Antifungal Drug Susceptibility Profile of Candida kefyr Isolated from Clinical Samples and Dairy Products.

Exploring drug susceptibility is a critical endeavor in the scientific community, setting the stage for advancements in understanding and combating various pathogens. Candida kefyr has emerged as a significant pathogen, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals with hematologic malignancies and HIV/AIDS conditions. This study aimed to assess the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida kefyr isolates obtained from clinical samples and dairy products. A total of 134 Candida kefyr yeast isolates were retrieved from three distinct groups: (1) healthy individuals (n = 41), (2) patients (n = 24) including hematologic malignancy (n = 9), HIV/AIDS (n = 7), and diabetes (n = 8), (3) dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese, n = 69) stored at -70°C in the Shiraz University of Medical Science. All Candida kefyr isolates were previously identified using conventional and molecular methods. Susceptibility to antifungal drugs, including caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B, was determined using the microdilution method following CLSI-M27-A3 protocols, with results interpreted according to CLSI-M27-S4 guidelines. The study emphasizes the clear variation in antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida kefyr strains when compared across different groups, including patients, healthy people, and dairy products. According to the results, across all groups, a high minimum inhibitory concentration of fluconazole is evident, and healthy individuals show the highest minimum inhibitory concentration geometric means (4.0681). Also, 79.1% of the isolates were wild type to amphotericin B, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration compared to other antifungals tested. This suggests that amphotericin B was more effective against Candida kefyr. These findings showed fewer susceptibilities of Candida kefyr to both triazole and echinocandin classes of antifungal agents. Additionally, it is noteworthy that individuals without medical conditions exhibited higher minimum inhibitory concentration rates to these antifungal agents in comparison to those with underlying health conditions. Consequently, timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions emerge as imperative in the effective management of candidiasis cases.

Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility among clinical isolates of dermatophytes in Shiraz, Iran (2017-2019).

Dermatophytosis is a common superficial mycotic infection affecting individual's quality of life worldwide. The present study aimed to perform species-level identification and evaluate the antifungal susceptibility patterns of dermatophytes isolated in Shiraz, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on clinical samples collected during 2017-2019 from 307 patients suspected of having dermatophytosis. The isolates were identified by direct microscopy, culture and internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequencing, and their antifungal susceptibility patterns were determined by the microdilution method. Among 307 patients, dermatophytosis was diagnosed by microscopy in 190 (61.8%) subjects and confirmed in 130 (42.3%) cases by both microscopy and culture. It was found out tinea pedis was the most common clinical manifestation, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most prevalent species (28.4%), followed by T tonsurans (23.8%), Microsporum canis (11.5%), T interdigitale (10%), T verrucosum (6.9%), T rubrum (6.9%), T benhamiae (4.6%), T violaceum (3%), T simii (3%), Epidermophyton floccosum (0.7%) and M ferrugineum (0.7%). Moreover, it was revealed that luliconazole with a geometric mean (GM) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.03 µg ml-1 was the most effective agent against all tested isolates. Regardless of species, 30% of isolates responded to high MICs of griseofulvin (MIC90  > 2 µg ml-1 ). The increasing prevalence of nonindigenous species of T simii, T benhamiae and M ferrugineum in Shiraz, Iran, was a notable finding. In addition, infections due to zoophilic species showed an increasing trend. These epidemiological data, along with antifungal susceptibility patterns, may have implications for clinical decision-making and successful treatment.

Evaluation of fungal contamination and ochratoxin A detection in different types of coffee by HPLC-based method.

