bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIGURE 6 from B7-H3–Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptors Epstein-Barr Virus–specific T Cells Provides a Tumor Agnostic Off-The-Shelf Therapy Against B7-H3–positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Yeo Siok Ping , Kua Lindsay , Tan Jin Wei , Lim Joanna Kristyn , Wong Fiona HS , Santos May Delos , Poh Chek Meng , Goh Angeline XH , Koh Xin Yu , Zhou Xiaohua , Rajarethinam Ravisankar , Chen Qingfeng , Her Zhisheng , Horak Ivan D. , Low Lionel , Tan Kar Wai
Published: June 2024

B7H3.CAR EBVSTs targets allogeneic monocytes and matured HSPCs but spares T, B, and NK cells as well as resting and early HSPCs. A, Cytolysis of allogenic T, NK, and B cells by UT and B7H3.CAR EBVSTs in the presence of various cytokines. Fold change in cell counts was calculated by normalizing allogeneic immune cell counts in presence of B7H3.CAR EBVSTs against that of UT EBVSTs. B, Percentage of death in allogeneic monocytes after 24 hours coculture at a 1:1 E:T ratio with UT or B7H3.CAR EBVSTs. C, B7-H3 expression on memory EBVSTs that have been reactivated with antigen-presenting cells pulsed with EBV, HIV, or no peptides. D, Flow plots representing B7-H3 expression in HSPC populations after the indicated days of stimulation with Flt3L, TPO, and SCF. E, Cytotoxicity of unstimulated and stimulated HSPCs after coculture with UT or B7H3.CAR EBVSTs. F, Erythroid and myeloid development potential of HSPCs alone, after coculture with UT or B7H3.CAR EBVSTs. Data in A and C are compiled from UT and B7H3.CAR EBVSTs generated from 3 donors cocultured with PBMCs or monocytes isolated from 3 other different donors. Data presented in C are representative of B7-H3 expression on reactivated EBVSTs from 2 donors. Data in D–F are compiled from UT and B7H3.CAR EBVSTs generated from 3 donors cocultured with HSPCs isolated from 2 other different donors. For B, groups were compared using Student unpaired t test. For F, groups were compared using one-way ANOVA with Tukey test for multiple comparisons test. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001. Error bars denote means ± SD where applicable.
FIGURE 4 from B7-H3–Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptors Epstein-Barr Virus–specific T Cells Provides a Tumor Agnostic Off-The-Shelf Therapy Against B7-H3–positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Yeo Siok Ping , Kua Lindsay , Tan Jin Wei , Lim Joanna Kristyn , Wong Fiona HS , Santos May Delos , Poh Chek Meng , Goh Angeline XH , Koh Xin Yu , Zhou Xiaohua , Rajarethinam Ravisankar , Chen Qingfeng , Her Zhisheng , Horak Ivan D. , Low Lionel , Tan Kar Wai
Published: June 2024

B7H3.CAR EBVSTs effectively target B7-H3–positive solid tumors in vivo. B7H3.CAR EBVST activity in a mouse model of HT-29 colorectal cancer (A–D). A, Body weight measurements posttreatment. B, Tumor volume (left) and fold change (right) after treatment. C, Endpoint absolute tumor cell counts and B7-H3 expression levels quantified by flow cytometry. D, Endpoint T-cell counts in blood, liver, lung, spleen, and tumor quantified by flow cytometry. B7H3.CAR EBVST activity was assessed in a breast cancer PDX model (E–I). E, IHC staining of B7-H3 on breast cancer PDX (left) with representative magnified images (right). Brown color represents positive B7-H3 staining. Blue color represents cell nucleus. F, Tumor volume (left) and fold change (right) after treatment. G, Representative IHC staining of B7-H3 and CD3 on tumors from 2 B7H3.CAR EBVST-treated mice and 2 untreated mice. Red color represents positive B7-H3 staining. Brown color represents positive CD3 staining. H, Body weight measurements posttreatment. I, Kaplan–Meier log-rank survival curve. Mice were euthanized and censored when tumor volume reaches 1,000 mm3. J, Experimental scheme to evaluate B7H3.CAR EBVST persistence by performing tumor rechallenge on contralateral flank of mice that had previously cleared NCI-N87 gastric tumors after B7H3.CAR EBVST treatment. K, Volume of NCI-N87 tumors on B7H3.CAR EBVST-treated mice after rechallenge and on control untreated mice. Each curve on the graph represents a mouse. Data comprise of 6–7 (A–D), 9–10 (E–I), and 5 (K) mice in each treatment arm. For A, B, F, H, and K, groups were compared using two-way ANOVA with Tukey test for multiple comparisons test. Comparison and P values between untreated versus UT EBVSTs, untreated versus B7H3.CAR EBVSTs, and UT versus B7H3.CAR EBVSTs groups is represented in black, blue and red, respectively. For C and D, groups were compared using one-way ANOVA with Tukey test for multiple comparisons test. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. Error bars denote means ± SD where applicable.
FIGURE 3 from B7-H3–Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptors Epstein-Barr Virus–specific T Cells Provides a Tumor Agnostic Off-The-Shelf Therapy Against B7-H3–positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Yeo Siok Ping , Kua Lindsay , Tan Jin Wei , Lim Joanna Kristyn , Wong Fiona HS , Santos May Delos , Poh Chek Meng , Goh Angeline XH , Koh Xin Yu , Zhou Xiaohua , Rajarethinam Ravisankar , Chen Qingfeng , Her Zhisheng , Horak Ivan D. , Low Lionel , Tan Kar Wai
Published: June 2024

