Bioactive lipids as biomarkers of adverse reactions associated with apheresis platelet concentrate transfusion.

Platelet concentrate (PC) transfusion seeks to provide haemostasis in patients presenting severe central thrombocytopenia or severe bleeding. PCs may induce adverse reactions (AR) that can occasionally be severe (SAR). PCs contain active biomolecules such as cytokines and lipid mediators.

YAP promotes cell-autonomous immune responses to tackle intracellular Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

Transcriptional cofactors YAP/TAZ have recently been found to support autophagy and inflammation, which are part of cell-autonomous immunity and are critical in antibacterial defense. Here, we studied the role of YAP against Staphylococcus aureus using CRISPR/Cas9-mutated HEK293 cells and a primary cell-based organoid model. We found that S.

Lipidomic analysis of differently prepared platelet concentrates in additive solution during storage.

Background: Structural and biochemical changes in stored platelets are influenced by collection and processing methods. Lesions may appear during platelet concentrate storage, some of which may be involved in adverse transfusion reactions. The preparation and storage of platelet concentrates (PC) may modify and even damage the lipid mediator content.

Platelets as Key Factors in Inflammation: Focus on CD40L/CD40.

Platelets are anucleate cytoplasmic fragments derived from the fragmentation of medullary megakaryocytes. Activated platelets adhere to the damaged endothelium by means of glycoproteins on their surface, forming the platelet plug. Activated platelets can also secrete the contents of their granules, notably the growth factors contained in the α-granules, which are involved in platelet aggregation and maintain endothelial activation, but also contribute to vascular repair and angiogenesis.

Comparison of bacterial filtration efficiency vs. particle filtration efficiency to assess the performance of non-medical face masks.

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facemasks has become commonplace. The performance of medical facemasks is assessed using Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) tests. However, as BFE tests, require specific expertise and equipment and are time-consuming, the performance of non-medical facemasks is assessed with non-biological Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) tests which are comparatively easier to implement.

YAP/TAZ: Key Players for Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity by Driving Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes Phenotype and Fibro-Inflammatory Response.

Objective: The role of YAP/TAZ, two transcriptional co-activators involved in several cancers, was investigated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with RA or osteoarthritis were cultured in 2D or into 3D synovial organoids. Arthritis rat model (n=28) and colitis mouse model (n=21) were used.

Improved Enzyme Protection Assay to Study Staphylococcus aureus Internalization and Intracellular Efficacy of Antimicrobial Compounds.

Staphylococcus aureus expresses virulence factors to trigger its internalization into eukaryote cells and to survive inside different subcellular compartments. This paper describes an enzyme protection assay to study the extent of S. aureus internalization and its intracellular survival in adherent non-professional phagocytic cells (NPPCs) as well as the intracellular efficacy of antimicrobial compounds.

Evaluation of in vitro activity of copper gluconate against SARS-CoV-2 using confocal microscopy-based high content screening.

Context: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged late in 2019 is the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). There is an urgent need to develop curative and preventive therapeutics to limit the current pandemic and to prevent the re-emergence of Covid-19. This study aimed to assess the in vitro activity of copper gluconate against SARS-CoV-2.

Lysosomal alkalization to potentiate eradication of intra-osteoblastic Staphylococcus aureus in the bone and joint infection setting.

Objectives: Beyond intracellular penetration, acidic lysosomal pH might affect the intracellular activity of some antimicrobials. This study evaluated the ability of lysosomotropic alkalizing agents to potentiate the antimicrobial eradication of an intra-osteoblastic Staphylococcus aureus reservoir in the setting of bone and joint infection (BJI).

Methods: MICs of 16 anti-staphylococcal molecules active against methicillin-sensitive S.

New insights into the standard method of assessing bacterial filtration efficiency of medical face masks.

Based on the current knowledge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, wearing a mask has been recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) measurements enable designing and regulating medical masks to prevent bioaerosol dissemination; however, despite the simplicity of these measurements, several scientific questions remain unanswered regarding BFE tests. Here, we investigated (1) the impact of substituting 100-mm Petri dishes with 90-mm disposable Petri dishes, (2) the impact of colony-counting methods on the bioaerosol aerodynamic size, and (3) the impact of colony-counting methods on the total viable particle counts.

Evaluation of effectiveness and compliance with the mupirocin nasal ointment part of Staphylococcus aureus decolonization in real life using UPLC-MS/MS mupirocin quantification.

Background: Preoperative decolonization is recommended in Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers scheduled for cardiac surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of and compliance with mupirocin use in nasal S. aureus carriers in a real-life setting.