Congo Red Staining Research Articles

AL amyloidosis: an overview on diagnosis, staging system, and treatment

Systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a monoclonal plasma cell disease characterized by the deposition of amyloidogenic monoclonal light-chain fragments in organs, causing their dysfunction. Clinical manifestations could be very aspecific, but the most frequent ones are proteinuria with or without renal failure or heart failure, with the kidney and the heart being the first two involved organs. Histological diagnosis with Congo red staining is the gold standard, but typing the amyloid with immunohistochemistry or mass spectrometry of the Congo red positive tissue is necessary to establish if an AL or ATTR amyloidosis could be diagnosed. Staging AL amyloidosis before treatment could help physicians to prognosticate the disease. Recently, staging systems were set separately for different involved organs, using biomarkers. Autologous stem cell transplant after a daratumumab-based induction treatment is the cornerstone of therapy in younger and fit patients, with the goal of reaching a deep and rapid disease hematological and organ response. Novel therapies, borrowed from a therapeutical model of multiple myeloma, are studied to optimize AL amyloidosis outcomes. In this review, we make an overview of diagnostic procedures, staging system, and therapies of AL amyloidosis.

Cacao consumption improves passive avoidance memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes progressive loss of cognitive function and synaptic plasticity, which is the most common form of dementia. The present study was designed to scrutinize the effects of cacao on passive avoidance memory function and to identify the roles of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and oxidative stress in an AD rat model induced by unilateral intracerebroventricular (UICV) injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Methods: Oral administration of cacao (500 mg/kg/ day) was given for 2 consecutive months. A memory retention test was conducted 24 h after passive avoidance training was completed. Subsequently, the amplitude of population spike (PS) and slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were assessed at hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in perforant pathway-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses. Moreover, total thiol group (TTG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were evaluated in the plasma. Furthermore, compact Aβ plaques were detected in the hippocampal DG by performing Congo red staining. Results: As a result of AD induction, passive avoidance memory was impaired; also, reduced fEPSP slopes, PS amplitudes, and content of TTG, and increase in MDA levels in the rats were observed. In contrast, cacao treatment ameliorated passive avoidance memory impairment, improved hippocampal LTP impairment, modulated oxidative-antioxidative status, and delayed Aβ plaques production in AD rats. Disscussion: Conclusively, cacao alleviates Aβ-induced cognitive deficit, probably by the amelioration of hippocampal LTP impairment, modulation of oxidative-antioxidative status, and inhibition of Aβ plaque accumulation.

Amyloid-like Aggregation of Wheat Gluten and Its Components during Cooking: Mechanisms and Structural Characterization.

Amyloid-like aggregation widely occurs during the processing and production of natural proteins, with evidence indicating its presence following the thermal processing of wheat gluten. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the underlying fibrillation mechanisms and structural polymorphisms. In this study, the amyloid-like aggregation behavior of wheat gluten and its components (glutenin and gliadin) during cooking was systematically analyzed through physicochemical assessment and structural characterization. The presence of amyloid-like fibrils (AFs) was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Congo red staining, while Thioflavin T fluorescence revealed different patterns and rates of AFs growth among wheat gluten, glutenin, and gliadin. AFs in gliadin exhibited linear growth curves, while those in gluten and glutenin showed S-shaped curves, with the shortest lag phase and fastest growth rate (t1/2 = 2.11 min) observed in glutenin. Molecular weight analyses revealed AFs primarily in the 10-15 kDa range, shifting to higher weights over time. Glutenin-derived AFs had the smallest ζ-potential value (-19.5 mV) and the most significant size increase post cooking (approximately 400 nm). AFs in gluten involve interchain reorganization, hydrophobic interactions, and conformational transitions, leading to additional cross β-sheets. Atomic force microscopy depicted varying fibril structures during cooking, notably longer, taller, and stiffer AFs from glutenin.

Effective adsorption of fluorescent congo red azo dye from aqueous solution by green synthesized nanosphere ZnO/CuO composite using propolis as bee byproduct extract.

