bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intradermal Vaccination with PLGA Nanoparticles via Dissolving Microneedles and Classical Injection Needles
Authors: Lee Jihui , Neustrup Malene A. , Slütter Bram , O’Mahony Conor , Bouwstra Joke A. , van der Maaden Koen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
A dissolving microneedle array (dMNA) is a vaccine delivery device with several advantages over conventional needles. By incorporating particulate adjuvants in the form of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) into the dMNA, the immune response against the antigen might be enhanced. This study aimed to prepare PLGA-NP-loaded dMNA and to compare T-cell responses induced by either intradermally injected aqueous-PLGA-NP formulation or PLGA-NP-loaded dMNA in mice.

Methods
PLGA NPs were prepared with microfluidics, and their physicochemical characteristics with regard to encapsulation efficiencies of ovalbumin (OVA) and CpG oligonucleotide (CpG), zeta potentials, polydispersity indexes, and sizes were analysed. PLGA NPs incorporated dMNA was produced with three different dMNA formulations by using the centrifugation method, and the integrity of PLGA NPs in dMNAs was evaluated. The immunogenicity was evaluated in mice by comparing the T-cell responses induced by dMNA and aqueous formulations containing ovalbumin and CpG (OVA/CpG) with and without PLGA NP.

Results
Prepared PLGA NPs had a size of around 100 nm. The dMNA formulations affected the particle integrity, and the dMNA with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) showed almost no aggregation of PLGA NPs. The PLGA:PVA weight ratio of 1:9 resulted in 100% of penetration efficiency and the fastest dissolution in ex-vivo human skin (< 30 min). The aqueous formulation with soluble OVA/CpG and the aqueous-PLGA-NP formulation with OVA/CpG induced the highest CD4 + T-cell responses in blood and spleen cells.

Conclusions
PLGA NPs incorporated dMNA was successfully fabricated and the aqueous formulation containing PLGA NPs induce superior CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses.
Vegetation establishment in soils polluted by heavy metal(loid)s after assisted natural remediation
Authors: Paniagua-López Mario , García-Robles Helena , Aguilar-Garrido Antonio , Romero-Freire Ana , Lorite Juan , Sierra-Aragón Manuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
This field-base study evaluates the long-term effectiveness of in-situ remediation measures applied to soils residually polluted by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in an area affected by a mining spill in SW Spain.

Methods
To evaluate the remediation treatments success, their influence on key soil properties and on the development of spontaneous vegetation in the treated soils was investigated. The treatments were based on human derived by-products valorization, and consisted of: biopiles, marble sludge and gypsum mining spoil addition, and their combination with an organic amendment (vermicompost).

Results
Amendments application improved the soil properties and reduced PTEs availability. As a result, an enhancement in spontaneous development of vegetation cover and diversity of plant species in the treated soils was followed. Spergularia rubra and Lamarckia aurea, two primary plant species growing in the studied area and that exhibit strong association to soils with the highest levels of pollution, showed high Pb and As accumulation in shoots ande in roots. Exceptionally, accumulation of these pollutants occurred in L. aurea roots, which can explain its high presence in soils with more limited vegetation development and in which no additional plant species can thrive.

