Peripheral Lymph Nodes Research Articles

Stock market network based on bi-dimensional histogram and autoencoder

In this study, we propose a deep learning related framework to analyze S&P500 stocks using bi-dimensional histogram and autoencoder. The bi-dimensional histogram consisting of daily returns of stock price and stock trading volume is plotted for each stock. Autoencoder is applied to the bi-dimensional histogram to reduce data dimension and extract meaningful features of a stock. The histogram distance matrix for stocks are made of the extracted features of stocks, and stock market network is built by applying Planar Maximally Filtered Graph(PMFG) algorithm to the histogram distance matrix. The constructed stock market network represents the latent space of bi-dimensional histogram, and network analysis is performed to investigate the structural properties of the stock market. we discover that the structural properties of stock market network are related to the dispersion of bi-dimensional histogram. Also, we confirm that the autoencoder is effective in extracting the latent feature of the bi-dimensional histogram. Portfolios using the features of bi-dimensional histogram network are constructed and their investment performance is evaluated in comparison with other benchmark portfolios. We observe that the portfolio consisting of stocks corresponding to the peripheral nodes of bi-dimensional histogram network shows better investment performance than other benchmark stock portfolios.

CLINICAL CASES OF CONGENITAL TUBERCULOSIS IN THE PERM REGION

Abstract. Congenital tuberculosis is extremely rare, not a sufficiently carefully collected anamnesis, the presence of respiratory and intoxication complaints, contraindications to preventive X-ray examination, lack of registration at the dispensary observation of some pregnant women prevent the detection of the disease. Timely tuberculosis in a pregnant woman and her treatment can prevent not only infection with mycobacterium tuberculosis of the fetus, but also the disease. The purpose of this study was to present clinical cases of congenital tuberculosis in the Perm Region for 25 years. During this period of time, two cases of congenital tuberculosis in children with different forms of outcome were registered. A case of congenital miliary pulmonary tuberculosis with bacterial excretion realized already 1 month after the birth of a child from a mother with disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis and proceeding as a nonspecific respiratory disease. And a case of late-diagnosed congenital tuberculosis of internal organs and peripheral lymph nodes born from a tuberculosis patient and an HIV-infected mother. The following were studied: medical documentation of these patients, anamnesis of the disease, methods of X-ray, laboratory and clinical diagnostics, observation results that allowed reflecting the features of the clinical course of tuberculosis. Timely initiated chemotherapy, in the case of congenital miliary pulmonary tuberculosis with bacterial excretion, made it possible to achieve a clinical cure with an outcome of complete resorption without residual changes. Clinical observation of congenital tuberculosis of internal organs and peripheral lymph nodes in the patient demonstrated a case of late detection of the disease, however, thanks to the course of chemoprophylaxis of tuberculosis in non-vaccinated BCG immediately after birth, prevented the further development of severe tuberculosis. Proper organization of timely prevention, detection and treatment of congenital tuberculosis with its correction at all stages allows to achieve a clinical cure with small residual changes.

Extensive excisional surgery; the last hope for a patient with human papillomavirus-associated severe head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A case report.

Introduction and importanceCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of skin cancer. Most of these cancers occur on the head and neck. CSCC makes up the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide. The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma became more prevalent, and HPV infection is mainly linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Case presentationA 57-year-old non-smoking man was admitted to Omid Hospital in Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran; there were extensive bleeding masses on his head and neck due to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and he has been diagnosed with HPV infection so accidentally. The operation room had prepared for excisional treatment and the masses had been removed as much as possible. Patient was referred to the wound care team to receive advanced treatment interventions.Clinical discussionIncidence of HPV-associated HNSCC has been more noticeable recently, and HPV infection alone can be a distinct risk factor for metastatic HNSCC. Most patients with HPV positive have peripheral lymph node involvement. Radiation therapy and surgery can offer equally good long-term results in small initial head and neck tumors. Traditionally, advanced head and neck tumors managed surgically more advantageous.ConclusionThis case illustrates that history of HPV positive can be associated with a more severe and resistant type of HNSCC with poor treatment outcomes. Patients with HPV should be monitored regularly for HNSCC, and treatment should be started as soon as possible for a better result.