BACKGROUND: Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that are produced by some toxigenic fungi on foodstuffs which are poisoning and potentiate for human's health hazards. In coffee samples, ochratoxin A and fungal contamination were examined. METHODS: Immunoaffinity columns were used for treating of all 50 samples from four types of coffee, after that high-performance liquid chromatography was used for determining the amount of ochratoxin. For the identification of fungi, all coffee samples were cultured in appropriated media. RESULTS: The results showed that all samples were contaminated by ochratoxin A but only up to 50% of them had toxins higher than acceptable level as detected in black beans (47%), green beans (33.3%), torch (33.3%), and espresso (25%). Black coffee had a higher mean concentration of ochratoxin A than green coffee. CONCLUSION: Predominant fungi isolated from coffee samples were Aspergillus species. Finally, careful monitoring of mycotoxins in coffee samples is essential to improve the quality of this favorable beverage in future.

Prevalence of superficial-cutaneous fungal infections in Shiraz, Iran: A five-year retrospective study (2015-2019).

BACKGROUND: Superficial and cutaneous fungal infections are common in tropical areas. The aim of this study was to provide a basic database of superficial and cutaneous mycoses and the most common etiological agents among patients. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2019, a total of 1807 patients suspected of superficial and cutaneous mycosis referring to the mycology laboratory of Shiraz medical school, Fars, Iran were evaluated. Specimens were taken from the patients' affected area, and clinical samples were examined by direct microscopy and culture. The epidemiological profile of the patients was collected. RESULTS: A total of 750 patients were confirmed with mycoses. Positive samples totaled 750 cases consisting of the nail (373/49.7%), skin (323/43%), head (47/6.26%), and mucosal membrane (4/0.5%). The yeasts group included 304 Candida spp. (70.3%), 123 Malassezia spp. (28.47%), and 5 Rhodotorula spp. (1.1%). The filamentous fungi were distributed as 34.8% dermatophytes and 7.5% non-dermatophyte. The clinical types of dermatophytosis were tinea unguium (110/261), tinea capitis (50/261), tinea pedis (48/261), tinea corporis (37/261), and tinea cruris (16/261). Non-dermatophyte molds included A. flavus 17, A. niger 4, Aspergillus spp. 15, Penicillium. 10, Fusarium 6, Mucor 2, Stemphylium 1, and Alternaria 1. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful data for the study trends of superficial and cutaneous fungal infections in a specific area. The mycological data confirmed higher incidence of candidiasis (mainly onychomycosis) and dermatophytosis in patients affected by fungal pathogens, which helped to better understand the epidemiological aspects of these mycoses.

Protective Effects of the Probiotic Bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus on Candida albicans Morphogenesis and a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis.

Background: Oral candidiasis is a frequent form of candidiasis, caused by Candida species, in particular, Candida albicans (C. albicans). The transition of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae allows its attachment to epithelial cells, followed by biofilm formation, invasion, and tissue damage. Hence, we investigated the effect of Streptococcus salivarius subspecies thermophilus (S thermophilus) on the growth as well as biofilm and germ-tube formation of C. albicans both in vitro and in vivo in a murine model. Methods: This experimental study was performed in the Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Central Research Laboratory and the Comparative Biomedical Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (2017 to 2018). The inhibitory activity of S. thermophilus against Candida species growth was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, and the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation was measured using the XTT assay. The inhibition of C. albicans germ-tube formation by S. thermophilus was evaluated using the plate assay and fluorescence microscopy. The experimental activity of the probiotic bacterium was assessed by culture and histopathological methods in six groups of five mice, comprising those treated with four concentrations of probiotics, fluconazole, and distilled water. The one-way analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc test, was used and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: S. thermophilus inhibited Candida species growth at concentrations of 16 to 512 µg/mL. This probiotic inhibited the formation of C. albicans biofilms and germ tubes in a dose-dependent manner. S. thermophilus significantly reduced the colony-forming units in the mice receiving 30 mg/mL of this probiotic treatment compared with the control group (P=0.024). The histopathological analysis showed that Candida colonization was diminished in the mice following the administration of the probiotic. Conclusion: Given the inhibitory activity of S. thermophilus against the growth, transition, and biofilm formation of C. albicans, it could be used in the management of oral candidiasis.

High detection of virulence factors by Candida species isolated from bloodstream of patients with candidemia.

