Evaluation and comparison of antifungal effect of voriconazole with nystatin on candida species derived from neoplastic patients undergoing maxillofacial radiotherapy.

Background: Radiotherapy is a common treatment for head-and-neck malignancies and causes complications such as oral candidiasis and the change of oral Candida species from albicans to nonalbicans. Voriconazole has acceptable antifungal effect. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antifungal effect of nystatin with voriconazole on these species. Materials and Methods: The samples used in this in vitro study were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism from patients before and 2 weeks after head-and-neck radiotherapy in Seyed Al-Shohada Hospital. The antifungal effect of nystatin and voriconazole was determined by microdilution method and measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney analysis. Results: The results showed that all species before and after radiotherapy showed 100% sensitivity to nystatin. Prior to radiotherapy, 57.1% of albicans species isolated were in the sensitive range (MIC ≤1) and 42.9% were in the dose-dependent range (MIC = 2) to voriconazole. After radiotherapy, 58.3% of albicans species were in the sensitive range and 41.7% of these species were in the dose-dependent range to voriconazole. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that before radiotherapy, all species were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole. In the 2nd week of radiotherapy similar to prior to radiotherapy, all species isolated from patients were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole.

Comparison of oral candidiasis characteristics in head-and-neck cancer patients before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy are susceptible to Candida colonization and infection. This study aimed to identify oral Candida species type (ST), colony count (CC), and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in head-and-neck cancer patients, undergoing radiotherapy, before and 2 weeks after radiation. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (up to 6000 cGy) were recruited. Samples were taken before and 2 weeks after radiation therapy (RT). CC was assigned using Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium and morphological studies were performed to confirm OPC. For identification, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed. Data were analyzed using Chi-square-test and kappa coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-one of 33 patients were Candida positive. The detected fungal species included Candida albicans (60%), Candida tropicalis (22%), Candida glabrata (9%), and other species (9%). Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), whereas ST did not significantly change (P = 0.081). Two new species (Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis) were detected after the intervention. The OPC, CC, and ST changes after RT were not significantly related to malignancy site or radiation dose (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that OPC, CC, and ST were not related to the malignancy site. Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly, while ST showed no significant change. The radiation dose and malignancy site had no effects on the OPC, CC, or ST alterations following RT.

Joint Waterpipe and Cigarette Smoking as Key Correlate of History of Depression in Iranian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Research on the association between waterpipe smoking and depression is limited. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and adjusted associated correlates of depression among Iranian adult. We analyzed data from 974 participants of a population-based cross-sectional study enrolling 18-50-year-old residents of Tehran, Iran in 2015. Data on lifetime self-reported history of depression, smoking behaviors, socioeconomic status, self-rated health, physical activity, stressful life events as well as a number of relevant confounders was obtained. Logistic regression models were employed for estimating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The mean (SD) age of the study sample was 32.55 (8.58) years. Of 974 recruited adults, 52.36% were female. The lifetime prevalence of depression in the general population was 17.0%. In general, 21.77% and 24.79% of participant reported lifetime history of cigarette and waterpipe smoking, respectively. While only cigarette smoking (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: (1.04-3.61) and only waterpipe smoking (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: (.95-2.86) were significantly associated with depression, joint cigarette and waterpipe smoking (OR= 3.76, 95% CI: (1.99-6.08) was the strongest correlate of depression followed by female gender (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: (2.08-5.15) and poor self-rated health (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: (1.73-3.53). The prevalence of self-reported depression in general population of Tehran is considerably higher than its global mean. We reported joint cigarette and waterpipe smoking as a significant correlate with depression in the general population. Future health promotion interventions should highlight the disadvantages of joint cigarette and waterpipe smoking targeting adults and especially females.

