bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogenic-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using the Ligilactobacillus salivarius KC27L Postbiotic: Antimicrobial, Anti-Biofilm, and Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Effects
Authors: Yuksekdag Zehranur , Kilickaya Reyhan , Kara Filiz , Acar Berat Cinar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the postbiotic of the Ligilactobacillus salivarius KC27L strain and evaluate their multifunctional biological properties. The use of L. salivarius, a probiotic bacterium known for its ability to produce a wide range of metabolites, plays a crucial role in this process by acting as a natural, eco-friendly reducing, and stabilizing agent during AgNP synthesis. This approach not only eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals typically used in nanoparticle synthesis but also enhances the biocompatibility and biological efficacy of the resulting nanoparticles. Synthesized AgNPs were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR (metabolites of postbiotic); UV–vis (peak of 435 nm); scanning electron microscope, SEM; transmission electron microscopy, TEM (spherical shapes, sizes < 50 nm), energy-dispersive spectrometry, EDS (peak at 3 keV); and zeta potential (− 18.6 mV). These nanoparticles (0.156–40 mg/mL) were evaluated for the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, and antioxidant activities using four different methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, metal ion chelating, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and superoxide anion scavenging activities). Also, the cytotoxic activity was investigated against a normal cell line (L929) for 24, 48, and 72 h. At a concentration of 40 mg/mL, the AgNPs demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy, with inhibition zones measured as 14.9 mm for P. aeruginosa, 9.5 mm for E. coli, 15.7 mm for S. epidermidis, and 12.9 mm for S. mutans. The AgNPs exhibited anti-biofilm activities against all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains studied. According to the DPPH method, the highest antioxidant activity was determined at 40 mg/mL AgNP concentration (80.93%). AgNPs were found to have no toxic effect at low concentrations (0.39–25 µg/mL). Biogenic synthesized AgNPs could be used in biotechnological applications (biomaterials, health, environmental, etc.) with antibacterial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant, and nontoxic properties. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of the particles fully.
Investigating the antiproliferative properties of Amaryllidaceae plant species and their bioactive compounds on brain tumour cell lines
Authors: Omoruyi Sylvester I. , Augustine Tanya N. , Mabasa Lawrence , Hussein Ahmed A. , Mavumengwana Vuyo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is considered the most aggressive type of brain tumour due to its highly invasive properties that make complete surgical resection almost impossible and treatment very challenging. The current treatment for glioblastoma involves surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite these treatment options, tumour recurrence and toxicity from the chemotherapeutic agents remain problematic, which calls for novel treatment approaches. In this study, we investigate the antiproliferative activities of three Amaryllidaceae plant species, Crossyne flava, Amaryllis belladonna, and Boophone haemanthiodes, as well as their isolated bioactive compounds on U87 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines, with H9C2 cardiac myocyte used as a normal cell line. The effect of plant extracts and compounds on cell viability and long-term survival was determined using the MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] and clonogenic assay, respectively. Additionally, the ATP levels and apoptosis-inducing potential of the plant extracts and compounds were determined using the Promega Mitochondrial ToxGlo™ and Caspase-Glo™ 3/7 assay kits, respectively. The results reveal that both plant extracts and compounds induce cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cell lines, and the extracts also inhibit the long-term survival of U87 and U251 cells. The extracts were also selective to the cancer cells when the selectivity index was calculated. Furthermore, the plant extracts and compounds inhibited ATP production in the cancer cells, while induction of apoptosis was only evident in the compound-treated cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the Amaryllidaceae plant family could be a rich source of botanicals and phytochemicals that might be effective against glioblastoma.
A study of performance characteristics of combined waste polymer enhanced bitumen on hot and warm mix asphaltic concretes
Authors: Salami L. O. , Ameen I. O. , Tijani M. A. , Kareem M. A. , Bello A. A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Asphalt is extensively employed as a pavement component in the construction of roads. However, inadequate performance of conventional Hot Mix Asphaltic (HMA) and Warm Mix Asphaltic (WMA) concretes necessitate the adoption of polymer for bitumen modification. There are indications that modification of asphalt with Waste Plastic Bottle (WPB) and Waste Sachet Water (WSW) enhances the performance of HMA and WMA concretes. This study investigated the efficiency of HMA and WMA concretes modified with Combined Waste Polymer (CWP). Bitumen with a penetration grade of 60/70 was weighed into ten different containers before being heated for producing Hot Bitumen Mix (HBM). Sasobit was added to the 60/70 bitumen at a rate of 3.5% by weight to produce Warm Bitumen Mix (WBM). The HBM and WBM were modified with CWP in proportions ranging from 2 to 18% at 2% frequencies. The penetration (P), softening point (SP), and specific gravity (SG) have been established on HBM and WBM samples. Aggregates and filler were added to HBM and WBM samples to produce HMA and WMA concrete samples, respectively. Marshall quotient and Microstructural properties of the HMA and WMA concrete samples were evaluated. The obtained values of P, SP, and SG were 33–70 mm, 55–78 °C, 1.01–1.12, respectively for HBM and WBM samples. The range for Marshall quotient results for HMA and WMA concretes were 1.73–3.46 kN/mm and 2.50–3.63 kN/mm, respectively. The microstructural studies revealed that CWP modified HMA and WMA concrete samples demonstrated enhanced bulk density and compact strength. The incorporation of WPB and WSW into the production of HMA and WMA concretes has the potential to significantly improve their performance. This study is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 13. Further investigation utilizing WPB and WSW, in conjunction with their corks, is hereby recommended.
