The virome of bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) tonsils reveals an unreported bubaline polyomavirus.

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) farming is increasing in many regions of the world due to the species' ability to thrive in environments where bovine cattle would struggle. Despite water buffaloes being known for their resistance to diseases, there is a lack of data about the diversity of the microbiome of the species. In this study, we examined the virome diversity in palatine tonsils collected from animals from the island of Marajó, northern Pará state, Brazil, which harbors the largest bubaline flock in the country. Tonsil fragments from 60 clinically healthy bubalines were randomly selected from a sample of 293 animals. The samples were purified, extracted, and randomly amplified with phi29 DNA polymerase. After amplification, the products were purified and sequenced. Circular DNA viruses were predominant in the tonsils' virome. Sequences of genome segments representative of members of the genera Alphapolyomavirus (including a previously unreported bubaline polyomavirus genome) and Gemycircularvirus were identified, along with other not yet classified circular virus genomes. As the animals were clinically healthy at the time of sampling, such viruses likely constitute part of the normal tonsillar virome of water buffaloes inhabiting the Ilha do Marajó biome.

Mimicry of Rhabdomyosarcoma by Tonsillar Actinomycosis: Case Report.

Actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease characterized by slowly progressive, chronic suppurative lesions, often mistaken for malignancies due to its ability to mimic them. It is caused by Actinomyces bacteria, which are part of the normal flora of the human oropharynx, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. This case report describes a 51-year-old male with a history of mandibular rhabdomyosarcoma presenting with severe shoulder and hip pain, dysphagia, and headaches, initially suspected to be a cancer recurrence. However, after further investigation, including a PET-CT and tonsillectomy, the diagnosis of actinomycosis was confirmed through histopathological examination. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges of actinomycosis, especially in patients with complex clinical histories, emphasizing the importance of considering it as a differential diagnosis in similar presentations. The patient was treated with long-term antibiotic therapy, predominantly beta-lactams, demonstrating the necessity of a comprehensive diagnostic approach and the implications of a delayed diagnosis. This case underscores the critical need for high clinical suspicion and awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the potential for actinomycosis to mimic more common diseases, ensuring timely and accurate treatment.

Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 1, Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 5 and Bubaline Alphaherpesvirus 1 in Palatine Tonsils from Water Buffaloes in Northern Brazil and Possible Links with the Origin of Bovine Alphaherpesvirus Type 5.

Herpesviruses are significant pathogens of ruminants. In water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), however, herpesviruses have not been thoroughly studied. Although bubaline alphaherpesvirus 1 (BuAHV1) and bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1) have already been recovered from water buffaloes, to date, no reports on the occurrence of bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 (BoAHV5) in these animals have been published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for BuAHV1, BoAHV1, and BoAHV5 in palatine tonsils of apparently healthy water buffaloes from the Pará state, Northern Brazil. Tissue samples of tonsils (n = 293) were screened by a nested PCR (nPCR) targeting a region of UL44 (gC coding gene), followed by sequencing, to detect and differentiate between the viral types. Viral genome segments were detected in 18 out of 293 (6.1%) of the palatine tonsil samples. Two animals carried genomes of BoAHV1 only, eleven animals carried BoAHV5 genomes only, and four animals carried BuAHV1 only. Another animal had both BoAHV1 and BoAHV5 genomes in its tonsils. No infectious virus could be recovered from any of the samples. The BuAHV1 sequences identified here were more closely related to BuAHV1 genomes identified in India. Phylogenetic analyses suggested a closer relationship between the recovered BoAHV5 and BuAHV1 genomes. Therefore, evidence is provided here to confirm that not only BoAHV1 and BuAHV1, but also BoAHV5, can infect water buffaloes. This report highlights (i) the first detection of BoAHV5 in water buffaloes and (ii) the occurrence of coinfections with BoAHV1 and BoAHV5 in that species. Such findings and the similarity of BoAHV5 to Indian herpesvirus genomes suggest that the origin of type 5 may be linked to recombinations between bovine and bubaline herpesviruses within bubalines, since the scenario for generation of recombinants in buffaloes is potentially present.

