Regular Medium Research Articles

B - 23 Surveying Public Perceptions about the Coverage of Sports Concussion in the Media

Abstract Objective Public awareness of sports concussion is key for injury management. This awareness is shaped by media reporting and has been critiqued for different reasons by health professionals and sport stakeholders. The community’s view about this reporting is unknown. Methods 157 community volunteers completed an online survey, including a purpose-built multi-item measure of perceptions of sports concussion media portrayal (PoSCoMP). The PoSCoMP score was compared for groups based on concussion history, concussion education, concussion knowledge, playing a concussion-risk sport, or regular sports media consumption. Item consensus (endorsement by >50% of the sample) and free-text responses were descriptively analysed. Results The PoSCoMP had acceptable internal consistency (α > 0.79). One statistically significant group difference was found (p < 0.05). Compared to people with no concussion history, people with a concussion history had a more negative perception of the media coverage (Cohen’s d = 0.53 [medium effect]). There were nine commonly agreed perceptions (e.g., important for player safety), and four commonly disagreed perceptions (e.g., ignored in some sports). The free-text responses urged change in the media coverage of sports concussion, with some perceiving this as already underway. Conclusion Community members’ views about the media portrayal of sports concussion are largely unaffected by individual differences and share commonalities with the views of sport stakeholders and health professionals. Future efforts to improve public awareness of concussion through media reporting should consider the public’s position on this coverage. This could lead to changes that have the public’s support and are more effective in increasing public injury awareness.

Assessment of plant- and microbial-derived protein hydrolysates as sustainable for fetal bovine serum in seafood cell culture media

This study seeks to explore alternatives by substituting or reducing the conventional 10% serum concentration in zebrafish embryonic stem cell (ESC) growth media with protein hydrolysates sourced from peas, mushrooms, yeast, and algae. Notably, algae exhibited the highest protein content, optimal amino acid balance, and favorable functional properties. When applied at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 mg/mL, all protein hydrolysates demonstrated pro-apoptotic effects and inhibited cell growth, particularly when used in conjunction with 10% serum. However, concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 mg/mL displayed anti-apoptotic properties and promoted cell proliferation. The study found that media containing 1% or 2.5% serum, along with 0.01 mg/mL of protein hydrolysates, supported cell growth effectively. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Activity served as an indicator of cell health and integrity under the specified conditions of protein hydrolysate supplementation. Cells cultured in serum-free media exhibited significantly decreased cell membrane integrity (P < 0.05) compared to those in regular media or media containing low serum (1% and 2.5%) along with low concentrations (0.01 mg/mL) of protein hydrolysates. Furthermore, analysis of Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) suggested that media formulations containing 1% serum combined with low concentrations of protein hydrolysates present a sustainable approach for cell-based seafood production.

Multifunctional Sr,Mg-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Bone Regeneration and Drug Delivery.

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) doped with therapeutical ions present multifunctional systems that enable a synergistic outcome through the dual delivery of drugs and ions. The aim of this study was to evaluate influence of co-doping with strontium and magnesium ions (SrMg-MBGNs) on the properties of MBGNs. A modified microemulsion-assisted sol-gel synthesis was used to obtain particles, and their physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and drug-loading/release ability were evaluated. Indirect biological assays using 2D and 3D cell culture models on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and endothelial EA.hy926 cells, respectively, were used to determine biocompatibility of MBGNs, their influence on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, calcium deposition, and cytoskeletal organization. Results showed that Sr,Mg-doping increased pore volume and solubility, and changed the mesoporous structure from worm-like to radial-dendritic, which led to a slightly accelerated drug release compared to pristine MBGNs. Biological assays confirmed that particles are biocompatible, and have ability to slightly induce ALP production and calcium deposition of hBM-MSCs, as well as to significantly improve the proliferation of EA.hy926 compared to biochemical stimulation via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administration or regular media. Fluorescence staining revealed that SrMg-MBGNs had a similar effect on EA.hy926 cytoskeletal organization to the VEGF group. In conclusion, Sr,Mg-MBGNs might be considered promising biomaterial for biomedical applications.

A SIMPLE, QUICK, AND ECONOMICAL METHOD FOR IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS METACESTODE AND GENERATION OF PRIMARY CELLS.

