bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract A012: Mre11 mediates cGAS activation and tumor suppression through ZBP1-dependent necroptosis in breast cancer
Authors: Jo Minguk , Kumar Rashmi J. , Lin Chien-Chu , Boyer Joshua A. , Shahir Jamshaid A. , Fagan-Solis Katerina , Simpson Dennis A. , Fan Cheng , Foster Christine E. , Goddard Anna M. , Lerner Lynn M. , Ellington Simon W. , Wang Qinhong , Wang Ying , Ho Alice Y. , Liu Pengda , Perou Charles M. , Zhang Qi , McGinty Robert K. , Purvis Jeremy E. , Gupta Gaorav P.
Published: January 2024

Oncogene-induced replication stress leads to endogenous DNA damage, activating the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, a critical player in tumor suppression. The exact mechanism underlying cGAS activation, however, remains unclear due to the continual inhibition of cGAS by its high-affinity interaction with the histone acidic patch (AP), which sterically prevents its activation by double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In this investigation, we elucidate the significant role of the DNA double-strand break sensor, Mre11, in regulating cGAS activation and thereby inhibiting mammary tumorigenesis. Our data reveal that the binding of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbn (MRN) complex to nucleosome fragments is crucial to liberate cGAS from AP-mediated sequestration, facilitating its subsequent activation by dsDNA. Consequently, Mre11 emerges as a vital component in the cGAS activation process, responding to oncogenic stress, cytosolic dsDNA, and ionizing radiation. Moreover, we highlight the ramifications of Mre11-dependent cGAS activation which fosters ZBP1/RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis, a vital process in curtailing oncogenic proliferation and breast tumorigenesis. Significantly, our study identifies a strong correlation between the downregulation of ZBP1 in human triple-negative breast cancer and increased genomic instability, suppressed immune response, and adverse patient prognosis. Our findings firmly establish Mre11 as a pivotal mediator connecting DNA damage to cGAS activation, thereby facilitating tumor suppression through ZBP1-dependent necroptosis, offering a promising avenue for targeted breast cancer therapies.

Citation Format: Minguk Jo, Rashmi J. Kumar, Chien-Chu Lin, Joshua A. Boyer, Jamshaid A. Shahir, Katerina Fagan-Solis, Dennis A. Simpson, Cheng Fan, Christine E. Foster, Anna M. Goddard, Lynn M. Lerner, Simon W. Ellington, Qinhong Wang, Ying Wang, Alice Y. Ho, Pengda Liu, Charles M. Perou, Qi Zhang, Robert K. McGinty, Jeremy E. Purvis, Gaorav P. Gupta. Mre11 mediates cGAS activation and tumor suppression through ZBP1-dependent necroptosis in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A012.
Abstract A015: 53BP1 loss mediated PARP inhibitor resistance in BRCA1-deficient pancreatic cancer is overcome with immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Patterson-Fortin Jeffrey , Sun Yajie , Han Sen , Li Zhe , Nowicka Zuzanna , Hirohashi Yuna , Kilgas Susan , Yi Jae Kyo , Spektor Alexander , Fendler Wojciech , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis , D'Andrea Alan D. , Chowdhury Dipanjan
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer characterized by the presence of mutations in homologous recombination (HR) repair genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, in approximately 20% of diagnosed cases. 53BP1 (tumor protein p53 binding protein 1) nucleates the anti-end resection machinery at DNA double strand break (DSB)s thereby countering BRCA1 activity. Importantly, BRCA1-deficient PDACs that are typically sensitive to poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) become resistant in the absence of 53BP1. Here, we demonstrate that loss of 53BP1 results in enhanced DNA end-resection, increased micronuclei, and cytoplasmic dsDNA, leading to activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, activating pro-inflammatory signaling. This not only enhances CD8+ T cell infiltration but also activates macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells culminating in tumor growth inhibition. Loss of 53BP1 correlates with response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and improved overall survival. Finally, BRCA1-deficient tumors that develop resistance to PARPi due to the loss of 53BP1 are susceptible to ICB. Taken together, our findings provide a rationale for combining PARPi with ICB to overcome PARPi-resistance in BRCA1-deficient pancreatic cancers.

