Effectiveness of Flattening-Filter-Free versus Flattened Beams in V79 and Glioblastoma Patient-Derived Stem-like Cells.

Literature data on the administration of conventional high-dose beams with (FF) or without flattening filters (FFF) show conflicting results on biological effects at the cellular level. To contribute to this field, we irradiated V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts and two patient-derived glioblastoma stem-like cell lines (GSCs-named #1 and #83) using a clinical 10 MV accelerator with FF (at 4 Gy/min) and FFF (at two dose rates 4 and 24 Gy/min). Cell killing and DNA damage induction, determined using the γ-H2AX assay, and gene expression were studied. No significant differences in the early survival of V79 cells were observed as a function of dose rates and FF or FFF beams, while a trend of reduction in late survival was observed at the highest dose rate with the FFF beam. GSCs showed similar survival levels as a function of dose rates, both delivered in the FFF regimen. The amount of DNA damage measured for both dose rates after 2 h was much higher in line #1 than in line #83, with statistically significant differences between the two dose rates only in line #83. The gene expression analysis of the two GSC lines indicates gene signatures mimicking the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients derived from a public database. Overall, the results support the current use of FFF and highlight the possibility of identifying patients with candidate gene signatures that could benefit from irradiation with FFF beams at a high dose rate.

Phosphatidylserine Liposomes Reduce Inflammatory Response, Mycobacterial Viability, and HIV Replication in Coinfected Human Macrophages.

Chronic immune activation is the key pathogenetic event of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. We assessed the therapeutic value of phosphatidylserine-liposome (PS-L) in an in vitro model of M. tuberculosis-HIV coinfection. PS-L reduced nuclear factor-κB activation and the downstream production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6 in bacille Calmette-Guérin-infected macrophages and of TNF-α and IL-1ß in M. tuberculosis-infected and M. tuberculosis-HIV-coinfected macrophages. Importantly, a significant reduction of intracellular M. tuberculosis viability and HIV replication were also observed. These results support the further exploitation of PS-L as host-directed therapy for M. tuberculosis-HIV coinfection.

Molecular and Kinetic Characterization of MOX-9, a Plasmid-Mediated Enzyme Representative of a Novel Sublineage of MOX-Type Class C ß-Lactamases.

The MOX lineage of ß-lactamases includes a group of molecular class C enzymes (AmpCs) encoded by genes mobilized from the chromosomes of Aeromonas spp. to plasmids. MOX-9, previously identified as a plasmid-encoded enzyme from a Citrobacter freundii isolate, belongs to a novel sublineage of MOX enzymes, derived from the resident Aeromonas media AmpC. The blaMOX-9 gene was found to be carried on a transposon, named Tn7469, likely responsible for its mobilization to plasmidic context. MOX-9 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and subjected to biochemical characterization. Kinetic analysis showed a relatively narrow-spectrum profile with strong preference for cephalosporin substrates, with some differences compared with MOX-1 and MOX-2. MOX-9 was not inhibited by clavulanate and sulbactam, while both tazobactam and avibactam acted as inhibitors in the micromolar range.

Characterization of Tn6349, a novel mosaic transposon carrying poxtA, cfr and other resistance determinants, inserted in the chromosome of an ST5-MRSA-II strain of clinical origin.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the genetic element carrying the poxtA oxazolidinone resistance gene found in the poxtA index strain Staphylococcus aureus AOUC-0915 isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient. METHODS: The genetic context of poxtA was investigated by bioinformatics analysis of WGS data of strain AOUC-0915, followed by PCR and confirmatory Sanger sequencing for repetitive regions. Conjugation and electrotransformation experiments were carried out to assess horizontal transferability using S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis recipients. Production of phage particles was evaluated by PCR using DNA preparations obtained after phage induction. Excision of the transposon carrying poxtA was evaluated by inverse PCR experiments for detection of circular intermediates. RESULTS: poxtA was found to be associated with a 48 kb composite transposon of original structure, named Tn6349, inserted into a φN315-like prophage. The transposon was bounded by two IS1216 insertion sequences, carried several resistance genes [erm(B), cfr, poxtA and fexB] and exhibited a mosaic structure made by a derivative of plasmid pE35048-oc (previously described in an Enterococcus faecium clinical isolate) and Tn6657, a novel composite transposon carrying the poxtA and fexB genes. Excision ability of Tn6349 as a circular intermediate was demonstrated. Transferability of Tn6349 or modules thereof to S. aureus or E. faecalis by either conjugation or electrotransformation was not detected. Induction of the φN315-like prophage carrying Tn6349 was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the structure of Tn6349, a novel composite transposon carrying several resistance determinants to anti-ribosomal drugs, including cfr and poxtA, from an oxazolidinone-resistant MRSA strain. Analysis of Tn6349 revealed a modular structure that could favour the mobilization of its resistance determinants.

