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Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a fundamental component of global agricultural research that is poised to impact on many aspects of plant science. In digital phenomics, AI is capable of learning intricate structure and patterns in large datasets. We provide a perspective and primer on AI applications to phenome research. We propose a novel human-centric explainable AI (X-AI) system architecture consisting of data architecture, technology infrastructure, and AI architecture design. We clarify the difference between post hoc models and 'interpretable by design' models. We include guidance for effectively using an interpretable by design model in phenomic analysis. We also provide directions to sources of tools and resources for making data analytics increasingly accessible. This primer is accompanied by an interactive online tutorial.

El presente trabajo brinda un enfoque científico-metodológico y social en la enseñanza de la asignatura Biodiversidad, que se imparte en el Plan de estudio E, por la modalidad de curso diurno y encuentro en las Carreras de Educación, Biología y Ciencias Agrarias, en la Universidad de Cienfuegos. Primero, se hizo una revisión documental de la impartición de esta asignatura. Se observó que no se profundiza en aspectos relacionados con la diversidad genética, la diversidad ecológica (los ecosistemas acuáticos y terrestres) y la diversidad de organismos, tampoco en los orígenes moleculares y en la formación de la vida sobre la tierra, entre otros contenidos de interés actual. Por lo que la inserción en el currículo electivo de nuevos contenidos (1-10), adaptados metológicamente al programa analítico y al diseñando de habilidades instructivas y educativas con un enfoque social desde la ciencia tendrán efectos notables en lograr en los futuros profesionales una visión integral de la biodiversidad. Ello modificará su conducta ética y social y de responsabilidad y respecto al medioambiente y generará acciones concretas en la comunidad y de respecto a la conservación de la diversidad de las especies. Palabras clave: Ecosistemas, Diversidad genética, Diversidad ecológica, Diversidad de organismos, Orígenes moleculares. ABSTRACT The present work provides a scientific-methodological and social approach to the Biodiversity subject teaching, which is taught in Study Plan E, through full-time and encounter courses in the Biology and Agrarian Sciences Education Degree at the University of Cienfuegos. First, a documentary review of the teaching of this subject was carried out, observing that it does not delve into aspects that have to do with genetic diversity, ecological diversity (aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems), and the diversity of organisms, nor in the origins molecular and formation of life on earth, among other contents of current interest. Therefore, the insertion into the elective curriculum of new content (1-9), methodologically adapted to the analytical program, and designing instructive and educational skills with a social approach from science will surely have notable effects on achieving future professionals, a comprehensive vision of biodiversity, modifying its ethical and socially responsible behavior, concerning the environment, generating concrete actions in the community, regarding the conservation of the diversity of species. Keywords: Ecosystems, Genetic diversity, Ecological diversity, Organism diversity, Molecular origins.

Background Hereditary or familial spastic paraplegias (SPG) comprise a group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. The complicated forms evolve with other various neurological signs and symptoms, including movement disorders and ataxia.

We report the first record of Lasiurus villosissimus (É. Geoffroy & St.-Hilaire, 1806) in San Juan prov-ince, Argentina. A male, determined as a juvenile by its degree of ossification of the epiphyses of the phalanges and the color and texture of the fur, was found on 31 August 2021 in a suburban area 2.44 km south of the city of San Juan. This new report increases the richness of bat species in the province and expands the distribution of this spe-cies towards the west of the country.

