bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Approaches for the Treatment of Chagas Disease
Authors: Chaudhary Jitendra , Rajge Rahul R. , Khandale Nikhil , Kumari Yogita , Singh Iqubal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChagas disease (CD), or American trypanosomiasis, caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, is a substantial global health burden. This comprehensive review explored the multifaceted landscape of CD treatment, providing a historical perspective on the development and discontinuation of benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox (NF), the primary medications. Efforts towards a pediatric version of BZN in Brazil address demographic‐specific treatments, while concerns over drug resistance prompt the exploration of alternative medications like Amiodarone, Allopurinol, Posaconazole, Ravuconazole, and Fexinidazole, which were clinically tested as antichagasic drugs. In recent years, some of the synthesized derivative (1,3‐thiazoles, 4‐thiazolidinones, 2‐styrylquinolines, imidazole‐containing nitrophthalazine, and some others) were found to better activity as compared to standard drug. Traditional herbal alternatives (Resveratrol, curcumin, 1,8‐cineole, β‐pinene, and some others) rooted in traditional practices show promise, with various plant extracts exhibiting anti‐parasitic properties. The frontier of nanomedicine unfolds with studies on solid nanomedicines, PLA‐nanoparticles, ZIF‐8, BNZ carriers, and PLGA nanoparticles, showcasing improved drug delivery systems and controlled release mechanisms. The absence of a definitive vaccine accentuates ongoing research in recombinant antigens, peptide‐based vaccines, and nanoparticle formulations, with notable candidates like TcG1, TcG2, TcG4, MASPpep‐KLH, adenovirus vectors, Tc24 protein, and integrin activators. A novel strategy combining a recombinant protein vaccine with low dose BZN treatment presents promising results in a mouse model, emphasizing the urgency for further research and potential advancements in CD therapeutics.
Adsorption of Diclofenac Sodium and Tetracycline From Aqueous Solution Using PVA Films Prepared with Modal/Cotton Fiber Wastes
Authors: Kaplica Zeynep , Şafak Şerife , Çifçi Deniz İzlen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, fiber‐polymer composite films were prepared by adding 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g of modal/cotton (50 : 50) waste to 10 % PVA film, and the properties of the films were revealed by SEM, FTIR analyzes and swelling percentage. It is observed that the strength of the bonds in the FTIR analysis decreases when modal/cotton fibers are added to the PVA film. While a 406 % swelling is achieved in the PVA film, the swelling percentages of the films decrease when modal/cotton fibers are added to the PVA film, and a greater swelling is observed at pH 9 compared to pH 5. The adsorption efficiency of tetracycline and diclofenac sodium on the films was researched at different pH levels and film doses. Tetracycline removal reached its highest value at pH 9, while diclofenac sodium removal reached its highest value at pH 5. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were determined for tetracycline and diclofenac sodium adsorption. Tetracycline removal is better described by the Freundlich isotherm model, whereas diclofenac sodium removal fits the Langmuir isotherm model better. As a result, films prepared with modal/cotton waste not only provide tetracycline and diclofenac sodium removal but also contribute to waste recycling by utilizing waste fiber materials.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Tartaric Acid Functionalized Amino Acid CQD for Sensing of Hg2+ and Fe3+ Ions in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Zalmi Geeta A. , Khobrekar Pritesh , Jadhav Ratan W. , Naik Ronita R. , Sinari Shreya , Bugde Sandesh T. , Bhosale Sheshanath V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a type of carbon‐based nanoparticles that are typically smaller than 10 nanometres in size. In this study, L‐tryptophan‐mediated CQDs were synthesized using the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technique, which is known for its non‐toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost‐effective nature. The synthesized carbon quntum dot was successfully characterized. The HR‐TEM analysis clearly revealed the formation of specific aggregates with a size distribution ranging from 3.0 to 5.1 nm. These L‐tryptophan‐mediated CQDs exhibited remarkable emission behaviour, displaying strong and stable blue fluorescence. Moreover, they were utilized as a sensor for the sensitive detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions in an aqueous solution, employing a fluorescence quenching mechanism. The limit of detection for Fe3+ sensing was determined to be 1.2×10−5 M, while for Hg2+ sensing, it was found to be 1.9×10−5 M. The sensing of Fe3+ and Hg2+ ions was also confirmed through visual eye detection, as a significant color change of the CQDs was observed. Additionally, a competitive study was conducted to verify the selectivity of the L‐tryptophan‐mediated CQDs towards Fe3+ and Hg2+ metal ions.
