bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soursop Leaf and Pumpkin Pulp Diets Concerning Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Blood Profile of Goats
Authors: Okoruwa M. I. , Aidelomon E. O. , Ikhimioya I. 
Published: November 2023

Assessed growth performance, nutrient utilization and blood constituents of goats fed diets containing fluted pumpkin pulp and different proportions of soursop leaf powder. We used twenty- four West African dwarf female goats of about 7 to 8 months old and 7.00 ± 0.15kg. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with three replicates of two goats. The compared diets contained; 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp without soursop leaf powder (control, PPM1), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2% soursop leaf powder (SLP2), 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5% soursop leaf powder (SLO3) and 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 3% soursop leaf powder (SLW4). The results showed that diet PPM1was significantly (P<0.05) higher in feed conversion ratio, digestibility of ether extract, gross energy intake, total nitrogen and energy output, creatinine, urea, serum enzymes, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. SLOP3 revealed significantly (P<0.05) better in final, total & daily body weight gain ,dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber digestibility, nitrogen retention, digestible and metabolizable energy, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red and white blood cells, serum total protein, albumin, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein. Feed and nitrogen intake as well as triglycerides indicated significant (P<0.05) higher values in SLW4. Using 6% dried fluted pumpkin pulp with 2.5 or 3% soursop leaf powder in diets enhanced nutrient utilization for better performance and health status of goats.
Modelling and Prediction of Water Quality Index of Selected Pond Water in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Mbachu Frank C. , Nwaogazie Ify L. 
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is the development of water quality models against water quality parameters from 5 selected ponds in Aboh-Mbaise local government area (LGA) of Imo state.
Water quality index (WQI) as dependent variable computed based on water quality parameters which were taken as independent variables and modelled as multiple linear regression. Given that there are over 25 water quality parameters (physiochemical, heavy metals and microbials), it was necessary to adopt factor reduction technique using principal component analysis. In this approach, 3 principal component factors were generated having corresponding factors (independent variables of 5, 6 and 5 respectively). The resulting multiple regression for the 3 principal component factors yielded Goodness of Fit of 92.9, 99.0 and 96.6% as well as root mean square error (RMSE) of 66.673, 0.672 and 51.968 respectively.
The model verification was accomplished by plotting the computed WQI against predicted values from the developed models and the best option was the one with 99.0% R2 value with the following independent variables-sulphate, TSS, phosphate, turbidity, total solid and nitrates.
The model output is relevant in WQI prediction given the applicable water quality characteristics.
This predictive model will find wide application in selecting water treatment options for pond water in the study area.
Biomimetic Solar Photocatalytic Reactor for Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols with Enhanced Solar‐Energy Utilization
Authors: Qin Jingjing , Li Jiahao , Chu Kaibin , Yang Guozheng , Zhang Leiqian , Xia Xuemeng , Xuan Pengyang , Chen Xin , Weng Bo , Huang Haowei , Chen Yujie , Fan Wei , Zhu YinBo , Wu HengAn , Lai Feili , Liu Tianxi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLow utilization of solar energy remains a challenge that limits photocatalytic efficiency. To address this issue, this work proposes a bionic solar photocatalytic reactor (BSPR) for efficient selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols. A biomimetic phototropic hydrogel is prepared by coupling chlorine‐doped polypyrrole (Cl‐PPy) and poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) to maximize light‐harvesting efficiency automatically, allowing the BSPR to maintain high catalytic levels throughout the day. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to unveil the understanding of the fast photoresponsive behavior of Cl‐PPy/PNIPAm from a molecular level, while COMSOL simulations are conducted to follow the macroscopically phototropic mechanism of BSPR. Attributing to the existence of PdS/S vacancies riched ZnIn2S4 nanocomposite in the top flower‐shaped hydrogel, the BSPR displays a special function for efficiently photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols under solar illumination (yield of 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde: 479.5 µmol g−1 h−1; selectivity: 68.8%). Two possible reaction pathways are identified as follows: photogenerated holes can attract aromatic alcohols directly and generate aromatic aldehydes; photoexcited electrons oxidize O2 to ·O2− can also react with the adsorbed aromatic alcohol. This study presents a promising paradigm that explores opportunities for enhanced utilization of light energy, offering a novel approach to maximize its efficiency in practical applications.