Identifying the reasons why men marry teenage girls: a qualitative study from the perspective of men in western Iran
Authors: Yoosefi lebni Javad , Ahmadi Ahmad , Irandoost Seyed Fahim , Saki Mandana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Marriage with teenage girls is an important health and social challenge, which is caused by various factors. Considering that no research has been done to show the reasons for men’s desire to marry teenage girls, this research was conducted with the aim of identifying the reasons why men marry teenage girls in western Iran. This qualitative research was conducted with the conventional content analysis approach among 37 men in western Iran who married to girls under the age of 18. Targeted, theoretical, and snowball sampling methods were used to reach the participants. To collect data, semi-structured interviews were used both in-person (20 people) and online (17 people). Data analysis was done with Graneheim and Lundman approach and checking the accuracy and strength of the results with Guba and Lincoln criteria. One core category, 9 subcategories, and 88 initial codes were obtained from the data analysis. The core category, foresight along with desired upbringing, included the subcategories of getting sure of purity, to bring up the girl, seeking sexual pleasure, dominating the wife, low expectations, appropriate fertility, encouragement of social organizations and families, following models, and cultural beliefs. The reasons for men marrying teenage girls are rooted in personality traits, family encouragement, and the cultural and social context of the society. Marriage with teenage girls can be prevented by intervening at different levels and taking measures such as training and raising men’s awareness about the consequences of marrying teenage girls, changing men’s cultural and gender beliefs, raising the awareness of parents and social organizations about the adverse effects of child marriage, and establishing appropriate laws.
Cultural persistence in health-seeking behaviour: a mixed-method study of traditional healing practices among Garo tribal women in Meghalaya, India
Authors: Mal Piyasa , Saikia Nandita 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Garo tribe, one of a major indigenous communities of Meghalaya, India, relies heavily on their traditional health practices. This research investigates the healthcare-seeking behaviour of Garo women, their health concerns, their indigenous medical knowledge, and their reasons for preferring traditional over modern medicines. Conducted in East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, quantitative data (N = 96) were randomly collected from Garo women aged 15–49 through interviews to understand their health-seeking behaviour. Following a preliminary analysis, qualitative data (N = 12) were gathered through in-depth interviews to identify common illnesses, dimensions of traditional medicines, and reasons for dependency on them. Thematic analysis was performed using Atlas Ti. The result shows that almost 84% of Garo women (N = 86) seek treatment from Ojha (traditional healer) for achik (traditional) medicine, with only 6% using modern health facilities and 10% relying on herbal home remedies. Garo women rely on their age-old traditional remedies for health issues, irrespective of their educational or economic status. From the qualitative findings, this study explores the Garo tribe’s unique traditional medicine, known as ‘achik medicine’, prepared through local herbs and plants, and is disseminated by traditional healers, or ‘ojhas’, whose knowledge is generational. Moreover, every Garo household possesses medicinal plants, and all are knowledgeable about their use. Major health issues faced by Garo women are menstrual disorders, post-delivery weakness, fever with severe headache and jaundice. Reasons for using achik medicines are more effectiveness than modern medicines, cultural identity, preference for natural remedies, efficiency of Ojhas, availability, accessibility, and affordability of Ojhas. Meanwhile, the reasons for using limited use of modern healthcare facilities are poor quality of service and remote location. This study underscores the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and respecting cultural heritage while ensuring the well-being of marginalised communities. Additionally, it highlights the need to improve modern healthcare quality and public transportation in the region.
Utopianism, activism and networks: insights into the early work of János Maróthy
Authors: Szemere Anna , Ignácz Ádám 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article explores the relationships between utopianism, activism and networks in the early career of the Hungarian musicologist János Maróthy (1925–2001). A prolific author of pioneering work on the social history of European peasant and urban folk songs from the antiquity to the modern era, Maróthy is noteworthy for establishing academic research of popular music in Hungary, both preceding and contributing to the emergence of new musicology and popular music studies in European and Anglo-American academia at the turn of the 1980s. Maróthy mediated between various grassroots movements and the party state's institutions and was a participant observer of various off-the-mainstream music-related scenes formed in Romani workers’ hostels and jazz clubs. His Department of Music Sociology (at the Institute for Musicology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) conducted and commissioned research on the local history of workers’ songs, urban folklore, empirical studies of musical taste, and the social life and institutions of youth music. This article offers a critical overview of Maróthy's career from its onset in 1948 up to the mid-1960s. This turbulent period witnessed the most repressive years of Stalinism, the anti-Soviet revolution of 1956, its defeat, and the gradual consolidation of a more liberal Kádár-led regime. It examines how changing political and intellectual trends, ideologies and national and supranational realignments within the Soviet Bloc (and beyond) shaped the forms and meanings of Maróthy's multi-faceted activism, along with his shifting ideas about the relationships between music, political movements and entertainment.
Are all rings created equal? A single centre experience of fetal and paediatric vascular rings
Authors: LaSalle Elizabeth E. , Tedla Bruke A. , Golding Fraser , Boulil Zaineb , Sun Heather Y. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Vascular rings cause highly variable clinical presentations. This study assesses the impact of prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis on clinical outcomes.