Conclusions
The occurrence of S. rubra and L. aurea in the amended soils may be indicative of improved soil conditions and reduced toxicity induced by the remediation measures implemented. They may also be considered key species in the area since their presence can promote the recolonization of the degraded soils by species less tolerant to their residual pollution.
Mixed-Mode Solar Drying and its Effect on Physicochemical and Colorimetric Properties of Zompantle (Erythrina Americana)
Authors: García-Valladares Octavio , Domínguez-Niño Alfredo , Lucho-Gómez Ana María , Jiménez-Montiel Andrea Gail , Rodríguez-Mendoza Arcel Siareth , Castillo-Téllez Beatriz , Luna-Flores Mario , Castillo-Téllez Margarita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA mixed-mode solar drying was developed to evaluate the physicochemical and colorimetric properties of Zompantle (Erythrina americana). A 22-factorial design was used; the operation mode (mesh shade and direct) and airflow (natural convection and forced convection) were established as factors in this design. The initial moisture content in the Zompantle flower was reduced from 89.03% (w.b) to values that ranged from 3.84% to 5.84%; depending on the operation mode of the dryer, the final water activity ranged from 0.25 to 0.33. The Zompantle’s components as proteins (4.28%), antioxidant activity (18.8%), carbohydrates (4.83%), fat (0.92%), fiber (3.71%), ash (0.94%), and total soluble solids (3°Brix) increased as the water was evaporated during the drying. The increment in the Zompantle’s components depends on the operation mode; in direct mode and natural convection, the proteins, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, ash, and total soluble solids were 6.99%, 61.69%, 79.05%, 1.20%, 3.84%, 8.70%, and 45 °Brix, respectively. The total drying efficiency was 14.84% with the direct mode and natural convection (DM-NC) and 17.10% with the mesh shade and natural convection (MS-NC). The Hue angle measures the property of the color; the indirect mode and natural convection keep the hue angle close to the initial value (29.2 °). The initial chroma value of the Zompantle flower was 55.07; the indirect mode and natural convection kept high saturation (37.58); these dry conditions ensured a red color in the dehydrated Zompantle. Dehydrated Zompantle’s flowers could have several practical applications, such as an additive in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Pesticides in soil, groundwater and food in Latin America as part of one health
Authors: Hilber Isabel , Bahena-Juárez Fernando , Chiaia-Hernández Aurea C. , Elgueta Sebastián , Escobar-Medina Arturo , Friedrich Karen , González-Curbelo Miguel Ángel , Grob Yael , Martín-Fleitas Marisleydis , Miglioranza Karina S. B. , Peña-Suárez Brizeidi , Pérez-Consuegra Nilda , Ramírez-Muñoz Fernando , Sosa-Pacheco Dayana , Bucheli Thomas D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe here report of a conference about “Pesticides in Soil, Groundwater and Food in Latin America as part of One Health” that took place at the “IV Seminario Internacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SISA)” in Varadero, Cuba, 8–12 May 2023. Researchers of Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico) and Switzerland (workshop initiator) held presentations about occurrence and effects of pesticides on the environment, human health, the replacement of highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) by agroecological alternatives and the agri-food value chain. In a subsequent round table discussion, the presenters identified deficits, needs, interests and opportunities. According to them, the lack of awareness of pesticide use affects the health and safety of workers applying the chemicals. Despite Latin America representing the main agricultural area in the world with a very intense pesticide use, monitoring data of pesticides in soil, surface and groundwaters, food, as well as in humans are missing. Risks of pesticides to humans should be assessed so that authorities can withdraw or limit within “short time” the access to corresponding formulations on the market. Also, communication is not state of the art and should be improved as, e.g. the teaching of workers and farmers, how to correctly use and apply pesticides or the briefing of decision makers. Pollinators suffer from multiple stressors not the least due to pesticides, and alternatives are badly needed. On the technical side, the different analytical methods to determine residues of active ingredients and transformation products in matrices of concern should be harmonized among laboratories.Seven future actions and goals were identified to overcome the above deficits. Next steps after the publishing of this conference report are to harmonize and complete the information status of the presenters by exchanging the results/data already present. Therefore, a platform of interaction to address issues described above and to enhance collaboration shall be created. Samples of different matrices shall be exchanged to harmonize the chemical analysis and establish interlaboratory comparisons. Such activities might be facilitated by joining international associations or organizations, where researchers can offer their expertise, or by forming a new pesticide network for Central and South America that could present tailored projects to national and international organizations and funding agencies.
Numerical investigation of the instability of dry granular bed induced by water leakage
Authors: Nguyen Nhu H. T. , Nguyen Thanh T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderground pipe defects or cracks under transport infrastructure can cause water leakage to upper soil layers (e.g. subgrade and capping), inducing local cavities or even failure of overlying road/railway formation. Although numerous studies on the instability of granular beds induced by injected water have been conducted, most of them focused on the behaviour of saturated granular beds, while research on dry granular beds is still limited. This paper aims to address this gap using a numerical model coupling volume of fluid method with discrete element method. We observed that dry granular beds go through three distinct regimes as water jet velocity increases including stationary, stable deformation with heave and fluidisation. However, the flow velocities required to deform and fluidise dry granular beds are significantly higher than those required for saturated beds. Increasing granular bed thickness can alter its failure mechanism from full depth to localised erosion, leading to cavity formation around pipe cracks prior to the bed fluidisation. The gravitational and frictional components of granular mass are identified as two main resisting forces of dry granular beds against water jet force, evidenced by the increase of critical jet velocities as particle density and friction coefficient increase. Nevertheless, the moblised zone of granular mass is practically independent of both the buried depth of dry granular beds.
