Search

The ER (endoplasmic reticulum) in higher plants forms a pleomorphic web of membrane tubules and small cisternae that pervade the cytoplasm, but in particular form a polygonal network at the cortex of the cell which may be anchored to the plasma membrane. The network is associated with the actin cytoskeleton and demonstrates extensive mobility, which is most likely to be dependent on myosin motors. The ER is characterized by a number of domains which may be associated with specific functions such as protein storage, or with direct interaction with other organelles such as the Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes and plastids. In the present review we discuss the nature of the network, the role of shape-forming molecules such as the recently described reticulon family of proteins and the function of some of the major domains within the ER network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D research is discussed in light of the hypothesis that the lower average levels of vitamin D frequently observed in autoimmune disease are not a sign of deficiency. Instead, it is proposed that the lower levels result from chronic infection with intracellular bacteria that dysregulate vitamin D metabolism by causing vitamin D receptor (VDR) dysfunction within phagocytes. The VDR dysfunction causes a decline in innate immune function that causes susceptibility to additional infections that contribute to disease progression. Evidence has been accumulating that indicates that a number of autoimmune diseases can be reversed by gradually restoring VDR function with the VDR agonist olmesartan and subinhibitory dosages of certain bacteriostatic antibiotics. Diseases showing favorable responses to treatment so far include systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, type I and II diabetes mellitus, and uveitis. Disease reversal using this approach requires limitation of vitamin D in order to avoid contributing to dysfunction of nuclear receptors and subsequent negative consequences for immune and endocrine function. Immunopathological reactions accompanying bacterial cell death require a gradual elimination of pathogens over several years. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed, along with the compatibility of this model with current research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncharacterized gene previously proposed as a mannose-6-phosphate isomerase from Bacillus subtilis was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The maximal activity of the recombinant enzyme was observed at pH 7.5 and 40°C in the presence of 0.5 mM Co2+. The isomerization activity was specific for aldose substrates possessing hydroxyl groups oriented in the same direction at the C-2 and C-3 positions, such as the D and L forms of ribose, lyxose, talose, mannose, and allose. The enzyme exhibited the highest activity for L-ribulose among all pentoses and hexoses. Thus, L-ribose, as a potential starting material for many L-nucleoside-based pharmaceutical compounds, was produced at 213 glliter from 300-g/liter L-ribulose by mannose-6-phosphate isomerase at 40°C for 3 h, with a conversion yield of 71% and a volumetric productivity of 71 g liter-1 h-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive lobular carcinomas (ILC) represent the most common subtype of invasive breast cancer and account for about 5–15% of all breast cancer cases. Invasive lobular carcinoma is often accompanied by in situ lesions, by lobular neoplasia (LN). Invasive lobular carcinomas display diverse histologic patterns varying from classical through solid to pleomorphic subtypes. When analyzing histological subtypes, the classical variant is reported to have a more favorable outcome. The majority of invasive lobular carcinomas are hormone receptor positive, overexpression and/or amplification of the Her2 gene is lower than in carcinomas of invasive ductal type. Loss of heterozygosity of the 16q chromosomal regions and the consequent lack of E-Cadherin expression are common findings in invasive lobular carcinomas. Intra-operative evaluation of resection margins in ILC is often unsatisfactory due to the diffuse nature of the tumor. Size estimation of the invasive component poses a similar challenge in daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect intestinal tracts harbor several novel, deep-rooting clades of as-yet-uncultivated bacteria whose biology is typically completely unknown. Here, we report the isolation of the first representative of the termite group 1 (TG1) phylum from sterile-filtered gut homogenates of a humivorous scarab beetle larva. Strain Pei191[supT] is a mesophilic, obligately anaerobic ultramicrobacterium with a gram-negative cell envelope. Cells are typically rod shaped, but cultures are pleomorphic in all growth phases (0.3 to 2.5 μm long and 0.17 to 0.3 jm wide). The isolate grows heterotrophically on sugars and ferments D-galactose, D-glucose, D-fructose, n- glucosamine, and N-acetyl-o-glucosamine to acetate, ethanol, hydrogen, and alanine as major products but only if amino acids are present in the medium. PCR-based screening and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain Peil9lT belongs to the "intestinal cluster," a lineage of hitherto uncultivated bacteria present in arthropod and mammalian gut systems. It is only distantly related to the previously described so-called "endomicrobia" lineage, which comprises mainly uncultivated endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates. We propose the name "Elusimicrobium minutuin" gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain, Peil9l' = ATCC BAA1559T = JCM 14958T) for the first isolate of this deep-branching lineage and the name "Elusirni- crobia" phyl. nov. for the former TG1 phylum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predictive value of cadherin-11, tenascin, fascin, and mucin-1 as markers for the likelihood of recurrence in pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland was examined. In this retrospective study we analysed 20 tumours from16 patients by immunohistochemistry. Staining intensities were measured using a semiquantitative scoring approach; localisation (tumour centre vs border) as well as clinical data were analysed and correlated with follow-up. Cadherin-11 was increased in