Protective antibodies target cryptic epitope unmasked by cleavage of malaria sporozoite protein.

The most advanced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and vaccines against malaria target the central repeat region or closely related sequences within the circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). Here, using an antigen-agnostic strategy to investigate human antibody responses to whole sporozoites, we identified a class of mAbs that target a cryptic PfCSP epitope that is only exposed after cleavage and subsequent pyroglutamylation (pGlu) of the newly formed N terminus. This pGlu-CSP epitope is not targeted by current anti-PfCSP mAbs and is not included in the licensed malaria vaccines.

Is increased mutation driving genetic diversity in dogs within the Chornobyl exclusion zone?

Environmental contamination can have lasting impacts on surrounding communities, though the long-term impacts can be difficult to ascertain. The disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and subsequent remediation efforts resulted in contamination of the local environment with radioactive material, heavy metals, and additional environmental toxicants. Many of these are mutagenic in nature, and the full effect of these exposures on local flora and fauna has yet to be understood.

Soilscapes of Mortality Risk Suggest a Goldilocks Effect for Overwintering Ectotherms.

AbstractChanging climates are driving population declines in diverse animals worldwide. Winter conditions may play an important role in these declines but are often overlooked. Animals must not only survive winter but also preserve body condition, a key determinant of growing season success.

The Role of Inlay and Inset Glenoid Implants in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is an established treatment for degenerative conditions involving the shoulder. One well-described complication of total shoulder arthroplasty is glenoid loosening, especially in younger and more active patients. As a result, several surgeons recommend against activities that may put patients at risk of implant failure after shoulder arthroplasty.

Scala Tympani Volume Influences Initial 6-Month Hearing Preservation With Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays.

Objectives: To examine the effects of scala tympani (ST) volume, cochlear duct length (CDL), and angular insertion depth (AID) on low-frequency hearing preservation for cochlear implant (CI) recipients of lateral wall electrode arrays.

Methods: A retrospective review identified 45 adult CI recipients of 24-, 28-, or 31.5-mm lateral wall electrode arrays with preoperative unaided hearing thresholds ≤45 decibel hearing level (dB HL) at 250 Hz.