Nasopharingeal bacterial and fungal colonization in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative adults.

OBJECTIVES: To compare mucosal flora in HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects, to assess chemosusceptibility patterns of carriage isolates and to evaluate possible predisposing factors within the two groups. METHODS: We analyzed microbes isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs in virologically suppressed and immunologically stable HIV-positive adult outpatients (n=105) at baseline and after 12 months and in an age-matched cohort of HIV-negative outpatients (n=100) at baseline. Bacteria and Candida spp strains were isolated and identified through standard biochemical assays and chemosusceptibility tests were performed. Multi Locus Sequence Typing was also determined to characterize Staphylococcus aureus isolates from HIV-infected persistent carriers. RESULTS: In HIV-positive patients a significantly higher rate of colonization by S. aureus as compared to HIV-negative controls was observed (19% vs 8%, p=0.02), with a relevant percentage of penicillin resistant strains (15% vs 0, p=0.24). Methicillin resistant strains were recovered only from HIV-positive subjects. Overall HIV-positive status was the only predictor of S. aureus colonization (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.03;7.41, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The nasopharyngeal bacterial flora differs between HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects and appears relevant for possible development of staphylococcal infections in HIV-positive patients.

Characterization of poxtA, a novel phenicol-oxazolidinone-tetracycline resistance gene from an MRSA of clinical origin.

Objectives: To characterize a novel phenicol-oxazolidinone-tetracycline resistance gene, named poxtA, identified in a previously described MRSA strain that was highly resistant to linezolid and also carried the cfr gene. Methods: The poxtA gene was identified by bioinformatic analysis of the whole genome sequence of Staphylococcus aureus AOUC-0915. The poxtA gene was cloned in a shuttle plasmid vector and expressed in Escherichia coli, S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis to investigate the protein function. Comparative sequence analyses at the protein and genetic levels were carried out using standard procedures. Results: The poxtA gene encodes a protein that is 32% identical to OptrA and exhibits structural features typical of the F lineage of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein superfamily that cause antibiotic resistance by ribosomal protection. Expression of poxtA in E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis was able to decrease susceptibility to phenicols, oxazolidinones and tetracyclines. A database search identified the presence of poxtA in E. faecalis, Enterococcus faecium and Pediococcus acidilactici strains, mostly of animal origin, and revealed the presence of poxtA homologues in the genomes of some Clostridiales. Analysis of the genetic context revealed that poxtA was located in a composite transposon-like structure containing two IS1216 elements. Conclusions: A novel resistance gene, named poxtA, encoding a protein of the antibiotic resistance (ARE) ABC-F lineage, was identified in the genome of an MRSA of clinical origin. PoxtA can confer decreased susceptibility to phenicols, oxazolidinones and tetracyclines and is associated with a putative mobile element that could contribute to its horizontal dissemination.

Italian nationwide survey on Pseudomonas aeruginosa from invasive infections: activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam and comparators, and molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase producers.

Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of severe healthcare-associated infections and often shows MDR phenotypes. Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a new cephalosporin/ß-lactamase inhibitor combination with potent activity against P. aeruginosa. This survey was carried out to evaluate the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa, circulating in Italy, to ceftolozane/tazobactam and comparators and to investigate the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing strains. Methods: Consecutive non-replicate P. aeruginosa clinical isolates (935) from bloodstream infections and lower respiratory tract infections were collected from 20 centres distributed across Italy from September 2013 to November 2014. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution and results were interpreted according to the EUCAST breakpoints. Isolates resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam were investigated for carbapenemase genes by PCR, and for carbapenemase activity by spectrophotometric assay. WGS using an Illumina platform was performed on carbapenemase-producing isolates. Results: Ceftolozane/tazobactam was the most active molecule, retaining activity against 90.9% of P. aeruginosa isolates, followed by amikacin (88.0% susceptibility) and colistin (84.7% susceptibility). Overall, 48 isolates (5.1%) were positive for carbapenemase genes, including blaVIM (n = 32), blaIMP (n = 12) and blaGES-5 (n = 4), while the remaining ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant isolates tested negative for carbapenemase production. Carbapenemase producers belonged to 10 different STs, with ST175 (n = 12) and ST621 (n = 11) being the most common lineages. Genome analysis revealed different trajectories of spread for the different carbapenemase genes. Conclusions: Ceftolozane/tazobactam exhibited potent in vitro activity against P. aeruginosa causing invasive infections in Italy. Carbapenemase production was the most common mechanism of resistance to ceftolozane/tazobactam.

