bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender inequalities in oral medicine and pathology research: Temporal trends of two decades
Authors: Braz Gabriel Lima , Figueiredo Amanda dos Santos , Soares Alini Cardoso , Garcia Francielli Fernandez , Calderipe Camila Barcellos , Chisini Luiz Alexandre , Vasconcelos Ana Carolina Uchoa
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To analyze gender inequities and trends in the authorship of articles published in high‐impact factor journals of the field of Oral Medicine and Pathology.

Methods

The gender and country of first and last authors were retrieved from original articles published between 2000 and 2022. Poisson regression models and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 6595 studies were analyzed for first authorship, and 6627 for last authorship. Only 39.2% (CI 95% 38.0–40.3) of the first authors and 24.1% (CI 95% 23.1–25.1) of the last authors were females. Females consistently faced underrepresentation throughout the 23‐year evaluation. The only region where female first authors are not a minority is Latin America. Having a female as the last author increased the prevalence of females in the first author position by 42% (PR = 1.42, CI 95% [1.30–1.54]). The most important discriminant variable by CART was the first author region.

Conclusion

Although a slight decrease in underrepresentation was noted over the period, after 2020, the gender gap tended to widen for both first and last authors. It is crucial to implement measures aimed at attracting, retaining, and advancing women in the field of science, while also actively monitoring advancements toward achieving gender equity.
Rutin alleviates psoriasis‐related inflammation in keratinocytes by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Wu Panhong , Liu Yonghui , Zhai Hanxue , Wu Xiaohan , Liu Aimin
Published: August 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can cause systemic inflammation in various organs. Rutin has been suggested to fight psoriasis, but the signaling pathways by which it works need to be explored.

Materials and methods

HaCaT cells co‐stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐22, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐1α, and oncostatin M (M5) were used as an in vitro cell model of psoriasis. The proliferation and viability of HaCaT cells were determined by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine and cell counting assays. Relative mRNA levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2), and anti‐microbial peptides (S100A7 and S100A8) were detected by reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR. Release of IL‐6 and TNF‐α from HaCaT cells was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Keratin1, Keratin5, p‐JAK2, and p‐STAT3 protein levels were estimated with western blotting. Molecular docking predicted binding sites for Rutin and STAT3.

Results

Rutin treatment undercut M5‐urged viability increase and proliferation boost in HaCaT cells. Moreover, M5 stimulation mediated upregulation of IL‐6, TNF‐α, CXCL1, CXCL2, S100A7, and S100A8 was partially reversed after Rutin treatment. In addition, M5 stimulation induced downregulation of Keratin1 and Keratin5 proteins as well as upregulation of p‐JAK2 and p‐STAT3 proteins were attenuated in response to Rutin treatment, manifesting that Rutin treatment inhibited M5‐promoted aberrant differentiation and impaired M5‐mediated activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling in HaCaT cells. Molecular docking discovered that residues GLN326 and ASP334 in STAT3 might bind to Rutin.

Conclusion

Rutin treatment blocked the JAK2/STAT3 signaling, thus attenuating psoriasis‐related inflammation and anomalous differentiation in keratinocytes.
Epidermal and dermal hydration in relation to skin color parameters
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Aoki Kawaiola , Deehan Emily , Ruppe Marissa
Published: August 2024

Background

Our goal was to investigate linkages between skin color parameters and skin hydration. Since most prior studies focused on stratum corneum hydration, we focused on epidermal and dermal hydration in relation to skin color parameters in both sexes.

Materials and Methods

Thirty adults (16 female) with an age ± SD of 24.3 ± 0.6 years participated. Three sites on both volar forearms were evaluated for melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), Individual Typology Angle (ITA), tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values to depths of 0.5 mm (TDC0.5) and 2.5 mm (TDC2.5), and Fitzpatrick skin type (FST).

Results

MI and EI were highly correlated (r = 0.800, p < 0.001) with maximum differences in MI and ITA along the arm of 3% and 6.3% with no difference between arms. Male MI was greater than females (p < 0.01). Male TDC2.5 was 36.1 ± 5.4 and correlated with EI (r = 0.231, p = 0.035). Contrastingly, female TDC25 was 28.5 ± 3.6 with no correlation with EI but was correlated with MI (r = −0.301, p = 0.003). These differential patterns held true for TDC0.5. For both sexes, FST and ITA were highly correlated (r = −0.756, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings revealed several correlations between skin color parameters and hydration that differed between males in females in some cases. The observed correlations may indicate that melanin may differentially impact water‐holding capacity between sexes and provides a future research target. Further, these initial findings also may hold significance for dermatological assessments and the customization of skincare treatments tailored to individual skin types and demographics.
Evolution and post‐transcriptional regulation insights of m6A writers, erasers, and readers in plant epitranscriptome
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wu Lin , Mu Lele , Wang Yuhua , Zhao Mengna , Wang Huiyuan , Li Xiangrong , Zhao Liangzhen , Lin Chentao , Zhang Hangxiao , Gu Lianfeng
Published: August 2024