Alveolar echinococcosis is considered to be one of the most potentially lethal parasitic zoonotic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Echinococcus multilocularis interacts with hosts are poorly understood, hindering the prevention and treatment of this disease. Due to the great advantages of cell culture systems for molecular research, numerous attempts have been made to establish primary cell cultures for E. multilocularis. In this study we developed a simple, rapid, and economical method that allows E. multilocularis metacestode tissue blocks to generate daughter vesicles without the continuous presence of host feeder cells in a regular medium. We performed anaerobic, hypoxic (1% O2), normoxic, and semi-anaerobic (in sealed tubes) cultures and found that E. multilocularis metacestode tissues can produce daughter vesicles only in the sealed tubes after 4 wk of incubation. The daughter vesicles cultivated in this system were remarkably enlarged under anaerobic conditions after 8 days of culture, whereas vesicles cultured under hypoxic (1% O2) and normoxic conditions showed only a mild increase in volume. Our in vitro cultivated vesicles showed strong viability and could be used to test antiparasitic drugs, isolate primary cells, and infect animals.

A general ray tracing approach for solving thermal radiation in regular one-dimensional variable index media via the Monte Carlo method

In the heat transfer community, one-dimensional media refers to some media where the temperature and other thermophysical properties vary along one direction. Plane-parallel, concentric cylindrical, and concentric spherical geometries are among of regular one-dimensional media. In this paper, a general ray tracing approach is presented to track the curve paths of energy particles in regular one-dimensional variable index media. The domain of interest is limited by specular sidewalls and the medium is divided into slices with constant temperature and radiative properties. Then, the path of random energy particles emitted from boundary surfaces and volume elements are traced, element by element, until they absorb by diffuse-gray surfaces or the gray medium. After counting the number of absorbed particles by each boundary surface and volume element, the Monte Carlo method is performed to simulate thermal radiation heat transfer. The results are presented for three regular geometries, including plane-parallel, concentric cylindrical, and concentric spherical media, and the effects of radiative properties are investigated by some numerical experiments.

Abstract 3157: The crosstalk between STAT3 and p53/ERK signaling regulates brain metastasis

Abstract Brain metastasis (BM) affects approximately 10% of cancer patients with metastatic disease, representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. BM is a complex multi-step process involving various immune checkpoint proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), particularly extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are implicated in tumorigenesis and are critical upstream regulators of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, a common immunotherapy target. Tumor suppressor p53 is shown to regulate STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling, which are dysregulated in various malignancies. We hypothesize that p53 along with STAT3 and ERK1/2 play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of BM. Twenty-six BM tumors with various primary sites of origin were used following IRB guidelines. pSTAT3Tyr705, pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204, mutant p53 (p53mt), and PD-L1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis of BM was performed on a cDNA microarray. Human brain metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were treated with STAT3 inhibitor (NSC74859) or MAPK inhibitor (U0126) in regular or astrocytic media to determine cell proliferation and migration by MTT assay and scratch-wound, respectively. ERK1/2 signaling pathway status was determined by Western blotting. Results demonstrated: 1) pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 were expressed profusely at tumor margins, while p53mt was uniformly expressed throughout. 81% of BM expressed p53mt while 86% and 63% expressed pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 and pSTAT3Tyr705, respectively. Venn analysis displayed significant overlap between expression, with 62% overlap between p53mt and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 and a 50% overlap between both pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 with p53mt. Expression of PD-L1 was seen in a majority of BM tumors. 2) Gene expression analysis demonstrated alterations in 32 STAT3- and MAPK-associated genes; these included upregulation of stathmin-1 and stathmin-like 3, which control microtubule dynamics in STAT3-related cell migration, and changes in cytokine-related genes, suggesting altered immune responses. 3) Cell proliferation showed augmented growth in astrocytic media (p≤0.05) and was significantly decreased following treatment with NSC74850 or U0126 (p≤0.01). While migration showed a trend towards significance in reduction following NSC74859 (p=0.08), migration stagnated following U0126 treatment in astrocytic media (p≤0.01). 4) pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 expression was reduced following U0126 or NSC74859 treatment. These findings suggest activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 promote BM and suppression of these pathways may lead to a reduction in cell viability and motility. Therefore, this provides compelling evidence for the use of STAT3 and ERK1/2 along with p53 as potential targets for immunotherapy in brain metastatic disease. Citation Format: Sabrina L. Zeller, Eris Spirollari, John V. Wainwright, Simon J. Hanft, Chirag D. Gandhi, Meena Jhanwar-Uniyal. The crosstalk between STAT3 and p53/ERK signaling regulates brain metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3157.

