Polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPLs) induce adverse effects on an in vitro model of the human lung epithelium: The Calu-3 air-liquid interface (ALI) barrier.

The expected increments in the production/use of bioplastics, as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, require a deep understanding of their potential environmental and health hazards, mainly as nanoplastics (NPLs). Since one important exposure route to NPLs is through inhalation, this study aims to determine the fate and effects of true-to-life polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPLs), using the in vitro Calu-3 model of bronchial epithelium, under air-liquid interphase exposure conditions. To determine the harmful effects of PLA-NPLs in a more realistic scenario, both acute (24 h) and long-term (1 and 2 weeks) exposures were used.

Measurement of IFN-γ and IL-2 for the assessment of the cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

The study of specific T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 is important for understanding long-term immunity and infection management. The aim of this study was to assess the dual IFN-γ and IL-2 detection, using a SARS-CoV-2 specific fluorescence ELISPOT, in patients undergoing acute disease, during convalescence, and after vaccination. We also evaluated humoral response and compared with T-cells with the aim of correlating both types of responses, and increase the number of specific response detection.

Impact of diesel exhaust particles on infections with Mycobacterium bovis BCG in in vitro human macrophages and an in vivo Galleria mellonella model.

There are strong suggestions for a link between pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and air quality. Diesel exhaust is one of the main contributors to pollution and it is reported to be able to modify susceptibility to lung infections. In this study we exposed THP-1 human macrophages and Mycobacterium bovis BCG to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs).

Gut to lung translocation and antibiotic mediated selection shape the dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an ICU patient.

Bacteria have the potential to translocate between sites in the human body, but the dynamics and consequences of within-host bacterial migration remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the link between gut and lung Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in an intensively sampled ICU patient using a combination of genomics, isolate phenotyping, host immunity profiling, and clinical data. Crucially, we show that lung colonization in the ICU was driven by the translocation of P.

Advances in diagnostic tools for respiratory tract infections: from tuberculosis to COVID-19 - changing paradigms?

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the most common reasons for seeking healthcare, but are amongst the most challenging diseases in terms of clinical decision-making. Proper and timely diagnosis is critical in order to optimise management and prevent further emergence of antimicrobial resistance by misuse or overuse of antibiotics. Diagnostic tools for RTIs include those involving syndromic and aetiological diagnosis: from clinical and radiological features to laboratory methods targeting both pathogen detection and host biomarkers, as well as their combinations in terms of clinical algorithms.

Measuring T-Cell Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Is of Utility for Disease and Vaccination Management.

The measurement of specific T-cell responses can be a useful tool for COVID-19 diagnostics and clinical management. In this study, we evaluated the IFN-γ T-cell response against the main SARS-CoV-2 antigens (spike, nucleocapsid and membrane) in acute and convalescent individuals classified according to severity, and in vaccinated and unvaccinated controls. IgG against spike and nucleocapsid were also measured.

Strain-specific interspecies interactions between co-isolated pairs of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients with tracheobronchitis or bronchial colonization.

Dual species interactions in co-isolated pairs of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from patients with tracheobronchitis or bronchial colonization were examined. The genetic and phenotypic diversity between the isolates was high making the interactions detected strain-specific. Despite this, and the clinical origin of the strains, some interactions were common between some co-isolated pairs.

Direct Quantitative Immunochemical Analysis of Autoinducer Peptide IV for Diagnosing and Stratifying Infections.

An immunochemical strategy to detect and quantify AIP-IV, the quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule produced by type IV, is reported here for the first time. Theoretical calculations and molecular modeling studies have assisted on the design and synthesis of a suitable peptide hapten (AIPIVS), allowing to obtain high avidity and specific antibodies toward this peptide despite its low molecular weight. The ELISA developed achieves an IC value of 2.

Exploring the evolution and epidemiology of European CC1-MRSA-IV: tracking a multidrug-resistant community-associated meticillin-resistant clone.

This study investigated the evolution and epidemiology of the community-associated and multidrug-resistant clone European CC1-MRSA-IV. Whole-genome sequences were obtained for 194 European CC1-MRSA-IV isolates (189 of human and 5 of animal origin) from 12 countries, and 10 meticillin-susceptible precursors (from North-Eastern Romania; all of human origin) of the clone. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using a maximum-likelihood approach, a time-measured phylogeny was reconstructed using Bayesian analysis, and microarray genotyping was performed to identify resistance, virulence-associated and SCC (staphylococcal cassette chromosome ) genes.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Isolates from the Respiratory Tract in Mechanically-Ventilated Patients.

is a commensal and frequent colonizer of the upper respiratory tract. When mechanical ventilation disrupts natural defenses, is frequently isolated from the lower airways, but distinguishing between colonization and infection is difficult. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the bacterial genome sequence in consecutive isolates in order to identify changes related to the pathological adaptation to the lower respiratory tract and (2) to explore the relationship between specific phenotypic and genotypic features with the patient's study group, persistence of the clinical isolate and clinical outcome.