As a dynamic and reversible post‐transcriptional marker, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in the regulation of biological functions, which are mediated by m6A pathway components including writers (MT‐A70, FIP37, VIR and HAKAI family), erasers (ALKBH family) and readers (YTH family). There is an urgent need for a comprehensive analysis of m6A pathway components across species at evolutionary levels. In this study, we identified 4062 m6A pathway components from 154 plant species including green algae, utilizing large‐scale phylogenetic to explore their origin and evolution. We discovered that the copy number of writers was conserved among different plant lineages, with notable expansions in the ALKBH and YTH families. Synteny network analysis revealed conserved genomic contexts and lineage‐specific transpositions. Furthermore, we used Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) to reveal the Poly(A) length (PAL) and m6A ratio profiles in six angiosperms species, with a particular focus on the m6A pathway components. The ECT1/2‐Poeaece4 sub‐branches (YTH family) with unique genomic contexts exhibited significantly higher expression level than genes of other ECT1/2 poeaece sub‐branches (ECT1/2‐Poeaece1‐3), accompanied by lower m6A modification and PAL. Besides, conserved m6A sites distributed in CDS and 3′UTR were detected in the ECT1/2‐Poaceae4, and the dual‐luciferase assay further demonstrated that these conserved m6A sites in the 3′UTR negatively regulated the expression of Firefly luciferase (LUC) gene. Finally, we developed transcription factor regulatory networks for m6A pathway components, using yeast one‐hybrid assay demonstrated that PheBPC1 could interact with the PheECT1/2‐5 promoter. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive evolutionary and functional analysis of m6A pathway components and their modifications in plants, providing a valuable resource for future functional analysis in this field.
Conocer el mar, conocer el mundo: talleres de creatividad infantil de Yuyachkani y el vuelo contracorriente
Authors: Marko Ana Julia
Published: August 2024

En 2021, el Grupo Cultural Yuyachkani celebró cincuenta años de un teatro interesado en discutir la memoria y el olvido. Los actos de luchar por narrativas disidentes, apartadas por la historia oficial y por la violencia colonial, convierten al colectivo peruano en protagonista de los caminos latinoamericanos. Tales temas no solo aparecen en espectáculos, sino también en diversas intervenciones en el mundo. Estas incluyen talleres, performances e intervenciones públicas, especialmente en comunidades de regiones periféricas o rurales. Este artículo pretende tejer reflexiones sobre el taller de creatividad infantil que invita a los participantes a conocer historias de América Latina, las cuales no son accesibles con facilidad en los vehículos televisivos o en las instituciones de educación formal del Perú. En un proceso de artes integradas, a partir de un cuento literario a través de la agencia lúdica y del rescate de memorias familiares y ancestrales, los participantes tienen la oportunidad de construir una experiencia escénica que amplía su referencia del mundo. En su proyecto de luchar por memorias borradas, Yuyachkani también asume responsabilidades históricas con sus niños y niñas. El taller busca construir conocimientos contracoloniales junto a sus jóvenes, ofreciéndoles una experiencia no hegemónica que valora el descubrimiento de lo originario en relación con los cuerpos y las cuestiones del presente.
Abriendo espacios para el descubrimiento en Educación Infantil: miradas del profesorado a través de la instalación sonora Tierra, mar y aire
Authors: Castro-Alonso Vicente , Chao-Fernández Rocío
Published: August 2024

Este artículo presenta la experiencia formativa titulada Tierra, mar y aire desarrollada en el Grado en Educación Infantil de la Universidade da Coruña, focalizada en la creación de una instalación sonora para su exposición didáctica ante niños o niñas de 2 a 3 años. A través de un enfoque descriptivo-narrativo, se examina el impacto de esta aproximación artístico-didáctica entre el profesorado en formación, así como entre el resto de los agentes implicados. Los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, obtenidos mediante cuestionarios y el análisis de las memorias individuales del proceso creativo, refrendan la naturaleza interactiva y socioemocional de un proceso de enseñanza colaborativo que propicia una transferencia imaginativa del aprendizaje promovido desde las aulas universitarias. La exposición permite discernir la adaptabilidad y vigencia pedagógica de la instalación sonora a la hora de generar interés y motivación en la infancia, fomentando un aprendizaje de índole experiencial e interdisciplinar basado en una aproximación accesible (y sostenible) de la experimentación sonora. Al concluir la experiencia, el profesorado en formación manifiesta un renovado espíritu vocacional, destacando las posibilidades transversales de la educación musical y resaltando la tenacidad y el colaboracionismo en la superación de desafíos educativos. En este contexto, se destaca la importancia de brindar espacios para la exploración y el descubrimiento desde la participación genuina del niño o niña, aunque ello suponga una pérdida de control por parte del maestro o maestra. Asimismo, se resalta la pertinencia de abogar por dinámicas disruptivas durante los procesos de formación del profesorado, que contribuyan a naturalizar procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje propios de su perfil de salida.
Las exigencias y los regalos de la lectura en Los amigos, Angélica y La bolsa amarilla, tres novelas de Lygia Bojunga Nunes
Authors: Pérez Arenas Lina Marcela
Published: August 2024

