A Community Survey on Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics with Risk Perception and Awareness about Oral Cancer in Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of oral cancer awareness and risk factors perception and the relationship between this awareness and the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among rural and urban residents in Lagos State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling method was utilized. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of respondents, as well as their knowledge about oral cancer risk factors, were assessed with a validated questionnaire. The bivariate association was done using an independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between predictor variables and oral cancer knowledge scores. The statistical significance level is set at p<0.05. Results: 590 participants between 18 and 82 years (mean age 34.5 ±13.7) completed the survey. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 25.7%, of which 16 (1.5%) were heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day). The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 66.1%, with 57 (9.7%) being heavy drinkers, consuming drinks for 5-7 days of the week. A high proportion of the respondents (>60%) exhibited gaps in their knowledge of oral cancer. Uneducated participants had lower oral cancer knowledge than those with >12 years of formal education (aOR = 5.347; 95% CI: 4.987-6.240). Participants who were smokers had lower oral cancer knowledge compared with non-smokers (aOR = 3.341; 95% CI: 2.147-4.783); Participants who consumed alcohol had more deficient oral cancer knowledge compared with non-drinkers (aOR = 1.699; 95% CI: 1.087-2.655); While heavy smokers aOR = 4.023; 95% CI: 3.615-4.825) and heavy drinkers aOR = 4.331; 95% CI: 3.158-5.939) had lower oral cancer knowledge compared with those who did not abuse both substances. Conclusion: A high proportion of the respondents exhibited gaps in their knowledge of oral cancer in their responses. Delayed diagnosis of oral cancer can be reduced by increasing the awareness and knowledge of the populace about risk factors and also in the recognition of its signs and symptoms.

Origen y evolución de una vía aérea permeable / The origin and evolution of a permeable airway

Resumen: A través de los siglos hemos descubierto la importancia de mantener permeable y segura la vía aérea. Desde Hipócrates en la antigua Grecia, hasta el siglo XX en oriente y occidente, se ha continuado con el desarrollo de herramientas que faciliten esta cotidiana tarea por lo que, con esta revisión sistemática, se establecieron como objetivos exponer el origen y los antecedentes del tubo endotraqueal, cánula orofaríngea y laringoscopio, así como discutir su utilidad en la práctica anestésica-quirúrgica, a través del tiempo hasta hoy en día.

Abstract: Over the centuries, we have discovered the importance of preserving a safe permeable airway. From Hippocrates in ancient Greece to the 20th century in the East and West, the development of multiple tools that enable this task continues through time, which is why with this systematic review we aim to uncover the origin and historical background of the endotracheal tube, the oropharyngeal cannula and the laryngoscope, discussing their effectiveness in the anesthetic-surgical practice over years to the present day.

Anticoagulación en paciente con síndrome de Lemierre y embolias sépticas pulmonares / Anticoagulation in a patient with Lemierre syndrome and pulmonary septic embolisms

Resumen El síndrome de Lemierre, también denominado trom boflebitis séptica de la vena yugular interna, necrobaci losis o sepsis postanginal es una infección que inicia en el espacio orofaríngeo, se complica con tromboflebitis séptica de la vena yugular interna y metástasis infeccio sas. La rápida progresión a cuadros clínicos graves que comprometen la vida del paciente y su baja frecuencia justifican la divulgación de casos clínicos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 27 años de edad, que a las 48 horas de completar el tratamiento con fenoximetilpenicilina por una infección odontógena evolucionó con edema facial y trismus. En la angio-TC de macizo craneofacial se evidenció extenso trombo en la vena yugular interna y en la tomografía computarizada de tórax, embolias sépticas pulmonares. El tratamiento consistió en antibió ticos endovenosos de amplio espectro y anticoagulación de manera precoz.

Abstract Lemierre's syndrome, also called septic thrombo phlebitis of the internal jugular vein, necrobacillosis or postanginal sepsis, is an infection that begins in the oropharyngeal space, is complicated by septic throm bophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and infectious metastases. The rapid progression to serious clinical conditions that compromise the patient's life and its low frequency justify the disclosure of clinical cases. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman who de veloped facial edema and trismus 48 hours after com pleting treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin for an odontogenic infection. An angio-CT of the craniofacial massif revealed an extensive thrombus in the internal jugular vein and a computed tomography of the chest showed septic pulmonary emboli. Treatment consisted of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and early anticoagulation.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Misdiagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of oropharynx: a case report / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Adenoid cystic carcinoma usually occurs in the salivary glands of the head and neck. It is a malignant tumor with a high degree of malignancy, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and poor prognosis. The clinical course of adenoid cystic carcinoma is slow and easy to be misdiagnosed. The main diagnosis and treatment means are individualized and precise treatment under the multi-disciplinary consultation mode, that is, surgical treatment and radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is prone to relapse and hematologic metastasis, and the traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy based therapies have not achieved satisfactory efficacy in the past three decades. How to detect, diagnose and treat early is an urgent task faced by clinicians.

