Oral Specimens Research Articles

Antimicrobial susceptibilities of oral Neisseria from men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Hanoi, Vietnam

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is an urgent global health concern. Commensal Neisseria species in the oropharynx are an important reservoir of AMR genes that are transferred to NG, yet few data about AMR among commensal Neisseria in populations at risk for AMR exist. From May 2022 - December 2023, men in a HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program in Hanoi, Vietnam, were recruited. Participants self-collected oral specimens using phosphate buffer solution (PBS), for culture on LB agar media containing sucrose, vancomycin and trimethoprim (LBVT.SNR). Oxidase-positive gram-negative diplococci were identified using Remel RapID NH system. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to azithromycin, ceftriaxone, cefixime, and doxycycline were determined using Etests. There were 42 male participants, the median age was 26 years and 29% (n=12) reported using antibiotics in the past 6 months. In total, 48 Neisseria isolates were recovered; N. sicca/subflava was the most common species (50%; n=24), followed by N. mucosa (38%; n=18). For azithromycin, 85% (n=41) of isolates were resistant with MICs ≥1 ug/ml, including 25% (n=12) with high-level resistance (MICs ≥ 256 ug/mL of which 67% (8/12) were N. mucosa. Among non-gonococcal Neisseria isolates, the prevalence of resistance was 6% (n=3) for ceftriaxone, 6% (n=3) for cefixime, and 54% (n=26) for doxycycline; most non-susceptible isolates were N. mucosa. A High frequency of azithromycin resistance, moderate doxycycline resistance, and low cephalosporin resistance was found in oropharyngeal Neisseria isolates from MSM in a PrEP program in Hanoi, Vietnam. N. mucosa was over-represented among resistant isolates.

Assessment of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence microscope for oral cancer diagnosis: a clinical study

Objective: To explore and evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence microscope (OCT/OCM) for diagnosis of oral cancer. Methods: In this study, OCT/OCM was utilized to image the oral mucosa specimens. A total of 289 ex vivo oral mucosa specimens were collected from 68 patients with oral cancer who were hospitalized at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head and Neck Tumors, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, between January 2021 and February 2023, resulting in a dataset of 1 445 OCT/OCM images. By observing the characteristic patterns in the OCT/OCM images, including normal oral mucosa, epithelial abnormal proliferation (mild, moderate, severe), and oral cancer, these patterns were matched with corresponding pathological images. A diagnostic study was conducted, employing pathological diagnosis as the gold standard and utilizing a double-blind experimental design involving three diagnostic evaluators who participated in the analysis and diagnosis of OCT/OCM images. Results: The OCT/OCM images demonstrated good correlation with the corresponding pathological images, and diagnostic criteria were established based on the comparative results. In the diagnostic study involving three investigators, the accuracy was 82%, sensitivity was 84% (95%CI: 80%-88%), and specificity was 81% (95%CI: 77%-85%). There was a high level of agreement among the observers (kappa=0.614), indicating substantial concordance in the diagnostic results among the three investigators. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of OCT/OCM for diagnosis of oral cancer. The technology accurately distinguishes between normal oral mucosa, epithelial abnormal proliferation and oral cancer.

Construction of oral cancer microenvironment model using 3D culture technology and search for new therapeutic targets

There remains much to be discovered and understood about the subtypes of cancer associated-fibroblasts (CAFs) in oral cancer. At the Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University in Japan, Dr Kenta Haga is investigating the tumour microenvironment and CAFs. To do this, he and his team are using 3D culture technology in their studies as 3D culture models are considered to be more useful and more faithful to the biological characteristics and drug resistance of cancer than 2D cultures. This is because cells are never in 2D in the human body; they are all placed in a 3D structural environment. In their latest study, the researchers utilised their experimental model to recreate the cancer microenvironment and evaluate the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells over time. They have incorporated CAFs into a collagen gel, seeded oral cancer cells and established the basic technology for a 3D culture model with a two-layered structure that has a tumour layer and an interstitial layer to mimic squamous cell carcinoma. The team has been able to investigate the interaction of CAFs with oral cancer cells by in vitro, in vivo and in human oral cancer specimens. In order to understand the complex tumour microenvironment they are seeking to analyse the effects of CAFs on the invasive and proliferative potential for cancer cells. If they can elucidate the intercellular network in the tumour microenvironment, this will lead to novel treatment strategies for cancer. Haga and the team have already demonstrated that the TGF-β/SOX9 pathway plays an important role in CAFs promoting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral cancer.