recurrent tumours. However, no changes of fascin, tenascin or mucin-1 were observed. Cadherin-11 and fascin were increased in primary tumours of patients with later recurrence, with fascin upregulation restricted to the tumour border. In conclusion, cadherin-11 and fascin should be further analysed for their value as markers for later recurrence in pleomorphic adenoma. Our observations might reflect dysregulation of cellular pathways contributing to cellular dissemination, which might potentially result in later recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood of 21 adult South American mouse opossums ( Thylamys elegans) captured from April through August of 2005 in central Chile was examined for parasites. Light microscopic analysis of blood smears initially suggested that a highly pleomorphic Hepatozoon species typical of American opossums was infecting erythrocytes. Unexpectedly, amplification by PCR and sequencing of a DNA fragment of the small subunit rDNA combined with phylogenetic analyses indicated that the parasite is not a member of the suborder Adeleorina, which includes the Haemogregarina and Hepatozoon species, but that it is a clearly distinct member of the suborder Eimeriorina, which includes the cyst-forming family Sarcocystidae. Therefore, a reclassification of this unusual intraerythrocytic apicomplexan will require additional life cycle, microscopic, and molecular analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Many phytopathogens that cause worldwide losses of agricultural yield are vectored by herbivorous insects. Limited information is available about the interactions among phytopathogens, host plants, and insect vectors. In this paper, we report that the cell wall-lacking bacterium Candidatus Phytoplasma mali can alter both the odor of its host plant (apple) and behavior of its vector, the univoltine psyllid Cacopsylla picta. Apple trees infected by this phytoplasma emitted higher amounts of β-caryophyllene when compared to uninfected ones. Psyllids that had no previous contact with Ca. P. mali, as well as infected pyllids, are more attracted by volatiles emitted from phytoplasma-infected apple plants than from uninfected ones. Psyllids that had developed on infected plants without getting infected showed the opposite behavior. These results suggest that the pathogen modifies host plant odor that lures its vector to infected plants. This may result in higher numbers of transmitting vector insects within the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytologic pleomorphism has been described in a limited number of benign pineal tumors, namely pineocytoma (PC) and pineal parenchymal tumors (PPTs) of intermediate differentiation (PPTID). We examined the clinicopathologic features in a retrospective series of 14 cases (seven females and seven males aged from 10 to 65 years) of pleomorphic PPT. Seven cases were PC, with no mitoses and with areas of tumoral cells forming large pineocytomatous rosettes and other areas with giant cells containing hyperchromatic nuclei. The other seven were PPTID, presenting few mitoses (≤2), a Ki67 proliferation index between 3% and 7%, and predominantly composed of small neoplastic cells and scattered giant cells, sometimes multinucleated. In the 14 tumors, the proportion of pleomorphic areas was variable. Most tumoral cells showed extensive neuronal differentiation with strong expression of neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin and neurofilaments. Some of the neoplastic cells expressed S100 protein. The follow-up period ranged from 1.2 to 13 years and only one PC and one PPTID progressed after stereotactic biopsy or incomplete resection. The lack of invasiveness and the low proliferation index of these tumors suggest a benign clinical course despite the marked pleomorphism, the latter of which can lead to upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Oral y Maxilofacial (SECOM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), now termed high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, is a commonly diagnosed mesenchymal tumor, yet both the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cell of origin remain unidentified. We present evidence demonstrating that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are the progenitors of MFH. DKK1, a Wnt inhibitor and mediator of hMSC proliferation, is overexpressed in MFH. Using recombinant proteins, antibody depletion, and siRNA knockdown strategies of specific Wnt elements, we show that DKK1 inhibits hMSC commitment to differentiation via Wnt2/beta-catenin canonical signaling and that Wnt5a/JNK noncanonical signaling regulates a viability checkpoint independent of Dkk1. Finally, we illustrate that hMSCs can be transformed via inhibition of Wnt signaling to form MFH-like tumors in nude mice, and conversely, MFH cells in which Wnt signaling is appropriately reestablished can differentiate along mature connective tissue lineages. Our results provide mechanistic insights regarding the cell of origin of MFH, establish what we believe is a novel tumor suppressor role for Wnt signaling, and identify a potential therapeutic differentiation strategy for sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although uncommon, many variants of lipomatous lesions in or around salivary glands have been reported in the literature. We report a series of three such cases in the minor salivary gland region. The first case (oral floor) is a well-circumscribed lipocytic lesion admixed with glandular components (mucous acini, serous demilunes and ducts). The second case (alveolar mucosa) is a diffuse lipomatous proliferation with entrapped salivary glandular elements, muscles and blood vessels. The third case (palate) is similar to the first case but the gland is located at the periphery of the lesion. The purpose of the article was to report these three lesions and discuss in relation to other pertaining lipomatous lesions (sialolipoma, lipoadenoma, lipomatosis, lipometaplasia in pleomorphic adenoma and infiltrating lipoma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swelling of L-phases from the block copolymer polyethylenoxide−b-polydimethylsiloxane−polyethylenoxide (EO)15−(PDMS)15−(EO)15in water/glycerol mixtures is reported. At low and medium polymer concentrations (<60%), the