bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous umbilical cord blood infusion for the treatment of autism in young children: A within‐subjects open label study on safety (assessed via caregiver report) and efficacy
Authors: Wong Chui Mae , Tan Charmain Samantha , Riard Natasha , Padmini Yeleswarapu Sita , Daniel Lourdes Mary , Prasath Arun , Tan Ah. Moy , Tan Thiam Chye , Sultana Rehena , Lam Joyce Ching Mei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to document the safety and efficacy of a single infusion of autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) in 20 autistic children aged 24–72 months. A pre‐post treatment within‐subjects open label design was used. At T = 0, 6, 12, and 18 months, participants underwent detailed and structured safety evaluations (via caregiver report), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (Vineland‐3), Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale (SB‐5), Expressive One‐Word Picture Vocabulary Test, Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC), Pervasive Developmental Disorder‐Behavior Inventory, Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised, Sensory Experience Questionnaire (SEQ‐2.1), Child Behavior Checklist, Clinical Global Impression‐Severity and Improvement (CGI‐I) Scales, and eye‐gaze tracking. UCB infusion was conducted at T = 6 months, hence, 0–6 months was the control period, and 6–18 months the follow‐up period. Of 20 children recruited, 19 completed the study and 1 was withdrawn due to UCB not meeting quality control criteria for infusion. There were 15 males and 4 females with an overall mean (SD) age of 4.15 (0.62) years. Mean (SD) cell dose administered was 38.16 (9.82) million cells/kg. None suffered serious adverse events although there were mild behavioral side effects and one unit grew coagulase negative staphylococcus from a post‐thaw sample. There were no significant differences in Vineland‐3, SB‐5, BOSCC, and SEQ‐2.1 scores at T = 12 and T = 18 months. Twelve participants had T = 18 CGI‐I scores of 2–3 (minimally to much improved), seven participants had scores of 4 (no change). Autologous UCB infusion in autistic children is generally safe but not without risks, including that of infection. In this within‐subjects study, some children showed global symptom improvements while others showed no change. Stem cell therapies for autism should only be conducted under strict clinical trial conditions with clear risk discussions.
Humin‐free synthesis of levulinic acid from fructose using heteropolyacid catalysts
Authors: Wassenberg André , Esser Tobias , Poller Maximilian J. , Voß Dorothea , Albert Jakob 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLevulinic acid (LA) is one of the top bio‐based platform molecules that can be converted into many valuable chemicals. Herein, we report the sustainable synthesis of LA acid from various sugars using heteropolyacid catalysts. By using a Box–Behnken design of experiment, both LA yield (up to 69 mol%) and complete suppression of parasitic humin formation could be achieved within a 5 h reaction time at 140°C using fructose as a substrate. The effects of various reaction parameters like temperature, sugar concentration, addition of organic co‐solvent and reaction time on LA yield and humin formation were examined in a three‐dimensional space. Moreover, the results could be successfully transferred to other sugars like glucose or cellobiose, paving the way for an atom‐efficient and sustainable LA synthesis process.
Short Oligourea Foldamers as N‐ or C‐Caps for Promoting α‐Helix Formation in Water
Authors: Mauran Laura , Assailly Coralie , Goudreau Sébastien R. , Odaert Benoît , Guichard Gilles , Pasco Morgane 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile foldamers have been extensively studied as protein mimics and especially as α‐helix mimics, their use as capping motif to enhance α‐helix propensity remains comparatively much limited. In this study, we leverage the structural similarities between urea‐based helical foldamers and α‐helix to investigate the efficacy of oligoureas as N‐ or C‐caps for reinforcing α‐helical structures in water. Short oligoureas, comprising 3 to 4 residues, were strategically introduced at the N‐ or C‐terminus of two peptide sequences (S‐peptide and an Ala‐rich model sequence). The impact of these foldamer insertions on peptide conformation was examined using electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and solution NMR. This research identifies specific foldamer sequences capable of promoting α‐helicity when incorporated at either terminus of the peptides. Not only does this work broaden the application scope of foldamers, but it also provides valuable insights into novel strategies for modulating peptide conformation in aqueous environments. The findings presented in this study may have implications for peptide design and the development of bioactive foldamer‐based peptide mimics.