Methods:
We conducted a single centre retrospective review of isolated vascular ring patients (without significant CHD) from 2011 to 2022 and compared clinical and operative data between patients with prenatal and postnatal diagnoses.

Results:
Of 177 patients, 45% (N = 80) had prenatal diagnosis. Between 2018 and 2022, 78% had prenatal diagnosis compared to 41% from 2013 to 2018 and 4% before 2013 (p < 0.001). 76.3% (N = 135) had a right aortic arch with left ligamentum arteriosum, 22.6% (N = 40) had a double aortic arch, and 1.1% (N = 2) had a left aortic arch with right ligamentum arteriosum. Postnatal diagnosis patients were more likely to have preoperative respiratory symptoms (55.7%), medications (34.0%), or admissions (24.7%) (versus 32.5%, 10.0%, and 11.3% of the prenatal diagnosis patients, p < 0.05) and require surgical repair (68.0% versus 38.8% of prenatal diagnosis patients, p < 0.0001). 54.8% of patients had surgical repair; prenatal diagnosis patients were younger at surgery, 7.5 (3-11) months compared to 16.0 (5-18) months in the postnatal diagnosis patients (p = .0014). Double aortic arch patients were more likely to require surgical repair (90.0%, compared to 44.5% with right aortic arch, p < 1e−4). Postnatal diagnosis patients had more residual postoperative symptoms (40.9% versus 16.1% in prenatal diagnosis patients, p = 0.01).

Conclusion:
Prenatal diagnosis of vascular rings improves clinical surveillance, resulting in earlier surgical repair in symptomatic patients and diminished morbidity. Higher risk double aortic arch patients should have a tailored evaluation pathway.
Cardiac treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: consensus recommendations from the ACTION muscular dystrophy committee
Authors: Esteso Paul , Auerbach Scott R. , Bansal Neha , Harris Rachel , Soslow Jonathan H. , Birnbaum Brian F. , Conway Jennifer , Cripe Linda H. , Nandi Deipanjan , Hayes Emily , Gambetta Katheryn E. , Hall E. Kevin , Hsu Daphne T. , Kaufman Beth D. , Rosenthal David , Kirmani Sonya , Ploutz Michelle S. , Lal Ashwin K. , Peng David M. , Villa Chet R. , Shugh Svetlana , Wittlieb-Weber Carol A. , Shih Renata 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating neuromuscular disorder characterized by the loss of dystrophin, inevitably leading to cardiomyopathy. Despite publications on prophylaxis and treatment with cardiac medications to mitigate cardiomyopathy progression, gaps remain in the specifics of medication initiation and optimization.

Method:
This document is an expert opinion statement, addressing a critical gap in cardiac care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It provides thorough recommendations for the initiation and titration of cardiac medications based on disease progression and patient response. Recommendations are derived from the expertise of the Advance Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network and are informed by established guidelines from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Care Considerations. These expert-derived recommendations aim to navigate the complexities of Duchenne muscular dystrophy-related cardiac care.

Results:
Comprehensive recommendations for initiation, titration, and optimization of critical cardiac medications are provided to address Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy.

