Digital Commons Network^™

Enhanced Formulation And Comprehensive Analysis Of Novel Natural Ointments Withgrape Seed And Pomegranate Peel Infused In Olive Oil, Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Madjda Benguechoua, Khedidja Benarous, Alaeddine Kaouka, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The global shift toward sustainable and organic alternatives in cosmetics and personal care has created a demandfor innovative and environmentally conscious formulations. This study aimed to develop novel natural ointments using beeswax andgrape seed (GS) and pomegranate peel (PP) extracts infused in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and determine the physicochemicalcharacteristics, microbiological properties, and antioxidant activity as a way to valorize organic waste toward its application in thecosmetic industry. The research aimed to promote sustainability and effectiveness in the cosmetic industry.Materials and methods: Microbial analysis was performed on the oils and ointments, followed by the extraction of active compoundsusing …

Investigating The Composition Of Fatty Acid, Tocopherol, And Sterol Contents Andantioxidant Capacity Of Oils From The Seeds Of Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Growing Inalgeria, Samira Nia, Madjda Benguechoua, Toufik Hadj Mahammed, Khatir Reggagui, Mohamed Yousfi

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Vegetable oils are considered a vital source of energy when glucose cannot be utilized. Therefore, research on newsources of oil that demonstrate nutritional value is necessary. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a member of the Malvaceae family, isa remarkable botanical specimen due to its various uses; its roots, stem, leaves, fruits, and seeds are all valued for their nutritional,therapeutic, and industrial value. This study aims to demonstrate okra’s fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherol content, and sterolcontent and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the oils extracted from okra using three solvents.Materials and methods: The initial part of this study involved oil extraction …

Evaluating The Multifaceted Bioactivity Of Syzygium Aromaticum Essential Oil:The Central Role Of Eugenol, Noureddine Rahim, Chamseddine Derabli, Amina Bramki, Sara Mahdjoub, Sandrine Rup-Jacques, Ghozlane Barboucha, Stephani Hesse, Houssem Boulebd

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Syzygium aromaticum L. is a versatile plant traditionally used to treat digestive and respiratory issues, improve oral health, and relieve pain, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Its essential oil (EO), predominantly composed of eugenol, is rich in bioactive compounds. This study aims to clarify the specific contribution of eugenol to the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of S. aromaticum EO by comparing their individual effects. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to examine the antioxidant mechanism of eugenol and its role in enhancing the overall activity …

Assessing The Effects Of Long-Covid On Mental Health In The United States: A Population Based Study, Anusua Datta

School of Business Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: While most individuals recover fully from COVID-19, a significant proportion of survivors experience prolonged symptoms lasting three months or more, a condition commonly referred to as long-COVID. Long-COVID conditions have been associated with reduced quality of life. By utilizing a nationally representative sample of nearly a million Americans, this study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of long-COVID on anxiety and depression in the U.S.

METHODS: We utilize the Household Pulse Survey data, which provides the first population-based sample on the prevalence of long-COVID, beginning with its June 2022 wave. This survey also includes questions on respondents' mental …

Summary From The Nci Clinical Trials Planning Meeting On Next Generation Of Clinical Trials In Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Andrea Apolo, Brian C. Baumann, Hikmat Al-Ahmadie, Leslie Ballas, Rick Bangs, Kenneth Brothers, Stephanie Cooper Greenberg, Scott Delacroix, James J. Dignam, Jason A. Efstathiou, Adam S. Feldman, Jared C. Foster, Noah M. Hahn, Emma Hall, Donna E. Hansel, Jean Hoffman-Censits, Ashish M. Kamat, Sophia C. Kamran, Francesca Khani, Seth P. Lerner, Robert Lipman, Bhupinder Mann, David Mcconkey, James Mckiernan, Tracy L. Rose, Angela B. Smith, Catherine Tangen, Abdul Tawab Amiri, Chana Weinstock, Et Al

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The National Cancer Institute organized a virtual Clinical Trials Planning Meeting (CTPM) on 'Defining the next generation of clinical trials with combination therapies in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)' led by the Bladder Cancer Task Force of the NCI Genitourinary Cancers Steering Committee. The purpose of this meeting was to accelerate advances in clinical trials for patients with high-risk NMIBC. The meeting delivered a multidisciplinary expert consensus on optimal strategies for next-generation clinical trial designs in NMIBC with prioritization of combination therapies. Two clinical trial concepts were developed for potential implementation within the National Clinical Trials Network.

