Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a key role in the human innate immune response. It has been shown that polymorphisms in theMBL2gene, particularly at codon 54 (variant alleleB; wild-type allele designated asA), impact upon host susceptibility toCandidainfection. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the association betweenMBL2codon 54 genotype and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) or recurrent VVC (RVVC). Studies were searched in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science until April 2013. Five studies including 704 women (386 cases and 318 controls) were part of the meta-analysis, and pooled ORs were calculated using the random effects model. For subjects with RVVC, ORs ofABversusAAand ofBBversusAAwere 4.84 (95% CI 2.10–11.15;Pfor heterogeneity=0.013;I2=68.6%) and 12.68 (95% CI 3.74–42.92;Pfor heterogeneity=0.932,I2=0.0%), respectively. For subjects with VVC, OR ofABversusAAwas 2.57 (95% CI 1.29–5.12;Pfor heterogeneity=0.897;I2=0.0%). This analysis indicates that heterozygosity for theMBL2alleleBincreases significantly the risk for both diseases, suggesting that MBL may influence the women’s innate immunity in response toCandida.

Background: The human X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 ( XRCC1) gene encodes for one of the major repair factors involved in base excision repair (BER), which is reported to be associated with the risk of several cancers. A few studies have explored the association between risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different DNA repair genes, with contradictory results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and susceptibility to HCC. Methods: A total of 89 HCC patients and 99 randomly selected healthy controls were enrolled. Genotyping of XRCC1 rs25487 was performed by high-resolution melting analysis and Sanger sequencing. Results: On univariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between risk of HCC and XRCC1 399Arg/Gln genotype (odd ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.04-3.43), which was confirmed after adjusting by sex (OR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.04-3.63). Although not significant, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a decreased median survival in Arg/Gln genotype carriers in comparison with Arg/Arg carriers. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting an association between BER SNP and HCC risk in a population of central-southern Italy.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that often occurs following war trauma. Despite its high prevalence, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the mechanisms underlying its progression and treatment resistance. Recent research has shed light on the biological basis of PTSD, with neuroimaging studies revealing altered brain connectivity patterns in affected individuals. In war contexts, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common occurrence and is associated with a high prevalence of PTSD. This study aimed to compare the severity of PTSD and depression in patients with and without a history of TBI to shed light on the impact of comorbid TBI on the presentation of PTSD symptoms. To achieve this goal, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 60 outpatients who were diagnosed with both PTSD and Depressive Disorder. The inclusion criteria required participants to meet the diagnostic criteria for both disorders using validated tools. The severities of PTSD and depressive symptoms were assessed using scales that have been widely used and validated in previous research. By utilizing these standardized assessment tools, this study aimed to ensure the reliability and validity of the obtained data. The results of this study revealed that patients with comorbid PTSD and TBI exhibited a significantly higher severity of PTSD symptoms compared to those with PTSD only. Specifically, the comorbid group demonstrated higher ratings of symptom intensity across all symptom clusters. These findings are consistent with previous research that has highlighted the impact of comorbid TBI on the intensity and persistence of PTSD symptoms. When controlling for PTSD severity, no significant differences were observed in the severity of depressive symptoms between the two groups. This suggests that the increased depressive symptoms observed in the comorbid group may be primarily driven by the presence of more intense PTSD symptoms rather than TBI per se. The findings highlight the need for an accurate diagnosis of TBI in individuals with PTSD to guide appropriate treatment interventions. Further research is warranted to delve into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the interaction between TBI and PTSD and to develop targeted interventions for individuals with comorbid PTSD and TBI.

Background and Objectives: For stage IIIb–IV ovarian cancer, bevacizumab-containing treatment is considered the standard of care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients had stage IIIc–IV ovarian cancer according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics with no clinical signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction or a history of abdominal fistulae, gastrointestinal perforation, or intra-abdominal abscess or evidence of rectosigmoid involvement by pelvic examination, bowel involvement on computed tomography, or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction in the previous 6 months. After debulking surgery, the patients received 175 mg/m² paclitaxel and carboplatin (AUC 6) for the first six cycles and 7.5 mg/kg bevacizumab every three weeks up to 17 cycles until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. The secondary endpoint was overall survival. Results: Between April 2017 and March 2020, 35 patients began study treatment. Bevacizumab was administered at 7.5 mg/kg in all the patients and for more than 7.5 months in 70% of them. The median progression-free survival was 20 months (95% CI: 16–23). The median overall survival was not reached. Conclusions: This was, to our knowledge, the first trial in Serbia to show progression-free survival and overall survival of combination regimens in advanced ovarian cancer. Based on the observed progression-free survival, bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy should be considered as a standard option in advanced ovarian cancer.