Geochemical exploration of rare earth element resources in highland karstic bauxite deposits in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Pedernales Province, Southwestern Dominican Republic.

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) in highland karstic bauxite deposits located in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic. These deposits, formed through intense weathering of volcanic material, represent a potentially valuable REE resource for the nation. Surface and subsurface soil samples were analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and a NixPro 2 color sensor validated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Proteomic Profile Regulated by the Immunomodulatory Jusvinza Drug in Neutrophils Isolated from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Jusvinza is an immunomodulatory drug composed of an altered peptide ligand (APL) designed from a novel CD4+ T cell epitope of human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), an autoantigen involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The peptide induces regulatory T cells and decreases levels of TNF-α and IL-17; pre-clinical and phase I clinical studies support its use for the treatment of RA. This peptide was repositioned for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with signs of hyperinflammation.

Metabolic rewiring in skin epidermis drives tolerance to oncogenic mutations.

Skin epithelial stem cells correct aberrancies induced by oncogenic mutations. Oncogenes invoke different strategies of epithelial tolerance; while wild-type cells outcompete β-catenin-gain-of-function (βcatGOF) cells, Hras cells outcompete wild-type cells. Here we ask how metabolic states change as wild-type stem cells interface with mutant cells and drive different cell-competition outcomes.

Intranasal exposure to commensal bacterium Rothia mucilaginosa protects against influenza A virus infection.

The respiratory tract hosts a diverse microbial community whose composition varies with anatomical location and throughout life. Rothia mucilaginosa, a common commensal of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, has recently been recognized for its ability to inhibit bacteria-triggered pro-inflammatory responses. However, its role in modulating the immune response to viral infections such as influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia, remains unknown.

Pediatric Providers' Perceptions of Their Role in the Early Detection of Postpartum Depression.

Objective: To explore pediatric health care providers' perceptions of their role in screening mothers for postpartum depression (PPD).

Design: Descriptive, qualitative methodology.

Setting: Pediatric care providers from five different institutions in the Chicagoland area.