Biodiversity Informatics
Not a member yet
16515 research outputs found
Sort by
Measurement of dilepton production from photon fusion processes in Pb+Pb UPC with the ATLAS detector
Get PDFRelativistic heavy-ion beams at the LHC are accompanied by a large flux of equivalent photons, leading to multiple photon-induced processes. This report presents a series of measurements of dilepton production from photon fusion performed by the ATLAS Collaboration. Recent measurements of exclusive dielectron production in ultra-peripheral collisions (UPC) are presented. These processes provide strong constraints on the nuclear photon flux and its dependence on the impact parameter and photon energy. Comparisons of the measured cross sections to QED predictions from the STARLight and SuperChic models are also presented. Tau-pair production measurements can constrain the tau lepton\u27s anomalous magnetic dipole moment (g-2), and a recent ATLAS measurement using muonic decays of tau leptons in association with electrons and tracks provides one of the most stringent limits available to date. Furthermore, measurements of muon pairs produced via two-photon scattering processes in hadronic (i.e. non-UPC) Pb+Pb collisions are discussed. These non-UPC measurements provide a novel test of strong-field QED and may be a potentially sensitive electromagnetic probe of the quark-gluon plasma. These measurements include the dependence of the cross section and angular correlation on the mean transverse momenta of the dimuon pair, the rapidity separation between the muons, and the angle of the pair relative to the second-order event-plane, all measured differentially as a function of the Pb+Pb collision centrality
Photo-nuclear collisions in Pythia 8
Get PDFWe present a new extension in Pythia Monte Carlo event generator that allows to simulate the leading contribution in collisions of a real photon and a heavy ion. The model is based on a vector meson dominance (VMD) where a real photon is modelled as a linear combination of different vector-meson states, and an extension of Angantyr, the heavy-ion model in Pythia, that allow simulations of a generic hadron colliding with an ion target. We first verify the VMD implementation by comparing simulations to HERA photoproduction data. Then we present simulated results corresponding to event selection criteria applied in a recent ATLAS analysis for ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. We find that the simulated results are in line with the ATLAS data when accounting for the limited detector efficiency for charged-particle reconstruction. We also consider two-particle correlations and study whether the simulated events reproduce the collective behaviour seen in the ATLAS photon-lead data
Advances in immunotherapy for HNSCC
Get PDFHead and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a cancer that originates in the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, including the mouth, throat, and larynx. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for HNSCC, especially for patients whose cancers are resistant to traditional therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In this minireview article, we summarized the role of immunotherapy in HNSCC. Checkpoint inhibitors are a class of immunotherapy that work by blocking certain proteins that suppress the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. In HNSCC, the most studied checkpoint inhibitors are PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors. These include drugs like Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo). PD-1 is a protein on immune cells that, when engaged by its ligands (PD-L1 on cancer cells), dampens the immune response. Blocking PD-1 helps reactivate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Drugs like Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) target the PD-L1 protein, which is often upregulated in cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. By blocking PD-L1, these drugs prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system. These checkpoint inhibitors have shown efficacy in advanced or recurrent HNSCC, particularly in patients whose tumors express PD-L1. Combination strategies that combine immunotherapy with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, are also being explored to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HNSCC. These combinations can help overcome resistance mechanisms and potentially improve outcomes. Chemotherapy may induce immune-stimulatory effects, making the tumor more sensitive to immunotherapy. Radiation can induce "immunogenic cell death," releasing tumor antigens that can enhance the immune system’s response to the cancer when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. While immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating HNSCC, several challenges remain. For example, not all tumors respond equally to immunotherapy, and some cancers develop resistance over time. Tumors can create a microenvironment that suppresses immune activity, making it difficult for immunotherapies to work effectively. Immune-related side effects, such as inflammation or autoimmunity, can occur with checkpoint inhibitors. Research continues into refining biomarkers for patient selection, optimizing combination therapies, and finding ways to overcome resistance. In conclusion, immunotherapy represents a major advancement in the treatment of HNSCC, offering new hope for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Ongoing research is focusing on improving the efficacy, safety, and applicability of these therapies, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes and expanding their use across different subtypes of HNSCC
Therapeutic targeting of Aurora Kinase A in advanced prostate cancer
Get PDFProstate cancer (PCa) progresses from an androgen-dependent state to a castration-resistant form (CRPC) following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), driven by adaptations that restore androgen receptor (AR) signaling. A subset of CRPC tumors evolves into neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), marked by AR independence, neuroendocrine marker expression, and poor prognosis. NEPC development is associated with genetic and epigenetic alterations, including loss of tumor suppressors (TP53, RB1) and activation of lineage plasticity pathways. Aurora kinase A (AURKA), a serine/threonine kinase regulating mitosis, is frequently overexpressed in NEPC and CRPC, promoting tumor aggressiveness. Recent studies highlight CXCR7\u27s role in driving enzalutamide-resistant CRPC by activating AURKA through β-arrestin recruitment. Targeting AURKA with inhibitors like alisertib shows potential but is hindered by toxicity and patient variability, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to stratify responders.