Hematoma espontáneo en contexto de absceso periamigdalino, embolización y luego amigdalectomía. A propósito de un caso / Spontaneous hematoma in the context of a peritonsillar abscess, embolization and subsequent tonsillectomy. About a case

La hematoma amigdalino espontáneo, es un cuadro clínico raro con baja incidencia a nivel mundial, resultado de un proceso inflamatorio local secundario a la amigdalitis, donde el factor de riesgo más significativo es la amigdalitis a repetición. Desde el punto de vista clínico, su distinción del absceso periamigdalino, puede ser un desafío, lo cual es crucial debido a diferencias en el tratamiento y el pronóstico entre ambas. Al ser un cuadro de baja prevalencia es importante tener un alto nivel de sospecha diagnóstica para abordar adecuadamente esta entidad clínica y prevenir consecuencias potencialmente mortales.

Spontaneous tonsillar hematoma is a rare clinical condition with low incidence worldwide, resulting from a local inflammatory process secondary to tonsillitis, where the most significant risk factor is recurrent tonsillitis. From a clinical standpoint, its distinction from a peritonsillar abscess can be challenging, which is crucial due to differences in treatment and prognosis between the two. Given its low prevalence, maintaining a high level of diagnostic suspicion is important to address this clinical entity and prevent potentially life-threatening consequences appropriately.

Tonsillar cytotoxic CD4 T cells are involved in the control of EBV primary infection in children.

CD4 T cells play a key role in Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection, by modulating latent antigen expression, and exhibiting cytotoxic and regulatory properties. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of Granzyme B (GZMB) and Foxp3 CD4 T cells at different EBV infection status and latency profiles. We examined CD4, GZMB, Foxp3, IL10, TGF-ß, CD4-GZMB and CD4-Foxp3 expression at the tonsils of pediatric patients with different infective status and EBV latency profiles. CD4+, GZMB+, Foxp3+, CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ cell counts were higher at the interfollicular region. Higher expression of CD4-GZMB was found in primary infected patients compared to healthy carriers. In patients that expressed latency III antigens, we demonstrated lower CD4+, CD4-GZMB+, CD4-Foxp3+ expression; a negative correlation between the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10+ and GZMB+ as well as a positive correlation of IL-10+ and CD4+. In patients expressing the lytic protein BMRF1, a positive correlation of TGF-ß+ with CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ was observed. Our findings indicate that CD4-GZMB+ cells are involved in the restriction of primary EBV infection in pediatric patients, which could partially explain the lack of symptoms, whereas both CD4-GZMB+ and CD4-Foxp3+ cells could be involved in the modulation of latency.

Indicación de amigdalectomía en pacientes pediátricos por sospecha de trastorno linfoproliferativo postrasplante / Indication for tonsillectomy in pediatric patients with suspected post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Un sitio común de hiperplasia linfoidea en los trastornos linfoproliferativos postrasplante (TLPT) son las amígdalas palatinas. Sin embargo, la hipertrofia amigdalina es extremadamente común en niños, lo que dificulta la sospecha de estos trastornos. Se realizó un estudio de una serie de casos de pacientes trasplantados intervenidos de amigdalectomía por sospecha de TLPT en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad en Argentina desde enero de 2014 hasta diciembre de 2021. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer las características clínicas de los pacientes trasplantados a los que se les indicó amigdalectomía con fin diagnóstico de TLPT.

A common site of lymphoid hyperplasia in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is the palatine tonsils. However, tonsillar hypertrophy is extremely common in children, which hinders the suspicion of PTLD. A case series of transplanted patients undergoing tonsillectomy for suspected PTLD was conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2021. The objective of this study is to expose the clinical characteristics of transplanted patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to diagnose PTLD

Hamartomatous Polyp of the Palatine Tonsil: A Case Report and Critical Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil is a rare benign tumor poorly recognized by clinicians and pathologists. We present a novel case report and provide a literature review about this diagnosis, highlighting its clinicopathological features and treatment modalities. METHODS: We herein report a case of a 22-year-old female patient who complained of a foreign body sensation in her throat. She presented with a pedunculated polyp attached to her right palatine tonsil, which was noticed 15 years ago. An excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia, and the microscopic aspect confirmed the diagnosis of the hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil. The literature review was performed using the "palatine tonsil polyps" term in PubMed and Google Scholar. Only English-language publications showing clinical and microscopic descriptions were selected as inclusion criteria. RESULTS: As in our case report, this poorly understood lesion usually presents as a solitary, unilateral pedunculated mass attached to the palatine tonsil surface with nonspecific symptoms. The literature shows less than 100 cases reported, which reveals a lesion preference for male and young adult patients. Microscopically, it is characterized by disorganized proliferation of the connective tissue components indigenous to the involved site, with variable lymphangiectasia, which accounts for the diversity of the diagnostic term and its unknown incidence. Its treatment consists of excision of the polyp with or without tonsillectomy, and no recurrence or malignant transformation of these polyps has been reported. CONCLUSION: The hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil is challenging due to its rarity and lack of standardization of the terminology used in the literature. Including this diagnosis in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification for Head and Neck Tumors is expected to contribute to a better understanding of this pathology.

