Anatomical Changes in a Case with Asymmetrical Bilateral Maxillary Sinus Hypoplasia

Background and Objectives: The maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH) is an occasional variation of the maxilla, occurring either unilaterally or bilaterally. Previous studies dealing with MSH have not detailed the consequent anatomical changes of the maxilla and adjacent fossae. Materials and Methods: A 58-year-old female case was scanned in Cone Beam Computed Tomography and found to have asymmetrical bilateral MSH, who was then further evaluated anatomically. Results: The maxillary sinuses were hypoplastic and had mild mucosal thickenings. The orbital floors were curved. The uncinate process and the ethmoidal infundibulum were laterally displaced beneath the orbit floor. On each side, the lateral nasal wall protruded within the respective maxillary bone to reach above the vestibular cortical plate of the alveolar process. This expansion of the lateral nasal walls was limited to the premolar and first molar regions. The inferior turbinates were laterally curved. The perpendicular palatine plate was building a postero-lateral nasal wall in front of the pterygopalatine fossa. Conclusions: The classification systems of MSH should be detailed to indicate whether the normal uncinate process is medial or inferior to the orbit. The lateral expansion of the lateral nasal wall in MSH is limited to the anterior part of that wall. The laterally expanded nasal fossa could reach anterior to the pterygopalatine fossa in MSH. Seemingly, CBCT is a better tool than CT to evaluate the detailed anatomy of the modified anatomical structures in MSH; as such, it could be of help in a surgical approach

Analysis of Vaginal Microbiota Variations in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Their Correlation with Preterm Birth: A Case-Control Study

This study conducted a detailed analysis of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women to explore its correlation with preterm birth (PTB) outcomes. The primary objective was to identify microbial variations associated with increased PTB risk. Secondary objectives included investigating how changes in microbial composition relate to the local immune environment and PTB. Utilizing a retrospective case–control design, the study involved pregnant women with liveborn infants between 2019 and 2023. In total, 89 women who delivered preterm and 106 term deliveries were included. Data collection focused on third-trimester vaginal cultures. Statistically significant differences were observed between the preterm and full-term groups in several areas. The median white blood cell count (10.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 7.6 × 103/mm3, p = 0.009) and neutrophil count (7.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 5.1 × 103/mm3, p p p = 0.001) as indicated by the Nugent Score. The study noted a significant association of PTB with the presence of Candida spp. (OR = 1.84, p = 0.018), Gardnerella vaginalis (OR = 2.29, p = 0.003), Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 1.97, p = 0.007), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (OR = 2.43, p = 0.001). Conversely, a reduction in Lactobacillus spp. correlated with a decreased PTB risk (OR = 0.46, p = 0.001). The study provides compelling evidence that specific vaginal microbiota components, particularly certain pathogenic bacteria and an altered Lactobacillus profile, are significantly associated with PTB risk. These findings highlight the potential of targeting microbial factors in strategies aimed at reducing PTB rates. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interplay between microbial dynamics, host immunity, and PTB outcomes

Impaired recognition memory and emotional reactivity associated with loss of cortical integrity in rats after chronic exposure to aluminum

Although the neurotoxic effects of aluminum (Al) have been extensively investigated, with a particular emphasis on the contribution of this metal to several neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, there are few studies on behavioral impairments associated with Al exposure. This lack of data is even more provocative since recent researches have shown that Al induces significant cerebrovascular alterations in cortical architectures. We have investigated possible behavioral impairments of spatial recognition memory and emotional reactivity on rats that were chronically exposed to Al. Concurently, we have studied cytoarchitectural integrity of isocortex, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, and striatopallidal structures on brain sections stained with the Bielchowsky silver stain method. Our results indicated spatial recognition memory deficits that were significantly represented on spontaneous alternation task performances, but less obvious on Morris water maze task performances of experimental animals, suggesting differences in the sensitivity of these two spatial memory paradigms. We also observed emotional reactivity patterns of modifications on male and female rats exposed to Al. This sexsegregated difference was not completely surprising since estrogens could have neuroprotective effects on adult female rats exposed to Al, although this specific hormonal modulation remains to be tested. These behavioral modifications were associated with massive cellular depletion in frontal isocortex, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, but relatively spared striatopallidal structures. We concluded that Al primarily induces the structural alteration and functional isolation of the hippocampus, correlated with behavioral deficits on hippocampal-dependent tasks

An Immunohistochemical Study of Gastric Mucosa and Critical Review Indicate That the Subepithelial Telocytes Are Prelymphatic Endothelial Cells

Background and Objectives: There are only a few studies regarding gut subepithelial telocytes (TCs). The telopodes, namely peculiar TCs’ prolongations described on two-dimensional cuts, are not enough to differentiate this specific cell type. Subepithelial TCs were associated with the intestinal stem niche but a proper differential diagnosis with lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) was not performed. In this study, we will also critically review studies suggesting that distinctive TCs could be positioned within the lamina propria. Materials and Methods: We performed an immunohistochemical study of human gastric mucosa to test the expression of D2-40, the lymphatic marker, as well as that of CD31, CD34, CD44, CD117/c-kit, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin in the gastric subepithelial niche. Results: The results support the poorly investigated anatomy of intramural gastric lymphatics, with circumferential collectors located on both sides of the muscularis mucosae (mucosal and then submucosal) and myenteric collectors in the muscularis propria. We also found superficial epithelial prelymphatic channels bordered by D2-40+ but CD31–TC-like cells. Deep epithelial lymphatic collectors drain in collectors within the lamina propria. Blood endothelial cells expressed CD31, CD34, CD44, and vimentin. Conclusions: Therefore, the positive diagnosis of TC for subepithelial CD34+ cells should be regarded with caution, as they could also be artefacts, resulting from the two-dimensional examination of three dimensional structures, or as LECs. Lymphatic markers should be routinely used to discriminate TCs from LECs

