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BACKGROUND: Neisseria gonorrheae and Chlamydia trachomatis are associated with mucosal inflammation and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) transmission. We assessed levels of inflammatory cytokines in men who have sex with men (MSM) with and without rectal gonorrhea and/or chlamydia in Lima, Peru. METHODS: We screened 605 MSM reporting condomless receptive anal intercourse for rectal N. gonorrheae/C. trachomatis using nucleic acid testing. We identified 101 cases of gonorrhea and/or chlamydia and randomly selected 50 N. gonorrheae/C. trachomatis positive cases and matched 52 negative controls. We measured levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in rectal secretions. Tests for HIV-1, rectal N. gonorrheae/C. trachomatis, and mucosal cytokines were repeated after 3 and 6 months. Cytokine levels in cases and uninfected controls were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and linear regression. RESULTS: MSM with gonorrhea/chlamydia had elevated levels of all cytokines in rectal mucosa compared with matched controls (all P values .05). DISCUSSION: Rectal gonorrhea/chlamydia infection is associated with transient mucosal inflammation and cytokine recruitment. Our data provide proof of concept for rectal sexually transmitted infection screening as an HIV prevention strategy for MSM. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03010020.

The chemokine CCL28 is highly expressed in mucosal tissues, but its role during infection is not well understood. Here, we show that CCL28 promotes neutrophil accumulation in the gut of mice infected with Salmonella and in the lung of mice infected with Acinetobacter. Neutrophils isolated from the infected mucosa expressed the CCL28 receptors CCR3 and, to a lesser extent, CCR10, on their surface. The functional consequences of CCL28 deficiency varied between the two infections: Ccl28-/- mice were highly susceptible to Salmonella gut infection but highly resistant to otherwise lethal Acinetobacter lung infection. In vitro, unstimulated neutrophils harbored pre-formed intracellular CCR3 that was rapidly mobilized to the cell surface following phagocytosis or inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, CCL28 stimulation enhanced neutrophil antimicrobial activity, production of reactive oxygen species, and formation of extracellular traps, all processes largely dependent on CCR3. Consistent with the different outcomes in the two infection models, neutrophil stimulation with CCL28 boosted the killing of Salmonella but not Acinetobacter. CCL28 thus plays a critical role in the immune response to mucosal pathogens by increasing neutrophil accumulation and activation, which can enhance pathogen clearance but also exacerbate disease depending on the mucosal site and the infectious agent.

OBJECTIVES Endoscopic evaluation of anastomosis is effective for the early detection of anastomotic complications after a bronchoplastic procedure. Herein, we aimed to clarify important findings for predicting anastomotic complications. METHODS This single-centre retrospective study included patients who underwent bronchoplastic surgery between April 2013 and September 2023. Only cases in which bronchoscopy was performed both 1 and 2 weeks after surgery were included. Endoscopic findings (classification by Ludwig and Stoelben, mucosa colour, oedema, slough area and colour and depression) were reviewed for all cases. The accuracy of these findings for predicting anastomotic complications was evaluated. RESULTS Of the 190 patients included in this study, 14 (7.4%) experienced anastomotic abnormalities, 11 had fistulas (5.8%) and 7 had stenosis (3.7%). The onsets of fistula and stenosis were 20–28 and 20–44 days after surgery, respectively. In 102 patients (53.7%), the slough worsened from the first to the second week postsurgery. Therefore, it was easier to evaluate slough 2 weeks postsurgery rather than 1-week postsurgery. The positive/negative predicted values of anastomotic complications in endoscopic findings 2 weeks postsurgery were circular slough, 34.2%/99.3%; slough with dark colour, 39.3%/98.1%; and depression, 54.2%/99.4%. The incidence of anastomotic abnormalities was 0% in cases without the 3 findings, 10% in cases with at least 1 finding and 67% in cases with all 3 findings. CONCLUSIONS The endoscopic findings of slough on the anastomosis 2 weeks after bronchoplasty can be easily evaluated and accurately predict complications. Three important endoscopic findings were circular slough, dark colour and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Establishing a nomogram to estimate the probability of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury of endotracheal tube‐intubated hospitalized patients in intensive care unit. Design: Multicentre prospective cohort study. Methods: Using Lasso regression and COX regression, variable selection was performed on demographic, clinical and laboratory data of 1037 ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated hospitalized patients from West China Hospital, to construct a nomogram. External validation was conducted on 484 ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated patients from People's Hospital of Zhongjiang County. Results: Among 38 potential predictors, five variables emerged as independent predictors, integrated into the nomogram: administration of antibiotics, nutritional therapy duration, agitation, hypotension and albumin levels. Conclusions: We established a nomogram based on the hospital characteristics of ICU endotracheal tube‐intubated patients, aiding in the prediction of the occurrence of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury. Reporting Method: The study followed TRIPOD guidelines. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The nomogram we developed can assist clinical worker in better identifying at‐risk patients and risk factors. It enables the implementation of evidence‐based nursing interventions in care to prevent the development of oral mucosal membrane pressure injury. Trial registration: The study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) under registration number ChiCTR2200056615. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Various techniques are employed for septal perforation repair but success rates still vary. Numerous mucosal flaps are used for septal perforation closure; however, a scaffold is essential for proper positioning and enhanced mucosal growth. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of utilizing a septal bone/cartilage composite graft (BC unit) to close septal perforations in rhinoplasty patients and evaluate patient satisfaction. Methods This case series included patients with septal perforation undergoing rhinoplasty and perforation repair between 2019 and 2023. BC units were used to cover the cartilaginous perforations in all patients. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year, assessing surgical results and postoperative satisfaction with the 10-item Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS). Results In this study, 31 patients (22 female, 9 male), with a mean [standard deviation] age of 34.80 [10.31] years (range, 19-59 years), were enrolled. Nine had previousl undergone septoplasty, while four had undergone septorhinoplasty. The preoperative perforation size ranged from 6 to 27 mm (mean, 14.1 mm). At final follow-up, 26 cases (83.8%) achieved complete closure, while 3 had incomplete closures, and 2 experienced reperforation. Analysis revealed a notable mean decrease of 31.93 [26.47] in obstruction domain scores (SCHNOS-O) and a mean decrease of 44.19 [25.37] in cosmesis domain scores (SCHNOS-C). Conclusions Septal perforation repair and rhinoplasty can be safely and effectively performed concurrently with BC units for suitable candidates. Level of Evidence: 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the actual problems of modern orthopedic dentistry is the development of optimal materials that, by their physical and chemical properties, would be most biocompatible with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The purpose of this work was to substantiate the use of base materials and acrylates for the manufacture of removable prostheses and to increase the effectiveness of orthopedic treatment of patients with complete or partial absence of teeth basing on the review of literary sources. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar from 2019 to January 2024. There was no restriction on the date of publication or language. Searches were conducted according to MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) using the following search terms: "removable prosthetics", "removable prostheses", "dental base materials", "acrylates", "materials science", "adaptation". A total of 82 sources of literature were selected and processed during the primary analysis. After systematization of the selected information using general scientific methods, 70 most relevant sources remained. Exclusion criteria: publications that did not meet the purpose of this review, publication language other than English and Ukrainian. Used methods: bibliographic and analytical. The relation between the properties of the materials from which the prosthesis is made and the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed was revealed, and the direct dependence of the quality of the prosthesis, the period of wearing, and the level of oral hygiene was determined. The base material must be easy to use so that the prosthesis can be manufactured and repaired without the use of a significant number of technological processes and equipment. The most common and popular material for manufacturing the bases of partial and complete removable prostheses are acrylates due to their low cost and the simplicity of the application technology, which does not require expensive equipment. The analysis of these literature sources showed that the percentage ratio of the composition of removable prostheses, which includes acrylic plastic, is more than 80%. However, except all existing advantages, they have a number of disadvantages. The main unsatisfactory quality of acrylic prostheses is their negative impact on the tissues of the prosthetic bed, which is reflected in the sensitivity of the mucous membrane and the phenomena of inflammation. Most often, this is manifested as a result of the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, which is concentrated on the surface of the base of the prosthesis. It is worth remembering that removable prostheses are inherently combined irritants that have a whole set of negative effects on the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed, leading to its chronic inflammation. The above-described negative properties of acrylic plastic became the impetus for the creation of other types of materials. This problem is extremely urgent, and despite the serious resources spent on its elimination, so far no optimal way to increase not only the functionality and durability of the service, but also the safety of using removable orthopedic constructions has been found.

