Emergence of cooperation in the one-shot Prisoner's dilemma through Discriminatory and Samaritan AIs.

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly embedded in our lives, their presence leads to interactions that shape our behaviour, decision-making and social interactions. Existing theoretical research on the emergence and stability of cooperation, particularly in the context of social dilemmas, has primarily focused on human-to-human interactions, overlooking the unique dynamics triggered by the presence of AI. Resorting to methods from evolutionary game theory, we study how different forms of AI can influence cooperation in a population of human-like agents playing the one-shot Prisoner's dilemma game. We found that Samaritan AI agents who help everyone unconditionally, including defectors, can promote higher levels of cooperation in humans than Discriminatory AI that only helps those considered worthy/cooperative, especially in slow-moving societies where change based on payoff difference is moderate (small intensities of selection). Only in fast-moving societies (high intensities of selection), Discriminatory AIs promote higher levels of cooperation than Samaritan AIs. Furthermore, when it is possible to identify whether a co-player is a human or an AI, we found that cooperation is enhanced when human-like agents disregard AI performance. Our findings provide novel insights into the design and implementation of context-dependent AI systems for addressing social dilemmas.

Temporary clamping of the uterine arteries versus coventional technique for the prevention of postpartum hemorrage during cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial study.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean sections are the most common abdominal surgical interventions worldwide, with increasing rates in both developed and developing countries. Postpartum (hemorrhage PPH) during cesarean sections can lead to maternal morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. Although various non-surgical measures have been recommended for PPH prevention, surgical techniques such as uterine artery ligation and embolization have been used to manage PPH effectively. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical technique based on the temporary bilateral clamping of uterine arteries to reduce blood loss during cesarean sections. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted with a preliminary population group of 180 patients at the University Hospital Regional de Málaga from November 2023 to January 2024. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Regional University Hospital of Malaga (protocol 1729-N-23 and registred with ISRCTN15307819|| http://www.isrctn.org/ , Date submitted 12 June 2023 ISRCTN 15307819). The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the clamping technique was applied during their cesarean sections. The study assessed hemoglobin levels before and after surgery, hospitalization durations, and the prevalence of anemia at discharge as the primary outcomes. RESULTS: The patients who underwent the clamping technique demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin differences (0.80 g/dL) compared to the control group (1.42 g/dL). The technique also resulted in shorter hospital stays (3.02 days vs. 3.90 days) and a lower prevalence of anemia at discharge (76.2% vs. 60%). CONCLUSION: Temporary clamping of uterine arteries during cesarean sections appears to be an effective measure for preventing postpartum hemorrhaging, reducing hospital stays, and decreasing the prevalence of anemia at discharge. Further research with larger sample sizes and standardized indications is warranted to confirm the benefits and potential broader applications of this technique. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 15,307,819.

RALF22 is a key modulator of the root hair growth responses to fungal ethylene emissions in Arabidopsis.

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh), exposure to volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by Penicillium aurantiogriseum promotes root hair (RH) proliferation and hyper-elongation through mechanisms involving ethylene, auxin and photosynthesis signaling. In addition, this treatment enhances the levels of the small signalling peptide RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR 22 (RALF22). Here we used genetics to address the role of RALF22 in fungal VC-promoted RH growth and to identify the bioactive fungal VC. We found that RHs of ralf22 and feronia (fer-4) plants impaired in the expression of RALF22 and its receptor FERONIA, respectively, responded weakly to fungal VCs. Unlike in WT roots, fungal VC exposure did not enhance RALF22 transcript levels in roots of fer-4 and ethylene- and auxin- insensitive mutants. In ralf22 and fer-4 roots, this treatment did not enhance the levels of ERS2 transcripts encoding one member of the ethylene receptor family and those of some RH-related genes. RHs of ers2-1 and the rsl2rsl4 double mutants impaired in the expression of ERS2 and the ethylene- and auxin-responsive ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6-LIKE 2 and 4 transcription factors, respectively, weakly responded to fungal VCs. Moreover, roots of plants defective in photosynthetic responsiveness to VCs exhibited weak RALF22 expression and RH growth responses to fungal VCs. VCs of ΔefeA strains of P. aurantiogriseum cultures impaired in ethylene synthesis weakly promoted RH proliferation and elongation in exposed plants. We conclude that RALF22 simultaneously functions as a transcriptionally regulated signaling molecule that participates in the ethylene, auxin and photosynthesis signaling-mediated RH growth response to fungal ethylene emissions and regulation of ethylene perception in RHs.