Dysfunctional accessory gene regulator (agr) as a prognostic factor in invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus of Staphylococcus aureus is a quorum-sensing virulence regulator. Although there are many studies concerning the effect of dysfunctional agr on the outcomes of S. aureus infection, there is no systematic review to date.

Development and Evaluation of a Microarray Platform for Detection of Serum Antibodies Against Capsular Polysaccharides.

is responsible for severe infections, causing millions of deaths yearly. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) offer serotype-specific protection. In this work, we examined the applicability of the microarray technology to detect CPS type-specific IgGs in serum, using a collection of 22 microarray-printed CPSs.

Novel intracellular antibiotic delivery system against : cloxacillin-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid nanoparticles.

First, to compare minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of free cloxacillin and cloxacillin-containing nanoparticles (NP) against methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and resistant (MRSA) and second, to assess NP antimicrobial activity against intracellular . Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA)-NP were loaded with cloxacillin and physico-chemically characterized. MICs were determined for reference strains Newman-(MSSA) and USA300-(MRSA).

E-cigarettes: Effects in phagocytosis and cytokines response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Cigarette smoking and tuberculosis are a significant cause of death worldwide. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated cigarette smoking is a risk factor for tuberculosis. Electronic cigarettes have recently appeared as a healthier alternative to conventional smoking, although their impact in tuberculosis is not well understood.

Cigarette smoke exposure redirects Staphylococcus aureus to a virulence profile associated with persistent infection.

Tobacco smoking represents the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Smoking is a recognised risk factor for several pathologies and is detrimental to host immune surveillance and defence. However, the impact of smoking on microbial residents of the nasopharyngeal cavity, in contact with cigarette smoke (CS), is lacking.

Impact of Host Genetics and Biological Response Modifiers on Respiratory Tract Infections.

Host susceptibility to respiratory tract infections (RTI) is dependent on both genetic and acquired risk factors. Repeated bacterial and viral RTI, such as pneumonia from encapsulated microorganisms, respiratory tract infections related to respiratory syncytial virus or influenza, and even the development of bronchiectasis and asthma, are often reported as the first symptom of primary immunodeficiencies. In the same way, neutropenia is a well-known risk factor for invasive aspergillosis, as well as lymphopenia for , and mycobacterial infections.

Matryoshka-type gastro-resistant microparticles for the oral treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Aim: Production of Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles containing antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Materials & Methods: The emulsification and evaporation methods were followed for the synthesis of PLGA-NPs and methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate-based coatings to protect rifampicin from degradation under simulated gastric conditions.

Results & Conclusion: The inner antibiotic-loaded NPs here reported can be released under simulated intestinal conditions whereas their coating protects them from degradation under simulated gastric conditions.

Serum levels of hyaluronic acid are associated with COPD severity and predict survival.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and its degradation products play an important role in lung pathophysiology and airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).We investigated if HA and its degrading enzyme hyaluronidase (HYAL)-1 are associated with COPD severity and outcome.Serum HA was assessed in a discovery cohort of 80 COPD patients at stable state and exacerbations.

Study of CD27 and CCR4 Markers on Specific CD4 T-Cells as Immune Tools for Active and Latent Tuberculosis Management.

The immunological characterization of different cell markers has opened the possibility of considering them as immune tools for tuberculosis (TB) management, as they could correlate with TB latency/disease status and outcome. CD4 T-cells producing IFN-γ with a low expression of CD27 have been described as an active TB marker. In addition, there are unknown homing receptors related to TB, such as CCR4, which might be useful for understanding TB pathogenesis.

Microbiological Progress in Patients with Bronchial Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Treated with Nebulised Colistin.

Background: Inhaled antibiotics allow the delivery of higher drug concentrations at the site of infection without the systemic adverse effects observed with the use of parenteral or oral antibiotics. These antibiotics have shown to decrease the number of exacerbations, reduce bacterial load or improve pulmonary function in several chronic respiratory conditions.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe changes in the bacteriology of sputum in patients with chronic bronchial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated with nebulised colistin.

Characterization of clinically relevant model bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for anti-biofilm testing of materials.

Unlabelled: There is a great interest in developing novel anti-biofilm materials in order to decrease medical device-associated bacterial infections causing morbidity and high healthcare costs. However, the testing of novel materials is often done using bacterial lab strains that may not exhibit the same phenotype as clinically relevant strains infecting medical devices. Furthermore, no consensus of strain selection exists in the field, making results very difficult to compare between studies.

IFNΛ3/4 locus polymorphisms and IFNΛ3 circulating levels are associated with COPD severity and outcomes.

Background: Interferon lambdas (IFNLs) have important anti-viral/bacterial and immunomodulatory functions in the respiratory tract. How do IFNLs impact COPD and its exacerbations?

Methods: Five hundred twenty eight patients were recruited in a prospective observational multicentre cohort (PROMISE) study. The genetic polymorphisms (rs8099917 and rs12979860) within the IFNL3/4 gene region and circulating levels of IFNL3 in COPD patients were determined and associated with disease activity and outcome during a median follow-up of 24 months.