Research progress on the treatment improvement of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

The number of new cases of oropharyngeal cancer is increasing year by year among the world, and HPV infection is one of the risk factors for this malignant tumor. Compared with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, HPV-positive patients are more sensitive to radiotherapy and have a better prognosis, but there is no accepted treatment for HPV-positive patients. Reducing treatment intensity moderately and exploring the best option to minimize side effects of treatment are urgent issues to be addressed. This article reviews the research progress on the treatment improvement of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in recent years.

Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Oropharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of head and neck. In recent years, the incidence of Human papilloma virus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma（HPV-OPSCC） has been increasing year by year. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the wide application of intensity modulated radiation therapy, and the demand of patients for organ function protection and higher quality of life, the unique biological behavior and better prognosis of HPV-OPSCC have led to the exploration of a series of attenuated treatment modes. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment status of oropharyngeal cancer and related research progress based on relevant reports.

Clinical characteristics and efficacy of oropharyngeal carcinoma with secondary primary tumor / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analysis the clinical features and prognosis in oropharyngeal carcinoma with secondary primary tumor. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 468 pathologically confirmed oropharyngeal cancer as the primary tumor patients with p16 status, excluded distant metastasis, and admitted to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2010 to December 2020. The clinical features and prognosis of the secondary primary tumor were analyzed. Results:Among 468 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated at initial diagnosed, 222 cases were P16-negative. With a median follow-up time of 64.3 months, 66 cases developed second primary cancer, with an incidence of 29.3%, among which 63.6%（42/66） were synchronous and 36.4%（24/66） were heterochronous, esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 5-year OS of p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma with synchronous second primary cancer, without second primary cancer and with heterogeneous second primary cancer were 26.3% and 57.3% and 73.2%（P=0.001）; The second primary cancer accounted for 11.2%（12/107） of the deaths in the whole group, among them, the heterochronous second primary accounted for 75.0%（9/12）. There were 246 patients with p16 positive, with a median follow-up time of 52.4 months, 20 patients developed second primary cancer（8.1%）. Among them, 65.0%（13/20） were synchronous and 35.0%（7/20） were heterochronous. Esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 4-year OS of p16-positive with synchronous, heterochronous and non-second primary cancer group were 51.9%, 80.7% and 83.3%. Secondary primary cancer accounted for 3.8%（2/52） of all deaths in p16 positvie group. Conclusion:The incidence of second primary cancer of p16 positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinoma were different. The esophagus was the most commonly involved site regardless of p16 status. Regardless of p16 status, the survival of patients with synchronous second primary cancer was worse than those without second primary cancer. For p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma, the prognosis was better in patients with heterogeneous second primary cancer, the second primary cancer is one of the main causes of death.

Research progress on neutrophil extracellular traps in oral infectious diseases / 口腔疾病防治

@#Eutrophils are the first innate immune cells to reach the site of inflammation. Neutrophils produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that can quickly capture and limit the spread of pathogens, facilitating the removal of pathogens and their debris. Neutrophils in the oral cavity are specifically transformed from circulating neutrophils in the blood, and the number of NETs released by oral neutrophils is much higher than that of circulating neutrophils, thus better maintaining the balance of the oral microenvironment. As a bimorphic fungus, only the mycelium phase of Candida albicans can induce NETs, which is related to the neutrophils' ability to sense the size of pathogenic microorganisms through neutrophil elastase. However, spherical Staphylococcus aureus are much smaller than Candida albicans, and they can still induce NETs. Porphyromonas gingivalis, as one of the microorganisms in the periodontitis complex, induces fewer NETs than Streptococcus oralis and Actinomycetes, which are two common oral microorganisms, and there may be a mechanism allowing them to escape neutrophilic immunity in the early stage of periodontitis. Although the two main pathways of NET production have been studied in detail, the mechanisms involved in the induction of NETs by different microorganisms, especially from oral neutrophils, are not well understood. This review describes the mechanism of the immune effects of pathogenic microorganisms on neutrophil NETs in the oral cavity, providing a reference for the search for therapeutic targets and the development of key drugs for treating oral infectious diseases.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: time from first symptoms to treatment initiation and associated factors