Mucous membrane graft (MMG) is used for moderate-to-severe cicatricial entropion repair either in primary or recurrent cases. We conducted a review to comprehensively summarize the various surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications of using MMG for cicatricial entropion. Though the comparison between different techniques is limited by multiple factors like small numbers of cicatricial entgropion patients, variable severity and success criteria across studies, and different underlying cicatricial entropion etiologies, the author has brought forth the nuances of the use of MMG for cicatricial entropion repair along with its outcomes and complications. MMG use in moderate-to-severe cicatricial entropion gives favourable outcomes. The shortened tarsoconjunctiva is lengthened using MMG, which is used either with terminal tarsal rotation or anterior lamellar recession (ALR) or tarsotomy alone. Non-trachomatous entropion has poor outcomes compared to trachomatous entropion. The most common source of MMG is labial or buccal mucosa and the exact size of MMG harvested is variable according to the defect, and very few prefer oversizing the graft by 10–30%. The outcomes of ALR+MMG appear similar to tarsal rotation and MMG for severe cicatricial entropion. The recurrences of trichiasis or entropion can occur for up to one year after surgery, irrespective of the technique used. Factors affecting the outcomes of cicatricial entropion repair are not well known. There is a non-uniformity in data reporting across literature; hence, future studies with details on severity of entropion, ocular surface changes, forniceal depth and ocular surface inflammation, and the degree of dry eye disease would be informative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The phenomenon of field cancerization reflects the transition of normal cells into those predisposed to cancer. Assessing the scope and intensity of this process in the colon may support risk prediction and colorectal cancer prevention. Methods The Swiss Epigenetic Colorectal Cancer Study (SWEPIC) study, encompassing 1111 participants for DNA methylation analysis and a subset of 84 for RNA sequencing, was employed to detect field cancerization in individuals with adenomatous polyps (AP). Methylation variations were evaluated for their discriminative capability, including in external cohorts, genomic localization, clinical correlations, and associated RNA expression patterns. Results Normal cecal tissue of individuals harboring an AP in the proximal colon manifested dysregulated DNA methylation compared to tissue from healthy individuals at 558 unique loci. Leveraging these adenoma-related differentially variable and methylated CpGs (aDVMCs), our classifier discerned between healthy and AP-adjacent tissues across SWEPIC datasets (cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC AUC] = 0.63-0.81), including within age-stratified cohorts. This discriminative capacity was validated in 3 external sets, differentiating healthy from cancer-adjacent tissue (ROC AUC = 0.82-0.88). Notably, aDVMC dysregulation correlated with polyp multiplicity. More than 50% of aDVMCs were significantly associated with age. These aDVMCs were enriched in active regions of the genome (P  < .001), and associated genes exhibited altered expression in AP-adjacent tissues. Conclusions Our findings underscore the early onset of field cancerization in the right colon during the neoplastic transformation process. A more extensive validation of aDVMC dysregulation as a stratification tool could pave the way for enhanced surveillance approaches, especially given its linkage to adenoma emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma arising in the hard palate is an exceedingly rare entity, comprising a minute fraction of all melanoma cases. The absence of specific clinical signs often leads to delayed diagnosis and subsequent challenges in treatment planning. We discussed the existing literature to elucidate the epidemiology, risk factors, and molecular pathways associated with melanoma of the hard palate. Additionally, we discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists, otolaryngologists, oncologists, and pathologists in diagnosing and managing this condition. A 62-year-old male patient presented with a pigmented lesion on the hard palate mucosa, which was initially asymptomatic but gradually increased in size. Biopsy revealed melanoma, confirmed through immunohistochemical staining. Staging investigations indicated a metastatic disease. Surgery followed by adjuvant therapy was planned; however, he was lost for the follow-up. Melanoma originating from the hard palate mucosa is exceedingly rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and prompt multidisciplinary management are crucial for optimal outcomes. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment strategies in patients with uncommon mucosal melanomas.

