Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor of the soft tissue in the left upper arm and a review of the literature: A case report.

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) of the soft parts is a mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain lineage. Fibromyxoid matrix and peripheral metaplastic bone are common histological features of this type of tumor. In the present study, a case of OFMT in a 33-year-old female was reported. The patient was referred to the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University (Shenyan, China) in January 2018. The patient had developed a mass in the left upper arm 6 months prior to presentation, which was slowly enlarging. The tumor was 1.5 cm in diameter, with hard texture. Histologically, the tumor showed a clear boundary with no invasion into the adjacent tissue. The majority of tumor cells were round and medium-sized, with abundant pale cytoplasm, without obvious atypia and densely arranged in sheets. The tumor tissue was characterized by cartilage-like morphology and fibromyxoid and hyalinization matrix. Mitotic index was <1/10 high-power fields. Additionally, tumor cells were positive for S-100 and vimentin expression, but negative for smooth muscle actin, CD34, cytokeratin, desmin, human melanoma black 45 and melanoma A. Ki67 index was ~1%. The patient underwent surgery and the tumor was totally removed. No recurrence was observed at the final 6-year follow-up. Based on the aforementioned findings, the patient was diagnosed as typical OFMT. Slow growth and clear boundaries often suggest an indolent nature to this type of tumor. However, close follow-up should be performed due to its malignant potential.

Capsaicin receptor TRPV1 maintains quiescence of hepatic stellate cells in the liver via recruitment of SARM1.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Capsaicin receptor, also known as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), is involved in pain physiology and neurogenic inflammation. Herein, we discovered the presence of TRPV1 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and aimed to delineate its function in this cell type and liver fibrosis. METHODS: TRPV1 expression was examined in liver biopsies from patients with liver fibrosis using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. Its contribution to liver fibrosis was examined in Trpv1-/- mice, upon lentiviral delivery of the TRPV1 gene, and in human and mouse primary HSCs, using patch clamp, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization determination, FACS analyses and gain/loss of function experiments. Binding of sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) to TRPV1 was determined using mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, surface plasmon resonance, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, and NanoBiT. RESULTS: TRPV1 mRNA levels are significantly downregulated in patients with liver fibrosis and mouse models, showing a negative correlation with F stage and α-smooth muscle actin expression, a marker of HSC activation. TRPV1 expression and function decrease during HSC activation in fibrotic livers in vivo or during culture. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in quiescent HSCs leads to NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. TRPV1 requires binding of its N-terminal ankyrin repeat domain to the TIR-His583 (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domain of SARM1 to prevent HSCs from pro-inflammatory activation. Trpv1-/- mice display increased HSC activation and more severe liver fibrosis, whereas TRPV1 overexpression is antifibrotic in various disease models. CONCLUSION: The antifibrotic properties of TRPV1 are attributed to the prevention of HSC activation via the recruitment of SARM1, which could be an attractive therapeutic strategy against liver fibrosis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: We identified the neuronal channel protein TRPV1 as a gatekeeper of quiescence in hepatic stellate cells, a key driver of liver fibrogenesis and chronic liver disease. Physiologically expressed in healthy liver and consistently downregulated during liver fibrosis development, its therapeutic re-expression is expected to have few side effects, making it an attractive target diagnostic tool and drug candidate for industry and clinicians.

Specificity of TGF-ß1 signal designated by LRRC33 and integrin αVß8.

Myeloid lineage cells present the latent form of transforming growth factor-ß1 (L-TGF-ß1) to the membrane using an anchor protein LRRC33. Integrin αVß8 activates extracellular L-TGF-ß1 to trigger the downstream signaling functions. However, the mechanism designating the specificity of TGF-ß1 presentation and activation remains incompletely understood. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of human L-TGF-ß1/LRRC33 and integrin αVß8/L-TGF-ß1 complexes. Combined with biochemical and cell-based analyses, we demonstrate that LRRC33 only presents L-TGF-ß1 but not the -ß2 or -ß3 isoforms due to difference of key residues on the growth factor domains. Moreover, we reveal a 2:2 binding mode of integrin αVß8 and L-TGF-ß1, which shows higher avidity and more efficient L-TGF-ß1 activation than previously reported 1:2 binding mode. We also uncover that the disulfide-linked loop of the integrin subunit ß8 determines its exquisite affinity to L-TGF-ß1. Together, our findings provide important insights into the specificity of TGF-ß1 signaling achieved by LRRC33 and integrin αVß8.