Phytochemical Analysis And Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, And Cytotoxic Activities Ofxanthium Strumarium L. (Asteraceae), Ahmet Beyatli

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: Medicinal plants are considered an important source of novel antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. The main goal of this study was to define the beneficial properties of various extracts obtained from Xanthium strumarium. Materials and methods: Evaluations were conducted on the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts. High-performance liquid chromatography and diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to determine the phenolic profiles of the extracts. DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to evaluate the free radical scavenging properties of the X. strumarium extracts. The broth dilution method was used for antimicrobial activity assessments, the MTT assay was …

Antilipase Activities Of Cultivated Peppermint And Rosemary Essential Oils:In Vitro And In Silico Studies, Khadidja Bengana, Talia Serseg, Khedidja Benarous, Ari̇f Mermer, Yakup Şi̇ri̇n, Alaeddine Kaouka

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: The growing interest in essential oils clearly indicates the power of nature and aligns with our increasing need to findtherapeutic solutions in the natural world. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the essential oils of Mentha × piperitaand Salvia rosmarinus, harvested from the Laghouat region of Algeria, against Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) and pancreatic lipasethrough both in vitro and in silico studies.Materials and methods: Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometryand spectrophotometry. Their antilipase activities were assessed using an inhibition assay, and molecular docking was performed withAutoDock Vina to explore interactions …

Reviews And Syntheses: Variable Inundation Across Earth’S Terrestrial Ecosystems, James Stegen, Amy J. Burgin, Michelle H. Busch, Joshua B. Fisher, Joshua Ladau, Jenna Abrahamson, Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Li Li, Xingyuan Chen, Thibault Datry, Nate Mcdowell, Corianne Tatariw, Anna Braswell, Jillian M. Deines, Julia A. Guimond, Peter Regler, Kenton Rod, Edward K. P. Bam, Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Inke Forbrich, Kristin L. Jaeger, Teri O'Meara, Tim Scheibe, Erin Seybold, Jon N. Sweetman, Jianqiu Zheng, Daniel C. Allen, Elizabeth Herndon, Beth A. Middleton, Scott Painter, Kevin Roche, Julianne Scamardo, Ross Vander Vorste, Kristin Boye, Ellen Wohl, Margaret Zimmer, Kelly Hondula, Maggi Laan, Anna Marshall, Kaizad F. Patel

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

The structure, function, and dynamics of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems are profoundly influenced by how often (frequency) and how long (duration) they are inundated with water. A diverse array of natural and human-engineered systems experience temporally variable inundation whereby they fluctuate between inundated and non-inundated states. Variable inundation spans extreme events to predictable sub-daily cycles. Variably inundated ecosystems (VIEs) include hillslopes, non-perennial streams, wetlands, floodplains, temporary ponds, tidal systems, storm-impacted coastal zones, and human-engineered systems. VIEs are diverse in terms of inundation regimes, water chemistry and flow velocity, soil and sediment properties, vegetation, and many other properties. The spatial and temporal …

A Comparative Mathematical Analysis Of Ice Modulation Measurement Techniques: Unifying Thermal Hysteresis, Freezing Point Depression, And Colligative Effects, Hayden Calvert Barry

Engineering Undergraduate Senior Theses

Thermal hysteresis (TH) measurement techniques for ice binding proteins (IBPs) have historically lacked standardization, making cross-study comparisons challenging and potentially impeding development of these materials for practical applications. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of three measurement techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microlitre osmometry, and cryostage microscopy. Through systematic experimentation with Wild Type III Antifreeze Protein (AFP) at varying concentrations (10μM, 100μM, 1mM), along with cell lysate AFP and Pseudomonas syringe ice nucleating protein (INP), mathematical relationships were established between measurement techniques, and cryostage microscopy was identified as the most reproducible and reliable method. Regression analysis revealed strong relationships between …

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Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

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Managing Lupin Sclerotinia: Know Your Risk And How To Respond, Ciara Beard, Geoff J. Thomas, Zia Hoque, Sarita Bennett, Pippa J. Michael, Rachael Crockett, Shannah Kanny, Montana Bradley

