HPV and Covid-19 Era: effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions on HPV transmission

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the commonest viral cause of sexually transmitted infections. The impact of social distance measures due to Covid-19 pandemic on HPV spread is unknown. Therefore, this study has analyzed the seven-year trend of HPV prevalence in all patients tested for HPV DNA at the Microbiology and Virology Unit at Bari Policlinico. Moreover, the HPV prevalence in 2020 has been compared with the previous year ones in order to evaluate the consequences of lockdown and social distancing measures on transmission risks. From 2013 to 2020, we retrospectively analyzed 64 anal swabs, 418 biopsies, 5925 cervical-vaginal swabs, 512 cervical swabs, 104 gland swabs, 154 oral swabs, 21 seminal fluids and 503 urethral swabs. HPV DNA detection was initially performed using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently multiplex real-time PCR assay. All statistical tests were carried out by the open-source environment R 4.0.3 (R Core Team). The data were analyzed according to yearly positivity rates, temporal trend and prevalence of HPV genotypes (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18, high risk and low risk) by age category and sex. The number of patients increased steadily from 2016 to 2019 and then decreased in 2020. There were significant differences in prevalence between females and males for HPV-6 (6.16% in females Vs 30.80% in males), HPV-11 (0.82% Vs 7.16%) and HPV-16 (7.77% Vs 5.01%). The prevalence of HPV-6 and HPV-11 significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2013-2019 (15.72% Vs 8.52 and 3.18% Vs 1.44%). On the contrary, the overall prevalence of HPV DNA remained constant in 2020 (52.84% Vs 48.44%). Over time, the prevalence of HPV DNA (Coefficient=-0.020, p-value = 0.036) and particularly high-risk genotypes (Coefficient=-0.030, p-value = 0.005) decreased in females, while low-risk genotypes (Coefficient = 0.141, p-value= < 0.001) and the prevalence of HPV DNA increased in males (Coefficient = 0.068, p-value = 0.008). During the pandemic, the number of screened patients declined, although HPV prevalence compared to 2013-2019 remained constant or increased as in the case of low-risk genotypes. It can be assumed that the reduction of the screening coverage favored the emerging of the more symptomatic low-risk infections. In conclusion, nonpharmaceutical interventions due to Covid-19 pandemic did not reduce the risk of HPV infection but it likely caused a decrease in access to health services resulting in an increased risk of undiagnosed HPV.

Multi-year prevalence and macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium in clinical samples from a southern Italian hospital

The use of azithromycin for the treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infections has led to resistance to macrolides. From July 2014 to July 2020, 7150 samples were analysed for the detection of sexually transmitted infections at the Policlinico of Bari. A total of 67/7150 samples (0.93%) were positive for MG DNA and 47 samples were analysed for the evaluation of six azithromycin resistance-associated mutations. In 5/47 samples, the A2058G mutation was detected (10.63%). Although the cases of positive MG samples and mutations are low in our reality, diagnostic tests to detect azithromycin resistant-associated genes may provide a convenient way to monitor resistance rate.

[Jejunal carcinoma: apropos 8 cases]

The tumors of the small bowel are uncommon. About one-third are jejunal, for the most part adenocarcinomata. From 1976 to 1994 we operated on 8 patients affected by jejunal adenocarcinoma, mean age 59 years (+/- 15.2), range 37-78, which are 0.33% of all the malignant epithelial neoplasms of the digestive tract, treated in the same period. In six cases the diagnosis was preoperative, by x-ray or instrumental investigations. In the other two patients the neoplasm was found intraoperatively. Only five operations were curative. In six cases the neoplasm invaded the serosa and, in three, also the mesenterium. A chemotherapy was carried out in the last five patients. One of these underwent right hepatectomy for single metastasis, 26 months after the primary operation. Until now we registered three deaths, one of which for causes unrelated to the cancer. After discussing epidemiology and diagnostics, the authors evaluate the therapeutical possibilities, mainly consisting of surgery, and dwell upon technical aspects and results.

Effects of administration of branched-chain amino acids vs. glucose during acute exercise in the rat

Several studies of the relationship of food intake to physical exercise strongly suggest that the two are closely linked. Serotonin transmission seems to be particularly important in the regulation of both appetite and central fatigue. Thus, the ingestion of branched-chain amino acids has been reported to decrease serotonin production and to improve physical performance. In the present study, the effects of three treatments (water, glucose, and branched-chain amino acids) were compared in 34 male Wistar rats. Maximal exercise duration, blood insulin, and glucose levels were measured. Results showed that following the ingestion of branched-chain amino acids, physical performance is lower and blood insulin level is higher than after glucose administration.

[Conservation of tap water in metallo-plastic bags: observed modifications and possible health risks]

Conservation of tap water kept in soft plastic bags and stocked at different temperatures (20, 37 and 55 degrees C) and its health incidences were studied over one year by samples taken at regular intervals. Pollutants generated were studied by investigating the consequences of the choice of the plastic and of the aseptic agent used at different temperatures versus the length of the period of contact. Microbiological, chemical, and physico-chemical characteristics reported here showed the existence of an exchange between the contents and the container. The presence of two toxic substances indicates that one should be careful when using inadequate material. This is a matter to think about without further speculation.

[Space diet]

Food prepared for astronauts meets various physical and biological requirements determined by living conditions in a space environment. Onboard systems, work programs, launch costs impose weight and volume limitations. For all investigated food items, the manufacturing technique must take into account all flight specific mechanical parameters. From a nutrition and sanitation standpoint, food packs must be designed to comply with certain specific effects of long term flights ans selected food items must be thoroughly safe, which requires very strict laboratory testing. The diet must also be varied, if possible it should match astronauts' personal preferences. Food preparations must be easy to use. Space food items are original applications of existing technologies: they are of very high quality.