Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in pro-inflammatory cytokine and toll-like receptor genes with pediatric hematogenous osteomyelitis

Hematogenous osteomyelitis (HO) is a bone infection wherein bacteria penetrate to the bone through the blood stream. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the contribution of SNPs in interleukin (IL)-1B1 (rs16944), IL1A (rs1800587), IL1B (rs1143634), toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 (rs3804099), TLR4 (rs4986790), TLR4 (rs4986791), IL1R (rs2234650), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (rs1800629), TNF (rs361525), and IL1RN (rs315952) towards the development of HO in Saudi patients and compared to healthy controls. Fifty-two patients diagnosed with HO and 103 healthy individuals were genotyped. The frequencies of genotypes GG (rs16944) and AA (rs16944) were lower and higher in patients [odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, Pc = 0.05] and controls (OR = 1.33, Pc = 0.05), respectively, suggesting that SNPs at this locus could alter HO susceptibility. In addition, the patients and controls exhibited lower and higher frequencies of the alleles G (rs16944) (OR = 0.43, Pc = 0.007) and A (rs16944) (OR = 2.32, Pc = 0.007), respectively. The expression of alleles C (rs3804099) and T (rs3804099) were higher in patients (OR = 2.05, Pc = 0.04) and controls (OR = 0.49, Pc = 0.04), respectively. In conclusion, SNPs at rs16944 and rs3804099 were found to be associated with HO in the Saudi population.

Pattern of induced estrus and conception rate following Ovsynch and Ovsynch based gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle in repeat breeding crossbred cows

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the estrus response, incidence of accessory corpus luteum formation and fertility following different hormonal protocols in repeat breeding crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out on 24 repeat breeding crossbred cows allotted into four groups. Cows of Group I was not given any treatment, Group II was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on day 6 post-estrus, Group III was treated with Ovsynch protocol, and Group IV was treated with Ovsynch based GnRH treatment. Estrus responses such as duration, onset, percentage, and intensity of estrus were recorded during the study. The incidence of accessory corpus luteum was recorded per rectally on day 7 after first and additional GnRH of Ovsynch treatment. The conception rate for all groups was calculated by the absence of estrus and on day 45 after artificial insemination (AI) per rectum. Serum samples were collected at AI and day 12 post-AI in Group I and II. Serum samples were also collected at GnRH, Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), timed AI (TAI) and day 12 post-TAI in Group III and IV.

Results:

Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments are resulted in 100.00% induction of estrus after the PGF_2α injection. Onset of induced estrus after the PGF_2α injection for Group III and IV was recorded as 48.750±0.713 and 51.472±1.989 h, respectively, and it was not significant. There was no significant difference in duration of estrus among the groups. The incidence of intermediate estrus intensity was found to be highest. All the cows showed the incidence of formation of accessory corpus luteum subsequent to GnRH treatment on day 6 of the estrous cycle in Group II, III, and IV. The conception rate was 0.00%, 16.67%, 50.00%, and 50.00% in Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively.

Conclusion:

Ovsynch and Ovsynch based GnRH treatments initiated on day 6 of estrous cycle capable of responding with a higher percentage of ovulation and formation of accessory corpus luteum which helped in higher conception rate over single post-AI GnRH treatment in repeat breeders. These treatments responded with better estrus response but did not significantly improve estrus intensity.

Characterization of the ultrastructure in the uterovaginal junction of the hen

In poultry, the infundibulum is the place of fertilization, eggshell production, and sperm storage, while its uterovaginal junction (UVJ) is regarded as the most important site, which has abundant sperm storage tubules (SST). We examined the ultrastructure of the epithelium with relation to its unique secretory cytology in the UVJ of hens using transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium of the UVJ is lined with ciliated and secretory cells. Ciliated cells are characterized with light and dense secretory granules in supernuclear cytoplasm. Dense secretory granules in ciliated cells are larger in diameter (one μm), surrounded with a transparent rim and concentric layers, whereas the dense granules in the ciliated cells of SST are smaller (0.52 μm) in size and not surrounded by any transparent rim or layer. Ciliated cells also are involved in the shedding of exosomes and secretory vesicles in the lumen. Secretory exosomes are in close contact with cilia and directly release from the apical border into the lumen. Cell junctions are widely distributed between these cells. The secretory cells are associated with the release of secretions via apocrine blebs from microvilli and secretory vesicles, which protrude out from the surface of the epithelium. The dense secretory granules in these cells are smaller in size (0.6 μm), absent of a transparent rim or layers, and are released into the lumen through secretory vesicles. The intracellular multivesicular body (MVB) also is observed in the supernuclear cytoplasm of secretory cells, which are related to the production of exosomes. In general, the apical protrusion of the epithelium in the form of apocrine secretions, the releasing of exosomes, the identification of intracellular MVB, and the release of dense granules give the epithelium a distinct morphology in the UVJ of the hen oviduct.

