Prognostic significance of preoperative lymphocytes, albumin, and neutrophils (LANR) index in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: The index composed of preoperative lymphocytes, albumin, and neutrophils (LANR), a new composite score based on inflammatory response and nutritional status, has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of multiple types of cancer, but the role of LANR in the prognosis of resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not yet been elucidated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 142 patients with PDAC who underwent radical resection in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the optimal cut-off values for these parameters, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of LANR in predicting survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves. Log rank test was used for univariate analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate analysis.  RESULTS: The optimal cut-off value of LANR was 18.145, and a low preoperative LANR was significantly correlated with the location of the tumor (p = 0.047). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor differentiation degree (HR:2.357, 95%CI:1.388-4.003,p = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (HR:1.755, 95%CI: 1.115-2.763, p = 0.015), TNM stage (HR:4.686, 95%CI: 2.958-7.425, p < 0.001), preoperative cancer antigen 19 - 9 levels (HR:1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.001, p < 0.001) and preoperative LANR (HR:0.221, 95%CI: 0.111-0.441, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for a poor prognosis in patients undergoing radical resection of PDAC. CONCLUSION: This study found that preoperative LANR can be used to assess the prognosis of radical resection in patients with PDAC; those with low preoperative LANR had a worse outcome.

Risk factors for bacteremia and mortality due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: a retrospective study.

This research aimed to determine the relationships between the risk factors for nosocomial multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) bacteremia and associated mortality. We analyzed 144 patients treated for A. baumannii bacteremia, including 120 patients with MDRAB bacteremia, from March 2015 to March 2020, in this retrospective study. The overall bacteremia-related mortality rate was 48.6%. The mortality rates were 25.0% and 53.3% for non-MDRAB and MDRAB bacteremia, respectively. Risk factors for the development of MDRAB bacteremia were prior use of cephalosporins [odds ratio (OR): 8.62; P < .001], carbapenems (OR: 15.04; P < .001), or quinolones (OR: 5.02; P = .040); indwelling urinary catheters (OR: 21.38; P < .001); and respiratory tract as the source of bacteremia (OR: 75.33; P < .001). Patients with elective surgeries were inclined to develop non-MDRAB bacteremia (OR: 0.45; P = .029). High scores in the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (OR: 1.321; P < .001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (OR: 1.326; P < .001) were risk factors for mortality from MDRAB infection. In summary, higher mortality rates occur in patients with MDRAB bacteremia, and risk factors include prior use of cephalosporins, carbapenems, or quinolones. Urinary catheters and the respiratory tract as sources of the infection increase the risk of MDRAB bacteremia.

Evaluation of virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae using zebrafish behavior as a biological indicator.

INTRODUCTION: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the common pathogenic bacteria that can cause infections in hospitals and communities and can cause respiratory, urinary, and other multi-system infections. In recent years, the emergence of highly virulent and drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has greatly increased the difficulty of treatment for infection. Clinically, it is very important to accurately judge the virulence of isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae for treatment, but there is no better method to evaluate its virulence. METHODS: In this study, zebrafish were used as a model organism, and the swimming distance was used as a detection index to identify clinically isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae. In this study, we selected two different strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, i.e., NTUH-K2044 and ATCC BAA-1705, with known high and low virulence, respectively, to infect zebrafish juveniles and evaluated their behavioral ability according to different bacterial concentrations and different developmental times. RESULTS: It was found that highly virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae caused a significant decrease in the behavioral ability of zebrafish larvae, while low-virulence Klebsiella pneumoniae had relatively little effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that it is entirely feasible to assess the virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae based on behavioral ability.

