The Binding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelial Model Cells Alters the Composition of the Exosomes They Produce Compared to Healthy Control Cells.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes dehydration of the surface of the airways, increasing lung infections, most frequently caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Exosomes are nanovesicles released by cells that play an essential role in intercellular communication, although their role during bacterial infections is not well understood. In this article, we analyze the alterations in exosomes produced by healthy bronchial epithelial and cystic fibrosis cell lines caused by the interaction with P. aeruginosa. The proteomic study detected alterations in 30% of the species analyzed. In healthy cells, they mainly involve proteins related to the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and various catabolic enzymes. In CF, proteins related to the cytoskeleton and matrix, in addition to the proteasome. These differences could be related to the inflammatory response. A study of miRNAs detected alterations in 18% of the species analyzed. The prediction of their potential biological targets identified 7149 genes, regulated by up to 7 different miRNAs. The identification of their functions showed that they preferentially affected molecules involved in binding and catalytic activities, although with differences between cell types. In conclusion, this study shows differences in exosomes between CF and healthy cells that could be involved in the response to infection.

MiR-422a promotes adipogenesis via MeCP2 downregulation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a ubiquitous transcriptional regulator. The study of this protein has been mainly focused on the central nervous system because alterations of its expression are associated with neurological disorders such as Rett syndrome. However, young patients with Rett syndrome also suffer from osteoporosis, suggesting a role of MeCP2 in the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs), the precursors of osteoblasts and adipocytes. Here, we report an in vitro downregulation of MeCP2 in hBMSCs undergoing adipogenic differentiation (AD) and in adipocytes of human and rat bone marrow tissue samples. This modulation does not depend on MeCP2 DNA methylation nor on mRNA levels but on differentially expressed miRNAs during AD. MiRNA profiling revealed that miR-422a and miR-483-5p are upregulated in hBMSC-derived adipocytes compared to their precursors. MiR-483-5p, but not miR-422a, is also up-regulated in hBMSC-derived osteoblasts, suggesting a specific role of the latter in the adipogenic process. Experimental modulation of intracellular levels of miR-422a and miR-483-5p affected MeCP2 expression through direct interaction with its 3' UTR elements, and the adipogenic process. Accordingly, the knockdown of MeCP2 in hBMSCs through MeCP2-targeting shRNA lentiviral vectors increased the levels of adipogenesis-related genes. Finally, since adipocytes released a higher amount of miR-422a in culture medium compared to hBMSCs we analyzed the levels of circulating miR-422a in patients with osteoporosis-a condition characterized by increased marrow adiposity-demonstrating that its levels are negatively correlated with T- and Z-scores. Overall, our findings suggest that miR-422a has a role in hBMSC adipogenesis by downregulating MeCP2 and its circulating levels are associated with bone mass loss in primary osteoporosis.

Cytologic features of a pleural effusion after silicone breast implant rupture.

Pleural effusion is an extremely rare complication of ruptured breast silicone implants. Rupture may be related to a recent trauma or occur spontaneously, making its diagnosis more difficult. In the few reported cases, cytology did not play a relevant role in its diagnosis. We describe and illustrate a silicone foreign body reaction in a pleural effusion. Cytologic findings were so remarkable as to permit a specific diagnosis. The patient, a 37-year-old female with a history of previous bilateral breast implant surgery was admitted because of a pleural effusion. Computed tomography scan showed a left effusion with secondary atelectasis and bilateral breast rupture with lymph node "siliconomas." Cytologic analysis of the effusion showed well-defined droplets or globules of transparent material, in addition to a microvacuolized background. Where abundant silicone droplets induced a staining artifact of the smears. These were cellular with numerous macrophages containing large vacuoles displacing the nuclei to the periphery. Some had a signet cell ring appearance, while others showed multinucleation. Flow cytometry revealed a predominant macrophagic cell population. With the increasing use of silicone breast implants, rare complications such as pleural effusion may become more common. The pathologist must consider this possibility when extracellular transparent droplets or evidence of a foreign body-type reaction are present. The artifact appearance of the smears may help to suspect it. This rare complication must be always considered when evaluating effusions in patients with silicone breast implants.