Conspiracy beliefs and social media: Addressing a systemic risk

Conspiracy beliefs are an important lever for hybrid threat activity. It presents a risk for liberal democratic governance at multiple levels. The widespread circulation of conspiracy beliefs on social media contributes to discrediting sources of authority, science, and expertise. This article addresses the circulation of conspiracy beliefs on social media as a systemic risk. Because social media companies operate within a legal loophole of facilitating illegal and harmful content, they have become the primary medium for the spreading of conspiracy beliefs. This article suggests closing the legal loophole since it provides a space for potential hybrid threat activity. Social media companies should be made responsible for content published through their services in a similar fashion to that of regular news media. It explores the extent to which regulation of social media could be a systemic response to the challenge of conspiratorialism as a space for hybrid threat activity directed at our democratic societies.

Dissecting Social Media Journalism: A Comparative Study Across Platforms, Outlets and Countries

ABSTRACT News outlets increasingly position themselves on social media platforms with platform-bound content next to their regular media offerings. At the time of writing, scholarship on studying these novel types of news content remains limited in size and scope. Drawing on recent theoretical insights from the dislocation of news journalism and social media logics, we assess a dataset of Instagram and TikTok posts of public, private and digital-native news outlets from Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom (n = 458). Contrary to previous findings, we conclude that news publishers tend to adapt their content to the specific technological affordances of social media networks and that news-related content prevails, signalling normalisation patterns for how news is produced for and diffused via both platforms.

#4Corners4Health Social Media Cancer Prevention Campaign for Emerging Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Stepped-Wedge Trial.

Many emerging adults (EAs) are prone to making unhealthy choices, which increase their risk of premature cancer morbidity and mortality. In the era of social media, rigorous research on interventions to promote health behaviors for cancer risk reduction among EAs delivered over social media is limited. Cancer prevention information and recommendations may reach EAs more effectively over social media than in settings such as health care, schools, and workplaces, particularly for EAs residing in rural areas. This pragmatic randomized trial aims to evaluate a multirisk factor intervention using a social media campaign designed with community advisers aimed at decreasing cancer risk factors among EAs. The trial will target EAs from diverse backgrounds living in rural counties in the Four Corners states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. We will recruit a sample of EAs (n=1000) aged 18 to 26 years residing in rural counties (Rural-Urban Continuum Codes 4 to 9) in the Four Corners states from the Qualtrics' research panel and enroll them in a randomized stepped-wedge, quasi-experimental design. The inclusion criteria include English proficiency and regular social media engagement. A social media intervention will promote guideline-related goals for increased physical activity, healthy eating, and human papillomavirus vaccination and reduced nicotine product use, alcohol intake, and solar UV radiation exposure. Campaign posts will cover digital and media literacy skills, responses to misinformation, communication with family and friends, and referral to community resources. The intervention will be delivered over 12 months in Facebook private groups and will be guided by advisory groups of community stakeholders and EAs and focus groups with EAs. The EAs will complete assessments at baseline and at 12, 26, 39, 52, and 104 weeks after randomization. Assessments will measure 6 cancer risk behaviors, theoretical mediators, and participants' engagement with the social media campaign. The trial is in its start-up phase. It is being led by a steering committee. Team members are working in 3 subcommittees to optimize community engagement, the social media intervention, and the measures to be used. The Stakeholder Organization Advisory Board and Emerging Adult Advisory Board were formed and provided initial input on the priority of cancer risk factors to target, social media use by EAs, and community resources available. A framework for the social media campaign with topics, format, and theoretical mediators has been created, along with protocols for campaign management. Social media can be used as a platform to counter misinformation and improve reliable health information to promote health behaviors that reduce cancer risks among EAs. Because of the popularity of web-based information sources among EAs, an innovative, multirisk factor intervention using a social media campaign has the potential to reduce their cancer risk behaviors. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05618158; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05618158. PRR1-10.2196/50392.