Neutrophil membrane-coated nanoparticles exhibit increased antimicrobial activities in an anti-microbial resistant K. pneumonia infection model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of neutrophil membrane-coated nanoparticles mediated KLA peptides (KLAKLAKKLAKLAK) and gentamicin in the targeted therapy of anti-microbial resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia) lung infection. METHODS: The characteristics of KLA-neutrophils nanoparticles (NNPs) are identified via dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), SDS-PAGE, Western blot, quantitative flow cytometry (QFCM) and confocal microscopy. The safety of KLA-NNPs both in vitro and in vivo is evaluated by hemolysis test, platelet α granule membrane protein concentration, protein adsorption capacity, in vitro macrophage phagocytosis, weight change, liver function indicators, blood biochemical indicators, and pathological changes of vital organs in mice. The efficacy of KLA-NNPs is determined by time-kill assay, fluorescent label test, intracellular bacterial content, caspase-1 activity, survival rate, and HE staining both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The prepared KLA-NNPs have a typical "core-shell" structure, uniform nanometer size, and retain the membrane proteins on the neutrophil membrane that achieve functional effects. In vitro safety analysis showed that KLA-NNPs have good blood compatibility and can inhibit macrophage phagocytosis in vitro. KLA-NNPs can effectively release KLA and significantly reduce intracellular bacteria and caspase-1 activity. In vivo safety analysis and efficacy analysis revealed that KLA-NNPs have good biocompatibility and could effectively improve the survival rate of mice. CONCLUSION: The prepared KLA-NNPs have good nano-medicine chemical and physical properties and safety. It can evade immune system clearance, achieve high-efficiency targeted aggregation and drug delivery to bacterial infection sites, and effectively inhibit the development of pneumonia induced by drug-resistant K. pneumonia.

MiR-181a-5p Delivered by Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Alleviates Klebsiella pneumonia Infection-Induced Lung Injury by Targeting STAT3 Signaling.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneu) is a leading cause of gram-negative pneumonia, which requires effective treatment. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell- (ADSC-) derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have presented the inhibitory effect of multiple diseases. However, the function of ADSC-derived exosomal miRNAs in K. pneu remains unclear. Aim: In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of ADSC-derived exosomal miR-181-5p on K. pneu infection-induced lung injury. Methods: C57BL/6 mouse model was established by infection of K. pneu. ADSCs and exosomes were extracted and characterized in vitro. The translocation of ADSC-derived exosomes to bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was detected. The level of miR-181a-5p was detected by real-time PCR. The secretion of inflammatory factors was determined by ELISA. The interaction between miR-181a-5p with STAT3 was identified. Results: We successfully isolated the ADSCs that express positive markers CD90 and CD105 rather than CD31 and CD45. The exosomal miR-181a-5p secreted by ADSCs were internalized by BMDM and K. pneu infection stimulated the miR-181a-5p level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and BMDM. ADSC-derived exosomal miR-181a-5p repressed pulmonary outgrowth and dissemination of K. pneu infection in mice, repressed cellular infiltration in lung tissue, and attenuated the inflammasome activity and the levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 in the lung. Mechanically, miR-181a-5p was able to inhibit STAT3 expression at posttranscriptional levels and repressed Nlrp3 and Asc expression in BMDM. Conclusion: Consequently, we concluded that ADSC-derived exosomal miR-181a-5p alleviated Klebsiella pneumonia infection-induced lung injury by targeting STAT3 signaling. ADSC-derived exosomal miR-181a-5p may serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of Klebsiella pneumonia infection-induced lung injury.

Establishment of heparin-binding protein time-resolved immunoassay and some potential clinical applications.

AIM: To establish a highly sensitive time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay of heparin-binding protein (HBP-TRFIA) and evaluate its application value for bacterial or fungal infections in tumor patients. METHODS: Two types of HBP monoclonal specific antibodies against different epitopes of the antigen molecule were used as coating antibodies and Eu3+-labeled antibodies, respectively. The double-antibody sandwich method was used in establishing HBP-TRFIA, and the methodology was evaluated. The established HBP-TRFIA was used in detecting HBP concentration in the plasma samples of healthy individuals, patients with bacterial or fungal infections, and infected or uninfected patients with various types of tumors. RESULTS: The linear range of HBP-TRFIA was (0.11-530 ng/mL). Plasma HBP concentrations detected through HBP-TRFIA were consistent with the results of fluorescence quantitative immunochromatography (ρ = 0.964). The plasma HBP concentrations of infected tumor patients were significantly higher than those of uninfected tumor patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study successfully established a highly sensitive HBP-TRFIA, which was highly comparable to commercially available fluorescent quantitative immunochromatographic kits and was able to facilitate the timely diagnosis of bacterial or fungal infections in patients with tumor.