Peripheral node addressin, a ligand for L-selectin is found in tumor cells and in high endothelial venules in endometrial cancer

BackgroundHigh endothelial venules (HEVs) are vessels specialized in the transport of lymphocytes shown to be implicated in various forms of cancer. They express peripheral node addressin (specifically recognized by the MECA-79 antibody). MECA-79 is also implicated in pregnancy through its expression by epithelial cells of the endometrium. However, the expression of MECA-79 by endothelial or epithelial (cancer) cells has never been studied in endometrial cancer. Material and MethodsIn this retrospective study, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of MECA-79 in 40 endometrioid adenocarcinoma hysterectomy specimens and compared it with its expression in 30 non-cancer hysterectomies. ResultsHEVs were found in 22% of tumor specimens and in none of the non-cancer hysterectomies (p = 0.005) and were positively associated with higher grade tumors (p = 0.04). MECA-70 was expressed in tumor cells of 70% of carcinomas and in epithelial cells of 46.6% of normal endometria (p = 0.04). It was inversely associated with parametrial invasion (p = 0.03) and larger tumors (statistical trend of p = 0.07). MECA-79 expression was not associated with overall or progression-free survival. ConclusionMECA-79 is found in HEVs and tumor cells in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

The immune microenvironment shapes transcriptional and genetic heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

AbstractIn chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), B-cell receptor signaling, tumor–microenvironment interactions, and somatic mutations drive disease progression. To better understand the intersection between the microenvironment and molecular events in CLL pathogenesis, we integrated bulk transcriptome profiling of paired peripheral blood (PB) and lymph node (LN) samples from 34 patients. Oncogenic processes were upregulated in LN compared with PB and in immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IGHV) region unmutated compared with mutated cases. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) distinguished 3 major cell states: quiescent, activated, and proliferating. The activated subpopulation comprised only 2.2% to 4.3% of the total tumor bulk in LN samples. RNA velocity analysis found that CLL cell fate in LN is unidirectional, starts in the proliferating state, transitions to the activated state, and ends in the quiescent state. A 10-gene signature derived from activated tumor cells was associated with inferior treatment-free survival (TFS) and positively correlated with the proportion of activated CD4+ memory T cells and M2 macrophages in LN. Whole exome sequencing (WES) of paired PB and LN samples showed subclonal expansion in LN in approximately half of the patients. Since mouse models have implicated activation-induced cytidine deaminase in mutagenesis, we compared AICDA expression between cases with and without clonal evolution but did not find a difference. In contrast, the presence of a T-cell inflamed microenvironment in LN was associated with clonal stability. In summary, a distinct minor tumor subpopulation underlies CLL pathogenesis and drives the clinical outcome. Clonal trajectories are shaped by the LN milieu, where T-cell immunity may contribute to suppressing clonal outgrowth. The clinical study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00923507.

TUBERCULOSIS ABDOMEN: A REVIEW OF IMAGING FEATURES ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN

Objective: To evaluate the various imaging patterns of involvement of tuberculosis on CT scan abdomen. Methodology: In this study, Computed Tomography scans abdomen of 25 patients with abdominal tuberculosis were retrospectively reviewed to determine the spectrum and involvement of tuberculosis in the abdomen. The study was conducted at the Radiology department of, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical college hospital, Sukkur, Sindh Pakistan between Jan-Jun 2021. Results: Lymphadenopathy was the most common feature in the CT scan study and was present in 20 (80%) cases involving mesenteric lymph nodes. Peripheral enhancing lymph nodes with central necrosis were the most common pattern of involvement in 10 (40%) cases. Peritoneal involvement was the second most common finding in 17 (68%) cases with ascites (wet peritonitis) seen in 11 (44%) and only ascites in 3 (12%) cases. Dry peritonitis (without ascites) was seen in 3 (12%) cases. Other findings included gastrointestinal involvement in 12 (48%) cases with the illeocecal region being the commonest site of involvement in 8 (66%) cases. The liver and spleen were the solid organ involvement in 3 (12%) cases. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the various imaging manifestations of abdominal tuberculosis on CT scans. It can be considered as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of TB abdomen along with clinical and laboratory data.

Primary Gastric Lymphoma: A Silent Assassin

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the predominant site of extra nodal lymphoma involvement. Gastric lymphoma is the most common extra nodal site of lymphoma. Most of these lesions are either extra nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type or diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary gastric lymphoma accounts for less than 5% of gastric cancers. They are usually non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL), but have been considered as a separate entity from NHLs of peripheral nodes. The diagnosis of primary lymphoma of stomach requires histological confirmation without any evidence of peripheral lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. Secondary gastric lymphoma indicates the involvement of the stomach by a diffuse lymphoma developed elsewhere. We report a 60 years old male presented with intermittent vomiting and reflux symptoms. Upper GI endoscopy showed large hard mass with superficial ulceration in the fundus of stomach. Histopathology showed lymphoproliferative disorder. Immunohistochemistry confirmed positive CD 20 and BCL 2 suggestive of extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma. Subsequently, he was referred to surgery and oncology department for further management.

