bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravity support from a robotic exoskeleton increases spontaneous use of the nondominant upper extremity during a choice reaching task
Authors: Culp Seraphina A. , DiRocco Shawn J. , Brunfeldt Alexander T. , Casas Rafael , Lum Peter S.
Published: October 2024

We have shown that gravity support from a robotic exoskeleton increases use of the left arm of right-handed healthy participants. Prior work has shown similar results when movements of one arm are amplified in a virtual environment. The advantage of this approach is the potential to apply the intervention during functional task practice outside of the VR environment or during performance of actual activities of daily living (ADL).
A translational approach for understanding hyperalgesia: What has the high-frequency electrical stimulation model taught us?
Authors: van den Broeke Emanuel N.
Published: October 2024

This Mini-Review is based on the following article: Meijs S, Andreis FR, Janjua TAM, Graven-Nielsen T, Jensen W. High-frequency electrical stimulation increases cortical excitability and mechanical sensitivity in a chronic large animal model. Pain. August 13, 2024. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003354. High-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of C-fiber nociceptors induces long-term potentiation (LTP) at the first spinal synapse. This spinal LTP is believed to play a role in the amplification of pain. However, the effects of HFS are probably not restricted to the spinal cord. This study by Meijs et al. (2024) showed that HFS increases cortical responses to noxious stimuli in a porcine model. Are these increased cortical responses a correlate of spinal LTP and do we observe the same in humans?
Bacteriuria Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Dansoa Constancia S. , Anaba Nicholas Y. , Zangine Richard T. , Kodji Christine , Bonsu Frank A. , Abbiw Gideon O. , Acheampong Isaac , Wireko Solomon , Domfeh Seth A.
Published: October 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at increased risk of infections, such as malignant otitis externa and rhinocerebral mucormycosis, with the urinary tract being the most affected (for example, emphysematous pyelonephritis commonly caused by Escherichia coli). Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of bacteriuria and antibiogram patterns of bacteria isolates among T2DM patients visiting the Ejisu Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. In this cross‐sectional study, 58 patients visiting the hospital for routine healthcare were conveniently recruited after obtaining informed consent. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and medical history were obtained using pretested structured questionnaires. Mid‐stream urine was collected for bacteria isolation and identification using standard bacterial culture and biochemical tests. Bacteria cultures ≥ 105 CFU/mL were considered significant bacteriuria. The antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the bacteria isolates were evaluated using the Kirby‐Bauer disc diffusion method. Bacteriuria was recorded among 15.5% (9/58) of the patients, mainly those with no previous history (77.8%) and no symptoms (55.6%) of urinary tract infections (UTIs). E. coli (55.6%) and Klebsiella spp. (44.6%) were primarily isolated from the T2DM patients. All the bacteria isolates (E. coli and Klebsiella spp.) demonstrated the highest resistance to co‐trimoxazole and tetracycline (55.6%) and a complete susceptibility to amikacin and levofloxacin (100%). However, 60% of the E. coli isolates and 25% of the Klebsiella isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR; resistant to at least one antibiotic agent in three or more antimicrobial categories). The study shows that T2DM patients have bacteria in their urine which are resistant to most common antibiotics, even among those with no history of UTIs; hence, routine bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing among T2DM patients is recommended for better patient management to reduce the co‐morbidities of UTIs.
Color and Grey‐Level Co‐Occurrence Matrix Analysis for Predicting Sensory and Biochemical Traits in Sweet Potato and Potato
Authors: Nantongo Judith Ssali , Serunkuma Edwin , Burgos Gabriela , Nakitto Mariam , Kitalikyawe Joseph , Mendes Thiago , Davrieux Fabrice , Ssali Reuben
Published: October 2024

In sweet potato and potato, sensory traits are critical for acceptance by consumers, growers, and traders, hence underpinning the success or failure of a new cultivar. A quick analytical method for the sensory traits could expedite the selection process in breeding programs. In this paper, the relationship between sensory panel and instrumental color plus texture features was evaluated. Results have shown a high correlation between the sensory panel and instrumental color in both sweet potato (up to r = 0.84) and potato (r > 0.78), implying that imaging is a potential alternative to the sensory panel for color scoring. High correlations between sensory panel aroma and flavor with instrumental color were detected (up to r = 0.66), although the validity of these correlations needs to be tested. With instrumental color and texture parameters as predictors, low to moderate accuracy was detected in the machine learning models developed to predict sensory panel traits. Overall, the performance of the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost) was comparable to the radial‐based support vector machine (NL‐SVM) algorithm, and these could be used for the initial selection of genotypes for aromas and flavors (r2 = 0.64–0.72) and texture attributes like moisture or mealiness (r2 > 50). Among the chemical properties screened in sweet potato, only starch showed a moderate correlation with sensory features like mealiness (r = 0.54) and instrumental color (r = 0.65). From the results, we can conclude that the instrumental scores of color are equivalent to those scored by the sensory panel, and the former could be adopted for quick analysis. Further investigations may be required to understand the association between color and aroma or flavor.
Investigating Helical Hypersurfaces Within 7‐Dimensional Euclidean Space
Authors: Güler Erhan
Published: October 2024

