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Background Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is one of the most common life-threatening complications following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Understanding outcome after alloHSCT requires a full evaluation of the patient’s health status, including cGvHD and patient reported outcomes (PROs). In an effort to better understand practice patterns across European countries, a survey was initiated by the Integrated European Network on cGvHD (an EU-funded COST Action CA17138 EUROGRAFT, www.gvhd.eu) and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). This report shares results of the survey, offering a snapshot view of current practice patterns in the context of long-term care of cGvHD patients. Methods Our self-designed 38-item online survey (Supplementary Material) was intended to collect data regarding transplant center characteristics, data registration practices, the use of NIH criteria in clinical routine, biopsies/biomarkers for clinical assessment, cGvHD cell-based therapies, and PROs. The survey used computer adapted testing methods and took ~10 min to complete. All centers participating in the COST Action EUROGRAFT and all EBMT centers performing alloHSCT were invited by email for participation in the survey. Data were collected between July 2019 and July 2020. Appropriate descriptive statistics were used. In case of multiple entries for a single center (n = 4), only the entry from the most senior staff member was included for the analysis. Missing data was reported as such. Findings Center characteristics Survey results are summarized in Table 1. A total of 72 centers out of 424 invited centers from 24 countries responded to the survey, representing ~17% of all alloHSCT centers and 19.6% of all transplanted patients within the EBMT network [1]. The majority of participating alloHSCT centers were from Europe with exception of three centers based in Asia and one in Latin America. Survey responses were mainly submitted by physicians and data managers. Of note, the size of the transplant programs differed between responding (mean ± SD, n = 47 ± 40 transplants/year) vs. non-responding (mean ± SD, n = 39 ± 31 transplants/year) centers (Supplementary Material).

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are small, double-stranded, circular DNA viruses infecting human epithelial cells, are associated with various benign and malignant lesions of mucosa and skin. Intensive research on the oncogenic potential of HPVs started in the 1970s and spread across Europe, including Croatia, and worldwide. Nowadays, the causative role of a subset of oncogenic or high-risk (HR) HPV types, led by HPV-16 and HPV-18, of different anogenital and head and neck cancers is well accepted. Two major viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, are directly involved in the development of HPV-related malignancies by targeting synergistically various cellular pathways involved in the regulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cell polarity control networks as well as host immune response. This review is aimed at describing the key elements in HPV-related carcinogenesis and the advances in cancer prevention with reference to past and on-going research in Croatia.

Prognostic, diagnostic or predictive biomarkers are urgently needed for assessment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD), a major risk for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The main goal of this review generated within the COST Action EUROGRAFT “Integrated European Network on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease” was to identify potential novel biomarkers for cGvHD besides the widely accepted molecular and cellular biomarkers. Thus, the focus was on cellular biomarkers, alloantibodies, glycomics, endothelial derived particles, extracellular vesicles, microbiome, epigenetic and neurologic changes in cGvHD patients. Both host-reactive antibodies in general, and particularly alloantibodies have been associated with cGvHD and require further consideration. Glycans attached to IgG modulate its activity and represent a promising predictive and/or stratification biomarker for cGVHD. Furthermore, epigenetic changes such as microRNAs and DNA methylation represent potential biomarkers for monitoring cGvHD patients and novel targets for developing new treatment approaches. Finally, the microbiome likely affects the pathophysiology of cGvHD; bacterial strains as well as microbial metabolites could display potential biomarkers for dysbiosis and risk for the development of cGvHD. In summary, although there are no validated biomarkers currently available for clinical use to better inform on the diagnosis, prognosis or prediction of outcome for cGvHD, many novel sources of potential markers have shown promise and warrant further investigation using well characterized, multi-center patient cohorts.