Citation Format: Jeffrey Patterson-Fortin, Yajie Sun, Sen Han, Zhe Li, Zuzanna Nowicka, Yuna Hirohashi, Susan Kilgas, Jae Kyo Yi, Alexander Spektor, Wojciech Fendler, Panagiotis Konstantinopoulos, Alan D. D'Andrea, Dipanjan Chowdhury. 53BP1 loss mediated PARP inhibitor resistance in BRCA1-deficient pancreatic cancer is overcome with immune checkpoint blockade [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A015.
Abstract A030: DNA repair gene polymorphism(s): Association with relapse of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Abdali Umaiya , Saleem Saima
Published: January 2024

Differences in DNA repair capacity have been linked to the risk and prognosis of cancer. In specific types of cancer, certain variations known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within DNA repair genes can influence the effectiveness of treatments. This phenomenon has been observed in patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), especially in those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. One such gene, Excision Repair Cross-Complementation 5 (ERCC5), contains a SNP (rs17655) G>C, leading to a missense variation and a change in amino acid from D to H. This variation has been noted in various cancer types. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the presence of this DNA repair gene polymorphism (rs17655) and its association with OSCC. To achieve this goal, blood samples were collected from OSCC patients exposed to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as from OSCC patients not exposed to these treatments, following approval from the relevant institutional review committees. Informed consent was obtained from 100 patients, and an equal number of age and gender-matched controls. Genomic DNA was extracted using the salting-out method and analyzed for quality and quantity through agarose gel electrophoresis and nanodrop spectrophotometry. Primers were designed using online primer designing software. Genetic variations were identified using Tetra Primers-Amplifies Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (t-ARMS PCR), and the amplified products were visualized via agarose gel electrophoresis. The genotypic frequency analysis of rs17655 revealed a higher prevalence of the homozygous mutant type (CC) in the blood samples of OSCC patients, both exposed and non-exposed to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In contrast, the homozygous wild type (GG) was more prevalent among the control group. Statistical analysis, including a chi-square test (χ 2 = 36.76, p < 0.001) and odds ratio (10.27), demonstrated a significant association between the rs17655 polymorphism and oral squamous cell carcinoma, indicating an increased risk of OSCC due to this genetic variation. These genomic variants have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes in OSCC patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Citation Format: Umaiya Abdali, Saima Saleem. DNA repair gene polymorphism(s): Association with relapse of oral squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A030.
Abstract B029: Enhanced anticancer effects through synergistic targeting of DDX5 and DNA damage-related factors
Authors: Seo Hye-Ran , Ryu Hwani , Ahn Jiyeon
Published: January 2024

Dead-box RNA helicase 5 (DDX5) is a member of the DDX RNA helicase family, commonly overexpressed in most carcinomas and plays an important role in tumor development and malignant progression. While DDX5 functions as a helicase in cells, it also plays various other roles in DNA damage repair, and resistance to radiotherapy or anticancer drugs. However, due to the diverse functions of DDX5, the anticancer effects solely from inhibiting helicase function of DDX5 are limited. Here, we inhibited DDX5 along with other factors to investigate their impact on the immune response and assess the cell viability of cancer cells. Our findings reveal that inhibiting DDX5 and DNA damage-related factors simultaneously in TNBC cells leads to a significantly greater decrease in cell viability than DDX5 knockdown alone. Through MTT assays using siRNA libraries related to DNA damage, we confirmed that when RAD51 and XRCC5 were knocked down along with DDX5, cell viability decreased by more than 20%. Furthermore, we noted an enhancement in innate immune activity and a more pronounced reduction in cell viability when simultaneously targeting the DNA damage-related factors alongside DDX5. In conclusion, our study identifies an augmented anticancer effect through the concurrent targeting of DDX5 and other critical factors.

Citation Format: Hye-Ran Seo, Hwani Ryu, Jiyeon Ahn. Enhanced anticancer effects through synergistic targeting of DDX5 and DNA damage-related factors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B029.
Abstract B034: Polymorphisms in XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XRCC3 Thr241Met DNA repair genes elevate cervical cancer risk among Bangladeshi female population
Authors: Rahman Md. Mustafizur , Das Laboni , Rahman Sadia , Hossain Amir , Sultana Razia
Published: January 2024

Introduction and Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and is both a preventable and a curable disease especially if identified at an early stage. Sequence variations in DNA repair genes can cause aberration in cellular functions leading to cancer. Genetic polymorphisms in XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) and XRCC3 (Thr241Met) genes result in individual variation in their DNA repair capacity. The aim of this study was to identify the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XRCC3 Thr241Met single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to cervical cancer in Bangladeshi populations. Methods: The case-control study comprised 124 cervical cancer patients and 148 healthy controls. Genomic DNAs were isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for candidate SNPs using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. Results: For XRCC1, heterozygous Arg/Gln and combined heterozygous plus variant homozygous Gln/Gln genotypes showed 1.78-fold (95% CI 1.0037 to 2.8771, p=0.0484) and 1.8627-fold (95% CI 1.1470 to 3.0250, p = 0.0119) increased risk of cervical cancer, respectively, when compared with normal homozygous Arg/Arg genotype. The variant Gln allele was positively associated with cervical cancer by 1.68-fold increase (95% CI 1.1732 to 2.3980, p = 0.0046). Similarly, for XRCC3, Thr/Met heterozygous and combined Thr/Met + Met/Met genotypes were found to be associated with 1.6993-fold (95% CI 1.0398 to 3.0166, p=0.0354) and 1.8312-fold (95% CI 1.0890 to 3.0791, p = 0.0225) higher risk, respectively, when compared with normal homozygous Thr/Thr genotypes. The variant Met allele showed significant association with 1.71-fold increased risk. Conclusion: XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) and XRCC3 (Thr241Met) polymorphisms may be associated with increased cervical cancer risk in Bangladeshi females.