PR Strategy for Island Beach Pisang Tourism Destination

Indonesia, an archipelagic country with 17,508 islands and an 81,000 km coastline, possesses coastal areas rich in natural resources. Despite this richness, effective utilisation and development of coastal and marine regions remain challenging. This study focuses on Banana Island, part of Lampung Province, addressing its potential as a tourist attraction. Acknowledging the need for strategic development, the study emphasises government involvement, facility provision, and promotional efforts. The role of Public Relations Marketing, precisely the three-pronged approach of pull, push, and pass strategies employed by the West Coast Tourism Office, is examined. The study aims to comprehend the impact of these strategies on Banana Island's tourism development, evaluating visibility, popularity, and overall appeal. Methodologically, qualitative research, descriptive analysis, and SWOT analysis are applied for a comprehensive understanding. Findings highlight marine attractions, community expectations, and transportation challenges. The success of the push strategy is evident in increased tourist visits. Suggestions include enhancing collaboration, regular social media updates, and coordinated platform posts.

P111 Dietary emulsifier κ-carrageenan does not directly affect intestinal permeability in organoid-derived epithelial monolayers from patients with Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background The dietary emulsifier carrageenan (CGN) is widely used to optimise the texture of processed foods such as ice cream, plant-based milk and processed meat products. However, CGN is suggested to play a role in IBD development by exerting pro-inflammatory effects and increasing intestinal permeability, as shown in immortalized cell lines and murine models. Specifically kappa-carrageenan (κ-CGN) has been shown to disrupt barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated if κ-CGN can directly increase intestinal permeability in organoid-derived epithelial monolayers from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods Organoid cultures were derived from colonic biopsies of 5 patients with CD (Table 1) and seeded on Transwell® inserts to obtain epithelial monolayers. Two independent experiments were performed per patient (n = 10). Once a confluent monolayer was formed, non-inflamed and inflamed conditions were established by adding regular culture medium or inflammatory stimuli (100 ng/mL TNF-α, 20 ng/mL IL-1β, 1 µg/mL flagellin) to the basolateral side, respectively. The next day, both inflamed and non-inflamed monolayers were stimulated with 100 µg/mL κ-CGN on the apical side, or with regular culture medium as control. The basolateral side was also renewed with either the inflammatory stimuli or regular culture medium. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured after 24 and 48 hours of κ-CGN exposure to study permeability of the epithelium. Relative TEER (% change compared to baseline) was compared between controls and κ-CGN stimulated conditions (repeated measures ANOVA, Šídák's multiple comparisons correction). Results As expected, exposure to inflammatory stimuli on the basolateral side resulted in a significant reduction of TEER of the monolayers after 48 hours (+ 24 hours pre-stimulation), compared to the non-inflamed conditions (-22.54 ± 4.557 %, p&amp;lt;0.0001, paired t-test) (Figure 1A). After 24 hours of stimulation with κ-CGN, TEER did not significantly change in both the non-inflamed (p=0.90) and inflamed conditions (p=0.80), compared to the control conditions. Also after 48 hours, exposure to κ-CGN did not significantly affect the TEER in both non-inflamed (p=0.94) and inflamed (p=0.74) conditions (Figure 1B). RNA analysis of the organoid-derived monolayers is ongoing to explore the inflammatory potential of κ-CGN and possible effects on mucus production. Conclusion The dietary emulsifier κ-CGN does not directly alter the permeability of the intestinal epithelium of CD patients. Further analysis of gene expression of inflammatory markers and mucus production is ongoing. Possible indirect effects, through alterations of the microbiota or immune cells, should still be explored.

