The first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-impact on otorhinolaryngology

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-impact on otorhinolaryngology Via hno HNO. 2021 Feb 23. doi: 10.1007/s00106-021-01015-2. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The first year of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has already affected our public health care system to an enormous extent and will continue to do so in the future. Otorhinolaryngologists (ORLs) are suspected to be at high risk of infection, due to the high viral load in the mucosa of the upper airways. The current review evaluates the impa ct of the pandemic on ORLs' activities and assesses the risk infection. METHODS: A selective literature research was conducted using relevant English and German terms for ORL, SARS-CoV‑2, risk, and infection at PubMed, medRxiv, and bioRxiv, as well as in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt and on the websites of the Robert Koch Institute and the Johns Hopkins University. RESULTS: Protection recommendations for ORL include general hygiene measures and wearing KN95 masks for routine professional activities. When in contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it is recommended to extend the personal protective equipment by eye protection, gloves, cap, and gown. International otorhinolaryngology societies have released guidelines for procedures (e.g., tracheostomy, sinus surgery), propagating personal protection for the surgical team and reduction of aerosols. Testing for SARS-CoV‑2 in patients and medical staff can contribute to reducing the risk of infection. Vacc ination would provide some additional protection for ORLs and other health care professionals with increased exposure to aerosols. There is increasing evidence that ORLs are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV‑2. CONCLUSION: Consequent personal protection, frequent testing of patients and health care professionals, and the promised SARS-CoV‑2 vaccinations may provide adequate protection for highly exposed persons. PMID:33620505 | DOI:10.1007/s00106-021-01015-2 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Telocytes in the atherosclerotic carotid artery: Immunofluorescence and TEM evidence

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Telocytes in the atherosclerotic carotid artery: Immunofluorescence and TEM evidence Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb;123(2):151681. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151681. Epub 2021 Jan 22. ABSTRACT Telocytes, which possess distinct body shapes and long telopodes, are allocated in the vascular wall. As a fundamental cell type, telocytes construct a three-dimensional network to form a support structure for the artery. This study aims to characterize the morphology and ultrastructure of telocytes in atherosclerotic arteries. ApoE gene-deficient mice were selected as the a therosclerosis animal model and fed a high-fat diet for at least 12 weeks, and immunofluorescence assays and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to observe changes in telocytes in atherosclerotic arteries. By immunofluorescence staining, CD34, CD117 and PDGFR-α were positive compared with negative CD28/vimentin in telocytes in the atherosclerotic carotid artery, and they were distributed in the tunica intima and tunica adventitia. Under transmission electron microscopy, the bodies of telocytes became larger, while telopodes became shorter compared with their normal condition, and a mass of lipidosomes was present during the progression of atherosclerosis. These results demonstrate that immunofluorescence with TEM is the critical method for identifying TCs and that steatosis of TCs is a reason for atherosclerotic artery dysfunction. PMID:33493960 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151681 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Androgen and estrogen receptors immunolocalization in the sand rat (Psammomys Obesus) cauda epididymis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Androgen and estrogen receptors immunolocalization in the sand rat (Psammomys Obesus) cauda epididymis Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb;123(2):151683. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151683. Epub 2021 Jan 25. ABSTRACT Both androgens and estrogens play key, albeit incompletely described, roles in the functioning of the epididymis. Because this tightly-coiled tubular structure is compartmented, precise mapping of the distribution of sex steroid's receptors is important. Such receptors have been located in the first segments (caput, corpus), but the last part (cauda) remains poorly explored. We used immunochemistry to localize androgen (AR) and estrogen (ESR1 and ESR2) receptors in the cauda in the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus). We compared results obtained during the breeding versus resting seasons. We also used individuals castrated, or castrated then treated with testosterone, or subjected to the ligation of their efferent ducts. During the breeding season, in principal cells, we found strong staining both for AR and ESR1 in the apical cytoplasm, and strong staining for ESR2 in the nucleus. During the resting season, principal cells were positive for AR and ESR1, but negative for ESR2. In castrated animals, staining was null for ESR2 and AR, and weak for ESR1. In castrated then treated animals, immuno-expression was restored but only for AR and ESR1. Following efferent duct ligation, AR reactivity decreased while ESR1 and ESR2 provided strong staining. Broadly similar, but not fully identical patterns were observed in basal cells. They were positive for ESR2 and A R during the breeding season, but not for ESR1. During the resting season, staining was modest for ESR1 and AR and negative for ESR2. In all experimentally treated animals, we observed weak staining for AR and ESR1, and a lack of signal for ESR2. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that androgens and estrogens are involved in the seasonal regulation of the whole epididymis in the fat sand rat, with marked differences between caput and cauda (the corpus is highly reduced in rodent). PMID:33508524 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151683 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The vomeronasal organ of the Korean black goat, Capra hircus coreanae