OBJECTIVE: Candida species are the normal inhabitants of the skin and mucosa that cause a wide range of debilitating diseases in immunocompromised patients and other susceptible individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the production of exoenzymes and the biofilm formation capacity of Candida species isolated from candidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 100 stock Candida species isolates consist of 50 Candida albicans and 50 non-Candida albicans Candida species (24 C. glabrata, 15 C. parapsilosis, 5 C. dubliniensis, 3 C. tropicalis, 2 C. krusei and 1 C. fabianii) which previously were recovered from patients with candidemia were used. The enzymatic activity tests for hemolysin, proteinase, and phospholipase were performed by using blood Sabouraud dextrose agar, bovine serum albumin medium and egg yolk agar, respectively. Biofilm formation was determined by microplate assay method. RESULT: All of the Candida albicans species could produce hemolysin. The predominant enzyme activity of species included strong and very strong levels of phospholipase, proteinase and hemolysin activity were belonged to Candida albicans isolates. There were statistically significant differences in hemolysin (P < 0.001), proteinase (P = 0.003) and phospholipase (P < 0.001) activity between two groups of albicans and non-albicans species. The biofilm formation was seen in 30 (60%) of C. albicans and 49 (98%) of non-C. albicans species. There was significant statistical differences between the two groups of isolates in biofilm formation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is clear that Candida species have ability to produce several enzymes as virulence factors to contribute its pathogenicity. There were significant differences in virulence factors between the two C. albicans and non- C. albicans group. The ability for biofilm formation and producing exo-enzyme were an important virulence factors in Candida species isolates. This differences found in this report might have role in severity of disease caused by different species.

Clinical and microbiological features of candiduria in critically ill adult patients in Shiraz, Iran (2016-2018): deviations from international guidelines and fluconazole therapeutic failure.

Candiduria is common among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs); however, clinical and microbiological data are limited, which accounts for non-compliance with international guidelines, including over treatment of asymptomatic candiduria that promotes antifungal resistance. This prospective study included adult patients admitted to ICUs of five referral hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, during 2016-2018. Species were identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and antifungal susceptibility was assessed according to CLSI M27-A3/S4. Among 2086 patients, 162 and 293 developed candiduria and bacteriuria, respectively. In total, 174 yeast isolates were collected; 88.5% were Candida albicans (91/174; 52.2%), C. glabrata (38/174; 21.8%), and C. tropicalis (25/174; 14.3%). Antifungal resistance was rare; only two isolates (one C. tropicalis and one C. krusei) were fluconazole resistant. Symptomatic candiduria was noted in 31.4% of patients (51/162); only 37% (19/51) of them were treated and 36.82% (7/19) showed fluconazole therapeutic failure. Two symptomatic patients developed candidemia shortly after candiduria. Among asymptomatic patients, 31.5% (35/111) were overtreated with fluconazole. The mortality rate was 25.3% (41/162); it did not differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Our results indicate that deviation from standard-of-care treatment for candiduria is a matter of concern given the high rate of fluconazole therapeutic failure among patients with symptomatic candiduria. LAY SUMMARY: Candiduria is an underestimated clinical presentation among critically ill patients and detailed data are scarce in this regard. Given the high rate of fluconazole therapeutic failure and development of candidemia in some cases, the mistreatment of candiduria should not be overlooked by clinicians.

Antifungal activity of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles against pathogenic Candida species.

The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species (C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8-64 µg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 µg/mL) observed against C. parapsilosis. The result showed the MIC of 32 µg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.

Evaluation of building washing machines as an extreme environment for potentially pathogenic fungi.

