bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Properties of Purified Peroxidase from Rhizome of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Adedugbe Omowumi Funke , Ilesanmi Olutosin Samuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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.