There is a strong need to find new, good biomarkers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) because of the bad prognoses and high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify the potential biomarkers in HNSCC that have differences in their DNA methylome and potentially premalignant oral lesions, in comparison to healthy oral mucosa. In this study, 32 oral samples were tested: nine healthy oral mucosae, 13 HNSCC, and 10 oral lesions for DNA methylation by the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Our findings showed that a panel of genes significantly hypermethylated in their promoters or specific sites in HNSCC samples in comparison to healthy oral samples, which are mainly oncogenes, receptor, and transcription factor genes, or genes included in cell cycle, transformation, apoptosis, and autophagy. A group of hypomethylated genes in HNSCC, in comparison to healthy oral mucosa, are mainly involved in the host immune response and transcriptional regulation. The results also showed significant differences in gene methylation between HNSCC and potentially premalignant oral lesions, as well as differently methylated genes that discriminate between oral lesions and healthy mucosa. The given methylation panels point to novel potential biomarkers for early diagnostics of HNSCC, as well as potentially premalignant oral lesions.

Background: There is a strong need to find new, good biomarkers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), because of the prognoses and high mortality of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the potential biomarkers in HNSCC that have differences in their DNA methylome and potentially premalignant oral lesions, in comparison to healthy oral mucosa.Methods: In this study 32 oral samples were tested: 9 healthy oral mucosae, 13 HNSCC and 10 potentially premalignant oral lesions for DNA methylation by Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip.Results: Our findings showed a panel of genes significantly hypermethylated in their promoters or specific sites in HNSCC samples in comparison to healthy oral samples, which are mainly oncogenes, receptor and transcription factor genes, or genes included in cell cycle, transformation, apoptosis and autophagy. A group of hypomethylated genes in HNSCC, in comparison to healthy oral mucosa, is mainly involved in the host immune response and transcriptional regulation. The results also showed significant differences in gene methylation between HNSCC and potentially premalignant oral lesions, as well as differently methylated genes that discriminate between oral lesions and healthy mucosa.Conclusions: The given methylation panels point to the possibly early diagnostics of HNSCC as well as potentially premalignant oral lesions and its possible implication in clinical practice.

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, predominantly developing from squamous cell epithelia (HNSCC). The main HNSCC risk factors are tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV positive (+) cancers are etiologically different from other HNSCC and often show better prognosis. The current knowledge regarding HNSCC miRNA profiles is still incomplete especially in the context of HPV+ cancer. Thus, we analyzed 61 freshly collected primary oral (OSCC) and oropharyngeal (OPSCC) SCC samples. HPV DNA and RNA was found in 21% cases. The Illumina whole-genome small-RNA profiling by next-generation sequencing was done on 22 samples and revealed 7 specific miRNAs to HPV+ OSCC, 77 to HPV+ OPSCC, and additional 3 shared with both; 51 miRNAs were specific to HPV− OPSCC, 62 to HPV− OSCC, and 31 shared with both. The results for 9 miRNAs (miR-9, -21, -29a, -100, -106b, -143 and -145) were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction on the whole study population. The data was additionally confirmed by reanalyzing publicly available miRNA sequencing Cancer Genome Atlas consortium (TCGA) HNSCC data. Cell signaling pathway analysis revealed differences between HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC. Our findings compared with literature data revealed extensive heterogeneity of miRNA deregulation with only several miRNAs consistently affected, and miR-9 being the most likely HPV related miRNA.

Aim: To show the frequency and characteristics of cutaneous manifestations, with emphasis on vitiligo and alopecia areata in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Methods: Patients with cGVHD were prospectively enrolled in the observational study protocol and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Dermatologic evaluation was focused on clinical spectrum of skin and adnexal involvement in each patient, determining the cutaneous GVHD score according to NIH Consensus criteria. Other objective clinical parameters including the existence of vitiligo, alopecia, xerosis, nail changes and dyspigmentation were assessed in each patient. Results: Among fifty cGVHD patients, 28 (56%) had skin involvement, and twenty seven of them (96%) had hypo and/or hyperpigmentations. In 11 patients (39%) the cutaneous NIH cGVHD score was mild, in 22% moderate and in 39% severe. In the whole cohort, nail changes were observed in 15 (30%) patients, while 10 (20%) were diagnosed with vitiligo or alopecia areata. In the univariate analysis patients with vitiligo/alopecia areata received more lines of prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy (P=0.043) ; they had lower Karnofsky performance status (P=0.028), and had higher number of B- cells (P=0.005), platelet count (P=0.022), total protein (P=0.024). Vitiligo and alopecia areata were associated with higher NIH skin score (P=0.001), were receiving higher intensity of immunosuppressive treatment (P=0.020) and TBI conditioning (P=0.040). In a multivariate regression model patients with higher NIH skin scoring were 3.67 times more likely to have alopecia and/or vitiligo (OR=3.67 ; 95% CI=1.26-10.73), controlled for all other factors in the model (age at study entry, number of B-cells, platelet count and global NIH score). Conclusion: These data indicate that vitiligo and alopecia areata occur more frequently in cGVHD than reported previously.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoproteins are critical for development and maintenance of the malignant phenotype in HPV-induced cancers. These two viral oncoproteins interfere with a plethora of cellular pathways, including the regulation of cell cycle and the control of apoptosis, which are critical in maintaining normal cellular functions. E6 and E7 bind directly with certain components of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS), enabling them to manipulate a number of important cellular pathways. These activities are the means by which HPV establishes an environment supporting the normal viral life cycle, however in some instances they can also lead to the development of malignancy. In this review, we have discussed how E6 and E7 oncoproteins from alpha and beta HPV types interact with the components of the UPS, and how this interplay contributes to the development of cancer.

