The silk gland proteome of Stenopsyche angustata provides insights into the underwater silk secretion.

Caddisworms (Trichoptera) spin adhesive silks to construct a variety of underwater composite structures. Many studies have focused on the fibroin heavy chain of caddisworm silk and found that it contains heavy phosphorylation to maintain a stable secondary structure. Besides fibroins, recent studies have also identified some new silk proteins within caddisworm silk. To better understand the silk composition and its secretion process, this study reports the silk gland proteome of a retreat-building caddisworm, Stenopsyche angustata Martynov (Trichoptera, Stenopsychidae). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 2389 proteins were identified in the silk gland of S. angustata, among which 192 were predicted as secreted silk proteins. Twenty-nine proteins were found to be enriched in the front silk gland, whereas 109 proteins were enriched in the caudal silk gland. The fibroin heavy chain and nine uncharacterized silk proteins were identified as phosphorylated proteins. By analysing the sequence of the fibroin heavy chain, we found that it contains 13 Gly/Thr/Pro-rich regions, 12 Val/Ser/Arg-rich regions and a Gly/Arg/Thr-rich region. Three uncharacterized proteins were identified as sericin-like proteins due to their larger molecular weights, signal peptides and repetitive motifs rich in serine. This study provides valuable information for further clarifying the secretion and adhesion of underwater caddisworm silk.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: clinical experience and review of literature.

High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with an increased risk of metastases. The role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in these patients remains unclear. To address this uncertainty, we collected clinical data on six patients with clinical N0 high-risk SCC that underwent SLN biopsy between 1999 and 2006 and performed a literature review of SLN procedures for SCC to study the utility of SLN biopsy. There were no positive SLN identified among six cases and there was one local and one distant recurrence on follow-up. Literature review identified 130 reported cases of SLN biopsy for SCC. The SLN positivity rate was 14.1%, 10.1%, and 18.6%; false negative rate was 15.4%, 0%, and 22.2%; and the negative predictive value was 97.8%, 100%, and 95.2% for all sites, head/neck, and truncal/extremity sites, respectively. SLN biopsy remains an investigational staging tool in clinically node-negative high-risk SCC patients. The higher false negative rate and lower negative predictive value among SCC of the trunk/extremity compared to SCC of the head/neck sites suggests a more cautious approach when treating patients with the former. Given the paucity of long-term follow up, an emphasis is placed upon the need for close surveillance regardless of SLN status.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and homologs in the silkworm Bombyx mori.

BACKGROUND: Serine proteases (SPs) and serine proteases homologs (SPHs) are a large group of proteolytic enzymes, with important roles in a variety of physiological processes, such as cell signalling, defense and development. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and their homologs in the silkworm might provide valuable information about their biological functions. RESULTS: In this study, 51 SP genes and 92 SPH genes were systematically identified in the genome of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that six gene families have been amplified species-specifically in the silkworm, and the members of them showed chromosomal distribution of tandem repeats. Microarray analysis suggests that many silkworm-specific genes, such as members of SP_fam12, 13, 14 and 15, show expression patterns that are specific to tissues or developmental stages. The roles of SPs and SPHs in resisting pathogens were investigated in silkworms when they were infected by Escherichia coli, Bacillus bombysepticus, Batrytis bassiana and B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus, respectively. Microarray experiment and real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that 18 SP or SPH genes were significantly up-regulated after pathogen induction, suggesting that SP and SPH genes might participate in pathogenic microorganism resistance in B. mori. CONCLUSION: Silkworm SP and SPH genes were identified. Comparative genomics showed that SP and SPH genes belong to a large family, whose members are generated mainly by tandem repeat evolution. We found that silkworm has species-specific SP and SPH genes. Phylogenetic and microarray analyses provide an overview of the silkworm SP and SPHs, and facilitate future functional studies on these enzymes.

Mantle cell lymphoma relapsed after autologous stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) can extend remission of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), but the management of subsequent relapse is challenging. METHODS: We examined consecutive patients with MCL who underwent autoSCT at Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System between 2009 and 2017 (N=37). RESULTS: Ten patients experienced disease progression after autoSCT and were included in this analysis. Median progression free survival after autoSCT was 1.8 years (range, 0.3-7.1) and median overall survival after progression was only 0.7 years (range, 0.1 to not reached). The 3 patients who survived more than 1 year after progression were treated with ibrutinib. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ibrutinib can achieve relatively prolonged control of MCL progressing after autoSCT.

Venetoclax and Decitabine for T/Myeloid Mixed-Phenotype Acute Leukemia Not Otherwise Specified (MPAL NOS).