block copolymer forms a turbid vesicular dispersion in water. With time, the small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) and the large multilamellar vesicles (MLV) separate into a two phase L1/L-system. The turbid dispersions of the L-phase below 60% of the compound become more and more transparent with increasing glycerol and at 60% of glycerol become completely clear. Replacement of water by the solvent glycerol thus lowers the turbidity of the dispersion and swells the interlamellar distance between the bilayers. A 20% aqueous L1/L-dispersion can thus be transformed into a single birefringent transparent L-phase. The swelling of the L-phase in water and the decrease of the turbidity of the dispersion by the addition of glycerol is explained by the matching of the refractive index of the solvent to the refractive index of the bilayers of the block copolymer. The matching of a refractive index lowers the Hamaker constant in the DLVO theory between the bilayers and therefore decreases the attraction between the bilayers what allows them to swell to a larger separation. The microstructures in the phases were determined by cryo- and FFR-TEM. The interlamellar distance between the bilayers was determined by SAXS measurements. The viscous properties of the L-phases were determined by oscillatory rheological measurements. In comparison to other L-phases from normal surfactants, the L-phases from the block copolymer (EO)15−(PDMS)15−(EO)15have low shear moduli. This is probably due to the high flexibility of the poly dimethylsiloxane block in the bilayers what can be recognized on the non-spherical shapes of the SUV's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantaricin A (PlnA) is a 26-mer peptide pheromone with membrane-permeabilizing, strain-specific antibacterial activity, produced by Lactobacillus plantarum C11. We investigated the membrane-permeabilizing effects of PlnA on cultured cancerous and normal rat anterior pituitary cells using patch-clamp techniques and microfluorometry (fura-2). Cancerous cells displayed massive permeabilization within 5 s after exposure to 10–100 μ m PlnA. The membrane depolarized to nearly 0 m V, and the membrane resistance decreased to a mere fraction of the initial value after less than 1 min. In outside-out membrane patches, 10 μ m PlnA induced membrane currents reversing at 0 m V, which is compatible with an unspecific conductance increase. The d and l forms of the peptide had similar potency, indicating a nonchiral mechanism for the membrane-permeabilizing effect. Surprisingly, inside-out patches were insensitive to 1 m m PlnA. Primary cultures of normal rat anterior pituitary cells were also insensitive to the peptide. Thus, PlnA differentiates between plasma membranes and membrane leaflets. Microfluorometric recordings of [Ca2+] i and cytosolic concentration of fluorochrome verified the rapid permeabilizing effect of PlnA on cancerous cells and the insensitivity of normal pituitary cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the first systematic monitoring conducted in 2002 at shrimp farms in Sinaloa and Sonora (Mexico) for the presumptive and confirmative diagnosis of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium (NHPB) in Litopenaeus vannamei. Light microscopy (wet mounts and hematoxilin-eosin-stained sections of hepatopancreas) showed atrophy of the hepatopancreas, strangulation and necrosis of the hepatopancreatic tubules, with masses of NHPB within the tubular epithelium, hemocytic infiltrates and tubular melanization. The gene encoding the 16S rRNA (16S rDNA) of NHPB was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from clinical specimens and the bacteria isolated using Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Negative-stain transmission electron microscopy revealed pleomorphic bacteria, most of them ovoid or rod-shaped (0.2 μm wide and 0.6-0.9 μm long), and a helical form demonstrating seven to twelve spiral turns (0.23 μm wide and 2.43-5.27 μm long). Several severe epizootics of commercially grown L. vannamei occurred during the study period and the mortality was attributed to NHPB infection. Using PCR and microbiological analyses, other etiologic agents, such as white spot syndrome virus, infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus, hepatopancreatic parvovirus and vibriosis, were ruled out as contributory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Archaea was isolated from an industrial mineral sulphide bioleach heap. Strain BH2, a non-motile pleomorphic coccus, was capable of chemomixotrophic growth on ferrous sulphate and yeast extract. Growth was not supported in the absence of yeast extract. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that strain BH2 was most closely related to the species Ferroplasma acidiphilum; however, it showed only 95% sequence similarity with this species. Strain BH2 had a temperature optimum of 53.6°C and a temperature range for growth between 22 and 63°C. Thus, it is the first moderately thermophilic member of the genus Ferroplasma. The optimum pH for the growth of the strain occurred between pH 1.0 and 1.2 and the lowest pH at which growth was observed was 0.4. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and other physiological characteristics, strain BH2 constitutes a new species within the genus Ferroplasma. The name Ferroplasma cupricumulans is proposed for the new species and strain BH2 (DSM 16651) is proposed as the type strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titers of transfusion transmitted virus (TTV)-like DNA in saliva samples have been reported 100–1,000 times higher than those of the corresponding sera, suggesting viral transmission by saliva droplets. The present study was conducted to determine whether TTV-like DNA sequence elements play a role in the pathogenesis of cystadenolymphoma or pleomorphic adenoma and if the parotid or the submandibular gland is a major source of TTV persistence. Sixty-two archival salivary gland samples (16 cystadenolymphomas, 13 pleomorphic adenomas, and 33 controls) and 23 corresponding saliva samples were examined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for TTV DNA. All PCR products that displayed DNA bands were sequenced. Leder’s stain and immunohistochemistry (anti-CD8, anti-CD20, anti-CD45R0, anti-CD68, and