The main etiological factor of precancerous lesion and invasive cervical cancer are oncogenic human papillomaviruses types (HPVs). The objective of this study was to establish the distribution of the most common HPVs in different cervical lesions and cancer prior to the implementation of organized population- based cervical screening and HPV vaccination in Croatia. In this study, 4, 432 cervical specimens, collected through a 16-year period, were tested for the presence of HPV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with three sets of broad-spectrum primers and type-specific primers for most common low-risk (LR) types (HPV-6, 11) and the most common high-risk (HR) types (HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58). Additional 35 archival formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue of cervical cancer specimens were analyzed using LiPA25 assay. The highest age-specific HPV-prevalence was in the group 18–24 years, which decreased continuously with age (P

The human papillomavirus (HPV) may be associated with various oral, genital, and cutaneous conditions, both benign and malignant. The association between sexually transmitted α-HPV types is the strongest with cervical cancer because almost all such malignancies contain viral DNA, notably HPV types 16 and 18. The contribution of cancer causing HPV types in other anogenital, oral, and oropharyngeal malignancies, plus benign disorders, is lower and with a less significant public health concern. Cervical cytologic screening is a well-established preventive measure that allows early detection and successful treatment of precancerous cervical lesions. In cases of all other HPV-associated disorders, early detection of a precancerous lesion is either difficult or almost impossible. HPV vaccination remains the only preventive measure against most HPV-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to compare HPV and p16INK4a (p16) expression and their influence on survival and prognosis in oral cavity squamous cell cancer (OCSCC), between non-smokers and non-drinkers (NSND) and smokers and drinkers (SD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patients with OCSCC treated with surgery from 2000 to 2010 were included in the study. Patients who did not smoke at all or smoked less than 10 pack per years and did not drink alcohol on a daily basis were considered the NSND group. An equal number of SD were the control group. HPV presence was determined from paraffin-embedded blocks investigated by PCR analysis. p16 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The NSND group were mostly younger or older female patients with tongue or gingival cancers. p16 expression was significantly more frequent in NSND patients (27% vs 10%). Patients with stronger p16 expression had significantly worse survival, especially for tongue cancers (P = 0.026). In Cox multivariate analysis, both HPV and p16 expression carried a negative prognosis for NSND patients (P = 0.0351 and P = 0.0260). CONCLUSIONS NSND are a specific population of OCSCC patients. In contrast to oropharyngeal cancer, HPV and p16 expression in OCSCC are negative predictive factors, especially in NSND patients.

The burden of cervical cancer is very high in low-resource countries, while it is lower in several high-income countries. Secondary prevention based on cervical screening has been very successful in countries where the resources exist to ensure high-quality and good coverage of the population at risk. In many developed countries that have effective organized screening programs, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have been reduced substantially. However, the cervical screening is generally inefficient and unworkable in the many regions of the world where the appropriate infrastructure is missing. Primary prevention by prophylactic vaccination against the major cause of cervical cancer, the carcinogenic human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, is now available worldwide and offers additional protection from cervical cancer. This review focuses on basic knowledge about cervical cancer and challenges in the new era of cervical cancer prevention.