Genus Plasma-Based Self-Complementary Reconfigurable Intelligent Metasurfaces
Authors: Zainud-Deen Saber Helmy , Malhat Hend Abd El-Azem , El-Refaey Esraa Ahmed , Badawy Mona Magdy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the radiation properties of plasma-based intelligent reflectarray surface (IRS) that utilizes self-complementary elements. The elements of the surface employ reconfigurable plasma conductivity to manipulate the polarization of electromagnetic waves in various Ka-band applications. The unit-cell of the IRS is composed of 2 × 2 sub-cells of 0.5 λo × 0.5 λo × 0.078 λo mm3. Each sub-cell contains three glass containers arranged in a triangle-rectangular-triangle configuration and filled with ionized plasma gas. When the IRS illuminated by a linearly polarized (LP) plane wave, the surface converts it into circularly polarized (CP) waves based on the plasma ionization state. It achieves dual-band polarization conversion at 7.3 GHz with bandwidth of 200 MHz and at 8.6 GHz with a bandwidth of 1.15 GHz. To enhance the polarization conversion bandwidth, a sequential arrangement of self-complementary unit-cell elements with different sizes is employed. An 8 × 8 genus reconfigurable IRS is utilized to generate both left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) and right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) waves from the upper and lower sides of the structure. The axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is maintained at 2.1 Hz for both surfaces. An LP horn antenna is used with the 8 × 8 genus reconfigurable IRS, resulting in a peak gain of 13.2 dBi, a side lobe level (SLL) of 6 dBi, and an AR bandwidth of 500 MHz. To further enhance the radiated gain, the ionized plasma within the self-complementary elements is controlled to focus the radiated power into a directive beam, resulting in an increased gain of 19.4 dBi.
The Role of Gastric Lipase and Pepsin in Lipid Digestion of a Powder Infant Formula Using a Simulated Neonatal Gastric System
Authors: Deng Le , Golding Matt , Lentle Roger , MacGibbon Alastair , Matia-Merino Lara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study has sought to determine the impact of interfacial dynamics on the in vitro lipid digestion of a commercial infant formula; in particular, the specific role of interfacial proteolysis on the subsequent rates of reaction of droplet lipolysis. A powder infant formula was used as the as a protein-stabilised emulsion substrate during simulated infant gastric digestion at different pH level 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5. The digestate was treated with a fungal lipase and porcine pepsin (used to analogue human gastric lipase and pepsin) respectively and in a combined action. The study found that for fungal lipase treated digestate, the rate and extent of lipolysis were observed to be maxim at pH 5.5, in accordance with the optimal pH activity of the lipase. Findings also indicated that the proteinaceous interface did not appear to act as a barrier to lipolysis, since treatment with lipase and pepsin did not result in any significant increase in extent of lipolysis. However, it was observed that surface proteolysis did lead to alteration of the structural fate of the enzyme during digestion when compared to when the emulsion was digested solely by lipase. Findings suggest that lipolysis under these conditions may be independent of the structural dynamics of the emulsion during digestion, as observed within the context of this study design.
For the Good of the Globe: Moral Reasons for States to Mitigate Global Catastrophic Biological Risks
Authors: Johnson Tess F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractActions to prepare for and prevent pandemics are a common topic for bioethical analysis. However, little attention has been paid to global catastrophic biological risks more broadly, including pandemics with artificial origins, the creation of agents for biological warfare, and harmful outcomes of human genome editing. What’s more, international policy discussions often focus on economic arguments for state action, ignoring a key potential set of reasons for states to mitigate global catastrophic biological risks: moral reasons. In this paper, I frame the mitigation of such risks as a global public good, and I explore three possible categories of moral reasons that might motivate states to provide this global public good: nationalism, cosmopolitanism, and interstate obligations. Whilst there are strong objections to moral nationalism as a reason for states to act, moral cosmopolitanism may provide a broad reason which is further supplemented for individual states through the elaboration of interstate moral obligations. The obligations I consider are moral leadership, fairness, and reciprocity. Moral reasons for individual states action may more effectively or more appropriately motivate states to mitigate global catastrophic biological risks.
Surgical Aspects of Sleeve Gastrectomy Are Related to Weight Loss and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Symptoms
Authors: Lyyjynen Hannu S. , Andersen John R. , Liem Ronald S. L. , Mala Tom , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Ottosson Johan , Sundbom Magnus , Thorell Anders , Våge Villy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
A large variation in outcome has been reported after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) across countries and institutions. We aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical technique on total weight loss (TWL) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods
Observational cohort study based on data from the national registries for bariatric surgery in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. A retrospective analysis of prospectively obtained data from surgeries during 2015–2017 was performed based on 2-year follow-up. GERD was defined as continuous use of acid-reducing medication. The relationship between TWL, de novo GERD and operation technical variables were analyzed with regression methods.