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the time elapsed from first symptoms to the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) and to identify variables associated with treatment delay. This is an observational study with retrospective and prospective data collection. Patients with a diagnosis of OOC seen at the Head and Neck Surgery outpatient clinic of a Brazilian public hospital were included and followed up to treatment initiation. Participants answered a questionnaire for the collection of socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and clinical information, as well as information about the time elapsed from first symptoms to the first appointment with a head and neck surgeon. Time to treatment was classified into four intervals: 1- first symptoms to first medical appointment; 2- first medical appointment to specialized medical care; 3- specialized medical care to preparation for treatment; and 4- preparation for treatment to treatment initiation. Bivariate statistics were computed. Out of 100 participants, nine died before treatment. Mean time to treatment was 217 days. Highest mean time was observed for interval 2 (94 days), followed by interval 1 (63 days), interval 4 (39 days), and interval 3 (21 days). At interval 1, a longer time was associated with severe alcohol consumption, severe smoking, and family history of cancer. At interval 2, the delay was associated with appointment with a general practitioner, clinical diagnosis of disease other than cancer, and antibiotic prescription. At interval 4, delay in treatment was associated with surgical treatment. Patients with OOC experience delays from symptom onset to treatment initiation. The longest interval was associated with professional delay, followed by patient delay in help-seeking.

Effects of Onodera′s prognostic nutritional index on the prognosis of locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after induction chemotherapy followed by sequential chemoradiotherapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of Onodera′s prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the prognosis of locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OPSCC) after induction chemotherapy followed by sequential chemoradiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 52 LA-OPSCC patients receiving induction chemotherapy followed by sequential chemoradiotherapy in The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University during 2014-2018. The PNI values of all the patients at different treatment phases were statistically analyzed, and the ROC curve was employed to determine the optimal critical value of PNI. The patients in this study were divided into a well-nourished group ( n = 27) and a poorly-nourished group ( n = 25). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to analyze the relationships between different nutritional status and prognosis. Clinical features and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The PNI values decreased significantly after radiotherapy, with an optimal critical value of 42.4. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the well-nourished group (PNI ≥ 42.4) were 62.6% and 60.9%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those (30.1% and 29.7%) of the poorly-nourished group (PNI < 42.4, χ2 = 11.12, 5.74, P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that PNI was an independent prognostic factor for the OS after radiotherapy ( HR = 2.752, 95% CI: 1.095-6.917, P = 0.031). The LA-OPSCC patients aged over 60 years or those who did not respond to induction chemotherapy accounted for a higher proportion of malnutrition after chemoradiotherapy ( χ2 = 4.89, 5.05, P < 0.05). Conclusions:PNI after radiotherapy can be used as a prognostic factor in the evaluation of LA-OPSCC patients receiving induction chemotherapy followed by sequential chemoradiotherapy. The LA-OPSCC patients aged over 60 years or those who do not respond to induction chemotherapy should receive more nutritional support during the chemoradiotherapy.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Hospitalizations for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil by the SUS: impacts of the covid-19 pandemic / Hospitalizações por câncer bucal e orofaríngeo no Brasil pelo SUS: impactos da pandemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the different phases of the covid-19 pandemic on hospitalizations for oral (CaB) and oropharyngeal (CaOR) cancer in Brazil, carried out within the scope of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS We obtained data regarding hospital admissions due to CaB and CaOR between January 2018 and August 2021 from the SUS Hospital Information System, analyzing hospital admissions as rates per 100,000 inhabitants. We divided the pandemic (January 2020 to August 2021) and pre-pandemic (January 2018 to December 2019) periods into four-month periods, comparing the pandemic period rates with analogous rates for the pre-pandemic period - for Brazil, by macro-region and by a group of procedures performed during hospitalization. We also analyzed the impact of the pandemic on the average cost of hospitalizations, expressing the results in percentage change. RESULTS Rates of hospitalization in the SUS due to CaB and CaOR decreased during the pandemic in Brazil. The most significant reduction occurred in the second four-month period of 2020 (18.42%), followed by decreases in the third four-month period of 2020 (17.76%) and the first and second four-month periods of 2021 (respectively, 14.64% and 17.07%), compared with 2019. The South and Southeast showed the most expressive and constant reductions between the different phases of the pandemic. Hospitalizations for clinical procedures suffered a more significant decrease than for surgical procedures. In Brazil, the average expenditure per hospitalization in the four-month pandemic periods was higher than in the reference periods. CONCLUSION After more than a year of the pandemic's beginning in Brazil, the SUS hospital care network for CaB and CaOR had yet to be re-established. The repressed demand for hospitalizations for these diseases, which have fast evolution, will possibly result in delays in treatment, negatively impacting the survival of these patients. Future studies are needed to monitor this situation.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o impacto das diferentes fases da pandemia de covid-19 sobre as hospitalizações por câncer bucal (CaB) e de orofaringe (CaOR) no Brasil, realizadas no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODOS Os dados quanto às internações hospitalares por CaB e CaOR, entre janeiro de 2018 e agosto de 2021, foram obtidos no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS. As internações foram analisadas sob a forma de taxas por 100 mil habitantes. Os períodos de pandemia (janeiro de 2020 a agosto de 2021) e pré-pandemia (janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2019) foram divididos em quadrimestres; as taxas quadrimestrais do período pandêmico foram comparadas às taxas análogas do período pré-pandemia - para o Brasil, por macrorregião e por grupo de procedimentos realizados na internação. O impacto da pandemia sobre o valor médio das internações também foi analisado. Os resultados foram expressos em variação percentual. RESULTADOS As taxas de internação hospitalar no SUS por CaB e CaOR reduziram durante a pandemia no Brasil. Em comparação com os quadrimestres de 2019, a maior redução foi identificada no segundo quadrimestre de 2020 (18,42%), seguida das reduções do terceiro quadrimestre de 2020 (17,76%) e do primeiro e segundo quadrimestres de 2021 (respectivamente, 14,64% e 17,07%). Sul e Sudeste apresentaram as reduções mais expressivas e constantes entre as diferentes fases da pandemia. As internações para procedimentos clínicos sofreram maior redução do que para procedimentos cirúrgicos. No Brasil, o gasto médio por internação nos quadrimestres da pandemia foi maior do que nos quadrimestres de referência. CONCLUSÃO Após mais de um ano do início da pandemia no Brasil, a rede hospitalar de cuidado ao CaB e CaOR do SUS ainda não tinha se restabelecido. A demanda reprimida de hospitalizações por essas doenças, que são de rápida evolução, possivelmente resultará em atrasos para tratamento, com impacto negativo para a sobrevida desses pacientes; futuros estudos são necessários para monitorar essa situação.

