Triplex ELISA for Assessing Durability of Taenia solium Seropositivity after Neurocysticercosis Cure.

Neurocysticercosis prevalence estimates often are based on serosurveys. However, assessments of Taenia solium seropositivity durability in patients with various neurocysticercosis types are lacking. We optimized a triplex serologic ELISA by using synthetic GP50, T24H, and Ts18var3 antigens for T. solium. We used that assay to test sequential serologic responses over several years after neurocysticercosis cure in 46 patients, 9 each with parenchymal or ventricular neurocysticercosis and 28 with subarachnoid disease. Triplex results were concordant with 98% of positive and 100% of negative enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blots. Eight years after neurocysticercosis cure, 11.1% of patients with parenchymal, 47.3% with subarachnoid, and 41.7% with ventricular disease were still seropositive. Median time to seroreversion after cure in this cohort in a T. solium nonendemic area was 2 years for parenchymal disease, 4 years for ventricular disease, and 8 years for subarachnoid disease. Our findings can inform epidemiologic models that rely on serosurveys to estimate disease burden.

Population structure of blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids at a New York City medical centre and evidence for multi-species horizontal transmission.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are highly concerning MDR pathogens. Horizontal transfer of broad-host-range IncN plasmids may contribute to the dissemination of the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), spreading carbapenem resistance among unrelated bacteria. However, the population structure and genetic diversity of IncN plasmids has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: We reconstructed blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmid genomes to characterize shared gene content, structural variability, and putative horizontal transfer within and across patients and diverse bacterial clones. METHODS: We performed short- and long-read sequencing and hybrid assembly on 45 CRE isolates with blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids. Eight serial isolates from two patients were included to assess intra-patient plasmid dynamics. Comparative genomic analysis was performed to assess structural and sequence similarity across plasmids. Within IncN sublineages defined by plasmid MLST and kmer-based clustering, phylogenetic analysis was used to identify closely related plasmids. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of IncN plasmid genomes revealed substantial heterogeneity including large rearrangements in serial patient plasmids and differences in structure and content across plasmid clusters. Within plasmid sublineages, core genome content and resistance gene regions were largely conserved. Closely related plasmids (≤1 SNP) were found in highly diverse isolates, including ten pST6 plasmids found in eight bacterial clones from three different species. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic analysis of blaKPC-harbouring IncN plasmids revealed the presence of several distinct sublineages as well as substantial host diversity within plasmid clusters suggestive of frequent mobilization. This study reveals complex plasmid dynamics within a single plasmid family, highlighting the challenge of tracking plasmid-mediated transmission of blaKPC in clinical settings.

Associations between early thiamine administration and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

The effects of early thiamine use on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between early thiamine administration and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with AKI. The data of critically ill patients with AKI within 48 h after ICU admission were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC III) database. PSM was used to match patients early receiving thiamine treatment to those not early receiving thiamine treatment. The association between early thiamine use and in-hospital mortality due to AKI was determined using a logistic regression model. A total of 15 066 AKI patients were eligible for study inclusion. After propensity score matching (PSM), 734 pairs of patients who did and did not receive thiamine treatment in the early stage were established. Early thiamine use was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0·65; 95 % CI 0·49, 0·87; P < 0·001) and 90-d mortality (OR 0·58; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·74; P < 0·001), and it was also associated with the recovery of renal function (OR 1·26; 95 % CI 1·17, 1·36; P < 0·001). In the subgroup analysis, early thiamine administration was associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients with stages 1 to 2 AKI. Early thiamine use was associated with improved short-term survival in critically ill patients with AKI. It was possible beneficial role in patients with stages 1 to 2 AKI according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

Multifaceted Analysis of IL-23A- and/or EBI3-Including Cytokines Produced by Psoriatic Keratinocytes.

Interleukin (IL) 23 (p19/p40) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and is upregulated in psoriasis skin lesions. In clinical practice, anti-IL-23Ap19 antibodies are highly effective against psoriasis. IL-39 (p19/ Epstein-Barr virus-induced (EBI) 3), a newly discovered cytokine in 2015, shares the p19 subunit with IL-23. Anti-IL-23Ap19 antibodies may bind to IL-39; also, the cytokine may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To investigate IL23Ap19- and/or EBI3-including cytokines in psoriatic keratinocytes, we analyzed IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 expressions in psoriasis skin lesions, using immunohistochemistry and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) stimulated with inflammatory cytokines, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Ms/Ms). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 expressions were upregulated in the psoriasis skin lesions. In vitro, these expressions were synergistically induced by the triple combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17A, and interferon (IFN)-γ, and suppressed by dexamethasone, vitamin D3, and acitretin. In ELISA and LC-Ms/Ms analyses, keratinocyte-derived IL-23Ap19 and EBI3, but not heterodimeric forms, were detected with humanized anti-IL-23Ap19 monoclonal antibodies, tildrakizumab, and anti-EBI3 antibodies, respectively. Psoriatic keratinocytes may express IL-23Ap19 and EBI3 proteins in a monomer or homopolymer, such as homodimer or homotrimer.

