In Vitro Biological Evaluation of an Alginate-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Rifampicin for Wound Care.

We report a biocompatible hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) prepared by encapsulation of Rifampicin as an antimicrobial drug and stabilizing the matrix through the repeated freeze-thawing method. The hydrogel structure and polymer-drug compatibility were confirmed by FTIR, and a series of hydrogen-bond-based interactions between alginate and Rifampicin were identified. A concentration of 0.69% Rifampicin was found in the polymeric matrix using HPLC analysis and spectrophotometric UV-Vis methods. The hydrogel's morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and various sizes and shapes of pores, ranging from almost spherical geometries to irregular ones, with a smooth surface of the pore walls and high interconnectivity in the presence of the drug, were identified. The hydrogels are bioadhesive, and the adhesion strength increased after Rifampicin was encapsulated into the polymeric matrix, which suggests that these compositions are suitable for wound dressings. Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and MRSA, with an increased effect in the presence of the drug, was also found in the newly prepared hydrogels. In vitro biological evaluation demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the hydrogels and their ability to stimulate cell multiplication and mutual cell communication. The in vitro scratch assay demonstrated the drug-loaded alginate-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) hydrogel's ability to stimulate cell migration and wound closure. All of these results suggest that the prepared hydrogels can be used as antimicrobial materials for wound healing and care applications.

Candida auris Updates: Outbreak Evaluation through Molecular Assays and Antifungal Stewardship-A Narrative Review.

Candida auris was reported by the WHO as second to Cryptococcus neoformans, in the list of nineteen fungal priority pathogens, along with two species with a new nomenclature, Nakaseomyces glabrata (Candida glabrata) and Pichia kudriavzevii (Candida krusei). This novel classification was based on antifungal resistance, the number of deaths, evidence-based treatment, access to diagnostics, annual incidence, and complications and sequelae. We assessed which molecular assays have been used to diagnose Candida auris outbreaks in the last five years. Using "Candida auris; outbreak; molecular detection" as keywords, our search in PubMed revealed 32 results, from which we selected 23 original papers published in 2019-2024. The analyzed studies revealed that the detection methods were very different: from the VITEK® 2 System to MALDI TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight), NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing), WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing), and commercially available real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assays. Moreover, we identified studies that detected antifungal resistance genes (e.g., FKS for echinocandins and ERG11 for azoles). The analyzed outbreaks were from all continents, which confirms the capability of this yeast to spread between humans and to contaminate the environment. It is important that real-time PCR assays were developed for accurate and affordable detection by all laboratories, including the detection of antifungal resistance genes. This will allow the fast and efficient implementation of stewardship programs in hospitals.

Non-Invasive Prediction Scores for Hepatitis B Virus- and Hepatitis D Virus-Infected Patients-A Cohort from the North-Eastern Part of Romania.

Approximately 62-72 million people are infected worldwide with HDV. Patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD) have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and an increased mortality rate compared to those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The stage of liver fibrosis or the risk of developing HCC can also be estimated by non-invasive scores, which are cost effective, easier to apply, and reproducible. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of four non-invasive scores (FIB-4, APRI, AST/ALT ratio, and aMAP) in assessing severe fibrosis/cirrhosis and the presence of HCC in patients with HBV/HDV superinfection, as compared with HBV mono-infection. Our 8-year retrospective analysis revealed that HDV-infected patients had a 2-3 times higher risk of developing cirrhosis and HCC than HBV-mono-infected subjects. High AST and ALT baseline levels qualified as independent predictors for cirrhosis development in both groups. The following fibrosis scores, FIB-4, APRI score, and AAR, were significantly increased when cirrhosis was present at baseline and showed a good prediction for developing cirrhosis in the CHD group. The aMAP score, a risk predictor for HCC, showed significantly higher values in patients with HCC in both groups. Nonetheless, non-invasive scores should always be considered for monitoring patients with CHB and CHD, but only when associated with other diagnosis methods.