Therapeutic Perspectives for Microbiota Transplantation in Digestive Diseases and Neoplasia—A Literature Review

In a mutually beneficial connection with its host, the gut microbiota affects the host’s nutrition, immunity, and metabolism. An increasing number of studies have shown links between certain types of disease and gut dysbiosis or specific microorganisms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is strongly advised for the treatment of recurrent or resistant Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) due to its outstanding clinical effectiveness against CDI. The therapeutic potential of FMT for other disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies, is currently gaining more and more attention. We summarized the most recent preclinical and clinical evidence to show the promise of FMT in the management of cancer as well as complications related to cancer treatment after reviewing the most recent research on the gut microbiota and its relationship to cancer

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients Co-Infected with SARS-CoV2 and <i>Clostridioides difficile</i>

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the treatment of Clostridioides Difficile (CD)-infected patients given the increasing number of co-infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this context, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise in modulating the immune system’s function and alleviating the burdens associated with this condition. Methods: To achieve this goal, we performed a comparative, retrospective, single-center study on 86 patients (admitted between January 2020 and March 2022). We based our approach on specific inclusion criteria: 1. The study group included 46 co-infected patients (COVID-19 and CD) receiving antibiotics and FMT; 2. In the control group, 40 co-infected patients received antibiotics only. Our results showed no significant group differences in terms of gender, age, risk factors such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity (p > 0.05), or in pre-treatment inflammatory status, evaluated by white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We report a significant decrease in inflammatory syndrome (CRP, WBC) in coinfected patients receiving FMT in addition to antibiotics (p p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study provides new data to support the multiple benefits of FMT in the case of COVID-19 and CD co-infection by improving patients’ quality of life and inflammatory syndrome

Stratifying Disease Severity in Pediatric COVID-19: A Correlative Study of Serum Biomarkers and Lung Ultrasound—A Retrospective Observational Dual-Center Study

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has manifested distinct impacts on infants and children. This study delves into the intricate connection between lung ultrasound (LUS) findings and serum biomarkers in neonates and infants with COVID-19. Exploring factors contributing to the mild symptoms in this demographic, including immune responses and pre-existing immunity, the study spans 3 years and 9 months, involving 42 patients. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms predominate, and LUS emerges as a vital, non-irradiating tool for evaluating pulmonary abnormalities. Serum biomarkers like CRP, procalcitonin, and cytokines provide key insights into the pathophysiology. Correlations reveal nuanced links between LUS score and clinical parameters, unveiling associations with hospitalization duration (rho = 0.49), oxygen saturation (rho = −0.88), and inflammatory markers, like ferritin (rho = 0.62), LDH (rho = 0.73), and D-dimer (rho = 0.73) with significance level (p < 0.05). The absence of large consolidations in LUS suggests unique pulmonary characteristics. The novelty of these findings lies in the comprehensive integration of LUS with serum biomarkers to assess and monitor the severity of lung involvement in neonates and infants affected by SARS-CoV-2. This approach offers valuable insights into disease severity, biomarker levels, the duration of hospitalization, and oxygen saturation, providing a multifaceted understanding of COVID-19’s impact on this vulnerable population

In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of <i>Thymus pulegioides</i> Essential Oil

The study was designed to analyze and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the essential oils of Thymus pulegioides L. grown in Western Romania. Thymus pulegioides L. essential oil (TPEO) was extracted by steam distillation (0.71% v/w) using a Craveiro-type apparatus. GC-MS investigation of the TPEO identified 39 different compounds, representing 98.46% of total oil. Findings revealed that thymol (22.89%) is the main compound of TPEO, followed by para-cymene (14.57%), thymol methyl ether (11.19%), isothymol methyl ether (10.45%), and beta-bisabolene (9.53%). The oil exhibits good antibacterial effects; C. parapsilosis, C. albicans, S. pyogenes, and S. aureus were the most sensitive strains. The antioxidant activity of TPEO was evaluated by peroxide and thiobarbituric acid value, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), [2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium] (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, and beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching testing. The antioxidative data recorded reveal, for the first time, that TPEO inhibits primary and secondary oxidation products, in some particular conditions, better than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) with significant statistical difference (p p p d-alanine-d-alanine ligase (DDl). The best scoring ligand, linalyl anthranilate, shared highly similar binding patterns with the DDl native inhibitor. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis also showed that the main constituents of TPEO are good candidates for xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase inhibition, making the essential oil a valuable source for protein-targeted antioxidant compounds. Consequently, TPEO may represent a new potential source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents with applicability in the food and pharmaceutic industries