Lygia Bojunga Nunes es una autora brasileña nacida en 1932. En 1982, se convirtió en la primera autora latinoamericana en ganar el Premio Hans Christian Andersen y, luego, en 2004, recibió la segunda edición del Premio Internacional de Literatura Infantil en Memoria de Astrid Lindgren. Este artículo se pregunta por la representación de la infancia en tres de sus novelas: Angélica (1975), Los amigos (1972) y La bolsa amarilla (1976). Esta muestra es suficiente para identificar aspectos que caracterizan la poética de la autora y que responden a la pregunta por la representación de la infancia en sus novelas. Por último, este trabajo asume una perspectiva crítica decolonial; por tanto, realiza una revisión de la representación de cuatro categorías de opresión: la edad, laespecie, la clase y el género. Uno de sus presupuestos más importantes es el concepto aetonormativ postulado por María Nikolajeva y los planteamientos de Clémentine Beauvais. A partir de ellos se propone que la literatura de Bojunga Nunes es, comosostenía Jean-Paul Sartre, un regalo y una exigencia para el lector. Esto se debe a la presencia de temas inusuales y censurados en la literatura infantil y a la presencia de la voz adulta, las exigencias y los regalos de la lectura.
Apropiación del espacio urbano a través del taller artístico: un acercamiento a las subjetividades políticas de niños y niñas del barrio Brisas del Volador (Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá)
Authors: Tovar-Guerra Claudia , Salgado Isaac , Hernández-García Jaime
Published: August 2024

El artículo explora las subjetividades políticas de niños y niñas a partir de su participación social y urbana en el barrio Brisas del Volador (Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá), en el marco del estudio sobre la experiencia de niños, niñas y adolescentes creciendo en ciudades,Growing Up in Cities III, que es la tercera versión de un estudio original del famoso urbanista Kevin Lynch en la década de 1970, y una segunda versión de Louise Chawla en la década de 1990. Esta versión es liderada por profesores de la Universidad Deakin(Australia), y se adelanta en 16 países y 24 ciudades. La investigación en Bogotá se llevó a cabo en Brisas del Volador. A partir de métodos artísticos, se propuso reconocer y movilizar su apropiación del espacio urbano, y sus subjetividades políticas en términosde construcción de identidad y posicionamiento frente a su entorno. Como resultados encontramos que el poder expresivo de la metodología basada en el taller artístico facilita la reflexión sobre las condiciones del entorno, la apropiación del espacio público y elinvolucramiento en las soluciones de los problemas que les preocupan. Los niños y las niñas de Brisas del Volador construyen activamente significados sociales y participan con entusiasmo para transformar su entorno. Se sienten diferencialmente capaces para incidir, según la complejidad de los problemas, pero nunca se anclan en la impotencia; al contrario, cultivan permanentemente la esperanza.
“Siempre que tomaban una foto era obligatorio sonreír”: fotografía análoga y formación de una subjetividad de la niñez
Authors: Corredor Romero Maya
Published: August 2024

Este artículo pretende ofrecer algunas lecturas sobre la relación entre la fotografía y la formación de subjetividades en los niños. Específicamente, aborda el corte temporal entre las décadas de 1980 y 1990, con el uso popularizado de la fotografía análoga. En atención a la posibilidad de indagar en los adultos sus memorias de infancia por medio de fotografías, se hace una exploración empírica en torno a las prácticas fotográficas de esta época para identificar en ellas ciertos elementos que pueden considerarse formadores de una subjetividad infantil. Como marco de análisis, se plantean algunos hitos sobre la transformación de ciertas definiciones de la infancia en la sociedad moderna occidental, se desarrolla una perspectiva del concepto de subjetividad y se plantea que posiblemente los niños de la época abordada transitan entre una subjetividad “estatal” y una “mediática”. También se desarrollan algunos argumentos sobre cómo la fotografía y, en general, la cultura mediática es productora de subjetividades. A modo de conclusiones, se sugieren ciertas operaciones adultas en el acto fotográfico que pueden ser constituyentes de una subjetividad infantil; por ejemplo, cierto “reciclaje” de modelos visuales que datan de siglos anteriores, el uso de códigos de vestuario, la articulación con la visualidad escolar, la organización del espacio fotográfico que conlleva instrucciones sobre los cuerpos y las expresividades infantiles, la proyección emocional adulta con las expresiones infantiles y ciertos códigos que instituyen al género femenino en las niñas. Se pretende también abonar a la reflexión sobre las subjetividades de la infancia que se están conformando en la actual producción y circulación de fotografías de niñas y niños en las redes sociales.
Mirar como niños y niñas: cine, juego y contra-pedagogía en los talleres de Alicia Vega
Authors: Donoso Pinto Catalina , De los Ríos Escobar Valeria
Published: August 2024

