Are Fireworms Venomous? Evidence for the Convergent Evolution of Toxin Homologs in Three Species of Fireworms (Annelida, Amphinomidae)

Amphinomids, more commonly known as fireworms, are a basal lineage of marine annelids characterized by the presence of defensive dorsal calcareous chaetae, which break off upon contact. It has long been hypothesized that amphinomids are venomous and use the chaetae to inject a toxic substance. However, studies investigating fireworm venom from a morphological or molecular perspective are scarce and no venom gland has been identified to date, nor any toxin characterized at the molecular level. To investigate this question, we analyzed the transcriptomes of three species of fireworms— Eurythoe complanata, Hermodice carunculata, andParamphinome jeffreysii—following a venomics approach to identify putative venom compounds. Our venomics pipeline involved de novo transcriptome assembly, open reading frame, and signal sequence prediction, followed by three different homology search strategies: BLAST, HMMER sequence, and HMMER domain. Following this pipeline, we identified 34 clusters of orthologous genes, representing 13 known toxin classes that have been repeatedly recruited into animal venoms. Specifically, the three species share a similar toxin profile with C-type lectins, peptidases, metalloproteinases, spider toxins, and CAP proteins found among the most highly expressed toxin homologs. Despite their great diversity, the putative toxins identified are predominantly involved in three major biological processes: hemostasis, inflammatory response, and allergic reactions, all of which are commonly disrupted after fireworm stings. Although the putative fireworm toxins identified here need to be further validated, our results strongly suggest that fireworms are venomous animals that use a complex mixture of toxins for defense against predators

From Mollusks to Medicine: A Venomics Approach for the Discovery and Characterization of Therapeutics from Terebridae Peptide Toxins

Animal venoms comprise a diversity of peptide toxins that manipulate molecular targets such as ion channels and receptors, making venom peptides attractive candidates for the development of therapeutics to benefit human health. However, identifying bioactive venom peptides remains a significant challenge. In this review we describe our particular venomics strategy for the discovery, characterization, and optimization of Terebridae venom peptides, teretoxins. Our strategy reflects the scientific path from mollusks to medicine in an integrative sequential approach with the following steps: (1) delimitation of venomous Terebridae lineages through taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses; (2) identification and classification of putative teretoxins through omics methodologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics; (3) chemical and recombinant synthesis of promising peptide toxins; (4) structural characterization through experimental and computational methods; (5) determination of teretoxin bioactivity and molecular function through biological assays and computational modeling; (6) optimization of peptide toxin affinity and selectivity to molecular target; and (7) development of strategies for effective delivery of venom peptide therapeutics. While our research focuses on terebrids, the venomics approach outlined here can be applied to the discovery and characterization of peptide toxins from any venomous taxa

Evolving Foresight Skills: How Will We Shape the Future of Strategic Foresight?

Our rapidly evolving field demands resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking practitioners. Academic institutions must stay at the forefront by updating curricula, integrating cutting-edge tools, and providing a comprehensive understanding of the discipline's history. Failure to keep pace risks perpetuating outdated practices and limiting the impact of future professionals. In November 2024, OCADU’s Strategic Foresight & Innovation program explored the evolution and future of foresight at the Dubai Future Forum’s Learnings Day. Our interactive ‘World Café’ brought together international foresight practitioners to discuss: 1. Historical events, methods, and literature shaping foresight. 2. Emerging developments influencing foresight's future. 3. Current and future skills needed by futurists. 4. Strategies for organizations to support and benefit from foresight. Through our collaborative efforts, participants aided in expanding the scope of foresight's history, envisioned transformative innovations, and identified critical skills for practitioners. They also explored strategies for integrating foresight into organizational frameworks, such as building foresight literacy, aligning with strategic vision, and fostering long-term thinking

