bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tooth loss in young mice is associated with cognitive decline and femur-bone mineral density
Authors: Hatakeyama Rie , Oue Hiroshi , Yokoi Miyuki , Ishida Eri , Tsuga Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis is a prevalent disease that is associated with increased hip fractures which cause significant decline in quality of life. Tooth loss affects systemic condition such as cognitive function through various mechanism, but the link between tooth loss and femoral bone mineral density is still uncertain. This study aims to investigate whether tooth loss in young mice affects memory function and femoral bone mineral density. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were allocated randomly into the control group with sham operation and the tooth-loss group extracted all maxillary molar. Step-through passive avoidance test as cognitive function test, micro-CT analysis and western blotting analysis were performed after 1- and 2-month observation period. Step-through passive avoidance test revealed that the tooth-loss group in 2-month observation period impaired cognitive function. Additionally, micro-CT analysis revealed a significant decrease in both the length of the mandible and bone mineral density in the femur of the tooth-loss group compared to the control group. Claudin-5 level in the hippocampus, which is one of the tight junction markers in blood–brain-barrier, was significantly decreased in the tooth-loss group. The findings of our present study suggested that tooth loss impair cognitive function accompanied by reduced tight-junction marker, mandibular growth and bone mineral density of femur.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): recent advances and future directions
Authors: Austelle Christopher W. , Cox Stewart S. , Wills Kristin E. , Badran Bashar W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is emerging as a unique and potent intervention, particularly within neurology and psychiatry. The clinical value of VNS continues to grow, while the development of noninvasive options promises to change a landscape that is already quickly evolving. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the field and offer readers a glimpse of the future for this bright and promising modality.

Methods
We compiled a narrative review of VNS literature using PubMed and organized the discussion by disease states with approved indications (epilepsy, depression, obesity, post-stroke motor rehabilitation, headache), followed by a section highlighting novel, exploratory areas of VNS research. In each section, we summarized the current role, recent advancements, and future directions of VNS in the treatment of each disease.

Results
The field continues to gain appreciation for the clinical potential of this modality. VNS was initially developed for treatment-resistant epilepsy, with the first depression studies following shortly thereafter. Overall, VNS has gained approval or clearance in the treatment of medication-refractory epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, obesity, migraine/cluster headache, and post-stroke motor rehabilitation.