Cu(I)‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions of β‐Nitrostyrene, 1,3‐Dicarbonyl compound & Aryl amine: An Efficient Method For the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles
Authors: Samal Kanyanjali , Pati Anita 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA convenient Cu(I) Catalyzed three‐component coupling strategy for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles is developed using simple and readily available building blocks like, 1, 3‐dicarbonyl compound, aryl amine, and β‐nitrostyrene. CuI has been rarely explored for the pyrrole ring synthesis and a comparative analysis of our current catalyst with a range of previously reported catalysts suggested that, CuI is one of the best catalysts for the multicomponent synthesis of polysubstituted pyrrole derivatives. Notably, this process has several advantages, including a simple and practical set‐up with hassle free reaction conditions, extensive substrate scope, short reaction time, high atom economy and environmentally favorable approach. This methodology provides an alternative approach to the highly substituted pyrroles and under optimized reaction conditions, polysubstituted pyrroles were formed in good to excellent yields. Cu(I) catalyzed Mannich reactions followed by Michael addition reactions along with subsequent intramolecular cyclization are believed to be the key steps of this reaction process.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Docking Study of a New Series of Thiophene Derivatives Based on 3‐Oxobutanamidothiophene as an Anticancer Agent
Authors: Mehdhar Fatima S. , Saeed Ali , Abdel‐Latif Ehab , Abdel‐Galil Ebrahim , El‐Rayyes Ali , Abdel‐Ghani Ghada E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHerein, the constructing synthon 3‐oxobutanamidothiophene derivatives 2 a and 2 b were synthesized and utilized for building a wide variety of pyran, thiazole, pyrazole or pyrimidine ring heterocyclic compounds that can be used as anticancer medications. 3‐Oxobutanamidothiophene derivatives 2 a,b were coupled with 4‐substitutedphenyl diazonium chloride to produce the corresponding hydrazones derivatives 3 a–f. Various thiophene‐pyran derivatives 4 a,b were synthesized through the treatment of thiophene components 2 a,b with different arylidene‐malononitrile. 2‐Aminothiophene derivatives 5 were prepared via Gewald's reaction between 2 a,b, elemental sulfur, and various activated nitrile derivatives. The 3‐oxobutanamidothiophene derivatives 2 a,b were reacted with PhNCS and the potassium salt intermediates 6 a,b with ethyl bromoacetate to pick up the corresponding thiophene‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives 7. Treatment of the conforming thiocarbamoyl compounds 8 a,b, which undergo heating with three types of α‐halogenated reagents to afford the corresponding substitutedthiophene‐3‐carboxamides 9 a,b. Condensation of keteneN,S‐acetals 10 a,b with hydrazines furnished the thiophene‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide hybrids 11 a,b, while condensation with urea and/or thiourea afforded the corresponding thiophene‐pyrimidine‐5‐carboxamides 12 a,b. The recently synthesized thiophene compounds were characterized there in vitro anticancer properties against HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) and MDA‐MB‐231 (breast cancer) were evaluated. Molecular docking was also performed to predict the binding modes of synthesized derivatives with the good anticancer results designed as potential inhibitors for a specific target.
Synthesis of MgZnAl Layered Triple Hydroxide Nanoplates as an Efficient Adsorbent for Removing the Acid Yellow 76 Azo Dye
Authors: Kazemi Sayed Yahya , Pourfaraj Reza , Biparva Pourya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA simple hydrothermal method was employed for synthesizing MgZnAl layered triple hydroxide nanoplates (MgZnAl LTH) as an efficient adsorbent for removing the Acid Yellow 76 (AY76) azo dye. A batch process was used to perform adsorptions were and investigate the effects of experimental parameters including temperature, adsorbent dosage, solution pH. The best adsorption conditions obtained were pH of 4, MgZnAl LTH dosage of 20 mg and temperature of 55 °C. The kinetics of adsorption was studied using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. To obtain equilibrium absorption data, Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherms were utilized. The findings showed that the adsorption data based on the experiment had a good agreement with the Freundlich model. The highest capacity of adsorption equal to 277.8 mg/g was obtained for the MgZnAl LTH nanoplates toward AY76. Thermodynamic results showed that the process of adsorption of AY76 onto MgZnAl LTH nanoplates had a spontaneous and endothermic nature.
