A New Method of Artificial-Intelligence-Based Automatic Identification of Lymphovascular Invasion in Urothelial Carcinomas

The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a poor prognostic finding. This is difficult to identify on routine hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained slides, but considering the costs and time required for examination, immunohistochemical stains for the endothelium are not the recommended diagnostic protocol. We developed an AI-based automated method for LVI identification on H&E-stained slides. We selected two separate groups of UC patients with transurethral resection specimens. Group A had 105 patients (100 with UC; 5 with cystitis); group B had 55 patients (all with high-grade UC; D2-40 and CD34 immunohistochemical stains performed on each block). All the group A slides and 52 H&E cases from group B showing LVI using immunohistochemistry were scanned using an Aperio GT450 automatic scanner. We performed a pixel-per-pixel semantic segmentation of selected areas, and we trained InternImage to identify several classes. The DiceCoefficient and Intersection-over-Union scores for LVI detection using our method were 0.77 and 0.52, respectively. The pathologists' H&E-based evaluation in group B revealed 89.65% specificity, 42.30% sensitivity, 67.27% accuracy, and an F1 score of 0.55, which is much lower than the algorithm's DCC of 0.77. Our model outlines LVI on H&E-stained-slides more effectively than human examiners; thus, it proves a valuable tool for pathologists.

Assessment of RAS-RAF-MAPK Pathway Mutation Status in Healthy Skin, Benign Nevi, and Cutaneous Melanomas: Pilot Study Using Droplet Digital PCR

In the present study, we employed the ddPCR and IHC techniques to assess the prevalence and roles of RAS and RAF mutations in a small batch of melanoma (n = 22), benign moles (n = 15), and normal skin samples (n = 15). Mutational screening revealed the coexistence of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanomas and nevi and the occurrence of NRAS G12/G13 variants in healthy skin. All investigated nevi had driver mutations in the BRAF or NRAS genes and elevated p16 protein expression, indicating cell cycle arrest despite an increased mutational burden. BRAF V600 mutations were identified in 54% of melanomas, and NRAS G12/G13 mutations in 50%. The BRAF mutations were associated with the Breslow index (BI) (p = 0.029) and TIL infiltration (p = 0.027), whereas the NRAS mutations correlated with the BI (p = 0.01) and the mitotic index (p = 0.04). Here, we demonstrate that the "young" ddPCR technology is as effective as a CE-IVD marked real-time PCR method for detecting BRAF V600 hotspot mutations in tumor biopsies and recommend it for extended use in clinical settings. Moreover, ddPCR was able to detect low-frequency hotspot mutations, such as NRAS G12/G13, in our tissue specimens, which makes it a promising tool for investigating the mutational landscape of sun-damaged skin, benign nevi, and melanomas in more extensive clinical studies.

The prognostic significance of the clinical and histological parameters in primary cutaneous melanoma patients

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and its incidence is unfortunately increasing. In the last decades, a progressive increase of new cases of diagnosed thin melanoma has been noted. This may be due to earlier detection, better surveillance, improved diagnostic criteria or increased exposure to sunlight. Despite the fact that Breslow tumor thickness has the strongest proven prognostic significance, there are still thin melanomas that metastasize and thick melanomas with favorable evolution. Therefore, the identification of strong predictive factors for survival is mandatory, particularly for patients with thin melanoma.

Role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis and staging of cutaneous squamous‑cell carcinomas (Review)

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of neoplasm affecting Caucasian individuals, with squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) being the second most common type of NMSC after basal-cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemical study of cSCC is of particular importance, especially for the diagnosis of its rare forms, for which accurate and early diagnosis is crucial for survival. In the present review of the literature, the potentially significant value of immunohistochemical markers were highlighted to more accurately assess the biological behaviour, the prognosis of cSCC and to optimize case management. The immunohistochemical markers were classified from a pathophysiological point of view in order to present the mechanism by which carcinogenesis occurs with its subsequent evolution and therefore, to develop a more accurate novel risk staging criteria for this type of neoplasm.

COVID‑19 vaccination and IgG and IgA antibody dynamics in healthcare workers

Given the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) and the development and implementation of mass vaccination, data are being obtained by analyzing vaccination campaigns. In the present study, 69 healthcare workers who were exposed to patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‑2 were monitored for specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA levels at different time periods. Prior to vaccination, after the first round of vaccination at 21 days (when the second dose of vaccine was administrated) and 24 days after the second round of vaccination, with an mRNA‑based vaccine. The basal IgG and IgA levels in previously infected subjects and non‑infected subjects notably differed. Vaccination increased the IgG and IgA levels after the first dose in most subjects from both groups, the levels of which further increased following the second round of vaccination. The associations between IgG and IgA levels following the first and second rounds of vaccination demonstrated that in the entire vaccination group, regardless of prior exposure to the infectious agent, the increment and levels of IgG and IgA were similar. Thus, the levels upon vaccination were statistically similar irrespective of the starting base line prior to vaccination. In the present study, seroconversion was achieved in all subjects following the second round of vaccination, with similar antibodies levels.

Dynamics of APRI and FIB-4 in HCV cirrhotic patients who achieved SVR after DAA therapy

There are limited data available on the regression of fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) after interferon-free treatments. Moreover, a perfect method for assessing liver fibrosis and its dynamics has not been established yet. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores in patients with HCV who registered SVR. We performed ROC curve analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 scores in determining the presence of cirrhosis in comparison to FibroTest. In total 251 patients were enrolled: 164 cirrhotic and 83 non-cirrhotic patients, and they were evaluated at baseline, at 6 and at 12 months post-end of treatment (EOT). In the cirrhotic group, at baseline, there was a weak but statistically significant correlation between APRI and FibroTest (τ=0.173, P=0.001), as well as between FIB-4 and FibroTest (τ=0.265, P<0.001). At the 6-month follow-up, APRI no longer correlated with FibroTest (τ=0.144, P=0.057), while FIB-4 was correlated (τ=0.256, P=0.001). The same pattern was shown at 12 months post-EOT. Between baseline and the 6-month evaluation, there was a significant decrease in APRI (P<0.001) and FIB-4 (P<0.001) scores, but for the next follow-up period, there was no reduction. In the non-cirrhotic group, APRI and FIB-4 did not correlate with the FibroTest value at any of the evaluation times. There was a significant difference between baseline and the 6-month visit for APRI (P=0.01) and for FIB-4 (P=0.014). The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROCs) for the presence of cirrhosis compared with FibroTest for APRI and FIB-4 were 0.682 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.613-0.752] and 0.693 (95% CI 0.625-0.76). Both APRI and FIB-4 prove to be easy, quick and inexpensive tools for screening HCV cirrhosis, with moderate diagnostic accuracy and FIB-4 can be useful for monitoring patients post-EOT.

Bacillary angiomatosis triggered by severe trauma in a healthy Caucasian patient: A case report

Bacillary angiomatosis represents a cutaneous and systemic infection caused by Bartonella species, typically described in the past in HIV-positive patients or associated with immunodeficiencies. More recent case reports had brought into attention the probability that this entity may manifest in otherwise healthy individuals, triggered by trauma and skin burns. The physiopathology of this neoproliferative process is based on the production of angiogenetic molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-8. In case of an inadequate treatment, the evolution can be fatal, with a systemic dissemination of the abscesses within the gastro-intestinal tract, respiratory tract, brain and bones. The appropriate therapy is with oral erythromycin and doxycycline, but several treatments such as cephalosporins, penicillins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, rifampin, dapsone, ciprofloxacin, have been tried with favorable results. Herein we present the case of a Caucasian patient, seronegative for HIV, who developed multiple vascular papules and nodules on the face, after a severe trauma and which healed after an adequate antibiotic therapy with oral clarithromycin.

Pyoderma gangrenosum and suppurative hidradenitis association, overlap or spectrum of the same disease? Case report and discussion

Suppurative hidradenitis and pyoderma gangrenosum are rare disorders that can be seen isolated or even more rare, as part of different autoinflammatory syndromes: Pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PASH), pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, pyogenic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PAPASH) or psoriatic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PsAPASH). Although they have different clinical features, suppurative hidradenitis and pyoderma gangrenosum seem to share similar pathogenic pathways involving a dysregulated innate immune system, with neutrophilic inflammation, mediated by IL-1β, controlled by NALP3 inflammasome pathway. We report a case of a 53-year-old male patient previously diagnosed with HS in inguinal-scrotal area that developed rapidly after a traumatic injury on his left anterior calf, a painful inflammatory plaque with pustules on the surface that rapidly progressed (24-48 h) to form ulcers. The lesions ended up healing with a large scarring plaque with cribriform openings, multiple fibrous bridges, open comedones, and double-ended pseudo-comedones. Although the clinical aspect at presentation together with the aspect on the first biopsy were suggestive for pyoderma gangrenosum, the healing aspect is more commonly seen in suppurative hidradenitis. Commonly seen in acne, in the healing phase of suppurative hidradenitis but more rarely in pyoderma gangrenosum, the formation of comedones seem to be a complex process and raise the question if these entities represent in our patient an association, an overlap or the spectrum of the same disease.