Impact of a social media-delivered distance learning program on mhGAP training among primary care providers in Jalisco, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization's (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in non-specialized healthcare settings. However, implementing these guidelines remains a challenge due to various factors, including limited training opportunities for primary care providers. This study con the effectiveness of a social media-delivered distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide, to overcome barriers of technology access and digital literacy, providing a familiar and accessible platform for primary care providers in Jalisco. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted. Primary care providers from Jalisco were invited to participate in a distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide. The program consisted of online modules, webinars, and discussion forums facilitated by mental health experts. Knowledge assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using a standardized questionnaire. Participant satisfaction and perceived utility were also evaluated through surveys and focus group discussions. RESULTS: A total of 1,096 primary care providers completed the program. The mean knowledge score significantly improved from 58.2% (SD = 12.8%) in the pre-test to 81.4% (SD = 9.6%) in the post-test (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.04). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent knowledge gains across different demographic and professional characteristics. Participant satisfaction was high, with 92% rating the program's overall quality as "good" or "excellent." Qualitative findings highlighted the benefits of accessibility, flexibility, interactivity, and practical applicability of the distance education approach. CONCLUSIONS: The social media-delivered distance education program on the mhGAP intervention guide effectively improved the knowledge of primary care providers in Jalisco, Mexico. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived utility. This study demonstrates the potential of distance education strategies to disseminate evidence-based guidelines and enhance mental health service delivery in primary care settings, particularly in resource-limited areas.

Exceptional Evolution of a Squamous Odontogenic Tumor in the Jaw: Molecular Approach.

A squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) is an epithelial locally benign neoplasia derived from the periodontium of the jaws. It is considered a lesion of low incidence. Predominantly, it affects the mandible, although both jaw bones may be involved. Here, we discuss the malignant clinical evolution of an SOT lesion in an 80-year-old female patient. The patient exhibited an expansive triangular lesion at the inferior right quadrant. Surgery was performed and an SOT was diagnosed (2019). Two years after, the lesion grew, and the analysis of the biopsy revealed SOT malignization with pleomorphic atypical squamous cells, characteristics of a squamous cell carcinoma (2021). Massive DNA sequencing of formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded specimens of the initial and relapsed tumors indicated pathogenic mutations in RET and POLE genes in both tumors, loss of ALK, and gain of CDKN1B and MAP2K in the relapse. In addition, the clinical, radiographic, and microscopic features of this neoplasm are discussed and compared with those already published. The case presented contributes to the better understanding of this SOT tumor entity and to indicates its malignant evolution, together with its biological behavior and its histologic, clinical, and radiographic features. Also, it aims to stress the importance of deeper genetic analyses in rare diseases to uncover mutations that help to select a personalized treatment.

Application of terpenoids for the remediation of environmental water polluted with bisphenol A and its analogs using an in silico approach.