Indication for tonsillectomy in pediatric patients with suspected post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. / Indicación de amigdalectomía en pacientes pediátricos por sospecha de trastorno linfoproliferativo postrasplante.

A common site of lymphoid hyperplasia in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is the palatine tonsils. However, tonsillar hypertrophy is extremely common in children, which hinders the suspicion of PTLD. A case series of transplanted patients undergoing tonsillectomy for suspected PTLD was conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2021. The objective of this study is to expose the clinical characteristics of transplanted patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to diagnose PTLD.

Un sitio común de hiperplasia linfoidea en los trastornos linfoproliferativos postrasplante (TLPT) son las amígdalas palatinas. Sin embargo, la hipertrofia amigdalina es extremadamente común en niños, lo que dificulta la sospecha de estos trastornos. Se realizó un estudio de una serie de casos de pacientes trasplantados intervenidos de amigdalectomía por sospecha de TLPT en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad en Argentina desde enero de 2014 hasta diciembre de 2021. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer las características clínicas de los pacientes trasplantados a los que se les indicó amigdalectomía con fin diagnóstico de TLPT.

PD-L1 is upregulated in CD163+ tonsillar macrophages from children undergoing EBV primary infection.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a tumor associated virus that modulates not only the infected cells but also innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages play a key role in tumor development and progression. Particularly, the M2 phenotype (CD163) with anti-inflammatory activity contributes to a favorable microenvironment for tumor development while the M1 (CD68) proinflammatory phenotype contributes to a restrictive one. In the context of pediatric EBV infection, little is known about macrophage contribution to PD-L1 expression, a molecule involved in immune exhaustion. We studied tonsils of primary infected (PI), healthy carriers (HC), reactivated (R), and not infected (NI) pediatric patients. Positive correlations were demonstrated for CD68+PD-L1+ in R and for CD163+PD-L1+ only in PI. Furthermore, CD163+PD-L1+ cell numbers were higher than PD-L1+CD68+ in PI patients. In addition, a positive correlation between PD-L1+CD163+ cells and LMP1 viral latent protein was observed in PI patients, and a positive correlation between PD-L1+CD68+ cells and BMRF1 lytic antigen was demonstrated. A positive correlation between TGF-ß and PD-L1 expression was demonstrated in HC patients. Our findings indicate that EBV's lytic and latent antigens might be regulating macrophages' PD-L1 expression, particularly in PI patients, whereas, surprisingly, only TGF-ß could be related to total PD-L1 upregulation. Given the relevance of macrophages and the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in tumor progression and survival, more studies in early EBV infection could help to develop EBV-associated tumor therapies.