The indirect dumping of massive volumes of toxic dyes into water has seriously affected the ecosystem. Owing to the many applications of the designed nanomaterials in the manufacturing process, there is a lot of research interest in synthesizing nanomaterials using green processes. In this research, the byproduct of bee was employed to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO, CuO, and biosynthesized ZnO/CuO (BZC) nanocomposite via utilizing a green and simple approach. To validate the effective fabrication of BZC nanocomposite, various characterization measurements were applied. FTIR analysis identified the functional groups in charge of producing nanoparticles and nanocomposites. Moreover, the existence of ZnO and CuO XRD peaks suggests that the nanocomposites were successfully biosynthesized. The high-resolution XPS spectrum of the BZC nanocomposite's Zn2p3, Cu2p3, and O1s were observed. Our findings indicate the successful engineering of the prepared nanomaterials and BZC nanocomposite. Our findings indicate the successful engineering of the prepared nanomaterials and BZC nanocomposite. For Congo red (CR) fluorescent stain azo dye elimination in water, all adsorption parameters were examined at room temperature. Moreover, the adsorption experiments revealed the removal capacity for uptake CR dye using BZC nanocomposite (90.14mgg-1). Our results show that the BZC nanocomposite exhibited high removal capability for the adsorption of CR dye. The nanosphere adsorbent offered a simple, low-cost, and green approach for water purification and industrial wastewater control.

Cutaneous amyloidosis in a patient with systemic amyloidosis due to multiple myeloma

Cutaneous manifestations in systemic amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis are seen in approximately 15%-40% of patients with systemic amyloidosis. Cutaneous involvement has a preference for skin folds, retroauricular region, eyelids, neck and the axilla and may present in the form of purpura, domed papules or nodes resembling isolated nodular amyloidosis. Congo red staining remains the gold standard for diagnosis, revealing amyloid fibrils with apple-green birefringence in the polarized microscopy. It is noteworthy that patients may sometimes present with non-specific skin changes, suggestive of depositional disease, such as alopecia or nail dystrophy. Herein, we present a patient with systemic amyloidosis, who exhibited red-brown macules coalescing into a rippled pattern in the extremities, amyloid nodules in the peri-auricular region and dystrophic nails, findings that were attricuted to cutaneous amyloidosis in the context of systemic amyloidosis.

Efficacy of Sailuotong on neurovascular unit in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease.

To discuss the influence of Sailuotong (, SLT) on the Neurovascular Unit (NVUs) of amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1(PS1) mice and evaluate the role of gas supplementation in activating blood circulation during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mice were allocated into the following nine groups: (a) the C57 Black (C57BL) sham-operated group (control group), (b) ischaemic treatment in C57BL mice (the C57 ischaemic group), (c) the APP/PS1 sham surgery group (APP/PS1 model group), (d) ischaemic treatment in APP/PS1 mice (APP/PS1 ischaemic group), (e) C57BL mice treated with aspirin following ischaemic treatment (C57BL ischaemic + aspirin group), (f) C57BL mice treated with SLT following ischaemic treatment (C57BL ischaemic + SLT group), (g) APP/PS1 mice treated with SLT (APP/PS1 + SLT group), (h) APP/PS1 mice treated with donepezil hydrochloride following ischaemic treatment (APP/PS1 ischaemic + donepezil hydrochloride group) and (i) APP/PS1 mice treated with SLT following ischaemic treatment (APP/PS1 ischaemic + SLT group). The ischaemic model was established by operating on the bilateral common carotid arteries and creating a microembolism. The Morris water maze and step-down tests were used to detect the spatial behaviour and memory ability of mice. The hippocampus of each mouse was observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Congo red staining. The ultrastructure of NVUs in each group was observed by electron microscopy, and various biochemical indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression level was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results of the Morris water maze and step-down tests showed that ischemia reduced learning and memory in the mice, which were restored by SLT. The results of HE staining showed that SLT restored the pathological changes of the NVUs. The Congo red staining results revealed that SLT also improved the scattered orange-red sediments in the upper cortex and hippocampus of the APP/PS1 and APP/PS1 ischaemic mice. Furthermore, SLT significantly reduced the content of Aβ, improved the vascular endothelium and repaired the mitochondrial structures. The ELISA detection, western blot detection and qRT-PCR showed that SLT significantly increased the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin and basic fibroblast growth factor, as well as the levels of gene and protein expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) and VEGF in brain tissue. By increasing the expression of VEGF, SLT can promote vascular proliferation, up-regulate the expression of LRP-1, promote the clearance of Aβ and improve the cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice. These results confirm that SLT can improve AD by promoting vascular proliferation and Aβ clearance to protect the function of NVUs.