A national survey of the diagnosis and management of suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) affects up to 20% of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Despite published guidelines, variability in diagnosis and management exists, the extent of which remains unclear. We sought to characterise consultant opinions surrounding diagnostic and management practice for VAP in the UK. METHODS: An online survey was sent to all consultant members of the UK Intensive Care Society (n=∼1500). Data were collected regarding respondents' individual practice in the investigation and management of suspected VAP including use of diagnostic criteria, microbiological sampling, chest X-ray (CXR), bronchoscopy and antibiotic treatments. RESULTS: 339 (23%) responses were received from a broadly representative spectrum of ICU consultants. All respondents indicated that microbiological confirmation should be sought, the majority (57.8%) stating they would take an endotracheal aspirate prior to starting empirical antibiotics. Microbiology reporting services were described as qualitative only by 29.7%. Only 17% of respondents had access to routine reporting of CXRs by a radiologist. Little consensus exists regarding technique for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with the reported volume of saline used ranging from 5 to 500 mL. 24.5% of consultants felt inadequately trained in bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: There is wide variability in the approach to diagnosis and management of VAP among UK consultants. Such variability challenges the reliability of the diagnosis of VAP and its reported incidence as a performance indicator in healthcare systems. The data presented suggest increased radiological and microbiological support, and standardisation of BAL technique, might improve this situation

Prospectus, September 8, 1983

PARKLAND\u27S HEALTH SERVICE TO SERVE PARKLAND\u27S NEEDS; News Digest; CHI Center for Health Information 1983 Fall Programs; Another social disease discovery; Will anybody help the hungry?; Stu-Go wants you!; Community music classes begin; Cartoonist returns to Prospectus; Color coding may solve problem of lost students: Question: What would you do to help students locate their classes easily?; Whale exhibit at Krannert; Stress affects students; Hot and humid weather for Illinois; Trapp!; Fall-In \u2783 ; Classified; Skylines; Thank you; Club News; Meeting changed; Young adds a new twist in new album; Two hosers produce Strange Brew; Faber releases first album; Play games?; Author writes first good novel; Parker isn\u27t showing his Real Macaw; Bowling Club; Coach looks forward to season; Parkland College Cross Country Schedule -- 1983; Block I; Parkland College Volleyball Schedule -- 1983; Parkland College Golf Schedule -- 1983; Woods Wordshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1983/1012/thumbnail.jp

The mammalian gene function resource: The International Knockout Mouse Consortium

In 2007, the International Knockout Mouse Consortium (IKMC) made the ambitious promise to generate mutations in virtually every protein-coding gene of the mouse genome in a concerted worldwide action. Now, 5 years later, the IKMC members have developed highthroughput gene trapping and, in particular, gene-targeting pipelines and generated more than 17,400 mutant murine embryonic stem (ES) cell clones and more than 1,700 mutant mouse strains, most of them conditional. A common IKMC web portal (www.knockoutmouse.org) has been established, allowing easy access to this unparalleled biological resource. The IKMC materials considerably enhance functional gene annotation of the mammalian genome and will have a major impact on future biomedical research

Prospectus, April 27, 1983

TUITION HIKE SEEN AS NECESSARY; Submit petitions now!; News Digest; 11 in race for StuGo positions; Time to vote!; StuGo candidates offer platforms; Audience prompts reaction from student; PC is a \u27special place\u27; Students prefer national issues over local; Annex plans student exhibit during April 29 open house; Arbor Day offers planting ceremony; Students to perform at talent show; Ag students win national awards; C-U Happenings; Students petition for added course; Uneasy riders given help; Secretaries recieve national recognition; Acid rain becoming a dangerous problem; Gray honored for research; Team participates in livestock judging; Parkland saltues its secretaries; Classified; Skylines; Branigan joins sell-out crowd; Trivia quiz; Stumped?; Clapton emerges as major blues artist; Mini-smoker arrives; PC women\u27s team takes two from Danville; Team takes honors; Golf coach resigns; Sports schedule; Reminder!; Notice to Sports page readershttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1983/1018/thumbnail.jp