Extragenital self-collection testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia: A feasibility study for expanding STI screening in the Veterans Health Administration.

Rectal and pharyngeal infections with gonorrhea and chlamydia are of concern because they are associated with higher risk of HIV acquisition. Extragenital screening in asymptomatic persons at high risk may have the potential to reduce the incidence of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Several testing platforms are available for the testing of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Self-collected extragenital samples are currently not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in any NAAT platform. This study compares the analytical performance of self-collected extragenital specimens to that of clinician-collected specimens. We performed a multicenter/multiplatform validation study as a National Veterans Health Administration Pathology and Laboratory Medicine quality improvement project, with 9 different participating sites. Self-collected specimens were obtained at the same time as clinician-collected specimens. Clinician-collected specimens were used as the gold standard to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of self-collection. A total of 2324 individual tests were analyzed (501 rectal and 661 oropharyngeal). The sensitivity was 94.44% for CT and 100% for NG for rectal specimens, whereas it was 100% for CT and 97.22% for NG for oral specimens. Specificity for oral specimens was 99.85% for CT and 99.36% for NG, whereas for rectal specimens, it was 99% for CT and NG. Self-collected specimens for extragenital CT/NG testing are highly sensitive and specific, with negative predictive values of 100%. Self-collection has the potential to overcome a major barrier for STI screening by providing an accessible, convenient, and patient-centered alternative.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Detection in Oral Rinse vs. Oral Sponge: A Preliminary Accuracy Report in Oral Cancer Patients

Background/Objectives: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant etiological factor in the development of oropharyngeal carcinogenesis. The detection of HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) could be also crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. This study compares the efficacy and accuracy of two non-invasive sampling methods, oral rinse, and oral sponge, in detecting HPV DNA in patients with OSCC. Methods: Twenty-six patients with histologically confirmed OSCCs were recruited (M/F = 15/11; mean age 68.6). From each patient, two self-collected oral specimens, in the form of an oral rinse and a salivary sponge (i.e., LolliSponge), were collected, and subsequently processed, utilizing INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra II for HPV DNA detection; Results: Oral sponge detection showed high specificity (100%), sensitivity (85.7%), and accuracy (96.2%) compared to the oral rinse sampling, also demonstrating an area AUC for its diagnostic performance significantly greater than 0.5 (0.93 vs. 0.5, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study supports that oral sponge sampling offers valuable non-invasive alternatives for HPV detection in patients with OSCC, with the potentiality to facilitate saliva sampling in patients that may exhibit functional deficit due to OSCC. Further research is recommended to validate these findings in larger cohorts and to explore the integration of these methods into routine clinical practice for the management of HPV-related OSCC.

Cancer Stem Cell Marker CD147 Expression in Erosive Oral Lichen Planus Compared to Moderately and Severely Dysplastic Leukoplakia

Oral lichen planus is a frequent, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the oral mucosa and is characterized as an oral potentially malignant disorder. The aim of our study is to examine the presence of CSCs bearing CD147 (a marker related to local inflammation and associated with various cancers) through immunohistochemistry in oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to oral leukoplakia (OL) and healthy tissues. These findings could contribute to clinical practice by providing a marker for the prognostic assessment of OLP lesions with regards to their potentially malignant nature. The study sample consisted of paraffin-embedded oral mucosa specimens from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine/Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece during the period 2009–2019. The study sample contained 24 cases of OLP (14 erosive and 10 reticular) and 30 cases of oral leukoplakia, which were compared to 5 normal oral epithelium samples derived from healthy epithelium adjacent to fibromas from other cases. Cell membrane staining of CD147 was observed mostly in the basal and parabasal cell layer. The statistically significantly higher expression of CD147 in the erosive lichen planus subgroup than in the moderately and severely dysplastic leukoplakia subgroup (p = 0.01) constituted the most important finding of this study. The characteristic expression of CD147 in erosive OLP suggests the presence of epithelial cells with CSC characteristics, but its lower expression in oral leukoplakias suggests a more intense relation of the CD147 marker with inflammation rather than with oral dysplastic progression.