The Clinical Utility of Circulating HPV DNA Biomarker in Oropharyngeal, Cervical, Anal, and Skin HPV-Related Cancers: A Review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as being related to a wide variety of known cancers: cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vaginal, penile, and skin. For some of these cancers, rigorous algorithms for screening, therapeutical interventions, and follow-up procedures have been established. Vaccination using the nonvalent anti-HPV vaccine, which prevents infection regarding the most frequently involved high-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and low-risk HPV types (6 and 11), has also extensively prevented, controlled, and even eradicated HPV infections. Still, even with all of these multidisciplinary interventions, the burden of HPV cancers is still high worldwide. The circulating DNA of HPV-induced cancers is thought to be an adequate biomarker for optimizing the control of these virus-related cancers. We analyzed the literature published in the last 5 years regarding ctDNA and four of the above-mentioned cancers. The most frequently used assay for ctDNA detection was the droplet digital PCR assay, used for the management of therapy in the late stages of cancer. ctDNA could not be used for early detection in any of the studied cancers. The OPSCCs were the most frequent cancers analyzed via ctDNA assays. Larger, properly designed cohort studies might establish the clinical utility of this biomarker.

The Involvement of Photobiology in Contemporary Dentistry-A Narrative Review.

Light is an emerging treatment approach that is being used to treat many diseases and conditions such as pain, inflammation, and wound healing. The light used in dental therapy generally lies in visible and invisible spectral regions. Despite many positive results in the treatment of different conditions, this therapy still faces some skepticism, which has prevented its widespread adoption in clinics. The main reason for this skepticism is the lack of comprehensive information about the molecular, cellular, and tissular mechanisms of action, which underpin the positive effects of phototherapy. However, there is currently promising evidence in support of the use of light therapy across a spectrum of oral hard and soft tissues, as well as in a variety of important dental subspecialties, such as endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. The merging of diagnostic and therapeutic light procedures is also seen as a promising area for future expansion. In the next decade, several light technologies are foreseen as becoming integral parts of modern dentistry practice.

The Optimal Management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the most frequent etiologic agents of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Untreated asymptomatic gonococcal infection in women can lead to spreading of the infection in the sexually active population and could lead to late consequences, such as sterility or ectopic pregnancies. One important issue about N. gonorrhoeae is its increasing resistance to antibiotics. This paper summarized the newest molecular antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection assays for Neisseria gonorrhoeae connected with the latest therapeutic antimicrobials and gonococcal vaccine candidates. The assays used to detect AMR varied from the classical minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) detection to whole-genome sequencing. New drugs against multi drug resistant (MDR) N. gonorrhoeae have been proposed and were evaluated in vivo and in vitro as being efficient in decreasing the N. gonorrhoeae burden. In addition, anti-N. gonorrhoeae vaccine candidates are being researched, which have been assessed by multiple techniques. With the efforts of many researchers who are studying the detection of antimicrobial resistance in this bacterium and identifying new drugs and new vaccine candidates against it, there is hope in reducing the gonorrhea burden worldwide.

Host mRNA Analysis of Periodontal Disease Patients Positive for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia.

Periodontal disease is a frequent pathology worldwide, with a constantly increasing prevalence. For the optimal management of periodontal disease, there is a need to take advantage of actual technology to understand the bacterial etiology correlated with the pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors and treatment protocols. We analyzed the scientific literature published in the last 5 years regarding the recent applications of mRNA analysis in periodontal disease for the main known bacterial species considered to be the etiological agents: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia. We identified new pathogenic mechanisms, therapeutic target genes and possible pathways to prevent periodontal disease. The mRNA analysis, as well as the important technological progress in recent years, supports its implementation in the routine management of periodontal disease patients.

Skin Dialogues in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder associated with significant quality-of-life impairment and increased risk for allergic and non-allergic comorbidities. The aim of this review is to elucidate the connection between AD and most common comorbidities, as this requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Advances in understanding these associations could lead to the development of highly effective and targeted treatments.

The Influence of Oncogenic Viruses in Renal Carcinogenesis: Pros and Cons.

Viral infections are major contributors to the global cancer burden. Recent advances have revealed that known oncogenic viruses promote carcinogenesis through shared host cell targets and pathways. The aim of this review is to point out the connection between several oncogenic viruses from the Polyomaviridae, Herpesviridae and Flaviviridae families and renal carcinogenesis, highlighting their involvement in the carcinogenic mechanism. We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases, which was carried out for all the published studies on RCC in the last 10 years, using the following search algorithm: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma, and oncogenic viruses (BKPyV, EBV, HCV, HPV and Kaposi Sarcoma Virus), RCC and biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our analysis included studies that were published in English from the 1st of January 2012 to the 1st of May 2022 and that described and analyzed the assays used for the detection of oncogenic viruses in RCC and urothelial carcinoma. The virus most frequently associated with RCC was BKPyV. This review of the literature will help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the main type of renal malignancy and whether the viral etiology can be confirmed, at a minimum, as a co-factor. In consequence, these data can contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. A virus-induced tumor could be efficiently prevented by vaccination or treatment with oncolytic viral therapy and/or by targeted therapy.