Study on the Inhibitory Activity and Possible Mechanism of Myriocin on Clinically Relevant Drug-Resistant Candida albicans and Its Biofilms.

In order to prevent and control the infection of Candida albicans, the antifungal activity, possible mechanism of myriocin against C. albicans and its biofilm were studied. The antifungal activity of myriocin was investigated by microdilution method. The effect of myriocin on fungal cell wall or membrane was evaluated by adding sorbitol, ergosterol or phytosphingosine (PHS). The damage to the cell membrane was investigated with propidium iodide (PI) staining and visualized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects on biofilms and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were observed by crystal violet staining method and phenol-sulfuric acid method respectively. The adhesion of C. albicans cells to hydrocarbons was tested to evaluate cell surface hydrophobic (CSH). The combined effects of myriocin and antifungal drugs commonly used in clinical practice were investigated by using the checkerboard microdilution method. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were found to be 0.125-4 µg/mL. Myriocin was found to affect both cell wall and cell membrane. After exposure to myriocin, biofilm and EPS were found to be inhibited and removed, and the CSH was decreased. The combined fungistasis of myriocin and voriconazole (VCZ) or amphotericin B (AMB) were additive. Myriocin had significant antifungal activity against C. albicans, and the antifungal mechanisms might be cell wall and membrane damage. Myriocin effectively inhibited and eliminated biofilms, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EPS and CSH.

Epidemiology and Seasonality of Respiratory Viruses Detected from Children with Respiratory Tract Infections in Wuxi, East China.

BACKGROUND Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in children and lead to hospitalization in developing countries. However, little is known about the epidemiology and seasonality of respiratory viruses in the pediatric population in Wuxi, East China. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included all patients 14 years of age and below who presented with signs and symptoms of RTIs between January 2010 and December 2016. During this period, a total of 2160 children treated in Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital were involved in our study. The clinical and sociodemographic data were recorded to describe the frequency and seasonality. Respiratory specimens were tested by multiplex real-time PCR assays for virus identification. RESULTS More than 30% (35.19%, 760 samples) of the specimens showed evidence of infection with viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (368 samples), influenza virus A (114 samples), influenza virus B (115 samples), parainfluenza virus I (29 samples), parainfluenza virus II (39 samples), parainfluenza virus III (13 samples), and adenovirus (82 samples); 48.99% of the children infected with viruses were under 12 months of age. Viruses were detected throughout all the year, with a peak in winter. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that RSV is the most important cause of RTIs in our region during winter. Our data provide a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and seasonality of virus, which may help to reduce the use of antibiotics and implement an effective approach for prevention, control, and treatment of RTIs, especially during its peak season.

Acinetobacter baumannii Infection and IL-17 Mediated Immunity.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of severe hospital-acquired infections with a recent rise in multidrug-resistant infections involving traumatic wounds of military personnel. The interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway is essential for neutrophil recruitment in response to a variety of pathogens, while the control of A. baumannii infection is known to be dependent on neutrophils. This suggests that IL-17 may play an important role in A. baumannii infection; however, this has yet to be studied. Here, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the host-pathogen interaction of A. baumannii and propose a potential role of the IL-17 pathway in generating a protective immune response.

Fear of disease progression, self-management efficacy, and family functioning in patients with breast cancer: a cross-sectional relationship study.

