Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study on Metals and Parasites in Shellfish of Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems

ABSTRACT Little has been published about the interactions of metals and parasites in economically important aquaculture species, particularly shellfish. Metal bioaccumulation and parasitic diseases could vary in different species depending on temperature changes and other environmental factors. Most studies conducted on endoparasites, such as acanthocephalans, cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes, indicate that only cestodes and acanthocephalans could absorb heavy metals successfully in their hosts, and that only adult worms could be used as indicators of environmental pollution. In Artemia parthenogenetica, cestodes increased resistance to arsenic (As) pollution and temperature changes; and infection was associated with improved antioxidant defense system without oxidative damage. The most serious parasite of Penaeus spp. is Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (Microsporidia: Enterocytozoonidae). Apostome ciliates are negatively impacting Pandalus borealis of the northeastern United States (Synophrya sp. that causes “white eggs” or Black Spot Gill Syndrome) and Penaeus spp. from the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (Hyalophysa lynni that causes shrimp black gill). In freshwater fish, the larvae of the nematode Eustrongylides spp. Jägerskiöld, 1909 (Nematoda: Dioctophymidae) absorbed lead (Pb), mercury, and cadmium, when the metal levels were close to zero in water and sediment. The concentration of Pb in the larvae was approximately 17 times higher than in the fish. Like the antioxidant defense reactions in the parasitized A. parthenogenetica exposed to As, an improved antioxidant defense system may be available in parasitized fish, limiting oxidative damage caused by metals. This study presents baseline concentrations of 30 metals in wild Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 from Ecuador and other species, as well as the current taxonomy for selected shellfish species and their parasites. Research is needed to assess the relationship of metals in parasites and host tissues, and oxidative stress in shellfish. The tools of One Health including molecular ecology, population genomics, proteomics, and epigenetic epidemiology should be used to detect parasites and environmental pollution indicators that could threaten aquatic species from freshwater and marine ecosystems, particularly considering climate change and pollution threats.
The Big Boom Theory: The Common Nighthawk wing-boom display delineates exclusive nesting territories

ABSTRACT Understanding the functional significance of bird sounds can provide valuable insight into the behavior and how birds use habitat. We show that the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) wing-boom display is a territorial signal associated with the nest location that can be used to identify territorial habitat use. In other words, the Common Nighthawk wing-boom display can be considered analogous to song due to its potential function in territoriality. We captured, tagged, and tracked 21 male Common Nighthawks in northeastern Alberta to confirm the functional significance of the wing-boom display and describe Common Nighthawk territoriality. Mean wing-boom use density (hereafter “area”) size was 10.2 ha (SD = 11.7 ha). We found minimal overlap in the wing-boom area (5 of 15 neighboring male pairs, 0.2–4.5% overlap), suggesting the wing-boom display represents an exclusive territory. Comparison of wing-boom locations and random points within the wing-boom area confirmed that male Common Nighthawks select areas near the nest to perform wing-boom displays. There was high wing-boom area overlap for the same individual between years. Differences between years reflected shifts in nest location, suggesting that the wing-boom display is a good indicator of the nest location and territory. Future Common Nighthawk surveys should record the type of acoustic signal observed to differentiate territorial habitat use from other functions. Many taxa that produce non-vocal sounds as part of breeding displays could similarly benefit from a functional understanding to provide insight into habitat use. LAY SUMMARY Understanding the functional significance of bird sounds is important because it provides behavioral context to detections. We tracked individual adult male Common Nighthawks and confirmed that the aerial wing-boom display represents an exclusive territory. Individual nighthawks selected areas near the nest location to perform wing-boom displays. Individuals had high territory overlap between years, with differences reflecting shifts in nest location. Future Common Nighthawk surveys should record the type of acoustic signal observed to differentiate territorial habitat use.
CHARACTERIZATION OF LESIONS INDUCED BY SPIROCERCA VULPIS (SPIRURIDAE: SPIROCERCIDAE) IN RED FOXES (VULPES VULPES)

