bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Birth of Apocalyptic Meaning from the Spirit of Communication: Preconditions for the Formation of Eschatological Consciousness in the Modern Spiritualist Movement
Authors: Razdyakonov Vladislav ,   Russian State University for the Humanities,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: July 2024

Two ideas haunt the eschatological consciousness of modernity: antifinalism, signifying the infinity of spiritual evolution of man and the cosmos; anthropological agency, postulating the important role of man in the development of the eschatological process. The article focuses on the modern spiritualist movement, whose participants anticipated the imminent beginning of a new stage of human evolution. The study suggests that the genesis of the eschatological consciousness of the movement’s participants was conditioned by the specifics of their communication with the spiritual world. Firstly, the condition for the genesis of eschatological consciousness was the loss of a significant person and the psychological experience of nostalgia. Thus, the eschatological verificationism of spiritualists is defined as the projection of their traumatic experience onto the world around them. Secondly, automatic writing practice played a crucial role in the emergence of eschatological consciousness, it determined the spiritualists’ treatment of the medium as a special anthropological type. Thirdly, the features of the séance that may have shaped eschatological consciousness are revealed, while the movement itself is categorized as a millenial cult. The spiritualist interpretation of spiritual communication as an act of transcending “earthly” language into the realm of the “language of thought” is eschatological, because it affirms un unambiguous vision of reality, which is unmediated by any “natural” symbolic system. The borderline situation of eschatological expectation was the key reason for the formation of eschatological consciousness.
Reason, Language, and Culture: Reading Al-Jābirī’s “Arab Reason” Concept Today
Authors: Smirnov Andrey ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

In his four-volume Critique of Arab Reason the late Moroccan philosopher Muḥammad ‘Ābid al-Jābirī (1935–2010) argues that human history witnessed “Greco-European” and “Arab” variants of reason, and not the single one. He challenges the confidence of philosophers in the universality of reason which disclosed itself in the course of European history. Reading al-Jābirī’s theory in Kantian optics will prove fruitful in view of significant number of observations accumulated in Arabic philosophical studies and directly related to the question of the type of rationality that grounds Arab-Muslim culture. The Arabic linguistic tradition bases itself not on the being of substance but on the flux of action. The indivisible segment of the Arabic speech is the flow of sound between the two “sides” (ḥ arf, pl. ḥ urūf). The copulative function ensures the gluing of the subject and predicate into a single statement due to the action of “leaning” (isnād) between them, which excludes the use of the “to be”-like copula and removes “being” from the list of the fundamental metaphysical categories. All Arabic words, with few exceptions, are “branches” growing from “roots” represented by names of actions. The “root – branches” (’aṣl – furū‘) model, developed by the representatives of the Arabic linguistic tradition and Islamic jurists, explains the diversity of Islamic culture which allows for direct contradictions, legitimizing them by tracing down to a single “root”, which contrasts with the law of contradiction fundamental to European rationality. Islamic ethics is concerned not with the moral perfection of a single substantial individual, but with maintaining a network of interactions between human being and God and between members of society, constituting society not as a hierarchy of strata and classes, but as multiple networks of interactions. The concept of the “Arab reason” by al-Jābirī, read in Kantian optics on the basis of the achievements of philosophical Arabic studies, allows to substantiate the hypothesis of the plurality of types of rationality developed through the history of humankind.
Audiovisual Translation as a Media for Teaching EFL Vocabulary to Primary School Students in Indonesia
Authors: Kembaren Farida Repelita Waty , Rajagukguk Sahmiral Amri , Pratiwi Anggun Siska , Khairani Khairani
Published: July 2024

This research demonstrates the important role of technology in education by highlighting the potential of audiovisual techniques as learning media for primary school students. Previous research studies have shown that appropriate audiovisual presentations can improve comprehension, especially in today's children who are enthusiastic about multimedia technology. A qualitative research method using a classroom action research design was used to carry out the research procedure, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and evaluate the findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate one of the most effective EFL vocabulary teaching methods for primary school students, namely audiovisual translation, and to summarise the students' impressions while learning vocabulary using audiovisual translation.  This research contributes to innovative EFL teaching methods by suggesting the widespread use of audiovisual translation in primary schools around the world, especially in Indonesia, based on its proven success and positive responses from students.
First modern morphological and molecular description of Saccocoelium cephali larvae stages (Digenea: Haploporidae) from the Black Sea
Authors: Belousova Yuliya , Atopkin Dmitry M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Knowledge of haploporid trematode larvae is very poor. Until recently, only scattered reports from Black and Medditeranean Seas are known. The present research is the first report of haploporid cercariae S. cephali from the gastropod Hydrobia acuta inhabiting the Black Sea. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the larvae of one species from Haploporidae family.
Methods
Hydrobia acuta molluscs were collected in the estuary of the Chernaya River ( Black Sea) during 2011-2013 and examined for trematode larvae. Found parthenitae were drawn and preserved for DNA extractions. Morphological features were compared to nominal species and genetic comparisons were made of the subunit ribosomal DNA with other Haploporidae species.
Results
The haploporid parthenitae were found in the gonads of Hydrobia acuta molluscs. Most of morphological characteristics of specimens investigated agree with those of Saccococoelium sp. and closest to S. cephali by shape and length of the body, ratio of suckers, ratio of tail length to body, shape and size of pharynx. Phylogenetic analysis from our study generated with Bayesian algorithm showed that studied cercariae specimens ex H. acuta from the Black Sea was within hapolporine clade and closely related with S. cephali from Spain. The process of encystation of 1 cercaria in same mollusc was observed (adolescaria).Cercariae and metacercariae have been described and named as Saccocoelium cephalibased on its morphological, morphometric and molecular characteristics.
Conclusion
Morphological characteristics of cercariae emerging from Hydrobia acuta from Black Sea, also the analysis of partial 28S rDNA sequences support conspecificity of parasite with S.cephali mature worms from Mediterranean Sea.
A missense mutation in PDHB gene: identification of the patient with Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and demonstration of pathogenicity in vitro
Authors: Li Ying , Cheng Lin , Li Xin , Liu Jiyu , Yi Lu , Bo Tao
Published: July 2024