Preeclamptic serum and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 suppress endothelial inward rectifier potassium currents

IntroductionInward rectifier K+ (Kir) channel, a major factor determining endothelial membrane potential, regulates Ca2+ influx and vasodilator release, which is impaired in preeclamptic blood vessels. Previously, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) Kir currents were shown to decrease after incubating in preeclamptic plasma. We aimed to demonstrate whether sFlt-1, which is high in preeclamptic blood, could inhibit Kir channel function and expression. MethodsHUVECs were cultured in regular medium, regular medium with added sFlt-1, or serum from preeclampsia patients or normal pregnant women (Control, sFlt-1, PE, or NP, respectively). Using whole-cell patch clamp technique, we identified Kir currents with the Kir blocker 2 mM BaCl2 and compared the currents among groups. The expression of Kir 2.1 and 2.2 channels were determined using immunofluorescent staining. ResultssFlt-1 and PE groups exhibited similar Kir currents, while NP group possessed significantly larger currents, similar to Control group currents. Moreover, sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio showed strong negative correlation with Kir currents (r = −0.71 and −0.70, respectively; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean fluorescence intensity representing Kir 2.1 and 2.2 channels expression in all four groups. DiscussionThis is the first report to demonstrate sFlt-1 inhibition against Kir currents, which could lead to maternal endothelial dysfunction and hypertension seen in preeclampsia. However, channel expression was unaffected by sFlt-1 incubation, suggesting dysfunctions of channel or other processes (e.g., membrane translocation). The present data could pave the way for novel therapies targeting sFlt-1 or Kir to alleviate hypertension in preeclampsia.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of iRoot BP Plus as a coronal sealing material for regenerative endodontic procedures

ObjectivesTo investigate in vitro effects of a nanoparticle bioceramic material, iRoot BP Plus, on stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) and in vivo capacity to induce pulp-dentin complex formation. Materials and methodsThe sealing ability of iRoot BP Plus was measured via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SCAP were isolated and treated in vitro by iRoot BP Plus conditioned medium, with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) conditioned medium and regular medium used as controls, respectively. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU labeling and MTT assay and cell migration was evaluated with wound healing and transwell assays. Osteo/odontogenic potential was evaluated by Alizarin red S staining and qPCR. Pulp-dentin complex formation in vivo was assessed by a tooth slice subcutaneous implantation model.ResultsiRoot BP Plus was more tightly bonded with the dentin. There was no difference in SCAP proliferation between iRoot BP Plus and control groups (P > 0.05). iRoot BP Plus had a greater capacity to elevated cell migration (P < 0.05) and osteo/odontogenic marker expression and mineralization nodule formation of SCAP compared with MTA groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the new continuous dentine layer and pulp-like tissue was observed in the iRoot BP Plus group in vivo.ConclusionsiRoot BP Plus showed excellent sealing ability, promoted the migration and osteo/odontogenesis of SCAP and induced pulp-dentin complex formation without affecting the cell proliferation, which indicated iRoot BP Plus was a promising coronal sealing material in REPs.Clinical relevanceThe coronal sealing materials play crucial roles for the outcomes of REPs. This study showed that iRoot BP Plus has good coronal sealing and promote pulp-dentin complex formation compared with MTA, providing experimental evidences for the clinical application of iRoot BP Plus as a promising coronal seal material in REPs.

Analysis of the representation of women in Ukrainian media content in the conditions of a full-scale war

The article deals with the problem of gender imbalance in the Ukrainian media. Despite the fact that the problem has resonance both in social practice and in scientific discourse, after two years of full-scale war, the situation regarding the balance of media content and representation of women remains complicated, has signs of regressive dynamics and requires careful research. The aim of the study is to analyze the peculiarities of the representation of women in the content of Ukrainian national and hyperlocal media in the conditions of a full-scale war. The main method is a comparative analysis of all-Ukrainian national and hyperlocal media’ monitoring data for the first quarter of 2024. Regular media monitoring shows that the domestic media publish materials with signs of sexism and gender stereotypes. Data analysis showed that the monitoring results have certain differences in quantitative and qualitative indicators. During the monitoring period, in national media, women were experts in 17% of materials, heroines – in 22.5%, in hyperlocal media – in 39.5% and 33.5% of materials, respectively. Despite certain differences in the data caused by different research approaches and methodologies, the results of both monitorings indicate a gender imbalance in the domestic media in favor of men, especially in the coverage of the topic of war; the national media landscape is characterized by an indirect reflection of gender inequality existing in society. This requires a thorough study of various aspects of this problem: social, historical, psychological, etc., and is a promising direction for further research.