Differential geometry of a kind of helical hypersurface family that depends on six parameters within the seven‐dimensional Euclidean space is explored. The curvatures of these hypersurfaces are determined, and their minimality is examined, along with illustrative examples being provided. Lastly, the Laplace–Beltrami operator for that kind of hypersurfaces is calculated.
Molecular and Serological Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Dairy Cattle From Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Mukter , Rahman Md. Masudur , Rahman Md. Mahfujur , Hossain Hemayet , Begum Ruhena , Chowdhury Md. Shahidur Rahman , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Uddin Md Bashir
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in dairy cattle using ELISA and PCR techniques. A total of 500 samples (250 blood and 250 milk) were collected from various farms in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The seroprevalence was found to be 5.6% in blood samples, with PCR confirming 1.60% and 2.80% positivity in blood and milk samples, respectively. These findings highlight the zoonotic potential and public health significance of M. tuberculosis in cattle, suggesting a need for integrated One Health surveillance.
Crosswind and Vortex Usages for Electricity Production Enhancement of Solar Updraft Tower
Authors: Boonloi Amnart , Sudsanguan Anan , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: October 2024

This research presents an improvement to the traditional solar updraft tower, which relies solely on solar energy and cannot operate continuously throughout the day. The enhancement involves a hybrid energy approach by installing a vortex generator at the top of the tower to convert crosswinds into a vortex flow at the chimney’s top. This modification induces an updraft within the tower, enabling it to generate electricity continuously, even at night when there is no sunlight. The aim is to enable the solar updraft tower to harness crosswind energy without altering the tower’s main structure. This involves developing a vortex generator from a unidirectional wind intake design to a three‐directional intake, enhancing the feasibility of commercial installation. Additionally, various designs and heights of vortex generators were developed, considering different crosswind speeds (2, 4, 6, and 8 m/s). The research utilizes the finite element method, along with real model construction, to validate the reliability of the study’s findings. The results indicate that the updraft speed is directly proportional to the crosswind speed. From a physical standpoint, the vortex generator with a height equal to D produced the best results in all experiments. The square, cylindrical, and diffuser shapes increased the wind speed inside the chimney by 60%, 41%, and 48%, respectively. These results from various shapes provide effective design and development guidelines for the future commercial use of vortex generators.
Perceptual Health and Wellbeing, Self‐Reported Sleep, and Hydration Status in Youth Soccer Players During Competition
Authors: King Michael , Kimble Rachel , Brown Matthew , McCafferty Seamus , Lithgow Hannah
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess match time courses on hydration, wellness, and sleep as well as the interrelationship between these variables in youth national soccer players.

Materials and Methods: Under‐17 and under‐19 youth national soccer players (age range: 16.96 ± 1.17 years) completed a perceptual wellness questionnaire, self‐reported their sleep, and carried out hydration assessments each morning during a period of competitive match play.

Results: Players reported having significantly more sleep leading into the day of a match (MD) compared to both the evening after a match (MD‐2; p < 0.001; CI = 7.972 and 8.212) and the evening before a match (MD‐1; p < 0.001; CI = 7.996 and 8.174). Furthermore, players reported better health and wellbeing scores on MD compared to both MD‐1 (p < 0.001; CI = 19.231 and 19.692) and MD‐2 (p < 0.001; CI = 18.911 and 19.489). When self‐reported sleep was correlated with the individual components of health and wellbeing, it was highlighted that there were significant effects for fatigue (r = 0.304, p < 0.001; CI = 0.250 and 0.383), mood (r = 0.170, p < 0.001; CI = 0.112 and 0.243), general muscle soreness (r = 0.225, p < 0.001; CI = 0.162 and 0.306), and stress (r = 0.203, p < 0.001; CI = 0.147 and 0.274).

Conclusion: It is important to consider sleep strategies to mitigate the potential impact of lack of sleep following match play. Self‐reported sleep seems to be appropriate for estimating individual components of health and wellbeing, and therefore may be a suitable replacement for perceptual wellness questionnaires.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Public Acceptance of Air Taxis in South Korea
Authors: Park Ansun , Lee Seungmin
Published: October 2024