La docente e investigadora chilena Alicia Vega realizó por tres décadas un taller de cine para niños y niñas de frecuencia anual en comunas periféricas de Santiago de Chile y también en localidades del centro y sur de Chile. Este artículo se concentra en el taller realizado en 1987 en la comuna de Lo Hermida durante el periodo dictatorial chileno y que fue registrado por el cineasta Ignacio Agüero en el premiado documental Cien niños esperando un tren (1988). A partir de este documento fílmico y del informe final de ese taller en particular, conservado por la Fundación Alicia Vega, esta investigación se propone explorar las metodologías y los materiales utilizados en las clases, buscando reconocer en ellos una aproximación a las niñeces desde la horizontalidad y la validación de sus experiencias de niños y niñas provenientes de entornos vulnerados. Desde este enfoque específico, examinaremos elementos comunes a todos los talleres, incorporando el análisis de la última publicación de Vega, Cuadernos de Alicia (2021), y del libro Taller de cine para niños (2018). El análisis se enfoca en tres ámbitos principalmente: la relación de la infancia con el cine, el juego y el goce como ejes del taller y la propuesta de una contra-pedagogía que sostiene el método de enseñanza desarrollado por Vega.
Me encuentro en estado vaporoso: una mirada hacia el caos en la pedagogía de la danza para la infancia
Authors: Atuesta Ortiz Juliana
Published: August 2024

Este artículo se centra en la pregunta por el caos dentro de los procesos de formación artística para la infancia, con énfasis en la formación en danza. Se asume la danza como una práctica expresiva que, más allá de ser un lenguaje estético, opera como manifestación que activa el reconocimiento del cuerpo y las corporalidades, y que potencia las capacidades creativas y simbólicas para la construcción del ser y su participación en la colectividad. De ahí el valor del caos y su pertinencia en el discurso y en las perspectivas pedagógicas para la vida. Se proporciona un estudio basado en las experiencias del proyecto de formación en danza Danza Contexto que desde 2010 viene desarrollando actividades en distintas instituciones educativas en Bogotá, principalmente, en los colegios pertenecientes a la Alianza Educativa. El análisis frente a la pregunta por el caos se fundamenta en una apuesta que hemos desarrollado desde 2014, que hemos denominado “una pedagogía de la creatividad”, desde la cual se plantean principios, tales como el juego, la pregunta, el contexto y el impulso. El desarrollo de este análisis se sustenta con la participación de las personas que han hecho parte del proyecto (coordinadoras, docentes y facilitadores, niños y niñas participantes), de quienes se recogen sus percepciones plasmadas en informes pedagógicos y actividades registradas durante el proceso.
La orquesta libre: prácticas de libertad y aprendizajes rizomáticos en un laboratorio de improvisación y experimentación sonora con niños y niñas
Authors: Botero Rodríguez Santiago
Published: August 2024

El artículo recoge la naturaleza, los objetivos, las metodologías, los resultados y las conclusiones de una clase de improvisación libre musical y experimentación sonora en niños y niñas, La orquesta libre. Da cuenta de la experiencia personal del profesor en la que la clase trasciende su objetivo inicial, elaborar una cátedra de improvisación libre musical a través de una orquesta de improvisación dirigida, y da paso a un espacio en el que los niños y niñas miembros de La orquesta libre desarrollan estrategias para sentirse libres en su práctica sonora y puedan, además de improvisar, componer, hacer arreglos, reflexionar, diseñar partituras gráficas, jugar con el sonido y experimentar la música de múltiples maneras. El artículo recoge reflexiones sobre cómo la misma práctica de la improvisación desarticulóla estructura jerárquica de la clase para dar paso a un aprendizaje interdependiente y rizomático entre todos sus miembros, incluso el profesor. El artículo se suma a un corpus de textos que dan cuenta del rol de la improvisación libre en la educación musical y cómo esta práctica complementa otras para propender a un ecosistema de educación musical en niños y niñas, más afectivo y en estable relación entre lo poético y lo técnico, que genera herramientas de autoconocimiento, ecuanimidad y desarrollo de un criterio propio con una voz individual potente y creativa.
Enhancing the functional characteristics of sago starch through dual chemical modification by hydroxypropylation and succinylation
Authors: Paramitasari Derina , Musa Musa , Putra Okta Nama , Elisa Sarah , Suparman Suparman , Hidayat Taufik , Pramana Yanuar Sigit
Published: August 2024

Sago starch is a locally abundant starch indigenous of Indonesia. Despite its abundance, it is underutilized and restricted to food and packaging applications due to its limited functional characteristics. The value of native sago starch can be increased through modifications that improve its functionality, such as dual chemical modification. This sophisticated approach is more effective than single modification and makes the starch suitable for wider applications. Our study aimed to determine if dual chemical modification involving hydroxypropylation and succinylation would optimize the functional properties of sago starch. The sago starch was first modified by hydroxypropylation with 7 % (w/w) propylene oxide under alkaline conditions for 3 hours. This process resulted in hydroxypropylated starch with a substitution degree of 0.107. We then subjected the starch to succinylation using succinic anhydride at 1 % to 5 % of the starch weight in an alkaline solution for 2 hours.We achieved optimal functional characteristics of the dual-modified sago starch in the sample modified with 3 % (w/w) of succinic anhydride. The succinyl degree of substitution, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, swelling power, and solubility of the dual-modified starch were 0.093, 4.16 g g⁻¹ , 7.20 g g⁻¹, 34.25 g g⁻¹, and 16:55 %, respectively. We conducted pasting properties analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and morphological structure analysis to determine the changes in the characteristics of the sago starch after hydroxypropylation and succinylation. The dual chemical modification successfully enhanced the functional characteristics of sago starch, particularly, its amphiphilic ability and swelling power.
These results warrant further research and development in commercial applications.
A Nordic Ski Coach’s Learning Journey Towards Creating More Inclusive and Safer Sport
Authors: Kramers Sara , Carrier-Laforte Sophie , Camiré Martin
Published: August 2024

