bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain organoids: A promising model to assess oxidative stress‐induced central nervous system damage
Authors: Oyefeso Foluwasomi A. , Muotri Alysson R. , Wilson Christopher G. , Pecaut Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOxidative stress (OS) is one of the most significant propagators of systemic damage with implications for widespread pathologies such as vascular disease, accelerated aging, degenerative disease, inflammation, and traumatic injury. OS can be induced by numerous factors such as environmental conditions, lifestyle choices, disease states, and genetic susceptibility. It is tied to the accumulation of free radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction, and insufficient antioxidant protection, which leads to cell aging and tissue degeneration over time. Unregulated systemic increase in reactive species, which contain harmful free radicals, can lead to diverse tissue‐specific OS responses and disease. Studies of OS in the brain, for example, have demonstrated how this state contributes to neurodegeneration and altered neural plasticity. As the worldwide life expectancy has increased over the last few decades, the prevalence of OS‐related diseases resulting from age‐associated progressive tissue degeneration. Unfortunately, vital translational research studies designed to identify and target disease biomarkers in human patients have been impeded by many factors (e.g., limited access to human brain tissue for research purposes and poor translation of experimental models). In recent years, stem cell–derived three‐dimensional tissue cultures known as “brain organoids” have taken the spotlight as a novel model for studying central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In this review, we discuss the potential of brain organoids to model the responses of human neural cells to OS, noting current and prospective limitations. Overall, brain organoids show promise as an innovative translational model to study CNS susceptibility to OS and elucidate the pathophysiology of the aging brain.
Psychosocial etiology of maladaptive exercise and its role in eating disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Flatt Rachael E. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Le Grange Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveAlthough maladaptive exercise (ME) is widely recognized as a clinical feature in transdiagnostic eating disorders, less is known about psychosocial factors that give rise to and perpetuate this behavior. This systematic review aimed to examine the empirical status of this association.MethodWe reviewed 46 full text articles examining longitudinal associations between psychosocial variables and ME.ResultsEighteen studies met full inclusion criteria. Based on our qualitative synthesis, evidence suggests reasonably consistent associations between early concern with weight and shape, and negative affect on later development of ME.DiscussionInconsistent and insufficient assessment of ME across a majority of studies underscores caution in interpretation of results, but guides important discussion for future clinical and research efforts.
The assembly of caprine Y chromosome sequence reveals a unique paternal phylogenetic pattern and improves our understanding of the origin of domestic goat
Authors: Xiao Changyi , Li Jingjin , Xie Tanghui , Chen Jianhai , Zhang Sijia , Elaksher Salma Hassan , Jiang Fan , Jiang Yaoxin , Zhang Lu , Zhang Wei , Xiang Yue , Wu Zhenyang , Zhao Shuhong , Du Xiaoyong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe mammalian Y chromosome offers a unique perspective on the male reproduction and paternal evolutionary histories. However, further understanding of the Y chromosome biology for most mammals is hindered by the lack of a Y chromosome assembly. This study presents an integrated in silico strategy for identifying and assembling the goat Y‐linked scaffolds using existing data. A total of 11.5 Mb Y‐linked sequences were clustered into 33 scaffolds, and 187 protein‐coding genes were annotated. We also identified high abundance of repetitive elements. A 5.84 Mb subset was further ordered into an assembly with the evidence from the goat radiation hybrid map (RH map). The existing whole‐genome resequencing data of 96 goats (worldwide distribution) were utilized to exploit the paternal relationships among bezoars and domestic goats. Goat paternal lineages were clearly divided into two clades (Y1 and Y2), predating the goat domestication. Demographic history analyses indicated that maternal lineages experienced a bottleneck effect around 2,000 YBP (years before present), after which goats belonging to the A haplogroup spread worldwide from the Near East. As opposed to this, paternal lineages experienced a population decline around the 10,000 YBP. The evidence from the Y chromosome suggests that male goats were not affected by the A haplogroup worldwide transmission, which implies sexually unbalanced contribution to the goat trade and population expansion in post‐Neolithic period.
