bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From primers to pipettes: An immersive course introducing high school students to qPCR for quantifying chemical defense gene expression
Authors: Spooner Zeke T. , Encerrado‐Manriquez Angela M. , Truong Tina T. , Nicklisch Sascha C. T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe created a 2‐week, dual‐module summer course introducing high school students to environmental toxicology by teaching them quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as a way to quantify gene expression of chemical defense proteins in response to exposure to environmental pollutants. During the course, students are guided through the various stages of a successful qPCR experiment: in silico primer design and quality control, total RNA extraction and isolation, cDNA conversion, primer test PCR, and evaluation of results via agarose gel electrophoresis or UV/Vis spectra. The course combines lectures, discussions, and demonstrations with dry and wet laboratory sections to give students a thorough understanding of the scope, utility, and chemical principles of qPCR. At the end of the course, the students are taught how to analyze qPCR data and are encouraged to discuss their findings with other classmates to evaluate their hypotheses and assess possible sources of error. This course was designed to be easily adaptable to multiple test species, chemical exposures, and genes of interest. To explore both terrestrial and aquatic toxicology, the students use honey bees (Apis mellifera) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as test organisms, as well as ABC‐type efflux transporters, antioxidant enzymes, and cytochrome P450 enzymes as endpoints for assessing gene expression. We share this course setup and applied protocols to encourage others to design and offer similar courses that give high school students a hands‐on introduction to a broad swath of environmental toxicology research and an opportunity to develop scientific skills necessary for university‐level research.
Analysis of blood concentrations and clinical application of risdiplam in patients with spinal muscular atrophy using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Xian , Lin Zhiyan , Liu Yan , Liu Xinzhu , Yi Zhenghong , Huang Xiaohui , Zhang Jian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRisdiplam, the first oral therapy approved for spinal muscular atrophy and made globally available in 2021, necessitates a highly sensitive and straightforward assay for therapeutic drug monitoring. This is crucial to manage potential toxicities linked to drug concentrations and supervise dosing regimens. A cutting‐edge ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry bioassay for risdiplam in human serum has been developed. In this method, analytes were separated on a Phenomenex Kinetex XB C18 column using a 6.5‐min gradient elution after a single‐step protein precipitation. MS detection was conducted via electrospray ionization in positive mode with selected reaction monitoring. The validated range for risdiplam was determined to be 1.95–125.00 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy of intra‐ and inter‐batch analyses were within ±15%. The novel method met all other established criteria. This assay holds promise for monitoring drug concentrations and guiding clinical decisions in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
Tissue clearing and its application in dental research
Authors: Meng Lingxi , Song Xinyu , Wang Junyi , Shi Wenxuan , Gao Liheng , Jiang Xinquan , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFor both animal and human tissues, translucence is an intrinsic property that gives them a milky appearance. This optical property arises due to the combined effects of light absorption and scattering and becomes the main impediment of deep imaging. To overcome these obstacles, the tissue‐clearing technique has experienced a resurgence over the past century and evolved from its initial use in neuroscience to encompass various samples due to the emergence of various clearing methods. Notably, these techniques unveil both macroscopic and microscopic details, offering valuable insights into tissue structures. In particular, the oral cavity is structured with both soft and hard tissues at the macroscopic level and is rich in neurovascular networks microscopically, providing a suitable application environment for tissue‐clearing techniques. Currently, tissue‐clearing techniques have provided a powerful tool for research on the dental pulp neurovascular system, oral tissue regeneration, dental implants, and maxillofacial surgical treatments. Hence, this review aims to give a general introduction to tissue‐clearing techniques and focus on their remarkable applications in dental research. At last, we will discuss the integration of tissue‐clearing methods with other techniques such as labeling and microscopy, hoping to offer valuable insights for the development of tissue‐clearing techniques in both bioscience and materials science.