Conclusion
Noninvasive VNS represents an opportunity to bridge the translational gap between preclinical and clinical paradigms and may offer the same therapeutic potential as invasive VNS. Further investigation into how VNS parameters modulate behavior and biology, as well as how to translate noninvasive options into the clinical arena, are crucial next steps for researchers and clinicians studying VNS.
Cellulose nanofiber aerogels: effect of the composition and the drying method
Authors: Baraka Farida , Ganesan Kathirvel , Milow Barbara , Labidi Jalel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHighly porous and lightweight aerogels of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have emerged as a promising class of material. This study delves into the impact of the composition (lignocellulose nanofibers–LCNFs and CNFs) and the drying methods (supercritical drying and freeze-drying) on the morphology and the properties of nanocellulose-based aerogels. The investigation evaluates the concentrations of nanofibers and the influence of lignin, a constituent of LCNFs recognized for enhancing the rigidity of plant cell walls, on the aerogel’s properties. The shrinkage rates, density, pore structure, and mechanical properties of the obtained aerogels are comprehensively compared. Supercritical drying proves advantageous for aerogel formation, resulting in materials with lower density and higher surface area than their freeze-dried counterparts at each concentration level. The use of acetone for supercritical drying contributes to reduce the shrinkage rates compared to ethanol. This decrease is attributed to the formation of a more rigid hydrogel during solvent exchange. Freeze-drying exhibits the lowest shrinkage rates and relatively higher porosity. The presence of lignin in the nanofibers influences the microstructure, yielding smoother and thicker pore walls. This study contributes to the comprehensive understanding of the intricate factors shaping nanocellulose aerogel properties, paving the way for the development of innovative and environmentally-friendly materials.
Conversing with business process-aware large language models: the BPLLM framework
Authors: Bernardi Mario Luca , Casciani Angelo , Cimitile Marta , Marrella Andrea 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Traditionally, process-aware Decision Support Systems (DSSs) have been enhanced with AI functionalities to facilitate quick and informed decision-making. In this context, AI-Augmented Business Process Management Systems have emerged as innovative human-centric information systems, blending flexibility, autonomy, and conversational capability. Large Language Models (LLMs) have significantly boosted such systems, showcasing remarkable natural language processing capabilities across various tasks. Despite the potential of LLMs to support human decisions in business contexts, empirical validations of their effectiveness for process-aware decision support are scarce in the literature. In this paper, we propose the Business Process Large Language Model (BPLLM) framework, a novel approach for enacting actionable conversations with human workers. BPLLM couples Retrieval-Augmented Generation with fine-tuning, to enrich process-specific knowledge. Additionally, a process-aware chunking approach is incorporated to enhance the BPLLM pipeline. We evaluated the approach in various experimental scenarios to assess its ability to generate accurate and contextually relevant answers to users’ questions. The empirical study shows the promising performance of the framework in identifying the presence of particular activities and sequence flows within the considered process model, offering insights into its potential for enhancing process-aware DSSs.
Functionalization of Chitosan-Chitin Nanowhiskers Films By Impregnation With Essential Oils Via Supercritical CO2
Authors: Muñoz-Núñez C. , Hevilla V. , Zágora J. , Plachá D. , Muñoz-Bonilla A. , Fernández-García M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHerein, we prepared functional chitosan films reinforced with chitin nanocrystals by supercritical solvent impregnation with a variety of essential oils, i.e. mentha, clove, and cinnamon. Two different chitosan film structures were evaluated, smooth and compact films obtained by casting; and highly porous films prepared by lyophilization process. The effect of the film morphology, essential oil impregnation and the presence of chitin nanowhiskers on the properties of the films were extensively investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and tensile testing; while the bioactive functions were evaluated by measuring the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. It was found that the impregnation of essential oils is much higher in porous films, confering notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of chitin nanocrystal does not influence on the impregnation process, and only improves slightly the antioxidant performance, which is clearly appreciable in the case of films obtained by casting with an increase of ca. 35% from chitosan without to samples with 5 wt% of chitin nanowhiskers. Nevertheless, an important enhancement of the mechanical properties, particularly in elastic modulus, is clearly appreciated with the incorporation of chitin nanowhisker into the films, with values of 50% higher in comparison with chitosan without nanowishers. However, the elongation at break and tensile strength values suffer a slight decrease.
Graphical Abstract
Psychometric Properties of the Dutch Surrender to God Scale: Relationships with Religious Behavior, God Representation, Well-being, and Health
Authors: Seesink Henk-Jan , van Dusseldorp Michelle , Ostafin Brian D. , Schaap-Jonker Hanneke , Wiers Reinout W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGiven that surrender to God has been associated with health and well-being in believers, research in this area would benefit from the availability of scales outside the United States, where these were first developed. To this end, we conducted two studies (N = 130 and N = 574) in Christian samples in the Netherlands to test the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Surrender to God Scale (D-StGS). In addition, the abbreviated Religious Surrender Scale-2 was tested to examine whether the two-item scale would show validity and reliability, as this would benefit research in which there are time (and other) constraints on assessment. Both scales showed adequate to excellent internal consistency, convergent validity with religious coping and religious orientation, and predictive validity; specifically with (I) lower anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms and (II) higher scores on religious behavior and meaning in life. Likewise, both scales were related to (III) more positive, supportive, and ruling, and less passive, anxious, and angry God representations. However, explorative factor analysis of the D-StGS in the first study resulted in two factors (Imitation of God’s will and Peace through God’s will), which were confirmed with confirmatory factory analysis in the second study. It can be concluded that the D-StGS and abbreviated scale are useful for future research in Christian samples.
Worst Case Complexity Bounds for Linesearch-Type Derivative-Free Algorithms
Authors: Brilli Andrea , Kimiaei Morteza , Liuzzi Giampaolo , Lucidi Stefano 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the analysis of worst case complexity bounds for linesearch-type derivative-free algorithms for the minimization of general non-convex smooth functions. We consider a derivative-free algorithm based on a linesearch extrapolation technique. First we prove that it enjoys the same complexity properties which have been proved for pattern and direct search algorithms, namely that the number of iterations and of function evaluations required to drive the norm of the gradient of the objective function below a given threshold $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
for the first time is $${{\mathcal {O}}}(\epsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(

ϵ

-
2

)

in the worst case. This is the first contribution proving worst-case complexity properties for derivative-free linesearch-type algorithms. Then we show that the lineasearch approach used by the described algorithm allows us to guarantee the further property that the number of iterations such that the norm of the gradient is bigger than $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
is $$\mathcal{O}(\epsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(

ϵ

-
2

)

in the worst case.
How Mucilaginous Seeds of Different Plant Species Respond to Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma Treatment
Authors: Šerá Božena , Šrámková Petra , Tunklová Barbora , Ďurčányová Sandra , Šerý Michal , Žarnovičan Hubert , Drozdíková Anna , Satrapinský Leonid , Zahoranová Anna , Kováčik Dušan , Hnilička František 
Published: October 2024