Generation and characterization of allogeneic B7H3.CAR EBVSTs. A, Fold expansion of EBVSTs following mock (UT) or B7H3.CAR transduction. B, CAR expression at final harvest. C, Percentages of EBVSTs expressing TNFα and IFNγ after overnight stimulation of cells with media, HIV or EBV pepmixes. D, UT and B7H3.CAR EBVST cytolysis of various B7-H3+ tumor cell lines after 24 hours of coculture at a 1:1 E:T ratio. E, Serial cytolysis of NCI-H1299 NSCLC cells by B7H3.CAR EBVSTs over five rounds of cocultures at a 1:2 E:T ratio. F, Cell surface staining of CD25 on EBVSTs after treatment with varying concentrations of plate-bound (coated) or soluble B7-H3 in 2-Ig or 4-Ig forms. G, Cytotoxicity of B7H3.CAR EBVST against NCI-N87 or NCI-H1299 cells at the indicated timepoints in the presence of varying concentrations of soluble 2-Ig or 4-Ig B7-H3. Data presented are from 6 (A and B), 3 (C, D, F, and G), or 2 (E) healthy donors and represent means ± SD where applicable.
Single Apheresis Session on the 4th Day of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Administration Seems Convenient to Collect Enough Peripheral Blood Stem Cells from Healthy Donors
Authors: Yucel Orhan Kemal , Yapar Dilek , Vural Ece , Alhan Nurcan , Vurgun Sertac , Atas Unal , Alemdar Mustafa Serkan , Karaca Mustafa , Iltar Utku , Salim Ozan , Undar Levent
Published: June 2024

Background: To minimize adverse events of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection in healthy donors, it is reasonable to limit the total dose of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and/or the number of apheresis days without decreasing of PBSCs yield. Therefore, we have started to collect G-CSF induced PBSCs on day 4 instead of on day 5. So, we retrospectively aimed to investigate the results of this 4-day G-CSF administration. Study Design and Methods: Seventy-six healthy donors who performed on G-CSF induced PBSCs donation consecutively between January 2020 and July 2022 were included in this study. G-CSF (filgrastim) at 2 × 5 µg/kg/day subcutaneously was applied. Apheresis started on day 4. Results: Sixty-nine (90.8%) of 76 donors provided enough PBSCs on day 4 apheresis session. Younger age (p = 0.004), higher PB CD34+ cell count on the 4th day of G-CSF (p < 0.001), and male donor (p = 0.010) were correlated with increased amounts of PBSCs yield. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to predict very good mobilizers (collected PBSCs ≥8 × 106/kg after the first apheresis) were performed. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, male sex (p = 0.004), PB CD34+ cell count ≥100/µL on the 4th day of G-CSF (p < 0.001), and glomerular filtration rate ≥115 mL/min (p = 0.031) were found to be independent predicting factors to demonstrate very good mobilizer. Conclusion: It seems that starting the apheresis on the 4th day of G-CSF administration is effective and to provide minimal G-CSF exposure in healthy donors.
Displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril: série de casos no Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Tacconi Vítor Ferraz Silva , Alcantara Tabata de , Dantas João Paulo Araújo , Mello Dayanna Bianca Bezerra de , Freitas Àlex Espinalt Daví Lima de
Published: June 2024

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) represents a spectrum of anatomical abnormalities of the hip. The objective of this manuscript is to report the atypical presentation pattern of developmental dysplasia of the hip present in a family group in Rio Grande do Norte and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis performed through the Ortolani and Barlow maneuvers. Both orthopedic clinical tests are essential in screening for changes in the hip joint in the newborn and should preferably be performed from birth to approximately three months of age. In addition, requesting complementary ultrasound of the hip could be indicated. Pediatric patients with developmental hip dysplasia treated at the Children’s Rehabilitation Center were atypical clinical cases because they had male predominance in a family group in Rio Grande do Norte/RN, Brazil. It is concluded that this report emphasizes the need for early and adequate clinical evaluation by the physician for all newborns, regardless of gender, as well as the creation of a protocol which meets the suspicion parameters for requesting an ultrasound of the hip joint in newborns in order to diagnose and treat this condition early, thus reducing the need for surgical treatment and its complications.
Entre o Sertão e a Zona da Mata: Humanização e desumanização em dois poemas de João Cabral de Melo Neto
Authors: Mota Maria Nilda de Carvalho
Published: June 2024

Do ponto de vista do fazer literário, são muitas as possibilidades de resistência. O objetivo deste artigo é proceder a uma análise comparativa dos poemas O cão sem plumas e Congresso no Polígono das Secas, ambos de João Cabral de Melo Neto, atentando para possíveis semelhanças e diferenças relativas a processos de humanização e desumanização de seres e coisas, enquanto forma de resistência.
Rompendo fronteiras literárias: Leitura de O Anjo de Timor de Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
Authors: Nakagome Patricia Trindade
Published: June 2024