Air taxis, a core service within urban air mobility (UAM), have the potential to enhance user satisfaction and address societal challenges such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution. However, the success of this service is often hindered by various concerns. To ensure successful implementation, we investigate the factors influencing public acceptance of air taxis. This study distinguishes itself from previous research in three key aspects. First, it introduces a novel classification of the factors into individual and societal dimensions. Second, it is among the first to apply a value‐based adoption model to understand the intention to adopt air taxis, including UAM. Third, it uniquely considers the Korean perspective, unlike most existing studies that focus on Western cultural contexts. To identify the consumers’ perceptions, we conducted interviews with experts and surveyed a sample of 1,000 members of the general public in Korea. Our findings suggest that perceived value for society, as well as perceived value for individual users, significantly influences adoption intention. We discuss both academic insights and practical implications for policy and industry, supporting the commercialization of Korean UAM (K‐UAM) promoted by the Korean government.
Progressive Detection of Uncertainty in Natural Language Processing Using a Labeled Variable Dimension Kalman Filter
Authors: K. Lingaraj , Supreeth S. , T. Yerriswamy , P. Dayananda , S. Rohith , G. Shruthi
Published: October 2024

Owing to rapid advancements in information and communication technology, natural language processing (NLP) methods have attracted considerable attention. Estimating uncertainty is a well‐established problem in NLP. Developing systems capable of automatically detecting uncertain terms within a natural language is critical for developing effective text‐analysis algorithms. Consequently, several NLP tools have been developed for this purpose. However, there are several obstacles to the design of fast and effective NLP technologies that effectively analyze ambiguous terms in natural languages. This work focuses on a particular method for detecting uncertainty, termed progressive detection, which can be accomplished using a dynamic probabilistic graphical model to solve these challenges. We iteratively upgraded the Kalman Filter to Labeled Variable Dimension Kalman Filter (LVDKF) based on observations from real datasets. The LVDKF learns two basic features from positive and negative words. The formula was then derived using a dynamic detection system, designed based on conditional probability. Finally, we simulated progressive detection experimental conditions and assessed the LVDKF on two publicly available datasets. It performs better than the baseline methods in these tests, which shows that it is effective at detecting changes over time.
Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among All Ages in 2023 in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Xue-Kai , Xu Mei-Yan , Bai Ming-Jian , Shang Lei , Ma Qin-Yi , Liang Guo-Wei , Lu Qing-Bin
Published: October 2024

Few studies have investigated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection across all age groups in the postpandemic era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of RSV in all ages in Beijing during 2023. Medical records and RSV testing results of outpatients and inpatients from March to December in 2023 were extracted from the Aerospace Center Hospital. Among 8594 patients, the detection rate of RSV was 4.44% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.02%−4.90%). The detection rates of RSV in patients aged ≤5 years, 5–18 years, 18–60 years, and >60 years were 19.06%, 4.72%, 1.86%, and 1.78% (p  < 0.001), respectively. The peak month for RSV detection rate was in May (15.1%), followed by April (10.9%). RSV detection rate declined sharply in patients aged ≤20 years (annual percent change [APC] = −68.32, 95% CI = −81.6 to −45.5, p = 0.002) and then maintained at a steady level (APC = 0.49, 95% CI = −14.5–18.1, p = 0.944). In April and May, children had higher RSV detection rates than adult in both the pneumonia and nonpneumonia groups (p  < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that younger children (odds ratio [OR] = 13.775, 95% CI 10.339–18.354 for ≤5 years’ group; OR = 2.675, 95% CI 1.859–3.849 for 5–18 years’ group compared to the >60 years’ group) and those tested after September (OR = 1.317, 95% CI 1.050–1.653) had higher RSV detection rates. The COVID‐19 epidemic had a temporary effect on RSV transmission, delaying the peak of RSV detection rate in children but not in adults.
Increased Incidence of Rhinovirus Pneumonia in Children During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Ortega-Vargas Fanny Yasmin , Herrera-González Aldo Agustin , Díaz-Torres Ilen Adriana , Cabrera-Takane Isamu Daniel , Bautista-Carbajal Patricia , García-León Miguel Leonardo , Noyola Daniel E. , Juárez-Tobías María Susana , Tabla-Orozco Verónica , Martínez-Arce Pedro Antonio , Espinosa-Sotero María del Carmen , Martínez-Aguilar Gerardo , Rojas-Larios Fabian , Salazar-Soto Luis Alfonso , Wong-Chew Rosa María
Published: October 2024

Background: Human rhinovirus (HRV), traditionally recognized as the primary etiological agent of the common cold, has become the second most important viral agent in bronchopulmonary conditions, such as pneumonia and asthma exacerbations. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, several viruses exhibited changes in their epidemiological behavior. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with HRV pneumonia before and during the pandemic in Mexico.

Methods: A comparative ambispective longitudinal epidemiological study of two cohorts (prepandemic and pandemic periods) was carried out. Two databases were compared: one from 2010 to 2013 and the other from 2021 to 2023. Children under 5 years of age diagnosed with HRV pneumonia were included. Student’s t‐test, χ2 tests, and logistic regression were used to assess risk factors associated with severe pneumonia. Incidence density was calculated as HRV cases per 10 new cases of pneumonia per month for each year.

