Anti-INA monoclonal antibody, clone 368DU8.2.3

One of the most mysterious lunar features discovered during the Apollo era was Ina, a similar to 2 x 3-km depression composed of bleb-like mounds surrounded by hummocky and blocky terrains. Subsequent studies identified dozens of similar features in lunar maria, describing them as Irregular Mare Patches (IMPs). Due to the unusual and complex characteristics of IMPs, their specific formation mechanism is debated. To improve our understanding of the nature and origin of IMPs, we undertook an updated search and geological characterization of all IMPs and established a classification approach encompassing the full spectrum of IMPs. We present an updated catalog of 91 IMPs and survey the detailed characteristics of each IMP. We find that the majority of IMPs occur in maria emplaced over three billion years ago, contemporaneous with the peak period of global lunar volcanism. We utilized geologic context information and characteristics to establish two classification schemes for lunar IMPs: (1) geologic context: IMPs are categorized into (a) small shield volcano summit pit floor and flank, (b) linear/sinuous rille interior and adjacent exterior, and (c) typical maria; (2) characteristics: IMPs are classified into (a) "mound + floor" and (b) "pit only" types. We showed the range of characteristics of lunar IMPs was consistent with the waning-stage magmatic foam formation and extrusion scenario in different environments. Our updated catalog and classification raise several outstanding questions concerning the nature and origin of lunar IMPs. Assessing these questions will improve our knowledge of lunar thermal and geologic evolution. Plain Language Summary Composed of fresh-looking bulbous-shaped mounds surrounded by a hummocky and blocky floor, the 2 x 3-km Ina depression is one of the most enigmatic and poorly understood features discovered during early lunar exploration. Later studies identified dozens of similar features in the lunar maria and named them Irregular Mare Patches (IMPs). To achieve an improved knowledge of IMPs, we undertook an updated search, geologic analysis, and classification study of all currently known IMPs, presenting a combined catalog of 91 IMPs. We find that the majority of lunar IMPs occur in mare units emplaced over three billion years ago, coinciding with the peak period of global lunar volcanism. We then classified the entire IMP population on the basis of their geologic settings and characteristics and documented and classified the detailed surface texture of the floor terrains at each IMP site. These new and updated detailed characterization and classification of the entire IMP population provide important new information about their nature and origin. Association with volcanic vent areas and ancient volcanic structures and deposits suggests that late stage volcanic degassing processes during the period of mare volcanism >3 Ga ago should be considered in more detail.

Objective Epidemiological studies suggest vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, a chronic autoimmune disorder highly prevalent in indigenous North American (INA) population. We therefore profiled the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitaminD [25(OH)D], an active metabolite of vitamin D, in a cohort of at-risk first-degree relatives (FDR) of INA RA patients, a subset of whom subsequently developed RA (progressors). Methods 2007 onward, serum samples from INA RA patients and FDR were collected at the time of a structured baseline visit and stored at -20 degrees C. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), 25 (OH)D, hs-CRP, vitamin-D binding protein (VDBP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were determined using ELISA and rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity was determined by nephelometry. Results We demonstrate that 25 (OH) D concentrations were lower in winter than summer (P = 0.0538), and that serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in samples collected and stored after 2013 (P< 0.0001). Analysis of samples obtained after 2013 demonstrated that 37.6% of study participants were 25(OH)D insufficient (< 75nmol/L). Also, seropositive RA patients and FDR had lower 25(OH)D levels compared to ACPA-/FDR (P< 0.05, P< 0.01 respectively). Linear regression analysis showed 25(OH)D insufficiency was inversely associated with presence of RA autoantibodies. Longitudinal samples from 14 progressors demonstrated a consistent increase in 25(OH)D levels at the time they exhibited clinically detectable joint inflammation, without any significant change in VDBP or PTH levels. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed significant association between 25(OH)D and PTH levels, both in RA patients and progressors at RA onset time. Conclusion We demonstrate that 25(OH)D levels in serum increased at RA onset in progressors. The potential role that vitamin D metabolites and their downstream effects play in RA transition requires further investigation.