Citation Format: Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Laboni Das, Sadia Rahman, Amir Hossain, Razia Sultana. Polymorphisms in XRCC1 Arg399Gln and XRCC3 Thr241Met DNA repair genes elevate cervical cancer risk among Bangladeshi female population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B034.
Abstract IA003: Molecular and imaging biomarkers of PARP inhibitors for small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lok Benjamin H.
Published: January 2024

This presentation will briefly define the different types of biomarkers and subsequently will cover examples of response, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers from preclinical and clinical evidence for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The talk will cover examples with translational relevance, including intrinsic molecular features associated with DNA damage repair and response to PARP inhibitors, with a focus on the SCLC-specific context. Additionally, it will delve into the use of positron emission tomography with a radiolabeled PARP inhibitor to assess pharmacodynamic response, and the utilization of liquid biopsy patient blood samples for interrogating the tumor methylome with prognostic associations. Future opportunities and directions both specific to the aforementioned examples and more generally will be discussed.

Citation Format: Benjamin H. Lok. Molecular and imaging biomarkers of PARP inhibitors for small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA003.
Abstract IA016: Replication-coupled and canonical DNA double strand breaks are processed by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Pavani Raphael , Tripathi Veenu , Zong Dali , Callen Elsa , Pankajam Ajith , Nussenzweig Andre , Wu Wei , Vrtis Kyle , Chari Raj , Walter Johannes C
Published: January 2024

Single strand breaks (SSBs), including DNA nicks, are the most common form of endogenous DNA damage. If they are not resolved before the passage of a replication fork, current models suggest that SSBs are converted to single-ended double strand breaks (seDSBs) and repaired by homologous recombination (HR). Here we show that when a replication fork encounters a Cas9-induced nick on the leading strand, the replisome is rapidly dislodged, and a highly resected seDSB is generated. In contrast, a Cas9-induced nick on the lagging strand rarely gives rise to a resected seDSB, either because Cas9 is actively evicted and the nick sealed prior to the arrival of the fork or because the nick is concealed as the replisome traverses the lesion, resulting in a double ended DSB (deDSB). Unlike canonical DSBs, end-resection at collapsed forks is BRCA1-independent. Instead, BRCA1 antagonizes 53BP1 to promote RAD51 filament formation and recombination. In the absence of strand invasion, exemplified by BRCA1-, RAD51-, and BRCA2- deficiencies, replication-coupled seDSBs are converted deDSBs by a converging fork. Together, our results demonstrate how nicks can give rise to DSBs in a strand asymmetrical manner, with implications for cancer-associated rearrangements and therapies that target the replication fork.

Citation Format: Raphael Pavani, Veenu Tripathi, Dali Zong, Elsa Callen, Ajith Pankajam, Andre Nussenzweig, Wei Wu, Kyle Vrtis, Raj Chari, Johannes C Walter. Replication-coupled and canonical DNA double strand breaks are processed by distinct mechanisms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: DNA Damage Repair: From Basic Science to Future Clinical Application; 2024 Jan 9-11; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA016.
Supplementary Figure 5 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Effect on the change in tumor mass of Zika viral treated CD24-Exogenously expressing SK-N-AS tumors.
Supplementary Figure 4 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Evaluation of the Zika viral time course on neuroblastoma tumors by immunohistochemical staining of CD24.
Supplementary Figure 3 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Effect of the Zika viral treatment of neuroblastoma tumors on tumor mass over time.
Supplementary Figure 2 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Comparison of the Relative Expression of CD24 across all screened neuroblastoma cells and tumors.
Supplementary Figure 1 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Micro tissue array of human neuroblastoma patient samples stained for CD24.
FIGURE 6 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

Kaplan–Meier survival curves of the Zika viral treatment of neuroblastoma tumors. ZIKV was introduced once at a concentration of 2 × 106 pfu (compared with vehicle) for all neuroblastoma models. All mice were evaluated based upon surviving complement (measured as percentage remaining) of murine hosts comparing viral-treated tumors with vehicle-treated control tumors starting at day 0 posttreatment. A, Evaluation of IMR-32 tumors. Data are depicted through day 66 of the study. B, Evaluation of SK-N-AS tumors. Data are depicted through day 40 of the study. C, Evaluation of SMS-KAN tumors. Data are depicted through day 101 of the study. D, Evaluation of SMS-KANR tumors. Data are depicted through day 52 of the study. The IMR-32 study utilized an n = 6 for both vehicle- and Zika-treated cohorts. All other studies utilized an n = 10 for both vehicle- and Zika-treated cohorts.
FIGURE 2 from The Oncolytic Activity of Zika Viral Therapy in Human Neuroblastoma In Vivo Models Confers a Major Survival Advantage in a CD24-dependent Manner
Authors: Mazar Joseph , Brooks Jeanne K. , Peloquin Matthew , Rosario Rosa , Sutton Emma , Longo Matthew , Drehner Dennis , Westmoreland Tamarah J.
Published: January 2024

