bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methyl jasmonate enhances ursolic, oleanolic and rosmarinic acid production and sucrose induced biomass accumulation, in hairy roots of Lepechinia caulescens
Authors: Vergara-Martínez Victor M. , Estrada-Soto Samuel E. , Valencia-Díaz Susana , Garcia-Sosa Karlina , Peña-Rodríguez Luis Manuel , Arellano-García José de Jesús , Perea-Arango Irene 
Published: April 2021

Background
Ursolic (UA), oleanolic (OA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids are bioactive metabolites found in Lepechinia caulescens that have generated interest for their health benefits, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. To date, very few attempts have been made to evaluate the potential for simultaneous production of these bioactive compounds, using a biotechnological approach. Hairy root cultures offer a biotechnology approach that can be used to study the factors affecting the biosynthesis and the production of UA, OA and RA. In the current study, we established hairy root cultures of L. caulescens and evaluated the effect of sucrose on biomass accumulation, and the effect of different concentrations and times of exposure of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), on the accumulation of UA, OA and RA.

Methods
Leaves from plants of L. caulescens were inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834. PCR of rolB gene confirmed the transgenic nature of hairy roots. Hairy roots were subcultured in semisolid MSB5 medium, supplemented with 15, 30, 45 or 60 g/L sucrose and after 4 weeks, dry weight was determined. The accumulation of UA, OA and RA of wild plants and hairy roots were determined by HPLC. Finally, the hairy roots were treated with 0, 100, 200 and 300 µM of MeJA and the content of bioactive compounds was analyzed, after 24, 48 and 72 h.

Results
High frequency transformation (75%) was achieved, using leaf explants from axenic seedlings, infected with A. rhizogenes. The hairy roots showed an enhanced linear biomass accumulation, in response to the increase in sucrose concentration. The hairy root cultures in MSB5 medium, supplemented with 45 g/L sucrose, were capable to synthesizing UA (0.29 ± 0.00 mg/g DW), OA (0.57 ± 0.00 mg/g DW) and RA (41.66 ± 0.31 mg/g DW), about two, seven and three times more, respectively, than in roots from wild plants. Elicitation time and concentration of MeJA resulted in significant enhancement in the production of UA, OA and RA, with treatments elicited for 24 h, with a concentration of 300 µM of MeJA, exhibiting greatest accumulation.

Conclusion
This is the first report on development of hairy root cultures of L. caulescens. Future studies should aim towards further improving triterpenes and polyphenolic compound production in hairy roots of L. caulescens, for use in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry.
Identification of key genes and biological processes contributing to colitis associated dysplasia in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhang Di , Yan Pengguang , Han Taotao , Cheng Xiaoyun , Li Jingnan 
Published: April 2021

Background
Ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC) is a life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). The mechanisms underlying UC-CRC remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the key genes and biological processes contributing to colitis-associated dysplasia (CAD) or carcinogenesis in UC via database mining, thus offering opportunities for early prediction and intervention of UC-CRC.

Methods
Microarray datasets (GSE47908 and GSE87466) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups of GSE47908 were identified using the “limma” R package. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on DEGs between the CAD and control groups was conducted subsequently. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, and hub genes of selected modules were identified using the “clusterProfiler” R package. Single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to predict significant biological processes and pathways associated with the specified gene.

Results
Six functional modules were identified based on 4929 DEGs. Green and blue modules were selected because of their consistent correlation with UC and CAD, and the highest correlation coefficient with the progress of UC-associated carcinogenesis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that genes of these two modules were significantly enriched in biological processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cell-cell junction, and immune responses. However, GSEA based on differential expression analysis between sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and normal controls from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction may not be the major carcinogenic mechanism underlying sporadic CRC. Thirteen hub genes (SLC25A3, ACO2, AIFM1, ATP5A1, DLD, TFE3, UQCRC1, ADIPOR2, SLC35D1, TOR1AIP1, PRR5L, ATOX1, and DTX3) were identified. Their expression trends were validated in UC patients of GSE87466, and their potential carcinogenic effects in UC were supported by their known functions and other relevant studies reported in the literature. Single-gene GSEA indicated that biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to angiogenesis and immune response were positively correlated with the upregulation of TFE3, whereas those related to mitochondrial function and energy metabolism were negatively correlated with the upregulation of TFE3.