Results
A total of 5927 patients were included. The average TWL was 25.6% in Sweden, 28.6% in the Netherlands, and 30.6% in Norway (p < 0.001 pairwise). Bougie size, distance from the resection line to the pylorus and the angle of His differed between hospitals. A minimized sleeve increased the expected total weight loss by 5–10 percentage points. Reducing the distance to the angle of His from 3 to just above 0 cm increased the risk of de novo GERD five-fold (from 3.5 to 17.8%).

Conclusion
Smaller bougie size, a shorter distance to pylorus and to the angle of His were all associated with greater weight loss, whereas a shorter distance to angle of His was associated with more de novo reflux.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of Trace Mineral Source and Phytase Supplementation on Prececal Phytate Degradation and Mineral Digestibility, Bone Mineralization, and Tissue Gene Expression in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Philippi Hanna , Sommerfeld Vera , Monteiro Alessandra , Rodehutscord Markus , Olukosi Oluyinka A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine how different sources of Zn, Mn, and Cu in the feed without and with phytase affect prececal myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) breakdown to myo-inositol (MI), prececal P digestibility, bone mineralization, and expression of mineral transporters in the jejunum of broiler chickens. A total of 896 male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were distributed to 7 diets with 8 replicate pens (16 birds per floor pen). Experimental diets were fed from day 0 to 28. Diets were without or with phytase supplementation (0 or 750 FTU/kg) and were supplemented with three different trace mineral sources (TMS: sulfates, oxides, or chelates) containing 100 mg/kg Zn, 100 mg/kg Mn, and 125 mg/kg Cu. Prececal InsP6 disappearance and P digestibility were affected by interaction (phytase × TMS: P ≤ 0.010). In diets without phytase supplementation, prececal InsP6 disappearance and P digestibility were greater (P ≤ 0.001) in birds fed chelated minerals than in birds fed sulfates or oxides. However, no differences were observed between TMS in diets with phytase supplementation. Ileal MI concentration was increased by exogenous phytase but differed depending on TMS (phytase × TMS: P ≤ 0.050). Tibia ash concentration as well as Zn and Mn concentration in tibia ash were increased by phytase supplementation (P < 0.010), but the Cu concentration in tibia ash was not (P > 0.050). Gene expression of the assayed mineral transporters in the jejunum was not affected by diet (P > 0.050), except for Zn transporter 5 (phytase × TMS: P = 0.024). In conclusion, the tested TMS had minor effects on endogenous phytate degradation in the digestive tract of broiler chickens. However, in phytase-supplemented diets, the choice of TMS was not relevant to phytate degradation under the conditions of this study.
Prevalence and impact on the outcome of myosteatosis in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamiliou Aikaterini , Lekakis Vasileios , Chrysavgis Lampros , Cholongitas Evangelos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Myosteatosis in cirrhotic patients has been evaluated in limited studies with conflicting results and no systematic review or meta-analysis have been performed in this setting.