The NAD+-mediated self-inhibition mechanism of pro-neurodegenerative SARM1.

Pathological degeneration of axons disrupts neural circuits and represents one of the hallmarks of neurodegeneration1-4. Sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is a central regulator of this neurodegenerative process5-8, and its Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain exerts its pro-neurodegenerative action through NADase activity9,10. However, the mechanisms by which the activation of SARM1 is stringently controlled are unclear. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of full-length SARM1 proteins. We show that NAD+ is an unexpected ligand of the armadillo/heat repeat motifs (ARM) domain of SARM1. This binding of NAD+ to the ARM domain facilitated the inhibition of the TIR-domain NADase through the domain interface. Disruption of the NAD+-binding site or the ARM-TIR interaction caused constitutive activation of SARM1 and thereby led to axonal degeneration. These findings suggest that NAD+ mediates self-inhibition of this central pro-neurodegenerative protein.

Mutagenesis of N-terminal residues confer thermostability on a Penicillium janthinellum MA21601 xylanase.

BACKGROUND: A mesophilic xylanase PjxA from Penicillium janthinellum MA21601 has high specific activity under acidic condition and holds great potential for applications in the animal feed industry. To enhance the thermostability of xylanase PjxA, two mutation strategies in the N-terminal region were examined and then integrated into the xylanase to further improvement. The recombinant xylanase PTxA-DB (The meaning of DB is disulfide-bridge.) was constructed by replacement of five residues in the mutated region in TfxA (T10Y, N11H, N12D, Y15F, N30 L), combined with an additional disulfide bridge in the N-terminal region. RESULTS: The Tm value of mutant PTxA-DB was improved from 21.3 °C to 76.6 °C, and its half-life was found to be 53.6 min at 60 °C, 107-fold higher than the wild type strain. The location of the disulfide bridge (T2C-T29C) was between the irregular loop and the ß-strand A2, accounting for most of the improvement in thermostability of PjxA. Further analysis indicated T2C, T29C, N30 L and Y15F lead to increase N-terminal hydrophobicity. Moreover, the specific activity and substrate affinity of PTxA-DB were also enhanced under the acidic pH values. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated PTxA-DB could be a prospective additive to industrial animal feeds.

Improving the thermostability and catalytic efficiency of GH11 xylanase PjxA by adding disulfide bridges.

In order to increase the thermostability and catalytic efficiency of acidophilic GH11 xylanase, two disulfide bonds were introduced into crucial region of the enzyme. The xylanase PjxA, from Penicillium janthinellum MA21601, has attracted considerable attention due to its favorable acid-resistance; however, its poor thermostability and low enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency limit its application. In this study, two disulfide bonds were introduced into crucial regions of three recombined xylanases (DB-s1s3, DB-s1s4, and DB-s3s4). All three xylanases remained acid-resistant while gaining improved hydrolytic and thermostability properties, of which DB-s1s3 was the most noteworthy. The optimal temperature of recombined xylanase DB-s1s3 increased from 50 °C to 70 °C. The specific activity of DB-s1s3 was 4.76-fold higher than that of wild-type xylanase PjxA. Moreover, DB-s1s3 showed a 2.14-fold increase in kcat/Km. In addition, DB-s1 s3 showed improved hydrolytic characteristics, of which the most noteworthy was its enhanced ability to produce xylose and xylobiose from polymeric substrates. Compared with PjxA, combining DB-s1 s3 with cellulase improved the hydrolytic yield of corncob powder, procuring concentrations of xylose (X1) and xylobiose (X2) of 204.4% and 24.4%, respectively. Thus, these mutants offer great potential for application in the agricultural residue degradation industry.