Dendritic cell distribution in mycosis fungoides vs. inflammatory dermatosis and other T-cell skin lymphoma

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with an important role in the innate and adaptive immune system. In skin lesions, cutaneous DCs (Langerhans cells, dermal DCs and plasmacytoid DCs) are involved in immune activation in inflammatory benign lesions, as well as in malignant lymphoid proliferations. Density and distribution of DCs in the dermal infiltrate can be helpful to differentiate benign, reactive infiltrate from malignant nature of the lymphoid population. We performed a retrospective study including 149 patients: 35 with mycosis fungoides, 35 with spongiotic dermatitis, 35 with psoriasis, 35 with lupus and 9 with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (other than mycosis fungoides), diagnosed using histopathological and immunohistochemical stains. Density and distribution of DCs were evaluated using specific markers (CD1a, CD11c and langerin). In all cases, numerous DCs were identified in the dermal infiltrate. Their number was significantly increased in mycosis fungoides and T-cell lymphomas and moderately increased in inflammatory lesions. Variable patterns of distribution were identified such as clusters of DCs with arachnoid extension in mycosis fungoides, nodular pattern in inflammatory lesions and dispersed distribution with peripheric accumulation in T-skin lymphomas. Therefore, immunohistochemical characterization of DC distribution can be an adjuvant tool in differential diagnosis in inflammatory dermatosis and skin lymphomas.

Efficacy of methotrexate as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drug in dermatology: Three case reports

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid analog with anti-proliferative (anti-neoplastic, cytotoxic), immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, which has been used in the treatment of various cutaneous disorders, such as psoriasis, keratoacanthoma, pityriasis rubra pilaris, atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, bullous skin diseases, systemic sclerosis, morphea, lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis and crusted scabies. Inhibition of cell proliferation is explained through its role in blocking DNA/RNA synthesis, by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, necessary for the production of pyrimidine and purine nucleotides. An anticancer effect can be related to α-oxoaldehyde metabolism (MTX increases methylglyoxal levels). Its anti-inflammatory property is based on the inhibition of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase, thus increasing intracellular and extracellular adenosine, a purine nucleoside with anti-inflammatory effect. This drug can limit inflammation by scavenging free radicals and decreasing malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde protein-adduct production. Moreover, the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects can also be related to inhibition of the DNA methylation pathway, thus inhibiting methionine formation. The aim of the present study was to report various dermatological cases from our daily practice that demonstrate the efficacy of MTX in the treatment of cutaneous diseases, highlighting different mechanisms of action: its anti-inflammatory effect in psoriasis and its anti-proliferative, and anti-neoplastic effect in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma or in keratoacanthoma. Moreover, different administration pathways and doses are addressed. Assessment of the treatment plan, clinical improvement of cutaneous lesions, biologic evaluation, final aesthetic result, quality of life, as well as potential adverse effects and drug tolerance related to each case mentioned.

Comparative analysis of CEACAM1 expression in thin melanomas with and without regression

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a key molecule in several intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways, with multiple functional and structural roles. CEACAM1 expression in melanoma is often described in the invading part of the tumor and has been associated with increased melanoma cells invasion and migration. We studied CEACAM1 expression in regressing versus non-regressing thin melanomas, knowing that phenomenon of regression represents a valuable model for understanding tumor immunity. In melanoma, through homophilic interactions, CEACAM1 inhibits natural killer cell activity, inhibits effector functions of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, such as cytotoxicity and interferon-γ release. We present a retrospective study including 53 consecutive cases of thin melanoma, 21 with regression and 32 without regression. Comparative analysis of CEACAM1 expression in regressed and non-regressed areas from melanomas with regression and in non-regressed melanomas was performed. We used three different clones of CEACAM1: AA 1-428, extracellular domain, rabbit; AA 1-428, mouse, clone 8B6E2F4; and AA 1-468, full length, mouse, clone 2F6. All three clones had similar reactivity. We identified membrane positivity of tumor cells in non-regressed melanomas and in non-regressed areas in melanomas with regression. Remaining tumor cells in regressed areas were mostly negative for CEACAM1. In non-regressed lesions, there was a stronger positivity of CEACAM1 in the deep invasive front. In thin melanomas, CEACAM1 overexpression is related with invasiveness, suggesting that CEACAM1-positive melanomas are more aggressive. Also, in areas of regression tumor cells lose CEACAM1 expression, probably correlated with the presence of natural killer cells.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes: The regulator of melanoma evolution

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer and its incidence has increased in the last decades. In the United States, it is the 6th most common cancer in both men and women. Prognosis for patients with melanoma depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and it can be influenced by the immunologic response. Melanoma has been historically considered an immunogenic malignancy. It often contains great amount of immune cells (different subsets of T-cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, B lymphocytes), which may reflect a continuous intercommunication between host and tumor. It is not established if tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are induced by tumor cells or by other components of the microenvironment or when they are a host direct immunologic reaction. It has been observed that in many cases, the presence of a dense TIL is associated with good prognosis. The pattern and activation state of the cells which constitute TIL is variable and modulates the clinical outcome. An important step in the understanding of tumor immunobiology is the analysis of the populations and subsets of immune cells that form TIL. Besides its prognostic significance, after approval of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed cell death-1 and programmed death-1 ligand antibodies for the treatment of melanoma, the assessment of immune infiltrate composition has become even more captivating, as it could provide new target molecules and new biomarkers for predicting the effect of the treatment and disease outcome in patients treated with immunotherapy. In this review we discuss current state of knowledge in the field of immune cells that infiltrate melanoma, resuming the potential of TIL components to become prognostic markers for natural evolution, for response to drugs or valuable targets for new medication.

Matrix metalloproteinases expression in lentigo maligna∕lentigo maligna melanoma - a review of the literature and personal experience

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with high invasive potential. Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a relatively rare type, accounting for about 10% of all melanomas, while the most common subtype of melanoma on the face, typically on chronically sun-exposed skin of elderly people. Its in situ stage is lentigo maligna (LM). During the process of transformation from LM to LMM, tumor cells secrete or induce the release from neighboring cells of large amounts of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix. Some MMPs, as MMP3 and MMP9 expressed melanoma cells is associated with statistical significance in both in vitro and in vivo studies, with an invasive phenotype. Unfortunately, there is scarce data published about MMPs expression in LM∕LMM, as majority of research on melanoma refer to superficial spreading and nodular melanoma. Our personal, unpublished yet fully data is an attempt to complete a specific panel of immunohistochemical markers that could explain the slow growing rate of LMM.

Alveolar blood clots and platelet-rich fibrin induce in vitro fibroblast proliferation and migration

Wound healing process comprises a complex network of cells and molecules that are regulated in order to pursue tissue regeneration. Our study focused on the capacity of alveolar blood clots (ABCs), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to induce in vitro fibroblasts proliferation and migration as a measure of alveolar regeneration. Using cellular impedance with xCELLigence technology we quantified the proliferation and the migration capacity of L929 fibroblast standard cell line in the presence of 4 different ABCs and 3 different PRFs harvested from healthy individuals during standard tooth extraction. We obtained a clear cellular proliferation induced by the compounds mainly after 24 h of cultivation, in a dose-dependent manner. After 48 h of cultivation we registered activated proliferation, but slightly decreased compared to the 24 h profile. Our data confirm that the presence of the blood clot is involved in the regenerative processes. The migratory capacity of fibroblasts was statistically activated by the PL compounds while not affected by the tested PRFs. The chemical mediators present within the blood clot, either produced by inflammatory cells captive within, or by endothelial or mesenchymal cells induced fibroblastic proliferation and subsequent collagen deposition.

Variation in Expression of Inflammation-Related Signaling Molecules with Profibrotic and Antifibrotic Effects in Cutaneous and Oral Mucosa Scars

Wound healing is a complex biologic process evolving in three phases: inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling controlled by numerous growth factors and cytokines. Oral mucosa wounds heal with significantly less important scars with less numerous macrophages and mast cells and more numerous myofibroblasts than cutaneous counterparts. We analyzed 32 cutaneous and 32 oral mucosa scars for TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2, TGFbeta3, TNFalpha, PDGF BB and FGF1 expression in mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells. We identified differences in the expression of profibrotic and antifibrotic factors in oral mucosa and skin scars; TGFbeta2 was positive in cutaneous multinucleated giant cells, TNFalpha was positive in cutaneous macrophages, and both were negative in oral mucosa while TGFbeta3 was positive in oral macrophages and mostly negative in cutaneous ones. PDGF BB and FGF1 were positive in oral endothelial cells and oral macrophages and negative in macrophages with opposite positivity pattern in cutaneous scars. Based on these findings, macrophage seems to be the key player in modulating pro- and antifibrotic processes in wound regeneration.

Neuroimmune cross-talk in Helicobacter pylori infection: analysis of substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide expression in gastric enteric nervous system

It is suggested that different neuropeptides are actively involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastritis acting as important effectors of the neuroimmune complex interactions, but the available data is limited and contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine whether the chronic infection generates changes in substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gastric level and to evaluate the dependence of these potential effects on the degree of bacterial colonization or the severity of the inflammatory infiltrate. Therefore, immunohistochemical tests were performed to examine SP and VIP expression in mucosal nerve endings and myenteric neurons. Both SP and VIP levels were significantly higher in gastric samples of patients infected with H. pylori compared to uninfected individuals, confirming that these neuropeptides are neuroimmune modulators involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. Although their expression did not correlate with the intensity of mucosal inflammation nor with the bacterial density, we observed a strong association between SP neuronal level and the degree of myenteric ganglionitis, which in turn correlated with the severity of mucosal T-cell infiltration. These findings suggest that the mechanisms of neuroimmune cross-talk depend on some other factors that remain to be determined.