Background: Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is a common cause of primary refractory lactic acidosis. PDH E1β (PDHB) subunit gene mutation is rare causes of PDH deficiency. We described a missense mutation of PDHB gene in a neonate with PDH deficiency, and verify the mutation damages PDH activity in vitro.
Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to discover the missense mutation. We constructed the recombinant eukaryotic recombinant expression vector the phage-PDHB-wt/mut containing human full-length wild-type (NM_000925.4) or mutant (c.575G>T) PDHB gene, and transfected vector into 293T cells. Western blot was performed to assess PDH protein stability, PDH activity was measured.
Results: A 37-week-gestation male infant was noted to have refractory lactic acidosis, growth retardation, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities with abnormal cranial MR findings, starting with convulsive seizures at 3 months of age. WES analysis revealed the homozygous missense mutations in the PDHB gene, which was c.575G＞T (p.Arg192Leu) in exon 6. This missense mutation of PDHB was predicted to be harmful by bioinformatics software including Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant (SIFT), Polyphen2, LRT, and Mutation Taster. Western blot showed that normal PDH protein expression was significantly decreased in the phage -PDHB-mut transfected cells than that in the phage -PDHB-wt transfected cells (P<0.001) . PDH activities analysis revealed that PDH activity was significantly decreased in the phage -PDHB-mut transfected cells than that in the phage -PDHB-wt transfected cells (P<0.001).
Conclusions: c.575G＞T (p.Arg192Leu) in PDHB gene is a pathogenic missense mutation, which causes PDH deficiency in autosomal recessive inheritance mode.
Unveiling Fungal Proficiency in Microplastic Degradation: A Comprehensive Research Investigation
Authors: ARIF SHAYMAA , Hassan Fikrat M. , Fakhry Saad Sabah , Al-Qaysi Safaa Al-Deen Ahmed Shanter , Adnan Safauldeen
Published: July 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent pollutants in environments that are colonized by various groups of microbes. Fungi are considered among the most efficient microbial degraders of MPs because they produce salient enzymes and can survive on recalcitrant compounds with limited nutrients. While most studies have focused on the occurrence of MPs in wastewater treatment systems, MP degradation in fresh water and wastewater is generally poorly understood. Therefore, the current study included the isolation of some genera of fungi from the Tigris River water environment that have the ability to degrade MPs in both natural and artificial environments utilizing synthetic media. Using weight loss measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the chemical structure of the plastic polymers, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the size and morphology of the microplastics and the degree of plastic consumed by the aquatic fungus. The biodegradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (PS) by the aquatic fungus Aspergillus carbonarius and Eurotium sp. was also examined. Overall, Aspergillus carbonarius and Eurotium sp. were able to degrade HDPE more efficiently than PS without requiring any prior microplastic treatment. Therefore, the ability of fungi to degrade MPs was confirmed by weight loss, FTIR, and SEM data. Therefore, the results indicate that the isolated fungus has a promising future for polymer breakdown in both artificial and natural environments. Investigating the long-term impacts and gaining a deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of microplastic disintegration should be the main goals of future research.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveal the crosstalk between platelet-associated TRAF4high endothelial cell subpopulation and tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer
Authors: Su Guoqing , Wang Nannan , Cao Yuepeng , Qian Jinghang , Wang Yi , Si Chengshuai , Shao Peng , Wang Qifan , Ye Yongxia , Wang Ke , Bao Jun , Yang Liu
Published: July 2024