Introduction: Fear of disease progression (FoP) has been identified as one of the most prevalent unmet needs among breast cancer patients in recent years. The aim of this study was to examine FoP in patients with breast cancer and explore its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics, self-management efficacy, and family functioning. We also aimed to create a clinically-relevant prediction model based off of these factors (i.e., a "nomogram") to help identify patients' probability of experiencing high FoP. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of breast cancer in patients at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University was conducted from June 2023 to February 2024. The study included the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Questionnaire, the Fear of Disease Progression Scale (FoP-Q-SF), the Chinese Self-Management Efficacy Scale for Cancer Patients (C-SUPPH), and the Family Care Index Questionnaire (APGAR). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed based on multiple regression results and the model performance was evaluated. Results: A total of 151 breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study. The mean (standard deviation) FoP score of the patients was 35.87 ± 9.24. The average score of C-SUPPH was 96.97 ± 17.29, and the average score of APGAR was 6.74 ± 2.98. Pearson correlation analysis showed that FoP was negatively correlated with self-management efficacy (r = -0.544, p < 0.01) and family functioning (r = -0.730, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that age (B = -4.038), self-management efficacy (B = -0.085) and family functioning (B = -1.972) were significantly related to FoP, and together explained 36% of FoP variation (R 2 = 0.360, F = 20.50, p < 0.001). The nomogram of these variables showed satisfactory prediction performance [the Bootstrap Correction Consistency Index (C-index) = 0.872]. According to previous studies, a C-index of >0.70 indicates that the model is acceptable. Conclusion: We found that greater fear of cancer progression (FoP) was associated with younger age, lower self-management efficacy and poorer family functioning in breast cancer patients. Based on these variables, our exploratory prediction model should be further investigated in order to help identify breast cancer patients who may be at highest risk of experiencing high FoP.

Prognostic Value of CRP-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY) Index in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Breast Cancer.

Purpose: According to the 2023 global cancer data, breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women in the world. Its occurrence and development is influenced by inflammation, nutrition, and immune status. Therefore, this study combines C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and lymphocyte, which can reflect the above states, to form the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, an indicator to evaluate its relationship with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and follow-up data of 174 patients with breast cancer. The optimal cutoff for the preoperative CALLY index was identified by considering the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve; subsequently, the discriminatory ability of the cutoff was determined. The effect of the CALLY index on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. The CALLY index was calculated as: (Albumin × Lymphocyte)/(CRP × 104). Results: The cut-off value of the CALLY index was determined at 2.285. With a cut-off value of 2.285, patients were divided into two groups: those with CALLY <2.285 and those with CALLY ≥2.285. CALLY Index ≥ 2.285 was associated with better survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that TNM stage and CALLY index were prognostic factors that affected OS and DFS. Conclusion: The CALLY index is a new prognostic biomarker for breast cancer patients after surgery. This new CALLY index allows for suitable patients with a poor prognosis to receive postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Association Between Triglyceride Glucose Index and Infertility in Reproductive-Aged Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: In recent years, female infertility has become a research hotspot in the field of health management, and its cause may be related to insulin resistance (IR). We used a novel and practical IR indicator, the TyG index to explore its association with infertility. Patients and Methods: We calculated the TyG index using data from adult women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2018. Then, we used multivariate logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analysis to examine the association between the TyG index and infertility in women. Results: Logistic regression models showed a positive correlation between the TyG index and infertility, which remained significant even after adjusting for all confounders (OR=1.51,95% CI:1.14-2.00, p=0.005). This association was consistent in all subgroups (age, education level, marital status, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, pelvic inflammatory disease/PID treatment, and menstrual regularity in the past 12 months) (p>0.05 for all interactions). However, the diagnostic power of the TyG index for infertility was limited (AUC=0.56, 95% CI: 0.52-0.61). Conclusion: The TyG index is positively correlated with infertility, but its diagnostic value is limited. Further research is needed on the TyG index as an early predictor of infertility.

Association between visceral adiposity index and infertility in reproductive-aged women in the United States.

Over the years, obesity has become more commonplace and has had a substantial impact on several medical specialties, including reproductive medicine. The potential correlation between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and infertility has yet to be determined. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2020. Three tertiles were used to group VAI levels. Subgroup analysis and weighted binary logistic regression were employed to investigate the independent relationship between VAI and infertility. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore nonlinear relationships. This cross-sectional study followed the criteria of the STROBE guidelines. Of the 1231 participants, 127 were infertile women aged 18-45 years. A higher VAI was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility (OR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03-1.45), which remained consistent across all subgroups (p > 0.05 for all interactions). We demonstrated a positive nonlinear association between VAI and infertility using a smooth curve fit. A higher visceral adiposity index level is positively correlated with a higher incidence of infertility among women in the United States. Women who are infertile can be identified using the visceral obesity index, and controlling visceral obesity may help lower the chances of becoming infertile.