Autosomal dominant chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy: do not forget amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare cause of inherited kidney disease, with most variants responsible for prominent glomerular involvement. In this issue, Kmochová etal. reported the first description of autosomal dominant medullary amyloidosis due to apolipoprotein A4 variants, resulting in slowly progressive chronic kidney disease with minimal proteinuria. Combining next-generation sequencing with histopathological studies incorporating Congo red staining and mass spectrometry should be considered in the diagnostic workup of hereditary tubulointerstitial disorders not identified after routine genetic testing.

Raman microspectroscopy for label‐free diagnosis of amyloid light‐chain amyloidosis in various organs

AbstractSystemic amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which misfolded proteins aggregate as fibrous amyloid proteins with a β‐sheet structure and deposit in organs, resulting in organ failure. Most types of amyloidosis have a poor prognosis, and prompt diagnosis is essential for treatment. Systemic immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis that occurs when abnormal immunoglobulin light‐chain proteins are deposited in various organs and tissues. The deposition of amyloid proteins in tissues has traditionally been confirmed using Congo red staining and polarised light microscopy, which show apple‐green birefringence. In this study, we aimed to verify whether amyloid deposition in the heart, kidney, rectum, duodenum and skin can be detected using Raman microspectroscopy. Serial sections were prepared from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue biopsy samples obtained from patients with systemic amyloidosis. One of the serial sections was stained with Congo red to confirm the deposition of amyloid proteins using polarised light microscopy, whereas the other was left unstained for Raman microspectroscopy. A characteristic peak at Raman shift of 1665–1680 cm−1, which may represent a β‐sheet structure of amyloid proteins, was recorded in the area where the amyloid deposition had been confirmed by Congo red staining. Based on the peak at 1640–1680 cm−1, a colour map was obtained to detect amyloid protein‐positive regions. Thus, amyloid protein detection using Raman microspectroscopy may be useful for rapid diagnosis of amyloidosis.

Concurrent Challenges: Multiple Myeloma and Cardiac Amyloidosis

We report a case of 56-year-old male with known case of Hypertension and Hypothyroidism presented with complaints of generalised weakness and weight loss since 8 months (approx. 40kg), tightening in and around the mouth and hoarseness of voice with dysphagia since 6 months, swelling in feet since 3 months, cough and constipation on and off since one month. The laboratory results indicated that the serum calcium (S.Ca2+) level was 14.1 mg/dl and the ionized calcium (Ca2+) level was 1.62 mmol/l. Immunoglobulins were low {IgA- 17 mg/dl (50-410 mg/dl), IgG- 386 mg/dl (650-1500 mg/dl), IgM- 20 mg/dl (60-280 mg/dl); Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) revealed positive result for lambda free light chain (Figure 1) and further quantitative value lambda free light chain was high (Lambda free - 2054.89 mg/l). Whole Body FDG PET Scan revealed non-FDG avid lytic lesions at multiple bone sites. In view of suspicion of Multiple Myeloma, bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy were done which confirmed the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. ECG showed low voltage QRS complexes and 2D echo revealed- Global LVEF 55-60%, Dilated LA, concentric LVH with altered myocardial echotexture, no RWMA, Grade II diastolic dysfunction present (raised LVEDP), RVSP-39mmhg (moderate PAH), findings S/O- cardiac amyloid; which was later confirmed with Cardiac MRI. Abdominal fat pad biopsy revealed area of necrosis but negative for congo red stain (amyloidosis). The patient underwent VCD (bortezomib; cyclophosphamide; dexamethasone) chemotherapy with Daratumumab. By the time of publication, the patient had received autologous stem cell transplantation and after 10 courses of VCD with Daratumumab, repeat bone marrow aspiration and histo-biopsy revealed complete remission of myeloma. The uncommon Multiple Myeloma complication in this clinical case was associated with restricted cardiomyopathy as a result of secondary cardiac amyloidosis. This is true for both Multiple Myeloma and cardiac amyloidosis. When one of these diagnoses is initially established, more investigation should be done to rule out the other illness, keeping in mind the necessity of meeting standard diagnostic criteria and the challenge of conducting an effective diagnostic workup in occasionally complex clinical situations.

