The tumor microenvironment has been largely studied as a dynamic system orchestrated by inflammatory cells, including cancer cells, stroma as well as the extracellular matrix. It is useful to describe and predict the phenotypic characteristics of cancer. Furthermore, a better understanding of its interplay with the various aspects of the tumor cells may be utilized for the discovery of novel molecular targets. Liver cancer is considered a model of the relation occurring between the tumor micro-environment and tumor development. The chronic inflammatory status of the liver, sustained by the infection of hepatitis viruses, as well as the production of cytokines and growth factors within the parenchyma, lead to an intricate microenvironment. The identification of novel molecular therapeutic targets may improve the outcome of patients with liver cancer as it remains the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In the present study, the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was explored by a review of the literature. Studies on hepatitis virus infections and the consequent chronic inflammatory status were examined. In this context, immune-mediated and/or virus-related molecular mechanisms have been hypothesized as being responsible for liver cancer development. The interlink among HCC microenvironment components, comprising cellular elements, cytokines, growth factors and several proteins is also described together with the role of matrix metalloproteinases in HCC development. Finally, the rationale for targeting tumor-stromal interface is summarized in the context of new therapeutic opportunities.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the leading cause of mortality for oral cancer. Numerous risk factors mainly related to unhealthy habits and responsible for chronic inflammation and infections have been recognized as predisposing factors for oral carcinogenesis. Recently, even microbiota alterations have been associated with the development of human cancers. In particular, some specific bacterial strains have been recognized and strongly associated with oral cancer development (Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Fusobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella spp.). Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how the oral microbiota could be involved in cancer pathogenesis by mainly paying attention to chronic inflammation, microbial synthesis of cancerogenic substances, and alteration of epithelial barrier integrity. Based on knowledge of the carcinogenic effects of dysbiosis, it was recently suggested that probiotics may have anti-tumoral activity. Nevertheless, few data exist with regard to probiotic effects on oral cancer. On this basis, the association between the development of oral cancer and oral dysbiosis is discussed focusing attention on the potential benefits of probiotics administration in cancer prevention.

Streptococcus agalactiae(also known Group BStreptococcusor GBS) represents the main pathogen responsible for early- and late-onset infections in newborns. The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and the capsular serotypes of GBS isolated in Eastern Sicily over 5 years, from January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 3494 GBS were isolated from vaginal swabs of pregnant women (37–39 weeks), as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Capsular polysaccharide’s typing of GBS was determined by a commercial latex agglutination test containing reagents to serotypes I–IX. The antimicrobial resistance pattern of GBS was determined through the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) and the double-disk diffusion test on Mueller-Hinton agar plates supplemented with 5% defibrinated sheep blood, according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Serotypes III (1218, 34.9%) and V (1069, 30.6%) were the prevalent colonizers, followed by not typable (570, 16.3%) and serotypes Ia (548, 15.7%), Ib (47, 1.3%), II (40, 1.1%), and IV (2, 0.1%). All 3494 clinical isolates were susceptible to cefditoren and vancomycin. Resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, levofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin was observed in 6 (0.2%), 5 (0.1%), 161 (4.6%), 1090 (31.2%), and 1402 (40.1%) of the strains, respectively. Most of erythromycin-resistant GBS (1090/1402) showed the cMLS_Bphenotype, 276 the M phenotype, and 36 the iMLS_Bphenotype. Our findings revealed a higher prevalence of serotype III and a relevant resistance rate, among GBS strains, to the most frequently used antibiotics in antenatal screening.

Juglans regia L. (common walnut) is a deciduous tree belonging to Juglandaceae family. Since ancient time, walnut was widely used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and liver-protective effects. In this work, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of walnuts pellicle extract against coagulase-negative staphylococci were evaluated. Qualitative chemical analysis was performed by the thin layer chromatography. UPLC-Ms/Ms was used to identify the chemical composition of J. regia extract. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined by the Aluminium chloride and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The extract showed antibacterial activity with MIC ranging from 3.60 to 461.75 µg/ml and MBC ranging from 461.75 to >461.75 µg/ml. Furthermore, it significantly reduced biofilm biomass and cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Biological activities of J. regia extract may be due to its high flavonoid and phenolic contents. The obtained results are promising and they deserve further scientific investigations.