Diagnostics of HNSCC Patients: An Analysis of Cell Lines and Patient-Derived Xenograft Models for Personalized Therapeutical Medicine.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are very frequent worldwide, and smoking and chronic alcohol use are recognized as the main risk factors. For oropharyngeal cancers, HPV 16 infection is known to be a risk factor as well. By employing next-generation sequencing, both HPV-positive and negative HNSCC patients were detected as positive for PI3K mutation, which was considered an optimal molecular target. We analyzed scientific literature published in the last 5 years regarding the newly available diagnostic platform for targeted therapy of HNSCC HPV+/-, using HNSCC-derived cell lines cultures and HNSCC pdx (patient-derived xenografts). The research results are promising and require optimal implementation in the management of HNSCC patients.

Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus and Cutaneous Human Papillomavirus Types in Skin Cancers: Optimal Detection Assays, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Vaccination.

Oncogenic viruses are recognized to be involved in some cancers, based on very well-established criteria of carcinogenicity. For cervical cancer and liver cancer, the responsible viruses are well-known (e.g., HPV, HBV); in the case of skin cancer, there are still many studies which are trying to identify the possible viral etiologic agents as principal co-factors in the oncogenic process. We analysed scientific literature published in the last 5 years regarding mechanisms of carcinogenicity, methods of detection, available targeted therapy, and vaccination for Merkel cell polyomavirus, and beta human papillomavirus types, in relation to skin cancer. This review is targeted at presenting the recent findings which support the involvement of these viruses in the development of some types of skin cancers. In order to optimize the management of skin cancer, a health condition of very high importance, it would be ideal that the screening of skin cancer for these two analysed viruses (MCPyV and beta HPV types) to be implemented in each region's/country's cancer centres' molecular detection diagnostic platforms, with multiplex viral capability, optimal sensitivity, and specificity; clinically validated, and if possible, at acceptable costs. For confirmatory diagnosis of skin cancer, another method should be used, with a different principle, such as immunohistochemistry, with specific antibodies for each virus.

Anti-RBD IgA and IgG Response and Transmission in Breast Milk of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinated Mothers.

The appearance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a significant impact on the balance of public health and social life. The data available so far show that newborns and young children do not develop severe forms of COVID-19, but a small proportion of them will still need hospitalization. Even though young children represent an important vector of the infection, vaccination at such a young age was not yet considered. Thus, the question of whether potentially protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 could be provided to them via breast milk or across the placenta, as "passive immunity", still stands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January-July 2021, we have conducted a prospective study that aimed to measure the immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 titers in the breast milk of 28 vaccinated lactating mothers, sampled at 30 and 60 days after the second dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines. Anti-RBD reactive IgA and IgG antibodies were detected and quantified by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Anti-RBD IgA and IgG were present in all breast milk samples, both in the first and in the second specimens, without a significant difference between those two. The anti-RBD IgA titers were approximately five-times higher than the anti-RBD IgG ones. The anti-RBD IgA and IgG titers were correlated with the infants' age, but they were not correlated with the vaccine type or mother's age. The anti-RBD IgA excreted in milk were inversely correlated with the parity number. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG can be found in the milk secretion of mothers vaccinated with mRNA vaccines and, presumably, these antibodies should offer protection to the newborn, considering that the antibodies' titers did not decrease after 60 days. The antibody response is directly proportional to the breastfed child's age, but the amount of anti-RBD IgA decreases with the baby's rank. The antibody response did not depend on the vaccine type, or on the mother's age.

Tumour inflammation signature and expression of S100A12 and HLA class I improve survival in HPV-negative hypopharyngeal cancer.