Objectives Infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) is a prerequisite for the development of cervical cancer. In many cases of cervical cancer and all cervical cancer derived cell lines oncogenic HPV DNA is found to be integrated, indicating the importance of integration in disease development. In this study, 176 HPV 16 positive precancerous cervical lesions were analyzed for the physical state of viral genome to determine the sites of integration into a host cell DNA and to evaluate the incidence of the integration in different stages of cervical lesions. Methods The detection of integrated papillomavirus sequences (DIPS) method in combination with the amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of E1/E2 region was used to identify the physical state of HPV 16 genome. The site of integration within a host cell genome was determined by sequencing of unusual sized DIPS amplicons. Results The combined results of DIPS and E1/E2 PCR revealed the integration of HPV 16 DNA in 7.4% samples. The integration was found only in high grade cervical lesions indicating that it is a late event in disease progression. Sequencing of 11 DIPS amplicons revealed HPV DNA from 6 samples (54.5%) to be integrated in cellular genes ( VMP1 , PVRL1 , CHERP , CEACAM5 , AHR , MRF-2 ) and also 6 (54.5%) within the common fragile sites (CFS). Conclusions Although, the HPV integration is known to be a random event, this study indicates that HPV 16 integrates more than by chance within or close to CFSs. As most of the genes affected by HPV 16 integration can be linked with some aspects of tumor formation, this indicates that the site of HPV DNA integration might play a role in the rate and the nature of tumor development.

We have prepared a set of heterocyclic benzimidazole derivatives bearing amidino substituents at C-5 of benzimidazole ring, by introducing various heterocyclic nuclei (pyridine, N-methyl-pyrrole or imidazole) at C-2, and evaluated their antitumor and antiviral activities. The most pronounced antiproliferative activity was shown with compounds 6 and 9, having imidazolinylamidino-substituent. Interestingly, all compounds show remarkable selectivity towards breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The most distinct and selective antiviral activity towards Coxackieviruses and Echoviruses was observed with compounds having pyridine ring at C-2. Especially interesting was fairly strong activity of the compounds 4 and 8 toward adenoviruses, which could be considered as leads against adenoviral replication.

Change in the host and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA methylation profile is probably one of the main factors responsible for the malignant progression of cervical lesions to cancer. To investigate those changes we studied 173 cervical samples with different grades of cervical lesion, from normal to cervical cancer. The methylation status of nine cellular gene promoters, CCNA1, CDH1, C13ORF18, DAPK1, HIC1, RARβ2, hTERT1, hTERT2 and TWIST1 was investigated by Methylation Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSP). The methylation of HPV18 L1-gene was also investigated by MSP, while the methylated cytosines within four regions, L1, 5’LCR, enhancer, and promoter of the HPV16 genome covering 19 CpG sites were evaluated by bisulfite sequencing. Statistically significant methylation biomarkers distinguishing between cervical precursor lesions from normal cervix were primarily C13ORF18 and secondly CCNA1, and those distinguishing between cervical cancer from normal or cervical precursor lesions were CCNA1, C13ORF18, hTERT1, hTERT2 and TWIST1. In addition, the methylation analysis of individual CpG sites of the HPV16 genome in different sample groups, notably 7455 and 7694 sites, proved to be more important than the overall methylation frequency. The majority of HPV18 positive samples contained both methylated and unmethylated L1 gene, and samples with L1-gene methylated forms alone had better prognosis when correlated with the host cell gene promoters’ methylation profiles. In conclusion, both cellular and viral methylation biomarkers should be used for monitoring cervical lesion progression to prevent invasive cervical cancer.

Background: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a disorder that affects many organ systems in highly variable fashion occurring in approximately 50% of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). It is the major cause of non-relapse morbidity and mortality after alloHSCT in individuals otherwise cured of their hematologic diseases, inducing poor quality of life, impaired functional status, inability to work, and need for ongoing chronic care, which has also important impact to health-related costs. cGVHD Consensus Conference held in 2005 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, produced recommendations regarding cGVHD diagnosis, staging, histopathology, response criteria, biomarkers, ancillary and supportive care, and design of clinical trials. In 2014, second cGVHD NIH Consensus Conference updated these recommendations, published during 2015 as 6 papers in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BBMT) journal. Although practitioners are generally familiar with the NIH recommendations, many barriers prevent their greater uptake in clinical practice. In order to overcome these challenges, in 2013 multidisciplinary clinic infrastructure was organized at the University Hospital Center (UHC) Zagreb, Croatia, in collaboration with the NIH leading scientists, using established cGVHD-related grading scales and measurements. Methods: Division of Hematology, UHC Zagreb, Croatia, has experience with alloHSCT since 1983, and 827 patients received alloHSCT until the end of 2014. Since the establishment of multidisciplinary cGVHD team in 2013, patients were enrolled into the Unity through Knowledge Fund (UKF) study protocol (funded by World Bank and Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports) and examined by multiple subspecialists, firstly seen by hematologist, with detailed history and physical exam. Standard cGVHD scoring forms are filled according to NIH Consensus recommendations, and extensive laboratory analyses were done. Patients are seen and evaluated by other sub-specialists (Dental, Dermatology, Rehabilitation, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Gynecology, and other) with further workup as needed. Quality of life questionnaires are filled during the visit. All data are collected in a specially developed database and weekly team meetings were established. Blood and small biopsy tissue samples (skin, mouth) are stored for further research. Results: Using multidisciplinary approach since 2013, 46 (6 pediatric) cGVHD patients were assesed, median age was 41 years; range [9-71], 24 were male and 22 were female. The median time from transplant to enrollment was 20 months [2-258], from cGVHD diagnosis to enrollment 7 months [0.03-234] and from transplant to cGVHD diagnosis 10 months [2-128]. Additional 17 post-alloHSCT patients were eveluated, but without confirmation of cGVHD diagnosis. Among cGVHD patients, 31 (67%) of them received transplants from matched related donors, 27 (59%) of them had myeloablative conditioning, and 26 (57%) received peripheral blood stem cells as graft source. Thirty-five (76%) patients had previous acute GVHD, 11 (24%) had de novo cGVHD, 21 (46%) quiescent and 14 (30%) progressive onset; 41 (89%) were classified as classic and 5 (11%) as overlap; 23 (50%) patients had severe, 19 (41%) moderate, and 4 (9%) mild global cGVHD score. The most involved organs were skin (54%), eyes (50%), lungs (48%) and mouth (39%). Due to internationally peer reviewed UKF grant awarded in 2013 doctoral and postdoctoral researcher were hired, and visits of young clinicians to NIH and other cGVHD centers were realized. Several new research subprojects emerged since formation of our cGVHD team and applications to the new project calls were submitted. Also, 2 international cGVHD symposiums were organized in Zagreb, Croatia, in last 2 years stimulating education and networking. Conclusion: Implementation of NIH criteria for standardizationof cGVHD in Croatia showed remarkable results, not just improving quality of medical documentation and management of these long-terms survivors with complex and long-lasting health issues, but also facilitating further international clinical research and collaboration with cGVHD community, with potential positive impact to health-related costs and benefit to society. Disclosures Nemet: Pliva: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral properties of clinoptilolite, a natural non-toxic zeolite. Herein, a fine powder of micronized zeolite (MZ) was obtained by tribomechanical micronization of natural clinoptilolite. Different viral suspensions were treated with MZ in concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg/ml. The viral proliferation was evaluated by optical microscope as percentage of cytopathic effect (CPE). Human adenovirus 5, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and human enteroviruses (coxsackievirus B5 and echovirus 7) were used in the antiviral assay. Concentrations of 0.5 and 5 mg/ml of MZ induced a very low antiviral effect or the antiviral was not observed at all, while concentrations of 12, 25 and 50 mg/ml of MZ induced a significant inhibitory effect upon viral proliferation. MZ inhibited the viral proliferation of HSV 1, coxsackievirus B5 and echovirus 7 more efficiently than that of adenovirus 5. The antiviral effect of MZ seems to be non specific and is more likely based on the incorporation of viral particles into pores of MZ aggregates than ion exchange properties of clinoptilolite. Our preliminary results indicate a possibility of therapeutical application of MZ, either locally (skin) against herpesvirus infections or orally in cases of adenovirus or enterovirus infections. Furthermore, MZ could also be used in purification of drinking water from different viruses.

Two hundred eight cervical specimens from two groups of subjects, 165 nonpregnant women and 53 pregnant women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of grades I to III, were positive by PCR analyses for human papillomaviruses (HPVs), adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV 2), and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in 67, 6, and 4.1% of the cases, respectively. The presence of AAV 2 infection was more frequently associated with pregnancy (17 versus 2.4%) and HPV-positive cervices (odds ratio = 6.358) than HCMV was. Increased HPV infection was strongly associated ( P < 0.001) with a higher CIN grade, but there is no evidence that AAV 2 and HCMV infections have any impact on CIN development.

Objective To determine the role of infections in miscarriages. Chorionic villi from aborted material were subjected to cytogenetic evaluation and analyzed for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis , Ureaplasma urealyticum , Mycoplasma hominis , human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), adeno-associated virus (AAV), and human papillomaviruses (HPV). Design Retrospective study. Setting University hospital and academic research institution. Main outcome measure(s) Karyotyping and detection of bacterial and viral DNA by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in placenta specimens. Result(s) In 54 (50%) of 108 samples the karyotype was normal, in 38 (35%) samples it was abnormal, and in 16 (15%) samples karyotype was undetermined. No U. urealyticum , M. hominis , HCMV, or AAV-2 DNA was detected, while C. trachomatis DNA was detected in one (1%) and HPV DNA in eight (7%) samples. No significant correlation of HPV-positive findings with karyotype status was established. Conclusion(s) Our findings do not support a role of C. trachomatis , U. urealyticum , M. hominis , HCMV, or AAV infections in miscarriages during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, further investigation should be made to determine a possible involvement of HPVs in the development of genetic abnormalities of the fetus and in miscarriages.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) are clinically and histologically similar lesions but their treatment planning and prognosis are different. The review of the literature indicates numerous criteria to distinguish these two lesions; however there is a lot of inconsistency. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the correlation of histopathology and clinical OLP and OLL diagnosis and to clarify which histopathologic criteria could best distinguish these two diagnoses. A retrospective study showed that clinically diagnosed 92 OLPs and 14 OLLs have been confirmed histopathologically in 52.2% and 42.9% of cases, respectively. In addition, histopathology showed statistically significant more eosinophils (P<0.0005), plasma cells (P<0.0005), and granulocytes (P<0.05) in OLL than OLP. To establish histopathological diagnosis of OLP and OLL it should be mandatory to define the type of cells in mononuclear infiltrate, which can be associated more accurately with clinical feature and patient history. Therefore, currently accepted diagnostic criteria for OLP and OLL should be modified and validated on a larger number of patients taking into account particular distinguishing histopathological features.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype 52 is commonly found in Asian cases of cervical cancer but is rare elsewhere. Analysis of 611 isolates collected worldwide revealed a remarkable geographical distribution, with lineage B predominating in Asia (89.0% vs 0%-5.5%; P(corrected) < .001), whereas lineage A predominated in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. We propose that the name "Asian lineage" be used to denote lineage B, to signify this feature. Preliminary analysis suggested a higher disease risk for lineage B, although ethnogeographical confounders could not be excluded. Further studies are warranted to verify whether the reported high attribution of disease to HPV52 in Asia is due to the high prevalence of lineage B.

About 5% of all cancers worldwide can be attributed to human papillomaviruses (HPVs) ; namely, six sites are strongly associated with HPV infections: cervix, penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common malignancies in Caucasians. In fact, there is an intense connection between sunlight exposure, fair skin, HPV, and development of NMSC. We have conducted a pilot study that included tissue samples from 26 carcinoma patients, of which there were 13 BCC and 13 SCC. HPV detection and typing was done with DNA amplification and sequencing, respectively. In total, 23.1% of SCC samples (3/13) and 7.7% of BCC samples (1/13) were positive for HPV DNA. The importance of understanding all aspects of NMSC carcinogenesis may be to reveal novel therapeutic options or preventive measures for HPV containing NMSC patients.