Nowadays, there is a global concern over water quality and the impact of contamination on both natural ecosystems and human well-being. Plastics, ubiquitous in modern life, may release harmful chemicals when they reach aquatic environments. Among them, bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, such as bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and others, are of special concern because their presence in water systems can have detrimental effects on human health and aquatic organisms due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. This study explores the potential of terpenoids, sustainable and environmentally friendly solvents, for efficiently removing bisphenols from contaminated environmental water. Using an in silico approach based on the Conductor-like Screening Model for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) theory, more than 30 terpenoids were screened, and carvone was found to be an excellent candidate due to its high solvent capacity and low toxicity. The impact of pH, temperature, stirring conditions, and sample:extractant phase ratios on the extraction efficiency were investigated. A design of experiments revealed optimal conditions for the extraction process and demonstrated that carvone can effectively extract bisphenols (nearly 100 % for most of them) under a wide range of conditions, showing the robustness and efficiency of the extraction method, even in environmental samples. The paper provides valuable insights into the potential of terpenoids, specifically carvone, as a sustainable and eco-friendly solvent for removing bisphenol contaminants from environmental water bodies. The findings of this study offer a promising solution to address water contamination issues, aligning with the principles of Green Chemistry and contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to water remediation.

Loss of Elp1 in cerebellar granule cell progenitors models ataxia phenotype of Familial Dysautonomia.

Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a splice site mutation in the gene ELP1, which disproportionally affects neurons. While classically characterized by deficits in sensory and autonomic neurons, neuronal defects in the central nervous system have also been described. Although ELP1 expression remains high in the normal developing and adult cerebellum, its role in cerebellar development is unknown. To explore the role of Elp1 in the cerebellum, we knocked out Elp1 in cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) and examined the outcome on animal behavior and cellular composition. We found that GCP-specific conditional knockout of Elp1 (Elp1cKO) resulted in ataxia by 8 weeks of age. Cellular characterization showed that the animals had smaller cerebella with fewer granule cells. This defect was already apparent as early as 7 days after birth, when Elp1cKO animals also had fewer mitotic GCPs and shorter Purkinje dendrites. Through molecular characterization, we found that loss of Elp1 was associated with an increase in apoptotic cell death and cell stress pathways in GCPs. Our study demonstrates the importance of ELP1 in the developing cerebellum, and suggests that loss of Elp1 in the GC lineage may also play a role in the progressive ataxia phenotypes of FD patients.

Use of a Capsaicin Cough Challenge Test to Compare Four Different Techniques for Nebulization Delivery in Cats.

Successful aerosol therapy might rely more heavily on proper drug delivery than on the effectiveness of the medication. This study compared four techniques for nebulization delivery in cats. Tolerance rate (TR) was subjectively evaluated (1-3). Increasing capsaicin concentrations were nebulized for objective evaluation of efficiency. The positive response (PR) was considered when more than five coughs were induced. The following delivery methods were tested: flow-by (FB); face mask (FM); plastic-covered Elizabethan collar (EC); and plexiglass chamber (PC). The number of PRs (NPR) and the concentration of capsaicin that induced a PR (CCP) were statistically compared (p < 0.05). The PC method was the best tolerated (TR = 3.0 ± 0.0), followed by the FB (2.7 ± 0.5) and FM (2.6 ± 0.5). The EC was very stressful, and the test had to be suspended in four out of nine cats. The lowest CCP was found with the FM (91.8 ± 157.2 µM), followed by the FB (166.7 ± 190.9 µM), PC (242.6 ± 244.8 µM), and EC (350.0 ± 225.7 µM), with significant differences only between the FM and EC (p = 0.02). The highest NPR (8) corresponded to the FM, followed by the FB (7), the PC (5), and the EC (3), with significant differences between the FM and EC (p = 0.016). In conclusion, the capsaicin cough test induces reproducible and quantifiable cat responses. The FM is the most efficient for nebulization delivery, offering good compliance and the best quantitative results. FB nebulization is less efficient but may be practical if the FM is not tolerated. PC offers minor efficiency but may be useful for very stressed or aggressive cats. The EC presents low efficiency and compliance.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Early Alterations Associated with Intrinsic Resistance to Targeted Therapy in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of lung cancer, and drug resistance poses a significant obstacle in its treatment. This study aimed to investigate the overexpression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a mechanism that promotes intrinsic resistance in tumor cells from the onset of treatment. Drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells are a subset of cancer cells that survive and proliferate after exposure to therapeutic drugs, making them an essential object of study in cancer treatment. The molecular mechanisms underlying DTP cell survival are not fully understood; however, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proposed to play a crucial role. DTP cells from lung adenocarcinoma cell lines were obtained after single exposure to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; erlotinib or osimertinib). After establishing DTP cells, RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the differential expression of the lncRNAs. Some lncRNAs and one mRNA were overexpressed in DTP cells. The clinical relevance of lncRNAs was evaluated in a cohort of patients with lung adenocarcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RT-qPCR validated the overexpression of lncRNAs and mRNA in the residual DTP cells and LUAD biopsies. Knockdown of these lncRNAs increases the sensitivity of DTP cells to therapeutic drugs. This study provides an opportunity to investigate the involvement of lncRNAs in the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie intrinsic resistance. The identified lncRNAs and CD74 mRNA may serve as potential prognostic markers or therapeutic targets to improve the overall survival (OS) of patients with lung cancer.