In vivo mouse modeling of the Zika viral treatment of neuroblastoma tumors. A, Assessment of the dose-dependent application of ZIKV to IMR-32 tumors in NCr nude mice. Data are depicted through day 11 posttreatment. Error bars represent SD. *, P < 0.05 from Vehicle, one-way ANOVA for Zika (1 × 105), Zika (5 × 105), and Zika(2 × 106) day 11. B, Assessment of ZIKV application to SK-N-AS tumors. Data are depicted through day 14 posttreatment. Error bars represent SD. *, P < 0.05 from Vehicle, unpaired t test. C, Assessment of ZIKV application to SMS-KAN tumors. Data are depicted through day 15 posttreatment. Error bars represent SD. *, P < 0.05 from Vehicle, unpaired t test. D, Assessment of ZIKV application to SMS-KANR tumors. Data are depicted through day 19 posttreatment. Error bars represent SD. *, P < 0.05 from vehicle, unpaired t test. All studies utilized an n = 6 for both vehicle- and Zika-treated cohorts. Virus was introduced once at concentrations of 1 × 105, 5 × 105, or 2 × 106 pfu (compared with vehicle PBS only) in IMR-32 tumors and introduced once at a concentration of 2 × 106 pfu for all other neuroblastoma models. All tumors were assessed for both “tumor size” (mm3) and “fold change” in tumor mass (comparing viral-treated tumors and vehicle-treated control tumors normalized to masses established at day 0 posttreatment). Relative expression for CD24 was assessed using qRT-PCR by comparing cells (in vitro, prior to introduction into the mouse host) with tumors (in vivo, averaged from posttreatment vehicle-treated control tumors) for each neuroblastoma. Expression was normalized to GAPDH. All qPCR data shown are the composite of triplicate wells acquired from triplicate experiments. Error bars represent SD. *, P < 0.05 from SK-N-AS Cells, unpaired t test.
DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE AGE FOR ESTIMATING SITE INDEX OF Acacia hybrid PLANTATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIETNAM
Authors: Nguyen Chung Tan , Tran Ngoan Thi , Nguyen Them Van
Published: January 2024

This article introduces the research results of a site index classification for Acacia hybrid plantations in Dong Nai Province. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine a baseline age of Acacia hybrid plantations to establish their site indices and (ii) develop site index curves for Acacia hybrid plantations. Three standard plots were established for each age group of 1-10 years with 111 trees per plot; 108 trees were measured for the estimation of growth criteria. Three trees were used for tree truncation, and truncated trees did not count for the estimation of tree growth criteria. In this study, the site index (SI) for Acacia hybrid plantations was divided into three levels according to the total height of the dominant trees. The heights collected from 108 trees were used to build the functions of the SI, and three truncated trees were used to examine the possibilities of the functions of SI. Research results showed that the appropriate baseline age of Acacia hybrid plantations at Dong Nai Province is 8 years. The site indices of hybrid plantations were divided into three site levels of I, II, and III, corresponding to heights of 24, 20 and 16 m, respectively. To improve the effectiveness of Acacia hybrid plantation businesses, owners should focus on growing plantations at site index levels of I or II.
EFFECT OF POWDER AND LIQUID PREPARATIONS OF PROBIOTICS ON WHITE SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vannamei) GROWTH PERFORMANCE
Authors: Safitri Ratu - , Andriani Yuli - , Sunendi Sunendi , Iskandar Iskandar , Buwono Ibnu Dwi
Published: January 2024

Indonesia is the second largest supplier of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei, Boone 1931) in the USA market. Hence, the need for its sustainable production and improved growth. Probiotics, among others, are known for their growth enhancing attributes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of powder and liquid probiotics on the growth of white shrimps at the Minaloka Jaya shrimp ponds, Grabag District, Purwerojo Regency, Central Java. The shrimps were cultivated for 60 days and applied with three probiotic treatments, namely commercial liquid probiotics with dosage of 10 mL/kg feed, powder probiotics with dosage of 10 g/kg feed and liquid probiotic with dosage of 10 mL/kg feed. Each probiotic preparation was administered four times a day to over 150,000 vannamei shrimps which were cultured in a semi-intensive system. Probiotics in powder and liquid forms contain Lactobacillus fermentum, L acidophilus, L. plantarum, L, curvatus, Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis, and B. polimyxa. B. megaterium, B. coagulans, Pseudomonasputida, Nitrosomonas sp. and Nitrobacter sp. Using the Randomized Block Design (RBD), the three treatments were replicated five times. The application of probiotics in both powder and liquid forms had increased the growth yield of the vannamei shrimp. However, the powder probiotic had shown better growth performance than the commercial liquid probiotics and liquid preparation of probiotics. Probiotic powder form provides a specific growth rate (SGR) of 8.18%, absolute body length of 9.68 cm, absolute biomass of 6.78 g, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.93.
ANTIFUNGAL Citrus hystrix EXTRACT AS NATURAL FOOD PRESERVATIVE
Authors: Nisa Khoirun , Herawati Ervika Rahayu Novita , Nurhayati Septi , Rosyida Vita Taufika
Published: January 2024