Results: During the pandemic, the age of presentation shifted from 5 months to 16 months. There was a higher incidence of HRV pneumonia in children during the pandemic, particularly in the second half of 2021, with a peak in July and August. In addition, there was an increase in severity (53% vs. 63%, p = 0.006) and coinfections (51.3% vs. 76% p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of all risk factors was observed in the second cohort.

Conclusions: During the pandemic, a shift toward older age, a higher percentage of coinfections, and increased severity associated to HRV pneumonia were observed. These findings highlight the need for the development and implementation of targeted prevention and treatment measures for HRV.
Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties of Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle Juice Extracts: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ampem Danso Eunice E. , Dotse Eunice , Aning Abigail , Philips Trudy , Hamidu Sherif , Ampofo Janet
Published: October 2024

Introduction:Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD), also known as bitter leaf, is widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. The presence of bioactive compounds in VAD is believed to be responsible for its characteristic bitterness. In Ghana, it is a common practice to mitigate the bitterness of VAD by combining it with Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (lime) juice extracts, although this method lacks scientific evidence and documentation. Therefore, the antioxidant and anticancer activities of VAD and lime juice extracts (V5) and their combined effects were evaluated in vitro.

Method: The antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects of VAD extracts were determined against Jurkat, MCF‐7, HepG2, and PNT2 cells using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to quantify antioxidant activity and the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess cytotoxicity. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Linear regression was employed to determine the correlation between the concentration and the percentage of antioxidant activity, while p values were calculated using Student’s t‐test.

Results: The laboratory analysis focused on the extracts V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. Briefly, V1 and V2 contained equal amounts of saponins and terpenoids. Among these, V2 exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity, as indicated by an EC50 value of 2.14 ± 0.06 mg/mL. V2 also demonstrated cytotoxicity against the MCF‐7, HepG2, Jurkat, and PNT2 cell lines. On the other hand, V3 and V4 did not show any cytotoxic effects across all tested cell lines. In contrast, V5 was toxic to HepG2 and MCF‐7 cells but had no cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cell lines. V2 exhibited dose‐dependent cytotoxicity (0–1000 μg/mL), with the strongest inhibition observed against Jurkat cells (IC50 value = 96.341 μg/mL) and a selective index of 3.567. The difference in activity between the extracts from different parts of the plant and the extract combined with lime juice was significant (p < 0.05), indicating a synergistic effect of the phytochemicals in both VAD and lime juice.

Conclusion: V2 and V5 demonstrated a remarkable antioxidant property, and they are effective in inhibiting cancer cell lines, respectively.
Supplementary Table S6 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S6: Clinicopathological characteristics of n=39 dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS). Summary features of the cohort. For continuous variables, the median, minimum (min) and maximum (max) values are indicated. For categorical variables, count and percentage are shown.
Supplementary Table S1 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S1: Matrisome and adhesome proteins identified across the soft tissue sarcoma (STS) cohort. Table showing annotation of proteins according to matrisome and integrin adhesome databases and the breakdown into functional matrisome and adhesome categories.
Supplementary Methods S1 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplemental Methods
Supplementary Figure S8 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S8. Association of the proteoglycan gene expression score with survival outcomes in The Cancer Genome Atlas sarcoma (TCGA- SARC) cohort.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S3. Expression of matrisome proteins in a desmoid tumour cohort (n=37) split into 3 groups based on the % tumour content.
Supplementary Figure S8 from IL2 Targeted to CD8+ T Cells Promotes Robust Effector T-cell Responses and Potent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Moynihan Kelly D. , Kumar Manu P. , Sultan Hussein , Pappas Danielle C. , Park Terrence , Chin S. Michael , Bessette Paul , Lan Ruth Y. , Nguyen Henry C. , Mathewson Nathan D. , Ni Irene , Chen Wei , Lee Yonghee , Liao-Chan Sindy , Chen Jessie , Schumacher Ton N.M. , Schreiber Robert D. , Yeung Yik A. , Djuretic Ivana M.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S8: Differential expression by treatment.
Supplementary Figure S5 from IL2 Targeted to CD8+ T Cells Promotes Robust Effector T-cell Responses and Potent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Moynihan Kelly D. , Kumar Manu P. , Sultan Hussein , Pappas Danielle C. , Park Terrence , Chin S. Michael , Bessette Paul , Lan Ruth Y. , Nguyen Henry C. , Mathewson Nathan D. , Ni Irene , Chen Wei , Lee Yonghee , Liao-Chan Sindy , Chen Jessie , Schumacher Ton N.M. , Schreiber Robert D. , Yeung Yik A. , Djuretic Ivana M.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S5: Anti-tumor activity of CD8-mIL2 in combination with anti-PD-1 in B16F10, 1956, MCA-205, and KP.mLama4 tumor models.
Supplementary Figure S4 from IL2 Targeted to CD8+ T Cells Promotes Robust Effector T-cell Responses and Potent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Moynihan Kelly D. , Kumar Manu P. , Sultan Hussein , Pappas Danielle C. , Park Terrence , Chin S. Michael , Bessette Paul , Lan Ruth Y. , Nguyen Henry C. , Mathewson Nathan D. , Ni Irene , Chen Wei , Lee Yonghee , Liao-Chan Sindy , Chen Jessie , Schumacher Ton N.M. , Schreiber Robert D. , Yeung Yik A. , Djuretic Ivana M.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S4: Further characterization of CD8-mIL2 activity in mouse tumor models.
TABLE 1 from Combinatorial Natural Killer Cell–based Immunotherapy Approaches Selectively Target Chordoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hoke Austin T.K. , Padget Michelle R. , Fabian Kellsye P. , Nandal Anjali , Gallia Gary L. , Bilusic Marijo , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: October 2024