Prevalence of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Urban Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Canada, 2017-2019.

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers. In 2015 and 2016, HPV vaccines became publicly funded for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) under 27 years of age in most Canadian provinces. Between 2017 and 2019, sexually active GBM in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Participants aged 16-30 years were invited to self-collect oral rinse specimens for HPV testing. We estimated HPV prevalence in the oral tract overall and compared these by vaccination status. Among the 838 GBM with a valid oral specimen, 36.9% reported receiving ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. Overall, oral HPV prevalence was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5%-3.7%) for at least 1 HPV type and 1.2% (95% CI, .5%-1.9%) for any high-risk type. We detected quadrivalent (HPV 6/11/16/18) vaccine-preventable types in 0.3% (95% CI, .0%-1.0%) of vaccinated individuals and 1.1% (95% CI, .1%-2.0%) of unvaccinated individuals. Oral HPV prevalence was low in a population of young urban GBM in Canada, of whom 37% were vaccinated. Findings serve as a benchmark for monitoring of vaccination impacts on oral HPV infection within this priority population.

Oral specimens as a tool for accurate metagenomic analysis: A pilot study

ObjectivesAcute oral mucosal damage, as well as other inflammatory processes seem to be related to dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. The need to study changes in the oral microbiome led us to hypothesize what type of sample would provide the most representative picture of the entire human oral microbiome. Materials and methodsAn observational, and cross-sectional study was carried out. Six healthy adult participants provided 3 different sample types each, that included saliva, oral rinse and mucosal biopsy tissue. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 18 samples using Illumina MiSeq technology. ResultsParticipants were 27 ± 6,3 years old. Bacterial alpha diversity was higher in oral rinse samples compared to whole unstimulated saliva and oral mucosa tissue (p = 0,005). However, saliva specimens showed a 56 % relative abundance of identified species followed by a 30 % in oral rinse and only 1 % in tissue samples. ConclusionsThis study found differences on oral microbiome composition for each type of sample. Oral rinse should be chosen when higher alpha diversity is needed, whereas whole unstimulated saliva should be more appropriate for larger amount of bacterial DNA. Clinical relevanceThe results obtained demonstrate the importance of a correct choice of the optimal type of oral sample for microbiome studies due to the differences found in its composition.

Association of Periodontitis and Various Genotypes of Human Papillomavirus in Oral Rinse Specimens.

Objectives To evaluate the relationship between the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in oral rinse samples and periodontitis. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in 2013-2014. The primary outcome was the periodontal status, categorized as either no periodontitis or mild periodontitis (combined) versus moderate to severe periodontitis (combined). The primary variable of interest was the presence of different HPV types in oral rinse specimens. Several confounders were selected based on previous evidence that demonstrated a potential association between HPV infectivity and periodontal disease. Results The final sample included 3103 participants. HPV genotypes 6, 35, 39, 55, 59, 71, 72, and 73 showed a statistically significant association with at least one of the periodontal statuses (p-value < 0.05). The presence of any HPV genotype was highly significantly associated with periodontal status, with a p-value of <0.001. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations of HPV 6 and HPV 16 with periodontitis, adjusted for age, gender, diabetes, smoking, race, federal poverty level, last dental visit, and education level. Conclusion Our study highlights a potential link between periodontitis and specific HPV genotypes, such as HPV 6 and HPV 16, in oral rinse specimens. This suggests a complex interplay between periodontal disease and oral HPV infections, underscoring the need for further research to address public health concerns and inform preventive and treatment strategies. Clinical relevance Identifying a link between periodontitis and specific HPV genotypes, such as HPV 6 and HPV 16, in oral rinse samples could prompt early screening and tailored treatment approaches. This underscores the importance of oral health promotion and targeted interventions to address both conditions and improve overall patient outcomes.