During their storage, the traditional ready-to-eat food, such as sticky rice cake, are easily contaminated by spoilage pathogens. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of Citrus hystrix extract in reducing spoilage pathogens in sticky rice cake during storage. The experimental sticky rice cake was prepared and formulated with Citrus hystrix extract at varied level of concentrations of 0.65%, 1.26% and 1.82% (w/w). Treated samples were stored at room temperature for 28 days and evaluated periodically for their microbial activity (total plate count), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and sensory analysis. For its antifungal activity, the Citrus hystrix extract was also compared against Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus nidulans prior to formulation. Results exhibited a significant advantage of the added extracts to the sticky rice cake. All extract levels effectively eliminated the spoilage microorganism and significantly lowered the TBARS values. The physico-chemical properties of sticky rice cake including pH, water activity, and moisture content were equal among all the formulated samples and slightly different at 1.82% (w/w) extract level. Moreover, the addition of Citrus hystrix extract up to 1.82% did not affect the acceptability sensory attributes of the sticky rice cake as compared to the control which has no Citrus hystrix extracts (p > 0.05).
SEA RANCHING OF Holothuria atra: STOCKING DENSITY AND TIME
Authors: Hartati Retno , Ambariyanto Ambariyanto , Zainuri Muhammad , Widianingsih Widianingsih
Published: January 2024

Strong market demand and uncontrolled exploitation and/or the inadequate management of fisheries have caused many stocks of sea cucumbers to be overexploited. One suggested effort to overcome this problem is sea ranching. Stocking density is the most important consideration in sea cucumber rearing; therefore, this present work is aimed at elucidating the best stocking density for sea ranching of Holothuria atra. H. atra was taken from the Panjang Island, Jepara waters and reared in bottom cages in Teluk Awur waters, Jepara with a density of 30, 20, or 10 individuals per cage measuring 2 m Ã— 2 m Ã— 1.8 m (with bottom area of 4 m2). Stocking times of H. atra were at the initial time of cage installation, the second and the third months after installation. Bottom sediment characteristics (i.e., chlorophyll a, b, phaeophytin, and total carotene) of the sea cucumber habitat and water quality in the cages were measured monthly during the study. The results showed that growth of H. atra fluctuated; low stocking density yielded a higher weight gain than high stocking density did. The highest weight gain was present in the density of 10 individuals/cage in the second stocking month. The highest survival rate of H. atra was seen in the condition of 30 individuals/cage (93%) at the third stocking month, which means that these sea cucumbers were only reared for three months. The highest mortality occurred at a density of 20 individuals/cage with the survival rate being low (45%) at the first stocking time or in the fifth month of rearing. There was fission evidence among H. atra reared in the cages, resulting in smaller organisms. Among the water quality parameters, the concentration of chlorophyll a, b, phaeophytin, and carotene in the sediment fluctuated according to the time of sea cucumber rearing caused by their feeding and bioturbation. The study results suggested to stock H. atra at low density during the second stocking month to get higher growth.
BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL OF ENDOPHYTIC Aspergillus spp. AGAINST Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Campos Ron Patrick Cuagdan , Jacob James Kennard Sanz
Published: January 2024

Fusarium verticillioides is the causal agent of ear, stalk and root rot of maize that results in the severe reduction in yields and quality of infected products. Endophytic fungi have been purported as potential candidates in controlling pathogens since they are considered strong plant mutualists that confer disease resilience to their host. The present study was carried out to determine the in vitro antagonistic activity and biocontrol potential of endophytic Aspergillus spp. associated with P. amboinicus leaves against F. verticillioides. Three fungal endophytes from the genus Aspergillus were isolated and identified from the leaves of P. amboinicus, namely A. flavus, A. terreus and A. niger. The fungal isolates were tested for antagonism against F. verticillioides in dual culture plates. Results indicate that the Aspergillus endophytes can restrict growth of F. verticillioides and employ varying mechanisms of antagonism. A. niger inhibited F. verticillioides by 47.37%, followed by A. flavus (41.02%) and A. terreus (27.91%) respectively. Observations of dual culture plates revealed that A. flavus and A. niger antagonized the pathogen via overgrowth mechanism while A. terreus employed antibiosis to restrict the growth of F. verticillioides. The varying degrees of antagonism exhibited by the Aspergillus endophytes show their potential as biocontrol agents and source of bioactive compounds
Unexpected diversity and co-occurrence of phytotelmic frogs (Guibemantis) around Andasibe, one of the most intensively surveyed amphibian hotspots of Madagascar, and descriptions of three new species
Authors: GABRIEL HUGH , ROTHE LAILA-DENISE , KÖHLER JÖRN , RAKOTOMANGA SANDRATRA , EDMONDS DEVIN , GALÁN PEDRO , GLAW FRANK , LEHTINEN RICHARD M. , RAKOTOARISON ANDOLALAO , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: January 2024