Diagnostic Performance of Digital Radiograph and Low-Dose Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Fishbone Retention in the Oropharynx

Abstract Introduction Fishbone foreign body retention is one of the most common problem with various clinical manifestations from asymptomatic, abscess formation, and perforation to mediastinitis with subsequence morbidity and mortality. Accurately identifying the location of the fishbone leads to precise removal, which, in turn, prevents serious consequences. Digital radiographs have been widely used for diagnosis, but many studies show poor sensitivity. Object The present study was designed to compare the diagnostic performances of digital radiograph and low-dose computed tomography (CT) for fishbone retention and to demonstrate the radiation dose of the two modalities. Methods We collected 2 pieces of fishbone from each of the 15 species commonly eaten in Southeast Asia. We embedded each fishbone in a fresh pig's neck, then subjected the pig's neck to lateral soft tissue neck digital radiograph. The locations to embed included tonsil, base of tongue, and upper esophagus. Then, we subjected the same specimen to a CT scan. Two experienced radiologists interpreted each image. Results Visibility in the digital radiograph group was 13%, and in CT images group, it was 87% regardless of the locations. The average radiation dose from digital radiographs was 0.4 mGy (radiation dose field), while from CT images it was 8.6 mGy (CT dose index). Conclusion Most of the common fishbones in Southeast Asia could not be visualized by digital radiograph when embedded in the neck. Computed tomography scans demonstrated better diagnostic performance of fishbone retention compared to digital radiographs, regardless of the embedded location.

Squamous Papilloma of Tongue – A Case Report

Oral Squamous papilloma presents as a cauliflower like growth in oral mucosa which in 50 % cases has been associated with HPV 6 and 11. We report a 51-year-old male patient who presented with a large white coloured pedunculated growth on tongue measuring 4cm×2.5cm × 2cm. Lesion was excised surgically with no recurrence within 3-month of follow- up.

