A nisin-inducible chromosomal gene expression system based on ICE Tn5253 of Streptococcus pneumoniae, transferable among streptococci and enterococci.

The present work reports the development and validation of a chromosomal expression system in Streptococcus pneumoniae which permits gene expression under the control of Lactococcus lactis lantibiotic nisin. The system is based on the integrative and conjugative element (ICE) Tn5253 of S. pneumoniae capable of site-specific chromosomal integration and conjugal transfer to a variety of bacterial species.

Prevalence of concomitant aortic disease and lung cancer: an exploratory study.

Background: Lung cancer and aortic disease share multiple risk factors. The co-presence of both diseases defines a peculiar type of patient who needs a specific protocol of treatment and follow-up. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of aortic disease in a population of patients with a diagnosis of primary lung cancer.

Presentation and progression of MPO-ANCA interstitial lung disease.

The association between MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been well established. Pulmonary fibrosis may coexist with, follow, or even precede the diagnosis of AAV, and its presence adversely affects the prognosis. The optimal approach to investigating ANCA in patients with ILD remains a subject of ongoing debate.

The mobilome of M247 includes two novel genetic elements: Tn coding for a putative bacteriocin and the siphovirus prophage ΦM247.

is a member of the vaginal and gastrointestinal human microbiota. Here we determined the complete genome sequence of the probiotic strain M247 combining Nanopore and Illumina technologies. The M247 genome is organized in one circular chromosome of 2 336 109 bp, with a GC content of 37.

Polyploid tubular cells initiate a TGF-β1 controlled loop that sustains polyploidization and fibrosis after acute kidney injury.

Polyploidization of tubular cells (TC) is triggered by acute kidney injury (AKI) to allow survival in the early phase after AKI, but in the long run promotes fibrosis and AKI-chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition. The molecular mechanism governing the link between polyploid TC and kidney fibrosis remains to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrate that immediately after AKI, expression of cell cycle markers mostly identifies a population of DNA-damaged polyploid TC.

Preparation of Human Kidney Progenitor Cultures and Their Differentiation into Podocytes.

Kidney diseases are a global health concern. Modeling of kidney disease for translational research is often challenging because of species specificities or the postmitotic status of kidney epithelial cells that make primary cultures, for example podocytes. Here, we report a protocol for preparing primary cultures of podocytes based on the isolation and in vitro propagation of immature kidney progenitor cells subsequently differentiated into mature podocytes.

The Mobilome-Enriched Genome of the Competence-Deficient BM6001, the Original Host of Integrative Conjugative Element Tn, Is Phylogenetically Distinct from Historical Pneumococcal Genomes.

is an important human pathogen causing both mild and severe diseases. In this work, we determined the complete genome sequence of the clinical isolate BM6001, which is the original host of the ICE Tn. The BM6001 genome is organized in one circular chromosome of 2,293,748 base pairs (bp) in length, with an average GC content of 39.

A Clinical Workflow for Cost-Saving High-Rate Diagnosis of Genetic Kidney Diseases.

Significance Statement: To optimize the diagnosis of genetic kidney disorders in a cost-effective manner, we developed a workflow based on referral criteria for in-person evaluation at a tertiary center, whole-exome sequencing, reverse phenotyping, and multidisciplinary board analysis. This workflow reached a diagnostic rate of 67%, with 48% confirming and 19% modifying the suspected clinical diagnosis. We obtained a genetic diagnosis in 64% of children and 70% of adults.

Slower Calcium Handling Balances Faster Cross-Bridge Cycling in Human HCM.

Background: The pathogenesis of -associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is still unresolved. In our HCM patient cohort, a large and well-characterized population carrying the :c772G>A variant (p.Glu258Lys, E258K) provides the unique opportunity to study the basic mechanisms of -HCM with a comprehensive translational approach.

Tubular cell polyploidy protects from lethal acute kidney injury but promotes consequent chronic kidney disease.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent, often fatal and, for lack of specific therapies, can leave survivors with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We characterize the distribution of tubular cells (TC) undergoing polyploidy along AKI by DNA content analysis and single cell RNA-sequencing. Furthermore, we study the functional roles of polyploidization using transgenic models and drug interventions.

High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios Are Associated with a Higher Risk of Hemodialysis Vascular Access Failure.

Our aim was to determine the predictive role of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in vascular access malfunctioning in patients who had undergone their first native arterio-venous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study. All patients who underwent the procedure of the creation of a first native AVF for hemodialysis from January 2019 to December 2020 were considered eligible to be part of this study.

Differentiation of crescent-forming kidney progenitor cells into podocytes attenuates severe glomerulonephritis in mice.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis is characterized by vascular necrosis and parietal epithelial cell hyperplasia in the space surrounding the glomerulus, resulting in the formation of crescents. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms driving this process. Inducing crescentic glomerulonephritis in two Pax2Cre reporter mouse models revealed that crescents derive from clonal expansion of single immature parietal epithelial cells.

Alternative Nuclear Imaging Tools for Infection Imaging.

Purpose Of Review: Cardiovascular infections are serious disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Their diagnosis is challenging, requiring a proper management for a prompt recognition of the clinical manifestations, and a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, infectious diseases specialist, imagers, and microbiologists. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnostic workout, including molecular imaging techniques.

Vaginal colonization of women after oral administration of Lactobacillus crispatus strain NTCVAG04 from the human microbiota.

Background: The genomic approach has deeply changed the microbiology perspective, mainly concerning the microbioma identification. In this regard, some microbes colonize the healthy vagina. Vaginitis is a common gynecological ailment and includes bacterial vaginosis (BV), usually caused by local dysbiosis, such as a microbiota imbalance.

Role of Multimodal Imaging in Patients With Suspected Infections After the Bentall Procedure.

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performances of multimodal imaging [i.e., white blood cell single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (Tc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT) and 18-fluoride-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT ([F]FDG PET/CT)] in patients with suspected infection after the Bentall procedure, proposing new specific diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis.

Timing to Carotid Endarterectomy Affects Early and Long Term Outcomes of Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate early and long-term outcomes according to the timing to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods: Consecutive CEAs with selective shunting for symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50% performed between 2009 and 2020. Patients had acute neurological impairment on presentation, defined as <5 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Quantification of Myocyte Disarray in Human Cardiac Tissue.

Proper three-dimensional (3D)-cardiomyocyte orientation is important for an effective tension production in cardiac muscle. Cardiac diseases can cause severe remodeling processes in the heart, such as cellular misalignment, that can affect both the electrical and mechanical functions of the organ. To date, a proven methodology to map and quantify myocytes disarray in massive samples is missing.