CCPG1 involved in corneal Aspergillus fumigatus infection

AIM: To investigate whether non-canonical autophagy transport receptor cell cycle progression 1 (CCPG1) is involved in the corneal antifungal immune response. METHODS: Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human myeloid leukemia mononuclear cells (THP-1) macrophages stimulated by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) were used as cell models. The expression of CCPG1 mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of CCPG1 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The dectin-1 neutralizing antibody was used to detect the association between dectin-1 and CCPG1. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the colocalization of CCPG1 and C-type lectin-like receptor-1 (CLEC-1) in THP-1 macrophages. RESULTS: The expression of CCPG1 started to increase at 4h after infection and increased in a time-dependent manner in HCECs and THP-1 macrophages. With dectin-1 neutralizing antibody pretreatment, the expression of IL-1β was down-regulated. CCPG1 up-regulation in response to A. fumigatus infection was independent of dectin-1. Immunofluorescence showed the colocalization of CCPG1 and CLEC-1 in THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSION: As a specific autophagy protein of non-canonical autophagy pathway, CCPG1 is involved in corneal infection with A. fumigatus.     

Tumor-associated Macrophage-derived Interleukin-23 Interlinks Kidney Cancer Glutamine Addiction with Immune Evasion

Background

Glutamine addiction is a hallmark of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); yet whether glutamine metabolism impacts local immune surveillance is unclear. This knowledge may yield novel immunotherapeutic opportunities.

Risk prediction of cerebrovascular events with carotid plaque magnetic resonance analysis: A meta-analysis

Background and purpose

It is not conclusive that magnetic resonance (MR)-based carotid atherosclerotic plaque assessment identifies high-risk features associated with cerebrovascular events. We aimed to systematically summarize the association of MR imaging (MRI)-determined intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), and thinning/rupture of the fibrous cap (TRFC) with subsequent ischemic events.

Carotid webs and ischemic stroke: Experiences in a comprehensive stroke center

Background and purpose

Carotid webs are intraluminal filling defects at the carotid bulb which are considered rare, though possibly underappreciated entities with recent studies demonstrating a likely casual association with ischemic stroke. The purpose of the study is to describe our recent experience with clinical and imaging manifestations of carotid webs.

Medial sustainable nail versus proximal femoral nail antirotation in treating AO/OTA 31-A2.3 fractures: Finite element analysis and biomechanical evaluation

Objectives

Using finite element analysis and biomechanical tests, the biomechanical behaviors of Medial Sustainable Nail (MSN) and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) were compared for the fixation of fracture type of AO/OTA 31-A2.3.

Role of Oxalobacter formigenes in preventing calcium oxalate kidney stones

Objective To screen Oxalobacter formigenes (OxF) from fresh feces of healthy adults, and study its effect on the the prevention of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Methods OxF was screened and cultured from fresh feces of healthy adults. The rat model of calcium oxalate stone was established by esophageal gavage of 0.8% of ethylene glycol. Rats were divided into a control group and four groups of rats with ethylene glycol-induced calcium oxalate kidney stones according to random number table. Three groups were treated with 106 CFU, 107 CFU, 108 CFU viable OxF every day, respectively, for 4 weeks. The blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected to detect the serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum and urine calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and urine oxalate every week. At the end of the 4th week, the rats were sacrificed and the kidney tissues were stained with HE and Yasue. The deposition and content of calcium oxalate crystals were observed under a light microscope. Results The bacteria strain isolated from fresh feces of healthy adults was 100% as same as the known ATCC35274 bacteria strain, which means the strain screened is OxF. Among the 5 groups, there were no significant differences in body weight, Scr, BUN, serum calcium, blood magnesium, blood phosphorus, urinary magnesium and urinary phosphorus. The 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in the model group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P＜0.05). After intervention with OxF solution, the 24-hour urinary calcium excretion in the 108 CFU OxF group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P＜0.05), while there was no significant difference between the other intervention groups and the model. The oxalic acid excretion of 106 CFU OxF group and 107 CFU OxF group was lower than that of the model, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P＞0.05). The 24 h oxalic acid excretion in the 108 CFU OxF group was significantly lower than that of the model at the end of first week (P＜0.05), and continued to decrease for the next 3 weeks. After 4 weeks of intervention, no crystal formation was observed in the control group under the deflection microscope, but a large amount of calcium oxalate crystals were formed in the renal cortex and renal medulla. The crystals were piled up and connected to each other. Yasue staining coincided with the calcium oxalate crystal in the same part of the kidneys. Compared with the model, there was no significant change in the score of calcium oxalate crystal in the kidneys of 106 CFU OxF group and 107 CFU OxF group, while the score of calcium oxalate crystal in the kidneys of 108 CFU OxF group was significantly lower (P＜0.05). Conclusions OxF are successively screened from healthy adults. Daily administration of 108 CFU OxF can safely and effectively reduce the urinary oxalic acid excretion, prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals and inhibit the formation of stones in kidneys of rats.