T-Stadieneinteilung sowie die gruppierte T-Stadieneinteilung Signifikanz. Eine Tendenz zur unabhängigen prognostischen Vorhersagekraft der gruppierten T-Stadieneinteilung ergibt sich für das 5-Jahres-Überleben frei von lokoregionärer Progression (LPFS) sowie das OS. SHM unterschiedlicher Lokalisation zeigen einen differenten Krankheitsverlauf mit besserer Prognose vulvärer SHM. Bei Übereinstimmung des unabhängigen Prognoseparameters der Tumordicke zwischen CM und SHM scheint eine lokalisationsabhängige Klassifizierung eingeschränkt zielführend und es wird eine Adaptation des kutanen Stagingsystems angeregt. Cutoff-Werte zur Differenzierung innerhalb der T-Stadieneinteilung sind lediglich eingeschränkt von CM auf SHM übertragbar.

Ostreopsis cf. ovata is a harmful benthic dinoflagellate, widespread along most of the Mediterranean coasts. It produces a wide range of palytoxin-like compounds and variable amounts of mucus that may totally cover substrates, especially during the stationary phase of blooms. Studies on different aspects of the biology and ecology of Ostreopsis spp. are increasing, yet knowledge on toxicity mechanism is still limited. In particular, the potential active role of the mucilaginous matrix has not yet been proven, although when mass mortalities have occurred, organisms have been reported to be covered by the typical brownish mucilage. In order to better elucidate toxicity dependence on direct/indirect contact, the role of the mucilaginous matrix and the potential differences in toxicity along the growth curve of O. cf. ovata, we carried out a toxic bioassay during exponential, stationary and late stationary phases. Simultaneously, a molecular assay was performed to quantify intact cells or to exclude cells presence. A liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis was also carried out to evaluate toxin profile and content in the different treatments. Our results report higher mortality of model organism, especially during the late stationary phase, when a direct contact between model organism and intact microalgal cells occurs (LC50-48h < 4 cells/ml on A. salina), although also growth medium devoid of microalgal cells but containing O. cf. ovata mucilage cause significant toxic effects. This finding is also supported by chemical analysis which shows the highest toxin content in pellet extract (95%) and around to 5% of toxins in the growth medium holding mucus, while the treatment deprived of both cells and mucilage didn’t contain any detectable toxins. Additionally, the connection between mucilaginous matrix and thecal plates, pores and trychocysts was explored by way of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate cell surface at a sub-nanometer resolution, providing a pioneering description of cellular features.

In this article we consider the most popular methods for evaluating the degree of olfactory disorders. The purpose of our paper is an analytical review of olfactometry of methods and tools to determine their potential and the diagnostic value of the detection of respiratory-olfactory disorders (blocking of odorants getting into areas of the nasal mucosa, containing olfactory receptors). Purpusful study of olfactory function allows to determine the criteria for the diagnosis of local destruction of various parts of the analyze. Various methods and devices (olfactometers) are used to diagnose olfactory analyzer, but they all have a number of drawbacks: the long duration of the study, the use of objective evidence of the subjects, the use of olfactory substances that affect the end of the threefold nerve, determination of olfactory dysfunction or only quantitatively or only qualitatively. Most of the methods for evaluating of olfactory disorders have a wide range of uses for the diagnosis of various diseases as well, including mental disorders, brain damage, and nervous system. However, within our problem, olfactory dysfunction is necessary to consider in connection with the problem of the air passage in the human olfactory system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a highly specialized method of assessing olfactory – respiratory disorders, which would have a high degree of objectivity for use in clinical practice of otolaryngologists. Thus, in the perspective of further research it seems necessary to develop a method of assessment of olfactory function on the basis of respiratory parameters derived from rinomanometry research that will improve the objectivity of conducted researches. Эта статья посвящена обзору наиболее популярных методов оценки степени обонятельных расстройств. Большинство методов оценки степени нарушения обоняния имеют широкий спектр применения для диагностики различных заболеваний, включая психические расстройства, повреждения мозга и нервной системы. Однако, в рамках нашей задачи необходимо рассматривать дисфункцию обоняния в связи с проблемой прохождения воздуха в обонятельный анализатор человека. Таким образом, в перспективе дальнейших исследований представляется необходимым разработать метод оценки обонятельной функции на основе параметров дыхания, полученных в результате риноманометричного обследования, что позволит повысить объективность проведенных исследований.