New Polymorphic Structures of Uranyl Butyrate and Crotonate
Authors: Pirozhkov Pavel A. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Savchenkov Anton V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNew polymorphs of diaquadicrotonato‐ and diaquadibutyratodioxidouranium(VI) were synthesized. X‐ray diffraction analysis at low and room temperatures revealed the monoclinic crystal system for both compounds at both room and low temperatures. New structures contain molecular complexes in which uranium atoms are coordinated by two bidentate carboxylate ions and two water molecules. The crystal structures feature the same packing motif that constitutes layers formed by hydrogen bonds. IR spectroscopy uncovered differences in vibrations of carboxyl and uranyl groups. Voronoi‐Dirichlet parameters of the synthesized compounds and some previously published uranyl carboxylates that have similar complex and crystal structures to the new ones were compared. The new structures demonstrate once again that the volume of Voronoi‐Dirichlet polyhedron of the uranium atom in U sublattice depends on the nature of carboxylate ion alkyl chain.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Transition‐Metal‐Free C(sp2)−H Phosphorylation Using 9‐Mesityl‐10‐Methylacridinium Perchlorate Photocatalyst
Authors: Gao Jin , Jiang Shuangfei , Gan Qiaoyu , Chen Xi , Zhang Rui , Zhu Wenchao , Zhang Xinghua , Jiang Zeqi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVisible light mediated transition‐metal‐free C(sp2)−H phosphorylation of thiazole and quinoxaline derivatives using Mes‐Acr‐MeClO4 as a photocatalyst has been described. This photoredox‐catalyzed direct C(sp2)−H phosphorylation transformation could smoothly proceed under mild conditions, utilizing oxygen in the air as a green oxidant without the addition of metals, bases, additives, and external oxidants. The mechanistic studies helped to rationalize the formation of C(sp2)−P bond followed a radical pathway through a SET process.
Seeking Cells, Targeting Bacteria: A Cascade‐Targeting Bacteria‐Responsive Nanosystem for Combating Intracellular Bacterial Infections
Authors: Tang Haiqin , Chu Wenlin , Xiong Jingdi , Wu Hongkun , Cheng Lei , Cheng Li , Luo Jun , Yin Han , Li Jinlin , Li Jiyao , Yang Jiaojiao , Li Jianshu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntracellular bacteria pose a great challenge to antimicrobial therapy due to various physiological barriers at both cellular and bacterial levels, which impede drug penetration and intracellular targeting, thereby fostering antibiotic resistance and yielding suboptimal treatment outcomes. Herein, a cascade‐target bacterial‐responsive drug delivery nanosystem, MM@SPE NPs, comprising a macrophage membrane (MM) shell and a core of SPE NPs. SPE NPs consist of phenylboronic acid‐grafted dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SP NPs) encapsulated with epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a non‐antibiotic antibacterial component, via pH‐sensitive boronic ester bonds are introduced. Upon administration, MM@SPE NPs actively home in on infected macrophages due to the homologous targeting properties of the MM shell, which is subsequently disrupted during cellular endocytosis. Within the cellular environment, SPE NPs expose and spontaneously accumulate around intracellular bacteria through their bacteria‐targeting phenylboronic acid groups. The acidic bacterial microenvironment further triggers the breakage of boronic ester bonds between SP NPs and EGCG, allowing the bacterial‐responsive release of EGCG for localized intracellular antibacterial effects. The efficacy of MM@SPE NPs in precisely eliminating intracellular bacteria is validated in two rat models of intracellular bacterial infections. This cascade‐targeting responsive system offers new solutions for treating intracellular bacterial infections while minimizing the risk of drug resistance.