Discutiremos como O Anjo do Timor de Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen representa o modo de Timor-Leste se inserir na cultura lusófona, com um anjo capaz de vencer espaços. Apesar da simplicidade, o texto pouco pode ser compreendido por parte da população timorense. Assim, a mediação do professor é fundamental para garantir que a literatura rompa a principal fronteira que a limita: a da leitura efetiva, que permite ao texto sair da página para se tornar experiência singular junto a cada leitor.
Nós ainda não matamos ninguém – Opressão e violência em O Cão-Tinhoso, de Honwana
Authors: Daie Fábio Salem
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo visa analisar as representações da opressão e da violência no universo colonial português, construído por Luís Bernardo Honwana em seu conto “Nós Matamos o Cão-Tinhoso”. Para isso, são investigadas principalmente as relações de poder entre as personagens Ginho, Isaura, Quim e Cão-Tinhoso.
O estilo tardio na obra Nós, os do Makulusu de Luandino Vieira
Authors: Zortea Claudia
Published: June 2024

Propomos iniciar um estudo sobre a obra Nós, os do Makulusu escrita em Angola por José Luandino Vieira na década de 1960, a partir do fenômeno que Edward Said chama de estilo tardio, noção elaborada e trabalhada primeiramente por Theodor Adorno num estudo sobre a obra de Beethoven.
A Sociedade Ipiranga do Rio de Janeiro: tensões e limites da emergência do associativismo abolicionista gradual no Brasil Imperial (1855-1863)
Authors: Ferretti Danilo José Zioni
Published: June 2024

The article deals with the Ipiranga Society (SI) of Rio de Janeiro, dedicated to the celebration of national independence through the granting of manumissions and its relationship with slavery. It seeks to understand whether there was abolitionism in the practices of the IS and how to characterize it. In broader terms, the relationship between slavery and the constitution of modern public space in mid-nineteenth-century Brazil is discussed, assessing its potentialities and limitations. The ambiguities of the IS’s practices of gradual abolitionism, their unfolding at the national and transnational levels, as well as the internal tensions within the association that led to the end of such practices, reinforced by state intervention, through the application of the “law of obstacles” of 1860, are indicated.
A Autonomia Científica do Processo de Controle de Políticas Públicas
Authors: Santo Leonardo José Rodrigues do Espirito
Published: June 2024

Se trata de un estudio que, utilizando el método cualitativo exploratorio para la recolección de datos, tiene como objetivo discutir la autonomía científica del proceso de control de políticas públicas como rama individual y particular de la Teoría General del Proceso. Se busca establecer los conceptos y elementos de la teoría individual del proceso de control de las políticas públicas, desvinculado del proceso administrativo y civil, cuyos contornos se delinean desde la función estatal de control externo que ejercen los Tribunales de Cuentas.
Smooth Muscle Ythdf2 Abrogation Ameliorates Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Regulating Myadm Transcript Stability
Authors: Wang Jie , Shen Yueyao , Zhang Yuhui , Lin Donghai , Wang Qiang , Sun Xiaoxuan , Wei Dong , Shen Bin , Chen Jingyu , Ji Yong , Fulton David , Yu Yanfang , Chen Feng , Hu Li
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

The N6-methyladenosine (m
6
A) modification of RNA and its regulators have important roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Ythdf2
(YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2) is best known for its role in degrading m
6
A-modified mRNAs such as
Hmox1
mRNA, which leads to alternative activation of macrophages in PH. Recent studies have also linked
Ythdf2
to the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). However, its specific roles in PASMCs and downstream targets during the development of PH remain unclear.

METHODS:

The expression and biological function of
Ythdf2
in PASMCs were investigated in human and experimental models of PH. Smooth muscle cell–specific
Ythdf2
-deficient mice were used to assess the roles of
Ythdf2
in PASMCs in vivo. Proteomic analysis, m
6
A sequencing, and RNA immunoprecipitation analysis were used to screen for potential downstream targets.

RESULTS:

Ythdf2 was significantly upregulated in human and rodent PH-PASMCs, and smooth muscle cell–specific
Ythdf2
deficiency ameliorated PASMC proliferation, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and PH development. Higher expression of Ythdf2 promoted PASMC proliferation and PH by paradoxically stabilizing
Myadm
mRNA in an m
6
A-dependent manner. Loss of
Ythdf2
decreased the expression of Myadm in PASMCs and pulmonary arteries, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, silencing
Myadm
inhibited the
Ythdf2
-dependent hyperproliferation of PASMCs by upregulating the cell cycle kinase inhibitor p21.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have identified a novel mechanism where the increased expression of
Ythdf2
stimulates PH-PASMC proliferation through an m
6
A/Myadm/p21 pathway. Strategies targeting
Ythdf2
in PASMCs might be useful additions to the therapeutic approach to PH.
Integrative taxonomy of the groundwater amphipod Niphargus bihorensis Schellenberg, 1940 reveals a species-rich clade
Authors: Stoch Fabio , Knüsel Mara , Zakšek Valerija , Alther Roman , Salussolia Alice , Altermatt Florian , Fišer Cene , Flot Jean-François
Published: June 2024