anti-Ki67/MiB1) were applied to detect possible changes associated with findings of TTV-like DNA sequences. Tissue displayed TTV-like DNA sequences in 8.1% (5/62; saliva: 47.8%, 11/23). Tissue that contained TTV-like DNA sequences was histologically indistinguishable from samples lacking such DNA. TTV appears to be only a bystander in cystadenolymphoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and other salivary gland affections. Neither of the glands seems to be a major source of TTV persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gp26 is one of three phage P22-encoded tail accessory factors essential for stabilization of viral DNA within the mature capsid. In solution, gp26 exists as an extended triple-stranded coiled-coil protein which shares profound structural similarities with class I viral membrane-fusion protein. In the cryo-EM reconstruction of P22 tail extracted from mature virions, gp26 forms an ∼220 Å extended needle structure emanating from the neck of the tail, which is likely to be brought into contact with the cell's outer membrane when the viral DNA-injection process is initiated. To shed light on the potential role of gp26 in cell-wall penetration and DNA injection, gp26 has been crystallized at acidic, neutral and alkaline pH. Crystals of native gp26 grown at pH 4.6 diffract X-rays to 2.0 Å resolution and belong to space group P21, with a dimer of trimeric gp26 molecules in the asymmetric unit. To study potential pH-induced conformational changes in the gp26 structure, a chimera of gp26 fused to maltose-binding protein (MBP-gp26) was generated. Hexagonal crystals of MBP-gp26 were obtained at neutral and alkaline pH using the high-throughput crystallization robot at the Hauptman–Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA. These crystals diffract X-rays to beyond 2.0 Å resolution. Structural analysis of gp26 crystallized at acidic, neutral and alkaline pH is in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleomorphic lipoma is an uncommon variant of lipoma, which microscopically may resemble a liposarcoma. However, it is a slow-growing and well-circumscribed lesion with a benign behavior. Therefore, recognizing this entity is extremely important to perform the proper treatment. We present an additional case of pleomorphic lipoma in the face, which to our knowledge seems to be the 11th case reported in the English-language literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the presence and distribution of the protein maspin in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). Methods: Maspin expression was studied by means of immunohistochemistry in 16 cases of CXPA, using the labelled polymer method. Results: According to the extent of invasion, the tumours were subdivided into: intracapsular (five cases), minimally invasive (four cases), and invasive (seven cases). Twelve patients had carcinoma with only epithelial differentiation, whereas four had a malignant myoepithelial component. Non-luminal cells in the duct-like structures of the remnant pleomorphic adenoma were strongly positive for maspin, whereas only a few luminal cells were immunopositive. A few positive cells were seen in the frequent hypocellular and hyalinised areas. Maspin was abundantly expressed, mainly in non-luminal cells, in transitional areas of CXPA with only epithelial differentiation. In frankly carcinomatous areas there was a gradual decrease in maspin expression. Almost all cells were maspin positive in CXPA with a myoepithelial component. When present, luminal cells were in general negative for maspin. Conclusions: When only epithelial cells undergo malignant transformation, maspin expression is gradually lost. In cases with a myoepithelial component, maspin expression is high, and this might be related to the tumour suppressor activity attributed to this cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pleomorphic bacteria have regularly been isolated from mammalian tumors and leukemic bloods. Here, it is shown that highly pleomorphic, cell-wall deficient bacteria derived from a mammalian tumor self-organize in vitro into mammalian tissue-like morphogenetic patterns consisting of multicellular tissue-like sheets and capillary-like networks. It is proposed that these pleomorphic mammalian tumor-derived (MTD) bacteria, during morphogenesis, express mammalian tissue morphogenesis-related genes that were acquired through eukaryote-to-prokaryote DNA transfer. Similar pleomorphic MTD bacteria might play important roles as symbiotic multicellular mammalian eukaryotic-like organisms in mammalian `tumor ecologies'' that include malignant and nonmalignant mammalian eukaryotic cells. From a mammalian tumor ecology perspective, eradication of tumors in some mammalian hosts may depend upon the elimination of pleomorphic MTD bacteria self-organized as symbiotic multicellular mammalian eukaryotic-like organisms. Further investigations of the extraordinary mammalian eukaryotic-like multicellularity of these bacteria may yield fundamental insights into the evolution of multicellularity and multicellular development and may challenge basic assumptions regarding cellular evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ralstonia solanacearumis an important plant pathogen in tropical and subtropical countries. Here, we describe the inhibition ofR. solanacearumas a result of increased phenols induced locally or systemically by an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. In pot cultures,R. solanacearumpopulations in the rhizosphere, on root surfaces and in the xylem were decreased by 26.7, 79.3 and 81.7%, respectively, following inoculation of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) withGlomus versiformeBerch. Colonization of the plants by bothR. solanacearumandG. versiformeincreased the contents of soluble phenols and cell-wall bound phenols in root tissue, but with different patterns. WhereasR. solanacearumpreferably promoted the cell-wall bound phenol content,G. versiformepreferably enhanced the soluble phenol content. Split root experiments revealed thatR. Solanacearumwas inhibited byG. versiforme, and thatG. versiformealso increased the phenol content systemically, but to a lesser extent than locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim: To detect L-form