Stable Zinc Electrode Reaction Enabled by Combined Cationic and Anionic Electrolyte Additives for Non‐Flow Aqueous Zn─Br2 Batteries
Authors: Kim Jeonghyun , Park Hyeonghun , Cho Youngin , Lee Taegyoung , Kim Hyerim , Pak Chanho , Kim Hyeong‐Jin , Kim Sangryun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAqueous zinc–bromine batteries hold immense promise for large‐scale energy storage systems due to their inherent safety and high energy density. However, achieving a reliable zinc metal electrode reaction is challenging because zinc metal in the aqueous electrolyte inevitably leads to dendrite growth and related side reactions, resulting in rapid capacity fading. Here, it is reported that combined cationic and anionic additives in the electrolytes using CeCl3 can simultaneously address the multiple chronic issues of the zinc metal electrode. Trivalent Ce3+ forms an electrostatic shielding layer to prevent Zn2+ from concentrating at zinc metal protrusions, while the high electron‐donating nature of Cl− mitigates H2O decomposition on the zinc metal surface by reducing the interaction between Zn2+ and H2O. These combined cationic and anionic effects significantly enhance the reversibility of the zinc metal reaction, allowing the non‐flow aqueous Zn─Br2 full‐cell to reliably cycle with exceptionally high capacity (>400 mAh after 5000 cycles) even in a large‐scale battery configuration of 15 × 15 cm2.
The early Cambrian Bushizheia yangi and head segmentation in upper stem‐group euarthropods
Authors: O'Flynn Robert J. , Williams Mark , Yu Mengxiao , Guo Jin , Audo Denis , Schmidt Michel , Mai Huijuan , Liu Yu , Edgecombe Gregory D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBushizheia yangi O'Flynn & Liu, a euarthropod from the lower Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3) Chengjiang Konservat‐Lagerstätte, possesses both raptorial frontal appendages sharing traits with stem‐group euarthropods, and deuteropodan characters shared by all extant euarthropods (e.g. dorsal arthrodization and arthropodization of all limbs). Microtomography of new specimens of B. yangi shows previously unknown details of head morphology: a six‐segmented head composed of an ocular segment that carries diminutive paired stalked eyes, a post‐ocular segment with deutocerebral frontal appendages, and four subsequent cephalic segments each bearing a pair of appendages. The phylogenetic position of B. yangi in the euarthropod stem‐group adds support to a six‐segmented head being an ancestral state for Deuteropoda. This study also reports the first occurrence of possible eggs closely associated with B. yangi. The homology of raptorial frontal appendages between lower stem‐group euarthropod radiodonts and deuteropods (i.e. upper stem and crown‐group euarthropods) is strengthened by similarity and phylogenetic continuity between B. yangi, its likely sister taxon Kiisortoqia soperi Stein, from the Sirius Passet Konservat‐Lagerstätte, and other euarthropod taxa.
Chitinozoan response to the ‘Kellwasser events’: population dynamics and morphological deformities across the Frasnian–Famennian mass extinction
Authors: De Backer Tim , Day James (Jed) E. , Emsbo Poul , McLaughlin Patrick I. , Vandenbroucke Thijs R.A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFossil (zoo)plankton dynamics during Devonian ocean‐anoxic and extinction events can shed light on the palaeoceanographic and geochemical processes that shaped the middle Palaeozoic biosphere. However, datasets on (Upper) Devonian marine palynology, illustrating such dynamics, remain underexplored. The type section of the Sweetland Creek Shale in Iowa (USA) offers a detailed conodont zonation for the upper Frasnian and across the Frasnian–Famennian boundary, records the Upper and Lower Kellwasser events and has pristine preservation of organic material, making this an ideal section to study the effects of this catastrophic event on chitinozoan zooplankton populations. A total of 3998 specimens were recovered, imaged and classified into 12 distinct species, 10 of which were previously unknown. This study demonstrates the unrealized potential of chitinozoans as a regional biostratigraphic tool in the Upper Devonian. The Lower Kellwasser Event is characterized by a drop in chitinozoan abundance and the run up to the Upper Kellwasser Event marks a period of rapid species turnover rates. Interestingly, every assemblage in this interval is nearly monospecific. Patterns of changing spine morphologies in Fungochitina pilosa, Ramochitina sp. A and Saharochitina sp. A are herein explored as potential ecophenotypic expressions. We identify Angochitina monstrosa as a new disaster species. The discovery of two teratological chitinozoans specimens, in combination with the presence of the disaster species Angochitina monstrosa and deformation in contemporaneous conodonts, supports our previous discovery that marine teratology is a feature of many Palaeozoic extinction events, possibly triggered by the injection of hydrothermal brines into the ocean.