Sphingomonas turrisvirgatae sp. nov., an agar-degrading species isolated from freshwater.

A yellow pigmented and agar-pitting colony was isolated from a water sample obtained from a drainage ditch within a disused system of constructed wetlands. The strain was purified and named MCT13T. This rod-shaped, Gram-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming, and non-motile strain formed round colonies and grew optimally at pH 7.5±0.2, at 28-30 °C on LB agar, with 0-0.5 % NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the MCT13T isolate within the Sphingomonas (sensu stricto) cluster. The DNA G+C content was 65.3 %. The only observed ubiquinone was Q10. The major fatty acids included C17 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The major polyamine was spermidine. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis performed on the whole sequence, showed the closest relative of MCT13T to be Sphingomonas koreensis (98.52 %); however, there are several genotypic and phenotypic differences between the novel isolate and the type strain JSS26T of S. koreensis. On the basis of these results, strain MCT13T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas turrisvirgatae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MCT13T (=DSM 105457T=BAC RE RSCIC 7T).

Hippocampal sparing approach in fractionated stereotactic brain VMAT radio therapy: A retrospective feasibility analysis.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques for fractioned stereotactic brain radiotherapy (FSBRT) can achieve highly conformal dose distribution to intracranial lesions. However, they can potentially increase the dose to hippocampus (H) causing neurocognitive toxicity during the first four months after irradiation. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of hippocampal-sparing (HS) treatment plans in 22 patients with brain metastasis treated with VMAT technique. Firstly, we retrospectively analyzed hippocampal doses in all 22 VMAT original (not hippocampal-sparing, NHS) plans. Plans with hippocampal dose exceeding constraints (9 out of 22) were re-planned considering dose constraints on the hippocampus (H) and on hippocampal avoidance zone (HAZ) generated using 5 mm isotropic margin to the hippocampus. Conformity (CI) and homogeneity indexes (HI) on the target and MUs, were maintained as close as possible to the original plans. Mean CINHS and CIHS obtained were: 0.79 ± 0.11 and 0.81 ± 0.10, respectively (P = 0.75); mean HINHS and HIHS were 1.05 ± 0.02 and 1.04 ± 0.01 respectively (P = 0.72). In both sets of plans, the mean MU values were similar: 1033 ± 275 and 1022 ± 234 for NHS and HS respectively. In HS plans, the mean hippocampal dose was decreased by an average of 35%. After replanning, the Dmax (21.3 Gy) for HAZ and H was met by 45% (4/9) and 78% (7/9) of the NHS plans, respectively. The worst results were obtained for cases with target volumes extention closer than 12 mm to H, because of the difficulty to spare hippocampus without compromising target coverage. After replanning D40% constraint value (7.3 Gy) was met by all the 9 NHS plans. In conclusion, this study suggests that an hippocampal-sparing approach to FSBRT is feasible resulting in a decrease in the dose to the hippocampus without any loss in conformity or increase in treatment time.

pHTß-promoted mobilization of non-conjugative resistance plasmids from Enterococcus faecium to Enterococcus faecalis.

Objectives: To analyse the recombination events associated with conjugal mobilization of two multiresistance plasmids, pRUM17i48 and pLAG (formerly named pDO1-like), from Enterococcus faecium 17i48 to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. Methods: The plasmids from two E. faecalis transconjugants (JH-4T, tetracycline resistant, and JH-8E, erythromycin resistant) and from the E. faecium donor (also carrying a pHTß-like conjugative plasmid, named pHTß17i48) were investigated by several methods, including PCR mapping and sequencing, S1-PFGE followed by Southern blotting and hybridization, and WGS. Results: Two locations of repApHTß were detected in both transconjugants, one on a ∼50 kb plasmid (as in the donor) and the other on plasmids of larger sizes. In JH-4T, WGS disclosed an 88.6 kb plasmid resulting from the recombination of pHTß17i48 (∼50 kb) and a new plasmid, named pLAG (35.3 kb), carrying the tet(M), tet(L), lsa(E), lnu(B), spw and aadE resistance genes. In JH-8E, a 75 kb plasmid resulting from the recombination of pHTß17i48 and pRUM17i48 was observed. In both cases, the cointegrates were apparently derived from replicative transposition of an IS1216 present in each of the multiresistance plasmids into pHTß17i48. The cointegrates could resolve to yield the multiresistance plasmids and a pHTß17i48 derivative carrying an IS1216 (unlike the pHTß17i48 of the donor). Conclusions: Our results completed the characterization of the multiresistance plasmids carried by the E. faecium 17i48, confirming the role of pHT plasmids in the mobilization of non-conjugative antibiotic resistance elements among enterococci. Results also revealed that mobilization to E. faecalis was associated with the generation of cointegrate plasmids promoted by IS1216-mediated transposition.