Washing machines are commonly used in households and are considered indispensable appliances for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Environmental conditions within household washing machines are ideal for fungal colonization, which may pose risks to human health and contribute to sick building syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the fungal species contamination in the building washing machines. A total of 50 building washing machines were swab-sampled at three locations: the detergent drawer, the inner and outer parts of the rubber door seal. The housekeeping conditions of these appliances were assessed through a questionnaire. The isolated fungi were identified using standard mycological diagnostic procedures and molecular analysis based on the ITS1/ITS4 and ß-tubulin gene regions. The possibility of fungal agents transferring from contaminated washing machines to autoclaved clothes during laundry cycles was investigated. Fungi were detected in 82% of the sampled appliances, with the inner rubber door seal being the most frequently colonized area. Using conventional and molecular techniques, we identified 122 fungal isolates, encompassing 17 diverse genera of molds, yeast-like, and yeast fungi. The mold fungi included 14 genera of hyaline and black genus. Among these, the most frequently identified genera of hyaline and black fungi were Aspergillus (27.7%), and Cladosporium (10.7%), respectively. This study demonstrates that building washing machines may serve as suitable ecological niches for fungal growth and transmission. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of these devices are necessary.

The efficacy of complementary treatment with marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) on vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common gynecologic infection, and recurring cases are yet incurable. This trial was based on Persian medicine to compare how effective marshmallow aqueous extract 4% plus clotrimazole 1% (CLOT-M) is compared to clotrimazole 1% vaginal creams on VVC. METHODS: This study randomly assigned 100 women with VVC into two groups. The target group (n = 50) was treated with CLOT-M while controls (n = 50) with clotrimazole vaginal creams for seven consecutive nights. Different VVC symptoms and signs, and yeast culture from vaginal discharge were evaluated as the outcome measures before the intervention and 7 and 30 days after. RESULTS: The efficacy of CLOT-M vaginal cream was assessed during the 1st and 2nd follow-ups, indicating a significant decrease in mean itching (P = 0.001 for both comparisons) and dyspareunia score (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively) as compared to treatment with clotrimazole vaginal cream. Moreover, after 7 days of the intervention, patients in the CLOT-M group experienced significant improvement in mean dysuria score compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Neither cream caused any significant adverse events. CONCLUSION: It seems that CLOT-M vaginal cream had a significant effect on the VVC symptoms improvement, without any significant side effects. However, larger sample-sized trials are needed for more evidence-based judgment.

Encapsulation of Zataria multiflora essential oil in polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/gelatin thermo-responsive hydrogel: Synthesis, physico-chemical properties, and biological investigations.

Zataria multiflora essential oil is a natural volatile plant product whose therapeutic applications require a delivery platform. Biomaterial-based hydrogels have been extensively used in biomedical applications, and they are promising platforms to encapsulate essential oils. Among different hydrogels, intelligent hydrogels have recently attracted many interests because of their response to environmental stimuli such as temperature. Herein, Zataria multiflora essential oil is encapsulated in a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/gelatin hydrogel as a positive thermo-responsive and antifungal platform. According to the optical microscopic image, the encapsulated spherical essential oil droplets reveal a mean size of 1.10 ± 0.64 µm, which are in consistent with the SEM imaging results. Encapsulation efficacy and loading capacity are 98.66 % and 12.98 %, respectively. These results confirm the successful efficient encapsulation of the Zataria multiflora essential oil within the hydrogel. The chemical compositions of the Zataria multiflora essential oil and the fabricated hydrogel are analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. It is found that thymol (44.30 %) and γ-terpinene (22.62 %) are the main constituents of the Zataria multiflora essential oil. The produced hydrogel inhibits the metabolic activity of Candida albicans biofilms (∼60-80 %), which can be related to the antifungal activity of the essential oil constituents and chitosan. Based on the rheological results, the produced thermo-responsive hydrogel shows a gel-sol viscoelastic transition at a temperature of 24.5 °C. This transition leads to a facile release of the loaded essential oil. The release test depicts that about 30 % of Zataria multiflora essential oil is released during the first 16 min. In addition, 2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrates that the designed thermo-sensitive formulation is biocompatible with high cell viability (over 96 %). The fabricated hydrogel can be deemed as a potential intelligent drug delivery platform for controlling cutaneous candidiasis due to antifungal effectiveness and less toxicity, which can be a promising alternative to traditional drug delivery systems.