Intracranial immature teratoma invading the nasal cavity mimicking olfactory neuroblastoma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Primary intracranial immature teratoma accounts for majority of congenital central nervous system germ-cell tumors, but it is extremely rare in patients older than 15 years. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 27-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for headache, nasal congestion, and decreased olfactory sensation. Imaging showed a mass measuring approximately 5 cm × 4 cm in the right frontal lobe, which also filled the right nasal cavity. Histopathologically, the intracranial tumor tissues were composed of both mature tissues, including glands and squamous epithelial cells and immature neuroectodermal components. However, the tumor tissues in the nasal cavity were mainly immature neuroectodermal components that mimicked olfactory neuroblastoma. The cells stained positively for neuron-specific enolase, Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome X-Linked, and Oligodendrocyte transcription factor on immunostaining, proving a neuroectodermal differentiation. DIAGNOSES: According to these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a primary intracranial immature teratoma that also involved the nasal cavity after excluding the metastatic tumors. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent 2 surgeries. The first surgery was via the subfrontal approach, followed by a second endoscopic sinus surgery performed 22 days later. OUTCOMES: The patient had no recurrence within a 6-month follow-up after the last surgery. LESSONS: When an intracranial immature teratoma involves the nasal cavity, the lesions in the nasal cavity may mimic other tumors including olfactory neuroblastoma. We suggest that thorough examination of tumor tissues and identification of variable components are critical for the appropriate diagnosis of intracranial immature teratoma, a rare tumor.

Primary mucinous carcinoma of thyroid gland with prominent signet-ring-cell differentiation: a case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: This study reports a case of primary mucinous carcinoma of the thyroid gland with signet-ring-cell differentiation, and reviews the literature to evaluate its real incidence and the prognosis of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 74-year-old Chinese woman, presenting with a mass in the right lobe of thyroid gland, came to the hospital. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the right lobe of the thyroid gland, accompanied with right neck lymphadenectasis and airway deviation caused by tumor compression. Thyroid imaging suggested a thyroid malignant tumor and suspicious lymph node metastasis. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by the tumor cells arranged in small nests or trabeculae with an abundant extracellular mucoid matrix. The tumor cells formed diffuse invasion among thyroid follicles. In the peripheral regions, prominent signet-ring-cells formed a sheet-like structure and extended into the extrathyroidal fat tissue. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and PAX8, while they were focally positive for pan-cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and weakly expressed thyroglobulin. RESULTS: Based on the histological features and immunohistochemical profile, a diagnosis of primary mucinous carcinoma of the thyroid gland with signet-ring-cell differentiation was rendered. CONCLUSION: Using a panel of immunohistochemical markers may be helpful for differential diagnosis and for determining whether the tumor is primary or not.

Systematic Characterization of the Metabolism of Acetoin and Its Derivative Ligustrazine in Bacillus subtilis under Micro-Oxygen Conditions.

Bacillus subtilis is an important microorganism for brewing of Chinese Baijiu, which contributes to the formation of flavor chemicals including acetoin and its derivative ligustrazine. The first stage of Baijiu brewing process is under micro-oxygen conditions; however, there are few studies about B. subtilis metabolism under these conditions. Effects of various factors on acetoin and ligustrazine metabolism were investigated under these conditions, including key genes and fermentation conditions. Mutation of bdhA (encoding acetoin reductase) or overexpression of glcU (encoding glucose uptake protein) increased acetoin concentration. Addition of Vigna angularis powder to the culture medium also promoted acetoin production. Optimal culture conditions for ligustrazine synthesis were pH 6.0 and 42 °C. Ammonium phosphate was shown to promote ligustrazine synthesis in situ. This is the first report of acetoin and ligustrazine metabolism in B. subtilis under micro-oxygen conditions, which will ultimately promote the application of B. subtilis for maintaining Baijiu quality.

Angiomatous pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is rare, accounting for <1 % of all central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms. Angiomatous pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is an extremely rare variant of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, with only six cases reported thus far. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old Chinese female patient who presented with seizure and loss of consciousness for 15 min underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a mass in the left parietal lobe. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by pleomorphic tumor cells and prominent vascularity. The angiomatous region varied, ranging from a sinusoidal pattern to a venous malformation. Focal fibrinoid necrosis, hyalinization, and a moderate infiltration by lymphocytes and plasma cells were visible in the vessel wall. The tumor cells were in close proximity with adjacent small vessels. Capillaries adjacent to or extending between tumor cells were focally observed. Most tumor cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2. The Ki-67 index was low. Based on the patient's history, clinical data, and pathological findings, she was diagnosed with angiomatous pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (WHO grade II). CONCLUSIONS: This case serves as a reminder to pathologists of the need to be aware of this rare variant of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma to avoid a misdiagnosis of this indolent CNS tumor and therefore inappropriate treatment.

