Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify specific rhino- and oropharyngeal microbiological pathogens as well as associated comorbidities that favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and corelate them. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 61 patients (28 COVID-19-positive and 33 controls) who were tested for other comorbidities and co-existence of associated oral pathogenic microbiota. Results: A total of 247 bacterial isolates were identified in the bacterial cultures in both groups. Viral hepatitis type A was more prevalent in the COVID-19-positive group (p = 0.026), as was the presence of oral candidiasis (p = 0.006). In the control group, a moderate direct relationship was observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and dermatitis, and strong direct relationships were observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and external otitis, Streptococcus pyogenes and dental alveolitis, and Streptococcus pyogenes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the test group, strong direct relationships were observed between Hemophilus influenzae and pulmonary thromboembolism; Staphylococcus aureus and autoimmune thyroiditis; post-viral immunosuppression, chronic coronary syndrome, and hypernatremia; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group C and rheumatoid polyneuropathy; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and hyperkalemia, hypothyroidism, secondary anemia, and splenomegaly; and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral pneumonia. The following relationships were strong, but inverse: Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and acute respiratory failure, and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral bronchopneumonia. Conclusions: Briefly, COVID-19-positive patients have the predisposition to build up associated comorbidities and coinfections, which can be the expression of the immune burden that this virus generates to the host.

Background: Hypertension is in first place in Europe among cardiovascular diseases. Worldwide, only 1 in 5 adults pursue proper treatment that controls their high blood pressure. Endothelial dysfunction is a marker that indicates the progression of hypertension. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antihypertensives and physical and hydrotherapy cardiovascular rehabilitation programs to control hypertension and improve endothelial dysfunction. Methods: A total of 100 patients with hypertension degree 1 (46 years ± 0.32) were divided into four homogenic groups. All subjects of the A, B, C and D groups benefited from recommendations for a healthy lifestyle; groups B, C and D also received antihypertensive medication; additionally, group C had a physical cardiovascular program and group D a cardiovascular hydrotherapy program. Several clinical endothelial damage markers and blood and urine parameters were registered, along with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, before and after 8 weeks of rehabilitation. Results: Group A registered a statistically significant decrease for 1 parameter LDL (p = 0.002). Group B showed statistically significant values for 14 parameters (p ≤ 0.05). The C and D groups registered significantly improved statistic values for 17 parameters each (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Groups B, C and D that were given antihypertensive medication during rehabilitation registered improved endothelial dysfunctional markers and controlled blood pressure values, compared with group A which was given only recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by oxidative stress, innate immune dysregulation, vascular instability, and microbiome-related triggers. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg, licorice) root contains phenolics and triterpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic properties that may benefit rosacea-prone skin. Xanthan-gum hydrogels containing 2% methanolic Gg extract (S1, S2) were prepared and characterized. Rheology, in vitro release, and in vitro permeation were evaluated, with the aim of assessing their suitability as topical formulations for rosacea-prone skin. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial effects were tested against S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and C. acnes. Safety and bioactivity were examined through HaCaT keratinocyte assays (MTT, Neutral Red, LDH), the HET-CAM irritation test, and the CAM angiogenesis assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed on rosacea-related inflammatory markers. Both hydrogels showed suitable rheology, sustained release, and preserved strong antioxidant activity. Moderate antimicrobial effects were observed, particularly against S. pyogenes and C. acnes. HaCaT cell viability remained above 84% for the S2 formulation at the highest concentration (200 µg/mL), indicating improved cytocompatibility compared with formulation S1. The hydrogels were non-irritant in the HET-CAM model and reduced neovascularization in the CAM assay, with a more sustained effect observed for formulation S2. Immunohistochemistry supported potential modulation of inflammatory pathways relevant to rosacea, evidencing suppressed VEGF expression and preserved CD44-mediated integrity, particularly in the Labrasol-based formulation (S2), while Caspase-3 staining indicated a controlled apoptotic profile. Overall, Gg hydrogels are safe, biocompatible, non-irritant, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenic activities, supporting their potential as biocompatible topical formulations with antioxidant and pathway-modulating properties relevant to the biological features associated with rosacea, while underscoring the importance of formulation design.