Is there a relationship between tonsil volume and the success of pharyngeal surgery among adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic palatine tonsils play a role in the blockage of the upper airway, one of the known causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Therefore, it is possible that there is an association between tonsil size and the success of pharyngeal surgery during OSA treatment. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tonsil grade and volume, as well as to establish whether a relationship exists between tonsil size and the success rate of pharyngeal surgery (tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures). METHODS: This retrospective study includes forty-four adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy and pharyngeal surgery with barbed sutures for the treatment of simple snoring and OSA between January 2016 and September 2019. Patients who had been previously tonsillectomized or those for whom tonsil volume measurement was lacking were excluded. All patients underwent a pre-operative physical exploration at the clinic exam room and a sleep study. Prior to surgery a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) was performed. Tonsil volume was measured intraoperatively using the water displacement method. The same sleep study was repeated six months following surgery. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between tonsil grade and volume and between such measurements and the blockage observed at the level of the oropharynx during the DISE. Moreover, an association was observed between tonsil volume, but not tonsil grade, and the success of tonsillectomy and pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures. A tonsil volume greater than 6.5 cm3 was linked to success during pharyngeal surgery. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between tonsil grade and tonsil volume. A bigger tonsil volume is associated with a greater success rate of oropharyngeal surgery during treatment of OSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, non-randomized cohort study.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma in palatine tonsil.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive and extremely rare malignancy. MCL may be diagnosed in lymph nodes and/or extranodal sites exhibiting a poor prognosis. MCL with primary presentation in palatine tonsils has been rarely reported. Herein, we report the case of a 73-year-old man with a painless nodular mass on the right palatine tonsil. A biopsy was performed, and microscopic analysis revealed a neoplasm composed of small to medium sized lymphocytes with finely dispersed chromatin, roundish nucleus and many mitoses. The tumor cells were positive for CD20 (L26), CD5 (4C7), Cyclin D1 (EP12), Bcl2 (124) and Ki-67 (MIB-1; 90%), and negative for Bcl6 (PG-B6p), MUM1 (MUM1p) and CD3 (Polyclonal). These findings led to the diagnosis of blastoid variant of MCL. Diagnostic workup with computed tomography scan excluded other sites of disease. The patient was treated successfully with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (mini-CHOP regimen). Although the blastoid variant of MCL is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of rapid-growing masses in the palatine tonsil.

Asymmetric palatine tonsil in a pediatric patient: Is it always a malignant neoplasm?

Background: A relatively frequent clinical finding in children is an asymmetric tonsil, which can have multiple etiological possibilities, including a malignant disease. The clinical finding of tonsillar asymmetry is found in approximately 2% of the pediatric population. The incidence of malignancy in the tonsils is low, estimated as 2.5 cases per 10,000 tonsillectomies. Due to its low incidence, the diagnostic tonsillectomy is not justified when tonsillar asymmetry is the only clinical finding. However, it is necessary to identify the critical clinical findings of high suspicion of malignancy that justify the performance of immediate surgery in the pediatric population. Case report: We present the case of a 10-year-old male patient. Four months before admission, the patient started with pharyngodynia and dysphagia, treated as recurrent tonsillitis. Due to exacerbation of the symptoms, orthopnea, and B symptoms, the patient came to consultation; tonsillar asymmetry was observed predominantly on the left side, with exophytic lesions extending to the hypopharynx. We decided to perform an incisional biopsy and tracheostomy due to compromised airway; histopathological diagnosis came back as B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: Given the clinical scenario of recurrent tonsillitis, unresponsive to conventional medical treatment with antibiotics, tonsillar asymmetry with suspicious tonsillar appearance accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diaphoresis, cervical lymphadenopathy, obstructive symptoms in a pediatric patient, it is necessary to refer the patient to the specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Introducción: La asimetría amigdalina es un hallazgo clínico relativamente frecuente en los niños. Se ha reportado en el 2% de la población pediátrica e incluye múltiples etiologías, entre ellas enfermedad maligna. La incidencia de malignidad es baja: se estima en 2.5 casos por cada 10,000 amigdalectomías. Por tal motivo, cuando se observa asimetría amigdalina como único hallazgo en la exploración física no se justifica la amigdalectomía con fines diagnósticos. Sin embargo, la incertidumbre de malignidad en el médico y en el paciente obliga a considerar los datos clínicos que permitan sospecharla y justificar la intervención quirúrgica. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 10 años. Inició su padecimiento 4 meses previos a su ingreso hospitalario con faringodinia y disfagia, que fueron diagnosticadas y tratadas como amigdalitis recurrente. Acudió al hospital por agudización de los síntomas, evolucionando con ortopnea y síntomas B. En la exploración física se apreció asimetría amigdalina con aumento de volumen en la amígala izquierda extendida hasta la hipofaringe. Se decidió realizar una biopsia incisional y traqueostomía por compromiso respiratorio. El diagnóstico histopatológico fue linfoma de células B. Conclusiones: Ante un paciente pediátrico con amigdalitis recurrente, que no cede al tratamiento médico convencional y presenta asimetría amigdalina con aspecto sospechoso, acompañada de síntomas como fiebre, diaforesis, adenopatías cervicales y síntomas obstructivos, se deberá referir con el especialista para su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos.