Ectopic adrenocortical adenoma in the renal hilum: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic (accessory) adrenocortical tissue, also known as adrenal rests, is a developmental abnormality of the adrenal gland. The most common ectopic site is in close proximity to the adrenal glands and along the path of descent or migration of the gonads because of the close spatial relationship between the adrenocortical primordium and gonadal blastema during embryogenesis. Ectopic rests may undergo marked hyperplasia, and occasionally induce ectopic adrenocortical adenomas or carcinomas. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old Chinese female patient who presented with amenorrhea of 3 months duration underwent computed tomography urography after ultrasound revealed a solitary mass in the left renal hilum. Histologically, the prominent eosinophilic tumor cells formed an alveolar- or acinar-like configuration. The immunohistochemical profile (alpha-inhibin+, Melan-A+, synaptophysin+) indicated the adrenocortical origin of the tumor, diagnosed as ectopic adrenocortical adenoma. The patient was alive with no tumor recurrence or metastasis at the 3-month follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: The unusual histological appearance of ectopic adrenocortical adenoma may result in its misdiagnosis as oncocytoma or clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially if the specimen is limited. This case provides a reminder to pathologists to be aware of atypical cases of this benign tumor. Although uncommon, an ectopic adrenal lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors involving the renal hilum. A misdiagnosis of this benign condition as a malignant renal tumor may have severe consequences for the patient, including unnecessary radical nephrectomy. Preoperative biopsy and appropriate immunohistochemical staining will assist in determining the origin and nature of the tumor and in avoiding intraoperative uncertainty.

[Sonocatalytic degradation of ethyl violet in the presence of high dispersion TiO2 and the comparison of catalytic activity with suspension TiO2].

Ethyl violet was chose as a model compound in this paper. The ultrasound of 50 W power and 40 kHz frequency was used as an irradiation source to induce TiO2 particles. We have compared sonocatalytic degradation ratios in the presence of dispersion TiO2 and suspension TiO2 sonocatalysts. It was found that the degradation effect in the presence of dispersion TiO2 was much higher than that in the presence of suspension TiO2. The degradation ratios of ethyl violet in the presence of dispersion TiO2 attains 78.45%, while the degradation ratios of ethyl violet in the presence of suspension TiO2 with onefold ultrasonic irradiation are only 27.12% and 10%, respectively. In addition, a variety of affecting factors including irradiation time of ultrasound, adding amount of TiO2 catalyst, initial concentration of ethyl violet, ultrasonic power and temperature on sonocatalytic degradation of ethyl violet were also reviewed, as well as the possible degradation mechanism was also discussed. The experimental results indicate that the sonocatalytic degradation method in the presence of dispersion TiO2 catalyst is an advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters in future.

Investigation on the transition crystal of ordinary rutile TiO2 powder by microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution and its sonocatalytic activity.

The transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst with high sonocatalytic activity was obtained utilizing the microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. At the same time a series of affecting factors (microwave irradiation time, heat-treated time and heat-treated temperature) to prepare the TiO(2) catalyst on the sonocatalytic degradation of parathion were considered in this paper. The ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce treated TiO(2) particles to perform catalytic activity. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder is obviously higher than those of pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders. At last, the parathion in aqueous solution was degraded completely and became some simple inorganic ions such as NO(3)(-), PO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-), etc. The degradation ratio of parathion in the presence of the transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst attains nearly 80% within 60 min ultrasonic irradiation, while corresponding ones are only 65.23% and 53.88%, respectively, for pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders.

Investigation on transition crystal of ordinary rutile TiO2 powder and its sonocatalytic activity.