Purpose: To report a patient with a unilateral presentation of glaucoma, pain, and acute iris transillumination syndrome simulating iris melanoma. Observations: A 53-year-old male presented with blurred vision and pain in his right eye several weeks following a respiratory sinus infection managed by oral azithromycin. Examination of the right eye was notable for elevated intraocular pressure of 46 mm Hg, an irregular mid-dilated pupil, and diffuse iris transillumination with pigmentary seeding on the iris surface, in the anterior chamber angle, and on the sclera, suspicious for diffuse iris melanoma with glaucoma and extrascleral extension. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) of the right eye revealed circumferential anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshwork involvement by an infiltrative process corresponding to the pigmented cells noted clinically, while the ciliary body was unremarkable. Following enucleation, histopathology showed extensive necrosis of the iris pigment epithelium, sphincter, and dilator muscles with melanophagic infiltration in the anterior chamber angle and episclera, mild chronic non-granulomatous iridocyclitis, and no evidence of a melanocytic neoplasm. Although immunohistochemical studies for herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus were negative, qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on paraffin-embedded tissue detected HSV-1 DNA. The combined clinical, pathologic, and molecular findings were compatible with unilateral acute iris transillumination syndrome, likely HSV-1 associated. Conclusion and Importance: Unilateral acute iris transillumination syndrome with diffuse iris pigment epithelial loss can simulate iris melanoma. Prompt herpes viral studies may be informative.

Asteraceae (Compositae), commonly known as the sunflower family, is one of the largest plant families in the world and includes several species with pharmacological properties. In the search for new antiviral candidates, an in vitro screening against dengue virus (DENV) was performed on a series of dichloromethane and methanolic extracts prepared from six Asteraceae species, including Acmella bellidioides, Campuloclinium macrocephalum, Grindelia pulchella, Grindelia chiloensis, Helenium radiatum, and Viguiera tuberosa, along with pure phytochemicals isolated from Asteraceae: mikanolide (1), eupatoriopicrin (2), eupahakonenin B (3), minimolide (4), estafietin (5), 2-oxo-8-deoxyligustrin (6), santhemoidin C (7), euparin (8), jaceidin (9), nepetin (10), jaceosidin (11), eryodictiol (12), eupatorin (13), and 5-demethylsinensetin (14). Results showed that the dichloromethane extracts of C. macrocephalum and H. radiatum and the methanolic extracts prepared from C. macrocephalum and G. pulchella were highly active and selective against DENV-2, affording EC50 values of 0.11, 0.15, 1.80, and 3.85 µg/mL, respectively, and SIs of 171.0, 18.8, >17.36, and 64.9, respectively. From the pool of phytochemicals tested, compounds 6, 7, and 8 stand out as the most active (EC50 = 3.7, 3.1, and 6.8 µM, respectively; SI = 5.9, 6.7, and >73.4, respectively). These results demonstrate that Asteraceae species and their chemical constituents represent valuable sources of new antiviral molecules.

Stevia species (Asteraceae) have been a rich source of terpenoid compounds, mainly sesquiterpene lactones, several of which show antiprotozoal activity. In the search for new trypanocidal compounds, S. satureiifolia var. satureiifolia and S. alpina were studied. Two sesquiterpene lactones, santhemoidin C and 2-oxo-8-deoxyligustrin, respectively, were isolated. These compounds were assessed in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi stages, showing IC50 values of 11.80 and 4.98 on epimastigotes, 56.08 and 26.19 on trypomastigotes and 4.88 and 20.20 µM on amastigotes, respectively. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on Vero cells by the MTT assay. The effect of the compounds on trypanothyone reductase (TcTR), Trans-sialidase (TcTS) and the prolyl oligopeptidase of 80 kDa (Tc80) as potential molecular targets of T. cruzi was investigated. Santhemoidin C inhibited oligopeptidase activity when tested against recombinant Tc80 using a fluorometric assay, reaching an IC50 of 34.9 µM. Molecular docking was performed to study the interaction between santhemoidin C and the Tc80 protein, reaching high docking energy levels. Plasma membrane shedding and cytoplasmic vacuoles, resembling autophagosomes, were detected by transmission microscopy in parasites treated with santhemoidin C. Based on these results, santhemoidin C represents a promising candidate for further studies in the search for new molecules for the development of trypanocidal drugs.