The genus Niphargus is the most diverse subterranean amphipod genus in the western Palearctic region but, owing to the presence of cryptic species and homoplasy, its taxonomy and biogeographic scenarios are complex, making molecular methods essential to understand its evolution. We conducted a study combining dna-based taxonomy with traditional morphotaxonomy to investigate Niphargus bihorensis Schellenberg, 1940, known from the Western Alps and Carpathians. We redescribed the type material of N. bihorensis from Bihor County, Romania, and revealed the presence of a cryptic species, N. absconditus n. sp., in the same karstic area (Pădurea Craiului Mountains). Additionally, the Alpine populations previously attributed to N. bihorensis turned out to belong to a new, not so closely related species, N. tizianoi n. sp. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of one mitochondrial and two nuclear markers suggest that the N. bihorensis species complex belongs to a strongly supported clade, together with several species distributed from Switzerland to Iran.
Muscari zagricum (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a unique new species from Iran
Authors: ALİPOUR SAJAD , MAJİDİ RAMİAR , EKER İSMAİL
Published: June 2024

A new species, Muscari zagricum Eker, Alipour & Majidi (Asparagaceae) from Iran, is described and illustrated. It has no closely related species, and is partly similar to M. pseudopallens and M. pallens, but differs from them mainly in morphological characters such as outer tunic color, raceme shape and density, pedicels no extending when in fruit, shape of fertile flowers with shouldered and grooved, color when dry, color of lobes, strongly compressed capsule valves, as well as flowering time and habitat characteristics. In this study, a comprehensive description, diagnostic characters, original photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, and taxonomic comments on the new species are presented.
Rinodina riparia (Physciaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) new to Eurasia from China and Russia
Authors: GALANINA IRINA A. , KHARPUKHAEVA TATYANA M. , PORYADINA LENA N.
Published: June 2024

Rinodina riparia was described from North America. It is here recorded for the first time in Eurasia from China and Russia. The species was collected on rough bark, plant debris and wood partly buried in sand. The paper provides data on morphology and anatomy, ecology, and comparisons with closely related species of Rinodina riparia based on the studied sample. The worldwide distribution of the species is discussed. A key for identification of Rinodina riparia and other species with Dirinaria-type spores in Buryatia is given.
Morphological and molecular data on helminths of Didelphis virginiana and Philander vossi (Mammalia: Didelphidae) from the Yucatán Peninsula, southeast Mexico
Authors: PANTI-MAY JESÚS ALONSO , CHAN-CASANOVA ANYELA JACKELIN , CANCHE-POOL ELSY , TELLO-MARTÍN RAÚL , RUIZ-PIÑA HUGO , CONCHA-GUILLERMO HENRY , RETANA-GUIASCÓN OSCAR , VEGA PEDRO PABLO MARTÍNEZ , CHABLÉ-SANTOS JUAN , ESTRELLA-MARTÍNEZ ERENDIRA , MOGUEL-CHIN WILSON ISAIAS , HERNÁNDEZ-ORTS JESÚS S. , HERNÁNDEZ-MENA DAVID I. , MENDOZA-GARFIAS BERENIT , GARCÍA-PRIETO LUIS
Published: June 2024

In the present study, helminths from six Didelphis virginiana and one Philander vossi are reported using morphological techniques (clearing, staining, and scanning electron microscopy). Additionally, the 28S rRNA sequences of individuals from nine helminth taxa are provided. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with the new 28S rRNA sequences to confirm the identification and the genealogical relationships of the parasites. Thirteen helminth taxa were identified, comprising the trematodes Brachylaima sp. and Platynosomum illiciens, the cestode Mathevotaenia sp., the nematodes Cruzia americana, Cruzia tentaculata, Viannaia arriaguensis, Viannaia sp., Travassostrongylus sp., Strongyloides sp., Turgida turgida, Trichuris minuta, and Trichuris sp., and the acanthocephalan Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus. All opossums were infected with at least four helminth taxa. In total, 17 new 28S rRNA sequences from nine helminth taxa were provided. These data, combined with previous records in Mexico, increase the number of helminth taxa parasitizing D. virginiana and P. vossi to 41 and 29, respectively. However, these reports are incompletes and concentered in localities of some states. It is possible that new surveys in the Nearctic and even Neotropical regions will reveal a higher helminth diversity in these mammals in the country.
Review of Cremnomymar species (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in mainland South America, with a new generic synonymy
Authors: TRIAPITSYN SERGUEI V.
Published: June 2024

Parapolynema Fidalgo syn. n. (Hymenopterea: Mymaridae) is synonymized under the Neotropical genus Cremnomymar Ogloblin, and its two described species, both from Argentina, are transferred to Cremnomymar as C. sagittifer (Fidalgo) comb. n. and C. tucumanum (Fidalgo) comb. n. These species are redescribed based on type and non-type specimens from Argentina and two new species are described and diagnosed, C. fidalgoi Triapitsyn sp. n. from Argentina and Chile and C. nahuelbutae Triapitsyn sp. n. from Chile. A key to females of the four known species of Cremnomymar in mainland South America outside of Chile’s Juan Fernández Islands, from where seven other, endemic Cremnomymar species are known, is provided. The male of C. fernandezi Ogloblin is redescribed based on a non-type specimen from Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernández Islands, and a possibly conspecific female from the same collecting event is described. The male paratype of C. kuscheli (Ogloblin) from Juan Fernández Islands is redescribed and illustrated.
Review of the wolf spider genus Xerolycosa Dahl, 1908 from China (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: WANG LU-YU , MARUSIK YURI M. , PENG XIAN-JIN , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: June 2024