Conclusions
Using WGCNA, this study found two gene modules that were significantly correlated with CAD, of which 13 hub genes were identified as the potential key genes. The critical biological processes in which the genes of these two modules were significantly enriched include mitochondrial dysfunction, cell-cell junction, and immune responses. TFE3, a transcription factor related to mitochondrial function and cancers, may play a central role in UC-associated carcinogenesis.
Biology of Anar Butterfly: Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Mid Hill of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Kaushal Himani , Thakur Mahender Singh , Singh Joginder , Lal Ramesh 
Published: April 2021

Aim: The study on biology of fruit borer, Virachola isocrates Fabricius was carried out under laboratory conditions.
Place and Duration of study: Study on the biology of V. isocrates was carried out under laboratory conditions in the Horticultural Research Station, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Seobagh Kullu in 2019.
Methodology: In order to study life cycle, V. isocrates reared in the laboratory and measurements of different stages were regularly recorded with the help of ocular micrometer and stage micrometer.
Results: The average incubation period was recorded to be of 8.66 ± 2.05 days. The developmental period of first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar was 2.66 ± 0.46, 3.33 ± 0.46, 3.66 ± 0.46, 3.33 ± 0.46 and 3.33 ± 0.46 days, respectively. The total larval period was found to be of 15.33 ± 6.94 days. Pupal duration was found to be 15.33 ± 6.94 days. Total developmental period was completed within 40 ± 4.08 days through five larval instars on pomegranate.
Conclusion: An up to date knowledge about the incidence pattern of major insect pests and their life cycle studies is a prerequisite for implementation of an effective and successful management tactics.
Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum and Thonn) Taub Fruit Extract Impairs Reproductive Hormones and Fertility Parameters in Female Experimental Rats
Authors: Adienbo Ologhaguo Macstephen , Ezeala Ogechi Stephanie 
Published: April 2021

Aim: The increasing rate of infertility in humans has necessitated the need to assess commonly used medicinal plants to ascertain their effects on reproductive functions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract on reproductive hormones and fertility in females.
Methods: A total of seventy two (72) adult female wistar rats weighing 160-180 g were randomly assigned into four groups of 18 animals each. Group1 (control) was administered distilled water, groups II, III and lV were daily treated with the extract at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively, orally for 28 days. Thereafter, 6 rats from each group were sacrificed during oestrous phase and serum used for analyses of reproductive hormones; while remaining 12 females from each group were each cohabited with males (2:1), sacrificed at gestational age16 and fertility parameters were determined.
Results: The results show that in the test groups, there was significant (P < 0.05 ) reduction in the levels of FSH, LH and Estrogen, with a significant (P < 0.05 ) increase in progesterone, when compared with the control. Also, the number of pregnant female rats, number of foetuses, and fertility index significantly (P < 0.05 ) increased in the test animals, compared with the control.
Conclusion: We concluded that Tetrapleura. tetraptera fruit extract impairs reproductive hormones and fertility parameters in female rats, and therefore should be consumed with caution.
Human Evolution: Radiations in the Past 300 000 Years
Authors: Pearson Osbjorn M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Homo sapiens
and Neanderthals (
Homo neanderthalensis
) evolved from
Homo heidelbergensis
in the past 300 000 years.
H. sapiens
subsequently spread throughout the world; all other hominins disappeared. The Out‐of‐Africa and multiregional models offer different explanations for this pattern.

Modern humans (
Homo sapiens
) and Neanderthals (
Homo neanderthalensis
) both evolved from
Homo heidelbergensis
within the past 300 000 years.

The Denisovans, known primarily from ancient genomes, were an Asian sister taxon of Neanderthals and modern humans.

At least four very archaic species persisted into this time frame:
Homo erectus
in East Asia and Java,
Homo luzonensis
in the Philippines,
Homo floresiensis
on the Indonesian island of Flores and
Homo naledi
in South Africa.