Novel processing and staining methodology of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) teeth for age determination

ABSTRACT Age determination of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is a critical tool in understanding both individual and population health. There are many methods of aging bottlenose dolphins including analysis of teeth, pectoral flipper radiographs, and epigenetics. The most common and oldest method for aging toothed cetaceans is the counting of growth layer groups (GLGs) in the teeth. Current techniques have technical and repeatability challenges. Therefore, a processing technique that results in better resolution of GLGs is needed. This study compares different decalcifications and different histochemical staining techniques. Decalcification was done using 10% EDTA, Kristensen’s decalcification, and Rapid Decalcification Solution (RDO). Following decalcification and routine processing, GLGs were assessed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), hematoxylin, Giemsa, Wright-Giemsa, Toluidine Blue (T-Blue), Masson’s Trichrome, and Congo Red staining techniques. Decalcification with Kristensen’s and staining with Masson’s Trichrome and Congo Red were determined to best highlight GLGs. This processing and staining was then applied to a sample population of 102 bottlenose dolphins that were evaluated independently and blindly by two observers. Of the 102 dolphin samples, 13 (12.7%) were unable to age due to no clear distinction or distortion between GLGs.

Effects of Exercise Training and L-Arginine Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Hippocampus Histopathology, β-Secretase Enzyme Function, APP, Tau, Iba1and APOE-4 mRNA in Aging Rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined and independent effects of exercise training and L-Arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles (LA CNPs) supplementation on hippocampal Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE gene expression, oxidative stress, β-secretase enzyme activity, and hippocampus histopathology in aging rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 7 in each): Young (8 weeks old), Old (20 months old), old + L-arginine supplementation (Old Sup), old + exercise (Old Exe) and old + L-arginine supplementation + exercise (Old Sup + Exe). LA CNPs were administered to the supplement groups through gavage at a dosage of 500mg/kg/day for 6-weeks. Exercise groups were subjected to a swimming exercise program five days/week for the same duration. Upon the completion of their interventions, the animals underwent behavioral and open-field task tests and were subsequently sacrificed for hippocampus genetic and histopathological evaluation. For histopathological analysis of brain, Cresyl violet staining was used. Congo Red staining was employed to confirm amyloid plaques in the hippocampus. Expressions of Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE genes were determined by real-time PCR. In contrast to the Old group, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe groups spent more time in the central space in the open field task (p < 0.05) and have more live cells in the hippocampus. Old rats (Old, Old Sup and Old Exe groups) exhibited a significant Aβ peptide accumulation and increases in APP, Tau, Iba1, APOE-4 mRNA and MDA, along with decreases in SOD compared to the young group (p < 0.05). However, LA CNPs supplementation, exercise, and their combination (Old Sup, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe) significantly reduced MDA, Aβ plaque as well as APP, Tau, Iba1, and APOE-4 mRNA compared to the Old group (p < 0.05). Consequently, the administration of LA CNPs supplements and exercise might regulate the risk factors of hippocampus cell and tissue.