Dihydromyricetin suppresses TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and target gene expression.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has been reported to play a pivotal role in many physiological processes including inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. We discovered a potent natural NF-κB inhibitor, dihydromyricetin, from the traditional herb Ampelopsis grossedentata, which has a long history of use in food and medicine. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of dihydromyricetin on NF-κB activation in TNF-α-induced HeLa cells. Dihydromyricetin was found to markedly inhibit the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα), and subsequent nuclear translocation of p65. Dihydromyricetin also has an impact on upstream signaling of IKK through the inhibition of expression of adaptor proteins, TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1). Furthermore, the current results reveal that dihydromyricetin led to the downregulation of target genes involved in inflammation, proliferation, as well as potentiation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis through suppressing the activation of NF-κB. In conclusion, our data indicate that dihydromyricetin may be a potentially useful therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Effects of autologous adipose-derived stem cell infusion on type 2 diabetic rats.

The effects and possible mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) infusion on type 2 diabetic rats were investigated in this study. Twenty normal male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in normal control group, and 40 male diabetic rats were randomly divided into diabetic control group and ASC group (which received ASC infusion). After therapy, levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, serum insulin and C-peptide, recovery of islet cells, inflammatory cytokines, and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. After ASC infusion, compared with diabetic control group, hyperglycemia in ASC group was ameliorated in 2 weeks and maintained for about 6 weeks, and plasma concentrations of insulin and C-peptide were significantly improved (P<0.01). Number of islet ß cells and concentration of vWF in islets in ASC group increased, while activity of caspase-3 in islets was reduced. Moreover, concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in ASC group obviously decreased (P<0.05). The expression of GLUT4, INSR, and phosphorylation of insulin signaling molecules in insulin target tissues were effectively improved. ASC infusion could aid in T2DM through recovery of islet ß cells and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Autologous ASC infusion might be an effective method for T2DM.

Effect of miR-1297 on Kidney Injury in Rats with Diabetic Nephropathy through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Pathway.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the influence of miR-1297 on kidney injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its causal role. METHODS: A DN rat model was established through right kidney resection and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Sham rats did not undergo right kidney resection or STZ injection. The DN rats were divided into the DN model and antagomiR-1297 treatment groups. Kidney morphology was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Renal function indices, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and urinary protein, were measured using kits. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibrin (FN), collagen type I (Col I), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed through western blotting and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. miR-1297 targets were predicted using bioinformatic software and verified through luciferase reporter assay. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway expression was analyzed through western blotting. RESULTS: AntagomiR-1297 reduced BUN (p = 0.005), SCr (p = 0.012), and urine protein (p < 0.001) levels and improved kidney tissue morphology. It prevented renal interstitial fibrosis by decreasing FN, Col I, and α-SMA protein levels (all p < 0.001). AntagomiR-1297 increased SOD (p = 0.001) and GSH-Px (p = 0.002) levels. Additionally, it reduced levels of cell inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß (all p < 0.001), and alleviated apoptosis (p < 0.001) in rat kidney tissue with DN. miR-1297 was pinpointed as a target for PTEN. AntagomiR-1297 increased PTEN expression and suppressed PI3K and AKT phosphorylation (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AntagomiR-1297 can mitigate renal fibrosis, renal inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress levels through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Could mycophenolate mofetil combined with benazapril delay tubulointerstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomized rats?

BACKGROUND: It was reported that combination of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enalapril could reduce proteinuria, improve renal function, and down-regulate diabetes-induced macrophage recruitment and expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in diabetic renal tissue. But there are no compelling data available for the combination of MMF and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) for suppressing tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney diseases. The present study was to disclose the effect of MMF combined with benazapril on delaying tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its possible mechanisms in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NX) were randomized into the following groups: NX (5/6 nephrectomized rats, distilled water, n = 10), MMF (MMF 20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), p.o., n = 10), Ben (benazepril 10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), p.o., n = 10), MMF/Ben (MMF 20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), p.o., and benazapril 10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), p.o., n = 10). They were monitored for proteinuria and systolic blood pressure every two weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were assayed and pathological damage to the kidney were evaluated. Renal expression and serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metaloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA methods. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, 24-hour proteinuria, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower in treated groups compared with the untreated rats. MMF and benazepril combination therapy had a greater effect than either drug alone. MMF alone had no effect on systolic blood pressure, but benazapril and MMF/benazapril could significantly reduce blood pressure. Rats that underwent 5/6 nephrectomy had greater tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen accumulation than sham-operated rats; all treatments, especially MMF/benazepril, ameliorated these effects. Tubules in 5/6 nephrectomized rats expressed higher levels of PDGF-BB and TIMP-1 and lower MMP-9 compared with sham-operated rats. MMF and benazepril similarly reversed these phenomenons and combination therapy almost completely restored the expression of these cytokines in renal tissue and their plasma concentration. CONCLUSIONS: MMF, especially combined with benazepril, can reduce proteinuria, improve renal function, ameliorate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. These effects might be, in part, associated with down-regulation of PDGF-BB and TIMP-1, and MMP-9 up-regulation in renal tissues.