Attitudes of Healthcare Workers toward Influenza Vaccination in the COVID-19 Era.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are reluctant to participate in the influenza vaccination program, despite their high risk to contract and diffuse influenza due to professional exposure. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic could raise HCW flu vaccination adherence. The aim of this study was to assess HCW attitudes toward influenza vaccination in the COVID-19 era. A multicenter observational study was carried out in three Italian hospitals (two in Pesaro and one in Fano, Marche region, Italy). Data about HCW influenza vaccination between 2013 and 2021 were extracted from the vaccination registers. An online questionnaire was sent to HCWs from July to October 2020 to assess their opinion about influenza vaccination in terms of knowledge, attitude, and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of flu-vaccinated HCWs increased from 3.7% in the 2013−2014 flu season to 53.6% in the 2020−2021 flu season (p < 0.001). About 15% (n = 324) of HCWs responded to the online questionnaire, and 30.5% of them declared that they had changed their minds on flu vaccination after the COVID-19 pandemic, deciding to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased HCWs' attitudes toward flu vaccination. However, flu vaccination adherence remained low and should be improved.

Recognising undernutrition in a community hospital: the nursing judgement is insufficient.

INTRODUCTION: Standardised nutritional screening methods improve the rate of recognising older patients with undernutrition, which is strongly encouraged in hospitals and residential settings. Therefore, our study compared the rates of identifying undernutrition before and after introducing the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) in a community hospital. METHODS: This was a single-centre, retrospective, observational before-after study. Participants were subjects aged 65 years or older, admitted to a community hospital from May 2018 to December 2020. The nursing assessment at admission included the MNA® from January 2020. The prevalence of undernutrition gathered by nursing diagnoses from 2018 to 2019 was compared with data obtained using the MNA® in 2020. Then, a confirmatory analysis was conducted to compare the prevalence of undernutrition in 2020 when both nursing diagnoses and the MNA® were used. RESULTS: We analysed data of approximately 316 patients (238 before and 78 after introducing the MNA®). Overall, results showed that 47.1% (n = 149) of the patients were undernourished. As observed, the prevalence of undernutrition was 38.6% (n = 92) in 2018-2019 and 73.1% (n = 57) in 2020 (p < 0.001). In 2020, however, 38.5% of patients (n = 30) were identified as undernourished using the MNA® but not using nursing diagnoses. Therefore, the correlation between these two methods was poor (Pearson's correlation 0.169, p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Identifying elderly patients with undernutrition significantly increased after introducing the MNA®. Undernutrition is a common condition that should be systematically screened using a validated tool to activate personalised nutritional interventions promptly.

Predictors of adverse outcomes using a multidimensional nursing assessment in an Italian community hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence about the role of nurses in patient outcomes in several healthcare settings. However, there is still a lack of evidence about the transitional care setting. We aimed to assess the association between patient characteristics identified in a multidimensional nursing assessment and outcomes of mortality and acute hospitalization during community hospital stay. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed on patients consecutively admitted to a community hospital (CH) in Loreto (Ancona, Italy) between January 1st, 2018 and May 31st, 2019. The nursing assessment included sociodemographic characteristics, functional status, risk of falls (Conley Score) and pressure damage (Norton scale), nursing diagnoses, presence of pressure sores, feeding tubes, urinary catheters or vascular access devices and comorbidities. Two logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between patient characteristics identified in a multidimensional nursing assessment and outcomes of mortality and acute hospitalization during CH stay. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 298 patients. The mean age was 83 ± 9.9 years; 60.4% (n = 180) were female. The overall mean length of stay was 42.8 ± 36 days (32 ± 32 days for patients who died and 33.9 ± 35 days for patients who had an acute hospitalization, respectively). An acute hospitalization was reported for 13.4% (n = 40) of patients and 21.8% (n = 65) died. An increased risk of death was related to female sex (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.10-4.62), higher Conley Score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.03-1.37) and having a vascular access device (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.82-7.27). A higher Norton score was associated with a decreased risk of death (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.81). The risk for acute hospitalization was correlated with younger age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), having a vascular access device (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.02-5.36), impaired walking (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.03-6.06) and it is inversely correlated with a higher Conley score (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77-0.98). CONCLUSION: Using a multidimensional nursing assessment enables identification of risk of nearness of end of life and acute hospitalization to target care and treatment. The present study adds further knowledge on this topic and confirms the importance of nursing assessment to evaluate the risk of patients' adverse outcome development.

