MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Human Post-Mortem Microbial Community: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The human post-mortem microbiome (HPM) plays a major role in the decomposition process. Successional changes in post-mortem bacterial communities have been recently demonstrated using high throughput metagenomic sequencing techniques, showing great potential as a post-mortem interval (PMI) predictor. The aim of this study is to verify the application of the mass spectrometry technique, better known as MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry), as a cheap and quick method for microbe taxonomic identification and for studying the PM microbiome.

Postmortem interval assessment by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis in murine cadavers.

Aims: This study assessed the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry as an alternative method to identify species associated with the thanatomicrobiota and epinecrotic communities.

Methods And Results: The study was conducted on 10 murine cadavers, and microbiological swabs were collected from five external anatomical sites (eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum) and four internal organs (brain, spleen, liver, heart), during 16 and 30 days, for the thanatomicrobiota and epinecrotic communities, respectively. Our results revealed that the postmortem microbiota associated with the external cavities showed changes over time and reduced taxonomic diversity.

Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in Italian pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Report of two cases.

Infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni are rarely associated with extraintestinal complications. C. jejuni bacteremia is difficult to detect in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy where the choice of appropriate antibiotic treatment is extremely important.

Seven years prevalence and distribution of high and low risk HPV genotypes in women living in the metropolitan area of Naples.

Background: The objective of this work was to provide an update information on HPV age/genotype distribution by retrospectively analyzing a cohort of women living in the metropolitan area of Naples.

Methods: From January 2011 to December 2017, cervical scrape specimens from 1265 women, with abnormal cytological indication, were tested for HPV DNA. The presence and the viral genotypes were assessed by the Linear Array HPV genotyping test for the detection of 37 anogenital HPV-DNA genotypes.

Dissecting the prevention of estrogen-dependent breast carcinogenesis through Nrf2-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Various studies indicate that prolonged exposure to elevated levels of estrogens is associated with development of breast cancer. Both estrogen receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms can contribute to the carcinogenic effects of estrogens.

Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes and Subtypes in the Metropolitan Area of Naples, Italy, in the Era of Interferon-Free Regimens.

Aims: The objective of this work was to study the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and subtypes from 2010 to 2015 in 1,221 anti-HCV/HCV-RNA-positive specimens from patients living in the metropolitan area of Naples, since HCV genotypes and subtypes remain cornerstones in the management of chronic HCV infection even in the directly acting antivirals era.

Methods: The study was carried out on 1,221 anti-HCV/HCV-RNA-positive plasma samples collected between April 2010 and December 2015.

Results: Of the 1,221 patients enrolled, 633 (51.

Non-dermatophytic onychomycosis diagnostic criteria: an unresolved question.

Non-dermatophytic moulds (NDMs) have been increasingly recognised as causative agents of onychomycosis. The diagnosis of onychomycosis is most often obtained by microscopic observation of nail specimens where fungal elements can be detected and cultured by standard mycological techniques. Direct microscopic examination does not always result positive in NDM onychomycosis; therefore to perform a correct diagnosis, a proper mycological culture is often required.

Immigrants living in an urban milieu with sanitation in Southern Italy: persistence and transmission of intestinal parasites.

In the current era of globalization, the massive movement of populations to developed countries causes a greater attention to neglected tropical diseases in places where such diseases are considered unusual. The present study was planned to assess the persistence of intestinal parasitosis in immigrants stably living in the urban central area of Naples (Southern Italy) and the spread of infection within households with a lifestyle similar to that of the country of origin. A total of 2150 stool samples were analysed with the FLOTAC dual technique, and 415 subjects (19.

Microbe-host interactions: structure and role of Gram-negative bacterial porins.

Gram negative bacteria have evolved many mechanisms of attaching to and invading host epithelial and immune cells. In particular, many outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are involved in this initial interaction between the pathogen and their host. The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria performs the crucial role of providing an extra layer of protection to the organism without compromising the exchange of material required for sustaining life.

A rapid and specific real-time RT-PCR assay to identify Usutu virus in human plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Background: Usutu virus (USUV), a flavivirus that belongs to the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) family, has recently emerged as a human pathogen, necessitating new diagnostic tools.

Objective: The development and assessment of a real-time RT-PCR assay to detect USUV in human samples.

Study Design: Based on USUV genomic sequences from GenBank, USUV-specific primers and probes that target the NS5 gene were designed.