Natural Killer Cells Infiltration in the Joints Exacerbates Collagen-Induced Arthritis.

IntroductionThe role of natural killer (NK) cells in rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial. We aimed to assess the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.Materials and MethodsThe percentage of NK cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, lymph nodes and inflamed paws from collagen-induced arthritis mice were examined through the disease progression. Correlation between the proportion of NK cells and subsets with arthritis score, histopathological changes, and bone destruction were evaluated. Adoptive cell transfer was performed to determine the effect of NKp46+NK cells on arthritis development, and the role of receptor NKp46 was explored with NKp46 knockout mice.ResultsThe percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood decreased at the late stage of the disease and negatively correlated with arthritis score. NK cells increased in the inflamed paws during arthritis development and were positively associated with arthritis score, histopathological change, and bone destruction. Adoptive transfer of NKp46+NK cells before disease onset resulted in increased NK cells infiltration in the joints, higher incidence of arthritis, more severe clinical symptoms, and more pronounced joint inflammation and bone damage. NKp46 deficiency had no significant influence on the incidence and severity of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritis mice.ConclusionsNK cell infiltration in the joints positively correlates with arthritis progression, inflammation, and bone destruction. The pathogenic role of NK cells in rheumatoid arthritis may be independent of the receptor NKp46.

Поражение легких при лимфоме Ходжкина

The case of a patient with pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma is presented. The disease debuted with respiratory symptoms and radiological signs of the cavitating pulmonary infiltrate with no peripheral lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis was established based on morphological study of the damaged area after lung resection. Whole body PET/CT made it possible to clarify the extent of the tumor by identification of metabolically active peripheral (cervical and axillary) and intrathoracic lymph nodes. The role of morphological and radiological assessment methods in the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is discussed.

Altered vigilant maintenance and reorganization of rich-clubs in functional brain networks after total sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation strongly deteriorates the stability of vigilant maintenance. In previous neuroimaging studies of large-scale networks, neural variations in the resting state after sleep deprivation have been well documented, highlighting that large-scale networks implement efficient cognitive functions and attention regulation in a spatially hierarchical organization. However, alterations of neural networks during cognitive tasks have rarely been investigated. The present study used a within-participant design of 35 healthy right-handed adults and used task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural mechanism of attentional decline after sleep deprivation from the perspective of rich-club architecture during a psychomotor vigilance task. We found that a significant decline in the hub disruption index was related to impaired vigilance due to sleep loss. The hierarchical rich-club architectures were reconstructed after sleep deprivation, especially in the default mode network and sensorimotor network. Notably, the relatively fast alert response compensation was correlated with the feeder organizational hierarchy that connects core (rich-club) and peripheral nodes. Our findings provide novel insights into understanding the relationship of alterations in vigilance and the hierarchical architectures of the human brain after sleep deprivation, emphasizing the significance of optimal collaboration between different functional hierarchies for regular attention maintenance.

Increased Frequency of CD4+ Follicular Helper T and CD8+ Follicular T Cells in Human Lymph Node Biopsies during the Earliest Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Follicular T helper cells (Tfh cells) provide key B-cell help and are essential in germinal center formation and (auto) antibody generation. To gain more insight into their role during the earliest phase of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we analyzed their frequencies, phenotypes, and cytokine profiles in peripheral blood and lymph node biopsies of healthy controls (HCs), autoantibody-positive individuals at risk for developing RA (RA-risk individuals), and early RA patients. Subsequently, we confirmed their presence in lymph nodes and synovial tissue of RA patients using immunofluorescence microscopy. In the blood, the frequency of Tfh cells did not differ between study groups. In lymphoid and synovial tissues, Tfh cells were localized in B-cell areas, and their frequency correlated with the frequency of CD19+ B cells. Compared to lymphoid tissues of healthy controls, those of RA patients and RA-risk individuals showed more CD19+ B cells, CD4+CXCR5+ follicular helper T cells, and CD8+CXCR5+ follicular T cells. These Tfh cells produced less IL-21 upon ex vivo stimulation. These findings suggest that Tfh cells may present a novel rationale for therapeutic targeting during the preclinical stage of RA to prevent further disease progression.