Grain and other field crops research reports

• Sclerotinia prevalence, particularly basal Sclerotinia (ground level infection) has increased significantly in Western Australia in the last five years. Since 2020, commercial crop surveys have found basal Sclerotinia more common in lupins than in canola, and it is difficult to manage.
• From 2021–2025 extensive research was conducted in the laboratory, glasshouse and field trials by research partners Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and lupin growers. Key new findings applicable to lupin growers are:
• Sclerotinia infects narrow-leaf lupin via two pathways: canopy and basal. Basal infection is more …

Mental Health Seeking Perspectives Of Filipino Immigrants In California, Jonathan Patam Won

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Filipino immigrants have low access to mental healthcare in their native country and a high rate of mental health disorders. The problem that was investigated in this concurrent triangulation mixed-methods study was a lack of understanding regarding how Filipino immigrants to California perceive mental health services. Acculturation theory was used to understand the lived experiences of eight Californian Filipino immigrants who had sought mental health services and seven who had not. All participants had lived in California for at least 10 years. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were employed for the qualitative component. An acculturation questionnaire was used to gather …

Regulating Chemoresistance And Cancer Stemness: The Cdh17-Yap Pathway In Distinct Cellular States Of Lung Cancer Ctc Clusters, Zujun Que, Dan Qi, Yun Yang, Wang Yao, Jiajun Liu, Yan Li, Yuanyuan Yu, Luyao Wang, Fangfei Li, Ge Zhang, Erxi Wu, Jianhui Tian

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Drug resistance in metastatic lung cancer significantly contributes to patient mortality. This study explores the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors to metastasis, in driving this resistance. We aim to delineate the unique biological traits of CTC clusters in lung cancer and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their resistance to chemotherapy.

Methods: We used an ultralow adsorption plate to establish a CTC suspension culture system. Comparisons between adherent and suspension cultures of CTC-TJH-01 cells were made via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays to evaluate cell proliferation, drug resistance, and cancer stemness. The …

Bilateral Carotid Body Paragangliomas With Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex Subunit D Gene Mutation, Abdul R. Khan, Kelvin Li, Neel D. Gupta, Jagan D. Gupta, Mohammed M. Ansari, Triet M. Do, Enrique Palacios

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Advances In Immunotherapy In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Matthew D. Bloom, Sourav Podder, Hien Dang, Daniel Lin

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Over the past several years, the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma has been transformed by the incorporation of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy into the treatment paradigm. Frontline systemic treatment options have expanded beyond anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as sorafenib, to a combination of immunotherapy approaches, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab, both of which have demonstrated superior response and survival to sorafenib. Additionally, combination treatments with checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been investigated with variable success. In this review, we discuss these advances in systemic treatment with immunotherapy, with a …

Openmmdl - Simplifying The Complex: Building, Simulating, And Analyzing Protein-Ligand Systems In Openmm, Valerij Talagayev, Yu Chen, Niklas Piet Doering, Leon Obendorf, Katrin Denzinger, Kristina Puls, Kevin Lam, Sijie Liu, Clemens Alexander Wolf, Theresa Noonan, Marko Breznik, Petra Knaus, Gerhard Wolber

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become an essential tool for studying the dynamics of biological systems and exploring protein–ligand interactions. OpenMM is a modern, open-source software toolkit designed for MD simulations. Until now, it has lacked a module dedicated to building receptor–ligand systems, which is highly useful for investigating protein–ligand interactions for drug discovery. We therefore introduce OpenMMDL, an open-source toolkit that enables the preparation and simulation of protein–ligand complexes in OpenMM, along with the subsequent analysis of protein–ligand interactions. OpenMMDL consists of three main components: OpenMMDL Setup, a graphical user interface based on Python Flask to …

Stabilization Of Argan Oil Nanoemulsions Using Chitosan Extracted From Pink Shrimp Shells, Yousra Mdarhri, Ikram Bouziane, Ilyace Korodowou, Narjisse Mokhtari, Lama Rissouli, Fakhita Touhami, Mohamed Chabbi, Ahmed Touhami

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

This study investigates the use of chitosan, extracted from pink shrimp shells, as a stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions. Chitosan was obtained through demineralization, deproteination, bleaching, deacetylation, and purification, then characterized through potentiometric titration, viscometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and purity assessments. The resulting chitosan was used to stabilize nanoemulsions formulated with extra-virgin argan oil and a nonionic surfactant using the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The stability of the nanoemulsion was assessed through light scattering, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH measurements. The extracted chitosan exhibited high purity, a deacetylation degree of 88.34%, a molecular weight of …

What To Do Now That You've Trapped A Nuisance Wild Animal, Cory Farnsworth, S. Nicole Frey

All Current Publications

This fact sheet outlines specific guidelines for legally responding to nuisance wild animals. Management best practices, animal use, euthanasia, and proper disposal are discussed.