Modern humans spread from Africa 200 000 years ago, but this early spread left few traces in our genes.

A later dispersal of modern humans from Africa at 60 000 years ago apparently led to the demise of other hominin species throughout Eurasia.

Evidence from ancient DNA and new fossil finds have both revolutionised our understanding of human evolution during this time period.
Spontaneous Pillaring of Pentasil Zeolites
Authors: Jain Rishabh , Chawla Aseem , Linares Noemi , García Martínez Javier , Rimer Jeffrey D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConventional methods to prepare hierarchical zeolites depend upon the use of organic structure‐directing agents and often require multiple synthesis steps with limited product yield and Brønsted acid concentration. Here, it is shown that the use of MEL‐ or MFI‐type zeolites as crystalline seeds induces the spontaneous formation of self‐pillared pentasil zeolites, thus avoiding the use of any organic or branching template for the crystallization of these hierarchical structures. The mechanism of formation is evaluated by time‐resolved electron microscopy to provide evidence for the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of sequentially branched nanosheets from amorphous precursors. The resulting hierarchical zeolites have large external surface area and high percentages of external acid sites, which markedly improves their catalytic performance in the Friedel–Crafts alkylation and methanol to hydrocarbons reactions. These findings highlight a facile, commercially viable synthesis method to reduce mass‐transport limitations and improve the performance of zeolite catalysts.
Alkene, Bromide, and ROH – How To Achieve Selectivity? Electrochemical Synthesis of Bromohydrins and Their Ethers
Authors: Bityukov Oleg V. , Vil' Vera A. , Nikishin Gennady I. , Terent'ev Alexander O. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBromohydrins and their ethers were electrochemically synthesized via hydroxy‐ and alkoxybromination of alkenes using potassium bromide and water or alcohols. High selectivity of bromohydrins formation was achieved only with the use of DMSO as the solvent and an acid as the additive. The proposed combination of starting reagents, additives, and solvents allowed to form bromohydrins or their ethers selectively despite the variety of side‐products (epoxides, dibromides, diols). Bromohydrins were obtained in high yields, up to 96%, with a broad substrate scope in an undivided electrochemical cell equipped with glassy carbon and platinum electrodes at high current density.magnified image
Enhancing anti‐PD‐1 Immunotherapy by Nanomicelles Self‐Assembled from Multivalent Aptamer Drug Conjugates
Authors: Geng Zhongmin , Wang Lu , Liu Ke , Liu Jinyao , Tan Weihong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA tumor‐targeting enhanced chemotherapy, enabled by aptamer‐drug conjugate nanomicelles, is reported that boosts antitumor immune responses. Multivalent aptamer drug conjugate (ApMDC), an amphiphilic telodendrimer consisting of a hydrophilic aptamer and a hydrophobic monodendron anchored with four anticancer drugs by acid‐labile linkers, was designed and synthesized. By co‐self‐assembly with an ApMDC analogue, in which aptamer is replaced with polyethylene glycol, the surface aptamer density of these nanomicelles can be screened to reach an optimal complementation between blood circulation and tumor‐targeting ability. Optimized nanomicelles can enhance immunogenic cell death of tumor cells, which strikingly augments the tumor‐specific immune responses of the checkpoint blockade in immunocompetent tumor‐bearing mice. ApMDC nanomicelles represent a robust platform for structure–function optimization of drug conjugates and nanomedicines.
Dynamics of Meso–Chiral Interconversion in a Butterfly‐Shape Overcrowded Alkene Rotor Tunable by Solvent Properties
Authors: Kartha Kalathil K. , Takai Atsuro , Futera Zdeněk , Labuta Jan , Takeuchi Masayuki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractElucidation of dynamics of molecular rotational motion is an essential part and challenging area of research. We demonstrate reversible diastereomeric interconversion of a molecular rotor composed of overcrowded butterfly‐shape alkene (FDF). Its inherent dual rotatory motion (two rotors, one stator) with interconversion between two diastereomers, chiral trans‐FDF and meso cis‐FDF forms, has been examined in detail upon varying temperatures and solvents. The free energy profile of 180° revolution of one rotor part has a bimodal shape with unevenly positioned maxima (transition states). FDF in aromatic solvents adopts preferentially meso cis‐conformation, while in non‐aromatic solvents a chiral trans‐conformation is more abundant owing to the solvent interactions with peripheral hexyl chains (solvophobic effect). Moderate correlations between the trans‐FDF/cis‐FDF ratio and solvent parameters, such as refractive index, polarizability, and viscosity were found.
