Nervous system characterization during the development of a basal echinoderm, the feather star Antedon mediterranea

Neural development of echinoderms has always been difficult to interpret, as larval neurons degenerate at metamorphosis and a tripartite nervous system differentiates in the adult. Despite their key phylogenetic position as basal echinoderms, crinoids have been scarcely studied in developmental research. However, since they are the only extant echinoderms retaining the ancestral body plan of the group, crinoids are extremely valuable models to clarify neural evolution in deuterostomes. Antedon mediterranea is a feather star, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Its development includes a swimming lecithotrophic larva, the doliolaria, with basiepithelial nerve plexus, and a sessile filter-feeding juvenile, the pentacrinoid, whose nervous system has never been described in detail. Thus, we characterized the nervous system of both these developmental stages by means of immunohistochemistry and, for the first time, in situ hybridization techniques. The results confirmed previous descriptions of doliolaria morphology and revealed that the larval apical organ contains two bilateral clusters of serotonergic cells while GABAergic neurons are localized under the adhesive pit. This suggested that different larval activities (e.g., attachment and metamorphosis) are under the control of different neural populations. In pentacrinoids, the analysis showed the presence of a cholinergic entoneural system while the ectoneural plexus appeared more composite, displaying different neural populations. The expression of three neural-related microRNAs was described for the first time, suggesting that these are evolutionarily conserved also in basal echinoderms. Overall, our results set the stage for future investigations that will reveal new information on echinoderm evo-devo neurobiology

Polystyrene microplastics ingestion induced behavioral effects to the cladoceran Daphnia magna

Microplastic (\u3bcPs) contamination represents a dramatic environmental problem threatening both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Although several studies have highlighted the presence of \u3bcPs in aquatic environments, the information regarding their toxicity towards organisms is still scant. Moreover, most of the ecotoxicological studies of \u3bcPs have focused on marine organisms, largely neglecting the effects on freshwater species. The present study aimed at exploring the effects caused by 21-days exposure to three concentrations (0.125, 1.25 and 12.5 \u3bcg/mL) of two differently sized polystyrene microplastics (P\u3bcPs; 1 and 10 \u3bcm) to the Cladoceran Daphnia magna. The ingestion/egestion capability of daphnids (<24 h) and adults, the changes in individual growth and behavior, in terms of changes in swimming activity, phototactic behavior and reproduction, were investigated. Both particles filled the digestive tract of daphnids and adults within 24 h of exposure at all the tested concentrations. Ingested P\u3bcPs remained in the digestive tract even after 96 h in a clean medium. For both particles, an overall increase in body size of adults was noted at the end of the exposure to the highest tested concentrations, accompanied by a significant increase in swimming activity, in terms of distance moved and swimming velocity, and by an alteration of the phototactic behavior. A significant increase in the mean number of offspring after the exposure to the highest P\u3bcPs concentrations of different size was recorded. Polystyrene \u3bcPs can affect behavioral traits of D. magna leading to potentially harmful consequences on population dynamics of this zooplanktonic species

Worldwide diffusion of Fig latent virus 1 in fig accessions and its detection by serological and molecular tools

A virus with filamentous particles ca. 700 nm long, denoted Fig latent virus 1 (FLV-1) is widespread in Apulian (southern Italy) fig orchards, in trees showing or not mosaic symptoms and in symptomless seedlings. The virus was transmitted by sap inoculation to a very restricted range of herbaceous hosts without inducing apparent symptoms and was transmitted through fig seeds to a very high percentage (80 to 100 %). It was successfully purified from root tissues of infected figs. A virus-specific antiserum raised in rabbits, proved useful for its detection in fig leaf dips by immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM), Western Blot, dot immuno-binding (DIBA), ELISA. The viral genome structure resembles that of members of the genus Trichovirus in the family Flexiviridae. Keywords: fig latent virus, Trichovirus, serology, ISEM, Western blot, DIBA, ELIS

Cross-reactivity between HLA-A2-restricted FLU-M1:58–66 and HIV p17 GAG:77–85 epitopes in HIV-infected and uninfected individuals