Prey preferences of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Bugir Cassandra K. , Butynski Thomas M. , Hayward Matt W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe common chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is the closest extant relative of modern humans and is often used as a model organism to help understand prehistoric human behavior and ecology. Originally presumed herbivorous, chimpanzees have been observed hunting 24 species of birds, ungulates, rodents, and other primates, using an array of techniques from tools to group cooperation. Using the literature on chimpanzee hunting behavior and diet from 13 studies, we aimed to determine the prey preferences of chimpanzees. We extracted data on prey‐specific variables such as targeted species, their body weight, and their abundance within the prey community, and hunter‐specific variables such as hunting method, and chimpanzee group size and sex ratio. We used these data in a generalized linear model to determine what factors drive chimpanzee prey preference. We calculated a Jacobs’ index value for each prey species killed at two sites in Uganda and two sites in Tanzania. Chimpanzees prefer prey with a body weight of 7.6 ± 0.4 kg or less, which corresponds to animals such as juvenile bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and adult ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles). Sex ratio in chimpanzee groups is a main driver in developing these preferences, where chimpanzees increasingly prefer prey when in proportionally male‐dominated groups. Prey preference information from chimpanzee research can assist conservation management programs by identifying key prey species to manage, as well as contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of human hunting behavior.
Unraveling the dietary diversity of Neotropical top predators using scat DNA metabarcoding: A case study on the elusive Giant Otter
Authors: Quéméré Erwan , Aucourd Marie , Troispoux Valérie , Brosse Sébastien , Murienne Jérôme , Covain Raphaël , Le Bail Pierre‐Yves , Olivier Jean , Tysklind Niklas , Galan Maxime 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLarge carnivores play a pivotal regulating role in maintaining healthy and balanced ecosystems; however, most of them are rare and elusive, and knowledge about their resource consumption is scarce. Traditional methods based on morphological identification of undigested remains are labor intensive and often not sufficiently accurate, leading to errors and biased ecological inferences. Here, we developed a multi‐marker DNA metabarcoding approach to analyze the dietary diversity of giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) from fecal DNA while controlling predator species identity. We combined two mitochondrial markers, 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene, that target the full range of potential vertebrate and invertebrate prey. We compiled a local reference database of DNA barcodes for most potentially ingested fish, which were used to evaluate the specificity of the metabarcoding primers in silico. Most prey are identified at the species level (>90%) and the dietary profiles provided independently by the two markers are highly similar, whether in terms of list of prey or frequency of occurrences, hence validating the approach. We detected a higher number of rare fish prey with the 12S primers that amplified solely Teleost species while the degenerate COI primers revealed non‐fish prey (e.g., amphibians, snakes, birds, and earthworms) and confirmed predator species identity. This study demonstrated that scat DNA metabarcoding is particularly useful to provide in‐depth information on elusive carnivorous dietary profile. Our methodology opens up new opportunities to understand how top carnivores diet cope with the effects of anthropogenic alteration of ecosystems and identify conflicts with humans and livestock.
Sweat Based‐multiplexed Detection of NPY‐Cortisol for Disease Diagnostics and Stress Management
Authors: Churcher Nathan Kodjo Mintah , Upasham Sayali , Rice Paul , Greyling Cornelia Felicia , Prasad Shalini 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCortisol and Neuropeptide Y(NPY) are chronobiological markers of stress. Non‐invasive tracking of these two biomolecules can provide great insight into an individual's physiological and neurological wellbeing. This work presents the development of a platform that tracks the two biomarkers in ultra‐low volumes (5 μL) of sweat using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensing platform was able to detect both molecules in their relevant physiological ranges (8.16–141.7 ng/mL and 50–200 pg/mL respectively) with good sensitivity and specificity. This platform is envisioned to aid in the monitoring of pathophysiologies of stress‐based disorders.