Renal amyloidosis: a hidden complication of celiac disease (a case report)

We report a case of a 36-year-old female with untreated celiac disease, exhibiting both digestive discomfort and extra-digestive symptoms, including anemia. She subsequently developed a nephrotic syndrome. Biopsy of the accessory salivary gland confirmed amyloid deposits, as indicated by positive Congo red staining. Esophagogastroduodenal fibroscopy revealed characteristic signs of celiac disease and ruled out lymphoma. Further etiological screening identified celiac disease as the only possible cause of the amyloidosis. Complete remission was achieved after 3 months on a gluten-free diet, with later laboratory assessments indicating the absence of nephrotic syndrome and hematological abnormalities.

WITHDRAWN: Isolation and Functional Study of Efficient Cellulose Degrading Bacteria from Horse Cecum Contents

ObjectivesAnimals that consume and digest roughage for a long time have unique gut microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract. Studying the isolation of beneficial functional bacteria from the gut can provide resources for the development of feed microbial additives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria with cellulose degradation ability from the cecal contents of Yili horses, and to provide resources for the development of feed microbial additives. MethodsFirstly, the cecal contents of 18 Yili horses were collected, and cellulose degrading bacteria were isolated and screened using CMC-Na screening medium under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The strains with strong cellulose degradation ability were identified using Congo red staining and DNS methods. The top 60 strains with enzyme index were selected, and full-length 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to identify and construct a phylogenetic tree. Select the top 5 strains of bacteria with high enzyme activity based on the measured cellulase activity, and the sheep were treated with mixed bacterial suspension by gavage. The rumen microbiota of sheep was analyzed using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology. ResultsA total of 263 single colonies were isolated, of which 120 single colonies had a hydrolysis circle and colony enzymatic index (EI) of >1.5. Enzyme activity determination screening of the top 60 strains of full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, sequencing results show that the strains are mostly Bacillus spp. Among the 60 strains of bacteria, CE207 has the highest enzyme activity of 14.81 U/mL, and the lowest enzyme activity of CE105 is 1.91 U/mL. The mixed bacteria significantly increased the daily weight gain of sheep (P < 0.001) and feed intake (P < 0.001), and feed conversion rate increased from 7.75% to 10.09%. Sequencing results of sheep rumen microorganisms showed that, compared with the control group, the experimental group contained Muribaculum, Parvibacter, Desulfovibrio, Novosphingobium, Cutibacterium, Parasutterella, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and Allobaculum genera increased significantly in abundance, and Fibrobacter and NK4A214_group genera decreased significantly in abundance, suggesting that a mixture of bacteria can influence the changes in the microflora of the rumen intestinal tract of sheep. ConclusionsThis finding suggests that the cellulose degrading bacteria isolated in the study can effectively promote the growth and development of herbivores such as sheep, and that efficient cellulose degrading bacteria in the animal gut may become a new direction for the development of feed additives in the future.

Cellulolytic and Ethanologenic Evaluation of Heterotermes indicola's Gut-Associated Bacterial Isolates.

Cellulose is the basic component of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) making it a suitable substrate for bioethanol fermentation. Cellulolytic and ethanologenic bacteria possess cellulases that convert cellulose to glucose, which in turn yields ethanol subsequently. Heterotermes indicola is a subterranean termite that causes destructive damage by consuming wooden structures of infrastructure, LCB products, etc. Prospectively, the study envisioned the screening of cellulolytic and ethanologenic bacteria from the termite gut. Twenty six bacterial strains (H1-H26) based on varied colonial morphologies were isolated. Bacterial cellulolytic activity was tested biochemically. Marked gas production in the form of bubbles (0.1-4 cm) in Durham tubes was observed in H3, H7, H13, H15, H17, H21, and H22. Sugar degradation of all isolates was indicated by pink to maroon color development with the tetrazolium salt. Hallow zones (0.42-11 mm) by Congo red staining was exhibited by all strains except H2, H7, H8, and H19. Among the 26 bacterial isolates, 12 strains were identified as efficient cellulolytic bacteria. CMCase activity and ethanol titer of all isolates varied from 1.30 ± 0.03 (H13) to 1.83 ± 0.01 (H21) umol/mL/min and 2.36 ± 0.01 (H25) to 7.00 ± 0.01 (H21) g/L, respectively. Likewise, isolate H21 exhibited an ethanol yield of 0.40 ± 0.10 g/g with 78.38 ± 2.05% fermentation efficiency. Molecular characterization of four strains, Staphylococcus sp. H13, Acinetobacter baumanni H17, Acinetobacter sp. H21, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis H22, were based on the maximum cellulolytic index and the ethanol yield. H. indicola harbor promising and novel bacteria with a natural cellulolytic tendency for efficient bioconversion of LCB to value-added products. Hence, the selected cellulolytic bacteria can become an excellent addition for use in enzyme purification, composting, and production of biofuel at large.

Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment of amyloidosis: A Review

The name Amyloid is derived from the word "Oid", which means semi-starch, which is a protein that transforms into the shape or amyloid state when a distortion or a change occurs in its secondary structure as it becomes insoluble, shaped, and assembled as beta folded sheets. The structure of the amyloid protein can be seen by the electronic microscope as a group of non-branched fibers, with unspecified lengths and cross-sections between (7.5–10) nanometers. Also, the distinguished structure (the folded beta sheets) is clearly seen, and this structure is responsible for the unique pigmentation that is shown by the amyloid proteins with the Congo red stain.

Histological assessment of cardiac amyloidosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Studies have reported a strongly varying co-prevalence of aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA). We sought to histologically determine the co-prevalence of AS and CA in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Consequently, we aimed to derive an algorithm to identify cases in which to suspect the co-prevalence of AS and CA. In this prospective, monocentric study, endomyocardial biopsies of 162 patients undergoing TAVR between January 2017 and March 2021 at the University Medical Centre Göttingen were analysed by one pathologist blinded to clinical data using haematoxylin-eosin staining, Elastica van Gieson staining, and Congo red staining of endomyocardial biopsies. CA was identified in only eight patients (4.9%). CA patients had significantly higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels (4356.20 vs. 1938.00ng/L, P=0.034), a lower voltage-to-mass ratio (0.73 vs. 1.46×10-2mVm2/g, P=0.022), and lower transaortic gradients (Pmean 17.5 vs. 38.0mmHg, P=0.004) than AS patients. Concomitant CA was associated with a higher prevalence of post-procedural acute kidney injury (50.0% vs. 13.1%, P=0.018) and sudden cardiac death [SCD; P (log-rank test)=0.017]. Following propensity score matching, 184 proteins were analysed to identify serum biomarkers of concomitant CA. CA patients expressed lower levels of chymotrypsin (P=0.018) and carboxypeptidase 1 (P=0.027). We propose an algorithm using commonly documented parameters-stroke volume index, ejection fraction, NT-proBNP levels, posterior wall thickness, and QRS voltage-to-mass ratio-to screen for CA in AS patients, reaching a sensitivity of 66.6% with a specificity of 98.1%. The co-prevalence of AS and CA was lower than expected, at 4.9%. Despite excellent 1year mortality, AS+CA patients died significantly more often from SCD. We propose a multimodal algorithm to facilitate more effective screening for CA containing parameters commonly documented during clinical routine. Proteomic biomarkers may yield additional information in the future.