Bridging the Gap—Thermofluidic Designs for Precision Bioelectronics
Authors: Ma Jingcheng , Majmudar Aman , Tian Bozhi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBioelectronics, the merging of biology and electronics, can monitor and modulate biological behaviors across length and time scales with unprecedented capability. Current bioelectronics research largely focuses on devices’ mechanical properties and electronic designs. However, the thermofluidic control is often overlooked, which is noteworthy given the discipline's importance in almost all bioelectronics processes. It is believed that integrating thermofluidic designs into bioelectronics is essential to align device precision with the complexity of biofluids and biological structures. This perspective serves as a mini roadmap for researchers in both fields to introduce key principles, applications, and challenges in both bioelectronics and thermofluids domains. Important interdisciplinary opportunities for the development of future healthcare devices and precise bioelectronics will also be discussed.
Dietary restriction alters insulin signaling pathway in the brain
Authors: Todorovic Smilja , Simeunovic Valentina , Prvulovic Milica , Dakic Tamara , Jevdjovic Tanja , Sokanovic Srdjan , Kanazir Selma , Mladenovic Aleksandra 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInsulin is known to be a key hormone in the regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis, but beyond that, its effects on the brain are now undisputed. Impairments in insulin signaling in the brain, including changes in insulin levels, are thought to contribute significantly to declines in cognitive performance, especially during aging. As one of the most widely studied experimental interventions, dietary restriction (DR) is considered to delay the neurodegenerative processes associated with aging. Recently, however, data began to suggest that the onset and duration of a restrictive diet play a critical role in the putative beneficial outcome. Because the effects of DR on insulin signaling in the brain have been poorly studied, we decided to examine the effects of DR that differed in onset and duration: long‐term DR (LTDR), medium‐term DR (MTDR), and short‐term DR (STDR) on the expression of proteins involved in insulin signaling in the hippocampus of 18‐ and 24‐month‐old male Wistar rats. We found that DR‐induced changes in insulin levels in the brain may be independent of what happens in the periphery after restricted feeding. Significantly changed insulin content in the hippocampus, together with altered insulin signaling were found under the influence of DR, but the outcome was highly dependent on the onset and duration of DR.
A robust mRNA signature obtained via recursive ensemble feature selection predicts the responsiveness of omalizumab in moderate‐to‐severe asthma
Authors: Kidwai Sarah , Barbiero Pietro , Meijerman Irma , Tonda Alberto , Perez‐Pardo Paula , Lio ́ Pietro , van der Maitland‐Zee Anke H. , Oberski Daniel L. , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Lopez‐Rincon Alejandro 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundNot being well controlled by therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting β2 agonist bronchodilators is a major concern for severe‐asthma patients. The current treatment option for these patients is the use of biologicals such as anti‐IgE treatment, omalizumab, as an add‐on therapy. Despite the accepted use of omalizumab, patients do not always benefit from it. Therefore, there is a need to identify reliable biomarkers as predictors of omalizumab response.MethodsTwo novel computational algorithms, machine‐learning based Recursive Ensemble Feature Selection (REFS) and rule‐based algorithm Logic Explainable Networks (LEN), were used on open accessible mRNA expression data from moderate‐to‐severe asthma patients to identify genes as predictors of omalizumab response.ResultsWith REFS, the number of features was reduced from 28,402 genes to 5 genes while obtaining a cross‐validated accuracy of 0.975. The 5 responsiveness predictive genes encode the following proteins: Coiled‐coil domain‐ containing protein 113 (CCDC113), Solute Carrier Family 26 Member 8 (SLC26A), Protein Phosphatase 1 Regulatory Subunit 3D (PPP1R3D), C‐Type lectin Domain Family 4 member C (CLEC4C) and LOC100131780 (not annotated). The LEN algorithm found 4 identical genes with REFS: CCDC113, SLC26A8 PPP1R3D and LOC100131780. Literature research showed that the 4 identified responsiveness predicting genes are associated with mucosal immunity, cell metabolism, and airway remodeling.Conclusion and clinical relevanceBoth computational methods show 4 identical genes as predictors of omalizumab response in moderate‐to‐severe asthma patients. The obtained high accuracy indicates that our approach has potential in clinical settings. Future studies in relevant cohort data should validate our computational approach.