Chitosan-based emulgel and xerogel film containing Thymus pubescens essential oil as a potential wound dressing.

Controlling the wound exudates accompanied by microbial wound infections has still remained as one the most challenging clinical issues. Herein, a chitosan/gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol xerogel film containing Thymus pubescens essential oil is fabricated for antimicrobial wound dressing application. The chemical and physical characteristics of the devised formulation is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, and tensile tests. Moreover, swelling capability, water vapour transmission rate, water contact angle, solubility, moisture content, and release properties are also studied. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests are performed using the broth microdilution and XTT assay, respectively. The produced formulation shows excellent antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida species. It is also demonstrated that the obtained film can reduce (∼80 %) Candida albicans biofilm formation, and its biocompatibility is confirmed with MTT (∼100 %) and hemolysis tests. The antimicrobial activity can be correlated to the microbial membrane attraction for Candida albicans cells, illustrated by flow cytometry. This proposed film with appropriate mechanical strength, high swelling capacity in different pH values (∼200-700 %), controlled release property, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities as well as biocompatibility can be used as a promising candidate for antimicrobial wound dressing applications.

Dendritic hybrid materials comprising polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and hyperbranched polyglycerol for effective antifungal drug delivery and therapy in systemic candidiasis.

Systemic Candida infections are routinely treated with amphotericin B (AMB), a highly effective antimycotic drug. However, due to severe toxicities linked to the parenteral administration of conventional micellar formulations (Fungizone®), its clinical utility is limited. Hyperbranched polyglycerols (HPGs) are multi-branched three-dimensional hydrophilic macromolecules that can be used to lessen the toxicity of AMB while also increasing its aqueous solubility. In the current research, to improve the safety and therapeutic efficacy of AMB, we developed new polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane - hyperbranched polyglycerol dendrimers with cholesterol termini (POSS-HPG@Chol) using azide-alkyne click reaction. Compared with Fungizone®, the as-synthesized POSS-HPG@Chol/AMB had lower minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations against almost all studied Candida spp., as well as much less hemolysis and cytotoxicity. POSS-HPG@Chol/AMB revealed total protection of Balb/C mice from severe Candida infections in an experimental model of systemic candidiasis and can effectively reduce or eliminate AMB liver and kidney tissue injuries. Thanks to their safety, biocompatibility, and unique therapeutic properties, the developed POSS-polyglycerol dendrimers could be viable nanostructures for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs like AMB.

Chemical Composition and Antifungal and Antibiofilm Effects of Vitex pseudo-negundo Essential Oil against Pathogenic Fungal Strains.

Background: Vitex pseudo-negundo is a plant of the Lamiaceae family that grows in different parts of the world and the vicinity of seasonal rivers in Iran. Methods: The chemical composition of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils was distilled and evaluated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antifungal activity of the essential oils against the fungal strains was analyzed by broth microdilution methods as suggested by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils was assessed using the XTT reduction assay. Results: Based on GC/MS analysis, the major components of the Vitex pseudo-negundo essential oils were α-pinene, α-terpinyl acetate, limonene, and (E)-caryophyllene. The growth of tested yeasts was inhibited at concentrations ranging from 2 to 64 µl/mL. Vitex pseudo-negundo fruit essential oil was the most effective in inhibiting yeast growth. Moreover, the essential oils exhibited antifungal activity against filamentous fungi strains. Additionally, the biofilm formation of Candida albicans was inhibited by the leaf, flower, and fruit of the essential oils. Conclusion: Considering the significant antifungal activities of these essential oils, they can be considered a potential source for formulating novel agents to control fungal infections.

A better roadmap for designing novel bioactive glasses: effective approaches for the development of innovative revolutionary bioglasses for future biomedical applications.