Salmonella Carriage in Peripheral Lymph Nodes and Feces of Cattle at Slaughter Is Affected by Cattle Type, Region, and Season

Salmonella is a significant food safety concern in commercial beef production, and some contamination is thought to occur by inclusion of Salmonella-infected peripheral lymph nodes (LN) in ground beef and through fecal contamination. Surveillance in processing plants assists packers in risk management of Salmonella by understanding seasonal trends and risks associated with different cattle types. Approximately 25 fecal samples and 20 LN were collected from animals representing each of five cattle types (cull beef cattle, cull dairy cows, conventional feedlot cattle, all-natural feedlot cattle raised without pharmaceuticals, and grass-finished cattle) and each of five climate regions (mixed-temperatures and dry, mixed-temperatures and humid, hot and humid, hot and dry, cold) during each of three seasons (summer, fall, winter) to better characterize Salmonella inputs into a commercial cattle processing facility. In total, 1,840 fecal samples and 1,550 LN samples were collected. Fecal samples and LN were cultured for Salmonella, and select isolates were serogrouped and screened for antimicrobial resistance. Conventional feedlot cattle had the highest LN Salmonella concentrations (1.17 log10 CFU/g LN) in this data set, while cull dairy cows had the highest fecal Salmonella concentrations (1.96 log10 CFU/g feces). Conventional feedlot cattle and cull dairy cows had the greatest Salmonella prevalence in both LN (32 and 18%, respectively) and feces (37 and 49%, respectively), while all-natural feedlot cattle had the lowest prevalence in the LN (3%) and feces (7%). As expected, Salmonella prevalence and concentration was lowest for all cattle types during winter compared to warmer seasons. When examined by climate region, a greater Salmonella prevalence in both feces and LN was observed in climate region 4 (hot-dry), than the other regions. Only 21 of 50 Salmonella isolates examined for antimicrobial susceptibility were identified as multidrug resistant (MDR); cull dairy cows were responsible for 48% of MDR isolates, cull beef cattle were responsible for 38%, and conventional feedlot, grass-fed, and all-natural feedlot cattle were each responsible for 4.8%. These results indicate that different production schemes, season, and climate region may influence which cattle are most likely to introduce Salmonella to the abattoir, allowing for greater risk awareness during the slaughter process.

A clinical case of atypical course and difficulties in diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma (LH) is a B-cell malignant lymphoproliferative disease. There are no specific symptoms characteristic only for this disease. Here may be an asymptomatic increase in peripheral lymph nodes; symptoms of intoxication (B-symptoms — fever above 38 ° C for at least three consecutive days without signs of inflammation; night profuse sweats; weight loss by 10% of body weight over the past 6 months); intermittent fever; itching; in patients with massive mediastinal lesion — chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, symptoms of compression of the superior vena cava, with localization closer to the sternum, discomfort behind the sternum is possible. The presence of the formation of mediastenia and purulent process (abscess, phlegmons, osteomyelitis), resistant to surgery (autopsy, drainage, resection) and antibacterial therapy requires the exclusion of the neoplastic process. It is necessary to carefully observe the technique of performing biopsy and transporting material in a neutral formalin solution at an early date to the pathological - anatomical laboratory, in case of non-standard manifestations of the disease, revision of the biopsy material with mandatory immunohistochemical examination. It is important to bear in mind that the presence of comorbidity (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus) creates additional objective difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment, and requires a collegial decision by a consultation of specialists in patient management tactics.

Diagnostic and Staging Value of Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Sarcoidosis.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic and staging value of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) in sarcoidosis. Methods Patients with suspected sarcoidosis treated in the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from 2010 to 2020 were included. The data of sACE, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count (CBC), lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage, and biopsy were collected. The differences between the sarcoidosis group and the nonsarcoidosis group and between different stages of sarcoidosis were compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for the diagnostic test of sACE in sarcoidosis. Results A total of 84 cases with suspected sarcoidosis were included, among which 70 cases were confirmed to be sarcoidosis by biopsy. The mean value of sACE in sarcoidosis patients was 56.61 ± 30.80 U/L, which was significantly higher than that in nonsarcoidosis patients (28.07 ± 14.11 U/L, P = 0.001). The level of sACE in sarcoidosis patients with peripheral superficial lymph nodes and multiple system involvement was significantly higher than that in intrathoracic sarcoidosis patients (P = 0.009); the percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of sarcoidosis patients was 45.39 ± 22.87%, which was significantly higher than that of nonsarcoidosis patients (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between sACE and ESR (correlation coefficient = −0.167). According to ROC curve analysis, when sACE ≥ 44.0 U/L, the sensitivity of sarcoidosis diagnosis was 61.4%, the specificity was 92.9%, and the AUC was 0.819. Conclusion sACE has a good specificity in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. sACE values in patients with sarcoidosis with systemic involvement were higher than those with simple intrathoracic sarcoidosis.

