bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel and Highly Efficient Antibacterial PLA Composites Prepared with Liquidambar Orientalis Oil and Ag@g-C3N4 Nanocomposite
Authors: Durmus Zehra , Köferstein Roberto , Özgen Arzu , Lindenberg Titus , Maijenburg A. Wouter , Durmus Ali 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Flexible PLA-based antibacterial composite films were prepared using a natural oil, Liquidambar orientalis, as bio-based plasticizer, and 2D graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) decorated with Ag nanoparticles with a particle size of 10–30 nm as antibacterial agent (Ag@g-C3N4). This structurally designed antibacterial nanocomposite was synthesized with the preparation of g-C3N4 by high-temperature annealing followed by the reduction of silver salt onto g-C3N4. The Ag@g-C3N4 nanocomposite exhibited a surface area value of 18 g/m2. PLA/Ag@g-C3N4 composite films were prepared with solution casting method by introducing 30 phr of L. orientalis oil and various amounts (1, 2 and 4 phr) of Ag@g-C3N4. It was found that 30 phr of L. orientalis oil successfully plasticized the PLA and reduced its glass transition temperature from 60 °C to 43 °C and its melting temperature more than 10 °C by reducing the strong interactions and hydrogen bonds between PLA chains. L. orientalis oil also acted as a dispersion agent for the Ag@g-C3N4 nanocomposite particles and significantly improved their antibacterial activity. Antibacterial tests performed using Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC BAA 747) indicated that introducing a small amount of 2D Ag@g-C3N4 nanocomposite particles into PLA yielded superior antibacterial activity.
A co-evolutionary knowledge exchange network for the entrepreneurial valorization of academic research: evidence from Italy
Authors: Paniccia Paola M. A. , Baiocco Silvia , Scafarto Francesco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper aims to better understand the complex interplay and co-shaping of relationships among quadruple helix actors, i.e. universities, firms, institutions, and civil society, underlying the dynamics of knowledge exchange networks for the entrepreneurial valorization of academic research, and related impacts. A longitudinal co-evolutionary analysis of a successful case study regarding a network among quadruple helix actors operating in Italy (Start Cup Lazio) has been conducted by adopting participatory action research. The co-evolutionary lens adopted in the paper looks at the relationship between actors of the network, the network itself, and the external environment as circular, mutually influential, and dialectical, considering them as forces that co-determine organizational adaptation. Results draw attention to the dialectical nature of the relationships among quadruple helix actors involved, the reciprocal influence between them and eight factors, internal and external to universities, in shaping the network dynamics, leading to societal impacts. The latter are comprehensively assessed through a set of proposed indicators. Findings suggest conceiving positive societal impacts generated by such networks as a result of multilevel co-evolutionary adaptations among quadruple helix actors and between the network itself and the rest of society. Systemic approach is identified as the main determinant of effective co-adaptations. Results extend prior research by providing a novel co-evolutionary explanation of network dynamics and related societal impacts in the context of complex adaptive systems. Practical implications for quadruple helix actors suggest how to engage in a network of relationships to co-create innovative solutions from entrepreneurial valorization of research that address societal needs.
Bayesian Stochastic Rainfall Generator (BSRG): Intelligent and Digital tool for Rainfall Forecasting through Bayesian Causal Modelling
Authors: Molina Jose-Luis , Patino-Alonso Carmen , Espejo Fernando 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Rainfall is probably the most uncertain natural variable. This research is mainly aimed to design an intelligent data-driven tool called Bayesian Stochastic Rainfall Generator (BSRG) for improving the rainfall forecast. There are several previous stochastic generators for rainfall data generation. However, there is not any designed through a Bayesian stochastic approach. The utilization of rainfall data from the Muñogalindo rain gauge in Ávila, Spain, is discussed in this study, offering insights into the region’s Mediterranean continental climate. The innovative methodology known as Hyetoclust, serves as the foundation for the subsequent development of the BSRG. Findings reveal that cluster-specific characteristics significantly influence rainfall patterns, expressed as probabilistic distributions, under both normal and extreme regimes. In normal conditions, Cluster 3 exhibits the most sensitive behaviour of Rainfall Intensity to the optimization (Max and Min) of Event Duration compared to Clusters 1 and 2. This highlights the heterogeneous nature of rainfall patterns and emphasizes the necessity of considering cluster-specific traits in modelling and forecasting. Conversely, under extreme rainfall conditions, clusters exhibit varied responses. Clusters 1 and 3 tend to have similar effectively impacts under optimization (Max and Min) scenarios, while Cluster 2 displays a more complex behavior. In general terms, cluster 2 is the least sensitive to a minimization of time duration. This emphasizes the nuanced nature, expressed as probabilistic distributions, of hydrological responses and reinforces the importance of cluster-specific analysis in optimizing strategies during extreme regimes.
