Ectopic germinal centers in the nasal turbinates contribute to B cell immunity to intranasal viral infection and vaccination.

The nasal mucosa is the first immunologically active site that respiratory viruses encounter and establishing immunity at the initial point of pathogen contact is essential for preventing viral spread. Influenza A virus (IAV) in humans preferentially replicates in the upper respiratory tract (URT) but mouse models of infection result in lower respiratory tract infection. Here, we optimize IAV inoculation to enhance replication in the nasal turbinate (NT) and study local B cell immunity.

Autoinflation compared to ventilation tubes for treating chronic otitis media with effusion.

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss and surgery in children. Autoinflation has been suggested as an alternative treatment for OME.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare treatment outcome with a new autoinflation device versus ventilation tube (VT) surgery or watchful waiting in children with chronic bilateral OME from the waiting list for surgery.

CD4-positive lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma: Report of unusual case.

We are reporting an unusual case of lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma (LELC) in an 8-year-old female patient where the tumor cells showed unusual CD4 expression. The lesion was found in the left submandibular neck region, in the vicinity of the submandibular gland. The salivary gland was not infiltrated by the tumor, and the tumor exhibited a classic LELC with single and clusters of tumor cells surrounded by many hematolymphoid cells.

Clinical relevance of breast cancer-related genes as potential biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC) is a common cancer form with relatively low 5-year survival rates, due partially to late detection and lack of complementary molecular markers as targets for treatment. Molecular profiling of head and neck cancer has revealed biological similarities with basal-like breast and lung carcinoma. Recently, we showed that 16 genes were consistently altered in invasive breast tumors displaying varying degrees of aggressiveness.

Additive effect of the AZGP1, PIP, S100A8 and UBE2C molecular biomarkers improves outcome prediction in breast carcinoma.

The deregulation of key cellular pathways is fundamental for the survival and expansion of neoplastic cells, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on patient outcome. To develop effective individualized cancer therapies, we need to have a better understanding of which cellular pathways are perturbed in a genetically defined subgroup of patients. Here, we validate the prognostic value of a 13-marker signature in independent gene expression microarray datasets (n = 1,141) and immunohistochemistry with full-faced FFPE samples (n = 71).

Replacement of a tracheal stenosis with a tissue-engineered human trachea using autologous stem cells: a case report.

Cell-based therapies involving tissue engineering represent interesting and potentially important strategies for the treatment of patients with various disorders. In this study, using a detergent-enzymatic method, we prepared an intact three-dimensional scaffold of an extracellular matrix derived from a human cadaver donor trachea, which we repopulated with autologous stem cells and implanted into a 76-year-old patient with tracheal stenosis including the lower part of the larynx. Although the graft provided the patient with an open airway, a week after the surgery, the mucous membrane of the graft was covered by a 1-2 mm thick fungal infection, which was treated with local and systemic antifungal therapy.

Survival outcome depending on different treatment strategies in advanced stages III and IV laryngeal cancers: an audit of data from two European centres.

In light of continued uncertainty regarding efficacy of treatment of Stages III and IV laryngeal tumours, this study aims to evaluate organ-preservation strategies, comprising radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy versus surgical treatment (laryngectomy ± adjuvant treatment) by encompassing the long-established practice at two internationally acclaimed tertiary centres not previously presented in published literature. Retrospective review was conducted of non-randomised prospectively maintained Stages III and IV disease patient databases at two tertiary centres: Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) in Aberdeen, Scotland. Primary outcome measures included 3-year overall, disease-specific survival and local control depending on treatment.

T but not N stage predicts survival for patients with tonsillar carcinoma treated with external radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

Background: Our aim was to determine the efficacy of a therapeutic schedule including external radiation and brachytherapy in a consecutive and retrospective series of tonsillar carcinoma patients.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-six patients with tonsillar carcinoma were treated between 1988 and 2000 and were followed up for at least for three years. All patients were treated with accelerated hyperfractionated external radiotherapy, 68 patients had additional brachytherapy and 69 patients with advanced stages also received chemotherapy.

Mucosal secretion changes during radiotherapy in the oral cavity.

Mucositis in the oral cavity is a serious complication during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, causing local discomfort and pain. In severe cases, hospitalization and interruption of radiotherapy may be necessary. The pathogenesis of this mucositis is not clear.

Obstructive sleep apnea caused by bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

We describe the case of a woman who had been referred to us with a history of breathing difficulties and snoring and a suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our investigation revealed that she did indeed have severe OSA in addition to undiagnosed bilateral vocal fold paralysis of unknown origin. Nocturnal polysomnography found that her apnea/hypopnea index was 120 and her minimum arterial oxygen saturation level was 63%.