Comparison of the antifungal effect of voriconazole and fluconazole on oral candidiasis before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Head-and-neck radiotherapy can change oral Candida species and cause candidiasis resistance to common antifungals by making the changes to the oral cavity environment. Voriconazole is a synthetic azole with extensive antifungal activity. The current study aimed at comparing the antifungal activity of fluconazole and voriconazole on Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: The present in vitro study was performed on samples isolated from patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy, before and during radiotherapy. After the identification of the species, the antifungal effect of fluconazole and voriconazole was determined by the microdilution method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the antifungal susceptibility of the isolated strains were also measured. The data were analyzed by the Chi-squared and then two-sided Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study findings showed no significant difference in the susceptibility of Candida albicans to voriconazole and fluconazole before and during radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy, both voriconazole and fluconazole had similar effects on Candida tropicalis, but after radiotherapy, voriconazole was less effective. However, both before and during radiotherapy, fluconazole had a greater antifungal effect than voriconazole on Candida glabrata strains. The MICs of voriconazole and fluconazole for both Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei isolates were within the susceptible or dose-dependent range. Conclusion: The current study results showed that voriconazole was not more effective than fluconazole in the treatment of oral candidiasis in patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy.

A novel drug delivery system using acyclovir nanofiber patch for topical treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Topical treatment with acyclovir cream has shown low efficacy in recent studies. Nano drug delivery systems, have received much attention in recent decades. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of acyclovir nanofiber patch with acyclovir cream. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this double-blind three-armed randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients with recurrent labial herpes, were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20. The patients in the first, second, and third groups were treated with acyclovir nanofiber patch, placebo nanofiber patch, and acyclovir cream, respectively. A numerical scale was used by the patients to record the self-reported symptoms. Symptoms score, crusting time and healing time were assessed by the clinician. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the symptoms between the three groups, a survival test was also performed to evaluate the crusting and healing time. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22 at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores of symptoms at baseline were 1.6, 1.5, and 1.4 in the first, second, and third groups, respectively. The symptoms were not significantly different between the three groups on different treatment days. The mean crusting time was 2.3, 2.4, and 2.6 days in the three groups, and the mean healing time was 7.4, 7.2, and 7.7 days, respectively. Crusting time and healing time were not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acyclovir nanofiber patches are recommended for accelerating symptom relief in recurrent labial herpes, however, they are not effective in shortening the crusting or healing time. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20141124020073N2. Registered in: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir).

Oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study in Isfahan.

BACKGROUND: Various systemic diseases can cause oral manifestations, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study is designed to investigate the frequency of oral manifestations in patients with IBD referred to health centers and offices in Isfahan in 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done among 161 patients suffering from IBD in Isfahan, Iran. They were chosen by the systematic randomized sampling. Finally, the data were analyzed using the logistic regression test in the SPSS software. Significance was assigned at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The number of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's syndrome was, respectively, 119 persons (73.9%) and 42 persons (26.1%). Oral manifestations were seen among 52 (32.3%) of the samples. The frequency of oral manifestations was 35.6% (31 cases) in males and 28.4% (21 cases) in females. Oral manifestations were seen in 29.4% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 40.5% of patients with Crohn's disease. Based on the logistic regression, there was a statistically significant relationship between the use of azathioprine and mesalazine with oral manifestations (P < 0.05), whereas the severity of disease and smoking were not statistically significantly related to oral manifestations (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The severity of the disease was not significantly correlated with oral manifestations, which are in agreement with the results of previous studies. It was also found that among patients with IBD, the oral aphthous ulcers can appear 1-3 years before the diagnosis of the disease. Besides that, some of the drugs used to treat the disease have a significant relationship with oral manifestations.

Inhibitory effects of ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts of olive (Olea europaea) leaf on growth, acid production, and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans.