Effectiveness Of Tocilizumab In Aortitis And Aneurysms Associated With Giant Cell Arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Aortitis in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA-aortitis) is a frequent complication that may lead to aneurysms. Tocilizumab (TCZ) was approved in GCA, but the efficacy in GCA-aortitis and aneurysms has not been analyzed to date. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of TCZ in a wide series of GCA-aortitis and aneurysms. METHODS: Multicentre observational study with GCA-aortitis treated with TCZ. GCA was diagnosed by: a) ACR criteria, b) temporal artery biopsy, and/or c) imaging techniques. Aortitis was diagnosed mainly by PET/CT. Main outcomes were EULAR and imaging remission. Others were clinical remission, analytical normalization, corticosteroid-sparing effect, and the prevention and improvement of aneurysms. RESULTS: 196 patients with GCA-aortitis treated with TCZ. After 6 months, 72.2% reached EULAR remission but only 12% an imaging remission; increasing up-to 81.4% and 31.8%, respectively, at 24 months. A rapid clinical remission, ESR and CRP normalization was observed in 47.4%, 84.3% and 55.6%, at 1 month, increasing to 89.6%, 85.3% and 80.3% at 24 months, respectively. Aneurysms were present in 10 (5%) patients. Five of them required early surgery, while 3 others enlarged. No patient on TCZ therapy developed aneurysms during follow-up. CONCLUSION: In patients with GCA-aortitis treated with TCZ, a rapid and maintained clinical and analytical improvement was observed. However, there was an uncoupling between clinical and EULAR remission with imaging remission.

A Probiotic Bacterium with Activity against the Most Frequent Bacteria and Viruses Causing Pediatric Diarrhea: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 (B. infantis IM1®).

The second leading cause of death in children under five years old is diarrheal disease. Probiotics, specifically bifidobacteria, have been associated with a reduction in the number of diarrhea episodes and their severity in babies. In this paper, we summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence of the efficacy of B. longum subsp. infantis IM1® against various gastrointestinal pathogens using in vitro models, animal models, and clinical studies carried out in our laboratory. The preclinical data demonstrate that IM1® effectively inhibits rotavirus replication (by up to 36.05%) in MA-104 and HT-29 cells and from infection (up to 48.50%) through the production of an 11-amino-acid peptide. IM1® displays the capability to displace pathogens from enterocytes, particularly Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica, and to reduce the adhesion to the HT29 cells of C. sakazakii and Shigella sonnei. In animal models, the IM1® strain exhibits in vivo protection against rotavirus and improves the clinical symptomatology of bacterial gastroenteritis. A clinical study involving infants under 3 months of age revealed that IM1® reduced episodes of diarrhea, proving to be safe, well tolerated, and associated with a lower prevalence of constipation. B. infantis IM1® emerges as an effective probiotic, diminishing episodes of diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal pathogens.