Blockchain‐based decentralized oracle network framework for identity management in metaverse environment
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Gupta Rajesh , Gohil Keyaba , Tanwar Sudeep , Garg Deepak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManaging identities in metaverse environment is challenging due to the conflicting requirements of ensuring user privacy while enforcing accountability. Users may participate in the metaverse through multiple virtual identities or avatars for different applications/scenarios. Thus, virtual identities must be continuously generated and mapped with real identities. Further, user privacy needs to be protected while not ensuring blanket anonymity to indulge in objectionable or unlawful conduct. Ensuring privacy for the metaverse while still being able to pinpoint users for their actions in the metaverse is a significant research issue. Solving the aforementioned issue, we propose a third‐party identity management solution for the metaverse based on creating a decentralized oracle network (DON) providing identity authentication and mapping service. The proposed identity management framework is metaverse platform agnostic, ensuring users' privacy on the platform while still being able to uncover their real identities if warranted. The proposed framework is viable as evidenced by experimental results of DON and blockchain implementation. The DON based framework leverage the benefits of blockchain technology and introduces immutability, transparency, and traceability into the the metaverse environment. This ensures data integrity and minimizes the frequency of cyber attacks in the metaverse ecosystem.
Exploring teacher identity development: Asian teaching assistants' experience at a U.S. university
Authors: Zhu Yangyang , Alsup Janet 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study explored the teacher identity development of Asian teaching assistants (ATA) at a U.S. university. The researchers used a qualitative design with two semi‐structured interviews with each of the three participants. Findings suggest that ATAs were unprepared for racial diversity and experienced anti‐Asian sentiment in the classroom during the COVID‐19 pandemic. They struggled to make sense of the content of the courses they were teaching due to a lack of systematic training. Some constructed teacher identity through a challenging process: moving from being self‐doubting, nervous, and frustrated to being comfortable, confident, and even creative. The findings suggest that universities should pay attention to the preparation of international teaching assistants (ITA) for teaching in a multicultural U.S. context with unfamiliar student expectations for teaching and learning.
How Can Language Education Contribute to Securing a Livable Planet?
Authors: Porto Melina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test the notion of ecological citizenship empirically in the English language classroom in an underrepresented region, Latin America. A pedagogic project aimed at the development of students as ecological citizens was designed and implemented in 2019 in four English language classrooms in a public secondary school in Argentina. Participants were 111 teenagers aged 15–17 taking their fourth or fifth years. The project addressed the theme ‘the world we want’ using the UN sustainable development goals as a foundation, in particular, those concerned with environmental issues. The study is theoretically grounded on the notion of ecological citizenship and the research question is: How can language education contribute to securing a livable planet? Data types include Instagram publications (video, text, and a variety of semiotic resources); Instagram comments; student artifacts created in class (graphs, charts, tables, icons); infographics sewed together to make a quilt; a project video; the Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters; and a final student survey. Qualitative analysis was done in three phases and findings indicate that the creative arts and community engagement in combination fostered students' development as ecological citizens in this context. Implications for language education are considered.
Geophysics as a hypothesis‐testing tool for critical zone hydrogeology
Authors: Dumont Marc , Singha Kamini 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGeophysical methods have long been used in earth and environmental science for the characterization of subsurface properties. While imaging the subsurface opens the “black box” of subsurface heterogeneity, we argue here that these tools can be used in a more powerful way than characterization, which is to develop and test hypotheses. Critical zone science has opened new questions and hypotheses in the hydrologic sciences holistically around controls on water fluxes between surface, biological, and underground compartments. While groundwater flows can be monitored in boreholes, water fluxes from the atmosphere to the aquifer through the soil and the root system are more complex to study than boreholes can inform upon. Here, we focus on the successful application of various geophysical tools to explore hypotheses in critical zone hydrogeology and highlight areas where future contributions could be made. Specifically, we look at questions around subsurface structural controls on flow, the dimensionality and partitioning of those flows in the subsurface, plant water uptake, and how geophysics may be used to constrain reactive transport. We also outline areas of future research that may push the boundaries of how geophysical methods are used to quantify critical zone complexity.This article is categorized under:
Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Water and Life > Methods