The larvae of Chinese Hydropsychidae (Insecta: Trichoptera), Part III: Hydromanicus melli Complex, H. canaliculatus, and H. umbonatus

A total of 45 adult and larval specimens of 6 Chinese Hydromanicus species are included in this molecular association analysis. Of these, the larvae of Hydromanicus melli Complex, H. canaliculatus, and H. umbonatus were associated with their adults using independent DNA sequences (the nuclear 28S-D2 fragment and the mitochondrial COI barcode gene) and were compared to metamorphotypes where available. Phylograms based on both genes revealed deep intraspecific divergences in several species, suggesting that cryptic diversity is likely common within the genus. Illustrated larval descriptions are provided for the three associated species. However, the larvae of species in the H. melli Complex cannot be morphologically differentiated from each other.

Combined Use of Structure Analysis, Studies of Molecular Association in Solution, and Molecular Modelling to Understand the Different Propensities of Dihydroxybenzoic Acids to Form Solid Phases

The arrangement of hydroxyl groups in the benzene ring has a significant effect on the propensity of dihydroxybenzoic acids (diOHBAs) to form different solid phases when crystallized from solution. All six diOHBAs were categorized into distinctive groups according to the solid phases obtained when crystallized from selected solvents. A combined study using crystal structure and molecule electrostatic potential surface analysis, as well as an exploration of molecular association in solution using spectroscopic methods and molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the possible mechanism of how the location of the phenolic hydroxyl groups affect the diversity of solid phases formed by the diOHBAs. The crystal structure analysis showed that classical carboxylic acid homodimers and ring-like hydrogen bond motifs consisting of six diOHBA molecules are prominently present in almost all analyzed crystal structures. Both experimental spectroscopic investigations and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the extent of intramolecular bonding between carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in solution has the most significant impact on the solid phases formed by the diOHBAs. Additionally, the extent of hydrogen bonding with solvent molecules and the mean lifetime of solute–solvent associates formed by diOHBAs and 2-propanol were also investigated.

Analysis of Histomorphological/molecular Association and Immune Checkpoint Regulators in Epithelioid Glioblastoma and Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Are These Tumors Potential Candidate for Immune Checkpoint Blockade

IntroductionEpithelioid glioblastoma (eGB) was adopted as a provisional entity in the 2016 WHO classification of central nervous tumors. Accurate diagnosis of eGBs and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is sometimes challenging owing to overlapping histological and genetic features. There are limited reports on immune profile of these tumors. Materials and methodsTwenty one PXA’s [15 PXA, 6 Anaplastic-PXA (A-PXA) and 14 eGB’s were assessed for histopathological and molecular association and their immune profile was compared to primary (1°) GBs (n-18).ResultsPXA cases showed extensive whereas variable positivity for epithelial and glial markers was seen in A-PXAs and eGBs. All cases showed retained nuclear ATRX and INI-1. H3K27M or IDH mutation was seen in none. P53 mutation was more common in eGB’s (57%) and A-PXA (33.33%) as compared to PXA (13.33%). None of the 1° GB’s harbored BRAF V600E, which was observed in 57% PXA and 50% eGBs with 100% concordance between immunohistochemistry and sequencing. EGFR amplification was observed in 14% eGB’s and 66% of 1° GB’s. PDL1 and CTLA-4 expression was higher in eGB’s (71.4% & 57.1%), A-PXA (66.6% &100%) and PXA (60% & 66.7%) as compared to 1° GB’s (38.8% & 16.7%). T cell infiltration was also observed in majority of eGB’s and PXA (90-100%) cases in contrast to 1°GB’s (66%). ConclusionThis is the first comprehensive analysis highlighting homogenous molecular profile and immune microenvironment of eGB and PXA, suggesting that they are closely related. Upregulation of PD-L1, CTLA4 and increased TIL’s in these tumors suggests potential candidature for immunotherapy.