How much do patients know about osteoporosis? A survey among patients referred to the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry exam.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate osteoporosis education can make patients ill-informed concerning preventive and therapeutic interventions and creates misconceptions and unnecessary concerns about the disease. AIM: Our study aimed to assess whether patients referred to the DXA exam by their general practitioner are informed about risk factors for osteoporosis, comparing patients who received a diagnosis of osteoporosis before the exam with those without this diagnosis. METHODS: An observational single-center study was performed among patients who were referred to the DXA exam at the Osteoporosis Service of Marche Nord Hospital (Fano, Italy) between April and July 2019. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, awareness of suffering from osteoporosis, femoral and lumbar spine T-score and bone mineral density, risk of fracture and the I-FOOQ score were assessed. RESULTS: A pilot study was carried out to validate the questionnaire in the Italian language (alpha-Cronbach 0.75). After that, a sample of 128 patients was enrolled (response rate 93.3%). Mean age was 66 ± 10.6 years, 95.6% were women. Overall, I-FOOQ mean score was 12 ± 3.5. Age, educational level, menopausal age, body mass index, femoral T-score were not associated with a better knowledge (p > 0.05). A comparison between who know to suffer from osteoporosis and others found no differences (12.2 ± 3.4 and 12 ± 3.5, respectively, p = 0.772). Effect of walking, recommended calcium intake, and familiar predisposition are the less known topics. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo the DXA exam are poorly informed about risk factors for osteoporosis, independently of age, education, bone mineral density and risk of fracture. Knowing to suffer from osteoporosis does not increase the likelihood to be informed. It is mandatory to improve the education that is provided to the patients, as there are effective non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections in Geriatric Hospitalized Patients before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Retrospective Observational Study in Two Geriatric Wards.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence, etiology, and association with mortality of MDR bacteria in older adult patients before and after the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. An observational retrospective study was conducted in two geriatric wards of the Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Fano, and of the INRCA, IRCCS, Ancona, in the Marche Region, Italy, from December 2019 to February 2020 and from May to July 2020. A total of 73 patients (mean age 87.4 ± 5.9, 27.4% men) and 83 cultures (36 pre-COVID-19 and 47 post-COVID-19) were considered. Overall, 46 cultures (55.4%) reported MDR bacteria (50% in pre- and 59.6% in post-COVID-19 period, p = 0.384). MDR bacteria in bloodstream significantly increased in post-COVID-19 period (68.8% vs. 40.0% p = 0.038) and MDR bacteria in urine did not change (51.6 vs. 54.8%, p = 0.799). Escherichia coli was the main MDR bacterium in pre-COVID-19, p = 0.082 and post-COVID-19, p = 0.026. Among patients with MDR infection, in-hospital mortality was 37.5% and 68.8% in pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively (p = 0.104), and mortality at 30 days was higher in post-COVID-19 period (78.9% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.012). An increased number of MDR bacteria in bloodstream and mortality after MDR infection have been observed in the post-COVID-19 period.

Heart Rate Variability and Psychometric Analysis in Patients with Hyperactive Heart Fire Syndrome.

Background: Hyperactive heart fire syndrome is characterized by anxiety, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, tongue ulcers, heat in the hands, and palpitations. However, syndrome differentiation is often subjective due to a lack of objective, quantifiable variables. Objectives: To identify changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and psychometric analysis in patients with hyperactive heart fire syndrome. Methods: Healthy controls (n = 33) were compared to patients with hyperactive heart fire syndrome (n = 48) from the Integrative University Clinic of the State University of Ecatepec Valley (CIU-UNEVE). Physiological outcome measures included heart rate (HR), the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal heartbeat intervals (SDNN), low (LF) and high frequency (HF) power, and the LF/HF ratio. Psychometric outcome measures included the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Results: Compared to controls, hyperactive heart fire patients had higher HR (9.6 ± 2.62%), LF (22 ± 4.21%) and LF/HF ratio (23 ± 3.14%), and lower SDNN (21 ± 2.33%) and HF (18 ± 4.61%). Patients showed increased anxiety, both with somatic (33 ± 11.2%) and psychic symptoms (39 ± 10.5%) with more difficulty falling asleep (47 ± 9.9%) and diurnal impact of sleep (31 ± 9.6%). Conclusion: Hyperactive heart fire patients may have a sympathovagal imbalance due to a reduced parasympathetic tone and/or adominant sympathetic tone, which may be at the origin of the observed symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.