Arterial phase enhancement of the adrenal glands as a severity indicator for acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ookura Ryusuke , Usuki Noriaki , Miki Yukio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the relationship between the computed tomography (CT) value of the adrenal glands in the arterial phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Materials and methods
We measured the maximum CT values of the adrenal glands on the arterial phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT of patients with acute pancreatitis and compared them with those of the non-pancreatitis group. Moreover, we evaluated the correlations between the adrenal CT values and maximum C-reactive protein (CRPmax) and CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) in the clinical courses.

Results
In this retrospective study, a total of 68 patients was included. The maximum CT value of the adrenal glands of pancreatitis group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.001). Significant fair correlations were observed between the adrenal CT value and CRPmax (r = 0.483, p < 0.001) or CAR (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). The cut-off value of the adrenal CT values was determined as 180.5 Hounsfield unit.

Conclusion
In cases of acute pancreatitis, the maximum CT value of the adrenal gland in the arterial phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT was significantly higher than in non-pancreatitis controls, and the intensity of the contrast enhancement correlated with the CRPmax and CAR during the subsequent course of pancreatitis. This finding may assist in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis.
In vitro propagation and assessment of genetic stability in Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. as affected by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs)
Authors: Ghareb Heba El-Sayed , Mustafa Sabha Salman , Ibrahim Shafik Darwish , Abd Alhady Mohamed Reda , Gabr Mahdia Farid 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. is an evergreen tree that holds economic significance. It is cultivated for its fruits, leaves and ornamental properties. Its propagation by seeds and cuttings is inefficient due to high heterozygosity, lengthy juvenile phase and reproductive cycle. This study establishes a direct in vitro propagation technique for the plant from the mother tree. The impact of different zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NP) concentrations on E. japonica’s in vitro propagation was assessed. Genetic stability of the micropropagated plantlets was also conducted using start codon targeted (SCoT) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers to evaluate the protocols’ efficiency. Successful shoot establishment involved 1.0 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) supplemented to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, yielding 80% growth induction, the highest shoot number (3.72) and length (4.84 cm). MS medium with 1.0 mg L−1 BA and 1.0 mg L−1 kinetin (Kin) achieved 95% multiplication and optimal shoot number (5.70). Adding 50.0 mg L−1 ZnO-NPs significantly influenced shoot formation, leading to 100% growth induction, highest shoot number (7.67) and highest shoot length (4.0 cm). Rooting using 1.5 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in half MS medium achieved 100% rooting response and 85% survival for post-greenhouse acclimatization. Genetic stability analysis showed low degree of polymorphism (3.3%) and high percentage of monomorphic bands (96.7%) between donor and micropropagated plants. Dice’s similarity coefficient displayed high similarity (0.992 to 1.000) between sub-cultured and mother plants. An effective method for in vitro propagation of E. japonica was successfully established. ZnO-NPs significantly influence shoot formation and facilitate the mass production of E. japonica plants with desired characteristics.
Particle swarm optimization for preference rankings
Authors: Romano Maurizio , Conversano Claudio , Siciliano Roberta , D’Ambrosio Antonio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Preference learning, or the analysis of preference rankings, is gaining more and more importance in various scientific disciplines. Preference learning methods allow predicting preferences on a set of alternatives. The ingredients are a pool of evaluators and a set of objects or items to be ranked in order of preference. The rank aggregation problem must be solved in order to aggregate preferences or rankings with the aim to find a consensus or collective decision. Branch-and-bound-like procedures are usable up to problems involving a relatively small number of objects, say less than 200. When the number of items becomes very large, the rank aggregation problem becomes increasingly difficult to approach so that it is universally recognized as an NP-hard problem. Several heuristic methods have been proposed to provide increasingly accurate solutions. These assume the Kemeny axiomatic approach that better deals with tied rankings. In this paper, we adopt a strategy based on Particle Swarm Optimization by adapting procedures born to solve optimization problems in continuous spaces to discrete combinatorial optimization problems. A simulation study shows the performance of the proposed algorithm in a controlled environment. A benchmarking complex data set and two real world data sets with large number of items are considered. As a result, the proposed algorithm provides significant savings in computational time and comparable accuracy with respect to other recent algorithms.