Characterization of patients with extensive left atrial myopathy referred for atrial fibrillation ablation: incidence, predictors, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although atrial fibrosis has a relevant impact on ablation success rate, experimental studies have reported that extensive fibrosis may be accompanied by a reduced burden secondary to a prominent depression of atrial excitability. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with extensive left atrial myopathy (ELAM), to analyze the predictive ability of established scores (AF score, APPLE, and DR-FLASH) and assess outcomes in terms of AF recurrence, left atrial flutter, and post-procedural heart failure admissions. METHODS: A total of 950 consecutive patients undergoing the first AF ablation were included. A 3D electroanatomical mapping system (CARTO3, Biosense Webster) was created using a multipolar mapping catheter (PentaRay, Biosense Webster). ELAM was defined as ≥ 50% low voltage area. A subanalysis with four groups was also created (< 10%; 10-20%; 10-20%; and > 30%). Logistic regressions, Cox proportional hazards models, and log-rank test were used to test the predictors independently associated with the presence of ELAM and AF recurrence. The model was prospectively validated in a cohort of 150 patients obtaining an excellent ability for prediction AUC 0.90 (CI 95% 0.84-0.96). RESULTS: Overall, 78 (8.42%) presented ELAM. Age, female sex, persistent AF, first-degree AV block, and E/e' were significant predictors. The model incorporating these factors outperformed the existing scores (AUC = 0.87). During a mean follow-up of 20 months (IQR 9 to 36), patients with ELAM presented a higher rate of AF recurrence (42.02% vs 26.01%, p = 0.030), left atrial flutter (26.03% vs 8.02%, p < 0.001), and post-procedural heart failure admissions (12.01% vs 0.61%, p < 0.001) than non-ELAM patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the incidence and clinical factors associated with ELAM in AF, highlighting age, female, persistent AF, first-degree AV block, and E/e'. Importantly, the presence of ELAM is associated with poorer outcomes in terms of recurrence and HF admission.

La importancia de la microbiota intestinal en la fisiología y rendimiento de pollos de engorda y gallinas de postura / The importance of intestinal microbiota on the physiology and performance of broiler chickens and laying hens

Resumen: El estudio de la microbiota ha adquirido un nuevo enfoque de interés, ya que interviene en diversos procesos fisiológicos involucrados en el desarrollo y rendimiento de los animales domésticos. Participa en el eje-microbiota-intestino-cerebro, con procesos que rigen el sistema nervioso hacia el intestino y viceversa. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la importancia de la microbiota gastrointestinal de pollos de engorda y gallinas de postura y su relación con procesos fisiológicos que afecten el desarrollo, rendimiento, comportamiento y salud. En el tracto gastrointestinal de estas aves se han identificado alrededor de 17 filos de bacterias, con microorganismos predominantes según el sitio anatómico dentro del tracto y por ende con diferente función, por ejemplo, buche: Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae; proventrículo: Clostridiaceae, Enterococcus; intestino: Escherichia, Streptococcus. Distintos factores intervienen en la colonización y desarrollo de la microbiota, desde el programa de alimentación y manejo, tipo de cama y densidad animal, entre otros. Existen microorganismos potencialmente patógenos que impactan negativamente en la microbiota y puedan llegar al consumidor, como Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enteritidis y Escherichia coli, de ahí su importancia al momento de trazar las directrices en las producciones pecuarias.

Abstract: There is an increasing interest in microbiota studies due to their relevance in physiological processes such as animal development and productivity. In addition, it its involved in the microbiota-intestinebrain axis that regulates the nervous system to the intestine and vice versa. This paper is aimed at identifying the importance of the broilers and laying hens' gastrointestinal microbiota and its relationship with diverse physiological processes that intervene in the development, productivity, behavior, and health. There are 17 filos of bacteria within the poultry gastrointestinal tract, which are site dependent and have specific functions (Example; crop: Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae; proventriculus: Clostridiaceae, Enterococcus; intestine: Escherichia, Streptococcus). In addition, different factors affect the development of microbiota such as the feeding program, handling, kind of substrate, stocking density, among others. There are several potentially pathogenic microorganisms that impact microbiota negatively and may reach the final consumer such as Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli. Therefore, it is important to continue supporting poultry microbiota research and areas of opportunity to improve poultry production.

