Hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: A virological and oncological perspective.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a partially double-stranded DNA virus associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The viral integration into the hepatocyte genome, the viral protein-induced oncogenesis, the increased hepatocyte turnover and the chronic inflammatory response towards HBV are all hypothesized mechanisms for the development of HCC. The fact that HBV infection and HCC prevalence show different correlations in various regions of the world indicates that there may be virus-independent phenomena for cancer development in these regions.

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species in immunocompetent individuals.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species in samples of nasal mucosa from 100 immunocompetent subjects of both sexes, aged 18-70 years, during stomatological clinical examination. Samples were taken from the mucosa of both nasal fossae using sterile swabs. Samples were observed fresh, stained with Gram and Giemsa, and cultured on selective differential media at 37 degrees C to isolate and identify the selected microorganisms; conventional biochemical tests and commercial equipment and molecular studies using PCR were performed.

Prevalence of Candida species in necrotic pulp with chronic periapical processes.

The aim of this study was to identify species of the genus Candida in mucosa of oral cavity and in single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis with chronic endodontic periapical processes, with radiographic images 2+/-4 mm and without clinical symptomatology, in immunocompetent patients. The study included 82 immunocompetent patients of both sexes aged 18-70 years with a clinical dental diagnosis of septic pulp necrosis. Samples were taken from root canals with sterile # 25 paper points and from oral mucosa with a sterile swab.

Prevalence of Staphylococcus spp and Candida spp in the oral cavity and periodontal pockets of periodontal disease patients.

The oral cavity can act as a reservoir of certain pathogens that can cause systemic infections. The periodontal pocket is an ecological niche appropriate for hosting microorganisms that could act as opportunistic pathogens. The ability of Staphylococcus spp and Candida spp to form a biofilm and live within certain niches allows them to develop mechanisms that increase persistence, such as the evasion of host defenses and antibiotic efficacy.

Survival of Staphylococcus aureus on fomites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate duration of survival of Staphylococcus aureus on contaminated standardized fomites, such as sterilization paper (SP) and polyester previously sterilized in a steam autoclave, and to determine the potential inhibitory effects of the substrates (fabrics used to manufacture garments and special wrapping paper used in the dental setting) using the bacteriostasis test. The test was performed on two types of sterile standardized samples (T1 and T2). Sterility of the samples was validated following the protocol in use at the Department of Microbiology, after which the samples were inoculated with 50 microl of a calibrated suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (reference strain ATCC 25923) in the exponential growth phase, in a final concentration of 10(7) cfu/ml and 10(6) cfu/ml).

Genetic relatedness of subgingival and buccal Candida dubliniensis isolates in immunocompetent subjects assessed by RAPD-PCR.

Background: It is recognized that Candida dubliniensis commonly colonizes oral and subgingival sites in immunocompetent subjects with periodontal disease.

Objective: Since there are few data available on genetic characterization of C. dubliniensis in periodontal pockets and other oral sites, the aim of this study was to characterize subgingival and mucosal C.

Viable spore counts in biological controls pre-sterilization.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the total count of viable spores in standardized inoculated carriers pre-sterilization. Samples of "Bacterial Spore Sterilization Strip" (R Biological Laboratories) (well before their expiry date) were divided into Group A (B. subtilis) and Group B (B.

Long-term sterility of orthodontic-surgical appliances.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term sterility of new dental appliances according to the non rigid wrapping employed and assess the effectiveness of sterilization in a steam autoclave at 134 degrees for 20 minutes using physical, chemical, and biological indicators. All the experimental (E) samples and the control samples (C) were assigned to one of three groups according to the type of packaging: paper bag (E1), paper/plastic pouch (E2), nylon tubing bag (E3). Each bag contained standardized orthodontic wires and brackets and sterility indicators.