Helminth extracellular vesicles co-opt host monocytes to drive T cell anergy

Parasitic helminths secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) into their host tissues to modulate immune responses, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We demonstrate that Ascaris EVs are efficiently internalised by monocytes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increase the percentage of classical monocytes. Furthermore, EV treatment of monocytes induced a novel anti-inflammatory phenotype characterised by CD14+, CD16−, CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2−) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)+ cells. In addition, Ascaris EVs induced T cell anergy in a monocyte-dependent mechanism. Targeting professional phagocytes to induce both direct and indirect pathways of immune modulation presents a highly novel and efficient mechanism of EV-mediated host-parasite communication. Intra-peritoneal administration of EVs induced protection against gut inflammation in the dextran sodium sulphate model of colitis in mice. Ascaris EVs were shown to affect circulating immune cells and protect against gut inflammation; this highlights their potential as a subject for further investigation in inflammatory conditions driven by dysregulated immune responses. However, their clinical translation would require further studies and careful consideration of ethical implications

The Applied Music Studio: A Decade of Research and Inquiry

The applied music studio at its best provides intense inspiration and instruction for musicians, yet at its worst can alienate and demotivate students. Mostly widely known as one-to-one teaching, in the master-apprentice model, the challenges of teaching in the applied studio have been studied for over two decades. This chapter reviews the most recent body of work and provides an overview of practical findings from the research

Exploring the potential of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerotis) crude extracts as immunostimulants for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): effects on survival and immunological responses against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

This study investigated the effects of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerotis) extract (LRE) on immune responses and resistance against the aquatic pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to improve disease management in shrimp aquaculture. LREs were extracted using methanol and water to evaluate their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy. L. rhinocerotis methanol extract (LRME) exhibited higher antimicrobial activity and lower acute toxicity compared to the aqueous extract, and was selected for subsequent in vitro hemocyte assays and in vivo feeding trials. The in vivo trials were conducted in two batches, with each batch consisting of five diets: a basal diet without LRME inclusion (control), a commercial diet, and three treatment diets supplemented with LRME at 1 g (LRME1), 5 g (LRME5), and 10 g (LRME10) per kilogram of feed. Each diet had three replicates (n = 3). The first batch included 120 shrimp with an average weight of 13.38 ± 1.72 g, and was used to evaluate immune parameters, including total hemocyte count (THC), hemocyte type proportions, phenoloxidase (PO) activity, phagocytic activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, over a 12-day feeding trial. The second batch consisted of 225 post-larvae (PL10) with an average weight of 0.06 ± 0.01 g, and was used for bacterial challenge tests to assess survival rates following a 4-day feeding trial. In the 12-day feeding trial, shrimp fed with LRME showed significant increases in THC, ROS production, phagocytic, and PO activity, with LRME1 consistently demonstrating substantial improvements across multiple immune parameters. Days 4 and 8 were observed as specific time points when LRME exhibited significant effects on shrimp immunity, highlighting the temporal nature of shrimp immune responses to LRME supplementation. In a subsequent bacterial challenge test, a 4-day supplementation of LRME1 significantly enhanced shrimp survival rates. This study highlights the potential of LRME in enhancing shrimp immunity and resistance against V. parahaemolyticus, with significant effects observed at 1 g kg−1 dietary inclusion and a supplementation period of 4 days

Sugarcane health monitoring with satellite spectroscopy and machine learning: A review

Research into large-scale crop monitoring has flourished due to increased accessibility to satellite imagery. This review delves into previously unexplored and under-explored areas in sugarcane health monitoring and disease/pest detection using satellite-based spectroscopy and Machine Learning (ML). It discusses key considerations in system development, including relevant satellites, vegetation indices, ML methods, factors influencing sugarcane reflectance, optimal growth conditions, common diseases, and traditional detection methods. Many studies highlight how factors like crop age, soil type, viewing angle, water content, recent weather patterns, and sugarcane variety can impact spectral reflectance, affecting the accuracy of health assessments via spectroscopy. However, these variables have not been fully considered in the literature. In addition, the current literature lacks comprehensive comparisons between ML techniques and vegetation indices. This review addresses these gaps and discusses that, while current findings suggest the potential for an ML-driven satellite spectroscopy system for monitoring sugarcane health, further research is essential. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of previous research to aid in unlocking this potential and advancing the development of an effective sugarcane health monitoring system using satellite technology