Pathogenic potential and antibiotic resistance of Yersinia enterocolitica, a foodborne pathogen limited to swine tonsils in a pork production chain from Southern Brazil.

In this study, we aimed to characterize the distribution of Yersinia enterocolitica in a pork production chain in Brazil, as well as the virulence profile and antibiotic resistance of the obtained isolates. Samples from 10 pig lots obtained from finishing farms (water, feed, and barn floors, n = 30), slaughterhouse (lairage floors, carcasses at four processing steps, tonsils, and mesenteric lymph nodes, n = 610), and processing (end cuts, processing environment, n = 160) were obtained in Paraná state, Brazil, and subjected to Y. enterocolitica detection by ISO 10,273. The obtained isolates were identified based on biochemical and molecular features (16 s rRNA, inv, bioserotyping) and subjected to PCR assays to detect virulence (ail, ystA, ystB, virF, myfA, fepA, fepD, fes, tccC, ymoA, hreP, and sat) and multidrug resistance-related genes (emrD, yfhD, and marC). Also, isolates were subjected to disk diffusion test to characterize their resistance against 17 antibiotics from 11 classes and to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after XbaI macro-restriction. Y. enterocolitica was detected in a single sample (tonsil), and the obtained three isolates were characterized as serotype O:3, harboring ail, ystA, virF, myfA, tccC, ymoA, hreP, emrD, yfhD, and marC, and resistant to all tested antibiotics. The three isolates presented identical macro-restriction profiles by PFGE, also identical to isolates obtained from Minas Gerais, other Brazilian state; one selected isolate was identified as biotype 4. Despite the low occurrence of Y. enterocolitica in the studied pork production, the virulence potential and the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates demonstrated their pathogenic potential, and the macro-restriction profiles indicate strains descending from a common subtype in the pork production chain of two Brazilian States.

[Palatine tonsil lymphoma: a pediatric case report]. / Linfoma de amígdala: reporte de un caso pediátrico.

Lymphoma is the most common childhood malignancy in the head and neck. The most common clinical manifestations of lymphoma in palatine tonsil are the tonsils asymmetry, alteration in the appearance of the mucous and cervical lymphadenopathy. The unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy must be differentiated with infectious processes, with chronic processes, other tumors or benign tonsillar hyperplasia. The monitoring of tonsillar hypertrophy is strict, because early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance in the prognosis of tonsillar lymphoma patients. A 14 year-old girl presents unilateral tonsillar enlargement and odynophagia. After 21 days of antibiotic treatment, she has not clinical improvement. The diagnosis is Burkitt's lymphoma. One year after diagnosis, she presents complete remission of the disease.

El linfoma es la neoplasia maligna de cabeza y cuello más común en la población pediátrica. Las manifestaciones clínicas de linfoma en amígdala palatina son generalmente asimetría amigdalina, alteración en la apariencia de la mucosa y adenopatías cervicales. Ante una hipertrofia amigdalina unilateral, se debe diferenciar de cuadros infecciosos, procesos crónicos, otros tumores o simplemente una hiperplasia amigdalina benigna. El seguimiento estricto de la asimetría amigdalina es un pilar importante a la hora del diagnóstico de los pacientes con linfoma amigdalino, debido a que un tratamiento temprano es fundamental para el pronóstico. Se presenta una niña de 14 años con hipertrofia amigdalina unilateral y odinofagia, de aproximadamente 21 días de evolución sin respuesta al tratamiento antibiótico, con diagnóstico de linfoma de Burkitt. Presenta remisión completa de la enfermedad al año del diagnóstico.

Role of Tonsillar Chronic Inflammation and Commensal Bacteria in the Pathogenesis of Pediatric OSA.

