Effect of temperature and copper doping on the heterogeneous Fenton-like activity of Cux_xFe3−x_{3-x}O4_4 nanoparticles

Ferrite nanoparticles serve as potent heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) for decomposing organic pollutants. We investigated the impact of temperature and copper content on the catalytic activity of nanoparticles with different oxidation states of iron. Via solvothermal synthesis, we fabricated copper-doped magnetite (Cu$_x$Fe$_{3-x}$O$_4$) with a Fe$^{2+}$/Fe ratio ~0.33 for the undoped system. Using a microwave-assisted method, we produced copper-doped oxidized ferrites, yielding a Fe$^{2+}$/Fe ratio of ~0.11 for the undoped nanoparticles. The ROS generated by the catalyst were identified and quantified by electron paramagnetic resonance, while optical spectroscopy allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness for the degradation of a model organic dye. At room temperature, the magnetite nanoparticles exhibited the most $\cdot$OH radical production and achieved almost 90% dye discoloration in 2 hours. This efficiency decreased with increasing Cu concentration, concurrently with a decrease in $\cdot$OH generation. Conversely, above room temperature, Cu-doped nanoparticles significantly enhance the dye degradation, reaching 100% discoloration at 90$^\circ$C. This enhancement is accompanied by a systematic increase in the kinetic constants, obtained from reaction equations, with Cu doping. This study highlights the superior stability and high-temperature catalytic advantages of copper ferrite holding promise for enhancing the performance of nanocatalysts for decomposing organic contaminants.Comment: 40 pages, 11 figure

"Antarctic yeasts as a source of L-asparaginase: Characterization of a glutaminase-activity free L-asparaginase from psychrotolerant yeast Leucosporidium scottii L115"

"Microorganisms from extreme environments, such as the Antarctic ecosystems, have a great potential to produce enzymes with novel characteristics. Within this context, L-asparaginase (ASNase) obtained from yeast species has been poorly studied. In this study, yeasts isolated from samples collected at Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica) were tested to produce ASNase. From an initial screening of 40 strains, belonging to 13 different species, Leucosporidium scottii L115 produced an ASNase activity (LsASNase activity: 6.24 U g-1 of dry cell weight) with the lowest glutaminase activity. The LsASNase was purified 227-fold, with a specific activity of 137.01 U mg-1 at 37 ◦C, without glutaminase activity. Moreover, the maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH 7.5 and at a temperature of 55 ◦C. The enzyme is a multimer of 462 kDa, presenting a single band of 53 kDa molecular mass in reduced conditions; after PGNase F treatment, a single band of 45 kDa was observed. The enzymatic kinetic evaluation revealed an allosteric regulation of the enzyme and the kinetic parameters were determined at 37 ◦C, pH 7.0 as substrate affinity constant, K0.5 = 233 μM, kcat = 54.7 s − 1 and Hill coefficient, nH = 1.52, demonstrating positive cooperativity by the enzyme and the substrate. This is the first study to report L. scottii as a source of glutaminase-activity free L-asparaginase, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug feature suitable for the treatment of asparagine synthetase negative cancer cells.

t(5;12)(p13;p13) NIPBL/ETV6

Review on t(5;12)(p13;p13) NIPBL/ETV6, with data on clinics, and the genes involved

ITS strategic test plan : revision 1.0.

This test plan describes the testing strategy for the ITS (Integrated-TIGER-Series) suite of codes. The processes and procedures for performing both verification and validation tests are described. ITS Version 5.0 was developed under the NNSA's ASC program and supports Sandia's stockpile stewardship mission

Integrated use of residues from olive mill and winery for lipase production by solid state fermentation with Aspergillus sp

Two phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) is presently the major waste produced by the olive mill industry. This waste has potential to be used as substrate for solid state fermentation (SSF) despite of its high concentration of phenolic compounds and low nitrogen content. In this work, it is demonstrated that mixtures of TPOMW with winery wastes support the production of lipase by Aspergillus spp. By agar plate screening, Aspergillus niger MUM 03.58, Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.49 and Aspergillus uvarum MUM 08.01 were chosen for lipase production by SSF. Plackett-Burman experimental design was employed to evaluate the effect of substrate composition and time on lipase production. The highest amounts of lipase were produced by A. ibericus on a mixture of TPOMW, urea and exhausted grape mark (EGM). Urea was found to be the most influent factor for the lipase production. Further optimization of lipase production by A. ibericus using a full factorial design (32) conducted to optimal conditions of substrate composition (0.073 g urea/g and 25% of EGM) achieving 18.67 U/g of lipolytic activity.Jose Manuel Salgado is grateful for Postdoctoral fellowship (EX-2010-0402) of Education Ministry of Spanish Government. Luis Abrunhosa was supported by the grant SFRH/BPD/43922/2008 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia-FCT, Portugal. Authors thank Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) for financial support through the project FCT Pest-OE/EQB/LA0023/2011

Psychological distress as predictor of quality of life in men experiencing infertility: a cross-sectional survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Infertility is associated with impairment in human life. The quality of life (QOL) construct allows measuring the impact of health conditions in a broader way. The study aimed to explore the impact of the psychological distress on QOL's dimensions in men experiencing infertility.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>162 men were completed a socio-demographic form, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Hierarchical regressions included demographic and clinic variables, and subsequently depression and anxiety were added.</p> <p>Results and Discussion</p> <p>Model 1 was not accurate in predicting QOL. R²values ranged from 0.029 (Social Functioning) to 0.149 (Mental Health). Eight domains were not associated with any of the predictors. In the second model, a R²increase was observed in all domains. R²of QOL scores ranged from .209 (Role Physical) to .406 (Social Functioning). The intensity of the depression was a significant predictor for all outcomes. The load of depression was higher than the ones of the socio-demographic and clinical variables. Anxiety levels have also presented the same effect, but with less intensity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Subthreshold depression and anxiety were major predictors of QOL in men experiencing infertility. Health professionals need to include assessment of psychological symptomatology to plan more efficient interventions to infertile patients.</p

Patient-Perceived Changes in the System of Values After Cancer Diagnosis

A cross-sectional study investigated changes in patients’ value systems following a diagnosis of cancer. Fifty patients at 1 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis, were asked to compare their current values with their recollection of past values. Using the Rokeach Value Survey we obtained statistically significant results showing that twenty-seven out of thirty-six values changed their importance from the patients’ perspective: 16 values significantly increased, while 11 values significantly decreased in importance. Changes with respect to nine values were insignificant. We indentified clusters of values increasing in importance the most: Religious morality (Salvation, Forgiving, Helpful, Clean), Personal orientation (Self-Respect, True Friendship, Happiness), Self-constriction (Self-Controlled, Obedient, Honest), Family security (Family Security, Responsible), and Delayed gratification (Wisdom, Inner Harmony). We also observed that the following value clusters decreased in importance: Immediate gratification (An Exciting Life, Pleasure, A Comfortable Life); Self-expansion (Capable, Ambitious, Broadminded), Competence (A Sense of Accomplishment, Imaginative, Intellectual). The remaining values belonged to clusters that as a group changed slightly or not at all. Practical implications of the study are discussed