NLRP3 Plays a Key Role in Antihelminth Immunity in the Enteral and Parenteral Stages of Trichinella spiralis-Infected Mice.

Trichinellosis is an important foodborne zoonosis, and no effective treatments are yet available. Nod-like receptor (NLR) plays a critical role in the host response against nematodes. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3) during the adult, migrating, and encysted stages of Trichinella spiralis infection. The mice were treated with the specific NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 after inoculation with T. spiralis. Then, the role that NLRP3 plays during T. spiralis infection of mice was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, flow cytometry, histopathological evaluation, bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) stimulation, and immunofluorescence. The in vivo results showed that NLRP3 enhanced the Th1 immune response in the adult and migrating stages and weakened the Th2 immune response in the encysted stage. NLRP3 promoted the release of proinflammatory factors (interferon gamma [IFN-γ]) and suppressed the release of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin 4 [IL-4]). Pathological changes were also improved in the absence of NLRP3 in mice during T. spiralis infection. Importantly, a significant reduction in adult worm burden and muscle larvae burden at 7 and 35 days postinfection was observed in mice treated with the specific NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. In vitro, we first demonstrated that NLRP3 in macrophages can be activated by T. spiralis proteins and promotes IL-1ß and IL-18 release. This study revealed that NLRP3 is involved in the host response to T. spiralis infection and that targeted inhibition of NLRP3 enhanced the Th2 response and accelerated T. spiralis expulsion. These findings may help in the development of protocols for controlling trichinellosis.

Pelvic retroperitoneal pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) of soft tissue: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare soft tissue tumor of low malignant potential, which most often arises in the lower extremities. Lesions occurred in other anatomic locations have been rarely reported. Moreover, their imaging features have not been well discussed. Here we report a case of PHAT arising primarily in the pelvic retroperitoneum. To our knowledge, this is the first radiological description for retroperitoneum PHAT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old female was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a pelvic mass incidentally noted in routine pre-pregnancy ultrasonography examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an irregular mass with clear boundary in the pelvic retroperitoneum. Its signal intensity or density was inhomogeneous. On MRI images, it mainly showed isointense and slight hypointense on T1 weighted image and isointense and hyperintense on T2 weighted image. On contrast-enhanced images, it showed marked but heterogenous enhancement. With the delay time increasing, the enhanced area in the lesion increased but the CT value decreased. Dilated vessels and hemorrhage were detected in the tumor. With patience and careful separation, it was completely excised with great amount of bleeding during operation. Pathological and immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the diagnosis of PHAT of the soft parts. We found no evidence of recurrence 18 months after operation. CONCLUSION: We present an extremely rare case of PHAT arising primarily in the pelvic retroperitoneum. To our knowledge, this is the first radiological description for retroperitoneum PHAT. The provided information is useful for summarizing the characteristics of this kind of tumor. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of a well-defined, inhomogenously enhanced hypervascular soft-tissue mass in pelvic cavity.

Cardiac fibromas in the adult.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac fibromas are primarily detected in infants and children but are extremely rare in adults. METHODS: We report a case of a cardiac fibroma in a 37 year old male and review the literature on this subject. RESULT: The patient was referred for evaluation of a cardiac mass. Echocardiography and computed tomography examinations revealed it as an inhomogeneous mass with calcifications. Subsequently, the lesion was completely excised and confirmed to be a cardiac fibroma. Cardiac fibromas account for only a very small percentage of all cardiac tumors. The occurrence and severity of symptoms caused by cardiac fibromas are primarily determined by the sites and size of lesions. Imaging techniques are very sensitive in diagnosing cardiac fibromas, defining the extent and planning surgical approach. Surgical treatment of cardiac fibromas gives excellent early and late survival. CONCLUSION: Although cardiac fibromas are benign, their behavior is unpredictable. Surgery appears to be the optimal treatment for patients with resectable tumors.

Synthetic Optimization and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Benzodioxepine-Biphenyl Amide Derivatives.