Abstract: Spirocerca lupi infection in dogs (Canis domesticus) is associated with esophageal lesions that may evolve to a neoplastic stage in the form of esophageal sarcoma. In the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) infected with the closely related Spirocerca vulpis, similar lesions may occur in the stomach, but neoplastic forms have not been reported. We characterize Spirocerca vulpis–induced lesions in the fox, using pathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques. Seventy-one out of 163 Spirocerca vulpis–positive red foxes were selected and subjected to histopathological study. Lesions were classified as patchy or diffuse. Ten patchy and 10 diffuse lesion samples were studied using three IHC markers (CD68, CD3, and CD79α for macrophages, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, respectively) and H&E stain for neutrophils and eosinophils. Intensity of necrosis, hemorrhages, and the presence of collagen was also analyzed. Of the S. vulpis–positive red foxes, 96.9% had S. vulpis nodules localized in the gastric area (wall and/or omentum), and 3.1% had nodules in the small intestine. All the samples had a moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Mild eosinophil infiltration was observed in both types of lesions, while neutrophil infiltration was significatively higher in the patchy than in the diffuse lesions. Fibrosis with mature collagen fibers was also predominant in the patchy lesions along with the presence of T lymphocytes and macrophages. Both the patchy and diffuse patterns had very few B lymphocytes. These findings suggest that the diffuse form is an earlier stage of the lesion, which eventually evolves into patchy forms. Neoplastic forms were not seen. Although more studies are necessary, this study describes the lesions, characterizes the inflammatory infiltrates, and establishes a possible evolution of the different pathological forms of S. vulpis infection in the red fox.
Effect of Air Exposure on the Acid–Base Balance of Hemolymph in Akoya Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata martensii

ABSTRACT The hemolymph acid–base status of Akoya pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii exposed to air at 20°C was investigated. Air-exposed Akoya pearl oyster showed a decrease in hemolymph pH from 7.568 to 6.825 after 24 h. The hemolymph total CO2 concentration increased from 2.25 mM/L to 4.50 mM/L during 24 h of air exposure. The hemolymph CO2 partial pressure (Pco2) was calculated by rearranging the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. The hemolymph Pco2 increased from 1.0 torr to 14.8 torr, and bicarbonate ion concentration increased from 2.21 mM/L to 3.91 mM/L during 24 h of air exposure. The hemolymph calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]) increased from 9.4 mM/L to 12.8 mM/L. These results indicated that Akoya pearl oysters showed hemolymph acidosis with partial metabolic compensation by mobilization of bicarbonate from the shell valve during prolonged air exposure. Immersion in seawater for between 4 h and 24 h decreased the effect of air exposure on hemolymph acid–base status, except for [Ca2+]. The hemolymph [Ca2+] of immersed Akoya pearl oysters was slightly higher than the initial level upon air exposure although hemolymph [Ca2+] had already decreased after immersion in seawater for 4 h and 24 h. The hemolymph acid–base balance of immersed Akoya pearl oysters recovered to the initial level after 4–24 h, even if the animals were exposed to the air for a prolonged time (24 h).
Indonesian Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education

Abstract Since the Bandung Declaration of 2004, Indonesia has become concerned with the development of inclusive education. Even though teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education are important for successful implementation, there have been few research studies on them in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to understand Indonesian teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education. This study surveyed 243 Indonesian teachers using the Teacher Attitudes toward Inclusion Scale (TATIS) instrument. The findings showed that 79.4 % of Indonesian teachers held a moderate attitude toward inclusive education. In addition, the number of teachers who had a high (8.6 %) attitude toward inclusive education was less than those who held a low one (11.9 %). Moreover, there were no significant differences based on demographic data such as gender, age, province, school type, highest education, teaching experience in general education, and teaching experience in inclusive education. A significant difference was found only when the level of schools grouped the teachers: teachers who teach in secondary schools had more positive attitudes toward inclusive education than teachers who teach in primary schools. The positive attitude of teachers towards inclusive education can make them more capable of controlled learning environments. Meanwhile, to improve their attitude, a sustainable training program can be carried out. Sustainable training organized by the Ministry of Education to improve teacher pedagogical and professional competence must be in line with Education for Sustainable Development (EDS).
Cleavage-Mediated Regulation of Myd88 Signaling by Inflammasome-Activated Caspase-1

Coordination among multiple signaling pathways ensures an appropriate immune response, where a signaling pathway may impair or augment another signaling pathway. Here, we report a negative feedback regulation of signaling through the key innate immune mediator MyD88 by inflammasome-activated caspase-1. NLRP3 inflammasome activation impaired agonist- or infection-induced TLR signaling and cytokine production through the proteolytic cleavage of MyD88 by caspase-1. Site-specific mutagenesis was used to identify caspase-1 cleavage site within MyD88 intermediary segment. Different cleavage site location within MyD88 defined the functional consequences of MyD88 cleavage between mouse and human cells. LPS/monosodium urate–induced mouse inflammation model corroborated the physiological role of this mechanism of regulation, that could be reversed by chemical inhibition of NLRP3. While Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain released by MyD88 cleavage additionally contributed to the inhibition of signaling, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia associated MyD88L265P mutation is able to evade the caspase-1-mediated inhibition of MyD88 signaling through the ability of its TIRL265P domain to recruit full length MyD88 and facilitate signaling. The characterization of this mechanism reveals an additional layer of innate immunity regulation.
Identification of Hub Biomarkers and Immune-Related Pathways Participating in the Progression of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis

Background Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease that generally induces the progression of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (GN). The purpose of this study was to identify key biomarkers and immune-related pathways involved in the progression of ANCA-associated GN (ANCA-GN) and their relationship with immune cell infiltration. Methods Gene microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Hub markers for ANCA-GN were mined based on differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and lasso regression, followed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of the differential genes. The infiltration levels of 28 immune cells in the expression profile and their relationship to hub gene markers were analysed using single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). In addition, the accuracy of the hub markers in diagnosing ANCA-GN was subsequently evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results A total of 651 differential genes were screened. Twelve co-expression modules were obtained via WGCNA; of which, one hub module (black module) had the highest correlation with ANCA-GN. A total of 66 intersecting genes were acquired by combining differential genes. Five hub genes were subsequently obtained by lasso analysis as potential biomarkers for ANCA-GN. The immune infiltration results revealed the most significant relationship among monocytes, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. ROC curve analysis demonstrated a prime diagnostic value of the five hub genes. According to the functional enrichment analysis of the differential genes, hub genes were mainly enhanced in immune- and inflammation-related pathways. Conclusion B cells and monocytes were closely associated with the pathogenesis of ANCA-GN. Hub genes (CYP3A5, SLC12A3, BGN, TAPBP and TMEM184B) may be involved in the progression of ANCA-GN through immune-related signal pathways.
Challenges in Treating Genodermatoses: New Therapies at the Horizon

Genodermatoses are rare inherited skin diseases that frequently affect other organs. They often have marked effects on wellbeing and may cause early death. Progress in molecular genetics and translational research has unravelled many underlying pathological mechanisms, and in several disorders with high unmet need, has opened the way for the introduction of innovative treatments. One approach is to intervene where cell-signaling pathways are dysregulated, in the case of overactive pathways by the use of selective inhibitors, or when the activity of an essential factor is decreased by augmenting a molecular component to correct disequilibrium in the pathway. Where inflammatory reactions have been induced by a genetically altered protein, another possible approach is to suppress the inflammation directly. Depending on the nature of the genodermatosis, the implicated protein or even on the particular mutation, to correct the consequences or the genetic defect, may require a highly personalised stratagem. Repurposed drugs, can be used to bring about a “read through” strategy especially where the genetic defect induces premature termination codons. Sometimes the defective protein can be replaced by a normal functioning one. Cell therapies with allogeneic normal keratinocytes or fibroblasts may restore the integrity of diseased skin and allogeneic bone marrow or mesenchymal cells may additionally rescue other affected organs. Genetic engineering is expanding rapidly. The insertion of a normal functioning gene into cells of the recipient is since long explored. More recently, genome editing, allows reframing, insertion or deletion of exons or disruption of aberrantly functioning genes. There are now several examples where these stratagems are being explored in the (pre)clinical phase of therapeutic trial programmes. Another stratagem, designed to reduce the severity of a given disease involves the use of RNAi to attenuate expression of a harmful protein by decreasing abundance of the cognate transcript. Most of these strategies are short-lasting and will thus require intermittent life-long administration. In contrast, insertion of healthy copies of the relevant gene or editing the disease locus in the genome to correct harmful mutations in stem cells is more likely to induce a permanent cure. Here we discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks of applying these technologies in patients with these genetic conditions. Given the severity of many genodermatoses, prevention of transmission to future generations remains an important goal including offering reproductive choices, such as preimplantation genetic testing, which can allow selection of an unaffected embryo for transfer to the uterus.
Controlling Synthetic Cell-Cell Communication

Synthetic cells, which mimic cellular function within a minimal compartment, are finding wide application, for instance in studying cellular communication and as delivery devices to living cells. However, to fully realise the potential of synthetic cells, control of their function is vital. An array of tools has already been developed to control the communication of synthetic cells to neighbouring synthetic cells or living cells. These tools use either chemical inputs, such as small molecules, or physical inputs, such as light. Here, we examine these current methods of controlling synthetic cell communication and consider alternative mechanisms for future use.
Integrative Analysis of the Metabolome and Transcriptome of a Cultivated Pepper and Its Wild Progenitor Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) Revealed the Loss of Pungency During Capsicum Domestication