The transition crystal TiO(2) sonocatalyst was prepared utilizing the method of ultrasonic irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. The sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder was validated through the degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution by ultrasonic irradiation. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder is obviously higher than that of pure rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders as well as mixed rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders according to the proportion of corresponding transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst. The degradation ratio of methyl orange in the presence of the transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst surpasses 75% within 80 min ultrasonic irradiation, while the degradation ratios are 55.93%, 51.68% and 40.88%, respectively, for rutile, mixed and anatase TiO(2) powders.

Investigation on the sonocatalytic degradation of acid red B in the presence of nanometer TiO2 catalysts and comparison of catalytic activities of anatase and rutile TiO2 powders.

Here, the nanometer anatase and rutile titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) powders were introduced to act as the sonocatalysts during the ultrasonic degradation of azo dye-acid red B which was chosen as model compound. The ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce TiO(2) particles performing catalytic activity. It was found that the processes of sonocatalytic degradation were different between nanometer anatase TiO(2) and nanometer rutile TiO(2). For nanometer anatase TiO(2) catalyst, the acid red B was mainly oxidated by the holes on the surface of nanometer anatase TiO(2) particles, so that the decolorization and degradation happened at the same time. For the nanometer rutile TiO(2) catalyst, the acid red B was mainly oxidated by the *OH radicals from the ultrasonic cavitation, so that the decolorization of azo bond takes place primarily, and then the degradation of naphthyl ring does. The intermediates of acid red B in the presence of nanometer anatase and rutile TiO(2) powders have been monitored by UV-vis spectra and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. All experiments indicated that the degradation effect of acid red B in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO(2) powder was obviously better than that in the presence of nanometer rutile TiO(2) powder. Hence, the method of sonocatalytic degradation for organic pollutants in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO(2) powder is expected to be promising as an advisable choice for the treatment of organic wastewaters in future.

Investigation on the sonocatalytic degradation of parathion in the presence of nanometer rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalyst.

The nanometer rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was adopted to act as the sonocatalyst after treatment of high-temperature activation and the ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce heat-treated TiO2 powder performing sonocatalytic degradation of parathion. Although there are many factors influencing sonocatalytic degradation of parathion, the experimental results demonstrate that the optimal degradation condition of parathion can be obtained when the experimental conditions such as initial concentration of 50 mg/L parathion, addition amount of 1000 mg/L nanometer rutile TiO2, ultrasonic of 30-50 kHz frequency and 50 W output power, acidity of pH 10.0 and temperature of 20 degrees C are adopted. The degradation ratio of parathion surpassed 90% within 120 min ultrasonic irradiation in these optimal experiment conditions. The total degradation process of parathion has been monitored by UV-vis spectra and ion chromatography. At last, the parathions in aqueous solution are completely degraded and become some simple inorganic ions such as NO3(-), PO4(3-), SO4(2-), etc. In addition, the sonocatalytic activities of reused TiO2 catalysts were also studied and found to decline gradually along with the reused times. In this paper, the research on sonocatalytic degradation kinetics was also been performed and found to follow pseudo first-order reaction. All experiments indicated that the sonocatalytic method in the presence of nanometer rutile TiO2 powder was an advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters in future.

Sonocatalytic degradation of methyl parathion in the presence of nanometer and ordinary anatase titanium dioxide catalysts and comparison of their sonocatalytic abilities.

The degradation of methyl parathion (O,O-dimethyl-O-(4-nitrophenyl)-phosphorothioate) using anatase titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) powder as heterogeneous sonocatalysts is reported. The influences of reaction parameters such as the species of TiO(2) sonocatalysts, methyl parathion concentrations, TiO(2) adding amount, pH, ultrasonic intensity, ultrasonic frequency and temperature have been investigated and the optimal conditions for eliminating methyl parathion have been identified. The efficiencies of sonocatalytic degradation in both nanometer and ordinary anatase systems are compared and the results indicate that the sonocatalytic activity of nanometer anatase TiO(2) powder is better than that of ordinary anatase TiO(2) powder. The primary degradation and the total mineralization of methyl parathion have been monitored by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV-vis spectra, respectively. Methyl parathion got destroyed to some extent in both nanometer and ordinary anatase systems under ultrasonic irradiation. The kinetics for the degradation process of methyl parathion follows the first-order reaction. The degradation ratio of methyl parathion surpassed 90% within 50min in the optimal experiment conditions.