Design and Validation of Primer Sets for the Detection and Quantification of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Environmental Samples by Quantitative PCR.

The high prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in several environments is a great concern threatening human health. Particularly, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) become important contributors to the dissemination of ARB to receiving water bodies, due to the inefficient management or treatment of highly antibiotic-concentrated wastewaters. Hence, it is vital to develop molecular tools that allow proper monitoring of the genes encoding resistances to these important therapeutic compounds (antibiotic resistant genes, ARGs). For an accurate quantification of ARGs, there is a need for sensitive and robust qPCR assays supported by a good design of primers and validated protocols. In this study, eleven relevant ARGs were selected as targets, including aadA and aadB (conferring resistance to aminoglycosides); ampC, blaTEM, blaSHV, and mecA (resistance to beta-lactams); dfrA1 (resistance to trimethoprim); ermB (resistance to macrolides); fosA (resistance to fosfomycin); qnrS (resistance to quinolones); and tetA(A) (resistance to tetracyclines). The in silico design of the new primer sets was performed based on the alignment of all the sequences of the target ARGs (orthology grade > 70%) deposited in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, allowing higher coverages of the ARGs' biodiversity than those of several primers described to date. The adequate design and performance of the new molecular tools were validated in six samples, retrieved from both natural and engineered environments related to wastewater treatment. The hallmarks of the optimized qPCR assays were high amplification efficiency (> 90%), good linearity of the standard curve (R2 > 0.980), repeatability and reproducibility across experiments, and a wide linear dynamic range. The new primer sets and methodology described here are valuable tools to upgrade the monitorization of the abundance and emergence of the targeted ARGs by qPCR in WWTPs and related environments.

Differential Effect of 4H-Benzo[d] [1, 3]oxazines on the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: A family of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines were obtained from a group of N-(2-alkynyl)aryl benzamides precursors via gold(I) catalysed chemoselective 6-exo-dig C-O cyclization. METHOD: The precursors and oxazines obtained were studied in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, CAMA-1, HCC1954 and SKBR-3 with differential biological activity showing various degrees of inhibition with a notable effect for those that had an aryl substituted at C-2 of the molecules. 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines showed an IC50 rating from 0.30 to 157.4 µM in MCF-7, 0.16 to 139 in CAMA-1, 0.09 to 93.08 in SKBR-3, and 0.51 to 157.2 in HCC1954 cells. RESULTS: We observed that etoposide is similar to benzoxazines while taxol effect is more potent. Four cell lines responded to benzoxazines while SKBR-3 cell line responded to precursors and benzoxazines. Compounds 16, 24, 25 and 26 have the potent effect in cell proliferation inhibition in the 4 cell lines tested and correlated with oxidant activity suggesting a possible mechanism by ROS generation. CONCLUSION: These compounds represent possible drug candidates for the treatment of breast cancer. However, further trials are needed to elucidate its full effect on cellular and molecular features of cancer.

miRNAs as Interconnectors between Obesity and Cancer.