BACKGROUND: The matrix protein of the influenza A virus and the matrix and capsid proteins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share striking structural similarities which may have evolutionary and biological significance. These similarities led us to hypothesize the existence of cross-reactivity between HLA-A2-restricted FLU-M1:58–66 and HIV-1 p17 GAG:77–85 epitopes. METHODS: The hypothesis that these two epitopes are cross-reactive was tested by determining the presence and extent of FLU/GAG immune cross-reactivity in lymphocytes from HIV-seropositive and seronegative HLA-A2(+ )donors by cytotoxicity assays and tetramer analyses. Moreover, the molecular basis for FLU/GAG cross-reactivity in HIV-seropositive and seronegative donors was studied by comparing lymphocyte-derived cDNA sequences corresponding to the TCR-β variable regions, in order to determine whether stimulation of lymphocytes with either peptide results in the expansion of identical T-cell clonotypes. RESULTS: Here, we report evidence of cross-reactivity between FLU-M1:58–66 and HIV-1 p17 GAG:77–85 epitopes following in vitro stimulation of PBMC derived from either HIV-seropositive or seronegative HLA-A2(+ )donors as determined by cytotoxicity assays, tetramer analyses, and molecular clonotyping. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that immunity to the matrix protein of the influenza virus may drive a specific immune response to an HLA-A2-restricted HIV gag epitope in HIV-infected and uninfected donors vaccinated against influenza

Evaluation of the mechanism of action of Bacillus spp. to manage Meloidogyne incognita with split root assay, RT-qPCR and qPCR

The goal of this research is to determine the mechanism of action of two Bacillus spp. that can manage Meloidogyne incognita population density in cotton. The overall objectives are 1) determine the efficacy and direct antagonistic capabilities of the Bacillus spp. and 2) determine the systemic capabilities of the Bacillus spp. The greenhouse in planta assay indicated B. amyloliquefaciens QST713 and B. firmus I-1582 could manage M. incognita similarly to the chemical standard fluopyram. An in vitro assay determined that B. firmus I-1582 and its extracted metabolites were able to directly manage M. incognita second stage juveniles by increasing mortality rate above 75%. A split root assay, used to determine systemic capabilities of the bacteria, indicated B. amyloliquefaciens QST713 and B. firmus I-1582 could indirectly decrease the nematode population density. Another species, B. mojavensis strain 2, also demonstrated systemic capabilities but was not a successful biological control agent because it supported a high population density in greenhouse in planta assay and in the split root assay. A RT-qPCR assay was used to confirm any systemic activity observed in the split root assay. At 24 hours both B. amyloliquefaciens QST713 and B. firmus I-1582 upregulated one gene involved in the initial stages of JA synthesis pathway but not another gene involved in the later stages of JA synthesis. These results point to a JA intermediate molecule, most likely OPDA, stimulated by the bacteria rather than JA in a short-term systemic response. After 1 week, the Bacillus spp. stimulated a SA-responsive defense related gene. The long-term systemic response to the Bacillus spp. indicates salicylic acid also plays a role in defense conferred by these bacteria. The final assay was a qPCR to determine the concentration of the bacteria on the cotton roots after 24 days. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST713 and B. firmus I-43 1582 were able to colonize the root successfully, with the concentration after 24 days not significantly differing from the concentration at inoculation. This study identifies two bacteria that work via systemic resistance and will help aid in implementing these species in an integrated management system

18S-NemaBase: Curated 18S rRNA Database of Nematode Sequences

Nematodes are the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet but lack representation in biodiversity research. This presents a problem for studying nematode diversity, particularly when molecular tools (i.e., barcoding and metabarcoding) rely on well-populated and curated reference databases, which are absent for nematodes. To improve molecular identification and the assessment of nematode diversity, we created and curated an 18S rRNA database specific to nematodes (18S-NemaBase) using sequences sourced from the most recent publicly available 18S rRNA SILVA v138 database. As part of the curation process, taxonomic strings were standardized to contain a fixed number of taxonomic ranks relevant to nematology and updated for the most recent accepted nematode classifications. In addition, apparent erroneous sequences were removed. To test the efficacy and accuracy of 18S-NemaBase, we compared it to an older but also curated SILVA v111 and the newest SILVA v138 by assigning taxonomies and analyzing the diversity of a nematode dataset from the Western Nebraska Sandhills. We showed that 18S-NemaBase provided more accurate taxonomic assignments and diversity assessments than either version of SILVA, with a much easier workflow and no need for manual corrections. Additionally, observed diversity further improved when 18S-NemaBase was supplemented with reference sequences from nematodes present in the study site. Although the 18S-NemaBase is a step in the right direction, a concerted effort to increase the number of high-quality, accessible, full-length nematode reference sequences is more important now than ever

No correlation among expressed emotion, anxiety, stress and weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity

The onset of some types of obesity may correlate with specific familial relational patterns, and expressed emotion (EE). The aim of this study is to address the current gap in the literature about EE and obesity, assessing EE in a sample of patients with overweight or obesity and their relatives. A further objective is to assess patients' weight loss, patients' and relatives' anxiety, perceived stress and their possible correlation with EE and diet compliance. A total of 220 patients with overweight or obesity and 126 relatives were recruited. Patients' baseline body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with educational level, but we failed to find any correlation between BMI and the other variables assessed. We found a positive correlation between EE median and stressful life events, as well as between median EE and state and trait anxiety. Our results seem to suggest that other factors than the psychological ones we investigated may play a role in treatment adherence and outcome in patients with overweight and obesity

18S-NemaBase: Curated 18S rRNA Database of Nematode Sequences

Nematodes are the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet but lack representation in biodiversity research. This presents a problem for studying nematode diversity, particularly when molecular tools (i.e., barcoding and metabarcoding) rely on well-populated and curated reference databases, which are absent for nematodes. To improve molecular identification and the assessment of nematode diversity, we created and curated an 18S rRNA database specific to nematodes (18S-NemaBase) using sequences sourced from the most recent publicly available 18S rRNA SILVA v138 database. As part of the curation process, taxonomic strings were standardized to contain a fixed number of taxonomic ranks relevant to nematology and updated for the most recent accepted nematode classifications. In addition, apparent erroneous sequences were removed. To test the efficacy and accuracy of 18S-NemaBase, we compared it to an older but also curated SILVA v111 and the newest SILVA v138 by assigning taxonomies and analyzing the diversity of a nematode dataset from the Western Nebraska Sandhills. We showed that 18S-NemaBase provided more accurate taxonomic assignments and diversity assessments than either version of SILVA, with a much easier workflow and no need for manual corrections. Additionally, observed diversity further improved when 18S-NemaBase was supplemented with reference sequences from nematodes present in the study site. Although the 18S-NemaBase is a step in the right direction, a concerted effort to increase the number of high-quality, accessible, full-length nematode reference sequences is more important now than ever

Circumventing antivector immunity: potential use of nonhuman adenoviral vectors

Adenoviruses are efficient gene delivery vectors based on their ability to transduce a wide variety of cell types and drive high-level transient transgene expression. While there have been advances in modifying human adenoviral (HAdV) vectors to increase their safety profile, there are still pitfalls that need to be further addressed. Preexisting humoral and cellular immunity against common HAdV serotypes limits the efficacy of gene transfer and duration of transgene expression. As an alternative, nonhuman AdV (NHAdV) vectors can circumvent neutralizing antibodies against HAdVs in immunized mice and monkeys and in human sera, suggesting that NHAdV vectors could circumvent preexisting humoral immunity against HAdVs in a clinical setting. Consequently, there has been an increased interest in developing NHAdV vectors for gene delivery in humans. In this review, we outline the recent advances and limitations of HAdV vectors for gene therapy and describe examples of NHAdV vectors focusing on their immunogenicity, tropism, and potential as effective gene therapy vehicles

Early Rehabilitation in a Psychiatric Ward for Acute Patients: the Experience of the S.C. Psichiatria, Aou Maggiore Della Carit\ue0, Novara, Italy

Introduction Our Psychiatry Ward (SC Psichiatria, Maggiore della Carit\ue0 Hospital, Novara) has a longstanding tradition in the training of clinicians (psychiatrists, but also non-psychiatrists) about the importance of the approach in helping relationships. This tradition reflects itself in the organization of the assistance to the acute psychiatric inpatients admitted to the Ward. In addition to treatment as usual, patients have the opportunity of being involved in several group activities. The activities are proposed to them, with an approach that varies according to the patient's lifetime diagnosis, current conditions, relational difficulties, etc. In other words, different activities may be proposed to different patients, in different ways. Aims To describe the integrated treatment approach we use in our Psychiatry Ward. Methods Group activities are guided by a group leader who is supported by one or two assistants whose role is to facilitate discussion. Activities include: Newspaper Reading (everyday in the morning, 1 hour); Music Listening Group (once a week; 1 hour); Cinema Group (once a week; 2 hours and a half); Fairytale Group (on alternating days in the evening, 1 hour). Results More details will be supplied regarding the theoretical background for the group, the group features/implementation, and its specific objectives. Conclusions All the group activities integrate themselves in an early rehabilitation project tailored to each patients' characteristics and needs. Briefly, their main objectives include: 1) to help patients endorse their cognitive, emotional and relational skills; 2) to offer support to the crisis they are experiencing, which led them to admission to the Ward