We have developed a cell-based outer vocal fold replacement (COVR) as a potential therapy to improve voice quality after vocal fold (VF) injury, radiation, or tumor resection. The COVR consists of multipotent human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) embedded within a three-dimensional fibrin scaffold that resembles vocal fold epithelium and lamina propria layers. Previous work has shown improved wound healing in rabbit studies. In this pilot study in pigs, we sought to develop methods for large animal implantation and phonatory assessment. Feasibility, safety, and structural and functional outcomes of the COVR implant are described. Of eight pigs studied, six animals underwent COVR implantation with harvest between 2 weeks and 6 months. Recovery of laryngeal tissue structure was assessed by vibratory and histologic analyses. Recovery of voice function was assessed by investigating acoustic parameters that were derived specifically for pigs. Results showed improved lamina propria qualities relative to an injured control animal at 6 months. Acoustic parameters reflected voice worsening immediately after surgery as expected; acoustics displayed clear voice recovery in the animal followed for 6 months after COVR. These methods form the basis for a larger-scale long-term pre-clinical safety and efficacy study.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder impacting children and adults. In this single‐center retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with LABD at a large tertiary referral center, we report the unifying and unique clinical features of 10 pediatric patients. Patients typically presented with the "cluster of jewels" sign (n = 6; 60%), mucous membrane involvement (n = 5; 50%) and had a mean disease duration of 38 months; six patients (60%) required inpatient admission for management of their skin disease, including all five patients who had mucous membrane involvement. Our findings suggest that pediatric LABD may be a disease with high morbidity and may be associated with severe complications when mucous membranes are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the actual problems of modern orthopedic dentistry is the development of optimal materials that, by their physical and chemical properties, would be most biocompatible with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The purpose of this work was to substantiate the use of base materials and acrylates for the manufacture of removable prostheses and to increase the effectiveness of orthopedic treatment of patients with complete or partial absence of teeth basing on the review of literary sources. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar from 2019 to January 2024. There was no restriction on the date of publication or language. Searches were conducted according to MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) using the following search terms: "removable prosthetics", "removable prostheses", "dental base materials", "acrylates", "materials science", "adaptation". A total of 82 sources of literature were selected and processed during the primary analysis. After systematization of the selected information using general scientific methods, 70 most relevant sources remained. Exclusion criteria: publications that did not meet the purpose of this review, publication language other than English and Ukrainian. Used methods: bibliographic and analytical. The relation between the properties of the materials from which the prosthesis is made and the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed was revealed, and the direct dependence of the quality of the prosthesis, the period of wearing, and the level of oral hygiene was determined. The base material must be easy to use so that the prosthesis can be manufactured and repaired without the use of a significant number of technological processes and equipment. The most common and popular material for manufacturing the bases of partial and complete removable prostheses are acrylates due to their low cost and the simplicity of the application technology, which does not require expensive equipment. The analysis of these literature sources showed that the percentage ratio of the composition of removable prostheses, which includes acrylic plastic, is more than 80%. However, except all existing advantages, they have a number of disadvantages. The main unsatisfactory quality of acrylic prostheses is their negative impact on the tissues of the prosthetic bed, which is reflected in the sensitivity of the mucous membrane and the phenomena of inflammation. Most often, this is manifested as a result of the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, which is concentrated on the surface of the base of the prosthesis. It is worth remembering that removable prostheses are inherently combined irritants that have a whole set of negative effects on the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed, leading to its chronic inflammation. The above-described negative properties of acrylic plastic became the impetus for the creation of other types of materials. This problem is extremely urgent, and despite the serious resources spent on its elimination, so far no optimal way to increase not only the functionality and durability of the service, but also the safety of using removable orthopedic constructions has been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestion and absorption describe the breakdown of food into small particles and their movement from the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen into the body. The main groups of nutrients absorbed from food are carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Water, minerals, and vitamins are also absorbed by the GI tract along with orally administered drugs. Carbohydrates are enzymatically broken down into monosaccharides, which are absorbed across the small intestinal epithelium by passive (fructose) and active (glucose and galactose) mechanisms. Similarly, proteins are broken down from polypeptide chains into individual amino acids or dipeptides and tripeptides. Their absorption depends on their chemical properties and occurs via passive and active processes that utilize a variety of membrane transporters. Lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins require bile salts for emulsification to aid absorption. Water follows osmotic gradients generated by the absorption of nutrients. Since the processes of digestion and absorption require mechanical and chemical processes that can damage the mucosa, the GI tract has evolved several defence mechanisms, including a mucous barrier and regular renewal of the epithelial lining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amniotic membrane (AM) holds significant promise in various medical fields due to its unique properties and minimal ethical concerns. This study aims to explore the diverse applications of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) in maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, from January 1985 to March 2024. Articles in English, Polish, and Spanish were included, focusing on keywords related to amniotic membrane and oral surgery. Results: Various preservation methods for HAM were identified, namely fresh, decellularized, cryopreserved, lyophilized, and air-dried formats. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of HAM in repairing oral mucosal defects, vestibuloplasty, oronasal fistula closure, cleft palate treatment, bone defect repair, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Surgeon evaluations highlighted the ease of handling but noted challenges in suturing and stability during application. Conclusions: Amniotic membranes offer a versatile and effective option in maxillofacial surgery, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration. Further research, including randomized trials and comparative studies, is warranted to validate the efficacy and optimize the utilization of HAM in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigmented fungiform papillae are a rare benign condition. It is commonly considered a diagnosis dilemma as it could be a clinical sign of a serious condition. Our patient was a middle-aged Saudi female presenting with hyperpigmentation along the lateral and anterior aspects of her tongue and was not associated with other cutaneous or mucocutaneous manifestation. Her medical history was significant for iron deficiency anemia, hepatic hemangioma, cervical and lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Upon inspection, she had a longitudinal hyperpigmented tan-brown patch on the lateral aspects of her tongue and pinpoint discoloration evenly distributed on the papillae of the anterior tongue. The examination by mucoscopy revealed a cobblestone appearance along the mentioned distribution. The patient refused to have the biopsy done, but she was reassured about her condition and instructed to visit the clinic if she has any further issues.

