Pancreatic duodenal hemeodomain protein-1 (PDX1) is essential for the development of the embryonic pancreas and plays a key role in pancreatic β-cell differentiation, maturation, regenration, and maintenance of normal pancreatic β-cell insulin-producing function. Purified recombinant PDX1 (rPDX1) may be a useful tool for many research and clinical applications, however, using the E. coli expression system has several drawbacks for producing quality PDX1 protein. To explore the yeast expression system for generating rPDX1 protein, the cDNA coding for the full length human PDX1 gene was cloned into the secreting expression organism Pichia pastoris. SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis of culture medium from methanol-induced expression yeast clones demonstrated that the rPDX1 was secreted into the culture medium, had a molecular weight by SDS-PAGE of 50 kDa, and was glycosylated. The predicted size of the mature unmodified PDX1 polypeptide is 31 kDa, suggesting that eukaryotic post-translational modifications are the result of the increased molecular weight. The recombinant protein was purified to greater than 95% purity using a combined ammonium sulfate precipitation with heparin-agarose chromatography. Finally, 120 μg of the protein was obtained in high purity from 1 L of the culture supernatant. Bioactivity of the rPDX1 was confirmed by the ability to penetrate cell membranes and activation of an insulin-luciferase reporter gene. Our results suggest that the P. pastoris expression system can be used to produce a fully functional human rPDX1 for both research and clinical application.

Highlights• In this study, the weaver ants were nocturnal and foraged more intensively between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.• In the case of food preference, the weaver ants highly preferred tuna followed by chicken skin and milk.• The foraging activity of weaver ants was influenced by both temperature and relative humidity. Abstrak: Kerengga (Oecophylla smaragdina) adalah satu komuniti serangga yang penting di kanopi pokok. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian tentang aktiviti pencarian makanan kerengga adalah terhad. Oleh sebab itu, satu kajian lapangan dijalankan untuk mengkaji pemilihan makanan dan aktiviti pencarian makanan oleh semut ini dijalankan selama tiga hari. Pemilihan makanan oleh kerengga ini dikaji dengan menggunakan tiga jenis makanan (tuna, kulit ayam, dan susu tepung) yang mengandungi protein, lipid, dan karbohidrat. Aktiviti pencarian makanan dikaji berdasarkan dua parameter iaitu suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif yang direkod sepanjang tempoh experimen. Keputusan experimen menunjukkan O. smaragdina lebih menggemari makanan berprotein berbanding makanan berlipid dan berkabohidrat, serta aktiviti pencarian makanan dipengaruhi oleh suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bagaimana kerengga bertindak balas terhadap tiga jenis makanan yang berbeza dan secara tidak langsung, menunjukkan aktiviti pencarian makanan yang strategik untuk memaksimumkan bekalan makanan kepada koloni mereka. Kata kunci: Oecophylla smaragdina, kerengga, koloni, pilihan makanan, aktiviti pencarian makanan Abstract: Weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina ) is an important insect community in tree canopies, but little is known about their foraging behaviours. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in order to assess the food preferences and foraging activity of weaver ants for three consecutive days. The food preferences of the weaver ants were evaluated using three types of foods (tuna, chicken skin, and milk powder) containing varying contents of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate. The foraging activity was examined based on two parameters, namely temperature and relative humidity which were recorded throughout the study. Results revealed that food higher in protein content was highly preferred by the * Corresponding author: marcela.fun@gmail.comMarcela Pimid et al. 168O. smaragdina compared to foods with lipid and carbohydrate contents, and the foraging activity of the O. smaragdina was significantly influenced by both temperature and relative humidity. The present study exhibits how the weaver ants respond to different types of foods and indirectly, forming a strategic foraging activity to maximise their food supplies for their colony.

Indigenous perspectives on the effects of climate change are frequently elicited through surveys and interviews, and the responses are compared to meteorological data. However, there remains a limited approach to examining the underlying predictors that best determine Indigenous support for adaptation strategies. This study utilizes partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify the main indicators of Indigenous support for coping with unfavorable climate impacts. Using a case study and a purposive sampling approach, a survey of 328 Indigenous peoples was conducted in rural Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia. Results showed that communities’ attitudes had a large effect on the Indigenous support for adaptation (f2 = 0.380), followed by the communities’ awarenesses (f2 = 0.063), rapid onset events (f2 = 0.051), and climate impacts on tourism (f2 = 0.016). Communities prioritize the impacts of climate change on their health, livelihoods, and environmental resources. Nevertheless, they do not draw a causal link between the effects and responses to climate hazards. Coping strategies such as the inclusion of Indigenous livelihoods, a bottom-up approach, and transparent communication are suggested to cultivate Indigenous support for climate change adaptation. Decision-makers can apply these findings to prepare climate change policies and enhance the adaptation strategies of Indigenous communities.

548 Background: Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway through Raf has been shown to resensitize tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy. Sorafenib (Sor) is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) affecting tumor proliferation and angiogenesis through inhibition of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, VEGF, and PDGF pathways. A similar TKI, regorafenib, has efficacy as monotherapy in advanced mCRC. Demonstrating activity of this compound class with standard cytotoxic therapy represents a clinical unmet need. Methods: Eligible pts had progressive mCRC after prior oxaliplatin and irinotecan, at least 1 measurable target lesion by RECIST, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate organ function. Pts received Cape (1000mg/m2 PO BID D1-14) and Sor (400mg PO BID max via dose escalation per cycle). Cycles were q21d with tumor assessments q9w. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective and biochemical response rates, overall survival (OS), toxicity and quality of life. Sample size was based on a 50% improved median PFS from 3 (historical) to 4.5 months (m). Results: 29 of 43 planned pts have received therapy and the first 26 are included in this planned interim analysis. Baseline pt demographics are in the Table. Most frequently observed adverse events (any AE) included HTN (15%), diarrhea (35%), fatigue (65%) and HFS (91%). 19 pts (73%) had a grade 3 AE (12/19 were HFS). There were no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. 11/25 (44%) evaluable pts have radiographic stable disease. With a median f/u of 6.2 mo, interim PFS is 4.4m. Conclusions: Enrollment continues with manageable AEs, despite the overlapping toxicity of HFS. Planned interim PFS data appears promising in this refractory mCRC population. Molecular correlatives for predictors of response are being analyzed. Clinical trial information: NCT01471353. [Table: see text]