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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally, often necessitating mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction. Silicone mammary implants (SMIs) play a pivotal role in breast reconstruction, yet their interaction with the host immune system and microbiome remains poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of SMI surface topography on host antimicrobial responses, wound proteome dynamics, and microbial colonization. Biological samples were collected from ten human patients undergoing breast reconstruction with SMIs. Mass spectrometry profiles were analyzed for acute and chronic wound proteomes, revealing a nuanced interplay between topography and antimicrobial response proteins. 16S rRNA sequencing assessed microbiome dynamics, unveiling topography-specific variations in microbial composition. Surface topography alterations influenced wound proteome composition. Microbiome analysis revealed heightened diversity around rougher SMIs, emphasizing topography-dependent microbial invasion. In vitro experiments confirmed staphylococcal adhesion, growth, and biofilm formation on SMI surfaces, with increased texture correlating positively with bacterial colonization. This comprehensive investigation highlights the intricate interplay between SMI topography, wound proteome dynamics, and microbial transmission. The findings contribute to understanding host–microbe interactions on SMI surfaces, essential for optimizing clinical applications and minimizing complications in breast reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bacterial components of the urobiome have been described in children, both with and without urinary tract infections (UTI). However, less is known about the pediatric uromycobiome: the community of fungi in the urine. The objectives of this study were to describe the uromycobiome in children and determine whether the uromycobiome differs between children with and without UTI. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of febrile children less than 3 years of age who presented to the Emergency Department and had a catheterized urine sample sent as part of clinical care. We obtained residual urine for use in this study and identified components of the uromyobiome through amplification and sequencing of the fungal ITS2 region. We then compared the uromycobiome between those with and without UTI. Results: We included 374 children in this study (UTI = 50, no UTI = 324). Fungi were isolated from urine samples of 310 (83%) children. Fungi were identified in a higher proportion of children with UTI, compared to those without UTI (96% vs. 81%, p = 0.01). Shannon diversity index was higher in children with UTI, compared to those without (p = 0.04). Although there were differences in the most abundant taxa between children with and without UTI, there was no significant difference in beta diversity between groups. Conclusions: Fungi were detected in the majority of catheterized urine samples from children. While a higher proportion of children with UTI had fungi in their urine, compared to children without UTI, there was no difference in the composition of these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To successfully replicate, viruses protect their genomic material from degradation by the host cell. RNA viruses must contend with numerous destabilizing host cell processes including mRNA decay pathways and viral RNA (vRNA) degradation resulting from the antiviral response. Members of the Picornaviridae family of small RNA viruses have evolved numerous diverse strategies to evade RNA decay, including incorporation of stabilizing elements into vRNA and re-purposing host stability factors. Viral proteins are deployed to disrupt and inhibit components of the decay machinery and to redirect decay machinery to the advantage of the virus. This review summarizes documented interactions of picornaviruses with cellular RNA decay pathways and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]