T/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia not otherwise specified (MPAL NOS) is an uncommon and aggressive leukemia without well-established treatment guidelines, particularly when relapsed. Venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent offers a promising option in this situation since studies support its use in both acute myeloid and, albeit with fewer data to date, acute T-cell-lymphoblastic leukemias. We report the successful eradication of T/myeloid MPAL NOS relapsed after allogeneic stem cell transplant with venetoclax plus decitabine. A consolidative allogeneic stem cell transplant from a second donor was subsequently performed, and the patient remained without evidence of disease more than one year later. Further investigation is indicated to evaluate venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents and/or other therapies for the management of T/myeloid MPAL NOS.

DNA methylation in tumor and matched normal tissues from non-small cell lung cancer patients.

We used MethyLight assays to analyze DNA methylation status of 27 genes on 49 paired cancerous and noncancerous tissue samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent surgical resection. Seven genes (RARB, BVES, CDKN2A, KCNH5, RASSF1, CDH13, and RUNX) were found to be methylated significantly more frequently in tumor tissues than in noncancerous tissues. Only methylation of CCND2 and APC was frequently detected in both cancerous and noncancerous tissues, supporting the hypothesis that the methylation of these two genes is a preneoplastic change and may be associated with tobacco smoking exposure. Methylation of any one of eight genes (RASSF1, DAPK1, BVES, CDH13, MGMT, KCNH5, RARB, or CDH1) was present in 80% of NSCLC tissues but only in 14% of noncancerous tissues. Detection of methylation of these genes in blood might have utility in monitoring and detecting tumor recurrence in early-stage NSCLC after curative surgical resection.

Proteomic analysis of Bombyx mori molting fluid: Insights into the molting process.

Molting is an essential biological process occurring multiple times throughout the life cycle of most Ecdysozoa. Molting fluids accumulate and function in the exuvial space during the molting process. In this study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the molting fluids to analyze the molecular mechanisms of molting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. In total, 375 proteins were identified in molting fluids from the silkworm at 14-16h before pupation and eclosion, including 12 chitin metabolism-related enzymes, 35 serine proteases, 15 peptidases, and 38 protease inhibitors. Gene ontology analysis indicated that "catalytic" constitutes the most enriched function in the molting fluid. Gene expression patterns and bioinformatic analyses suggested that numerous enzymes are involved in the degradation of cuticle proteins and chitin. Protein-protein interaction network and activity analyses showed that protease inhibitors are involved in the regulation of multiple pathways in molting fluid. Additionally, many immune-related proteins may be involved in the immune defense during molting. These results provide a comprehensive proteomic insight into proteolytic enzymes and protease inhibitors in molting fluid, and will likely improve the current understanding of physiological processes in insect molting. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Insect molting constitutes a dynamic physiological process. To better understand this process, we used LC-MS/MS to investigate the proteome of silkworm molting fluids and identified key proteins involved in silkworm molting. The biological processes of the old cuticle degradation pathway and immune defense response were analyzed in the proteome of silkworm molting fluid. We report that protease inhibitors serve as key factors in the regulation of the molting process. The proteomic results provide new insight into biological molting processes in insects.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis associated with azathioprine use for immune-mediated neuropathy.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) is a rare Epstein-Barr virus-driven lymphoproliferative disorder that generally arises in immunosuppressed patients and which can be life-threatening. Here we describe the development of pulmonary LG in a patient on long-term azathioprine for immune-mediated neuropathy. Although azathioprine carries a boxed warning for malignancy, its association specifically with LG, an otherwise rare entity, is poorly recognised. Early recognition of drug-induced LG is critical, since discontinuation of the offending agent, and implementation of effective therapy can provide rapid clinical benefit in some patients. In this case, rituximab was used as an effective treatment for LG, which also provided an additional benefit of controlling the patient's underlying neuropathy. Further research is needed to identify vulnerable patients who are at high risk of developing drug-induced LG.

Modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype by STAT-1 and STAT-3.

OBJECTIVE: Smooth muscle cell (SMC) de-differentiation is a key step that leads to pathological narrowing of blood vessels. De-differentiation involves a reduction in the expression of the SMC contractile genes that are the hallmark of quiescent SMCs. While there is considerable evidence linking inflammation to vascular diseases, very little is known about the mechanisms by which inflammatory signals lead to SMC de-differentiation. Given that the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) transcriptional factors are the key signaling molecules activated by many inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, the aim of the present study was to determine if STAT transcriptional factors play a role SMC de-differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using shRNA targeted to STAT-1 and STAT-3, we show by real time RT-PCR and Western immunoblots that STAT-1 significantly reduces SMC contractile gene expression. In contrast, STAT-3 promotes expression of SMC contractile genes. Over-expression studies of STAT-1 and STAT-3 confirmed our observation that STAT-1 down-regulates whereas STAT-3 promotes SMC contractile gene expression. Bioinformatics analysis shows that promoters of all SMC contractile genes contain STAT binding sites. Finally, using ChIP analysis, we show that both STAT-1 and STAT-3 associate with the calponin gene. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the balance of STAT-1 and STAT-3 influences the differentiation status of SMCs. Increased levels of STAT-1 promote SMC de-differentiation, whereas high levels of STAT-3 drive SMC into a more mature phenotype. Thus, inhibition of STAT-1 may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention in the control of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Surgical treatments for esophageal cancers.