The biosynthesis of fatty acids constitutes a critical metabolic pathway in bacterial organisms. Prior investigations have highlighted the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds anchored in the benzodioxepin scaffold, noted for their pronounced antibacterial properties. Leveraging this foundational knowledge, the current research endeavors to meticulously engineer and synthesize a series of eight innovative benzodioxepin amide-biphenyl derivatives. This achievement was realized through the sophisticated optimization of synthetic methodologies. The scope of this study extends to a rigorous evaluation of the antibacterial prowess and biocompatibility of the aforementioned novel derivatives. Notably, Compound E4 emerged as a supremely potent antimicrobial agent. A detailed elucidation of the crystalline architecture of Compound E4 was conducted, alongside a thorough docking study to explore its interactions with the FabH enzyme.

Transcriptomic analysis of succulent stem development of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey) and its synthetic allotetraploid via RNA sequencing.

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey, CC) is a succulent stem vegetable in the Brassica family. Its allotetraploid (AACC) vegetable germplasm, which was synthesized via distant hybridization with the colloquially named 'yellow turnip' (B. rapa L. ssp. rapifera Matzg., AA), has a swelling stem similar to CC. To address the molecular mechanism of stem development for CC and AACC, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to investigate transcriptional regulation of their stem development at three key stages including 28 days, 42 days and the bolting stage (BS) after sowing. As a result, 32,642, 32,665, 33,816, 32,147, 32,293 and 32,275 genes were identified in six corresponding cDNA libraries. Among them, 25,459 genes were co-expressed, while 7,183, 7,206, 8,357, 6,688, 6,834 and 6,814 genes were specifically expressed. Additionally, a total of 29,222 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found for functional enrichment as well as many genes involved in plant hormones including gibberellin (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CTK) and auxin (AUX). Based on gene expression consistency between CC and AACC, the gene families including DELLA, GID, PYR/PYL, PP2C, A-ARR and AUX/IAA might be related to stem development. Among these, eight genes including Bo00834s040, Bo5g093140, Bo6g086770, Bo9g070200, Bo7g116570, Bo3g054410, Bo7g093470 and Bo5g136600 may play important roles in stem development based on their remarkable expression levels as confirmed by qRT-PCR. These findings provide a new theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of stem development in Brassica vegetable stem breeding.

Oral Vaccination of Mice With Trichinella spiralis Putative Serine Protease and Murine Interleukin-4 DNA Delivered by Invasive Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Elicits Protective Immunity.

Trichinellosis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) that causes considerable economic losses for the global pig breeding and food industries. As such, there is an urgent need for a vaccine that can prevent T. spiralis infection. Previous studies have reported that recombinant invasive Lactococcus lactis (LL) expressing Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin binding protein A (LL-FnBPA+) can transfer DNA vaccines directly to dendritic cells (DCs) across an epithelial cell monolayer, leading to significantly higher amounts of heterologous protein expression compared to non-invasive Lactococcus lactis. In this study, the invasive bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) expressing FnBPA was used as a carrier to deliver a novel oral DNA vaccine consisting of T. spiralis adult putative serine protease (Ts-ADpsp) and murine interleukin (IL)-4 DNA to mouse intestinal epithelial cells. Experimental mice were orally immunized 3 times at 10-day intervals. At 10 days after the last vaccination, mice were challenged with 350 T. spiralis infective larvae by oral inoculation. Immunization with invasive L. plantarum harboring pValac-Ts-ADpsp/pSIP409-FnBPA induced the production of anti-Ts-ADpsp-specific IgG of serum, type 1 and 2 helper T cell cytokines of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and spleen, secreted (s) IgA of intestinal lavage, and decreased T. spiralis burden and intestinal damage compared to immunization with non-invasive L. plantarum expressing Ts-ADpsp (pValac-Ts-ADpsp/pSIP409). Thus, invasive L. plantarum expressing FnBPA and IL-4 stimulates both mucosal and cellular immune response to protect against T. spiralis infection, highlighting its therapeutic potential as an effective DNA vaccine for trichinellosis.

Oral vaccination with invasive Lactobacillus plantarum delivered nucleic acid vaccine co-expressing SS1 and murine interleukin-4 elicits protective immunity against Trichinella spiralis in BALB/c mice.