The wolf spider of genus Xerolycosa Dahl, 1908 from China is reviewed, including four species: X. miniata (C.L. Koch, 1834), X. mongolica (Schenkel, 1963), X. nemoralis (Westring, 1861) and X. xinjiangensis sp. nov. (male). Pardosa sinensis Yin, Peng, Kim et Wang, 1995 is newly synonymized with X. miniata (C.L. Koch, 1834). Morphological illustrations, photos, and descriptions of all species are given. SEM photos of male bulbs and photos of living specimens of X. nemoralis are also presented.
Two new species of the armored catfish genus Panaqolus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: PROVENZANO-RIZZI FRANCISCO , BARRIGA-SALAZAR RAMIRO , STEWART DONALD J.
Published: June 2024

Currently four described species of genus Panaqolus have been reported from the Amazon River basin in Ecuador: P. albomaculatus (Kanazawa 1958), P. dentex (Günther 1868), P. gnomus (Schaefer & Stewart 1993) and P. nocturnus (Schaefer & Stewart 1993). Revision of specimens deposited at the fish collection of Museo de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (MEPN), Quito, indicated the presence of two additional species, both new to science: P. orcesi n. sp. and P. pantostiktos n. sp. The new species are similar to each other, and to P. albomaculatus and P. nix Cramer & Rapp Py-Daniel 2015 in having the head, body, and fins covered with light dots. Diagnostic characters comprise differences in color pattern, including size and density of light dots on head, body, and fins; as well as various morphometric characters. Apparently, both new species reach larger sizes than previously described species of Panaqolus. The two new species can be included in the subgenus Panafilus (Lujan et al. 2017); they come from the Tigre and Napo River basins, two isolated tributaries in the western Amazon.
Morphological comparison of tympanal organs between Phycitinae and Pyralinae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: ÖZYOLCİ BÜŞRA , ÇALIŞKAN SELMA SEVEN
Published: June 2024

Tympanal organ plays an important role for insects in perception, fleeing from predators, defense, finding and choosing sex, communication, and carrying out social interactions. It is positioned in different areas among various insect groups. Tympanal organ is in the abdomen in the Pyralidae family, many species of which are harmful to economically important agricultural products and storage products. This study was conducted to determine the importance of the tympanal organ in the classification of Pyralids. For this purpose, tympanal organs of 10 species (Pyralis farinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Hypsopygia glaucinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), Endotrichia flammealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), Dioryctria pineae (Staudinger, 1859), D. mendacella (Staudinger, 1859), Oncocera semirubella (Scopoli, 1763), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke,1832), Acrobasis obliqua (Zeller, 1847), Myelois circumvoluta (Geoffroy in Fourcroy, 1785), Ematheudes punctellus (Treitschke, 1833) in four tribus belonging to Pyralinae and Phycitinae were examined for the first time. Bulla tympani, fornix tympani, pons tympani, rugae odontinae, intersegmental thoraco abdominal membrane, processus spiniforme etc. structures of these species were described and photographed for the first time. The similarities and differences between taxa were analyzed.
Physoschistura longibulla, a new loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Irrawaddy basin in central Myanmar
Authors: LIN FENG , LIU SHUWEI , ZAW PAING , QIN TAO , CHEN XIAOYONG
Published: June 2024

Physoschistura longibulla, a new species and the first species of the revised genus Physoschistura from Pyin Oo Lwin of Irrawaddy basin, can be distinguished from other congeners by the combination of following characters: posterior chamber of air bladder well developed, connecting anterior with a long and thin tube, long and oval; dorsal fin with 81/2 branched rays, its origin slightly anterior to pelvic-fin base vertically; lateral line complete and straight, with 93–102 pores; pectoral fin with 8–9 branched rays, reaching 1/2 to 2/3 of distance to pelvic-fin base; suborbital flap absent in male; axillary pelvic lobe present; caudal fin with 9 + 8 branched rays.
Esmé
Authors: Gaston Bruce
Published: June 2024

The Baroness recounts a story of a hunt in which she and an acquaintance called Constance Broddle become separated from the main pack and encounter an escaped hyena. They try to find their way back and are followed by the hyena, to which the Baroness gives the name “Esmé”. At one point it seizes and then kills a small gypsy child they meet along the way. The women’s dilemma about what to do with Esmé is resolved when a car appears and runs it over. Passing it off as their pet dog, they ask the car’s owner for help in burying it. He later sends the Baroness a diamond brooch by way of an apology, which leads to a rift in the friendship when she sells it but refuses to split the proceeds with Constance.
Ministers of Grace
Authors: Gaston Bruce
Published: June 2024

Belturbet, a man involved in party politics, is bemoaning the current state of political life to the Duke of Scaw, a debonair young man reputed to have knowledge of mystical religion. The Duke proposes replacing the current politicians with impersonators who would act more reasonably. Belturbet thinks the Duke is being facetious but is then shocked when he encounters Winston Churchill and Lord Curzon acting totally out of character. The Duke tells Belturbet he has transferred the politicians' minds into various animals; angels are now impersonating all important public figures, like in the legend of King Robert of Sicily. The next few days provide Belturbet with ample evidence of a complete reversal in public affairs. He seeks out the Duke and begs him to reverse what he has wrought, pointing to the political and economic chaos that has ensued. Later that day he discovers that the Duke has been attacked and killed by a swan (the transformed Lord Curzon, it is hinted) in St. James’ Park. With the Duke's death the magic ceases and the politicians return to their bodies.
Adaptive consensus control of uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems with communication delays and relative output information
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Wang Gang , Wang Chaoli
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the challenges of distributed adaptive consensus control problems in nonlinear multi-agent systems with unknown parameters and communication delays. To address these issues, a novel backstepping-based adaptive state feedback control protocol is proposed by utilizing a reference dynamic system. Furthermore, an output-feedback consensus control algorithm incorporating a state observer is introduced. Through the application of Laplace transformation, matrix properties, and graph theory, it is demonstrated that the closed-loop multi-agent system ensures the boundedness of all signals and achieves output consensus, even in the presence of nonuniform communication delays. Numerical simulations on a group of inverted pendulums illustrate the effectiveness of these algorithms.
The Essence of Psychological Ownership and Emotions in Adaptation of Digital Technologies
Authors: Gupta Shelleka , Sharma Bonia
Published: June 2024