Background: This study evaluates the translational relevance of free computer-assisted ADMET platforms in drug discovery by comparing SwissADME and FAF-Drugs4 predictions with regulatory and curated reference data for approved anticancer drugs. Methods: Fourteen approved anticancer agents representing diverse chemical classes were analyzed using SwissADME and FAF-Drugs4. We compared predicted physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity-related properties with information extracted from FDA- and EMA-approved product information, DrugBank, and PubChem. We evaluated the concordance for oral absorption, permeability, metabolic stability, and toxicity-related trends. Results: The platforms showed good concordance for broad descriptor-driven properties, particularly oral suitability and physicochemical trends. Strong agreement was observed for intravenously administered taxanes, which displayed unfavorable oral drug characteristics, and for several orally active small molecules with generally compatible profiles. Partial concordance was observed for compounds such as temozolomide, whose clinical behavior is influenced by factors not fully captured by descriptor-based models. Toxicity outputs were informative as early warning signals, with vandetanib showing the clearest alignment between predicted elevated risk and documented safety concerns. Conclusions: Free computational ADMET tools are valuable computer-assisted drug discovery resources for early triage, predictive toxicology, and prioritization of repositioning candidates, but they should complement rigorous experimental and clinical evaluation.

Background/Objectives: Studies have reported that patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have decreased postural stability in comparison to healthy subjects. Our study aims to compare static plantar pressure and stabilometry parameters in AS patients who performed an 8-week exercise program (spine motion and flexibility exercises; stretching of hamstring, erector spine, and shoulder muscles; control abdominal and diaphragm breathing exercises and chest expansion exercises), in three different testing conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, and head retroflexed). Methods: Plantar pressure (the loading of the first and fifth metatarsal heads (MT1, MT5) and calcaneus) and stabilometry (CoP path length, 90% confidence ellipse area, and maximum CoP speed) were recorded in 28 AS patients (age 56.64 ± 10.3 years; body mass index 29.4 ± 4.9 kg/m²) at the beginning of rehabilitation and after 8 weeks. At first evaluation, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) for the foot loading sites (MT1, MT5, and calcaneus), both for the right and left feet, when comparing eyes open with the other two testing situations. Results: After rehabilitation, significant differences were recorded between eyes-open and head-retroflexed conditions for MT1 (p = 0.03 for right; p = 0.004 for left) and calcaneus (p = 0.014 for right; p = 0.011 for left). A significantly higher CoP path length was registered in both initial and final assessments when tested with eyes closed. The maximum CoP speed had increased values at both evaluations when tested with head retroflexed. Conclusions: The CoP path length decreased after the physical exercise program, with a better postural stability after rehabilitation.

Background and Objectives: Angiogenesis plays an important role in many types of cancers, including melanoma. Mast cells are among the most important cellular partners involved in the angiogenic process. The purpose of the present study is to establish the interrelations between microvessels and mast cell density, and to describe the prognostic role of mast cells in malignant melanoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 92 cases of melanoma were evaluated. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and CD34/mast cell tryptase double immunostaining were performed. Results: Of the cases, 28 were classified as T1 (30.43%), 31 as T2 (33.69%), 21 as T3 (22.82%), and 12 as T4 (13.04%). Mast cells were mainly located in the infiltrate area in cases with inflammatory infiltrate. Few mast cells were observed in the absence of infiltrate. A granular type was observed in intratumoral areas with an isolated and perivascular distribution of mast cells. A significant correlation was found between intratumoral MVD and intratumoral MCD (mast cell density) in T1 and T4 melanoma cases (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0029, respectively). In T2 cases, significant correlations were found between intratumoral and peritumoral MVD and G (p = 0.0169, p = 0.0003), between intratumoral MCD and MVD (p = 0.0041), and between peritumoral MVD and the number of peritumoral mast cells (p = 0.0011). T3 cases showed a significant correlation between the density of intratumoral mast cells and peritumoral ones (p = 0.001); between the MVD and mast cell density of the intratumoral area (p = 0.0001); between the intratumoral MVD and peritumoral mast cell density (p = 0.0001); between the MVD and mast cell density of the peritumoral area (p = 0.0325); and between the peritumoral MVD and intratumoral mast cell density (p = 0.0458). Conclusions: Both intratumoral and peritumoral mast cells were found to participate in melanoma progression, and they showed greater involvement in the early phases of angiogenesis in malignant melanoma.