bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastic recycling stripped naked – from circular product to circular industry with recycling cascade
Authors: Lange Jean‐Paul , Kersten Sascha R. A. , De Meester Steven , van Eijk Marcel C. P. , Ragaert Kim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis perspective combines various expertise to develop and analyse the concept of technology cascade for recycling waste plastics with the goal of displacing as much fossil crude oil as possible. It thereby presents archetype recycling technologies with their strengths and weaknesses. It then combines them in various cascades to process a representative plastic mix, and determines how much (fossil) naphtha could be displaced and at which energy consumption. The cascades rely on a limited number of parameters that are fully reported in supplementary information and that were used in a simple and transparent spreadsheet model. The calculated results bust several common myths in plastic recycling, e. g. by prioritizing here recycled volume over recycling efficiency, and prioritizing circular industry over circular products . It unravels the energy cost of solvent‐based recycling processes, shows the key role of gasification and the possibility to displace up to 70 % of the fossil feedstock with recycled carbon, a recycling rate that compares well with that aluminium, steel or paper. It suggests that deeper naphtha displacement would require exorbitant amount of energy. It therefore argues for the need to complement recycling with the use of renewable carbon, e. g. based on biomass, to fully defossilise the plastic industry.
Resource asynchrony and landscape homogenization as drivers of virulence evolution: The case of a directly transmitted disease in a social host
Authors: Kürschner Tobias , Scherer Cédric , Radchuk Viktoriia , Blaum Niels , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThroughout the last decades, the emergence of zoonotic diseases and the frequency of disease outbreaks have increased substantially, fuelled by habitat encroachment and vectors overlapping with more hosts due to global change. The virulence of pathogens is one key trait for successful invasion. In order to understand how global change drivers such as habitat homogenization and climate change drive pathogen virulence evolution, we adapted an established individual‐based model of host–pathogen dynamics. Our model simulates a population of social hosts affected by a directly transmitted evolving pathogen in a dynamic landscape. Pathogen virulence evolution results in multiple strains in the model that differ in their transmission capability and lethality. We represent the effects of global change by simulating environmental changes both in time (resource asynchrony) and space (homogenization). We found an increase in pathogenic virulence and a shift in strain dominance with increasing landscape homogenization. Our model further indicated that lower virulence is dominant in fragmented landscapes, although pulses of highly virulent strains emerged under resource asynchrony. While all landscape scenarios favoured co‐occurrence of low‐ and high‐virulent strains, the high‐virulence strains capitalized on the possibility for transmission when host density increased and were likely to become dominant. With asynchrony likely to occur more often due to global change, our model showed that a subsequent evolution towards lower virulence could lead to some diseases becoming endemic in their host populations.
International evidence of the forecasting ability of option‐implied distributions
Authors: Serrano Pedro , Vaello‐Sebastià Antoni , Magdalena Vich Llompart M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes the forecasting ability of option‐implied distributions of 12 stock indexes representative of the most relevant economic regions for a long period ranging from 1996 to 2021. After performing alternative tests, the rejection of the forecasting ability of the risk‐neutral densi (RNDs) is not evident, since results are mixed depending on the test performed and market studied: The forecasting ability of the RNDs of East Asian indexes as well as other smaller European economies cannot be discarded. In addition, subjective (actual) probability densit (SPDs) resulting from the risk adjustments of the RNDs using constanCRRA) preferences improve substantially the test results, leading to a general failure to reject their forecasting ability.
Bioactive polysaccharides from Aegle marmelos fruit: Recent trends on extraction, bio‐techno functionality, and food applications
Authors: Sharma Madhu , Bains Aarti , Goksen Gulden , Sridhar Kandi , Sharma Minaxi , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Chawla Prince 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolysaccharides from non‐conventional sources, such as fruits, have gained significant attention recently. Aegle marmelos (Bael), a non‐conventional fruit, is an excellent source of biologically active components with potential indigenous therapeutic and food applications. Apart from polyphenolic components, this is an excellent source of mucilaginous polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are one the major components of bael fruit, having a high amount of galactose and glucuronic acid, which contributes to its potential therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review emphasizes the conventional and emerging techniques of polysaccharide extraction from bael fruit. Insight into the attributes of polysaccharide components, their techno‐functional properties, characterization of bael fruit polysaccharide, emulsifying properties, binding properties, reduction of hazardous dyes, application of polysaccharides in film formation, application of polysaccharide as a nanocomposite, and biological activities of bael fruit polysaccharides are discussed. This review also systematically overviews the relationship between extraction techniques, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Additionally, recommendations, future perspectives, and new valuable insight towards better utilization of bael fruit polysaccharide have been given importance, which can be promoted in the long term.