Vascular endothelial growth factor - key mediator of angiogenesis and promising therapeutical target in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, triggered by an inappropriate immune response of colonic mucosa. Angiogenesis is an important part of inflammatory process, enhancing inflammation in a vicious circle that aggravates mucosal damage and remodeling. The most important pathway for angiogenesis in ulcerative colitis involves vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endoglin (CD105) and can be used as target for adjuvant therapy in order to improve patients' outcome. We present a retrospective cohort study evaluating mucosal expression of VEGF and CD105 and their correlation with patients' evolution and risk of relapse. In our study, patients with UC have correlated increases of VEGF expression and microvessel density (evaluated with CD105 staining), sustaining the hypothesis that angiogenesis is not just a passive process driven by inflammation, but an active player of mucosal lesions in ulcerative colitis.

The 12th Edition of the Scientific Days of the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” and the 12th National Infectious Diseases Conference

A1 The outcome of patients with recurrent versus non-recurrent pneumococcal meningitis in a tertiary health-care hospital in Bucharest

Cristian-Mihail Niculae, Eliza Manea, Raluca Jipa, Simona Merisor, Ruxandra Moroti, Serban Benea, Adriana Hristea

A2 Influence of bacteriophages on sessile Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Dana Mărculescu, Magdalena Lorena Andrei, Veronica Ilie, Marcela Popa, Coralia Bleotu, Carmen Chifiriuc, Mircea Ioan Popa, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A3 The utility of inflammatory biomarkers in the prognostic evaluation of septic patients – past, present and future

Alina Orfanu, Cristina Popescu, Anca Leuștean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Alexandra Badea, Radu Orfanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă, Ştefan Sorin Aramă

A4 Etiologic and clinical features of bacterial meningitis in infants

Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anca-Cristina Drăgănescu, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Mădălina Merișescu, Magdalena Vasile, Diana-Maria Slavu, Sabina Vintilă, Endis Osman, Alina Oprea, Sabina Sandu, Monica Luminos

A5 The diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio in sepsis

Alina Orfanu, Victoria Aramă, Ştefan Sorin Aramă, Anca Leuştean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Gabriel Adrian Popescu, Cristina Popescu

A6 Whooping cough in a HIV positive patient

Ramona Georgiana Stanculete, Ana Vaduva Enoiu, Adelina Raluca Marinescu, Voichita Lazureanu

A7 Cronobacter sakazakii sepsis in varicella patient

Adelina-Raluca Marinescu, Alexandru Crișan, Voichița Lăzureanu, Virgil Musta, Narcisa Nicolescu, Ruxandra Laza

A8 Anaerobes an underdiagnosed cause of prosthesis joint infection

Anca-Ruxandra Negru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Raluca Mihăilescu, Remulus Catană, Olga Dorobăț, Alexandru Rafila, Emilia Căpraru, Marius Niculescu, Rodica Marinescu, Olivera Lupescu, Vlad Predescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Victoria Aramă, Daniela Tălăpan

A9 Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis presenting with normal CSF – case presentation

Ramona Ștefania Popescu, Luminița Bradu, Dragoș Florea, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A10 Extrapulmonary manifestations of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae – study on 24 cases

Daniela Anicuta Leca, Elena Bunea, Andra Teodor, Egidia Miftode

A11 The molecular diagnosis of severe bacterial sepsis in pediatric population

Mădălina Merișescu, Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Dragoș Florea, Monica Luminos

A12 Acute Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with multiple septic complications in a patient with diabetes mellitus – case presentation

Ramona Ștefania Popescu, Anamaria Dobrotă, Adina Ilie, Liliana Lucia Preoțescu

A13 Is Streptococcus suis meningitis an under-diagnosed zoonosis?

Adriana Hristea, Raluca Jipa, Nicoleta Irimescu, Irina Panait, Eliza Manea, Simona Merisor, Cristian Niculae, Daniela Tălăpan

A14 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from blood. Antimicrobial resistance – past and present

Liana Cătălina Gavriliu, Otilia Elisabeta Benea, Șerban Benea, Alexandru Rafila, Olga Dorobăț, Mona Popoiu

A15 Antibiotics resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood cultures

Livia Dragonu, Augustin Cupşa, Iulian Diaconescu, Irina Niculescu, Lucian Giubelan, Florentina Dumitrescu, Andreea Cristina Stoian, Camelia Guţă, Simona Puiu

A16 Predominance of CTX-M enzymes in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in two hospitals of Quebec City

Bunescu Irina, Marilyse Vallée, Ann Huletsky, Dominique K. Boudreau, Ève Bérubé, Richard Giroux, Jean Longtin, Yves Longtin, Michel G. Bergeron

A17 Postoperative meningoencephalitis with Acinetobacter baumannii XDR – a therapeutic challenge - Case report

Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Dalila-Ana Toma, Catrinel Ciuca, Daniela Tălăpan, Cătălin Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Mitescu, Tudor Vladoiu, Doina Iovănescu

A18 Septic arthritis with Burkholderia cepacia

Michaela Oana, Simona Costin

A19 A novel approach for managing hard-to-treat infections

Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Mircea Ioan Popa, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A20 Nineteen months surveillance for multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) by detecting asymptomatic colonization

Daniela Tălăpan, Olga Mihaela Dorobăț, Mona Popoiu, Alexandru Mihai, Doina Iovănescu, Cleo Roşculeț, Cătălin Apostolescu, Gabriel-Adrian Popescu, Adrian Abagiu, Ruxandra Moroti-Constantinescu, Adriana Hristea, Victoria Aramă, Otilia Benea, Mădălina Simoiu, Rodica Bacruban, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Alexandru Rafila

A21 Antimicrobial resistance of Gram-positive cocci isolated from clinical specimens in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof Dr. Matei Balș” between 2009–2015

Olga Mihaela Dorobăț, Daniela Tălăpan, Alexandru Mihai, Ioana Bădicuț, Mona Popoiu, Alina Borcan, Alexandru Rafila

A22 The high percentage of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in Romania: an analysis and some proposals

Gabriel Adrian Popescu

A23 Etiological, clinical and therapeutic considerations on 78 cases of healthcare associated meningitis or ventriculitis admitted in the “Sf. Parascheva” infectious diseases clinical hospital, Iași, from 2011 to 2015

Mihnea Hurmuzache, Georgiana Enache, Alexandra Ciocan, Mircea Bararu, Madalina Popazu

A24 Nosocomial infection dynamics in an Intensive Care Department – an overview (epidemiological and clinical monitoring, advanced therapeutic intervention).

Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Viorica Mitescu_, Tudor Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca

A25 Safety and efficacy of interferon free treatment in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis- experience of a single Internal Medicine center

Laura Iliescu, Georgiana Minzala, Letitia Toma, Mihaela Baciu, Alina Tanase, Carmen Orban

A26 Viusid in treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C

Victor Pantea, Gheorghe Placinta, Valentin Cebotarescu, Lilia Cojuhari, Paulina Jimbei

A27 The management of hyperbilirubinemia in HCV cirrhotic patients who underwent therapy with direct acting antivirals

Cristina Popescu, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Dragomirescu, Alina Orfanu, Cristina Murariu, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Mihaela Rădulescu, Remulus Catana, Victoria Aramă

A28 The efficacy of ombitasvir-paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir and ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 HCV compensated cirrhosis

Cristina Popescu, Laurențiu Stratan, Remulus Catana, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Dragomirescu, Alexandra Badea, Cristina Murariu, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Alina Orfanu, Ioan Diaconu, Anca Negru, Iulia Bodosca, Violeta Niță, Victoria Aramă

A29 The efficacy of direct acting antivirals regimen without ribavirin in HCV genotype 1b infected patients with compensated cirrhosis

Anca Leuștean, Victoria Aramă, Alina Orfanu, Remulus Catana, Laurențiu Stratan, Cristina Dragomirescu, Cristina Murariu, Alexandra Badea, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Mihaela Rădulescu, Cristina Popescu

A30 Liver decompensation during ombitasvir-paritaprevir/ritonavir-dasabuvir and ribavirin regimen in HCV infected patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis

Cristina Popescu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Murariu, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Remulus Catană, Alina Orfanu, Raluca Mihaela Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă

A31 The safety of direct acting antivirals in HCV compensated cirrhotic patients - an interim analysis

Victoria Aramă, Remulus Catană, Cristina Dragomirescu, Cristina Murariu, Anca Leuștean, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Alina Orfanu, Anca Negru, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Ioan Diaconu, Violeta Niță, Iulia Bodoșca, Cristina Popescu

A32 The access of patients with HCV compensated cirrhosis to the National Program of therapy with direct acting antivirals

Cristina Popescu, Alexandra Badea, Anca Leuștean, Alina Orfanu, Anca Negru, Laurențiu Stratan, Cristina Dragomirescu, Remulus Catană, Cristina Murariu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Ioan Diaconu, Violeta Niță, Iulia Bodoșca, Victoria Aramă

A33 Severe reactivation of chronic hepatitis B after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues – a case series

Cristina Popescu, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Alexandra Badea, Laurențiu Stratan, Remulus Catană, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă

A34 The dynamic of hematological disorders during direct acting antivirals therapy for HCV compensated cirrhosis

Cristina Popescu, Cristina Murariu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Anca Leuștean, Laurențiu Stratan, Alina Orfanu, Alexandra Badea, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Mihaela Năstase, Ioan Alexandru Diaconu, Iulia Bodoșca, Violeta Niță, Victoria Aramă

A35 Behaviors, attitudes and risk factors for viral hepatitis in international medical students vs. the general population in Romania

Yagmur Erturk, Oana Săndulescu, Alina Cristina Neguț, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Anca Streinu-Cercel

A36 Characteristics of hepatitis C virus reactivation due to immunosuppressive therapy in Romanian HCV infected patients with hematological malignancies

Violeta Molagic, Cătălin Tilișcan, Cristina Popescu, Raluca Mihăilescu, Daniela Munteanu, Raluca Năstase, Anca Negru, Angelica Tenita, Victoria Aramă, Ștefan Sorin Aramă

A37 The dynamic IFN-gamma serum levels during successful peginterferon-a 2a/ribavirin therapy in HCV chronic infection

Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Monica Luminos

A38 Overlapping risk factors for transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV in the general population in Romania

Anca Streinu-Cercel, Oana Săndulescu, Mioara Predescu, Alexandra Mărdărescu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihai Săndulescu, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A39 Acute hepatitis - an uncommon neurological complication

Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Catrinel Olimpia Ciuca, Dalila Ana Toma, Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Cristina Elena Mitu, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Daniela Mitescu, Tudor Gheorghe Vladoiu, Doina Viorica Iovănescu

A40 Regression of liver fibrosis following sustained virological response in patients with chronic HCV infection and cirrhosis

Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Monica Andreea Stoica, Liliana Lucia Preoțescu, Daniela Manolache, Gabriela Jana Ceapraga, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Luminița Bradu, Adina Ilie, Gabriela Mircea, Ionel Durbală, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A41 Preliminary results of treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir of patients with chronic hepatitis C

Irina Russu, Tiberiu Holban, Tatiana Pantilimonov, Galina Chiriacov, Arcadie Macvovei, Elena Scorohodico, Oleg Dmitriev

A42 HIV-syphilis coinfection

Diana Alexandra Costache, Anca Benea, Eliza Manea, Cristian Niculae, Raluca Jipa, Adriana Hristea, Elisabeta Benea, Ruxandra Moroti, Șerban Benea

A43 Thrombophilia – additional risk factor for the evolution of pregnancy in HIV-positive patients

Mihai Mitran, Carmen Georgescu, Loredana Mitran, Simona Vladareanu

A44 The incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in hospitalized HIV infected pediatric Romanian cohort between 1 January - 31 December 2015

Andreea Ioana Magirescu, Viorica Andreev, Cristina Nicolau, Alexandra Largu, Carmen Dorobat, Carmen Manciuc

A45 TB incidence in HIV infected patients during the year of 2015

Viorica Andreev, Andreea Ioana Magirescu, Ina Isac, Cristina Nicolau, Alexandra Largu, Carmen Dorobat, Carmen Manciuc

A46 Retrospective analysis of HIV/AIDS deaths recorded in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, Constanța in the period 01 January 2014–30 June 2016. Epidemiological considerations.

Iulia Gabriela Șerban, Ghiulendan Resul, Consuela Marcaș

A47 Acute liver failure with favorable evolution in an HIV-HBV coinfected patient

Iosif Marincu, Patricia Poptelecan, Bogdan Trincă, Sorina Mitrescu, Anca Tudor, Daliborca Vlad, Livius Tirnea

A48 Lifestyle impact on HIV management

Nurcan Baydaroglu, Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Daniela Manolache, Gabriela Ceapraga, Monica Andreea Stoica, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

49. HIV positive mothers newborns - clinical experience from January 2012 to June 2016

Carmen Manciuc, Mariana Pagute, Cristina Nicolau, Carmen Dorobăț, Alexandra Largu

A50 Rediscovering HIV-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and HIV encephalopathy: clinical suspicion and subsequent brain autopsies

Ioan-Alexandru Diaconu, Laurențiu Stratan, Daniela Ion, Luciana Nichita, Cristina Popescu, Raluca Năstase, Daniela Munteanu, Violeta Molagic, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Alexandra Diaconu, Anca Negru, Alina Orfanu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Remulus Catană, Anca Leuștean, Irina Duport-Dodot, Cristina Murariu, Iulia Bodoșca, Violeta Niță, Alexandra Badea, Victoria Aramă

A51 Antenatal surveillance of pregnant women with risk behavior and its impact on mother-to-child HIV transmission in Romania

Mariana Mărdărescu, Cristina Petre, Marieta Iancu, Rodica Ungurianu, Alina Cibea, Ruxandra Drăghicenoiu, Ana Maria Tudor, Delia Vlad, Sorin Petrea, Carina Matei, Dan Oțelea, Carmen Crăciun, Cristian Anghelina, Alexandra Mărdărescu

A52 Noninvasive assessments (APRI, Fib-4, transient elastography) of fibrosis in patients with HIV and HIV/HBV infection

Elena Dumea, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Sorin Rugină, Lucian Cristian Petcu, Stela Halichidis, Simona Claudia Cambrea

A53 Undetectable HIV viral load – the main goal in the management of HIV-infected patients

Carmen Chiriac, Nina-Ioana Bodnar, Iringo-Erzsebet Zaharia-Kezdi, Cristina Gîrbovan, Andrea Incze, Anca Meda Georgescu

A54 LPS serum levels and correlation with immunological, virological and clinical outcome in HIV infected patients

Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Eugenia Panaitescu, Monica Luminos, Manole Cojocaru

A55 LL37 human cathelicidin serum levels are positively correlated with IFN gamma and alanine aminotransferase level in HCV infection

Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Monica Luminos

A56 Early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a non-compliant HIV/AIDS late presenter patient

Vochita Laurențiu, Vochita Andreia, Opreanu Radu, Trinca Bogdan, Rosca Ovidiu, Marincu Iosif

A57 Evolution of antiretroviral regimens in naϊve patients in 2016

Ramona Zamfir, Alina Angelescu, Alena Andreea Popa, Raluca Jipa, Ruxandra Moroti, Adriana Hristea, Liana Gavriliu, Șerban Benea, Elisabeta Benea

A58 The unfavorable risk factors for HIV infected persons with positive blood cultures hospitalized at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” in 2015

Alena-Andreea Popa, Georgeta Ducu, Daniela Camburu, Alina Cozma, Manuela Podani, Roxana Dumitriu, Liana Gavriliu, Șerban Benea, Elisabeta Benea

A59 Epidemiological aspects of HIV infection in Oltenia region

Andreea Cristina Stoian, Florentina Dumitrescu, Augustin Cupșa, Lucian Giubelan, Irina Niculescu, Loredana Ionescu, Livia Dragonu

A60 HIV risk behaviors and prevalence among patients in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) from Arena center, Bucharest

Adrian Octavian Abagiu, Loredana Nicoleta Stoica, Catrinel Blaga, Archontis Koulosousas, Roxana Ștefănescu, Alice Atomoaie, Florentina Paraschiv, Florin Matache Duna

A61 Therapeutic options in a case of severe psoriasis associated with both HIV infection and hepatitis C virus previously treated with fumaric acid esters

Rodica Olteanu, Roxana Ion, Alexandra Zota, Isra Ennour Jaballah, Lara Mahfoud, Georgeta Preda, Magda Constantin

A62 Prevalence of autoantibodies against gangliosides in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients

Ilinca Nicolae, Corina Daniela Ene, Mădălina Irina Mitran, Vasile Benea, Mircea Tampa, Simona Roxana Georgescu

A63 Subclinical inflammation in HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy – a cross sectional study

Iulia Cristina Bodoșca, Cristina Murariu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă, Cristina Popescu, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Sorin Aramă

A64 Severe Guillain-Barré syndrome occurring after chickenpox with favorable evolution

Iuliana CAramăngiu, Ovidiu Rosca, Monica Cialma, Radu Opreanu, Laurențiu Vochita, Iosif Marincu

A65 Echovirus 30 infection with pulmonary and cardiac complications – case report

Vlad Murărescu, Marilena Palaghiță, Alina Cristina Neguț, Cornel Camburu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A66 Herpetic encephalitis with favorable evolution in an adult immunocompetent patient

Irina Duşan, Patricia Poptelecan, Bogdan Trincă, Sorina Mitrescu, Livius Tirnea, Iosif Marincu

A67 Clinical-evolutional aspects in present-day measles

Narcisa Nicolescu, Alexandru Crișan, Voichița Lăzureanu, Ruxandra Laza, Virgil Musta, Adelina-Raluca Marinescu, Andreea Bîrlad

A68 Pneumococcal superinfection in children with influenza

Victor Daniel Miron, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Daniela Pițigoi, Oana Săndulescu, Monica Luminița Luminos

A69 Varicella complicated with transverse myelitis - case presentation

Monica Luminos, Endis Osman, Magdalena Vasile, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Sabina Șchiopu, Mădălina Merișescu

A70 Clinical forms of enterovirus infections during the summer season of 2016

Monica Luminos, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Endis Osman, Sabina Vintilă, Magda Vasile, Mădălina Merișescu

A71 Face off – HIV and lymphoma – case series presentation

Liana Cătălina Gavriliu, Otilia Elisabeta Benea, Alina Angelescu, Ramona Zamfir, Daniela Camburu, Georgeta Ducu, Alina Cozma, Roxana Dumitriu, Manuela Podani, Șerban Benea, Mihaela Ionică

A72 Coxsackie infection complicated by pancytopenia – pediatric case report

Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adina Stăncescu, Cristina Elena Popescu, Luminița Marin, Diana Zaharia, Cristina Dumitrescu, Lucia Tudor, Sabina Vintilă

A73 Viral respiratory infections in children in the season 2015–2016

Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Anuța Bilașco, Magda Vasile, Mădălina Merișescu, Camelia Kouris, Cristina Negulescu, Endis Osman, Diana-Maria Slavu, Sabina Vintilă, Daniela Pițigoi, Monica Luminos

A75 The severity of A H1N1 Influenza infection in the 2015–2016 season

Cleo Roșculeț, Catrinel Olimpia Ciuca, Dalila Toma, Cătălin Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Mitescu, Doina Iovănescu, Cornel Camburu, Bogdana Manu

A76 Acute respiratory distress syndrome in a child with measles

Ana Vaduva-Enoiu, Ramona Georgiana Stanculete, Adelina Raluca Marinescu, Voichita Elena Lazureanu

A77 Management challenges of right-sided infectious endocarditis in an HIV positive patient – case presentation

Elena-Violeta Niță, Sînziana Dumitru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Anca Ruxandra Negru, Remulus Catană, Ioan Diaconu, Bogdana Manu, Ligia Ionescu, Liliana Ion, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă

A78 Bacterial infection in critical patients with severe A H1N1 influenza virus infection (epidemiology, development, therapeutic decisions)

Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz, Cătălin Apostolescu, Viorica Mitescu, Tudor Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca

A79 Epidemiological aspects of severe acute respiratory infection cases (SARI) in the season 2015–2016, in the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases – Constanța, Romania

Iulia Gabriela Șerban, Marioara Neacșu

A80Overexpression of IL-6 trans signaling pathway in viral infections

Simona Roxana Georgescu, Vasile Benea, Corina Daniela Ene, Mircea Tampa, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Ilinca Nicolae

A81 Acute viral hepatitis B with persistent HBsAg – description and evolution

George Ciprian Pribac, Mirandolina Prisca, Fulvia Ursoiu, Carmen Neamtu, Bogdan Totolici, Coralia Cotoraci, Aurel Ardelean

A82 Prevalence of cervical pathogens in a population of pregnant female patients monitored in a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest, Romania

Simona Elena Albu, Mara Carsote, Beatrice Miclăuș, Diana Mihai, Oana Săndulescu, Cristina Vasiliu

A83 Prevalence of group B Streptococcus during pregnancy in a cohort of patients monitored in a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest, Romania

Cristina Vasiliu, Mara Carsote, Corina Gorgoi, Beatrice Miclăuș, Diana Mihai, Oana Săndulescu, Simona Elena Albu

A84 Infectious hematoma in the gastrocnemius muscle – case presentation

Amelia Blescun, Gelu Breaza

A85 Reflections towards the underexplored HTLV Romanian viral circulation - adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphomas, a case series

Sabina Vintila, Felicia Mihai, Meilin Omer, Cornel Dragan, Daniela Pitigoi

A86 A febrile confusion syndrome with acute onset – case presentation

Mirela Ciucu, Marius-Dan Ionescu, Cristina Roskanovic, Valentina Barbu, Iulian Diaconescu, Florentina Dumitrescu, Irina Niculescu

A87 Retrobulbar optic neuritis in a HIV-positive patient - case report

Mihaela Ionică, Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Alina Cozma, Otilia Elisabeta Benea

A88 A rare presentation of Q fever – case presentation

Alexandra-Sînziana Dumitru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Violeta Niță, Cristina Popescu, Iulia Bodosca, Angelica Tenita, Viorica Ispas, Victoria Aramă

A89 Tinea incognita – case presentation

Vasile Benea, Simona Roxana Georgescu, Mircea Tampa, Diana Oana Leahu, Cristina Maria Safta, Mihaela Anca Benea

A90 Incidence and risk factors associated with TORCH infections during pregnancy

Oana Săndulescu, Octavian Munteanu, Roxana Bohâlțea, Livia Trașcă, Monica Cîrstoiu

A91 Acute respiratory failure in critical patients with sepsis

Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz, Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Viorica Daniela Mitescu, Tudor Gheorghe Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca

A92 Cochleo-vestibular deficit secondary to Granulicatella elegans meningitis

Mădălina Georgescu

A93 Influenza 2015/2016 – clinical, epidemiological and virological characteristics of cases admitted in three infectious diseases hospitals

Daniela Pițigoi, Alina Elena Ivanciuc, Mihaela Lazar, Teodora Ionescu, Carmen Maria Cherciu, Cristina Țecu, Maria Elena Mihai, Maria Nițescu, Rodica Bacruban, Delia Azamfire, Aura Dumitrescu, Elena Ianosik, Daniela Leca, Elena Duca, Andra Teodor, Codrina Bejan, Emanoil Ceaușu, Simin-Aysel Florescu, Corneliu Popescu, Grațiela Târdei, Codrina Juganariu, Emilia Lupulescu

A94 Severe complications of varicella requiring hospitalization in previously healthy children in Brașov county

Ligia Rodina, Maria Elena Cocuz

A95 Clinical forms of Clostridium difficile colitis in children

Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adina Stăncescu, Cristina Elena Popescu, Luminița Marin, Diana Zaharia, Cristina Dumitrescu, Endis Osman

A96 Community-acquired pneumonia – demographic, clinical and etiological aspects

Irina Niculescu, Augustin Cupșa, Iulian Diaconescu, Florentina Dumitrescu, Livia Dragonu, Andreea Stoian, Lucian Giubelan, Cristina Roskanovic

A97 Acute myocarditis in an adult patient with chickenpox - Case report

Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Mihaela Ionica, Otilia-Elisabeta Benea

A98 Caustic oropharyngeal wound with acute group F streptococcal superinfection mimicking diphtheria – case report and differential diagnosis

Maria-Cristina Sîrbu, AnaMaria Dobrotă, Alina Cristina Neguț, Roxana Duda, Rodica Bacruban, Daniela Pițigoi, Cristiana Cerasella Dragomirescu, Daniela Tălăpan, Olga Dorobăț, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Anca Streinu-Cercel

A99 Clostridium difficile infection in HIV-positive patients admitted in the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” in 2015

Mihaela Ionica, Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Alina Cozma, Otilia Elisabeta Benea

A100 Title: Epidemiology of Candida oral infections (stomatitis) in Romania

Sergiu Fendrihan, Ecaterina Scortan, Mircea Ioan Popa

A101 Anthrax case series in south-eastern Romania

Corneliu P Popescu, Șerban N Benea, Andra E Petcu, Adriana Hristea, Adrian Abagiu, Iuliana A Podea, Raluca E Jipa, Georgeta Ducu, Raluca M Hrișcă, Dragoș Florea, Manuela Nica, Eliza Manea, Simona Merișor, Cristian M Nicolae, Simin A Florescu, Irina M Dumitru, Emanoil Ceaușu, Sorin Rugină, Ruxandra V Moroti

A102 Knowledge, risk perception and attitudes of healthcare workers at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” regarding Ebola

Daniela Pițigoi, Teodora Ionescu, Oana Săndulescu, Maria Nițescu, Bogdan Nițescu, Iulia Monica Mustaţă, Sorina Claudia Boldeanu, Florentina Furtunescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A103 A case of abdominopelvic actinomycosis with successful short-term antibiotic treatment

Diana Gabriela Iacob, Simona Alexandra Iacob, Mihaela Gheorghe

A104 A case of pneumonia caused by Raoultella planticola

Iulian Diaconescu, Irina Niculescu, Floretina Dumitrescu, Lucian Giubelan

A105 Vitamin D deficiency and sepsis in childhood

Adriana Slavcovici, Raluca Tripon, Roxana Iubu, Cristian Marcu, Mihaela Sabou, Monica Muntean

A106 The clinical and epidemiological aspects and prophylaxis of Lyme disease among patients who presented with tick bites to the Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital “Toma Ciorbă”

Ion Chiriac, Tiberiu Holban, Liviu Tazlavanu

A107 Drug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV infected patients

Raluca Jipa, Eliza Manea, Roxana Cernat, Kezdi Iringo, Andrei Vâță, Manuela Arbune, Teodora Moisil, Adriana Hristea

A108 Kidney injury molecule-1 and urinary tract infections

Corina-Daniela Ene, Ilinca Nicolae, Roxana Simona Georgescu

A109 The impact of microbiological agents on serum gangliosides in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia

Corina-Daniela Ene, Cosmin-Victor Ene, Roxana Simona Georgescu, Marilena Ciortea , Lucreția Dulgheru, Ilinca Nicolae

A110 Toxocariasis - the experience of the Iași Infectious Diseases Hospital between 2013–2015

Mihaela Cătălina Luca, Ioana-Alina Harja-Alexa, Roxana Nemescu, Mădălina Popazu, Andrei Ștefan Luca

A111 Species of anaerobic Gram-positive cocci involved in odontogenic abscesses

Gabriela Bancescu, Bogdan Dabu, Adrian Bancescu

A112 Clostridium difficile infection recurrences

Eliza Manea, Raluca Jipa, Adriana Hristea

A113 Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal and tuberculous osteodiscitis – case report

Adina Elena Ilie, Săftica-Mariana Pohrib, Alina Cristina Neguț, Maria-Sabina Tache, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Oana Săndulescu, Ion Aurel Iliescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

A114 Severe clinical forms of respiratory syncytial virus infections

Cristina Tecu, Maria-Elena Mihai, Mihaela Lazăr, Carmen Cherciu, Alina Ivanciuc, Daniela Pițigoi, Emilia Lupulescu

A115 Acinetobacter baumannii postoperative sepsis associated with Clostridium difficile enterocolitis in an immune suppressed elderly patient

Mirela Paliu, Manuela Curescu, Bianca Cerbu, Iosif Marincu

A116 Risk factors and their impact on psychopathology and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Romania

Fulvia Ursoiu, Mirandolina Prișcă, George Ciprian Pribac

A117 Antivirals susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in Romania

Maria Elena Mihai, Carmen Maria Cherciu, Alina Elena Ivanciuc, Cristina Tecu, Emilia Lupulescu

A118 Retrospective study of hospitalized cases of sepsis at the Hospital Clinic of Infectious Diseases “Toma Ciorbă”

Irina Bunescu, Tiberiu Holban, Ana Pasnin, Stela Semeniuc, Raisa Popovici, Galina Chiriacov

Proceedings of The 8th Romanian National HIV/AIDS Congress and The 3rd Central European HIV Forum : Sibiu, Romania. 5-7 May 2016

O1 HIV-1 diversity in Bulgaria (current molecular epidemiological picture)

Ivailo Alexiev, Reneta Dimitrova, Anna Gancheva, Asya Kostadinova, Mariyana Stoycheva, Daniela Nikolova, Ivaylo Elenkov

O2 Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general population on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C in Romania

Cătălin Tilișcan, Mioara Predescu, Bogdan Păunescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Oana Săndulescu, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Mădălina Hristache, Lăcrămioara Aurelia Brîndușe, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

O3 The prevalence of human leukocyte antigen-B*57:01 allele carriers and CXCR4 tropism among newly diagnosed HIV infected patients in Serbia

Marija Todorovic, Marina Siljic, Dubravka Salemovic, Valentina Nikolic, Ivana Pesic-Pavlovic, Jovan Ranin, Djordje Jevtovic, Maja Stanojevic

O4 HIV transmission among stable serodiscordant couples from the former Pediatric Cohort follow up in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases

Ana Maria Tudor, Delia Vlad, Mariana Mărdărescu, Sorin Petrea, Cristina Petre, Ruxandra Neagu-Drăghicenoiu, Rodica Ungurianu, Alina Cibea, Odette Chirilă, Cristian Anghelina, Ileana Coserea

O5 Unemployment is associated with syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in Greece

Pantelia-Amalia Krikelli, Eirini Pavlitina, Mina Psichogiou, Demetris Lamnisos, Leslie Williams, Anya Korobchuk, Britt Skaathun, Pavlo Smyrnov, John Schneider, Vana Sypsa, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Angelos Hatzakis, Samuel R. Friedman, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos

O6 Correlation of adipocytokine levels in different types of lipodystrophy in HIV/AIDS patients

Gordana Dragović, Danica Srdić, Al Musalhi Khawla, Ivan Soldatović, Jelena Nikolić, Djordje Jevtović, Devaki Nair

O7 IP10 – a possible biomarker for the progression of HIV infection

Aura Temereanca, Adelina Rosca, Luminita Ene, Benchawa Soontornniyomkij, Carmen Diaconu, Claudia Dita, Cristian Achim, Simona Ruta

O8 A permanent challenge: persistent low viremia in HIV positive patients on ART

Șerban Benea, Ruxandra Moroti, Raluca Jipa, Eliza Manea, Andrada Stan, Elisabeta Benea, Dan Oțelea, Adriana Hristea

O9 Infections in IDUs according to their HIV status

Adriana Hristea, Irina Lăpădat, Raluca Jipa, Ruxandra Moroti, Șerban Benea, Doina Antonică, Irina Panait, Roxana Petre

O10 Trends in combined antiretroviral therapy used in methadone program integrated with HIV care - 20 years of experience

Justyna D. Kowalska, Ewa Pietraszkiewicz, Ewa Grycner, Ewa Firlag-Burkacka, Andrzej Horban

O11 Extracellular cyclophilin A – inflammatory mediator in HIV infected patients

Ovidiu Vlaicu, Leontina Bănică, Simona Paraschiv, Ana-Maria Tudor, Ruxandra Moroti, Dan Oțelea

O12 High cardiovascular disease risk in Serbian population, an issue of concern

Bojana Dimitrijević, Ivan Soldatović, Đorđe Jevtović, Jovana Kusić, Dubravka Salemović, Jovan Ranin, Gordana Dragović

O13 Genotypic rifampicin resistance in HIV/ tuberculosis coinfected patients from a tertiary level infectious diseases hospital

Dragoș Florea, Ioana Bădicuț, Alexandru Rafila, Cornel Camburu, Adriana Histrea, Mihaela Frățilă, Dan Oțelea

O14 Occurrence of residual HCV RNA in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells among patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and/or HCV/HIV coinfection after IFN-based therapy

Ivana Gmizic, Dubravka Salemovic, Ivana Pesic-Pavlovic, Marina Siljic, Valentina Nikolic, Miljana Djonin-Nenezic, Ivana Milosevic, Branko Brmbolic, Maja Stanojevic

O15 Romanian nationwide screening for infection with HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses

Anca Streinu-Cercel, Oana Săndulescu, Alina Cristina Neguț, Mioara Predescu, Alexandra Mărdărescu, Mihai Săndulescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel

O16 Treatment emergent variants to combined direct antiviral agents therapy against hepatitis C virus

Ana Belen Pérez, Natalia Chueca, Marta Álvarez, Juan Carlos Alados, Antonio Rivero, Francisco Vera, Marcial Delgado, Javier Salmeron, Miguel Jiménez, Maria José Blanco, Moises Diago, Miguel Garcia-deltoro, Marta Alvarez, Francisco Téllez, Federico García

O17 Clinical and epidemiological aspects in tuberculosis/HIV coinfected patients

Diana Tănase, Eliza Manea, Rodica Bacruban, Dragoș Florea, Dan Oțelea, Alexandru Rafila, Mariana Mărdărescu, Adriana Hristea

O18 Resistance to NS3 protease inhibitors in persons with chronic hepatitis C infected with hepatitis C virus subtype 1a from Croatia

Ivana Grgic, Ana Planinic, Maja Santak, Lana Gorenec, Snjezana Zidovec Lepej, Adriana Vince

O19 Analysis of a simplified diagnostic score for tuberculous meningitis in HIV-infected adults with meningitis

Eliza Manea, Adriana Hristea, Șerban Benea, Ruxandra Moroti, Diana Tănase, Cristian M. Niculae, Simona Merisor, Raluca Jipa

O20 Molecular tracing of the origin of HIV-1 infection among persons who inject drugs in Athens: a phyloethnic study

Dimitrios Paraskevis, Evangelia Kostaki, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos, Vana Sypsa, Mina Psichogiou, Dimitra Paraskeva, Athanassios Skoutelis, Meni Malliori, Samuel R. Friedman, Angelos Hatzakis

O21 The dynamics of virological response to HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy initiation in patients with and without HLA-B*5701 Allele

Malgorzata Hackiewicz, Piotr Zabek, Ewa Firlag-Burkacka, Andrzej Horban, Justyna Dominika Kowalska

O22 Increase in the numbers of non-B subtypes and potential recombinant forms circulating among Slovenian MSM in the recent years

Maja M. Lunar, Jana Mlakar, Mario Poljak

O23 Genotyping intrahost polymorphisms in hepatitis C virus E2 protein associated with resistance to antibody neutralization

Leontina Bănică, Eliza Martin, Valeriu Gheorghiță, Andrei Petrescu, Dan Oțelea, Costin-Ioan Popescu, Simona Paraschiv

O24 Genotyping of HCV NS3 protease inhibitors resistance and phenotyping of rare double resistance mutations in HCV cell culture system

Emil Neaga, Vlaicu Ovidiu, Andrei Juncu, Leontina Bănică, Simona Paraschiv, Dan Oțelea, Costin-Ioan Popescu

O25 Employment status controls the relationship between neurocognitive impairment and depression in a cohort of young HIV-infected adults since childhood

Adrian Luca, Florin Lazăr, Anca Elena Luca, Luminița Ene, Cristian Achim

O26 Predictors of survival in parenterally-infected HIV positive children and youth diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Cosmina Gingăraş, Ștefan Adrian Anton, Roxana Rădoi, Simona Tetradov, Grațiela Țârdei, Maria Nica, Razvan Alexandru Capşa, Cristian L. Achim, Cristiana Oprea, Luminița Ene

O27 Neurocognitive and brain functioning in HIV-infected young MSM treated with cART

Bogna Szymańska, Natalia Gawron, Agnieszka Pluta, Emilia Łojek, Ewa Firląg – Burkacka, Andrzej Horban, Robert Bornstein, et HARMONIA3 Study Group

O28 Clinical value of RT-PCR detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in cerebrospinal fluid

Olivia Burcoș, Simona Manuela Erscoiu, Filofteia Bănicioiu Cojanu, Andreea Toderan, Maria Nica, Ionuț Cristian Popa, Emanoil Ceaușu, Petre Iacob Calistru

O29 Characteristics of sleep disorders in Romanian adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Manuela Arbune, Mirela Alexandrache, Anca-Adriana Arbune, Doina-Carina Voinescu

O30 Diagnosing neuroHIV: the rift between clinicians and pathologists

Ioan-Alexandru Diaconu, Laurențiu Stratan, Victoria Aramă, Luciana Nichita, Alexandra Diaconu, Anca Negru, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Daniela Adriana Ion

O31 A challenging neurological complication in a HIV-infected young woman with multiple opportunistic infections

Irina Ianache, Cristiana Oprea

O32 Brain abscess with uncertain etiology in a late-presenter HIV infected patient

Anca Leuștean, Cristina Popescu, Alina Orfanu, Anca Negru, Remulus Catana, Cristina Murariu, Ioan-Alexandru Diaconu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă

O33 Cerebral toxoplasmosis and left crural monoparesis with fatal evolution in a noncompliant patient with AIDS C3

Iosif Marincu, Patricia Poptelecan, Valeria Bică, Florin Lazăr, Livius Tirnea

O34 Opportunistic infections still a problem in HIV-infected patients in cART era: a Romanian single center experience

Irina Ianache, Roxana Rădoi, Manuela Nica, Grațiela Țârdei, Luminița Ene, Emanoil Ceaușu, Petre Calistru, Cristiana Oprea

P1: Epidemiological aspects of co-infection of HIV/TB in Moldova

Iurie Osoianu, Ala Halacu

P2 Perinatal exposure at HIV infection in Oltenia region

Andreea Cristina Stoian, Florentina Dumitrescu, Iulian Diaconescu, Augustin Cupșa, Lucian Giubelan, Loredana Ionescu, Irina Niculescu

P3 Women living with HIV in Mureș county

Carmen Chiriac, Nina Șincu, Iringo Zaharia Kezdi, Anca Georgescu, Brândușa Țilea, Cristina Girbovan, Andrea Incze, Andrea Fodor

P4 Late diagnosis of HIV infection in children - a challenge for Romania

Alina Cibea, Mariana Mărdărescu, Cristina Petre, Ruxandra Drăghicenoiu, Rodica Ungurianu, Ana Maria Tudor, Delia Vlad, Carina Matei

P5 Cirrhosis Assessment in Patients Co-infected HIV-Hepatitis B Virus

Elena Dumea, Lucian Cristian Petcu, Simona Claudia Cambrea

P6 HIV late presenters in Craiova Regional Center, Romania

Florentina Dumitrescu, Augustin Cupsa, Andreea Cristina Stoian, Lucian Giubelan, Irina Niculescu, Iulian Diaconescu, Dan Hurezeanu, Livia Dragonu, Mioara Cotulbea

P7 Some aspects of malignancies in patients HIV / AIDS

Simona Manuela Erscoiu, Ionuț Cristian Popa, Denisa Stroie, Petronela Ionescu, Nedeea Duță, Camelia Dobrea, Irina Voican, Emanoil Ceaușu, Petre Iacob Calistru

P8 Factors associated with resilience among people living with HIV in Romania

Florin Lazăr

P9 Fever in HIV-infected patients: a thorny problem to be solved by the clinicians

Lucian Giubelan, Augustin Cupșa, Iulian Diaconescu, Florentina Dumitrescu, Dan Hurezeanu, Livia Dragonu, Irina Niculescu, Andreea Cristina Stoian, Oana Obretin, Mariana Stănescu, Mihai Jianu

P10 Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17 and Th22 cytokines in acute and chronic HIV-1 infection

Lana Gorenec, Snjezana Zidovec Lepej, Ivana Grgic, Ana Planinic, Janja Iscic Bes, Adriana Vince, Josip Begovac

P11 Dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients treated with protease inhibitors – case report

Luminița Elena Horga

P12 Why use less treatment for the metabolic abnormalities in HIV patients-too many drugs?

Corina Itu, Luminița Elena Horga, Laura Augusta David-Aldea, Anca Ciorogar, Cristian Jianu, Mihaela Lupșe

P13 Sacral Herpes Zoster, with hyperalgesic form, in a patient with C3 stage HIV infection

Iuliana Caramangiu, Ovidiu Roșca, Monica Cialma, Andreea Ardeleanu, Iosif Marincu

P14 Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in tuberculous and cryptococcal meningitis

Raluca Jipa, Eliza Manea, Șerban Benea, Irina Lăpădat, Nicoleta Irimescu, Irina Panait, Cristian Niculae, Adriana Hristea

P15 Lipodystrophy: still present adverse event in resource-limited settings

Jovana Kusic, Djordje Jevtovic, Dubravka Salemovic, Jovan Ranin, Bozana Dimitrijevic, Gordana Dragovic

P16 TB and HIV coinfected patient, an emergent challenge - case report

Laura-Augusta Aldea-David

P17 Efficacy of prophylactic antiretroviral treatment in new-born infants from HIV-positive mothers in 2012-2014, for the North-Eastern part of Romania

Carmen Manciuc, Cristina Nicolau, Liviu Prisăcariu, Alexandra Largu

P18 Surveillance of mother to child transmission of HIV in Romania – 31 December 2015

Mariana Mărdărescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Cristina Petre, Marieta Iancu, Sanda Vintilă, Daniela Vitelaru, Iosif Ionel, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Alexandra-Henriette Mărdărescu

P19 The antiretroviral therapy failure and the need to select the effective treatment in the Republic of Moldova

Pavel Micsanschi, Tiberiu Holban, Ina Bîstrițchi, Lucia Pârțână, Angela Nagîț, Svetlana Popovici, Maria Talmaci, Irina Cucerova

P20 Disseminated cryptococcosis in a patient with C3 HIV stage and multiresistant to antiretroviral therapy with lethal evolution

Sorina Georgiana Mitrescu, Dana Mihalcea, Iulia Caramangiu, Ovidiu Roșca, Iosif Maricu

P21 Aspects of tuberculosis infection in HIV-positive patients from Romania – our experience

Anca Negru, Daniela Munteanu, Victoria Aramă, Raluca Mihăilescu, Ioan Diaconu, Remulus Catana, Cristina Popescu, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Mihaela Rădulescu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Irina Duport, Cristina Dragomirescu, Ștefan Sorin Aramă

P22 Dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients

Nicoleta M Negruț

P23 Challenges in the management of an HIV seropositive patient with psoriasis undergoing immunomodulator therapy

Violeta Elena Niță, Daniela Ioana Munteanu, Raluca Mihăilescu, Ioan Diaconu, Anca Negru, Cristina Popescu, Victoria Aramă

P24 Acute peritonitis as a sign of IRIS in an HIV-infected patient with MAC latent infection

Alina Orfanu, Cristina Popescu, Anca Leuștean, Anca Negru, Remulus Catana, Ioan Diaconu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă, Sorin Ștefan Aramă

P25 The virologic outcome of the treatment of chronic hepatitis B among HIV co-infected patients on HAART

Ivana Pesic Pavlovia, Dubravka Salemovic, Jovan Ranin, Djordje Jevtovic

P26 A case of HIV encephalopathy with aphasia, agnosia, apraxia and right homonymous hemianopsia

Ovidiu Roșca, Andreea Ardeleanu, Iulia Caramangiu, Daniela Desaga, Valerica Bică, Sorina Mitrescu, Iosif Marincu

P27 Molecular footprints on human immunodeficiency virus -1 genome and association with phylogenetic clustering among subtype B infected patients in Serbia

Marina Siljic, Dubravka Salemovic, Valentina Nikolic, Djordje Jevtovic, Ivana Pesic-Pavlovic, Jovan Ranin, Marija Todorovic , Maja Stanojevic

P28 Neurosyphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infection: double challenge

Nina-Ioana Șincu, Anca Georgescu, Brândușa Țilea, Iringo Zaharia Kezdi, Andrea Incze, Cristina Gârbovan, Carmen Lucia Chiriac

P29 Differences between HIV-infected adults since childhood and non HIV-infected persons on managing everyday life

Anca Elena Luca, Florin Lazăr, Adrian Luca, Luminița Ene, Roxana Rădoi, Adina Talnariu, Silvia Suciu, Cristian Achim

P30 Molecular detection of Bartonella quintana in a HIV immunodepressed patient with fever and isolated lymphadenopathy - Case report

Diana Gabriela Iacob, Dragoș Florea, Simona Iacob

P31 Present epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS newly diagnosed cases in South-Eastern Romania

Manuela Arbune, Miruna Drăgănescu, Alina Iancu

P32 The gender’s preferences among opportunists?