Epidemiología y frecuencia de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y su repercusión en la mucosa bucal: una revisión narrativa / Epidemiology and frequency of sexually transmitted diseases and their impact on oral mucosa: a narrative review

El objetivo de la presente revisión fue analizar y compa- rar las publicaciones sobre la prevalencia de manifestaciones bucales de pacientes infectados por el Virus de la Inmuno- deficiencia Humana, Virus del Papiloma Humano y sífilis. Se seleccionaron los artículos más relevantes y se abordó la incidencia según sexo, edad, distribución geográfica y locali- zaciones anatómicas frecuentes. Se encontró que las lesiones orales más prevalentes producidas por el Virus de la Inmu- nodeficiencia Humana son la candidiasis oral, la leucoplasia vellosa y enfermedades periodontales, entre otras. La sífilis presentó una frecuencia de 7,5% de manifestaciones orales en la etapa primaria, 92,5% en la secundaria y rara vez lesio- nes en la terciaria. Las formas más prevalentes fueron parches mucosos, pápulas y úlceras. Las lesiones orales benignas rela- cionadas con el Virus del Papiloma Humano halladas fueron la verruga vulgar, el papiloma plano, el condiloma acuminado y la hiperplasia epitelial focal. La prevalencia de carcinomas orofaríngeos y orales fue del 33,6% y del 22,2% respectiva- mente. Se encontraron similitudes en el comportamiento se- xual y las vías de transmisión de las enfermedades analizadas, y se observó que son más prevalentes en adultos jóvenes de sexo masculino y en países en vías de desarrollo (AU)

The aim of this review was to analyze and compare pub- lications on the prevalence of oral manifestations in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Pap- illoma Virus and syphilis. The most reliable studies were se- lected, and incidence was evaluated according to gender, age, geographic location and frequent anatomic sites. It was found that the most prevalent Human Immunodeficiency Virus oral lesions were oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia and perio- dontal diseases, among others. Syphilis had a 7.5% preva- lence of oral manifestations in the primary stage, 92.5% in the secondary, and rarely lesions in the tertiary. The most prevalent forms were mucous patches, papules and ulcers. The benign oral lesions related to the Human Papilloma Vi- rus were verruca vulgaris, squamous papilloma, condyloma acuminatum and multifocal epithelial hyperplasia. The preva- lence of oropharyngeal and oral carcinomas were 33.6% and 22.2%, respectively. Similarities were found in sexual behavior and transmis- sion routes of the diseases analyzed, which were more preva- lent among young adult males, and in developing countries (AU)

Progressive Increase Trend in HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Brazil

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is rising in the whole world. Objective To access the prevalence and temporal trend of HPV infection in oropharyngeal cancer by analyzing the expression of the p16 protein. Methods We conducted a transversal study in a Brazilian reference oncology center. The sample consisted of 254 patients with OSCC. The analyzed period was from 2013 to 2017. All patients underwent p16 immunohistochemistry analysis. Results The overall prevalence of HPV-related OSCC was of 31.9%. During the analyzed period, we observed a trend of increasing rates of OSCC that marked positive for p16 immunohistochemistry. The annual prevalence of p16-positive cases was of 20.6% in 2013, 23.9% in 2014, 33.3% in 2015, 38.3% in 2016, and 34.2% in 2017. Most of the patients were stage III and IV (84%). Female patients (odds ratio [OR] = 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003-5.888; p = 0.049) and younger patients (OR = 2.919; 95%CI: 1.682-5.067; p < 0.005) were associated with a higher risk of HPV-related OSCC. Tobacco consumption had a proportional lower risk of HPV-related OSCC (OR = 0.152; 95%CI: 0063-0.366; p < 0.005). Conclusion We observed an increasing prevalence of HPV-related OSCC in a specialized cancer hospital in Brazil.

Performance & clinical utility of oropharyngeal versus nasopharyngeal swabs in COVID-19

Background & objectives: The oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples are the most recommended clinical specimens for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in an individual through the quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) method. The primary objective of this study was to compare the performance of NP and OP swabs for the diagnosis of COVID-19 among 2250 concomitant samples (1125 NP + 1125 OP) using rRT-PCR test. Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in southern India. The study compared the specificity and efficacy of the two samples (NP & OP swabs) in 1125 individuals suspected having COVID-19 infection. The rRT-PCR values from all the samples were compared based on gender, age group and viral load. The differences between unmatched proportion and matched proportion were analysed. Agreement between the two methods was assessed using Kappa statistic. Absolute sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for OP and NP swabs were analysed. Results: The study identified a fair degree of agreement between OP and NP swabs in diagnosis of COVID-19 (kappa = 0.275, P<0.001). There was also a fair degree of agreement between NP and OP swabs irrespective of gender, age or duration of symptoms. NP swabs had better sensitivity and NPV as compared to OP swabs, however, specificity and PPV were 100 per cent for both. Interpretation & conclusions: The present study showed that both OP and NP swabs had similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting the presence of SARS-CoV-2.

Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus type O in recovered as well as healthy cattle to study carrier status in Assam

Foot and mouth disease (FMD), one of the most contagious diseases of animals, affects different host species including wild animals. Asymptomatic FMD recovered animals may remain as carrier, which may be threat to other healthy animals. Hence, it is necessary to monitor the carrier status of the FMD recovered animals to effectively prevent further spread of the disease. Out of all the seven serotypes of FMD, O serotype is most commonly found in livestock. Therefore, in the present study, we chose to detect serotype ‘O’ in oropharyngeal fluid (OP) and to quantify cytokines, viz. IL-1?, IL-1? and IL-2. A total of 30 OP fluids and 30 blood samples were collected from 10 animals (1 in-contact healthy animal) for 3 months post infection. FMD O serotype could be detected in all the animals (100%). The RQ values were found to be 0.014 to 63.118 and 0.162 to 46.889 for IL-1? and IL-1? genes respectively, while insignificant RQ values were obtained for IL-2. In the second and third months, two animals showed down regulation for IL-1? gene, while IL-1? and IL-2 genes were down regulated in 7 animals and in all 10 animals, respectively for all the three months.

Reliability of CNEURO hyssops for sample collection in the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis / Fiabilidad de los hisopos CNEURO para la recogida de muestras en el diagnóstico del SARS-CoV-2

ABSTRACT Introduction: The detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material from nasopharyngeal swab samples by RT-PCR is the most specific and sensitive way to test suspected cases. However, factors such as the sampling process, the type of hyssop used, and the anatomical area from which the sample is collected can distort the result and cause false negatives. Objective: To evaluate the reliability of CNUERO hyssops for sample collection for the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis versus IMPROSWAB hyssops. Material and Methods: To study the reliability of hyssops developed in Cuba for swabbing for the COVID-19 diagnosis by comparing them to other hyssops successfully used for this task, 2 swabbing samples were obtained from each patient (136). One of these two samples was taken using the hyssops made in Cuba, while the other was taken using another hyssop imported from Germany. The positive detections obtained with the use of both hyssops were compared using the Fisher's exact test. The result of the detection of each hyssop was evaluated and compared using the ROC curve. Results: The use of CNEURO hyssops allowed the detection of 45 out of 59 positive cases, while IMPROSAWAB hyssops detected 52 out of 59 true positive cases. There were no significant differences between positive cases detected with the use of each hyssop. The sensitivity of sample detection using CNEURO hyssops was 76,3 % while the one using IMPROSWAB hyssops was 88,1 %. Hence, there are no significant differences in the detection of cases using these two hyssops. Conclusion: CNEURO hyssops are safe and reliable to be used to take nasopharyngeal samples from COVID-19 patients.

RESUMEN Introducción: La detección de material genético del SARS-CoV-2 a partir de muestras de hisopos nasofaríngeos mediante RT-PCR es la forma más específica y sensible de analizar los casos sospechosos. Sin embargo, factores como el proceso de toma de muestra, el tipo de hisopo y el área anatómica de la que se extrae la muestra, pueden distorsionar el resultado y provocar falsos negativos. Objetivo: Evaluar la confiabilidad de hisopos CNUERO para la recolección de muestras en el diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 versus hisopos IMPROSWAB. Material y Métodos: Se obtuvieron 2 muestras de exudado de cada paciente (136). Una de estas dos muestras se tomó con hisopos CNEURO, mientras que la otra se tomó con el hisopo IMPROSWAB. Las detecciones positivas entre ambos hisopos se compararon mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher. El resultado de la detección de cada hisopo se evaluó y comparó utilizando la curva ROC. Resultados: El uso de hisopos CNEURO permitió detectar 45 de 59 casos positivos, mientras que los hisopos IMPROSAWAB detectaron 52 de 59 casos verdaderos positivos. Se detectaron diferencias no significativas entre los casos positivos detectados entre hisopos. La sensibilidad de detección de muestras utilizando hisopos CNEURO fue del 76,3 % y del 88,1 % cuando se utilizaron hisopos IMPROSWAB. Por tanto, no se detectaron diferencias significativas en la detección de casos utilizando estos dos hisopos. Conclusión: Los hisopos CNEURO son seguros y fiables para su uso en la toma de muestras nasofaríngeas de pacientes con COVID-19.