Background
Platelet-tumor endothelial cell interactions are pivotal in the colorectal cancer microenvironment, driving tumor invasion, metastasis and shaping the immune landscape. Investigating these interactions sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of colorectal cancer progression and opens avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.
Methods
By interrogating 10x Genomics single-cell transcriptomic data from 23 publicly available samples, we constructed a paired cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous single-cell atlas for colorectal cancer (CRC). Utilizing a comprehensive suite of analyses, including area under the curve (AUC), copy number variation, pseudotime trajectory, enrichment, and intercellular communication assessments, we delineated the heterogeneity within CRC endothelial cells. Furthermore, our SCENIC transcription factor analysis pinpointed the most active transcription factors within the platelet-associated endothelial cell subpopulation. The functional relevance of TRAF4 in endothelial cell was subsequently confirmed by in vitro validation and large cohort clinical samples.
Results
We delineated a distinct subpopulation of endothelial cells, designated as C2, that is profoundly influenced by platelet education and is intricately linked to tumor metastasis, adverse prognosis, and immune cell infiltration. This subpopulation exhibits a strong association with the immune cell infiltration characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. Notably, TRAF4 emerged as a pivotal platelet-related transcription factors within this subgroup, with its downregulation leading to diminished migration, angiogenic potential, and chemotactic responsiveness of endothelial cells to CD8 + T cells. Additionally, the expression of TRAF4 and its correlation with CD8 + T cell infiltration were corroborated in clinical specimens.
Conclusions
Our investigation has identified a platelet-associated subpopulation of tumor endothelial cells that contributes to the suppression of CD8 + T cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment and promotes tumor angiogenesis, thereby facilitating malignant tumor progression. Furthermore, we have pinpointed TRAF4 as a pivotal transcription factor within this subpopulation, underscoring its significant promise as an innovative therapeutic target for CRC.
Assessing Community Awareness and Engagement in the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in East Wollega Zone, Nekemte town: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Amenu Desalegn , Nugusa Ayantu , Tafesse Temesgen
Published: July 2024

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health challenge globally, including in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia, particularly in Nekemte town. The burden of NCDs is rising, necessitating a thorough assessment of community awareness and engagement for effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to assess the level of community awareness and engagement in NCD prevention and control in Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone,, with more emphasis evaluating awareness levels, health behaviors, existing programs, barriers to engagement, and best practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and review of existing data and literature. Demographic data, prevalence rates, awareness levels, health behaviors, and community perceptions were collected and analyzed. The study will provide insights into the current state of community awareness and engagement regarding NCDs in Nekemte town. Findings were including awareness gaps, prevalent health behaviors, barriers to engagement, and successful community programs. For further intervention, evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at improving community awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, reducing NCD burden, and enhancing community engagement in Nekemte town and similar settings. The study is very important and has the potential to improve health outcomes, optimize resource allocation, reduce disparities, empower communities, inform policies, contribute to academic knowledge, and impact global health initiatives related to NCD prevention and control.
Early warning study of Malan loess collapse damage based on acoustic emission technology
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Genqiang , Wang Liang
Published: July 2024

Loess collapse is one of the most developed geohazards in loess area, and the acoustic emission active waveguide model is an important tool for monitoring and early warning of loess collapse geohazards and acquisition of precursor information. In this study, the acoustic emission active waveguide model is used as the research object, and by carrying out the acoustic emission active waveguide model pressurization test and wavelet noise reduction processing of the acquired acoustic emission data, the evolution of acoustic emission signals in the process of acoustic emission pressurization of primary Malan loess is revealed in various phases, including compaction, elasticity-plasticity deformation, destruction, and post-destruction phases. The attenuation characteristics of the AE signal propagation paths of the structures comprising the active waveguide model, including geometric diffusion attenuation, material absorption attenuation, and coupling attenuation, are described. The study also showed that the integrated damage form was identified based on the acoustic emission RA-AF value characteristics, and 63% of the high RA value and 37% of the high AF value, which is "high RA value and low AF value", indicating that the integrated damage form of the in-situ loess collapse damage under this monitoring condition is shear damage. At the same time, the acoustic emission b-value characteristics of the collapse damage of the primary Malan loess were investigated, with a rapid increase and a small amount of acoustic signals at the early stage of pressurization, a rapid decrease and more acoustic signals at the middle stage of pressurization, and a continuous decrease and a large amount of acoustic signals at the middle and late stages of pressurization. The early warning precursor information obtained from in situ loess acoustic emission monitoring provided in this paper can be used in the construction of monitoring and early warning system for geologic disasters such as loess collapse in loess areas.
Exercise training increase BDNF/TrkB mRNA, prevents memory loss and ameliorate the hippocampal morphology in multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Hafedh Muthanna , Hatem Muthana Layth
Published: July 2024