Anorectal mucosal melanoma is rare entity. There is currently no consensus on optimal surgical treatment for loco-regional anorectal melanoma that has a favourable outcome. Abdominoperineal resection has not shown a survival benefit over wide local excision due to the inevitable distant recurrence. With local excision considered favourable given reduced surgical morbidity and avoidance of permanent stoma. However, anorectal melanomas are often diagnosed late, with an increased tumour size and depth of primary lesions, increasing the risk of local recurrence and subsequent disease morbidity when excised locally. The decision to proceed to local excision versus abdominoperineal resection is complex, it needs to be individualized, based on primary tumour clinicopathological features and driven by multidisciplinary discussion, with the goal to improve quality and quantity of life. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with anorectal mucosal melanoma with locoregional disease and our surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern dentistry, impact of dental prostheses on the tissues of the oral cavity is a crucial consideration and actual. The treatment of patients with partial absence of teeth should be comprehensive, taking into account the patient's state of health, the presence of general diseases, the bone tissue structure, the microcirculatory channel, the degree of mobility of supporting teeth, bite, bone tissue atrophy. In this regard, the direct influence of orthopedic structures made of various materials on the homeostasis of the oral cavity, as well as the importance of changes in the of the oral cavity's homeostasis on adaptation to dental prostheses, is of great interest. As a result of the use of prostheses, chronic pathological processes of the mucous membrane can occur, acting as an entrance gate for both microorganisms and components of the manufactured orthopedic product. During the analysis of literary sources, the relationships between the properties of the materials from which the prosthesis is made and the mucous membrane of the prosthetic bed were revealed, and a direct dependence of the quality of the construction, the terms of using, and the level of oral hygiene was determined. This issue remains highly urgent, and despite considerable resources being expended on its resolution, an optimal way to enhance not only the functionality and durability but also the safety of removable prosthetics in orthopedic practice has yet to be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that are highly abundant in human blood and tissues. Most MAIT cells have an invariant TCRα-chain that uses T cell receptor α-variable 1-2 (TRAV1-2) joined to TRAJ33/20/12 and recognizes metabolites from bacterial riboflavin synthesis bound to the Ag-presenting molecule MHC class I related (MR1). Our attempts to identify alternative MR1-presented Ags led to the discovery of rare MR1-restricted T cells with non-TRAV1-2 TCRs. Because altered Ag specificity likely alters affinity for the most potent known Ag, 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-d-ribitylaminouracil (5-OP-RU), we performed bulk TCRα- and TCRβ-chain sequencing and single-cell-based paired TCR sequencing on T cells that bound the MR1-5-OP-RU tetramer with differing intensities. Bulk sequencing showed that use of V genes other than TRAV1-2 was enriched among MR1-5-OP-RU tetramerlow cells. Although we initially interpreted these as diverse MR1-restricted TCRs, single-cell TCR sequencing revealed that cells expressing atypical TCRα-chains also coexpressed an invariant MAIT TCRα-chain. Transfection of each non-TRAV1-2 TCRα-chain with the TCRβ-chain from the same cell demonstrated that the non-TRAV1-2 TCR did not bind the MR1-5-OP-RU tetramer. Thus, dual TCRα-chain expression in human T cells and competition for the endogenous β-chain explains the existence of some MR1-5-OP-RU tetramerlow T cells. The discovery of simultaneous expression of canonical and noncanonical TCRs on the same T cell means that claims of roles for non-TRAV1-2 TCR in MR1 response must be validated by TCR transfer-based confirmation of Ag specificity.

Pigmented fungiform papillae are a rare benign condition. It is commonly considered a diagnosis dilemma as it could be a clinical sign of a serious condition. Our patient was a middle-aged Saudi female presenting with hyperpigmentation along the lateral and anterior aspects of her tongue and was not associated with other cutaneous or mucocutaneous manifestation. Her medical history was significant for iron deficiency anemia, hepatic hemangioma, cervical and lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Upon inspection, she had a longitudinal hyperpigmented tan-brown patch on the lateral aspects of her tongue and pinpoint discoloration evenly distributed on the papillae of the anterior tongue. The examination by mucoscopy revealed a cobblestone appearance along the mentioned distribution. The patient refused to have the biopsy done, but she was reassured about her condition and instructed to visit the clinic if she has any further issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-associated mucins protect epithelial cell surfaces against pathogenic threats by serving as nonproductive decoys that capture infectious agents and clear them from the cell surface and by erecting a physical barrier that restricts their access to target receptors on host cells. However, the mechanisms through which mucins function are still poorly defined because of a limited repertoire of tools available for tailoring their structure and composition in living cells with molecular precision. Using synthetic glycopolymer mimetics of mucins, we modeled the mucosal glycocalyx on red blood cells (RBCs) and evaluated its influence on lectin (SNA) and virus (H1N1) adhesion to endogenous sialic acid receptors. The glycocalyx inhibited the rate of SNA and H1N1 adhesion in a size- and density-dependent manner, consistent with the current view of mucins as providing a protective shield against pathogens. Counterintuitively, increasing the density of the mucin mimetics enhanced the retention of bound lectins and viruses. Careful characterization of SNA behavior at the RBC surface using a range of biophysical and imaging techniques revealed lectin-induced crowding and reorganization of the glycocalyx with concomitant enhancement in lectin clustering, presumably through the formation of a more extensive glycan receptor patch at the cell membrane. Our findings indicate that glycan-targeting pathogens may exploit the biophysical and biomechanical properties of mucins to overcome the mucosal glycocalyx barrier.

Puel and Casanova and Kisand et al. challenge our conclusions that interferonopathy and not IL-17/IL-22 autoantibodies promote candidiasis in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy. We acknowledge that conclusive evidence for causation is difficult to obtain in complex human diseases. However, our studies clearly document interferonopathy driving mucosal candidiasis with intact IL-17/IL-22 responses in Aire-deficient mice, with strong corroborative evidence in patients.

The majority of HIV infections are established through the genital or rectal mucosa. Fibroblasts are abundant in these tissues, and although not susceptible to infection, can potently enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts, and its levels are influenced by the inflammatory state of the tissue. Since inflammation is known to facilitate HIV sexual transmission, we investigated the role of HA in genital mucosal fibroblast-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. Depletion of HA by CRISPR-Cas9 in primary foreskin fibroblasts augmented the ability of the fibroblasts to increase HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. This amplified enhancement required direct contact between the fibroblasts and CD4+ T cells, and could be attributed to both increased rates of trans-infection and the increased ability of HA-deficient fibroblasts to push CD4+ T cells into a state of higher permissivity to infection. This HIV-permissive state was characterized by differential expression of genes associated with regulation of cell metabolism and death. Our results suggest that conditions resulting in diminished cell-surface HA on fibroblasts, such as genital inflammation, can promote HIV transmission by conditioning CD4+ T cells toward a state more vulnerable to infection by HIV.