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Histological and lectin histochemical studies in the vomeronasal organ of the Korean black goat, Capra hircus coreanae Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb;123(2):151684. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151684. Epub 2021 Jan 28. ABSTRACT We examined the localization of olfactory marker protein (OMP), protein gene product9.5 (PGP9.5), and glycan diversity in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) during the prenatal and postnatal periods using immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry. In fetal and 1-day-old goats, OMP was occasionally identified in receptor cells of the VNO sensory epithelium, and PGP9.5 was localized in both the sensory and non-sensory epithelia. In VNO from adult goats, OMP was abundant in the sensory epithelium and scarce in single cells of the non-sensory epithelium. These results suggest that OMP production is initiated in the VNO sensory epithelium (VNE) during the fetal stage, and that its activity is increased in adult VNO receptor cells and solitary cells in the non-sensory epithelium (VNSE). Furthermore, the free borders of the sensory epithelia were positive for 7 lectins, and 6 lectins were moderately and/or highly abundant in receptor cells. Supporting and basal cells, and nerve bundles had similar expression patterns. In VNE, 7 lectins were observed in the free border, and 6 in ciliated, goblet, and basal cells, and in gland acini. The intensities of WGA, LCA, and PNA were high in VSE receptor cells, and the intensity of PNA was high in ciliated cells of the VNSE. The other 3 lectins showed similar patterns throu ghout development. Collectively, these results confirm that the Korean black goat VNO starts developing during the late fetal stages and differentiates further after birth. PMID:33517140 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151684 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

IGF-1 as selected growth factor multi-response to antidepressant-like substances activity in C57BL/6J mouse testis model

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader IGF-1 as selected growth factor multi-response to antidepressant-like substances activity in C57BL/6J mouse testis model Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb 5;123(3):151685. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151685. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) affects almost all cells in the body. Extremely important functions of this growth factor have been demonstrated in the brain and the reproductive system of both, females and males. Also, it is considered as a pro-inflammatory cytokine adjusting tissue homeostasis. However, it seems to play a special role in the male reproductive sys tem and it may be disturbed by the application of antidepressants with different mechanisms of drug action during therapy. To date, the effect of antidepressant-like substances (ALS) on the course of physiological processes in male testicular cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to determine the presence, localizationof IGF-1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 β receptor) and mRNA gene expression of IGF-1R and IGF-1 after administration of 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-tiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]-pyridine (MTEP) and N-[2-(Cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]-methanesulfonamide (NS-398) in the different scheme in the testis of mice. Imipramine was used as a reference drug having a documented interaction with the mGluR5 receptors. The immunohistochemical analyses showed the localization of IGF-1R in Sertoli, Leydig, and germinal cells after all used substances. Differences in receptor localization were observed depending on the drugs applied and the type of analyzed cells. In cont rast, there was a significant increase in IGF-1 gene expression after IMI + NS-398 and in IGF-1R after MTEP + NS-398 and IMI + NS-398 administration. It can, therefore, be assumed that the use of a combination of NS-398 with some ALS may run different mechanisms of action and affect the regulation of reproductive function in mouse testis through maintaining homeostasis at the molecular and immunological levels related to IGF. PMID:33556704 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151685 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Does fresh or frozen embryo transfer affect imprinted gene expressions in human term placenta?