Brain Metastases Are Regulated by Immuno-inflammatory Signaling Pathways Governed by STAT3, MAPK and Tumor Suppressor p53 Status: Possible Therapeutic Targets.

Brain metastasis (BM) is a complex multi-step process involving various immune checkpoint proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are implicated in tumorigenesis and are critical upstream regulators of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immunotherapy target. Tumor suppressor p53, dysregulated in cancers, regulates STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling. This study examined the roles of STAT3, MAPK and p53 status in BM initiation and maintenance. Twenty-six BM, with various primary malignancies, were used (IRB-approved) to determine mutant p53 (p53mt), pSTAT3Tyr705, pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204, and PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemistry. cDNA microarray was used for gene expression analysis. Brain-metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were treated with STAT3 (NSC74859) or MAPK/ERK1/2 (U0126) inhibitors in regular or astrocytic media. ERK1/2 pathway was assessed using western blotting, and cell proliferation and migration were determined using MTT and scratch-wound assays, respectively. pSTAT3Tyr705 and pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 were expressed at tumor margins, whereas p53mt and PD-L1 were uniformly expressed, with significant overlap between expression of these proteins. Gene expression analysis identified alterations in 18 p53- and 32 STAT3- or MAPK-associated genes contributing to dysregulated immune responses and cell cycle regulation. U0126 and NSC74859 reduced pERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204 expression. Cell proliferation decreased following each treatment (p≤0.01). Migration stagnated following U0126 treatment in astrocytic media (p≤0.01). Activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 promotes BM and provides compelling evidence for use of STAT3, ERK1/2 and p53 status as potential immunotherapeutic targets in BM.

Teaching Racial Reckoning: The CRT Panic as a Challenge and an Answer

Regular media coverage and social media discussion about Black Lives Matter, prison abolition, racialized police violence, and voter disenfranchisement mean that students arrive to our classes already primed to discuss and reckon with questions of racial justice and racial oppression and privilege. At the same time, we have also observed a groundswell of white Americans mobilizing in defense of white supremacy. Although this reckoning has been long in the making, recent successes of a violent and increasingly mainstream political movement have created new challenges for instructors teaching about racism. In this teaching note, I reflect on an experience with students who completed a “knowledge assessment survey” and how this was leveraged into a productive conversation about Critical Race Theory (CRT). More broadly, I suggest that discussion of politicized topics poses some challenges, but also presents opportunities for demonstrating the importance of critical race perspectives and prompts students to reflect on how their understandings of race are derived from their social worlds.

Abstract A114: Naturally occurring LAG3-blocking recombinant antibodies as a novel class of checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract LAG3 is a promising cancer immunotherapeutic target due to its negative regulatory role on T cells, NK cells, and B cells. Using our proprietary technology [US patent US9810694; 2017], we have isolated, sequenced, and pre-examined the potential immunological capability of fully human, naturally occurring anti-LAG3 antibodies. The best candidate, monoclonal antibody IG2 with molecular weight of 150 kDa and affinity of 4.4 nM, a complete recombinant reproduction of the antibody isolated from the human donor, was selected from 6 candidates for future research. In vitro allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays using human T cells were performed to evaluate lymphocyte responses to stimulation with IG2 (5 μg/ml) or regular RPMI media alone. LAG3 blockade systematically resulted in an enhancement of CD3+ T cell proliferation by 45%. The main impact was on proliferation of CD4+ T cells with 50% increase. The count of CD8+ T cells also increased by 36%. Another assay evaluated IFNγ expression in NK92 cells treated with anti-LAG3 antibody. NK92 cells were starved without IL-2 for 24 hours in complete NK cell media and then cultivated with IG2 (5 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml) or media for 24 hours. Even short-term cultivation led to an increase in IFNg expression by 50%. Increasing the dose of the antibody did not affect the level of IFNγ expression. We did not observe any antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in co-cultures of NK92 cells with 786-O (renal), H358 (lung) or Hct116 (colon) cancer cell lines. Several studies demonstrate that NK cells can stimulate the expression of pro-imflammatory/pro-tumorigenic cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, by tumor cells. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of IG2 on those genes’ expression induced by NK cells. Clear cell RCC cells (786-O) and NSCLC (H358) cell lines were co-cultured with NK92 cells for 2 hours and overnight with IG2 (1 mcg/ml) or media only. Co-cultivation of NK cells, cancer cells, and IG2 did not result in robust up-regulation of IL-6 and IL-8 by tumor cells. In order to evaluate the direct impact of the IG2 antibody on tumor cells, we incubated 786-O renal carcinoma cells with escalating concentrations of anti-LAG3 antibodies for 72 hours followed by Cell Titer Blue analysis when compared to un-treated cells (0 ug/ml). As expected, there was no direct cytotoxic effect of the antibody on tumor cells. Finally, assuming that novel naturally occurring antibodies may lead to fewer adverse events, we evaluated the preliminary toxicity in vivo. Eighteen mice were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to IG2 antibody group (1 mg/kg, intravenously, twice a week, 6 weeks) or to the untreated control group. The use of the antibody at this dose did not lead to the development of toxicity and a change in the weight of the animals compared to the control group. The results of the first studies demonstrate the potential activity and safety of a recombinant anti-LAG3 antibody reproduced from a human donor. Citation Format: Ilya Tsimafeyeu, Petr Makhov, Gennady Bratslavsky. Naturally occurring LAG3-blocking recombinant antibodies as a novel class of checkpoint inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A114.