The influence of typological features of autonomous regulation on the dimensions, structure, and blood supply of the rectum in chickens has been studied. The experimental group consisted of clinically healthy adult chickens of the Isa-Brown breed, divided into two groups using electrocardiography and variation pulsometry methods: chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation and chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation. In each group, the length and diameter of the rectum, the branching of its arterial vessels, and the microscopic structure of the intestinal wall were examined. The corresponding artery provides the blood supply to the rectum, the branching of which showed no significant differences between the poultry groups. The peculiarities of autonomous regulation significantly influence the morphological structure of the intestinal wall’s mucous and muscular membranes. The serous membrane does not respond to these features. Chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation (ST chickens) are characterized by a greater thickness of all indicated membranes and, consequently, the entire intestinal wall. Chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation (ST-NT chickens) have a greater thickness only in the muscular plate of the mucous membrane and its longitudinal layer. Regarding the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers, ST chickens dominate the mucous membrane’s crypt area, while ST-NT chickens dominate the muscular membrane. However, the density of connective tissue fibers in the mucous membrane is much lower than in the muscular one. The quantity and distribution of plasma cells have similar patterns in both groups. Specific morphometric compensation between two functionally related indicators is also an important aspect. In this case, larger values of one indicator are combined with smaller values of another. For example, a smaller diameter of the rectum in ST chickens is associated with its greater length; a smaller number of goblet cells on one villus corresponds to a larger area of their secretory section; a larger area of the nerve node of the intramuscular nerve plexus is combined with a smaller number of these nodes per 1 cm² of the intestinal wall. Thus, the structure of the rectum in chickens, adapting to the corresponding type of autonomous regulation, maintains the balance at the level of individual membranes and the entire intestinal wall.

Purpose: To investigate how the results of nasal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations change due to inferior turbinate surgery and how the results correlate with patient specific subjective assessment and volumetric results in the nasal cavities. Methods: The steady inspiratory airflow of 25 patients was studied pre- and postoperatively with heat transfer from the mucous membrane by performing CFD calculations to patient-specific nasal cone beam computed tomography images. These results were then compared to the severity of the patients' nasal obstruction Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Glasgow Health Status Inventory assessments, and acoustic rhinometry measurements. Results: Total wall shear forces decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.01) in the operated parts of the inferior turbinates. Patients' subjective nasal obstruction VAS assessment changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions correlated statistically significantly (p = 0.04) with the wall shear force results. Conclusion: Inferior turbinate surgery lead to decreased total wall shear force values postoperatively. Changes in subjective nasal obstruction VAS results against total wall shear force changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions were statistically significant. CFD data have a potential to be used for the evaluation of nasal airflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of nasal secretions into the pharynx and larynx manifests itself differently throughout the day. At night, this mucus flows into the larynx, irritates reflexogenic zones and causes coughing, and during the day these complaints are less noticeable, due to involuntary swallowing of secretions. We hypothesized that different types of nasal septum deviations may affect mucociliary clearance and, as a result, lead to postnasal drip syndrome. However, we did not find any studies in the literature that examined the effect of types of nasal septum deviation (NSD) on mucociliary clearance (MCC). Therefore, in our study, we evaluated the effect of the types of nasal septum deviations on MCC. The aim of the study. To investigate the activity of mucociliary clearance of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity in patients with different types of NSD. Materials and methods. 100 patients were investigated. All patients underwent an endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity, a ST scan of the nasal cavity, and a saccharin test. The results. The analysis made it possible to reveal that in most patients with type 2 deviation of the nasal septum with the presence of a unilateral caudal ridge, which cuts into the middle turbinate, there is PNDS. At the same time, while the average ST time of the concave side of the nasal mucosa in patients with type 1 was almost unchanged, it was significantly longer in patients with type 2 (P=0,02). Therefore, in this study, the ST indicator in min. was longer on the concave side of the nasal cavity than on the convex side. Conclusions. Our research has shown that nasal septum deviation reduces nasal mucociliary activity, and this effect can be easily assessed using the saccharin test. According to our observations and research results, it was the 2nd and 3rd types of deviation that significantly disturbed the architecture of the nasal cavity, due to the presence of contralateral vertical deviation of the nasal septum, contralateral hyperplasia of the nasal turbinates, and contralateral conchobulosis. And, as a result, led to a decrease in mucociliary clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral lesions consist of ulcerations, red-white lesions, pigmentations, and exophytic lesions. Exophytic lesions include swellings that project over the normal contours of the mucosa. In addition to a swelling's surface texture, the type of base, and consistency, its location is also of significant importance in limiting the differential diagnosis and reducing the time needed to achieve it in some cases. According to the literature, one of the locations whose lesions are not readily and quickly diagnosed is the palate. Our review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases revealed that the lesions of the posterolateral portion of the palate, which account for the majority of the palate's lesions, can be divided into four main categories, including 1) odontogenic infections or dental abscesses, 2) salivary gland neoplasms, 3) palatal mesenchymal tumors, and 4) maxillary sinus malignancies, which are discussed in this study. When clinicians face a swelling located at the palate's posterolateral segment, they should consider the abovementioned entities as the most probable differential diagnosis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 may occur during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding; however, the molecular mechanism of MTCT of virus remains poorly understood. Infant tonsil mucosal epithelium may sequester HIV-1, serving as a transient reservoir, and may play a critical role in MTCT. Innate immune proteins human beta-defensins 2 (hBD-2) and -3 may inactivate intravesicular virions. To establish delivery of hBD-2 and -3 into vesicles containing HIV-1, we tagged hBDs with the protein transduction domain (PTD) of HIV-1 Tat, which facilitates an efficient translocation of proteins across cell membranes. Our new findings showed that hBD-2 and -3 proteins tagged with PTD efficiently penetrated polarized tonsil epithelial cells by endocytosis and direct penetration. PTD-initiated internalization of hBD-2 and -3 proteins into epithelial cells led to their subsequent penetration of multivesicular bodies (MVB) and vacuoles containing HIV-1. Furthermore, PTD played a role in the fusion of vesicles containing HIV-1 with lysosomes, where virus was inactivated. PTD-initiated internalization of hBD-2 and -3 proteins into ex vivo tonsil tissue explants reduced the spread of virus from epithelial cells to CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD68+ macrophages, and CD1c+ dendritic cells, suggesting that this approach may serve as an antiviral strategy for inactivating intraepithelial HIV-1 and reducing viral MTCT.

Mucins are a large family of heavily O-glycosylated proteins that cover all mucosal surfaces and constitute the major macromolecules in most body fluids. Mucins are primarily defined by their variable tandem repeat (TR) domains that are densely decorated with different O-glycan structures in distinct patterns, and these arguably convey much of the informational content of mucins. Here, we develop a cell-based platform for the display and production of human TR O-glycodomains (~200 amino acids) with tunable structures and patterns of O-glycans using membrane-bound and secreted reporters expressed in glycoengineered HEK293 cells. Availability of defined mucin TR O-glycodomains advances experimental studies into the versatile role of mucins at the interface with pathogenic microorganisms and the microbiome, and sparks new strategies for molecular dissection of specific roles of adhesins, glycoside hydrolases, glycopeptidases, viruses and other interactions with mucin TRs as highlighted by examples.