A recent study comparing ozone column depths and methane lifetimes at varied atmospheric O2 (pO2) levels calculated in the Kasting‐group 1‐D photochemical model and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 6 (WACCM6) 3‐D model (Ji, Kasting, et al., 2023; https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230056) has exposed weaknesses in both models in parameterizing photolysis in the O2 Schumann‐Runge bands, 175–205 nm. WACCM6 does a good job for Earth's present atmosphere but neglects scattering, which becomes important at low pO2. The 1‐D model includes scattering but is based on an out‐of‐date band model, and it neglects the temperature dependence of photolysis at low pO2. We have revised and improved the 1‐D photochemical model by replacing the old O2 photolysis algorithm with a new correlated‐k parameterization, which improves accuracy for all O2 levels and all temperature profiles. The WACCM6 parameterization was also included in the 1‐D model for comparative purposes. The correlated‐k and WACCM6 photolysis algorithms agree well for both the present atmosphere and for an atmosphere containing 10−3 times the present O2 level, but only if multiple scattering is included at low pO2. The correlated‐k parameterization will be made available to photochemical modeling groups who might choose to adopt it. Plain Language Summary: In today's atmosphere, the absorption of incoming ultraviolet radiation by O2 plays a decisive role in creating O atoms that can react to form ozone (O3), as well as shielding other gases from photolysis. However, this absorption is difficult to parameterize in atmospheric models due to its complex structure at wavelengths of 175–205 nm, which we call the Schumann‐Runge bands. Good models for SR absorption in today's atmosphere already exist, but not all of them may be suitable for use in low‐O2 atmospheres in which multiple scattering is important. Here, we develop a new parameterization for SR absorption by employing a "correlated‐k" approach that has been widely used in climate models at both visible and infrared wavelengths. This approach accounts for the strong temperature dependence of the absorption and agrees well with existing models of O2 absorption in the present atmosphere. It should also be useful in simulations of low‐O2 atmospheres on early Earth, for which scattering must be included, as well as for atmospheres of putative Earth‐like exoplanets that astronomers hope to identify over the next several decades. Key Points: To parameterize O2 absorption, we generated a correlated‐k table based on detailed line‐by‐line calculations at 150, 200, 250, and 300 KThe new parameterization matches laboratory measurements and is well suited to include scattering at lower O2 levelsEarly earth photochemical models based on the old exponential sum fits should consider the new correlated‐k to achieve more accurate results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bothrops jararaca venom (BjV) can induce mast cell degranulation. In order to investigate the role of mast cells and the interference of the host genetic background in the inflammation induced by BjV, we have used mouse strains selected for maximal (AIRmax) or minimal (AIRmin) acute inflammatory response (AIR). Mice were pretreated with an inhibitor of mast cell degranulation, cromolyn (CROM), and injected in footpads or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with BjV. Pain was measured with von Frey hairs, cell migration in the peritoneum by flow cytometry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by chemiluminescence assays. The nociceptive response to BjV was higher in AIRmax than AIRmin mice; however, this difference was abolished by pretreatment with CROM. BjV induced peritoneal neutrophil (CD11b+ GR-1+) infiltration and ROS secretion in AIRmax mice only, which were partially inhibited by CROM. Our findings evidence a role for mast cells in pain, neutrophil migration, and ROS production triggered by BjV in AIRmax mice that are more susceptible to the action of BjV.

ABSTRACT A brief history of the syndrome discovered by Andreas Rett is reported in this paper. Although having been described in 1966, the syndrome was only recognized by the international community after a report by Hagberg et al. in 1983. Soon, its importance was evident as a relatively frequent cause of severe encephalopathy among girls. From the beginning it was difficult to explain the absence of male patients and the almost total predominance of sporadic cases (99%), with very few familial cases. For these reasons, it was particularly difficult to investigate this condition until 1997, when a particular Brazilian family greatly helped in the final discovery of the gene, and in the clarification of its genetic mechanism. Brief references are made to the importance of the MECP2 gene, 18 years later, as well as to its role in synaptogenesis and future prospects.