Colistin Resistance Caused by Inactivation of the MgrB Regulator Is Not Associated with Decreased Virulence of Sequence Type 258 KPC Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Using aGalleria mellonellaanimal model, we compared the virulence of two sequence type 258 (ST258) KPC-producingKlebsiella pneumoniaestrains, which were representative of the two clades of this clonal lineage, with that of isogenic colistin-resistantmgrBmutants. With both strains, themgrBmutants did not exhibit modification in virulence. In theG. mellonellamodel, the clade 1 strain (capsular typecps-1[wzi29, producing KPC-2]) was significantly more virulent than the clade 2 strain (capsular typecps-2[wzi154, producing KPC-3]).

Molecular epidemiology of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from invasive infections in Italy: increasing diversity with predominance of the ST512 clade II sublineage.

OBJECTIVES: The spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) represents one of the most worrisome problems for clinical medicine worldwide. In Italy, the Antibiotic-Resistance-Istituto Superiore di Sanità surveillance network, in collaboration with the Committee for Antimicrobial Agents of the Italian Society of Clinical Microbiologists, promoted a study to investigate the carbapenem-resistance mechanisms, clonal relatedness and capsular typing of a recent collection of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP). METHODS: A total of 17 laboratories distributed across Italy collected all consecutive non-replicate CR-KP isolated from invasive infections during two different study periods (2011-12 and 2013). Carbapenemase genes were searched for by filter hybridization and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. KPC-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-KP) were typed by PFGE and MLST. Capsular types were identified by wzi gene typing. RESULTS: Of the collected K. pneumoniae isolates (n = 461), the overall proportion of CR-KP was 36.2% (n = 167). The majority (97%) of the CR-KP were positive for the blaKPC gene. Among the KPC-KP population, nine different STs were detected with the majority of isolates (94%) belonging to the clonal group (CG) 258. A subpopulation that belonged to ST512 and showed an identical PFGE profile represented the majority (57%) of KPC-KP strains, with a countrywide distribution. Capsular characterization showed the predominance of the wzi154, cps-2 capsular type (88.8% of all CG258 strains). ST258 strains were associated with both cps-1 and cps-2 capsular types, while ST512 was associated with cps-2 only. CONCLUSIONS: Although a trend to a polyclonal evolution of the Italian KPC-KP was noted, this study showed that the KPC-KP population remained largely oligoclonal with the wide diffusion of an ST512 lineage carrying cps-2 capsular type and producing the KPC-3 enzyme.

Characterization of a Novel Putative Xer-Dependent Integrative Mobile Element Carrying the bla(NMC-A) Carbapenemase Gene, Inserted into the Chromosome of Members of the Enterobacter cloacae Complex.

An Enterobacter ludwigii strain was isolated during routine screening of a Japanese patient for carriage of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. PCR analysis revealed the blaNMC-A carbapenemase gene. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that blaNMC-A was inserted in the chromosome and associated with a novel 29.1-kb putative Xer-dependent integrative mobile element, named EludIMEX-1. Bioinformatic analysis identified similar elements in the genomes of an Enterobacter asburiae strain and of other Enterobacter cloacae complex strains, confirming the mobile nature of this element.