AbstractImportant representatives of mucilaginous seeds from different plant species, namely amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), common flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk.), and chia (Salvia hispanica L.) were subjected to non-thermal plasma (NTP) generated by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge with different exposure times (1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30 s). Seed water uptake, kinematic viscosity, parameters of seed germination and initial seedling growth were monitored along with chemical and morphological changes on the seed surface. Water absorption increased with increasing plasma exposure time for garden cress, psyllium and chia seeds, but it was greatest for chia seeds. For all seed species, the kinematic viscosity decreased with increasing plasma exposure time. The highest values were found for chia seeds after a treatment for 30 s. Surface analyses did not reveal any chemical and morphological changes of the seed surface. According to a PCA comparison of basic characteristics of germination and initial growth, common flax seeds differ in their reaction to NTP from the other tested plants. On the contrary, chia seeds showed the best water uptake and kinematic viscosity. It was shown that NTP treatment improves the absorption of mucilaginous seeds and does not change the surface and structural properties of the seeds. These mucilaginous seeds can be used as raw seed, whereby NTP accelerates their preparation during soaking.
From one to many: education, diversity, and international experience in habitual vs. one-time founders
Authors: Sanguineti Francesca , Majocchi Antonio , Lechner Christian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhat sets apart entrepreneurs who continuously start new businesses from those who stick with their first venture? This paper delves into the characteristics that distinguish habitual founders from one-time founders. Analyzing a dataset of over 5000 individuals, we combine the concepts of cognitive entrenchment and human capital theory to uncover the general and specific traits that increase the likelihood of becoming a habitual founder. Our findings suggest that a higher level of education, diverse professional backgrounds, and international experience increase the chances of becoming a habitual founder. By exploring the backgrounds of habitual entrepreneurs, this study provides valuable insights for supporting and promoting an entrepreneurial career.
Are Membrane Bioreactors Really More Efficient in Removing Pharmaceutical Substances?—Variance Component Analysis Of Micropollutant Removal
Authors: El Brahmi Asmae , Azzellino Arianna , Malpei Francesca , Buttiglieri Gianluigi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study evaluates the influence of micropollutant chemical characteristics on the removal of pharmaceutical substances through three different treatments: membrane bioreactor, full wastewater treatment with final filtration (WWTP), and secondary treatment through a conventional activated sludges system, operated in parallel at realistic sludge retention time (SRT) over three years and four sampling campaigns. Treated wastewater from the WWTP enters the local canal with a low dilution ratio. Therefore, the monitoring of water contamination is of particular interest for a reliable assessment of environmental risk. A total of 39 pharmaceutical substances were screened. While differences among the three types of treatments were found statistically not significant, data analysis performed through a generalized linear model showed that both the influent concentration and the physicochemical characteristics are strong predictors for the removal of micropollutant. SRT had no significance for the three types of treatment of this study. Finally, pharmaceuticals were divided into three major classes based on their influent concentration and removal. A canonical discriminant analysis was used to predict the removals and showed that the pharmaceuticals removal rates are strongly influenced by their hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and enabled to predict their removal categories with high accuracy (i.e., 65% of correct predictions).
Effects of testosterone and metformin on the GlycanAge index of biological age and the composition of the IgG glycome
Authors: Vinicki Martina , Pribić Tea , Vučković Frano , Frkatović-Hodžić Azra , Plaza-Andrades Isaac , Tinahones Francisco , Raffaele Joseph , Fernández-García José Carlos , Lauc Gordan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith aging, the body’s ability to maintain regular functions declines, increasing susceptibility to age-related diseases. Therapeutic interventions targeting the underlying biological changes of aging hold promise for preventing or delaying multiple age-related diseases. Metformin, a drug commonly used for diabetes treatment, has emerged as a potential gerotherapeutic agent due to its established safety record and preclinical and clinical data on its anti-aging effects. Glycosylation, one of the most common and complex co- and post-translational protein modifications, plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and has been linked to aging and various diseases. Changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation patterns have been observed with age, and these alterations may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease predisposition, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and overall health assessment. In this study, we analyzed the IgG glycosylation patterns of white men from Europe, aged 29–45 years, under treatment with metformin, testosterone, metformin plus testosterone, and placebo (trial registration number NCT02514629, 2013/07/04), and investigated the longitudinal changes in glycosylation over time. We observed statistically significant differences in the IgG glycome composition between participants on testosterone therapy and placebo, with decreased agalactosylation and increased galactosylation and sialylation. However, metformin therapy did not result in statistically significant changes in glycosylation patterns. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of therapeutic interventions on IgG glycosylation and confirm the value of IgG glycosylation as a significant biomarker, capable of assessing biological age using the GlycanAge index and providing insight into overall health compared to chronological age.