Development of selective isolation media for detecting the genera Actinomyces and Schaalia from oral specimens containing indigenous bacteria.

To isolate specific bacteria from samples constituting the microbiota, it is essential to employ selective media that suppress the growth of resident bacteria other than specific target bacteria. Selective media for clinically important Actinomyces (including Schaalia, which was previously taxonomically classified as part of the genus Actinomyces) have been limited because they have been designed for a limited range of species within the genus and require ingredients which are difficult to prepare and handle. This study aimed to develop a selective medium [referred to as Actinomyces and Schaalia Selective Medium (ASSM)] for the isolation of a broad range of Actinomyces and Schaalia species from samples mixed with resident bacteria. The composition of ASSM includes yeast extract, agar, brain heart infusion (BHI), levofloxacin (LVFX), fosfomycin (FOM), colistin (CL) and metronidazole (MNZ). Evaluation of the medium using 24 swab samples serially collected from the roots of the teeth of a healthy individual for whom metagenome sequencing data of a saliva sample are publicly available revealed that ASSM adjusted to concentrations of LVFX 0.5 mg l-1, FOM 5 mg l-1, CL 1 mg l-1 and MNZ 2 mg l-1 and cultured anaerobically at 35 °C for 7 days enabled the isolation of Actinomyces species from 37.5 % of the samples. The inclusion of CL and MNZ in ASSM can also be useful for samples harbouring other bacterial species. The selective isolation medium is expected to contribute to studies investigating the relationship between these bacteria and their pathogenesis or disease.

Incidence of Lymphovascular Emboli, Perineural Invasion and Lymph Node Spread with Relation to Tumour Grading in Oral Cancer Specimen in Konkan Region

Incidence of Lymphovascular Emboli, Perineural Invasion and Lymph Node Spread with Relation to Tumour Grading in Oral Cancer Specimen in Konkan Region

Oral-gut microbial transmission promotes diabetic coronary heart disease

BackgroundDiabetes is a predominant driver of coronary artery disease worldwide. This study aims to unravel the distinct characteristics of oral and gut microbiota in diabetic coronary heart disease (DCHD). Simultaneously, we aim to establish a causal link between the diabetes-driven oral-gut microbiota axis and increased susceptibility to diabetic myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI).MethodsWe comprehensively investigated the microbial landscape in the oral and gut microbiota in DCHD using a discovery cohort (n = 183) and a validation chohort (n = 68). Systematically obtained oral (tongue-coating) and fecal specimens were subjected to metagenomic sequencing and qPCR analysis, respectively, to holistically characterize the microbial consortia. Next, we induced diabetic MIRI by administering streptozotocin to C57BL/6 mice and subsequently investigated the potential mechanisms of the oral-gut microbiota axis through antibiotic pre-treatment followed by gavage with specific bacterial strains (Fusobacterium nucleatum or fecal microbiota from DCHD patients) to C57BL/6 mice.ResultsSpecific microbial signatures such as oral Fusobacterium nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, and Roseburia faecis, were identified as potential microbial biomarkers in DCHD. We further validated that oral Fusobacterium nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus are increased in DCHD patients, with a positive correlation between the two. Experimental evidence revealed that in hyperglycemic mice, augmented Fusobacterium nucleatum levels in the oral cavity were accompanied by an imbalance in the oral-gut axis, characterized by an increased coexistence of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Lactobacillus, along with elevated cardiac miRNA-21 and a greater extent of myocardial damage indicated by TTC, HE, TUNEL staining, all of which contributed to exacerbated MIRI.ConclusionOur findings not only uncover dysregulation of the oral-gut microbiota axis in diabetes patients but also highlight the pivotal intermediary role of the increased abundance of oral F. nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus in exacerbating MIRI. Targeting the oral-gut microbiota axis emerges as a potent strategy for preventing and treating DCHD. Oral-gut microbial transmission constitutes an intermediate mechanism by which diabetes influences myocardial injury, offering new insights into preventing acute events in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease.Graphic