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Does fresh or frozen embryo transfer affect imprinted gene expressions in human term placenta? Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb 8;123(3):151694. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151694. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Our research aimed to compare the epigenetic alterations between placentae of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients and spontaneous pregnancies. Additionally, the expression levels of proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki67) and glucose transporter proteins (GLUT1, GLUT3) were assessed in control and IVF placentae to examine the possible consequences of epigenetic alteratio ns on placental development. Control group placentae were obtained from spontaneous pregnancies of healthy women (n = 16). IVF placentae were obtained from fresh (n = 16) and frozen (n = 16) embryo transfer pregnancies. A group of maternal and paternal imprint genes H19, IGF2, IGF2, IGF2R, PHLDA2, PLAGL1, MASH2, GRB10, PEG1, PEG3, and PEG10 were detected by Real-Time PCR. Additionally, PCNA, Ki67, GLUT1, and GLUT3 protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. In the fresh embryo transfer placenta group (fETP), gene expression of paternal PEG1 and PEG10 was upregulated compared with the control group. Increased gene expression in paternal PEG1 and maternal IGFR2 genes was detected in the frozen embryo transfer placenta group (FET) compared with the control group. Conversely, expression levels of H19 and IGF2 genes were downregulated in the FET group. On the other hand, GLUT3 and PCNA expression was increased in FET group placentae. IVF techniques affect place ntal imprinted gene expressions which are important for proper placental development. Imprinted genes are differently expressed in fresh ET placentae and frozen ET placentae. In conclusion, these data indicate that altered imprinted gene expression may affect glucose transport and cell proliferation, therefore play an important role in placental development. PMID:33571695 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151694 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effects of sodium valproate on the chromatin of Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) under in vitro culture conditions

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of sodium valproate on the chromatin of Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) under in vitro culture conditions Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb 8;123(3):151695. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151695. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Sodium valproate (VPA) is a classic anticonvulsive, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and a chromatin remodeling inducer. When injected into specimens of Triatoma infestans, a vector of Chagas disease, VPA affects the chromatin supraorganization of chromocenter heterochromatin in only a few cells of the Malpighian tubules. To test whether this result was explained by t he inaccessibility of all of the organ's cells to the drug, we investigated the nuclear phenotypes and global acetylation of lysine 9 in histone H3 (H3K9ac) in Malpighian tubules cultivated in vitro for 1-24 h in the presence of 0.05 mM-1 mM VPA. The present results revealed that the chromatin decondensation event in the chromocenter body, which was detected only under low VPA concentrations up to a 4-h treatment, was not frequent during organ culture, similar to the results for injected insects. Cultivation of T. infestans Malpighian tubules in vitro for 24 h revealed inadequate for cell preservation even in the absence of the drug. Immunofluorescence signals for H3K9ac following VPA treatment showed a slightly increased intensity in the euchromatin, but were never detected in the chromocenter bodies, except with great intensity at their periphery, where the 18S rDNA is located. In conclusion, when VPA affects the chromocenter heterochromatin in this animal cell model, it occurs th rough a pathway that excludes a classic global H3K9ac mark. Investigation of nonhistone proteins associated with histone methylation marks is still required to further explain the differential response of T. infestans chromatin to VPA. PMID:33571696 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151695 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Histopathological study on neuroapoptotic alterations induced by etomidate in rat hippocampus