The introduction of bioactive glasses (BGs) precipitated a paradigm shift in the medical industry and opened the path for the development of contemporary regenerative medicine driven by biomaterials. This composition can bond to live bone and can induce osteogenesis by the release of physiologically active ions. 45S5 BG products have been transplanted effectively into millions of patients around the world, primarily to repair bone and dental defects. Over the years, many other BG compositions have been introduced as innovative biomaterials for repairing soft tissue and delivering drugs. When research first started, many of the accomplishments that have been made today were unimaginable. It appears that the true capacity of BGs has not yet been realized. Because of this, research involving BGs is extremely fascinating. However, to be successful, it requires interdisciplinary cooperation between physicians, glass chemists, and bioengineers. The present paper gives a picture of the existing clinical uses of BGs and illustrates key difficulties deserving to be faced in the future. The challenges range from the potential for BGs to be used in a wide variety of applications. We have high hopes that this paper will be of use to both novice researchers, who are just beginning their journey into the world of BGs, as well as seasoned scientists, in that it will promote conversation regarding potential additional investigation and lead to the discovery of innovative medical applications for BGs.

An intriguing approach toward antibacterial activity of green synthesized Rutin-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated with nanosilver.

In recent years, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been applied in various biomedicine fields like bioimaging, drug delivery, and antibacterial alternatives. MSNs could be manufactured through green synthetic methods as environmentally friendly and sustainable synthesis approaches, to improve physiochemical characteristics for biomedical applications. In the present research, we used Rutin (Ru) extract, a biocompatible flavonoid, as the reducing agent and nonsurfactant template for the green synthesis of Ag-decorated MSNs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta-potential, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), brunauer-emmett-teller (BET) analysis, and energy-dispersive system (EDS) spectroscopy were used to evaluate the Ag-decorated MSNs physical characteristics. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and also different types of candida. The cytotoxicity test was performed by using the MTT assay. Based on the findings, the significant antimicrobial efficacy of Ru-Ag-decorated MSNs against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria and different types of fungi was detected as well as acceptable safety and low cytotoxicity even at lower concentrations. Our results have given a straightforward and cost-effective method for fabricating biodegradable Ag-decorated MSNs. The applications of these MSNs in the domains of biomedicine appear to be promising.

Evaluation of the Distribution of Candida Species in Patients with Dysplastic and Nondysplastic Oral Lichen Planus Lesions.

Objectives: This study is aimed at identifying and determining the distribution of isolated Candida species in patients with dysplastic and nondysplastic oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions in comparison with those of healthy controls. Material and Methods. This study includes patients with OLP, aged (more than 18 years old), who have had informed consent. Samples of the oral, tongue, and buccal mucus by rubbing with a sterile swab and sterilely next to the lamp flame. Demographic information was obtained using patient records to determine the species of Candida in both groups, and two tests of fertile tube production by Candida albicans and dye production in the dye medium were used. A biopsy from OLP lesions has been taken from each patient after swab sampling and was sent to the pathology department for further histopathological analysis. In the end p value, less than 0/05 was considered significant. Result: In this study, 40 lichen planus patients were compared with 32 control patients. The female/male ratio in OLP and healthy groups was 22/18 and 17/15, respectively. Among the OLP patients, 23 cases (56%) were dysplastic, and the other 17 (44%) patients were nondysplastic. The mean (±standard deviation (SD)) age of patients was 48.83 (±9.34) years, and the mean age of the control group was 40.21 (±10.32). There were no significant differences based on age (p > 0.05). The highest frequency was related to tongue in both groups (22 (55%)) and buccal mucosa was the least common. There was a significant relationship between the location of the lesion and OLP (p = 0.05). 18 (45%) were erosive, and 22 (55%) were nonerosive. However, no significant difference was observed between erosive and nonerosive types in the OLP group (p = 0/07). Regarding the type of Candida, all cases in the patient's group were related to Candida albicans [40 (100%)], and the correlation was not found in this regard (p > 0/05). About colony count, the mean for the case and control groups was 26.68 and 23.25, respectively. Also, no significant relationship was found between colony count and groups in this study (p = 0.3). There was no significant difference between gender and dysplastic or nondysplastic (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the statistical studies performed in this study, the presence of Candida in patients with dysplastic and nondysplastic lichen planus is not significantly different, and this rate is not higher than healthy individuals and in cases where the results are positive. The predominant species of Candida is the Candida albicans. In this study, the highest frequency was related to tongue in both groups. There was only a significant relationship between the location of the lesion and OLP.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Thymus fallax Essential Oil against Oral Pathogens.