Delineation of geochemical anomalies through empirical cumulative distribution function for mineral exploration

In this paper, a statistical outlier detection technique based on empirical cumulative distribution functions (ECOD) is applied to a multivariate geochemical dataset from southeastern Iran, which is known for its porphyry and vein-type copper mineral occurrences. The ECOD method assumes that outlier samples are situated in both the left and right tails of the cumulative distribution functions, and it determines whether the outliers are located in the right or left tails using the concept of skewness. Anomaly maps produced by the ECOD method are compared with those generated by the local outlier factor (LOF) method. Both ECOD and LOF are applied to two subsets, including 4 and 12 trace elements. The anomaly maps are evaluated by comparing the number of delineated known mineral deposits and using ROC curves. The result revealed that LOF was outperformed by ECOD in the delineation of known Cu mineralization and in the identification of zones containing mineralized samples collected during the anomaly checking stage. The ECOD anomaly map is also compared with results from the k-means clustering method, and the superiority of ECOD over k-means clustering is demonstrated. The implementation of ECOD on clr-transformed multivariate geochemical data shows promise but assumes statistical independence among features, often unmet in geochemical exploration. To address this, we transformed clr data into new principal and independent feature spaces using principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA), enhancing anomaly detection efficiency. ECOD_ICA outperformed ECOD_PCA, successfully classifying all mineralized samples and 15 of 18 Cu mineral occurrences in the highest score class (Q4), as confirmed by ROC analysis. However, the reliance of the ECOD method on univariate tail probabilities limits its ability to detect multivariate anomalies arising from complex inter-element relationships. Strong correlations in geochemical datasets can lead to false positives, necessitating dimension reduction techniques. While PCA and ICA help manage these correlations, they may obscure meaningful signals. The ECOD outlier detection method is also sensitive to the skewness of the dimensions, so a careful feature selection stage is recommended before applying it. The method is less sensitive to the number of dimensions, which enhances its robustness. Additionally, the absence of hyperparameter tuning makes ECOD a reliable and efficient outlier detection method

Exploring the use of tabletop gaming for wellness

Tabletop gaming has increased in popularity over the past decade, with a particular resurgance from the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. Research into tabletop role-playing games has suggested that they could be utilised as therapeutic tools (Arenas et al., 2022). Qualitative case studies examining the impact of a range of tabletop role-playing games (e.g., Call of Cthulhu, Dungeons & Dragons) demonstrate that these games can support psychological and social development (Abbott et al., 2021; Hughes, 1988), positively impacting social skills and quality of life (Kato, 2019). Moreovoer, recent quantitative research continues to demonstrate that tabletop role-playing games can benefit both mental health (Merrick et al., 2024) and social skills (Varrette, 2023). Previous research exploring perceptions of the use of role-playing games to promote psychosocial attributes demonstrated that 22% of surveyed psychiatrists perceive an association between these games and psychopathology (Lis et al., 2015) and 75% of interviewed social workers agreed that they needed to learn more about these games (Ben-Ezra et al., 2018). By interviewing mental health practitioners about the ways in which they utilise tabletop role-playing games in a therapeutic context for adolescents, Gutierrez (2017) found that the games could be used as exposure therapy, used as group therapy, client-tailored, and utilised for any age. However, Gutierrez’ (2017) study only included five participants, and thus replication with a larger participant pool is needed to provide more evidence. The present study aimed to collect data regarding the current use of tabletop role-playing games as a modality to bolster wellness in Australia. It focuses on exploring the perceived utility that tabletop role-playing games have on wellness by interviewing Game Masters (e.g., game facilitators who are Psychologists, Educators, etc.) who run their games in a professional manner for the promotion of wellness (defined as “a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being” – Stoewen, 2017, p. 861). This study is guided by the following research question: How is tabletop role-playing games currerntly used for wellness promotion in Australia? Data collection for this study is planned for late 2024. A convience sample of approximately 15 Australian residents who act as Game Masters using tabletop role-playing games for the promotion of wellness will be recruited. Individual, semi-structured interviews will be conducted using videoconferencing software. Prepared questions focus on the current usage of tabletop-roleplaying games for wellness, their perceived psychosocial benefits, targetted populations, current barriers of use and training for Game Masters. Verbatim transcripts will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) via the NVivo program. Reflexive thematic analysis is used to identfy patterns or themes throughout data set/s and will thus aid in identifying common ideas in each of interviews which can be synthesised in the paper. Preliminary findings will be presented at the conference. The findings from this research will assist in outlining the current availabilities of tabletop roleplaying games for wellness programs. This body of work should also assist in providing rationale to conducting these programs