Technical advancements that are generating new products, services and markets, at a fast pace tend to meet modern consumer wants. Despite the fact that digital technologies are intangible, users of virtual environments form strong emotional bonds with their goods and frequently experience a sense of psychological ownership of these tools. These digital advances have substantially disrupted psychological ownership since they have replaced legal ownership with legal access rights to things, which has added value for consumers and firms. As a result, in depth study is needed in the field of psychological ownership since it would give more insights and implementable marketing strategies to organisations who wish to capitalise on psychological ownership’s advantages in the digital age. The research presented in this study offers a fresh viewpoint on how consumers’ emotions impact the psychological ownership of digital technologies. The theoretical explanation of the relationship between emotions and psychological ownership is provided in this study, which contends that both factors are essential to producing favourable results for digital enterprises. The research sums up by offering practical marketing tactics for firms looking to maintain the advantages of increased psychological ownership. Additionally, as potential areas for future research, this study calls on academics to do empirical research.
Continent-derived metasediments (Cimes Blanches and Frilihorn) within the ophiolites around Zermatt: relations with the Mischabel backfold and Mont Fort nappe (Pennine Alps)
Authors: Pantet Adrien , Epard Jean-Luc , Masson Henri
Published: June 2024

The region surrounding Zermatt (SW Switzerland and NW Italy) displays some classic examples of imbrications between continental and oceanic units. In particular, the studied units, called Cimes Blanches and Frilihorn or Faisceau Vermiculaire, consist of a set of thin bands of continent-derived metasediments intercalated at different levels within the ocean-derived units. These bands are locally reduced to only one meter thick but can be traced for several tens to more than one hundred kilometers across the Pennine Alps. The mechanisms leading to such imbrications are a long-standing and still-debated question. Based on detailed mapping and structural analysis of key areas, we present new data on the structure and stratigraphy of the Faisceau Vermiculaire in the area surrounding Zermatt, with particular focus on the Täschalpen sector, where the Faisceau Vermiculaire is locally in contact with basement units. Our observations allow: (i) to confirm the presence of widespread breccias of probable Jurassic age in the Faisceau Vermiculaire; (ii) to interpret the contacts between the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the overlying non-ophiolitic Schistes Lustrés (Série Rousse) as stratigraphic; (iii) to show that the stratigraphy of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and associated Série Rousse contrasts strongly with the cover of the Siviez-Mischabel nappe and that these sequences originate from different paleogeographic domains (Prepiemont basin and Briançonnais platform respectively); (iv) to interpret as stratigraphic the contact of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the Série Rousse with the basement forming the Alphubel anticline; the local unconformity is interpreted as the result of the activity of synsedimentary Jurassic normal paleofaults; (v) to highlight the trace of a major Jurassic normal fault, that should have marked an abrupt thinning of the paleomargin; it corresponds now to the contact between the Faisceau Vermiculaire (and associated Série Rousse) and the Siviez-Mischabel basement in the hinge of the Mischabel backfold. We propose a new tectonic scheme for the structure of the Faisceau Vermiculaire and adjacent units involving an early northward folding of the Faisceau Vermiculaire with the Série Rousse and the ophiolitic Schistes Lustrés of the Tsaté nappe, followed by major backfolding responsible for the southward emplacement of these units above the HP Zermatt-Saas and Monte Rosa nappes. Our study at regional scale shows that the group formed by the Alphubel basement, the Faisceau Vermiculaire and the Série Rousse share a tectonic position and stratigraphic sequences identical to those of the Mont Fort nappe, which outcrops on the other side of the Dent Blanche klippe. It leads to the proposition that this group constitutes the eastern extension of the Mont Fort nappe.
Rab3B enhances the stabilization of DDX6 to promote lung adenocarcinoma aggressiveness
Authors: Yao Guodong , Yu Shan , Hou Feng , Xiao Zunyu , Li Guangqi , Ji Xiaobin , Wang Jigang
Published: June 2024

Background

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, and its loss contributes to tumor progression.

Methods

To identify LKB1 downstream genes that promote lung adenocarcinoma aggressiveness, we performed bioinformatical analysis using publicly available datasets.