Obesity and cancer are a concern of global interest. It is proven that obesity may trigger the development or progression of some types of cancer; however, the connection by non-coding RNAs has not been totally explored. In the present review, we discuss miRNAs and lncRNAs dysregulation involved in obesity and some cancers, shedding light on how these conditions may exacerbate one another through the dysregulation of ncRNAs. lncRNAs have been reported as regulating microRNAs. An in silico investigation of lncRNA and miRNA interplay is presented. Our investigation revealed 44 upregulated and 49 downregulated lncRNAs in obesity and cancer, respectively. miR-375, miR-494-3p, miR-1908, and miR-196 were found interacting with 1, 4, 4 and 4 lncRNAs, respectively, which are involved in PPARγ cell signaling regulation. Additionally, miR-130 was found to be downregulated in obesity and reported as modulating 5 lncRNAs controlling PPARγ cell signaling. Similarly, miR-128-3p and miR-143 were found to be downregulated in obesity and cancer, interacting with 5 and 4 lncRNAs, respectively, associated with MAPK cell signaling modulation. The delicate balance between miRNA and lncRNA expression emerges as a critical determinant in the development of obesity-associated cancers, presenting these molecules as promising biomarkers. However, additional and deeper studies are needed to reach solid conclusions about obesity and cancer connection by ncRNAs.

Nanobubble applications in aquaculture industry for improving harvest yield, wastewater treatment, and disease control.

The ever-growing demand for aquaculture has led the industry to seek novel approaches for more sustainable practices. These attempts aim to increase aquaculture yield by increasing energy efficiency and decreasing footprint and chemical demand without compromising animal health. For this, emerging nanobubbles (NBs) aeration technology gained attention. NBs are gas-filled pockets suspended as sphere-like cavities (bulk NBs) or attached to surfaces (surface NBs) with diameters of <1 µm. Compared to macro and microbubbles, NBs have demonstrated unique characteristics such as long residence times in water, higher gas mass transfer efficiency, and hydroxyl radical production. This paper focuses on reviewing NB technology in aquaculture systems by summarizing and discussing uses and implications. Three focus areas were targeted to review the applicability and effects of NBs in aquaculture: (i) NBs aeration to improve the aquaculture harvest yield and subsequent wastewater treatment; (ii) NB application for inactivation of harmful microorganisms; and (iii) NBs for reducing oxidative stress and improving animal health. Thus, this study reviews the research studies published in the last 10 years in which air, oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen NBs were tested to improve gas mass transfer, wastewater treatment, and control of pathogenic microorganisms. The experimental results indicated that air and oxygen NBs yield significantly higher productivity, growth rate, total harvest, survival rate, and less oxygen consumption in fish and shrimp farming. Secondly, the application of air and ozone NBs demonstrated the ability of efficient pollutant degradation. Third, NB application demonstrated effective control of infectious bacteria and viruses, and thus increased fish survival, as well as different gene expression patterns that induce immune responses to infections. Reviewed studies lack robust comparative analyses of the efficacy of macro- and microbubble treatments. Also, potential health and safety implications, as well as economic feasibility through factors such as changes in capital infrastructure, routine maintenance and energy consumption need to be considered and evaluated in parallel to applicability. Therefore, even with a promising future, further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of NB treatment versus conventional aquaculture practices.

A detailed 3D MRI brain atlas of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens.

The study of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evolutionary analyses is still in its incipient stage, however, it is particularly useful as it allows us to analyze detailed anatomical images and compare brains of rare or otherwise inaccessible species, evolutionarily contextualizing possible differences, while at the same time being non-invasive. A good example is the lungfishes, sarcopterygians that are the closest living relatives of tetrapods and thus have an interesting phylogenetic position in the evolutionary conquest of the terrestrial environment. In the present study, we have developed a three-dimensional representation of the brain of the lungfish Protopterus annectens together with a rostrocaudal anatomical atlas. This methodological approach provides a clear delineation of the major brain subdivisions of this model and allows to measure both brain and ventricular volumes. Our results confirm that lungfish show neuroanatomical patterns reminiscent of those of extant basal sarcopterygians, with an evaginated telencephalon, and distinctive characters like a small optic tectum. These and additional characters uncover lungfish as a remarkable model to understand the origins of tetrapod diversity, indicating that their brain may contain significant clues to the characters of the brain of ancestral tetrapods.