Effect of Cumulative Zinc Doses on Papillary Muscle Contractions and the Zinc Finger Protein ZEB1
Authors: Akgun-Unal Nı̇lufer , Ustun Aylı̇n , Bayirli Sevban , Unal Omer , Mogulkoc Rası̇m , Baltacı Abdulkerim Kasım 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of cumulative doses of Zn2+ (by exposing samples to 1 µM, 10 µM, and 100 µM ZnCl2) on myocardial papillary muscle contractions isolated from rat hearts in vitro and the roles of the zinc finger protein ZEB1 in this effect. In these preparations, 100 µM ZnCl2 application in different protocols caused a decrease in contraction force and an increase in contraction time in both frequency-dependent parameters and pre-expected stimuli when compared to the control group. Our study data show that Ca2+ homeostasis is closely related to increasing Zn2+ doses (especially at 100 µM ZnCl2 dose). Secondly, the levels of ZEB1, a zinc finger protein, were also significantly lower in the 100 µM ZnCl2 group compared to the other groups, which seems to be related to the increase in Ca2+ that triggers ROS production at high doses of Zn2+. The data of our study, which we conducted to understand the Zn2+ concentrations in the heart and to reveal new mechanisms that play a role in the regulation of Ca2+ dynamics in heart tissue and is the first research in the literature on this subject, show that in vitro zinc application may have a dose-dependent effect on myocardial papillary muscle contractions.
Multi-omics in Allergic Rhinitis: Mechanism Dissection and Precision Medicine
Authors: Hao Yan , Yang Yujuan , Zhao Hongfei , Chen Ying , Zuo Ting , Zhang Yu , Yu Hang , Cui Limei , Song Xicheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease caused by inhaled allergens, and its prevalence has increased in recent decades. AR not only causes nasal leakage, itchy nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and allergic conjunctivitis but also induces asthma, as well as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and other phenomena that seriously affect the patient’s ability to study and work, lower their quality of life, and burden society. The current methods used to diagnose and treat AR are still far from ideal. Multi-omics technology can be used to comprehensively and systematically analyze the differentially expressed DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites and their biological functions in patients with AR. These capabilities allow for an in-depth understanding of the intrinsic pathogenic mechanism of AR, the ability to explore key cells and molecules that drive its progression, and to design personalized treatment for AR. This article summarizes the progress made in studying AR by use of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics in order to illustrate the important role of multi-omics technologies in facilitating the precise diagnosis and treatment of AR.
Exosomes and solid cancer therapy: where are we now?
Authors: Zemanek Tomas , Danisovic Lubos , Nicodemou Andreas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology, offering new hope for patients with previously incurable cancers. However, solid tumors remain a significant challenge due to immune evasion, therapeutic resistance, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, a specialized subset of extracellular vesicles, have emerged as promising tools in cancer therapy owing to their unique role in intercellular communication and immune modulation. These vesicles transport antigens, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and immune-modulatory cargo, positioning them as potential platforms for cancer vaccines, drug delivery systems, and combinatorial therapies. Advances in engineered exosomes have improved drug bioavailability, tumor targeting, and immune stimulation, showcasing their potential in personalized medicine. This review highlights their multifaceted role in the tumor microenvironment, and their mechanisms of action in solid cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies to overcome clinical and technical hurdles, paving the way for novel and effective cancer treatments.
Study of an N6-methyladenosine- and ferroptosis-related prognostic model and the mechanisms underlying the molecular network in neuroblastoma based on multiple datasets
Authors: Chu Jing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent research highlights the pivotal role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and ferroptosis in the evolution of various cancers. This study aimed to establish a prognostic framework centered on genes associated with m6A and ferroptosis to enhance the accuracy of prognosis predictions for neuroblastoma (NB) patients, thereby improving targeted therapeutic strategies. Patient data, including expression profiles and clinical information from NB cases, were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Genes related to m6A modification and ferroptosis were identified, and those significant for prognosis were pinpointed using a combination of Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. For further validation, the study utilized external datasets GSE62564 and GSE85047. A prognostic index was computed for each NB patient, followed by analyses of immune cell infiltration and potential drug responsiveness based on the prognostic model. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted on the prognostic scores. These scores showed a strong association with the tumor immune environment and the efficacy of prevalent cancer therapies. Moreover, the model’s prognostic score emerged as an independent predictive marker for NB. This research succeeded in creating and confirming a prognostic model rooted in m6A and ferroptosis-linked genes, promising to enrich the prognostic understanding and treatment approaches for NB.