Abstract 2160: Utilizing geospatial analytics to identify neighborhood cancer hot spots for recruitment of underserved populations in clinical prevention research

Abstract Background: The term “precision public health” has increasingly been used in literature to describe public health practices that utilize new technologies and big data to precisely target the most vulnerable populations for disease control. Following the principles of precision public health, we used geospatial technologies and population-based health data to identify the locations and socioeconomic status of neighborhoods with high cancer incidences for recruitment of participants in prevention research. Methods: Using Florida cancer registry data, geospatial hot spot analyses were carried out to identify statistically significant clusters of census tracts with high incidences of prostate, gastric, and oral cancers within the catchment area of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in South Florida. The locations, social determinants of health (US Census’ American Community Survey), and behavioral risk factor data (CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) of these hot spots were analyzed to identify the locations of underserved communities facing high risk for these three cancers. Results: Hot spots with high incidences for each of these three cancers overlap in many neighborhoods with high proportions of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black populations and high levels of socioeconomic disparities, such as low income, low education level, rental housing, no vehicles, and no access to health insurance. These neighborhoods also have high rates for behavioral risk factors in smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, and high incidence of cervical cancer (high risk areas for HPV-associated oral cancers). Mobile screening units called the Game Changer Vehicles have been deployed to the locations to recruit participants who were tested on-site for prostate specific antigen (prostate cancer), H. pylori (gastric cancer), or solCD44 (a soluble tumor marker for squamous cell carcinoma) and total protein levels in oral rinse specimens, which can distinguish individuals with molecular features at risk for oral cancers due to tobacco, alcohol use, and human HPV infection. Conclusions: Geospatial analyses of population health data can be used to produce metrics that precisely target neighborhoods with high cancer risk and health disparities to recruit research participants. The same precision approach can also be applied for cancer screening purposes, such as offering cervical self-sample and fecal blood test kits in disadvantaged communities facing heightened risk for cervical and colorectal cancers. Citation Format: Ming S. Lee, Rebecca Kaiser, Ridhi Vyas, Amando Vera, Daniela Flores Quetant, Nancy Elliott, Valerie Bethel, Amanda Rivera, Shria Kumar, Brandon Mahal, Elizabeth Franzmann, Erin Kobetz. Utilizing geospatial analytics to identify neighborhood cancer hot spots for recruitment of underserved populations in clinical prevention research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2160.

Abstract 834: Farm animal exposures and the oral microbiome in the Agricultural Health Study