bacteria in developing Chinese cabbage seedlings. Methods and Results: Stable Bacillus subtilis L-forms were genetically modified to express the gus gene (encoding β -glucuronidase). Germinated seeds of Chinese cabbage were soaked in mannitol based suspensions of the L-form bacteria or with mannitol alone and after washing were grown in aseptic conditions on plant growth medium. Histochemical staining of β -glucuronidase activity (X-gluc) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of the gus gene were achieved in the L-form associated seedlings. β -Glucuronidase was localized in discrete spots, mainly in the roots with staining, and was also observed in the cotyledons and base of stems. Correlation was observed between PCR detection of the gus gene and histochemical staining with detection in similar tissues. Stable L-form bacteria were non-culturable after their association with plant material. Conclusions: The gus reporter gene system with its associated histological staining for enzyme activity was used successfully for detecting B. subtilis L-form bacteria in plant material. Significance and Impact of the Study: These molecular marked L-forms should provide a specific and sensitive technique for detecting L-form bacteria in planta and offer a method for further understanding the L-form/plant association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of chitinases in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis var. Granaat) plants treated with L-form bacteria of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola during seed germination, was investigated using a fluorometric assay with 4-methylumbelliferyl substrates. The constitutive chitinase activities of seeds and seedlings were low and contrasted with much higher chitinase activities in seedlings treated with L-form bacteria. Maximum chitinase activities of seedlings treated with L-form bacteria was found 31 days after treatment. Extracts of the seedlings treated with L-form bacteria showed 4-fold and 1.5-fold endochitinase activities with, 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-N-triacetylchitotrioside and 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-N-tetraacetylchitotetraoside, respectively. Plant/L-form association was detected using a slide agglutination assay, enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay and by re-isolation of bacteria from seedlings. L-form bacteria were also observed in root hairs using light microscopy. Re-isolation showed that L-forms were systemically distributed throughout the plant, with the highest population in roots. This was supported by ELISA results. Chinese cabbage seedlings treated with L-form bacteria had enhanced resistance to infection by the grey mould pathogen Botrytis cinerea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AmpD is a bacterial amidase involved in the recycling of cell-wall fragments in Gram-negative bacteria. Inactivation of AmpD leads to derepression of β-lactamase expression, presenting a major pathway for the acquisition of constitutive antibiotic resistance. Here, we report the NMR structure of AmpD from Citrobacter freundii (PDB accession code 1J3G). A deep substrate-binding pocket explains the observed specificity for low molecular mass substrates. The fold is related to that of bacteriophage T7 lysozyme. Both proteins bind zinc at a conserved site and require zinc for amidase activity, although the enzymatic mechanism seems to differ in detail. The structure-based sequence alignment identifies conserved features that are also conserved in the eukaryotic peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP) domains, including the zinc-coordination site in several of them. PGRP domains thus belong to the same fold family and, where zinc-binding residues are conserved, may have amidase activity. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that human serum N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanine amidase seems to be identical with a soluble form of human PGRP-L. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivePleomorphic lipomas are rare benign tumors that can resemble a variety of malignant soft tissue tumors on histologic examination. Six cases of patients with orbital pleomorphic lipoma, one of which was proven to be bilateral, are presented.: DesignRetrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series with clinicopathologic correlation.: MethodsClinical and histologic review of 6 patients with pleomorphic lipomas of the orbit and histologic review of fat from 22 exenteration specimens and 20 other orbital procedures.: Main outcome measuresEvidence of histologic abnormalities in histologic specimens.: ResultsPleomorphic spindle cells and multinucleated cells with nuclei arranged in a floret-like pattern were present in 7 specimens from 6 patients presenting with a clinical diagnosis of orbital fat prolapse, but there were no similar cell types present in the adipose tissue of 22 exenteration or 20 other orbital specimens.: ConclusionPleomorphic lipoma may arise in the orbit, presenting as what was hitherto considered to be age-related epibulbar prolapse of orbital fat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The degree to which cell-wall-deficient bacteria (CWDB) are involved in the generation of β-lactamase derepressed mutants (DM) was measured using Enterobacter cloacae 3624. The frequency of DM in non-permissive isotonic ticarcillin medium was compared with their frequency in hypertonic ticarcillin medium that supports CWDB growth. DM were resistant to extended spectrum penicillins and cephalosporins and had a basal β-lactamase activity of >300 units/mg protein. Anaerobic growth of CWDB increased the relative risk of DM 2×106-fold. Aerobic incubation produced fewer CWDB colonies but the risk of DM was still increased 400-fold over non-permissive controls. These results define a new role for CWDB as intermediaries in the emergence of resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes the novel bacterial membrane surface display system using cell-wall L-forms of Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. Observation of foreign protein anchoring in the cytoplasmic membrane; Fusion of staphylokinase to transmembrane domains; Overexpression of fusion proteins in L-from strains.