Isoreticular Crystallization of Highly Porous Cubic Covalent Organic Cage Compounds**
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana , Köster Eva , Holstein Julian J. , Keller Niklas , Clever Guido H. , Bein Thomas , Beuerle Florian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractModular frameworks featuring well‐defined pore structures in microscale domains establish tailor‐made porous materials. For open molecular solids however, maintaining long‐range order after desolvation is inherently challenging, since packing is usually governed by only a few supramolecular interactions. Here we report on two series of nanocubes obtained by co‐condensation of two different hexahydroxy tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) and benzene‐1,4‐diboronic acids (BDBAs) with varying linear alkyl chains in 2,5‐position. n‐Butyl groups at the apical position of the TBTQ vertices yielded soluble model compounds, which were analyzed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. In contrast, methyl‐substituted cages spontaneously crystallized as isostructural and highly porous solids with BET surface areas and pore volumes of up to 3426 m2 g−1and 1.84 cm3 g−1. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction and sorption measurements revealed an intricate cubic arrangement of alternating micro‐ and mesopores in the range of 0.97–2.2 nm that are fine‐tuned by the alkyl substituents at the BDBA linker.
The Impact of the C‐Rate on Gassing During Formation of NMC622 II Graphite Lithium‐Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Leißing Marco , Horsthemke Fabian , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Winter Martin , Niehoff Philip , Nowak Sascha 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFormation is considered a cost and time intensive production step in industrial production of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). One solution for improvement is an acceleration of the formation step by applying higher C‐rates. In this study, formation protocols with up to 2 C were applied to LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) II graphite pouch cells with a nominal capacity of 5 Ah. The formation protocols utilizing higher C‐rates result in a decrease in overall formation time, but also in increased gassing due to additional electrolyte decomposition. The resulting gas phase was quantitatively determined using gas chromatography‐barrier discharge ionization detection (GC‐BID) and with regard to gas volume by making use of the Archimedes principle. Main formation gases in these cells were identified as CO and C2H4. Increased C‐rates altered certain decomposition reactions. Especially the CO evolution was increased. Nevertheless, gassing was smallest for 0.1 C and increased with lower and higher C‐rate. In case of too low C‐rates hydrogen was identified as the main formation gas. However, higher gassing was not correlated with higher capacity loss during formation. Furthermore, the dependence of the C‐rate on gassing was found to be dependent on the graphite material.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model for alectinib, ruxolitinib, and panobinostat in the presence of cancer, renal impairment, and hepatic impairment
Authors: Alsmadi Mo'tasem M. , AL‐Daoud Nour M , Jaradat Mays M. , Alzughoul Saja B. , Abu Kwiak Amani D. , Abu Laila Salam S. , Abu Shameh Ayat J. , Alhazabreh Mohammad K. , Jaber Sana'a A. , Abu Kassab Hala T. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRenal (RIP) and hepatic (HIP) impairments are prevalent conditions in cancer patients. They can cause changes in gastric emptying time, albumin levels, hematocrit, glomerular filtration rate, hepatic functional volume, blood flow rates, and metabolic activity that can modify drug pharmacokinetics. Performing clinical studies in such populations has ethical and practical issues. Using predictive physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models in the evaluation of the PK of alectinib, ruxolitinib, and panobinostat exposures in the presence of cancer, RIP, and HIP can help in using optimal doses with lower toxicity in these populations. Verified PBPK models were customized under scrutiny to account for the pathophysiological changes induced in these diseases. The PBPK model‐predicted plasma exposures in patients with different health conditions within average 2‐fold error. The PBPK model predicted an area under the curve ratio (AUCR) of 1, and 1.8, for ruxolitinib and panobinostat, respectively, in the presence of severe RIP. On the other hand, the severe HIP was associated with AUCR of 1.4, 2.9, and 1.8 for alectinib, ruxolitinib, and panobinostat, respectively, in agreement with the observed AUCR. Moreover, the PBPK model predicted that alectinib therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid levels are achieved in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer, moderate HIP, and severe HIP at 1‐, 1.5‐, and 1.8‐fold that of healthy subjects. The customized PBPK models showed promising ethical alternatives for simulating clinical studies in patients with cancer, RIP, and HIP. More work is needed to quantify other pathophysiological changes induced by simultaneous affliction by cancer and RIP or HIP.