Competitive youth sport coaches who aim to foster inclusive and safer sport often face challenges from their peers, their organisations, and the sociocultural systems in their contexts. A personal learning coach may support coaches’ critical awareness, reflection, and readiness for working towards changing their youth sport contexts. This study details a 15-month collaboration, as Sara acted as a personal learning coach to support Sophie’s critical praxis as they reflected on social issues and experienced shifts in their coaching towards creating more inclusive and safer sport. Grounded in a narrative inquiry methodology, two virtual interviews and 11 virtual meetings occurred. Sara and Sophie also shared reflections through messages and voice notes and one in-person meeting during one of Sophie’s training sessions. Through time-hopping snapshot vignettes, Sophie’s learning journey is presented as they attempt to figure out what to fight for, grow through discomforts and unknowns, and experience progress. Sophie believed that their “mind shifted” towards becoming a “better coach” throughout the collaboration, developing their critical consciousness to change oppressive social conditions in sport. By sharing insights from the collaboration, the study provides vivid examples of the steps coaches and sport stakeholders can take to become more confident in enacting positive change in sport.
A Qualitative Exploration of Coaches’ Perceived Challenges and Recommendations Relating to Social Justice in Canadian High School Sport
Authors: Bishop Evan , Camiré Martin
Published: August 2024

Sport can at once promote social justice and reinforce systemic inequities. Considering the influence coaches have on athlete development, research related to coaches’ perspectives on social justice issues is warranted. The purpose of the study was to explore Canadian high school sport coaches’ attitudes towards social justice. An online survey saw 392 coaches respond to six open-ended questions on perceived challenges (three questions; n = 989 responses) and recommendations (three questions; n = 724 responses) related to social justice within their teams, schools, and school boards. A content analysis led to coaches’ responses being classified into three groups: (a) high school sport faces social justice issues (57.38%), (b) no social justice challenges and/or recommendations to share (39.34%), and (c) urgency regarding social justice issues is overblown (3.28%). A reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the critical positive youth development framework, was used to develop several overarching themes, highlighting persistent inequities, a lack of involvement from school boards, missed/ignored social justice issues, and a small group of antisocial justice coaches within the Canadian high school sport system. Considerations for coach education programmes and future research are discussed.
Impact of Physical Educators’ Appearance and Sex on Elementary School Students’ Learning and Perceptions of the Teachers
Authors: Chen YuChun , Myers Brian
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This research examined the impact of two physical educators’ appearance and sex on elementary school students’ learning and teacher perceptions. Method: Four videos consisting of female informal appearance, female formal appearance, male informal appearance, and male formal appearance were created. A content examination and a perception questionnaire were used to collect data. Factorial analyses of variance were conducted to identify significant main effects or interactions on the examination (i.e., total score, techniques, strategies) and teacher perceptions (i.e., likability, competence, role modeling). Results: Data revealed no significant main effect for teacher appearance or sex on the six variables. A significant interaction effect on the technique-related question was identified; the participants scored higher when the female teacher dressed formally than when she dressed informally. However, the participants performed better when the male teacher dressed informally than when he dressed formally. Discussion/Conclusion: Future research investigating the “true” formal and informal appearance is warranted.
Essential and multifunctional mpox virus E5 helicase-primase in double and single hexamer
Authors: Xu Yunxia , Wu Yaqi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Gao Kaiting , Wu Xiaoying , Yang Yaxue , Li Danyang , Yang Biao , Zhang Zhengyu , Dong Changjiang
Published: August 2024

An outbreak of mpox virus in May 2022 has spread over 110 nonpandemic regions in the world, posing a great threat to global health. Mpox virus E5, a helicase-primase, plays an essential role in DNA replication, but the molecular mechanisms are elusive. Here, we report seven structures of mpox virus E5 in a double hexamer (DH) and six in single hexamer in different conformations, indicating a rotation mechanism for helicase and a coupling action for primase. The DH is formed through the interface of zinc-binding domains, and the central channel density indicates potential double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which helps to identify dsDNA binding residues Arg
249
, Lys
286
, Lys
315
, and Lys
317
. Our work is important not only for understanding poxviral DNA replication but also for the development of novel therapeutics for serious poxviral infections including smallpox virus and mpox virus.
Machine learning–based extreme event attribution
Authors: Trok Jared T. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Davenport Frances V. , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: August 2024