Novel cobalt (II) phthalocyanine with appliance of CNTs on GCE: Flexible super‐capacitance by electrochemical methods
Authors: Mounesh  , Praveenkumar N. Y. , Sharankumar T. M. , Venugopal Reddy K. R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEnrich‐Supercapacitive behavior of a novel functional material, tetra trimethylpyrimidin‐2‐carboxamide cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoTTPCAPc) upon covalent integration with carbon nanotubes (SWCNT and MWCNTs) is reported for the first time. The supercapacitive behavior of the hybrid (CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs or SWCNTs/GCE) was investigated using cyclic voltametry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Using a more reliable cyclic voltametry and charge–discharge method, the CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs/GCE hybrid exhibited superior geometrical capacitance for 160.12 F/g by CoTTPCAPc/GCE, CoTTPCAPc/SWCNT/GCE (335.2 F/g) and CoTTPCAPc with composite MWCNTs/GC electrode was predicting the excellent capacitance 475.65 F/g in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte at a scan rate of 50 mV/s. The CoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs/GC electrode gave excellent stability of over 1000 charge–discharge continuous cycling. These results suggest the importance and great potential ofCoTTPCAPc/MWCNTs composites in the applications of high‐performance super‐capacitance.
Redox mediator induced electrochemical reactions at the electrode‐electrolyte interface: Making sodium‐ion supercapacitors a competitive technology
Authors: Chowdhury Ananya , Biswas Sudipta , Singh Trilok , Chandra Amreesh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe specific capacitance values of Na‐ion supercapacitor can now compete with other well‐established pseudocapacitors. This is obtained by using redox additive modified electrolytes in combination with hierarchical nanostructures of NaMnPO4. Modifying the conventionally used electrolyte, that is: NaOH, with redox additives such as potassium ferricyanide [K3Fe(CN)6] and potassium iodide (KI), can induce nearly 50% enhancement in the specific capacitance. The enhancement is also retained in full cell, fabricated using NaMnPO4 and activated carbon as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. Redox mediators stimulate extra redox pairs and higher ionic conductivity, leading to enhanced electrochemical reactions at the electrode‐electrolyte interface.
One‐step selective affinity purification and immobilization of His‐tagged enzyme by recyclable magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Li‐Jian , Li Rui‐Fang , Li Xue‐Yong , Zhang Ye‐Wang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NF‐MNPs) were prepared for one‐step selective affinity purification and immobilization of His‐tagged recombinant glucose dehydrogenase (GluDH). The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by a Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer and microscopy. The immobilization and purification of His‐tagged GluDH on NF‐MNPs were investigated. The optimal immobilization conditions were obtained that mixed cell lysis and carriers in a ratio of 0.13 in pH 8.0 Tris‐HCl buffer at 30℃ and incubated for 2 h. The highest activity recovery and protein bindings were 71.39% and 38.50 μg mg–1 support, respectively. The immobilized GluDH exhibited high thermostability, pH‐stability and it can retain more than 65% of the initial enzyme after 10 cycles for the conversion of glucose to gluconolactone. Comparing with a commercial Ni‐NTA resin, the NF‐MNPs displayed a higher specific affinity with His‐tagged recombinant GluDH.