Virologic Effects Of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Vrc01ls And Vrc07-523ls On Chronic Hiv-1 Infection, Myra Happe, Rachel M. Presti, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUNDHIV-1-specific broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) have emerged as promising interventions with the potential to effectively treat and prevent HIV-1 infections. We conducted a phase I clinical trial evaluating the potent CD4-binding site-specific (CD4bs-specific) bNAbs VRC01LS and VRC07-523LS in people with HIV-1 (PWH) not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).METHODSParticipants received a single intravenous 40 mg/kg dose of either VRC01LS (n = 7) or VRC07-523LS (n = 9) and did not initiate ART for a minimum of 14 days. The primary study objective was to evaluate safety and tolerability; the secondary study objectives were to evaluate pharmacokinetics (PK) and the impact of …

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Risk Of Developing Ptsd Among The Elderly: A Literature Review, Lam Chau

Discussions

No abstract provided.

A Kuba Raffia Cut-Pile Textile From The May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection, Stella Riehl

Department of Anthropology

The May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection at Loyola University Chicago contains thousands of objects, including numerous textiles. This report discusses one specific textile housed in the collection. The object is a raffia cut-pile cloth from the Kuba Kingdom of modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo. This report details the specific description, materials, and creation techniques of the object, as well as attribution of its cultural group, function, and date of creation. The object is further contextualized through the discussion of cultural production and usage of textiles among the Kuba. This includes their ritual and economic uses, as well as their changes …

Environmental Stability Of The Simulated Forest Immersion Therapy (Sfit) Intervention, Amy Miner Ross, Reo J. F. Jones, Kylee Deterding, Ella Rasmussen

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, has been shown to improve the pain experience in arthritis patients and the immune system in normal healthy patients. Yet, a simulated forest immersion therapy (SFIT) experience has not been tested in these two populations and specifically not in cancer patients. If SFIT complementary therapy in these two populations progresses, the intervention environment as designed needs to be tested. The purpose of this paper is to describe the SFIT setting and test the stability of the interventional environment. Methods: To operationalize SFIT, a protocol of dose delivery was designed and measured. Ambient and surface room temperatures, …

Confluent Soft Nodules On Buttocks, Awa Bakayoko, Chiamaka Ohanenye, Jason B. Lee, Shaan Patel, Sylvia Hsu

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Alternative Splicing Of Transposable Elements In Human Breast Cancer., Alex V Nesta, Diogo F T Veiga, Jacques Banchereau, Olga Anczuków, Christine R Beck

Faculty Research 2025

Transposable elements (TEs) drive genome evolution and can affect gene expression through diverse mechanisms. In breast cancer, disrupted regulation of TE sequences may facilitate tumor-specific transcriptomic alterations. We examine 142,514 full-length isoforms derived from long-read RNA sequencing (LR-seq) of 30 breast samples to investigate the effects of TEs on the breast cancer transcriptome. Approximately half of these isoforms contain TE sequences, and these contribute to half of the novel annotated splice junctions. We quantify splicing of these LR-seq derived isoforms in 1,135 breast tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 1,329 healthy tissue samples from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), …

Black Community Member Perceptions And Ethics Recommendations On Epigenomic Research., Courtney D. Berrios, Tammy Basey, Andrea Bradley-Ewing, Stacey Daniels-Young, Daysha Lewis, Keith Feldman, Mary Moffatt, Tomi Pastinen, Elin Grundberg

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Social epigenomics research investigates links between social experiences and epigenetic modifications, which may ultimately impact health. Such research holds promise for precision medicine and addressing health disparities based on social conditions, but also brings unique ethical challenges. The linking of social experiences to biological changes risks pathologizing experiences, potentially leading individuals and communities to be seen as 'damaged.' This stigmatization or stereotyping based on experiences also risks placing disproportionate personal responsibility for health. These risks are likely to be amplified in historically marginalized communities already facing discrimination. It is therefore essential to engage members of historically marginalized communities to …