Thermal stimulus task fMRI in the cervical spinal cord at 7 Tesla
Authors: Seifert Alan C. , Xu Junqian , Kong Yazhuo , Eippert Falk , Miller Karla L. , Tracey Irene , Vannesjo S. Johanna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely applied in the brain, fMRI of the spinal cord is more technically demanding. Proximity to the vertebral column and lungs results in strong spatial inhomogeneity and temporal fluctuations in B0. Increasing field strength enables higher spatial resolution and improved sensitivity to blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal, but amplifies the effects of B0 inhomogeneity. In this work, we present the first task fMRI in the spinal cord at 7 T. Further, we compare the performance of single‐shot and multi‐shot 2D echo‐planar imaging (EPI) protocols, which differ in sensitivity to spatial and temporal B0 inhomogeneity. The cervical spinal cords of 11 healthy volunteers were scanned at 7 T using single‐shot 2D EPI at 0.75 mm in‐plane resolution and multi‐shot 2D EPI at 0.75 and 0.6 mm in‐plane resolutions. All protocols used 3 mm slice thickness. For each protocol, the BOLD response to 13 10‐s noxious thermal stimuli applied to the right thumb was acquired in a 10‐min fMRI run. Image quality, temporal signal to noise ratio (SNR), and BOLD activation (percent signal change and z‐stat) at both individual‐ and group‐level were evaluated between the protocols. Temporal SNR was highest in single‐shot and multi‐shot 0.75 mm protocols. In group‐level analyses, activation clusters appeared in all protocols in the ipsilateral dorsal quadrant at the expected C6 neurological level. In individual‐level analyses, activation clusters at the expected level were detected in some, but not all subjects and protocols. Single‐shot 0.75 mm generally produced the highest mean z‐statistic, while multi‐shot 0.60 mm produced the best‐localized activation clusters and the least geometric distortion. Larger than expected within‐subject segmental variation of BOLD activation along the cord was observed. Group‐level sensory task fMRI of the cervical spinal cord is feasible at 7 T with single‐shot or multi‐shot EPI. The best choice of protocol will likely depend on the relative importance of sensitivity to activation versus spatial localization of activation for a given experiment.Practitioner Points
First stimulus task fMRI results in the spinal cord at 7 T.
Single‐shot 0.75 mm 2D EPI produced the highest mean z‐statistic.
Multi‐shot 0.60 mm 2D EPI provided the best‐localized activation and least distortion.
Corporate commitments to biodiversity disclosure and sustainable board. Do NGO directors on board matter? Recent evidence from S&P 500 companies
Authors: Toukabri Mohamed , Alwadai Abdullah Mohammed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study analyzes the impact of the characteristics of sustainable boards and NGO directors on biodiversity disclosures. This research uses data from 481 US companies that are taken from Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P), ASSET4, for the period 2009–2020 (5616 company‐year observations). Data on NGO directors is provided by MSCI's GMI Rankings database. A panel data analysis with fixed effects models is used to estimate the results. The results also indicate that a sustainable board structure (proxied by Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and Sustainability‐related executive compensation) is positively correlated with biodiversity disclosure. Our empirical results also show that the moderating role of NGO directors has a greater interaction effect with the characteristics of sustainable boards and biodiversity information disclosure initiatives. The results are also consistent for exploitative and nonexploitative industries, as well as for the pre‐ and post SDG (14–15) of the agenda 2030. In addition, the framework of SDG (14‐15) and the strategic plan of partnership with the Agenda of 2030 show a positive relationship with biodiversity disclosure. We then develop a causal relationship through the positive impact of NGO directors serving on the board of directors on a strategy of partnerships, onboarding, and increase/decrease of NGO directors—possible mechanisms by which NGO directors can influence biodiversity disclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that while NGO directors can potentially be appointed to a company's board of directors for legitimization reasons, these directors are associated with better biodiversity disclosure. The study has valuable implications for enduring board members, practitioners, and scholars. The results are supported by theories of legitimacy, stakeholders and resource dependence. However, evidence on this research question is still unknown and critical, especially in the context of stakeholder‐emphasized governance systems (continental Europe, Japan) and developing countries where there is a lack of knowledge application of regulations related to the disclosure of biodiversity.
The role of key biomarkers in lymphatic malformation: An updated review
Authors: Modaghegh Mohammad Hadi Saeed , Tanzadehpanah Hamid , Kamyar Mohammad Mahdi , Manoochehri Hamed , Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Mahmoudian Reihaneh Alsadat , Lotfian Elham , Mahaki Hanie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe lymphatic system, crucial for tissue fluid balance and immune surveillance, can be severely impacted by disorders that hinder its activities. Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are caused by fluid accumulation in tissues owing to defects in lymphatic channel formation, the obstruction of lymphatic vessels or injury to lymphatic tissues. Somatic mutations, varying in symptoms based on lesions' location and size, provide insights into their molecular pathogenesis by identifying LMs' genetic causes. In this review, we collected the most recent findings about the role of genetic and inflammatory biomarkers in LMs that control the formation of these malformations. A thorough evaluation of the literature from 2000 to the present was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Although it is obvious that the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 mutation accounts for a significant proportion of LM patients, several mutations in other genes thought to be linked to LM have also been discovered. Also, inflammatory mediators like interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and mammalian target of rapamycin are the most commonly associated biomarkers with LM. Understanding the mutations and genes expression responsible for the abnormalities in lymphatic endothelial cells could lead to novel therapeutic strategies based on molecular pathways.