18F‐FDG PET/CT in early phase of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease: A case report
Authors: Boero Giovanni , Lauriero Filippo , Fusillo Donato , Calvello Rosa , Cianciulli Antonia , Panaro Maria Antonietta , Moda Piergianni 
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical MessageCreutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by brain accumulation of a misfolded form of the cellular prion protein, whose diagnosis is challenging, particularly in early stages, due to the variability and nonspecificity of the clinical and radiological features. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron‐emitted tomography has the potential to be considered a crucial investigation in these patients, revealing metabolic abnormalities earlier than the conventional neuroimaging analysis.AbstractA 59‐year‐old man, the military officer, was referred to our Units for the onset of neurological symptoms rapidly evolving within a month, characterized by akinetic mutism, constructional apraxia, and disorders of spatial orientation. Brain 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron‐emitted tomography (PET)/CT depicted an asymmetric hypometabolism in the left fronto‐temporo‐parietal cortex, as well as in the left thalamus and the right cerebellar hemisphere, while the glucose metabolism appears to be preserved in the somatosensory cortex and the basal ganglia. Laboratory routine analyses, cerebrospinal fluid routine, infective tests, electroencephalography (EEG), and brain magnetic resonance (MR) were all unremarkable. A positive RT‐QuIC result on cerebro‐spinal fluid (CSF) was subsequently shown, without any pathogenic gene mutations and, therefore, the result was consistent with a diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeld–Jacob disease. The clinical evolution was quickly unfavorable, and the patient died about 4 months after hospital admission. FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) has the potential to be considered a crucial investigation in these patients, documenting metabolic changes long time before other diagnostic investigations such as CSF, EEG, brain CT, and brain MR, thus suggesting a greater sensitivity of glucose metabolic evaluation in the early stage of the disease in question.
A rare occurrence of isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection, a case image report
Authors: Ansari Nida , Ozgur Sacide S. , Alcantara Alan , Michael Patrick 
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical MessageIsolated spontaneous superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is relatively rare. Often found incidentally on cross‐sectional imaging, often managed non‐operatively. We present a patient who presented with chest pain and was found to have a SMA dissection.
Lateral medullary syndrome resulting from atrial fibrillation due to rheumatic heart disease: A case report and literature review
Authors: Shrestha Sajina , Maharjan Suda , Ghimire Bandana , Mainali Nischal , Gurung Kriti , Yadav Hritik Raj , Bhandari Kriti , Shrestha Shumneva , Halder Anupam , Rajak Kripa , Jaiswal Vikash 
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical MessageLateral medullary syndrome, resulting from cerebellar/brainstem infarction, can occur due to cardioembolic stroke from atrial fibrillation caused by rheumatic heart disease. This rare association highlights the importance of strict arrhythmia management, prophylactic anticoagulation, and timely diagnosis to prevent debilitating neurological outcomes.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in an adolescent with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A case report
Authors: Huang Yi‐Fan , Qiao Jin‐Han , Zheng Jia 
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical MessageIn previous reports, hypothyroidism, hypopituitrism, and hypogonadism were common endocrine causes of SCFE, but this is the first time that congenital adrenal hyperplasia has been observed. As such, patients who have undergone long‐term endocrine treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia could potentially be subjected to a higher risk for SCFE.
Research Progress on Controllable Absorption Properties of Rare Earth Element Doped Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials†
Authors: Deng Yanli , Wang Long , Liu Wei , Wu Na , Liu Jiurong , Pan Fei , Zeng Zhihui 
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive SummaryThe utilization of rare earth (RE) elements is pivotal in wave absorption. In particular cases, RE group elements manifesting unique 4f electron layer structures are doped as impurities into certain materials, which is a practical and reliable method for regulating these materials' magnetic and electrical properties. Moreover, ferrites and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), standing out among conventional and emerging wave‐absorbing materials, can achieve significantly enhanced wave absorption through RE doping or substitution. Numerous scholars have dedicated massive research over a substantially long time to explore the utilization of RE elements to reinforce the absorption of these two materials. Therefore, consolidating and summarizing such efforts are crucial and necessary. This review aims to clarify the underlined mechanism of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption and elaborate on the impact of RE doping by providing a comprehensive overview of recent progress in ferrites and MOFs dopped with RE elements. Finally, the limitations associated with RE doping in such materials are delineated, and the upcoming prospects for its application are highlighted.