The Spanish flu and the fiction literature / La gripe española de 1918 y la literatura de ficción

This review focuses on the fictional literature in which the Spanish flu is represented either as an anecdotal or as a historical aspect and the effect on the author or fictional character. We examine this sociocultural period in the press and mainly in Anglo-Saxon literary works and from other countries, including Spanish and Latin American literature that is not very represented in some international reviews on the subject. Also, we include books about the previous and subsequent influenza pandemics to the Spanish flu

Esta revisión se centra en la literatura de ficción en la que la gripe española se representa como un aspecto anecdótico o histórico y el efecto sobre el autor o el personaje ficticio. Examinamos este período sociocultural en la prensa y principalmente en obras literarias anglosajonas y de otros países, incluida la literatura española y latinoamericana que no está muy representada en algunas revisiones internacionales sobre el tema. Además, incluimos libros sobre las pandemias de influenza anteriores y posteriores a la gripe española

How to improve the identification of patients with cancer eligible for genetic counselling?

OBJECTIVE: International guidelines recommend genetic counselling and if indicated the genetic testing for treatment, disease prevention and follow-up for patients and their relatives. However, there is limited utilisation of genetic counselling. This study aimed to verify whether an individual semi-structured guideline-based interview improves the identification of patients eligible for genetic counselling. METHODS: Unselected patients with cancer were interviewed. A dedicated nurse provided an ad-hoc guideline-based questionnaire to assess the presence of criteria for a possible hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (Lynch syndrome). The interest of patients to undergo genetic counselling was also investigated. RESULTS: Ninety patients were enrolled in the study; 20 (22.2%) of these had already undergone genetic counselling. The interview identified 23 (32.8%) of the remaining 70 patients that were eligible for genetic counselling. Two-third of the patients (n = 59) were interested in genetic counselling irrespective of socio-demographic factors or cancer type. A logistic regression analysis for age, gender, parental status, educational level and cancer type did not reveal any independent factor that was associated with patients who had previous genetic counselling. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest that a semi-structured guideline-based interview can substantially improve the identification of patients eligible for genetic counselling.

Pleiotropic effects of polyphenols on glucose and lipid metabolism: Focus on clinical trials.

Epidemiological evidence from observational studies suggests that dietary polyphenols (PPs) - phytochemicals found in a variety of plant-based foods - can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical trials have also indicated that PPs may help manage the two key features of T2DM, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Since the incidence of T2DM is dramatically increasing worldwide, identifying food-based approaches that can reduce the risk of developing it and help manage its main risk factors in early-stage disease has clinical and socioeconomic relevance. After a brief overview of current epidemiological data on the incidence of T2DM in individuals consuming PP-rich diets, we review the evidence from clinical trials investigating PP-enriched foods and/or PP-based nutraceutical compounds, report their main results, and highlight the knowledge gaps that should be bridged to enhance our understanding of the role of PPs in T2DM development and management.

John Donne, Spanish Doctors and the epidemic typhus: fleas or lice? / John Donne, médicos españoles y el tifus epidémico: ¿pulgas o piojos?

We describe the infections that appeared in the life and work of John Donne (1572-1631), the English metaphysical poet, mainly the exanthematic typhus that suffered and gave arise to his work Devotions upon emergent occasions, and several steps in my sickness. We discuss the vector of transmission of this disease, in comparison of other infections in that period, that Donne's scholars have related to the flea without mentioning the body louse, the true vector of the exanthematic typhus. Likewise, we mention the exanthematic typhus's symptoms in his Devotions in comparison with the Luis de Toro's or Alfonso López de Corella's works, Spanish doctors in those times and the first doctors in write books about the disease, and the singular treatment of pigeon carcasses on the soles of the feet in English Doctors but not in Spanish Doctors

Se describen las infecciones que aparecieron en la vida y la obra de John Donne (1572-1631), el poeta metafísico inglés, principalmente el tifus epidémico que padeció y que dio lugar a su obra "Devotions upon emergent ocassions, and several steps in my sickness". Discutimos el vector transmisor de la enfermedad, en comparación de otras infecciones en ese periodo, que los estudiosos de Donne han relacionado a las pulgas y sin mencionar el piojo del cuerpo que es el verdadero vector del tifus epidémico. Además, mencionamos los síntomas de la enfermedad en su obra "Devotions" en comparación con los trabajos de Luis de Toro o Alfonso López Corella, médicos españoles de su tiempo y los primeros en escribir los tratados sobre la enfermedad, y el tratamiento singular de las carcasas de palomas en las palmas y plantas de los pies en los médicos ingleses pero no presente en los médicos españoles

Changes in Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Spleen-Qi Deficiency Syndrome.