Urbanization Impacts Dissolved Organic Matter Concentration And Quality In A Southeastern United States Watershed, Gwendolyn M. Hopper, Erik M. Smith, Jade Dormoy-Boulanger, Claudia R. Benitez-Nelson

Faculty Publications

Blackwater rivers are named due to their exceptionally high concentrations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). They are the predominant lotic ecosystem in the United States Southeastern Coastal Plain, a region experiencing some of the nation’s highest rates of development. This study assessed variability in DOM concentration and composition across forested to urbanized blackwater systems in coastal South Carolina, U.S. Dissolved organic carbon and nutrient concentrations as well as absorbance and fluorescence optical properties reveal that urban sites have lower concentrations, elemental ratios, and less complex DOM. In contrast, forested blackwater sites have concentrations an order of magnitude higher, elevated …

Aberrant Choroid Plexus Formation Drives The Development Of Treatment-Related Brain Toxicity, Tamara Bender, Esther Schickel, Celine Schielke, Jürgen Debus, David R Grosshans, Marco Durante, Insa S Schroeder

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Brain tumors are commonly treated with radiotherapy, but the efficacy of the treatment is limited by its toxicity to the normal tissue including post-irradiation contrast enhanced lesions often linked to necrosis. The poorly understood mechanisms behind such brain lesions were studied using cerebral organoids. Here we show that irradiation of such organoids leads to dose-dependent growth retardation and formation of liquid-filled cavities but is not correlated with necrosis. Instead, the radiation-induced changes comprise of an enhancement of cortical hem markers, altered neuroepithelial stem cell differentiation, and an increase of ZO1+/AQP1+/CLDN3+-choroid plexus (CP)-like structures accompanied by an upregulation of IGF2 mRNA, …

Exploring Service Quality In Gambian Public Universities In The Dawn Of Massification: Perceptions Of Internal Authorities, Yankuba Yabou, Precious Nyoni

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: The purpose of our study was to explore the perceptions of internal authorities of public universities in The Gambia—with a focus on the University of The Gambia (UTG)—on service quality amid massification and thereby elicit their recommendations.

Method: This qualitative case study of service quality in public universities in the Gambia employed content analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews to ascertain categories.

Results: The results showed an unfavorable view of the quality of all the factors observed—physical environment quality, core educational quality, and transformative quality. Despite efforts of the university administration to enhance the quality of education, the …

Unlocking Opportunities To Transform Patient Care: An Expert Insight On Limitations And Opportunities In Patient Monitoring, Maurizio Cecconi, Ana L. Hutanu, John Beard, Patricio Gonzalez-Pizarro, Marlies Ostermann, Anna Batchelor, Jos M. Latour, Jörn Grensemann, Michele Giovanni Mondino, Jesus Caballero, Manfred Blobner, Finn M. Radtke

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: Current patient monitoring technologies are crucial for delivering personalised and timely care and are critical in achieving the best health outcomes while maintaining high care standards. However, these technologies also present several challenges affecting patients and healthcare professionals. Information overload: Healthcare providers often deal with excess data, making it challenging to identify the most critical patient information quickly. This may lead to delays in necessary interventions and potentially poorer patient outcomes. Alarm fatigue: Many patient monitoring systems trigger frequent false alarms. This high incidence can cause healthcare providers to become desensitised, potentially leading to slower response times or overlooked …

Nature Journaling: A Tool For Designing A Responsive Science Methods Course For Adult Learners, Meenakshi Sharma, Divya Gangadin, Francy Gomez

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

We examined an outdoor, experiential learning approach within a science methods course for nontraditional adult learners who are often career changers or individuals transitioning into teaching later in life. Through immersive, nature-based experiences, the course connected adult learners to science via direct engagement with the natural world. We include reflections from two nontraditional learners who participated in a 6-week nature journaling process, showcasing how they embraced inquiry-based experiences in natural settings. These reflections reveal a supportive learning environment that values diverse learning styles and life experiences and encourages exploration. Insights from these experiences can guide science teacher educators in developing …