Six chordoma cell lines; established from 3 from clival tumor patients (UM-Chor1, MUG-CC1, UM-Chor5), and 3 sacral tumor patients (JHC7, U-CH1, U-CH2) were analyzed by flow cytometry to quantify expression surface markers MHC-I/HLA-A,B,C, PD-L1, and EGFR. Cell surface expression of each marker is reported in % positive cells and MFI.
Supplementary Data from In Silico Epitope Prediction Analyses Highlight the Potential for Distracting Antigen Immunodominance with Allogeneic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: James C. Alston , Ronning Peter , Cullinan Darren , Cotto Kelsy C. , Barnell Erica K. , Campbell Katie M. , Skidmore Zachary L. , Sanford Dominic E. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Gillanders William E. , Griffith Obi L. , Hawkins William G. , Griffith Malachi
Published: October 2024

Table S1, Figures S1-S3
FIGURE 5 from Combinatorial Natural Killer Cell–based Immunotherapy Approaches Selectively Target Chordoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hoke Austin T.K. , Padget Michelle R. , Fabian Kellsye P. , Nandal Anjali , Gallia Gary L. , Bilusic Marijo , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: October 2024

Chordoma patients’ NK cells mediate significant lysis of chordoma cells and are enhanced with N-601 (anti-PD-L1), cetuximab (anti-EGFR), and N-803 (IL15 superagonist). Two chordoma cell lines (UM-Chor1, JHC7) were used as targets for healthy donor NK cells or chordoma patient NK cells in 111In-release killing assays. Combination treatment assays were performed by co-incubating chordoma cells with N-601 (A), cetuximab (B), or isotype control antibody (A and B) where indicated. Healthy donor NK cells (A and B), treatment-naïve chordoma patient (CP1(n)) NK cells (A and B), or previously-treated chordoma patient (CP2(io)) NK cells (A and B) were treated with N-803 where indicated and used as effectors. All E:T ratios are 20:1. Statistical analyses were done by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test. *P d 0.05, **P d 0.01, ***P d 0.001, ****P d 0.0001. Results shown are the means ± SEM of technical triplicate measurements and are representative of two independent experiments with recurrent chordoma patients and one experiment with a treatment-naïve chordoma patient.
FIGURE 3 from In Silico Epitope Prediction Analyses Highlight the Potential for Distracting Antigen Immunodominance with Allogeneic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: James C. Alston , Ronning Peter , Cullinan Darren , Cotto Kelsy C. , Barnell Erica K. , Campbell Katie M. , Skidmore Zachary L. , Sanford Dominic E. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Gillanders William E. , Griffith Obi L. , Hawkins William G. , Griffith Malachi
Published: October 2024

Shared neoantigen analysis in melanoma. A, Single Iteration of a simulated clinical trial using TCGA's melanoma (SKCM) cohort. The count of each patient's (n = 30) protein-altering somatic variants and predicted neoantigens are shown in the top left panel. Quantification of each designated “vaccine” sample, both individually (n = 3) and as a pooled “Vaccine” are provided in the top right panel. Shared variants and predicted neoantigens by cell-based and lysate-based analysis are shown in the bottom panel. B, Lysate-based neoantigen analysis of melanoma simulated clinical trial. Ten clinical trials in melanoma were simulated analyzing a total of 300 patients. The total number of shared neoantigens that each patient shared with the vaccine, by lysate-based analysis, is shown in the left. In patients who had one or more shared neoantigens with the vaccine, the identity and frequency of each neoantigen is shown in the right. C, Cell-based neoantigen analysis of melanoma simulated clinical trial. Ten clinical trials in melanoma were simulated analyzing a total of 300 patients. The total number of shared neoantigens that each patient shared with the vaccine, by cell-based analysis, is shown in the left. In patients who had one or more shared neoantigens with the vaccine, the identity and frequency of each neoantigen is shown in the right.
Figure S3 from A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Khandagale Prashant , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Roper Nitin , Reinhold William C. , Robey Robert W. , Takebe Naoko , Gottesman Michael M. , Thomas Craig J. , Boeva Valentina , Berruti Alfredo , Abate Andrea , Tamburello Mariangela , Sigala Sandra , Hantel Constanze , Weigand Isabel , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: October 2024

