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Data and Picture Interpretation Stations: Cases 1–45
Published in Peter Kullar, Joseph Manjaly, Livy Kenyon, Joseph Manjaly, Peter Kullar, Joseph Manjaly, Peter Kullar, ENT OSCEs, 2023
Peter Kullar, Joseph Manjaly, Livy Kenyon, Joseph Manjaly, Peter Kullar, Joseph Manjaly, Peter Kullar
Sialolithiasis is defined as the formation of stones in the major salivary glands (submandibular, parotid, sublingual glands). It is a common cause of salivary gland swelling. Obstructed salivary glands can become inflamed and infected and occasionally abscesses can form, the first line investigation for patients presenting with suspected salivary gland stone is an ultrasound of the gland and neck which can also exclude salivary gland tumours. Plain films were the initial choice in the past and are still used in some settings. If available, sialography may also be used as this can be both diagnostic and therapeutic (in the case of small stones). If medical treatment (massage/silaogogues/NSAIDs and antibiotics as required) is not successful, then sialoendoscopy can be used for stones up to 4mm. Surgical excision of the gland is considered the treatment of last resort but is definitive.
Dental Disease, Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease, Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements
Published in Stephen T. Sinatra, Mark C. Houston, Nutritional and Integrative Strategies in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2022
Douglas G. Thompson, Gregori M. Kurtzman, Chelsea Q. Watkins
Saliva consists of the fluid excreted from the major and minor salivary glands, containing proteins, enzymes and buffers that are designed to provide protection, buffering, digestion and aid in swallowing. Saliva also contains a serum exudate known as gingival crevicular fluid. In inflamed tissues, this serum exudate serves as a protective mechanism to cleanse the “pocket” of the bacteria and debris that reside within the sites. Gingival crevicular fluid contains bacteria, yeast, viruses, serum, white blood cells, inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases. Thus, saliva is an excellent source for bacterial and human cell DNA. Both kinds of DNA can be extracted and analyzed through a laboratory process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In molecular biology, PCR is a technique for detection and elongation of DNA strands, an indispensable technique for duplicating DNA so that it can be analyzed for the identification of hereditary diseases, as well as the detection and diagnosis of infectious disease. DNA-PCR also permits identification of mycobacteria, anaerobic bacteria or viruses from the saliva sample sent for testing. Several unique salivary tests are now available to dentists that are reliable, affordable and easy – requiring only minutes to collect. These tests evaluate bacteria, yeast, viruses and genetic variations in genes that express inflammatory mediators. Within 4–5 days of receipt of the sample, a comprehensive interpretation of the periodontal pathogens detected and their concentrations present in the saliva are sent to the clinician.
The salivary glands
Published in Neeraj Sethi, R. James A. England, Neil de Zoysa, Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgery, 2020
The salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce and excrete saliva. The maximal rate of saliva production in humans is about 1 mL/min/g of glandular tissue. Saliva is formed via active transport processes that occur in the secretory unit, which are under the control of neuronal and hormonal signals.
Chronotherapy in dentistry: A scoping review
Published in Chronobiology International, 2023
Mohammad Abusamak, Mohammad Al-Tamimi, Haider Al-Waeli, Kawkab Tahboub, Wenji Cai, Martin Morris, Faleh Tamimi, Belinda Nicolau
The circadian clock controls the devolvement and haemostasis of oral and craniofacial structures (Adeola et al. 2019; Feng et al. 2022). Several circadian clock genes present in craniofacial tissues (e.g. oral mucosa, epithelium, teeth (enamel, dentine and pulp), periodontal ligaments and salivary glands) are involved in maintaining oral health (Adeola et al. 2019; Feng et al. 2022; Janjić and Agis 2019; Papagerakis et al. 2014). For instance, fibroblast cells of the human gingiva and periodontal ligaments express circadian core clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, CRY1/2 and PER 1/2/3, suggesting their potential role in periodontal health and disease (Janjić et al. 2017). Furthermore, clock genes and proteins (BMAL1, CLOCK and PER1/2) are expressed in all major salivary glands (serous acini and duct cells) and were found to regulate salivary fluid secretions through the action of the water channel gene aquaporin-5 (Zheng et al. 2012). Moreover, circadian clock alterations (PER2 and BMAL1 knockouts in mice) may be linked to reduced saliva flow in Sjögren syndrome patients. Such key findings provide novel avenues for treating salivary gland disorders (Papagerakis et al. 2014). Clock genes (i.e. CLOCK, BMAL1 and PER1/2) are also expressed in dental tissues (up/down-regulated) at various embryonic stages of tooth development (Zheng et al. 2011) and could be downregulated in pathological dental conditions, such as deep caries (McLachlan et al. 2005).
A critical review of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of chronic sialorrhea in pediatric patients
Published in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2021
Wolfgang H. Jost, Armin Steffen, Steffen Berweck
Sialorrhea occurs when there is excessive production of saliva (hypersalivation) or an inability to transport saliva from the oral cavity into the oropharynx and beyond due to reduced neuromuscular control of the tongue and oral tissues, and impairment of the swallowing mechanism [2]. It is widely accepted that sialorrhea in children with cerebral palsy is caused by oral neuromuscular dysfunction, dysphagia, and/or intraoral sensitivity disorder rather than hypersalivation [3]. The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, the largest being the parotid gland (Figure 1). Salivary secretion by these glands is controlled mainly by the parasympathetic nervous system, although sympathetic innervation has a minor influence [1]. Parasympathetic nerves secrete acetylcholine, which stimulates the salivary glands.
Dialysis-related amyloidosis associated with a novel β2-microglobulin variant
Published in Amyloid, 2021
Hiroki Mizuno, Junichi Hoshino, Masatomo So, Yuta Kogure, Takeshi Fujii, Yoshifumi Ubara, Kenmei Takaichi, Tetsuko Nakaniwa, Hideaki Tanaka, Genji Kurisu, Fuyuki Kametani, Mayuko Nakagawa, Tsuneaki Yoshinaga, Yoshiki Sekijima, Keiichi Higuchi, Yuji Goto, Masahide Yazaki
A 41-year-old man with a 20-year history of haemodialysis due to IgA vasculitis was referred to our hospital complaining of dysphagia, difficulty in walking, bilateral leg tenderness, and arthralgia for 6 months. His tongue was extremely swollen (Figure 1(A)), resulting in severe dysarthria and dysphagia. Enlarged salivary glands and marked joint swelling with deformity were observed (Figure 1(B)). Peripheral neuropathy including carpal tunnel syndrome were not observed. X-ray analysis and computed tomography revealed swelling with calcification in the elbow, hip joints, and tongue (Figure 1(C–E)). Laboratory examinations revealed highly elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels of 68 mg/dL and 5.7 mg/dL, respectively. The serum level of α1-microglobulin was highly elevated to 130.7 mg/L (normal, 12.5–25.5 mg/L). In contrast, the serum β2m level was mildly raised to 9.4 mg/L(normal, <2 mg/L).