AURKA inhibition is synthetically lethal with RB1 or TP53 loss and may exploit vulnerabilities in tumors with homologous recombination defects, linking AURKA activity to resistance against DNA-damaging therapies, including PARP inhibitors, AR pathway inhibitors, and chemotherapy. Further investigation into AURKA alterations in CRPC/NEPC and their correlation with therapeutic outcomes may refine treatment strategies. Targeting AURKA holds promise for overcoming resistance and improving outcomes in aggressive, treatment-refractory PCa subtypes
An Overview of ADAR Inhibitors: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions
Get PDFAdenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are enzymes responsible for converting adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA through a process known as A-to-I editing. This modification is essential for regulating RNA function, impacting key processes such as immune response, gene expression, and RNA stability. ADARs, especially ADAR1, have been linked to several diseases, including cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders, making them promising targets for therapeutic development. Currently, no FDA-approved drugs are specifically marketed as ADAR inhibitors. This review offers a brief analysis of known ADAR inhibitors, with a focus on their mechanisms of action, structural properties, and potential applications. We explore a range of inhibitors, including small molecules, peptide-based inhibitors, natural compounds, and RNA-based inhibitors, and discuss their ability to selectively modulate ADAR activity. The review also addresses the therapeutic implications of these inhibitors in cancer, viral infections, and inflammatory diseases. In addition, we examine future directions for developing more selective and potent ADAR inhibitors, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities in the field. By consolidating current findings and identifying existing gaps, this review aims to enhance the understanding and therapeutic potential of ADAR inhibition
T Cell Immunity in Pathogenesis, Progression, and Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis
Get PDFEndometriosis is a common gynecological condition characterized by special features such as invasive growth, recurrence, and potential distant metastasis. Recent studies indicate an increasing incidence of malignant transformation of endometriosis. The mechanisms underlying the occurrence, progression, and malignancy of endometriosis are multifactorial, involving genetic alterations, environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, and immuno-inflammatory responses. Various T cell subsets play crucial roles in regulating immune responses and influencing disease progression and malignant risk. CD4+ T cells, including T helper (Th) cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17), regulatory T (Treg) cells, follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, and Th9 cells, alongside CD8+ T cells are essential for maintaining the immune microenvironment in endometriosis. Disruption of the balance among these T cell subtypes can promote chronic inflammation, immune evasion, and tissue remodeling that may facilitate malignant transformation. Therapeutic strategies targeting T cell function or restoring immune homeostasis hold promise for managing endometriosis through immunomodulation or checkpoint blockade therapy to prevent its malignant progression. This article reviews the role of T cells in the malignant transformation of endometriosis and proposes potential immunoregulatory treatment approaches
Post-Operative Pain After Orthopedic Surgery: A Comparative Study Between the United States and Ethiopia
Get PDFIntroduction. Post-operative pain management varies across healthcare systems and cultural contexts. While opioids are central in the United States, many countries rely on non-opioid strategies due to limited access or cultural norms. Authors of this study compared pain management strategies and outcomes among orthopedic trauma patients at academic centers in the United States and Ethiopia.Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients undergoing orthopedic trauma surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Ethiopia) and the University of Kansas Health System (United States) between May and October 2022. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores at 24 and 48 hours post-operatively, analgesic use, and demographics were analyzed.Results. Ethiopian patients often were more male, younger, and had lower body mass indexes and fewer comorbidities (e.g., obesity, diabetes, smoking) than United States patients. Despite receiving fewer analgesics and no post-operative nerve blocks, Ethiopian patients reported lower VAS pain scores at both 24 and 48 hours. In the United States cohort, patients with nerve blocks had lower pain scores than those without; however, both groups reported higher scores than Ethiopian patients. In the United States, pain scores correlated positively with the number of analgesics administered. Conclusions. Ethiopian patients reported better pain control despite fewer interventions, suggesting that systemic, demographic, and cultural factors may strongly influence post-operative pain experiences. These findings underscore the importance of context-sensitive approaches to pain management and highlight the need for further research to inform equitable, effective strategies across diverse settings
Adverse Events Reported Following RSV Prefusion F Protein Vaccines Administration Among Approved Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFIntroduction. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections among children and older adults. Two RSV prefusion F protein (RSVpreF) vaccines currently are approved for adults aged 60 years and older. However, little is known about the adverse events reported among individuals in this age group who have received an RSVpreF vaccine. The purpose of this study was to compare adverse events reported by nonpregnant adults (≥60 years old) who received an RSVpreF vaccine.Methods. This study included individuals who reported a vaccine-related adverse event to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Data abstracted from VAERS were recoded into standardized adverse event categories for analysis.Results. A total of 2,321 individuals were included. The three most frequently reported adverse event categories were neurologic, musculoskeletal, and constitutional symptoms. Recipients of Arexvy™ (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) reported more injection site reactions compared with those who received Abrysvo™ (Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine). There were no adverse event categories that were more commonly reported among Abrysvo™ recipients compared with Arexvy™ recipients.Conclusions. The adverse events observed in this study were consistent with findings from previous Phase II/III trials. The higher frequency of injection site symptoms among Arexvy™ recipients may be attributable to the adjuvant included in Arexvy™ but absent in Abrysvo™. Overall, these findings indicate that both vaccines provide safe protection against RSV for older adults, with minimal side effects, in a population that previously had no vaccination option.