Supplement Figure 3 related to Figure 8
Figure 3 from A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Khandagale Prashant , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Roper Nitin , Reinhold William C. , Robey Robert W. , Takebe Naoko , Gottesman Michael M. , Thomas Craig J. , Boeva Valentina , Berruti Alfredo , Abate Andrea , Tamburello Mariangela , Sigala Sandra , Hantel Constanze , Weigand Isabel , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: October 2024

Comparison of gene expression of CU-ACC cell lines and original PDXs. A, Overall correlation between gene expression in the cancer cell lines evaluated at the NCI and CU and their corresponding PDXs. Areas shaded in gray highlight the grouping of corresponding ACC cell lines and PDXs. B, Examples of coherent genes. Univariate analysis scatterplot of ABCB1 (MDR1) transcriptional expression level vs. ABCG2 (BCRP) and CYP21A2 transcriptional expression level vs. CYP11B1 transcriptional expression level. C, Example of differentially expressed genes related to cellular proliferation for the CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC2 cell lines and corresponding PDXs.
Figure 1 from A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Khandagale Prashant , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Roper Nitin , Reinhold William C. , Robey Robert W. , Takebe Naoko , Gottesman Michael M. , Thomas Craig J. , Boeva Valentina , Berruti Alfredo , Abate Andrea , Tamburello Mariangela , Sigala Sandra , Hantel Constanze , Weigand Isabel , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: October 2024

Overview of the datasets and reproducibility of ACC CellMiner. A, URL and snapshot of the website for ACC_CellMinerCDB. B, Summary of the molecular and drug activity data for cell lines, patient-derived mouse xenografts, and surgical samples included in ACC CellMiner. For each type of molecular and drug data, numbers indicate how many genes or drugs are included. Gray boxes indicate items with no data. C, Table of samples overlapping between datasets (top) and cell lines included in each dataset (bottom). D, Distribution of gene expression correlation between “ACC NCI plus surgical” and “ACC Colorado plus PDX” data sets. E, CTNNB1, IGF2, and NR5A1 gene expressions in the two data sets are plotted, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients are shown at the top of the plots. *Only the TVBF-7 cell line has methylation data.
Data from Combinatorial Natural Killer Cell–based Immunotherapy Approaches Selectively Target Chordoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hoke Austin T.K. , Padget Michelle R. , Fabian Kellsye P. , Nandal Anjali , Gallia Gary L. , Bilusic Marijo , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: October 2024

Chordoma is a rare tumor derived from notochord remnants that has a propensity to recur and metastasize despite conventional multimodal treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are implicated in chordoma's resistant and recurrent behavior; thus, strategies that target CSCs are of particular interest. Using in vitro cytotoxicity models, we demonstrated that anti-programmed death ligand 1 (anti–PD-L1; N-601) and anti-EGFR (cetuximab) antibodies enhanced lysis of chordoma cells by healthy donor and chordoma patient NK cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Treatment of NK cells with an IL15 superagonist complex (N-803) increased their cytotoxicity against chordoma cells, which was further enhanced by treatment with N-601 and/or cetuximab. PD-L1–targeted chimeric antigen receptor NK cells (PD-L1 t-haNKs) were also effective against chordoma cells. CSCs were preferentially vulnerable to NK-cell killing in the presence of N-601 and N-803. Flow cytometric analysis of a chordoma CSC population showed that CSCs expressed significantly more NK-activating ligand B7-H6 and PD-L1 than non-CSCs, thus explaining a potential mechanism of selective targeting. These data suggest that chordoma may be effectively targeted by combinatorial NK cell–mediated immunotherapeutic approaches and that the efficacy of these approaches in chordoma and other CSC-driven tumor types should be investigated further in clinical studies.
Significance:
Combinatory immunotherapy using NK-mediated approaches demonstrates robust antitumor activity in preclinical models of chordoma and selectively targets chordoma CSCs.
Data from In Silico Epitope Prediction Analyses Highlight the Potential for Distracting Antigen Immunodominance with Allogeneic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: James C. Alston , Ronning Peter , Cullinan Darren , Cotto Kelsy C. , Barnell Erica K. , Campbell Katie M. , Skidmore Zachary L. , Sanford Dominic E. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Gillanders William E. , Griffith Obi L. , Hawkins William G. , Griffith Malachi
Published: October 2024