Characteristics of multidrug-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains ST29 and K212 harbouring tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize a tigecycline-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKP) strain, identified as KLZT, which carries the tigecycline resistance gene cluster tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2 belonging to ST29 and serotype K212. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence phenotypes were assessed, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using PacBio II and MiSeq sequencers. Genome annotation was carried out using the RAST server and bioinformatics analysis revealed the genetic characteristics of this strain. RESULTS: Antimicrobial and virulence phenotype testing indicated that K. pneumoniae strain KLZT could be considered as a multidrug-resistant HvKP. WGS analysis showed that KLZT has a single 5,536,506-bp chromosome containing three plasmids 290,963 bp (pKLZT-1), 199,302 bp (pKLZT-2), and 4820 bp (pKLZT-3) in size, and also includes the ST29 and K212 serotypes. Four (blaSHV-187, oqxA, oqxB, and fosA6) and six resistance genes (tmexC2-tmxeD2-toprJ2, blaOXA-1, aac(6')-Ib-cr, catB3, arr-3, and blaLEN27) were identified from chromosomal and plasmid pKLZT-1, respectively. Gene-based analysis of the resistance genes of plasmid pKLZT-1 showed that the tigecycline resistance gene cluster-carrying region was flanked by umuC and umuD (umuD-hps-IS5-tmexC2-tmexD2-toprJ2-umuC), as well as other resistance genes and virulence factors (ureB, ureC, and ureG), which were carried by IS5075-Tn3-intI1 -aac(6')-Ib-cr-blaOXA-1-catB3-arr-3-blaLEN27-Tn3-ISkpn26-ureBCG-IS5075. CONCLUSIONS: WGS has revealed that a multidrug-resistant strain, HvKP KLZT, belonging to ST29 with capsular serotype K212, contains a multidrug-resistance plasmid.

Co-occurrence of ST412 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with hypermucoviscous and non-mucoviscous phenotypes in a short-term hospitalized patient.

Hypermucoviscosity (HMV) is a phenotype that is commonly associated with hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The factors that contribute to the emergence of HMV subpopulations remain unclear. In this study, eight K. pneumoniae strains were recovered from an inpatient who had been hospitalized for 20 days. Three of the isolates exhibited a non-HMV phenotype, which was concomitant with higher biofilm formation than the other five HMV isolates. All eight isolates were highly susceptible to serum killing, albeit HMV strains were remarkably more infective than non-HMV counterparts in a mouse model of infection. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that the eight isolates belonged to the K57-ST412 lineage. Average nucleotide identity (FastANIb) analysis indicated that eight isolates share 99.96% to 99.99% similarity and were confirmed to be the same clone. Through comparative genomics analysis, 12 non-synonymous mutations were found among these isolates, eight of which in the non-HMV variants, including rmpA (c.285delG) and wbaP (c.1305T > A), which are assumed to be associated with the non-HMV phenotype. Mutations in manB (c.1318G > A), dmsB (c.577C > T) and tkt (c.1928C > A) occurred in HMV isolates only. RNA-Seq revealed transcripts of genes involved in energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport, including cysP, cydA, narK, tktA, pduQ, aceB, metN, and lsrA, to be significantly dysregulated in the non-HMV strains, suggesting a contribution to HMV phenotype development. This study suggests that co-occurrence of HMV and non-HMV phenotypes in the same clonal population may be mediated by mutational mechanisms as well as by certain genes involved in membrane transport and central metabolism. IMPORTANCE: K. pneumoniae with a hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype is a community-acquired pathogen that is associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity, and underlying diseases are the most common comorbid risk factors inducing metastatic complications. HMV was earlier attributed to the overproduction of capsular polysaccharide, and more data point to the possibility of several causes contributing to this bacterial phenotype. Here, we describe a unique event in which the same clonal population showed both HMV and non-HMV characteristics. Studies have demonstrated that this process is influenced by mutational processes and genes related to transport and central metabolism. These findings provide fresh insight into the mechanisms behind co-occurrence of HMV and non-HMV phenotypes in monoclonal populations as well as potentially being critical in developing strategies to control the further spread of HMV K. pneumoniae.

