Genital anatomy, jaw and radula of Guladentia subtussulcata (Helicoidea, Cepolidae), endemic to western Cuba

This study provides the first data on the genital anatomy, jaw and radula of Guladentia subtussulcata (L. Pfeiffer, 1863). The auxiliary copulatory organ of this species is very peculiar, similar to that of Jeanneretia L. Pfeiffer, 1877, and different from that of other cepolids. It consists of an elongate, pedunculate mucus gland inserted apically on a muscular papilla and an atrial sac, all covered by a sheath. A sheath-like accessory gland is inserted at the base of the atrial sac. Another similarity with Jeanneretia is the presence of a fertilization pouch-spermatheca complex with a single exposed spermatheca. Like Jeanneretia, G. subtussulcata has an oxygnath, highly arched jaw with slight striae over the entire surface and a broad, well-developed median projection. The radula has triangular and monocuspid central and lateral teeth (the central teeth are smaller than the rest). The marginal teeth are multicuspid with the mesocone and ectocones smaller than the endocones. The similar structures of the auxiliary copulatory organ (without dart sac) and spermatheca (simple) strongly suggest that G. subtussulcata and Jeanneretia spp. are closely related. As such, it remains to be decided whether Guladentia Clench & Aguayo, 1951 and Jeanneretia should continue to be treated as separate genera.

Development of a Mucus Gland Bioreactor in Loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus

Most currently available bioreactors have some defects in the expression, activity, or purification of target protein and peptide molecules, whereas the mucus gland of fish can overcome these defects to become a novel bioreactor for the biopharmaceutical industry. In this study, we have evaluated the practicability of developing a mucus gland bioreactor in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus). A transgenic construct pT2-krt8-IFN1 was obtained by subcloning the promoter of zebrafish keratin 8 gene and the type I interferon (IFN1) cDNA of grass carp into the SB transposon. The IFN1 expressed in CIK cells exhibited an antiviral activity against the replication of GCRV873 and activated two genes downstream of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A transgenic loach line was then generated by microinjection of the pT2-krt8-IFN1 plasmids and in vitro synthesized capped SB11 mRNA. Southern blots indicated that a single copy of IFN1 gene was stably integrated into the genome of transgenic loach. The expression of grass carp IFN1 in transgenic loaches was detected with RT-PCR and Western blots. About 0.0825 µg of grass carp IFN1 was detected in 20 µL mucus from transgenic loaches. At a viral titer of 1 × 103 PFU/mL, plaque numbers on plates containing mucus from transgenic loaches reduced by 18% in comparison with those of the control, indicating that mucus of IFN1-transgenic loaches exhibited an antiviral activity. Thus, we have successfully created a mucus gland bioreactor that has great potential for the production of various proteins and peptides.

Endobronchial Mucus Gland Adenoma: A Case Report

Introduction/Objective Mucus Gland Adenoma (MGA) is a rare benign epithelial tumor with few case reports. They arise from submucosal glands and ducts of large proximal airways, but have been reported peripherally and within lung parenchyma. MGAs form an exophytic mass that causes obstructive symptoms, occurring in all ages without gender predilection. MGAs have low to no malignant potential, but may be confused with more aggressive entities. Thus, MGA may present a diagnostic challenge on frozen section. Methods We present the case of a 66-year-old male with recurrent right pneumonia and empyema. Bronchoscopy revealed an obstructing mass in the right bronchus intermedius. Biopsies and cytology were insufficient showing only benign bronchial epithelium. Therefore, the patient underwent surgical sleeve resection of the right bronchus intermedius for diagnosis and treatment. It was received in two pieces measuring 1.0 x 0.6 x 0.5 and 2.0 x 1.5 x 0.9 cm - a well-circumscribed, firm white nodule with a smooth exterior and pushing borders. Cut surfaces were mucoid, homogenous and rubbery, with cysts measuring up to 2 mm. Histology showed crowded mucus-filled acini and tubules lined by bland cuboidal to columnar cells without atypia or mitosis. The stroma showed smooth muscle bundles and lymphocytic infiltrate. Benign bronchial epithelium lined the surface. A preliminary diagnosis of “adenoma” was made, with final classification pending permanent section. Results It showed positivity for s100, CK5/6, and CAM5.2. DOG1 showed a luminal staining pattern. NapsinA was negative and TTF-1 was patchy. P63, P40, CK5/6 and calponin highlighted myoepithelial cells, underlining the benign nature of the process. Conclusion MGA may resemble adenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and other benign adenomas. It presents a diagnostic challenge on frozen section as its malignant differentials are more common. Thus, it is important to recognize and be aware of these rare, benign tumors.

Pulmonary Mucus Gland Adenomas: Are They Always of Endobronchial Localization?

Mucus gland adenoma is an extremely rare benign lung tumor, presumed to arise from the bronchial mucus glands; it is a TTF-1 negative tumor, centrally located, causing the clinical manifestations of obstruction. We report a TTF-1 negative mucus gland adenoma, arising into the medial bronchopulmonary segment, lacking any relation to a bronchus.