Advances of therapy for Alzheimer's disease: An updated review
Authors: Mei Can , Zhan Jianbo , Zhu Shuzhen , Zhang Yutong , Xiong Chang‐e , Wang Jia , Xu Yu Jia , Zhong Hua , Cheng Jing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of dementia characterized by a decline in brain function, which leads to the inability to perform activities independently. Many researchers recognize abnormalities related to beta‐amyloid as the main cause of the disease (i.e., the beta‐amyloid hypothesis), but aging, genetics, coronary heart disease, environmental factors, gender, and other risk factors may also contribute to AD development. Three drugs with different mechanisms are available for AD treatment: cholinesterase inhibitors, N‐methyl d‐aspartate, and aducanumab. This study reviewed the therapies that are already applied in clinical practice and those that are currently being investigated for clinical use. These therapies include not only pharmacological treatments but also non‐pharmacological treatments, such as gut flora therapy and music therapy. A comprehensive understanding of these therapies is necessary to enable early intervention, improve patients' physical and mental conditions, delay the occurrence and development of AD, and extend patients' healthy lifespans.
Synthesis of Cytotoxic Benzofurans and Ethers Derivatives of Paeonol
Authors: Figueroa Laura P. R. , Domingos Helori V. , Pardo Jennifer B. , Santiago Pedro H. O. , Ellena Javier , Lacerda Junior Valdemar , Costa‐Lotufo Letícia V. , de S. Borges Warley 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPaeonol is a broadly studied natural product due to its many biological activities. Using a methodology previously employed by our research group, 11 derivatives of paeonol were synthesized (seven of them are unpublished compounds), including four ethers and seven benzofurans. Additionally, we determined the crystal structure of one of these ether derivatives (1 a) and of five benzofuran derivatives (2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 f and 2 g) by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. To continue studying the cytotoxicity of this natural product and its derivatives, all compounds were tested against two cancer cell lines, HCT116 and MCF‐7. Compounds 2 b, 2 e, and 2 g were considered active against the colorectal adenocarcinoma cells HCT116 (Growth inhibition >60 %). Compound 2 e showed an IC50 of 0.2 μM and was selected for further analysis, results reinforce its anticancer potential.
Prenatal diagnosis of cystinuria with a heterozygous pathogenic variant in SLC7A9 gene associated with isolated hyperechogenic fetal kidneys: A case report
Authors: Aigbogun Osaretin Pamela , Vancoppenolle Noémie , Coppens Sandra , Marangoni Martina , Elsen Elodie , Cassart Marie , Gounongbe Caroline 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageCystinuria is suspected antenatally by a hyperechogenic fetal colonic content. We report the first prenatal case of autosomal dominant SLC7A9‐related cystinuria associated with isolated hyperechogenic kidneys as the only prenatal sonographic sign.
Uncommon cause of radiculopathy: A case of symptomatic Tarlov cyst in an elderly female and literature review
Authors: Devkota Shritik , Adhikari Sugat , Lamichhane Samiksha , Koirala Bishal , Sarmast Arif Hussain 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageTarlov cysts are uncommon causes of sacral radiculopathy, with particular predilection to second and third sacral roots, requiring timely diagnosis with lumbosacral MRI, and surgical management if symptomatic.AbstractTarlov cysts or Type II meningeal cysts, are CSF‐filled sacs located in the extradural space of the sacral spinal canal, commonly originating at the dorsal root ganglion. While they were first documented by Tarlov in 1938, their etiology remains uncertain, with theories suggesting trauma‐induced bleeding or congenital abnormalities. These cysts, estimated to affect between 1% and 9% of the adult population, typically manifest as incidental findings but may lead to symptoms such as radiculopathies, sacral pain, and weakness in related sacral muscles. We present a case of a 63‐year‐old female presenting with recurrent left buttock pain and radiating leg discomfort. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the left buttock region, positive straight leg raise test, and minimal sensory deficits in the S1‐S2 dermatomes. A provisional diagnosis of radiculopathy was made, prompting further evaluation with MRI, revealing a Tarlov cyst and absence of lumbar spinal canal stenosis or neural foraminal compromise. The patient declined intervention and was managed conservatively. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations in managing symptomatic Tarlov cysts, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment strategies.