Immune responses at the boundary between the host and the world beyond are complex and mucosal tissue homeostasis relies on them. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome suffered by children with hypertrophied tonsils. We have previously demonstrated that these tonsils present a defective regulatory B cell (Breg) compartment. Here, we extend those findings by uncovering the crucial role of resident pro-inflammatory B and T cells in sustaining tonsillar hypertrophy and hyperplasia by producing TNFα and IL17, respectively, in ex vivo cultures. Additionally, we detected prominent levels of expression of CD1d by tonsillar stratified as well as reticular epithelium, which have not previously been reported. Furthermore, we evidenced the hypertrophy of germinal centers (GC) and the general hyperplasia of B lymphocytes within the tissue and the lumen of the crypts. Of note, such B cells resulted mainly (IgG/IgM)+ cells, with some IgA+ cells located marginally in the follicles. Finally, by combining bacterial culture from the tonsillar core and subsequent identification of the respective isolates, we determined the most prevalent species within the cohort of OSA patients. Although the isolated species are considered normal oropharyngeal commensals in children, we confirmed their capacity to breach the epithelial barrier. Our work sheds light on the pathological mechanism underlying OSA, highlighting the relevance taken by the host immune system when defining infection versus colonization, and opening alternatives of treatment.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in CBCT images from the oral and maxillofacial radiology service at UNAB, Viña del Mar, Chile / Prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos en CBCT del servicio de radiología oral y maxilofacial de la UNAB sede Viña del Mar, Chile

Soft tissue calcifications can indicate the presence of more serious, potentially life-threatening pathologies. Therefore, their study can lead to an early diagnosis of those conditions that have not yet become clinically apparent. Main objective: To determine the prevalence of calcifications in soft tissues of the head and neck in cone beam computed tomography images obtained from the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Viña del Mar, Chile. Material and Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study. A total of 288 images of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were used. Images were obtained at random from the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Service at UNAB, Viña Del Mar, between 2014 and 2019. Results: A prevalence of 59.72% of soft tissue calcifications was obtained. The most prevalent were: tonsilloliths and calcified stylohyoid ligament, accounting for 30.65% and 45.56%, respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was found in a population that has not been studied previously; therefore, it is important that the dentist perform a detailed analysis of the cone beam computed tomography.

Introducción: Las calcificaciones en tejidos blandos pueden indicar patologías más graves, que incluso pueden comprometer la vida. Por lo tanto, investigarlas puede conducir a un diagnóstico temprano de aquellas que aún no se han manifestado clínicamente. Objetivo principal: determinar la prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos de cabeza y cuello en tomografía computarizada de haz cónico del Servicio de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la UNAB, Viña del Mar, Chile. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, cuantitativo. Se utilizaron 288 volúmenes de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT, por las iniciales en inglés de Cone Beam Computed Tomography), obtenidas al azar, de la base de datos del Servicio de Radiología Oral y Maxilofacial de la Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Viña del Mar entre 2014 y 2019. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de 59.72% de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos. Las más prevalentes fueron: tonsilolitos, con un 30,65% y ligamento estilohioídeo calcificado, con un 45,56%. Conclusión: Se encontró una alta prevalencia de calcificaciones en tejidos blandos en una población que no ha sido estudiada previamente, por ello es importante que el odontólogo realice un análisis detallado de la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico.

Amígdalas y adenoides: defensa ante agentes patógenos y su implicancia estomatológica / Tonsils and adenoids: defend to pathogenic agents and their stomatological involvement

La función de las amígdalas siempre ha sido discutida, desde afirmar que no tenían funcionalidad, hasta la actualidad que se plantea un papel inmunológico, con actividad linfocitaria de defensa, debido a la localización de linfocitos en el tejido de las amígdalas. Este artículo de actualización pretende describir desde la embriología, histología, fisiología, patología y estomatología, el rol que desempeñan las mismas en su papel inmunológico ante la acción de agentes patógenos. Se destaca la acción conjunta de las amígdalas palatinas, amígdalas faríngeas o adenoides, amígdalas peritubarias, amígdalas linguales y todo el resto de tejido linfático que conforman el anillo linfático faríngeo o anillo de Waldeyer, ya que cumplen un rol determinante en la defensa del organismo (AU)

The function of the tonsils has always been debated, from stating that they had no functionality, to the present day that an immunological role is proposed, with lymphocyte defense activity, due to the location of lymphocytes in the tissue of the tonsils. This update article aims to describe from embryology, histology, physiology, pathology and stomatology, the role they play in their immunological role against the action of pathogens. The joint action of the palatine tonsils, pharyngeal or adenoid tonsils, peritubal tonsils, lingual tonsils and all the rest of the lymphatic tissue that make up the pharyngeal lymphatic ring or Waldeyer's ring is highlighted, since they play a decisive role in the defense of the organism (AU)

Effect of dietary NiCl2 on the cell cycle of cecal tonsil in the chicken broiler.