Purpose: We aimed to verify the implications of four weeks of consistent exercise on the mRNA of the brain-derived (BDNF) and the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor that may contribute to ameliorates the hippocampal morphology and induced enhancement of memory in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) after the diseases recovery stage.
Methods: Female Lewis rats were randomly separated into three groups, control group (Co), EAE without exercise (EAE), EAE with exercise (EAE+Ex) , each group contains (10 rats) . All rats underwent to the Morris water maze (MWM) test for four days in week and prop test was done in fifth day and repeated in day 30 post induction. Exercise was prescribed by motorized treadmill starting at 17 m/min and gradually increased, a total duration of 30 minutes per day, five days a week and discontinued two weeks after the induction. EAE was induced subcutaneously after two weeks of exercise as rats injected with an inoculum containing 50 ug guinea pig spinal cord homogenate emulsified in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant and 2mg of heat-mycobacterium at the tail base.
Results: EAE+Ex significantly increases the BDNF mRNA (P< 0.05) and TrkB (P> 0.02) mRNA levels compared to the EAE groups. The Co group increased significantly more than the EAE group (P< 0.01). Swimming speed performance was faster in EAE+Ex (P< 0.02) compared to EAE group lead to improved hippocampus function.
Conclusion: It seems that the provision of four weeks of exercise training is capable of increasing the mRNA of BDNF and its receptor along with ameliorating the hippocampus morphological which can have positive effects on memory impairment during EAE disease.
Activities of Soil C and N Enzymes during Charcoal Production in Derived Savannah of Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo Adebayo Jonathan , Adejoro Solomon Alaba , Adegbile Oluwagbemi Israel , Babalola Temitope Seun , Akinnagbe Evelyn Atinuke , Awodun Moses Adeyeye , Oyun Matthew Banji
Published: July 2024

In recent years, anthropogenic activities, particularly charcoal production and the utilization of large fuelwoods have significantly compromised the deforestation of savannah forest soils in southwest Nigeria. This has had a notable impact on soil enzymes and nutrient cycles. Despite the growing acknowledgment of charcoal’s significant impact on soil properties, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding its specific effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) enzymes. To address this, our study therefore aims to examine the effects of charcoal production on the C and N enzymes activities, under different locations and soil depths in the derived savannah of southwestern Nigeria. Soil samples were systematically collected and analyzed at depths 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm under different locations of charcoal production and non-production sites, CPS and NPS respectively. The result showed a significantly higher activity level for amylase (0.54 µg/ml/min) and cellulase (0.90 µg /ml/min) at the NPS compared with CPS. In contrast, the protease and urease activity tended to be higher at CPS (0.54 and 16.66 mg/ml/min respectively) than at NPS, suggesting distinct protein degradation patterns at both sites. In terms of enzyme ratios, amylase/cellulase activity levels is greater at CPS than NPS with no significant difference with values of 1.44 and 0.79 µg/ml/min respectively. Similarly, protease/urease activity ratio levels are identical at both sites (0.04 mg/ml/min). Yet, this ratio decreases with depth due to heightened protease and urease activities, catalyzing the mineralization of organic nitrogen, and resulting in increased nitrogen content and the release of ammonia-N in soils. Overall, our findings suggest that the charcoal production process may influence and alter soil enzyme activities, potentially impacting the breakdown of carbohydrates, cellulose, proteins, and urea in the soil. These variations in enzyme activities could have broader implications for nutrient cycling, microbial processes, and overall soil health in areas with charcoal production areas compared to non-production sites.
Biochemical Properties of Purified Peroxidase from Rhizome of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Adedugbe Omowumi Funke , Ilesanmi Olutosin Samuel
Published: July 2024

We report the bioavailability, purification, and biochemical properties of peroxidase from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). The potentials of the purified enzyme in some biotechnological applications were described. Turmeric peroxidase was first purified efficiently using aqueous two-phase partitioning (ATPS) with a percentage yield and purification fold of 51% and 5 respectively. The purified turmeric POD had a subunit molecular mass of 69 ± 0.2 kDa as adjudged on SDS-PAGE and a native molecular mass of 72 ± 0.3 kDa using mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. This suggested that turmeric POD is monomeric in nature. Substrate specificity analysis revealed that catechol was the preferred substrate for the enzyme among other substrates investigated. The order of substrate preference for the purified enzyme was catechol>o-dianisidine>pyrogallol>L-DOPA. The optimum temperature and pH of the purified turmeric POD were 60 ⁰C and 8.0 respectively. The activation energy was estimated to be 3.67 kJ/ mol. The enzyme was stable to temperature retaining up to 70% activity at 60 oC after 1 hr. The purified enzyme was activated in the presence of chlorides of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ however was inhibited by Ba2+ and NH4+. Turmeric peroxidase was stable and retained close to 70% in the presence of 30% water immiscible organic solvents such as chloroform, n-hexane and petroleum ether. The combination of biochemical properties of purified turmeric POD would be of interest and applicability in several biotechnological properties.
Respiratory Pathogen Dynamics in Community Fever Cases — Jiangsu Province, China (2023-2024)
Authors: Deng Fei , Dong Zhuhan , Qiu Tian , Xu Ke , Dai Qigang , Yu Huiyan , Fan Huan , Qian Haifeng , Bao Changjun , Gao Wei , Zhu Liguo
Published: July 2024