The observed increase in extreme weather has prompted recent methodological advances in extreme event attribution. We propose a machine learning–based approach that uses convolutional neural networks to create dynamically consistent counterfactual versions of historical extreme events under different levels of global mean temperature (GMT). We apply this technique to one recent extreme heat event (southcentral North America 2023) and several historical events that have been previously analyzed using established attribution methods. We estimate that temperatures during the southcentral North America event were 1.18° to 1.42°C warmer because of global warming and that similar events will occur 0.14 to 0.60 times per year at 2.0°C above preindustrial levels of GMT. Additionally, we find that the learned relationships between daily temperature and GMT are influenced by the seasonality of the forced temperature response and the daily meteorological conditions. Our results broadly agree with other attribution techniques, suggesting that machine learning can be used to perform rapid, low-cost attribution of extreme events.
Anti-windup strategies for biomolecular control systems facilitated by model reduction theory for sequestration networks
Authors: Filo Maurice , Gupta Ankit , Khammash Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Robust perfect adaptation, a system property whereby a variable adapts to persistent perturbations at steady state, has been recently realized in living cells using genetic integral controllers. In certain scenarios, such controllers may lead to “integral windup,” an adverse condition caused by saturating control elements, which manifests as error accumulation, poor dynamic performance, or instabilities. To mitigate this effect, we here introduce several biomolecular anti-windup topologies and link them to control-theoretic anti-windup strategies. This is achieved using a novel model reduction theory that we develop for reaction networks with fast sequestration reactions. We then show how the anti-windup topologies can be realized as reaction networks and propose intein-based genetic designs for their implementation. We validate our designs through simulations on various biological systems, including models of patients with type I diabetes and advanced biomolecular proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, demonstrating their efficacy in mitigating windup effects and ensuring safety.
Antagonism of β-arrestins in IL-4–driven microglia reactivity via the Samd4/mTOR/OXPHOS axis in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Liang Yue , Meng Qinghao , Chen Jiayu , Ma Junwei , Zhu Hong , Cai Lei , Song Nanshan , Ding Jianhua , Fan Yi , Lu Ming , Wu Guangyu , Fang Yinquan , Hu Gang
Published: August 2024

Interleukin-4 (IL-4)–exposed microglia acquire neuroprotective properties, but their functions and regulation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-4 enhances anti-inflammatory microglia reactivity, ameliorates the pathological features of PD, and reciprocally affects expression of β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2 in microglia in PD mouse models. We also show that manipulation of two β-arrestins produces contrary effects on the anti-inflammatory states and neuroprotective action of microglia induced by IL-4 in vivo and in vitro. We further find that the functional antagonism of two β-arrestins is mediated through sequential activation of sterile alpha motif domain containing 4 (Samd4), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Collectively, these data reveal opposing functions of two closely related β-arrestins in regulating the IL-4–induced microglia reactivity via the Samd4/mTOR/OXPHOS axis in PD mouse models and provide important insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutics of PD.
Did the exposure of coacervate droplets to rain make them the first stable protocells?
Authors: Agrawal Aman , Radakovic Aleksandar , Vonteddu Anusha , Rizvi Syed , Huynh Vivian N. , Douglas Jack F. , Tirrell Matthew V. , Karim Alamgir , Szostak Jack W.
Published: August 2024

Membraneless coacervate microdroplets have long been proposed as model protocells as they can grow, divide, and concentrate RNA by natural partitioning. However, the rapid exchange of RNA between these compartments, along with their rapid fusion, both within minutes, means that individual droplets would be unable to maintain their separate genetic identities. Hence, Darwinian evolution would not be possible, and the population would be vulnerable to collapse due to the rapid spread of parasitic RNAs. In this study, we show that distilled water, mimicking rain/freshwater, leads to the formation of electrostatic crosslinks on the interface of coacervate droplets that not only suppress droplet fusion indefinitely but also allow the spatiotemporal compartmentalization of RNA on a timescale of days depending on the length and structure of RNA. We suggest that these nonfusing membraneless droplets could potentially act as protocells with the capacity to evolve compartmentalized ribozymes in prebiotic environments.
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet may not be vulnerable to marine ice cliff instability during the 21st century
Authors: Morlighem Mathieu , Goldberg Daniel , Barnes Jowan M. , Bassis Jeremy N. , Benn Douglas I. , Crawford Anna J. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Seroussi Hélène
Published: August 2024

The collapse of ice shelves could expose tall ice cliffs at ice sheet margins. The marine ice cliff instability (MICI) is a hypothesis that predicts that, if these cliffs are tall enough, ice may fail structurally leading to self-sustained retreat. To date, projections that include MICI have been performed with a single model based on a simple parameterization. Here, we implement a physically motivated parameterization in three ice sheet models and simulate the response of the Amundsen Sea Embayment after a hypothetical collapse of floating ice. All models show that Thwaites Glacier would not retreat further in the 21st century. In another set of simulations, we force the grounding line to retreat into Thwaites’ deeper basin to expose a taller cliff. In these simulations, rapid thinning and velocity increase reduce the calving rate, stabilizing the cliff. These experiments show that Thwaites may be less vulnerable to MICI than previously thought, and model projections that include this process should be re-evaluated.
Large-enhancement nanoscale dynamic nuclear polarization near a silicon nanowire surface
Authors: Tabatabaei Sahand , Priyadarsi Pritam , Singh Namanish , Sahafi Pardis , Tay Daniel , Jordan Andrew , Budakian Raffi
Published: August 2024