Tasks activating the default mode network map multiple functional systems

Recent developments in network neuroscience suggest reconsidering what we thought we knew about the default mode network (DMN). Although this network has always been seen as unitary and associated with the resting state, a new deconstructive line of research is pointing out that the DMN could be divided into multiple subsystems supporting different functions. By now, it is well known that the DMN is not only deactivated by tasks, but also involved in affective, mnestic, and social paradigms, among others. Nonetheless, it is starting to become clear that the array of activities in which it is involved, might also be extended to more extrinsic functions. The present meta-analytic study is meant to push this boundary a bit further. The BrainMap database was searched for all experimental paradigms activating the DMN, and their activation likelihood estimation maps were then computed. An additional map of task-induced deactivations was also created. A multidimensional scaling indicated that such maps could be arranged along an anatomo-psychological gradient, which goes from midline core activations, associated with the most internal functions, to that of lateral cortices, involved in more external tasks. Further multivariate investigations suggested that such extrinsic mode is especially related to reward, semantic, and emotional functions. However, an important finding was that the various activation maps were often different from the canonical representation of the resting-state DMN, sometimes overlapping with it only in some peripheral nodes, and including external regions such as the insula. Altogether, our findings suggest that the intrinsic–extrinsic opposition may be better understood in the form of a continuous scale, rather than a dichotomy.

Splenic Architecture and Function Requires Tight Control of Transmembrane TNF Expression.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNF) is an important inflammatory mediator and essential for secondary lymphoid organ (SLO) development and function. However, the role of its transmembrane counterpart (tmTNF) in these processes is less well established. Here, the effects of tmTNF overxpression on SLO architecture and function were investigated using tmTNF-transgenic (tmTNF-tg) mice. tmTNF overexpression resulted in enlarged peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) and spleen, accompanied by an increase in small splenic lymphoid follicles, with less well-defined primary B cell follicles and T cell zones. In tmTNF-tg mice, the spleen, but not PLNs, contained reduced germinal center (GC) B cell fractions, with low Ki67 expression and reduced dark zone characteristics. In line with this, smaller fractions of T follicular helper (Tfh) and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were observed with a decreased Tfh:Tfr ratio. Moreover, plasma cell (PC) formation in the spleen of tmTNF-tg mice decreased and skewed towards IgA and IgM expression. Genetic deletion of TNFRI or –II resulted in a normalization of follicle morphology in the spleen of tmTNF-tg mice, but GC B cell and PC fractions remained abnormal. These findings demonstrate that tightly regulated tmTNF is important for proper SLO development and function, and that aberrations induced by tmTNF overexpression are site-specific and mediated via TNFRI and/or TNFRII signaling.

Targeting Bcl6 in the TREX1 D18N murine model ameliorates autoimmunity by modulating T-follicular helper cells and germinal center B cells.

The Three Prime Repair EXonuclease I (TREX1) is critical for degrading post‐apoptosis DNA. Mice expressing catalytically inactive TREX1 (TREX1 D18N) develop lupus‐like autoimmunity due to chronic sensing of undegraded TREX1 DNA substrates, production of the inflammatory cytokines, and the inappropriate activation of innate and adaptive immunity. This study aimed to investigate Thelper (Th) dysregulation in the TREX1 D18N model system as a potential mechanism for lupus‐like autoimmunity. Comparison of immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs, spleen and peripheral lymph nodes (LNs) between TREX1 D18N mice and the TREX1 null mice revealed that the TREX1 D18N mice exhibit a Th1 bias. Additionally, the T‐follicular helper cells (Tfh) and the germinal celter (GC) B cells were also elevated in the TREX1 D18N mice. Targeting Bcl6, a lineage‐defining transcription factor for Tfh and GC B cells, with a commercially available Bcl6 inhibitor, FX1, attenuated Tfh, GC, and Th1 responses, and rescued TREX1 D18N mice from autoimmunity. The study presents Tfh and GC B‐cell responses as potential targets in autoimmunity and that Bcl6 inhibitors may offer therapeutic approach in TREX1‐associated or other lupus‐like diseases.