To determine the incidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum (UP) in symptomatic and asymptomatic women of reproductive age and to estimate antibiotic susceptibility of ureaplasma isolates. This study included 424 ureaplasma positive women of 1,370 tested women who visited gynecological practices during 2010. Cervicovaginal or urethral swab specimens from each patient were obtained for cultivation and molecular typing by RT-PCR. Ureaplasma spp. was identified by cultivation in 424 (34.4 %) cases, of which 79.0 % were from women with symptoms and 21.0 % from women without symptoms. Among ureaplasma positive women, 121 (28.5 %) were pregnant. Genotyping was successful in 244 strains, and the majority of samples were identified as UP (92.6 %). Among genotyped isolates, there were 79.5 % from symptomatic and 20.5 % from asymptomatic women; 29.9 % from pregnant and 70.1 % from non-pregnant women. There was no difference in the incidence of ureaplasma type regarding symptoms. Antibiotic susceptibility of 424 ureaplasma isolates identified by cultivation showed that all strains were susceptible to doxycycline, josamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, clarithromycin and pristinamycin, but there was lower susceptibility to quinolone antibiotics, i.e., 42.9 and 24.5 % isolates were susceptible to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. This study shows that UP was the most frequent isolated ureaplasma species (92.6 %). Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, quinolones are not the best choice for the treatment of ureaplasma infections, while macrolides and tetracyclines are still effective.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods enable the detection of large number of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes that infect the anogenital tract. In this study, two groups of cervical scrapes with abnormal cytomorphology were analysed. The first group was tested with three sets of consensus primers located within the L1 region of HPV genome, MY09/MY11 (i.e. MY), L1C1/L1C2-1/L1C2-2 (i.e. LC) and pI-1/pI-2 (i.e. pI) primer sets, while the second group of samples, which were all negative with the MY primers, was tested further with the LC primers, as well as with the GP5/GP6 (i.e. GP) primers. The GP primers were used in the nested PCR following amplification with the MY primers (i.e. MY/GP nested PCR). Samples from both groups were also tested with type-specific primers for HPV types 6/11, 16, 18, 31 and 33. In the first study group (N=164) there were 76.2% positive results obtained with at least one set of consensus primers. There were 62.2, 39, 62.2 and 59.1% positive results obtained with the MY, the pI, the LC and the HPV type-specific primer sets, respectively. The best results were obtained when both the MY and the LC primer sets were used, because in combination they detected 75% positive samples compared to 62.2% when used alone. There were 2. 4% samples negative with all consensus primers, but positive with one of the HPV type-specific primers, which increased the overall positivity rate to 78.6%. In the second study group (N=250) there were 8.4, 38.8 and 4% samples positive with the LC primers, the nested MY/GP and the HPV type-specific primer sets, respectively. Thus, the use of the MY/GP nested PCR increased significantly the positivity rate of HPV DNA detection and should be used for samples with a low copy number of HPV DNA. In conclusion, the following diagnostic protocol would be appropriate for detection of cancer-related HPVs: preselection of samples with the MY and the LC primers, additional amplification of the MY- and the LC-negative samples with the MY/GP nested PCR and HPV typing of consensus PCR-positive samples with the HPV type-specific primers.

Immune system provides us protection from infectious pathogens and tumors formation during lifetime. Cervical cancer (CC), and its cause, human papillomavirus (HPV) are both challenges for the immune system. We present here evidence of epigenetic activation of immune system genes in CC. Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip identified genes, which were all significantly hypomethylated in CC tissue versus normal tissue. The GeneMANIA computer program identified a tight network between those genes. The most strongly correlated genes based on their function are immune effectors' process (AIM2, BST2, BTN3A3, and IL12RB1) and response to virus related genes (AIM2, BST2, and IL12RB1). Thus, activation of those genes through demethylation is probably triggered by HPV oncogenes. In conclusion, the immune system of women who do not develop CC is probably activated earlier through DNA demethylation.