Effectiveness of nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir on severe outcomes of COVID‐19 in the era of vaccination and Omicron: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Ombelet Sien , Castanares‐Zapatero Diego , Desimpel Fabian , Hulstaert Frank , Stordeur Sabine , Roberfroid Dominique 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNirmatrelvir‐ritonavir (NR) was approved to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 positive outpatients at high risk of progression to severe disease, based on a randomized trial in unvaccinated patients. Effectiveness in vaccinated patients and against Omicron has not yet been confirmed by clinical trial data, but a recent meta‐analysis suggested good real‐world effectiveness based on 12 studies. We updated this meta‐analysis by searching Medline and Embase databases for studies assessing effectiveness of NR on mortality, hospitalization, composite outcome of hospitalization and/or death, and progression to severe disease, published between October 1, 2022 and May 22, 2023. Random effects meta‐analysis and subgroup analysis for vaccinated patients was performed. A total of 32 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled RR for the effect of NR on mortality, hospitalization, hospitalization and/or mortality, and progression to severe disease were 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25−0.52), 0.43 (CI: 0.37−0.51), 0.52 (CI: 0.45−0.61) and 0.54 (CI: 0.41−0.73), respectively. A subgroup analysis on vaccinated patients indicated lower effectiveness of NR on mortality (RR: 0.55, CI: 0.45−0.68), but similar effectiveness for hospitalization, hospitalization and/or mortality, or progression to severe disease (RR: 0.52, 0.58, and 0.66, respectively). This updated meta‐analysis robustly confirms the protective effects of NR on severe COVID‐19 outcomes.
A field diagnostic method for rapid and sensitive detection of mpox virus
Authors: Zhao Fei , Xu Fengwen , Wang Xinming , Song Rui , Hu Yamei , Wei Liang , Xie Yu , Huang Yu , Mei Shan , Wang Liming , Wang Lingwa , Gao Zhao , Guo Li , Fang Jugao , Ren Lili , Jin Ronghua , Wang Jianwei , Guo Fei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe mpox outbreak has subdued with fewer reported cases at the present in high‐income countries. It is known that mpox virus (MPXV) infection has been epidemic for more than 50 years in African countries. The ancestral MPXV strain has changed into multiple clades, indicating the ongoing evolution of MPXV, which reflects the historical neglect of mpox in Africa, especially after smallpox eradication, and bestows the danger of more severe mpox epidemics in the future. It is thus imperative to continue the development of mpox diagnostics and treatments so we can be prepared in the event of a new mpox epidemic. In this study, we have developed an MPXV detection tool that leverages the recombinase‐aid amplification assay by integrating lateral flow strips (RAA‐LF) and one‐step sample DNA preparation, with visible readout, no need of laboratory instrument, and ready for field deployment. The detection limit reaches 10 copies per reaction. The performance of our RAA‐FL assay in diagnosing mpox clinical samples is on par with that of the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Taken together, we have developed a point‐of‐care RAA‐LF method of high accuracy and sensitivity, readily deployable for field detection of MPXV. This diagnostic tool is expected to improve and accelerate field‐ and self‐diagnosis, allow timely isolation and treatment, reduce the spread of MPXV, thus effectively mitigate MPXV outbreak in the future.