Key ScientistsIn 1947, J. A. Marinky et al. obtained promethium from uranium fission products. From the isolates of yttrium soil in 1794 to the discovery of promethium in 1947, it took more than 150 years. In 1975, Guangxian Xu found that the rare earth solvent extraction system has the basic "constant mixed extraction ratio" rule. In 1984, the theory of "one‐cavity multi‐mode" was proposed by Weigan Lin to improve the electromagnetic wave theory further and develop the theory of absorbing materials. In 1995, Omar M. Yaghi synthesized the first MOFs in history, and since then, they have been widely used in gas adsorption and separation and other fields because of their large specific surface area and adjustable pore structure. In recent years, various functional materials based on MOFS‐derived carbon have been studied endlessly. Masato Sagawa, known for inventing NdFeB magnets, won the "28th Japan Prize" in 2012. In recent years, Renchao Che has promoted the development of interface theory and magnetic theory in the field of wave absorption. In addition, Jiurong Liu is committed to developing various wave‐absorbing materials and the respective theoretical research and continues to promote the development of wave‐absorbing materials to "thin, light, wide and strong".
Cuproptosis and Cuproptosis‐Based Synergistic Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Shen Zhiyang , Qiu Yu , Ding Haizhen , Ren Fangfang , Chen Hongmin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCopper, as an essential trace nutrient for human, plays a crucial role in numerous cellular activities, and is vital for maintaining homeostasis in organisms. Deviations from normal intracellular copper concentration range can disrupt the cellular homeostasis and lead to cell death. Cell death is the process in which cells lose their vitality and cannot sustain normal metabolism, which has various forms. The recently discovered cuproptosis mechanism differs from the previously recognized forms, which is triggered by intracellular copper accumulation. The discovery of cuproptosis has sparked interest among researchers, and this mechanism has been applied in the treatment of various intractable diseases, including different types of cancer. However, the developed cuproptosis‐based therapies have revealed certain limitations, such as low immunostimulatory efficiency, poor tumor targeting, and inhibition by the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, researchers are devoted to combining cuproptosis with existing cancer therapies to develop more effective synergistic cancer therapies. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in the cuproptosis‐based therapies for various types of cancer, with a focus on the synergistic cancer therapies. Finally, it provides an outlook on the future development of cuproptosis in anti‐tumor therapy.
Biosynthesis of Natural and Unnatural Perylenequinones for Drug Development
Authors: Su Zengping , Zhang Yan , Yuan Zhenbo , Rao Yijian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA wide range of perylenequinones (PQs) with diverse structures and versatile bioactivities have long been isolated, positioning them as highly promising agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the lack of an efficient and cost‐effective method to obtain these compounds and to introduce structural diversity and complexity currently hinders their further research and application. In this concept, we present a comprehensive overview of the advancements in the biosynthetic pathways of natural PQs based on their structural classification, and also summarize recent progress in the biosynthesis of natural PQs and derivatives. These pioneering efforts may pave the way for structure modification and large‐scale bioproduction of natural and unnatural PQs through synthetic biology strategies to promote their drug development.
Maintenance of Lognormal‐Like Skewed Dendritic Spine Size Distributions in Dentate Granule Cells of TNF, TNF‐R1, TNF‐R2, and TNF‐R1/2‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Rößler Nina , Smilovic Dinko , Vuksic Mario , Jedlicka Peter , Deller Thomas 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTDendritic spines are sites of synaptic plasticity and their head size correlates with the strength of the corresponding synapse. We recently showed that the distribution of spine head sizes follows a lognormal‐like distribution even after blockage of activity or plasticity induction. As the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) influences synaptic transmission and constitutive TNF and receptor (TNF‐R)‐deficiencies cause changes in spine head size distributions, we tested whether these genetic alterations disrupt the lognormality of spine head sizes. Furthermore, we distinguished between spines containing the actin‐modulating protein synaptopodin (SP‐positive), which is present in large, strong and stable spines and those lacking it (SP‐negative). Our analysis revealed that neither TNF‐deficiency nor the absence of TNF‐R1, TNF‐R2 or TNF‐R 1 and 2 (TNF‐R1/R2) degrades the general lognormal‐like, skewed distribution of spine head sizes (all spines, SP‐positive spines, SP‐negative spines). However, TNF, TNF‐R1 and TNF‐R2‐deficiency affected the width of the lognormal distribution, and TNF‐R1/2‐deficiency shifted the distribution to the left. Our findings demonstrate the robustness of the lognormal‐like, skewed distribution, which is maintained even in the face of genetic manipulations that alter the distribution of spine head sizes. Our observations are in line with homeostatic adaptation mechanisms of neurons regulating the distribution of spines and their head sizes.