Stigmatization Attitudes and Affecting Factors of Parents with and Without Children with Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Simsek Aysegul 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study examines whether encountering cancer makes a difference and the perspectives and attitudes of parents of children with cancer. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with parents who applied to the emergency department of a hospital. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form and the “Cancer Attitudes Questionnaire (Cancer Stigma)-Community Version.” Mean, minimum, maximum, number, and percentages and comparison analyses (chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests) were performed. The significance level was a 95% confidence interval. The study was completed with a total of 362 parents, 120 of whom had children with cancer. Of the parents, 82.9% are mothers. The scale score of those who had a child with cancer was 3.34 and 3.22 for those who did not have a child with cancer. The scale score was affected by the number of children (p=0.008), mother’s occupation (p=0.00), parents’ educational status (mother p=0.05; father p=0.03), family type (p=0.00), family economic status (p=0.02), religious perception (p=0.01), child’s age (p=0.001), gender (p=0.00), type of treatment (p=0.00), and previous hospital experience (p=0.006). The findings revealed that parents’ attitudes towards cancer were negative regardless of whether they experienced cancer or not. Personal characteristics such as family type, parental occupation, and educational status, as well as disease-related characteristics such as the type of the child’s disease (acute or chronic) and the type of treatment, affect the direction of attitudes. It is recommended that stigmatization be included in individual and community education on health. Especially for patients, the feelings and effects of stigmatization can be included. It is also recommended to include an empathic approach in education.
Case-based learning: a case of maturity-onset diabetes of the young 5 (MODY5) due to 17q12 microdeletion with a diminished plasma glucagon level
Authors: Sugano Yoko , Sekiya Motohiro , Murayama Yuki , Osaki Yoshinori , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Suzuki Hiroaki , Fukushima Hiroko , Suzuki Hisato , Noguchi Emiko , Shimano Hitoshi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY5), causally associated with loss-of-function of the HNF1B gene, is a rare form of monogenic diabetes that has been underdiagnosed in part because microdeletions of chromosome 17q12 encompassing the HNF1B gene cannot be detected by sequencing-based approaches, which accounts for about 50% of MODY5 cases. We herein describe a 37-year-old Japanese woman who manifested diabetic ketosis at the onset. The coexistence of features associated with MODY5, including abnormal renal function, impaired insulin secretion, pancreatic hypoplasia and hypomagnesemia, prompted us to decode her genomic information using whole-exome sequencing, where we were not able to identify any pathogenic HNF1B gene mutations. We further examined her genomic integrity using multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) analysis, leading to identification of the 17q12 microdeletion which was further supported by array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). Her insulin secretory capacity was insufficient, whereas her total daily dose of insulin was 11 U/day (0.25 U/Kg/day), indicating that she was relatively sensitive to insulin. As a possible explanation, we found that her plasma glucagon level was below the detection limit. Since inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACACA), encoded in close proximity to the HNF1B gene, was reported to blunt glucagon secretion, the concurrent deletion of the ACACA gene may be in part responsible for this manifestation. In conclusion, the genetic analyses of MODY5 cases require the judicious use of appropriate genetic technologies. In addition, alpha-cell dysfunction may at least in part account for the variable clinical manifestations of MODY5.
Preservice teachers as curriculum deliverers or curriculum-makers? Exploring curriculum-making conceptions and opportunities in professional experiences
Authors: Poulton Phillip 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper explores the impact of ongoing performativity and accountability agendas in education which frame curriculum merely as a product for delivery and teachers more as ‘technicians’ rather than curriculum-makers. While research has explored the impact of such agendas on the realities of teachers’ curriculum experiences within schools, further insight is needed on the implications for initial teacher education and preservice teachers’ developing curriculum identities. Focusing initially on a collective group of Australian preservice teachers, this study explores their conceptualisations of and aspirations for curriculum-making as part of their future classroom practice. By drawing on two in-depth cases from this collective, this study highlights the constrained nature of curriculum-making experiences during professional experience placements, and the implications this has for their capability development as aspirational curriculum-makers. The findings underscore the need for professional experience placement opportunities that foster preservice teachers’ development as active and critical curriculum-makers, rather than passive deliverers. Supporting these opportunities is paramount, especially in an educational landscape which seeks to de-professionalise the teaching profession further through the outsourcing of teachers’ curriculum thinking and expertise.