Results

Rab3B was upregulated in LKB1-depleted lung adenocarcinoma cells and suppressed by LKB1 overexpression. CREB protein was enriched at the promoter of Rab3B in lung cancer cells. Silencing of CREB abrogated the upregulation of Rab3B upon LKB1 loss. Immunohistochemistry revealed the elevated expression of Rab3B in lung adenocarcinomas relative to adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of Rab3B was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage, and reduced overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Knockdown of Rab3B suppressed and overexpression of Rab3B promoted the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. In a mouse xenograft model, Rab3B depletion restrained and Rab3B overexpression augmented the growth of lung adenocarcinoma tumors. Mechanistically, Rab3B interacted with DDX6 and enhanced its protein stability. Ectopic expression of DDX6 significantly promoted the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells. DDX6 knockdown phenocopied the effects of Rab3B depletion on lung adenocarcinoma cells. Additionally, DDX6 overexpression partially rescued the aggressive phenotype of Rab3B-depleted lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Conclusion

LKB1 deficiency promotes Rab3B upregulation via a CREB-dependent manner. Rab3B interacts with and stabilizes DDX6 protein to accelerate lung adenocarcinoma progression. The Rab3B-DDX6 axis may be potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
The effectiveness of the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant in treating non-infectious posterior uveitis: a real-world experience
Authors: Kozak Igor , Gurbaxani Avinash , Pandova Maya
Published: June 2024

Background

The 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN) has been approved for prevention of relapse in recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (NIU-PS). There is little data assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of the FAc implant in this indication. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective interventional case review of 18 eyes from 13 patients with NIU-PS treated with the FAc implant at three ophthalmology departments in the Middle East between 2018 and 2021.

Main text

Baseline patient characteristics, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were collected at the time of FAc implant administration and at 1–3 months, 6 months and every six months thereafter. The mean time of follow-up was 29.7 ± 14.6 (mean ± SD) months. Over the follow-up, the BCVA significantly increased from month 1 (P = 0.002) until month 36 (P = 0.024) and remained improving throughout the follow-up period (P = 0.004). The CRT significantly decreased from month 1 (P = 0.008) until month 12 (P = 0.003) and was persistently lower during the follow-up period (P = 0.022). Significant improvements in anterior chamber cells (P = 0.004) and vitritis scores (P = 0.001) were observed by Month 6. Similarly, at Month 12, significant improvements were noted in both parameters as well (anterior chamber cells: P = 0.012; vitritis scores: P = 0.004). Mean IOP remained relatively stable throughout (P = 0.205) the follow-up.

Conclusions

Our results suggest improvements and long-term maintenance in functional and anatomical outcomes with FAc implant with a manageable safety profile in a real-world clinical setting in patients with NIU-PS.
RNA-clique: a method for computing genetic distances from RNA-seq data
Authors: Tapia Andrew C. , Jaromczyk Jerzy W. , Moore Neil , Schardl Christopher L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Although RNA-seq data are traditionally used for quantifying gene expression levels, the same data could be useful in an integrated approach to compute genetic distances as well. Challenges to using mRNA sequences for computing genetic distances include the relatively high conservation of coding sequences and the presence of paralogous and, in some species, homeologous genes.

Results

We developed a new computational method, RNA-clique, for calculating genetic distances using assembled RNA-seq data and assessed the efficacy of the method using biological and simulated data. The method employs reciprocal BLASTn followed by graph-based filtering to ensure that only orthologous genes are compared. Each vertex in the graph constructed for filtering represents a gene in a specific sample under comparison, and an edge connects a pair of vertices if the genes they represent are best matches for each other in their respective samples. The distance computation is a function of the BLAST alignment statistics and the constructed graph and incorporates only those genes that are present in some complete connected component of this graph. As a biological testbed we used RNA-seq data of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum), an allohexaploid plant ($$2n = 14\text { Gb}$$

2
n
=
14

Gb

), and bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), a teleost fish. RNA-clique reliably distinguished individual tall fescue plants by genotype and distinguished bluehead wrasse RNA-seq samples by individual. In tests with simulated RNA-seq data, the ground truth phylogeny was accurately recovered from the computed distances. Moreover, tests of the algorithm parameters indicated that, even with stringent filtering for orthologs, sufficient sequence data were retained for the distance computations. Although comparisons with an alternative method revealed that RNA-clique has relatively high time and memory requirements, the comparisons also showed that RNA-clique’s results were at least as reliable as the alternative’s for tall fescue data and were much more reliable for the bluehead wrasse data.

Conclusion

Results of this work indicate that RNA-clique works well as a way of deriving genetic distances from RNA-seq data, thus providing a methodological integration of functional and genetic diversity studies.
miR-486-5p predicted adverse outcomes of SCAP and regulated K. pneumonia infection via FOXO1
Authors: Jin Qianqi , Liu Chuanlan , Cao Yan , Wang Feiyan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is a common respiratory system disease with rapid development and high mortality. Exploring effective biomarkers for early detection and development prediction of SCAP is of urgent need. The function of miR-486-5p in SCAP diagnosis and prognosis was evaluated to identify a promising biomarker for SCAP.

Patients and methods

The serum miR-486-5p in 83 patients with SCAP, 52 healthy individuals, and 68 patients with mild CAP (MCAP) patients were analyzed by PCR. ROC analysis estimated miR-486-5p in screening SCAP, and the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses evaluated the predictive value of miR-486-5p. The risk factors for MCAP patients developing SCAP were assessed by logistic analysis. The alveolar epithelial cell was treated with Klebsiella pneumonia to mimic the occurrence of SCAP. The targeting mechanism underlying miR-486-5p was evaluated by luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Upregulated serum miR-486-5p screened SCAP from healthy individuals and MCAP patients with high sensitivity and specificity. Increasing serum miR-486-5p predicted the poor outcomes of SCAP and served as a risk factor for MCAP developing into SCAP. K. pneumonia induced suppressed proliferation, significant inflammation and oxidative stress in alveolar epithelial cells, and silencing miR-486-5p attenuated it. miR-486-5p negatively regulated FOXO1, and the knockdown of FOXO1 reversed the effect of miR-486-5p in K. pneumonia-treated alveolar epithelial cells.