Enriching iPSC research diversity: Harnessing human biobank collections for improved ethnic representation
Authors: Gurwitz David , Steeg Rachel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBiobanks of human biosamples and cell lines are indispensable for biomedical research on human health and disease and for drug development projects. Many human cell line biobanks worldwide hold collections of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), representing thousands of affected and control donors from diverse ethnic/ancestry groups. In recent years, induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated human cells derived from these iPSCs have become indispensable for applied biomedical research. Establishing iPSCs remains a laborious and costly step towards generating differentiated human cells. To address this research need, several non‐profit and commercial biobanks have established iPSC collections for distribution to researchers, thereby serving as a resource for generating differentiated human cells. The most common starting materials for generation of iPSCs are a skin biopsy for harvesting fibroblasts, or a blood sample for collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However untapped resources include the large established collections of biobanked human LCLs which can be reprogrammed to iPSCs using a variety of published protocols including the use of non‐integrating episomal vectors. Many biobanks curate LCLs from diverse ethnic/ancestry populations, an aspect largely absent in most established iPSC biobanks which tend to primarily reflect populations from developed countries. Here, we call upon researchers across the breadth of iPSC research to tap the unique resource of existing and diverse human LCL collections for establishing biobanked iPSC panels that better represent the varied human ethnic (and hence genomic) diversity, thereby benefiting precision medicine and drug development research on a global scale.
Extreme functional specialization of fertile leaves in a widespread fern species and its implications on the evolution of reproductive dimorphism
Authors: Suissa Jacob S. , Barkoff Noah , Watkins James E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResource allocation theory posits that organisms distribute limited resources across functions to maximize their overall fitness. In plants, the allocation of resources among maintenance, reproduction, and growth influences short‐term economics and long‐term evolutionary processes, especially during resource scarcity. The evolution of specialized structures to divide labor between reproduction and growth can create a feedback loop where selection can act on individual organs, further increasing specializaton and resource allocation. Ferns exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including dimorphism, where leaves can either be sterile (only for photosynthesis) or fertile (for spore dispersal). This dimorphism is similar to processes in seed plants (e.g., the production of fertile flowers and sterile leaves), and presents an opportunity to investigate divergent resource allocation between reproductive and vegetative functions in specialized organs. Here, we conducted anatomical and hydraulic analyses on Onoclea sensibilis L., a widespread dimorphic fern species, to reveal significant structural and hydraulic divergences between fertile and sterile leaves. Fertile fronds invest less in hydraulic architecture, with nearly 1.5 times fewer water‐conducting cells and a nearly 0.5 times less drought‐resistant xylem compared to sterile fronds. This comes at the increased relative investment in structural support, which may help facilitate spore dispersal. These findings suggest that specialization in ferns—in the form of reproductive dimorphism—can enable independent selection pressures on each leaf type, potentially optimizing spore dispersal in fertile fronds and photosynthetic efficiency in sterile fronds. Overall, our study sheds light on the evolutionary implications of functional specialization and highlights the importance of reproductive strategies in shaping plant fitness and evolution.
Comparative Determination of Mitochondrial Biomarkers and Their Relationship With Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: An Observational Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ofori Emmanuel K. , Dziedzorm Wormenor , Buabeng Alfred , Dogodzi Francis K. , Adusu‐Donkor Laurinda X. , Bernard Segla K. , Amponsah Seth K. , Asare‐Anane Henry 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionData suggest malfunctioning mitochondria reduce oxidation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, disrupting insulin signalling. Cytochrome c (CC), acylcarnitine (AC) and citrate synthase (CS) are essential components of the mitochondria machinery and can be used as reliable biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial biomarkers (AC, CS and CC) are altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the association between these biomarkers and insulin resistance.MethodologyA cross‐sectional observational study that recruited 170 participants (88 with T2DM and 82 without DM) was conducted. Blood samples were collected from the recruits and analysed for levels of fasting glucose (FBG), AC, CS, CC, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and magnesium. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric characteristics of participants were also taken. Appropriate formulas were used to determine %body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐β).ResultsPatients with T2DM had higher levels of CC, %body fat, FBG, TG, HbA1c, BMI and HOMA‐IR than controls (p < 0.05, respectively). Results showed a significant relationship between circulating CC levels versus HOMA‐β (r = −0.40, p = 0.001), CS (r = −0.70, p = 0.001) and AC (r = −0.72, p = 0.001) levels in patients with T2DM. The adjusted odds increased in the T2DM patients for VLDL (OR = 6.66, p = 0.002), HbA1c (OR = 6.50, p = 0.001), FPG (OR = 3.17, p = 0.001), TG (OR = 2.36, p = 0.010), being female (OR = 2.09, p = 0.020) and CC (OR = 1.14, p = 0.016).ConclusionOverall, alterations in mitochondrial biomarkers, measured by AC, CC and CS, were observed in people with T2DM and showed a direct relationship with insulin resistance. These findings are potentially significant in Africa, although additional confirmation from a larger cohort is necessary.