BACKGROUND: Usage of chemical mouthwashes for controlling dental caries can end to some side effects such as oral biological imbalance. Recently, using natural derivatives such as herbs, presented to overcome such adverse effects. Due to antibacterial property of olive leaf extracts (Olea europaea), this study conducted in order to evaluate bacteriocidal, anti-acid production, and anti-adhesion effects of olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts on Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, nine strains of S. mutans (PTCC1683) were used. Maceration methods were done in order to provide the olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts. The antibacterial activities evaluated by macrodilution and disc diffusion method in different concentrations (3.25%-100%). Acid production and adhesion of bacterial strains also were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by analysis of variance method using SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic olive leaf extracts on S. mutans are 12%-25%, 50%-75%, and 12%-25%, respectively. In addition, inhibition zone of S. mutans significantly increased in higher concentration (ethanolic and methanolic extracts: P = 0.004; hydroalcoholic extract: P = 0.003). The acid production and adhesion significantly decreased by increase in the concentration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In general, olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts induce growth inhibition, acid production, and adhesion of S. mutans. Consequently, it can be used as a natural preservative in the food industry, as well as in the production of commercial products such as chewing gum, chocolate, and toothpaste to prevent dental caries.

Antifungal effect of Atorvastatin against Candida species in comparison to Fluconazole and Nystatin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atorvastatin is a plasma cholesterol-lowering drug which applies antifungal effects by inhibiting the production of yeast cell wall ergostrol. The aim of present study was to investigate in-vitro susceptibility of candida species to atorvastatin, in comparison to nystatin and fluconazole. METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined using serial dilution. Candida strains isolated from 35 patients receiving cancer chemotherapy in Isfahan, Seyyed-al-Shohada Hospital and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney statistical methods. RESULTS: Candida isolates included 5 strains, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. stellatoidea and C. krusei. All five strains appeared to be resistant to nystatin and fluconazole but sensitive to atorvastatin with no statistically significant difference. The MFC of atorvastatin was significantly lower in comparison to both nystatin and fluconazole for all five strains (p value<0.05). There was no significant difference between the MFCs of 5 strains for fluconazole and atorvastatin. However, MFC of nystatin differed significantly for C. albicans and C. kefyr (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: The results showed that all strains were sensitive to atorvastatin and resistant to nystatin and fluconazole. Atorvastatin MIC for C. albicans, C. krusei and C. stellatoidea was equivalent to its serum level used to treat hyperlipidemia and was above such level for both C. glabrata and C. kefyr.

Comparison of therapeutic effect of mucoadhesive nano-triamcinolone gel and conventional triamcinolone gel on oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic disease without any definitive treatment. Local corticosteroids are often prescribed, but their efficacy has been questioned by many studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nano-based triamcinolone acetonide gel (NT) and compare it with conventional triamcinolone gel (CT) on OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial study, 40 patients with Erosive OLP were divided into two groups receiving (CT) and (NT). The patients were requested to apply them four times a day for 2 weeks. The severity of pain was evaluated through visual analog scale, the size of lesions was measured with paper lace, and the appearance of lesions was examined adopting Thongprasom scale . Findings will be significant via independent t-test or Chi-square test with P < 0.05. RESULTS: The severity of pain in NT group was 4.9 ± 0.7 cm before the treatment and 1.5 ± 0.9 after that, whereas in CT group, it was 4.9 ± 0.8 and 1.8 ± 0.9, respectively . The mean size of the lesions in NT group was 2.1 ± 1.1 cm before the treatment and 0.8 ± 1.1 afterward, whereas in CT group, was 2.2 ± 1.1 and 1.3 ± 1.1, respectively. The OLP appearance before and after the study in NT group was 4.5 ± 0.5 and 0.8 ± 0.6, respectively, whereas in CT group was 4.6 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.7 (P = 0.3). Among these variables, only Thongprasom scale on the 6th and 14th days had a significant reduction in NT group in comparison with CT group. CONCLUSION: NT has a better impact on OLP in comparison with CT, but this difference is not statistically significant.

Comparison of therapeutic effect of mucoadhesive Nanotriamcinolone gel and conventional triamcinolone gel on recurrent aphthous stomatitis / Comparação do efeito terapêutico do gel mucoadesivo de nano-triancinolona e do gel convencional de triancinolona na estomatite aftosa recorrente

Objective: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is characterized by recurring ulcers, with well-defined margins. The lesions are confined to the oral mucosa (usually seen in non-keratinized mucosa). The disease manifests in the form of outbreaks, with a chronic and self-limiting course in most cases. Since the cause of the disease is unknown, many drugs have been studied to palliate the symptoms. Treatment used is multifocal and varies according to the predisposing factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of recombinant Nano-based triamcinolone acetonide gel and compare it with conventional triamcinolone gel on RAS. Material and methods: In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial study, sixty patients with minor aphthous lesions were divided into two groups receiving conventional triamcinolone (CT) and Nano-based triamcinolone (NT). The patients were requested to apply drug four times a day for a week. The severity of pain (through VAS) and the size of the lesions (mean of the largest diameter of the lesions) were evaluated on starting day and days 2, 4, 6 after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square and independent t-test. Findings were significant with P < 0.05. Results: Of the 60 patients enrolled in the study, 5 patients did not continue; 21 (38.2%) cases were female and 34 (61.8%) cases were male (P=0.6). The severity of pain in NT group before and after the study was 1.4 ± 5.2 and 1.8 ± 1.3 cm, respectively and in CT group was 48.1 ± 1 and 1.8 ± 1.3 cm. The size of the lesions in NT group before and at the end of the study was 0.96 ± 0.1 and 0.18 ± 0.1 cm, respectively and in CT group was 0.93 ± 0.1 and 0.19 ± 0.1 cm. Among the mentioned variables, only size of lesions on the 2nd and 4th days had a significant reduction in NT group in comparison with CT group. Conclusion: The size of lesions showed a significant reduction on the 2nd and 4th days in NT group in comparison with CT group, therefore NT has a better impact on RAS in comparison with CT. (AU)

Objetivos: A estomatite aftosa recorrente (EAR) é caracterizada por úlceras recorrentes, com margens bem definidas. As lesões estão confinadas à mucosa oral (geralmente vista em mucosa não queratinizada). A doença se manifesta na forma de surtos, com um curso crônico e autolimitado na maioria dos casos. Como a causa da doença é desconhecida, muitos medicamentos foram estudados para aliviar os sintomas. O tratamento utilizado é multifocal e varia de acordo com os fatores predisponentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito do gel acetonido de triancinolona recombinante baseado em Nano e compará-lo com o gel de triancinolona convencional no EAR. Material e métodos: Neste estudo clínico randomizado triplocego, sessenta pacientes com lesões aftosas menores foram divididos em dois grupos que receberam triancinolona convencional (CT) e triancinolona Nano (NT). Os pacientes foram solicitados a aplicar droga quatro vezes ao dia durante uma semana. A gravidade da dor (por meio da EVA) e o tamanho das lesões (média do maior diâmetro das lesões) foram avaliados no dia inicial e nos dias 2, 4 e 6 após a intervenção. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando teste qui quadrado e teste t independente. Os achados foram significativos com P < 0.05. Resultados: Dos 60 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 5 pacientes não deram continuidade; 21(38,2%) casos foram mulheres e 34 (61,8%) casos foram homens (P=0,6). A gravidade da dor no grupo NT antes e depois do estudo foi de 1,4 ± 5,2 e 1,8 ± 1,3 cm. O tamanho das lesões no grupo NT antes e ao final do estudo foi de 0,96 ± 0,1 e 0,18 ± 0,1 cm, respectivamente, e no grupo de TC foi de 0,93 ± 0,1 e 0,19 ± 0,1 cm. Entre as variáveis mencionadas, somente o tamanho das lesões no segundo e quarto dias tiveram uma redução significativa no grupo NT em comparação com o grupo CT. Conclusão: O tamanho das lesões mostrou uma redução significativa nos 2º e 4º dias no grupo NT em comparação ao grupo CT, portanto o NT tem um impacto melhor no RAS em comparação com o TC. (AU)