Aims: To induce, cultivate and investigate the characteristics of L-form bacteria derived from the filamentous actinomycete Streptomyces viridifaciens. Methods and Results: L-forms were induced in a liquid medium supplemented with lysozyme and penicillin. A stable culture which no longer required inducing agents but could still revert, was obtained by the twelfth subculture. The specific growth rate of stable L-forms was faster (0·751) than unstable L-forms (0·361). After the exponential growth phase, the cell diameter continued to increase, as did the percentage of vacuoles. Morphologically, the L-forms appeared as spherical bodies with no signs of differentiation and were sensitive to osmotic stress, indicating removal of the cell wall. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites although much lower levels of antibiotic were assayed in the L-forms compared with the cell walled forms. Conclusions: Stable L-form bacteria were induced from S. viridifaciens and their growth characterized. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites. Significance and Impact of the Study: Stable Streptomyces L-forms were induced and have potential as biocontrol agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodococcus equi is an encapsulated gram-positive, pleomorphic rod which exists in the soil and frequently is isolated from the feces of normal herbivores. It is the primary cause of pneumonia in foals. This organism has been isolated from various animals, but isolation from the wound is rarely reported. In May 2013, a 7-month-old Janet (female mule) was referred with some ulcers on the face below the zygomatic process in the right side in dimensions of 2 × 2 cm. Swab samples were taken from the ulcer for bacteriological cultures. The isolated bacteria grew on cysteine tellurite agar. The tests of catalase and nitrate reduction were positive, but urea hydrolysis was negative. The result of the Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen (CAMP) test was positive and 'spade showel-shaped' hemolytic pattern was seen in blood agar. The bacteria were identified as R. equi. This organism was susceptible to gentamycin, azithromycin, and erythromycin. The presence of R. equi as a pathogen without pulmonary disease is important because it can cause wound contamination and leads to persistence of the organism in the environment. An exposure to soil contaminated with livestock manure seems to be the most probable mode of infection for this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Benign pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland usually present as a painless, slow growing mass in healthy adults and rarely present in childhood. This report describes a pediatric patient found to have a lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma that mimicked rhabdomyosarcoma on frozen section. Report: A nine-year-old African American male presented with two months of unilateral proptosis and was found to have a left orbital mass on computed topography. Through a lateral orbitotomy, the mass was excised, but noted to appear distinct from the lacrimal gland. An intraoperative frozen section demonstrated a myxoid matrix with scattered cells mimicking rhabdomyoblasts. Because this sample lacked additional elements, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma could not be excluded, especially considering the patient's age, short time course of symptoms, and the tumor's intraoperative appearance. Permanent sections of the whole lesion provided definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: In the rare pediatric presentations, pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland can be difficult to quickly and definitively differentiate from a rhabdomyosarcoma. The unusual age of presentation and the misleading frozen section appearance in this case demonstrate the intricacies of managing pediatric orbital tumors and highlight the importance of permanent sections for definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes metabolic syndromes (e.g., hypertension); however, the patterns that drive hypertensive pathology and could be targeted for therapeutic intervention are unclear. We hypothesized that gut microbes might translocate to the kidney to trigger hypertension. We aimed to uncover their method of colonization, and thereby how to maintain blood pressure homeostasis. Using combined approaches based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence staining, electron microscopy analysis, bacterial cultures, species identification, and RNA-sequencing-based meta-transcriptomics, we first demonstrated the presence of bacteria within the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and its normotensive counterpart, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs), and patients with hypertension. Translocated renal bacteria were coated with secretory IgA (sIgA) or remained dormant in the L-form. Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K.pn ) was identified in the kidneys of germ-free (GF) mice following intestinal transplantation, which suggested an influx of gut bacteria into the kidneys. Renal bacterial taxa and their function are associated with hypertension. Hypertensive hosts showed increased richness in the pathobionts of their kidneys, which were partly derived from the gastrointestinal tract. We also demonstrated the indispensable role of bacterial IgA proteases in the translocation of live microbes. Furthermore, Tartary buckwheat dietary intervention reduced blood pressure and modulated the core renal flora-host ecosystem to near-normal states. Taken together, the unique patterns of viable and dormant bacteria in the kidney provide insight into the pathogenesis of non-communicable chronic diseases and cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., hypertension), and may lead to potential novel microbiota-targeted dietary therapies.