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Depression and Anxiety

As technology progresses and social media platforms continue to proliferate, a complex bond between young peoples virtual presence and their psychological welfare has developed. This paper explores the intricate dynamics of this link, scrutinizing how apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have integrated themselves into the daily routines of tech-savvy young individuals. These online platforms provide avenues for communication, artistic expression, and learning; however, they also pose challenges such as exposure to unrealistic lifestyle presentations and beauty benchmarks. The authors highlighted the connection between regular social media engagement and augmented levels of depression and anxiety among adolescents, particularly concerning appearance-related insecurities. Each platform provides a distinct experience through its unique design and purpose but consistently promotes virtual human connection as a common denominator. Furthermore, the text stresses the importance of having comprehensive methods to assess the psychological influence of these digital platforms on the younger generation, paving the way for enhanced understanding and fostering more balanced internet experiences.

Elucidating the Impact of Secretome Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Uterine Epithelial Cells During &lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt; Blastocyst Production in Buffalo

One challenge that needs to be addressed in animal embryo production is to create the appropriate in vitro culture to improve the blastocyst rate and produce high-quality embryos. Buffalo Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) were derived from Wharton’s jelly and expanded in vitro. Conditioned media (secretome) was collected from well-characterized WJMSCs at 3rd passage. Similarly, buffalo Uterine Epithelial Cells (UECs) were derived from nongravid uteri and expanded in vitro. The secretome was collected from a well-characterized first passage UECs monolayer primed with steroid hormones (progesterone 3.14ng/ml and estradiol-17β 5 31pg/ml). Culture media was replaced with non-serum media, and the media was collected after 72h. Day 4 IVF-derived embryos were cultured in three groups: in regular mSOF media (Group I), mSOF replaced with 50% CM derived from MSCs (Group II), and mSOF replaced with 50% CM from steroid-treated UECs (Group III). Blastocyst rates were evaluated on day 09 post IVF. The blastocyst rate in group II was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than the control group, which was further enhanced in group III. In vitro co-culture of embryos with the secretome derived from mesenchymal stem cells or steroid-treated UECs improved the blastocyst rate. UECs and their secretions are essential to establish uterine receptivity and to mimic the internal in vivo environment.

The role of new media in forming the consciousness and worldview of Generation Z

Introduction. Introducing into the system of work of traditional media, new information and digital technologies have become the reason for the development of new media. Purpose setting. The evolution of new media in the era of technological progress involves the constant introduction of advanced digitalization technologies. In this regard, it is necessary to study the impact of new media on the minds of young people in order to identify positive and negative factors. Methodology and methods of the study. The factors of influence of information messages on the behavior of an audience of young people subject to regular and excessive media consumption, which causes certain behavior and reactions, are substantiated. Results. In the process of forming opinions and attitudes of Generation Z to information messages in the media space, the emotional factor and emotional thinking prevail. Conclusions. The consciousness and worldview of the younger generation is subject to informational and psychological impact due to the high degree of activity of the audience in social media and the Internet.