Background
Respiratory infectious disease was the world's highest incidence of infectious diseases, it was caused by a variety of respiratory pathogens, and the current monitoring of respiratory pathogens in the world focused on influenza and coronavirus. This study aimed to establish the pathogen spectrum of local acute respiratory infections and to further study the co-infection of pathogens. Time series models commonly used to predict infectious diseases can effectively predict disease outbreaks and serve as auxiliary tools for disease surveillance and response strategy formulation.
Methods
From June 2023 to February 2024, we collected influenza-like illness (ILI) cases weekly from the community in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, and obtained a total of 2,046 samples. We established a spectrum of respiratory pathogens in Nanjing and analyzed the age distribution and symptom counts associated with various pathogens. We compared age, gender, symptom counts, and viral loads between individuals with co-infections and those with single infections. An autoregressive comprehensive moving average model (ARIMA) was constructed to predict the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases.
Results
Among 2046 samples, the total detection rate of respiratory pathogen nucleic acids was 53.57% (1096/2046), with influenza A virus 503 cases (24.00%), influenza B virus 224 cases (10.95%), and HCoV 95 cases (4.64%) being predominant. Some pathogens were statistically significant in age and number of symptoms. The positive rate of mixed infections was 6.11% (125/2046), There was no significant difference in age and number of symptoms between co-infection and simple infection. After multiple iterative analyses, an ARIMA model (0,1,4), (0,0,0) was established as the optimal model, with an R2 value of 0.930, indicating good predictive performance.
Conclusions
In the past, the spectrum of respiratory pathogens in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province was complex, and the main age groups of different viruses were different, causing different symptoms, and the co-infection of viruses had no correlation with the age and gender of patients. The ARIMA model provided an estimate of future incidence, which plateaued in subsequent months.
Psychological Adjustment of Medical Students in Coping with Stress under Chinese Academic Involution: A constructivist grounded theory study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cao Zhiyan , Ye Xiaoli , Shen Tong , Zhao Fangfang
Published: July 2024

Background: Academic involutionis highly related to medical students’ mental health. The process of psychological adjustment and the ability to cope with stress affects individual health and personal development for medical students.
Aim: To explore the process of psychological adjustment and the experiences of medical students coping with stress under academic involution in China.
Method: The interviews data analysis included initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding using the constant comparative method and memo writing.
Findings: “Physical and mental harmony” was identified as the core category. The following seven categories were conceptualized: enlightening exploration, internal adjustment, seeking social support, emotional support, positive self-awakening, individual degeneration, and asymmetrical resources.
Conclusion: The findings showed that under the academic involution the goal of medical students in coping with stress is to achieve and maintain physical and mental harmony, in addition, stress of academic involution can be transformed into a positive driving force for medical students through early identification and intervention.
Implications for policy: In a stressful environment, schools should be guided by the psychological needs of medical students and provide mental health services that medical students can choose from.
Consumption of wild edible plants in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Nuro Geritu , Tolossa Ketema , Giday Mirutse
Published: July 2024

Background
Wild edible plants (WEPs) are neglected and have received little attention despite their significant contributions to the sustenance and livelihoods of rural communities. This study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to document the diversity of WEPs, their utilization, and threats facing them.
Methods
Ethnobotanical data were collected via semi-structured interviews, field observations, focus-group discussions and guided field walks. The interviews involved290 informants who were selected via snowball sampling and systemic random sampling methods. Preference ranking values, direct matrix rankings, and use values (UVs) of selected species were computed.
Results
A total of 62 WEPs species belonging to 38 families and 56 genera were identified. The Moraceae family included 7 species, and the Fabaceae family included 4 species. Shrub was the dominant growth form (32 species), followed by herbs (13 species). The largest number (24 species) of WEPs was collected from grazing lands/fields, followed by forest habitats (17 species). The most widely used edible plant part was fruit (40 species) and leaf (11 species). Most WEPs were collected for consumption from March to May (30 species), and the majority of the species (48, 77.4%) were utilized in their raw state. A large number of WEP (41 species) were consumed only during periods of food shortage, and the remaining (21 species) were used as staple food supplements. Multiple other uses of WEPs in the study area have also been reported. Fifty-two species were mentioned for medicinal use, and the species that had the highest use value was Cordia africana Lam. (0.9). The direct matrix ranking results indicated that agricultural expansion was a principal threat to the WEPs in the study area.
Conclusion
This study indicated that WEPs are widely used during food shortages in the study area, but many WEP species are under threat due to growing pressure from various anthropogenic factors. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged at all levels to conserve and sustainably use these resources to address food insecurity.
A Canadian real world prospective observational study assessing the impact of hormone therapy ± targeted therapy in the treatment of HR+ HER2- advanced breast cancer
Authors: Doyle Catherine , Lohmann Ana Elisa , Iqbal Nayyer , Henning Jan-Willem , Kulkarni Swati , Califaretti Nadia , Hilton John , Ferrario Cristiano , Bouganim Nathaniel , Mates Mihaela , Guillemette Stephanie , Leite Ricardo , Caron Marc-Andre , Thireau Francois , Machado Andres , Chia Stephen
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Understanding real-world treatment patterns and their effectiveness in HR+ HER2- advanced breast cancer (aBC) in Canadian patients.
Patient and Methods: This was an observational, prospective cohort study including men and pre-/peri-/postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- aBC receiving endocrine therapy (ET) or ET+ targeted therapy (ET+TT). The primary objective was duration of treatment (DOT) with ET and ET+TT. Sequence of therapies, treatment patterns, and Overall Survival (OS) were also evaluated.
Results: DOT was prolonged in patients receiving ET+TT compared to ET (median DOT: ET+TT 397 days vs ET 192 days; Log-Rank test p-value <.0001; HR=0.66; 95% CI; 0.52,0.85). An extended DOT was observed in ET+CDK4/6i subgroup when compared to ET (median DOT: ET+CDK4/6i 601 days vs ET 192 days; Log-Rank test p-value <.0001). This increase was statistically significant irrespective of line of therapy at baseline (1L: median DOT: ET+CDK4/6i: 649 days vs ET: 217 days, p-value= <.0001; 2L: median DOT: ET+CDK4/6i: 487 days vs ET: 203 days, p-value= 0.0013; 3L: median DOT: ET+CDK4/6i: 597 days vs ET: 143 days therapy: p-value= 0.0006). ET alone and ET + CDK4/6i were the most frequently administered therapies in both 1st (ET alone: 43.5% and ET+CDK4/6i: 43.3%) and 2nd line (ET alone: 36.3% and ET+CDK4/6i: 24.6%). Among patients who received at least one CDK4/6i in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd line, CDK4/6i were mostly administered in 1st line (61.9%) and 2nd line (38.5%). ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02753686; Registration Date:20-04-2016
Conclusion: Results support current treatment recommendations of early introduction of CDK4/6i in HR+/HER2- aBC.
Integrated aircraft and network optimization with airspace constraints
Authors: Cruz Alejandro A. Rios , Mattos Bento S. , Fregnani José Alexandre Tavares Guerreiro
Published: July 2024

This study explores the relationship between airspace constraints and fuel consumption in aircraft design, and its impact on economics, performance, and the environment. To understand the impact of inefficiencies in air transportation and the effect of fuel efficiency, the study employs a coupled aircraft and network optimization algorithm based on the system-of-systems approach. The mission profile is characterized through the utilization of transponder data from ten of the busiest European airports and machine learning techniques. This information is used to derive the mission profile for each leg and incorporate it into the aircraft performance evaluation looking to provide a more realistic scenario. The optimization of the system-of-systems is solved through a combination of genetic and linear programming optimization algorithms, which consider crucial factors such as aircraft sizing, mission performance evaluation, and network flow optimization. The results of the study indicate that the integration of a realistic mission profile into the optimization process results in more conservative estimations of profit and direct operating costs.
The Persian version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire's Short Form (FOPQ- SF): psychometric features among cancer patients
Authors: Alimolk Fatemeh Hassani , Patterson Pandora , McDonald Fiona Elizabeth Jean. , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ahmadi Farzane , Karimimoghaddam Zhaleh , Zenoozian Saeedeh
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Fear of progression (FOP) is a significant psychological concern among cancer patients. Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FOPQ-SF) is one of the significant and reliable tools to evaluate FOP. This study aims to validate the psychometric features of the Persian version of FOPQ-SF in Iranian cancer patients.
Methods
The translation of the FOPQ-SF was developed using a "forward-backward" approach. This cross-sectional study included 120 cancer patients who completed the questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the FOPQ-SF were evaluated, and the factor structure was examined using both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).
Results
The FOPQ-SF demonstrated high test-retest and internal reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. EFA revealed a one-factor structure consisting of 12 items. The FOPQ-SF exhibited high convergent validity, as indicated by significant correlations with anxiety, depression, the total score of HADS, and symptoms. It also demonstrated moderate divergent validity, with negative correlations observed with function and global health. Furthermore, FOP significantly differed among pre-defined groups based on cancer stage.
Discussion
The results indicate that the Persian version of the FOPQ-SF is a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing FOP in 20–60 Iranian cancer patients aged.
Phytochemical factor analysis of some extra virgin olive oils (olivae oleum) and the effects of storage under different conditions - Simulating general consumer behavior
Authors: Gungoren Muhammed
Published: July 2024

Olive oil, one of the foods that has a wide place in production and consumption worldwide, is considered important in terms of taste and health, thanks to the components it contains. However, incorrect approaches to storing this seasonally produced food cause significant losses for many consumers. In this study, by simulating a general consumer behavior, three extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced annually were procured and stored under different conditions for 6 months and the effects of time, temperature and light parameters were examined. The phytochemical properties of olive oils were analyzed and repeated after 3 and 6 months. During the process, negative changes occurred in free fatty acid values from 0.51 ± 0.01 to 2.04 ± 0.01 (oleicacid%), total phenolic content amounts from 481.77 ± 3.24 to 96.02 ± 0.94 (mg GAE/kg oil), total antioxidant capacity from 215.93 ± 1.67 to 11.21 ± 0.17 (mg TE/kg oil) and peroxide values from 13.58 ± 0.34 to 31.96 ± 0.85 (meq O2/kg). Oleic acid ratios were between 66.37 ± 1.09% (Halhalı) and 72.97 ± 1.19% (Memecik) in all processes and samples. No defect was detected in sensory test results for up to 6 months. Among the most important phenolic components, hydroxytyrosol (max 33.18 ± 0.81 mg/kg) and tyrosol (max 3.93 ± 0.03 mg/kg) showed a fluctuating change, and oleuropein (max 7.40 ± 0.12 mg/kg) tended to decrease. Statistical results performed with all samples and parameters using Principal Component Analysis showed that oleic acid, linoleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, total unsaturated fatty acid values, some terpenes and C6 volatile components were the most characteristic components for the oils studied. Additionally, the results showed that time was more effective than temperature and light variables in storage.
Model Tests and 3D Simulations of Deep Cement Mixing Wall Reinforced with Prestressed Steel Tubular Truss
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Wei , Shi Gang , Cai Dongpo , Chai Shaoqiang , Zhang Guojian , Li Kun , Li Peng , Chen Jincan
Published: July 2024

Steel trusses have desirable bending performance; accordingly, a new type of stiffen deep cement mixing (SDCM) wall，namely deep cement mixing wall (DCM) reinforced with a prestressed steel tubular truss, is proposed in this paper. Its performance is studied via model tests and 3D finite element simulations of cement–soil composite beams. The deformation, stiffness, and crack distribution characteristics of different cement–soil composite beams are compared and analysed, and the stiffness contribution of the steel truss and cement–soil to the composite beams is elucidated. According to the test results, the ultimate deflection of the cement–soil composite beam reinforced with prestressed steel tubular truss is reduced by approximately 25% compared with a cement–soil composite beam reinforced with an ordinary steel tubular truss, and it is reduced by approximately 29% compared with the prestressed steel tubular truss. The results show that the steel truss bears approximately 70% of the load, whereas the cement–soil bears the remaining 30% of the load. Prestressing can effectively delay the development of cracks in cement–soil composite beams, thus greatly improving the overall stiffness and support capacity of composite beams. Analysing the loading process of composite beams via the finite element model revealed that the bearing characteristics of steel trusses are largely uniform: in the cement–soil composite beam or steel truss alone. Accordingly, along with the results of the numerical simulation analysis, it is proved that the steel truss is critical to improving the flexural capacity of composite beams, and the load sharing ratio of the prestressed steel truss is higher than that of an ordinary steel truss. The prestressed steel truss reinforced composite beams have better flexural performance than an I-beam.
Adjuvant icotinib of 12 months or 6 months versus observation following adjuvant chemotherapy for resected EGFR-mutated stage II–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (ICTAN, GASTO1002): a randomized phase 3 trial
Authors: Wang Si-Yu , Li Ning , Ou Wei , Cheng Chao , You Jian , Yang Lin , Chen Fengxia , Liang Yi , Yang Zhixiong , Wang Bao-Xiao , Chang Zeng-Hao , Lin Yao-Bin , Yang Weixiong , Xu Feng , Ding Guanggui , Chen Xian-Shan , Hu Ronggui , Li Shujun , Jiang Hao , Hu Xin-Xin , Long Hao
Published: July 2024

The efficacy, safety and ideal treatment duration of an adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for patients with completely resected EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after adjuvant chemotherapy were not known until 2014, when this study was initiated. In this phase 3 ICTAN trial, patients with completely resected, EGFR-mutated, stage II-IIIA NSCLC after platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy were assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive icotinib (125 mg, three times daily) for 12 months, to receive icotinib for 6 months or to undergo observation. The primary endpoint was DFS according to investigator assessment. This trial was terminated early. A total of 251 patients were randomized. Baseline characteristics were balanced among the groups. After a median follow-up of 61.4 months, 6 months of icotinib significantly improved DFS (hazard ratio (HR): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27–0.62; P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, HR: 0.56, 95% CI, 0.32–0.98; P = 0.041) compared with observation. Adjuvant icotinib of 12 months also significantly improved DFS (HR: 0.40, 95% CI, 0.27–0.61; P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 0.55, 95% CI, 0.32–0.96; P = 0.035) compared with observation. Adjuvant icotinib for 12 months did not improve DFS (HR: 0.97; P = 0.89) or OS (HR: 1.00; P = 0.99) compared with 6 months of this drug. Rates of adverse events of grade 3 or higher were 8.3%, 5.9% and 2.4% for the 12-month icotinib, 6-month icotinib and observation groups, respectively. The safety profile remained similar to that reported previously for icotinib. Adjuvant icotinib for 12 months and 6 months following adjuvant chemotherapy provided a significant DFS and OS benefit compared with observation in patients with completely resected EGFR-mutated stage II-IIIA NSCLC with a manageable safety profile. Nevertheless, 12 months of icotinib had no additional benefit compared with 6 months.
Upcycling E-Waste: Mn/ZnO-NCs for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications
Authors: Pally Vagdevi , Negi Aayasha , Velamakanni Rani Padmini , Merugu Ramchander
Published: July 2024