Palpebral leishmaniasis
Authors: Sharifi Mohammad , Shiravi Tayebe , Bolouki Ali , Motamed Shariati Mehrdad 
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical MessageLeishmaniasis can mimic many conditions, including hordeolum, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of kinetoplast in free‐form or intramacrophage amastigotes, ensuring us to establish the microscopic diagnosis of leishmaniasis.
Investigation of the CO2 Activation and Regeneration of Reduced VOx/CeO2 Catalysts Using Multiple In Situ Spectroscopies
Authors: Schumacher Leon , Ziemba Marc , Hess Christian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCeria‐supported vanadium oxide (VOx/CeO2) is an important catalyst for various oxidation reactions. Recently, vanadia has emerged again as a less toxic alternative to CrOx‐based catalysts for the CO2‐assisted oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes. To establish a mechanistic understanding of catalyst regeneration during CO2 exposure, often described as the rate‐limiting step of these reactions, we investigated the regeneration of VOx/CeO2 catalysts with different vanadia loadings using multiple in situ spectroscopies, that is, multi‐wavelength Raman, UV‐Vis, IR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Time‐dependent analysis reveals that ceria is only partially regenerated in the bulk but fully regenerated in the subsurface. At the surface, stable carbonates form at vacancies, which are able to regenerate the lattice and deactivate ceria surface oxygen. The VOx/CeO2 samples show a loading‐dependent behavior, with low‐loaded samples regenerating vanadia only partially, due to the high concentration of monomers, while at higher loadings, vanadia can be almost fully regenerated due to the higher nuclearities being thermodynamically more stable. Ceria is regenerated faster than vanadia, indicating that vanadia regenerates by oxygen spill‐over from the ceria lattice. Our results provide important mechanistic insight into CO2 activation over supported vanadia catalysts, which is of great relevance for CO2‐assisted ODH reactions.
Additive‐Free Pd/In2O3‐Catalyzed N‐methylation of Primary Amides by Using Formic Acid
Authors: Benaissa Idir , Dembélé Kassiogé , Cantat Thibault , Genre Caroline 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHere we report on the use of formic acid as a green and safe reagent for the N‐methylation of primary amides in the presence of a Pd/In2O3 solid catalyst. No additive is needed and primary amides are selectively N‐methylated in good to excellent yields. The reaction operates through a formylation/reduction pathway, leaving the amide carbonyl untouched.
The Combined Effect of the Oxidizing Agent and its Concentration on the Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Cheng Yonggang , Mendes Pedro S. F. , Yazdani Parviz , Detavernier Christophe , Thybaut Joris W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe combined use of O2 and CO2 as oxidizing agents in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) has been assessed over two representative OCM catalysts, i. e., La−Sr/CaO and NaMnW/SiO2, under a wide range of inlet O2 and CO2 concentrations. The overall impact of CO2 was found to depend on the operating conditions and the catalyst used. At O2‐rich conditions, a negative effect of CO2 was observed on C2 selectivity. At O2‐lean conditions, a positive effect of CO2 on both catalysts was observed, likely originating from an enhanced dehydrogenation of C2H6 to C2H4 and limited deep oxidation of the involving hydrocarbons and reaction intermediates. The behavior induced by CO2 is attributed to its mild oxidizing ability and interactions with the catalysts. The enhanced dehydrogenation of C2H6 was observed and confirmed by specific tests with a CO2 and C2H6 feed. Well‐controlled CO2 addition improved the value of the OCM product mixture, mainly due to a 9 % increase in C2H4 and a 19 % increase in CO selectivity, resulting in a 25 % reduction of CO2 at the outlet over the La−Sr/CaO catalyst. These findings provide new insight into the CO2 effect on OCM and the data to translate this research into OCM process alternatives.