Staying calm and teaching biochemistry to postgraduates in COVID‐19 times: Pros and cons
Authors: Sepici Dinçel Aylin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhile we have been looking for alternative educational materials for our undergraduate students, we found ourself in Covid‐19 pandemic and had to think postgraduate education. On the first day of restrictions, our major problem was to learn and find the best communication tool. The first experiences for online meetings were boring, we were not feeling our emotions but as days past we got used to it. We all understand the importance of having alternatives and have to be ready for second choices. During those challenging days, all had more time to work on our completed data, time to write, complete the proofreading of written materials. Other vital scientific activities for career development and profile building such as reading (every meeting with new articles/reviews), publishing and preparing oral presentation were fully completed during the online meetings as a part of lab meeting activities. They learned to improve communication skills, be active participants, and fight.
Flipping a biochemistry class within a medical curriculum: Impacts on perception, engagement, and attainment
Authors: Fakhoury Hana. M. A. , A. Fatoum Hanaa , Aldeiry MHD Amer , Alahmad Hawazen , Enabi Joud , Kayali Sara , Bawahab Yahya , Masuadi Emad M. , Obeidat Akef , Lumsden Colin James 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe flipped classroom has gained prominence in higher education, but little has been written about its application in the Middle East. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of flipping biochemistry classes in comparison to the traditional didactic program. The study was conducted on first‐year medical students taking biochemistry at a private University in Saudi Arabia. A series of short, pre‐recorded videos were used to replace traditional lectures. The scheduled lecture time was used for problem solving and discussion sessions. To gather their evaluation of the learning approach, participants completed an online survey. To study the effect of the learning approach on exam performance, the scores of the participants were compared in questions taught using the flipped classroom versus the traditional didactic method. Participants noted that the effort needed for the course was similar regardless of the learning approach. Moreover, examination performance measured using single best answer multiple‐choice questions showed no difference between the two teaching methods. However, the participants did report a significantly better perception of the flipped classroom compared to the traditional approach. Although no significant improvement in examination results was noted, the participants significantly favored the flipped classroom over traditional lectures. This study has demonstrated that the flipped classroom can be used in the teaching of the biosciences within a Middle Eastern setting, resulting in an improvement in student satisfaction and engagement in the course materials.
Glycerol Conversion to Solketal: Catalyst and Reactor Design, and Factors Affecting the Yield
Authors: Zahid Imtisal , Ayoub Muhammad , Abdullah Bawadi B. , Mukhtar Ahmad , Saqib Sidra , Rafiq Sikander , Ullah Sami , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Farrukh Sarah , Danish Mohammed 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA significant amount of glycerol has been generated by the epidemic increment in several biodiesel industries globally, which should be utilized for the biodiversity of biodiesel. The synthesis of Solketal‐acetone glycerol as a possible fuel additive is one of the most crucial glycerol recovery paths. State‐of‐the‐art reviews on batch and continuous processes to produce Solketal and possible reaction mechanisms are presented. The design of reactors and catalysts is taken into consideration and the factors influencing the yield of the Solketal process are discussed in detail. Finally, conclusions with future recommendations are reported. The utility of glycerol for acetals and ketals is of current importance for scientists seeking to find the best working conditions by testing the different catalysts, reactants, temperatures, and reactor designs.