K. pneumoniae and M. smegmatis infect epithelial cells via different strategies.

Background: As the first line of defense, epithelial cells play a vital role in the initiation and control of both innate and adaptive immunity, which participate in the development of disease. Despite its therapeutic significance, little is understood about the specific interaction between pathogenic microorganisms and lung epithelial cells. Methods: In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of the virulence and infection mechanisms of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis), which represent Gram-negative/positive respiratory pathogens, respectively, in lung epithelial cell models for the first time. Results: Through scanning electron microscopy combined with bacterial infection experiments, we confirmed the ability of K. pneumoniae and M. smegmatis strains to form biofilm and cord factor out of the cell wall. M. smegmatis has stronger adhesion and intracellular retention ability, while K. pneumoniae is more likely to induce acute infection. These pathogens could stay and proliferate in lung epithelial cells and stimulate the secretion of specific cytokines and chemokines through a gene transcription regulator. M. smegmatis infection can promote crosstalk among epithelial cells and other immune cells in the lung from a very early stage by prompting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, there were significant correlations between K. pneumonia infection and higher levels of interleukin-15 (IL-15), interleukin-1Rα (IL-1Rα), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) basic, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). At the same time, K. pneumonia infection also led to changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins in epithelial cells. Conclusions: Our results emphasized the immunoprotection and immunomodulation of lung epithelial cells against exogenous pathogenic microorganisms, indicating that different pathogens damaged the host through different strategies and induced varying innate immune responses. At the same time, they provided important clues and key immune factors for dealing with complicated pulmonary infections.

Clinical diagnosis, treatment and microbiological profiles of primary canaliculitis.

The present study aimed to examine the clinical and pathogenic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of primary canaliculitis to provide further guidance for its clinical management. The present prospective study enrolled 50 patients (50 eyes) diagnosed with primary canaliculitis between May 2018 and April 2021 at Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, China. The patients' general clinicopathological information, clinical characteristics, microbiological profiles and treatment outcomes were analyzed and summarized. All the patients presented with persistent red eyes and eye discharge. Examination of discharge smears revealed that 96% of patients tested positive for Actinomyces and all smears were negative for fungi. Microbial cultures indicated that 82% of cases were positive for bacteria. A total of 51 bacterial strains were cultured; of these, 27.5% were aerobes, 35.3% were anaerobes and 37.2% were facultative anaerobes. A total of 56.9% of strains were gram-positive and 43.1% were gram-negative. The three most common bacteria, including Streptococcus spp., Capnocytophaga spp. and Propionibacterium, were analyzed. Only 3 cases (6%) of microbial cultures were positive for Actinomyces and all cases were negative for fungi in microbial cultures. Among the 50 cases, 45 were cured with conservative treatment [intracanalicular ointment infiltration (IOI)]. Five patients responded poorly to conservative treatment; however, they were cured with surgical treatment. In the current study, the majority of canaliculitis cases were caused by mixed infections, predominantly Actinomyces. The results revealed that the culture positivity rate of Actinomyces was low; however, the smear staining positivity rate was high. Fungus was smear- and culture-negative in all cases. In conclusion, patients with canaliculitis had a good prognosis after timely diagnosis and treatment.

Characteristics of a ceftadine/avibatam resistance KPC-33-producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae strain with capsular serotype K19 belonging to ST15.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the blaKPC-33 in a ST15-K19 ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI)-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain after the antibiotic CAZ-AVI was approved for use in Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, China. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the microdilution broth method. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using PacBio II and MiSeq sequencers. High-quality reads were assembled using the SOAPdenovo and GapCloser v1.12, and genome annotation was performed using the NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline (PGAP). Genomic characteristics were analysed by using bioinformatics methods. RESULTS: K. pneumoniae strain KPHRJ showed resistance to CAZ-AVI. WGS analysis showed that strain KPHRJ had one 5 536 506 bp chromosome (57.25% G+C content) and one plasmid (133 451 bp, G+C 54.29%). KPHRJ was classified as ST15 and K19 serotype. Resistome analysis showed that KPHRJ carries seven antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). WGS analysis and conjugation experiments demonstrated that the blaKPC-33 gene was carried by plasmid pKPHRJ, flanked by two copies of IS26 mobile elements (IS26-ISKpn27-blaKPC-33-ISKpn6-korC-TnAs1-tetR-tetA-Tn3-IS26). Besides these acquired resistance genes, mutations in porin protein-coding genes, such as OmpK36 and OmpK37, which may reduce susceptibility to the CAZ-AVI, were also identified from the genome. CONCLUSION: Here, we present the WGS of a CAZ-AVI resistant K. pneumoniae isolate, strain KPHRJ, with capsular serotype K19 and belonging to ST15. CAZ-AVI resistance is likely conferred by a KPC-2 variant, blaKPC-33 and mutations in porin-coding genes. We speculate that the approval of the CAZ-AVI in hospital could contribute to the emergence of these genomic features by providing a selective pressure leading to the emergence of CAZ-AVI resistant bacteria.

