Staphylococcus aureus cell wall stress stimulon gene-lacZ fusion strains: potential for use in screening for cell wall-active antimicrobials

lacZ fusion strains were constructed using the promoters of five cell wall stress stimulon genes: pbp2, tcaA, vraSR, sgtB, and lytR. All fusion strains were induced only in the presence of cell wall-active antibiotics, suggesting the potential of these strains for use in high-throughput screening for new cell wall-active agents.     

Rosiglitazone-induced granulomatous hepatitis

Granulomatous hepatitis has many causes. Drugs are an important etiologic factor. Several oral hypoglycemic agents are available for treatment of type II diabetes. Rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, is a newer agent in this class. It has not been shown to be hepatotoxic in the premarketing trials. However, a few case reports have implicated it as a cause of acute hepatocellular injury. The authors report a case of granulomatous hepatitis associated with use of rosiglitazone. Liver function tests should be done regularly to monitor patients on this medication.     

Identification of miR-379/miR-656 (C14MC) cluster downregulation and associated epigenetic and transcription regulatory mechanism in oligodendrogliomas

Expression of CD44 in glioma cells was previously correlated with tumor grade and is considered a stem cell marker. CD44 stabilizes the cystine–glutamate transporter (xCT) and inhibits apoptosis in cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently it was found that Sulfasalazine (SSZ), an anti-inflammatory drug, acts as an inhibitor of xCT and therefore has potential as a targeted therapy for CSCs. In this study, we tested an efficacy of SSZ against glioma stem cell model developed in rats. As poor penetration of blood–brain barrier resulted in insufficient efficacy of systemic SSZ treatment, SSZ was delivered locally with convection-enhanced delivery (CED). In vitro, expression of CD44 in glioma cells and efficacy of SSZ against glioma cells and glioma stem cells were confirmed. SSZ demonstrated anti-proliferative activity in a dose dependent manner against these cells. This activity was partially reversible with the addition of antioxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, to the medium. In vivo, CED successfully delivered SSZ into the rat brain parenchyma. When delivered at 5 mM concentration, which was the highest possible concentration when SSZ was dissolved in water, CED of SSZ resulted in almost no tissue damage. Against highly malignant bRiTs-G3 brain tumor xenografted rat model; the glioma stem cell model, CED of SSZ at 5 mM concentration induced apoptosis and prolonged survival. Consequently, CED of SSZ induced glioma stem cell death without evidence of tissue damage to normal brain parenchyma. This strategy may be a promising targeted treatment against glioma stem cells.     

BRAF V600E‐mutated central nervous system tumor with divergent morphological feature – Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma‐like and astroblastoma‐like

Mutational analysis of the BRAF gene (BRAF), especially BRAF V600E, is gaining much importance in neuro‐oncology practice due to its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. This genetic alteration has been described in a wide morphological spectrum of central nervous system tumors. In the present report we describe a BRAF V600E‐mutated tumor with divergent morphological appearance comprising of anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and astroblastoma. Both of these tumor entities are extremely rare and a combined morphology has not been described till now.     

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney presenting with pulmonary tumor embolism: A case report

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney is a rare, aggressive tumor known for its recurrence and metastatic potential. Despite the frequency of venous extension to the renal veins and inferior vena cava, pulmonary tumor embolism at the initial presentation is not common. We report a case of 22-year-old female with PNET of the kidney who presented with tumor embolism in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and bilateral pulmonary artery. The patient underwent surgical resection and histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of tumor within the IVC and pulmonary arteries. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and is currently doing well on follow-up.