Cilia are hair-like organelles projecting from a eukaryotic cell, used either for locomotion or as sensors. Cilia commonly occur in patches. To take this into consideration, we represent cilia in multiple patches, instead of the conventional 'dense mat' representation. We focus on the combined action and interplay of these patches. The effects of varying the frequency, spacing and phase lag of the beating of one cilia bunch with respect to the beating of adjacent patches are studied. We model the Airway Surface Liquid (ASL) as a three-layer structure. The possibility of an optimum frequency of beating is noted and the change of mucous flow under different spacing and phase differences are observed. � 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Life expectancies in Mexico worldwide are increasing, so that the increase in the population of older adults is so rapid that it exceeds the incipient activities of research, planning, prevention, granting services and political and administrative organization. This poses a challenge, which must be approached from different angles and disciplines that allow to equalize the increase of the aging population with the actions that give solution to the questions and problems that this sector represents. Aging in the human being is associated with the decrease in the repair and accumulation of mutations due to endogenous and exogenous factors, resulting in an increase in the damage to the genetic material that can be detected as an alteration in the number and / or structure of the chromosomes in the cell, which is considered as a potential risk of developing cancer. In this regard, an increased frequency of micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes of healthy subjects was prospectively linked to an elevated risk of cancer. Las expectativas de vida en México a nivel mundial van en aumento, de tal manera que el incremento en la población de adultos mayores es tan rápido que rebasa las incipientes actividades de investigación, planeación, prevención, otorgamiento de servicios y de organización política y administrativa. Esto plantea un reto, el cual debe ser abordado desde diversos ángulos y disciplinas que permitan igualar el incremento de la población envejecida con las acciones que den solución alas interrogantes y problemas que representa este sector.el envejecimiento en el ser humano se asocia ala disminución en la reparación y la acumulación de mutaciones debido a factores endogenos y exógenos, resultando en un aumento del daño al material genético que puede ser detectado como una alteración en e numero y/o estructura de los cromosomas en la célula, lo cual es considerado como un riesgo potencial de desarrollar cáncer. Al respecto, una incrementada frecuencia de micronucleos (MN) en linfocitos de sujetos sanos fue vinculada prospectiva mente a un elevado riesgo de cáncer.

Приводятся данные о детальной морфологии и экстраорганному артериальному руслу двенадцатиперстной кишки новорожденных ягнят ставропольской породы, а также выводы на основании полученных результатов исследования.

A complete skin examination includes the evaluation of the scalp, genitalia, mucous membranes, and conjunctiva. In this study, the scalp and genitalia were not examined unless directed by the patient. We suspect that these areas were examined infrequently, since it is unusual for a woman to point out a pigmented vulvar lesion, and macular lesions on the scalp are usually invisible to the patient. The scalp examination is usually the most time-consuming part of a complete skin examination. Moreover, there was no mention whether mucous membranes or conjunctiva were included in the examination described in the study. Perhaps the title of the article would have more accurate as “Time Required for a Partial Skin Examination. . . .”