Allogeneic cancer vaccines are designed to induce antitumor immune responses with the goal of impacting tumor growth. Typical allogeneic cancer vaccines are produced by expansion of established cancer cell lines, transfection with vectors encoding immunostimulatory cytokines, and lethal irradiation. More than 100 clinical trials have investigated the clinical benefit of allogeneic cancer vaccines in various cancer types. Results show limited therapeutic benefit in clinical trials and currently there are no FDA-approved allogeneic cancer vaccines. We used recently developed bioinformatics tools including the pVACseq suite of software tools to analyze DNA/RNA-sequencing data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas to examine the repertoire of antigens presented by a typical allogeneic cancer vaccine, and to simulate allogeneic cancer vaccine clinical trials. Specifically, for each simulated clinical trial, we modeled the repertoire of antigens presented by allogeneic cancer vaccines consisting of three hypothetical cancer cell lines to 30 patients with the same cancer type. Simulations were repeated ten times for each cancer type. Each tumor sample in the vaccine and the vaccine recipient was subjected to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, differential expression analyses for tumor-associated antigens (TAA), germline variant calling, and neoantigen prediction. These analyses provided a robust, quantitative comparison between potentially beneficial TAAs and neoantigens versus distracting antigens present in the allogeneic cancer vaccines. We observe that distracting antigens greatly outnumber shared TAAs and neoantigens, providing one potential explanation for the lack of observed responses to allogeneic cancer vaccines. This analysis provides additional rationale for the redirection of efforts toward a personalized cancer vaccine approach.
Significance:
A comprehensive examination of allogeneic cancer vaccine antigen repertoire using large-scale genomics datasets highlights the large number of distracting antigens and argues for more personalized approaches to immunotherapy that leverage recent strategies in tumor antigen identification.
Dietary Carbohydrates Modulate Streptococcus mutans Adherence and Bacterial Proteome
Authors: Marin Lina M. , Xiao Yizhi , Seo Jin , Queiroz Daniel , Siqueira Walter L.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans adherence to the tooth surface and subsequent biofilm development is modulated by the carbohydrate source, but the corresponding effect on bacterial proteome has not been previously studied. This study aimed to assess the effect of different carbohydrates on S. mutans viability and bacterial proteome at 2 time points, early attachment (8 h) and biofilm maturation (24 h). Methods: Hydroxyapatite (HAp) discs coated with parotid saliva proteins were inoculated with S. mutans UA159 in tryptone soy broth without dextrose supplemented with one of the following carbohydrates (n = 12/treatment/time point): 1% sucrose; 0.525% glucose + 0.525% fructose; 10% xylitol; 10% xylitol + 1% sucrose; or culture medium without supplementation as negative control. Once inoculated, HAp discs were incubated for 8 h or 24 h at 37°C and 10% CO2. After each incubation period, adhered bacteria were quantified using the plate-counting method for 6 HAp discs/group, and the remaining 6 HAp discs/group were used to extract bacterial cell wall proteins. Extracted proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and then classified by their biological process. The study was conducted in three independent assays, and the number of bacteria adhered to the HAp discs was determined at each time point and analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test (α = 5%). Results: The results suggest that xylitol significantly repressed bacterial adherence and metabolism at 8 h and 24 h; however, bacterial adherence and metabolism were significantly enhanced when xylitol was combined with sucrose, showing no negative effect on S. mutans at both time points. Bacterial proteome was modulated by the carbohydrate source. Conclusion: The cariogenicity of S. mutans biofilms may be reduced by the alternative sweetener xylitol; however, the combination with fermentable sugars may inhibit such a beneficial effect.
State-of-the-Art Surgery in Achalasia
Authors: Plum Patrick S. , Niebisch Stefan , Gockel Ines
Published: October 2024

Background: Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus and depending on its type, esophageal tubular hypo- or hypermotility can cause typical symptoms, such as dysphagia, chest pain, weight loss, or regurgitation. Clinical symptoms during initial diagnosis as well as over the course of therapy can be measured by the Eckardt score. Diagnostics include high-resolution manometry (HR manometry), (timed barium) esophagogram, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, multiple rapid swallow response, and Endo-FLIP measurement. In this work, we provide a review of the recent literature on surgical treatment of achalasia. Summary: Besides pharmacological and endoscopic interventions, surgical procedures of laparoscopic/robotic Heller myotomy (LHM/RHM) and 180° anterior Dor’s semifundoplication versus 270° dorsal Toupet’s fundoplication are primary therapeutic options, especially for type I and II achalasia. Both surgical procedures display little morbidity and mortality. Postsurgical results are comparable between LHM and RHM. RHM allows better angulation during myotomy, lower rates of intraoperative mucosal laceration, and better visualization of the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter area. Surgery can also be performed safely after failed endoscopic treatments. Key Messages: Surgery in achalasia is especially indicated in patients ≤40 years and also recommended after repeated unsuccessful or complicated endoscopic interventions. In selected patients with end-stage achalasia and sigmoid-shaped megaesophagus, esophagectomy is a reasonable option in order to improve quality of life.
God’s Migrant Caravan: Migration Rhetoric as Missionary Strategy in Acts 7:1-60
Authors: Mata Roberto
Published: October 2024