Many functional diseases are related to dysautonomia, and heart rate variability has been used to assess dysautonomia. However, heart rate variability has not been studied in Spleen-Qi deficiency syndrome (SQDS). Healthy volunteers (n = 37) and patients with SQDS (n = 67), recruited from the Clinic of the State University of Ecatepec Valley were included in the study. Outcome measures were average heart rate, standard deviation of the normal-to-normal heartbeat intervals, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) power, and the LF/HF ratio. Also, intestinal peristalsis, gastrointestinal symptoms (GSs), fatigue, and level of attention were measured. Standard deviation of the normal-to-normal heartbeat intervals (17 ± 2.3%) and HF (14 ± 3.1%) were lower in SQDS patients (17 ± 1.3%) than in healthy volunteers. SQDS patients had higher heart rate, LF power, LF/HF ratio, and fatigue scores (9.6 ± 1.12%, 16 ± 2.1%, 22 ± 3.8%, and 21 ± 4.1%). The fatigue correlated positively with the LF/HF ratio and negatively with HF power. The SQDS group had lower concentration performance (16.2 ± 1.9%) in the d2 test. The intestinal peristalsis showed a reduction (15 ± 1.3%) as compared with control. GS score and peristalsis correlated negatively with HF. Our results suggest that the pathology of SDQS could be associated with a low vagal tone which causes a decrease in peristalsis, increased fatigue, reduced attention, and appearance of GSs.

Glycosaminoglycans are differentially involved in bacterial binding to healthy and cystic fibrosis lung cells.

BACKGROUND: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are essential in many infections, including recurrent bacterial respiratory infections, the main cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. METHODS: Using a cellular model of healthy and CF lung epithelium, a comparative transcriptomic study of GAG encoding genes was performed using qRT-PCR, and their differential involvement in the adhesion of bacterial pathogens analyzed by enzymatic degradation and binding competition experiments. RESULTS: Various alterations in gene expression in CF cells were found which affect GAG structures and seem to influence bacterial adherence to lung epithelium cells. Heparan sulfate appears to be the most important GAG species involved in bacterial binding. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to lung epithelial cells of some of the main pathogens involved in CF is dependent on GAGs, and the expression of these polysaccharides is altered in CF cells, suggesting it could play an essential role in the development of infectious pathology.

Desaturations During 6-Minute Walk Test and Predicting Nocturnal Desaturations in Adult Subjects With Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal desaturation in cystic fibrosis (CF) may have prognostic implications because a significant and maintained nocturnal desaturation can contribute to the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension with cor pulmonale. Its relation with the desaturation in exercise has not been sufficiently studied. We aimed to determine whether desaturation during 6MWT can be an indicator of nocturnal desaturation in adult subjects with CF. METHODS: 57 subjects were included: 50.9% male, 27.5 ± 7.7 y old, mean FEV1 = 2.37 ± 0.74 L, and %FEV1 67 ± 18.1%. Desaturation during 6MWT was defined as oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) ≤ 90% or a decline of > 4 points in SpO2 from baseline, and nocturnal desaturation as a desaturation index > 4 or > 5% of sleep time with SpO2 ≤ 90%. RESULTS: Desaturation observed during 6MWT in adult subjects with CF did not correlate with nocturnal desaturation (P = .27). Subjects with %FEV1 ≤ 55% and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≤ 50 mmol/min/mm Hg were at higher risk of 6MWT desaturation. Nocturnal desaturation was more frequent in males, with PaO2 ≤ 71 mm Hg in blood gas analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Desaturation observed in 6MWT cannot predict desaturation at night in adults with CF. Other parameters were identified as predictors of desaturation.