Manganese/zinc oxide nanocomposites (Mn/ZnO-NCs) were derived from electronic waste, utilizing Borassus flabellifer (toddy palm) and metals extracted from discarded batteries. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy characterization of synthesized nano crystals was done to understand the structural and optical properties. UV-visible spectroscopy exhibited surface plasmon absorption peaks at 272 nm and 394 nm, confirming the formation of NCs. SEM analysis showed a uniform distribution with spherical morphology, and TEM analysis confirmed an average particle size of 20 nm, with particles ranging from 18.5 nm to 22.3 nm. EDX analysis indicated the presence of Zn, O, and Mn elements within the NCs, and XRD patterns revealed the crystalline nature with peaks corresponding to the wurtzite structure of ZnO. The antibacterial activity of Mn/ZnO-NCs was assessed against clinically relevant pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The NCs exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy, with zones of inhibition ranging from 20 to 33 mm against different bacterial strains, demonstrating their potential as effective antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, using cell lines MDA-MB (triple-negative breast cancer), SKOV-3 (ovarian cancer), OVCAR-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma), and BxPC-3 (pancreatic cancer), the antitumor potential of NCs was investigated. These NCs demonstrated notable antitumor activity, with IC50 values ranging from 65.08 nM to 195.5 nM against different cancer cell lines, highlighting their promising role in cancer therapy. Overall, the results highlight the feasibility of sustainable synthesis of Mn/ZnO-NCs from electronic waste and underscore their potential applications in combating bacterial infections and cancer. This research showcases the versatility and biomedical efficacy of eco-friendly nanomaterials derived from e-waste, paving the way for future developments in green nanotechnology for healthcare applications.
Autophagy controls differentiation of Drosophila blood cells by regulating Notch levels in response to nutrient availability
Authors: Wappner Pablo , Katz Maximiliano , Rodríguez Felipe , Evangelisti Fermín , Perez-Pandolfo Sebastián , Sommario Natalia , Borrat Agustina , Melani Mariana
Published: July 2024

Drosophila larval hematopoiesis takes place at the lymph gland, where blood cell progenitors differentiate into two possible cell types: plasmatocytes, analogous to mammalian macrophages, or crystal cells that share features with mammalian megakaryocytes; a third cell type, the lamellocytes, can develop only upon specific immune challenges. In this work, we investigate the role of autophagy in Drosophila hematopoiesis. We found that autophagy inhibition in blood cell progenitors results in augmented crystal cell differentiation due to accumulation of high levels of Notch protein. Notch activation during hematopoiesis depends on the endocytic pathway, which cross-talks with autophagy: While endocytosis and endosomal maturation are essential for Notch activation, autophagosomes are required for Notch lysosomal degradation. TOR signaling inhibits autophagosome biogenesis, which in turn prevents the formation of Notch-containing amphisomes, being the latter necessary for Notch lysosomal destruction. Reduction of Notch lysosomal degradation shifts the balance towards Notch activation at late endosomal membranes, thereby enhancing differentiation of crystal cells. Our work defines a novel mechanism of regulation of immune cell differentiation in response to the nutritional status of the organism: High nutrient availability induces TOR activation, thereby inhibiting autophagy, hindering lysosomal degradation of Notch, and promoting crystal cell differentiation.
Assessing South African’s economic growth and foreign direct investment: Implications for environmental sustainability
Authors: ADEKUNLE Ahmed Oluwatobi , AKANDE Joseph Olorunfemi , GBADEBO Adedeji Daniel
Published: July 2024

Environmental sustainability is essential element of the global focus based on 26th UN climate change conference, 2021. Essentially, recent rapid economic growth in South Africa (SA) has created verifying environmental sustainability in SA. Sequel to this, this study assesses SA economic growth and ForDI, implications for environmental sustainability span over 1986–2022. Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis is the framework adopted for the study using ARDL techniques to assess the long-run connection amid the variables. The findings signify that rises in economic growth creates more carbon emissions (CE), then begins to fall at a particular level, thereby confirming Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis for SA. The causality approach signifies that ForDI, URBP and economic growth contribute significantly to CE threshold in SA.