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has a very poor prognosis. Local surgery may increase survival, but is often avoided due to significant post-op co-morbidities. Since prognostic markers are lacking, the aim was to find predictive biomarkers that identify patients whose response to oncological treatment is poor and who may benefit from primary surgery to increase survival. Pretreatment biopsies from 23 HPSCC patients, 3 human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and 20 HPV-negative, were analyzed for expression of 750 mRNAs using the Nanostring nCounter IO360 panel in relation to 3-year survival. Validation was performed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HLA class I and S100A12 in 74 HPV-negative HPSCC samples. Clustering identified a subset of HPV-negative HPSCC with favorable prognosis and a gene expression signature overexpressing calgranulins and immune genes, distinct from that of HPV-positive HPSCC. Enrichment analysis showed immune signaling, including the tumor inflammation signature, to be enriched in surviving patients. IHC validation confirmed high S100A12 and HLA class I expression to correlate with survival in HPV-negative HPSCC. This shows that immune activity is strongly related to survival in HPV-negative HPSCC. Enrichment of the tumor inflammation signature indicates a potential benefit of immunotherapy. Low expression of both HLA class I and S100A12 could be used to select patients for local surgery.

New composites based on starch/Ecoflex®/biomass wastes: Mechanical, thermal, morphological and antimicrobial properties.

Different biomass wastes were successfully blended with starch and Ecoflex® viz. poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), without glycerol addition, to obtain biocomposite materials. The mechanical properties, as well as thermal and surface properties, of the developed composites were evaluated. It was found that the tensile strength and impact strength improved upon the addition of lignin, while the water uptake capacity decreased. The presence of 5% lignin determined an increase in tensile strength of 125.4% for materials comprising celery (CEL), 109.6% for materials comprising poplar seed hair fibers (PSH), 92.9% for materials comprising pomace (POM) and 127.7% for materials comprising Asclepias syriaca fibers (ASF), compared with a reference sample. The addition of lignin to all the formulations conferred good antimicrobial properties against different microorganisms, S. aureus and especially E. coli. The good mechanical properties, water resistance and antimicrobial activity against pathogens recommend these composites to be used in the manufacture of packaging materials.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis endophthalmitis following dexamethasone intravitreal implant.

We present a unique case of endophthalmitis with Staphylococcus lugdunensis following dexamethasone intravitreal implant for branch retinal vein occlusion associated with cystoid macular edema. Patient did not show favorable clinical response after vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics; so, we decided to repeat vitrectomy, remove the steroid implant and fill the eye with silicon oil, and repeat intravitreal vancomycin. Vision has improved from hand movements at presentation to counting fingers at 1.5 m after second vitrectomy and final visual acuity 3 months later after silicon oil removal was 6/36.

No evidence for human papillomavirus having a causal role in salivary gland tumors.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland malignancies are a very heterogeneous group of cancers, with histologically > 20 different subtypes, and prognosis varies greatly. Their etiology is unknown, however, a few small studies show presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in some subtypes, although the evidence for HPV having a causal role is weak. The aim of this study was to investigate if HPV plays a causal role in the development of different parotid salivary gland tumor subtypes. METHODS: DNA was extracted from 107 parotid salivary gland formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumors and 10 corresponding metastases, and tested for 27 different HPV types using a multiplex bead based assay. HPV DNA positive tumors were stained for p16INK4a overexpression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: One of the 107 malignant parotid salivary gland tumors (0.93%) and its corresponding metastasis on the neck were positive for HPV16 DNA, and both also overexpressed p16INK4a. The HPV positive primary tumor was a squamous cell carcinoma; neither mucoepidermoid nor adenoid cystic tumors were found HPV positive. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, HPV DNA analysis in a large number of malignant parotid salivary gland tumors, including 12 different subtypes, did not show any strong indications that tested HPV types have a causal role in the studied salivary gland tumor types.

Role of mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus types in head and neck cancers in Romania.

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available about the involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) in Romanian patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the HPV-attributable fraction in HNSCCs collected in Northeastern Romania. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 189 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples (99 oral cavity tumors, 28 oropharynx, 48 pharynx, and 14 larynx/hypopharynx) were analyzed for HPV DNA and RNA using Luminex-based assays, and for overexpression of p16INK4a (p16) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Of the 189 cases, 23 (12.2%) were HPV DNA-positive, comprising half of the oropharyngeal cases (14/28, 50.0%) and 9/161 (5.6%) of the non-oropharyngeal cases. HPV16 was the most prevalent HPV type (20/23, 86.9%), followed by HPV18 (5/23, 21.7%) and HPV39 (1/23, 4.3%). Only two (2/189, 1.1%) HNSCC cases were HPV-driven, i.e. positive for both HPV DNA and RNA. CONCLUSION: A very small subset of HNSCC cases within this cohort from Northeastern Romania appeared to be HPV-driven.