A Comparison of Amyloid Deposition in Endoscopic and Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Previous investigations assessing the incidence of amyloidosis detected with biopsy during carpal tunnel release (CTR) have focused on open CTR (OCTR). Prior authors have suggested that biopsy may be more technically challenging during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during ECTR versus OCTR. We reviewed all primary ECTR and OCTR during which a biopsy for amyloid was obtained between February 2022 and June 2023. All procedures were performed by five upper-extremity surgeons from a single institution. Congo red staining was used to determine the presence of amyloid deposition in either the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) or tenosynovium. All positive cases underwent subtype analysis and protein identification through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline demographics were recorded for each case, and the incidence of positive biopsy was compared between ECTR and OCTR cases. A total of 282 cases were included for analysis (143 ECTR and 139 OCTR). The mean age was 67 years, and 45% of cases were women. Baseline demographics were similar except for a significantly higher incidence of diabetes in OCTR cases (13% vs 33%). Overall, 13% of CTR cases had a positive biopsy. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during biopsy in ECTR cases (3.5%) compared with OCTR cases (23%). Biopsy performed during ECTR may result in a lower incidence of amyloid detection. Future basic science investigation may be necessary to determine histologic differences between tenosynovium proximal and distal to the leading edge of the TCL. When surgeons plan a biopsy during surgical release of the carpal tunnel, an open approach may be advantageous. Prognostic II.

Detection of skin α-synuclein using RT-QuIC as a diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson’s disease in the Chinese population

BackgroundSeveral studies have indicated that skin holds promise as a potential sample for detecting pathological α-Syn and serving as a diagnostic biomarker for α-synucleinopathies. Despite reports in Chinese PD patients, comprehensive research on skin α-Syn detection using RT-QuIC is lacking.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of skin samples using RT-QuIC from PD patients in the Chinese population.MethodsPatients with sporadic PD and controls were included according to the British PD Association Brain Bank diagnostic criteria. The seeding activity of misfolded α-Syn in these skin samples was detected using the RT-QuIC assay after protein extraction. Biochemical and morphological analyses of RT-QuIC products were conducted by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Congo red staining, and dot blot analysis.Result30 patients clinically diagnosed with PD and 28 controls with non-α-synucleinopathies were included in this study. 28 of 30 PD patients demonstrated positive α-Syn seeding activity by RT-QuIC assay. In contrast, no α-Syn seeding activity was detected in the 28 control samples, with an overall sensitivity and specificity of 93.3% and 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). Biochemical characterization of the RT-QuIC product indicated fibrillary α-Syn species in PD-seeded reactions, while control samples failed in the conversion of recombinant α-Syn substrate.ConclusionThis study applied RT-QuIC technology to identify misfolded α-Syn seeding activity in skin samples from Chinese PD patients, demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity. Skin α-Syn RT-QuIC is expected to be a reliable approach for the diagnosis of PD.

Determination of hydrolyzing and ethanolic potential of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from fruit waste

Fruit wastes containing cellulose can be made valuable by cellulolytic bacteria in biofuel production. This study aimed to assess the potential of isolated cellulolytic bacteria to produce bioethanol and its fermentation efficiency. Seven out of 16 bacterial isolates were selected on the basis of their cellulose-degrading potential by providing cellulose as the only carbon source. Their potential to degrade cellulose was determined by different biochemical tests. All strains produced bubbles as indicators of carbon dioxide production in Durham tubes. The maximum hallow on Congo red staining was shown by CA2, CG2, as 54, 40 mm with cellulolytic index 16.3 and 19. Cellulose degradation was evaluated as light pink to maroon color in triphenyl tetrazolium in all strains except CA4 and CB1. Cellulose (2%) added medium was provided to the isolated strains for the period of 10 days to allow fermentation. CG2 and CA2 yielded maximum ethanol as 0.42±0.005 and 0.43±0.011 (g of ethanol/ g of reducing sugar consumed), respectively. Their percent fermentation efficiency was observed as 79.71±0.059% and 75.58±0.011% correspondingly. All strains showed cellulose activity, and the maximum was seen in CA2 and CG2 as 0.265±0.05, 0.27±0.011 μmol/min/L. Molecular characterization suggested that the CA2 and CG2 strains were Bacillus manliponesis CA2 and Bacillus sp. CG2 (Accession Nos. ON324120 and OM974175). This study elaborates on the capability of bacteria to produce bioethanol by degrading cellulose.

Assessment of Tumor-Associated Tissue Eosinophilia (TATE) and Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets.