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This study investigated the performance of 24 commercial disinfectants present on the market during last year according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Recently, national and international organizations of public health performed studies on disinfection products due to the increasing awareness of the potential and growing risks on human health, such as skin damage and reactions in the mucosal lining, especially for the healthcare workers in their frequent daily use. However, there are many limitations in the common cleaning/disinfection products on market as in the selection of effective disinfectants to decontaminate inanimate surfaces. We analyzed the disinfection power of hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes used as active principles according to international guidelines. The antimicrobial properties were assessed by broth microdilution, and antibiofilm properties against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ); their virucidal efficacy was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The quaternary ammonium compounds demonstrated better efficacy than others and in some cases ready to use products had also virucidal and antimicrobial activities after dilution at 0.125%. The scientific evidence indicates that many commercial products are used at high concentrations and high doses and this could have deleterious effects both on human health and the environment. A lower concentration of active ingredients would avoid the excessive release of chemicals into the environment and improve skin tolerance, ensuring the health and safety protection of workers, including the healthcare operators at their workplace.

Background/Objectives: The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of human health, playing a vital role in metabolism, immunity, and disease susceptibility. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), as well as extraintestinal conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review aims to provide an updated overview of emerging therapeutic strategies to modulate the gut microbiota to restore eubiosis and improve health outcomes. Methods: A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies investigating microbiota-targeted therapies. The review primarily covers innovative interventional approaches, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), bacterial consortium transplantation (BCT), bacteriophage therapy and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Results: Evidence supports the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in remodeling microbial communities and improving host health, although their effects may be strain- and context-dependent. FMT has demonstrated high efficacy in the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and is being studied for IBD, IBS and extraintestinal diseases, following the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of the first commercial FMT products. BCT offers a standardized alternative to donor-derived material, with early clinical successes such as FDA-approved SER-109. Phage therapy and OMVs represent promising frontiers, offering targeted microbial modulation and interactions with the immune system, although clinical data remain limited. Conclusions: Emerging gut microbiota modulation strategies offer new perspectives for precision medicine and could transform the prevention and treatment of many diseases, but further studies are needed to ensure their safety, standardization, and clinical application.

Background: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as increasing environmental and public health concerns. Dentistry contributes to this exposure through polymer-based materials and personal oral care products. This review summarizes the current evidence on the sources, release mechanisms, physicochemical properties, and toxicological and biological effects of MNPs derived from dental sources and oral care products, as well as the synergistic effects of MNP oral exposure with environmental exposure. Methods: An electronic search was performed across the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies investigating the source, release mechanisms, physico/chemical properties, and toxicological/biological impact of MNPs related to dental materials, oral care products, and the synergic effects of MNPs oral and environmental exposure. Results: MNPs are released in the dental setting from resin-based composites, clear aligners, and prosthetic and impression materials through degradation, wear, and handling processes. Home-use products like toothpastes, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwashes contribute to chronic oral exposure. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring studies supports the biological activity and systemic distribution of MNPs. Despite this, clinical awareness remains limited, and regulatory oversight insufficient. Conclusions: Dentistry is both a source and vector of MNP exposure. Encouraging the use of safer, MNP-free materials, and raising awareness among dental professionals, may support more responsible and health-conscious practices. Further research and alignment with global policy strategies could help guide future innovation and risk mitigation in the dental field.

This review highlights the different modes of synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from their elemental state to particle format and their mechanism of action against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens. Various studies have demonstrated that the AgNPs cause oxidative stress, protein dysfunction, membrane disruption, and DNA damage in bacteria, ultimately leading to bacterial death. AgNPs have also been found to alter the adhesion of bacterial cells to prevent biofilm formation. The benefits of using AgNPs in medicine are, to some extent, counter-weighted by their toxic effect on humans and the environment. In this review, we have compiled recent studies demonstrating the antibacterial activity of AgNPs, and we are discussing the known mechanisms of action of AgNPs against bacterial pathogens. Ongoing clinical trials involving AgNPs are briefly presented. A particular focus is placed on the mechanism of interaction of AgNPs with bacterial biofilms, which are a significant pathogenicity determinant. A brief overview of the use of AgNPs in other medical applications (e.g., diagnostics, promotion of wound healing) and the non-medical sectors is presented. Finally, current drawbacks and limitations of AgNPs use in medicine are discussed, and perspectives for the improved future use of functionalized AgNPs in medical applications are presented.

DNA and RNA methylation are essential epigenetic modifications that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cellular processes. Methylation is also significant in viral infections, influencing various stages of the viral life cycle and immune evasion. In this study, we investigated the antiviral potential of sinefungin, a potent methyltransferase inhibitor, against Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and SARS-CoV-2. The cytotoxic effect of sinefungin was evaluated on VERO-76 cells by exposing them to concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 200 μg/mL for 24 h. The MTT assay results indicated that sinefungin reduced cell viability by approximately 21.7% at the highest concentration tested, with a CC50 above 200 μg/mL. Our results demonstrated that sinefungin exhibited significant antiviral activity against both HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, with IC50 values of 49.5 ± 0.31 μg/mL for HSV-1 and 100.1 ± 2.61 μg/mL for SARS-CoV-2. These results suggest that sinefungin may be a promising therapeutic candidate for treating viral infections, particularly those involving methylation-dependent processes.