The association between certain human papillomaviruses (HPV) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is well documented, but still unknown among Croatian women. In 1995, women between the age of 17 and 64 with cytomorphologically abnormal smears (CIN I–IV) were tested for the presence of HPV. Consensus and specific primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the most common types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33, as well as the unknown-risk HPV types (HPV X). Out of 379 specimens, 163 (43%) contained one or more HPV types. Coinfection with different HPV types in the same sample was observed in 16 cases. Beside low-risk HPV 6/11 (25.8%) the most frequently observed types were high-risk HPV types 16 (20.2%) and 31 (17.8%). Globally, the HPV positivity rate declines with age. The presence of HPV DNA significantly increased from 35.5 to 61.1% along with the severity of the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I– IV). HPV type 6/11 was strongly associated with CIN I (33.8%), HPV type 31 with CIN II (22.9%), and HPV type 16 with CIN III (50%).

Usnu šupljinu nastanjuju mnogi virusi, gljive i bakterije. Dok se većina tih mikroorganizama može lako uzgojiti i identificirati klasičnim mikrobiološkim testovima, neki od njih se mogu identificirati samo metodama molekularne biologije, kao npr. humani papiloma virus. Neki mikroorganizmi su prisutni u premaloj količini pa se ne mogu utvrditi klasičnim metodama tako da i u tom slučaju molekularna dijagnostika postaje logična alternativa. Testovi molekularne biologije osjetljivi su, objektivni, lako izvodljivi i manje su zahtjevni od klasičnih mikrobioloških metoda, u smislu edukacije i osiguranja kvalitete. U ovom radu su opisane molekularne metode koje se najčešće koriste za dokazivanje mikroorganizama koji koloniziraju usnu šupljinu., Many viruses, fungi and bacteria inhabit the mouth. Most of these microorganisms can be easily cultured and identified by classical microbiological tests, but some of them, such as human papilloma virus, can only be identified by the methods of molecular biology. Some microorganisms are present in a very small amount and cannot be detected by classical tests; therefore, in this case, molecular diagnosis is also a logical alternative. Molecular biology assays are sensitive, objective, easy to perform and less demanding than conventional microbiological methods in terms of training and quality assurance. This paper describes the molecular methods that are commonly used for the detection of microorganisms that colonize the oral cavity.

The oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are associated with precancerous cervical lesions and development of cervical cancer. The DNA methylation signatures of host genome in normal, precancerous and cervical cancer tissue may indicate tissue-specific perturbation in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to identify new candidate genes that are differentially methylated in squamous cell carcinoma compared to the DNA samples from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) and normal cervical scrapes. The Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 K BeadChip method identifies genome- wide DNA methylation changes in CpG islands, CpG shores and shelves. Our findings showed an extensive differential methylation signature in cervical cancer compared to the CIN3 or normal cervical tissues. The identified candidate biomarker genes for cervical cancer represent several types of mechanisms in the cellular machinery that are epigenetically deregulated by hypermethylation, such as membrane receptors, intracellular signaling and gene transcription. The results also confirm the extensive hypomethylation in cancer cells of genes in the immune system. These insights into the functional role of DNA methylome alterations in cervical cancer could be clinically applicable in diagnostics and prognostics, and may guide the development of new epigenetic therapies.

Penile cutaneous horn is a clinical term that describes protruding hyperkeratosis, usually conical in shape, located on penile glans. Penile localization of this lesion, predominantly located on sun-exposed areas, is very rare. The association with malignancy on the penis makes proper identification of these lesions essential. We present a 45-year-old man with a cutaneous horn, 25 mm in size, located on the basis of penile glans. The patient had a history of phimosis, pseudoepitheliomatous balanoposthitis, surgical excision of penile verrucous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and postoperative radiotherapy of carcinoma in situ on the same localization, ten years before. Complete surgical removal of the horn with separate excision of the margins and base was done. Pathologic examination revealed squamous hyperplasia with suspicion of carcinoma in situ. Additional negative p16(INK4a) immunohistochemical analysis confirmed benign proliferative lesion. DNA polymerase chain reaction for human papilloma virus infection was negative. These findings suggested sparing surgical procedure in our patient, without indication for partial penile amputation, but with mandatory follow-up. Our case confirmed the association of pseudoepitheliomatous balanoposthitis with verrucous SCC, as well as the possible influence of radiotherapy on the development of penile cutaneous horn. Additionally, we showed the important role p16(INK4a) immunohistochemical analysis in the differential diagnosis of alterations adjacent to invasive SCC of the penis.