Growth pattern of paediatric patients affected by cow milk protein allergy fed with rice hydrolyzed formula
Authors: Nocerino Rita , Coppola Serena , Carucci Laura , Oglio Franca , Cozzolino Marica , Masino Antonio , Ozen Gulsum , Farnetano Margherita , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesFormulas made from hydrolyzed rice proteins (HRPF) are well‐tolerated plant‐based alternatives to cow's milk protein (CMP)‐based formulas for the dietary management of paediatric patients with CMP allergy (CMPA). Growth in patients with CMPA fed with HRPF has been evaluated in several studies with conflicting results. The aim was to evaluate the growth pattern of children with CMPA over a 12‐month follow‐up period.MethodsProspective cohort study evaluating growth patterns in challenge proven CMPA paediatric patients receiving HRPF for 12 months. Outcomes were anthropometry (body weight, body length, head circumference), adherence to the study formula and occurrence of adverse events (AEs).ResultsSixty‐six children were included and completed the 12‐month study. At baseline, all CMPA patients were weaned. For the entire CMPA pediatric patients' cohort, from baseline to the end of the study period, the growth pattern resulted within the normal range of World Health Organization (WHO) growth references. The formula was well tolerated. Adherence was optimal and no AEs related to HRPF use were reported.ConclusionsHRPF is well tolerated and can help support healthy growth and development in infants and young children with CMPA. These type of formula can be given with complementary foods in the dietary management of CMPA.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry profile and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and enzyme activities of Thymus pectinatus and Thymus convolutus: in vitro and in silico approach
Authors: Akman Tuğrul Çağrı , Şimşek Samed , Akşit Zeynep , Akşit Hüseyin , Aydin Ali , Tüfekçi Ali Riza , Adem Sevki , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study is to investigate the antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme activity capacities and phytochemical compositions of Thymus pectinatus (TP), Thymus convolutus (TC), which are endemic to Türkiye. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in the extracts was conducted using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, targeting 53 phenolic compounds.RESULTSRosmarinic acid, quinic acid, and cynaroside were identified as the major compounds, exhibiting quantitative variation in both extracts. The extracts had a high total phenolic content, with 113.57 ± 0.58 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract for TP and 130.52 ± 1.05 mg GAE/g extract for TC. Furthermore, although both extracts exhibited high total flavonoid content; the TP extract (75.12 ± 1.65 mg quercitin equivalents (QE)/g extract) displayed a higher flavonoid content than the TC extract (30.24 ± 0.74 mg QE/g extract) did. The extracts had a promising antiproliferative effect on C6, HeLa, and HT29 cancer cell lines with a less cytotoxic effect (10.5–14.2%) against normal cells. Both extracts exhibited very potent inhibitory activity against the xanthine oxidase enzyme, with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of respectively 2.07 ± 0.03 μg mL−1 and 2.76 ± 0.06 μg mL−1 and moderate activity against tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase. Docking simulations proved that rosmarinic acid and cynaroside, the major components of the extracts, were the most potent inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. According to antimicrobial activity results, the TC extract exhibited moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the TP extract had strong activity against both Enterococcus faecium and S. aureus.CONCLUSIONThese findings emphasize the beneficial effects of the two endemic Thymus species on human health and suggest their potential use as plant‐derived bioactive agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Alginate beads loaded with rambutan extract: characterization and stability during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Aksornsri Tanwarat , Peanparkdee Methavee 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDFallen young rambutan fruit is an underrated agricultural waste which may contain several bioactive compounds. In this study, fallen young rambutan fruit was assessed regarding its phenolic contents and antioxidant activities. In order to expand its utilization, rambutan extract‐loaded hydrogel beads were developed by a basic spherification technique using sodium alginate. The effect of ratios of polymer and extract and different calcium sources were evaluated. The recovery of bioactive compounds from the hydrogel beads was determined using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion models.RESULTSUse of 50% (v/v) ethanol yielded rambutan extract with good chemical properties. The production of hydrogel beads using a ratio of 1:3 with calcium lactate provided the highest production yield of 122.94%. The hydrogel beads developed using the ratio of 1:3 with a combination of calcium lactate and calcium chloride showed high recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity after simulated intestinal digestion, which were greater compared to unencapsulated extract.CONCLUSIONThe findings demonstrate that the ratio of wall material to rambutan extract and the calcium source influence the physical properties, chemical properties and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stability of alginate beads. The obtained hydrogel beads may have potential for application in the food or pharmaceutical industries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different tillage and fertilizer on soil quality under wheat‐maize rotation in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhang Daijing , Chen Huiping , Guo Yuxin , Hao Xinru , Fang Ling , Jiang Lina , Li Chunxi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe North China Plain plays an important role in China's crop cultivation regions, with the wheat‐maize rotation serving as the predominant cropping system. Nonetheless, a dearth of research refers to the impact of tillage and fertilizer employment on soil quality (SQ) in this region. In this study, the primary objective centered on utilizing the soil quality index (SQI) derived from both minimum and total datasets (MDS, TDS) by the linear and nonlinear scoring criteria to assess SQ. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between wheat‐maize yield and SQI, revealing a significant association between yield and key soil parameters such as bulk density, soil porosity, total phosphorus, alkali‐hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity at 0–60 cm soil layer. The study identifies that substantially elevated SQI mean values were completely under T8 whose values were 0.980 (linear), 0.672 (nonlinear) under MDS and 0.908 (linear), 0.701 (nonlinear) under TDS at 20–40 cm. Importantly, the annual yields were the highest when the SQI values were the maximum. Furthermore, SQ levels within this locale demonstrate a moderate to highly favorable status, ultimately underscoring the area's propitious conditions for crop cultivation. This research provides indispensable theoretical guidance for agricultural practitioners and offers a foundational framework supporting enhanced yields in local grain crops.