Human Polyomaviruses Are Not Frequently Present in Cancer of the Salivary Glands.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are rare and heterogeneous, with more than 20 subtypes, and classified mainly by histopathology. Their diagnosis is often challenging and their etiology unknown. Here, the possible association between human polyomaviruses (PyVs) and one or more salivary gland tumor subtypes was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one primary tumors, including 12 subtypes and eight corresponding metastases, were analyzed for the presence of DNA of 10 different human PyV species by a bead-based multiplex assay using polymerase chain reaction and Luminex analyses. RESULTS: Three samples, one adenocarcinoma (not otherwise specified), one adenoid cystic carcinoma, and one mucoepidermoid carcinoma were found to be positive. However, the amount of MCPyV DNA in these tumors was estimated to be less than one genome per tumor cell. CONCLUSION: The analysis of DNA from 10 human PyVs in a large number of malignant salivary gland cancers did not implicate any of these human PyVs as an important causative agent in any of the 12 subtypes studied.

Heterogeneous Distribution of Fetal Microchimerism in Local Breast Cancer Environment.

Fetal cells enter maternal circulation during pregnancy and persist in the woman's body for decades, achieving a form of physiological microchimerism. These cells were also evidenced in tumors. We investigated the frequency and concentration of fetal microchimerism in the local breast cancer environment. From 19 patients with confirmed breast neoplasia, after breast surgical resection, we collected three fresh specimens from the tumor core, breast tissue at tumor periphery, and adjacent normal breast tissue. The presence of male DNA was analyzed with a quantitative PCR assay for the sex determining region gene (SRY) gene. In the group of women who had given birth to at least one son, we detected fetal microchimerism in 100% of samples from tumors and their periphery and in 64% (9 of 14) of those from normal breast tissue. The tissues from the tumor and its periphery carry a significantly increased number of SRY copies compared to its neighboring common breast tissue (p = 0.005). The median of the normalized SRY-signal was about 77 (range, 3.2-21467) and 14-fold (range, 1.3-2690) greater in the tumor and respectively in the periphery than in the normal breast tissue. In addition, the relative expression of the SRY gene had a median 5.5 times larger in the tumor than in its periphery (range, 1.1-389.4). We found a heterogeneous distribution of fetal microchimerism in breast cancer environment. In women with sons, breast neoplasia harbors male cells at significantly higher levels than in peripheral and normal breast tissue.

The Need for Cervical Cancer Control in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women from Romania by Primary Prevention and by Early Detection Using Clinically Validated HPV/DNA Tests.

BACKGROUND: In Romania, a country with no organized national surveillance program regarding cervical cancer, the early diagnosis of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infections is a major requirement, especially in HIV-infected women. The objective of this study was to determine the HPV prevalence and type distribution in young HIV-positive women and to assess the difference in the risk factors for developing cervical cancer compared to those of HIV-negative women. METHOD: We conducted one cross-sectional cohort study from June 2013-September 2014, including 1,032 women: 992 HIV- women who were 36.5 years old (limits: 17 ÷ 84) and 40 HIV + women who were 22.9 years old (limits: 17 ÷ 30) with iatrogenic HIV infected. We detected HPV types with the Linear Array HPV Genotyping test (Roche, Romania). RESULTS: DNA/HPV was detected in 18/40 (45%) of the HIV+ patients and in 350/992 (35.2%) of the HIV- patients (OR = 1.5, 95%CI 0.76÷2.96). After age adjustment, the overall HPV prevalence was 51.6% in HIV+ versus 63.2% in HIV- women aged under 25, and 22.2% in HPV+ versus 47.2% in HIV- women aged 25-34. We detect HIV being a risk factor for acquiring multiple HPV type infections (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 0.88÷5.97). The eight most common HPV types (high-risk, and low-risk) for women below age 30, HIV+ / - were: HPV 16, 18, 31, 51, 58, 68, and 6 and 82 respectively. To assess the risk factors of HIV-positive women for acquiring HPV infection, we analyzed the CD4/µL, ARN/HIV copies/µL, the age group, the number of sexual partners, smoking, and the type of HPV infection (single versus multiple infections). We found that the number of sexual partners and smoking are statistically significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Even though there are no significant differences regarding the prevalence of HPV infection in HIV + versus HIV - patients, multiple infections were more frequent in the first group. In our study group young HIV-infected patients under HAART therapy, high number of sexual partners (more than 3) and smoking were detected to be risk factors. Future organized screening for HPV infection using sensitive and specific methods are necessary at the national level in Romania.