Background: Amniotic membrane (AM) holds significant promise in various medical fields due to its unique properties and minimal ethical concerns. This study aims to explore the diverse applications of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) in maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, from January 1985 to March 2024. Articles in English, Polish, and Spanish were included, focusing on keywords related to amniotic membrane and oral surgery. Results: Various preservation methods for HAM were identified, namely fresh, decellularized, cryopreserved, lyophilized, and air-dried formats. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of HAM in repairing oral mucosal defects, vestibuloplasty, oronasal fistula closure, cleft palate treatment, bone defect repair, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Surgeon evaluations highlighted the ease of handling but noted challenges in suturing and stability during application. Conclusions: Amniotic membranes offer a versatile and effective option in maxillofacial surgery, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration. Further research, including randomized trials and comparative studies, is warranted to validate the efficacy and optimize the utilization of HAM in clinical practice.

Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a rare spectrum of acute, mucocutaneous drug reactions characterized by epidermal necrosis of the skin and mucous membranes with progressive multiorgan failure. Cutaneous presentation of SJS/TEN is similar to that of acute graft-versus-host disease, creating a diagnostic dilemma in solid-organ transplant recipients presenting with diffuse, erythematous eruptions, skin sloughing, and systemic sequelae, reflective of both diseases. This case report details a 48-year-old woman post-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) who developed a diffuse, painful, morbilliform rash with progressive desquamation, along with corresponding pathological analysis indicative of SJS/TEN. There are few documented reports of SJS/TEN in solid-organ transplant recipients, and this case illustrates successful intervention and resolution of SJS/TEN in an OLT recipient while managing intraabdominal sepsis and an episode of acute rejection. Despite its rarity, prompt diagnosis of SJS/TEN and the implementation of tailored therapeutic strategies are crucial in the care of solid-organ transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomembranes in the large and small intestines are common in hospitalized patients that are immunosuppressed or on certain oral antibiotics. Pseudomembranous enterocolitis, histologically characterized by volcanic-like eruption of inflammatory cellular exudate from the mucosal surface, is mainly attributed to Clostridium difficile toxins and often presents with symptomatic diarrhea. Rarely, there are case reports of similar pseudomembranous lesions limited to the stomach in the absence of intestinal involvement. In this paper, we present a case of localized pseudomembranous gastritis in a 76-year-old patient with personal history limited to prior gastrointestinal bleed, liver cirrhosis, alcohol dependence, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension who was referred to the emergency department from his primary care physician's office due to low hemoglobin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwannomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare spindle cell tumors that account for 2–6% of mesenchymal tumors. An elderly male was found to have a left colon mass on CT scan and colonoscopy with pathology of fibrotic tissue. A laparoscopic-assisted left hemi-colectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. Pathology demonstrated spindle cell neoplasm arranged in short fascicles that were strongly and diffusely positive for S100. An elderly female was found to have a submucosal lesion on surveillance colonoscopy in the proximal transverse colon. Biopsy with jumbo forceps revealed spindle cell neoplasm positive for S100. Patient underwent an uncomplicated limited non-oncologic segmental transverse colectomy. We report only the ninth case of left and sixth in the transverse colon described in the literature. As is true for other mesenchymal tumors, mucosal biopsy is usually inconclusive and deep biopsy or submucosal resection is required, making pre-operative surgical decision difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressure injuries on mucous membranes are caused by pressure from medical devices at the site of injury and differ to those on the skin. Intensive care patients, who have multiple devices in situ, are particularly vulnerable. There is a significant knowledge gap regarding mucous membrane pressure injury (MMPI) incidence in acute hospital settings. Aim: To analyse MMPI incidence and characteristics in a tertiary acute general hospital. Methods: A secondary data analysis of hospital clinical incident reports was conducted. The sample included all adults with MMPIs between 2015 and 2019. The STROBE reporting guideline was followed. Results: There were 414 reports of MMPI. Most (91.5%, n = 379) were hospital‐acquired with the majority found in intensive care patients (74.4%, n = 282). Hospital‐acquired MMPI incidence was 0.1% (11 MMPI per 10,000 hospital episodes). In intensive care, the incidence was 2.4% (235 MMPI per 10,000 intensive care episodes). The median time from device insertion until reporting of an MMPI was 3 days. The most common sites of mucosal injury were the lips (35.6%) and mouth (28.8%). In all cases except one, MMPI was associated with medical device use at the site of injury. Five device types were identified (oral endotracheal tube‐related 70.3%; urinary catheter 15.5%; gastric tube 8.3%; nasal prongs 3.5%; tracheostomy tube 2.4%). In intensive care, oral endotracheal tube‐related devices were most often associated with MMPI (84.8%), whereas in non‐intensive care MMPI it was the urinary catheter (51.4%). Conclusions: While hospital‐acquired MMPI incidence is relatively low, it is considerably higher in intensive care patients compared to those in non‐intensive care settings. The most common sites are the lips and mouth. Relevance to clinical practice: Mucous membrane pressure injuries represent a significant proportion of all hospital‐acquired pressure injuries. Patient or public contribution: Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in this project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a confusing issue of preputial anatomy of the mouse. The term "internal prepuce" was used in 2013 to describe a preputial structure integral to the mouse glans penis. Subsequently in 2015 the same term was applied by another group to describe entirely different morphology, generating confusion in the literature. Because it is inappropriate to use the same term to describe entirely different structures, we take this opportunity to provide further descriptive information on the internal prepuce of the mouse employing gross dissection, analysis of serial histologic section sets, three-dimensional reconstruction, scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. For this purpose, we review and illustrate the relevant literature and provide some additional new data using standard morphological techniques including immunohistochemistry. The mouse internal prepuce is integral to the glans penis and clearly is involved in sexual function in so far as it contains a major erectile body innervated by penile nerves. The development of the mouse internal prepuce is described for the first time and related to the development of the corpus cavernosum glandis.