Abstract Raising farm animals involves a variety of exposures, including microbes, antimicrobial agents, bioaerosols, and pesticides that may influence the human microbiome. Exposure to farm animals has also been associated with some cancers including lower risk of lung cancer and elevated risks of certain hematologic malignancies, with heterogeneity by animal species. Increasing epidemiologic evidence suggests that changes in the oral microbiome contribute to cancer development. Few human studies have investigated the potential influence of farm animal exposures on the oral microbiome. We investigated associations between farm animal exposures and the oral microbiome in 1245 Iowa and North Carolina farmers and spouses from the Agricultural Health Study. Participants provided information on types and numbers of farm animals raised in telephone interviews close to the time of oral wash sample collection. DNA was extracted from oral wash specimens and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequencing. We evaluated associations between farm animal exposures and alpha diversity metrics [e.g., observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs)] using linear regression and assessed differences in beta diversity metrics (e.g., weighted Unifrac) using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. In addition, we evaluated associations with the presence and relative abundance of specific genera using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. All analyses adjusted for potential confounders (e.g., sex, age, state of residence, smoking). Overall, 63% of participants reported raising any animals, most commonly cattle (46%) and hogs (20%). Raising sheep/goats was associated with lower alpha diversity [e.g., 18 (95% confidence interval: 3-33) fewer observed ASVs compared to not raising sheep/goats], with an exposure-response trend for increasing number of sheep/goats (13 and 24 fewer observed ASVs for 1-29 and ≥30 sheep/goats vs. none, respectively; Ptrend = 0.048). Increasing numbers of hogs and poultry were associated with higher and lower alpha diversity, respectively. Associations were similar after mutual adjustment for other farm animal types. Based on beta diversity analyses, we did not observe statistically significant differences in microbial compositions between participants with and without farm animals. After adjusting for multiple testing, having any farm animal was associated with an increased relative abundance of Porphyromonas, and several genera were more likely to be absent with specific animal exposures (e.g., Capnocytophaga for cattle and sheep/goats; Corynebacterium and Abiotrophia for sheep/goats). To our knowledge, this was the largest investigation of farm animal exposures and the human microbiome to date. Our preliminary findings suggest that animal farming may alter the oral microbiome and provide new insights into the potential role of animal exposures in cancer etiology. Citation Format: Vicky C. Chang, Vaishnavi Purandare, Rashmi Sinha, Gabriella Andreotti, Shilan Li, Xing Hua, Yukiko Yano, Kathryn R. Dalton, Mikyeong Lee, Christine G. Parks, Stephanie J. London, Dale P. Sandler, Mitchell H. Gail, Jianxin Shi, Jonathan N. Hofmann, Christian C. Abnet, Emily Vogtmann, Laura E. Beane Freeman. Farm animal exposures and the oral microbiome in the Agricultural Health Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 834.

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in the Context of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

Despite recent advances in prevention, detection and treatment, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a global health concern, strongly associated with environmental and lifestyle risk factors and infection with oncogenic viruses. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV), well known to be the causative agent of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) has been found in OSCC, suggesting its potential role as a co-factor in the development of oral cavity cancers. To improve our understanding about MCPyV in oral cavities, the detection and analysis of MCPyV DNA, transcripts and miRNA were performed on OSCCs and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). In addition, the cellular miR-375, known to be deregulated in tumors, was examined. MCPyV DNA was found in 3 out of 11 OSCC and 4 out of 12 OPMD samples, with a viral mean value of 1.49 × 102 copies/mL. Viral integration was not observed and LTAg and VP1 transcripts were detected. Viral miRNAs were not detected whereas the cellular miR-375 was found over expressed in all MCPyV positive oral specimens. Our results reported evidence of MCPyV replication in both OSCC and OPMD suggesting the oral cavity as a site of replicative MCPyV infection, therefore underscoring an active role of this virus in the occurrence of oral lesions.

Molecular epidemiology and temporal dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 imported from Hong Kong to mainland China

Tracking the genome diversity and evolution of virus like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the hotspot of current researches, which were essential for the developing of prevention strategies and therapeutic vaccines. In the current study, a total of 206073 oral or nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected in 2022 from entry populations originated from Hong Kong, among which 141 whole genome sequences were obtained through next-generation sequencing and analyzed. Two major Omicron sub-lineages were identified: BA.2.2 (70.21%, 99/141) and BA.5 (24.11% 34/141). An average of 53.22 mutations was emerged in the genome, with S protein and ORF1a harboring the highest number of mutations among structure proteins and non-structure proteins (p<0.001), respectively, making them the most variable regions. The temporal changes of the mutations among each protein were unique, indicating the distinct evolution pattern of these proteins. A novel mutation in the Nsp5 (3 C-like proteinase) was reported for the first time. As it may influence the viral replication and transcription, further monitoring is needed. The data reported here highlighted the importance of monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 genome and would be useful for the generation of evidence-based prevention programs and effective vaccines to COVID-19.