The area around the Malagasy village of Andasibe, which includes Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park as well as other protected areas, is characterized by very species-rich and well-studied communities of animals and plants, but new species are still regularly discovered. Three species of phytotelmic frogs of the subgenus Pandanusicola in the genus Guibemantis are known from this area, G. flavobrunneus, G. liber, and G. pulcher. Further Pandanusicola frogs from this area have been provisionally assigned to G. bicalcaratus or G. albolineatus, pending detailed taxonomic review. During preliminary exploration of the ecology of these specialized frogs that live and reproduce in the leaf axils of Pandanus screw pines, we noticed the syntopic presence of two differently colored and differently sized Pandanusicola in Andasibe that could not be unambiguously assigned to any known species. A genetic screening revealed that these correspond to yet two further species in the area. Based on our data, seven species of Pandanusicola occur in Andasibe and nearby forests: (1) G. liber, the only non-phytotelmic species of the subgenus in the region; (2) G. flavobrunneus which is the largest species and characterized by a diagnostic yellowish brown dorsal pattern; (3) G. pulcher, characterized by translucent-green color with purplish brown spotting not observed in any other species in the area; (4) G. methueni, a brownish species usually lacking contrasted dorsolateral bands that differs from the other species in the area by emitting a characteristic trill-like advertisement call series (rather than clicks or chirps) and according to our data is widespread along Madagascar’s east coast; as well as three new species: (5) G. ambakoana sp. nov., a brownish species, typically with contrasted incomplete light dorsolateral bands and with single click-like advertisement calls; (6) G. vakoa sp. nov., a species that is equally brownish but lacks contrasted light dorsolateral bands and that has single click-like advertisement calls of very short duration; and (7) G. rianasoa sp. nov., a species that is smaller sized and has less distinct femoral glands than all the others, and emits a short series of soft chirp-like advertisement calls. All these species are genetically highly distinct, with >5% uncorrected pairwise distances in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, and lack of haplotype sharing in two nuclear-encoded genes. The co-occurrence of seven Pandanusicola frogs in a relatively small geographic area is unprecedented in Madagascar and calls for in-depth studies of a possible differentiation in habitat use and life history.
Description of two new species of Dinometa from East Africa with remarks on D. maputuana (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae, Lasiocampinae)
Authors: PROZOROV ALEXEY M. , PROZOROVA TATIANA A. , YAKOVLEV ROMAN V. , VOLKOVA JULIA S. , SALDAITIS AIDAS , SULAK HARALD , REVAY EDITA E. , MÜLLER GÜNTER C.
Published: January 2024

The genus Dinometa Aurivillius, 1927 (type species Gastroplakaeis maputuana Wichgraf, 1906) is reviewed, with two new species described: Dinometa ethani sp. n. from Tanzania and Dinometa abigailae sp. n. from Kenya and Tanzania. All Dinometa species showed no significant differences in male genitalia, but D. ethani sp. n. and D. abigailae sp. n. are allopatric with D. maputuana. D. abigailae sp. n. has specific reddish spots on hindwings that distinguishes it from closely distributed D. ethani sp. n. Two D. maputuana specimens collected at the same night and locality in the Republic of South Africa have an intraspecific variation of 1.52% in cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, while all barcoded D. maputuana are 2.43–2.74% distant from D. ethani sp. n. Adults, male genitalia and distribution maps of all three species are illustrated.
Contributions to the tribes Othiini and Xantholinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) of Türkiye from the Aegean Region
Authors: TÜRKMEN SENEM ÖZDEMİR , ŞİMŞEK BURCU ŞABANOĞLU , SERT OSMAN
Published: January 2024

The main object of this study is to make contributions to the Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) fauna of Türkiye with additional records from tribes Othiini and Xantholinini and a new species of Xantholinus Dejean, 1821. Examined material was composed of specimens collected from the Aegean Region between 2019–2022. A total of 18 species were recorded, belonging to nine genera and two tribes. Three of these are new records for Aegean Region. Furthermore, a new species, Xantholinus (Calolinus) manisaensis sp. n., is described from Manisa province. Description of the new species, photographs of habitus, genital segment and aedeagus as well as a differential diagnosis are also provided. The global distributions of the above species are included, and the zoogeographic status of each species is discussed. Previous records from the study area are compared to and evaluated with our findings. The majority of the collected species were European and Asian in distribution, reflecting the regional character and geographical position of Türkiye. It can be concluded that climate change has negatively affected biodiversity and with species loss as a possible result.
First record of Mythicomyia Coquillett, 1983 from Colombia with description of a new species of Mythicomyia (Heterhybos) Brèthes, 1919 (Diptera: Mythicomyiidae: Mythicomyiinae) and an updated key to South American species
Authors: RAMOS-PASTRANA YARDANY , ROJAS-PORTILLA EDILBERTO , EVENHUIS NEAL L
Published: January 2024