Domestication of wild-growing Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) from Ethiopian forests on augmented agro-industrial byproducts
Authors: Desisa Buzayehu , Muleta Diriba , Jida Mulissa , Dejene Tatek , Goshu Abayneh , Negi Tadesse , Martin-Pinto Pablo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite being extensively studied as a white-rot fungus, there have been no efforts to explore and cultivate the high-yielding wild Trametes versicolor strains in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was initiated to assess the growth performance of T. versicolor on various growth media. Accordingly, ten substrates (S1–S10) were formulated by a combination of agro-industrial by-products that mainly constituted sugarcane wastes and animal manures. The effect of substrates on yields, biological efficiencies, and nutritional compositions was examined. The mushroom developed a white mycelium on the growth media. T. versicolor cultivated on the S5 blend, comprising 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% horse manure, and 8% poultry manure, exhibited the most substantial fruiting body yield (158.33 g/500 g bag) and the highest biological efficiency (31.5%), with an optimal C:N ratio of 31:1. It has shown good mycelial growth, short colonization, and short pinhead formation time compared to other substrates. S7, lacking nitrogen supplementation, yielded low biological efficiency and fruiting bodies at 11.50% and 57.67%, respectively. The crude protein, fiber, low fat, and carbohydrate content ranged from 7.46 to 14.65%, 12.89 to 18.38%, 0.42 to 0.53%, and 48.75 to 66.75%, respectively. Notably, the highest nutritional values, excluding carbohydrates, were obtained from S5, while the sugarcane bagasse had the highest carbohydrate content among substrates. Consequently, S5 emerged as a suitable medium for cultivating wild T. versicolor mushrooms, particularly in regions abundant in poultry, horse manures, and sugarcane bagasse. Therefore, S5 represents an optimal substrate for T. versicolor cultivation, offering improved productivity and nutritional quality at reduced costs.
Discovery and characterization of novel lipopeptides produced by Virgibacillus massiliensis with biosurfactant and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Essghaier Badiaa , Naccache Chahnez , Ben-Miled Houda , Mottola Filomena , Ben-Mahrez Kamel , Mezghani Khemakhem Maha , Rocco Lucia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate the biosurfactants (BSs) production by SM-23 strain of Virgibacillus identified by phenotypical and WGS analysis as Virgibacillus massiliensis. We first demonstrated the lipopeptides production by Virgibacillus massiliensis specie and studied their biochemical and molecular analysis as well as their biological potential. The GC–MS analysis indicated that methyl.2-hyroxydodecanoate was the major fatty acid compound with 33.22%. The maximum BSs production was obtained in LB medium supplemented by 1% olive oil (v/v) at 30 °C and 5% NaCl with 1.92 g/l. The obtained results revealed the significant biosurfactants/bioemulsifier potential compared to triton X100 with E24 of 100%, and an emulsification stability SE of 83%. The lipopeptides types were identified by FTIR analysis. A strong antimicrobial action was observed by the produced lipopeptides by the agar diffusion method against E.coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, Fusarium sp, Alternaria sp, and Phytophtora sp. The complete genome sequencing showed genes involved in the synthesis of multiple compounds identified as amphipathic cyclic lipopeptides such as locillomycin/locillomycin B/locillomycin C and bacillibactin. Our results highlighted significant lipopeptides properties displayed by V. massiliensis that can be exploited to develop a novel strategy in the formulation of natural biocidal and fungicidal agents.
Prediction of surgical benefit in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Jin Shiyang , Wei Yuzhe , Wang Qiancheng , Ju Yuming , Wang Zeshen , Cheng Qingqing , Li Zhenglong , Liu Xirui , Wang Kuan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe objective is to evaluate whether gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis can benefit from surgery through a comprehensive analysis of different clinical factors and perioperative treatment methods. A total of 135 gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis were treated with Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Patients were divided into either training group (without surgery, n = 90) or test group (with surgery, n = 45). A nomogram was constructed based on significant prognostic factors. The patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups using a nomogram. Overall survival were then compared according to whether surgery was performed in both groups. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), complications, conversion chemotherapy, and postoperative chemotherapy were significantly associated with overall survival (p < 0.05). A nomogram was constructed using the above four factors and validated using the test set. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.752 (95% CI 0.525–978). In the group that did not undergo surgery, the median survival times for the high-risk and low-risk groups were 7 and 11 months, respectively. In the surgery group, the median survival times for the high-risk and low-risk groups were 11 and 19 months, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The four-factor nomogram can accurately predict high-risk and low-risk populations. Our findings suggest that cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC can improve the survival time of patients in both groups.