Emission characteristics of semiconductor cathodes
Authors: Mimura Hidenori , Shimawaki Hidetaka , Yokoo Kuniyoshi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper describes emission characteristics of MOS (metal–oxide–semiconductor) electron tunneling cathodes and Si field emitters, and shows that their characteristics reflect the energy band structures of the semiconductor and the electron transport in an incorporated semiconductor device. In addition, it proposes hybrid electronics combining solid‐state device and vacuum device technologies, and shows that this approach provides highly efficient high‐frequency devices with coverage from the microwave to the optical wave regions. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(5): 1–9, 2001
LiNbO3 waveguide quasi‐phase‐matched sum‐frequency generation device for high‐efficiency optical sampling
Authors: Ishizuki Hideki , Fujimura Masatoshi , Suhara Toshiaki , Nishihara Hiroshi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA LiNbO3 waveguide quasi‐phase‐matched sum‐frequency generation (SFG) device is studied. From the design of the device and a study of the sampling characteristic, it is determined that picosecond optical sampling can be realized at high conversion efficiency. A device 5 mm long with a fan‐shaped polarization inversion grating is fabricated for optical sampling experiments. By using the sampling pulse light with a width of 25 ps obtained by gain‐switching operation of a laser diode, the waveform of the signal light at a wavelength of 1.5 μm is observed. Optical sampling at a normalized SFG conversion efficiency of 43%/W is realized. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(5): 29–36, 2001
Changes in Hormone Sensitivity in the Ventral Prostate of Aging Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: MORRISSEY COLM , BUSER ADAM , SCOLARO JOHN , O'SULLIVAN JACINTHA , MOQUIN AMY , TENNISWOOD MARTIN 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThe adult rat ventral prostate, which has been used extensively as a model for hormone‐dependent prostate cancer, is composed of hormone‐dependent columnar secretory epithelial cells and a mixture of hormone‐independent cuboidal epithelial cells, basal epithelial cells, and stromal cells. Androgen ablation causes the gland to regress due to the selective loss of the secretory luminal epithelial cells that undergo apoptosis. Most, if not all, of the studies examining the induction of apoptosis and the mechanism of regression have used young adult males at around 3 months of age. Prostate cancer, however, is a disease of older males, and we have therefore investigated whether age‐related changes in hormone sensitivity and apoptosis occur in the ventral prostate of aged animals (12 months old) compared to young animals (3 months old). We have observed distinct differences in the morphology of the prostate between young and old rats prior to castration and a significant slowing in the rate of regression after castration in older animals. These changes are accompanied by changes in lipofuscin accumulation and levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase in the gland.
Expression and Regulation of Aquaporins 1, 8, and 9 in the Testis, Efferent Ducts, and Epididymis of Adult Rats and During Postnatal Development
Authors: BADRAN HAITHAM H. , HERMO LOUIS S. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTAquaporins (AQPs) are membrane protein channels that allow the rapid passage of water through an epithelium containing tight junctions. In the present study, light microscope immunocytochemistry was utilized to localize several members of the AQP family in the testis, efferent ducts, and epididymis of normal adult animals during postnatal development and after various experimental procedures on adult animals. In the testis of normal adult animals, AQP‐8 was expressed exclusively in Sertoli cells, while AQP−l9 outlined Leydig cells. In the efferent ducts, AQP‐1 was expressed on the microvilli, basolateral plasma membranes, and apical endosomes of the nonciliated cells and cilia of ciliated cells, while AQP−9 was present only on the microvilli of nonciliated cells. In the epididymis, AQP−9 was localized to the microvilli of the principal cells of all regions, with the most intense reaction being noted in the initial segment and cauda regions. The clear cells of the cauda region expressed only AQP−9. AQP‐1 was not expressed in the testis or the epididymal epithelium, but it was expressed over the endothelial cells of the vascular channels of the efferent ducts and epididymis. After efferent duct ligation or orchidectomy, there was no change in the expression of AQP‐1 or −9 over the microvilli or cilia of epithelial cells in the case of the efferent ducts, suggesting that testicular factors do not regulate their expression in this region. In contrast, AQP‐9 expression in the principal cells of the initial segment, but not of other regions, and also in the clear cells of the cauda region was dramatically reduced after both treatments. As the expression was not restored to control levels by testosterone replacement, the data suggest that a luminal factor(s) derived from the testis regulates AQP‐9 expression in the principal cells of the initial segment and in the clear cells of the cauda region. Postnatal studies revealed that the expression of AQP‐1 and −9 in the different cell types of the efferent ducts and epididymis occurred between days 7 and 29, eliminating sperm and high androgen levels as possible regulating factors. Taken together, these data suggest cell specificity with respect to the expression of AQP‐8 and −9 in the testis. In the efferent ducts and epididymis, specificity exists in cell, region, and tissue distribution with respect to the expression of AQP‐1 and −9, and their expression does not appear to be regulated by androgens.