La Epidermolisis Bulosa (EB) es un conjunto de enfermedades genéticas que afectan la zona de unión dermo-epidérmica y que presentan lesiones ampollares y erosiones en la piel y mucosas de todo el organismo. Los tejidos blandos y duros de la cavidad oral son afectados con diferente intensidad según la proteína alterada por la enfermedad. El compromiso máxilo-facial conlleva dificultades para la alimentación, higiene y tratamiento odontológico de los pacientes, es por esto que el pediatra, como cabeza de un equipo multidisciplinario que trata a los niños afectados, debe tener presente la importancia de derivar a sus pacientes al odontólogo para que se inicien las medidas preventivas y los tratamientos oportunos y así evitar mayores complicaciones en estos niños. Este trabajo pretende reforzar el conocimiento de las manifestaciones orales de la EB, para que la derivación de los pacientes al odontólogo sea precoz y prioritaria Epidermolysis Bullosa constitutes a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases presenting with bullous changes in skin and mucous membranes of congenital origin. Maxillofacial involvement considers feeding, hygiene and dental treatment difficulties. The pediatrician, as the head of a multidisciplinary team that treats these affected children, must be aware of the importance of forwarding the patient to a dentist in order to start preventive measures and opportune treatment. This paper pretends to deeply review the general knowledge of oral manifestations of the EB, showing that early dental consultation is a priority

Yetişkinlere benzer şekilde pediatrik yaş grubunda da deri hastalıklarına sıklıkla rastlanmaktadır. Bu hastalıkların doğru tanı ve tedavisi için deri hastalıklarının yaş grubuna özgü klinik özelliklerini ve tedavi prensiplerini anlamak esastır. Bu makalede pediatrik hastalarda sık karşılaşılan belirli deri hastalıklarından olan pigmentasyon bozuklukları, kutanöz papül ve tümörler, eritemli-skuamlı hastalıklar, vasküler malformasyonlar ve bakteriyel, viral ve paraziter hastalıkların klinik özellikleri ve tanı yaklaşımları özetlenmiştir. Hangi yaş grubunda olursa olsun dermatolojik hastalıkların tanısı anamnez, dermatolojik muayene ve laboratuvar testlerine dayanmaktadır. Anamnezde döküntünün veya lezyonun başlangıcı, süresi, seyri, eşlik eden bulgu ve semptomlar ve uygulanan tedavilere cevabı sorgulanmalıdır. Dermatolojik muayene derinin inspeksiyonu ve palpasyonunu kapsar. Deri dışında mukozalar, tırnak ve saçta muayene edilmelidir. Laboratuvar yöntemlerinden en çok yararlanılanları ise deri sürüntülerinin mikroskopik incelenmesi, vezikül ve büllerle seyreden deri hastalıklarında sitolojik incelemeler ve deri biyopsisi olup tanıya yönelik serolojik tetkiklerden ve radyolojik araştırmalardan da yararlanılmaktadır. Bu makalede sık görülen deri hastalıklarının klinik özellikleri ve tanı yaklaşımlarından bahsedilmektedir.

During a parasitological study on two Goby species, 15 Neogobius kesslerithe and 30 Neogobius fluviatilis caught in the South Caspian Sea and Tajan River (Mazandaran Province) respectively. The fish nematode Dichelyne minutus Rudalphi 1819 was isolated from 15 N kessleri and 2 N. fluviatilis. Both male and female specimen of this parasite, were observed in the intestine of 17 fishes, some of which had penetrated into the mucous membrane of the intestine. The infection rate in N. kessleri and N fluviatilis were 100% and 6.6% respectively.

Respiratory tract lining fluids (RTLFs) are a heterogeneous group of substances covering the respiratory tract epithelial cells (RTECs) from nasal mucosa to alveoli. Antioxidant contained in the RTLFs can be expected to provide an initial defense against inhaled environmental toxins. The major antioxidants in RTLF include mucin, uric acid, protein (largely albumin), ascorbic acid, and reduced glutathione (GSH). RTLF antioxidants can be augmented by such processes as transudation/exudation of plasma constituents; RTEC secretory processes, including glandular mucus secretion; and cellular antioxidants derived from lysis of RTECs and of inflammatory cells. The antioxidant composition of RTLFs and their role in modulating normal and pathophysiologic RTEC functions under conditions of oxidative stress are yet to be fully characterized.