Exploiting Nitroreductases for the Tailored Photoenzymatic Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Prats Luján Alejandro , Faizan Bhat Mohammad , Acosta Marko Edgar Eduardo , Fodran Peter , Poelarends Gerrit J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractN‐heterocyclic compounds have a broad range of applications and their selective synthesis is very appealing for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Herein we report the usage of the flavin‐dependent nitroreductase BaNTR1 for the photoenzymatic synthesis of various anthranils and quinolines from retro‐synthetically designed o‐nitrophenyl‐substituted carbonyl substrates, achieving high conversions (up to >99 %) and good product yields (up to 96 %). Whereas the effective production of anthranils required the inclusion of H2O2 in the reaction mixtures to accumulate the needed hydroxylamine intermediates, the formation of quinolines required the use of anaerobic or reducing conditions to efficiently generate the essential amine intermediates. Critical to our success was the high chemoselectivity of BaNTR1, performing selective reduction of the nitro group without reduction of the carbonyl moiety or the activated carbon‐carbon double bond. The results highlight the usefulness of an innocuous chlorophyll‐ and nitroreductase‐based photoenzymatic system for the tailored synthesis of diverse N‐heterocycles from simple nitro compounds.
Sinusoidal control strategy applied to continuous stirred‐tank reactors: Asymptotic and exponential convergence
Authors: Aguilar‐López Ricardo , González‐Viveros Iraiz , López‐Pérez Pablo A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe main goal of this proposal is to present a class of nonlinear controllers for regulation and set point changes in continuous chemical reactors. The proposed control law has in its mathematical structure a proportional term of the regulation error to provide closed‐loop stability and a sinusoidal term, which can compensate for the nonlinearities of the plant. The closed‐loop stability of the plant is demonstrated via Lyapunov analysis, which reveals an asymptotic convergence of the control output to the required set points. Furthermore, the analysis of the regulation error's dynamic under the considered assumptions leads us to conclude that exponential stability is also reached. The controller is implemented via numerical experiments in two examples to generalize the applicability of the proposed approach by considering continuous stirred‐tank reactors models. The first case considers autocatalytic chemical oscillatory reactions that induce chaotic behaviour. For the second case, a process of acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) fermentation through Clostridium acetobutylicum is considered. The proposed strategy shows an adequate performance because it can reach the required set point without long time settings and overshoot. A comparison with a smooth sliding‐mode and a standard proportional‐integral (PI) controller indicates the advantages of the proposed control approach.
Structurally Divergent Synthesis of Azetidines, 5,6‐Dihydro‐1,3‐oxazines and 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,4‐oxazines through Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem Allylic Substitution Reaction
Authors: Meng Ru‐Fang , Kong Yu‐Juan , Wu Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Huan , Wang Wei , Liang Wen‐Jie , Zheng Lan , Lin Chenxiang , Su Wei , Xiao Jun‐An 
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive SummaryA regiodivergent synthesis of azetidines, 5,6‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazines and 2,3‐dihydro‐1,4‐oxazines has been achieved through palladium‐catalyzed tandem allylic substitution reaction. This protocol provides a variety of heterocycles in satisfactory yields with good to excellent regioselectivities under mild reaction conditions.