​Successful Medical Management of Lymphoma in Six Dogs

Background: Lymphoma is considered to be the most common hematopoietic tumor in dogs (83%) having an overall cure rate of less than five percent. Although many chemotherapy protocols have been suggested, doxorubicin based combination protocols are widely associated with long disease free interval and improved duration of survival. Six dogs presented to Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with clinical signs suggestive of lymphoma were taken up for this study. Methods: The dogs were subjected to detailed clinical examination and dermatological examination. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples were taken from the lymph nodes in cases of multicentric lymphoma and from cutaneous nodules in cases of cutaneous lymphoma. Tru-cut biopsy and impression smears were collected from the cutaneous nodules. The FNAC and impression smears revealed pleomorphic lymphocytes suggestive of lymphoma. Ultrasonographic examination of all dog revealed the enlargement of mesenteric lymph nodes and spotted appearance of spleen. Treatment with multi-agent chemotherapeutic protocol (University of Wisconsin - Madison, Lymphoma CHOP - 19 protocol) was initiated after confirmative diagnosis. Result: Remissions in clinical signs were noticed within a week of therapy and no evidence of peripheral lymph node enlargement could be appreciated after three weeks of therapy. The diagnostic and management plans were presented and discussed.

Isolation of CD35+ follicular dendritic cells and its role in the differentiation from B cells to IgA+GL7+ cells

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are non-hematopoietic cells that are localized in the germinal centers (GCs) of lymph nodes (LNs) and are involved in humoral immunity. FDCs are a rare population that are sensitive to mechanical and chemical stimuli, making their isolation for analysis difficult. In Peyer's Patches, which are the main IgA-inductive sites, FDCs have been reported to be activated by retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and toll-like receptor (TLR) signals to induce IgA production. However, little is known about FDCs in mesenteric LNs (MLNs), although MLNs are also an IgA-inductive site. In this study, we efficiently isolated FDCs as CD35+ cells using anti-CD35 antibodies (Abs) and magnetic bead sorting. We found that CD35+ FDCs facilitated differentiation from B220+ B cells into IgA+GL7+ GC B-like cells but not IgA+CD138+ plasma cells. Furthermore, using CD35+ FDCs from LPS-resistant C3H/HeJ mice, the generation of IgA+GL7+ GC B-like cells was not altered significantly between wild-type and LPS-resistant mice. Moreover, the addition of RAR antagonists and agonists revealed that differentiation into IgA+GL7+ GC B-like cells required the activation of RAR, especially RAR-β, in FDCs. The differentiation of IgA+GL7+ cells was promoted by FDCs in peripheral LNs as well as MLNs in our in vitro assay. Taken together, these results indicate that magnetic bead sorting with anti-CD35 Abs enable the efficient isolation of FDCs. Our data suggested that CD35+ FDCs can support differentiation of B cells into IgA+GL7+ GC B-like cells in environments that are not limited to MLNs, which can be stimulated by retinoic acid.

Evaluation of a Preharvest Bacteriophage Therapy for Control of Salmonella within Bovine Peripheral Lymph Nodes

A series of proof-of-concept studies were developed to determine whether a commercial bacteriophage cocktail could be utilized for the mitigation of Salmonella in bovine peripheral lymph nodes (LNs). The first objective sought to determine whether exogenous phage could be isolated from the LNs following administration. If isolation were successful, the second objective was to determine whether the phage in the LNs could effectively reduce Salmonella. Salmonella Montevideo was inoculated intradermally at multiple sites and multiple times, followed by delivery of the phage cocktail subcutaneously in two injections around each of the right and left prescapular and subiliac LNs. At the conclusion of each study, animals were euthanized, and the popliteal, prescapular, and subiliac LNs were examined. The inoculated phage was successfully isolated from the LNs; transmission electron microscopy revealed phages in the LNs of the treated cattle, and these phages were identical to those in the cocktail. Levels of phage were higher (P < 0.01) in the prescapular and subiliac LNs in the phage-treated than in the control cattle. In subsequent studies, the protocols were modified to increase Salmonella and phage levels within the LNs. Compared with the first study, overall Salmonella levels were increased in the LNs, and phage treatment decreased (P < 0.01) Salmonella in the some of the LNs. Phage levels were numerically but not significantly increased (P = 0.12) in the treated cattle. The final study was modified, hypothesizing that a 48-h postmortem period before LN removal would facilitate phage-Salmonella interaction; however, no differences (P > 0.10) in Salmonella levels were found among treatments. Salmonella-specific phages administered to live cattle can translocate to the LNs; however, these phages had limited to no effect on Salmonella in these LNs under these experimental conditions.