Coexistence of tmexCD3-toprJ1b tigecycline resistance genes with two novel bla VIM-2-carrying and bla OXA-10-carrying transposons in a Pseudomononas asiatica plasmid.

Introduction: Tigecycline and carbapenems are considered the last line of defense against microbial infections. The co-occurrence of resistance genes conferring resistance to both tigecycline and carbapenems in Pseudomononas asiatica was not investigated. Methods: P. asiatica A28 was isolated from hospital sewage. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed resistance to carbapenem and tigecycline. WGS was performed to analyze the antimicrobial resistance genes and genetic characteristics. Plasmid transfer by conjugation was investigated. Plasmid fitness costs were evaluated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa transconjugants including a Galleria mellonella infection model. Results: Meropenem and tigecycline resistant P. asiatica A28 carries a 199, 972 bp long plasmid PLA28.4 which harbors seven resistance genes. Sequence analysis showed that the 7113 bp transposon Tn7389 is made up of a class I integron without a 5'CS terminal and a complete tni module flanked by a pair of 25bp insertion repeats. Additionally, the Tn7493 transposon, 20.24 kp long, with a complete 38-bp Tn1403 IR and an incomplete 30-bp Tn1403 IR, is made up of partial skeleton of Tn1403, a class I integron harboring bla OXA-10, and a Tn5563a transposon. Moreover, one tnfxB3-tmexC3.2-tmexD3b-toprJ1b cluster was found in the plasmid and another one in the the chromosome. Furthermore, plasmid PLA28.4 could be conjugated to P. aeruginosa PAO1, with high fitness cost. Discussion: A multidrug-resistant plasmid carrying tmexCD3-toprJ1b and two novel transposons carrying bla VIM-2 and bla OXA-10 -resistant genes was found in hospital sewage, increasing the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes. These finding highlight the necessary of controlling the development and spread of medication resistance requires continuous monitoring and management of resistant microorganisms in hospital sewage.

Plasma exosome-derived fragile site-associated tumor suppressor as a powerful prognostic predictor for patients with ovarian cancer.

The objective of the study was to investigate the levels of plasma exosome-derived fragile site-associated tumor suppressor (FATS) and evaluate its prognostic predictive ability in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. Exosome-rich fractions were isolated from the plasma of 90 patients with OC enrolled in this study. The levels of plasma exosome-derived FATS were detected by ELISA. The levels of exosome-derived FATS in OC patients were significantly lower as compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.001). The levels of plasma exosome-derived FATS were higher in OC patients with low grade (1/2), and Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stages I/II than those in high grade (3/4) and Stages III/IV of the disease (p = 0.003; p < 0.001), respectively. The levels of plasma exosome-derived FATS were significantly higher in OC patients with no lymph node metastasis or no ascites as compared to those with lymph node metastasis or ascites, respectively (both p < 0.001). The levels of plasma exosome-derived FATS were higher in OC patients having CA-125 below 35 U/ml as compared to those with CA-125 greater than 35 U/ml (p < 0.001). Among all enrolled OC patients, both 5-DFS and 5-OS were shorter in patients with lower plasma exosome-derived FATS levels than those with higher levels (both p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of plasma exosome-derived FATS was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76-0.91) for 5-DFS and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83-0.96) for 5-OS prediction in patients with OC. Plasma exosome-derived FATS levels in OC patients were significantly downregulated. Low levels of plasma exosome-derived FATS had a significant relationship with FIGO Stages III/IV, high grade, ascites, higher levels of CA-125, lymph node metastasis, and prognosis of OC patients. Thus, our findings may provide insights for the development of a new strategy OC treatment.