Pungency is a unique characteristic of chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) caused by capsaicinoids. The evolutionary emergence of pungency is thought to be a derived trait within the genus Capsicum. However, it is not well-known how pungency has varied during Capsicum domestication and specialization. In this study, we applied a comparative metabolomics along with transcriptomics analysis to assess various changes between two peppers (a mildly pungent cultivated pepper BB3 and its hot progenitor chiltepin) at four stages of fruit development, focusing on pungency variation. A total of 558 metabolites were detected in two peppers. In comparison with chiltepin, capsaicinoid accumulation in BB3 was almost negligible at the early stage. Next, 412 DEGs associated with the capsaicinoid accumulation pathway were identified through coexpression analysis, of which 18 genes (14 TFs, 3 CBGs, and 1 UGT) were deemed key regulators due to their high coefficients. Based on these data, we speculated that downregulation of these hub genes during the early fruit developmental stage leads to a loss in pungency during Capsicum domestication (from chiltepin to BB3). Of note, a putative UDP-glycosyltransferase, GT86A1, is thought to affect the stabilization of capsaicinoids. Our results lay the foundation for further research on the genetic diversity of pungency traits during Capsicum domestication and specialization.
Multi-Scale Imaging of Vascular Pathologies in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease entails systemic changes in the vasculature. The endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are crucial in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Healthy endothelial cells direct the blood flow to tissues as vasodilators and act as the systemic interface between the blood and tissues, supplying nutrients for vital organs, and regulating the smooth traffic of leukocytes into tissues. In cardiovascular diseases, when inflammation is sensed, endothelial cells adjust to the local or systemic inflammatory state. As the inflamed vasculature adjusts, changes in the endothelial cells lead to endothelial dysfunction, altered blood flow and permeability, expression of adhesion molecules, vessel wall inflammation, thrombosis, angiogenic processes, and extracellular matrix production at the endothelial cell level. Preclinical multi-scale imaging of these endothelial changes using optical, acoustic, nuclear, MRI, and multimodal techniques has progressed, due to technical advances and enhanced biological understanding on the interaction between immune and endothelial cells. While this review highlights biological processes that are related to changes in the cardiac vasculature during cardiovascular diseases, it also summarizes state-of-the-art vascular imaging techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging techniques are highlighted, as well as their principles, methodologies, and preclinical and clinical applications with potential future directions. These multi-scale approaches of vascular imaging carry great potential to further expand our understanding of basic vascular biology, to enable early diagnosis of vascular changes and to provide sensitive diagnostic imaging techniques in the management of cardiovascular disease.
Targeting TIGIT Inhibits Bladder Cancer Metastasis Through Suppressing IL-32

Bladder cancer is a highly metastatic tumor and one of the most common malignancies originating in the urinary tract. Despite the efficacy of immune checkpoints, including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), the effect of immunotherapy for bladder cancer remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new targets to expand immunotherapeutic options. In this study, we utilized single-cell sequencing to explore the cell composition of tumors and detected a subset of Treg cells with high expression of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) and interleukin (IL)-32. The antitumor immune response was suppressed by this subset of Treg cells, while IL-32 promoted bladder cancer metastasis. Nevertheless, targeting TIGIT not only reversed immunosuppression by restoring the antitumor immune response mediated by T cells but also suppressed the secretion of IL-32 and inhibited the metastasis of bladder cancer cells. Thus, our study provided novel insights into immunosuppression in bladder cancer and highlighted TIGIT as a novel target for immunotherapy of bladder cancer. We also illustrated the mechanism of the dual effect of targeting TIGIT and revealed the metastasis-promoting effect of IL-32 in bladder cancer. Collectively, these findings raise the possibility of utilizing TIGIT as a target against bladder cancer from the bench to the bedside.
Gender Differences in COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Mental Health of Undergraduate Students

Background: Prolonged university closures and social distancing-imposed measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic obliged students to at-home learning with online lectures and educational programs promoting potential social isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, and episodes of clinical decompensation. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in a university institute in Milan, Northern Italy, to assess the COVID-19 lockdown impact on the mental health of the undergraduate students. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using adjusted logistic regression models. Results: Of the 8,177 students, 12.8% reported depressive symptoms, 25.6% anxiety, 8.7% insomnia, and 10.6% reported impulsive tracts, with higher proportions among females than males. Mental health symptoms were positively associated with caring for a person at home, a poor housing quality, and a worsening in working performance. Among males compared with females, a poor housing quality showed a stronger positive association with depressive symptoms and impulsivity, and a worsening in the working performance was positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the absence of private space was positively associated with depression and anxiety, stronger among males than females. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first multidisciplinary consortium study, involving public mental health, environmental health, and architectural design. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute our findings and consequent recommendations to implement well-being interventions in pandemic conditions.