Pregabalin as adjunctive therapy in adult and pediatric patients with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Driscoll Joseph , Almas Mary , Gregorian Gabriela , Kyrychenko Alla , Makedonska Iryna , Liu Jing , Patrick Jeffrey , Scavone Joseph M. , Antinew Jeremias ,   the 1105 Study Group
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveGeneralized tonic‐clonic (GTC) seizures are the most common type of generalized seizure and more common in children than adults. This phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for GTC seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study evaluated pregabalin (5 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/kg/day) vs placebo as adjunctive therapy for 10 weeks (following a 2‐week dose escalation), in pediatric and adult patients (aged 5‐65 years) with GTC seizures. Primary endpoint was change in log‐transformed 28‐day seizure rate during active treatment. Secondary endpoints included responder rates, defined as proportion of patients with ≥50% reduction in 28‐day GTC seizure rate from baseline. Safety was monitored throughout.ResultsOf 219 patients, 75, 72, and 72 were randomized to adjunctive pregabalin 5 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and placebo, respectively. Fifteen, 11, and 6 patients discontinued from the 5 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and placebo arms, respectively, most commonly due to adverse events (AEs; 10.7%, 6.9%, and 5.6%, respectively). A nonsignificant change in log‐transformed mean 28‐day seizure rate was seen with pregabalin 10 mg/kg/day vs placebo (least‐squares [LS] mean difference –0.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) –0.19 to 0.16]; P = .8889) and with pregabalin 5 mg/kg/day vs placebo (LS mean difference 0.02 [CI –0.15 to 0.19]; P = .8121). Similar observations were noted for adults and children. No significant differences were seen for secondary endpoints with pregabalin vs placebo, including responder rate. The most common AEs (≥10%) were dizziness, headache, and somnolence. Most were of mild/moderate intensity. Seven patients had serious AEs, with one death in the placebo arm (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy).SignificanceAdjunctive pregabalin treatment did not change GTC seizure rate in adults or children. The safety profile of pregabalin was similar to that known; treatment was well tolerated with few discontinuations due to AEs.
Identifying Teachers' Needs for Results From Interim Unit Assessments
Authors: Kannan Priya , Bryant Andrew D. , Shao Shiyi , Wylie E. Caroline 
Published: May 2021

Interim assessments have been defined variously in different contexts and can be used for predictive purposes or instructional purposes. In this paper, we present results from a study where we evaluated reporting needs for interim assessments designed for instructional purposes and intended to be used at the end of defined curriculum units. Results from such unit assessments should help teachers determine gaps in student understanding and inform ongoing instructional decision‐making. Our goal was to determine if learning progressions (LPs) could serve as the cognitive lens through which teachers can evaluate how their students' understanding of key constructs improves through periodic unit assessments. Therefore, we used the LP framework in mathematics and the key practices (KP) framework for English language arts (ELA) to design preliminary teacher report mock‐ups for these unit assessments. Within a utilization‐oriented evaluation framework, we conducted six needs‐assessment focus groups with elementary and middle school mathematics (n = 12) and ELA (n = 11) teachers to specifically evaluate the extent to which they find results presented within the LP and KP frameworks understandable and useful for their instructional practice. Results from the focus groups show teachers' overall needs for types of information sought from unit assessment reports, the extent to which teachers are familiar with the LP and KP frameworks, their interpretations (including confusions) of the information presented in the preliminary mock‐ups, and their additional needs for reports from unit assessments to be instructionally useful.
Sensory preferences for pomegranate arils in Italy: A comparison between different varieties and cultivation sites
Authors: Rozzanigo Erika , Stiletto Alice , Lomolino Giovanna , Vincenzi Simone , Trestini Samuele 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDespite the growing worldwide interest on pomegranate due to its health benefits, little is known about the varieties produced and consumed in Italy. In this context, the aim of our study was to evaluate the factors affecting preferences of Italian consumers towards pomegranate arils of different varieties and cultivation sites. Three samples of pomegranate arils were analysed. Two retrieved from the local (Veneto) agricultural market: one of Turkish origin and one of Sicilian (Italy) origin. The third was retrieved from local producers in Veneto. Selected varieties were ‘Wonderful’ for Italian samples and ‘Hicaz’ for Turkish. Samples have been characterized by panel tests and physicochemical analyses. Consumers' preferences were assessed by submitting a questionnaire to 203 college students. Results showed that samples were significantly different in sensory and physicochemical characteristics among varieties and the cultivation sites. Significant differences also emerged on consumers preferences. Wonderful from Sicily was the most preferred sample: highest overall liking (6.65) due to a higher appreciation of sweetness (6.47), juiciness (6.18) and size of the arils (6.57); Wonderful from Veneto was the least appreciated (5.48). Despite this, Wonderful from Veneto showed the highest content of polyphenols. Sensory evaluation of pomegranates arils of different varieties and cultivation sites can effectively predict consumers' preferences in the Italian market. The traits contributing the most to the overall liking are the juiciness of arils, their red colour, firmness and size, while bitterness, seed intrusiveness and astringency are the products' traits that affect preferences the least.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fennel, ginger, oregano and thyme essential oils