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has revolutionized the field of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, expanding its reach and capabilities to investigate diverse materials, biomolecules, and complex dynamic processes. Bringing high-efficiency DNP to the nanometer scale would open exciting avenues for studying nanoscale nuclear spin ensembles, such as single biomolecules, virus particles, and condensed matter systems. Combining pulsed DNP with nanoscale force-detected magnetic resonance measurements, we demonstrated a 100-fold enhancement in the Boltzmann polarization of proton spins in nanoscale sugar droplets at 6 kelvin and 0.33 tesla. Crucially, this enhancement corresponds to a factor of 200 reduction in the averaging time compared to measurements that rely on the detection of statistical fluctuations in nanoscale nuclear spin ensembles. These results substantially advance the capabilities of force-detected magnetic resonance detection as a practical tool for nanoscale imaging.
Mercury isotope evidence for the importance of recycled fluids in collisional ore systems
Authors: Xu Bo , Yin Run-Sheng , Chiaradia Massimo , Miao Zhuang , Griffin William L. , Hou Zeng-Qian , Yang Zhi-Ming , O’Reilly Suzanne Y.
Published: August 2024

The sources of fluids and metals in porphyry systems of continental-collision settings are poorly constrained. Mercury isotopes display unique mass-independent fractionation (expressed as Δ
199
Hg) and may provide important constraints on metal and volatile sources given that Hg is a highly volatile metal. Here, we report Hg isotope data on ore-forming porphyries, barren magmatic rocks, and mantle-derived mafic magmas from southern Tibet. The fertile porphyries and coeval mafic magmas display mainly positive Δ
199
Hg values (up to +0.25 per mil), while Δ
199
Hg values in barren magmatic rocks and mafic magmas are largely negative (−0.54 to 0.00 per mil). The positive Δ
199
Hg values observed here are consistent with seawater and marine sediments, suggesting that the ultimate source of fluids involved in the genesis of post-subduction porphyry copper deposits was the mantle lithosphere metasomatized by previous oceanic plate subduction. Our Hg isotope data provide an alternative view to current metallogenetic models on collisional porphyry systems that focus on melting of the lower continental crust.
Global expansion of human-wildlife overlap in the 21st century
Authors: Ma Deqiang , Abrahms Briana , Allgeier Jacob , Newbold Tim , Weeks Brian C. , Carter Neil H.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the extent to which people and wildlife overlap in space and time is critical for the conservation of biodiversity and ecological services. Yet, how global change will reshape the future of human-wildlife overlap has not been assessed. We show that the potential spatial overlap of global human populations and 22,374 terrestrial vertebrate species will increase across ~56.6% and decrease across only ~11.8% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface by 2070. Increases are driven primarily by intensification of human population densities, not change in wildlife distributions caused by climate change. The strong spatial heterogeneity of future human-wildlife overlap found in our study makes it clear that local context is imperative to consider, and more targeted area-based land-use planning should be integrated into systematic conservation planning.
A general and mild synthetic method for fused-ring electronic acceptors
Authors: Zhong Xiaowei , Liu Shubin , You Wei
Published: August 2024

Fused-ring electronic acceptors (FREAs) have transformed the field of organic solar cells. However, the prevailing syntheses of FREAs suffer from low yield, difficulty in separation, and high cost. Here, we report new and streamlined syntheses with three distinctive key steps. First, a universal approach to fuse neighboring aromatic units via a single carbon atom is demonstrated with ytterbium triflate and boron trifluoride as the catalysts. This approach allows the incorporation of diverse side-chain combinations. Second, nitrogen atom fusing neighboring aromatics is realized by using oxo-molybdenum catalyst, featuring lower reaction temperatures and enhanced yields. Third, an organic catalyst, proline, is identified to catalyze the aldol condensation with high yield to afford the most typical FREAs having acceptor-donor-acceptor (ADA) configurations. Our new chemistries enable easy syntheses of a wide range of FREAs, substantially expanding the scope and availability of these coveted materials at reduced synthetic cost, particularly for organic electronics.
Click-free imaging of carbohydrate trafficking in live cells using an azido photothermal probe
Authors: Xia Qing , Perera Harini A. , Bolarinho Rylie , Piskulich Zeke A. , Guo Zhongyue , Yin Jiaze , He Hongjian , Li Mingsheng , Ge Xiaowei , Cui Qiang , Ramström Olof , Yan Mingdi , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: August 2024

Real-time tracking of intracellular carbohydrates remains challenging. While click chemistry allows bio-orthogonal tagging with fluorescent probes, the reaction permanently alters the target molecule and only allows a single snapshot. Here, we demonstrate click-free mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) imaging of azide-tagged carbohydrates in live cells. Leveraging the micromolar detection sensitivity for 6-azido-trehalose (TreAz) and the 300-nm spatial resolution of MIP imaging, the trehalose recycling pathway in single mycobacteria, from cytoplasmic uptake to membrane localization, is directly visualized. A peak shift of azide in MIP spectrum further uncovers interactions between TreAz and intracellular protein. MIP mapping of unreacted azide after click reaction reveals click chemistry heterogeneity within a bacterium. Broader applications of azido photothermal probes to visualize the initial steps of the Leloir pathway in yeasts and the newly synthesized glycans in mammalian cells are demonstrated.
Enzyme-like nanoparticle–engineered mesenchymal stem cell secreting HGF promotes visualized therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in vivo
Authors: Bao Hongying , Wu Manxiang , Xing Jie , Li Zihou , Zhang Yuenan , Wu Aiguo , Li Juan
Published: August 2024

Stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but its effectiveness is hindered by factors like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in fibrotic lungs. Moreover, the distribution, migration, and survival of transplanted stem cells are still unclear, impeding the clinical advancement of stem cell therapy. To tackle these challenges, we fabricate AuPtCoPS trimetallic-based nanocarriers (TBNCs), with enzyme-like activity and plasmid loading capabilities, aiming to efficiently eradicate ROS, facilitate delivery of therapeutic genes, and ultimately improve the therapeutic efficacy. TBNCs also function as a computed tomography contrast agent for tracking mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during therapy. Accordingly, we enhanced the antioxidant stress and anti-inflammatory capabilities of engineered MSCs and successfully visualized their biological behavior in IPF mice in vivo. Overall, this study provides an efficient and forward-looking treatment approach for IPF and establishes a framework for a stem cell–based therapeutic system aimed at addressing lung disease.
Bilingual speech neuroprosthesis
Authors: Matsiko Amos
Published: August 2024

A neuroprosthesis could decode two languages from the brain activity of a bilingual participant who was unable to articulate speech.
Microglia-specific
IL-10
gene delivery inhibits neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bido Simone , Nannoni Melania , Muggeo Sharon , Gambarè Diana , Ruffini Giorgia , Bellini Edoardo , Passeri Laura , Iaia Silvia , Luoni Mirko , Provinciali Martino , Giannelli Serena Gea , Giannese Francesca , Lazarevic Dejan , Gregori Silvia , Broccoli Vania
Published: August 2024

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in exacerbating dopaminergic neuron (DAN) loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it remains unresolved how to effectively normalize this immune response given the complex interplay between the innate and adaptive immune responses occurring within a scarcely accessible organ like the brain. In this study, we uncovered a consistent correlation between neuroinflammation, brain parenchymal lymphocytes, and DAN loss among several commonly used mouse models of PD generated by a variety of pathological triggers. We validated a viral therapeutic approach for the microglia-specific expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) to selectively mitigate the excessive inflammatory response. We found that this approach induced a local nigral IL-10 release that alleviated DAN loss in mice overexpressing the human
SNCA
gene in the substantia nigra. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed that IL-10 induced the emergence of a molecularly distinct microglial cell state, enriched in markers of cell activation with enhanced expression of prophagocytic pathways. IL-10 promoted microglial phagocytotic and clearance activities in vitro and reduced αSYN aggregate burden in the nigral area in mice overexpressing
SNCA
. Furthermore, IL-10 stimulated the differentiation of CD4
+
T lymphocytes into active T regulatory cells and promoted inhibitory characteristics in CD8
+
T cells. In summary, our results show that local and microglia-specific
IL-10
transduction elicited strong immunomodulation in the nigral tissue with enhanced suppression of lymphocyte toxicity that was associated with DAN survival. These results offer insights into the therapeutic benefits of IL-10 and showcase a promising gene delivery approach that could minimize undesired side effects.
Supplemental Material: Desertic siliciclastic stromatolites in the Upper Jurassic Guará Formation from southwestern Gondwana: Trapping and binding in a non-marine setting
Authors: Angonese Bruno S. , al. et
Published: August 2024

In-depth facies description and interpretation, additional macroscopic and microscopic pictures, and a stratigraphic correlation section of outcrop 2.  
Supplemental Material: Were Late Jurassic climatic fluctuations responses to Pangea breakup? Evidence from isotopic analyses of belemnite rostra from the eastern Tethyan Ocean
Authors: Wang Tianyang , al. et
Published: August 2024

Summary of specimen geochemistry.
Adaptive capacity of the Maine lobster fishery: insights from the Maine Fishermen’s Climate Roundtables
Authors: Mason Ellie , Beaudreau Anne H. , Arnold Suzanne N. , Belknap Sam , Scalisi Emma D.
Published: August 2024

The Gulf of Maine in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean is one of the world’s fastest warming marine regions. Changes in ocean conditions are affecting growth, survival, and distribution of American lobster ( Homarus americanus), which supports iconic fisheries along the coast of Maine, USA. In this study, we analyzed 15 years of oral records from the Maine Fishermen’s Climate Roundtables to explore fishermen’s observations of and responses to social–ecological changes. Fishermen reported an overall shift in lobster biomass further east and offshore, resulting in strategic expansion of fishing seasons and areas. Biomass shifts were thought to be connected to increases in temperature, decreases in salinity, a shift in ocean currents, and a loss of predator species. Fishing strategies were categorized according to five domains of adaptive capacity, but the majority of fishers’ responses fell into two domains: “access to assets” and “diversity and flexibility”. Strategies within these domains included increased expansion into federal lobster fisheries and extension of fishing seasons. Fishermen highlighted data gaps that need to be addressed to meet the challenges of climate change. Fisheries learning exchanges, such as the Climate Roundtables, create social networks that foster knowledge sharing to support the continued viability of local livelihoods.