M. tuberculosis L-forms researches done in China during the recent years were reviewed in this article. M. tuberculosis L-forms could be produced spontaneously or induced by isoniazid or D-cyclic serine, that influenced the synthesis of cell walls. Among the acid-fast organisms isolated from the patients, more L-forms were found than vegetative forms. In extrapulmonary tuberculosis, M. tuberculosis disseminated through the blood mainly in L-forms, L-forms could adhere on the surface or harbor inside the red cells. With the loss of cell walls, L-forms of M. tuberculosis lost some of their pathogenic features, specific for diagnosis, e.g. OT reaction remained negative and no tuberculosis tubercles formed. In most of these patients only interstitial inflammation could be seen in different organs, similar to that of virus or mycoplasma infection. Unless acid-fast, immunohistochemical staining or isolation was made, it often led to misdiagnosis in histological examination. According to clinical examinations and animal experiments, M. tuberculosis L-forms were found to be closely related to pulmonary carcinoma, especially in adenocarcinoma L-forms were isolated in 34.38% of the cases. M. tuberculosis L-forms were low in pathogenicity, the diseases caused were often escaped from being noticed. M. tuberculosis L-forms were found in 86% of abnormal feeling in nasopharynx, in 32% of chronic prostatitis. M. tuberculosis L-forms were also found in semen of infertile male, the adhesion of L-forms on the sperms inhibited their motility. M. tuberculosis L-forms grew better and faster in liquid than on solid media. The most sensitive method of detection was the using of immunohistochemical technique. In acid-fast staining IK method was better than ZN method. In compensation to the loss of cell walls, the cell membranes became greatly thickened, that increased the difficulty in DNA extraction for PCR examination. Physical grinding could be used to increase the positive rate in detection. M. tuberculosis vegetative forms as well as L-forms proved to be equally important in recognition and elimination of M. tuberculosis. Further study in L-forms of M. tuberculosis is necessary for controlling tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the immunolocalization of small and large proteoglycans (PGs), including decorin, biglycan, PG-M/versican and aggrecan, in salivary pleomorphic adenoma (PA) using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. In addition, a polyclonal antibody, A0082, recognizing blood vessels was also used to help identify truly mesenchymal tissues in PA. Decorin reactivity was detected only in tumor capsule and interstitial tissue of non-neoplastic salivary gland, but not in the tumor tissue. Biglycan was frequently revealed throughout the matrix of small chondroid regions and in the peripheral portion of larger chondroid regions. PG-M/versican was mainly localized to the truly mesenchymal tissues in PA and the innermost portion of tumor capsule. On the contrary, aggrecan was extensively expressed in the non-luminal epithelial areas as well as in the myxoid and chondroid areas, but not in the truly mesenchymal tissues. These findings suggest that aggrecan is the most widely distributed PG in PA and may be produced mainly by non-luminal tumor cells. The absence of aggrecan from the truly mesenchymal tissues argues against its origin from this source. Both aggrecan and biglycan may play important roles in the chondroid differentiation and morphogenesis of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A little leaf disease has been observed in several plants of Eucalyptus microtheca Muell. grown in Wad Medani area, Sudan. The disease is characterized by general plant stunting, reduction in diameter and height of trunks of affected trees, yellowing and reduction in leaf size, shortening of internodes together with excessive proliferation of axillary shoots. Electron microscope observations on ultrathin sections have revealed the presence of pleomorphic bodies in the sieve elements of diseased but not of healthy plants. These bodies possess DNA strands, ribosome-like granules and a three-layered unit membrane well defined at high magnifications (>100,000) suggesting a mollicute nature of these bodies. Studies using semi-thin sections revealed the absence of helical forms. Thus, a mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) is suspected to be the agent responsible for the disease. The results are discussed with reference to the economic and environmental importance of this tree species in the Sudan and the possible threat of the disease to its cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These results provide the first account of the breakdown and utilization of DNA by an ericoid mycorrhizal fungus, and of its phosphodiesterase activity in vitro. Hymenoscyphus ericae (Read) Korf & Kernan grew well on DNA as a sole source of phosphorus (P), achieving greater mycelium dry weight than on an equivalent concentration of P supplied as orthophosphate. Some characteristics of the production and activity of extracellular (culture filtrate) and cell-wall bound phosphodiesterase in H. ericae are reported. At least part of the phosphodiesterase activity is attributed to the exonuclease 5' nucleotide diesterase on the basis of its high affinity for a specific substrate of this enzyme. The pH optima for extra-cellular and cell-wall-hound diesterase are acidic (pH 4.0-5.5), with considerable activity maintained in the pH range typical of organic soils under ericaceous plants (pH 3.0-4.5). The production of phosphodiesterase was not substrate-induced, since highest specific activity for wall-bound enzyme was found in culture grown without organic or inorganic P. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology and biology of acid organic soils on which ericaceous plants are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterionema matruchotii, a calcifiable filamentous organism, was treated ultrasonically. The disrupted cells produced typical colonies that developed macroscopic globular structures. A nonfilamentous, pleomorphic variant was derived from the globules. The variant retained the calcification potential of the filament, as well as fermentation and ultrastructural similarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pleomorphic bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis releases in the culture broth a haemolytic exotoxin (Gvh) which is probably a virulence determinant of this unique bacterium, implicated in gynecological and urological disorders. This 59kDa cytolysis was purified to homogeneity in just one chromatographic step directly from the culture supernatant, a final specific activity up to 1.9 x 106 HU mg-1 being obtained. The toxin-induced