Ruxandra Moroti, Cristian M Niculae, Simona Merisor, Eliza Manea, Serban Benea, Andrada Stan, Raluca Hrisca, Raluca Jipa, Diana Tanase, Adriana Hristea

P33 Polymorphism of interleukin-28B gene in persons with chronic hepatitis C from Croatia

Ivana Grgic, Ana Planinic, Lana Gorenec, Snjezana Zidovec Lepej, Adriana Vince

Variations in the expression of TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in cutaneous melanoma with regression and their possible function as prognostic predictors

Regression in melanoma is a frequent biological event of uncertain prognostic value as the lesion exhibits heterogeneous phenotypical features, both at the morphological and immunohistochemical level. In the present study, we examined the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3) in melanoma with regression. We specifically examined the expression levels of these TIMPs in regressed components (RC) and non-regressed components (NRC) of the tumor and compared their expression levels with those in non-regressed melanomas. We found that TIMP1 was overexpressed in the NRC of melanomas with partial regression (PR) compared with the NRC in melanomas with segmental regression (SR) (P=0.011). TIMP2 was overexpressed in the NRC of melanomas with PR compared with the NRC in melanomas with SR (PR/SR, P=0.009); or compared with the NRC in melanomas with simultaneous SR-PR (P=0.002); or compared with melanomas without regression (absence of regression) (P=0.037). Moreover, TIMP3 was overexpressed in the NRC of all melanomas with SR as compared to the RC component (P=0.007). Our findings on the differential expression of TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in melanomas with regression support the hypothesis that the morphological differences identified in the melanoma regression spectrum may have a correlation with prognosis. This may explain the controversial findings within the literature concerning the biological and prognostic role of regression in melanoma.

Diagnosing HIV-associated cerebral diseases - the importance of Neuropathology in understanding HIV

The study aims to compare two aspects concerning the diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated central nervous system (CNS) pathology (neuroAIDS): clinical diagnoses issued ante mortem with pathology results issued post mortem. The group of 39 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients was created over 23 years and is limited by marked heterogeneity. The enrolled cases were treated at the "Prof. Dr. Matei Bals" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania, deceased due to AIDS-related complications and underwent brain necropsies performed in the Pathology Laboratory at the "Colentina" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest. The level of superposition between clinical and the necroptic diagnoses of neurological AIDS-associated diseases was: 60% for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), 50% for cerebral cryptococcosis, 33% for cerebral toxoplasmosis, 20% for cerebral lymphoma, null for cerebral tuberculosis, HIV encephalopathy (HIVE), neurosyphilis and cytomegalovirus cerebral infection. Half of the cases without an AIDS-associated CNS lesion were previously clinically overdiagnosed. We observed that the rate of overdiagnosis concerning an AIDS-associated cerebral illness has risen from 36% in 1993 to 124% in 2015, an elevation with statistical relevance [p=0.037, confidence interval (CI) 95%]. The rate of underdiagnosis has slowly risen from 24% in 1993 to 40% in 2015, however, with no statistical relevance. The rate of clinical confirmation has been stagnant in linear regression from 1993 to 2015. The results of our study reveal a gap between ante mortem and post mortem diagnoses, with many instances of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of several major AIDS-associated CNS illnesses, highlighting the need for a more detailed, multidisciplinary approach of neuroAIDS.

Expression Profile of p53 and p21 in Large Bowel Mucosa as Biomarkers of Inflammatory-Related Carcinogenesis in Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease that slightly increases the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with long-standing extended disease. Overexpression of p53 and p21 in colonic epithelia is usually detected in UC patients when no dysplasia is histologically seen and it is used by pathologists as a discriminator between regenerative changes and intraepithelial neoplasia, as well as a tissue biomarker useful to predict the risk of evolution toward malignancy. We present a one-year prospective observational study including a cohort of 45 patients with UC; p53 and p21 were evaluated in epithelial cells. p53 was positive in 74 samples revealed in 5% to 90% of epithelial cells, while 63 biopsies had strong positivity for p21 in 5% to 50% of epithelial cells. Architectural distortion was significantly correlated with p53 overexpression in epithelial cells. Thus, we consider that architectural distortion is a good substitute for p53 and p21 expression. We recommend use of p53 as the most valuable tissue biomarker in surveillance of UC patients, identifying the patients with higher risk for dysplasia. Association of p21 is also recommended for a better quantification of risk and for diminishing the false-negative results.

Evaluation of histologic features with potential prognostic value in ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a complex, heterogeneous, idiopathic, inflammatory, chronic entity with common clinical, endoscopical and histological features including some well-defined diseases (UC and CD), but also a group of indeterminate colitis. Ulcerative colitis is the most frequent and prominent member of IBD. The current study is trying to evaluate the impact of various histologic features on UC's evolution and outcome--an issue that has generated considerable interest in the academical environment. We gathered a cohort of 20 consecutive patients with positive clinical, endoscopical, histologic and imagistic diagnosis of UC who were prospectively enrolled for close clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and histologic surveillance. Every patient underwent an ileo-colonoscopy and multiple biopsies were taken from inflamed and normal areas of the mucosa. All these procedures were repeated after a year (12 months) of follow-up. This study is presenting the correlation between Mayo score for assessment of ulcerative colitis activity and several histologic features: Geboes histologic score for ulcerative colitis, basal plasmacytosis and vascular lesions using Pearson correlation test. The most promising prognosis value has basal plasmacytosis, confirming previous studies. These data emphasize the need of a more complex, clinical, endoscopic and histologic system of semi-quantitative assessment of UC lesions in order to stratify patients according to their risk to relapse.

Long-standing ulcerative colitis complicated with mantle-cell lymphoma transformed in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Its etiology and pathogenesis are incompletely elucidated, although there are many studies concerning these problems. Chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive treatment are risk factors for epithelial and lymphoid malignancies. We present a case of a 39-year-old man who died after a long-standing untreated UC complicated with mantle cell colonic lymphoma and then with transformation towards a high grade diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Multiple colonic biopsies were collected in various moments of the disease. Microscopic and immunohistochemical features are comparatively presented. This case emphasizes the importance of constant surveillance for UC patients and reaffirms the role of multidisciplinary approach in UC management.

The influence of Helicobacter pylori presence on the immunophenotype of inflammatory infiltrate in gastric diseases

The first medical hypothesis about the possible relationship between chronic inflammatory response and carcinogenesis belongs to Virchow and it was published in 1893. In these days, multiple studies demonstrate the certain involvement of chronic inflammation as trigger of progression towards malignancy. The fact that in 1994, the International Agency for Research on Cancer considered Helicobacter pylori as first class carcinogenic agent, is postulating the existence of the pathogenical chain carcinogenesis, of chronic inflammatory lesions as it was described by Correa, as a first step. Our study including 75 patients who underwent surgical procedures for gastric lesions uses immunohistochemical studies for lymphocytes phenotyping, to identify the nature of inflammatory cells involved, correlating the results with the presence of Helicobacter pylori. We tried to bring new information needed for establish to what extent the chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa is a response to the presence of bacteria and is implicated in tumorigenesis. We used T cells antibodies: CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD57, GranzymeB and B cells antibodies: Cd20 and CD23. Our results revealed the presence of immune cellular response to Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa, based on T helper, cytotoxic and NK cells. B cells have a minor role in this response. CD4+ cells seem to be involved in local protection response as well as in carcinogenesis, while CD8+ have a minor or no role in carcinogenesis.

Dendritic cells--immunodeficiency virus (HIV): early interactions

Since 1973, when Steinman and Cohn highlighted the importance of dendritic cells as mediators of immunity, a large series of subsequent researches have been registered concerning these amazing cells and their implications in different pathologies. Although in small number, they are widely distributed and represent crucial elements in immune responses against pathogens. Data gathered in the last period, mostly based on in vitro studies, helped us understand the early events of HIV-host interactions, the important roles of dendritic cells in this phase, but fails to fully explain the complex mechanisms underlying these interactions, such as the ways developed by HIV to evade the immune system and to facilitate viral dissemination. Improved knowledge of these mechanisms may provide a basis in the attempt to find new therapeutic targets and elaborate immunologic therapies.

Carcinogenesis and infection with Helicobacter pylori

It was accepted several years ago that, in the carcinogenesis process of human cancers, biologic agents, especially the viruses, are playing an etiologic role. This is the case of lymphomas (retroviruses), hepatocarcinoma (hepatic viruses) and cervical carcinoma (papilloma viruses). Helicobacter pylori is the first bacteria recognized as a first class carcinogen for gastric cancer. Nevertheless, comparing with the most validated human carcinogens, the activity of H. pylori is very little studied. As a consequence, at this moment, in its case, explanation of carcinogenesis mechanism is more or less hypothetical.

Oral epithelial hyperplasia in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is one of the chronic systemic disorders with major influences of the oral cavity microenvironment. Oral manifestations of diabetes are diverse; they are represented by candidose, lichen plan, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, gingivitis, salivary disorders, oral mucosa atrophy and rarely hypertrophy; a possible link between oral cancer and diabetes is suspected, both in animal models and humans. We report a case of a young woman with type 1 diabetes with class I Kennedy edentation with mobile denture prosthesis; latter in the clinical follow-up, a hyperplasic lesion of the oral mucosa with p53 expression within the epithelial nuclei was identified, p53 being the more likely pathogenic pathway involved in diabetes-related oral cancer. The approach of this patient required multidisciplinary investigations and careful follow-up.

Cutaneous metastases of malignant melanoma--how difficult can it be?

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin neoplasms with histopathological-based therapeutic approach. Unfortunately, in some cases, even the elementary issue of dealing with a primary or metastatic lesion may be sometimes incredible difficult to settle. We studied 11 cases of malignant melanomas that required careful histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis to differentiate between primary and secondary tumor. We evaluated epidermotropism of primary MM including synchronous tumors, local recurrences and metastases.