How everyday music listening can promote goal achievement

Research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown a marked decrease in psychological well-being amongst university students. As such, there is an urgent need for ϐinancially viable and accessible strategies to support well-being. Research has demonstrated that listening to music can promote well-being, through created feelings of social connection, mood management, and goal achievement. However, it is unclear how contextual details of everyday listening, such as people’s listening intentions, impact music listening’s ability to support self-regulation and well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use experience sampling methodology (ESM) to investigate factors underpinning how music listening can assist listeners with self-regulation. Participants (N = 16 to date) were asked to install a mobile-ESM application, MuPsych, on their phone. For two weeks, when an individual played music, they were prompted to complete a short survey (at 0, 5, and 20 minutes into their listening). These surveys asked participants about their listening goals, mood, well-being, to rate the music (e.g., how much the liked the music and how much control they had over the music), and to describe the context (e.g., the number of people listening, the location). Data collection is underway. It is anticipated that ϐindings will offer valuable insights into the relationships between mobile music listening practices, self-regulation intentions, and the consequences of listening. Findings have implications concerning programs, strategies, and recommendations for supporting University student well-being in the post-pandemic recovery period

Transcriptomic changes during induction of tetrasporogenesis in the red seaweed Asparagopsis armata

The red seaweed Asparagopsis armata, recognised for its ability to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation when incorporated as a ruminant feed additive, is a key target for aquaculture development. However, despite advancements in this field, there remains a critical gap in understanding the internal mechanisms governing reproduction in A. armata. In this study, we examined transcriptomic changes throughout the induction of tetrasporogenesis, with a primary focus on metabolism, and specifically on genes and pathways related to plant growth regulators and environmental signal processing. Considerable variability in gene expression was observed leading up to and during the initiation of tetrasporogenesis. Notably, genes associated with polyamine metabolism, particularly the candidate ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene previously linked to seaweed reproduction, were highly upregulated leading up to tetrasporogenesis. Enriched pathways related to environmental signalling were identified, including the phosphatidylinositol signalling system and associated phospholipase C enzymes, along with marked upregulation of genes encoding membrane-associated photoreceptors. Pathways associated with carbon metabolism and steroid hormone production also showed significant enrichment throughout the induction of tetrasporogenesis, although a significant portion of the genes involved in these pathways have unknown function. These findings collectively offer a detailed overview of the processes underlying tetrasporogenesis in A. armata, facilitating further targeted investigations into the internal regulation of seaweed reproductive biology

Evolution of ore fluids in the magmatic-hydrothermal Pb-Zn metallogenic system: A case study from Narusongduo deposit in the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen

Most skarn-type Pb-Zn deposits have at least two alteration stages: an early prograde and a later retrograde. However, whether these stages were formed by a single pulse or multiple pulses of magmatic fluids remains unclear. The Narusongduo deposit, a large magmatic-hydrothermal Pb-Zn deposit in the Gangdese polymetallic belt of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen, provides an ideal vehicle to answer this issue. Skarn- and cryptoexplosive breccia–type are two major types of mineralization in this deposit. Three hydrothermal stages are distinguished for the skarn-type ore: pre-ore stage with garnet, diopside, rhodonite, and wollastonite; syn-ore stage with actinolite, epidote, chlorite, quartz, calcite plus sulfides; and post-ore stage with quartz, calcite, and pyrite. Contrastingly, two stages—namely, the syn-ore stage with epidote-chlorite-sericite-quartz-calcite-sphalerite-galena, and the post-ore stage with quartz-calcite-tetrahedrite-tennantite-anglesite are found for the cryptoexplosive breccia–type ore. Primary fluid inclusions trapped in garnet from skarn-type ores have relatively higher homogenization temperatures of 430–440 °C, higher salinities of 42–43 wt% NaCl equivalent, and higher concentrations of Na (8.26 wt%), K (1.64 wt%), Pb (18,118 ppm), and Zn (11,196 ppm) than those in sphalerite and calcite (300–310 °C, 4–5 wt% NaCl equivalent, 1.27 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 649 ppm, and 664 ppm). Primary fluid inclusions trapped in sphalerite and quartz from cryptoexplosive breccia–type ores share similar temperature, salinity, and element compositions (300–310 °C, 4–5 wt% NaCl equivalent, 1.13 wt% Na, 0.04 wt% K, 705 ppm Pb, and 981 ppm Zn) with that in the same stage of the skarn-type ores. These microthermal and trace element data from single fluid inclusions point to the syn-ore fluid for the skarn-type ores being different from the pre-ore fluid for the same ore types but similar to the syn-ore stage of the cryptoexplosive breccia–type ores. This suggests magmatic fluid origins for the fluids from all stages in the deposit. Geochemical reaction path modeling of the pre-ore fluid from skarn-type ores predicted large amounts of skarn and alteration mineral precipitation with no Pb and Zn sulfides. Together with varying fluid inclusion compositions, we suggest that the pre-ore versus syn-ore stages are different pulses of hydrothermal fluids exsolved from a magma chamber. The magmatic-hydrothermal process should be as follows. The early supercritical fluid exsolved from the magma reservoir upwelling to ∼1.0 km under lithostatic conditions, separated into a hypersaline fluid and a low-salinity vapor, and produced the earliest skarn alteration. Subsequently, the second pulses of the supercritical fluid intersected the saturated vapor-pressure curve and boiled at the same depth of ∼1.0 km under hydrostatic conditions, resulting in the residual liquid with moderate to low temperature and low salinity and the formation of the skarn-type and cryptoexplosive breccia–type mineralization in different lithologies and structures. This work disclosed a two-stage pulse of fluids in the magmatic-hydrothermal Pb-Zn metallogenic system, indicating that maybe this kind of fluid involution is responsible for the formation of this kind of deposit

New archaeological discoveries in north-central Timor-Leste indicate sociocultural adaptations to landscape change during the Holocene

During the Holocene, Wallacea saw dramatic sociocultural changes during the Pre-ceramic, Neolithic, Metal-age, and Colonial periods, as well as climatic and associated environmental changes that affected the landscapes and ecologies of islands. These environmental and cultural processes appear to have influenced human socioeconomic adaptations throughout the archipelago. Here, we present new anthropological and archaeological data demonstrating the effects of these processes. Excavations at the cave site of Hatu Saur on the north coast of Timor-Leste have revealed a deep archaeological sequence that dates from ca. 10,500 years until the present. The site contains extensive assemblages of faunal remains, as well as stone artifacts, revealing settlement patterns that were influenced by sea level change and estuarine infilling after 7 ka. The sequence encompasses the beginning of the Neolithic in Timor-Leste, some 3500 years ago, and the period from ca. 700 years ago when outside influences, including Chinese and Makassar traders and Dutch and Portuguese colonization, greatly affected the indigenous culture and economy on the island of Timor, reflected in the material culture remains from Hatu Saur. The archaeological findings complement related anthropological research in the region that highlights unique local mythologies of settlement origins and their contested histories