A multicentre, randomized controlled trial of telehealth for the management of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is needed to determine the role of telehealth (TH) in COPD management. METHODS: PROMETE II was a multicentre, randomized, 12-month trial. Severe COPD patients in stable condition were randomized to a specific monitoring protocol with TH or routine clinical practice (RCP). The primary objective was to reduce the number of COPD exacerbations leading to ER visits/hospital admissions between groups. RESULTS: Overall, 237 COPD patients were screened, and 229 (96.6%) were randomized to TH (n = 115) or RCP (n = 114), with age of 71 ±â€¯8 years and 80% were men. Overall, 169 completed the full follow-up period. There were no statistical differences at one year between groups in the proportion of participants who had a COPD exacerbation (60% in TH vs. 53.5% in RCP; p = 0.321). There was, however, a marked but non-significant trend towards a shorter duration of hospitalization and days in ICU in the TH group (18.9 ±â€¯16.0 and 6.0 ±â€¯4.6 days) compared to the RCP group (22.4 ±â€¯19.5 and 13.3 ±â€¯11.1 days). The number of all-cause deaths was comparable between groups (12 in TH vs. 13 in RCP) as was total resource utilization cost (7912€ in TH vs. 8918€ in RCP). Telehealth was evaluated highly positively by patients and doctors. CONCLUSIONS: Remote patient management did not reduce COPD-related ER visits or hospital admissions compared to RCP within 12 months.

Anti-senescence compounds: A potential nutraceutical approach to healthy aging.

The desire of eternal youth seems to be as old as mankind. However, the increasing life expectancy experienced by populations in developed countries also involves a significantly increased incidence of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Senescent cells (SCs) have been identified as culprits of organismal aging. Their number rises with age and their senescence-associated secretory phenotype fuels the chronic, pro-inflammatory systemic state (inflammaging) that characterizes aging, impairing the regenerative ability of stem cells and increasing the risk of developing ARDs. A variegated class of molecules, including synthetic senolytic compounds and natural compounds contained in food, have been suggested to possess anti-senescence activity. Senolytics are attracting growing interest, and their safety and reliability as anti-senescence drugs are being assessed in human clinical trials. Notably, since SCs spread inflammation at the systemic level through pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory signals, foods rich in polyphenols, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, have the potential to be harnessed as "anti-senescence foods" in a nutraceutical approach to healthier aging. We discuss the beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich foods in relation to the Mediterranean diet and the dietary habits of long-lived individuals, and examine their ability to modulate bacterial genera in the gut.

Glycosaminoglycans are involved in bacterial adherence to lung cells.

BACKGROUND: Lower respiratory infections are among the top ten causes of death worldwide. Since pathogen to cell adhesion is a crucial step in the infection progress, blocking the interaction between eukaryotic receptors and bacterial ligands may enable the pathogenesis process to be stopped. Cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are known to be mediators in the adhesion of diverse bacteria to different cell types, making it of interest to examine their involvement in the attachment of various pathogenic bacteria to lung cells, including epithelial cells and fibroblasts. METHODS: The function of cell surface GAGs in bacterial adhesion was studied by reducing their levels through inhibiting their biosynthesis and enzymatic degradation, as well as in binding competition experiments with various species of GAGs. The participation of the different bacterial adhesins in attachment was evaluated through competition with two peptides, both containing consensus heparin binding sequences. Blocking inhibition assays using anti-syndecans and the enzymatic removal of glypicans were conducted to test their involvement in bacterial adhesion. The importance of the fine structure of GAGs in the interaction with pathogens was investigated in competition experiments with specifically desulfated heparins. RESULTS: The binding of all bacteria tested decreased when GAG levels in cell surface of both lung cells were diminished. Competition experiments with different types of GAGs showed that heparan sulfate chains are the main species involved. Blocking or removal of cell surface proteoglycans evidenced that syndecans play a more important role than glypicans. The binding was partially inhibited by peptides including heparin binding sequences. Desulfated heparins also reduced bacterial adhesion to different extents depending on the bacterium and the sulfated residue, especially in fibroblast cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data demonstrate that the GAG chains of the cell surface are involved in the adhesion of bacterial adhesins to lung cells. Heparan sulfate seems to be the main species implicated, and binding is dependent on the sulfation pattern of the molecule. These data could facilitate the development of new anti-infective strategies, enabling the development of new procedures for blocking the interaction between pathogens and lung cells more effectively.