Computational fluid dynamics of bladder voiding using 3D dynamic MRI
Authors: Shahid Labib , Gonzalez‐Pereira Juan Pablo , Johnson Cody , Bushman Wade , Roldán‐Alzate Alejandro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOver the last couple of decades, image‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has revolutionized cardiovascular research by uncovering hidden features of wall strain, impact of vortices, and its use in treatment planning, as examples, that were simply not evident in the gold‐standard catheterization studies done previously. In the work presented here, we have applied magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based CFD to study bladder voiding and to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of this approach. We used 3D dynamic MRI to image the bladder and urethra during voiding. A surface mesh processing tool was developed to process the bladder wall prior to executing a wall‐motion driven CFD simulation of the bladder and urethra. The obtained flow rate and pressure were used to calculate urodynamic nomograms, which are currently used in the clinical setting to assess bladder voiding dysfunction. These nomograms concluded that our healthy volunteer has an unobstructed bladder and normal contractility. We calculated the work done to void the bladder and propose this as an additional quantitative metric to comprehensively assess bladder function. Further, we discuss the areas that would improve this relatively new methodology of image‐based CFD in urodynamics.
Fruiting trees provide fruit and insect resources for four tropical deer species
Authors: Awasthi Balram , Chen Jin , McConkey Kim R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFruiting trees provide important fruit and seed resources for various animal species, but rarely are they considered to be rich sources of insects as well. During a study of seed dispersal of Trewia nudiflora (Euphorbiaceae) using camera traps in Nepal, we observed four tropical deer species (Axis axis, Muntiacus vaginalis, Rusa unicolor, Axis porcinus) foraging for insects, rather than fruits under the trees. These herbivorous deer are proven seed dispersers of Trewia, but 8%–38% of video captures (across each species) were of insectivory, rather than frugivory. The deer chased and consumed red cotton bugs (Dysdercus sp. family Pyrrhocoridae), which were seed predators that hoarded Trewia seeds. It is likely that other unidentified insect species were also consumed. Tropical deer species are considered to be fully herbivorous, so our observations extend their known diets and possibly indicate a seasonal requirement for protein. These findings also highlight tri‐trophic interactions among deer, insects, and fruits that could have important implications for seedling recruitment if seed predators are being consumed by seed dispersers (in addition to fruit consumption).
Increased susceptibility to kainate‐induced seizures in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex: Importance of sex and circadian cycle
Authors: Pais Mariana L. , Martins João , Castelo‐Branco Miguel , Gonçalves Joana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveComorbidity of epilepsy and autism in tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) is very frequent, but the link between these conditions is still poorly understood. To study neurological problems related to autism, the scientific community has been using an animal model of TSC2, Tsc2+/− mice. However, it is still unknown whether this model has the propensity to exhibit increased seizure susceptibility. Further, the importance of sex and/or the circadian cycle in this biological process has never been addressed. This research aimed to determine whether male and female Tsc2+/− mice have altered seizure susceptibility at light and dark phases.MethodsWe assessed seizure susceptibility and progression in a Tsc2+/− mouse model using the chemical convulsant kainic acid (KA), a potent agonist of the AMPA/kainate class of glutamate receptors. Both male and female animals at adult age were evaluated during non‐active and active periods. Seizure severity was determined by integrating individual scores per mouse according to a modified Racine scale. Locomotor behavior was monitored during control and after KA administration.ResultsWe found increased seizure susceptibility in Tsc2+/− mice with a significant influence of sex and circadian cycle on seizure onset, progression, and behavioral outcomes. While, compared to controls, Tsc2+/− males overall exhibited higher susceptibility independently of circadian cycle, Tsc2+/− females were more susceptible during the dark and post‐ovulatory phase. Interestingly, sexual dimorphisms related to KA susceptibility were always reported during light phase independently of the genetic background, with females being the most vulnerable.SignificanceThe enhanced susceptibility in the Tsc2 mouse model suggests that other neurological alterations, beside brain lesions, may be involved in seizure occurrence for TSC. Importantly, our work highlighted the importance of considering biological sex and circadian cycle for further studies of TSC‐related epilepsy research.Plain Language SummaryTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes brain lesions and is linked to epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. We wanted to investigate epilepsy in this model. We found that these mice have more induced seizures than control animals. Our results show that these mice can be used in future epilepsy research for this disorder. We also found that sex and time of day can influence the results. This must be considered in this type of research.