Aim: Oral infections associated with a wide diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, occur frequently in humans, affecting the whole oral cavity and well-being. Oral pathogens easily grow and propagate in the oral cavity, leading to the formation of dental plaque on both soft and hard tissue. The oral cavity contains up to 700 different species of microorganisms, which Candida and Streptococci are the most common organisms. Oral diseases continue to increase despite the best efforts of the medical and scientific communities. During the past decades, drug resistance to common antibiotics used in the treatment of oral infections has been raised to high levels worldwide. To overcome such resistance, there is a growing tendency to use herbal medicine as alternative. This study was conducted to find out the chemical constitution of Thymus fallax (T. fallax) essential oil and to determine its antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacy against common oral pathogens. Materials and Methods: The chemical compositions of the essential oil distilled from T. fallax plants were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against common Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and Candida strains was assessed by broth microdilution in 96-well plates as suggested by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Biofilm growth and development were assessed using XTT reduction assay. Results: Based on the GC/MS test results, thymol (67.75%) followed by caryophyllene (E-) (7.27%) was the main component of this essential oil. T. fallax inhibited the growth of examined microbial pathogens at concentrations of 0.031-16 µL/mL. Also, the essential oil showed biofilm inhibition of greater than 95% in the concentration of 8 µL/mL against all tested bacterial strains as well as Candida albicans (p value < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the significant antimicrobial activities of T. fallax, this essential oil has the potential to be used as further antimicrobial and anti-biofilm pharmaceutical products in the control and treatment of oral infections.

COVID-19-associated facial cutaneous mucormycosis superinfection: A potentially life-threatening disease.

A 49-year-old male was involved in an accident and an abdominal computer tomographic examination revealed papillary renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney. During hospitalization, the patient was infected with COVID-19. In the following COVID-19 treatment, a black dot developed on the right side of the head and face. Antifungal therapy and surgical debridement were initiated and gradual improvement was observed.

Evaluation of Candida albicans biofilm formation on conventional and computer-aided-design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) denture base materials.

Background and Purpose: The human mouth mucosal surface is colonized by indigenous microflora, which normally maintains an ecological balance among different species. However, certain environmental or biological factors may disrupt this balance, leading to microbial diseases. Candida albicans biofilms are formed on indwelling medical devices and have an association with both oral and invasive candidiasis. This study aimed to compare the amount of adherent C. albicans and the biofilm formed on different denture base materials. The adhesion of C. albicans to denture base materials is widely recognized as the main reason for the development of denture stomatitis. Materials and Methods: In total, 56 polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin disc-shaped samples were divided into four groups as follows: 1) chemically polymerized PMMA, 2) heat-polymerized PMMA, 3) computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) PMMA in high polish, and 4) CAD/CAM resins in glazed form. The adherent cells and formation of C. albicans strains (562, 1905, 1912, and 1949) biofilm were measured by the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) method and use of a microplate reader. Moreover, morphological alterations of C. albicans cells were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The biofilm formation was significantly lower on CAD/CAM acrylic resins, compared to conventional denture base materials. The obtained results were confirmed by the SEM images of C. albicans biofilms. CAD/CAM PMMA-based polymers may be preferable to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation and reduce Candida-associated denture stomatitis in long-term use. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the CAD/CAM technique can be used as an efficient technique for denture fabrication as it inhibits microbial accumulation, and consequently, microbial biofilm.