Abstract PD3-07: TEM8 specific CAR T cells serve as a novel targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer and its supporting endothelium

Background: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) refers to an aggressive subtype of breast cancer negative for HER2, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Lacking these receptors, individuals with TNBC do not benefit from many of the targeted therapies for breast cancer. Tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8), originally identified as a tumor endothelium associated antigen, has more recently been implicated in TNBC pathogenesis and as a marker of breast cancer stem like cells. Here we report that T cells expressing a TEM8-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) serve as a novel approach to target both TNBC cells and its supporting endothelium. CARs combine the specificity of a monoclonal antibody with the signaling properties of a T cell. Methods: We designed two novel TEM8-specific CAR molecules. A CAR molecule containing an exodomain derived from the anti-TEM8 L2 antibody, followed by CD28 and CD3-zeta signaling domains (second generation CAR) and CD28, 41BB and CD3-zeta signaling domains (third generation CAR), respectively. Retroviral transduction was used to express the TEM8 CAR transgene constructs on HEK 293T cells, then on primary T cells. Results: Immunofluorescence staining revealed that in a panel of primary TNBC breast cancer samples, TEM8 was overexpressed in comparison to normal adjacent breast tissue (6/6). Costaining with the pan-endothelial cell marker CD31 revealed that this overexpression was not confined to the endothelial compartment, but also present on tumor parenchymal cells. The immortalized TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-468 and Hs578T) expressed endogenous levels of TEM8 protein as revealed by western blot. Greater than 90% transduction of primary human T cells was achieved using both of our CAR constructs, as detected by flow cytometry. TEM8 specific T cells displayed significantly higher killing of TEM8 positive TNBC and tumor endothelial cells (2H11 and bEND.3) in standard four hour chromium release assays when compared to both non-transduced or irrelevant (CD19) CAR T cells and secreted immunomostimulatory cytokines upon encounter of TEM8 positive cells in coculture assays. In a vascularized xenograft model, MDA MB468 cells were injected subcutaneously with matrigel into athymic nude mice and followed via bioluminescence imaging over the course of two months. Established tumors were treated with either, second or third generation TEM8 specific T cells, HER2 specific T cells, non-transduced T cells or left untreated. Relative to non-transduced T cells, TEM8 specific second and third generation CAR T cells significantly delayed tumor growth by 36 days and 50 days, respectively. Conclusion: TEM8 specific CAR T cells could serve as a novel targeted therapy for TNBC and supporting endothelium.

Citation Format: Byrd T, Fousek K, Pignata A, Szot C, Bielamowicz K, Wakefield A, Koch J, Landi D, Seaman S, Wels W, Fletcher B, Hegde M, St Croix B, Ahmed N. TEM8 specific CAR T cells serve as a novel targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer and its supporting endothelium. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD3-07.

Ilizarov frame delayed internal fixation of Lisfranc fracture dislocation with severe soft tissue injury: New technique

We describe a new technique of temporary stabilisation of a divergent Lisfranc fracture dislocation of foot with severe crush injury using an Ilizarov frame. A 69-year-old man presented with severe crush injury and complete disruption of the midfoot. Examination revealed full thickness skin necrosis, haemorrhagic blisters and extensive swelling. A staged technique was used with temporary application of an Ilizarov frame followed by delayed limited internal fixation. Excellent result was achieved with restoration of medial arch, complete pain relief and good functional outcome. A staged treatment initially using an Ilizarov frame prior to limited internal fixation allows soft tissue to settle in severe crush injury.