Discussion:
The management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy requires a multidisciplinary approach. However, the diversity of healthcare providers involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy can result in variations in cardiac care, complicating treatment standardization and patient outcomes. The aim of this report is to provide a roadmap for managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy, by elucidating timing and dosage nuances crucial for optimal therapeutic efficacy, ultimately improving cardiac outcomes, and improving the quality of life for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Conclusion:
This document seeks to establish a standardized framework for cardiac care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aiming to improve cardiac prognosis.
Burden, resources, and needs of patients with severe graft-versus-host disease – A qualitative study
Authors: Wenzel Freya , Pralong Anne , Scheid Christoph , Herling Marco , Holtick Udo , Simon Steffen T. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Severe forms of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) are life-threatening complications after adjusted to allogeneic hematopoietic bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and are a major cause of non-relapse mortality. Little is known about the burden, needs, and resources of this specific patient group. This qualitative interview study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with severe forms of GvHD and their perception of palliative care (PC).

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 13 participants at a tertiary university hospital and were evaluated by qualitative content analysis.

Results: The participants described a high psychological and physical symptomatic burden resulting in severely impaired physical function up to loss of independence, which all substantially limited their quality of life (QoL). Frequent long-term hospitalizations highly impacted their social life including the ability to work. A desire to die was frequently experienced, particularly when participants suffered from peaks of burden and uncertainty about the future. Dying was either feared or perceived as relief. Not all participants received PC and the term was sometimes associated with fear or remained unclear to them.

Significance of results: Patients with severe forms of GvHD described a multifactorial, high overall burden, and permanently impaired QoL, which needs special support. Next to depressive symptoms, the frequently reported desire to die has not yet been thoroughly studied and requires further research. The infrequent use of PC in this context implicates a need for structural improvement and education in the German healthcare system.
Hollow fiber-based strain sensors with desirable modulus and sensitivity at effective deformation for dexterous electroelastomer cylindrical actuator
Authors: Zhang Yang , Deng Keqi , Shen Tingting , Huang Yong , Xu Zhenjin , Zhang Jinhui , Jin Hang , Liu Xin , Xu Lida , Lu Lianjie , Li Shiying , Sun Daoheng , Wu Dezhi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The electroelastomer cylindrical actuators, a typical representation of soft actuators, have recently aroused increasing interest owing to their advantages in flexibility, deformability, and spatial utilization rate. Proprioception is crucial for controlling and monitoring the shape and position of these actuators. However, most existing flexible sensors have a modulus mismatch with the actuation unit, hindering the free movement of these actuators. Herein, a low-modulus strain sensor based on laser-induced cellular graphitic flakes (CGF) onto the surface of hollow TPU fibers (HTF) is present. Through the electrostatic self-assembly technology, the flexible sensor features a unique hybrid sensing unit including soft HTF as substrate and rigid CGF as conductive path. As a result, the sensor simultaneously possesses desirable modulus (~0.155 MPa), a gauge factor of 220.3 (25% < ε < 50%), fast response/recovery behaviors (31/62 ms), and a low detection limit (0.1% strain). Integrating the sensor onto the electroelastomer cylindrical actuators enables precise measurement of deformation modes, directions, and quantity. As proof-of-concept demonstrations, a prototype soft robot with high-precision perception is successfully designed, achieving real-time detection of its deformations during the crawling process. Thus, the proposed scheme sheds new light on the development of intelligent soft robots.
Insights from lipidomics into the terminal maturation of circulating human reticulocytes
Authors: Minetti Giampaolo , Dorn Isabel , Köfeler Harald , Perotti Cesare , Kaestner Lars 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In the age of “omics”, lipidomics of erythropoiesis is still missing. How reticulocytes mature in the circulation into functional erythrocytes is also largely unknown. We have isolated here two populations of human circulating reticulocytes at different levels of maturation, and three subpopulations of erythrocytes of different age, and characterized the evolution of their lipidome. (Sphingomyelin+cholesterol) and partly phosphatidylethanolamine increase relative to total lipids, whereas phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine decrease from immature reticulocytes to mature erythrocytes, at the same time as the surface area per cell decreases. The relative amounts of more than 70 phospholipid subclasses, based on the number of carbon atoms (12–24) and of double bonds (0–6) in the fatty acids linked to the phospholipid, also change in the process. As reticulocytes and erythrocytes cannot perform de-novo phospholipid synthesis, lipid remodeling likely requires selective removal of phospholipids from the membrane or their exchange with plasma or both, with the possible involvement of lipid transfer proteins such as VPS13A, which is expressed in reticulocytes and erythrocytes. These findings not only shed light on fundamental aspects of red blood cell physiology and erythropoiesis but also raise intriguing questions surrounding protein-lipid interactions, membrane architecture, and lipid trafficking mechanisms.