http://hdl.handle.net/10453/35207 2026-10-15T03:48:05Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197193 Title: A Branch Group With Unsolvable Conjugacy Problem Authors: Bishop, A; Schesler, E Abstract: Abstract We prove that every finitely generated residually finite group $G$ can be embedded in a finitely generated branch group $\Gamma $ such that two elements in $G$ are conjugate in $G$ if and only if they are conjugate in $\Gamma $. As an application we construct a finitely generated branch group with solvable word problem and unsolvable conjugacy problem and thereby answer a question of Bartholdi, Grigorchuk, and Šuniḱ. 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197097 Title: The immune-modulatory potential of helminth-derived proteins in cellular models of inflammation: a systematic review with cross-study quantitative data analysis. Authors: Stucke, S; Feeney, A; Lalor, R; Donnelly, S; Dalton, JP; McKernan, D; Dowd, E Abstract: Helminths are parasitic worms that secrete a plethora of immune regulatory molecules which allow them to moderate inflammatory responses by their host's immune system to ensure their survival within the host. This ability to drive a compatible existence with their host has led to research into the potential therapeutic effects of helminth-derived molecules the regulation of overactive immune and inflammatory responses in a wide variety of diseases. This systematic review with cross-study quantitative data analysis aims to synthesize the published data on helminth-derived immunomodulatory peptides/polypeptides/proteins (HDIPs) with a focus on determining the extent to which they modulate the inflammatory response in in vitro cellular models of inflammation. In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a predefined systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Medline databases identified relevant studies published up to September 2025, and 79 articles were included after screening. We found that most published studies used LPS or Concanavalin A stimulated macrophages, peripheral blood mononuclear cells or dendritic cells as the cellular model of inflammation. Twenty helminth species from which > 60 isolated HDIPs were derived were tested in these models, with the nematodes, Haemonchus contortus and Acanthocheilonema viteae, and the trematode, Fasciola hepatica, the most explored species. A common property of these molecules was the ability to significantly reduce the expression or production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF, and significantly increase the expression or production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, TGFβ and IL-4. The effects on other cytokines, including IFNγ which is known to have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, were less consistent, with HDIPs either decreasing or increasing the levels of this cytokine. This systematic review with cross-study quantitative data analysis synthesizes the existing literature in this field and shows that the HDIPs secreted by several helminth species have consistently demonstrated effects though modification of cytokine levels and, as such, have therapeutic potential in conditions in which overactive immune and inflammatory responses play a pathogenic role. 2026-03-04T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197078 Title: Estimating global bee species richness and taxonomic gaps. Authors: Dorey, JB; Gilpin, A-M; Johnston, NP; Esquerré, D; Hughes, AC; Ascher, JS; Orr, MC Abstract: Robust species richness estimates are critical for meaningful conservation prioritisation, understanding ecosystem resilience, and studying evolutionary processes. Yet, they remain elusive even for some of the best-studied groups and regions. As keystone pollinators, bees are crucial for the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, yet rigorous estimates of their species richness are lacking. Here, we statistically estimate global, continental, and country lower bounds of bee species richness. Globally, we estimate 24,705-26,164 bee species, an 18-25% increase, representing at least 32-45 years of taxonomic research. We estimate particularly high undescribed biodiversity from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. We find that taxonomic gaps are correlated with gross domestic product per capita (GDPc), observed species richness, number of occurrence records, and completeness of occurrence databases. Our statistical R-package framework will progress our understanding of lesser-known groups, downstream consensus, and mobilise existing occurrence datasets to quantitatively estimate species richness on global scales. 2026-02-24T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/197071 Title: Exfoliated kidney cells from urine for non-invasive kidney transplant monitoring: A potential opportunity? Authors: Wu, HHL; Parthiban, NK; Goldys, EM; Pollock, CA; Saad, S Abstract: Kidney transplantation is usually the optimal treatment option for patients living with kidney failure given its associations with improved survival, quality of life outcomes and a reduction in the personal, economic, and societal burden of long-term dialysis. While advantages of kidney transplantation are recognized, post-transplant complications, such as graft rejection, ischemia-reperfusion injury, surgical-related complications, and long-term consequences of immunosuppressive therapies, are commonly observed. There has been increased research on developing non-invasive biomarkers for the monitoring of transplanted kidneys over recent decades. The potential of urinary biomarkers to identify graft rejection, post-transplant acute tubular necrosis, detect progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition toward tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and to differentiate between causes of graft dysfunction is an attractive alternative to invasive transplant biopsy. Innovative urinary biomarkers, such as those derived from omics technologies allow for a more holistic assessment of graft status through multi-parametric molecular analysis, although there remain questions on the consistency, reliability, and practicality of utilizing omics-based urinary biomarkers. The international nephrology community has continued to make concerted efforts to improve the procedures and cost-effectiveness of kidney transplant monitoring. In this article, we review the evidence and limitations of currently available urinary biomarkers and propose the application of urine-derived exfoliated kidney cells such as urinary exfoliated proximal tubule cells to prognosticate kidney transplant outcomes and monitor for post-transplant complications. Artificial intelligence and the incorporation of machine learning analysis of proximal tubular cell characteristics may optimize the process of differentiating graft rejection from other forms of kidney dysfunction non-invasively following kidney transplantation. 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z