Abrogation of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B-mediated suppression of phagocytosis in U937 cells by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium via production of cytokines.

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SPE B) is a virulent factor in group A streptococcal infection. We previously showed that SPE B reduced phagocytosis in human monocytic U937 cells. Here we show that the mycelium extract of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), a Chinese immunomodulatory herbal medicine, increased phagocytosis in U937 cells.

Cordyceps sinensis mycelium protects mice from group A streptococcal infection.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection can cause severe invasive diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Cordyceps sinensis, a Chinese herbal medicine, is an immunomodulator. In this study the air-pouch bacterial inoculation model was used to investigate the protective efficacy of C.

Effect of salivary fistulas on free flap failure: a laboratory and clinical investigation.

Objectives: Infection is associated with free flap failure in patients undergoing microvascular flap reconstruction. This study investigates the association between infection arising from salivary fistulas, microvascular thrombosis, and free flap failure.

Study Design: Prospective laboratory investigation and retrospective clinical investigation.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland: a 35-year review.

Objectives: To evaluate the treatment results of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the submandibular gland at a single institution during a 35-year period.

Study Design & Setting: A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 22 patients with ACC of the submandibular gland treated at UCLA Medical Center from June 1963 to December 1997.

Results: Seven men and 15 women with an age range of 23 to 85 years (median, 48 years) were treated.

Surgical anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve: implications for laryngeal reinnervation.

Functional laryngeal reinnervation depends upon the precise reinnervation of the laryngeal abductor and adductor muscle groups. While simple end-to-end anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) main trunk results in synkinesis, functional reinnervation can be achieved by selective anastomosis of the abductor and adductor RLN divisions. Few previous studies have examined the intralaryngeal anatomy of the RLN to ascertain the characteristics that may lend themselves to laryngeal reinnervation.