This article explores Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 as a migration narrative that legitimates the Jesus movement’s mission to the Gentiles. In response to the opponents’ charge that Stephen has spoken against the Law and the Temple, Luke uses Exodus rhetoric—its topoi of Liberation, Wilderness Wanderings, and Promised Land—to redefine the Exodus as an ongoing migration journey. Consequently, Luke transforms the nascent Jesus movement into a migrant caravan and portrays God as a migrant deity who is comfortable accompanying believers in a tent. Reading against the grain, Stephen’s speech contrasts the naivete of the Jesus movement with the zeal of manumitted Diaspora Jews. Thus, as a migration narrative, Stephen’s speech reveals the tensions, hopes, and disenchaments that leaving or returning to one’s home entails.
Spirituality and Support in the Aftermath of Violence: Qualitative Empirical Research among Victims of the War on Drugs in the Philippines
Authors: Dillen Annemie , Papellero Karen , Casteel Amy
Published: October 2024

Since Duterte became the president of the Philippines in 2016 and announced a ‘War against Drugs’, extrajudicial killings were happening frequently, especially in areas where many people living in poverty. This article presents empirical research based on in-depth interviews with women whose partners or sons were killed in the ‘war against drugs’ and with pastoral leaders/volunteers, related to a Catholic parish in the Philippines. The question was how these women experience spirituality and how they describe their needs and expectations from the parish. We explain how discourses about ‘sin’ or ‘spirituality’ are used in various ways in the context of the Philippines: as a legitimation for the extrajudicial killings, or in the context of supporting vulnerable persons in their flourishing. This article helps us to understand how these concepts acquire different meanings depending on the context in which they are used and how they can contribute to the flourishing of persons.
Acting Out
Authors: Blankschaen Kurt , Timmerman Travis
Published: October 2024

When is it morally permissible for performers to portray characters from marginalized groups of which they are not a member? Although this question is philosophically underexplored, it has been commanding increasing attention in the public sphere, especially with respect to straight performers portraying queer characters. While the demand for increasing self-representation from marginalized communities is laudable, we argue that demanding performers to disclose their social identity is, in general, morally counterproductive. We make our case by focusing on recent instances where fans demanded that a performer disclose their sexual orientation, putting vulnerable performers in a harmful trilemma. In short, it will force many to either out themselves against their will, subject themselves to intense public backlash by taking the role without outing themselves, or forgo taking a role they want and at which they would excel. Instead, we propose that performers have a general (epistemic) obligation to learn about what their characters’ corresponding real-world experiences would plausibly be like, representing what they learned in their performances. We will argue that meeting this obligation typically entails learning about the values, broadly construed, of the community in question. If we are right, there is not even a general obligation that performers only take roles that correspond to their own social identity. Just as importantly, there is a strong moral reason not to demand that performers disclose aspects of their social identity in order to take on a role.
Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Revive the Hijaz Railway from 1925 to 1982
Authors: Al-Salamah Mohammed ibn Abdulrahman
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the attempts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to restore the Hijaz Railway that extended from Damascus to Madinah. The Hijaz Railway was destroyed during the events of the Arab Revolt in 1915; King Abdulaziz attempted to restore it, and so did his sons after him. This study sheds light on the official efforts by the Saudi kings and the discussions held with relevant countries concerning the railway, including the British and French authorities. Moreover, the study reveals the most important meetings and conferences that were held to restore the railway and their outcomes.
Book review: Bruce A. Elleman, China’s Naval Operations in the South China Sea: Evaluating Legal, Strategic and Military Factors
Authors: Kumar Anshu
Published: October 2024

Bruce A. Elleman, China’s Naval Operations in the South China Sea: Evaluating Legal, Strategic and Military Factors. Kent: Renaissance Books, 2018, pp. 328, ISBN: 9781898823674.
Revolutionaries, coercive institutions and the crisis of collaboration in interwar India
Authors: Maclean Kama
Published: October 2024

Earlier generations of historians interpreted revolutionary politics of the interwar period within a paradigm of failure, on the basis that it did not bring about an immediate shift in the colonial dominance in South Asia. Following the ‘revolutionary turn’ in South Asian history, scholars have suggested that revolutionary politics needs to be read for the ways in which it shifted mainstream nationalist strategies and influenced other outcomes, both intended and unintended. This article deepens this analysis, by considering an unexplored outcome of the revolutionary politics of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): its impact on Indians employed in British institutions, especially coercive institutions such as the police and prisons. These employees may not have resigned from their posts, and ultimately these coercive institutions remained coercive and violent at a macro level. However, based on the evidence presented here, it is clear there was a faintly discernible but important micropolitics emerging from within these institutions, which indicates that some exhibited admiration and sympathy for revolutionary prisoners, quietly and surreptitiously working to ameliorate systems of coercion and punishment, in the process undermining coercive institutions from within. Such a reading prompts a rethinking of paradigms of collaborators as colonial enablers, allowing us to see the withdrawal of cooperation with the colonial regime as a process, which becomes perceptible in the context of anticolonial movements in the late interwar period.