Methods
We searched for all articles published until June 2023 to evaluate the prevalence of myosteatosis in cirrhosis and chronic liver disease.

Results
Seventeen studies focused on cirrhosis and five studies in patients with chronic liver disease were included: the overall pooled prevalence of myosteatosis was 46% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 36–57%] and 33% (95% CI 15–59%), respectively (p = 0.35). Among the studies with cirrhosis, the prevalence of myosteatosis was higher in those using the body mass index-based definition of myosteatosis (56%), than gender-based (36%) or other criteria (21%) (p < 0.01); was higher in women than in men (61% vs 45%), in Child–Pugh class C than A or B (57% vs 49% vs 50%), in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)- than viral-associated cirrhosis (57% vs 43%), but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Cirrhotic patients with myosteatosis, compared to those without myosteatosis, had more frequently a previous history of hepatic encephalopathy (32% vs 15%, p = 0.04), less frequently a previous history of variceal bleeding (46% vs 65%, p < 0.01), were more likely to suffer from diabetes mellitus (27% vs 18%, p < 0.01), while they had higher mortality rates (40% vs 14%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion
Myosteatosis is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis, particularly in those with NAFLD-associated cirrhosis. Myosteatosis is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, while it seems to have a negative impact on the outcome.
Roadmap to Achieve Green Project Performance: The Role of Knowledge Co-creation
Authors: Mubarak Namra , Khan Jabran , Ali Mudassar , Pesämaa Ossi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The current study has attempted to identify the factors that can contribute toward green project performance. Based on the social exchange theory, the current study highlights that green leadership directs and promotes green vision, bringing everyone on the same page to improve the green performance of the project. The mediating and moderating mechanisms of green creativity and co-creation have also been discussed. Utilizing the data from the development projects, the study tested the antecedents of green project performance by collecting data from 231 project employees in three waves. The study’s findings confirm the importance of green leadership to achieve green project performance. Green co-creation does not moderate the relationship between green leadership and green creativity. It is essential to identify the factors that can help us deal with the energy crises. Roadmap to achieve green project performance through green leadership is highlighted in this study along with the intervening mechanisms. This study provides guidelines to practitioners that green competitive advantage can be achieved by empowering employees under green leaders through motivation and inspiration.
Zero volume boundary for extension domains from Sobolev to BV
Authors: Rajala Tapio , Zhu Zheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this note, we prove that the boundary of a $$(W^{1, p}, BV)$$

(

W

1
,
p

,
B
V
)

-extension domain is of volume zero under the assumption that the domain $${\Omega }$$
Ω
is 1-fat at almost every $$x\in \partial {\Omega }$$

x
∈
∂
Ω

. Especially, the boundary of any planar $$(W^{1, p}, BV)$$

(

W

1
,
p

,
B
V
)

-extension domain is of volume zero.