IntroductionThe majority of new HIV infections occur through mucosal transmission. The availability of readily applicable and accessible platforms for anti-retroviral (ARV) delivery is critical for the prevention of HIV acquisition through sexual transmission in both women and men. There is a compelling need for developing new topical delivery systems that have advantages over the pills, gels and rings, which currently fail to guarantee protection against mucosal viral transmission in vulnerable populations due to lack of user compliance. The silk fibroin (SF) platform offers another option that may be better suited to individual circumstances and preferences to increase efficacy through user compliance. The objective of this study was to test safety and efficacy of SF for anti-HIV drug delivery to mucosal sites and for viral prevention.MethodsWe formulated a potent HIV inhibitor Griffithsin (Grft) in a mucoadhesive silk fibroin (SF) drug delivery platform and tested the application in a non-human primate model in vivo and a pre-clinical human cervical and colorectal tissue explant model. Both vaginal and rectal compartments were assessed in rhesus macaques (Mucaca mulatta) that received SF (n = 4), no SF (n = 7) and SF-Grft (n = 11). In this study, we evaluated the composition of local microbiota, inflammatory cytokine production, histopathological changes in the vaginal and rectal compartments and mucosal protection after ex vivo SHIV challenge.ResultsEffective Grft release and retention in mucosal tissues from the SF-Grft platform resulted in protection against HIV in human cervical and colorectal tissue as well as against SHIV challenge in both rhesus macaque vaginal and rectal tissues. Mucoadhesion of SF-Grft inserts did not cause any inflammatory responses or changes in local microbiota.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that in vivo delivery of SF-Grft in rhesus macaques fully protects against SHIV challenge ex vivo after two hours of application and is safe to use in both the vaginal and rectal compartments. Our study provides support for the development of silk fibroin as a highly promising, user-friendly HIV prevention modality to address the global disparity in HIV infection.

Successful rearing of fish in hatcheries is critical for conservation, recreational fishing, commercial fishing through wild stock enhancements, and aquaculture production. Flowthrough (FT) hatcheries require more water than recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which enable up to 99% of their water to be recycled, thus significantly reducing environmental impacts. Here, we evaluated the biological and physical microbiome interactions of three Atlantic salmon hatcheries (RAS n = 2, FT n = 1). Gill, skin, and digesta from six juvenile fish along with tank biofilms and water were sampled from tanks in each of the hatcheries (60 fish across 10 tanks) to assess the built environment and mucosal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The water and tank biofilm had more microbial richness than fish mucus, while skin and digesta from RAS fish had 2 times the richness of FT fish. Body sites each had unique microbiomes (P

ProblemPregnant women are at increased risk of HIV acquisition, but the biological mechanisms contributing to this observation are not well understood.Method of studyHere, we assessed host immune and microbiome differences in the vaginal mucosa of healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women using a metaproteomics approach. Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples were collected from 23 pregnant and 25 non-pregnant women.ResultsMass spectrometry analysis of CVL identified 550 human proteins and 376 bacterial proteins from 11 genera. Host proteome analysis indicated 56 human proteins (10%) were differentially abundant (P

ProblemPregnant women are at increased risk of HIV acquisition, but the biological mechanisms contributing to this observation are not well understood.Method of studyHere, we assessed host immune and microbiome differences in the vaginal mucosa of healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women using a metaproteomics approach. Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples were collected from 23 pregnant and 25 non-pregnant women.ResultsMass spectrometry analysis of CVL identified 550 human proteins and 376 bacterial proteins from 11 genera. Host proteome analysis indicated 56 human proteins (10%) were differentially abundant (P

Changing ocean conditions driven by anthropogenic activities may have a negative impact on fisheries by increasing stress and disease. To understand how environment and host biology drives mucosal microbiomes in a marine fish, we surveyed five body sites (gill, skin, digesta, gastrointestinal tract [GI], and pyloric ceca) from 229 Pacific chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, collected across 38 time points spanning 1 year from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier (La Jolla, CA). Mucosal sites had unique microbial communities significantly different from the surrounding seawater and sediment communities with over 10 times more total diversity than seawater. The external surfaces of skin and gill were more similar to seawater, while digesta was more similar to sediment. Alpha and beta diversity of the skin and gill was explained by environmental and biological factors, specifically, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and fish age, consistent with an exposure gradient relationship. We verified that seasonal microbial changes were not confounded by regional migration of chub mackerel subpopulations by nanopore sequencing a 14,769-bp region of the 16,568-bp mitochondria across all temporal fish specimens. A cosmopolitan pathogen, Photobacterium damselae, was prevalent across multiple body sites all year but highest in the skin, GI, and digesta between June and September, when the ocean is warmest. The longitudinal fish microbiome study evaluates the extent to which the environment and host biology drives mucosal microbial ecology and establishes a baseline for long-term surveys linking environment stressors to mucosal health of wild marine fish.IMPORTANCE Pacific chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, are one of the largest and most economically important fisheries in the world. The fish is harvested for both human consumption and fish meal. Changing ocean conditions driven by anthropogenic stressors like climate change may negatively impact fisheries. One mechanism for this is through disease. As waters warm and chemistry changes, the microbial communities associated with fish may change. In this study, we performed a holistic analysis of all mucosal sites on the fish over a 1-year time series to explore seasonal variation and to understand the environmental drivers of the microbiome. Understanding seasonality in the fish microbiome is also applicable to aquaculture production for producers to better understand and predict when disease outbreaks may occur based on changing environmental conditions in the ocean.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a lymphocyte population that is mostly resident at mucosal surfaces. They help to induce an appropriate immune response to the microbiome at homeostasis. In healthy people, the mucosal immune system works symbiotically with organisms that make up the microbiota. ILCs play a critical role in orchestrating this balance, as they can both influence and in turn be influenced by the microbiome. ILCs also are important regulators of the early response to infections by diverse types of pathogenic microbes at mucosal barriers. Their rapid responses initiate inflammatory programs, production of antimicrobial products and repair processes. This review will focus on the role of ILCs in response to the microbiota and to microbial infections of the lung and intestine.

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes recent literature defining tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) and discusses implications for HIV pathogenesis, vaccines, and eradication efforts.Recent findingsInvestigations using animal models and human tissues have identified a TRM transcriptional profile and elucidated signals within the tissue microenvironment leading to TRM development and maintenance. TRM are major contributors to host response in infectious diseases and cancer; in addition, TRM contribute to pathogenic inflammation in a variety of settings. Although TRM are daunting to study in HIV infection, recent work has helped define their molecular signatures and effector functions and tested strategies for their mobilization. Exclusive reliance on blood sampling to gain an understanding of host immunity overlooks the contribution of TRM, which differ in significant ways from their counterparts in circulation. It is hoped that greater understanding of these cells will lead to novel approaches to prevent and/or eradicate HIV infection.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important regulators of the early responses to infection at mucosal barriers, including the intestine. Recently, we have shown that specific ILC3 subsets protect against enteric bacterial pathogens. Here, we describe a mouse model of oral infection by Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. enterocolitica) and several different methodologies to assess the severity of the infection. We also detail how ILC3 subsets can be isolated from the mouse small intestine and transferred into recipient immune deficient mice to study the function of these ILCs in the small intestine.