Mythicomyia Coquillett (1893) has a disjunct distribution (presence in every biogeographical region with the exception of the Palearctic) and is a poorly studied group in the Neotropical Region, and completely unknown in Colombia. Its subgenus Heterhybos Brèthes has a Nearctic and Neotropical distribution. Of the nine species in the Neotropical Region (in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay), all occur in Chile and only one in Argentina and Uruguay. A new species of Mythicomyia (Heterhybos) is here described from Colombia: Mythicomyia (Heterhybos) bilobata sp. nov. (type-locality: Liborina, La Sucia). Illustrations of the new species, dichotomous key (males and females) and distribution map of the South American species are also presented.
Synapion (Giustiapion) benedikti Giusto, Košťál and Holecová, a new species from Albania and Greece (Coleoptera, Apionidae)
Authors: GIUSTO CARLO , KOŠŤÁL MICHAEL , HOLECOVÁ MILADA
Published: January 2024

Synapion (Giustiapion) benedikti Giusto, Košťál and Holecová n. sp. from Albania and Greece (♂♀; type locality: Central Greece: Kaliakouda Mts.: Aniáda env.) is described. It is compared with Synapion (Giustiapion) falzonii (Schatzmayr, 1922) and Synapion (Giustiapion) perraudieri (Desbrochers des Loges, 1884) and a key to the three species is presented.
The genus Zhengitettix Liang, 1994 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Scelimeninae) from Thailand, with description of a new species
Authors: DAWWRUENG PATTARAWICH , VITHEEPRADIT AKEKAWAT
Published: January 2024

Four species of the genus Zhengitettix Liang, 1994 from Thailand are listed. A new distribution of Z. albitarsus Storozhenko, 2013 is reported from Ratchaburi Province in the Tenasserim Range with a coloration description of live specimens. Z. binduseni sp. nov. is described from Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. This new species is easily distinguished from other member in this genus by the larger body size, the fastigium of vertex between eyes distinctly narrower toward end, the slender and long spines of lower part of lateral lobe of pronotum which slightly upward in male, and almost straight in female, and the shaped of female subgenital plate with shallow transversal creases. The updated key to all species occurring in Thailand is provided here.
The politics of commerce in eighteenth-century Bengal: A reappraisal
Authors: Karak Anirban
Published: January 2024

This article broaches a simple question: Was there a politics of commerce within Bengali society in the eighteenth century, or was such politics limited to disputes between the British East India Company (EIC) and the Bengal nawabs? I begin by discussing the literature on markets in eighteenth-century Bengal and argue that the relationship between commerce and politics has been too narrowly defined in this body of work. A one-sided focus on determining the impact of the early colonial state, coupled with an uncritical acceptance of Peter Marshall’s Namierite story about the origins of the British empire, has led historians to downplay ideological conflicts within the EIC and British society. To show why these divisions matter, I build on the recent work of James Vaughn and Spencer Leonard, who have shown that between 1750 and 1770, political and ideological conflicts in both Britain and Bengal had far-reaching effects on the character of the British empire. Through an extended discussion of a dispute over market access in 1778 in the city of Calcutta, I show that petty merchants and shopkeepers often opposed arbitrary impositions by regional elites. To fully understand the motivations behind such challenges, I argue that we need to seriously consider divisions within Bengali society as well: namely, the reproduction of caste hierarchies through differential access to markets (and land).
Caste, food and colonialism: ‘Outcaste’ domestics in the European houses of Madras Presidency
Authors: Gunasekaran S.
Published: January 2024

This article argues that in the Madras Presidency, the caste Hindus treated both the European masters and their ‘outcaste’ domestic servants as impure due to their shared practice of beef-eating. This, consequently, fostered a relationship of mutual dependence between them. Although not all servants participated in the preparation of food in European houses, they had to deal with beef in one way or another, such as purchasing and serving it, or simply working with the people who ate beef. Therefore, a willingness to handle beef was one of the essential criteria for employment in colonial bungalows that benefitted the outcastes exclusively. These new employment opportunities under colonialism created an educated ‘higher-class’ among them. This class later played a pivotal role in organising the outcastes and advocating for their rights. Though dependent on each other, the relationship between Europeans and their outcaste servants was not always cordial; there was tension inherent in it. The article further posits that attempts to maintain European racial and cultural dominance did not always succeed in the domestic sphere.
Fuwuyuan on Film: Cinema, Socialist Education, and Service Labor from the Great Leap Forward to Reform and Opening Up
Authors: Healy Gavin
Published: January 2024