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the role of the nurse in preparation of esophageal resection (ER); the management of patients who develop high-grade dysplasia after having undergone Nissen fundoplication; the trajectory of care for the patient with esophageal cancer; the influence of the site of tumor in the choice of treatment; the best location for esophagogastrostomy; management of chylous leak after esophagectomy; the optimal approach to manage thoracic esophageal leak after esophagectomy; the choice for operational approach in surgery of cardioesophageal crossing; the advantages of robot esophagectomy; the place of open esophagectomy; the advantages of esophagectomy compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy; the pathologist report in the resected specimen; the best way to manage patients with unsuspected positive microscopic margin after ER; enhanced recovery after surgery for ER: expedited care protocols; and long-term quality of life in patients following esophagectomy.

Oncostatin M is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions: a role for Oncostatin M in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The inflammatory response is mediated by cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine if Oncostatin M (OSM), a monocyte and T-lymphocyte specific cytokine is present in atherosclerotic lesions. We also investigated the roles of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 and STAT-3 in regulating OSM-induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, migration and cellular fibronectin (cFN) synthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunostaining of atherosclerotic lesions from human carotid plaques demonstrated the expression of OSM antigen in both macrophages and SMCs. Explanted SMCs from human carotid plaques expressed OSM mRNA and protein as determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Using the chow-fed ApoE(-/-) mouse model of atherosclerosis, we observed that OSM was initially expressed in the intima at 20 weeks of age. By 30 weeks, OSM was expressed in both the intima and media. In vitro studies show that OSM promotes SMC proliferation, migration and cFN synthesis. Lentivirus mediated-inhibition of STAT-1 and STAT-3 prevented OSM-induced SMC proliferation, migration and cellular fibronectin synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that OSM is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis by promoting SMC proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix protein synthesis through the STAT pathway.

Regulation of angiogenesis by macrophages, dendritic cells, and circulating myelomonocytic cells.

Angiogenesis during reactive and pathologic processes is characteristically associated with inflammation. Macrophages and dendritic cells present in the inflammatory infiltrate contribute to the angiogenic process by multiple mechanisms. Macrophages produce a broad array of angiogenic growth factors and cytokines, generate conduits for blood flow through proteolytic mechanisms, and promote the remodeling of arterioles into arteries. They can also inhibit angiogenesis and cause reabsorption of neovessels by inducing endothelial cell death. Dendritic cells can stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis depending on their activation status and subset specificity. Dendritic cells stimulate angiogenesis by secreting angiogenic factors and cytokines, promoting the proangiogenic activity of T lymphocytes, and trans-differentiating into endothelial cells. Inflammatory infiltrates associated with angiogenesis also contain Tie2+, VEGFR2+, and GR1+ myelomonocytic cells which actively regulate the angiogenic process through paracrine mechanisms. In this paper we review our current knowledge of this field and discuss how recent advances have provided the rationale for novel therapeutic approaches against cancer.

Levels of L-selectin (CD62L) on human leukocytes in disseminated cryptococcosis with and without associated HIV-1 infection.

Patients with disseminated cryptococcosis typically have measurable levels of cryptococcal polysaccharide in serum samples but minimal leukocyte infiltration into infected tissues. In vitro data have shown that cryptococcal polysaccharide induces L-selectin (CD62L) shedding from leukocytes. To assess shedding in vivo, we compared leukocyte L-selectin levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-negative and -positive subjects with and without circulating cryptococcal polysaccharide. Results showed that subjects with cryptococcal polysaccharide in serum samples have significantly lower percentages of neutrophils, monocytes, and CD3+ T cells with L-selectin on their surfaces than do healthy subjects, regardless of HIV status. There was significantly more soluble L-selectin in serum samples from subjects with cryptococcosis than in those from uninfected subjects. Reduced L-selectin levels on leukocytes in subjects with circulating cryptococcal polysaccharide and increased serum levels of soluble L-selectin indicates that surface L-selectin shedding is a mechanism that likely explains reduced leukocyte extravasation into infected tissues of patients with disseminated cryptococcosis.