Oral Candida carriage and resistance against common antifungal agents in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

PurposeAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients receiving long-term and high-dose immunosuppressive medications suffer commonly from oral candida infections. This prospective cohort study examined oral fungal carriage in HSCT recipients and screened the susceptibility against commonly used antifungal agents. An increasing oral occurrence of Candida spp. and the development of resistance against clinically administered fluconazole were hypothesized.MethodsTwo hundred HSCT recipients were included and followed up for 2 years post-HSCT. Oral microbiological specimens were analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry assays (MALDI-TOF). The colorimetric method was applied for the susceptibility testing by commercially available Sensititre YeastOne (SYO®, TREK Diagnostics Systems, Thermo-Fisher, UK).ResultsThe prevalence of oral Candida spp. carriage increased statistically significantly after a year post-HSCT being 30, 26, 35, 44, and 47%, pre-HSCT, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-HSCT, respectively. Altogether, 169 clinical oral Candida strains were isolated. Fourteen Candida spp. were identified, and C. albicans was predominant in 74% of the isolates pre-HSCT with a descending prevalence down to 44% 2 years post-HSCT. An increasing relative proportion of non-albicans species post-HSCT was evident. No development of resistance of C. albicans against fluconazole was found. Instead, a shift from C. albicans towards non-albicans species, especially C. dubliensis, C. glabrata, and relatively seldom found C. krusei, was observed.ConclusionOral Candida carriage increases after HSCT. Instead of the expected development of resistance of C. albicans against fluconazole, the relative proportion of non-albicans strains with innate resistance against azole-group antifungals increased.

Performance Evaluation of the STANDARD i-Q COVID-19 Ag Test with Nasal and Oral Swab Specimens from Symptomatic Patients.

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the STANDARD i-Q COVID-19 Ag Test, which was developed to detect viral antigens, using nasal and oral swabs. Sixty positive and 100 negative samples were analyzed. We determined the distribution of the Ct values according to the day of sample collection after symptom onset, the diagnostic performance of the total samples and subgroups separated by Ct value or time of sample collection, and the Ct value at which maximal accuracy was expected. No differences were observed in Ct values, except for the samples obtained on the day of symptom onset. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the oral swabs were 75.0 and 100.0%, respectively, whereas those of the nasal swabs were 85.0 and 98.0%, respectively. The sensitivity was higher in samples with a high viral load collected earlier than those collected later, although the difference was not significant. False-negative results were confirmed in all samples with a Ct value ≥ 30.0. These results indicate that tests using oral and nasal swabs are helpful for diagnosing acute symptomatic cases with suspected high viral loads. Our tests exhibited relatively low sensitivity but high specificity rates, indicating the need to assess negative antigen test results.

Inter-relationships of galectin-3 and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasomes with oral lichen planus: a preliminary cross-sectional in vitro study

BackgroundThe nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported to be highly expressed in oral lesions with the potential for malignant development such as oral lichen planus (OLP). And the NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by galectin-3 (Gal-3) in immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to explore the inter-relationships among Gal-3, NLRP3 inflammasome, and OLP.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of oral biopsy specimens from 30 patients with Erosive OLP and 30 healthy controls was performed. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the expression of Gal-3 and NLRP3 inflammasome. Two-sample t-test and Pearson correlation test were applied to analyze the data.Results Erosive OLP patients had significantly higher Gal-3 levels compared with controls (p < 0.0001). A similar pattern emerged for NLRP3 inflammasome. In the overall sample, a positive correlation was observed between Gal-3 and NLRP3 (r = 0.92, p < 0.01).ConclusionsPatients with Erosive OLP lesions showed increased protein expression levels of Gal-3. A positive correlation was observed between Gal-3 and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Hand-off orientation in oral pathology: Bridging the gap for better patient care.

The practice of hand-off orientation in oral pathology plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and high-quality patient care. Given the intricate nature of oral health, the seamless transition of patient care from one healthcare provider to another is critical. Hand-off orientation in oral pathology begins with a comprehensive referral of oral biopsy specimens from a general dentist or clinical specialist to the oral pathology laboratory. Obtaining detailed information about oral biopsy tissue and complete patient information from clinicians is indeed crucial for a variety of reasons, including accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive timely and accurate care, reducing the potential for misdiagnosis or treatment delays. In the field of oral pathology, effective hand-off orientation is a cornerstone of patient safety and positive outcomes.