As industrial and agricultural production kicked into overdrive during the Great Leap Forward, so too did cinematic production. Factories and agricultural collectives promoted labor models, and the film industry created new cinematic models of heroic production workers. At the same time, valorization of production labor heightened the alienation of workers in the “nonproductive” service sector. To address this situation, service sector work units nominated their own model workers, and the film industry brought tales of service workers to audiences nationwide. Through a close reading of three such films— Fuwuyuan 服务员 (1958), produced during the Great Leap Forward; Manyi bu manyi 满意不满意 (1963), produced just after the Great Leap Forward; and Duan panzi de guniang 端盘子的姑娘 (1981), produced shortly after the implementation of market reforms—this article charts the evolution of cinematic discourse on the value of service work in the economy and society of socialist and early post-socialist China.
Absenteeism Among Nurses: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Past 25 Years of Research
Authors: Khateeb Fatima Riyaz
Published: January 2024

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare has been pushed to the limits. Nursing staff, being an essential aspect of healthcare, has had to bear the brunt of the situation. And as such, in the context of healthcare, the absenteeism of nurses is of great concern. Consequently, there is, in present times, a great need for research into absenteeism, its incidence, precedents and antecedents. This bibliometric review contributes to the literature by examining how the research has been carried out by identifying the relevant references, authors, topics and journals. Having compiled major research, in the last 25 years, in the field of nurse absenteeism, this review seeks to lay the groundwork for prospective research in the field. Analysing 87 articles published globally since 1996, this article reveals the contours of research by indicating the locales of the undertaken research, locating it within various themes and conceptual clusters. The article also reviews the antecedents of nurse absenteeism as indicated in the research. This review has been conducted in view of the near absence of bibliometric work in the field of nurse absenteeism. In systematizing the published literature, the state of the present research and the contours of future research are also laid out.
Decoding Gen Y Online Shopping Patterns: A Model-based Study
Authors: Sakshi Shivam , Gao Yuhui , Rana Sudhir , Ravichandran Sabari Shankar , Kharub Manjeet , Jasim K. Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Consumer decision-making has been examined extensively by both marketers and researchers. This examination is not only instrumental in identifying market challenges and opportunities but also in strategizing to address these profitably. This particular study aims to fill such a research void by exploring and analysing the factors that contribute to understanding consumer decision-making styles, specifically in the context of online apparel shopping among Indian Generation Y consumers. A sample of 335 Generation Y consumers was surveyed, and exploratory factor analysis was carried out using SPSS 26 to identify the dominant decision-making styles. Following this, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using SPSS AMOS to validate the existence of the model. The outcomes of this study indicate that the decision-making styles of Generation Y are significantly influenced by multiple factors including website quality consciousness, hedonic and incentive motivations, societal and external circumstances, as well as novelty orientation and impulsiveness.
cMercury: Finding Returns in Precision Marketing
Authors: Jeesha Krishnan , Purani Keyoor
Published: January 2024

This case stems from a 2019 scenario at Caspar Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a rapidly growing digital marketing and automation service provider in India. CEO Jacob faced concern after presenting to a major client, Pragati, the founder of Villuvia.com, one of India’s top online jewellery brands. While email marketing had been a core strategy since the beginning, its return on investment had dwindled compared to social media advertising, exacerbated by a recent overhaul introducing a new digital marketing team. They excelled in social media but were new to email marketing software. Caspar Technologies unveiled cMercury, an AI-based technology to streamline email marketing campaigns. Although initial tests showed promise, it came at a five-fold cost compared to traditional email management software, which demanded extensive manual intervention. Jacob considered offering Villuvia a discount for the festive season but awaited Pragati’s decision. This would determine whether their budget would be allocated to email marketing, social media, or offline expansion. This case allows students to delve into email marketing intricacies, assess metrics and make quantitative evaluations. It also presents a platform for qualitative discussions on managerial dilemmas, like evaluating the digital team’s capabilities, prioritizing customer acquisition or retention and gauging the long-term viability of AI-powered email communication.
Maledia Broadcasting: Getting Ready to Go on Air
Authors: Purani Keyoor , Premi Priya , Thomas Joffi
Published: January 2024

This case focuses on the positioning strategy development for a new regional television channel of Maledia Broadcasting Network (MBN), a venture of the Kerala-based media group from India, Model Publication Trust. It also introduces the concept of perceptual maps for brand positioning and addresses brand extension.

In 2011, MBN prepared to launch a Malayalam news channel. Samjad, Deputy CEO of the new company, faced the challenge of determining the channel’s positioning strategy. This task involved not only differentiation but also redefining competition in India’s dynamic and competitive broadcasting industry. The decision would impact marketing aspects such as the brand name and channel identity.

This case offers opportunities to explore qualitative aspects of audience behaviour beyond competitive data, helping marketing students gain insights and analyse the competitive landscape in the industry to make strategic marketing decisions.