The COVID-19 lockdown had significant consequences on the mental health of millions of people, leading to the increasing prescription and use of psychotropic drugs. Due to the lack of data in the current literature, this study aims to estimate the trends in the consumption of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants before and during the pandemic on people in the South Italian region. We conducted a retrospective observational study, retrieving prescriptions of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants dispensed in pharmacies of the Basilicata region (South Italy) for the period 2019–2021. We presented the data, expressed in Daily Defined Doses (DDDs) for 1000 persons/day (DHD), on a total resident population of 95,021, dividing the age groups into categories <30, 30–50, 50–70, and >70 years. We conducted a linear regression model to examinate consumption trends across years. Software XLSTAT was used for statistical analysis. During the study period, more than 85,000 boxes of psychotropic medications were dispensed. The research showed an increase in the sales of all three categories of drugs examined, with a greater rise in benzodiazepines (88.5%) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (81.9%) in 2021 compared to 2019, especially among women under 30 years. The COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs, confirming the significant impact on the population’s mental health.

Background/Objectives: Hospital environmental contamination represents a significant source of healthcare-associated infections, yet standardized monitoring approaches are still inconsistent globally. This scoping review aimed to find and assess various tools and strategies used to monitor hospital environmental cleaning and disinfection practices, mapping current evidence and finding research gaps to inform evidence-based recommendations for healthcare facilities. Methods: Following PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines, we conducted comprehensive searches on PubMed and Scopus databases from 2010–2025 using terms related to environmental monitoring, surface sampling, air sampling, and infection control in hospital settings. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria; data were extracted using standardized forms and synthesized narratively, organizing findings by monitoring approach categories. Results: These studies revealed diverse monitoring approaches including fluorescent markers (22.2%), ATP bioluminescence assays (33.3%), microbiological methods (44.4%), and direct observation techniques (27.8%). MRSA was the most frequently targeted pathogen (55.6%), with limited attention to Gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms and fungi. Studies showed significant variability in pass/fail thresholds (ATP: 50–500 RLU) and lack of standardized benchmarks. Recent research (50% post-2021) increasingly incorporates molecular techniques and digital technologies, though implementation remains resource intensive. Conclusions: A multimodal approach combining visual inspection, ATP assays, and microbiological methods appears most effective for comprehensive environmental monitoring. Critical gaps include lack of standardized thresholds, limited pathogen diversity focus, and insufficient integration of emerging digital technologies. Future research should focus on setting universal standards, expanding pathogen coverage, and assessing cost-effective monitoring strategies, all while ensuring legal compliance with hygiene regulations to enhance patient safety.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal complaints. Clinical observations and preliminary metabolomic data suggest a possible link between symptom severity and intestinal dysbiosis, including fungal overgrowth. This study investigates whether a carb-free oloproteic diet can beneficially modulate the gut microbiota in FM patients. Thirty-four female patients with diagnosed FM were enrolled in a controlled, parallel-arm nutritional intervention. Group FM1 (n = 22) followed a 45-day carb-free oloproteic diet followed by a 45-day low-glycemic (LOGI) diet. Group FM2 (n = 12) received a continuous LOGI diet for 90 days. They were collected at baseline (T0), after 45 days (T45), and at 90 days (T90). Microbial profiles were analyzed by 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing to assess bacterial and fungal composition. In FM1, the oloproteic phase led to a marked reduction in fungal abundance (Ascomycota) and an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. These changes were partially reversed after the LOGI phase. In FM2, no significant microbiota shifts were observed. Clinical improvements paralleled microbiota modulation only in FM1. The carb-free oloproteic diet may support gut microbial rebalancing in FM, particularly through transient suppression of fungal overgrowth. These findings support further investigation into nutritional strategies targeting dysbiosis in FM management.

Background/Objectives: Long COVID is a condition that was initially recognized by social support groups, and later by the scientific and medical communities. It affects COVID-19 survivors at various levels of severity, including young people, children and non-hospitalized people. Although the exact definition is unclear, the most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath, which persist for months. Other symptoms include cognitive impairment, pain, palpitations, and gastrointestinal and heart problems. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a questionnaire designed to examine the development and effects of long COVID. Methods: A questionnaire, composed of three sections, with a total of 24 items, was administered to subjects who had recovered from the COVID-19 disease in Italy. Data were collected from February to April 2025, and a statistical analysis was performed using R® statistical software for Windows, version 4.3.3. Cronbach’s alpha was tested to check internal consistency. The questionnaire was completed voluntarily and anonymously by 250 individuals who had recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The questionnaire was self-administered and had open and structured questions. Results: The highest value of Cronbach’s alpha was found on 18 items (alpha = 0.97), which means that the questionnaire has satisfactory internal validity. Conclusions: This study highlights and confirms the continuity of symptoms manifested during the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-COVID-19 phase and the significant impact of these symptoms on daily life activities. Given its excellent reliability properties and high internal consistency, the instrument is recommended for future longitudinal studies and with large cohorts in order to carry out valid and replicable measurements of COVID-19 symptomatology.

Acinetobacter baumanni (A. baumannii) is a well-known pathogen associated with antimicrobial-resistant infections. It is a major cause of nosocomial infections and is frequently associated with polymicrobial and antibiotic-resistant infections. This study investigates the frequency of A. baumannii infections, its antimicrobial resistance profile and the main co-pathogens isolated in respiratory samples at the San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona Hospital in 2015–2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and 2020–2023 (during/post-COVID-19 pandemic). Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK® 2 system (2015–2019), while identification was carried out with MALDI-TOF MS starting from 2020. A total of 1679 strains were isolated between 2015 and 2019, and 1186 between 2020 and 2023, with significantly higher frequencies in males 61–80 and females 71–80. A. baumannii was isolated predominantly from respiratory specimens, derived predominantly in intensive care units (ICUs). The antimicrobial resistance rates of A. baumannii were above 90% for gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, imipenem and ciprofloxacin, while colistin resistance was less than 1% (0.95%) in pre-pandemic and alarmingly increased during/post pandemic period (6.1%). A. baumannii was most frequently associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in respiratory tract infections. A. baumannii represents a serious global health threat due to its extensive antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance, detailed strain characterization, and development of new antimicrobial agents.