OXA-372, a novel carbapenem-hydrolysing class D ß-lactamase from a Citrobacter freundii isolated from a hospital wastewater plant.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize a novel class D carbapenemase, named OXA-372, identified in a carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii strain (Cfr-FI-07) isolated from a hospital wastewater plant in central Italy. METHODS: Cfr-FI-07 was isolated using a selective chromogenic medium for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Carbapenemase production was confirmed by spectrophotometric assay. WGS was carried out using an Illumina MiSeq platform. The functional profile of OXA-372 was investigated by expression of the cloned gene in Escherichia coli and by analysis of kinetic parameters of the purified enzyme. RESULTS: C. freundii Cfr-FI-07 produced carbapenemase activity, but tested negative for common carbapenemase genes. WGS confirmed the absence of known carbapenemase genes and revealed the presence of a novel class D ß-lactamase (DBL) determinant, named blaOXA-372, encoding a protein distantly related to other DBLs. In E. coli, production of OXA-372 conferred resistance to penicillins, including temocillin, and reduced susceptibility to carbapenems, while susceptibility to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins was virtually unaffected. This substrate specificity was confirmed by kinetic characterization of the purified enzyme, which exhibited high catalytic efficiencies for carbapenems (kcat/KM values ≥ 0.22 s(-1) · µM(-1)). The blaOXA-372 gene was associated with a genetic platform of original structure consisting of a Tn402/Tn5053 hybrid transposon derivative, named Tn6255, inserted into a TnPa38-like transposon, named Tn6256, located on an IncA/C-IncN plasmid of approximately 140 kb. CONCLUSIONS: OXA-372 is a novel class D carbapenemase, belonging to a new lineage of DBLs, encoded by a gene associated with mobile elements. Functional properties revealed similarities, but also some differences, compared with other class D carbapenemases.

MgrB inactivation is a common mechanism of colistin resistance in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae of clinical origin.

Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing KPC-type carbapenemases (KPC-KP) are challenging multidrug-resistant pathogens due to their extensively drug-resistant phenotypes and potential for epidemic dissemination in health care settings. Colistin is a key component of the combination antimicrobial regimens used for treatment of severe KPC-KP infections. We previously reported that insertional inactivation of the mgrB gene, encoding a negative-feedback regulator of the PhoQ-PhoP signaling system, can be responsible for colistin resistance in KPC-KP, due to the resulting upregulation of the Pmr lipopolysaccharide modification system. In this work we investigated the status of the mgrB gene in a collection of 66 colistin-resistant nonreplicate clinical strains of KPC-KP isolated from different hospitals in Italy and Greece. Overall, 35 strains (53%) exhibited alterations of the mgrB gene, including insertions of different types of mobile elements (IS5-like, IS1F-like, or ISKpn14), nonsilent point mutations, and small intragenic deletions. Four additional strains had a larger deletion of the mgrB locus, while the remaining 27 strains (41%) did not show mgrB alterations. Transcriptional upregulation of the phoQ and pmrK genes (part of the phoPQ and pmrHFIJKLM operon, respectively) was observed in all strains with mgrB alterations. Complementation experiments with a wild-type mgrB gene restored colistin susceptibility and basal expression levels of phoQ and pmrK genes in strains carrying different types of mgrB alterations. The present results suggest that mgrB alteration can be a common mechanism of colistin resistance among KPC-KP in the clinical setting.

In vivo evolution to colistin resistance by PmrB sensor kinase mutation in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is associated with low-dosage colistin treatment.

Colistin is a key drug for the treatment of infections caused by extensively drug-resistant strains of Enterobacteriaceae producing carbapenemases. However, the emergence of colistin resistance is being increasingly reported, especially among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing KPC-type carbapenemases (KPC-KP). In this work, we investigated colistin-susceptible (KPB-1) and colistin-resistant (KPB-2) sequential isolates obtained from a patient with a KPC-KP infection before and after low-dosage colistin treatment, respectively. By using a next-generation sequencing approach and comparative genomic analysis of the two isolates, we detected in KPB-2 a nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution in the gene encoding the PmrB sensor kinase, resulting in a leucine-to-arginine substitution at amino acid position 82. Compared with KPB-1, KPB-2 exhibited upregulated transcription of pmrA and of pmrK, which is part of the pmrHFIJKLM operon responsible for modification of the colistin lipopolysaccharide target. Complementation with wild-type pmrB in KPB-2 restored colistin susceptibility and reduced the transcription of pmrA and pmrK to basal levels, while expression of PmrB(L82R) in KPB-1 did not alter colistin susceptibility or upregulate pmrA and pmrK expression, confirming the dominance of wild-type PmrB versus the PmrB(L82R) mutant. The present results indicated that PmrB mutations mediating colistin resistance may be selected during low-dosage colistin treatment. The colistin-resistant phenotype of KPB-2 was stable for up to 50 generations in the absence of selective pressure and was not associated with a significant fitness cost in a competition experiment.

Cross-infection of solid organ transplant recipients by a multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate producing the OXA-48 carbapenemase, likely derived from a multiorgan donor.

We describe two cases of bacteremic infections caused by a multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate producing the OXA-48 carbapenemase that occurred in two solid organ transplant (liver and kidney) recipients, which was apparently transmitted with the allografts. This finding underscores the risk of donor-derived infections by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in solid organ transplant recipients and emphasizes the need for rapid screening of organ donors for carriage of similar pathogens.

Effects of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) on the gut resistome.

OBJECTIVES: Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is an infection prevention measure for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) that aims to eradicate opportunistic pathogens from the oropharynx and intestines, while sparing the anaerobic flora, by the application of non-absorbable antibiotics. Selection for antibiotic-resistant bacteria is still a major concern for SDD. We therefore studied the impact of SDD on the reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (i.e. the resistome) by culture-independent approaches. METHODS: We evaluated the impact of SDD on the gut microbiota and resistome in a single ICU patient during and after an ICU stay by several metagenomic approaches. We also determined by quantitative PCR the relative abundance of two common aminoglycoside resistance genes in longitudinally collected samples from 12 additional ICU patients who received SDD. RESULTS: The patient microbiota was highly dynamic during the hospital stay. The abundance of antibiotic resistance genes more than doubled during SDD use, mainly due to a 6.7-fold increase in aminoglycoside resistance genes, in particular aph(2″)-Ib and an aadE-like gene. We show that aph(2″)-Ib is harboured by anaerobic gut commensals and is associated with mobile genetic elements. In longitudinal samples of 12 ICU patients, the dynamics of these two genes ranged from a ∼10(4) fold increase to a ∼10(-10) fold decrease in relative abundance during SDD. CONCLUSIONS: ICU hospitalization and the simultaneous application of SDD has large, but highly individualized, effects on the gut resistome of ICU patients. Selection for transferable antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic commensal bacteria could impact the risk of transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to opportunistic pathogens.

Phosphatidylserine liposomes induce a phagosome acidification-dependent and ROS-mediated intracellular killing of Mycobacterium abscessus in human macrophages.

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is an opportunistic nontuberculous mycobacterium responsible of difficult-to-treat pulmonary infections in vulnerable patients, such as those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis (CF), where it represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, due to the intrinsic extensive antimicrobial resistance spectrum displayed by this species and the side effects reported for some available antibiotics, the therapeutic management of such infections remains extremely difficult. In the present study, we show that phosphatidylserine liposomes (PS-L) enhance intracellular mycobacterial killing of Mab infected human macrophages with functional or pharmacologically inhibited cystic fibrosis conductance regulator (CFTR), by a mechanism involving phagosome acidification and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, PS-L significantly reduce proinflammatory response of Mab infected macrophages in terms of NF-kB activation and TNF-α production, irrespective of CFTR inhibition. Altogether, these results represent the proof of concept for a possible future development of PS-L as a therapeutic strategy against difficult-to-treat Mab infection.

Polo-like kinase 2 targeting as novel strategy to sensitize mutant p53-expressing tumor cells to anticancer treatments.

Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2) belongs to a family of serine/threonine kinases, and it is involved in tumorigenesis of diverse kind of tissues. We previously reported that Plk2 gene was a transcriptional target of the mutant p53/NF-Y oncogenic complex. Plk2 protein can bind to and phosphorylate mutant p53 triggering an oncogenic autoregulatory feedback loop involved in cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to assess whether the specific inhibition of Plk2 kinase activity by the selective TC-S 7005 inhibitor could decrease cell proliferation and migration inhibiting mutant p53 phosphorylation, thus disarming its oncogenic potential. We found that the Plk2 inhibitor treatment sensitized the cells to the irradiation and chemotherapy drugs, thereby overcoming the mutant p53-dependent chemoresistance. Taken together, we provided results that Plk2 could be considered a tractable pharmacological target for cancers expressing mutant p53 proteins. The combined treatment with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and Plk2 inhibitors may represent a new candidate intervention approach, which may be considered for improving tumor cell sensitivity to DNA damaging drugs. KEY MESSAGES : Missense mutations are present in the TP53 gene in about half of all human cancers and correlate with poor patient outcome. Mutant p53 proteins exert gain of function (GOF) activities in tumor cells such as increased proliferation, genomic instability and resistance to therapies. Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2) binds and phosphorylates mutant p53 protein strengthening its GOF activities. Pharmacologically targeting PLK2 weakens mutant p53 proteins and sensitizes tumor cells to therapeutic treatments.