The oral mucosa represents a defensive barrier between the external environment and the rest of the body. Oral mucosal cells are constantly bathed in hypotonic saliva (normally one-third tonicity compared to plasma) and are repeatedly exposed to environmental stresses of tonicity, temperature, and pH by the drinks we imbibe (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFrancisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes a fatal human disease known as tularemia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified F. tularensis as a category A tier 1 select agent.
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