Conclusion

miR-486-5p acted as a biomarker for the screening and monitoring of SCAP and predicting the malignancy of MCAP. Silencing miR-486-5p alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress induced by K. pneumonia via negatively modulating FOXO1.
Comparison of Bayesian approaches for developing prediction models in rare disease: application to the identification of patients with Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , McDonald Timothy J. , Patel Kashyap A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Shields Beverley M. , McKinley Trevelyan J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Clinical prediction models can help identify high-risk patients and facilitate timely interventions. However, developing such models for rare diseases presents challenges due to the scarcity of affected patients for developing and calibrating models. Methods that pool information from multiple sources can help with these challenges.

Methods

We compared three approaches for developing clinical prediction models for population screening based on an example of discriminating a rare form of diabetes (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young - MODY) in insulin-treated patients from the more common Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Two datasets were used: a case-control dataset (278 T1D, 177 MODY) and a population-representative dataset (1418 patients, 96 MODY tested with biomarker testing, 7 MODY positive). To build a population-level prediction model, we compared three methods for recalibrating models developed in case-control data. These were prevalence adjustment (“offset”), shrinkage recalibration in the population-level dataset (“recalibration”), and a refitting of the model to the population-level dataset (“re-estimation”). We then developed a Bayesian hierarchical mixture model combining shrinkage recalibration with additional informative biomarker information only available in the population-representative dataset. We developed a method for dealing with missing biomarker and outcome information using prior information from the literature and other data sources to ensure the clinical validity of predictions for certain biomarker combinations.

Results

The offset, re-estimation, and recalibration methods showed good calibration in the population-representative dataset. The offset and recalibration methods displayed the lowest predictive uncertainty due to borrowing information from the fitted case-control model. We demonstrate the potential of a mixture model for incorporating informative biomarkers, which significantly enhanced the model’s predictive accuracy, reduced uncertainty, and showed higher stability in all ranges of predictive outcome probabilities.

Conclusion

We have compared several approaches that could be used to develop prediction models for rare diseases. Our findings highlight the recalibration mixture model as the optimal strategy if a population-level dataset is available. This approach offers the flexibility to incorporate additional predictors and informed prior probabilities, contributing to enhanced prediction accuracy for rare diseases. It also allows predictions without these additional tests, providing additional information on whether a patient should undergo further biomarker testing before genetic testing.
Group-based exercise for Parkinson’s: a qualitative study of participants and partners’ perceptions of an exercise class delivered through a community-university collaboration
Authors: Ferrusola-Pastrana Anna , Fullerton Christopher L , Meadows Stephen N
Published: June 2024

Background

Community-based exercise programmes (CBEPs) offer a practical and viable approach to providing people with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) the opportunity to exercise as an ancillary therapeutic benefit to pharmacological management. This study explores the perceptions of exercising participants (PwP) and non-participating partners involved in an exercise class delivered through a community-university partnership.

Methods

Two separate focus group discussions were conducted: one with class participants (PwP:n = 7, H&Y scale I to III), and the other with non-participating partners of PwP (n = 4).

Results

Thematic analysis of the data identified that a range of physical, psychological and social factors were perceived to influence engagement: (1) actively taking control, (2) exercise is medicine for the mind and body, and (3) a community working together to promote exercise for parkinson’s. Participants and partners felt that the support from the group, including the instructors and student volunteers, empowered and supported PwP to proactively self-manage their health, enjoy exercise in an inclusive group setting, and develop strong social connections with others in the local Parkinson’s community. Support to exercise from healthcare professionals was identified as both an enabler and barrier to participation.

Conclusions

This study underscores the significance of a community-university partnership as a complementary therapeutic approach for PwP. It also provides critical reflections on its sustainability, including implications for how exercise is considered as medicine for PwP. Additionally, it offers practical recommendations to galvanise community participation and provide inclusive and viable exercise opportunities for PwP.
Relationship between hukou conversion and psychological integration of rural older migrants: the mediating effect of accessibility to health resources
Authors: Cai Tianxin , Ma Shilong , Zhong Renyao , Lou Vivian W. Q.
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study investigates the relationship between hukou conversion and the psychological integration of rural older migrants, exploring the mediating role of accessibility to health resources.

Methods

The 3,963 valid samples of rural older migrants included in the study were sourced from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). The study established a multiple linear regression model for estimation and utilized inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) method to correct for the selection bias of hukou conversion.

Results

Compared to older migrants with rural hukou, merit-based (β = 0.384, 95% CI: 0.265 to 0.504), family-based (β = 0.371, 95% CI: 0.178 to 0.565) and policy-based (β = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.124 to 0.487) converters have significantly higher psychological integration. These findings remain robust even after addressing the potential issue of endogenous selection bias using the IPWRA method. Bootstrap mediating effect tests indicate that hukou conversion can indirectly affect psychological integration through the mediator role of health resources accessibility.

Conclusion

Accessibility of health resources mediates the association between hukou conversion and psychological integration. Policymakers should enhance the implementation of hukou conversion, strengthen the health resource guarantee system, and achieve a deeper psychological integration among rural older migrants.