Trichinellosis is a foodborne zoonosis caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) that not only causes considerable economic losses for the global pig breeding and food industries, but also seriously threats the health of human. Therefore, it is very necessary to develop an effective vaccine to prevent trichinellosis. In this study, the invasive Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) expressing fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA) was served as a live bacterial vector to deliver DNA to the host to produce a novel oral DNA vaccine. Co-expressing T. spiralis SS1 and murine interleukin-4 (mIL-4) of DNA vaccine were constructed and subsequently delivered to intestinal epithelial cells via invasive L. plantarum. At 10 days after the third immunization, the experimental mice were challenged with 350 T. spiralis infective larvae. The results found that the mice orally vaccinated with invasive L. plantarum harboring pValac-SS1/pSIP409-FnBPA not only stimulated the production of anti-SS1-specific IgG, Th1/Th2 cell cytokines, and secreted(s) IgA but also decreased worm burden and intestinal damage. However, the mice inoculated with invasive L. plantarum co-expressing SS1 and mIL-4 (pValac-SS1-IL-4/pSIP409-FnBPA) induced the highest protective immune response against T. spiralis infection. The DNA vaccine delivered by invasive L. plantarum provides a novel idea for the prevention of T. spiralis infection.

Characteristics of coronary artery disease in symptomatic type 2 diabetic patients: evaluation with CT angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common and severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study is to identify the features of CAD in diabetic patients using coronary CT angiography (CTA). METHODS: From 1 July 2009 to 20 March 2010, 113 consecutive patients (70 men, 43 women; mean age, 68 ± 10 years) with type 2 DM were found to have coronary plaques on coronary CTA. Their CTA data were reviewed, and extent, distribution and types of plaques and luminal narrowing were evaluated and compared between different sexes. RESULTS: In total, 287 coronary vessels (2.5 ± 1.1 per patient) and 470 segments (4.2 ± 2.8 per patient) were found to have plaques, respectively. Multi-vessel disease was more common than single vessel disease (p < 0.001), and the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (35.8%) and its proximal segment (19.1%) were most frequently involved (all p < 0.001). Calcified plaques (48.8%) were the most common type (p < 0.001) followed by mixed plaques (38.1%). Regarding the different degrees of stenosis, mild narrowing (36.9%) was most common (p < 0.001); however, a significant difference was not observed between non-obstructive and obstructive stenosis (50.4% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.855). Extent of CAD, types of plaques and luminal narrowing were not significantly different between male and female diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CTA depicted a high plaque burden in patients with type 2 DM. Plaques, which were mainly calcified, were more frequently detected in the proximal segment of the LAD artery, and increased attention should be paid to the significant prevalence of obstructive stenosis. In addition, DM reduced the sex differential in CT findings of CAD.

Extrahepatic primary adrenal alveolar echinococcosis: a review.

BACKGROUND: Primary echinococcosis, and especially primary alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is rare among adrenal lesions. METHODS: We report a case of primary AE in a 28-year-old male with low backache and occasional upper limb pain lasting for six months, and review the pertinent but sparse literature on this disorder. RESULTS: Evaluation of the patient revealed an abdominal mass as right adrenal AE. The adrenal gland is a rare extrahepatic site of occurrence of echinococcosis, and particularly of AE. Patients with adrenal echinococcosis usually have nonspecific clinical symptoms. Imaging examinations revealed clearly the features of AE and its surrounding pathology. Alveolar echinococcosis was seen as an inhomogeneous pseudotumor with irregular boundaries, an irregular central pseudocystic appearance, and infiltration into surrounding structures. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography, the periphery of the mass in AE may be enhanced and multicentric vesicles may be seen. Magnetic resonance imaging may show the multivesicular morphology of lesions. The definitive diagnosis of AE should be confirmed by pathologic or serologic examination. Radical surgical resection of the removable parasitic lesion, followed by anti-infective therapy with benzimidazoles, is the primary method for treating AE. CONCLUSION: Although primary adrenal AE is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of adrenal masses, especially in regions where AE is endemic.

Solid variant of keratocystic odontogenic tumor with ameloblastomatous transformation: a case report and review of the literature.

The solid variant of keratocystic odontogenic tumor is an extremely rare tumor. Its clinical and pathologic features remain poorly defined, even in the 2005 World Health Organization odontogenic tumor classification. We report an unusual lesion in a 38-year-old female Chinese patient. The lesion demonstrated the solid or multiple cystic architecture of a keratocystic odontogenic tumor, but also exhibited ameloblastomalike lining epithelium in some areas. The complex histopathology made a pathologic diagnosis difficult. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as solid variant of keratocystic odontogenic tumor with ameloblastomatous transformation. We present the clinical and pathologic details of the case, and review the relevant literature.