Influenza A virus infection alters the resistance profile of gut microbiota to clinically relevant antibiotics.

IMPORTANCE: Influenza virus infection affects both lung and intestinal bacterial community composition. Most of the published analyses focus on the characterization of the microbiota composition changes. Here we assess functional alterations of gut microbiota such as nutrient and antibiotic resistance changes during an acute respiratory tract infection. Upon influenza A virus (IAV) infection, cecal microbiota drops accompanied by a decrease in the ability to metabolize some common nutrients under aerobic conditions. At the same time, the cecal community presents an increase in resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics, particularly cephalosporins. Functional characterization of complex communities presents an additional and necessary element of analysis that nowadays is mainly limited to taxonomic description. The consequences of these functional alterations could affect treatment strategies, especially in multimicrobial infections.

Oncolytic virotherapy in lung cancer.

Lung tumors are one of the most aggressive threats affecting humans. Current therapeutic approaches have improved patients' survival; however, further efforts are required to increase effectiveness and protection against tumor relapse and metastasis. Immunotherapy presents an alternative to previous treatments that focuses on stimulating of the patient's immune system to destroy tumor cells. Viruses can be used as part of the immune therapeutic approach as agents that could selectively infect tumor cells, triggering an immune response against the infection and against the tumor cells. Some viruses have been selected for specifically infecting and destroying cancer cells, activating the immune response, enhancing access, amplifying the cytotoxicity against the tumor cells, and improving the long-term memory that can prevent tumor relapse. Oncolytic virotherapy can then be used as a strategy to target the destruction of transformed cells at the tumor site and act in locations distant from the primary targeted tumor site. Some of the current challenges in lung cancer treatment can be addressed using traditional therapies combined with oncolytic virotherapy. Defining the best combination, including the choice of the right settings will be at the next frontier in lung cancer treatment.

Broad virus inactivation using inorganic micro/nano-particulate materials.

Inorganic materials can provide a set of tools to decontaminate solid, liquid or air containing viral particles. The use of disinfectants can be limited or not practical in scenarios where continuous cleaning is not feasible. Physicochemical differences between viruses raise the need for effective formulations for all kind of viruses. In the present work we describe two types of antimicrobial inorganic materials: i) a novel soda-lime glass (G3), and ii) kaolin containing metals nanoparticles (Ag or CuO), as materials to disable virus infectivity. Strong antiviral properties can be observed in G3 glass, and kaolin-containing nanoparticle materials showing a reduction of viral infectivity close to 99%. in the first 10 â€‹min of contact of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). A potent virucidal activity is also present in G3 and kaolin containing Ag or CuO nanoparticles against all kinds of viruses tested, reducing more than 99% the amount of HSV-1, Adenovirus, VSV, Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 exposed to them. Virucidal properties could be explained by a direct interaction of materials with viruses as well as inactivation by the presence of virucidal elements in the material lixiviates. Kaolin-based materials guarantee a controlled release of active nanoparticles with antiviral activity. Current coronavirus crisis highlights the need for new strategies to remove viruses from contaminated areas. We propose these low-cost inorganic materials as useful disinfecting antivirals in the actual or future pandemic threats.

Efficacy of EDTA and HEDP Chelators in the Removal of Mature Biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis by PUI and XPF File Activation.

BACKGROUND: Biofilm removal from the root canal during endodontic treatment is necessary to prevent further complications. Irrigation is essential to success. Several irrigants have been proposed without a proper comparison. The aim of the study is to compare the antibacterial capacity of different activated irrigants using passive ultrasonic activation (PUI) or XP-Endo finisher (XPF). METHODS: A total of 100 instrumented teeth were incubated in an Eppendorf tube containing 0.5 McFarland of Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 2 weeks at 37 °C. Roots were divided into 5 groups (n = 20) according to the irrigant type: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (17%), ethydronic acid (HEDP) (9%) mixed with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), EDTA (17%) mixed with 5.25% NaOCl, PBS, and a control group. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10): PUI and XPF. RESULTS: As compared to the untreated control group, the irrigators included in the study had a significant effect in bacteria reduction. The obtained results show HEDP to be the most effective irrigant, since no bacteria were recovered after treatment of this group, followed by EDTA mixed with NaOCl and, finally, the EDTA-irrigated group. CONCLUSIONS: HEDP is the best irrigating agent in combination with XPF or PUI file activation to eliminate bacteria in our experimental model.

Analysis of the Microbiota of the Physiotherapist's Environment.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the microbiota of the physiotherapist's work environment to understand the existing potential risks and to adopt appropriate preventive measures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study. SETTING: Physiotherapist's working environment. PARTICIPANTS: Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers (N=19). INTERVENTIONS: A microbiological sampling was carried out in the physiotherapy centers. The samples were studied using the usual culture and analysis methodology for characterization and isolation of a range of bacteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute and relative frequency of microorganism isolation. RESULTS: In the analysis, pathogens normally responsible for nosocomial infections were detected, especially on instruments and equipment used by the physiotherapist such as sponge electrodes, and were significantly more contaminated than the rest of the places studied (P<.01). CONCLUSION: This situation confirms the absence of measures and protocols for the prevention and control of such infections in the physiotherapist's environment, which is why they must be considered to protect both physiotherapy professionals and patients.

Oncolytic bacteria: past, present and future.

More than a century ago, independent groups raised the possibility of using bacteria to selectively infect tumours. Such treatment induces an immune reaction that can cause tumour rejection and protect the patient against further recurrences. One of the first holistic approximations to use bacteria in cancer treatment was performed by William Coley, considered the father of immune-therapy, at the end of XIX century. Since then, many groups have used different bacteria to test their antitumour activity in animal models and patients. The basis for this reactivity implies that innate immune responses activated upon bacteria recognition, also react against the tumour. Different publications have addressed several aspects of oncolytic bacteria. In the present review, we will focus on revisiting the historical aspects using bacteria as oncolytic agents and how they led to the current clinical trials. In addition, we address the molecules present in oncolytic bacteria that induce specific toxic effects against the tumors as well as the activation of host immune responses in order to trigger antitumour immunity. Finally, we discuss future perspectives that could be considered in the different fields implicated in the implementation of this kind of therapy in order to improve the current use of bacteria as oncolytic agents.