Introduction: The SARS CoV 2 infection has resulted in several health, economic, and social crises in all areas. The disease shows a substantial biological diversity in humans causing a series of sequels in the trans- or post-infection period in the entire organism. Case Report: The manifestations that occur in the oral cavity and pharynx have not been evaluated. In this study, two clinical cases are reported. The first patient, a 67-year-old male, presents erosive lesions on the dorsal surface of his tongue after SARS CoV 2 infection. Results: Therapy consisting of reinforcing oral cleaning, use of antifungal solutions, mouthwashes containing superoxidation solution and B complex was given to the patient. The reported lesions improved satisfactorily. The second case, a 47-year-old male patient, presented vesiculobullous lesions on the lingual and labial mucosa accompanied by severe painful symptoms after SARS CoV 2 infection. An incisional biopsy was performed. The histopathological result was compatible with pemphigus vulgaris, and the treatment protocol was started with 0.1% topical mometasone and 2g miconazole gel, observing adequate involution of the lesions after 20 days. Conclusions: The aim of this study is to report on the lesions affecting the oral cavity and pharynx in post-COVID patients with the aim of carrying out a thorough intraoral examination, establishing a clinical or histopathological diagnosis to implement a specific treatment plan in each case to improve the health and quality of life of the patients.

A number of benign and malignant diseases on the head, neck and urogenital area are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on mucosal sites. Nowadays, there are many new research findings for the treatment and prevention of these diseases, such as photodynamic therapy, local immunomodulatory therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapy, preventive and therapeutic vaccines, etc. In this paper, we summarize the diseases related to HPV infection on mucosal sites, and the research progress on its prevention and treatment.

Objectives: We wished to compare the treatment success of urethroplasty methods (EPA and BMG) used for anterior urethra stricture after unsuccessful internal urethrotomy. Methods: A total of 85 and 51 patients, respectively, who underwent excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) and buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty due to recurrent strictures after direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) were evaluated retrospectively. On the uroflowmetry test, >15 ml/s urine flow and residual urine (PVR) below 50 ml were determined as success criteria. Cox regression analysis investigated the probable predictive factors for surgery success. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed stricture free survival after redo-urethroplasty. Results: After surgery, EPA and BMG patients were followed for 31.9 ± 9.8 (4–40) and 30.7 ± 10.3 (4–40) months. At the end of this follow-up duration, success was obtained for 71 (83.5%) and 44 (86.3%) patients. Mean re-stricture times were 13.9 ± 6.0 (4–19) and 10.2 ± 5.1 (4–26) months. Most re-strictures had penile location (10 (71.5%) and 7 (100%)). After one session of DVIU, there was 100% success in both groups, but after >3 sessions of DVIU, success fell to 70.3% and 78.3% in the groups respectively. Patients with high numbers of DVIU sessions had longer durations for urethroplasty surgery. Apart from complications related to the donor field in the oral region with BMG and four patients who developed fistula (7.8%), complications were similar in both groups. Conclusions: In this series of cases, it was not possible to identify which of the techniques employed provides the best result or predictive factors for stenosis recurrence after correction procedures for anterior urethral stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of typological features of autonomous regulation on the dimensions, structure, and blood supply of the rectum in chickens has been studied. The experimental group consisted of clinically healthy adult chickens of the Isa-Brown breed, divided into two groups using electrocardiography and variation pulsometry methods: chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation and chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation. In each group, the length and diameter of the rectum, the branching of its arterial vessels, and the microscopic structure of the intestinal wall were examined. The corresponding artery provides the blood supply to the rectum, the branching of which showed no significant differences between the poultry groups. The peculiarities of autonomous regulation significantly influence the morphological structure of the intestinal wall's mucous and muscular membranes. The serous membrane does not respond to these features. Chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation (ST chickens) are characterized by a greater thickness of all indicated membranes and, consequently, the entire intestinal wall. Chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation (ST-NT chickens) have a greater thickness only in the muscular plate of the mucous membrane and its longitudinal layer. Regarding the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers, ST chickens dominate the mucous membrane's crypt area, while ST-NT chickens dominate the muscular membrane. However, the density of connective tissue fibers in the mucous membrane is much lower than in the muscular one. The quantity and distribution of plasma cells have similar patterns in both groups. Specific morphometric compensation between two functionally related indicators is also an important aspect. In this case, larger values of one indicator are combined with smaller values of another. For example, a smaller diameter of the rectum in ST chickens is associated with its greater length; a smaller number of goblet cells on one villus corresponds to a larger area of their secretory section; a larger area of the nerve node of the intramuscular nerve plexus is combined with a smaller number of these nodes per 1 cm² of the intestinal wall. Thus, the structure of the rectum in chickens, adapting to the corresponding type of autonomous regulation, maintains the balance at the level of individual membranes and the entire intestinal wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in other anatomical sites besides the uterine cervix is unknown in East Africa. Here, we assessed the prevalence and concordance of HPVs in different anatomical sites in HIV concordant couples in Rwanda. Methods: Fifty HIV-positive concordant male-female couples at the HIV clinic at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali in Rwanda were interviewed, swabbed from the oral cavity (OC), oropharynx (OP), anal canal (AC), vagina (V), uterine cervix (UC) and penis. A pap smear test and a self-collected vaginal swab (Vself) were taken. Twelve high-risk (HR)-HPVs were analyzed. Results: HR-HPVs occurred in 10%/12% in OC, 10%/0% in OP and 2%/24% in AC (p = 0.002) in men and women, respectively. HR-HPVs occurred in 24% of UC, 32% of Vself, 30% of V and 24% of P samples. Only 22.2% of all HR-HPV infections were shared by both partners (κ −0.34 ± 0.11; p = 0.004). The type-specific HR-HPV concordance was significant between male to female OC-OC (κ 0.56 ± 0.17), V-VSelf (κ 0.70 ± 0.10), UC-V (κ 0.54 ± 0.13), UC-Vself (κ 0.51 ± 0.13) and UC-female AC (κ 0.42 ± 0.15). Conclusions: HPV infections are prevalent in HIV-positive couples in Rwanda but concordance within couples is low. Vaginal self-sampling for HPV is representative of cervical HPV status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]