Segment‐Specific Decrease of Both Catecholamine Concentration and Acetylcholinesterase Activity Are Accompanied by Nerve Refinement in the Rat Cauda Epididymis During Sexual Maturation
Authors: SILVA ADILSON M. , QUEIRÓZ DANIEL B.C. , NETO EDUARDO F. CASTRO , NAFFAH‐MAZZACORATTI MARIA DA GRAĈA , GODINHO ROSELY O. , PORTO CATARINA S. , GUTIÉRREZ‐OSPINA GABRIEL , AVELLAR MARIA CHRISTINA W. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIn the present work, histochemical and biochemical studies were conducted to analyze changes in the pattern of autonomic innervation during sexual maturation, using the rat epididymis as a model. Glyoxylic acid histochemistry and immunohistochemical studies against dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DβH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) indicated a reduction in the amount of catecholaminergic and AChE‐positive neurons, fibers, and puncta detected in the cauda epididymis of adult rats (120 days old), when compared to immature (40 days) and young adult (60 days) animals. No obvious age‐related variations were detected in the few catecholaminergic and AChE‐positive fibers and puncta present in the caput region. AChE‐positive fibers were found sorting out among epithelial cells and ending free upon the epithelial surface or into the tubular lumen of the cauda region of adult rats. Furthermore, a positive staining for AChE in epithelial cells was also detected in the caput and cauda epididymis in all ages studied. Biochemical analysis confirmed a significant decrease in noradrenaline concentration as well as AChE activity in the cauda epididymis with sexual maturation. Immunohistochemical studies against microtubule‐associated protein 1B (MAP 1B), a neuronal cytoskeletal marker, further substantiated the quantitative changes observed in catecholaminergic and AChE‐positive neuronal elements in the cauda epididymis. Thus, our results documented segment‐specific variations in noradrenaline concentration and AChE activity during epididymal sexual maturation and suggest that such variations result, at least in part, from the refinement of the autonomic innervation pattern with age.
Lipid Diffusion in the Plasma Membrane of Mouse Spermatozoa: Changes During Epididymal Maturation, Effects of pH, Osmotic Pressure, and Knockout of the c‐ros Gene
Authors: CHRISTOVA YONKA , JAMES PETER S. , COOPER TREVOR G. , JONES ROY 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIt is well known that the plasma membranes of mammalian spermatozoa undergo extensive remodeling during maturation in the epididymal duct. In this investigation, we have used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) techniques to: 1) measure rates of lipid diffusion in the plasma membrane of mouse spermatozoa at different stages of maturation; 2) examine the effects of varying external conditions found in the epididymal duct (pH, temperature, and osmotic pressure) on lipid diffusion in mature sperm; and 3) investigate the effects of the c‐ros null mutation that causes tail angulation in cauda spermatozoa after ejaculation as a result of cell swelling due to altered membrane function. Our results show that lipid diffusion (as measured using reporter probes 5‐(N‐octadecanoyl)aminofluorescein [ODAF] and 2‐(6‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)hexanoyl‐1‐hexadecanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phos‐phocholine [NBD‐C6‐PC]) is several times faster across the membrane on the sperm head than on the tail and that it increases significantly during passage from caput to cauda. Temperature variations between 20°C and 37°C have a substantial effect on diffusion coefficients, with the sperm head being more responsive than the tail. Changes in external pH (6.5–8.5) or osmotic pressure (202–389 mOsm/kg), however, have little relative effect on lipid diffusion on any region of the sperm. The rate of diffusion of 22‐(N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)‐23,24‐bisnor‐5‐cholen‐3βol (NBD‐cholesterol) is 10‐fold higher across the head plasma membrane than across the tail and does not change significantly during epididymal maturation. Similarly, lipid diffusion in hairpin‐shaped cauda sperm from c‐ros (‐/‐) males is not significantly different from (+/+) controls. These results suggest that temperature and compositional changes are 2 of the important factors that regulate the dynamics of lipid molecules in the mouse sperm plasma membrane.
Preclinical Evaluation of Sodium Cellulose Sulfate (Ushercell) as a Contraceptive Antimicrobial Agent
Authors: ANDERSON ROBERT A. , FEATHERGILL KENNETH A. , DIAO XAIO‐HUI , COOPER MORRIS D. , KIRKPATRICK RISA , HEROLD BETSY C. , DONCEL GUSTAVO F. , CHANY CALVIN J. , WALLER DONALD P. , RENCHER WILLIAM F. , ZANEVELD LOURENS J.D. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThe spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and limited methods for control of pregnancies presents high risks to the reproductive health of women. Methods controlled by women and directed toward disease prevention and contraception are needed. We report on preclinical studies of the biological properties of sodium cellulose sulfate (Ushercell) currently being developed for use as a topical contraceptive antimicrobial agent. Ushercell was evaluated with tests designed to identify its contraceptive and antimicrobial properties. Ushercell inhibits hyaluronidase (reversible; IC50 = 1.7 mg/mL), impairs sperm penetration of cervical mucus (approximately 70% inhibition at 1 mg/mL), and acts as a stimulus for acrosomal loss (IC50 = 52 ng/mL). It prevents conception in rabbits when added to spermatozoa (approximately 95% inhibition at 1 mg/mL) or when vaginally applied (complete contraception by 45 mg) before insemination. However, up to 50 mg/mL, Ushercell does not irreversibly immobilize spermatozoa, suggesting that Ushercell is not cytotoxic. Ushercell has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity in vitro. Inhibited microbes include human immunodeficiency viruses (different laboratory strains and clinical isolates; IC50 values range from 3 to 78 μg/mL), herpes viruses, HSV‐1 (IC50 = 59 ng/mL) and HSV‐2 (IC50 = 24 ng/mL), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (IC50 = 2 μg/mL), and Chlamydia trachomatis (IC50 = 78 μg/mL). In contrast, Ushercell does not inhibit growth of beneficial vaginal bacteria, Lactobacillus gasseri, at 5 mg/mL. These results suggest that the antimicrobial effects of Ushercell are selective, and not likely mediated by nonspecific cytotoxic mechanisms. These data provide the basis for further clinical development of Ushercell as a vaginal agent to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
Cholesterol Transport, Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor, and Steroidogenesis in Aging Leydig Cells
Authors: CULTY MARTINE , LUO LINDI , YAO ZHI‐XING , CHEN HAOLIN , PAPADOPOULOS VASSILIOS , ZIRKIN BARRY R. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThe cellular mechanisms responsible for age‐related decline in the ability of Leydig cells to produce testosterone are not yet fully understood. The decline in testosterone production could result from a reduction in the Leydig cell enzymatic activities mediating testosterone synthesis, the amount of substrate available for these enzymes, or both. In the present study, we examined the effect of age on a critical early step in the steroidogenic pathway, the transport of cholesterol into mitochondria. Leydig cells were isolated from the testes of young and old Brown Norway rats and incubated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the side‐chain cleavage cytochrome P450scc inhibitor aminoglutethimide (AMG). Mitochondria were isolated from these cells in the presence of AMG. Upon removal of AMG, the mitochondria from old cells produced 80% less steroid than those from young cells, only a fraction of which could be accounted for by a decrease in P450scc activity. These results suggest that the accumulation of hormonally recruited cholesterol into mitochondria is defective in old Leydig cells. With this in mind, we turned our attention to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), a mitochondrial cholesterol‐binding protein known to be involved in mediating cholesterol transport. PBR messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were decreased in old cells. Moreover, both the dissociation constant (Kd) and the number of binding sites (Bmax) of the PBR were decreased in the old cells by 50% and 30%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that alterations in cholesterol transport and in PBR may play critical roles in age‐related decreases in testosterone production in Brown Norway rat Leydig cells.