Although the effects of nickel chloride (NiCl2) on the immune system have long been recognized, little is known about the effects of nickel (II) on the cell cycle and related signaling events in immune organs, such as cecal tonsil, a key immune organ of chicken. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NiCl2 on the cell cycle of cecal tonsil. The cell cycle was detected by the methods of flow cytometry (FCM), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results showed that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused the G2/M cell cycle arrest and the reduction of cell proportion at S phase of the cecal tonsil. The G2/M cell cycle arrest was accompanied by the up-regulation of p53, p21 protein expression and mRNA expression, and down-regulation of cyclinB and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression and mRNA expression. The data suggested that the cells' (mainly the T lymphocytes) proliferation in the cecal tonsil was inhibited by the high dietary NiCl2.

Influence of the palatine tonsil grade on the morphology of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches / Influencia del grado de las tonsilas palatinas en la morfología de los arcos dentales maxilar y mandibular

SUMMARY: Enlarged palatine tonsils and adenoids are thought to cause obstruction of the upper airway, triggering changes in breathing patterns, which in turn lead to dentofacial alterations, including malocclusions. The object of the present study was to correlate the size (grade) of the palatine tonsil with measurements of the maxillary and mandibular dental arches in children. This was an observational cross-sectional study carried out in 35 children aged between 6 and 11 years. The inter- and intra-arch parameters were measured (horizontal, vertical and sagittal analyses) by making plastercasts and then taking measurements with callipers. The tonsil size was classified in 5 grades from 0-4, using the Brodsky tonsil grading scale. The researcher was calibrated prior to carrying out the measurements. Pearson's chi-squared test was used and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. The SPSS v.22.0 software was used, with a significance threshold of 5 %. Six patients were classified as grade 1, sixteen grade 2, eleven grade 3, two grade 4 and none of the patients presented grade 0.A low positive association was found between tonsil grade and the total length of the mandibular arch, a very low positive association between tonsil grade and maxillary inter-first premolar distance, total length of the maxillary arch and depth of the palatine recess.A very low negative association was found for tonsil grade and overjet, overbite, mandibular inter-permanent first molar distance, mandibular inter-first premolar distance, and mandibular and maxillary intercanine widths. No statistically significant correlation was observed for any of the measurements. No association was found between the tonsil grade and Angle's Classification, canine relationship, overjet and overbite. According to the results of this study there is no significant correlation between the dental arches and the tonsil grade.

RESUMEN: Se ha considerado que el grado del tamaño de las tonsilas palatinas y los adenoides pueden ser factores que generan obstrucción de la vía aérea superior, desencadenando cambios en el patrón de respiración, lo que provoca alteraciones dentofaciales, entre ellas, maloclusiones. El objetivo del presente estudio fue correlacionar el grado tonsilar palatino con medidas de los arcos dentales maxilar y mandibular en niños. Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Fueron incluidos 35 niños entre 6 y 11 años de edad. Fueron medidos parámetros interarco e intra-arco (análisis transversal, vertical, sagital). Para eso fueron tomados modelos de yeso y luego las medidas fueron realizadas con un caliper. El grado tonsilar fue clasificado en 5 grados (0-5), de acuerdo a la escala de graduación de Brodsky. Para la realización de las mediciones el evaluador fue previamente calibrado. Se realizó la prueba Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, y coefi- ciente de correlación de Pearson. Se utilizó el software SPSS 22.0, considerándose umbral de significación de 5 %. Seis pacientes fueron clasificados en grado 1, dieciséis grado 2, once grado 3, dos grado 4 y ningún paciente presentó grado 0. Se encontró una asociación positiva baja entre grado tonsilar y la longitud total del arco mandibular, positiva muy baja entre grado tonsilar y distancia inter-primer premolar maxilar, longitud total del arco maxilar y profundidad de la bóveda palatina. Una asociación negativa muy baja fue encontrada para el grado tonsilar y overjet, overbite, distancia inter-primer molar permanente mandibular, distancia inter- primer premolar mandibular, ancho intercanino mandibular y maxilar. Se observó ausencia de correlación estadísticamente significativa para todas las medidas. No se encontró asociación entre el grado tonsilar y clase molar de Angle, relación canina, overjet y overbite. Según los resultados de este estudio no se aprecia una correlación significativa entre los arcos dentales y el grado tonsilar.