lesion on human erythrocytes results from the formation of a pore whose radius is approximately 2.4 nm. The damage is inhibited by osmotic protectants and shows a sigmoidal dose-response profile suggesting an aggregation process of haemolysin molecules on the target membrane to create the functional lesion. The extent and the kinetics of haemolysis are strongly dependent on temperature and an activation energy of 64.0 kJ mol-1has been derived. Lipid membranes can be very efficient inhibitors of Gvh-haemolysis, being able to bind the toxin quite avidly. The inhibitory effect requires the presence of cholesterol and it is stronger when cholesterol is mixed with negatively charged phospholipids rather than with zwitterionic phospholipids, suggesting that a negative surface potential increases the affinity of the toxin for the lipid bilayer. The functional properties of Gvh have been compared with those of Clostridium perfringens thetatoxin (PFO) and Escherichia coli haemolysin (HlyA), which are representative of widespread haemolysins produced by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The toxin shares several features with the family of the so-called 'sulphydryl-activated' cytolysins produced by Gram-positive bacteria, although Gvh does not truly belong to this family, being deactivated by β-mercaptoethanol and being antigenically distinct from them. We report here for the first time the detection in the vaginal fluid of infected women of a specific IgA... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-year-old female was referred to The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) due to a right adrenal tumor. A pre-oper-ative transcutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy and right adrenalectomy were performed, and pathological analysis resulted in the diagnosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Primary pleomorphic RMS of the adrenal gland in an adult is a rare condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pleomorphic RMS of the adrenal gland in an adult diagnosed by light microscopy and immunohisto-chemical stains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the results of a research study conducted to determine the morphology of Leptotrichia buccalis (L. buccalis). The morphology of Bacterionema matruchotii (B. matruchotii) is also examined because it is stated that B. matruchotii has sometimes been confused with L. buccalis. The study finds that L. buccalis presents a pleomorphic pattern, and the researchers suggest that it be designated part of the Lactobacillaceae species rather than the Bacteroidaceae species.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been associated with gut dysbiosis, intestinal membrane disruption, and translocation of bacteria into blood. Our study aimed to understand the association of gut and blood microbiomes in patients with IgAN in relation to healthy controls., Methods: We conducted a case-control study with 20 patients with progressive IgAN, matched with 20 healthy controls, and analyzed bacterial DNA quantitatively in blood using 16S PCR and qualitatively in blood and stool using 16S metagenomic sequencing. We conducted between-group comparisons as well as comparisons between the blood and gut microbiomes., Results: Higher median 16S bacterial DNA in blood was found in the IgAN group compared with the healthy controls group (7410 versus 6030 16S rDNA copies/ μ l blood, P =0.04). α - and β -Diversity in both blood and stool was largely similar between the IgAN and healthy groups. In patients with IgAN, in comparison with healthy controls, we observed higher proportions of the class Coriobacteriia and species of the genera Legionella , Enhydrobacter , and Parabacteroides in blood, and species of the genera Bacteroides , Escherichia-Shigella , and some Ruminococcus in stool. Taxa distribution were markedly different between the blood and stool samples of each subject in both IgAN and healthy groups, without any significant correlation between corresponding gut and blood phyla., Conclusions: Important bacterial taxonomic differences, quantitatively in blood and qualitatively in both blood and stool samples, that were detected between IgAN and healthy groups warrant further investigation into their roles in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Although gut bacterial translocation into blood may be one of the potential sources of the blood microbiome, marked taxonomic differences between gut and blood samples in each subject in both groups confirms that the blood microbiome does not directly reflect the gut microbiome. Further research is needed into other possible sites of origin and internal regulation of the blood microbiome., Competing Interests: A. S. Allegretti reports having consultancy agreements with Cymabay Therapeutics and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and receiving research funding from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. A. Fasano reports receiving personal fees from AbbVie, Innovate Biopharmaceuticals, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Takeda, and uBiome; and receiving other funding from Alba Therapeutics; outside the submitted work. S. U. Nigwekar reports having consultancy agreements with Allena Pharma, Becker Professional Education, Epizon Pharma, and Laboratoris Sanifit; receiving research funding from Allena Pharma and Hope Pharma; receiving honoraria from Guidepoint and Sanofi-Aventis; and serving as a scientific advisor for, or member of, Vifor Pharma. N. Tolkoff-Rubin reports having consultancy agreements with, and receiving honoraria from, Best Doctors. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 by the American Society of Nephrology.)

Highlights: [•] We present a protocol for the transfection of pleomorphic bloodstream trypanosomes. [•] Transfection efficiencies of 10−7–10−6 are obtained. [•] It is possible to carry out routine genetic manipulation of pleomorphic cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a rare case of pleomorphic lipoma of the tongue with a review of world literature. A 44-year-old woman presented with a nodule of the tongue that had been present for over three years. Clinical examination revealed a yellowish sub-mucosal lesion, measuring 3 cm in maximum diameter, protruding from lingual surface. A first biopsy showed a lipomatous tumour composed of mature adipocytes intermingled with myxoid areas composed of spindle uniform in size and shape and multinucleated floret-like giant cells. Spindle and giant cells were positive for CD34. A diagnosis of pleomorphic lipoma was made. In view of the benign nature of this mass, it was de-bulked rather than completely excised in order to preserve swallowing function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]