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Histopathological study on neuroapoptotic alterations induced by etomidate in rat hippocampus Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Feb 16;123(3):151693. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151693. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT In human, there is substantial neurogenesis in the hippocampus that is implicated in memory formation and learning. These new-born neurons can be affected by neuropathological conditions. Anesthesia and surgical procedures are associated with postoperative cognitive changes particularly, impaired memory and learning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate t he possible neurodegenerative effects of etomidate in rat hippocampus. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 250 ± 30 g were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) Etomidate group; four times 20 mg intraperitoneal injection with 1-h intervals, 2) Control group; the equal volume of normal saline, and 3) Normal group; without any intervention. 6 h after the last injection, the brains were removed and processed according to routine histological methods. TUNEL assay and toluidine blue staining were performed to evaluate neuro-histopathological changes in different regions of hippocampus. Our results showed that the number of TUNEL positive cells and dark neurons (DNs) in etomidate group were significantly higher in the CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus compared with the control and normal groups (p < 0.05). While, there was no significant difference between the various regions of hippocampus in control and normal groups. Our findings showed that etomidate can increase apop totic cells and dark neurons induction in different regions of hippocampus mainly in DG. PMID:33601320 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151693 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Hypochlorous Acid Solution Is Safe for Intracavitary Lavage: Examination in a Rodent Model

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Hypochlorous Acid Solution Is Safe for Intracavitary Lavage: Examination in a Rodent Model Via Eplasty Eplasty. 2021 Jan 9;21:e1. eCollection 2021. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intracavitary irrigation is a routine component of many surgical procedures, especially in those involving a contaminated field. Normal saline remains the irrigant of choice for most surgeons. Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that produces hypochlorite ions with antimicrobial properties. Reducing microbial concentration during intracavitary irrigation is a potential benefit of using hypochlorous acid solution over normal saline. In this study, the safety of hypochlorous acid solution for intracavitary lavage was compared with normal saline in a rat model of 3 surgical procedures-laminectomy, thoracotomy, and laparotomy. METHODS: The intracavitary space was lavaged with either normal saline or hypochlorous acid. The procedures were also completed using Dakin's solution (sodium hypochlorite) as a comparator, given its known cytotoxicity. On postoperative day 5, necropsies of all animals were performed and relevant organs and blood samples obtained. Histology (hematoxylin and eosin staining) was used to examine biopsies of the collected organs for signs of inflammation, blood vessel integrity, and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry staining for caspase-3 was used to identify apoptotic cells. RESULTS: There were no differences in outcomes (survival, pain, and time to recovery) or histology between animals lavaged with hypochlorous acid and normal saline. Intact organ-specific archite cture was observed in both groups. In comparison, rats treated with Dakin's solution demonstrated significant capsular fibrosis and hemorrhage. Furthermore, significant apoptosis was noted within the bowel mesentery of the group treated with Dakin's solution when stained for caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Hypochlorous acid is safe for lavage of intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intrathoracic cavities. Further studies should be conducted to demonstrate efficacy of hypochlorous acid in an infected field. PMID:33488909 | PMC:PMC7802432 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Efficacy of the laser at low intensity on primary burning oral syndrome: a systematic review

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Efficacy of the laser at low intensity on primary burning oral syndrome: a systematic review Via pubmed: "med oral patol oral... Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021 Feb 20:24144. doi: 10.4317/medoral.24144. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic clinical condition of idiopathic mainly characterized by pain and a burning sensation in the oral cavity. The application of laser at low intensity therapy is a treatment option. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of laser therapy in treating symptoms of burning mouth syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was formulated according to the PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Seven databases were used as primary sources of research. Only randomized controlled clinical trials were included. The efficacy of the therapy was estimated comparing the values of the visual and numerical scales of pain before and after laser treatment, through qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The search resulted in 348 records and only eight filled the eligibility criteria an d were included. All studies evaluated pain and / or a burning sensation considering a time interval of two to ten weeks. The total sample consisted of 314 patients submitted to treatment: 123 from the control group, who participated with laser off or with the tip blocked, and 191 from the intervention group, treated with low-level laser therapy. The female gender stood out and the average age of the participants was 60.89 years. The main symptoms reported were pain and a burning sensation in the oral mucosa and tongue. The parameters adopted by the authors for laser treatment were diverse and the variables were not fully described in the published studies. Visual analog and numerical scales were used to assess symptoms and only three studies showed statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that laser therapy may be an effective alternative in the treatment of BMS. New randomized clinical trials should consider well-established protocols to better understand the e fficacy of laser therapy without confounding the effects. PMID:33609024 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.24144 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.