Authors: Mutlu‐Ingok Aysegul , Catalkaya Gizem , Capanoglu Esra , Karbancioglu‐Guler Funda 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, the aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oils in addition to their chemical compositions. Based on the results of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC—MS) analysis, major components were thymol andp‐cymene in thyme, carvacrol, andp‐cymene in oregano, α‐zingiberene and ar‐curcumene in ginger and (E)‐anethole in fennel essential oils. Essential oils were investigated for their antimicrobial activities by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods againstCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coli. The inhibition zone diameters varied from 9.2 ± 0.7 to 28.7 ± 2.1 mm forC. jejuniand 14.7 ± 2.0 to 27.8 ± 2.8 mm forC. coli. While the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were lower for thyme and oregano EOs (5.65–43.20 μg/ml), the highest MIC value was obtained in fennel EO againstC. jejuni(28530 μg/ml). Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of these essential oils were evaluated by using Folin Ciocalteu, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and 2, 2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzo‐thiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS) methods. The total phenolic content of the essential oils ranged between 7.72 (ginger) to 193 (thyme) mg GAE/L. Antioxidant activities of thyme and oregano were found to be the highest according to the ABTS method, whereas thyme was found to be the highest by the CUPRAC method and ginger by the DPPH method.
Thermally induced isomerization of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid in Rosa roxburghii Tratt seed oil
Authors: Li Yongfu , Yu Yuanshan , Luo Qiqi , He Yangbo , Tian Zhuxi , Zhao Yueliang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRosa roxburghii seed oil is obtained from the seeds left following pressing of the juice from R. roxburghii fruit. The total oil content of R. roxburghii seed was around 9.30%. The fatty acid profile of the oil was determined by gas chromatography (GC). Among the 11 fatty acids identified in the oil, seven were unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (92.6%); four were saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (7.17%). Then, the kinetics of formation of trans‐fatty acids was studied by GC. Heat treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil showed an increase in the relative percentage of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers with increasing temperature and time. The formation of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid isomers followed a zero‐order reaction. The presence of O2 enhanced the isomerization of these UFAs. In addition, the rate constants and activation energies for the geometrical isomerization of UFAs in R. roxburghii seed oil were presented. Overall, R. roxburghii seed oil contains high UFA contents. Heating temperature and duration and the presence of O2 should be considered to reduce the formation of trans‐fatty acids during thermal treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil.
Effect of fat extraction methods on the fatty acids composition of bovine milk using gas chromatography
Authors: Moneeb Asmaa H. M. , Hammam Ahmed R. A. , Ahmed Abdelfatah K. A. , Ahmed Mahmoud E. , Alsaleem Khalid A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMilk fat is a complex natural fat and contains around 400 fatty acids. The objectives of this study were to extract fat from bovine milk using two different methods, including Bligh and Dyer and Mojonnier, and to determine the fatty acid content in the extracted fats using gas chromatography (GC). No differences (p > .05) were detected in the fat content and fatty acids content as a percentage of total fat (FA%TF) extracted using both methods. No differences (p > .05) were detected in some saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) extracted from both methods, such as C11:0 (undecylic acid), C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C14:1 (myristoleic acid), and C16:1 (palmitoleic acid). However, the majority of SFAs were different (p < .05) in Mojonnier method as compared to Bligh and Dyer method and vice versa for USFAs. The short (6.54% vs. 5.95%) and medium (21.86% vs. 20.73%) chains FAs determined by GC were high in Mojonnier fat as compared to Bligh and Dyer fat, while the long‐chain FAs were higher in the last (66.61%) relative to Mojonnier fat (65.51%). This study found that Mojonneir method has resulted in fewer errors. In contrast, the Bligh and Dyer extraction method has more experimental error, which led to decreasing the total fat, as well as was not able to detect C9:0.